Category: News

Piano downstairs

The Stewards Team has undertaken a consultation by email this week to ascertain whether there is general agreement to our passing on the piano in the “L” shape room to the Eagles Wings organisation, a group referring people to the ClothesBank. (The suggestion arose out of a ClothesBank experience.) If anyone has knowledge that the piano was donated by an individual or family (possibly in Ward Road days), please advise Sue Marshall-Jennings or any Church Steward as soon as possible.  Similarly, please express support or concerns about this proposal to the Stewards Team as soon as possible.  Please spread the word to anyone who may have not have been included already by this consultation.

 

Traidcraft stall

Last week, Traidcraft informed supporters that it was likely, that after consultation, Traidcraft would cease to trade at the end of the year. Clearly, this is not welcome news, but we are told that trading has been difficult, and carrying on seems not to be an option.

Margaret would welcome conversation about whether you wish the Fairtrade stall to continue, and what products you would like to see. Not all she sells is Traidcraft!

Meantime, there are new catalogues from Traidcraft. Please take one, and return with your order!

Dundee Pride

Dundee Methodists had a great day out at Pride. A great event attended by 8000 people. Our Minister, Rev Nick Baker was humbled and proud to address the 3000 assembled in City Square alongside a minister from the Scottish Episcopal Church. Nick thanked the Pride supporters for the their courage and support over many years and encouraged people to remember God’s love is for all people.

Rev Nick Baker addresses the City Square crowds

All are welcome at Dundee Methodist Church.

The Methodist Church in Bulgaria and proposed law changes

“At the annual meeting of the European Methodist Council gathered in Copenhagen from 7th-11th September 2018, the members of the Council were shocked to hear in detail of the proposed changes in Bulgaria law which will have serious impact on and severely limit the work of the Evangelical Methodist Episcopal Church in Bulgaria and the Church of the Nazarene (member Churches of the European Methodist Council ) and of all other churches with a membership less than 1% of the population.

The European Methodist Council therefore expresses its great concern of the violation of the Bulgarian Constitution’s provision of the separation of Church and State and of the right of independence of all religious organisations provided by the Bulgaria Constitution.”

The United Methodist Church in Central and Southern Europe covers churches in 16 countries, including Bulgaria.  The Bulgarian Methodist Church is  concerned that proposed amendments to the Religious Denominations Act would dramatically affect whether United Methodists could receive international support essential for their operation as churches, also possible effects about those allowed to serve as pastors.  The proposed changes would give the Religious Confessions Directorate control over donations, religious institution accreditation and education.

More details – or ask Sue Marshall-Jennings.

Talking of God – sharing the conversation

The first meeting of this series will take place in Marketgait on Wednesday 26th September from 7pm to c.8.30pm.  The theme of the first session is “Sharing the conversation”, thinking of the stories we each have to share.  Free course resource books will be available.

 

Dundee Pride March

“All are welcome in this place” – welcoming all can also mean going out of the building to let people know they are welcome.  The first Dundee Pride takes place on Saturday 22nd September.  I have reserved a space in the march for Dundee Methodist Church.  I shall be going along with a few others.  If any of you would like to join us or find out more, please speak to me.        Nick

Worshipping downstairs

The new Stewarding Team of Mary, Fiona, Sue and Sue, met together with Nick on Thursday evening and discussed many aspects of church life, including the proposal to worship downstairs with effect from the Harvest Service on 23rd September.

Whilst recognising that many people have concerns about this proposal, we do feel it is something that we should take forward, so want to give everyone the chance to talk about this openly and share their concerns.

We are therefore holding a meeting in the church on Thursday 13th September at 7.30 pm and invite everyone to come along.  If anyone is unable to attend but has views that they wish to make known, please speak to any of the Stewards or to Nick.  The move will also be discussed and reviewed at the Church Council meeting on 24th October.

District Prayer Diary

Sue Marshall-Jennings would be pleased to receive further prayers, especially relating to local situations and concerns, for inclusion in the Diary – in the next few days, please.

All are Welcome in this place

We sing this from time to time, but I have been challenged to take it more seriously.  I was very impressed with the arrangements at Methodist Conference to make the Conference accessible in all sorts of ways including a ramp up to an adjustable podium.

This came after learning that someone was not able to attend worship at our church because they turned up in a wheelchair.  This is a matter of regret and something we have the ability to do something about.  In addition, I recognise some of our own members struggle with the stairs.  Whilst we are working on plans for a lift as part of the refurbishment, this will take quite some time.  At the worship consultation we discussed meeting downstairs for worship on a Sunday.  Whilst there are some practical issues, these can be resolved and we are small enough in number to fit comfortably downstairs.  I would like us to try this so that we truly are a welcoming place of worship.

Welcoming all can also mean going out of the building to let people know they are welcome.  The first Dundee Pride takes place on Saturday 22nd September.  I have reserved a space in the march for Dundee Methodist Church.  I shall be going along with a few others.  If any of you would like to join us or find out more, please speak to me.

Nick