Scottish Methodist Gathering

Poster for Scottish Methodist GatheringJoin with folk from across Scotland at The Scottish Methodist Gathering in Perth 9th 11th September 2022. Dip in and out of a full programme of worship, prayer, pilgrimage, study, conferring, a Ceilidh and much more. Contributors include John Bell of The Iona Community, Rev. Roger Walton, Fischy Music and the programme includes activities for all ages.There is no charge, but to help with the organizing, please book today at www.scottishmethodistgathering.org

Take on the 300,000 steps challenge for Christian Aid

Christian Aid is  inviting you once again to get stepping and take on the popular 300,000 steps challenge.

It’s simple: take 300,000 sponsored steps in the month of May to raise funds for communities battling the climate crisis.

Coming in at just under 10,000 steps a day, hundreds of people have taken part and walked over 500 million steps to help end poverty!

Find out more and take the challenge!

Methodist Tapestries Project

The Weardale Museum, in Ireshopeburn, County Durham, is promoting the Methodist Tapestries Project, which will show the history and heritage of Methodism via the medium of embroidery. Relating stories not only local to the Museum but those of regional, national and international interest, the Project currently has forty-nine panels at various stages of construction and is looking for volunteers to take on further designs. Images of some of the current panels can be seen on the Museum’s website, including in the Gallery section which showcases different panels every few weeks.

As the museum especially values input and involvement from Methodist communities, it is keen to hear from Methodists who might be interested in participating in the Methodist Tapestries Project. Contributions of local stories that illustrate Methodist history and heritage are always appreciated, and of course if any potential stitchers were to come forward this would be excellent.

More details of the project, including links


Investment in Nuclear Weapons

Did you know that major UK banks and pension funds have invested £32 billion in companies producing nuclear weapons? Despite the UN Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons entering into force in 2021, many banks and pension funds have yet to change their policy on investment in nuclear weapons.

In the coming months AGMs (Annual General Meetings) will be taking place and JPIT, together with other faith groups, plan to challenge companies on their nuclear investment.

Do you bank with Barclays, HSBC or NatWest?  

Do you have your pension with Royal London, Nest or People’s Pension?

If you do, then we want to hear from you! We are looking for people to help us by tweeting or maybe even submitting a question to an AGM. Let us know you are interested (or want more information) by emailing daviesb@methodistchurch.org.uk.

Caring for Creation

Stirling Methodist Church has recently donated 20 trees to the Harmony Grove to mark the 200 years that Methodism has been in the city. One tree for each decade of our existence.

Harmony Grove is a project organised by Interfaith Scotland, to witness that all faith groups believe that, by working together, they can help preserve our precious planet. The grove is a mixture of trees native to this part of the United Kingdom and will increase the bio-diversity of the area in which it is set.

For Stirling Methodist Church this is the latest project spread over the last two decades which is a part of their witness in caring for creation. Their projects have included work of the Church, a listed building, to make it more environmentally friendly as well as encouraging members to make changes in their own lives that benefits the environment.

The Stirling Methodist Church was very active in the campaign to persuading the Methodist Church to divest fully from fossil fuel investments. The Stirling Church remains active on this issue trying to persuade Stirling Council to divest their pension fund from fossil fuels.

The Church Green Team is currently putting together their application for the Eco-Congregations Gold Award. The application will highlight the work that members outside the Church in their homes and through environmental and conservation groups they support and are active in.

All this is grounded in the worship of the church where we highlight the wonderful creation that our God has given to us as well as our shortcomings in caring for it as we should.

The Rev. Mary Patterson says: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24 verse 1). I am proud to be the minister working alongside a congregation who put their Christian faith into action by taking care not only of God’s people but God’s earth as well.”