23 September 2012

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.

Sound System

Correction of the Lectern microphone fault for those on the T-loop system is being actively pursued and only the radio mike is being used meantime.

Methodist Relief and Development Fund

Envelopes are being distributed for return today or in future Sunday offering plates.

The Methodist Prayer Handbook for 2012-13

Copies (£3.15) and one large print edition (£3.50) on Vestibule table. Payment to Jenny or David Easson when convenient.

“One Circuit” Resolution from Synod

On Saturday at its meeting in Inverness, the District Synod passed a Resolution to agree the process for the “One Circuit” proposals, which have been under consideration since Spring 2010.

The working group's report which came to Synod is now being circulated for further and wider consultation (together with ongoing work by the group for a further draft by 8th January) through open meetings, church congregations and Councils, and votes at Circuit Meetings, prior to a formal vote at the Spring Synod of 2013.

To enable wide knowledge and discussion, Dundee Church Council encourages the use of

• copies of the current Report (8 double-sided sheets) available as from today (12 copies on the Vestibule table - more will be photocopied if required)
• contacting of Synod Members for information, advice, to give feedback, share thinking.

Dates to be noted:

• District Open Meeting in Perth on Saturday 20th October (see “People with a Mission” in new 'Scottish Methodists Together' - p4, and back page for venue, Issue 8)
• a Sunday “Faith Lunch” (date after 20th October to be arranged) for sharing of knowledge and thoughts.

Church Council résumé

At its meeting on Thursday, inter alia, the Council

• re-appointed the Pastoral Secretary & Pastoral Visitors, and the Church Treasurer;
• considered the Circuit's 'Ministry and Mission' Paper including a Proposal for Lay Ministry based in the western part of the Circuit;
• agreed the process for consultation on the “One Circuit” resolution (see above);
• agreed its initial response to an approach from Meadowside St Paul's - to seek more detailed information on their thinking;
• agreed this year's distribution and reception of the UNICEF Jars of Grace on Sundays 14th and 28th October - Margaret to coordinate this in place of Mary F to whom warm thanks are expressed for her work on that, and as Service and Mission Secretary (successor to be appointed);
• encouraged Liz to further investigate “an art project” (ask her more about it!);
• purchase of 40 copies of the Covenant Service booklet;
• received the financial report, noting the Treasurer's expressions of concern.

Next meeting - Wednesday 6th February at 7pm.

Worship Leaders Course

Notice has been received of a course to be run by Rev. Andrew Letby (Superintendent of the Edinburgh & Forth Circuit) over a weekend at the beginning of October at Tulliallan (Police College). It will qualify those attending to be Worship Leaders within their own congregations, subject to the approval of their respective Church Councils. The cost will be £120 for accommodation and food, with materials being supplied by the Edinburgh & Forth Circuit. If anyone is interested, please contact the Rev Mary Patterson on 01674 672373 as soon as possible. There may be help with funding if necessary.

Meetings this week

Support other Organisations

Scottish Bible Society

Our support through the Bible-a-Month Club is invited in September for work in Togo.

/ Our prayerful attention is drawn this week to

• distribution of Scriptures in the north of Vietnam;
• opportunities in Cambodia to make the Khmer Bible available on CD, online and on smart phones; also literacy courses in rural areas;
• teenagers involved in gangs in Guatemala, also translation projects to make the Bible more accessible.

Forthcoming events

Prayer Points for this week

• the Vice-President of Conference at the Liberal Democrats Conference, Brighton, Monday - Tuesday;
• Connexional Leadership Forum, Monday - Tuesday;
• our District Administrator, Fiona Inglis, “having a break”;
• the Circuit Leadership Team;
• work with different agencies serving communities in Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia (Mission Aviation Fellowship);
• The Leprosy Mission's work in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea;
• Palestinian refugee children in Beirut (BibleLands / “Embrace the Middle East”);
• Samarthak Samiti (Support Society) in India (Christian Aid);
• projects in the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District (Methodist Homes);
• Bible Society work in Togo;
• we pray with and for the peoples of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine (WCC Ecumenical Calendar);
• we remember fellow Methodists in Hackney and Stoke Newington (The London District) and in Shettleston (Glasgow Circuit).

• 16 September 2012
• 30 September 2012

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