Dear Friends
On Thursday last week having led communion at New College I headed off to Murrayfield. No, not for rugby, but for a national CoS ministers’ gathering. I was curious and intrigued. When was the last time there had been such a gathering outside of the General Assembly?! Over 250 ministers from across the country were there and we filled the conference space! Organised by Tommy MacNeil & Kay Cathcart of FAPLT the day was a significant encouragement. First there was an acknowledgement that these past few years had been particularly difficult and exhausting for all in leadership. We then listened as stories were shared of new ministries. Singing together was powerful. It was great to rediscover old friends from college and to have time together. I left feeling that it had been good to be together and that God might still have plans and purposes for the Kirk.
Growing Faith in Young People
On Sunday I was thrilled to have half a dozen teenagers come along to church in Hawick – “to find out what church is all about…” Much evidence has highlighted that young people are more curious about faith than previous generations.
Recent research by Eidos suggests that in order to grow in faith and love young people need above all else a peer Christian group around them. Individuals then need to go on and choose as individuals to pursue faith. Mentors around also help. The report is an encouraging and interesting read. I commend it to you.
https://ccx.org.uk/content/discipleship-research/?mc_cid=af06344f4c&mc_eid=6d158b891e
Graham Duffin & I have been encouraged by the numbers of churches from across Scotland who joined us online recently to explore Growing Young and to consider being part of the next cohort. If your church is interested do get in touch.
World Church
It is not often that another Presbyterian church looks to start in our locality. The Korean Presbyterian church through the Presbytery of South Bousan have bought the church building in Newton, Danderhall and are planning to launch or reopen the church soon.
Presbytery was asked if there was any objection to Lothian & Borders Presbytery signing a friendship accord with the Korean church and offering associate membership of our presbytery. There have been no objections. Please pray for the new church for its plans, mission and relations in the local community as well as with other Christian churches especially with St. John’s Kings Park & Newton.
Such initiatives as this remind us that we are part of an international movement. A few weeks back I managed to squeeze in an interview with Bill Stevenson, the jet-setting session clerk of Traprain.
Click on the link to see a new wee video that suggests a good basis for a new world church link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7eyUmwNZU
There are churches in North India who are keen to be linked. Contact Bill through me if you want to know more.
Friday is the World day of prayer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7eyUmwNZU
Mission > Storytelling & Imagining
March 26th at the Pitcairn centre, Bonnyrigg. Food at 6. Event starts at 7.
Hear about Interns, Good ideas funding as well as Seeds for Growth.
The Mission meeting on March 11th in Gala has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
On Thursday we are having our first Blindwells Churches Mission Cluster
We will meet together from local churches to pray and support one another.
Are you interested in this happening in your area? Contact Peter.
Lent
Stewardship 40 Acts -Do Lent generously
https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts
Presbytery Lent reflections
Contact Caroline to receive a short daily reflection from straight into your mail box ckirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
Lent Pilgrimage (The Borders Abbey Way) 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.
Closing Date Sunday March 23rd
March 20th is St.Cuthberts Day
You are invited to join local churches in a short walk at Old Melrose. See attached.
Presbytery Prayer Calendar
This week we are praying for Ale & Teviot
Week beginning March 9th Ayton & District
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Pray for the Guild and their projects; the worship team as they prepare for Lent and Easter, and for the children and helpers who will attend ‘Easter Art’.
I hope and pray that your plans for Easter are coming together. If I can help get in touch.
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552394798223
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LothianandBordersPresbytery/videos
