‘Gathering to grow’ in Scotland

The second Scottish Methodist Gathering was held in Stirling from 20 to 22 September, attracting around 170 Methodists from around Scotland.

The Gathering began in 2022 to provide quality face-to-face time in what is inevitably a scattered district, with much business now done online. Keynote speakers Deacon Eunice Attwood and Rev. Professor David Wilkinson challenged, inspired and encouraged those who were there and threw themselves into a full and varied programme which included a Ceilidh, Bible studies, ‘Groups for Growth’, an exhibition, news from around the district and a two-hour Synod, all within a daily rhythm of worship.

District Chair, Revd Mark Slaney, led the closing worship with David Wilkinson preaching on ‘I am the true vine’. The final worship was also live-streamed and culminated in the creation of a vine of ribbons and leaves connecting everyone to each other and to the cross. The feedback underlined how much people valued an opportunity to meet others from different parts of Scotland, especially as the district works towards becoming a single circuit in 2025.

Fiona Dryburgh, a Local Preacher who attended the event, commented, ''This weekend was amazingly refreshing and inspiring. Whilst all were gathered, the presence of God was felt throughout. As folks left the gathering there was a real sense of encouragement and willingness to return to each church with a renewed purpose in the growing of our church in ways that we might not have previously considered."

The closing worship along with other sessions and reactions can be seen on the Scottish Methodist Gathering YouTube channel.