Category Archives: Events

Thank you to all who attended the online Safeguarding Clinic last week. We had a successful session discussing Safer Recruitment, the process for volunteers (current and new) and the related documentation that should be held by local churches.

As a charitable body the church has responsibility for safer recruitment, this responsibility lies with District Synod, Circuit meetings and local church councils. We want to have safety at the heart of our Methodist communities so we follow the 12 steps from the policy. PDF summary. This starts by the responsible body i.e. church council, having a recruitment and selection policy. There is a template version of this available to save reinventing the wheel. The policy then has further detail as to the 12 steps and how to determine volunteer role outlines. 

A reminder that we have online Foundation Safeguarding training coming up on evening of 6^th May 25. Please register at Scotland District Creating Safer Space: Foundation Module (Online) Registration, Tue 6 May 2025 at 18:45 | Eventbrite

Some of you may be aware that there are changes coming into force from 1^st April 2025 regarding PVG scheme membership. I will be sending out further information but for now if anyone works with/has non-incidental contact with children or protected adults within their role they MUST by law as of 1^st April 25 have a PVG. Please contact your circuit safeguarding officer or myself if you believe you require a PVG for the role you currently have but do not have one. 

The Learning Network in Scotland is offering a series on ‘Working out Worship’ and the first of those begins with Local Arrangements on Tuesday 18^th 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:

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

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.

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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/

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.

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