The Methodist Peace Fellowship has partnered with the Fellowship of Reconciliation and others in praying weekly for peace.
They’ve been praying every Friday at 7.30pm since the war in Ukraine began. All are welcome to join these led sessions, regularly or occasionally. Sign up through the Zoom website.
Prayer is an opportunity to encounter God. It can involve words spoken in a group, art we hang on our walls, or a stroll in the park.
The Methodist prayer cards offer 52 different prompts for creative prayer; different ways that we can fulfil the Methodist Way of Life commitment to “pray daily” as far as we are able, with God’s help.
The cards can be used by individuals or groups, at church events onsite & online, in homes, schools & care homes.
The cards are now available to download as a PowerPoint or a PDF version for easy use in digital meetings and church services. Or, buy a print pack from Methodist Publishing.
“We are appalled by the proposals in the government’s ‘Illegal Migration Bill’ to detain, punish and reject thousands of people seeking safety. They are completely incompatible with our Christian conviction that all human beings are made in the image of God, and are therefore inherently worthy of treatment which honours their dignity.” Church Leaders from the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union have signed a joint statement expressing opposition to the government’s new ‘Illegal Migration Bill’. You can read the whole statement, as well as a link with advice on writing to your MP.
The Joint Public Issues Team, which includes the Methodist Church, has issued a briefing on this issue.
The UK Government is introducing Legislation in relation to security and counter terrorism for publicly accessible places. This will directly affect places of worship.
In December 2022, the Home Secretary announced her intention to introduce Martyn’s Law, formerly known as the Protect Duty, as soon as Westminster parliamentary time allows. Martyn’s Law will apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and further information on what is proposed can be found in the factsheet. The legislation will place a statutory requirement on those responsible for certain locations to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures in their day to day operations. It is possible that partners/stakeholders you engage with may be affected.
The Home Office are commencing their stakeholder engagement programme and as part of this, they are hosting a series of webinars which will involve a presentation on Martyn’s Law along with an opportunity for questions and answers.
If for any reason, someone from your organisation is not able to attend these events, we can also request bespoke events. Interest can be registered at the links below.
| Places of Worship | Thurs 09 March 2023
11:00-12:30 |
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/martyns-law-webinar-for-places-of-worship-tickets-519101836567 |
Research on reaching people who belong to faith groups
The Strategy and Insight Team at the Scottish Government are keen to conduct research to explore whether there are better ways to ensure that our messaging is reaching people on low incomes, who belong to faith groups, don’t speak English as a first language, have a disability, health condition or mobility issues and / or are from Minority Ethnic backgrounds. We’re also interested in speaking to support workers who work with these audiences. This is a particularly pressing question during the cost of living crisis but we’re interested more broadly in making sure that the messages that need to get through, are finding the right audiences.
We know that many organisations are running Warm Spaces this winter so we wondered whether this might give us an opportunity to pop along to a session and speak to some of the people dropping in for this research. If community centres are running drop in sessions or support groups, that also might provide an opportunity to speak to some of the visitors. If you think this might be possible, please get in touch with Michael.Higgins@gov.scot.
Looking for some Lent reflections?
Methodist Women in Britain have produced seven reflections for the seven weeks of Lent.
You can use these Lent reflections as they lead towards the Easter Offering 2023 service and its resources.
Find the Lent reflections at the MWiB website.
Find the Easter Offering 2023 resources here. The theme is ‘No Borders to God’s Love’.
In this 6-week small group discussion guide you’ll explore Lenten themes to help you grapple with the realities of the climate crisis.
Each week you’ll explore a new theme with bible readings, stories and prayers to stir-up ideas of how you and your church can act together for climate justice.
Perfect for small/home groups and flexible for Lenten lunches and café church.
Talking Climate Justice – Lent Discussion Guide – Christian Aid
Christian Aid is inviting churches across Britain and Ireland to join together in an act of witness to pray for Ukraine on Sunday 26 February, for an end to the conflict and for all those affected by the terrible impact of war.
Resources are available.
