New Year, New Notice-board, New Session-Clerk (+ 'New' Minister)

2020 begins with ... a new notice-board. Having survived for over a year with the name of our new minister cellotaped onto the old notice-board, we now have a shiney new board, both in Yetholm and Morebattle, with Colin's name now neatly painted at the top. The new board is the work of our new Session Clerk, who took over from Brian Kelly on 1st January - many thanks to him for all his hard work, although he is still keeping the roll of treasurer, and to Susan, for getting off to such a flying start. Whether Colin can be considered our 'new' minister any more is a moot point (being ordained minister here in September), but it's too late for him to have second-thoughts now he's on the new notice-board!
    The first service of the year was a joint service in Linton, which wax well--attended. Drawing on Methodist tradition it was a Covenant Service, although the words of the promise that we all made were somewhat new:
I am a child of God, made in your image and likeness,
I am included in the heart of your love.
You know me completely,
My faults and weaknesses,
My gifts and strengths.
You call me to live in the fullness of your love,
Abundantly, generously, inclusively.
You call me to empty myself, to serve as Jesus served,
Willingly, humbly, selflessly.
You call me to bear witness to your presence
Boldly, courageously, gently.
You are the potter; I am the clay.
Shape me, reshape me,
Give me purpose and meaning, energy and vision.
May your covenant be written in my heart.
May my life reflect you promises.
What is true in heaven, may it be seen in me
Within the dance of the Trinity of Love - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

After the Linton service there was the now-traditional sherry and shortbread.