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
It was great on Sunday after the service at West Linton to take our refreshments outdoors.
I spotted a woman who hadn’t been in the service approach the group curious to see what was going on; a passing family who waved… and, reportedly there have in the past been some kids who have spied cake…!
It’s always good to be outdoors when we can!
This year a few East Lothian Churches got together and took a pitch at the Haddington show. Despite it being a ferociously windy day they reported having good conversations, handing out information about local congregations, as well as 'Try Praying' and 'Dear Theo' books and bookmarks with Bible verses etc.
The Messy Church craft activity for the kids also helped stimulate activity.
The Presbytery does have a wee gazebo (stored in my garage) that can be borrowed to assist with any outdoor events. A rich purple in colour it is good to communicate visibility and has been used for Children’s Summer Activities in new housing in Penicuik and tom assist Carol singing in Blindwells.
Blindwells Job Pack…
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/home/employment-vacancies/
See attached
We are delighted to be advertising for someone to come and join us and help us start a church in Blindwells.
We would be delighted if you would pray for this, flag this up in your locality and think if there is anyone you know who might be interested. Many thanks. Grateful for the financial and prayer support offered. Please get in touch if you want to know more.
Latest Wee Video on the Youtube Channel
It was good to chat with David Bethune about Selkirk’s plans for transforming their church building & hall. Hear more about what they and doing and why.
Kiltwalk Christian Aid -September 13th
The Christian Aid team will be doing the middle-distance walk (Big Stroll, 11 1/2 miles), which starts in Musselburgh and goes along the coast to Leith and finishes at Murrayfield.
It's a great day, with thousands of walkers supporting hundreds of charities, so it's exciting to feel part of something much bigger.
Would you be willing to walk for Christian Aid this year? Are there people in your congregation who would enjoy being part of this?
You can sign up on the Kiltwalk website - follow the link at https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r02/___https://thekiltwalk.co.uk___.YzJlOmNodXJjaG9mc2NvdGxhbmQ6YzpvOmJhMWQ4NzRmMDdkMmFlYTcxNDEzNDMwMDdlNzE3MjQ4Ojc6ZDI1OTowOWRiNGFjYTJhYzFjMGRkNTgxMDA0NGIzM2U2NDhlMTMyM2MzNjJlYTMxYjkwMDAyZDExY2FjZDgwZDM3MzMxOnQ6RjpG.
Using the register button, choose Christian Aid as your charity. Christian Aid Scotland will then be informed of your registration.
Ask for a 10:00 am start at Musselburgh for the Big Stroll You will be assigned a Just Giving page which enables sponsors to donate online.
Timetable for the day: 9:00 a.m. Team gathers at St Andrew's High Church, Millhill, Musselburgh EH21 7EA. Short dedication service, before setting off for event registration.
10:00 a.m. Leave from Musselburgh Links (around ¼ mile from St Andrew's High)
1:45 p.m. (approx.) arrive at Murrayfield Stadium for finishing line and travel home.
If you have left your car in Musselburgh, transport can be arranged to get you back at the end of the day.
For more information, please be in touch with Leslie Milton at Amilton@churchpfscotland.org.uk.
A locum for Hawick South
With Alastair Cook stepping down Hawick South are now in vacancy. Rev.Sheila Moir has kindly agreed to be the Interim Moderator. The charge are however permitted to have a locum.
It will be Sunday's and two days per week pastoral cover - just the usual.
If you are interested please contact Sheila on SMoir@churchofscotland.org.uk
Wanted!
CH4 Large print hymn books
“Does anyone have any spare copies of CH4 in large print?
We need to purchase some but just wanted to check if there weren’t some sitting unused especially with churches uniting, etc. Thank you.” Laura Millar, Ruberslaw Country Parishes lauramillar76@btinternet.com
Organ seat
“Our organ seat at Cranshaws has somehow met with a big accident and is in pieces and I wondered if somewhere there might be one sitting that could replace it?
It has to be reasonably high off the ground to allow for the pedals and long enough to again cover the foot pedals end to end.” Please contact alison@greenhope.co.uk
Place for Hope online seminar
When Conflict Escalates
“What can we do when tensions rise and conflict becomes harder to contain? This online session, organised by A Place for Hope, looks at the stages of escalation, practical de-escalation strategies, and how both leaders and congregation members can respond constructively, even when they’re not directly involved.”
Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 10:00 - 12:00
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/placeforhope/2268482
Podcasts
The Bible Society: Raising the bar of biblical discipleship
https://youtu.be/4JKjY7N0Wc0?si=mX_bldRSDCYTvN2E
Do you listen to any podcasts that you would recommend?
Summer reading > Book Recommendations:
‘Forgiveness, Reclaiming its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear’ by Amy Orr-Ewing
Recommended by Margo Cunningham, Prestonpans
“I am not sure about your experience, my experience is of a number of people who have told me they will never be back in “X” church because of some action, or inaction, they perceive as a “wrong”.
This book I believe has the power to heal individuals, Churches and communities.”
In ‘Forgiveness’ Amy Orr-Ewing explores why forgiveness is not a denial of justice but a powerful path toward healing, freedom, and hope--for individuals and for society.
Koble review by Louise Purden- Bonnyrigg Parish
The word Koble is Norwegian and is translated into English as connect.
It describes itself as a simple and adaptable programme that will enable an individual, as well as a whole church, to explore 10 ideas of mission and growth. We have adapted these 10 ideas into a 7 week programme. Each week we think about our desire to connect with God, to connect with our community and then we explore ways we can connect our community to God.
The principles can easily be tailored to your own context. There are also resources online.
I found it to be a useful resource designed to equip individuals and the church.
https://uglyducklingresources.org/collections/koble
Calling to Ministry > the next national event is Saturday 3 October 2026.
Are you sensing God’s call to serve? Whether it’s a gentle nudge or a growing conviction, ‘Celebrating Calling 2026’ is an opportunity to explore where that call might lead.
Hosted by the Church of Scotland’s People and Training Team, this thought-provoking event will take place on Saturday 3 October 2026 at St George’s Church, Paisley, and is designed for anyone interested in exploring ministry and service within the Church.
Discover the Church’s vision for ministry in the 21st century, learn about the new pathways into ministry, and explore the wide range of ministries now serving communities across Scotland. You'll also hear personal stories from people who have responded to God’s call and are now serving in a variety of ministry roles. Bring your questions, uncertainties, and aspirations. Attend presentations, speak one-to-one with experienced ministers and staff, and find out what support is available as you discern God’s calling on your life. Reserve your place today by emailing: ministry@churchofscotland.org.uk
Trinity College Glasgow Short courses this Autumn
> Worship & Contemporary Visual Arts course…
With Dr. Carol Marples? 9 weeks Sept-November
>Preaching in Church Contexts
With Dr Stuart Blythe 23rd September 2026, Weds 4pm-6pm
>Ministry & Mission in Digital Culture
With Dr Sally Nelson & William Gibson Weds Eves October-December
Closing date for above courses is September 11th
https://www.trinitycollegeglasgow.co.uk/short-courses
Future Dates to note:
Presbytery Meeting in Person at Dalkeith is on Saturday September 5th.
The Next Presbytery Youth Leaders Network Gathering will be on the Saturday morning of September 12th at St. Andrew, Blackadder.
Presbytery Pilgrimage 2027 > We are walking the Borders Abbey Way the week before Holy Week.
The Moderator Gordon Kennedy is hoping to walk with us on Monday March 15th
And finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week to pray for our friends at Cockpen & Carrington, Lasswade & Rosewell
“Giving thanks for the young people who have attended summer camps at Stage'N'Slam Gilmerton and SU Magnitude and pray that they have come to know more of Jesus' love."
From next Sunday we are praying for Coldingham & St.Abbs linked with Eyemouth.
We are still in the summer holidays. The schools are not back for a couple of weeks. Can I encourage you to continue to do things differently -continuing to be visible and generous -and to take every opportunity that you can to give thanks!
Love and prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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