DMMC News

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Welcome to June's Bumper Edition Newsletter!

Information on courses, awareness dates, etc, are available via our Adventures in Faith pages:

News

New Pentecost hymn: 'Holy Spirit Move Among Us' by Sam Hargreaves is available from Engage Worship. Get the music, words, and a YouTube video, on their website. Note that the words can be sung to some well-known hymn tunes, if that suits better (suggestions included!).

Recently a number of newspaper articles have discussed a growth in church attendance, particularly among younger people, for example in The Times and the Financial Times, The Independent, Metro and the The Daily Mail. In his address to the BIG Day 2025 on 10 May, Bishop John mentioned this 'quiet revival' as something that chimed with recent increased confirmation and church attendance numbers in the Diocese of Edinburgh, saying:

It strikes me as wonderfully ironic, strangely hilarious, surreal, astonishing. For whatever reason analysts may find for it – and there are many – none of them should be allowed to explain away God’s hand in all this, God who answers prayers in the world as it is and through people as they are. God clearly has something in mind; are we ready to join in?

If you would like to read the full Quiet Revival report, the Bible Society will email it to you in return for a few details. Find out more.

On 7 June the London School of Theology is holding a free online webinar covering implications and actions from the Quiet Revival. Details here.

New Prayer Resource and Webpage!

For a quiet day last October, St James the Less, Penicuik, and St Mungo's, West Linton, produced a wonderful wee booklet full of practical ideas for praying. We have published it in a designed PDF format and can also provide printed copies (email us). You can find a downloadable copy of Practical Ideas for Praying on our new web page, which also contains an A to Z list of ways to pray. This list is just a start for Thy Kingdom Come. We will add to it and we would very much welcome more prayer ideas! Email us with your suggestions 😃

June is the National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups. We will be marking this on social media and our website by celebrating the toddler groups that are running in the diocese, and by highlighting tips and resources for churches that want to start their own toddler group. The National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups was started by 1277, an inter-denominational movement focusing on children from 0–3 years old. 1277 has released toddler resources for June 2025, including activity packs, and recommends useful reports and books for anyone considering starting a group.

General Synod 5-7 June

A reminder that you can find all the paperwork relating to this week's meeting of General Synod on the SEC website here.

Special Meeting of Diocesan Synod

Two proposed amendments to Canon 4 (Election of a Bishop) are being considered at General Synod. If they receive a first reading, the plan is to fast forward to a second reading so that they may be implemented in time for our own election process. For this to happen, the changes must be considered by Diocesan Synods prior to this second reading. Therefore, there is an online Special Meeting of Edinburgh Diocesan Synod scheduled for Tuesday 24 June at 7pm. More details to follow.

Congregational Profile and Vision due 27 June

The deadline for congregational profiles is the end of this month. Full details were shared via email on 28 March 2025; however, in essence, what is needed is:

▶ 300 words about current life of charge, including 2 things going well and one current challenge.

▶ 3 landscape photos of people / events / activities / services.

▶ 5-10 words to describe what is important in the next Bishop.

Please send to our dedicated inbox:

[email protected].

We are beginning to compile our Summer 2025 edition of the Youth and Children's Newsletter. We would love to hear what has been happening with children and young people in your congregation/s since the New Year. Get in touch with Fee...before she gets in touch with you!

Don't miss it! On 26 June Revd Nick Bowry, Rector of St James the Less, Penicuik and St Mungo, West Linton, will feature in the Radio 4 programme, 'Ramblings', presented by Claire Balding. Nick will be talking about walking El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The episode will be aired at 3pm and available afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

Bishop Search

Living God,

you walk with us in all seasons of life
calling us to follow you with joy, hope and love
as we share in your work of renewing the world;
give us humility and discernment to hear your voice,
that those discerning their calling
and all involved in our bishop search
may be encouraged in your ways
and open to your creative Spirit. Amen.

Key Dates

Three key dates from the Draft Provisional Timetable for the Episcopal Election Process for the Diocese of Edinburgh, for you to mark in your diaries now, are:

▶ Saturday 27 September 2025 – Preliminary Meeting of Electoral Synod (including an in-person meeting in Edinburgh of the Preparatory Committee).

▶ Saturday 7 February 2026 – Electoral Synod meeting with candidates.

▶ Saturday 14 February 2026 – Electoral Synod meeting to undertake election.

Diocesan Description

Work has begun on our Diocesan Description. We need your input! As well as the congregational profile information, please also send us good photos of people and events (in addition to the ones for your profile) for us to use throughout the Description.

Again, the deadline for congregational profiles is Friday 27 June. What is needed is:

▶ 300 words about current life of charge, including 2 things going well and one current challenge.

▶ 3 landscape photos of people / events / activities / services.

▶ 5-10 words to describe what is important in the next Bishop.

Please send to our dedicated inbox: [email protected].

Surveys and Feedback

Did you run our 2025 Lent Course? If so, we'd love to hear how you got on! Instead of a specific form, we're inviting you to offer free-form feedback, via email, as suits your experience. Some things to consider touching on are:

▶ What was particularly helpful about the course?

▶ What resonated with participants?

▶ What would you like to see more of?

▶ What was less helpful?

Please send any feedback to Fee as soon as possible

Information Gathering for Diocese

Thank you most kindly to all who have completed this wee survey: it is so much appreciated.

If you have yet to do so, please take 3mins (average time of survey completion!) to answer some questions, which will give us some information for the Diocesan Description, as well as for Fee planning for the coming year. Thank you!

forms.office.com/e/dqBEHC9tQe

Questionnaire from Province

The Standing Committee, College of Bishops, and the General Secretary are working together to develop a multi-year strategy for the Province. To ensure the strategy is focused on the right things, we require input from local charges. Please work with your Vestry to populate this survey which will feed into the development of the strategy:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/XMTMKB7

Please submit only one response per charge and before 20 June.

Legal Updates

Safeguarding Changes from 1 April 2025

Detailed guidance has now been issued by the SEC Safeguarding Officer on how the changes to PVG impact SEC congregations. The detailed document is available on our website, with key points below:

▶ Regulated roles and activities replace 'regulated work'. This increases those who now need a PVG to include 16-17year olds working under supervision, and volunteers at regular events where children are present, e.g. Messy Church, Toddler Groups.

▶ PVG is a legal requirement for regulated roles. Failure to obtain PVG membership prior to starting a regulated role (including any trial period) will be a criminal offence. Both the individual and the congregation will be acting illegally in these circumstances.

▶ It may be that adults in mixed adult-and-child groups (e.g. church choir) need PVG membership. This is being assessed on a case-by-case and contact should be made with the PVG staff in the General Synod Office.

▶ It is not required for vestry members, in general, to be PVG members.

▶ All line managers of people in regulated roles and activities must be PVG members. This could be a vestry member or clergy.

Full details in the SEC Guidance, issued May 2025, available on our website.

OSCR Changes

From summer 2025, all charges will need to provide OSCR with these details about each trustee: Name; Home address; Email address; Telephone number; Date of Birth. This information will be kept securely, whilst the first and last name of each charity trustee will be published on the Scottish Charity Register from the end of 2025. More details here.

Learning & Development Opportunities

Learning Lunches

▶ Thu 28 Aug, 12.30pm: Children and Church with Claire Benton-Evans on Zoom.

AND: Let us know what topics you want for the rest of the year!

Pensions & Retirement Housing Information Session with Neil Wright: Tuesday 17 June

An information session for all clergy who are interested in finding out more about SEC pension arrangements and the provision of retirement housing. There will then be some tea/coffee and cake, with a chance for more informal conversation. Register here!!
▶ Start at 2:30pm; refreshments at 4pm(ish).

▶ Room One of General Synod Office.

Next CMD Day: Tuesday 18 September

Save the date for we will be joined by the Revd Dr Andrew Adam, aka AKMA. He is currently Associate Priest at the Parish of Abingdon-on-Thames, Theology Faculty in Oxford University (currently at Oriel College, having previously been at St Stephen’s House). In the 2010s, he taught at Glasgow University and ministered within the SEC. One of his areas of interest, namely New Testament Christologies, will be the subject of our CMD day. Do make time to join us!

The Scottish Episcopal Institute offers courses that SEC clergy and readers can audit for free, or study for credit at minimal cost.

▶ Health, Healing and Mission, with the Revd Dr Gillian Straine. Tuesdays, 7-9pm, 9 Sep-25 Nov.

▶ Advanced Topic: History of Liturgy, with Dr John R. Davies. Wednesdays, 7-9pm, 10 Sep-26 Nov.

▶ Elementary Biblical Hebrew, with Dr Amber Shadle. Thursdays, 7-8pm, 11 Sep-20 Nov.

▶ Elementary NT Greek, with Dr Patrick McMurray. Thursdays, 7-8pm, 27 Nov 2025-12 Feb 2026.

▶ Ecclesiology and Conflict, with the Rev Dr W. John Carswell. Tuesdays, 2-4pm, 6 Jan-10 Mar 2026.

▶ Advanced Topic: Theology of the Eucharist, with the Revd Prof Bryan Spinks. Wednesdays, 7-9pm, 7 Jan-18 Mar.

▶ Reflective Practice: Leadership and Collaboration, with the Revd Keith Thomasson. Tuesdays 2-4pm, 24 Mar-9 Jun.

Interested? Email: [email protected].

The following College of Preachers Zoom seminars take place from 10:30–1pm, and cost £12.

▶ Mon 7 Jul: Sermon Crafting; The Revd Dr Jennifer Brown.

▶ Sat 12 Jul: Preaching the Jesus of John's Gospel; Dr Rebecca Dean (this takes place 2–4:30pm).

▶ Sat 20 Sep: Preaching the Psalms; The Revd Dr Philip Jenson.

Postgraduate Studies. It is that time of year when colleges and universities are releasing information about postgraduate courses starting in the autumn. Here is a selection based in Scotland and online.

The Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI) offers three MA programmes of study — an MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry, MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership, and an M A in Worship and Liturgical Studies — in partnership with the Common Awards scheme. As well as offering rigorous scholarship, these programmes are available at extremely reasonable prices. Get an overview here.

The University of Edinburgh School of Divinity offers taught masters courses that include: Biblical Studies, Theology in History, and World Christianity. They are available in one- or two-year programmes. Find out more.

The University of Glasgow offers postgraduate taught degrees including an MTh in Church History & Theology and Ministry Theology & Practice (which can also be taken as a diploma or certificate). Find out more.

With the University of Aberdeen, you can graduate with a general Masters in Theology (MTh) or a specialist degree in one of the following subject areas: MTh Biblical Studies (with biblical languages focus), MTh Church History, MTh Systematic Theology, or MTh Theological Ethics. Find out more.

On 18 June, Sarum College is holding an online taster session for its Postgraduate Studies in Christian Spirituality: a one-year certificate, a two-year diploma or a three-year MA degree that starts in September or next January. Find out more.

The Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, run by Bristol Baptist and Trinity Colleges, is now accepting applications for its MA: Bible & Violence Track, validated by the University of Durham and taught online over three years. Find out more about the syllabus and entry requirements.

Resources

Books and other resources available to borrow from the Diocesan Office:

Leading your Church into Growth
The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids
New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Christian Theology for Families
Rowan Williams' suite:
- Being Disciples
- Being Christian
- Luminaries
- Discovering Christianity

If you would like to borrow any of these, email [email protected]

Wondering whether to get a discounted ROOTS subscription?

Have a look at their latest subscriber newsletter to get a flavour of what they offer. There are also some resources you can view, free of charge on the ROOTS website.

To get access to all their digital resources for just £20 per year, fill in this request form.

For Children and Young People

Church Bagging: Sunday 8 June

Don't miss this opportunity to join with St Peter's Church, Lutton Place, for a very different kind of service. On the second Sunday of each month, at 6:30pm, they hold a 'Process Service', where the structure is more relaxed and God shows up in surprising ways.

For Pentecost, there are plans for fire, marshmallows, music, worship, prayer, and fellowship. All welcome, especially those aged 12-18!

Youth Prayer in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament

You’ve probably seen one of these.
Most churches have a small box like this near the front—usually with a candle burning nearby. It holds consecrated bread from Holy Communion. Some people genuflect in front of it. Some pray.
This month, there’s a youth event that explores how—and why.
Saturday 21 June, 2-5pm, St Michael and All Saints. Register here for free.

Provincial Youth Week (Yeek) 2025: 27 July-2 August, Glenalmond College

Registration is open for the rest of June: so don't miss out! Join young people from across the country for a week of deep conversations, new friendships, and plenty of fun – no deep-sea diving required!

Find out more and register at yeek.scot.

The next session of Safeguarding Training, delivered by Rachel Cooney, Children's Director at Ps&Gs, will be on Zoom on Thursday 5 June from 8-9pm. This is for those who work with children and young people. Register with this link.

The following Safeguarding Training event will be in September.

Adventures in Faith

There are various Awareness Days that might be of interest to you / your congregation in June.

Go to the Awareness Days page on the diocesan website, then click on 'June'. There are dates to the end of 2025, for those who like to plan ahead!

Pride Edinburgh is on 21 June and we'll be joining the march! We're planning to meet at Old Saint Paul's from late morning for prayers before we set off to the Scottish Parliament for the start of the march at 12.30pm. More detailed timings to follow.

Find out more about the march here.

Net Zero Event

The Net Zero team will undertake a ‘Roadshow’ across the Province in 2025, visiting each Diocese. For Edinburgh, this will be on 19 July. The day will provide an opportunity for Charges across the Diocese to engage with the NZ team and many other organisations that will be able to assist them in their Net Zero journey and more.

As well as all the Net Zero team being there will be stalls for grant funders, Historic Environment Scotland, suppliers and other organisations such as Christian Aid and wildlife organisations. There will, of course, be refreshments.

On 11 October, 2–4pm, Professor John Swinton will give a talk at St Mary's Cathedral: 'Mental Health, Faith and Community: Rethinking How the Church Cares'. He will reflect on the roles of prayer, preaching, and worship in responding to difficult psychological experiences – not simply by offering answers, but by allowing space for honesty, hope and compassion. More details to follow!

The September Trustee Training session has been changed to Saturday 15 November. The venue remains the Trinity Centre, Haddington. Hot breakfast rolls are provided from 9am until the training proper starts at 9:30am! The training concludes by 1pm.

Register for the training here, even if you had previously registered for September - thank you.