Hello everyone,
Last Wednesday I attended a meeting of something called the New Directions group who are a group of people called together by the Assembly Trustees with the task of looking ahead to the kind of church we might become. There were people gathered from all over the church and from all levels. One of those there was Rev Tommy McNeil who spoke eloquently (as he always does) of the need to share the good news of Jesus. Part of Tommy’s challenge was twofold, that there is good news and that we need to share it. Whilst that seems pretty simple, in truth we struggle because we don’t want to appear to be boasting or bigging ourselves up. Yet it is the good news of Jesus we are called to share and there really is good news!
Over the last month one congregation in Lothian and Borders told me how they had added 10 people to the church. Another spoke of baptising people in the sea. A few spoke of people taking vows of Eldership, younger people! Yet another had been away doing a vision day where people came back energised. I could go on because actually there is a lot of good news in our congregations. Why are we so shy to share it?
Going into Autumn, both Peter and I wish to offer a challenge to our congregations. Help us to share your good news? If someone joins your congregation, let us know and we will share it. New elders, new people in worship, existing people in worship!, people going to prayer, a church making a positive impact in the community; whatever you consider good news we will share. Our inspiration for this season of encouragement will be Barnabas. Acts 11: 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
At Presbytery on Saturday one of the items passed was the creation of a Presbytery Youth Delegate scheme. Modelled on GA Youth Representatives this allows young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to become corresponding members of Presbytery. Ah but I hear you ask who in their right mind would want to become a member of something like Presbytery at that age? This initiative actually originated with a young person who wanted the chance to influence the church at a regional level. If you have young folks, please ask them if they want the chance to shape the church across Lothian and Borders and if this is something they want to explore and if so get in touch with myself of Peter. Linked Here are the regulations Presbytery approved for this which you are encouraged to share with your young people.
One of the ways we support our young folks is through the Presbytery Youth Leaders Network which meets next on Saturday October 18th at St.Andrew’s Leckie, Peebles from 1030. All involved with young people are welcome. Lunch provided. Contact Peter for more information.
Some good news is that the new cohort of churches in Growing Young is now under way with a conference being held in Westerhailes on Saturday.
Thank you to all those who responded with offers of becoming an Interim Moderator. There are now a few volunteers with space for more. Please let me know the names and contact details and I will be in touch.
More good news from CrossReach in their latest communication. Most people are unaware of the amazing work being done in Christs name through all who serve with CrossReach. See here: Https://flipbooks.crossreach.org.uk/PresbyteryNews
Various other bits of good news this past week is that Jedburgh and Oxnam linked with Ale and Teviot United voted to elect Sarah Cook as their sole nominee. Further north Newbattle St Nicholas Buccleuch voted to elect Rev Christopher Watt as their nominee. Ayton and District were linked with Berwick St Andrews Wallace Green and Lowick on Sunday at the same time as Fogo congregation voted in favour of joining that linkage at a future date. Coincidentally we are asked to remember Fogo in the presbytery prayer diary this week.
September 14th Fogo
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Give thanks for the witness of God’s people in Fogo church over many centuries. Pray for them as they work out the best way to continue to bear witness to Jesus Christ in this century.
As you can see there is a lot happening. God’s Spirit is on the move and there is much good news. What good news might you share to encourage your brothers and sisters and in turn be encouraged by them?
God Bless
Norman
Ps. Please remember these email are intended to be shared far an wide. If you have any ideas on how we can be a better Presbytery or how we can help your church, please send them in.