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
Our world is becoming ever more unstable in terms of international relations. Aggression and the use of raw power is becoming more prevalent. Trust, good will and co-operation appear under threat. In the light of this how can we as, Christian communities, be places and people of hope and peace? Last year, as one way of responding, at least three of our churches opened their doors and invited the wider community to join them in praying for peace.
In doing this Channelkirk, Spott & Selkirk noted the following
>publicity is important
>the space needs to be warm.
>make available sheets or prayers for peace -prayers in the pews?
>have a prayer box available for prayers to be left
>quiet reflective music or not?
>Other visual stimuli -a globe / questions / relevant bible verses
>Can this be done ecumenically?
>Prayer stations offered? (A table with a particular relevant focus such as ‘Light of the World’ and with possible symbolic actions)
Channelkirk noted the challenge of trying to meet two different needs- the church’s need for focused prayer and the non- church community’s need for a quiet space and time.
Blindwells latest news
We got word just before Christmas that our application to Seeds for Growth -for a pioneering children and families worker for three years -had been only partially successful. We had not been given money for year’s two and three. This makes it difficult to advertise for the post as we had planned. We are now looking to garner wider financial support and to acknowledge our need to probably recruit the worker from within our own ranks. The Mission Officer would be delighted for you to bring this to the attention of your church and is ready to speak about the project wherever in our presbytery.
This project is of strategic importance. At the end of last year the Bindwells developers, as expected, submitted an outlying planning application for an additional 6000 houses.
See attached the updated appeal letter
In Conversation video clip
Watch the latest short interview on our Presbytery Youtube channel this time with the new minister of Belhaven and Spott as he explains what took him into full time ministry and to East Lothian.
Presbytery Youth Leaders Network Gathering
Bonnyrigg -Saturday February 7th from 10am
We meet in the Pitcairn Centre to share stories and best practice, to prayer for one another and to be encouraged. Bring an item or story or resource for the ‘Show and tell’.
Louise Purden is one of two special guests…!
We finish with lunch which is provided. All youth leaders welcome.
Please be in touch to confirm numbers coming from your church.
Presbytery Pilgrimage > Sunday March 22nd to Saturday March 28th
We are walking the Forth to Farne route which goes round the East Lothian coast finishing at Lindisfarne. https://www.forthtofarneway.org.uk/
Walk the whole week with me or do a day or two. Interested? Do get in touch.
Sunday afternoon North Berwick to East Linton
Monday East Linton to Dunbar
Tuesday Dunbar to Cockburnspath
Wednesday Cockburnspath to St.Abbs
…Saturday Beal to Lindisfarne
Please book your place for the days you are interested in walking with us.
Mission & preparing for Easter
-What are you doing in Lent?
Traditionally this has meant an ecumenical study group but it could also involve
Read the whole of the New Testament through lent
https://www.alpinebible.com/2013/02/lent-read-the-n-t-in-40-days/
Bible Society -/travel through the psalms > Free devotionals
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/resources/the-lent-encounter
Messy Church BRF
Lent and Easter Messy Meet-Up -get ideas
Thursday 29 January, 12–1pm, online, free.
https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/latest/events/lent-and-easter-messy-meet-up-29-january-2026/
Go Health
Everyday Healing Course 2026
Four Tuesdays from 3 February, 7–9pm, online, from £70 to £170
Further information on the Go Health Shop page
Try Prayer walking in your parish?
Here’s a wee introduction…
https://cuf.org.uk/uploads/img/Prayer_Walk_Guide_A4_Lent24.pdf
40 Acts of generosity
Join thousands this Lent for a 40-day generosity challenge – building habits, deepening faith and reflecting the heart of Jesus through everyday acts.
Each day offers a simple invitation to give, bless, and grow in generosity – one act at a time.
https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts
Epiphany Group: An Introduction to Ways of Praying: God’s Invitation to Relationship:
Six Mondays from 23 February to 30 March, 7–9pm, online, no charge but donations welcome.
Information about upcoming courses on Epiphany’s website
https://share.google/L8EAzDuuMjJAH5qSm
Other training dates…
LYCiG (Leading your Church into Growth) conference
We are delighted that Galashiels & West Tweeddale are joining with other churches from across the UK to begin a new mission program which aims to empower churches to grow faith and impact community.
Magnitude Festival 18-22 July
A festival for inspiring and encouraging faith in young people. Take a group and be part of the wider Church of Scotland group. Andy Haddow is our presbytery contact person. Have a chat with Andy for more info. ahaddow@churchofscotland.org.uk
Online Mission Seminar -Outside the Walls
Tuesday February 10th 1300-1400
Kerry Dixon -Church Army Evangelist in Dundee.
St.Luke’s has grown from five elderly members to a vibrant community of 50…Hear the story
‘Discovering Christianity -a guide to the curious’ by Rowan Williams, SPCK, 2025
Enjoyed Lamorna Ash? Here’s another significant Christian apologetic book that came out last year. https://spckpublishing.co.uk/discovering-christianity
SPCK have also released a free series of video interviews that accompany the book -but could stand alone -with Williams talking about the chapters.
https://share.google/NVF7q2huSXFVdQCuE
From the Office of the Interim Presbytery Clerk
Items under powers
201
12/01/2026Nominations Committee
Nomination of Fraser Edwards & Elizabeth Parker to the Committee to Nominate the Moderator
202
14/01/2026Presbytery Clerk
Approved the appointment of the Rev Rob Jones as locum at Dryburgh District Churches
203
11/01/2026Presbytery Clerk
Approve cancellation of the service at Dunglass because of the weather
204
19/01/2026Presbytery Clerk
Appoint Stuart Kelly to be Interim Moderator in Ruberslaw Country Churches during the absence of the minister due to illness.
In the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
January 25th Musselburgh: St Andrew's High
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Pray for plans for Cafe Church for 2026.
‘Come Lord Jesus, make a place at each table for You as we worship.’
February 1st Musselburgh: St Michael's Inveresk
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
February 8th North Berwick: Abbey linked with Direlton
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Bless those who are supporting the congregations during this time of vacancy and guide those who will be involved in the process of looking for a new Minister.
Please continue to pray for the process of appointing a new Presbytery Clerk.
I pray that your church finds a way of being a community of hope for your parish in 2026 with Jesus at its centre. Thank you for all that you are.
Love and prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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