District Joint LP/WL Secretary : It is now one year since Lyn Smalridge stepped down and Hilary Henderson took over this shared role with Margaret Brown. Lyn gave eight faithful years to the role and continues to support our LP’s and WL’s in other ways. Meanwhile Margaret & Hilary have been getting to know each other, their skills and expertise, to assess how best to share the duties and support the LP/WL Secretaries & Tutors throughout the District.
LP/WL Annual Weekend : The 2012 Weekend was greatly enjoyed by all who were able to attend either the whole weekend or only for a day as Rev Dr Philip Meadows, Lecturer in Missionology and Wesleyan Studies at Cliff College and Coordinator of the Inspire Project of the Methodist Church, presented and led the lively and interesting sessions on Wesleyan DNA. We are grateful for the financial support of the District Advance Fund for subsidising the costs.
District LP/WL Secretaries & Tutors Annual Meeting : 9 June 2012 This was the first time that Scotland District had been represented and both Margaret & Hilary were honoured to take the train to Methodist Church House in London to meet other District representatives. Both felt it to be a very profitable meeting with discussions on the Fruitful Field Report and what was happening in various Districts as well as a very helpful conversation on the role and use of Worship Leaders. A representative from LWPT was also there to give a history of the Trust and encourage congregations to take a retiring collection in aid of their funds. Needless to say, Margaret & Hilary are looking forward to returning to London for the 2013 meeting.
Scotland District LP/WL Secy & Tutors Spring Meeting : The planned meeting on 12 May 2012 did not take place as it was felt important to concentrate on gathering more information on the Fruitful Field Project and the One Circuit consultation to bring to the autumn meeting. Known Current Statistics for Scotland District’s 8 Circuits are: 99 accredited Local Preachers; 12 LPs in training and 47 Worship Leaders. (Please note that these may no longer be correct at time of going to print.)
We continue to be grateful and offer prayers for the committed, faithful service of our LPs & WLs as they unconditionally commit themselves to the regular provision of strong Christian worship throughout Scotland District and beyond in service to our Lord Jesus Christ and to the glory of God
Resources: All LPs & WLs are regularly kept informed by twice yearly Newsletters (electronic and paper) produced by Margaret with the support of Fiona Inglis at the District Office who provides the printing and collating. As well as a good resource for what’s on around the District, these newsletters include interesting articles, poems, reports and what may be termed ‘sermon fodder’. Another good resource for LPs & WLs is the Scottish Methodist Website [methodistchurchinscotland.org.uk].
Hilary Henderson & Margaret Brown
District Joint LP/WL & Tutors Secretary