26 October 2014

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.

UNICEF Jars of Grace

As is our custom at this time of year, we extend an invitation to support the work of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Emergency Fund) through the “ Jars of Grace Appeal. It is suggested that a donation of money be placed in the Jar at each meal; the Jars are still available and are to be returned on or after next Sunday. This year's theme for Jars of Grace is “children caught up in emergencies round the world”. An explanatory leaflet is provided with each Jar.

IBRA

International Bible Reading Association devotional and study material can be ordered through Heather Dean. Please sign the paper on the vestibule table today or next week or contact Heather direct.

Safeguarding: 'Past Cases Review' Letter

A letter from the Secretary of Conference, the Rev Martyn Atkins, is being distributed to all Methodists, through Superintendents and Ministers in pastoral charge.

In conversation at the recent Church Council, it was agreed that the letters for Dundee be made generally available on and from this Sunday when the Rev Mary Patterson is in Marketgait. An explanatory insert was produced, by Mary and Sue Marshall-Jennings (Church and Circuit Safeguarding Officer) last week and is still available to supply some of the background to and aims of the Letter.

Dundee Methodists and Food Banks

We support the Dundee Foodbank by bringing in any of the suggested items from the Shopping List (on the table on the upstairs landing) and placing them in the large blue Bucket provided nearby. An explanatory slip is also available. There is also need for plastic carrier bags of suitable size; please place any spares by the Bucket. Monetary donations are also welcome. Contact Liz Kay for further information.

EMU Faith in Action Calendar

The Faith in Action guide, commended by the Episcopal, Methodist and United Reformed Churches in Scotland, commends our prayerful focus in October on the importance of the environment.

Circuit Stewards

Marcia Mackenzie is now a Circuit Steward in addition to Sue Marshall-Jennings (Senior Circuit Steward) and Sandy Laurie. We assure Marcia of our prayerful support.

Syrian Refugee Children's Art

A display of paintings by Syrian refugee children has been brought from Beirut to Scotland and is being shown in the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square until Wednesday 12th November.

There is a request that the organisers hear from any other venue(s) which might be interested and able to display these paintings (some 166 though they can be allocated between 2 or 3 venues) and also films where facilities are available. Contact Brian Larkin - rbrianlarkin@googlemail.com Tel - 0131 229 0993; 0758 449 2257.

Ebola Outbreak in Sierra Leone

Our prayers are particularly requested for the work of the Nixon Memorial Hospital in Segbwema, a Methodist foundation (see this week's “Methodist Recorder”) and for the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone as a whole. Some more background.

The Methodist Church in Britain has sent 2 grants totalling £22,500 to aid with the combating of Ebola; see news report. The President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, Bishop Beah, has expressed gratitude for all the support being given, through financial and other aid, and through prayer.

Meetings this week

Support other Organisations

Scottish Bible Society

Our support via the Bible-a-Month Club is invited in October for work in Bolivia and in November for work in Romania.

Our prayerful attention this week is drawn to

• the long-lasting bitter and troubled situation in Israel and Gaza “that people will not lose hope but look … for … a peaceful, just future”;
• SBS appeal project for Bibles for China and its fast-growing church;
• reporting back in Scotland on the recent SBS visit to Rwanda.

Action for Children: National Children's Hour

“When the big hand reaches for the little hand…”

As clocks go back this coming weekend (at 2am Sunday morning 26th October to be precise!) Action for Children is launching National Children's Hour to celebrate everything that's great about childhood. The request is that parents, (great-) grandparents, carers, friends, family (“the big hands”) spend an extra hour having fun with the children in their lives (“the little hands”). For details contact: tel 0300 123 2112; Online: www.actionforchildren.org.uk/nch

Forthcoming events