Parishes of Upper Tweed
4 congregations working as one
 
A Lifetime of Service

Miss Betty Eastland

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.
 
 
 
New Kirk Matters Published
Kirk Matters 2018
The Christmas 2018 edition of the Church Magazine, Kirk Matters, has been published and by now should be in all households in the parish.

This edition looks back to the Harvest Supper and the activities in the parish to recognise the armistice centenary while looking ahead to a full programme of Christmas activities.
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Harvest Supper

Mark and Richard (Strumash)
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.
Church notices for Sunday 9th December 2018
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Mrs Margaret Ellis on Wednesday 5th December. Margaret was an elder at Tweedsmuir for many years. A private service and internment in Tweedsmuir cemetery will be held on Friday 14th December followed by a service of thanksgiving in Broughton church at 11:30 to which all are invited.  
 
Due to family issues, Rev Ann Purdie has had to step down from the locumship in Upper Tweeeddale in the meantime. Please keep Ann and her family in your prayers during this difficult period. Whilst we have no locum, anyone requiring the services of a minster should contact our Interim Moderator, Rev Calum Macdougall on 01721 720568.
 
The advent discussion group will meet again on Thursday13th November at 7:30 in Skirling Village Hall. Copies of the book are available in each of the churches or by phoning John Burnett on 830303. This week we'll be looking at days1-4 of week 2, a time for patience  and welcome everyone interested to join us as we prepare for the Christmas season.
  
Christmas Craft Fair  Thank you to all who supported the evening and in particular supported the Guild raffle. We managed to raise £245 for Guild funds.
 
As reported earlier in the year, Upper Tweeddale Guild won 2nd prize in a national competition, thanks to the exceptional needlework of Janet Hunter. The picture has now been turned into notelets which are on sale in packs of 6, priced £5. Please contact Fiona (830408) if you wish to purchase some. All proceeds are for Guild funds
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Gift Services are being held  today in each of our churches. This year we are again supporting two charities. Warm clothing and toys will go to Edinburgh The Old Kirk and Muirhouse to be distributed in the West Pilton area of Edinburgh. Gift vouchers are particularly appreciated for young people supported by the Borders Young Carers Trust which enable the young carers to choose their own gift.
 
 
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Polytunnel for Broughton Primary School

Clearing the ground for the polytunnel at Broughton Primary School
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.
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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.
Sundae Sunday

Sundae Sunday
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.
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  Broughton Kirk at 10am
Tweedsmuir Kirk at 10am
Skirling Kirk at 11.30am
Stobo Kirk at 11.30am 		Coming Soon...
Guild Meeting
Wednesday  16 January 2019 		Weekly Listening Hour
Tuesdays 10:30
Laurel Bank
Broughton 		 

Coming Soon...
Guild Meeting
Wednesday 16 January 2019