There was a good turnout tonight for Christian Stejskal's dramatic performance The Upper Room in Yetholm kirk. Interspersed with wonderful violin solos and illuminated by Christian's enigmatic photographs, we were taken through the final few hours of the life of Jesus, as taken from various Gospels, though ending before the crucifixion. The final, whispered verse was from Mark: "A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind ..." and we, like Jesus, were left alone to face the darkness ahead.
   For those who couldn't make it a brief extract can be seen below:

Christian after the performance:

The 2025 World Day of Prayer Service was prepared by the WDP Committee of the Cook Islands with the theme based on Psalm 139:14 " I Made You Wonderful" It began with greeting Kia orana ! the phrase in the Maori language which means more than just hello. It means: May you live long and may you live well. May you shine like the sun. May you dance with the waves. Around 35 gathered In the Yetholm Kirk at 2 pm on Friday the 7th March enjoying a very lively and wonderful service raising some £165 for the charity.

We are delighted that Rita Purves' astonishing service as organist at Morebattle kirk for 75 years has featured on the BBC News website. The news item, with several photos, can be read by clicking HERE. Rita has lived in and around Morebattle for most of her life, and first took a seat at the village's church organ in 1949. She recently received a "local hero" award - given out to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament - from Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton. Rita, who started aged just 13, has now been part of thousands of services at churches in the area over the years.

After three weeks (!) of Harvest Celebrations, Cheviot Churchs celebrated with a joint service in Yetholm kirk, followed by a Harvest lunch. Many thanks to all those who provided and served the food - and, of course, to our minister who led the various worship services. Colin is about the leave for a week in Egypt - time to gather breath before we approach Christmas ...

Seven people and two dogs set off from the ‘Sweet Pea Kirk’ in Sprouston for this year’s walk and made their way along the Tweed on a pleasant autumn day, enjoying the views of anglers in the river, as well as swans. Two of the group chose to walk the shorter distance, while the rest continues to follow the river to the border before joining the old railway line at Nottylees. Well before that happened, however, the heavens opened, and it rained relentlessly. The old railway provided some shelter, however, and by the time the group reached Sprouston, the sun was shining again. Despite being absolutely drenched, all the participants all agreed that it was a good walk with good company. Thanks to Simon for organising it and also for providing delicious cheese scones.

Unlike last year, the weather in 2024 was glorious, and crowds turned out for the annual show. Cheviot Churches had a busy stall in one of the tents - our minister was able to meet friends old a new - and we were also able to sell jams and our new Cook Book.

The service at Yetholm on Sunday 16th June saw the Kirkin' of this years' Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi - Fraser Oliver and Rosie Robson. The photograph above shows them with other Principals, who were guests at the service.

   Several groups who are walking the St Cuthbert's Way have visited us recently. On Sunday 26th a pilgrim party from America joined us for worship at Morebattle - then walked over Wideopen Hill and were welcomed with some tea and biscuits at Yetholm. It was a somewhat wet day, though the spectacular views from the top of Wideopen were not obscured. The photograph above shows them being welcomed by Colin and drying out in the kirk. Hopefully the refreshments at Yetholm helped to revive their spirits and encoured them to press on into England on the following day ...
    Then on the night of the 28th May an Iona Community group camped out in the church - see photograph below (with members of our parish community). We hope both groups enjoyed their time with us and find their journey an enriching experience.

    The St Cuthbert's Way Churches group, to which we belong, are in the process of producing leaflets & other information about the churches along the route. Their leaflet for Yetholm has just been printed - scans are shown below. We look forward to a one for Morebattle in due course.

On Sunday 19th May Cheviot Churches celebrated Pentecost with an open-air service in the old walled-garden of Yetholm Hall. Our minister Colin spoke on the theme of communicating God's love. The service ended with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The sun gradually brightened as the service progressed and, though there weren't many tongues of fire on display, the air was filled with abundant birdsong! Afterwards we all enjoyed a birthday cake to mark the birth of the church and shared a picnic lunch. Many thanks to Michael and Margaret Rustad for allowing us to use their garden.

On Saturday 20th April about 20 folks (+ 1 dog) from Cheviot Churches attended a retreat day on Holy Island. Our group met in the URC St Cuthbert's Centre in the middle of Holy Island village. The day began with a period of worship, then some free time, a shared lunch, free time and finally a closing period of worship/Holy Communion. Thanks to Trish G and our minister Colin (in photo top-left) for organising and leading this event. We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and to feel God's presence so closely all around us, both in creation and the saints that have worshipped here through the ages. There is St Cuthbert - of course - but also the more humble worshippers in the Presbyterian chapel who helped keep alive the faith for us to share today. The photographs show various participants - including the devout dog - and also the means of communicating with the minister before emails or WhatsApp!