There was a good turnout at Hownam on the evening of 18th August for a Songs of Praise service, which was led by Anne Brown. It was a lovely summer's evening - a reminder of what a privilege we have in living in this beautiful corner of Scotland, which Anne touched on in her message. After the service Anne presented Winnie Robson (our interim moderator, above left) and Liz Findlay (or locum minister, centre) with flowers as a token of thanks for all they have done for us during the minsterial interregnum. This will be the last occassion in which they will be with us at Hownam in an official capacity, though we hope we'll see them again frequently anyway. Thanks, too, to the folks from Hownam who provided tea and cakes in the old school-house after the service.

On Sunday 11th August we were delighted to welcome Struan Andrew McIntyre into our community here in Yetholm - and into the wider catholic church - through the sacrament of baptism. The service was led by the Rev Ian Clark and included a good deal of roaring (the OT lesson told the story of Daniel). The photo above shows Struan enjoying a post-baptism chocolate cake. It was also lovely to see so many cousins who had come to join in the celebration, some from as far away as Wales.

All of Cheviot Churches are open during daylight hours and a look at out visitors books shows a steady stream of folks calling in, many of whom are walking the St Cuthbert's Way. In July Yetholm, for example, had visitors from Denmark, Sweden, Paris, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand and Australia - as well as many from all over the UK. On August 3rd/4th we were visited by our friends from Sula Frikirke in Norway, who have been visiting us for the past few years. On Saturday evening the group of sixteen pilgrims joined us for a meal in Yetholm kirk, then on Sunday Yetholm hosted a joint service, with the sermon being given by Rev Jan Løkkeborg. The service was also attended by a lone pilgrim from Pennysylvannia USA, who found herself an honourary Norwegian for the day! We live in a relatively remote parish and these personal relationships with the wider church are much appreciated.