Tuesday 24th August, 7.30-9pm
An introduction to Unconscious Bias – what it is, how to identify it in ourselves and our churches and what we can all do about it.
If you have not yet attended an Unconscious Bias event, you can join one of the events on your own or with others from your team, church or circuit. Just select your preferred date and register here.
Saturday 21st August, 9.30am-1pm
An online gathering for all in the Scotland and Shetland region who would like to become involved in worship leading and preaching in new ways or refresh their experience. Following up the strategy for worship leading and preaching in our region, we are offering two sessions linked by a period of shared worship. Whether you are experienced or exploring these roles, we invite you to join us for one or more of the sessions as appropriate to you.
Session 1 : Introduction to Worship Leading & Local Preaching, 9:30am – 11:00am Open to any with an interest in finding out more about these roles. Experienced Worship Leaders and Local Preachers also welcome to share in this time reflecting on our roles and sharing our experience with one another.
Link Session: ‘Worship we bring you…’
11:00am – 11:30am A time of worship and prayer for all attending either session.
Session 2: Exploring the roles of Mentor and Tutor, 11:30am – 1:00pm Looking more closely at the Worship: Leading and Preaching course and the roles of mentor and tutor within the training programme. Open to any who are considering offering themselves in either of these roles.
Register here
Are you interested in being part of a campaigning response to the government’s proposals for reform of the asylum system?
You may well be aware that following the government’s consultation on its ‘New Plan for Immigration’ earlier this year, a Nationality & Borders Bill has now been introduced in parliament, which would have a major effect on the way this country responds to those in need of sanctuary. The Joint Public Issues Team, and many others working in this area, have serious concerns about these proposals (see JPIT’s briefing). We are looking to build strength and deepen our political influence as the Bill goes through its parliamentary processes.
We think it is vitally important that the voices and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, and those who work with and support them, are heard as part of the discussion of these proposals. We are also keen to equip local church leaders, congregations and individuals to contribute to political influencing – through sharing stories, learning together about the Bill, and raising awareness of its consequences in our Christian communities. We hope we can build a network that will also work together to raise our concerns with the government through MPs and other actions.
It will be a group hosted by the Joint Public Issues Team, but open to all churches and their members, whatever their denominational affiliations.
If this would be of interest to you, please attend a meeting over Zoom on Thursday 22nd July at 8pm. Register here
The British Methodist Youth Choir are having their first virtual rehearsal on the 16th October at 7.00pm. More information and sign up.
A Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers Gathering will take place via Zoom on Thursday 15 October between 11.00am and 12.30pm. It will be hosted by Ian Rutherford and David Hardman (Manchester and Stockport) and Bala Gnanapragasam (London).
Joining from Rome will be Fiona Kendall, the European and Legal Affairs Advisor with Mediterranean Hope. More information.
To join the Zoom meeting on 15 October please let Ian Rutherford know on ianr7@hotmail.co.uk and he will send you the Zoom link.
Online Zoom event – Tuesday 7th July 2020 10:00 to 14:00.
led by Ali Johnson, Digital Evangelist at Cliff College.
This is a FREE training day led by Ali Johnson, Digital Evangelist at Cliff College, for those who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in using social media, websites and lots other platforms for mission!
This training day is not for those beginning to use digital in their church/missional context, but it is for those who are already using social media — those who would like to ‘work smarter’ and advance their skills and knowledge.
Some basic knowledge is needed but it should be accessible for all ministers, administrators and lay workers, as well as volunteers with some digital awareness. As well as develop knowledge of different platforms, it will also help develop awareness of trends, target groups, different contexts and creative ideas for engaging digitally.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-communication-training-tickets-109599212194
Cancellation of Walking Pilgrimage in August: Andrew and I had hoped to lead a walking pilgrimage from Glasgow to the Isle of Whithorn in August but sadly we have not been able to put together a viable group so this has now been cancelled.
Glasgow Two-Day Pilgrimage: However, a much shorter two-day pilgrimage is being planned for Monday 24th& Tuesday 25thAugust with an overnight stay in Glasgow. This will be open to all who are fit enough to walk around 10 miles on each of two days, carrying an overnight rucksack.
Glasgow is a city of huge historical and spiritual interest and the route will include two of the three Cathedrals, stretches alongside the river Clyde, and other local sites of interest. If you would be interested in hearing more as the details are planned, please do email Jill: ejillbaker@btinternet.com
