10 August 2003

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 Space

The back downstairs room will be prepared as a “quiet area” for reflection before Sunday worship for all who wish to use it.

Children’s Group

resumes 24th August but during summer there are ‘quiet activity’ folders available upstairs – ask Stewards.

Chairs Rota

David E has so far heard of 5 people offering to set out chairs for Sunday worship. Since one person is willing to be part of 2 teams, this gives a total of 3 pairings – somewhat short of what is required for a rota on a monthly (or longer) basis. If you are able to help in this, please contact David today.

Replacement Chairs

The newly-ordered chairs are expected to arrive towards the end of this month. If you can use or help to dispose of any of the current (upstairs) chairs, please contact Norah as soon as possible.

Message from the Minister

David Firth has distributed copies of his “time analysis for May 2003” - spare copies are available on the upstairs table. David will be downstairs from 10 am on Sunday 17th August to discuss any points people may wish to raise with him.

Meetings this Week

Support other Organisations

Traidcraft

The stall held two weeks ago took about £37 through the sale of goods – thanks to all customers. The next stall is likely to be on Sunday 24th August: see Margaret to order specific items.

NCH

August is designated as “furnishings” month in our request for surplus items for use by the Cowan Grove and Families projects. See Margaret for more details.

Christian Aid

• The current Christian Aid News is on the table by the front stairs – lots of copies to take away and read.
• One copy of the Annual Report is also available – please take, read and return!

Scottish Bible Society

If you are in Edinburgh during the Festival, ‘That’s Life’ forms part of the Fringe programme to 25th August in Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. This is “a rock musical based on a medieval morality play, presented by young theatre graduates from Ontario”.

We are invited to prayerfully remember:

• production of Braille format Scriptures through the United Bible Societies’ base in Stuttgart
• work in Eastern Europe particularly Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Armenia
• work with local radio stations, particularly in the Philippines

Fund for World Mission

Donations placed in the plate at the hatch when coffee is served after worship go on alternate Sundays to the Mission in Britain Fund (former ‘Home Missions’) and to the Fund for World Mission (former ‘Overseas Missions / World Church’). ‘World Church’ funds support church work world-wide, including

• block grants to Partner Churches enabling each overseas partner to decide its own priorities
• Mission Partners serving at the invitation of Partner Churches
• Nationals in Mission appointments enabling development of new work through local people working in their own countries
• World Church in Britain Partnerships whereby overseas Ministers serve a 5-year Circuit appointment in Britain to enrich the life and faith of the British Church
• education and projects to typify the global nature of mission by service in various cultural backgrounds
• grants for one-off projects
• grants enabling study by Partner Churches personnel through advanced / postgraduate courses in a cross-cultural setting, providing leadership development

“Eco-Congregation Scotland”

The Minister has received information, from the Church of Scotland’s much respected ‘Society, Religion and Technology Project’, about “Eco-Congregation Scotland”. This is an environmental programme for Scottish churches, to which the Methodist Church in Scotland became a signatory at the launch in Dunblane on 28th March 2001. A workshop / information session is being run on Sunday 31st August at 1.30 pm in Dundee West Chuch, Perth Road. Anyone interested will be welcome to attend – further details from David Firth or see sheet on table in library area. Indications of those wishing to attend are requested by 15th August to: Eco-Congregation Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Islay House, Livilands Lane, Stirling, FK8 2BG or email Margaret.warnock@encams.org. See also website - www.srtp.org.uk/ecocongs.htm.

Forthcoming events

Prayer Points for this week

• The Rev David Deeks, incoming Secretary of Conference;
• Circuits and congregations preparing to welcome Methodist Ministers & families moving to new appointments;
• the worship life of our Circuit congregations;
• partners & projects in Central and South America, especially the Community Movement of Matagalpa in Nicaragua’s support for coffee farmers after recent world-wide recession (Christian Aid);
• Shaffaf Christian Communications, Lahore, Pakistan’s production of the family magazine ‘Rahbar’ (‘Guide’) (FTM Grant List);
• Bible Society work in Scotland;
• The Leprosy Mission’s work in Central India – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa;
• we pray with and for the peoples of Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand;
• we remember fellow Methodists in the Birstall and Spen Circuit (West Yorkshire District), and in Clydebank (Glasgow Circuit).

• 3 August 2003
• 17 August 2003

© 2002—2003 Dundee Methodist Church.