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
What space for questions and dialogue do you have in your church? Sometimes we might run courses that ask fundamental faith questions and sometimes we have space in or after our worship or in church life for such open dialogue.
Have you been in church when a preacher has asked if you would turn and discuss a question with your neighbour?! I was in a church recently that had a postcard sitting in the pew inviting a response from anyone sat there “What do you think we should do to engage with younger generations?”
In our church calendar we have begun the journey of Jesus to the cross. This journey begins with questions and with whispered conversations. After being questioned and tempted by the devil in the wilderness John records discussions behind closed doors at night with Nicodemus, a religious leader and then a dialogue with a bemused Samaritan woman. In each conversation the scope of Jesus mission and vision is astonishing to his hearer. The message of Jesus is more radical, more immediate and more inclusive than either had believed before. Following his questions the religious leader leaves Jesus apparently undecided about him whereas as a result of her dialogue the woman is drawn into trusting and acknowledging Jesus and goes on to share her testimony to him with her locality.
I pray that we keep asking questions and especially to those on the edge of our faith communities so that we can better understand how we can share the gospel and so we can better see Jesus!
Lothian & Borders Praise Night – Sunday 1st March at 7pm
Come and join with folk from churches across Lothian & Borders for an evening of contemporary worship. Our preacher will be David Hill, Founder of Trypraying.
Venue: Innerleithen Church of Scotland, Leithen Road, EH44 6HX
Flyer attached
In conversation with Rev. Chris Watt, Minister of Newbattle Parish
Hear how the first few months have gone for Christopher in Newbattle as he launches a new united parish. See the latest wee video on the Presbytery Youtube channel.
Action Plan Facilitators training Thursday Feb 26th 7pm online
If you can help be a facilitator for churches as they look to engage in drawing up the Action Plans requested by GA then please join Peter, Graham and Fan on Thursday at 7pm online
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81651415140?pwd=bL9pLegFebSFq8z2GlA8b1a9yOd4zR.1
Meeting ID: 816 5141 5140 with Passcode: 758143
Presbytery is meeting online on Tues March 3rd at 7pm
Zoom link and papers are coming tomorrow
Presbytery Decisions taken under powers
On 08/02/2026 by the Presbytery Clerk,
Rev. Norman Smith was given permission to officiate at a baptism in Loanhead Parish Church On 11/18/2025 the Presbytery Council,
approved the request of the Reverend Elisabeth Stenhouse to retire on 5 April 2026 2026
On 26/02/2026 Presbytery Council,
approved the request of the Reverend Colin Johnston to retire on 31 April 2026
Presbytery Union Service > Roslin with Loanhead & Bilston
Presbytery is invited to join together on Sunday March 1st in Roslin church at 10.30am. Presbytery will meet at 10:15 with the Moderator leading worship. Presbytery members nearby are encouraged to come and support the congregation as they celebrate this union.
For the attention of congregations which worship in churches which are listed buildings.
:Urgent action required.
See the letter from the Chief Officer-
L&B Youth Justice Group competition 2026
We have in past years invited young people to submit video entries explaining the meaning of Easter or Christmas. This year for our competition we are inviting youth groups (secondary school age upwards) to demonstrate their engagement with one of the following agencies:
Trussel Trust (Foodbanks)
Christian Aid (Kilt walk, CAid week in May etc)
our link with the Diocese of North India
Towards the end of the year the Mission committee will award a prize to the group that shows the greatest engagement in one of these areas. Do get in touch if interested.
Presbytery Messy Church Gathering 7pm on Weds April 22nd
We are looking at offering a Presbytery Messy meet up in North Middleton Hall (Tyne Valley Parish) -pizzas from 630pm and meeting from 7pm.
Please bring a team of folks and do let me know if you are coming. As well as the usual opportunity to reflect and share plans a special guest speaker will provide input.
Lothian & Borders Presbytery Pilgrimage 2026 -North Berwick to Lindisfarne
Starts on Sunday March 22nd at 120pm in North Berwick as we walk to East Linton
Mon > East Linton to Dunbar
Tues > Dunbar to Cockburnspath
Wed > Cockburnspath to St.Abbs
Thurs > St.Abbs to Burnmouth
Fri > Burnmouth to Berwick
Sat > Berwick to Beal
Finishes Sunday March 29th > Beal to Holy Island
Please note a degree of fitness is required especially on Weds & Thursday.
A few spaces for accommodation may be available for pilgrims staying overnight.
Contact the Mission Officer to confirm your place and for further information.
Scotland Malawi Partnership
The Scotland Malawi Partnership and Thondwe Community Forum warmly invite you to the Scottish Borders installation of Anthu Pamodzi, a national touring photographic exhibition celebrating 20 years of friendship between Scotland and Malawi. Anthu Pamodzi (People Together): Snapshots of Scotland and Malawi Building a Better World
Saturday 28 February 2026, 10:00–16:00 in Innerleithen Parish Church
Celtic Worship at Whitekirk on March 8th
This upcoming ecumenical service will happen at St Mary’s, Whitekirk on 8 March at 4pm. It will bring people together from churches across the area for a time of worship with a Celtic flavour. The service will be led by Chris Furr from the East Mountain UK Community, with music from Bob Bell and contributions from Andy Raine of the Northumbria Community.
See attached
LEARN Newsletter for Fen 2026
Church of Scotland online resources and modules
See attached
The Knitted Bible Exhibition at Blackhall, St.Columba’s March 13-20th
Magnitude Festival > Young People’s Worship Nights
Thinking about taking young people to Magnitude in the summer? Fancy a taste of what Magnitude might be like? Come along to the Praise night in Edinburgh on the 20th March.
You can find all the details and how to get tickets at the link below:
https://magnitude.org.uk/worship
Gospel Entrepreneurs -Edinburgh March 6th 1100-1500 at 121 George Street.
Gather with Roy Crowne & Tommy Nelson along with guest speaker Ryan Longmuir, to explore what it really means to live and lead as a Gospel Entrepreneur. It will be a time to grow, be encouraged, make meaningful connections, and be refreshed in both faith and purpose alongside like-minded people. Ryan Longmuir is the Managing Director and Founder of Regis Banqueting:
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know by emailing admin@revelationtrust.org.
There are still a few tickets available, so please do pass this on to anyone who you think would love to come along and benefit from the day. Scotland - Edinburgh March 2026 (06-Mar-2026) ? CharitySuite Events
Sleep out for The Bethany Trust
Big Sleepout March 13th 9pm -8am at the City Chambers
Fundraise for The Bethany Trust ?10 per person 12-18yrs or ?12 if older.
https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/the-big-bethany-sleep-out-2026/
Christian Aid week Resources 10th-16th May
See attached
The 2026 Gifford Lectures
The Conversions of Christianity with Professor Paula Fredriksen
Join us for what promises to be a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the historical transformations that shaped Christianity across the centuries. Professor Fredriksen is internationally renowned for her engaging scholarship and accessible insights, and this special event will offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the field’s leading voices.
Spaces are free but limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place.
Please book using the link below.
Finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week to pray and give thanks for Ormiston linked with Pentcaitland praying for the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
“Give thanks for all those involved in the Connections Caf? and pray that the outreach work may encourage new volunteers to join and to strengthen the church presence in the community.”
Then from Sunday March 1st we pray for Penicuik: North Kirk
We remember the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Pray for Foodstore@PNK (helping families in food crisis), Renew26 wellbeing group and for progress with the local churches provision of a Breakfast Club at Penicuik High School.
A poem from Malcolm Guite, ‘All the kingdoms of the World’ encouraging us this week and through this season to continue living honest, self-denying lives of love and service…
So, here’s the deal and this is what you get:
The penthouse suite with world-commanding views,
The banker’s bonus and the private jet,
Control and ownership of all the news,
An ‘in’ to that exclusive one percent,
Who know the score, who really run the show.
With interest on every penny lent
And sweeteners for cronies in the know.
A straight arrangement between me and you,
No hell below or heaven high above
You just admit it and give me my due,
And wake up from this foolish dream of love…
But Jesus laughed, ‘You are not what you seem.
Love is the waking life, you are the dream.’
God bless
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LothianandBordersPresbytery/videos
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