Notices
Fun & Friendship – 4-6 pm on Sunday, 21 October 2018
We're planning an all-ages event and meal focusing on fun and friendship with stories, games, activities and food. There will be two or three people sharing stories of working together, games that require teamwork, a couple of crafts and an informal shared meal of jacket potatoes & toppings, cakes/traybakes and tea/coffee. All are welcome and encouraged to bring friends!
Jacket potatoes and basic toppings (butter, cheese, beans, salt & pepper) will be provided, so an idea of numbers would be helpful. If you fancy another topping for your potato, please bring it with you. Please contact Heather at h.major.1@research.gla.ac.uk to indicate your interest. We look forward to seeing you!
A Unique Reminder
When Bea and Ray Nicholson left St Andrew’s Wallace Green for sunny Saltcoats in October 2017, they were presented with an assortment of gifts (which they really appreciated!). Among the gifts was a motley collection of keys donated by various members of the congregation to Rena who, in turn, carefully boxed them up and offered them at the farewell lunch hosted by the choir, past and present.
Since then, Bea and Ray awaited inspiration as to what to do with the keys. Recently, Ray was given a beautiful piece of wood by a tradesman who figured, quite correctly, that he (Ray) would find a good use for it. Sure enough, a few weeks later, after some careful sanding and treating, Ray mounted the keys, finishing the whole with a copy of the church’s logo which Bea designed a few years ago.
This beautiful item is now hanging in their loft sitting room, right by the window which overlooks Arran. Ray said that it represents the keys to the bits of their hearts left in St Andrew’s.
Another Happy Day
On Sunday, 8 July 2018, the congregation welcomed the Purdon-Tucker family and their friends to the church for the blessing of their third gorgeous child, Louis. Mum and Dad (Alison and Ben) brought with them their eldest two children, Sam and Kyle, to help with the blessing. Many of the friends of Alison and Ben, particularly the children, joined in with the service and enjoyed the Follow-My-Leader game.
It’s always good to seen new people in the church and we welcome you all with open arms.
Want to Raise some Cash for the Church?
Do you purchase items on the web? If so, you can raise cash for our Church, at no extra cost to yourself.
Go on to the EasyFundraising site (www.easyfundraising.org.uk) and sign up for an account. Your chosen charity should be St Andrews Wallace Green Church. Once you have signed up, the EasyFundraising logo will appear at the top right hand corner of your screen.
With over 3200 shops and sites on board including Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Virgin Trains and Aviva, you can get donations on everything from your weekly shop to your annual holiday and it doesn't cost a penny extra!
When you wish to purchase something from the web, press the EasyFundraising logo and go looking for the shop of your choice. Complete your transaction as normal and pay for the goods. St Andrew’s Wallace Green Church wIll get an extra 50p when you raise your first donation. It will also receive a percentage of the purchase price of your item (at no extra cost to you). Notification of your donation will come through by e-mail a couple of days later.
The shops and sites give EasyFundraising a percentage of what you spend and they turn that into a donation, it’s that easy. There’s no catch or hidden charges and St Andrews Wallace Green Church will be really grateful for your donations.
Thank you for your support.
The Doggies Had a Blessing - They Came from Near and Far ...
We welcomed all animals to the Church on Sunday, 13 May 2018, for a blessing. Below are photos of the little darlings who were blessed and we wish them all well, particularly Archie (Bedlington) who is not very well at the moment. The one-eyed Shih Tzu (Rosie) is with her godparents (Rob, Shirley and Yvonne). The service, although lighthearted, was very touching. Some of the dogs noted their delight with barks and singing along with the hymns.
Pets of all Denominations Welcome!
For the first time in Berwick, pets and animals are invited to a church service. On Sunday, 13 May 2018 (3 pm), St Andrew’s Wallace Green Church will hold a service of thanksgiving for animals, including a blessing of pets.
Rev Adam Hood said, ‘Pets and animals give much joy, comfort, companionship and support to so many people and we felt it was appropriate to acknowledge this with a special act of blessing.’
All are invited to come along; you can bring your pets into the Church, although we would ask anyone bringing their rhinoceros or elephant, to let us know in advance as large animal blessings will be done outside. All we ask is that you keep your pet beside you during the service. If you feel your pet maybe stressed by the environment, please bring a photograph instead.
This service is open to all denominations of pets and their companions. Please come along, bring a friend and we will see you in St Andrew’s Wallace Green (that’s the church with the tall pointy thing next to The Parade Car Park).
Look at our Easter Banner!
Isn't this a very pleasant sight?
This new Easter Banner was crafted by our Banner Sewing Group (what else would it be called!) comprising the delightful Rita Inglis and her happy helpers. Well done all of you.
The Banner is currently hung in the Church near the pulpit so the congregation can see it during the service.
Thank you to everyone concerned for the much appreciated work.
Easter Sunday 2018 - Oh, what a day!
As usual, we had a very busy Easter at St Andrew's Wallace Green. Easter began with a service on the evening of Maundy Thursday. We started off with some hearty singing in the church and moved through for Communion in the Session Room. That was a very intimate and touching service.
After the service, we communed over tea and some lovely Victoria Sponge baked by our Session Clerk, Rita Inglis.
Easter Friday is always a very sad time of year and we held our service of remembrance, uplifted slightly by the choir's anthem 'His hands were pierced' (Mission Praise 232).
Easter Sunday's praise started early! Photos will follow but we held our (first) service on Spittal Beach at 8 am. We were joined by sturdy groups from some other congregations, including St Paul's United Reformed Church in Spittal. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Although chilly, the sun shone, the waves raced to the shore, people walked their dogs and we sung our hearts out. After our service, we adjourned to St Paul's whose members had kindly invited everyone for breakfast. Cups of tea always taste better when made by someone else.
Our 'normal' Sunday Service began at 11 am and was uplifting. After the Service (and before the week's best cup of tea), we gathered outside to place daffodils on the cross. Sheila Campbell placed one in particular for Elsie, one of our number, who is currently unwell.
Our thoughts and prayers as usual go out to all our fellow parishioners who are not so good and we wish for speedy recoveries.
Another Lovely Blessing - Brooklyn & Jaxon Girdwood
We had the delight of witnessing the blessings of Brooklyn (aged 4) and Jaxon (aged 2) in the Church on Sunday, 4 March 2018. As Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.' (Matthew 19:13-15)
May these lovely gifts from God (as well as their big sister Kadee) continue to be surrounded by love, care and trust.
The children were as good as gold during the service, being looked after by their parents Bryony Hiroz and Jason Girdwood. It was lovely to see all their young friends participate in the Sunday Club.
The Best Ever Pop-Up Nativity Play
Members of our congregation pushed the boat out and participated in our Pop-Up-Nativity Play on Sunday, 17 December 2017. The Youth Group put on a short drama and this was followed by the Nativity Play. We only had one Mary but we had a couple of Josephs, lots of angels, several shepherds, a donkey (with an Eeyore outfit), one sheep (with a See-Ewe-Jimmy hat), a donkey, a camel and a giraffe (that well-known character from the nativity story!). No 1 Shepherd was James Armstrong with his genuine shepherd's crook. Humphrey the Camel and See-Ewe-Jimmy Sheep were slightly late with their entries to the scene and got a quick tap on their respective backsides from James' crook. No messing with that shepherd!
Lynda Bankier narrated a very sweet and poignant story about the Nativity, supported by the cast of oddities. Those members of the congregation who weren't dressed up certainly joined in with the calls for Surprise and Hurrahs when given their cues by Gabriel the Angel.
The youngest members of the cast were Amelia, Philippa and Lily who looked lovely (in the arms of their mothers) in their angel outfits. As usual, it was a delight to see everyone participate in a very warm and family-friendly play. Well done each and everyone!
Christmas Card Delivery Service
Members of the church deliver Christmas cards to Berwick, Tweedmouth, Spittal, Scremerston, Lowick, East Ord, Horncliffe, Foulden, Hutton, Paxton and Norham. We only deliver to the villages (no outlying properties). Please hand in your cards and your donations (minimum of 35p per card) to St Andrew's Wallace Green Church 2-3.30 pm weekdays 7-14 December 2017 and before or after services on Sundays 3 and 18 December 2017. You can also hand in your cards and donations 4-14 December 2017 at Bank of Scotland (Hide Hill), The Head Gardener (2 Ord Drive) HB Longbone & Son (Walkergate).
Please put the money in a bag with cards - no change will be given in the shops.
This service for anyone who wishes to use it, not just the Church's members.
Baptism of Amelia Lucy Burn
On Sunday, 19 November 2017, we welcomed into our Christian family the beautiful Amelia Lucy Burn.
Amelia's proud parents are Mark & Fiona Burn. Amelia was born at 4.35 pm on Wednesday, 15 March 2017, and for the baptism was dressed in an outfit some 50 years old - she wore it very well.
It was lovely to meet and greet all the guests who came along to the baptism. Many of the younger guests joined our Sunday Club which was a lovely bonus to the day.
Auction Ahoy
We had our Auction of Talents on Sunday, 8 October 2017. Some 60 people stayed on after the service and lunch (along with some visitors) and a good time was had by all.
Prior to the Harvest Service, Rita Inglis and team decorated the Church with harvest produce, flowers, fruit, etc, and it was a lovely sight to behold, particularly Beth Welsh’s beautiful hand-made pulpit fall (see picture).
After an uplifting service, lunch was provided. The Lunch Team comprised Joan & Gordon Learmonth and Susan & Neil Jordan. They made the soup (the Tomato & Chilli was particularly tasty) and the sandwiches, cakes and pizza (made from jelly sweeties) were provided by generous members of the congregation.
The Auction started prompt at 1 pm and was presided over by our professional auctioneer, Logan Brown. Logan kept the audience happily amused while he extracted their bids and subsequent monies. Over 50 lots were auctioned off and £2,645.50 was raised. This will be shared between Christian Aid Harvest Fund and the Church's own funds.
Many thanks to all those who helped and the generous bidders.
UPDATE!
For our special Sunday (8 October 2017), the timings as are on the poster PLUS the Auction items are available to view from 12.30 on Saturday, 7 October 2017, with the Auction starting at 1 pm on Sunday, 8 October 2017. A list of the lots is below.
Come along and support us and these good causes.
Bring yourself.
Bring some friends.
Bring your purses and wallets.
|
Lot |
Item |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Jams by Jackie – Part 1 A selection of 6 jams to preserve you in your hour of need. |
|
2 |
Christmas Cake (un-iced) Enjoy one of Kate Robson’s lovely Christmas cakes. This will last until Christmas unless you succumb early. |
|
3 |
Swimming Vouchers for the Swan Centre Two adults and two children can enjoy a frolic in the flumes at the Centre. Valid until 8 December 2017. |
|
4 |
Gent’s Haircut A gent’s haircut NOT from Sweeney Todd but from the magical east (ern lane) via Berwick’s very own Inness Grey. |
|
5 |
‘Tales from the Western Front’ by Ed Dixon Reminiscences of the people and places encountered by the author in France and Belgium, connected by the common thread of the Great War. Donated by Extremis Publishing (Tom & Julie Christie) |
|
6 |
A Drive in Maurice and some Afternoon Tea! Relive bygone days and memories with an afternoon drive in Maurice, a classic Morris Minor, followed by the quintessentially British experience of afternoon tea. Donated by Stuart & Linda Bankier. £20 reserve. |
|
7 |
Date & Walnut Cake Home baked and tasty. Enjoy and to hang with Weightwatchers! Donated by Eileen Harper. |
|
8 |
Experience a Float Tank (£25) Relax and enjoy a float tank experience at Hope Floats and let the world and its cares float away. |
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9 |
Pottery Painting and Afternoon Tea Paint your own pottery or let your children/grandchildren do it and finish with a lovely afternoon tea for two. Donated by Pot-a-Doodle-Do. |
|
10 |
Gardener’s Potting Set A brand new, boxed (what a Christmas present!) potting fork and trowel set. Burgeon & Ball make and donated by Pot-a-Doodle-Do. |
|
11 |
Film Tickets at the Maltings 2 tickets for up to 4 people (each time) for the silver screen at Berwick’s theatre and art centre. |
|
12 |
Flowers Treat yourself or that someone special to some lovely flowers donated by our very own, multi-talented Jean Elliot - go on, you’re worth it. |
|
13 |
Jams & Chutneys – Part 1 A selection of jams and chutneys from the skilled culinary kitchen of Kate Robson. |
|
14 |
Bale of Towels Two hand towels, one bath towel and one bath sheet presented in gift form either for yourself or for a wedding/engagement present. Donated by Elsie Greenaway. |
|
15 |
Massage Berwick Touch Therapy Aaahhh! Ooooohhhh! You’re worth it so, go ahead, treat yourself to an hour of pummelling delight at Berwick’s Touch Therapy. |
|
16 |
‘An Innocent Abroad’ and ‘Still Innocent Abroad’ by David M Addison These books describe the misadventures of a Scottish exchange teacher in Montana during the seventies. Donated by Extremis Publishing (Tom & Julie Christie) |
|
17 |
Vintage Child’s Armchair A post-War-style brown leatherette armchair in miniature. Perfect for the child or grandchild in your life. Donated by Ray Nicholson, |
|
18 |
A Trip to Capri! Sorry, a trip in a Ford Capri! Yes, it’s back to the 70s with Bodie, Doyle and Alan Irving as he chauffeurs you for an afternoon experience in his much-loved Ford Capri. £20 reserve. |
|
19 |
Voucher for Thistle Do Nicely You’ll easily manage a cake and a scone with your coffee with this lovely £10 voucher. |
|
20 |
Cobra Camera Tripod Boxed, lightweight, Cobra brand, four-section tripod in very good/new condition. Donated by Ray Nicholson. |
|
21 |
‘The Craft of Public Speaking’ by Colin M Barron Daunted by the idea of speaking in public? Got a wedding speech to give? This illustrated guide is what you need to give presentations to public audiences. Buy this. It’s worth it to stop yourself getting red face. Donated by Extremis Publishing (Tom & Julie Christie) |
|
22 |
100% Merino Wool Throw Large size. Made in Yorkshire by (probably) the UK’s premier woollen manufacturing mill. Absolutely gorgeous. Super soft. Lightweight yet warm and perfect for a cold winter’s evening. Donated by Bryon Longbone. |
|
23 |
Annual Ground Passes to Paxton House (Two) Valid from now until June 2018. Come and enjoy the extensive grounds of Paxton House: wild woodlands, stunning herbaceous borders and a play park. See the red squirrels (maybe). |
|
24 |
Foodstuffs (? Potatoes) Straight from the farm! Your own Harvest Festival Bonanza! Lots of local produced as described on the day. Donated by James Armstrong. |
|
25 |
Picture A semi-vintage picture from the near east (Turkey) and made in the traditional Ebru-style featuring marbled paper background and pansies. Nicely framed. Donated by Jackie. |
|
26 |
Chiropody Voucher (£25) for Rhapsody Sore feet? Bad toenails? Take a chance to treat yourself – I know you only walk on them – but your feet, oooh, your poor feet, give them a treat. |
|
27 |
Halfords Car Polisher As new, this 240 Volt car polisher, complete with generously long power lead will leave your car a-gleaming without elbow grease. Donated by May Wilson. |
|
28 |
Knitted Nativity The pins have clicked and clacked to produce a delightful nativity scene which is sure to give you joy and happiness for many years. Donated by Kate Robson. |
|
29 |
Piano Lessons Want to learn to play the piano? Want to hone your keyboard skills? Buy this for SIX ‘taster’ lessons from our own Rena Telfer. £20 reserve. |
|
30 |
Hand-Crocheted Blanket A lovely crocheted blanket, handcrafted by Ms Lillian Martin is on display in the Church. |
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31 |
Trip to Kelso Garden Centre A luxury chauffeured experience to Kelso Garden Centre. Donated John & Betty Mathieson. £20 reserve |
|
32 |
Mystery Box What can it be? Go on, make a bid. The size of the box may (or may not) have something to do with its contents. Donated by Allison Longbone |
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33 |
Shopping Difficult – Have a Personal Shopper Emma Anderson will call and collect you, take you to the shop of your choice, assist with the experience, help you pack your bags and return you safely home. |
|
34 |
Walking Stick by John Harper A lovely, traditionally made walking stick handcrafted by John Harper. |
|
35 |
New Boxed Set of Artist’s Pencils A large, new, boxed set of Derwent brand of artist’s pencils. Fantastic gift for the budding Van Gogh/Turner in training. Donated by Sheena & Sid Burgeon. |
|
36 |
Stitz Camera Tripod Unboxed. Essential piece of equipment for anyone wishing to undertake more serious photography. Donated by Ray Nicholson. |
|
37 |
Prevent Scurvy! Not a major issue these days but better safe than sorry! Avail yourself to one pot a month for six months of Rena Telfer’s gorgeous Lime & Lemon Curd. |
|
38 |
Work on Family Tree Puzzled about who you are? Wondered where you came from? Sherlock (Rita) Inglis is poised to help you investigate. |
|
39 |
Tweed Boat Trip Enjoy a trip for two on Berwick’s Border Rose on the Tweed and/or the Estuary. |
|
40 |
Cowboy This cute cowboy is a cuddly toy, not Clint Eastwood. Donated by Robertson’s Department Store. |
|
41 |
Golf at Goswick Meet up with Mr Chris Budzynski as his guest and enjoy a round of golf at Goswick followed by a traditional cup of tea and bacon roll. Chris’s contact details are 01289 305303. |
|
42 |
Bread Bored? Have a Bread Board Presented by Sheila Budzynski, this lovely bread board (a board for bread, not a board made of bread) will enhance any kitchen. Comes complete with a 20 cm Sabatier Chef’s Knife for that extra cutting remark! |
|
43 |
Let’s Get Fresh! Adam Hood has kindly donated a bowl of fresh fruit which will grace any sideboard (and make you healthy). |
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44 |
Diamonds are Forever A charming pendant with diamond chips with a silver chain. Boxed and ready-to-give. Kindly donated by Linda Yearley. |
|
45 |
Framed Pictures Four traditional design, assorted prints with lovely wooden frames – would even be great putting pictures in! Donated by Beth Welsh. |
|
46 |
Jams & Chutneys – Part 2 A selection of jams and chutneys from the skilled culinary kitchen of Kate Robson. |
|
47 |
Potted Patio Pleasure A lovely pot planted with a selection of alpines and bulbs for a long flowering period of enjoyment. Donated by Gillian Wolverson. |
|
48 |
Christmas Quilt/Hanging A beautiful hand-made quilted piece which can be displayed for many Christmases to come. Crafted by Beth Welsh. |
|
49 |
New Set of Artist’s Watercolour Paints Boxed set of artist’s watercolour paints and equipment. Donated by Sheena & Sid Burgeon. |
|
50 |
Amber Glass Vase A lovely vase, approximately 8 inches high. Attractive amber colour with a honeysuckle engraving. Possibly Caithness. Signed by the artist. Donated by Sheena & Sid Burgeon. |
|
51 |
Onyx-Based Table Lamp A table lamp with an onyx base with a gilded cherubic figure and white shade. Donated by Beth Welsh. |
|
52 |
Jams by Jackie – Part 2 A selection of 6 jams to preserve you in your hour of need. |
|
53 |
Glass Candleholder A new, boxed, Royal Copenhagen, glass candleholder. Donated by Sheena & Sid Burgeon. |
|
54 |
Three Days of Decorating What a chance! A professional, time-served painter and decorator (Reg McQueen) in your home. The work to be done must be within a reasonable distance. Materials not included. Get bidding! |
As part of this year's focus on Stewardship of Money, we invite everyone to participate in our Talent Auction on Sunday 8th October. After the service, there will be a soup lunch and then an auction of 'talents' offered by members of the congregation. This might be the fruit of talents (e.g. knitted or sewn goods; paintings; home-grown vegetables, fruit of flowers), or offering a skill (e.g. grass cutting; drive to the country; a guided walk round someone's special area; a game of golf) or even a valuable item. Any proceeds will be divided between church funds and a worthwhile charity. If you have produce/a skill or item you can offer, please either sign up on the list in the Session room or let the minister know (phone/email - see Contacts and useful websites page)
Charlotte Helen Hall is Christened!
We would like to welcome into the fold the lovely Charlotte Helen Hall who was christened on Sunday, 20 August 2017. For the day, Charlotte was dressed impeccably in a cream dress with delicate embroidery. Her blue eyes shone like sapphires!
Charlotte was proudly accompanied by her Mum and Dad (Fiona and Dale), her brother William (aka Billy the Whiz) and her two godparents. Charlotte was born at 10.59 am on Monday, 27 June 2017, and has been a joy to behold ever since.
Fiona and Dale kindly invited the whole congregation and their guests to lunch in the Church. It was a lovely gesture and much appreciated.
Church launches a short walking booklet
We have produced a 16-page booklet entitled 'A reflective walk around Berwick Town'. This small, pocket-sized, publication gives residents and visitors an opportunity to slow down, for an hour or so, while it guides them round 10 key features within easy walking distance of the church. They are first told a little about each location’s history and are then invited to reflect on a story from the Gospels, which the author felt was represented. Many people have been involved in this creation including the Thursday Walking Group (a few of whom are pictured with the new publication) who tested and timed the route before we finally sent the work to press. Copies can be picked up at the Tourist Centre and other outlets, as well as from the church itself, or can be downloaded from the Kirk News page of this website.
After-church event: 21 May 2017
After the morning service there was a soup and sandwich lunch followed by The St Andrew's Dramatic Society (SADS) presentation of "A World Premier" - performed in their own inimitable style and as you've probably never seen them before! Here they are in the dressing room, just before the performance - last chance to get it right (they did!). Each picture holds for about 7 seconds.
New Horizons!
[Was provisionally known as 'The Tuesday Group' but now has a name. With thanks to Evelyn Mavin for her suggestion which was agreed by all.]
The last event for this season was the day trip to Beamish. Around 20 people went down and had a thoroughly good day (fortunate with the weather too!).
Hopefully we can see a new programme for the next session and it will be posted here as soon as it is available. To whet your appetite, see the completed programme. If you wish to come, perhaps bring a friend along too?
|
20 September 2016 |
Revd Bill Wishart, member of the Magic Circle |
|
18 October 2016 |
Christmas Craft Afternoon |
|
15 November 2016 |
Talk: Rev Dane Sherrard - My adventures in Green Pilgrimage. |
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20 December 2016 |
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ film with popcorn and mince pies |
|
17 January 2017 |
Burn’s themed afternoon |
|
21st February 2017 |
Games afternoon |
|
21st March 2017 |
Easter Crafts |
|
18th April 2017 |
Talk: Clare Lowe sharing an illustrated talk about her pioneering mission work in Tanzania. |
|
16th May 2017 |
Day trip to Beamish open air museum |
Soup, Social and Communion:
The planned Tuesday afternoon 30th May 2017 is postponed until after the summer
Another opportunity to meet together and for those who would like to a short communion service at the end. Do make a note in your diaries now and keep the afternoon free. If anyone needs a lift, let us know (see Contacts page) and we will do our best to arrange something.
Walking Group 
The Walking Group have returned to their evening walks , meeting at the church at 6pm every Thursday unti 31st August. Although we won’t be walking barefoot, we will try and become a little more mindful of seasonal changes as we walk our favourite routes. Every week we each put aside £1.00 and periodically will donate the proceeds to a local charity. At the end of the walk we enjoy a cuppa and biscuit (occasionally cake!). The walks aren’t too challenging we hope and would be glad if others would like to join us.
Serving with the Church: From ministry to volunteering
Next vocations conference is 17th June 2017 at Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline
For options to serve (Tomorrow's Calling) please follow THIS LINK to the Church of Scotland's Vocations page to see all the opportunites.
OLDER NOTICES
2017 Chalmers Lectures: Reforming the Kirk – the Future of the Church of Scotland (February 2017)
In this series of three lectures, Glasgow-based Practical Theologian and Kirk Minister, Dr Doug Gay offered a candid, forthright and bold analysis of the state of the Church of Scotland and the choices facing it.
He explored what it means to be 'presbyterian' in today’s Scotland, in which even kirk members are ambivalent about their identity. Recognising the significant challenges facing the church in the coming decade, he offered a manifesto for enacting structural reform, including key economic reforms, within the Kirk and argued that change is essential to address deep seated problems of decline and dysfunction.
All lectures were broadcast live from St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh from 6.30pm on each occasion and can be viewed by clicking on THIS LINK.
Alternatively you can download the PDF transcripts by clicking on the following:
Lecture 1 (Walls without Church: Glory without power) The first lecture explores ‘what just happened?’ tracing the decline of the Kirk as a national institution since the 1960s.
Lecture 2 (Call and Response) The second lecture explores the relationship between the church’s understanding of its own calling and its response.
Lecture 3 The final lecture makes the case for radical structural reform of the Church of Scotland over the next decade.
Christmas Card Delivery Service (2016)
This every popular service that receives cards, with a donation, to be delivered around Berwick and villages as well as a few outlying villages raised £951.01 towards church funds.
With many thanks to the customers, organisers, sorters and delivery persons. Without all of you this wouldn't be possible. We apologise for the small hiccups at the beginning and hope to see you all contributing however you can at the end of 2017!
An Owl brings the ring
Please see the full story on the Church of Scotland website HERE and more photos on Moments of note in 2016
Christmas Fayre & Christmas Card Competition winners!
A very successful Fayre was held on Saturday 26th November, people just kept coming. The helpers and stall holders were kept very busy and huge thanks go to them all for their untiring contribution.
The provisional figure of funds raised for the church is an incredible £1257.01.
The winners of the competition were (drum roll!):
William Hall (under 18) and Rena Telfer (over 18).
Their cards, along with a few other entries, will be available for sale at the congregational Christmas Fayre on Saturday 26th November and in the church thereafter. All proceeds from the sale of cards will go towards church funds.
UPDATE! UPDATE! Let's Build a House: Exciting news!
Just before noon on Saturday 25 April, 2015, was when the first earthquake struck Nepal. Lasting just 45 seconds; causing devastation, changing lives forever. 45 seconds that caused over 8000 people to lose their lives and over 6 million families to lose their homes.
45 Seconds is the time it would take to sing a verse of the Hymn, 'Let us build a House'.
(Watch a short [4:32] video HERE)
The World Mission Council is challenging Presbyteries and congregations to raise £500 to build a house in Nepal, as part of a three year project in partnership with the United Mission to Nepal.
Take a Pew: It's good to talk
Did you wonder what had happened to our pews - the ones taken from the front of the church? Well now you know! Take a Pew and join this vital conversation about the future of the Church.
This summer our pews are visiting Scotland’s iconic places where invited guests and the public will ‘take a pew’ with a Church minister to talk about how the Church needs to change and the big life and spiritual issues facing us all.
By signing up, you'll be alerted when each new Take a Pew film is released and you’ll be able to submit your own discussion topic and suggest a location for the pews to visit.
To see the introduction CLICK HERE and sign up for notification of future conversations at https://www.tomorrowscalling.org/take...
And to watch the first ever conversation CLICK HERE
Both links are on YouTube and will open in a separate window. If the links don't work search YouTube for Church of Scotland Take a Pew.
One of our members, Rev Bob Higham, is walking the Border Line (the Scotland/England border) in aid of the Nepal Leprosy Trust. Please follow THIS LINK for more information about the charity
Lowick services
We remain comitted to Lowick but, after consulting with members there, have taken the difficult decision to only hold one service a month on the second Sunday at 9.45am. There will also be a monthly sing-along at 1.30pm on the fourth Thursday. Everyone is very welcome to come along. Please check the calendar.
Retiring Collections
On communion Sundays, and sometimes on other occasions, there is a retiring collection where money is raised for a specific charity. Please see RETIRING COLLECTIONS page for information going back to 2011.
Evening Service Sunday 25th October 2015 at 6.00pm
This informal service again took the form of a panel discussion of questions relating to faith and submitted by members of the congregation. The panel included Rev Dane Sherrard (Presbytery Clerk), Rev Fritha Middlemiss (Berwick Parish Church) and Major Steven Turner (Salvation Army).
As before, we summarised the reactions for everyone so everyone can see what was asked and answered. This summary can now be found on the Documents page of this website.
Harvest Thanksgiving Service: Sunday 11th October 2015
This year the Kirk Session have decided that we wouldn't collect goods for the local Food Bank because they are currently well stocked (see below). Instead we invited money donations towards the Christian Aid Harvest Appeal. Please follow THIS LINK for more information.
Foodbank donations
From Susan and Neil Jordan. "Many thanks for all your contributions to the Foodbank. At the moment they have a surplus of food; however, they would accept cash donations so that they can buy items they run short of. These donations should be put in a sealed envelope labelled FOODBANK and given to Neil or Susan."
Coffee Bar
Elsie Greenaway writes; "The Sunday Coffee Bar plays an important role in our being a friendly church. Thaks to all who help to produce this without fail however, if others joined the rota, this could help to lessen the load for current helpers. Men have been 'tried and tested' and couples are also welcome." For futher information please contact us (see Contacts page) and we will put you in touch with Elsie.
Life & Work (THE magazine of the Church of Scotland)
Please ask in the church if you are interested or look at the magazine's own website LIFE AND WORK
Mission Partners in Nepal
Our mission partners, Malcolm and Cati Ramsay are part of the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) and have first-hand experience of the earthquakes. They regularly send us updates. If you would like to see how they are doing please visit the UMN website. If you would like to receive regular updates to your email, please use the Contact us Form.
Video documentary about our church
To watch a short documentary about St Andrew's Wallace Green and Lowick Church of Scotland, Berwick upon Tweed please see the Video Documentaries page where you can choose to watch with or without subtitles and even in 3D!
(Photo courtesy of Robin Cheer)
Moments in Time: Flower Festival
To find out what the displays represent, see the Flower Festival 2015 page or if you would just like to watch a short film, please click on the photograph on the right.