As of the end of September Betty and Jessie Eastland are retiring as active elders in Skirling Kirk. They have however assured us that they still intend to be involved in the life of the Kirk and are keen to stay in touch with what is going on in the Parishes. The congregation in Skirling would expect and accept nothing less. Here are some of their recollections of their long involvement with Skirling and its church.
The sisters were both born in the village and attended Sunday school along with all the rest of the children, even those whose parents were not in church. Then when they were older it was Bible Class in the Church or in the Manse. Bible Class involved homework on that week’s text in a pink exercise book marked up each week by the Minister. Then they joined the church in their mid-teens again along with majority of the local children; they remember twelve teenagers joining one Sunday. Betty has seen ten ministers come and go in Skirling, initially Skirling Ministers, then linked with Broughton then in the 1970’s, as we are today, linked with Broughton, Stobo and Drumelzier and Tweedsmuir. Nine of those Ministers went into retirement from the charge.
The Harvest Supper held on 29th September was a huge success. Musical entertainment was provided by John (accordion) and Rebecca (violin) from Biggar, playing together for the first time, and by Strumash, the excellent ukulele band from Peebles.
Janet Hunter Comes 2nd in National Guild Convenor Challenge
Janet Hunter comes 2nd in guild convenor's challenge
On 1st September Janet Hunter was in Dundee to attend the Guild Annual Gathering where it was announced that her embroidered cushion came second in this year's national Guild Convenor's Challenge. The challenge was to embroider a cushion.on the theme of "One Journey Many Roads", that being the Guild's theme for the next three years.
Thank you to all who supported the harvest supper last week. From the reports received, a good night was had by all and £326 has been sent to the RSABI.
You are invited to a talk entitled From Scotland to Jerusalem followed by Supper in Drumelzier Village Hall on Friday 19th October at 6:30pm. Tickets (adults £10, under 13's £8) can be obtained from either the Birchalls (830319) or Campbells (01721 760252).
On Sunday 21st October, there will be a joint service in Skirling Church at 11am followed by a lunch in Skirling Village hall. This is to celebrate the retirement of Betty and Jessie Eastland from active eldership in Skirling church after 42 years of service. All are welcome to come and celebrate with us. Please note, there will be no services in the other churches.
You are invited to an afternoon conference on the Middle East. followed by a service of prayer for peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine. This has been organised by the Presbytery at the request of the General Assembly to learn more about the church's involvement in the Middle East. The date is Wednesday the 24th October, the venue is Innerleithen church and the programme starts at 2:30pm.
Clearing the Ground for the Broughton Primary School Polytunnel
On Tuesday 5th June a very small team of very small people ably assisted by Finlay Smith, Lynn Smith and Christine Parker made the first steps towards erecting a brand new polytunnel for Broughton Primary School. The Parishes of Upper Tweeddale have funded the purchase of this tunnel through last year's Harvest Supper and collections during Christmas services and other events. More
Parish Profile
STOP PRESS! We're now looking for a new Minister. For more information and our parish profile click More
Presbytery Visit from Young People of Malawi and Lebanon
Our Malawian guests singing at Earlston Church
On 26th August the visit of an inspiring group of young people from Malawi and Lebanon to the Presbytery came to a fitting end with a party/service at Innerleithen Church. The many activities (social and serious) of the visit were encapsulated in two hours of food and friendship.
Fiona Burnett, convenor of the World Commission Committee of the Presbytery, conducted an interview with the group during which they gently laid down a challenge to us to listen more to young people, to embrace change so that the church can become more attractive to the young and to have more interactive services.
On Sunday 10th June about forty people from around the parishes gathered at Tweedsmuir Village Hall for a united Sundae Sunday service followed by ice cream and a wonderful range of sauces and toppings.
The focus of the service was on the plight of displaced people, a theme often repeated in the Bible (the reading was the story of Ruth) and sadly far too relevant today. According to UNHCR the world "is witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record" with over 65 million people having been forced from their homes, over 22 million of whom are refugees, over half of whom are under 18 years old. More
Broughton Kirk at 10am
Tweedsmuir Kirk at 10am
Skirling Kirk at 11.30am
Stobo Kirk at 11.30am
Coming Soon...
Joint Service followed by Lunch in Skirling
Sunday
21 October 2018
Weekly Listening Hour
Tuesdays 10:30
Laurel Bank Broughton
Coming Soon... Joint Service followed by Lunch in Skirling Sunday 21 October 2018
