The latest edition of Connexion is now out. Entitled ‘Cutting Edge’, it includes items about a hairdressing salon, a soft play area, work with the Deaf community and many other articles.
The Circuit Invitation Committee, jointly appointed by all the present Scotland Circuits, is delighted that following a Stationing Matching Visit on 14th-16th November we extended an invitation to the Revd David Bidnell who was equally delighted to accept it.
This appointment will include pastoral charge of the following Methodist Churches: Arbroath, East of Scotland (Blairgowrie, Dundee, Perth) and Montrose.
We look forward to welcoming David and Fiona to the newly formed Scotland Circuit in September 2025. All subject to the affirmation of the Methodist Conference next summer.
In addition to offerings for the work of the Methodist Church, from 15th December, there will be a second plate for donations towards community outreach by St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Downfield. Their Food Bank is now closed, following withdrawal of external funding; however, it has been agreed that Dundee Methodists be invited to support the continuing Clothes Bank and associated café, especially given its provision of “a warm cosy space in winter”.
On Sunday 8th December, as in recent years, there will be a United Service for the East of Scotland Church’s 3 congregations in Perth; this will be followed by a Christmas Lunch. Please contact Jenny, Liz or Lorna before 1st December if you would like to go to this meal. A donation of £7 per head is requested.
Advent’s message of hope and anticipation comes to us fresh each year – as we catch something of the wonder of the God who is so committed to the world that he became one of us, one with us, one for us. How astonishing and breath-taking is that! Save us from any dullness which feels like a grind through these days of a light shining in the darkness. The Advent hope of the light crashing into the darkness is a powerful one in these times, where so many of us are prone to despair. It is the hope that God has not given up on us and will not give up on us – that the Christ who came to Palestine over 2000 years ago comes to this generation with hope and will (one day) return in glory so that love wins. Extraordinary hope indeed, but one which we declare with confidence as we have caught something of its truth in our experience. God has drawn close to us – even in the most chilling and threatening of times.
So, our advent theme is prompted by the encouragement from the Methodist Church to “hush the noise . . . and hear the angels sing”. We shall be using the materials for this theme during Advent in the services and we are encouraged to take part in the Advent studies which will be on zoom.
We live with a sense of hope in these challenging times. You remain in my prayers and thoughts in the coming weeks – and I look forward to sharing in worship with you during this time.
Peace be the journey – through Advent to Christmas and beyond to Epiphany and Candlemas!
In March, Action for Children published the findings of the Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children, an extensive UK-wide review of exploitation, led by Alexis Jay CBE. Here is our first follow-up report to the Review, ‘I don’t want to go down that road’.
This report examines the shocking extent of the harms caused to exploited children across the country and the response of local agencies.
We make three recommendations for immediate change at a government level to ensure criminally exploited young people are effectively safeguarded and supported:
Investment in targeted exploitation prevention and support services for exploited young people.
Exploitation recognised as a distinct form of child abuse.
A welfare-first approach in the management of offences committed by exploited children.
