Year: 2019

Following a Review in 2017, a Transition Group has been looking at ACTS’ future shape & role.

After this process of reflection and consultation, the ACTS Members’ Meeting on 27^thSeptember agreed to send the Report to Member Churches.

Methodists will consider this firstly at the District Ecumenical Forum on Wednesday 30^th October.

:Margaret is willing to source copies of Fresh from the Word Bible reading notes for next year.  The cost will be £9.99.  Please let her know if you want her to order a copy for you.

The Samuel Chorus will be holding their second concert in our church on 20^th October, at 7pm,  following their successful one last November. Our premises, including the acoustics, were most appreciated by all family and friends who came.  All Marketgait folk are warmly invited.

The Revd Dr Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference, has released the following statement regarding the current political situation.

“It is right that there is a passionate debate about Brexit, but there is much about the tone of the current debate that is concerning, sometimes it appears that many are committed to win regardless of the cost.

Our nation flourishes when we are able to respect and love one another – even those with whom we might fundamentally disagree. I am disturbed that the current political situation is apparently eroding our ability to be a society that nurtures such respect and love.

Our constitution is being tested. Opinions appear to have become more entrenched and extreme as the scramble to win continues. The recent vitriol and hatred expressed towards MPs across the political spectrum, who seek to serve their constituents with diligence and integrity, is a deeply worrying symptom of the recent discourse.

I pray that we can see past the chaos of the moment and focus on the kind of society in which we wish to live. The yardstick for our actions should not be “Does it help me win today’s battle?” rather whether it helps us create the sort of society in which all of us can flourish.

God of bounty and brilliance
When public life is tarnished
When we fail to discern the common good
And when some shine at the expense of others,
Whatever our political allegiance and persuasion
Conform us to your will and your way. “

Books can be ordered at a subsidised price of £5; please sign the list / let Sue Commander know if you wish to order a copy.

Matters discussed / decided at Tuesday’s meeting included;

• vacancy for a Marketgait representative to Circuit Meeting – please contact the Minister or a Church Steward if interested;
• serious state of our finances on ‘a deficit budget’ – especially the cost of running our premises;
• property redevelopment;
• The Circuit has offered a re-invitation to the Rev Nick Baker for 5 years from September 2020;
• Groups
  • inaugural meeting of Fellowship Group on 30th September
  • timetable for discussion of the Marriage and Relationships Report
  • ‘So What’s the Story?’ – to be discussed from October.
• Next meeting – Tuesday 11^th February2020, at 7pm in Marketgait

Thanks to all those who expressed an interest in a fellowship group.  The first meeting will take place on Monday at 7-9pm in ‘L’.  The plan is initially to meet for a time of fellowship; however the group may develop into other areas (eg craft, bible study……) depending on the wishes of those involved!