Category Archives: News

Hope in today’s world

The Chalmers Lectures series for 2024 will feature six online lectures, three delivered by Rev Professor John Swinton and three delivered by Dr Katie Cross both from Aberdeen University. There will also be a hybrid event (online and in-person) which will be a dialogue between the two theologians with Rev Professor Alison Jack facilitating the event and hosting a Question and Answer session at the end of the conversation.

The overarching theme for the Chalmers Lectures cycle 2022-2026 is ‘Hope in today’s world’.

Dates for the lectures

Dr Katie Cross – 15, 17 and 29 October 2024 – online (7 to 8.30 pm)

Rev Professor John Swinton – 28 November, 3 and 5 December 2024 – online (7 to 8.30 pm)

Hybrid event in Aberdeen with Rev Professor Alison Jack facilitating a dialogue with the two lecturers plus a Question and Answer session – 9 December 2024 (7 to 8.30 pm) – King’s College Conference Centre

Registration page and more information.

https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/news/a-statement-on-the-violence-in-the-middle-east

A statement by the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference 10 October 2024

This runs from 7 to 13 October 2024

Resources at https://www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/

https://jpitpeace.carrd.co

There are now more than a dozen videos varying in length on the Scottish Methodist Gathering YouTube channel so you can catch the flavour of the weekend from dancing to drama, bible study to bagpipes, poetry to preaching.

The planning group met this week to review the event; we are very grateful for all feedback received and recognise that there is always much to learn.  If you have skills to offer to the ongoing planning for future events, please don’t be shy!

The next Gathering in 2026 will be held in Dundee with the theme of ‘Gathering to Create’ and will include the chance to see some / all of The Methodist Art Collection.  So – we are looking for creative people to take part / lead sessions / inspire / demonstrate and also looking for everyone to come along and be inspired.

‘Getting Started Online’ is a dynamic course designed to empower churches and communities to harness the
power of digital tools and platforms for mission. Whether you’re a digital novice or just looking to sharpen
your online skills, this course is your gateway to engaging efficiently in the digital mission field.

Join in on the Monday afternoon sessions (five in total) from 1.30pm-3.00pm starting on November 4

Free sign up

Your Faith, Your Online World is a multi-denominational project aimed at
supporting young people across the UK as they explore what it means to
have faith, and navigate life online.

This new podcast explores chaplaincy and its relationship to the wider church.

Gary Hopkins, Ministry Development Officer with responsibility for chaplaincy,
considers how chaplaincy should be embraced as part of the mission of God
in The Chaplaincy Chain Podcast, hosted by the Free Churches Group.

These are now available at Scottish Methodist Gathering on You Tube.

Asbestos remains in millions of homes and buildings today and it can become dangerous when disturbed or damaged. HSE is currently running 2 asbestos campaigns to highlight the risks of having and/or dealing with Asbestos:

Asbestos and You – This campaign is more for tradesperson and it highlights the risks they need to watch out for especially when carrying out building works on buildings built before 2000. 

Asbestos – Your Duty – This campaign raises awareness of the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings. The HSE website guidelines include information on

• what the legal duty is, and steps required to comply with the law

• who the duty holder is (depending on the type of building) and what they must do

• new templates of an asbestos management plan and asbestos register

• examples of how asbestos can be managed etc.

You can also listen to the podcast on the duty to manage asbestos by clicking here