When we set up the new Presbytery it was our intention to be as open with information as possible; that is still our intention. We were planning to publish minutes as they came out and to keep people informed because in a big Presbytery like this it can be pretty easy to feel you don’t know what is happening. We singularly failed to push out the minutes. Best laid plans and all that! They will be on the new website when it goes live in a couple of months time but what to do in the meantime?
Presbytery Council had a good discussion about this last week and thought that agenda’s would be informative on what group met when and what they were discussing. Please find attached 3 recent committee agendas in the document Agendas. Whenever a group meets from now on we will put out agendas like this. In addition there are items taken under powers. Whenever one of these happens from now on we will include it in the weekly update, again so you know what is happening. For instance, today the Presbytery Council, acting under powers, concurred with the decision of the Kirk Session at Pencaitland Parish Church to sell the current manse. This was in accordance with the approved Presbytery Mission Plan.
Not only will this tell you what is going on, it might raise an area you have an interest in or want to contribute to or even an area you would like a group to look at. Feel free to feed back and I will pass on your feedback to the relevant committee.
This is your Presbytery, it is here to help you.
In a Presbytery this size there are always things going on or someone needing some help.
Revd David Graham has a wedding booked for Saturday 16th November in Direlton Kirk that he is now not able to do. The happy couple are aware David will not be available. If you are able/willing to help out a colleague, please can you contact David directly at DGraham@churchofscotland.org.uk
On Sept 13th , from 9.30-1pm Rev Ian Adams is leading a day for us on how to pioneer and reach new people. If you are interested in growing your church, please book and go along. The event is free. Attached are a PowerPoint Slide, pdf and poster.
Church of Scotland Learning have released a new module based on Rev Colin Sinclair’s Hitch Hikers Guide to the Bible. See attached document.
We are asked to remember in prayer this week Kelso North and Country Churches, remember the leadership and all involved with the community.
Following on from the General Assembly, it was agreed every Presbytery should have a Presbytery Buildings Officer and the General Trustees would pick up the costs. Please find attached a job advert for ours. Share this amongst your contacts and encourage anyone you now who is suitable to apply.
From Resourcing Mission:
The Presbytery of Lothian and Borders wants to encourage those who are engaged in recognised ministries to take time for fellowship, prayer and conversation about the things that matter to them as they exercise their ministry. The Resourcing Ministry Committee is organising two Retreat/Pastoral Mornings. All who are active as ministers of Word and Sacrament, OLMs, Deacons, Readers and Lay Pastors are invited to attend. The mornings are located in the north and the south of Presbytery to encourage as wide a participation as possible, but you are welcome to attend whichever is more convenient for you in terms of date and time. The mornings will be facilitated by Presbytery chaplains. If you plan to attend, please let Leslie Milton (Amilton@churchofscotland.org.uk) know.
Friday 27th September from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Longniddry Parish Church
Wednesday 13th November 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Innerleithen Parish Church
On both Retreat/Pastoral Days we can go on for lunch locally before traveling home.
I am grateful to both Longniddry and Innerleithen for offering hospitality to us.
There is an updated version of who is proposed to go on which committee and for how long. Again see one of the documents.
Remember it is Presbytery this week at Dalkeith St Johns and Kings Park building from 10am for conference and 12.40 for business, please bring your own lunch.
God Bless and take care
Norman Smith
Presbytery Clerk