Category Archives: News

Bibles for Bairns registrations are now open for babies born in 2026.

You can register any eligible babies you know (yours, friends, or family) for free – but do get permission from the parent or guardian if its not your child.

Bibles for Bairns is a programme by Scottish Bible Society for all babies born in Scotland to receive their free toddler Bible on their first birthday, and a free gift every year until their fifth birthday when they will receive their own children’s Bible.

For more information and to register click here.

Scotland District has grant monies available to assist you to Get your Buildings Down to Net Zero.

Step 1:

Obtain an Energy Efficiency Assessment The first step is to obtain a free Energy Efficiency Assessment Report. This service is provided by the Scottish Government through Business Energy Scotland or call 0808 808 2268 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm). The assessment report typically takes around eight weeks to produce and provides valuable information, including recommended energy efficiency measures, estimated carbon reductions, predicted cost savings, capital costs, available grant funding, and payback periods. Please email a copy of the completed report to me at (AFH@methodistchurchinscotland.net).

Step 2:

Select a Project After reviewing the report, the Church Council can decide which recommendations it wishes to pursue.

Step 3:

Obtain Quotations and Funding Information Once a project has been selected, obtain the necessary quotations and identify any additional sources of funding. District Action for Hope funding is unlikely to cover the full project cost; applicants should demonstrate how the remaining costs will be funded. The proposed project should have the support of the Circuit Property Steward (CircuitProperty@methodistchurchinscotland.net), be supported by appropriate quotations, and include details of any proposed funding arrangements. I endeavor to keep up to date with available community grant opportunities available from GB Energy and other government sources. If you require advice on potential funding sources, please contact me by email.

Timescale

If you contact Business Energy Scotland during October or November, the assessment report should be available by February 2027. The technical proposal and funding package can then be developed during March and April, with a grant application submitted to the DPC for consideration on 11 May 2027. What Does Net Zero Mean? Net Zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed from it.

Stephen Fowles

District Action for Hope

The discipleship team is offering practical online training on starting and growing ministry with children, young people and families. The first of five sessions, which will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm starts on 17 November, and follows monthly after that.

Sign up here

Our properties are a visible sign of our presence in local communities. Following a report to the Methodist Conference, Church members are invited to take part in online consultations on how we can best use our properties for missional purposes. Three consultations will be held in November.

Dates and booking here

Methodist Homes’ CEO, Sam Monaghan, warns that “we risk creating another social care workforce crisis,” if the Government proceeds with proposals to lengthen the qualifying period for care workers on a sponsored Health and Care Worker Visa.”

Read the MHA blog about care workers; the same considerations apply to care workers working for other employers.

An Invitation from the Scottish Episcopal Church

Hope for Creation is a residential conference organised by the Scottish Episcopal Net Zero team, which will take place between 20 to 21 October in Stirling, bringing together people interested in practical action to tackle climate change in the Scottish church context.

The conference will provide opportunities for worship, discussion and learning, with contributions from across the SEC, ecumenical partners, and partner organisations.

The event takes place at the Stirling Court Hotel, and overnight accommodation is available.  Bethany Nelson, Net Zero Empowerment Co-ordinator, said: “The Net Zero team are looking forward to welcoming you to Stirling for the Hope for Creation Conference.  We will spend the days learning from one another as we celebrate creation, deepen our understanding of stewardship, and share stories of hope-filled action.

“Plans for this conference were drawn up in response to the feedback from attendees of the Net Zero Roadshow events, which took place over the past year.  The opportunity to share best practice, reflection and worship together was appreciated, and this conference is a response to a desire for the Church to spend more time gathered to consider these matters. Hope for Creation will also allow us to share our learning with, and learn from, ecumenical guests and partner organisations. We are grateful to our sponsors, Ecclesiastical, and the General Synod Office for supporting this event.

View on YouTube

A new hymn was written over the weekend, called ‘Hear the Music of Creation’. Words and music are available to anyone in the Circuit – email circuitadmin@methodistchurchinscotland.net if you wish a copy.