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Scottish Methodist Gathering 2024

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Save the date and make your plans to come to the 2nd Scottish Methodist Gathering which will be held in Stirling from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd September 2024.

Based at the Golden Lion, the programme includes worship, a ceilidh, conversation, children’s activities, creativity, space to chill and presentations from two excellent guest speakers, Deacon Eunice Attwood (former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference and now the connexional officer for Church at the Margins) and Rev. Professor David Wilkinson, Methodist minister, astro-physicist, broadcaster and author.

Registration will open after Easter – more information is available at any time by emailing the planning group on scotmethgathering@gmail.com

Accommodation:   Please note that the Golden Lion has been reserving all its rooms for the Gathering, which is why some people have been told there is no space!  There is plenty of space at present, please book directly with the Hotel (01786 475351) stating that you are coming for the Scottish Methodist Gathering, which will entitle you to a special price!

Working out Worship

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The Learning Network in Scotland is offering a series on ‘Working out Worship’ and the first of those begins with Local Arrangements on Tuesday 18th April from 7-9pm.

This session is designed for church stewards and worship leaders, as well as anyone else who currently or would like to contribute to worship. This will be a very accessible session and will be a great opportunity for churches to explore different ways of worshipping together. It will look at the steps of planning a service, different aspects and approaches to keep in mind, and how to plan ahead. The session will also signpost participants to useful resources.

Sign up here:  Working out Worship Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

This link is the same to register for the other events which will be helpful for all involved in worship and preaching. They are:

  • 2nd May Creative Worship 7-9pm on zoom
  • 16th May Intergenerational Worship 7-9pm on zoom
  • 20th May Practice what you preach 10.30-3pm onsite – venue to be confirmed

Faith in British Democracy: A Christian Vision for Political Engagement 

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With democracy under pressure everywhere, can Christians recover a positive vision for political engagement?

This four-week course explores a vision of constructive and critical participation in British democracy. Cynicism about politics is at an all-time high, citizens are divided and angry, and democracy seems unable to promote the common good. Given rising global religious extremism, many fear the presence of religion in politics and argue for a wholly secular democracy. But Christians, not least Methodists, have long engaged in political action as an expression of love of neighbour and concern for the common good. There are rich resources in the Christian tradition to empower us to engage with politics faithfully, wisely and effectively today.

Faith in British Democracy: A Christian Vision for Political Engagement delves into these resources, equipping participants to become more articulate and confident Christian citizens working for the common good. The course is designed for anyone engaged in or interested in British politics, campaigning or church-based action. Through readings, conversation and reflection on participant’s practical experience, we will explore a broad Christian vision of democracy and consider its application in concrete areas of political life.

More information, and registration.

Sight Loss Friendly churches

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Every six minutes someone in the UK starts losing their sight.

Christian charity Torch Trust are pleased to announce further dates of our popular Tasters.

These 30 minutes zoom sessions will give you the opportunity to learn about the benefits of being a Sight Loss Friendly Church as well as meeting the SLFC team and an opportunity to ask questions.

Tasters are easy to sign up to and held on the following dates:

Thursday 10th February 2pm

Thursday 17th February 7pm

Monday 14th March 2pm

Wednesday 23rd March 2pm

To book your place visit https://torchtrust.org/sight-loss-friendly-church/taster/

Encountering God – it’s not too late!

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It’s not too late to join in with the new online programme: ‘Encountering God’

  • The course is an opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a Local Preacher or Worship Leader to begin training and is also offered as a ‘refresher’ for all Worship Leaders and Local Preachers.  Others with an interest in worship are also welcome.
  • The Zoom sessions (roughly monthly on Saturday mornings) will include small group times when Local Preachers and Worship Leaders meet separately to consider their roles as well as presentations and discussions led by a team of tutors from across Scotland and Shetland.
  • The first session took place on 15th January – this can now be watched on the Learning Network Scotland and Shetland YouTube channel, along with an introductory video to the whole programme (session 0).
  • The next session will be on Saturday 5th February 9:30-11am.  To receive the Zoom link, register for the programme here.

If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with Jill Baker (ejillbaker@btinternet.com) or Lorraine Darlow (darlowl@methodistchurch.org.uk).

Training offered by Prospects Across Scotland

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Prospects aims are:

  • To raise awareness among Christians in Scotland about the needs of people with learning disabilities.
  • To equip churches to be more effective in how they welcome people with learning disabilities and share the good news about Jesus in a way they can understand.
  • To provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to take part in church and develop a relationship with Jesus.
  • To highlight the gifts of people with learning disabilities and how they can build up the church.

See below for training opportunities in the coming months.

Print version with live links

3Generate 2021

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Friday 29 October to Sunday 21 October

This year 3Generate will be held at The NEC in Birmingham from 29 to 31 October 2021. There are several ticket options:

  • A weekend ticket allows entry to the weekend, including overnight camping (tents will be provided and erected before arrival).
  • An everyday ticket allows entry on all 3 days, no overnight accommodation.
  • A Saturday ticket allows entry on Saturday only, no overnight accommodation.
  • A 4-7s First Child allows entry to the 4-7s area on Saturday and includes up to 2 significant adults, for any further children in the same family, please select the Additional Child ticket.

3Generate 2021 tickets are now available to purchase here.

Please see the booking guide for more details on how to purchase tickets.

Safeguarding Events

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Safeguarding

In response to the restrictions imposed due to Covid 19, online versions of the Foundation Module and Advanced Module have been developed and are available across the Connexion. We hope to be able to offer face to face training courses again, but we will predominantly offer regular safeguarding training through on-line courses.  Please look out for dates for Foundation and Advanced Courses and our Safeguarding Clinics.

If you have been waiting to undertake training for the first time, or have reached the four-year renewal point, and cannot attend dates advertised, please get in touch with Lorraine Darlow darlowl@methodistchurch.org.ukand please register for courses as they become available in our region.

Advanced Module training

Wednesday 8th Sept, 10am-12.30pm

Our new online Module course becomes available soon!  It combines self-study using our online learning platform and a facilitated online session in zoom. You MUST complete the online learning prior to attending the facilitated session.

You can find out more about it on the connexional website Safeguarding Training pages for Advanced Module.

Once registration is open, please register here.

Safeguarding Clinic

Tuesday 14th Sept, 7.30-8.30pm

What does the Church look like now, against the backdrop of the pandemic we have experienced?
What issues and needs do we see as we emerge into what could be challenging times where digital ministry has become more prevalent? How does the lens of safeguarding help us to respond well?

The changing face of church may pose many questions for you in your role and we welcome your participation and questions as we gather to reflect together. This clinic will focus particularly on the role of safeguarding in pastoral care and enabling resilience, reflecting on experience and sharing in conversation. Please come and join the discussion.

This event is led by the Safeguarding Advisory Group, including Euan Morrison, Dr Susie Turner and Lorraine Darlow.

Please register here so we can forward zoom joining details and feel free to share any questions in advance of our gathering.