At the final meeting of the Dundee Church Council, thanks were expressed to all who had served during its many years, remembering too that Methodism in and outwith Dundee has seen many changes over the centuries. During the meeting, the Rev Nick Baker recalled his recent Sabbatical experience of walking The John Muir Way, with the carrying of necessary equipment but then relief at his eventual shedding of the load. This reflection was followed by a general period of silent meditation and sharing of thoughts; Nick then led in prayer.
Items of formal business included consideration of
- an update on the protracted conclusion to the sale of the Marketgait premises
- the financial statement
- arrangements for the General Church Meeting of the combining churches in Perth on Sunday. There will be an Act of Worship at 11 am followed by the GCM business session. The names of persons offering to stand for election to the new Church Council were accepted by the Council as those having Dundee support.
- future patterns of worship for Dundee Methodists, including resumption of meeting each week (value, practical feasibility); the balance between meeting in person and online (both have value); our Methodist presence within the whole Church and in the local communities as an identifiable Group and through our individual lives. This is very much an immediate & on-going process of discussion, decision & follow-up, involving everyone and one to be positively carried forward.
- the focus on continuing / resuming contacts with and outreach to children and families – worship in Roseangle on Sunday 9th October is likely to be specifically stated as for “All Ages”.
- The final act of the Council was to agree by unanimous vote that Dundee Methodist Church would cease to exist from midnight on 31st August 2022. (‘Dundee Methodism’ of course remains via the 1st Sept merged church)