The Joint Kirk Session met at Hobkirk parish church on Ash Wednesday 21st February at 7pm. Rev Anthony Jones the Minister opened the meeting with a meditation on Lent, it being the first day of the season and everyone was reminded of the stark symbolism of "ashes" and the frailty of life in the light of Christ's own death. Discussion followed on several new initiatives in the joint parish.

Pastoral Team This is an idea already practised in many parishes across Scotland and that has been encouraged to many parishes by Ministry Council at 121. The remit of the group which consists of Christine Rodger, Helen Howden, Ann Witherington, Maureen King, Sandy Milligan & the Minister was shared by Reverend Anthony:

-    to provide a basis for encouraging one another in the love of Christ reaching out to the local community
-    to meet together on a regular basis and to share information concerning those in need in the locale
-    to support each other in prayer as we seek to witness together in pastoral ways in the area
-    to work together as a two-way team - Elders/Minister and Minister/Elders - corporately and individually.  Many Elders find themselves working alone and unsupported, the Minister likewise can find himself working alone and sometimes feels unsupported. Each needs in a spirit of christian "sharing" the help of the other.   

The general aim of the core group is thus to liaise between each other and be a contact point for Elders or others who need help pastorally (since sometimes both Minister and Elder can't expect to be everywhere at once). The team is there to work alongside and support each other.  Ways of working together would include making visits together - such as Communion (home visits) and hospital visits (please note the Minister visits the BGH usually on a Thursday) - and providing support and counselling throughout the parish as the need requires (confidentiality is stressed and assured throughout).

Parish News/Ruberslaw Times Ruberslaw in conjunction with Hobkirk have started a Joint Editorial Board, including the Minister; Alan Dowler-Smith (Ruberslaw); John Curtis (Hobkirk); Scott Douglas (Hobkirk); and Robert Neill (Ruberslaw).  The Board's job is to keep on top of publicity & promotion in the parishes. As a result of much demand by Denholm village, it has been decided with Session's approval to run a shorter news broadsheet/diary for Denholm & surrounding areas under the title "Ruberslaw Times"; this will be available 6 times a year at outlets like the church, shop and pubs. The larger "Parish News" will be issued twice a year - after Easter and after Christmas - and the latter will still be distributed. Thanks to Mrs Lindsay and her team of distributors. The Editor for the joint "Parish News" & "Ruberslaw Times" will be Alan Dowler-Smith: email: alan@oldfodderlie.co.uk/tel: 860311. Discussion about the inclusion of the church service times and details followed. It was agreed to keep advertising our weekly services for the benefit of parishioners (in keeping with every other church in Presbytery) - contents will be reduced except for special services and dates. Hobkirk said they fully intended to continue their weekly advert.

Stewardship Campaign  Michael Braithwaite, Treasurer for Ruberslaw, explained a leaflet that 121 had produced to encourage giving. John Curtis, Treasurer for Hobkirk & Southdean, explained previous campaign policies and the success of the gift aid slips that had been distributed with the "Informer" at the time of the last campaign which brought in some £4,000 in income - plus tax back!

Website There was a discussion on the website. People were very enthusiastic, and it was agreed that Scott Douglas would continue to edit the website and that Alan Dowler-Smith be co:Editor - website: www.hobkirk.org.

It was decided to have only one meeting this year of the Joint Kirk Session, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday 20th February 2008 at 7pm at Minto parish church. The meeting closed in prayer and was followed by refreshments.