Dear Friends
Chaotic, violent, polluted, fragile or fractured…? How would you describe our world at present?
As I write this I’m watching trees being blown this way and that -their summer leaves making them more susceptible to catching this ferocious unseasonal gale. Nothing is safe or predictable in this wild world. One writer I’ve been reading of late talks about the darkening of the light of western civilisation.
All the more important reason then that we as Christians root ourselves deeply in the love that will never let us go and nurture small communities of light and hope. Recognising that we are formed for eternal connections we pattern our lives on the self-giving love of God.
For the most part however we get on with whatever is in front of us in our diaries and we do not feel like we are part of the global struggle. We perceive our daily lives in more ordinary, simple terms. For example a Friday morning gathering in an old church hall doesn’t appear radical but as I travel round our presbytery I think our Christian communities can express a love and a hope that, in these confused and despairing times, is defiant and vital!
Renew-Wellbeing at North Kirk, Penicuik.
Ø Quiet shared spaces where it’s OK not to be OK
There were two tables set out in the hall. At one there was a large jigsaw with participants quietly working together. At the other there was a general knowledge quiz conducted in an inclusive and gentle manner. Of the dozen or so folks present there was a lady just out of hospital, a younger woman who had a significant mental health condition, a middle aged bloke who was autistic and other older people. Clearly most folks had been before as they sat comfortably with each other. On the hour we were invited to pray and so to move through to the church. Not everyone did, but I noted that those who nipped outside came back after the prayers. The prayers themselves lasted for just 10 minutes and invited with single words shared out loud. Clearly structured on a familiar pattern it felt like a quiet and caring space.
The Renew Wellbeing movement began in the pandemic from a concern about the epidemic of loneliness we are all facing & from noting the isolation of so many people. Could people be invited into a social space to meet others and be open to being playful and caring? And could this caring spill over into prayer? I was delighted in the hall that morning by the mix of those present, by the quality of the safe space that was offered and that encountering God was on the agenda. https://www.renewwellbeing.org.uk/
Starting a new school year…
We are just over two weeks away to the start of a new school year! Do you mark this in any way?
I know that in some churches there is a special service to give thanks for that local community and to pray for staff and pupils. In another a church blessed school bags and gave out key rings to attach with bible verses or values on them. Or maybe we can simply offer to pray for our schools.
Presbyteries of Edinburgh & West Lothian and Lothian & Borders:
Worship Training, Level 3: “The Gospels and Acts”
Ministers can now nominate elders and members for our “Gospels and Acts” five-part course taking place over October and November.
Based on Professor Richard Burridge’s excellent book, Four Gospels, One Jesus.
See the letter linked here from Robin Hill
🧠💒 Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Practical Steps for Embracing Neurodiversity in Christ
📅 Wednesday 3rd September 2025 🕐 1:00–2:00pm | Online (Free Webinar)
How can our churches become more welcoming and inclusive for neurodivergent adults?
Join us for a one-hour online event exploring the theology, justice, and discipleship implications of neurodiversity in the Church of Scotland and beyond. You’ll hear from neurodivergent church members, theologians, and practitioners with lived and professional experience—plus gain practical ideas you can take back to your own congregation.
✨ Topics include:
- What neurodiversity means in a faith context
- How to support neurodivergent adults in worship and discipleship
- Simple, meaningful actions for more inclusive church life
Hosted by Faith Action, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, and Reach Out Together
This webinar is open to all—ministers, elders, MDS, and anyone passionate about a more inclusive church.
👉 Register here: email Peter Wood pwood@churchofscotland.org.uk
New Try Praying booklet for Young people
https://resources.trypraying.org/gb/products/youth-booklets
For teens who are curious, struggling, searching—or just wondering what prayer is really about. The Trypraying Youth Booklet is a fresh, honest, and creative 7-day journey designed just for teenagers. Whether life feels messy, confusing, or full of possibility, this guide opens up space to talk with God in a way that’s real and personal.
Recommendations for the next Moderator 2026
Rosie, Frew minister from Bowden & Melrose is doing a grand job as the current Moderator but its already time to think about her successor! Suggestions are welcomed by the nominating committee
East Lothian Churches & Food Relief
Courtesy of Reuse Scotland, East Lothian Food Bank has grants to offer. This may be of use to congregations who are involved in providing food pantries etc. The link below should take you to the criteria required. Minimum of £500, max £5000
Tackling Poverty in East Lothian Grant Fund Information pack.pdf https://share.google/TUkV3a14mFs5 isKo1i7
Borderlands Men’s Christian conference Sat. Sept 20th Ednam Village Hall
https://borderlandsmcc.co.uk/welfare-place-sent/
A conference for men in the Borders and North England, exploring practical ways to follow Jesus in our communities and work, whether you go to church or not. Our 2025 theme paraphrases a very urban Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:7, for applying in our rural communities.
“Seek the welfare of the place where I have sent you”
Celtish in Concert – Saturday 16th August at 7pm
As part of Innerleithen Music Festival, Celtish are playing a concert in Innerleithen Church of Scotland. A range of upbeat and reflective Celtic music, instrumentals, original songs and familiar lyrics set to timeless melodies.
Entrance by donation.
Poster linked here
Supporting Clergy in Zomba, Malawi > Clerical Wear
Following a recent partnership visit, the Presbytery of Zomba in Malawi appealed for second hand clerical wear. If you have any clerical shirts, collars, robes that you would be willing to share then if you could post or deliver them to me in the Borders then we would partner with The Bananabox Trust to get them shipped out to Zomba and I know ministers there would be very grateful. Rev Fraser Edwards, ITW FEdwards@churchofscotland.org.uk
Classical Guitar Concert at Longniddry
Saturday, 23 August at 7.30pm the acclaimed classical guitarist, Ben Kearsley will perform in the church. Tickets for each concert are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for Under 18s, including interval refreshments.
Tickets are available on line at the links below or by emailing: LongniddryCA@outlook.com or by phone on: 07508 846007.
Walk for Christian Aid at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Join with us as we walk to celebrate the 80 years work of Christian Aid.
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/kiltwalk-2025 Contact AMilton@churchofscotland.org.uk
Presbytery Prayer Calendar
Week beginning August 3rd > Dryburgh District Churches
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Pray for the Kirk Session and the congregation as the minister, Sheila Moir, retires at the end of September and for how they move forward in mission and service.
Please also remember Rev. Robin Allison, minister of Cockenzie & Port Seton who lost his lovely wife Julia to cancer last month.
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery