Dear Friends
The fastest growing expression of faith in the UK at present is…?
Well, according to trainer in mission and post-Christendom culture Rev. Steve Hollinghurst it is contemporary Paganism. He writes,
“The Pagan community is now bigger than both the Methodist and Baptist church and probably about a third the size of the CofE Sunday congregation. They wear robes, do ritual and thus, yes, liturgy. Cathedral worship is doing well as is the Holy Trinity Brompton style. But this is clearly not with majority trend of spirituality which looks ritual and liturgical. But then why do young people chose Paganism rather than Christianity? It's vibrant it's environmental it's outdoors it's communal it's inclusive it's participative. Our worship [As Christian communities] can also be all of these things.”
Steve is currently working down in Hereford but what about in Scotland? Do you have any contact with contemporary pagans in your neck of the woods? If so I’d love to hear from you
In terms of the big picture of change in mission in Scotland it is worth reading the report put out by Brendan Research recently into new diaspora churches popping up which has as one of its headlines
“Since 2000, a new congregation has been planted every 8 weeks.”
See their report attached. Again, if you know or have contact with a diaspora church in your area I’d love to hear from you.
This week’s video interview is with Joel Nicholas, the Youth Minister at Gorebridge Parish Church
Hear how Gorebridge Parish church is inviting churches and local young people from across the area to join them in a special week each summer of activities & of Christian invitation to young people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkDNpAFU7nE
Has your church participated in the Magnitude Festival for Young People ? If so please get in touch. Plans are afoot for the Church of Scotland village at Magnitude at Lendrick Muir in 2025.
Eco-Congregation East Lothian Gathering
November 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
You are warmly invited to join Eco-Congregation Scotland in Tranent Parish Church on Saturday 23rd November 2024, 10am-12pm, for a local network meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity to connect with other Eco-Congregations in your area, to hear from others and to encourage one another.
This meeting will be a starting point for more regular connection between churches in East Lothian and the surrounding areas.
Details are in the flyer attached. All denominations welcome.
If you are able to attend, please email Russell McLarty, of Tranent Parish Church rrussellmclarty@yahoo.com
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/east-lothian-local-network-meeting/
Congratulations to Rita Purves celebrating her 75th year of playing music in church.
Rita, 88, has lived in and around Morebattle, near Kelso, most of her life, and first took a seat at the village's church organ in 1949.
She recently received a "local hero" award - given out to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament - from Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7m2kmj811o
Appointment of Presbytery Moderator for Lothian & Borders for the Year 2025- 26
The Presbytery of Lothian and the Borders is seeking nominations for the post of Moderator to serve from June 2025- June 2026. All members of Presbytery are eligible to serve as Moderator. If you would like to propose someone to, please complete the short form attached, ensuring that you have received the permission of the person you are nominating and return it to the Clerk of the presbytery by Friday 17th January.
Listening in Mission Short Course
Trinity College Glasgow are running once again this short online course for all involved in leadership in the church. January 30th -March 27th This comes recommended and might be something that you choose to do as a small group from your church.
Christmas Lebanon Appeal
With the people of Lebanon caught up in the war between Israel & Hezbollah Presbytery council has asked if at one of your Christmas services you might consider taking up a collection for the work done by NESSL in Lebanon.
The Church of Scotland has long term mission partners in Lebanon who are trying to do what they can to bring relief and refuge at this critical time. Contact the Mission Officer or Fiona Burnett for bank details.
See an update information attached
Links with North India
With support from a CoS Faithshare grant, Bill Stevenson, Session Clerk at Traprain in East Lothian and member of the Presbytery’s Mission Committee, is currently visiting partner churches in West Bengal in North India. Since 2000 many churches in the Lothians have been twinned with pastorates in the Diocese of the Eastern Himalayas which is part of the Presbyterian Church of North India. Next year will mark the 25th Anniversary of this arrangement and there have been many other visits / exchanges with this part of the global church. Bill is enjoying meeting partners face to face and has been making many useful connections as well as trying out some authentic Indian food. So far Bill has visited two schools and ten churches and there are still five days left of the trip.
As part of the visit there have been some discussions on how best to celebrate the anniversary of this project next year.
A number of churches in the diocese are still looking to have a partner church, if this is something your parish might be interested in or if you would like any more information about the twinning arrangements, please e-mail Bill at sessionclerk@parishoftraprain.org.uk
Wishing you all a good week as thoughts turn to Christmas celebrations.
May God bless these occasions with joy whether you are singing carols in the pub, praying in contemplative silence, learning new songs or dressing up as shepherds!!!
Peter
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We have received an enquiry from a US Ministry candidate Tucker Shannon looking at a summer placement. Pursuing a Bible and Theology Degree at Biola University, Tucker Shannon is an avid learner and dedicated lifelong student. Committed to his study of philosophy and theology, he is a practiced thinker and communicator, and given his background in filmmaking he has a variety of experiences exercising leadership and team coordination. With three previous summers of experience as a church intern, he is looking to step into a new intern role to pursue his calling in ministry. It is important to note that this is an initial approach and all details have to be worked out between local parties and the enquirer. See further info attached
Cornerstone Bookshop Edinburgh is closing > See attached |
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Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
