June2020

of worship resources every week. What we are doing is fairly unique. We are
not streaming a church service. But ministers, organist, and church members
(oh, not forgetting the bell ringers!) are coming together to provide tools to
bring worship into your own homes. We recognise that not everyone has
access to the internet. So now you can listen to the material, too, by dialling
0113 467 8156. Anytime, 24/7. If you have a calls package from your
telephone provider, this should be free. Otherwise you just pay your standard
rate. The call will last approximately 20 minutes.
The choir continues to meet on a Thursday evening, courtesy of Zoom. I
popped in to say hello, (online of course), and I can assure you that they are
all in exuberant mood.
Pastoral contact has to be by phone. I’ve been phoning round folk, basically
to introduce myself and to enquire how things are going for them. Thank you
for so many hearty, warm welcomes. And look forward to the day when we
can meet face to face.
Rev Pamela Strachan has been able to join the ministry team again after an
enforced overstay in New Zealand. We are delighted to see her back, and she
will be contributing to worship from time to time. She is now serving as Locum
Minister in Upper Tweeddale, where she lives, but is able to offer us a day
each week as part of the new arrangement. The ministry team has identified
the fact that after the sore loss of Lorraine Mulholland the Eddleston Kirk folk
will need support and pastoral accompaniment in particular ways, and to begin
with at least `Pamela will make that healing process the focus of her work.
This is not to say that either Finlay or I will not be available to Eddleston in
our respective roles, but we are very grateful that Pamela brings her sensitivity
and pastoral kindness to the folk there in this time of need.
Grace and peace to each one of you
John R Smith