Dear Friends
Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic Priest who died this week in 1996.
His writing enabled thousands, like me, to enter into a more deeply personal experience of faith and Christian spirituality. An esteemed professor at Yale & Harvard he left his post to work among the poor in Latin America before joining the work of L’Arche Daybreak community in Canada. He followed a path of ‘downward mobility’ choosing to not only write about brokenness & vulnerability but himself to live this out in community. His well-loved model of Jesus the Wounded Healer speaks tenderly of the overwhelming compassion of God. I wonder what you know of his writings and which stay with you?
Presbytery Autumn Conference
Church in 2024: From Lament to Hope -October 25th 930-330pm
We look forward to hearing Prof. Tom Greggs who will look at Acts as we acknowledge our weaknesses and from that find church as a gift of hope in 2024. Phill Mellstrom will be picking up Tom’s key themes and introducing us to new songs from the new supplement ‘God welcomes all.’ We will also hear short stories throughout the day of new things happening around our presbytery. Please come ready to share your story.
Our conference is open to all in local church leadership and will be held at St.Andrew, Blackadder, North Berwick.
Please confirm your place with Fiona Burnett. fiona@glenholm.co.uk
This Thursday 26th 730pm come and hear Michael Harvey speaking at St.Pauls in Galashiels on the simple yet profound way of sharing faith that is ACORN.
Book your place. https://forms.office.com/e/Jw1iZDZNGQ
See attached.
FAPLT Roadshow Saturday Oct 5th 1030-330 at St. Johns Kings Park, Dalkeith
Strength for Today, Hope for tomorrow!
An inspirational time of worship, prayer & vision.
Learn more about Seeds for Growth and the Vivid vision of Faith Action.
Join Tommy McNeil, Jamie Milliken & Hannah Sanderson
Book in at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
Tranent Youth & Families worker -Closing date 30th September
https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/details/15205573
Praise night at the Leckie, Peebles 730pm on October 6th
These started in Midlothian but are now open to all in Presbytery.
See attached.
Presbytery Intern Scheme 2024-25
I am pleased to announce that we as a Presbytery have been successful in securing £10,000 to enable more internships in the coming year. More details to follow but do chat with me if you have an idea of a person who could offer themselves to help with a wee mission project.
Gaza Appeal
Christian Aid is inviting people to give via the Gaza Appeal where £5 can provide a displaced family with warm blankets and £20 can feed a family for a week by providing a food parcel of essentials such as oil and cheese.
They can act by joining Christian Aid's online Gathered Vigil at 8am on Monday 7 October (sign up via the website) and also by contacting their MPs, urging them to take action: calls to action.
And they can pray at the monthly Prayers for Peace in the Middle East online events. The next events are on 24 September and 24 October. To sign up, please visit: Prayers for Peace in the Middle East - Christian Aid
CPD day at New College Weds October 9th 1.45-5pm
-thinking about lectionary year C and the corresponding gospel readings from Luke
Making Disciples at Christmas & Easter
Online event on Sept 30th with LICC
https://licc.org.uk/events/licc-lunchtime-sessions-making-disciples-at-christmas-easter/
Alpha Youth Series Borders Connect Event,
Innerleithen Church of Scotland,
Tuesday 8 October 7-8.30pm.
To book: https://ays-borders.eventbrite.co.uk/
Do get in touch to talk about any ideas you have for mission or if I can lead a session with your kirk session or church away day or anything else!
Best wishes
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery