18 October 2009

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.

Pastoral Care

Please note that Ministerial Pastoral cover for all the Circuit will be provided this week by the Rev David Firth.

Faith Lunch next week

The Faith Lunch after Worship next Sunday is being arranged with a particular invitation to 'people new to Dundee' and ALL Marketgait people - regulars and those who may perhaps feel themselves to be 'still newcomers'.

It is hoped that this time together will give opportunity to get to know each other “a wee bit more”. Drinks are to be provided, please bring food to share (or for yourself in case of dietary needs): ask a Church Steward for more information if necessary. Posters and flyers are still available on the Vestibule table - please take and use as you think helpful to extend the invitation to others.

Circuit Day - Saturday 31st October in Marketgait

This follow-up to the Day in April seeks to give opportunity for everyone to share thinking about the work of the Circuit's congregations. After the 5 presentations of each “priority” (see Church Council Résumé in last week's news-sheet for Dundee), there will be workshops to develop ideas and learn from & with friends from Arbroath, Blairgowrie, Montrose, and Perth. The “Day” starts at 10 am and ends at 1 pm so folk can then go for lunch, shopping, football, ….. IT'S FOR EVERYONE!!

Old equipment and unwanted materials

'Would all those using articles stored on our premises take responsibility for their good and helpful storage, and the appropriate removal of any excess or out of date items'; The Church Council, which makes this request of behalf of Property personnel, recommends consideration of others when storing items in 'shared space' and also sensible consultation before disposing of items thought no longer required.

UNICEF Jars of Grace

In recent years Dundee Methodists have supported the annual Appeal by UNICEF (the United Nations children's organisation) by distribution of Jam Jars at the time of One World Week, for collection after a fortnight (this year on or after Sunday 1st November). It is suggested that on a regular (daily) basis, say at mealtimes, a (small) contribution is put into the Jar in recognition of the benefits we enjoy and as a means of enabling fairer use of the world's knowledge and resources, especially for children. This year's Appeal is in support of “Child survival and development in Mozambique” (see information with Jar).

Rotary Shoe Boxes

“Last year many members helped us to fill and send Shoe Boxes to Romania, Croatia, and the Ukraine. 1460 boxes were delivered through Spurgeons in Tinaud, Romania, to children, young people and their families. This year we are hoping to increase the number of boxes we can fill and they will be available to collect from the foyer. Filled boxes must be returned by Sunday 15th November” (Alan Suttie)

Further advice with the boxes or ask Alan.

Pacific Area Disaster Appeal

Anyone wishing to give financial support to relief work in this disaster-hit region may do so through the Methodist World Mission Fund. Cheques, payable to “World Mission Fund” & marked 'Pacific Appeal', or donations in cash may be given through David Easson (Church Treasurer) for forwarding to MCH.

Support other Organisations

Scottish Churches House Prayer Network

Daily prayers are led at 9.00 - 9.15 am, with Network members particularly asked to join, if possible, on Wednesday mornings.

Prayers are invited for those in the House this week: Industrial Mission Council, Scottish Friends of Ecumenism Committee (both Monday); Artists Way (Tuesday); House Interim Management Group (Wednesday); Crown Terrace Methodists (Aberdeen) (next weekend).

Scottish Bible Society

Our support through the Bible-a-Month Club is invited in October for work in Belarus. See noticeboard for more information. Our prayerful attention is drawn this week to

• outcomes of two major youth events in Bangladesh last year;
• continued interest in and support for SBS Bicentenary project in Brazil;
• new Centre for Biblical Studies in Sri Lanka, also production of Braille and Sign Language resources;
• new openings for work in Burma (Myanmar), also aid provided to victims of 2008 cyclone.

Prayer Points for this week

• The President & Vice-President of Conference's visit to Gibraltar next weekend;
• Connexional Allowances Committee, Tuesday;
• Scotland Synod Officials and District Administrator;
• Perth Joint Church Social with Congregational Church, Fri;
• projects and Homes in Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District (Methodist Homes);
• Zambia partners - Independence Day, Sat (Christian Aid);
• St Luke's Hospital, Nablus (BibleLands);
• The Leprosy Mission's international directorate;
• Bible Society work in Belarus;
• we pray with and for the peoples of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka (WCC Prayer Calendar);
• we remember fellow Methodists in Penrith (Cumbria District) and in the City of Edinburgh (Edinburgh & Forth Circuit).

• 11 October 2009
• 25 October 2009

© 2002—2009 Dundee Methodist Church Scottish Charity number: SC037954.