This week’s, and previous weeks’ news, can be found on the front page of the Presbytery website
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/home/news-events/
Dear Friends
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of joining a church walking part of the St.Kentigern Way. https://www.kentigernway.com/ It is always fascinating to see what stands out on such a day and what remains in the memory. For me that day it was Dryhope Tower which we explored near to St. Mary’s Loch.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rc66tv3hd6kKeAeu9
In 1535, King James V and the Old Scottish Parliament passed an act requiring specific landowners in the inland and Border regions to construct fortified enclosures (barmkins) and defensive towers -with thick walls -to protect the realm against English raids and local Border Reivers. Several such towers remain today.
A few weeks later I read Psalm 62
‘For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Then Proverbs 18.10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run in to it and are safe."
I enjoy now looking out for such ruined towers around our region and thinking of God providing a stronghold for those who in life find themselves in a dangerous place and are at the mercy of forces greater than themselves. I have made a very simple meditative presentation set to an Iona version of Psalm 62.
https://youtu.be/sj8215fHz6c?si=mbNkWEgULHQY_57U
Leading Your Church into Growth (LYCiG) Conference in February 2027
We are delighted to announce that following Sue Cooke’s inspiring talks at Presbytery in September we have booked a LYCiG team to come to Lothian & Borders Presbytery.
The two day conference will take place on Friday 26th & Saturday 27th February at Gorebridge Parish Church.
We are now inviting church teams to sign up for the event.
Teams need to have at least 3 members one of whom is the minister. Maximum team size is 5 people.
This is a Seeds for Growth sponsored event. The cost has therefore been reduced down to £25 per conference delegate for the two days. This will include lunches and refreshments plus LYCiG materials. Employed Youth Workers & Children & Family workers and folks aged under 30 go free.
Please confirm your church’s interest and your likely size of team as soon as possible.
The final cut off date for conference registration is Jan 15th 2027.
Save the date! A Celebration gathering for Worship Leaders May 8th in Melrose
We are grateful for all those Readers, Deacons, OLMs, Lay pastors and local Worship Leaders
who help lead worship across the Presbytery. You are invited to Melrose for a joyous stimulating morning finishing with lunch. Guest speaker, networking, training, discussion etc.
Upcoming Inductions!
We gather as a Presbytery to celebrate and pray for our colleagues as they begin a new chapter of ministry
At 7pm on Thurs Nov 12th for the induction of Norman Smith to Dirleton linked with North Berwick:Abbey
Then at 7pm on Weds Nov 25th for the induction of Robert Fowlie to Aberlady & Gullane. Do pray for Norman & Bob.
Presbytery Youth Leaders Network
The next Youth Leaders Network meeting will be in Gorebridge on Saturday March 6th
In Conversation with…watch the latest wee video
Sarah Cook is a big fan of Messy Church. Listen to her approach and her future hopes.
Christmas Story-sermons, 2026-27 from Robin Hill
Robin Hill is once again making available his short story-sermons to cover the key acts of worship for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. This collection is entitled “Light and Life”, spanning a total of nine services from Sunday 29th November to Sunday 3rd January.
They can adapted to local needs as required, and set to different Bible passages as deemed appropriate.
Discussion questions are also provided for small group settings. The pack may be downloaded from the “Light and Life” tab at the top of Longniddry Parish Church’s home page (www.longniddrychurch.org.uk). Also available are the stories’ accompanying Powerpoint presentations.
They are free but if used please consider taking up an offering for Christian Aid over the festive period.
Daily Advent reflections
Last call to receive the daily Advent reflections into your inbox. Today’s the last day to sign up!
Contact CKirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
Whitchester Retreat Centre, Hawick
There are a few spaces on the Ministers/Clergy/Pastors retreat which is running from Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 November.
Both the CS Lewis & Prayer weekend 20-22 November, and the Advent Retreat 27-29 November are available to book for just the day, 10am – 5pm at £40 (with the option to stay on for the evening meal at 6.30pm for an additional £15).
https://www.whitchester.org.uk/retreats-and-quiet-days
Building a discipleship culture CAIRN conference
Colinton Mains Parish Church Saturday Nov 28th 1000-1600
https://cairnmovement.com/events/building-a-discipleship-culture
See attached
Blindwells Update
At interview we failed to appoint to the post. We are currently trying to find a way to improve the package on offer to potential candidates by way of housing or housing allowance. We are also continuing to search for potential candidates. Please pray for a way forward!
Christian Aid Latest News
Christian Aid Christmas Appeal: Silent Night. Hungry Night.
Donnay was pregnant when she and her children fled sudden and deadly floods in Ethiopia. With their farm washed away and livestock taken by crocodiles, the family were left hungry, homeless and empty-handed.
This Christmas, every gift, act and prayer helps families like Donnay’s push back against poverty and the climate crisis. Support Christian Aid's 2026 Christmas Appeal
Time to Act – Just Peace Coalition
The situation in Palestine has gone beyond urgent. Whether you, or your church are looking to take a first step or are seasoned campaigners, the Just Peace Coalition, which Christian Aid supports welcomes you.
Find out more: Just Peace Coalition
Friends of St.Andrews, Jerusalem & Tiberias: Annual Service
November 30th at 2pm in Bowden & Melrose Parish church.
Hadeel will be present with their FairTrade Palestinian crafts and foods.
If unable to attend you may wish to consider making a donation.
Poster attached
New College: Training for leading worship in a local context
Starts Jan 14th 6-730pm
8 sessions with Rev. Alison Jack
Church of Scotland Learning Wed 730-830pm online
An invitation to hear about the latest resources.
https://church-of-scotland-learning.circle.so/c/show-tell/conversationslive
Magnitude Worship Night
At Edinburgh at City on a Hill, Friday Nov 20th at 730pm
Christmas & New Year Resources & Ideas
NEW > Shine your light! -Taking Carol Singing to the streets!
https://www.shineyourlight.org.uk/
Single Friendly Church network
https://www.singlefriendlychurch.com/christmas
Trussell Trust
https://www.trussellgiftshop.com/churches-items
Churches Together Britain & Ireland
Journeying with the Magi
The Bible Society
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/resources/christmas-resources
Eco-congregation Scotland
https://ecocongregationscotland.org/resources/advent-2026/
24/7 Prayer International
Advent Prayer Resources https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/advent-prayer/
Messy Church
https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/latest/resources/the-gingerbread-mans-christmas-adventure/
Church of England Advent A-Z download
A Blue Christmas
Church Army Dramas
https://www.salvationist.org.uk/resources/christmas/christmas-scripts
The Ugly Duckling Company
New year resolutions? Offer a course https://www.uglyduckling.org.uk/resolve
Hope Together
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/504063/Shop/Christmas/Pip_Amos_and.aspx
& of course early in the New Year is a great time for running Alpha or another such Christian basics course…
East Lothian Street Pastors
The new group has started with a number of volunteers and prayer partners.
For more information or to get involved contact info@eslp.org.uk
Religious Education
Public Online lecture Nov 12th 630pm
‘Exploring policy & practice at a time of change’
Dr Stephen C.Scholes, Queen Margaret University
To attend, please complete the sign-up form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/W9rd5b7inr
Consultation
On updated guidance for Religious Observation in schools - closes 19th January 2027. Available at https://consult.gov.scot/education/7a60b791/
Finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week to pray for our friends at Haddington Parish Church they are celebrating the arrival of Scott McKenna as their new minister.
From Sunday November 9th we pray for Hawick: Burnfoot.
‘We give thanks for new folks & new groups in the Church and ask that God would continue to bless us as we grow together in faith and service.’
May God bless you as you serve your community with the gospel
Dan & Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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