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
Listening & asking questions
As a mission officer I often get to visit people and get to ask about what they are up to and what’s their story or the story of their church? Sometimes I confess that I can arrive with a particular desired outcome in mind which sometimes leads me to undervalue these encounters with others but I am increasingly realising that allowing or encouraging people to tell their stories helps them reframe their lives and affirms them in their faith. This was the experience of the conversation on the Emmaus road. It starts with listening. How good are you at listening and asking questions?
I have also repeatedly found that walking with people allows for issues to be broached that have perhaps sat for too long unsaid or else futures can be explored in the unboundaried open space of the outdoors. Asking people in the light of circumstances how they felt and how they now see themselves in the light of these events opens up deeper insights and realisations. Finally meeting a stranger on a road who speaks with hope and vision can encourage us that God is on the move and is not limited to a particular time or place. Resurrection is not just a one day church celebration!
Checking in…
It’s easy for those of us in ministry in serving others to continually say ‘Yes’ to small daily requests that come our way. These “yes’s” can however mount up. It can also be tempting in our enthusiasm to take on big challenges and projects and to not be clear about the personal costs involved. Such responses are generous and engaging but equally we need to take time to check in with how we are doing and how these demands are impacting our own family and spiritual lives . It is vital to make time and space for pastoral supervision, spiritual accompaniment or to find a coach… If a minister, have you used your £250 this year offered through Ascend to support you? https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/support/ Or have you met with your Presbytery chaplain of late?
Pilgrimage Musings…
One of the highlights of the week was having Sandra & Tommy open Whitekirk Church for us to enjoy….even the bell tower. As someone who is not always a big buildings fan I was blown away! My appreciation for the building was matched however by the future vision for the building -that it be a vital and valued space for future Christian gatherings and that it offer quiet reflective space. One such ecumenical praise gatherings has already taken place.
- Next year the incoming national Moderator, the Rev Dr. Gordon Kennedy, intends joining us for a day (or two?!) on our pilgrimage. https://whitekirkchurch.org.uk/
Pathways to Pentecost -Daily reflections offered online from April 26th to May 24th
Robin Hill has once again assembled a willing and able bunch of local writers to offer short daily reflections as in this season of resurrection we work our way towards Pentecost. This time the reflections will be found on the home page of the Presbytery website https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
and on the Presbytery Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552394798223
Blindwells Project latest
We are keen to start a more regular gathering on site and so are continuing to pray and to look for funding for a worker to support the team. If you know someone who would be interested in this exciting new challenge of church planting do get in touch. Thank you for your prayers, interest and support.
Presbytery Decisions taken under powers
| 01/04/2026 | Property Committee | Approve application to General Trustees by Legerwood Parish Church to install Stained Glass |
| 02/04/2026 | Property Comittee | Approve application for release of funds from Central Fabric Fund by Haddington Parish Church |
| 06/04/2026 | Presbytery Clerk | Permission granted to Bowden Kirk to cancel their service on 31 May 2026 in order to hold a united service in Melrose. |
| 11/04/2026 | Property Committee | Approved application for installation of new boiler and radiators in Eyemouth Parish Church and request for grant assistance. |
Property Convenors Online Gathering May 5th 730pm
Hosted by the Interim Presbytery Clerk, John Cowie
Lothian & Borders is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86396463029?pwd=lfnmAM8aSPfTVWre7G7eWjqLPEHAVL.1
Meeting ID: 863 9646 3029
Passcode: 762588
Hustings -upcoming elections on May 7th
>Dunbar Parish Church 730pm on April 22nd
>St. Andrew’s High, Musselburgh 730pm on Monday April 27th
>St. Andrew, Blackadder North Berwick on April 28th at 730pm
>Humbie village Hall. Organised by Humbie Bolton and Saltoun Community Council, chaired by the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Officer David Bradwell and livestreamed through church website at lammermuirchurch.org on Wednesday 29th April, 7.30pm. Tickets Humbie hustings on Eventbrite.
Spott Church, Saturday 18 April at 10.30am -New Building tool for maintenance
Presentation by John McCreadie of the work he undertook carrying out the recent LiDAR survey of Spott Church, inside and outside. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances to objects, creating precise 3D models of the Earth's surface and features.
Also, Paul Beveridge will show his short film which he has made of Spott Church highlighting its history. Paul is a film maker (Seeker Films) who lives locally, as does John (Aspects Unseen).
The results of both the LiDAR survey and Paul's film are excellent. Their expertise with the LiDAR and drone technology is remarkable. In particular, the technology is invaluable for future property maintenance.
Pentecost Celebrations
I’d be curious and delighted to hear about hopes or plans of any church looking to celebrate Pentecost together with a new international church. I’d be happy to help or participate in such an occasion!
*New Edition* The bible course from the Bible Society is recommended!
‘The way that Andrew Ollerton has captured the essence of each book is quite remarkable and even folks who know their bibles are finding this concise overview helpful.’
Instead of Lent Groups this year, Selkirk Parish Church ran the eight session Bible Society course.
- “I was really very impressed with the course. The fact that it was based on eight well planned and interesting video presentations made it easy to soak up information.
It has helped understanding as to how all the different parts of scripture fitted together as God's plan for his chosen people and therefore for us. I thought the discussion time was very useful because it encouraged speaking to others about our Faith - something which can be difficult if one is not used to it. For anyone thinking of using this Bible Society material I would say take a look at it on the Bible Society website.”
Giant Annual Christian Aid Booksale in Edinburgh May 9th & 11-15th
At Edinburgh New Town Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh
Drop off good quality books, CDs, Paintings, games on April 27-May 2nd & May 4-7th 0900-2000.
https://www.facebook.com/CASaleEdin
Autism in the church family April 20th 7-9pm online -Prospects across Scotland
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autism-in-the-church-family-tickets-1982785378442?aff=oddtdtcreator
Learn more about autism and how to welcome, support and include autistic people in your local church.
Prospects Across Scotland is a small Christian organisation with a big dream! We would love to see all churches in Scotland feeling equipped and enabled to welcome people with learning disabilities and autism, so that they can belong and use their gifts to build up the Church.
This training comes out of real life experience and will help you to understand autism.
Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week to pray for the Parish of Tranent
“We give thanks for the young people and leaders in our Sunday morning J Club. We ask Prayer for God's help in ways to encourage faith in the young people and with the families with whom we are in relationship.”
From Sunday April 19th we pray for the Parish of Traprain -East Linton with the villages of Athelstane Ford, & Stenton. Pray for the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
I’m giving thanks for all the great stories that I’m hearing of Easter celebrations from around the Presbytery and that you may, even this week, encounter the risen Christ ‘on the road’.
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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