 Palm Sunday
Hello Cheviot Churches! I hope everyone is well and bearing up in these strange times. It is easy to lose track of time, but this is Palm Sunday and the start to Holy Week. Some notices:
We tell your story, we follow in your footsteps Lead us into Holy Week We walk towards the city, we wait in the garden Lead us onto Holy Ground We journey towards death, we hope for resurrection Lead us into holy joy For those who wish to reflect on Palm Sunday hymns, the following are appropriate: 364 – All glory, laud and honour 365 – Ride on, ride on in majesty 366 – Come into the streets with me 367 – Hosanna, loud Hosanna 370 – Ride on, ride on the time is right 399 (v. 3) – My song is love unknown Let us pray Holy and gracious God, the same yesterday, today and forever, We draw into your presence at this strange time, when each day has a sense of sameness and when we continually try to motivate ourselves to get through each day. Help us to be still and know that you are God. (Pause) We see you in the new life all around us – in the lambs and calves in our fields, the shoots in our gardens and the blossom on our trees. We thank you for the gift of life, especially when our lives are being so challenged. Lead us through the trials and suffering, the fears and struggles, the tired times and hard dark places. Forgive our sins and transform us by your love. Transform us to grow and understand and see, that we can be made whole and in wholeness be your hands and heart in our communities and in our world, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us when we pray to say: Lord’s Prayer. Readings - Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 Matthew 21:1-11 Our weekly prayer from Arthur and Kathleen: Father God, as we move into Holy Week we commend ourselves and all those whom we live amongst, for whom Christ suffered, to His mercy and protection especially at this time when the coronavirus I so virulent. We join with those long ago who proclaimed " Blessed is he comes in the name of The Lord" as we worship JESUS "the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee", our Saviour and Lord. Amen. Reflection Last Thursday evening people stood at their windows or outside their homes and clapped. We wanted to show our deep, heart-felt appreciation for the work of all the NHS workers, of all involved at the frontline of dealing with this coronavirus. When Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, no doubt some applauded. Others were maybe less inhibited and waved branches and called out, ‘Hosanna, Hosanna. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord’. As a child I always loved Palm Sunday. There was always a party atmosphere in church. Palm Sunday is that kind of day. I was looking forward to my first Palm Sunday in Cheviot Churches. There had been a proposal that we walk around the churches in the parish -from Hownam to Morebattle to Linton to Hoselaw to Yetholm. It sounded quite daunting really, but I am sure there would have been much chat and good fellowship and even song. Certainly when I was in both Zambia and Israel/Palestine Palm Sunday meant joining with other denominations and processing through communities waving our palm branches – plenty of them in the church gardens there – and being a witness. Palm Sunday was tremendously strengthening. It was coming together, it was carnival time.
And he continues to challenge us, just as he did on that first entry into the city. People were cheering, for Jesus was making a point – he was enacting a prophecy from Zechariah, performing it in a bit of street theatre, riding a donkey, just as Zechariah said the Messiah would do. Here was the Messiah, the people thought, come to rid the city of the hated Romans, come to bring freedom. But it was a different kind of freedom Jesus would bring, for he came, not to wield the sword, but as the prince of Peace. ‘Hosanna’, the people cried, It means Save us. And indeed Jesus came to save, but the people only wanted quick solutions, and so their cheers of Hosanna would turn into jeers of Crucify. Matthew ends his passage by asking the question Who is this man? As we enter Holy Week, who do we say Jesus is? It will be a hard week ahead, a week of denial, betrayal and death, but one that leads to the unstoppable new life God offers to us all. Amen Let us pray O Christ, you entered the city as a poor man not in style but simply, yet still you caused uproar, and questions everywhere; you drew the expectations of a hungry crowd, and brought buried conflicts to the light. May we, who are sometimes swayed by the crowd's approval, and who often avoid conflict for fear of its cost to us, hold fast to the gospel of peace and justice and follow faithfully in your way of compassion and solidarity with those who are poor and excluded, wherever it may lead us. (Kathy Galloway) Holy God, as we enter this most solemn week in the Christian year, in these extraordinary times, help us to lament with the psalmist. As we are restricted in what we can do and must worship in households rather than in church buildings, help us to remember that the church is not closed – for church is people not buildings. We pray for all with whom we normally worship Sunday by Sunday… God in your mercy, hear our prayer. Holy God, we pray for those in authority as they grapple with the unexpected. Guide those who are giving the world’s leaders knowledge and expertise in these times. Give wisdom and courage to all in leadership, and when this is all over may humankind emerge strengthened. God in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Holy God, as we hear and see the news and exchange thoughts on social media, help us to remember all those less fortunate than ourselves, among them: those who are lonely, those who are angry, those who are distressed, those who are at their wits end, those who are struggling to get home, those who cannot get the help they need… God in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Holy God, we remember all those who are working to keep things going: those working in the NHS and those around it helping to keep things working, those keeping our streets clean and collecting our rubbish, those harvesting, delivering and selling the food in our shops, those keeping us secure and our utilities functioning, those looking after the children of key workers, those helping to care for the elderly and vulnerable, clergy of all religions seeking to minister in difficult times… God in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Holy God, we remember those who have died, whether from Covid-19 or from other causes. We pray for their families and friends especially as they arrange funerals so different from what they expected. We pray that they and we may come at the last to find peace in your presence. God in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen (Dudley Coates – Methodist local Preacher) Benediction The God of Jesus Christ – who calls us to walk with him to face the principalities and powers, to live the values of the upside-down Kingdom, to work, to challenge, to suffer – be with you this Holy Week. Now and for evermore. Amen
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 Hello, Cheviot Churches! What a week it has been. Suddenly we find our daily routines radically altered, as we are told to stay at home. I hope that you have adjusted to this new necessity; though we are so fortunate to live in this part of the world with the countryside all around us and with Spring in the air. Although we cannot see people to the same extent, we can keep in touch by phone and even by other forms of technology. I will be sending out these reflections and prayers every weekend, though I am conscious that many of our members do not have access to the internet. If you know of anyone who would like a printed copy, speak to Susan or myself.
One or two other ‘intimations’:
More than those who watch for the morning, we wait faithfully for God. With our questions and anxieties, in our hopes and expectations, we wait faithfully for God. Come, let us worship the Lord our God together, and offer our prayers and praise in faithfulness Arthur has written our weekly prayer: Father God in his dealing with Mary, Martha and Lazarus Jesus showed his love for those friends who had become like family to him. We thank you for our friends and for the richness and diversity that they bring to our lives. Help us to believe your words to Martha " I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Amen. Reflection on our lectionary Reading: John 11: 1-45 My brother Charlie retired in December and promptly went off to Crete in order to do some writing. He flew back on Sunday on the last plane out of Crete before it went into lockdown. Although he is in Ayrshire, it is good to know that he is around. Family and friends are important at this time. Family and friends are important to Martha and Mary. There was a crisis in Bethany. Their brother Lazarus was gravely ill, and they sent word to their great friend and mentor, Jesus, so that he could come. Everything would be fine if he came. But he didn’t come. The bible says he ‘tarried’. Bethany was near Jerusalem, and maybe he was concerned about the safety of the disciples and himself, maybe he had other things to do for other people. We don’t know, but when he did eventually arrive, Lazarus was already dead and buried. Martha reproached Jesus,’ If only you had been here, things would have been different.’ There is a lot of hurt and anger in her voice, as she obviously felt very let down. Sometimes we want to rage at God, Why is this happening to us? We are your people, don’t you care. In fact, we find this a lot in the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms When Jesus did come, he did two things: firstly. he saw the love and concern of the community around and saw the grave, and Jesus wept. I am impressed by the closeness of the community in Bethany and the support they offered Mary and Martha. We are lucky having close-knit communities here, ready to look out for one another. But also, we see that Jesus mourned alongside the family. He showed his human nature. I firmly believe that in this Coronavirus crisis, God weeps alongside us at the suffering of all the people. As we watch what is happening in the world – in places where the medical systems have been overwhelmed – we see confusion and grief. But it is a deep comfort to us all that God understands our fear, our anger, our sadness and our grief – and is with us at this time. Secondly, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life again. I am the resurrection and the Life, he told Martha. In the midst of grief, Jesus brought the most amazing, the most unimaginable, the most impossible, time of celebration, when he raised Lazarus back to life. It is all reminder that we are in the season of Lent, a time that Jesus suffered so greatly, but also a reminder that Easter is just a few weeks away, and that nothing will stop God’s power to bring life out of despair and sorrow. Amen Here is a reflection written by Richard Hendrick, which I found on the St Andrew’s Cairo website last week: Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. But, They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet The sky is no longer thick with fumes But blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading leaflets with her number through the neighbourhood So that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To Love. So we pray and we remember that Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming, And we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Let us smile and sing to our neighbours A prayer To all who are alone and self-isolating be a companion and friend. To children who can’t play with their friends and whose days lack structure: be a companion and friend. To those who have the virus and those who are concerned about loved ones: bring healing and comfort. To those who grieve for loved ones who have died: bring healing and comfort. To decision makers and all in authority: give wisdom and compassion. To neighbours and all who seek to help others: give wisdom and compassion. For those who work in the health service: we give thanks and ask your blessing. For those who care for us and make us smile: we give thanks and ask your blessing. In the name of Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life. Amen This hymn was written by Graham Leitch in response to the Coronavirus crisis: IN TIMES OF DANGER AND OF DOUBT (Tune: Repton) In times of danger and of doubt, When trials multiply, Lord, calm our fears and still our souls, Remind us of your truths of old: Help us on you rely. Help us on you rely. When changing our familiar ways, Help us adapt to change; Lord, give us persevering hearts, A spirit fit to face the task In comfort or in pain. In comfort or in pain Help us to see our neighbours' need, Our neighbours' burden share; To go for them that second mile, To love and give and help and smile In comfort or in pain. In comfort or in pain. Lord Jesus, you have suffered more, Your pain has known no end; You healed the sick, reclaimed the lame, In pity share each sufferer's pain, On you we now depend. On you we now depend. Day of Prayer Many of us lit a candle last week and said a prayer. We are being invited to do so again this Sunday at 7pm. Here is the prayer: We turn to you, our Father, for we need your help. Lord Jesus, as you have promised, be with us, whatever lies ahead, Strengthen us, Holy Spirit, as we face this together. We pray for our world and our country, as coronavirus threatens our lives and our livelihood, leaving many in lockdown, while key workers continue, despite the risk. We pray for government leaders at Westminster and Holyrood, responding to medical and scientific advice, making tough decisions for the wellbeing of all. We pray for all who serve on the frontline in the NHS and in social care; facing increasing numbers, overstretched resources and distressing human need. Bless those who are ill, those who are alone and afraid, those exhausted looking after their family, those worried for the vulnerable, those fearful for their finances, those shut in to their fears. Thank you for those who have returned from retirement to help, or joined the volunteer army. Thank you for those working: to manufacture needed resources, to find a vaccine, to keep in contact with the isolated, to encourage others at this time. Have mercy on us, O Lord. Give us faith, hope and love and hear our prayers, in Jesus' name. Amen. Copyright © 2020 Cheviot Churches, All rights reserved. You are receiving this mail because you are on the Cheviot Churches contact list. Our mailing address is: Cheviot Churches Hilltoun View High Street Town Yetholm, Roxburghshire TD5 8RG United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list  Last Sunday at 7pm many of us placed candles in our windows, following the call of church leaders for a national day of prayer. I lit three, feeling extravagant with my prayers! It certainly gave me a sense of unity with fellow Christians around the globe, for this coronavirus is affecting people in every country. We lit the candles as a sign of solidarity and hope.
Our churches are now sadly closed, but I managed to go round and light a candle in each (apart from Hoselaw, as I remembered the matches, but not the candle!). Here are pictures to remind you of our churches. Colin  Detail from the windows in Yetholm kirk. Dear Friends,
The Chinese apparently have a saying: ‘Ask not to live in interesting times’. I well know how they feel. We certainly find ourselves living in the most challenging of times, when our normal way of living has been turned upside down by the Coronavirus. Many in our communities are already self-isolating, while the rest of us have to get used to ‘social distancing’. We are accumulating a new vocabulary. Whenever we watch the news, anxiety levels rise, as the seriousness of the situation becomes more apparent. It is, therefore, good to remember Jesus’ words in John 14:1 ‘Set your troubled hearts at peace. Trust in God always: trust also in me’, while in 1 Peter 5 we read ‘Cast your anxiety on God, because God cares for you’. With the help of Graeme Watson, I am planning to send out a reflection every weekend, along with prayers. I also subscribe to a publication called ROOTS, which has resources for the weekly lectionary and have attached a copy of their reflection and prayers for this week’s lectionary. Please click here: www.rootsontheweb.com/adultsathome22mar National Day of Prayer We turn to god for help in difficult times, and the leaders of the various churches, including the Moderator, have issued an invitation to us to light a candle and place it in a window at 7pm on Sunday 22nd March. We are asked to "join in prayerful solidarity with this witness", describing the candle as "a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life." A picture of a candle from each of the KCT congregations is being placed on the Kelso Churches Together Facebook page. The following prayer can be used when lighting our candle: For all that is good in life, thank you, For the love of family and friends, thank you, For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you. May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support, May those who are sick, know healing, May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort. Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom, Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being, Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living. And may the light shining from our windows, across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle, be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Mothering Sunday This Sunday is of course Mothering Sunday, though plans for the day will have been radically altered, not least with the closing down of restaurants. It is a day when we focus on the parenthood of God. I especially love the passage from Hosea 11: 1- 4 which reflects the maternal side of God’s love: When Israel was a child I loved him...I taught him how to walk and took him in my arms’ It is a wonderful picture of how God loves us so unconditionally, even when we go wrong, and how God ever wants to draw us back into his love. This parental love is shown in the figure of the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15, ready to welcome us back with open arms. On this Mothering Sunday let us connect with and appreciate our families, even though some may be physically distant, but let us be conscious that all our relationships are but a partial reflection of the love God has for us, as he nurtures us, so that we grow in confidence and love. On Mothering Sunday, with the threat of the Coronavirus pressing on our minds, Isaiah speaks across the centuries: ‘Do not be afraid, you are mine, please do not fear, I know that it can be hard, but I am here with you. You are very precious to me. Peace’. (I am especially grateful to Margaret McTavish for writing prayers for this Sunday, which I attach below) PRAYER OF ADORATION AND CONFESSION Almighty God, we gather today under a viral cloud, yet we come in wonder and gratitude. Wonder for all the beauty that You have created; For the gentle hills and valleys that surround us here; For the many places of incredible splendour throughout our world. Wonder too, for the ever-changing seasons..... and the joys to be found in each one. As daffodils bloom, leaves on trees unfurl, and crops begin to grow, we see once more the glory of creation around us. And we give thanks for the bountiful goodness of each new day, the life-giving properties of sunshine and rain, light and shade and clean fresh air. We confess that we do not always value the things that we should. We can be slow to trust, quick to make judgement; to let the hasty word fall from lips that can immediately regret, yet find difficult to make amends. Forgive us, Father, for the wrong that we do and the hurt that we cause. Help us to reflect carefully on the words of the prayer that Jesus taught us THE LORD'S PRAYER PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION Heavenly Father, We bring before You in prayer, all who are Mums; those who would have loved to be Mums and all who have been loved by Mums. We give thanks for all that we were taught, as children, at a mother's knee; for all the careful nurture we were given as we were growing; for the help and guidance as we made our way into the world outside of home; and for the sharing of joy and sorrow as we continued on our chosen path. We are aware of the sacrifices that most mums make for their young ones. We remember too, all mothers who sadly grieve for a child or children. May they know Your Peace. We think of all the families struggling with poverty and difficult situations in this country, also families fleeing from wars abroad. Especially we pray for the families of Syria. May they know Your Mercy. This day, we give thanks for our mothering churches and for all who taught us the Bible stories when we were young, who nurtured, encouraged and led us into faith. Father We bring to You now all who are sick in mind or body; all who are facing adversity, or difficulties this week; those making decisions; those suffering loneliness; those who are in hospital or care home; and all who are grieving Be near to them, console them and may they they know your presence in their time of need. We ask Your Blessing on doctors, nurses, and paramedics caring for patients; and all who are working so hard to control this pandemic, We pray that they be given strength and resilience to carry on. A moment more we pray, to name in our hearts our loved ones. All these things we pray in Jesus' name, Amen Colin Johnston writes (18th March):
'Dear Friends, I am afraid that I am writing with sad, if not totally unexpected, news. I have received word from Edinburgh that, with immediate effect, church services will be suspended on account of the Coronavirus. This has come far sooner than I expected, but we are aware that every day is bringing in new regulations (such as the closure of schools from Friday!), and obviously the health of our members is paramount. We do not have any idea when our services will resume, but I suspect that we are in for the long haul. We are living in difficult times, and loneliness/ isolation is going to be a real issue over the next months, so please do encourage all our members to keep in touch by phone and, if they have WiFi, by email and also by accessing our website. If anyone has any concern or needs any practical help, they should contact me at the manse. With love and prayers Colin' Please note that not only services are now cancelled, but also the upcoming Coffee Morning, Guild meetings and the dementia awareness training which was scheduled for the end of this month. Posters will shortly be put on the Church doors to say the buildings will remain open in daylight hours and asking that people use hand sanitiser (which we are in the process of sourcing) or wash their hands when in building. Colin plans to be in the churches on a Sunday morning at the usual service times for anyone who wishes to attend for prayer and quiet reflection. We will be using Mailchimp to keep everyone on our mailing list informed of any further developments in this fluid situation and, in the absence of regular communal worship, as a source of reflection and prayer. If you would like to be included on our mailing list please send your mame and email address via the Contact page. The current slow-down and closure of places and events brought on the by coronas virus situation has affected Cheviot Churches too - remote as we are!
Please note that it has been decided to suspend the Lent Bible Study meetings meetings, which were due to take place on 18th, 25th March and 1st April. It is disappointing to have to do this, but it seems the best thing to do in the light of escalating closures and cancellations in wider society. It has also been decided to suspend the Monday Craft Club until further notice. In addition, the Morebattle Guild Coffee Morning on the 28th March has been postponed. News of any further cancellations will be given here on our website. It is a very sad situation for everyone. Such a shut-down makes us realise how much we appreciate our communal church life but also that, as Arthur Bates, convener of the Bible-study group points out, 'at this difficult period, unprecedented in most of our life times, it is worth remembering that our lives are ultimately in God's hands and that is by far the safest and best place to be'.  Advice for Churches: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The following is offered as guidance to congregations across the Church of Scotland. At Communion services, churches should already be following best hygiene practices. This includes advising parishioners with coughs and sneezes to refrain from shaking hands during The Peace, if that is part of your service, and to take only the bread if your church does not use individual cups. If you need advice on Communion cups, or individual glasses, please contact Brian Auld, Safe Buildings Consultant. It is also best practice for churches to have hand sanitisers available for parishioners to use. Best hygiene practice should continue to be observed in all pastoral contacts. Updated advice is available from NHS Scotland. Whilst in places of worship, there is no need to avoid other worshipers who are well or to change normal faith practices – this includes taking alcoholic wine from the common cup. Public Health Scotland and the UK Government recommend that you should take usual infection prevention precautions including:
Travel advice Advice has also been issued to travellers who have returned to the UK from a number of countries. This list of countries has been revised on 25th February and now includes parts of Northern Italy. Anyone who has returned to the UK from any of these areas in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath should immediately:
 World Day of Prayer service at Yetholm Kirk 7 pm Friday the 6th March 2020 . The World Day of Prayer service entitled "Rise, Take Your Mat and Walk" was written by the Christian women of Zimbabwe and read by seven local church members from various congregations. The meditation was lead by the Rev Colin Johnston who had himself ministered in nearby Zambia - the service was very colourful with a beautiful decorated church and enjoyed by all present.
 The 2020 Cheviot Churches Ecumenical Lent course will commence on Wednesday morning the 4th March from 10.15 - 12 noon, and run for 5 weeks. We will be following the 5 session York course for Lent 2020. The course booklet is available for £4.00 including postage - contact Arthur Bates if you would like a copy. Everyone is very welcome to come along and join us - don't be shy!
The course booklet is written by DAVID WILBOURNE who studied Natural Sciences and Theology at Cambridge. David has been a vicar and published six books. Having worked with three Archbishops of York, he went on to serve as Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.“It’s 1970 – Edward Heath becomes PM, Apollo 13 limps back to earth, and Jesus Christ Superstar takes the West End by storm, asking daring questions that gave colour to my former monochrome faith and fired my vocation. Half a century on, its message remains just as relevant, and we explore themes from its iconic lyrics in the 5 sessions of this course”. The dates and venues are as follows:- Wednesday 4th March 4 The Yett, Kirk Yetholm TD5 8PL. Arthur & Kathleen. " 11th March 4 The Yett, Kirk Yetholm TD5 8PL. Arthur & Kathleen. " 18th March Crooks House, Coldstream, TD12 4LR. Shelagh. " 25th March The Manse (Old Police House) Morebattle. Rev Colin Johnston. " 1st April 4 The Yett, Kirk Yetholm TD5 8PL. Arthur & Kathleen  This term Cheviot Churches' Cool Club is taking place in Yetholm School on a Wednesday afternoon. The theme in the first half of term is 'Light', while we'll be focussing on Easter in the second half of term. Colin has already made his presence felt in both Morebattle and Yetholm schools and is well known to the children. The photo shows him being inducted into club activities - he survived the experience (just).
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