2-3rd Feb 2013
Last year was the first time at Tulliallan Police College which provides training and conference rooms together with residential facilities – single rooms with en suite. Though there were some initial concerns most felt the facilities provided at Tulliallan Castle were first-rate. The venue for next and suggestions for the weekend focus will be discussed during the business meeting this year.
Scottish Police College, Tulliallan Castle, Kincardine, Fife, FK10 4BE
Situated in 90 acres of parkland on the outskirts of the village of Kincardine-on-Forth, the College enjoys a central location within the Central Lowlands of Scotland and is well-served by a good motorway and trunk road network and the M876 terminates within 2 miles of the College. The nearest railway stations are in Falkirk, seven miles away, and both Edinburgh & Glasgow airports are less than an hour’s travelling time from the College. Car parking is available within the College grounds.
Apologetics? – It’s Alpha Plus!
Exploring what we believe and why
Lead by Gerald Bostock and John Sawkins
Session 1: What is being asked of us?
Session 2: Why is it hard but worth it?
Session 3: Real-life conversations
Session 4: The way forward
Together we will be looking at how we, as local preachers and worship leaders, think about and talk about our faith and make the case for Christianity where we live and work. Gerald and John will be asking us questions like: How do we make the case for Christianity today? What questions do people ask? Why do we find it hard to answer them and why should we try? How do we put theory into practice and how can this equip us better for mission?
Gerald Bostock is now retired and stays in Perth. He served as a Methodist minister for many years including 8 years as a minister and Methodist University Chaplain in Edinburgh and 8 years as the Superintendent minister in Aberdeen. His particular interests are Origen of Alexandria and the early Church, including the Celtic Church, and has recently developed a concern for apologetics as an essential aspect of the mission of the Church in contemporary Britain.
John Sawkins works at Heriot-Watt University and is a local preacher in the Edinburgh and Forth Circuit. He is a ‘Breakout’ (Sunday School) leader at the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church and through this work, has developed an interest in trying to come up with answers to the tricky questions posed by the young people!
Saturday Evening Fellowship
Last year many expressed their pleasure at the Saturday evening time of fellowship, song and story led by Casey & Ken Weatherford. This year there will be an opportunity to once again bring your own food to share in the Saturday evening fellowship led by Valerie and Ian Paget.
Ian is a qualified PE Teacher and has a degree in Pastoral Ministry. He has worked as a Pastor in both Canada and Scotland and is currently working with Scripture Union in an Associate Worker Scheme called Colt which involves him working in schools in the Clackmannanshire Area. Ian is a gifted worship leader who has written many worship songs and has recorded two albums.
Valerie, Ian’s wife, is a qualified radiographer working in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. She leads worship with Ian and especially enjoys leading kids’ worship. Valerie is also gifted in creative dance in worship.
Welcome
This is the one time in the year when all those involved in leading worship and preaching the Gospel across the District can meet for fellowship. We usually have representation from all Circuits and it is a good opportunity to ‘compare notes’, pick up ideas and see how we may try different things.
The Weekend is open to all Ministers (Presbyteral and Diaconal), Local Preachers and Worship Leaders and you are welcome whether you are just starting out, or are an ‘old hand’!
Booking forms went out with the Winter newsletter; if you didn’t receive one and would like one please get in contact with Hilary. Forms should be returned together with the relevant deposit as soon as possible.