This week’s, and previous weeks’ news, can be found on the front page of the Presbytery website
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/home/news-events/
Dear Friends
There is so much to enjoy in the season of autumn in terms of colours, leaves, conkers etc but we are also aware of the losses too -daylight is diminishing and plants are preparing to hide for the winter. Change is all around us! As a Presbytery we are conscious that we have new ministries starting whilst at the same time we are giving thanks for years of faithful ministry…
May God of the darkness
help you accept yourself and others as we are
May God of the light
grant you illumination
May the God of all time
help you to let go
& May the eternal God
help you to number your days
and to live in the glorious colours of this season.
Quiet Day at Lammermuir parish
A Reflective Morning this Saturday 3rd October
Following last Advent’s event, Lammermuir Church are offering another Reflective Morning on Saturday, 3rd October, 9.30am-12.30pm, in Humbie Kirk and Stables.
Contact anikosb@churchofscotland.org.uk.
Harvest Letter
See attached a letter from the Presbytery Moderator the Revd. Jock Stein.
Homelessness Sunday Oct 4th Bethany Trust
Bethany Trust have recently created this short video about their work for showing in a worship service highlighting their need for volunteers. You can watch this here.
See also stories like Kathy’s or Angus’s in their recently released Annual Report – stories that would not have been possible without the vital support of Christian volunteers from churches around Scotland who are able to represent the love of God to those in need of our services.
Messy Church gathering October 22nd
If you help lead Messy Church please join us!
We gather at 630-9pm in Duns Church to share stories, learn together and worship.
With a special interview and guests.
Contact the Mission Officer.
Put your church on the Map!
Light in the Darkness October 31st
A Day of Prayer for the church of Scotland and the communities of Scotland.
Resources are now available on the Church of Scotland website.
These include an outline for a liturgical prayer service; a group prayer gathering guide and a guide for setting up interactive prayer stations. You can take use or adapt or get ideas.
Click on Light in the Darkness
Once you’ve worked out what your church is doing please let the Mission Officer know what you are doing and remember and add your light to the map on the Church of Scotland website.
FAPLT (Faith Action Leadership Team)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMCtjlwhJdVw
Who are they and what do they do?
Please find below a link to some short communications from the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (FAPLT). They cover its work and purpose; events for those considering ministry; support for the Day of Prayer and a call for volunteers to represent the Church on council education committees.
Watch the videos on this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMCtjlwhJdVw
And you can find more information about the topics highlighted in the videos on these links:
https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/events/celebrating-calling-2026/
https://cos.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/prayer/day-of-prayer
Is Church planting something that God is calling you to do?
Alongside established parish ministry the Church of Scotland is encouraging church in new places with new people. To support this end the Church wants to enable 50 people to attend the next Scottish Church Planting Network Day in Aberdeen on Saturday 21 November, 10am-4pm, King’s Church Aberdeen.
If you are interested get in touch.
Simplification
This is one of the national church's four strategic priorities.
In Lothian & Borders Presbytery we agree. We don't want churches feeling weighed down by unwieldy structures or bureaucracy. We want to see people and communities fully alive in Jesus.
Speak to your local kirk session or get in touch with Presbytery.
We all need to go on changing!
Hawick St.Mary’s Final Service Oct 25th
St.Mary’s is an 800 year old site of worship.
The Interim Moderator of the New Hawick South church has said that it would be lovely if members of Presbytery were in attendance to support the folks of Hawick in the closing of this Church
The closing service of St Mary's in Hawick is on Sunday 25th October at 3.00pm.
Berwickshire Christian Youth Trust Job
Part time Administrator/schools worker. 20 hours per week. Based out of Duns Parish Church.
For any questions related to the role or to request an application pack, please contact trustees@bcytborders.org.uk
See attached
New Scottish Rural Mission Network
Meet online on the last Tuesday of the month 1030-1200 (Next one is October 27th )
Connecting people from all denominations who are passionate about Jesus & rural mission across Scotland
Share ideas, ask questions & pray.
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Breaking the Silence on Domestic Abuse
Sat Nov 7th 930-1230 in Greenbank church of Scotland
Explore how abuse can be addressed
Edinburgh Womens Aid, Scottish Violence reduction Unit & Survivors are tajking part.
See attached.
Tearfund Invitation
Invite a Speaker to Your Church
Tearfund Scotland's passionate speakers are available to visit your congregation. Whether for a Sunday service, a midweek fellowship or guild meeting, a youth event, or a prayer breakfast, a speaker can help bring global stories of hope and transformation directly to your church.
What a Tearfund speaker offers:
- Inspiring preaching and teaching rooted in Biblical justice and compassion.
- First-hand stories of transformation from communities facing poverty, climate challenges and conflict.
- Practical ways for your church to get involved through giving, acting and praying.
Contact Diana Cameron & Tearfund Scotland directly at scotland@tearfund.org
Neurodiversity & Worship Sat 17 Oct 2-4pm at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
Worship: A Practical and Liturgical Theology
What if our worship could bring us even closer to God and to each other? What if our communities could be blessed even more? Led by Dr Léon Van Ommen, Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology at Aberdeen University.
Retired Ministers Association
Meets first Monday of the month in New Town Church, George Street, Edinburgh.
On Oct 5th Douglas Nicol will speak on his book on Summer Faith Missions
To join contact Matthew.bicket1952@gmail.com
Finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue to pray this week for our friends at Dunglass Parish.
Next week we pray with Duns & District Churches giving thanks for their thriving toddler group, Kirk Kids; for all who responded positively to the invitation to come to church and for the flower festival this weekend.
Dan & Peter