From the Mission Officer August 12

Dear Friends

In our Summer scriptures > Read / Think / Pray /Act > we have of late been reading different passages about supporting one another. The bible is all about ‘we’. With Olympic endeavour still very much in mind this verse struck me “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15.5-6) Endurance is a quality that doesn’t come overnight but is a fruit of a commitment to a longer term goal. Encouragement comes from choosing to focus on the good. May we encourage one another and go on doing so through thick and thin because by doing so we bring glory of God.

NEWS

Farewell & thank you to Rev Lynn Brady

After 18 months at Channelkirk and Lauder Church, Rev. Lynn Brady, Interim Minister left at the end of July, to take up a new role of Transition Minister at Gretna Parish Church.

During her last week in post, two evening events, comprising music, fellowship and hospitality, were organised to allow the community to say goodbye to her and to wish her well.

The first, mid week, at the Lauderdale Hotel, Lauder and the second at Channelkirk Church at a special Songs of Praise evening.

Not only did she receive farewell gifts but she, herself, also presented Session Clerk, Billy Anderson, with two beautifully crafted St. Cuthbert’s Crosses - one for each Church.

Interview with Sarah Cook

Now that she has completed her college course Sarah Cook is about to embark on a 15 month probationary period in Jedburgh with Rosie Frew as her supervisor. Listen as Sarah shares with me some of her journey thus far and her hopes for the next stage in her ministry.

https://youtu.be/UtOyMTNPlqw

Rev Rola Sleiman from Lebanon visiting

Earlston Church, Peebles Old / Eddleston Stobo & Drumelzier, along with The Presbytery Mission District, were delighted to welcome Rev. Rola Sleiman and her nephew Jack to the Scottish Borders on Tuesday evening. Travel had been delayed by blasts near Beirut airport and a flight reroute. Peebles Old went ahead to hold a 'Service In Fellowship' followed by discussion and a slideshow that allowed an appreciation of Northern Lebanon.

It has been a busy week for Rola as she has been meeting with people and developing friendships across the Borders. On Sunday Earlston Church hosted a service of communion where Rola presided and preached about brotherhood: compassion in action and sacrificial love (Genesis 4:9 ; 2 Cor 4:18). The shattered country of Lebanon values encouragement from their Christian friends in Earlston and beyond, where everyone has truly loved, shared and been like brothers in Christ to one another.

Collecting mobile phones for Malawi –

Innerleithen, Traquair & Walkerburn are collecting any spare of used phones.

Consider donating your old phone or tablet to make a difference to people and the planet. ITW@churchofscotland@gmail.com

FUTURE DATES

Presbytery Online Worship Leading Course Level 1