27 April

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.

Recognition Service for Julya Walsh

A warm welcome is extended to us all to support Julya on this very significant occasion in Riverside Methodist Church, Blairgowrie PH10 7EH, today at 3 pm. Refreshments will be served after in the form of a “faith tea” to which we are invited to bring a contribution of food; drinks will be provided.

Rev Alastair Keddie

His retiral as Minister of Dundee Congregational Church, Lower Constitution Road is also being marked today at 3 pm by a Service of Celebration of Alistair's Ministry to which a warm invitation is given. We are pleased to intimate that there will be a Methodist presence from among those who have been regular attenders at United Services during Alastair's ministry.

“Pray, Act, Share” a starting point for supporting survivors of abuse

A small, glossy prayer-card has been published by the Church of England and the Methodist Church. It is the result of joint working and following a conference on the pastoral needs of survivors of abuse.

A website www.methodist.org.uk/lightindarkness is also being developed to provide prayer material. Methodist Conference has recently considered and commended reports, which relate to issues of abuse and damaging relationships. Jenny has a copy of the card and can look into ordering further supplies and material if this would be useful.

Meetings this week

Support other Organisations

Scottish Bible Society

Our support through the Bible-a-Month Club is invited in April for work in Russia and in May for work in Namibia. See library area noticeboard for more information.

Our prayerful attention is drawn this week to

• continuation of distribution work in the South Pacific, despite natural disasters, political and economic changes;
• growing demand for Scriptures in the various languages of Micronesia and completion of several new translations;
• launch of the Dusun Bible in Northern Borneo (West Malaysia);
• prompt delivery of urgently needed new generator in Sierra Leone;
• National Gathering at Ingliston next Saturday.

See 'music cupboard door' in church for news from Barry & Chris Parkin (Perth) who are on a 3-year programme with VSO in Caprivi, Namibia. Their 'blogs' can be accessed on www.barrypatvso.wheretheyare.net .

They appreciate hearing from friends 'back home' and value the knowledge that Dundee Methodists are thinking of them and keeping in touch by 'blog comment' / email from time to time.

Zimbabwe

The Methodist Church and the URC have issued a joint public statement expressing their concern at current levels of violence in Zimbabwe: for the announcement & details of MRDF work in Zimbabwe, see news pages on www.methodist.org.uk.

“Wellgate love wellbeing”

The Wellgate Centre Dundee is organising a Wellgate Wellbeing Walk in aid of Leukaemia Research on Sunday 11th May at 11 am. For details see letter on Vestibule table, poster on noticeboard downstairs or contact www.wellgatedundee.co.uk.

For more about leukaemia research, visit www.lrf.org.uk or contact Yvonne Dickson (0131 661 9224).

Forthcoming events

Prayer Points for this week

• The President of Conference in the Liverpool District this weekend and with the Vice-President in the Channel Islands from Thursday;
• preparation of Reports and other material by the Connexional Team for Conference in Scarborough;
• 300 Zimbabwean Methodists in Edinburgh this weekend for a Vigil - and those welcoming them;
• Safeguarding Officers in the Circuit;
• projects in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man Districts (Methodist Homes);
• The Leprosy Mission's Programme Officers and Coordinators;
• Bible Society work in India and in Namibia;
• projects and partners in Haiti (Christian Aid);
• we pray with and for the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia;
• we remember fellow Methodists in the Leeds (West) Circuit (Leeds District), and in Milton (Glasgow Circuit).

• 20 April 2008
• 4 May 2008

© 2002—2008 Dundee Methodist Church Scottish Charity number: SC037954.