On Saturday 1st August our retiring minister, along with elder Simon Oldham, made a final inspection of the parish - walking all the way from Hownam, via Morbattle, Linton, Hoselaw ... and ending in Kirk Yetholm; a grand total of 14 1/2 miles. They didn't find anyone misbehaving themselves and in need of a ministerial rebuke! Fortunately for us he was still relatively fit and healthy by the end and was able to lead services in Yetholm and Kelso on the following day. Unfortunately, it didn't make him change his mind and decide to stay - though, who knows, maybe he will come back every year to repeat the walk and remind himself of this beautiful part of the world.

On Sunday 2nd August we were delighted to welcome Ewan and Chantelle Cameron + their families to Yetholm kirk, for the baptism of their daughter Talia Rae. Talia seemed to enjoy the occasion! It was great to welcome a new member of the church.

Children from Yetholm Nursery regularly visit the kirk to join our weekly codffee mornings. On the 7th May they returned the favour and organised a coffee morning to which folks from the church were invited. Here are some photographs from the event. This is what the school wrote on their Facebook page, from which the pictures are also taken.
   "Yesterday our ELC hosted a coffee morning for their friends from the church coffee mornings. They held a planning meeting to decide everything they needed and then set about completing all the tasks. Their first task was to make posters to advertise the event then they set about making decorations to make the hall look pretty. They made all the cakes and treats they wanted to serve and on the day were super stars at setting everything up They were fantastic hosts welcoming everyone in, handing out cakes and having some lovely conversations with everyone. Very proud teachers yet again."

On Friday 8th May a group from Cheviot Churches went to Coldingham Parish Church for a retreat. Our morning reflections were led by Rev Peter Wood, the Mission Officer for Lothian and Borders Presbytery (above). His focus was on the 'Forth to Farne' pilgrimage route and the opportunies it offers for spreading and deeping Christian faith.
   The event took place in the parish church - formerly priory - which has been beautifully renewed, tastefully integrating the old and the new. In the afternoon participants had a chance to quietly explore the area and the day was rounded off with communion, led by our own minister Colin Johnston.
   Thanks to Trish for organising the day - and Margaret for arranging food.
   For more about the Forth to Farne Pilgrimage route see HERE. 

On Wednesday 22nd April we were very pleased to welcome a group of army chaplains, who were in the middle of doing the St Cuthbert's Way. On previous evenings they had been sleeping outdoors, but on this day they were looking forward to sleeping on the floor of the upper room in the church! The group consisted of clergymen from Anglican, Church of Scotland & Assemblies of God churches. Before they arrived one of them gave a group of us a talk about the work they do - followed by a time of devotions.

Easter Sunday began with an early morning communion service at the manse in Morebattle. It was an rather blustery morning so worship had to be moved indoors!
    At 10 we had joint service of celebration at Yetholm. The photos above and below show the community. It was still rather windy outside, but sun streamed through the widows.

On Sunday 8th of March we had a joint service at Morebattle, when Ann Girvan was ordained as an elder. Born in the Borders, Ann spent many years working in the Deaconess Hospital in Edinburgh. We are fortunate that she is now living among us and look forward to working with her.

Lent began at Cheviot Churches with a service at Hoselaw Chapel on Ash Wednesday. We are blessed to have such an atmospheric place for our special worship services.

On Sunday 21st we had a dramatic presentation of the Nativity story at Yetholm kirk on Sunday morning - many thanks to Margaret Rustad for writing it and for everyone who took part (including Jim the dog who, unfortunately, is not in the photograph). In the afternoon there was a carol service in Morebattle kirk. Merry Christmas to everyone.