-
News
Upcoming events
-
Sun13Sep2026
-
Sun20Sep2026
-
Sun27Sep2026
-
Category: News
from Rev David Bidnell
Dear Friends,
Our lives are deeply influenced by what and whom we encounter, and our encounters happen in a variety of ways – in the street, across the dining room table, in prearranged meetings, while walking the dog, through what we see on the television, in stories we open ourselves up to, both fictional and non-fictional. Encounter is, of course, at the heart of the Gospel stories of Jesus, as we watch him engage with very different folk in ways that are committed, sensitive, understanding, reassuring, compassionate and challenging. As we move into the new season of autumn and as we mark the beginning of another year, both in the academic cycle and the Methodist Church, I want to offer you the following prayer/poem, which encourages us not to underestimate the importance of what is happening when we come face to face with others – the difference it makes to us and the difference we ourselves can make.
With my best wishes to you all,
David
Face to Face
Let’s take a moment – and look into the face that lights up…
the spontaneous smile at the thrill of an unexpected encounter,
the broad grin that recognises the funny side of what is happening,
the fleeting moment of recognition, connection and gratitude,
the subtle communication of compassion and understanding.
Let’s take another moment – and look into the face that does not smile…
the deep sadness that stares only into the emptiness,
the contours of loneliness and isolation,
the blankness that conceals the anguish of pointlessness,
the silence of trauma.
Let’s take yet another moment – and look into the face that invites wondering and imagination…
the one on the train in the seat opposite – Where are you going? Where have you come from?
the one on the bus across the aisle – What is life like for you today?
the one in the portrait at the gallery – What stories would you have to tell?
the one in the photo at the grave – What does life mean for you now?
Let’s take still another moment – and look into the face that refuses to conform…
the turning away of the child who objects to having a photo taken,
the piercing eye that discerns injustice and corruption,
the shaping of the lips that utter “I protest.”
the weeping that rejects indifference.
Let’s take one final moment – and look into the face that the mirror sends back…
the reflecting that holds within it both challenge and comfort,
that says: “This is how you perceive yourself.”
that says: “This is not necessarily the way others see you.”
the reflecting that both disguises and reveals the precariousness of truth.
©DB
Preachers in Angus and East of Scotland September to November 2026
Gathering Programme
Start of the Connexional Year Reflections from the President, the Revd Mark Slaney
“I invite you to contemplate deeply what solidarity you and the church to which you belong both practise, and might be called to practise, in local contexts and in relation to the cries for justice and mercy worldwide.”
Welcome to the Rev Nel Shallow
We look forward to welcoming Rev’d Nel Shallow (and her husband James) to the Scotland Circuit. Nel will officially become minister of Aberdeen and Peterhead Methodist churches from 1st September. She will also be supporting new Christian communities throughout Scotland (via the New Places for New People programme).
A special welcome service will take place on Sunday 30th August, at 3pm, in Aberdeen Methodist Church. There will be refreshments afterwards and a chance for fellowship. If you are in the area, please come along.
Methodist Modern Art Collection
Celebrating our Cultures
Ascension Day Worship
The Scotland Circuit is offering a short (13 minutes) time of worship for Ascension Day, celebrating the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is pre-recorded and can be seen in our usual YouTube platform, from 6am on Thursday 14th May. With thanks to Revd Laurent Vernet for arranging this act of worship.
The Scottish Methodist Gathering 2026 – Gathering to Create
Where and when does it all take place?
All events are in The Malmaison Hotel, Dundee. The Gathering will open on Friday evening with a ceilidh on Friday and finish after worship around 1pm on Sunday.
Come to Dundee and join Methodists from around Scotland for worship, conversation, prayer, study and much more.
Who is the Gathering for?
Open to all, the Gathering is offered as an opportunity for those around Scotland who have Methodist connections to come together in person, this year in Dundee.
The theme for the weekend, ‘Gathering to Create’ will be explored in lots of different ways as we face the challenging times in which we live, but look to God for grace and strength for the journey.
What will happen?
There will be a varied programme of activities and worship with elements for all ages. Some highlights will be:
- An opening Ceilidh on Friday evening.
- Guest speakers Jude Levermore and Andrew Pratt.
- A chance to see the Methodist Modern Art collection
- Opportunities to meet in small groups with folk from around Scotland.
- Crafts, poetry and book groups
- A children’s programme during the day on Saturday, led by qualified children’s workers.
- A specific programme for young people
- Celebrating our diverse district.
- Soup and sandwich lunch for all on Saturday in the hotel.
- All embedded in a rhythm of prayer and worship.Everyone will be free to dip in and out of the events as best suits them.
Where do I stay?
You are invited to arrange your own accommodation – plenty is available in Dundee ranging from campsites to hotels. A list of some possible suggested accommodation is available from Tourist Information.
What does it cost?
The district is making no charge for the weekend but is investing in this event as a significant part of our life as Methodists in Scotland. There will be opportunities to make a donation if you so wish. Some funding is available to subsidize accommodation costs, particularly for young people. Please email the team as below.
Do I need to book?
YES PLEASE. You can register on this page for the whole weekend or for individual days; please register as early as possible to help with planning, and no later than 31st August.
A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided on Saturday. You will be able to book on the next screen. (Any dietary needs will be requested nearer the time).
Can I help?
YES PLEASE! We would love to receive offers from volunteers, in particular for:
- Welcoming and help desk
- General stewarding
- First Aid
- Helping at one or more of the sessions of the children’s programme on Saturday.
Please email scotmethgathering@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer in any capacity.
How do I find out more?
- Keep checking your inbox and our social media to find out what is being planned.
- Do get in touch with the planning group if you have questions using the email address: scotmethgathering@gmail.com
from Rev David Bidnell
Dear Friends,
Our lives are deeply influenced by what and whom we encounter, and our encounters happen in a variety of ways – in the street, across the dining room table, in prearranged meetings, while walking the dog, through what we see on the television, in stories we open ourselves up to, both fictional and non-fictional. Encounter is, of course, at the heart of the Gospel stories of Jesus, as we watch him engage with very different folk in ways that are committed, sensitive, understanding, reassuring, compassionate and challenging. As we move into the new season of autumn and as we mark the beginning of another year, both in the academic cycle and the Methodist Church, I want to offer you the following prayer/poem, which encourages us not to underestimate the importance of what is happening when we come face to face with others – the difference it makes to us and the difference we ourselves can make.
With my best wishes to you all,
David
Face to Face
Let’s take a moment – and look into the face that lights up…
the spontaneous smile at the thrill of an unexpected encounter,
the broad grin that recognises the funny side of what is happening,
the fleeting moment of recognition, connection and gratitude,
the subtle communication of compassion and understanding.
Let’s take another moment – and look into the face that does not smile…
the deep sadness that stares only into the emptiness,
the contours of loneliness and isolation,
the blankness that conceals the anguish of pointlessness,
the silence of trauma.
Let’s take yet another moment – and look into the face that invites wondering and imagination…
the one on the train in the seat opposite – Where are you going? Where have you come from?
the one on the bus across the aisle – What is life like for you today?
the one in the portrait at the gallery – What stories would you have to tell?
the one in the photo at the grave – What does life mean for you now?
Let’s take still another moment – and look into the face that refuses to conform…
the turning away of the child who objects to having a photo taken,
the piercing eye that discerns injustice and corruption,
the shaping of the lips that utter “I protest.”
the weeping that rejects indifference.
Let’s take one final moment – and look into the face that the mirror sends back…
the reflecting that holds within it both challenge and comfort,
that says: “This is how you perceive yourself.”
that says: “This is not necessarily the way others see you.”
the reflecting that both disguises and reveals the precariousness of truth.
©DB
Preachers in Angus and East of Scotland September to November 2026
Gathering Programme
Start of the Connexional Year Reflections from the President, the Revd Mark Slaney
“I invite you to contemplate deeply what solidarity you and the church to which you belong both practise, and might be called to practise, in local contexts and in relation to the cries for justice and mercy worldwide.”
Welcome to the Rev Nel Shallow
We look forward to welcoming Rev’d Nel Shallow (and her husband James) to the Scotland Circuit. Nel will officially become minister of Aberdeen and Peterhead Methodist churches from 1st September. She will also be supporting new Christian communities throughout Scotland (via the New Places for New People programme).
A special welcome service will take place on Sunday 30th August, at 3pm, in Aberdeen Methodist Church. There will be refreshments afterwards and a chance for fellowship. If you are in the area, please come along.
Methodist Modern Art Collection
Celebrating our Cultures
Ascension Day Worship
The Scotland Circuit is offering a short (13 minutes) time of worship for Ascension Day, celebrating the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is pre-recorded and can be seen in our usual YouTube platform, from 6am on Thursday 14th May. With thanks to Revd Laurent Vernet for arranging this act of worship.
The Scottish Methodist Gathering 2026 – Gathering to Create
Where and when does it all take place?
All events are in The Malmaison Hotel, Dundee. The Gathering will open on Friday evening with a ceilidh on Friday and finish after worship around 1pm on Sunday.
Come to Dundee and join Methodists from around Scotland for worship, conversation, prayer, study and much more.
Who is the Gathering for?
Open to all, the Gathering is offered as an opportunity for those around Scotland who have Methodist connections to come together in person, this year in Dundee.
The theme for the weekend, ‘Gathering to Create’ will be explored in lots of different ways as we face the challenging times in which we live, but look to God for grace and strength for the journey.
What will happen?
There will be a varied programme of activities and worship with elements for all ages. Some highlights will be:
- An opening Ceilidh on Friday evening.
- Guest speakers Jude Levermore and Andrew Pratt.
- A chance to see the Methodist Modern Art collection
- Opportunities to meet in small groups with folk from around Scotland.
- Crafts, poetry and book groups
- A children’s programme during the day on Saturday, led by qualified children’s workers.
- A specific programme for young people
- Celebrating our diverse district.
- Soup and sandwich lunch for all on Saturday in the hotel.
- All embedded in a rhythm of prayer and worship.Everyone will be free to dip in and out of the events as best suits them.
Where do I stay?
You are invited to arrange your own accommodation – plenty is available in Dundee ranging from campsites to hotels. A list of some possible suggested accommodation is available from Tourist Information.
What does it cost?
The district is making no charge for the weekend but is investing in this event as a significant part of our life as Methodists in Scotland. There will be opportunities to make a donation if you so wish. Some funding is available to subsidize accommodation costs, particularly for young people. Please email the team as below.
Do I need to book?
YES PLEASE. You can register on this page for the whole weekend or for individual days; please register as early as possible to help with planning, and no later than 31st August.
A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided on Saturday. You will be able to book on the next screen. (Any dietary needs will be requested nearer the time).
Can I help?
YES PLEASE! We would love to receive offers from volunteers, in particular for:
- Welcoming and help desk
- General stewarding
- First Aid
- Helping at one or more of the sessions of the children’s programme on Saturday.
Please email scotmethgathering@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer in any capacity.
How do I find out more?
- Keep checking your inbox and our social media to find out what is being planned.
- Do get in touch with the planning group if you have questions using the email address: scotmethgathering@gmail.com