Hello everyone,
Greetings from the Presbytery Clerks conference!
There are all the clerks gathered for two days as we look at upcoming changes to legislation.
We are sharing stories as well as encouraging each other. Whilst the context of each Presbytery is different the task everyone is trying to do is the same; support congregations in their worship and witness so that God’s kingdom grows. Sitting here, one of the things that always amazes and encourages me is how many people across the church dedicate their lives to this thing called the church. Though we are all aware of the failings of our church we love her and we are prepared to work for her. In the business of the day, there have been a few moments of rest, one of which I am taking the opportunity to write the weekly update.
As you go through this week, who are you thankful to God for sharing your Christian walk with you, also what moments of rest are you having in these busy days when the todo list never ends?
Matthew 11: 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Some sad news this week is that our retired colleague Donald Pirie died on Thursday, 25th September in Edinburgh. He was minister at Yester lw Humbie lw Bolton and Saltoun Church between 1999 and 2006, before retiring with his wife Anne to Fairmilehead. He is fondly remembered in the parish.
We are asked to pray for Gorebridge this week. We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community. Please pray for the Hilltop project and as they celebrate their 50th jubilee anniversary.
Two requests have come in for help to take a service.
War Memorial Service leader request: Newbattle: St Nicholas Buccleuch are looking for someone who is willing to lead a small war memorial service in Easthouses on Remembrance Sunday (9th November). If you are able to help in any way please contact Connor MacFadyen (Interim Moderator) at connormacfadyen@googlemail.com. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
At Legerwood on Sunday 2nd November it is a communion service. Any ministers available to take the service? If so please can you contact James Morison the Session Clerk, jdmorison@hotmail.com
Over the last two weeks the following decisions have been taken under powers.
| 23/09/2025 | Vacancy Procedure Committee | Appoint Rev G Glover to take over from Rev V Linford as Interim Moderator at Earlston and Mr Billy Anderson to be Assistant IM |
| 30/09/2025 | Presbytery Council | Agree to the appointment of Rev Geoff Berry as Locum in North Berwick Abbey linked with Dirleton |
| 02/10/2025 | Vacancy Procedure Committee | Appoint Rev Jim Watson to follow Rev Gordon Stevenson as IM at Dunglass until Rev Susie Fletcher returns from being off. |
Linked here and here are two flyers for a ministers clergy retreat. We commend them to all clergy within the Presbytery.
Please feel free to share these emails with your Kirk Sessions or whomever you wish. If you have any ideas how Presbytery can help you please let us know. Lastly please continue to pray and support each other.
God Bless
Norman Smith
Presbytery Clerk