Author Archives: Wesley

Triona Brading, an autistic Christian who works with children with additional needs, is busting myths on autism in the church with her latest video, ‘Supporting autistic individuals in our churches’. The video shares practical tips from her own experience of autism and encourages churches to take a fresh perspective in forming a welcoming environment for autistic people.

Triona, Roofbreaker disability champion for Christian disability charity Through the Roof, released the video as the first of a series about autism and neurodiversity inclusion in the church @TTRChangesLives: 

Triona says “Autistic people experience the world in a different way… There is a myth that the [autistic] spectrum goes from less autistic to more autistic… The spectrum itself is actually more like a circle with lots of different variations and presentations. So it can be quite overwhelming if you’re thinking ‘How do I support someone in my church who is autistic?’”

Church can be a difficult and confusing place for autistic people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This video aims to help people in churches learn how to create a more inclusive church environment for autistic people, with practical tips and advice that can be easily and quickly implemented. 

“The best thing you can do is talk to autistic people you know that come to your church groups and services, and see what they would like in place.” Triona says.

Send a positive message to autistic people in your community this September – download resources for Disability Awareness Sunday (17 Sept) from Through the Roof at https://throughtheroof.org/forchurches/disability-awareness-sunday/

Through the Roof provides free support and resources through its Roofbreaker project to enable Christian disability inclusion. Find out how more at: https://throughtheroof.org/forchurches/roofbreakers/

The thought of chatting about death over tea and coffee may seem strange.
A Death Café was started by Deacon Bob Stoner from the Strathclyde Circuit
last September at Pollokshaws Methodist Church in Glasgow.
Even though it’s a taboo subject for some, the idea is to approach death in a
different way and help people feel more comfortable talking about it.

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The latest issue of Wesley House’s online open-access, peer-reviewed journal – Holiness – is out now!

This is the first of two special edition centenary issues which seek to celebrate 100 years of theological leadership, fellowship and excellence.

The journal offers a range of scholarship that formed part of Wesley House’s centenary events and articles and sermons beyond it. From Paul Chilcote’s excellent survey of the current state of the global Methodist communion in ‘Mapping Global Methodist Theology’, to Paul Glass’ intimate retelling of the ‘Story of Wesley House’. From Ruby Quantson-Davis’ pertinent treatment on the importance of ‘Sitting with the Discomfort of Decolonisation’, to Jane Leach’s deeply personal consideration of ‘A Century of Theological Reflection’ in Cambridge. 

We hope you find something to enjoy, and keep an eye out for the next! 

Paisley Central Hall is offering new activities to its community, including Bouncy Church, an intergenerational day for local families.

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Located in Merkinch, Inverness, The Bike Shed provides the local crowd with a safe and friendly environment to gather, have a chat and be themselves.

The Bike Shed owes its name to the bikes used to decorate the interior and exterior of the café. Bikes, wood, art and cheerful quotes create a friendly and welcoming environment for the local people to gather. Dave Saunders, a Methodist pioneer in Inverness for nearly 12 years and a woodworker, was the instigator of the Bike Shed: “There wasn’t a local, affordable coffee shop in the area where people could meet.”

The Bike Shed is now a successful non-commercial venue with the support of the Methodist Church and the volunteers who help to run it.

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