7 April 2013

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.

Easter Offerings Appeal

Donations are invited in support of the work of the church world-wide through this annual Appeal. Envelopes are available for today or for return in the next few weeks.

The Easter Offerings Appeal dates from a collection of pennies by women in Manchester at Christmas 1883, extended to an Easter collection through envelopes in London in 1884, thence 'to all country chapels' in 1903 and eventually into the annual Women's Work Appeal. It is now an annual connexional Appeal, still often organised by women.

This year's theme is 'Beyond the Harbour Wall' with an image of journeying into the unknown.

“Through gifts great and small, the Easter Offering has become a significant feature of the World Church.”

For more information, contact 'tricia Laurie.

Divine Poetry Competition

This year, aspiring (and established) poets of all ages are invited to submit a poem on the theme 'Chocolate is something to cherish'. The official entry form can be downloaded from The Divine website and entries must be submitted by 30th April 2013.”

Learning and Development activities

Helen Wareing, as National L&D Officer, intimates the following:

• offer of a series of local discussion groups on how we respond to God's call to care for the vulnerable and engage with the poorest communities in Scotland - to be facilitated by Garry Williams, one of the two Regional L&D Officers. We are invited to contact Gary as soon as possible, by phone 0141 332 3196 or email at methodist_scottishchurches@btinternet.com
• Methodist presence at the SOLAS Festival at The Bield on June 21st - 23rd. For details of the Festival see www.solasfestival.co.uk or for Methodist input, contact Sally Robertson (the other Regional L&D Officer) by phone 01350 723275 or email sally.robertson@methodist.org.uk

Iona Community
Week of Celebration of the 1450th Anniversary of St Columba's Landing on Iona 18th - 24th May 2013

This year marks the 1450th anniversary of Columba's arrival on Iona and also the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Iona Community and the 25th anniversary of the opening of the McLeod Centre. A Programme of celebrations has been organised for Pentecost Weekend leading into a week-long international and ecumenical gathering. Programme details

Meetings this week

Support other Organisations

Christian Aid Tay Bridge Cross

The 2013 sponsored Tay Bridge Cross will take place on Saturday 4th May from 10am to 1pm prompt. (Please note this morning start.) Last year's Bridge Cross raised over £17,000 “in spite of the temperamental Scottish weather”. Support is again invited. Registration form.

A Guide and Order Form are also on the Vestibule table.

The Forth Bridge Cross will be on Saturday 20th April and the Erskine Bridge Cross on Saturday 27th April, both starting at 2pm.

The Cumbrae Challenge (walk or cycle the 10 miles round the Isle) will take place on Saturday 15th June from 10.30am.

Scottish Bible Society

Support through the Bible-a-Month Club is invited in April for work in Senegal. Our prayerful attention is drawn this week to

• support for the Bible Society in Cambodia, striving to meet increased needs;
• distribution of Scriptures in Switzerland among prisoners and immigrants;
• work in Liechtenstein;
• development in South Korea of Scripture resources for smart phones and tablet PCs.

Forthcoming events

Prayer Points for this week

• the President of Conference at the Equipping, Calling, Going Conference in Scarborough this weekend;
• preparations for the Scotland Spring Synod in Stirling;
• the future representation of connexional Methodism in Scotland;
• AGAPE, affiliate organisation, flying in Guatemala (MAF);
• The Leprosy Mission's work in India;
• projects in the Plymouth and Exeter District (Methodist Homes);
• future developments for nursery care at Hope School, working with disadvantaged young Palestinians in the Bethlehem area (Embrace);
• the people of Syria after two years of continuing conflict, also neighbouring countries (Christian Aid);
• Bible Society work in Senegal;
• we pray with and for the peoples of China, including Hong Kong and Macao (WCC Ecumenical Calendar);
• we remember fellow Methodists in Thirsk and Northallerton (York and Hull District) and in the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church (Edinburgh & Forth Circuit).

• 31 March 2013
• 14 April 2013

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