Dear Friends
Being part of a bigger story…
One of the joys of my role as mission officer is to see different churches in action in different places but all following the same Lord. Increasingly I feel that I am being reminded that we are all part of a bigger story than simply our own. A story that started before us and one which will outlast us. We ourselves both as individuals and as churches have been and are part of someone else’s prayers whilst we are now the ones sowing seeds of faith and hope. When you look at the list of the characters -the great cloud of witnesses -mentioned in Hebrews 11 you realise that grace has led us and shaped us into being the person that we are today. And so, I give thanks for people who have taught me so much about faith and love from Congo to Cockenzie. I wonder who features on your list of key ‘shapers’ for you? Where have these people come from and where in the world are they now?!
New on the Presbytery YouTube channel
Reflecting on becoming a new church through the union of the old
As churches we have been regrouping in one way or another. For some this process has been painful. Yet there are also stories of new partnerships forged from the old that are important to share. Take a listen to the interview I did with local leaders in Hawick as they reflected upon the creation of the new Hawick South church. https://youtu.be/xA_xm7_XIT0?feature=shared
Hawick United Service in Volunteer Park August 31st
The Volunteer Park grandstand in Hawick will once again resound with praise to God as churches from across the town and district gather for their annual united service of worship and witness on Sunday 31st August at 11.15am
The service is organised by Hawick South Church of Scotland who will be joined by the Baptist Church, Burnfoot Church, Elim, Ruberslaw Country Parishes, St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church, the Salvation Army, Teviothead Church, and Wilton Church. But anyone, whoever they may be, is welcome!
The Saxhorn Band will accompany the singing, and a number of people from the various churches will take part. Our preacher this year is Rev Robert McArthur from River Church Banff. Rob led the Revive Scotland mission to Hawick in May last year which God blessed, with people coming to faith and others being revitalised in their faith, and which brought the churches together in notable Christian unity. It will be good to have Rob back again to speak at our united service.
The offering at the service will as in previous years go to the Hawick Foodbank.
Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be enjoyed in the clubrooms after the service.
Alistair Cook said, “we look forward to a great time of encouragement and joy as we come together from all the different churches in the town and district to worship the Lord.”
Harvest
Have you noticed the tractors & combine harvesters out on the roads recently?! Is this the earliest finish yet for bringing in the harvest? I spoke to a local farmer in the borders and asked him how the harvest had been this year, Here’s his reply that he agreed I could share with you…
“I’m writing this as I grab a cup of coffee between loading the grain drier, cutting stewardship margins and preparing a funeral – Yep, it’s that time of the year again and I’m not after sympathy but I guess the busyness reflects how it is for most farmers right now…
Long days often by oneself can be tough, pressure to get jobs done in a timely manner seems to be always present, breakdowns are frustrating (kit obviously only ever breaks when it’s being used, which is often just once a year!) Fatigue can set in and that’s when mistakes can be made. So firstly I guess prayers for safety and good rest. Pray for safety & for good rest.
Secondly this year has seen a very dry winter and spring, making some yields mostly on lighter ground pretty poor. This coupled with poor prices (I had to get that one in!) makes it more difficult for some farms. On a wider scale the whole industry is in flux as we move from the European common agricultural policy to our own support schemes. Details are sketchy, there are lots of unknowns and the bottom line is basically less support monies…
..this coupled with the family farm tax is making things really tough and a lot of older farmers are simply walking away and selling up (more land coming on the market every day as family farmers bail out). As an example if I owned my farm (which I don’t) it’s probably worth circa £5 million. If I wanted to hand it on to my sons I wouldn’t pay any tax on the first million, but then 20% on the next 4 million. How could I possibly find £800,000!? So, the bigger picture is a wee bit bleak.
I spoke to my brother in law who’s been farming for 55 years and he said he’s never known the whole industry to be as fed up! However, we are a tough, resilient bunch, and God willing there will be new, fresh opportunities going forward!
Some All Age Resources for Harvest
- Harvest Lectionary Resources for Active Worship from The Reflectionary
- Worship ideas, songs, videos and poems from Engage worship
- Letters for Creation activities and reflections from Christian Aid to help your church youth group (ages 11-18) to explore the issue of climate justice from a faith perspective.
- Road Sign Harvest Prayersfrom reflectionary.org
- Muddy Church: Autumn and Harvesttrails, activities session ideas, wondering pages and school resources.
- Small But Mighty Nature Trail for Churchyards from Sun Hats & Wellie Boots
- Scarecrow Trail for Churches and Schoolsfrom Sun Hats & Wellie Boots
- https://seasonofcreation.org/
- https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/
Presbytery Messy Church Gathering August 26th
It would be great to see you in Duns Parish Church hall to reflect upon your recent experiences and planning for Messy church. We will be particularly sharing about telling bible stories and different ways of doing this. If you are coming for food please let me know and I’ll see you at 615pm. Otherwise see you at 7pm
Congratulations to Tim Linford
Tim (Stow, Haddington West) has been called to be the next minister of Word & Sacrament by Troqueer & Caerlaverock Parish church (Dumfries) in the Presbytery of the South West. We wish Tim & Victoria God’s blessing at this exciting time.
Gospel Entrepreneurs 19th September 2025, 121 George Street, Edinburgh
We are thrilled to invite you to Gospel Entrepreneurs in Edinburgh -events designed to inspire, equip and connect those who carry the Gospel into business, church ministry, or social enterprise. Local well known entrepreneurs will share their story. Whether you’re leading a church, launching a business, running a charity, or just exploring your calling, this is your moment to connect with others on the same mission – Roy Crowne. https://gospelentrepreneurs.charitysuite.com/events/5ntny3wx
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs, just email us at admin@revelationtrust.org, once you have booked.
AI in Ministry Conference Tuesday Sept 23rd
A free day conference 10-4 to help equip ministry.
Kirk at the Cross, Motherwell (formerly Dalziel St. Andrew’s)
For those who use AI in ministry to share learning
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-in-ministry-tickets-1434604082429?aff=oddtdtcreator
Disability Awareness Sunday
We have a short video of disabled Christian author Emily Owen that can be played in churches, and Emily has also written the materials for use in services too on the theme of ‘Made in the image of God’. All the resources are free and include suggested hymns and songs, prayers, etc, as well as Emily’s video and ideas for the talk.
The date for Disability Awareness Sunday is 28th September, but churches can use this material on any Sunday at all. The important thing is to spread the message of welcome and inclusion for disabled people in our churches.
Here’s the link for people to request the pack: Disability Awareness Sunday – Through the Roof
Are you aware of Manse Bairns Trust info?
The full title of The Glasgow Society for Sons and Daughters of Minsters of the Church of Scotland, is normally shortened for obvious reasons and the website is entitled Manse Bairns Network.
https://mansebairnsnetwork.org/MBN/Grants.html
The Paristamen charity. A Grant Awarding body
They do faith based grants of up to £1500
https://www.paristamen.org.uk/
Stewardship > Digital Giving > Payaz
Digital giving provider Payaz is hosting a webinar for Church of Scotland congregations on 1 September to showcase their range of contactless giving devices. More details to follow in the next CoS Stewardship newsletter. In the meantime, you can browse their products on the Payaz website. https://www.payaz.com/shop/
Vacancies
Church of Scotland Future.
Chief Officer
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead through a time of profound organisational transformation, ensuring that the Church’s people, resources and strategy are aligned to sustain and grow its mission across Scotland and beyond.
We are looking for someone who can hold the Church’s faith-based mission at the centre of all that they do. This will require courageous leadership, organisational clarity, and the ability to make and implement decisions in complex and evolving contexts.
Head of Finance and General Treasurer
We are in search of a strategic thinker who will lead our financial strategy with integrity, empathy and the gravitas to engage across the Church. They will have responsibility for financial governance, budgeting, reporting, audit, and risk across both the central church and related entities, ensuring best practice and innovation in service of our Christian values.
Head of Communications
We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and collaborative communications leader to join us to lead and transform the communications function at a pivotal time of change and renewal. They will oversee all aspects of media relations, digital presence, internal communications, brand, and publications, leading a dedicated and experienced team to tell the Church’s story with clarity, creativity and purpose.
Closing date: Noon on Friday 22nd August 2025.
In our search for the best candidates, we are partnering with Saxton Bampfylde, a recruitment consultancy with a strong track record of recruiting for Churches and Christian organisations. Therefore, for further information about each role, including details on how to apply, please visit their website at www.saxbam.com/appointments
Recommendations for the next Moderator 2026 > Deadline August 15th
Invitation to join the Retired Ministers Association
See link
In the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week in prayer for Dunbar Parish Church
Week beginning August 17th Dunglass
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Have a great week
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery