Dear Friends
Thomas Rosie was born in June 1825 on South Ronaldsay, Orkney. His father was an elder in the kirk and a boatbuilder. Thomas remained fascinated by the sea all his life. While a student he was instrumental in founding the Scottish Coast Missions. Following his premature death his biography was written in 1862. Remarkably it listed some thirty coast missionaries who had been employed around Scotland. Coast missionaries worked with seamen and their families -visiting homes and ships, leading prayers, distributing leaflets and holding meetings at which the gospel was preached.
We need to go back however to 1849 to discover the deeper roots of this movement. We read that a Mrs Simpson, wife of a former Navy Lieutenant, resident of Dunbar began to develop a concern for “the spiritual improvement of the seafaring population of that town and the adjoining coast.” After much deliberation she and her collaborators judged it advisable to set up a missionary association. Funds were collected and an advertisement was inserted in the Edinburgh newspapers. “Among a considerable number of promising candidates, the choice fell upon one that appeared eminently qualified. That candidate was Thomas Rosie.”
(Devoted Service Rendered, The Lay Missionaries of the Church of Scotland by Frank D.Bardgett, St.Andrews Press 2002.)
It is fascinating and encouraging to read of such zeal and mission initiative. Although times have changed the Local Missioners initiative passed at our recent Presbytery meeting carries on this approach of seeking to go to where folks are and engaging them with the gospel.
If you yourself, or if you know someone who, might be interested to discuss this further do please get in touch with me. You don’t have to go to sea!
Mission storytelling & dreaming…Tues March 11th or Weds March 26th
Hear stories of what others got up to last year in mission and then chat about possible future plans.
The gatherings will take place at St.Pauls in Gala on March 11th
and then in the Pitcairn Centre, Bonnyrigg on March 26th. You are invited to come and eat together at 6pm with the meetings starting at 7pm. Please confirm with the Mission Officer if you plan on coming for 6pm.
Growing Young Webinars > 7-8pm introductory evenings on February 20th or February 26th
A new cohort will start in June. If you want to find out more what it’s all about join us at one of the two seminars with congregations from around Scotland. To get the most from the webinar, we suggest that at least two or three people from interested churches can join us on the same evening.
Feb 20th & Feb 26th from 7-8pm online
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87501923734?pwd=Dfwbb6oq1UOWTJGlfSIt7ApBrEfk3e.1
Looking ahead to Lent…
Does your church hold a Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday?
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday originated in England in 1445. It comes from the custom of using up eggs, milk, and butter before Lent.
According to legend, a woman in Olney, Buckinghamshire was so busy making pancakes that she didn't realize the church bells were ringing for Shrove Tuesday mass. She ran to church with her frying pan still in her hand!
Lent is a great time to refresh prayer…
The Epiphany Group offer six sessions online.
An introduction to ways of praying -Gods invitation to relationship
https://www.epiphanygroup.org.uk/
Starting Tues Feb 25th 7-9pm
Contact waysofpraying@epiphanygroup.org.uk
24/7 Prayer courses
Two video based courses are offered
The first an 8 week course founded upon the Lord’s Prayer
The second a five week session looks into Unanswered prayer and focusses upon Holy week
https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayer_guide/courses-on-prayer/
Looking further ahead I’d be interested to hear of any church who has participated in the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Initiative or is interested participating this year?
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/
Presbytery Lent reflections
Contact Caroline to receive a short daily reflection from straight into your mail box. ckirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
Lent Pilgrimage March 31st -April 5th
Contact the Mission Officer for more details.
Easter Video Competition for young people
How is that video coming along? First prize is £500 for your group.
Poster attached
‘The Upper Room’ event in Selkirk at 630pm on March 16th
Listen as John 14-17 is brought to life by Christian Stejskal in word, song & music. https://selkirkparish.church/news/
NORTH BERWICK: ABBEY CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
PASTORAL VISITOR (part-time)
ARE YOU CARING, A GOOD LISTENER AND KEEN TO SUPPORT A CHURCH IN ITS PASTORAL CARE WORK?
We are seeking to appoint someone to the new post of Pastoral Visitor to support our Minister and Elders in the important area of the pastoral care of our congregation.
As a congregation, we have always placed significance on pastoral care and now, looking forward, we wish to enhance the valuable work which is already carried out.
This post is part-time (initially 8 hours per week, but this might be increased, by agreement, in future).
Reporting to the Minister, the Pastoral Visitor will visit members of the congregation and families in their homes, in hospitals or in care homes.
For further information and an application form please email our Minister, Rev Dr David J Graham, dirletonkirk@btinternet.com or our Session Clerk, Robert Burgon, RDBurgon@aol.com.
Closing date: Monday 31 March 2025
Presbytery Prayer Calendar
Week beginning Feb 23rd Aberlady & Gullane
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
We pray for God’s guidance with regard to the planning of property projects and that the young leaders of their EJAM & JAM clubs (Children) continue to thrive.
Thanks for all the ways that you serve your local community with the gospel. It is a privilege to support you in Mission. Do continue to send any stories of ways that you are engaging your local community.
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
