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Borders minister beats big freeze

WITH over 12 inches of snow, sub-zero temperatures, icy roads and treacherous pavements, you could understand why parishioners in the Borders may not make the trip to church on Sunday. But one resourceful minister has ensured his flock does not miss a thing - by holding worship on the church website instead.

Yetholm Kirk in the snow

Reverend Robin McHaffie, minister at Linton, Morebattle, Hownam and Yetholm in Jedburgh Presbytery, explained: "On Sunday past we were due to hold a joint service at Hownam - well into the Cheviots.

"By the Friday I was told the snow was over the boots and there was no roadside left to park. Our other churches were becoming hard to access too so we had to cancel.

"I circulated all members whose email addresses I hold with the service - including typed hymns.

"We advised Radio Borders, and on that announcement pointed people to our web site, cheviotchurches.org, where I had posted the service.

"This received quite a few hits and I know from feedback a number of members went online or downloaded the file at church time and read through, or sang through, the service.

"The website is part of our mission work, and part of our outreach to others."

With the cold-snap looking likely to continue through to next week, it looks like they will have to worship in their own homes once more.

Mr McHaffie continued: "We may be going the same way this Sunday.

"Roads and pavements are treacherous - there is so much snow to shift in front of churches that we may have to gather round our PCs again.

"However, we are trying to organise a brief service in two village halls, which are not quite so badly affected, and some people may be able to get there instead."

Although the service on the web was a successful alternative, Mr McHaffie also said he and his congregation are looking forward to worshipping in the church together again.

Ends.

Note to News Desks

For more information please contact Reverend Robin McHaffie on 01573 420 308.

nr/02/01/10

Friday 8, January 2010

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