The Methodist Church

E-News
January 2008


Welcome to the January 2008 issue of E-News, the monthly electronic news bulletin of the Methodist Church in Britain. Please feel free to circulate these stories by e-mail or by cutting and pasting into your church newsletter or magazine or printing them out and pinning them on your noticeboard.

E-News is sent out to all who have submitted their details to the E-mail Directory of the Methodist Church in Britain. Visit http://www.methodist.org.uk/signup to subscribe.

If you wish to unsubscribe please visit http://www.methodist.org.uk/signup to remove your details.

Lynne Newland, E-News Editor: newseditor@methodistchurch.org.uk



Put a little Joy in your pocket - or someone else's

Joy in your pocket Following on from the very popular pocket sized booklets, Peace in your pocket and Prayer in your pocket, Joy in your pocket is to be published next week - available from 20 January. 

With prayers, quotations and inspirational phrases all about joy, the colourful 16 page booklet is perfect for slipping into a handbag or pocket. But don't just keep it to yourself, why not pass on some joy to others? What about giving copies to neighbours, friends or users of your church premises as a tool for mission or introduction and welcome to your church?

A PowerPoint presentation of Joy in your pocket has also been produced, for use in church worship. It will be freely available for downloading from www.methodist.org.uk along with a pdf of the booklet.

Copies of Joy in your pocket will be available at £5 for 50 from mph. Product code PA610.

www.mph.org.uk


A climate of change during Lent

Buy Less: Live MoreThe Methodist Church will focus this Lent on how we follow Jesus in today's world, with a special emphasis on climate change.

An alternative 'credit card' has been produced encouraging us to 'Buy Less: Live More'. The card cannot be used to make purchases, but is designed to be placed in a wallet in front of other credit cards to remind people to think before they spend.

The initiative is supported by a website - www.buylesslivemore.org.uk and a dedicated group on Facebook. During Lent people signing up will receive a daily email with two challenges or ideas for buying less and living more. These updates will also be available on the website and the Facebook group enabling people to share their experiences, swap stories, questions and advice. There will be an emphasis on the impact of our behaviour on people around the world threatened by drought, flooding, and other consequences of climate change.

Buy less: Live More credit cards can be ordered in packs of 10 from mph for free, with a small charge for postage. Product code PA512. www.mph.org.uk

This year's Methodist Relief & Development Fund (MRDF) Lent Bible study pack also focuses on climate change. See www.mrdf.org.uk

With the Climate Change Bill due to be debated in Parliament in March, you will be able to follow its development and help to push for change. Keep track of all this and more this Lent at:

www.methodist.org.uk


'Reconstructing Mission' - World Mission Conference, 6-8 June 2008

Reconstructing MissionWhen wars end, disasters recede and oppressive governments overthrown, reconstruction is an essential process through which people can rebuild relationships, communities and new ways of life.

The World Mission Conference to be held at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire from 6-8 June will explore what 'reconstructing mission' means and whether it can be a method of mission in God's world.  The exciting programme includes international speakers, a variety of workshops and worship from the worldwide church.  A full children's programme and a creche will be provided.

The World Mission Conference is an ecumenical event, sponsored by Methodists for World Mission. Contact Philip Scribbins for booking information at mwmps1@waitrose.com or visit:

www.mwm.org.uk


Methodist Church urges the Government to reconsider alcohol licensing laws

Binge drinkingWhilst many people enjoyed Christmas and New Year with a celebratory drink or two, there was a significant problem with binge drinking which resulted in a rise in crime and high numbers of casualty treatments in hospitals across the country.

Anthea Cox, Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and Social Justice, has called on the Government to revisit licensing, as well as encouraging initiatives that support people in responsible drinking and seeking alternatives to alcohol.

In 2004 the Methodist Church ran a successful competition to find the best recipe for alcohol-free cocktails - Mocktails.  A website was launched which contains those recipes, lots of useful information about the alcoholic content of various drinks, ideas for staying safe while out on the town and fun ways of celebrating without getting drunk.

www.mocktails.org.uk


Interface


www.theinterface.org.uk: where Christianity meets Culture

  • Were the Bishop of Rochester's recently reported comments about Islamic extremism turning some communities into no-go areas for people of a different faith or race, a help or a hindrance to fostering good interfaith relations?  
  • Is binge drinking becoming the cultural norm in this country?  What can be done to stop binge drinking from damaging our health, behaviour and society?

These are just two of the topics currently under debate on the interface website. The site was created with the aim of providing a friendly space for Methodists to discuss hot news topics and their implications for our faith.

www.theinterface.org.uk

If you have any suggestions for stories or comments about E-News please contact newseditor@methodistchurch.org.uk

E-news Editor, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR