Episcopal Diocese Of Brechin

02/09/2026

Lay Readers from across the Scottish Episcopal Church gathered at Glenalmond College in Perthshire for a conference on the theme "From Stranger to Friend," helping us think how we can move those who come through our doors from feeling ‘outsiders’ writes Alan Baker, Warden of Lay Readers in the Diocese of Edinburgh.

Our guest speaker, the Revd Dr Canon Sandra Millar from the Diocese of Gloucester in the Church of England, guided us through this with useful insights and good humour. We also enjoyed fellowship and worship in the environment of Glenalmond College.

Dr Millar encouraged us to make the most of all our points of contact and the activities taking place in our buildings, making sure that we have up-to-date notices, web pages and social-media saying what we offer. We should not write off those who (now) come to church once a year to special services like Christmas and Easter

Research has shown that people want church to be traditional, friendly, relaxed, and significant. We are creating a space for people to be able to be what God created them to be. People may feel judged and anxious, with low expectations. Even if they don’t want to have a conversation, offer a smile at least, be positive and encourage them to return. Some may prefer to be ‘on the edge’ for a time, but research says 9/10 would like to hear from us again – keeping in ongoing contact is important.

There was useful advice on how to reduce anxiety, engage and involve new people, with sensitivity to differences between individuals. We considered the balance in worship between accessibility and wonder. A workshop focused on putting ourselves in the shoes of those who come to our services or activities; another on communion using reserved sacrament.

29/08/2026

Lay Readers from the Diocese of Brechin attended the recent Provincial Lay Readers’ conference at Glenalmond College.

26/08/2026

The SEI community is now gathered at St Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull, Perth, from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th August for its 2026 Orientation Week.

Orientation Week marks the start of the academic and formational year. It is a time for the community to worship, to learn and to rest in God. It includes the intake of 10 new students as well as the return of continuing students to their formal Initial Ministerial Education – Phase 1 (IME1).

One of our incoming students, Emily Ballard-Nairn, shares a reflection from the summer in preparation for the year ahead.

Read more here: https://sei.scot/news/ime1-orientation-week-2026-begins/

(Image Courtesy: Emily Ballard-Nairn. Image Description: An image with a gold and green field in the foreground. Green, summer trees in the background. The top half of the photo is a blue sky full of clouds.)

14/07/2026

New GoHealth podcast: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

In this powerful episode, Gillian Straine speaks with Timothy Goode - priest, theologian, author, and Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster - about disability, ableism, healing, vulnerability, and the church’s imagination.

Drawing on Tim’s personal story of cancer, paralysis, rehabilitation, ordination, and daily prayer with Psalm 139, the conversation explores what it means to say that every person is ""fearfully and wonderfully made"" - at every stage and in every condition of life.

Together, Gillian and Tim ask how the Church might move beyond access as compliance (ramps, policies, and practical adjustments) towards a deeper theology of belonging, agency, dignity, and participation.

Because access is not only about whether someone can get into a building.

It is also about whether they are imagined there.

This episode explores how our buildings, pulpits, worship spaces, welcome teams, language, and assumptions all “preach” something about whose bodies are expected, whose stories are honoured, and whose presence is recognised as a gift. It also asks what healing ministry looks like when it honours the whole person - without trying to erase pain, disability, history, scars, or vulnerability.

Listen here:
https://gohealth.org.uk/podcasts/fearfully-and-wonderfully-made/

12/07/2026

06/07/2026

Diocese of Brechin A Priest for St Mary Magdalene’s, Dundee FULL-TIME STIPENDIARY POST Are you called to lead this enthusiastic co

03/07/2026

We currently have vacancies for three Choral Scholarships at St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee.

Our Choral Scholarship Programme is open to enthusiastic young singers who are keen to develop their musical skills while being part of the Cathedral Choir.

Scholars sing a wide variety of music, work alongside experienced volunteer choristers, and play an important role in the Cathedral’s worship. The programme offers valuable experience in choral singing, musicianship and performance in a friendly and supportive environment.

If you know someone who enjoys singing and would like to be part of our choir, we’d be delighted to hear from them.

For more information or to arrange an informal audition, please contact Billy Muir, Director of Music, at [email protected].

27/06/2026

We’re hosting a brand new Children’s Summer Pop Up Choir this August, led by our Director of Music, Billy Muir.

If you know a young person going into P4–S6 who loves singing, or would simply enjoy giving it a go, please share this with them. The course includes songs from musicals and pop, musical games and activities, and finishes with a concert for family and friends.

You’ll find all the details on the poster below.

To book a place, or if you’d like more information, please email Billy at [email protected].