We continue to have contact with our companion Diocese of Edinburgh in Scotland. Peter Mann House staff are continuing to talk to counterparts in Edinburgh, and we share their latest Youth and Children's news, which has great Halloween ideas.

As we continue to connect by Zoom with our friends in Edinburgh, we are still sharing ideas, resources and a bit of solidarity. Andrew Metcalfe spoke with his counterpart, Simon Filsell, this week to hear and share the latest news.

The Diocese of Edinburgh is in full swing preparing for COP-26, which has a focus in their latest newsletter The Communicant. All Scottish Episcopal churches from the Diocese have been invited to go to Glasgow on Saturday 6 November, joining with other faith communities in an historic day of climate-focused global action and mass mobilisation. There is also a pilgimage walk taking place from Dunbar to Glasgow, with +John joining the leg from Bo'ness to Falkirk on Thursday 28 October.

They have also been celebrating two ordinations (Lesley Penny and Claire Nicolson, pictured above) who are moving into curate roles as well as a number of lay readers. 

Edinburgh have just held their Synod, and one of the challenges from the Scottish Episcopal Church General Synod they have started planning around is becoming carbon neutral by 2030. A specialist group is being put together to lead and advise congregations on conversations they need to have and practical things they can do. We will stay in touch with them over what transpires as this will be useful for our context as well. 

Claire Benton-Evans is the Diocesan Youth and Children's Officer in Edinburgh, and shares some great resources in their latest newsletter. Although the Autumnal resource links are not quite right as we move towards summer here, there is a great reflection on how to handle Halloween from a Christian context. Have a look at alternative pumpkin carving ideas. 

The newsletter includes some creative responses to engaging with God in the outdoors, as well as more on how the church in Scotland is preparing for the COP-26 conference in Glasgow this November. 

Continue to remember Edinburgh in your prayers, including Bishop John Armes and Claire: that God will continue to give them strength, courage, healing and peace.