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!

   A group from Cheviot Churches, along with our minister, spent St Cuthbert's Day (20th March) visiting the site of the Northumbrian monastery at Old Melrose, where Cuthbert first began his monastic life. The trip was organised by the St Cuthbert's Way Churches Together Group, which has member churches in north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders (for more information click HERE).
   We were guided round the area by Dr Margaret Collin, who can be seen in the photograph above pointing out the site of the medieval ford used by pilgrims to this sacred space. Unfortunately, due to recent wet weather, the ford itself was barely visible! (Though weather on the day of our trip was dry, if rather grey).
    Located in a loop of the River Tweed, very similar to the situation of Durham Cathedral, the site is spectacularly beautiful. The peninsular on which the monastery was positioned is bounded in the landward approach by a still visible vallum, but all trace of the monastery itself has disappeared. As well being given archeological and historical background to the area by Dr Collin, we also took the opportunity for moments of reflection focussed on the life and times of this remarkable saint. The photograph below shows our minister, Colin Johnston, leading one such meditation near the site of the vallum.

   In the 9th century the Scottish king Kenneth Macalpin burned down the monastery, but its location was never forgotten. After monastic life was revived in the 12th century and the still-standing monastery at Melrose was built, a chapel was constructed on the site, which became a place of pilgrimage. We visited Chapel Knowe where this is believed to have been situated. Again, though, today nothing remains - except, perhaps, for a single enigmatic stone built into the 19th century steading built nearby ...

The day was very wet - sadly - but Cheviot Churches had a presence inside a relatively dry tent at the Yetholm Shepherds Show on Saturday 7th October. As well as making contact with both locals and visitors we sold jams and chutneys made by members of the congregation - raising over £90. Thanks to all who braved the dreadful weather and turned out to help.