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On the Wireless: Methodist Church, Peterborough Circuit of ChurchesSuperintendent: Rev Dr Langley Mackrell-Hey, [email protected]: Mrs Sue Moore, [email protected] ; Website www.peterboroughmethodistcircuit.org

On the Wireless...Feb 2019

Please send ALL FUTURE ARTICLES to Langley by e-mail, and copy Sue in, by Thursday 28th March 2019, for inclusion in the April issue (Publication date Weds 10th April).

CONTENTS:

2 minute read: Are we living as part of a true community or are we living a charade?............2Superintendent’s Bulletin – Reimagine....................................................................................3

March - May 2019 Plan: Dates of Lent and Easter Services and Events................................6Circuit Meeting Round-up: October 2018.................................................................................7

Circuit Meeting Round-up: January 2019...............................................................................10MISSION AND MINISTRY NOTES AND DATES..................................................................12

Quiet Morning: Ailsworth........................................................................................................13Coffee Morning: The Maples..................................................................................................14

Yaxley News: Poster competition...........................................................................................15From the Leprosy Mission via Sue Moore..............................................................................16

Press Release: Methodist Church New Evangelism and Growth Team................................17Press Release: The theme for this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January) Justice and only Justice...............................................................................19Press Release: Strengthening of the Mission of the Global Church......................................20

Press Release: 3Generate Sleeping Bags Delivered to Calais.............................................21Matt's Big Cycle Ride for Za’atari (All We Can) …………………………………………………22

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http://www.peterboroughmethodistcircuit.org/


2 MINUTE READ: ARE WE LIVING AS PART OF A TRUE COMMUNITY OR ARE WE LIVING A CHARADE? I was deeply encouraged by a Bridge Builders course in Conflict Transformation last week. The first lesson was that conflict is normal and inevitable in any community where people depend mutually on each other. The second is that we have a choice about how we handle conflict. We can either ignore it and sing ‘I am H-A-P-P-Y’ together. Alternatively, we can embrace it, sacrificing our own wants for the sake of others.

One element of the course drew inspiration from the work of the American psychiatrist Scott Peck, author of ‘he Different Drum: Community Making and Peace’ (1987). Scott Peck suggests that communities mature through four stages. The first, ‘Pseudocommunity’, has all the trappings of peace and harmony - but only because negative emotions are suppressed. Such a community defines itself by holding fast to generalisations that are more aspirational than reality and defy conscientious observation; ‘Newcomers are welcome’ is a classic example. Scott Peck would question the extent to which this is true. A second phase, ‘Chaos’ occurs when people begin to speak up, share their true feelings, and show their vulnerability. This gives rise to disagreements that force the community to either regress back into pseudocommunity, or to dispense with the charade and live with a feeling of upheaval. The third stage, which might be viewed as ‘Grief’ or ‘Emptiness’, begins when rather than simply listening and accepting difference, members of the community strive to welcome newcomers and accept the anguish of that comes with dying to self. Herein, I suspect that people live with the range of emotions outlined by Kubler-Ross, in her ‘On Death and Dying’ (1969); denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Finally, a ‘True community’ is one that has reached a place of peace and healing, where people are genuinely able to be themselves, knowing that they are accepted and able to embrace conflict wherever it surfaces.

We discussed this pathway at our Pioneer Hub café service. We are nervous about labelling churches; however, the logic of Scott Peck’s work suggests that every church will be somewhere on a continuum and will be tempted to regress. Crucially though, we also recognise that a preparedness to embrace conflict evolves as we grow as disciples. Do we recognise that our part in transforming conflict is to model to others how we respond when it surfaces? Meanwhile, I see a certain irony in that, whilst anxiety in the inherited (historic) Church traditions arises often from our need to safeguard our theology, process, and function, Jesus Christ seems to direct our attention to the quality and depth of our relationships with each other, and with those who are so often overlooked. It would, of course, be clumsy to take a polarised position, placing the inherited church in opposition to what is emerging: We need to learn from each other. Even so, perhaps the focus on reaching newcomers, listening to needs, serving, and nurturing the kind of relationships that build community, is something that the inherited church needs to hear. How much of how we hold ourselves, and what we offer, is more of a pretence rather than reality? If the journey towards true community involves us embracing an ‘a thousand little deaths’ as we let go of ego, bias, power, control - everything that we see as validating us as we face conflict - what part of you will die today, so that someone else can truly live?

Revd Langley

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SUPERINTENDENT’S BULLETIN – REIMAGINE

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MARCH - MAY 2019 PLAN: DATES OF LENT AND EASTER SERVICES AND EVENTS

Thurs 21st February Hope 4 Peterborough 'Call to Prayer' event. The theme is 'Prayer for our Nation and All Generations'. At St Paul's Church, New England, PE1 2PA from 7.30pm - 9pm. It will be an evening of united prayer and worship, recognising the need to come together to pray for our city. There is parking available at the church.

Sat 2nd March Quiet Morning at Ailsworth Methodist Chapel – ‘The Gift of Years: Falling in love with being alive’.10 to 10.30am until lunchtime. Refreshments on arrival. Please bring a packed lunch. Led by Revd David Bosworth.

Sun 3rd March Re-imagine 2 – please come along to this Re-imagine second meeting at Southside, from 2 – 4.30pm.

Palm Sunday10.30am service at Christ Church

Maundy Thursday3pm Maundy Thursday Agape, Orton Waterville – Revd Gareth7pm Passover Meal or similar, Southside – OA7pm Passover Communion, Brookside – Revd Langley7.30pm HC Service, Christ Church – Revd Sarah7.30pm Maundy Thursday Communion, Westgate New Church – Revd Lesley

Good Friday10am, Walk of Witness from Stanley recreation Ground (PE1 1SZ) to Cathedral Square where a service will take place. Hot cross buns and other light refreshments are available afterwards at St John’s church and at Westgate New Church.10.30am Good Friday Messy Church, Christ Church – Revd Sarah2pm Good Friday Reflective service, Christ Church – Revd Sarah3pm Good Friday Meditation Service, Dogsthorpe – Revd Gareth7pm Good Friday Meditation, Southside – Revd Gareth

Easter Day6am Dawn service – Christ Church – Revd Sarah6.30am Service in Central Park, Peterborough, followed by breakfast at St Mary’s Church, New Road, Peterborough (CTiCP)8am Breakfast Communion, Westgate New Church – Revd Lesley(These and other services for Easter Day are, of course, on the Plan)

Mon 15th April Network Communion at Whittlesey, 7.30pm with Revd Lesley

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CIRCUIT MEETING ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 2018

We met at Brookside on 17th October. Our Pioneer Team leader, Neat Gordon, led our Devotions on ‘The Beauty of Repentance’.

Revd Langley had ordered each church free ‘Our Calling’ posters from Methodist Publishing. Reps were invited to take them back to display in their churches. He said we will be returning to our calling as it has been a really helpful way of encouraging our churches in the past to look at the shape of everything we offer, and it’s coming to the fore again.

GDPR Update Each church was given a Privacy Notice poster, together with the full document for display on church noticeboards. It is also available online. This is the Methodist Church privacy notice. Individual, single Methodist denomination churches do not have their own privacy notices. Our first port of call is always Trustees of Methodist Church purposes (TCMP). Any queries, ask Revd Langley.

Appointment of Sabbatical Support Group Convenor Simon Stewart was appointed as the convenor of the Sabbatical Support Group. Revd Gareth asked people to keep Revd Langley and his family in their prayers as he prepares for his sabbatical. The Sabbatical Group consists of a rep from each of Revd Langley’s churches, plus Susan Halford (as part of the Local Preachers’ Meeting) Sue Moore (Circuit Administrator), Simon (Convenor) and Revd Gareth who will be running the show whilst Revd Langley is away. They are identifying the meetings and items to be covered in Revd Langley’s absence and they will be encouraging him, when he returns to the Circuit, to use the experiences he has had.

Circuit reps to District Synod Revd Langley said we have some very interesting speakers and discussions at Synod and you go away uplifted so, if you would like to be a rep, have a word with him or Ann Tooth as he is keen for people to go as observers.

Report from our Pioneer Team Leader Neat Gordon thanked everyone for her Welcome Service in July. She felt thoroughly welcomed into the Circuit and, as she has been going round visiting the churches, everyone has been amazing. She has been involved in community activities in Welland and Dogsthorpe and she sees it as quite strategic as there is the Charteris Centre in Welland and then she has started hosting the ‘Parents United’ group at Barnardos on Scalford Drive. 3 different centres are bringing people in (Dogsthorpe Methodist, Christ the Carpenter and the Olive Branch Community Garden) and so it is more like a networking thing at the moment. She is keen to get other things moving, still working in the local community but, she will need volunteers for that. If things like ‘Parents United’ are to grow, we need someone who could spend an hour one lunchtime. If you like playing, come and join in with the open access play activities at the Charteris Centre. She is bringing different aspects to things and is getting more involved with the Dogsthorpe and Welland Community Partnership. Her role has become more of a community-based thing and she is keen for this to grow. There are lots of things happening and she is excited to be involved with it.

Missions and Ministries Team The Circuit has signed up for the ‘Twelve Baskets’ resources (set services for Own Arrangements) and Langley has had numerous requests from churches to be planned Own Arrangement services as they are growing through that. So, every church had an OA on the Preaching Plan. The cost was a very reasonable £20 per church for a year’s contract. We have a contact list but please contact Sue Moore if you

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would like anyone else to go on that mailing list.

Property matters Church property stewards/officers were reminded of the need to complete Annual Property Checklists, which are required for the church returns. Paul Hutchings is scouring through our online records that we need to submit and getting things up-to-date. He has also been supporting churches in the process of registering online.

In his ‘Superintendent’s Slot’ Revd Langley talked about the Pioneer Hub and fresh expressions of Church The leaflet was included in the church folders and it is an interesting and worthwhile read. It summarises what was presented to the Methodist Conference itself and contains some startling figures on the number of churches to fresh expressions and the number of unchurched people. We are overcoming one of the first obstacles, which is engaging with people who have no prior experience of Church. The big question that is surfacing is how we encourage those people into discipleship and what do we understand by Church. We do not expect them to jump straight into the boat of their own accord and make a journey on a Sunday morning; the focus connexionally is more how we develop midweek activity. The leaflet is a Methodist resource but please look online for material from other denominations as the CofE have produced a good resource and the URC is currently a partner with fresh expressions.

The Pioneering Hub Café service takes place once a month at Southside at 4pm (please see the current Plan for dates). It is very relaxed. It is for anyone, especially those who are involved in new work. If you would like to know more, have a word with Helen Crofts, Revd Gareth Baron, Revd Graham Tooth, Mick Goodman, Neat Gordon or Susan Halford. They have videos or music and open prayer and they focus on specific topics.

The ‘Church not as we know it’ was a great event – thanks to Dogsthorpe for hosting this.

Revd Langley has stepped down from his role as advocate on the Learning Network but is now on the guiding group for fresh expressions connexionally which meets 4 times a year. Their role is to try and retain the profile of fresh expressions in the life of the Church and to work through how they focus on resourcing the churches and their work goes into the decision-making of how money is spent.

Ecumenical Spot Revd Gareth recommended the CofE pocket-size resource, ‘Follow The Star: A Journey through 12 Days of Christmas’ (Church House Publishing).It gives daily reflections from Christmas Eve through to 13th January. It is a good way of encouraging our churches that Christmas not only starts with Christ, it continues with Christ. Look out for it this Christmas too.

Children’s and Youth work Revd Gareth is hearing lots of good news across the Circuit. Please keep in touch with him and share your resources and skills across the Circuit. A good example of this is Christine Kell from Whittlesey working with Rachel from Southside in helping with Messy Play at Ailsworth. We are one Church.

Connexional Funds Elizabeth Gee thanked the churches for their donations this year. £7,958 has been sent to Connexional Funds. She really appreciates what churches have sent and encouraged us to keep up the good work as it goes to very worthwhile charities. She has sent letters out for this year and would like cheques from the churches please by the end of March 2019 as it was a bit of a rush last time when some arrived late.

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Financial matters Giles Armstrong went through the 4th Quarter accounts 1.9.17 to 31.8.18 and said it has been a good year overall. The Meeting agreed the Standard Form of Accounts for the year ended 31.8.18. He took us through the Circuit Budget: Costings projection 2018 – 2022 and said the projected degradation of funds is cause for concern, where over the 5 years it will drop by £60,000. Looking at the Circuit Budget: Projected 5-Year Cash-flow for 2018 – 2022 he said Mark Bedford has put in some ideas to consider how we slow down this erosion. We need to develop an action plan.

Good News stories from around the Circuit Dogsthorpe Nigel Lightfoot said Dogsthorpe’s heating is completed. He reiterated thanks to the Circuit for the grant. Parts 1 and 2 are done and fit for purpose and easy to control. Part 3 will begin later.

Crowland Mick Goodman said the young people were awarded second place in the South Holland Young Achievers’ Award for a quiz that they organised totally by themselves. They raised over £1,000 to repair the vandalised windows in the abbey.

Revd Gareth said Yaxley have stumbled across a secret in evangelism and inviting people to church. The previous Sunday, they had a lively Café church and a family came for the first time following Lesley Eldridge just saying to her neighbour, “Would you like to come to church?” Just a simple question as part of a natural relationship. People are sometimes waiting to be invited. It could also be an invitation to a quiz, barn dance, other service etc. Revd Lesley Moseley said Bible Society research suggests that 3 million people would come to church if they were invited.

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CIRCUIT MEETING ROUNDUP: JANUARY 2019

We met again at Whittlesey on 16th January 2019.

Revd Michael Moore (Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Peterborough) gave an inspiring talk on the topic of ‘Reaching Out’. Their ‘Street Prayer’ initiative – visiting houses in the parish – is bringing positive results. As Jesus went out into the marketplace, we need to take God’s love out into the community.

Christine Kell said the new Circuit Directory had been sent out. She will send out amendments via email once a month.

Circuit Leadership Team Simon Stewart was pleased to announce that we have found someone to replace Revd Gareth in September – Shameela Jameelee. Revd David Parkes thanked the Circuit Invitation Committee for all the work they have done. Please pray for Gareth as he seeks his next appointment.

Circuit Strategy and Review – Langley and Simon urged everyone to come to the ‘Re-Imagine 2’ meeting in March (3rd March, 2-4.30pm at Southside) and to encourage folks from the churches. It is important everyone has a voice.

Report from our Pioneer Team Leader Neat Gordon has been here a year now. She spoke about how important ‘Parents United’ is to people. She is working with other organisations to get things to grow and expand.

Missions and Ministries Team Matt Forsyth promoted the All We Can Lent resource, ‘Travelling Lightly’. Churches were invited to sign up for this material which includes a section from Rachel Lampard (Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team). The resource helps us consider how we can reduce our footprint i.e. use reusable coffee cups, use less petrol.

He spoke about AWC’s work for the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, Syria. 78,000 refugees are living there and 20% of those are under 5 years of age. There is an Oasis centre which is a refuge in the midst of the desert. Matt is raising money for this camp – on 16th March, he is doing a big bike ride round all the churches in the Circuit. Donations will be match-funded. Please think about doing something on that day in your churches i.e. a coffee morning, open house etc. Please let Sue Moore and Matt ([email protected]) know what you are thinking of doing so we can have things in place and advertised in good time.

Paul Hutchings brought us up to speed on property matters: The team meets 3 times a year. The Circuit Meeting received 3 reports from the annual manse visits. We are up-to-date with quinquennial inspections. He thanked people for their help in completing the questions for the Circuit return. Regarding local church returns, 4 are complete, 1 is signed of and 7 are outstanding.

In his Superintendent’s Slot, Revd Langley welcomed the appointment of Shameela Jameelee. He said the more we show ourselves as a supportive circuit, the more attractive we are to ministers and lay workers.

He was pleased with how the first Re-imagine meeting went in November but there will be more discussion across tables at the second meeting. The Local Preachers’ and Worship

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mailto:[email protected]


Leaders’ Meeting are a key group which has helped us discern the way forward with this. We need to think about what sort of circuit God is calling us to be and what it means to be one body.

Langley’s sabbatical may cause holes in the Plan so churches may need to change times or join together.

Pioneer Hub Langley and Revd Charlie Nobbs (diocese) have been working together and decide there is not a need for a pioneering course here but there is for a placement scheme and they are working on this.

Training Langley has completed Supervision training and will soon be doing Bridge-builders conflict management training.

Crowland Methodist will be a venue for the Winter Night Shelter from 18-25 March. This is a joint venture with the abbey. Please pray for the Methodist Anglican Partnership (MAP) and the WNS.

Ecumenical Spot Revd Gareth plugged the Hope 4 Peterborough 'Call to Prayer' event on Thurs 21st February at St Paul's Church, New England, PE1 2PA from 7.30pm - 9pm The theme is 'Prayer for our Nation and All Generations'. It will be an evening of united prayer and worship, recognising the need to come together to pray for our city.

Children’s and Youth work Revd Gareth said the Illuminate mission week last November was really good. As a city, we prayed for a breakthrough and we got it. 884 young people came to the Friday gig and 767 to the Saturday one.

The ‘Acts 29’ district youth event is happening on Sat 23 Feb in Bicester (2.30 to 7.30 pm).

He promoted the forthcoming ‘Talking Jesus’ course.

The Meeting agreed the updated Circuit Safeguarding Policy. This will next be reviewed in January 2020. All Circuit policies are on the Circuit web site.

Financial matters Giles Armstrong went through the 1st Quarter accounts for the period 1.9.18 - 30.11.18 and explained the MCF & District assessment 2019-20 and the Report of Annual Meeting of Circuit Stewards (Finance) & Property Officers (17/11/8). He asked that he be notified in good time of any specific budget requests for 2019-20.

Revd Langley thanked Alan Newcombe who will soon be standing down as Local Preachers’ Meeting Circuit rep.

Why not join us at our next meeting on Thurs 4th April, 7.30pm at Brookside?

Sue Moore (Circuit Administrator)

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MISSION AND MINISTRY NOTES AND DATES

All We Can – Lent Study Material – ‘Travel Lightly’ All were encouraged to use this material. It is available online. Revd Gareth will collect donations from groups to help off-set the cost to All We Can of producing the material. Matt Forsyth will be undertaking a sponsored cycle ride on 16th March, aiming to visit all churches in the Circuit to raise money for All We Can.

Winter Night Shelter update 3 more churches have confirmed they will take a whole week each, allowing extension to the winter cover – St. Luke's, Orton Malborne, Peterborough Cathedral and the Methodist Anglican Partnership (MAP) serving from Crowland Methodist Chapel. Larger numbers than ever are being placed and safely moved on their journey this year. The use of The Garden House in the Cathedral Grounds looks set to continue for a further year, offering midweek, daytime support and information.

Quiet Mornings 13th October – This was led by Nicky Ward and very well received. Future arrangements for 2nd March - “The Gift of Years – Falling in love with being alive” will be led by Revd David Bosworth. Venue to be Ailsworth chapel – from 10am for a 10.30am start, through to 12.30pm approx. Packed lunches may be brought, (tea/coffee will be provided) to share over fellowship afterwards.

Safeguarding – New date for Drug & Alcohol Awareness – Aspire will provide a date as soon as possible. Further general training will be provided in the near future. We would like to invite a female member to join the core team. Churches need to ensure that they are carrying out Safer Recruiting as per our Methodist Policy. The team is thankful for those who have volunteered to serve as chaplains at Safeguarding Training.

Circuit Review – what came from the meeting with Jill Marsh was discussed briefly. Copies of Reimagine had been circulated to all churches for distribution. Re-imagine 2 – Revd Langley has now circulated a letter, factsheet and invitation to all churches, encouraging them to consider the contents and then attend a stage 2 meeting at Southside church between 2 and 4.30pm on 3rd March 2019. Following this, the CLT will formulate a Draft Circuit Strategy for presentation to the June Circuit Meeting.

Learning & Sharing - Talking Jesus - Helen Crofts will be leading Taster sessions on 2nd & 9th Feb, 2-3.30pm at Orton Waterville chapel. This will, hopefully, equip folk to lead this course in their own church.

Bible Month – 30 days in Colossians. Material may be ordered online from LWPT. There is normally no charge for ten or less of these books but donations are much appreciated to off-set printing. There will be sessions at The Maples possibly in June/July.

Revd Langley confirmed that a new Presbyter will be joining the Circuit in September – Shameela Jameele. As her husband still lives and works for the Methodist church in Pakistan, will take leave in January to spend time with him. This will mean some Covenant services will have to be held at another time. We are confident that her churches will be able to support her in this and we very much look forward to her arrival.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 20th March, beginning at 7pm (not 7.30pm).++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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QUIET MORNING: AISLWORTH

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COFFEE MORNING: THE MAPLES

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YAXLEY NEWS: POSTER COMPETITION

As part of our reaching out into the community in December we held a poster competition at Yaxley Infants School. Sarah went into the school and asked if, as part of their homework, the pupils could design a poster about Christmas. These were then put on display in the Chapel. The response from the children was overwhelming with 80 students submitting their pieces of art. How wonderfully talented and imaginative these children are. We had such a difficult job choosing the best three and so we chose a number to display at our Coffee Morning and asked visitors to vote for their favourite. The first, second and third each received prizes and the winning poster was displayed outside the Chapel in our notice board over the Christmas season.

The results of the competition are on our Facebook page @yaxleymc

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FROM THE LEPROSY MISSION VIA SUE MOORE

The Leprosy Mission and Heal Nepal

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

Despite a bitterly cold evening, about 300 people went to the Cathedral on the evening of Sunday 27th January to support the Leprosy Mission. The ‘Celebration Service for World Leprosy Day and the launch of Heal Nepal’ included opening prayers led by Bishop Donald and a message and appeal from Paul Moores (Regional Manager, The Leprosy Mission).

And we heard all about the Anandaban Hospital in Nepal from Pam Rhodes (vice-president of the Leprosy Mission), including a video which brought it all to life. This video featured a man called Ram (aged 25) who, because of stigma and fear, tried to ignore the consequences of leprosy. He is a stonemason but was no longer able to work after leprosy caused his hands to claw up. Anandaban Hospital is a light in the darkness for him. It was here that Ram could find a cure for his leprosy as well as life-changing surgery to straighten his fingers. He now has a fresh start to live independently again, rebuild his life and support his family.

There are several ways to help The Leprosy Mission to fight leprosy: Donate, Volunteer, Fundraise, Campaign, Pray, Advocate. Find out more at: https://www.leprosymission.org.uk/

By finding cases of leprosy early, the Leprosy Mission will prevent disability, stop leprosy spreading and bring real hope of seeing an end to this ancient disease forever. Donations will help find, cure and heal people like Ram and, from 27 January to 27 April 2019, donations will be doubled by the UK government.

You can donate online (as an individual or as a church) at: https://leprosymission.netdonor.net/page/36488/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=94f48w80Or, send your donation to: The Leprosy Mission, Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough PE2 5GZ.

Donations will enable newly trained community leaders to go out into hard to reach areas to find people affected by leprosy, and make sure they get the cure quickly before they become disabled. Those already badly affected by leprosy will receive healing at Anandaban Hospital through life-changing physiotherapy and surgery.

Thanks to people’s generosity, Anandaban Hospital can be the beacon of light needed by so many throughout Nepal. All who help and donate will become a link in a chain of love that will change many lives now and in the future. (The Leprosy Mission is an international Christian charity with 141 years of experience. Through The Leprosy Mission’s global family it serves a population of 305 million people in around 30 leprosy-affected countries. Leprosy is a mildly infectious disease associated with poverty. It is easily cured. Leprosy starts by damaging the small nerves on the skin’s surface resulting in a loss of sensation. Without the gift of pain, everyday activities are fraught with danger. Unnoticed burns and ulcers can lead to permanent disability. Due to the inability to detect grit in the eye, blindness is a common consequence of leprosy).

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https://leprosymission.netdonor.net/page/36488/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=94f48w80

https://www.leprosymission.org.uk/


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++PRESS RELEASE: METHODIST CHURCH NEW EVANGELISM AND GROWTH TEAM 5th January, 2019: The Methodist Church has announced a new team that will encourage growth and confidence within the Church.

The team will focus on supporting the Methodist Church’s network of 4,650 churches through promoting everyday evangelism, helping churches reach out into their local communities, and starting new churches.

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. This new team is part of the Methodist Church’s response to God and to the cultural and demographic shifts within society. Facing a declining membership along with other denominations, the Methodist Church wants to connect with people who are currently unaffiliated to faith or exploring spirituality in different ways.

New roles have been created to work alongside leaders across the Methodist Church and with its ecumenical partners. The emerging strategy promises innovation, experimentation and adventure with its intention to develop hundreds of ‘new places for new people’ and to help existing churches come alive and grow.

Leading the team is Trey Hall, the new Director of Evangelism and Growth at the Methodist Church, who began creating the team after he started work in the late summer of 2018. Trey commented: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome these gifted folks to the team. “We want to take some joyous risks in evangelism and growth as we learn to speak and live out God's goodness in honest, inclusive, and culturally compelling ways. This will certainly be a challenge, but it’s a challenge that will build up life, creativity, and energy ahead as we seek to

live out our calling!”

These three new members of staff are due to start work in the months ahead.

Emma Nash, Mission and Community Engagement Officer,will help existing churches move towards health and growth by equipping congregations to build deep relationships in their communities. Emma is a Baptist evangelist and minister who has worked ecumenically in different church and mission settings, always asking ‘who is God calling us to reach and how might we best do that?'

Matt Finch, Pioneering and Church Planting Officer, will work collaboratively to develop and implement a Church-wide strategy for ‘new places for new people’, developing leaders and pathways that promote

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experimentation, multiplication and growth. His current appointment as a Methodist minister in the St Neots and Huntingdon Circuit has seen Matt establish a café church, a contemplative community and new patterns of children and families ministry.

Steve Hollinghurst, Contemporary Apologetics Officer, will help the Church to communicate the foundations of Christianity and encourage congregations to confidently speak of God and to share faith with others. Steve has 28 years of experience in mission, evangelism and communicating Christian faith in contemporary culture. An Anglican priest, he is the author of several books and has spoken on national radio about how Christians should respond to the increasing number of people who are spiritual but not part of traditional religions.

The new team will be travelling across the nation over the coming months, meeting with church leaders and congregations, and working collaboratively to equip the Church for new life. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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PRESS RELEASE: THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY (18-25 JANUARY)

Justice and only Justice

The theme for this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 January) has been chosen by Christians in Indonesia.

Indonesia is a country consisting of more than 17,000 islands, 1340 ethnic groups and over 740 local languages. The motto of the country is "Unity in Diversity" and Indonesians aim to follow a principle of living in "solidarity by collaboration".

The Christians in Indonesia have chosen to focus on the call to work together for a more just society and the words from Deuteronomy 16:18-20, "Justice and only justice you shall pursue..." resonated with them. They are a challenge to all of us. This is the call to Christians to work together for a just society and to model unity in diversity and solidarity in collaboration as some of the marks of the Kingdom.

Unity in diversity and solidarity by collaboration - they are phrases which have a powerful resonance. As we look around us at our own community, wherever that is, we might think we would do well to follow those principles. Like those in Indonesia we may also find that it is not always easy. In Indonesia there are tensions between groups and divisions between the rich and the poor which are described in the proverb "a mouse dies of hunger in a barn full of rice".

Many of you will be involved in study groups, acts of worship and other activities during this week of prayer. If you would like to share what you have done with others, send a picture, a brief report or thought to me at [email protected].

If you want to see the material that has been produced and pray through the week you can find it here in both English and Welsh. I end with the blessing from the Order of Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:

May God embrace you with love and make kindness flow out from you.May God ignite courage within youand transform you into agents of justice and peace.May God grant you humility and give you perseverance to nurture unity.

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PRESS RELEASE: STRENGTHENING OF THE MISSION OF THE GLOBAL CHURCH

World Church and All We Can deepens partnership to strengthen mission for global Church. (First published on The Methodist Church website on 6 October 2018)

Integral to the Calling of the Methodist Church is to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.The World Church Relationships (WCR) team of the Methodist Church plays its role in fulfilling Our Calling by offering relational support to its Partner Churches around the world.Likewise, from its formation, All We Can, the official Methodist relief and development agency, represents the Methodist Church and aligns with its mission by providing support to locally based organisations and churches around the world. It seeks to respond to the communities it serves by engaging with local people to end the suffering caused by inequality and injustice.In 2019, these complementary elements of World Church Relationships and All We Can will come together to provide Methodist Global Partner Churches with a more comprehensive and cohesive range of support and resources to enable them to become ever more independent and self-sufficient.To achieve this, the work of World Church Relationships will be augmented by All We Can’s dedicated support to churches, Church CAN, (Church Community Action for Neighbours), offering organisational assessments, strategic planning and capacity development programmes specifically designed for churches.The expectation is to create an integrated approach to support that will further encourage and equip Methodist Global Partner Churches to be successful and sustainable in achieving their mission: to be a confident church, sharing God’s love so that people and communities continue to be transformed.Martin Ashford, Head of Mission and Advocacy for the Methodist Church, said: “The initiatives already undertaken by World Church Relationships and All We Can have helped strengthen the future joint programme of support offered to our Methodist Global Partner Churches. This integrated and comprehensive expertise will enable the Methodist Church to offer a full range of services that Partner Churches may wish to draw upon.”All We Can has assigned a dedicated member of its team to work with World Church Relationships and the Mission and Advocacy cluster of the Methodist Church.From January 2019, Maurice Adams, the outgoing CEO of All We Can, will assume the role of Principal Advisor, working specifically on Church CAN initiatives.Maurice has led All We Can through a dynamic evolution over the past six years and has always worked towards establishing a leadership succession for the charity.Maurice said: “This is an ideal opportunity to have a new leader for All We Can while I can focus on developing its advisory function, specifically working on the professional support services it offers to others in the sector, with an emphasis on faith-based organisations and churches.“The Church should be an agent of change and transformation and this inspiring new initiative will strengthen Methodist Global Partner Churches for our mission together.”Graeme Hodge, Chief Executive Designate at All We Can, sees this move as “a great step forward to help build the capacity, leadership, and long-term stability of Partner Churches globally. Over the past few years, in addition to its successful work with non-governmental organisations, All We Can’s Church CAN initiative has demonstrated the positive changes this type of intervention can create.”(Author: Laura Cook: All We Can Communications Manager)

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https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/strengthening-of-the-mission-of-the-global-church/


PRESS RELEASE: 3GENERATE SLEEPING BAGS DELIVERED TO CALAIS

Sleeping bags donated at the Methodist youth event 3Generate have been delivered to Calais, where they will provide essential bedding for refugees.

The seventy sleeping bags were delivered to the charity Care4Calais by Nigel Pimlott, Regional Learning and Development Officer for East Central District. The sleeping bags had been donated by adults at 3Generate, the annual Methodist young people's event, held last month in Southport.

This was Nigel’s fourth trip to Calais, where he volunteers with Care4Calais who distribute donations to refugees.

Nigel commented: “From a personal point of view, I thought it was fantastic that we could help in this way. Even though I have spent time with the refugees and talked with many of them, I can’t begin to imagine what it is really like to be a refugee in a foreign country. What I do know is that if I was homeless, cold, hungry, tired and extremely vulnerable, I would want someone to help keep me warm, feed me and be compassionate towards me. That’s what 3Generate have helped Care4Calais to do.

“They have nowhere to live, no protection from the elements, live in constant fear and they have little hope of tomorrow being any different from today. Even with my lovely warm 3Generate hoodie, a hat and a coat on, it was still terribly cold.”

Ash Phillips, Care4Calais Operations Manager, said: “We are immensely grateful to all at 3Generate for their kindness and support. We will ensure the sleeping bags are given to the refugees who urgently need them. Thank you”.

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MATT’S CYCLE RIDE FOR ZA’ATARI (ALL WE CAN)

On the 16th March 2019, our very own local preacher, Matt Forsyth, who is the Churches and Volunteers Officer for All We Can, is going to be biking nearly 60 miles to each church in our circuit. This is to fit in with the theme of this year’s Lent resource, ‘Travel lightly’, which encourages participants to decrease our footprint as we reflect on the wilderness journey that Jesus took.

Matt will be raising money for All We Can’s work in the Za’atari refugee camp. Conflicts and high levels of violence have plagued the Syrian Arab Republic for years, forcing Syrian refugees to flee to neighbouring Jordan. In addition to 6.5 million Syrians internally displaced by violence, over 4 million refugees fled to neighbouring countries. To date, there are over 670,000 Syrian refugees registered in Jordan. Of these, 78,417 are currently living in the Za’atari refugee camp, many of whom have been displaced for over five years. All We Can have been instrumental in the establishment of the oasis centre. This has acted as a place of refuge for young people to go to so that they can receive holistic support. In addition, the centre has begun to offer childcare support to enable parents to go back to work.

All the money raised will ensure that children receive psychosocial support, not only through specific programming, such as music classes, computing classes and capoeira, but also in their family and community. With 20% of the camp being under the age of five years old, it is vital that this centre can remain open to the community. In addition, every pound up to the total value of £5000 given from the Peterborough Circuit will be matched funded. This means the Peterborough Circuit has the potential to raise £10,000!

There are many ways to get involved: 1. Pray - for Matt as he begins to train for this massive challenge 2. Join - Matt as he bikes round the Circuit and be ready to greet him at your church and hold a fundraising event3. Give - whether it be to pledging on the donation form at your church or giving via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cycle4zaatari

Here are the rough timings for Matt’s ride on 16th March:Start at Whittlesey Queen Street Church 9am.

Stage 1- Whittlesey Queen Street Church to Crowland MC 9.8 miles. ETA @Crowland 10am Stage 2- Leave Crowland @10:30am to arrive at Brookside at 11:30amStage 3- Leave Brookside midday for Dogsthorpe. Arrive 12:20pmStage 4- Leave Dogsthorpe 12:45pm to arrive at Westgate New Church for 1pm and lunchStage 5- Leave Westgate New Church 1:30pm and arrive 1:45pm at Southside Stage 6- Leave Southside at 2:15pm and arrive at Orton @3pmStage 7- Leave Orton at 3:15pm and arrive at Yaxley at 3.45pmStage 8- Leave Yaxley at 4pm for Elton. Arrive 5pmStage 9- Leave Elton at 5:15pm and arrive at Oundle for 6pmMatt encourages the churches to welcome him at his time of arrival at each destination. In addition it would be great if you could hold a fundraiser. That would be amazing. There is a pledge form for churches to donate, as well as for individuals to make a pledge if they wish.If you have any questions, then do get in contact with Matt directly on: [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cycle4zaatari


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