25 April 2004

We give the assurance of our thoughts and prayers to all who are unwell, awaiting or undergoing treatment, or anxious or grieving for the loss of loved ones.

Quiet Room

The downstairs back room is being prepared as a place for quiet reflection & personal prayer before worship on Sundays.

Monthly United Service

The Minister has received a message from the Rev James Kidd (United Reformed Church) that the United Service this evening has been cancelled.

Easter Offerings Appeal

Envelopes for giving in support of this annual appeal for the work of the World Church are still available; please return today or as soon as possible via the offertory plate – thanks.

Church Council

Members should see Elizabeth to collect papers for the meeting on Wednesday, which will look at the “Further Forward” proposals for the June Circuit Meeting, affecting each and all of the 5 congregations.

General Church Meeting

This opportunity for reflection and decision by ALL involved in the life of the Methodist people based in Marketgait will be after worship on Sunday 23rd May. Nominations for 2 new Church Stewards are invited, plus designation of a “Senior Church Steward”. Expected Agenda items also include confirmation / election of representatives to the Church Council, election of Church Treasurer, and designation of Finance Committee Convener.

Nominations (and suggestion of any other matters to be discussed) should be given to the Minister (2 weeks in advance) or intimated through a Church Steward.

For Our Thought and Action?

Rev David Deeks (General Secretary Methodist Church) writes: “The Church of God stands at a critical point for its mission and witness in British society.

• Can we recover confidence in God’s gift and loving presence in 21st century Britain?
• Can we recover confidence in what we know and love deep down about generous Christian living in the service of others?
• Can the Methodist Church give sustained attention over the next decade to mission priorities that will make a difference?

Real questions, which expose whether or not we have the will to change, to use our time and resources differently – and therefore the subject of dedicated payer and reflection.”

Network - the Women's Network of the Methodist Church

Available from the Vestibule table :

• Network News Scotland Issue No 1 for 2004
• Leaflets for District Day on Wednesday 9th June in Stirling, title “Go in Faith and Share God’s Healing Grace”, speaker Mrs Rosemary Wells
• Leaflets for Overnight Event on Saturday 30th October – Sunday 31st October, in Pitlochry, title “Pathways for Pilgrimage”.

Meetings this week

Support other Organisations

Traidcraft

Traidcraft Bulletins, which contain information about the producers of the goods on sale, are on the table at the top of the stairs – “feel free to take away, and read, and return”.

Link Club

The Club is a “Special Interest Branch” of Enable, which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an organisation helping people with learning disabilities. (It was previously known as the Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped). The Link Club, which has met under the auspices of Dundee Methodist Church for 19 years, is marking Enable’s anniversary by selling special badges. These have a Dundee connection as they feature Dennis the Menace - cost £1 each – proceeds being given for work nationally via Enable and locally through the Link Club. Badges are available from the Vestibule table upstairs or during Club sessions: see Lorna to buy yours!

Forthcoming events

Prayer Points for this week

• The President of Conference in the Leeds District this weekend and the East Anglia District next weekend;
• Meetings of the Connexional Leadership Team (Tuesday – Wednesday) and ‘Roots’ Editorial Committee (Wednesday -Thursday);
• all involved in preparation for Scotland Synods in May;
• Church Council meetings in Montrose (Monday) & Dundee;
• partners in Southern Africa and Sierra Leone (Christian Aid)* ;
• resourcing of the work of Ministers in the Church of North India especially in Bombay Diocese, also Indian SPCK work and personnel (Feed The Minds);
• The Leprosy Mission’s research work, media contacts, and evaluation programmes;
• Bible Society work in The Gulf and in Colombia;
• we pray with and for the peoples of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay;
• we remember fellow Methodists in the Petersfield, Liphook and Haslemere Circuit, especially Malcolm Rothwell, (Southampton District), and in Kirkcaldy (Edinburgh & Forth Circuit).

* Tuesday (27th) marks Independence Day in Sierra Leone and the 10th anniversary of the first (fully) democratic elections in South Africa.

• 18 April 2004
• 02 May 2004

© 2002—2003 Dundee Methodist Church.