Hobkirk and Southdean Parish Church with Ruberslaw Parish Church

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1 Hobkirk and Southdean Parish Church with Ruberslaw Parish Church PARISH PROFILE 1

2 Contents page Welcome p. 3 Location p. 4 Our Churches pp. 5-9 Our Villages pp What type of Minister are we looking for? p. 13 What the Churches offer to our Minister p. 13 The Manse pp Financial Status p. 16 Contacts p. 17 2

3 Welcome! The Nominating Committee of Hobkirk and Southdean linked with Ruberslaw welcome you to our Parish Profile. We believe we can offer you a rewarding ministry not without its demands and a high quality of life in the beautiful Scottish Borders. The rural charge of Hobkirk and Southdean Parish Church linked with Ruberslaw Parish Church became vacant on the retiral of Rev. Douglas Nicol on 5 th April 2018 after nine years of ministry here. We hope that you find this Profile helpful in giving a broad impression of our parishes and showing what life and ministry within them would involve. Please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact details at the end of the document. We will be delighted to hear from you and talk about any queries you may have. We would be happy to accompany you around our villages should you choose to arrange a visit. We offer you our prayers in what is an exciting time for us all and trust that God will guide us in our decision making. With very best wishes, Clive Bewley Chair of the Nominating Committee Hobkirk & Southdean Parish Church of Scotland: Charity No. SC Ruberslaw Parish Church of Scotland: Charity No. SC

4 Location Map 1 Key: A. Hobkirk and Southdean - Areas 3 and 4 B. Ruberslaw - Areas 1, 2 and 5 4

Our Churches RUBERSLAW History The Ruberslaw Parish is made up of one congregation worshipping together in

Denholm Church was built as a Free Church in 1844 in the heart of the village next to the green.

In 1963 Denholm Parish was linked with the parish of Bedrule.

The Church has been rebuilt several times and the current building dates from 1914.

5 Our Churches RUBERSLAW History The Ruberslaw Parish is made up of one congregation worshipping together in three Churches. Denholm Church was built as a Free Church in 1844 in the heart of the village next to the green. The small rectangular Church had its interior altered in 1957 and was refurbished in In 1963 Denholm Parish was linked with the parish of Bedrule. The adjoining Pitt Memorial Hall was built in 1892 and is the meeting place for many different groups and coffee mornings. Bedrule Church is on an ancient site overlooking the Rulewater Valley and in the shadows of Ruberslaw Hill. The Church has been rebuilt several times and the current building dates from The Church has many beautiful stained glass windows including the Guild centenary window installed in The parishes of Denholm and Bedrule were linked with Minto in Minto Church, designed by William Henry Playfair, dates from 1830 when the settlement of Minto was developed. An impressive war memorial stands behind the Church where the congregation gathers on Remembrance Sunday. 5

Bedrule, Denholm and Minto linked with Hobkirk and Southdean Parish in 2002. The Union of Ruberslaw combining Bedrule, Denholm and Minto was formed in 2003.

6 Bedrule, Denholm and Minto linked with Hobkirk and Southdean Parish in The Union of Ruberslaw combining Bedrule, Denholm and Minto was formed in Ruberslaw currently has 239 members and 13 adherents, with 35 regularly attending morning worship. The Ruberslaw Kirk Session meets three times a year and once jointly with Hobkirk and Southdean Session, in Denholm Church Hall. There are 17 elders. There is a Congregational Board comprising of nine elders and six elected members meeting three times a year. The congregations are not large but there is a strong core of dedicated members who are involved in various capacities in Church life and volunteer readily for a range of tasks. The Ruberslaw Guild meets regularly over the course of the year in Denholm Church Hall. Lenten lunches are organised in March/April with the proceeds going to the work of Christian Aid. Worship Life Ruberslaw Parish Church meets weekly for Sunday morning worship in rotation around the three Churches. A printed order of service is prepared each week which includes the intimations. The service follows a traditional pattern with praise from CH3, Songs of God s People and Common Ground and there are New English Bibles on the pews. All Churches have an organ with a regular organist. The Church has a portable data projector which is used occasionally in worship. Tea and coffee is served in the Churches after the 9.30 am services. Communion is celebrated three times a year at the morning service. There is a Worship Group which leads a Café Church three times a year in Denholm Village Hall and is available on occasion to take services in the absence of a Minister. A Church calendar is published annually detailing the times and venues of the services in both parishes. Details of the weekly services are published in the Hawick Paper and on the website which is shared with Hobkirk and Southdean. Additionally, a group of distributors deliver the Parish News, a joint publication of the charge, to all homes in the villages. 6

There are three joint services a year hosted alternately by Hobkirk and Southdean and Ruberslaw. As well as the weekly Sunday services there are additional special services.

7 There are three joint services a year hosted alternately by Hobkirk and Southdean and Ruberslaw. As well as the weekly Sunday services there are additional special services. A Spring Lambing service encourages our links with the farming community and Easter is celebrated with a sunrise service on the summit of Ruberslaw, a hill which can be viewed from each of the Churches. Three baptisms and four marriages were held in the Ruberslaw Churches during There are eight weddings scheduled for the various Churches through until The Church of Scotland is the only denomination within the parishes. Pastoral Care The Minister regularly visits parishioners in their homes, the Borders General Hospital, Hawick Community Hospital and local care homes. The Minister takes services in Bonchester Care Home monthly. They are also on a rota for Knowesouth Care Home once or twice a year. The Minister takes home communion to members at their request. Elders visit members and adherents in their homes prior to communion services. Pastoral issues are brought to the attention of the Minister by elders, members of the congregation or neighbours. There were seven funerals in the parish in Christian Education There are currently no Sunday Schools within the parish which has been the situation for a number of years. There is a Boys Brigade Company which meets in the Church hall in Denholm and takes part in a number of the services including Christmas. Branches of the Girl Guides are invited for Thinking Day services. The Minister is School Chaplain of Denholm Primary School and is on the chaplaincy team at Hawick High School. As well as regular visits to the schools, the primary school comes to the Church for three end-of-term services. 7

HOBKIRK AND SOUTHDEAN Hobkirk and Southdean are united and work very closely together in all community and Church activities. Hobkirk Church is the main site of worship.

8 HOBKIRK AND SOUTHDEAN Hobkirk and Southdean are united and work very closely together in all community and Church activities. Hobkirk Church is the main site of worship. It has been our site of worship for 900 years with the present Church built in Southdean Church is used for approximately six services a year plus special occasions. The present Church was built in 1876 and features some fine stained glass. There are the remains of two ancient Churches in the area including Souden Kirk. An annual service is held at Souden to commemorate the Battle of Otterburn. The combined membership of the congregation is 130, with a regular attendance of The active Kirk Session of Hobkirk and Southdean keeps in touch with members of the community by visiting and distributing the Parish Newsletter to all households. The website is shared with Ruberslaw. 8

The main fund raisers for the Church have included The Big Breakfast, the Parish Barbecue and a St Andrew s Day Concert. All are enjoyed by the wider community and support and promote the Church.

9 The main fund raisers for the Church have included The Big Breakfast, the Parish Barbecue and a St Andrew s Day Concert. All are enjoyed by the wider community and support and promote the Church. The congregation is active in practical support for the Church. Coffee/tea and home baking are served after the service on the first Sunday in the month. There was 1 wedding in 2017 and there are 3 weddings scheduled through to One baptism and 4 funerals took place in We are fortunate to be able to share our organist with the Ruberslaw congregation and love to sing. The books we use are CH3, Songs of God s People and Common Ground and there are pew Bibles (New English Bible). 9

10 Our Villages HOBKIRK AND SOUTHDEAN A warm welcome awaits a Minister in Hobkirk and Southdean. We are confident that we are a welcoming, tolerant and sociable community with our Church open to everyone. Hobkirk and Southdean is a scattered rural community including the expanding villages of Bonchester Bridge and Chesters. The main industry is farming and the Church has strong farming links. We have an annual Lambing Service held at a local farm and Harvest Festival has real meaning within our farming community. Hobkirk School has closed and our children are now taken to Denholm Primary, so the school chaplaincy is special to us in enhancing the link between our Church and the school. There is always something going on in our vibrant community. The two village halls of Southdean and Bonchester Bridge offer a wide range of social activities. The halls are well equipped and available for clubs or groups of all ages. Southdean Show and Rulewater Flower show are both well-established local events in our calendar. There is also an active SWI and the Guild meets regularly from October to April often holding open evenings with interesting speakers. Their May coffee morning and plant sale is a popular event and makes a valuable contribution to Church funds. Bonchester Care Home is in Bonchester Bridge, where both staff and residents appreciate the monthly service held at the home and chaplaincy visits. There is a country inn in Bonchester Bridge and the village is served by a visiting mobile library and mobile post office. 10

RUBERSLAW In all three villages within Ruberslaw Parish, we have enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute to the lives of all in the community and provide a warm welcome.

11 RUBERSLAW In all three villages within Ruberslaw Parish, we have enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute to the lives of all in the community and provide a warm welcome. Bedrule is the centre of a scenic and scattered farming community. Bedrule Church does not have a Hall but the village hall is only 300 metres away from the Church. In the hall concerts, whist drives, Easter and Harvest lunches etc are enjoyed by the congregation and locals alike. Denholm is a vibrant busy village full of character situated on the A698 Hawick Jedburgh road with a local bus service to the 2 main towns and from there onward links available to Edinburgh, Carlisle or Newcastle. The focal point of the village is the Village Green with the John Leyden monument as a centrepiece. The Manse has a central location overlooking the Wee Green and the Church and immediately adjacent to a thatched cottage, birthplace of John Leyden. The Village Green, Village Hall and Church Hall provide a wide range of events and activities throughout the year. The village is very well served with two Cafes, Post Office/Village Store, Butcher, Garage, Hairdresser and two Pubs which provide meals and accommodation. The new Primary School, built to replace the old school damaged by fire, was opened in October 2008 and now has over 100 pupils. The school has an excellent reputation and a close link with the Church has been forged. The ever popular School Sports Day, also more recently introduced Inter-Schools Rugby Competition, are both held on the Village Green providing enjoyment for all in the community. The village has increased in size with the development of new houses but has retained its charm making it a very desirable place to reside. 11

Minto is a picturesque conservation village situated in the shadow of Minto Hills. The village has been supplemented with a number of new houses built on its edge.

12 Minto is a picturesque conservation village situated in the shadow of Minto Hills. The village has been supplemented with a number of new houses built on its edge. This, together with privately owned cottages and converted buildings on the Minto Estate, has added to the village giving a real sense of community spirit. In Minto, the Church provides an important meeting place which newcomers are encouraged to attend to help to integrate and make friends with all in the village. There is also a scenic and excellent 18-hole golf course where all are welcome which extends the full length of the village. Although Minto is a small village, it is very accessible - only 1 mile from Denholm - and seen by many as an appealing place to stay. All Villages Children from both parishes attending Denholm Primary School have the option after P7 of transferring to either Jedburgh Grammar School or Hawick High School. The villages are serviced by the main Borders General Hospital in Melrose and a Community Hospital in Hawick. The area is fairly equidistant from Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle; approximately 50 miles away. Edinburgh and Newcastle have excellent airports. The popular Borders Railway as a link to Edinburgh is less than 20 miles away at Tweedbank, which has good parking facilities. 12

13 What type of Minister are we looking for? We are looking for a Minister who is able to bring the Word of God in an appealing, sincere and dynamic manner to our varied and spread out communities covering all ages. In a time of changing attitudes, modern technology, busy lives and the reduction in Church attendance, our Minister needs to be able to communicate the Bible into the 21 st century. They will be welcome, even expected, to take a leading role in our wider communities whilst respecting the more traditional aspects of Church life. They will relate to the young to help them understand their own spirituality through contact with schools and youth organisations. They will be approachable and personable. They will understand the pressures of rural life and be able to give pastoral care to the sick, the bereaved, the troubled and the lonely. They will seek to lead worship in our five Churches in an inspirational and engaging manner. They will serve as Chaplain to Denholm Primary School, be part of the Chaplaincy team at Hawick High School and take services at residential homes. They will be involved with a widespread rural community extending from Minto in the North to the English Border in the South and will need to undertake considerable travel on the narrow country roads of the area. What the Churches offer to our Minister We will warmly welcome our new Minister and their family. Our Elders and Office Bearers will give of their own time and expertise to support our Minister and family. We will assist in pastoral care, visiting the sick, the bereaved and the lonely. The various talents of the members, be they professional or artisan, will be offered to support the Ministry. 13

The Manse The Manse is situated on the north side of the village green in the pretty village of Denholm. It overlooks the Church which is almost adjacent.

14 The Manse The Manse is situated on the north side of the village green in the pretty village of Denholm. It overlooks the Church which is almost adjacent. The Manse dates from early Victorian times built in traditional stone with slate roof and comprises three storeys. It was improved twelve years ago, including a new heating system and a modern kitchen, giving comfortable and updated spacious accommodation. To the rear of the property there is garaging and outbuildings together with a secluded and easily maintained garden. 14

Accommodation comprises of the following: Ground Floor Porch and Large entrance hall leading to Stairs up and - Lounge, Sitting Room approx. 16 x 16 Dining Room approx. 15 x 12 Kitchen approx.

15 Accommodation comprises of the following: Ground Floor Porch and Large entrance hall leading to Stairs up and - Lounge, Sitting Room approx. 16 x 16 Dining Room approx. 15 x 12 Kitchen approx. 14 x 12 Utility Room approx. 7 x 6 Boot Room Small Office/Cloakroom approx. 8 x 9 Bathroom, shower WC First Floor Stairs up Master Bedroom approx. 16 x 11 and dressing room/walk-in wardrobe Bedroom 2 approx. 12 x 7 Bedroom 3 approx. 13 x 7 Bathroom approx. 13 x 7 WC Second Floor Stairs up to sloping ceiling area and dormers. Bedroom 4 approx. 16 x 13 Study approx. 16 x 14 Attic Box-room Oil fired heating and open fire in Lounge. Services Locally General store/post office, butcher, hair salon, coffee shops, antiques shop, restaurant and pubs. Bus services to Hawick and Jedburgh where there are various supermarkets, leisure centres, municipal parks, doctors, dentists, museums etc. 15

16 Hobkirk & Southdean with Ruberslaw Financial Status There is much generosity in the two congregations and both continue to meet their commitments. Naturally, there is no complacency and both Kirk Sessions are aware of remaining ever vigilant of Church finances. No major fabric project is being carried out at present and all buildings are in good condition. The Ministries and Mission Contributions for 2018 (before the deduction of stipend endowments and glebe rents) are 16,776 for Hobkirk and Southdean and 23,970 for Ruberslaw. Both congregations have funds for fabric purposes held on their behalf by the General Trustees. A copy of the full accounts of each Parish is available on request. 16

17 Contacts Getting in touch: If you consider that God may be calling you to be the Minister of Hobkirk and Southdean with Ruberslaw, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Application can be made by means of a CV and covering letter to the Clerk. Informal enquiries can be made to the Convenor or the Interim Moderator. Convenor of Nominating Committee Clive Bewley Fodderlee Dell TD9 8JE Tel: carol.bewley@btinternet.com Clerk to Nominating Committee Brenda Squance Roselea Minto TD9 8SG Tel: brendaandjackie@btinternet.com Interim Moderator Rev Alistair Cook 4 Heronhill Close Hawick TD9 9RA Tel: Mob: acook@churchofscotland.org.uk Visit our Website: and Ruberslaw s Facebook Church 17

18 July

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