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UPDATEEaster 2024 EditionUNITEDNewsletter of the Parish Church of Coldingham & St. Abbs linked with Eyemouth Parish ChurchSaving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.Ephesians 2:8-9 (The Message Translation)

Revival or Renewal?“Will you be angry with us for ever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your peoplemay rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us yoursalvation.” Psalm 85::5-7 (NIV UK)Dear friends, It has been a real joy to read along with a number of people the book Sleeping Giant. Now as I have mentioned to a few folk, I'm not much of a voracious reader (unless it's fantasy or science fiction!) So havingthe opportunity to make me read something a bit more challenging has been great, but even better has been the conversations I have had within the small group of us who meet fortnightly to discuss each chapter and in the gatherings with the other groups as we review a few chapters at a time.The consensus within the groups has been that the book is particularly challenging but also inspiring as we have been reminded that God is stillat work in our lives, and that we need to share and express that as part of the renewal of our own faith. Once we learn the confidence to share with our brothers and sisters in the church then it becomes possible to share that with those outwith the church. It becomes possible for those outside of the church to see that our faith has an actual impact not just on how we understand life, but in how we are and in how we interact with others. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are according to Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Whenwe begin to display those fruits not only are we renewed, but we can initiate a revival by those who want to know what is going on! So let'sask for God to grant us more of His Holy Spirit so we might see this fruit grow in each of our lives.God BlessAndy

Christian Aid Week 12th – 18th May The focus for this year’s Christian Aid Week is the country of Burundi. In Burundi, malnourishment and poverty affect more than 70% of the population, making survival a dailystruggle. Jobs and food are hard to come by,and those who have homes often have no electricity or running water.To raise money to contribute to the projects which Christian Aid is supporting in Burundi the following events are planned.Thursday 2nd May there will be an afternoon tea in Coldingham Priory.Sunday 5th May there will be a soup and sandwich lunch in Eyemouth Parish Church. Saturday 18th May there will be a coffee morning at the EU Church Eyemouth. There'll also be a book stall with nearly new books.Priory Live On Tuesday 4th June Coldingham Priory will bebuzzing with activity as all the children in P6 fromColdingham, Eyemouth, Cockburnspath, Ayton andReston schools come to learn a bit about life in a13th Century monastery. This is a joint venture withBerwickshire Christian Youth Trust.On the day the children will learn something what life was like for medieval monks. They will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities which include bread making, script writing, music making, herb growing, bee keeping and pressing apples. They will also hear the same stories about Jesus that the monks would have been familiar with as well as learning about prayer which was such a feature of the monks’day. We are in need of some more people to help small groups of children get from one workshop to the next. If you are free that day could you please speak to Andy, Marianne or Ishbel

Of Mustard Seeds and MountainsRichard Bond, June 2015Do you have faith in faith?What key unlocks the improbable?Such musings are not safethe process interminable.I am the way and the truth and the life,iFirst lonely step a terrifying leapinto a darkness that then becomes clear.For a loving Father will not sleepand leave you stumbling in fearbut will strike you a small light,a first blessing from the Infiniteto guide you along the wayand light your path just for today.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.iiYou say ‘There is no God, I see no evidence.Swans are white, black swans aren’t right.So why seek such romance;where could such birds abide?In an inverted world they mightand why should God choose to hide’?Absence of proof is not proof of absence.iiiIf God were plain as in Edenwhere would faith be then?But apple eaten is free-will takento rebel or to adoreand we are cast out from paradise gardento see beyond or to ignore.The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is certainty.iv

God created man; His own image,and man returned the compliment,mere social construct from age to agelike mythic fairies we invent.No! not invention of manHis name, ‘I AM WHO I AM’so who are we to saywho are but dust and clay.Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?vScience disproves all; but has descriptiona deeper explanation? Is random chaos creatora blind watchmaker?Or is coin’s toss God’s hidden willthat guides and nudges His purpose untilby the divine intentunnatural selectionmoves from big bang event to mankind in adoration.And God saw that it was good.viReligion makes wars and slaves.Yes, Jesus condemned Pharisee,church institutions misbehavefrom crusades to Magdalene Laundry.Human groups play Satan’s gamethe power-lust schemes of man,Church and Mosque are just the same‘tis faith transcends their plan.Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone,viiWhat of other faith; if wrong are they safe?Has Gandhi gone to hell, for ringing Hindu’s bell?All world religions just man’s creations

our own cultural elaborations,only God and mankind matterthis is what Gandhi sawhe loved the first, and served the latterand that is the whole of the Law.And other sheep I have that are not of this fold.viiiHow can loving God let innocents suffer?Yet we all must die, only when, not whetherand ‘life is pain’ says cross-legged Buddhaso why blame God for sins of the other?Christ bore the cost as ‘God with us’we fear the shame to bear our cross.God has a will in everything,but not everything that occurs is God’s will.ixSome deride such primitive beliefthat yet is evolution’s zenith.For blind faith can still seeGod’s miracles daily,not rabbits and hats but certainpersonal revelation.When I pray, coincidences happen; and when I don’t, they don’t.xSimple faith is the strongestfor how can proud atheistlay down Adam’s vain sinand let The Spirit in?If Shakespeare and Hamlet meetit must be Shakespeare’s ploy,atheist guard your keeplest you be surprised by joyxi.'Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.xii

Faith grows, and is nurtured tested and pruned in painby Spirit’s hand from seed of mustard to move doubt’s leaden mountain.I believe; help thou mine unbelief.xiii.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.i. John 14:6 NIVii. John 1:5 NIViii. Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2007)’The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable’, Allen Laneiv. Holloway R. (2012) ‘Leaving Alexandria: A Memoir of Faith and Doubt’, Canongate, Edinburgh.v. Job 38:4 NIVvi. Genesis 1:10 NIVvii. John 8:7 CEBviii. John 10:16 KJVix. Cobb J. & Griffin D. (1976) ‘Process Theology: An Introductory Exposition (ch.1 14-16), Philadelphia: Westminster Press.x. Sir William Temple 1628-1699xi. C.S. Lewis (1955) ‘Surprised by Joy’ Ch14 ‘Checkmate’, Geoffrey Bles, London.xii. John 20:29 NIVxiii. Mark 9:24 KJVEYEMOUTH23rd June27th OctoberCOLDINGHAM16th June13th October

Away Day to Ayton Castle, Saturday 11th MayBy popular request Peter Wood, the Presbytery Mission Officer, is coming again to encourage us to think about how we can reach out into the community with the good news of Jesus. I think everyone finds this a challenge. If you have never been to an Away Day before and are very unsure, this is a good one to come to as it is very local. Sign up sheets will be available in both Eyemouth and Coldingham churches or you can email jidorward@gmail.com. The numbers are needed so that we can cater for a simple lunch together.Berwickshire Christian Youth Trust (BCYT) BCYT employs 2 youth workers Mark and Stuart who visit almost all the schools in Berwickshire taking assemblies and RME (religious education) classes. In addition, Home Together which was started during lockdown with videos and craft activities for families continues with occasional events when the families come together for similar fun and stories in Whitsome.A weekend camp for children in P5-7 is planned for the end of May at Scoughall near North Berwick. The camp gives children the opportunity to have fun together and to learn more about Jesus and what it means to follow him.For children at high school a fortnightly group called Explore is run when they explore what the bible teaches about some of the issues facing young people today.This work would not be possible without prayer and generous donations from people in the church. Unfortunately, the Trust is currently running with a monthly deficit. If you are in a position to give even a small amount monthly, this would make a difference. To find out more about the work of BCYT or to support it please speak to Marianne, Carrie or Ishbel

Heart for God: Walk and TalkThe Heart for God committee are planning to have a series of Walk andTalk meetings over the summer months in various locations across Berwickshire. The plan is to meet on the third Saturday morning, May to September from 10-12. From 10-10.45 there would be a short walk for those who would like to explore the area around the venue. 10.45-11 there would be refreshments, then from 11-12 there would be a studyof a Psalm using the model we were introduced to at the conference in March.There is no need to register in advance and ladies can choose to arrive at 10 if they would like to walk or sometime before 10.45 if they would prefer to come just for coffee and the study.The first Walk and Talk will be on Saturday 18th May in Chirnside at Southview Evangelical Church. Coldingham Priory is to be the venue forthe third one on Saturday 20th July. Presbytery UpdateNow over a year into the new presbytery things seems to be moving along smoothly. Presbytery are keen to figure out how they can supportthe congregations within their bounds to continue to be places focused on the mission of the church in worship, service and sharing the good news of Jesus in our communities. If any elder would like to know moreabout being involved in Presbytery speak to Andy as there are many opportunities to be part of Presbytery.Another aspect of all this is the implementation of the presbytery plan. This doesn't affect us at this moment, however as the implementation proceeds we will need to begin discussions about how we relate to the rest of the Berwickshire area and what the future might look like for the ministry across Berwickshire.

Eyemouth Larder with Community FridgeAs many of you will know there is a fridge and larder in the entrance tothe church hall in Eyemouth. This is an initiative run by the local Development Trust through their SPLASH project and involving a number of other partner organisations. The main aim of the larder is the reduction of food waste and the food available is excess food from shops and supermarkets. The Larder is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-11am and on a Tuesday afternoon, 3-5pm. You can take up to 10 items and pay a suggested donation of £1 for that. Although the larder is not strictly open on a Sunday you would be welcome to see what items are available and take anything you could use. There is a sheet to mark down that you have taken something and a small tub topop your donations in.A Message from HeatherI would like to thank our Priory people for the beautiful flowers given tome during the service on March 3rd on the occasion of my decommissioning as a serving Elder and acceptance as an emeritus Elder.It has been a privilege to serve as an Elder here for over twenty years and this was a hard decision to make, but failing health means I am not able to fulfil my duties properly. I shall still take a keen interest in our church and help in any way I can – maybe the most important of these being praying for our church and people.Wishing you all every joy and blessing this Easter. Heathergreening ofthe crossresplendentwithflowersresurrectionhope

Eyemouth FoodbankWith the ongoing rise in the cost of livingthe foodbank continues to be needed andwell used. The foodbank covers the EastCoast of Berwickshire and inland towardsAyton, Foulden and Grantshouse. Thenumbers for each month have remained fairlysteady and in the first three months of the year the foodbank has delivered 98 food parcels feeding around 201 people.The two biggest needs for the foodbank is volunteers to help with organising the foodstore and for money to pay for the fresh produce that goes into each parcel. If you can help please speak to Andy. Do remember to continue to collect food and your donations can be dropped of on a Sunday for the foodbank. Once again, if you would be interested in helping out with food parcel deliveries, or taking collected food to the Foodbank store then please contact Andy.The Food ListTins or packets of SoupTins of mince, stew, meat balls, curry pies in tinsCorned beef, spam, ham, tuna, sardines, pilchards, baked beansTinned veg and potatoes PastaPasta sauceTea & CoffeeBreakfast cerealDried or UHT milkCustardTinned fruitThe following items are added when the parcel is made up and delivered, so donations of money are always accepted: bread, margarine, fresh milk, fresh potatoes (nappies andbaby food, if required)

DirectoryRev. Andy Haddow, Minister018907 50327 andy@blakkie.co.ukIshbel Dorward, Session Clerk, Eyemouth018907 51732 jidorward@gmail.comMarianne Karsgaard, Session Clerk, Coldingham018907 71116 mkarsgaard11@gmail.comRegular EventsSundays Morning Worship, Eyemouth, 10.30amMorning Worship, Coldingham, 10.30amMondays Busy Bees, Coldingham, 9-10.30amTuesdays Prayer time on ZOOM, 9amBusy Bees, Eyemouth, 10.30am-12noonFridays Tea & Toast, Eyemouth, 9-10.30amBusy Bees, Eyemouth, 10.30am-12noonEvening Services Last Sunday of the month, 6.30pm