Dear friends

I’ve received the following message from Sir Hew Strachan, HM Lord Lieutenant for Tweeddale.

John R Smith

“The news of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, will create a sense of loss in all of us.  His was a full life, well lived, for which we should give thanks – and we plan to do so with a service in Peebles Old Parish Church when that becomes possible. 

It is hard to imagine him not at the side of Her Majesty The Queen, to whom he gave constant and indefatigable support.  His contribution to her reign leaves us all in his debt. However, his service to the nation, and to multiple communities across the Commonwealth, meant that he also touched the lives of many others – and did so in such diverse and different ways. He was rightly proud of his service in the Royal Navy in the Second World War, remaining close to the senior service and to the sea for the rest of his life. His sense of humour and his clear views translated into common sense and wise counsel. His support as patron or president of charities and organisations was never simply a formality. His interests were too diverse and too deep for that.  Recognising early on the threats to nature created by humans, he was a passionate supporter of the World Wildlife Fund. It is hard to single out one contribution from among so many, but perhaps the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can best exemplify the values for which he stood. That initiative has introduced countless young people to activities which have broadened their horizons, stretched their capabilities and enabled them to find themselves. It will continue to do so, shaping future generations, and so will bear lasting testimony to his legacy.

I shall be writing to Her Majesty on behalf of Tweeddale to offer our deepest sympathy.

Sir Hew Strachan

HM Lord Lieutenant of Tweeddale                                                 9 April 2021        “

THE BELLS OF Peebles Old Parish Church will ring tomorrow morning as usual – and will play the National Anthem at the end of their time. In tribute to the late HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

A video message from Rev John Smith.

Please excuse this revised version, but it has been reported that the video cannot be viewed on some Ipads.

In essence the message is Please Go to the Choir Page on the TOPCOP website. HERE

Monday 15 March 2021 17.00-17.40

Join an online Vigil for Syria, marking ten years of the Syrian conflict as a public expression of solidarity with the Syrian people and Syrian refugees here in Scotland and in other countries.

Register on Eventbrite: https://vigilforsyria.eventbrite.co.uk

Even if you’re unable to join the vigil, join us in an act of solidarity by lighting a candle and sharing a photo with us…thank you, Pamela

The situation in Lebanon remains critical – with the economy on the point of collapse and the continuing
political stalemate.

This update from Dr George Sabra, President of NEST (Near East School of Theology, Beirut) just received:
23 February 2021

NEST started the second semester completely online. It seems to be going well. Lebanon is still having high rates
of infections, but there is some improvement in the last couple of days. The vaccines are coming into the country,
but it doesn’t look like we will get them soon. They’re starting with older age groups and health workers, and
there aren’t enough vaccines being imported. Very few students remain in the dorms at NEST, but the Library
remains open.

The COVID situation will eventually improve, but our greatest problem is the economic collapse and the
political stalemate in Lebanon which is causing the economy to collapse even faster. We have no idea what
to expect in the next weeks and months, but we know that it is going to be very bad.

Keep us in your prayers.