Signpost for Ministry

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Pioneer, Castle Eden Methodist Circuit, Darlington, Closing Date: 18 Oct 2021

We are keen to equip our pioneers and planters. A key part of this is the launch of our Church Planting Intensive in February 2022. The Church Planting Intensive is a fully-funded year-long hybrid course. It begins with a residential at Cliff College 4-6 February 2022 and then we meet online each month on the 1st Thursday between 7-9pm. 

The course will be a mix of teaching and reflection, times of prayer and deepening our calls, a place to celebrate and be vulnerable, growth as individuals and of the projects we are passionate about. It is going to be a wonderful journey together! If you would like to join this year cohort please fill in the form via this link to register your interest. Places are limited to 40, so get in quick if you are interested. 

If you have any queries please email pioneering@methodistchurch.org.uk. 

This week, Climate Justice for All (CJ4A) have released their Open Letter to COP26 President Alok Sharma ahead of the climate conference in November. This letter comes from consultation sessions we held with Methodists in Britain earlier this year and it calls on him to take direct and meaningful action. Now the letter has been released, we are trying to gather as many signatures from Methodists across Britain as possible.  

Here is the link to the letter: https://bit.ly/CJ4Aletter

Now CJ4A are asking YOU to do TWO things to help make the open letter a success: 

1. Sign the open letter. Click the link or scan the QR code (in the google drive) to fill out your information as requested. 
2. Share the open letter. After you’ve signed up, share the letter with as many people in your church community as possible! Send them the QR code or the link, and tell them why you were inspired to sign the letter. 

CJ4A are encouraging British Methodists of all ages to sign this letter because they want Alok Sharma to see that this is an issue that Methodists of all ages care about – so please encourage everyone in your church community to sign! Tell people at church about signing, send the link to colleagues, put it in your newsletter, put in on your Facebook/Whattsapp groups, tell your youth worker to talk to your young people about it – CJ4A hope they can count on you to share this in all the ways that you can!  

To make this easier, CJ4A have created the following link, this is the link to the Google Drive where they are holding all of their communications for the open letter. In this folder, you will find a social media graphic, the QR code and other things that will help you share the Open Letter in your community: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e5-n4jTVA2yI2wagXU3pwJi8h5DQPwza?usp=sharing  

The last chance to sign the letter will be the end of 24 October, so please make sure you have signed and shared it before then.  

After this date, CJ4A will be delivering it to Alok Sharma, both physically and digitally, in time for him to read it before the beginning of COP26 in November.   

#CJ4A #CJ4AOpenLetter

Can you help this colleague with his research? 

I am currently engaged in doctoral research at the University of Warwick, being supervised by the Revd. Canon Professor Leslie J Francis. My area of research is concerned with Methodist identity and the way in which worship is one of the primary ways that Methodist identity is carried and maintained.  

Alongside individual interviews, I am also conducting a piece of quantitative research in the form of a congregational survey and I would be very grateful for your help in its distribution.  

Leslie's research group has a lot of experience of administering congregation surveys and finds that generally congregations are pleased to take part once they understand why the research is being conducted. For example, his next book reports on the replies of 30,000 Anglican churchgoers from the Diocese of Southwark. 

Usually, the survey is given to people as they come in to church for worship. The purpose of the survey is explained at a point in the service and then people are invited to reflect on the issues for ten minutes while appropriate music is played. 

If you agree to take part, I will send some further suggestions as to how you may like to introduce the survey to the congregation.  

I think an ideal opportunity presents itself in November, following remembrance and before advent (there may well be other opportunities too), to conduct the survey but also to offer an opportunity of reflection about who we are as Methodists and what each person feels is important to them about Methodism or Methodist worship. There are a number of creative ways this could be achieved in worship, following the completion of the survey.  

If you would like to be involved in this important piece of research, please email me.  

Revd Adam J Stevenson

Superintendent Minister, The Fens Circuit 

adam.stevenson@methodist.org.uk 

October, the autumn season sees an array of wellbeing awareness across the month and covers a variety of topics, here we focus on 3 coming soon. 

National Cholesterol Month – 1st to 31st October 2021

Cholesterol is often tragically dubbed the ‘silent killer’ because for most people there are no obvious symptoms, which is why October is dedicated to raising awareness.

HEART UK is the UK’s only cholesterol charity, providing support, information and influencing services for families and health professionals.

The aim is to raise awareness about cholesterol and try to get people to change their habits, even the smallest change can make a difference.

So what is cholesterol and why should we care?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood which our bodies use for several reasons including producing hormones and building healthy cell walls in our brain, nerves and muscles. Approximately 80% of cholesterol is produced in our bodies and the other 20% is from the foods we eat. Physical activity, or inactivity, also influences our cholesterol levels.

Good cholesterol and bad cholesterol

We all have both good and bad cholesterol. Your good cholesterol, also known as ‘HDL’, transports cholesterol to your liver. While your bad cholesterol, also known as ‘LDL’, transports cholesterol to your arteries. But it’s the ratio of the good and bad cholesterol that is important and could potentially be detrimental to your health.

Adopting healthy habits, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping active, can not only aid in lowering your cholesterol levels but can also help prevent your cholesterol levels becoming high in the first place.

For more information click here or here.

Back Care Awareness Week – 4th to 8th October 2021

The aim of the week-long event, organised by BackCare, is to raise awareness of the problems back pain can cause, as well as prevention and treatments.

Moving back to the office for some give us the chance to reacquaint ourselves with our work set up. Our backs may have taken the ‘back’ seat whilst we were working from home but it’s now time to revaluate and look after our back health.

We spend a large part of our time in sedentary positions which can only aggravate the strain on our backs. The golden rule is 40 minutes sitting, 10 minutes standing and 10 minutes walking, stretching anything to move from your seats; but how many of us actually follow this rule?

Why not challenge yourself to make a change to your normal routine during back awareness week?

For more information on activities during the week go to this page. 

It could be that your work station needs updating and if so contact the wellbeing team on wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk to discuss further.

Dyslexia Awareness Week – 4th to 10th October 2021

Dyslexia awareness week is an annual event to raise awareness about dyslexia. The British Dyslexia Association runs different themes each year and this year’s focus is on ‘Invisible Dyslexia, to explore the entire theme of visibility within our community. We’ll highlight the importance of mental health, increase visibility of underrepresented groups, and raise serious issues of dyslexia being overlooked within education and the workplace ‘(BDA – 2021)

Dyslexia affects 1 in 10 people and is sometimes misunderstood about what it is and how it affects some people.  Dyslexia is a learning difference and can be about the way in which people process information, which includes reading and writing. What is important about dyslexia is that not everyone who has dyslexia have the same challenges and are affected in the same way.  Having dyslexia should not be seen as a negative but a positive trait that can bring about a wealth of creativity.

For further information on what to expect in the week go to Dyslexia Week 2021 - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk). There are a range of activities throughout the week which includes an adult checklist to go through for yourself that asks those questions that you may have been wondering about. Click here to access the page.

If you are feel you wish to explore this further you can email the wellbeing team on wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk. We do have a consultant who is available to undertake assessments so that if you need support the right support can be identified.

Methodist Armed Forces Chaplains' experience has been drawn upon to create a resource to assist worship leaders to mark Remembrance well. The additional content in this resource can be used selectively to supplement existing liturgies for Remembrance Sunday. 

As well as the Remembrance Resource, a selection of short videos have been made by Chaplains for use in a Service of Remembrance. 

All available at Resources for Methodists

Click here for more information.

This hour-long event from Care for the Family will look at the unique opportunities and pressures facing young people and explore the science of the mind, and why children act and react the way they do. Is this generation less resilient and is there really an epidemic of anxiety? Tickets £5, find out more and book here.

Have you seen this weekly sermon prep series “in the light of current events” led by Sam Wells and Sally Hitchiner?  

Back copies can also be found here.

The Faith and Order Committee have produced further guidance for conducting services of Holy Communion online. See Holy Communion and Online Worship

The Faith and Order Committee have produced a short resource to help members of local congregations reflect on their understanding of ministry.

See Enabling Conversations on Ministry (Pdf)

Click here for more information.

Faith groups in England can apply to a new £1 million pilot fund to support innovative projects combating loneliness and isolation, providing debt advice and helping those who were unemployed during the pandemic get back to work.

The funding is being made available through the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s new Faith New Deal pilot fund.

Funded pilots will be innovative projects to strengthen engagement between local and national government and faith groups - testing what can be achieved when they work together. The programme will fund projects to tackle social issues, including those arising from the impact of COVID-19, to support the recovery efforts of communities. Applicants must demonstrate how they will support one or more of the following COVID-19 recovery objectives :

• mental wellbeing and loneliness
• debt advice
• employability
• food poverty
• increasing community engagement through volunteering

Organisations can bid in their own right or as part of a consortium of organisations and the maximum grant available is £200,000. Bids up to £125,000 will need to demonstrate in-kind match (non-cash) commitment from their own or wider sources (venues, volunteers or staff hours). Larger bids for grants over £125,000, will require a match donation from a philanthropic funder

The closing date for applications is the 7 October 2021.

College Chapel Methodist Church, Freetown, Sierra Leone, has had water ingress into the building and their copies of the Methodist Worship Book have been destroyed. They would be so grateful for donations of used copies, perhaps from any churches which are closing here in the UK. Solomon Kabba (solojah4@hotmail.com) is happy to collect from churches in London and surrounding areas. 

We are currently working to set up a more general scheme for sorting and reselling used copies of the Methodist Worship Book. Please watch this space for further announcements on this.

Click here for the video featuring the President, Vice President and Director of Finance & Resources in conversation about the Conference resolution asking all churches, circuits and districts to make a voluntary contribution to the Pension Reserve Fund.

There are still some spaces available at our upcoming Pre-Retirement courses. Click here for dates and venues.

Resources and guidance on holding pastoral conversations, applying to register a building, appointment of authorised persons and Methodist liturgies are now available here Guidance and Resources for Same-Sex Marriage (methodist.org.uk)

An update has been posted on Coronavirus Guidance for Property (methodist.org.uk) in response to the government’s announcement of the Autumn and Winter plan.

Click here for the September issue of the Property Matters newsletter.

Click here for a letter from the Revd Paul Wood.

Our guidance for churches who wish to discuss whether to register buildings for same-sex marriages is in the process of being uploaded to our website. Further documents will be added over the next few days:

Guidance and Resources for Same-Sex Marriage (methodist.org.uk)

Ministers in Scotland can now be nominated to officiate at same-sex weddings; churches in other parts of the Connexion will be able to register their buildings and Authorised Persons from Monday next week.  

The Faith New Deal Pilot Fund is a new, competitive grant programme to ‘help support faith-based organisations to use their resources effectively within their community and to build trust between national government, local government and faith groups’.  

The Faith New Deal Pilot will provide funding for projects run by faith groups working on community programmes to support a key COVID-19 recovery objective in their local area. It’s a pilot scheme and the money available is not huge and requires matching. Bids up to £125,000 will need to demonstrate in-kind match (non-cash) commitment from their own or wider sources (venues, volunteers or staff hours). Larger bids for grants over £125,000, will require a match donation from a philanthropic funder. The Faith New Deal pilot fund will only provide up to a maximum of 50% of the delivery costs of any project. 

Further detail on the fund and guidance on how to apply can be found here.   

Please send all questions and enquiries to: faithnewdeal@communities.gov.uk. 

The Marriage and Relationships resources are now online and available here:

Marriage and Relationships (methodist.org.uk)

The legal guidance is expected to be published at the end of the week.

We are encouraging people in local churches to come and be part of the incredible team that makes 3Generate happen. We’re looking for people to serve in a host of different ways: from being a steward, supporting those with additional needs, on the roving youth team to being based in an exciting venue. There’s something to suit everyone. 

Find out more about the various roles that are available to people of different ages, skills and talents here: Volunteering (methodist.org.uk) 

Hear from some of 3Generate’s previous volunteers about how they were able to make a difference for children and young people at 3Generate as well as being inspired in their own faith here: 3Generate Volunteering - YouTube

This is a FREE event to support people who look after all types of historic places of worship. It includes: 

• Hints on how to read Quinquennial reports
• Funding advice
• Stitch-in-time projects
• Advice on developing effective websites and social media platforms 

Places are limited so early booking is essential. Further details, including an agenda for the morning can be found here. 

To confirm your place email Hetty.Thornton@HistoricEngland.org.uk

As we join an international wave of prayer this week for peace in Palestine/Israel, we stand with the World Council of Churches in asserting that all forms of violence are deplorable and should end. We affirm that religious affiliations should not justify the application of different moral standards for different communities. We insist that International law, as an expression of justice for all peoples, must be respected as a moral norm to be implemented politically and socially. We continue to stand with Palestinian Christians and Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups working to uphold international law. The Methodist liaison office is one sign of our ongoing response to the cry of Palestinian Christians for their sisters and brothers in faith around the world to come and see the impact of the occupation.

In this week, we continue to pray that the conflict and division that have crushed so many lives in the region over generations may cease. We pray that the hope we share for renewal and peace be a source of strength for all who work towards reconciliation and for those whose lives are dominated by fear and uncertainty in Israel/Palestine.

For their presidential year 2021/2022, the President the Revd Sonia Hicks and Vice-President Barbara Easton have chosen the theme of God’s Table: an Invitation for All.

To help you bring the Presidential theme with a global Church focus into your context, the Global Relationships team is pleased to provide flexible worship materials for use at any time in the 2021/2022 connexional year.

Download the worship materials here: www.methodist.org.uk/global-relationships/resources

Please click here for an update about future MOCC applications. 

It’s definitely not too late to think about bringing a group to 3Generate in October, there’s lots of flexibility built in so you can book tickets and pay later than usual this year. We’d encourage you to take a look at our brand new video for 2021 which presents 3Generate in a nutshell – watch it here on 3Gen TV on YouTube. Share this with your children, young people, their families and households as well as your wider church community so they can be excited and full of anticipation for all that 3Generate holds this year! 

Have you noticed how difficult it is to sing in church after such a long break? The Singing the Faith Reference Group have produced this handy guide to help us care for each other (and our voices) as we get back to praising God together. Please feel free to share it with others.

New pathway to become a Worship Leader/Local Preacher for members of the Armed Forces

A pathway has been devised to discern the call of a Local Preacher (LP) for a member of the Armed Forces (AF), including civilians working for the Ministry of Defence (and their dependants) where they are not able to follow the usual Methodist process due to the nature of their service. This route is based on the standard Methodist process and whilst broadly equivalent, there are subtle differences in nearly every step.

Why it differs

The nature of a Service career means that the individual is likely to move regularly and often at short notice and at different times will be worshipping in a Methodist Church and a Ministry of Defence church / at sea. The other characteristic of worship that impacts on this is that within the AF Methodism is categorised with other denominations in a Chaplaincy Group. Therefore the Chaplain with oversight of the LP at many stages may not be a Methodist and in many military and naval environments there is just a single Chaplain and all worship is interdenominational. This means the mentor is likely to routinely change during this process, hence an Armed Forces Local Preacher Tutor has been identified to provide continuity for the candidates through their time. It is possible to move from the conventional pathway to this Armed Forces pathway and vice versa at any stage (and almost any step) and the process is designed to be flexible.

Queries

For any clarification or to express an interest please contact the Local Preachers Office via localpreachers@methodistchurch.org.uk or on 020 7467 3774 or the AF LP Tutor – Cdr Mark Barton RN on markbartonrn@gmail.com who will support the process through the East Solent and Downs (ES&D) Circuit of the Southampton District.

Please note: nothing in this pathway means that an individual wishing to become a LP cannot train by the standard LP route if they are worshipping and preaching in a Methodist Circuit and that Circuit is willing to take them through the process.

Is God calling you to be an Ordained Minister in the Methodist Church?

• Has anyone ever suggested to you that you would make a good minister?
• Have you ever felt God calling you to serve the Church as a Deacon or Presbyter?
• Do you want to know more about the life of the ordained?

Please join us on: 

Saturday 25th September 2021 - via Zoom - click here to book

Saturday 28th May 2022 - via Zoom - click here to book

Come and find out more about:

• Being an Ordained person
• How to Candidate for Ordained Ministry
• What is included in the Training Pathways 

These events are free, however, booking is required. You are welcome to bring a friend or significant other with you.  

For more information please contact mvw@methodistchurch.org.uk 

Not sure if this day is for you?  Have a conversation with your Minister or Superintendent Minister

Please be aware that attending this exploration date does not oblige you to candidate as a Methodist Minister.

For Frequently Asked Questions about candidating please see the FAQs page here.

Last year a group of young people from around the world were employed to work together on a campaign for COP26 Climate talks. Then the pandemic hit! What has it been like to work in a global team? Across cultures? Never having met each other physically? And what on earth is COP26? How does a climate campaign fit in to ideas of mission and partnership? 

Join in the upcoming 'Faith in Action' Zoom event from Global Relationships, with Camila from Uruguay and James from Britain who are part of the Climate Justice for All Campaign. Find out more and ask your own questions at this event. You must register in advance - you will receive an email with the meeting details and link after registration. 

Register in advance for this meeting here.

Climate Justice for All (CJ4A) released the sixth in their series of monthly short films and worship resources this week!

CJ4A is a campaign which invites Methodist communities all over the world to engage in the issue of the climate crisis and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’. The campaign is being led by a team of young workers from Uruguay, Britain, Italy, Zambia and Fiji and a network of volunteers from fifteen other countries including Russia, India, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the USA.  

The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things in the run up to COP26: listen, call and commit. 

This month, the short film and worship resources focus on youth activism in Italy. 

“I am very happy to share this month's content! They have been intense but at the same time very encouraging weeks, starting with the interviews with the youth activists at the Ecumene Methodist Centre and the writing of the liturgical resources, it has been really exciting to read them and see how so many young people have the passion, determination and faith to fight for their future. I hope and wish that these resources will encourage more and more people to take action for the future of our planet, our common home.” Irene Abra, Italian CJ4A Worker.

To find out more about CJ4A, visit their website and make sure to check out their new short film and worship resources.

Click here for the update.

Click here for the latest newsletter.

Click here for more information.

Click here for the Newsflash.

In light of the Conference decision in June to allow same-sex marriages on Methodist premises, the guidance for churches and trustees who wish to register premises and ministers (including the date after which registration will be possible) is being finalised and will be put on our website shortly.

Please see below for two CDiM opportunities:

Reimagining Christian opportunities

Rethinking Church online

The MFB has recently produced the attached short guide for churches to help colleagues provide an initial response to anyone suffering from PTSD (whatever the cause) and/or their loved ones. 

• A five day retreat based on a Benedictine rhythm, focussing on poetry and images for the Advent season. Our two presenters will be Dr. Malcolm Guite, well-known contemporary poet (and much else besides) and Sister Margaret Crinyion OSM a Roman Catholic nun who lives as a hermit.
• For more information download the flier here.
• Registration is now open and places are filling up fast. If you are interested in attending, please email the Registrar, Jill Baker, at fivedaycsf@btinternet.com to request a registration form and enquire about availability. The Community for Spiritual Formation is a small charity with roots in Methodism. 

Click here for the Conference digest.

The 2021 edition of CPD is now available on the Methodist Church website here: CPD (methodist.org.uk) 

For unforeseen reasons, there has been a slight delay in publishing CPD and the Minutes of Conference this year, which means the hard copies will not be circulated until the week commencing 6 September. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Conference highlights video is available on YouTube and Vimeo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8q-Pf51cgM

https://vimeo.com/590978571

Click here for the latest Property Matters newsletter.

We have added further dates for the Retirement course. Click here for the dates and the booking links. The booking link to the Pensions and Housing webinar which will be held on 8 December 2021 can be found here.

Click here for the update.

Click here for more details.

The Methodist Modern Art Collection will be displayed as an Art Trail across churches in Coventry and Nuneaton for City of Culture. The trail exists of 34 carefully selected works, providing unique moments of healing and contemplation. You can view the Art Trail on selected days from Saturday 4 September to Sunday 3 October 2021. For more information and timings for each church, please visit this page.

Our friends at Sarum College are advertising two offerings which may be of interest for CDiM. Two particular courses are those in Christian Spirituality, and Theology, Imagination and Culture, and there are PDF links for them below. In addition, you might be interested in the College’s wider courses offerings, available here, and in their regular newsletters, which offer details of all courses, events and opportunities being offered, available here. Some financial help for accredited taught courses is available through the Connexional HE Awards; many circuits and districts may also be able to offer some support for these, and for non-accredited courses. 

The deadline for applications for courses which start in October is August 31; but there is also a January start date, for which the deadline is December 13, 2021. Further information is available from Sarum. 

For more on Connexional HE grants, please contact Jonathan Dean or Nicola Price-Tebbutt. We will add other offerings and opportunities at Methodist and Methodist-related centres of learning through the autumn.

Christian Spirituality

Theology, Imagination and Culture

Climate Justice for All (CJ4A) released the fifth in their series of monthly short films and worship resources this week!

CJ4A is a campaign which invites Methodist communities all over the world to engage in the issue of the climate crisis and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’. The campaign is being led by a team of young workers from Uruguay, Britain, Italy, Zambia and Fiji and a network of volunteers from fifteen other countries including Russia, India, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the USA.  

The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things in the run up to COP26: listen, call and commit. 

This month, the short film and worship resources focus on communities in India and their experience of the climate crisis.

“This month’s content is particularly exciting for us as a campaign. Being able to call upon our Indian volunteers and have them work together on a short film and set of worship resources that focus on communities in India is something we are proud of. Showcasing the talents of our volunteers helps to show the strength of the campaign which has always been our ability to share a global voice. We hope people find this month’s content both challenging and informative.” Mollie Pugmire, British CJ4A Worker.

To find out more about CJ4A, visit their website and make sure to check out their new short film and worship resources. 

Are you intending to train to be a supervisor in the next connexional year? Do you know someone who should be training to be a supervisor in the next 12 months? Have you been meaning to book onto a training event? If so now is the time to act. 

Bookings are now open for 2021 – 22 with limited spaces available. Please book on as soon as possible and ensure that those you are encouraging to do so are committed before the end of August as much of the training is happening in the autumn it is really critical to have names listed as soon as possible. Thanks! 

More info about dates can be found here.

Click here for the latest Finance newsletter.

Recruitment is now open for the role of Youth President 2022/2023! Click here for more information. 

Click here for more information.

Journeying through the adoption process in 2009, the year of my ordination, being placed with nursery and primary school age kids and forming as a family has/can be uniquely wonderful & very tough at times - as the photo of a possible match becomes a reality.  

We know that support by local councils can be patchy, and sometimes managing the perception in the pew and wider church of adoption can be both a joy and a challenge. Along with my wife, I would like to create a safe online space to support Methodist ministers and families that will enable conversation and reflection together on all that adoption brings. 

These initial steps might lead to local meet ups, diversify to include adopted kids and specific groups to help people at various stages of adoption as there are different challenges for new adopters and seasoned ones. 

Fundamentally the support group is to help you feel less isolated, more informed and to journey with your experience of this adoption life. If you are interested, please do get in touch - revalonge@icloud.com

Andy Longe

The Methodist Mission Northern based in Auckland has a vacancy for the position of Head of Mission. Click here for more information.

2-4 September: A three day training course on Media Literacy in a Digital Age. We’ll be exploring all things from the digital revolution to communication online, from social media to crisis comms, from ritual online to digital futures. We’re taking online students (£100 per day) or onsite student including lunch and refreshments (£120 per day). Sign up here. 

MA in Digital Theology Taster Session, 3 August, 7.30pm – Come and explore the first steps in taking an MA in Digital. Hear from one of our tutors, from students, from admin staff. You could start your training towards a Masters Degree (online or onsite) this September! To book for the Taster Course click here.  

Also please remember to think about including everyone in your new vision for a post-Pandemic Church. Take a look at the Hybrid Church Charter here. 

Essential resources in the Methodist Church to fulfil Our Calling of responding to God’s love in Christ and working this out through discipleship, mission and worship.

Available to order from Methodist Publishing. 

We have just launched God’s World, Our Home! It’s a new digital-only resource designed by Phoebe Parkin, Youth President 2020/2021, to encourage, enable and equip children and young people to take action for climate justice. The six-chapter course will help young people and youth groups explore what action God may be calling them to and then equips them to live out that calling in climate action. 

Click here for more information and here for the promo video.

As part of the British aspect of the CJ4A campaign, the team have been running ‘Have Your Say’ consultation sessions to try and hear the voices of as many Methodists as possible in the run up to the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP26). 

If you didn’t attend any of the Have Your Say sessions, CJ4A encourages you to fill out the google form linked below so that your voice can be added to the many who are making contributions in this all-important moment for climate discourse. 

Please feel free to pass the link onto your church communities to get them involved too. The voices of young people and BAME people are currently underrepresented in these consultations, so please do pass the form onto young people and BAME people in your community if you think they would be interested. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXg30V_OQMZUc70QL9AcX8mBz4qZqBADdB98Ztrr_H-KMQsA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1gEHEHEsde70iYQYTi1eI-AVLA4KWz2NABHNMl3yDpo4CACckm6BBECxk

We have updated and condensed the guidance to reflect the lifting of restrictions. The link remains the same - Coronavirus Guidance for Property (methodist.org.uk).

Wellbeing has put together a survey to obtain your views and thoughts on the wellbeing service provided to both the Connexional team and Ministers. We will use this information to ensure we provide a service fit for purpose and in line with staff and Minister’s needs.

Please look out for the survey that will be live from Wednesday 14 July 2021 for two weeks, closing on Wednesday 28 July 2021.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to hearing from you.

Following the great news that 3Generate is going ahead at the NEC from 29– 31 October, tickets are now available. Do start talking with your youth leaders, volunteers, children, young people and families about coming along so you can make plans as a group. Remember you can choose to stay overnight in the camping village for the whole weekend, travel to and from the event each day or just come along on Saturday 30 October. We continue to monitor the situation regarding Covid-19 and will respond to any change in guidance over the coming weeks and months. 

Find out more including our FAQs here: www.3Generate.org.uk

Click here for the latest Property Matters newsletter.

The Coronavirus Guidance for Property page has been updated to reflect the Prime Minister’s announcement last. You can read the update on Coronavirus Guidance for Property (methodist.org.uk).

Click here for more information.

Dear colleagues,

Every year The Methodist Church provides an opportunity for all staff to get a flu vaccination. This year our provider is Boots Pharmacy and vouchers will be available in September/October 2021. To locate your local Boots store to establish if it provides flu vaccinations, please follow this link https://www.boots.com/store-locator. It would be advisable to contact the local branch beforehand as they may operate on an appointment basis.

In order to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccination, all you need to do is send an email to wellbeing at wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk; stating your full name, date of birth, email address, telephone number and how you would like to receive the flu vaccination voucher. This year you have two options; you can receive the voucher by email or via text message. Please allow two working days to receive a response to your email request. Once you are in receipt of your voucher present it to the Boots store pharmacy most convenient to you that provides the vaccination service.

Please ensure you keep up to date with the government regulations regarding Covid-19.

For further information on the Flu vaccination and Covid-19 please click on the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/fluandthefluvaccine.aspx

There are a limited number of vouchers so they are available on a first come basis.

A resolution was passed at the Conference asking all churches, circuits and districts to make a voluntary contribution to the Pension Reserve Fund. Further information on this can be found here Newsletters and Latest News (methodist.org.uk)

The week before lockdown, back in 2020, we realised there would be a need for some basic resource to allow people to worship at home. Since then a weekly Worship at Home sheet has been commissioned by the Ministries Team and created by ministers and local preachers from across the connexion. We have been amazed to hear how thousands of these acts of worship have been distributed by post, by hand and by email. The plan was to stop this service at the end of August as worshipping life began to return to some sort of normality. However, we have been inundated with requests by ministers and circuits to keep up the good work. The Ministries Team is delighted that these acts of worship are valued and therefore are making arrangements for them to continue up until the end of 2021 when we will review again the uptake. Thank you for sharing with us the ways you have used these acts of worship. We hold you in prayer, as we work together in God’s mission to share the good news of Jesus to the world. 

We are delighted to let you know that 3Generate, the children and youth assembly, will be going ahead at the NEC Birmingham from Friday 29th – Sunday 31st October 2021.

There will be a number of ways young people can participate as follows:

Attending the event on a residential basis, staying in camping villages with others in their group, for the weekend.

Joining the whole event on a daily basis, travelling to and from the venue but not staying overnight

Participating in person just for the day on Saturday 30th October

Phoebe Parkin, Youth President, said

“It’s such great news that 3Generate can go ahead in October and children and young people will be able to meet each other, worship together and explore faith in God. They’ve had to wait a long time to do this in person, it’s going to be a really special weekend!”

Tickets for 3Generate 2021 go on sale on Wednesday 14th July and we’d be encouraging all churches and groups to begin having conversations about how they may be able to take part.

In an exciting new development for this year we are planning to welcome 4 to 7 year olds and their parents/carers or significant adults. There’ll be a chance for them to explore faith and spirituality - alongside the main event - as part of an intentionally intergenerational space on Saturday 30th October.

We continue working closely with District Ambassadors and, through the advocating work they do, building an even better sense of connection with children and young people at a local level. We’d welcome your prayers for the ongoing planning of the event being done through satellite groups, as well as for all our children and young people. Our hope is that 3Generate will offer a wonderful opportunity to encounter God, gather together and be reminded of their vital place within the wider Methodist Church.

Do keep an eye on the event webpages as further information is made available and tickets go on sale here: www.3Generate.org.uk

3Generate is part of a wider initiative to support children and young people to live out their faith and grow in their discipleship for 365 days of the year. 3Generate the event is an important part of this journey, but it goes much wider. For children and young people to flourish they need to be completely embedded and fully participating in local Christian community, as part of the Body of Christ. This should be a community where all ages together pray, listen, notice, discuss and explore what God is calling them to, and commit to be active as disciples in the world.

Therefore from 2021 we will be simply referring to 365. This will define the direction of the work of the Methodist Children, Youth and Family Team – as we seek to encourage and support local churches to embed the aims and values of 365 across the Connexion.

Please be assured we will continue to monitor the situation regarding Covid-19 and will respond to any change in guidance over the coming weeks and months.

We hope you can join us on this exciting and transformational journey.

THE WHOLE CHURCH, IN IT TOGETHER… 

Do keep an eye on the event webpages as further information is made available and tickets go on sale here: www.3Generate.org.uk

Climate Justice for All (CJ4A) released the fourth in their series of monthly short films and worship resources this week!

CJ4A is a campaign which invites Methodist communities all over the world to engage in the issue of the climate crisis and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’. The campaign is being led by a team of young workers from Uruguay, Britain, Italy, Zambia and Fiji and a network of volunteers from fifteen other countries including Russia, India, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the USA.  

The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things in the run up to COP26: listen, call and commit. 

This month, the short film focuses on communities in Uruguay and their experience of the climate crisis.

July’s worship resources also come from Uruguay and consist of things such as: short film discussion questions, prayers, song suggestions and an eco-reflection. CJ4A wants as many communities to use their monthly content in whatever way best suits them: in Sunday worship, in small groups, in youth groups or in personal worship. These resources are an accessible way for Methodist communities to listen to our brothers and sisters in Uruguay and hear their experience of the climate crisis. 

To find out more about CJ4A, visit their website (https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/cj4a/) and make sure to check out their new short film and worship resources. 

This is a survey you might be willing to do.

Here below is a message from Jennifer Brown from the College of Preachers: 

I am a priest in the Church of England, currently researching for a PhD through Coventry University.  

I am inviting people to take part in an on-line survey as part of my PhD research. Specifically, I am looking for people aged 18+ in the UK who regularly attend church (in-person or on-line) to take part in this study.  

The aim of this study is to examine the thoughts and feelings that result from listening to Christian religious teaching using music and the spoken word. If you choose to take part in this survey, you will be asked to listen to a recording and answer questions about what you have heard, together with questions about your own feelings.   

This study has received ethics approval from Coventry University. Participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses are anonymous. If you are willing to take part, just click on the link below to be taken to the survey. Please note that the survey may not be compatible with all web browsers. If you find you are having trouble getting the survey to progress to the next page/section, you may wish to try using an alternate browser. If you have any questions or would like more information before taking the survey, please feel free to contact me at brownj68@uni.coventry.ac.uk.   

To take the survey, click here. Alternatively, you can cut and paste this link into your web browser: https://coventry.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mye8G2StpYssv3 

We are holding a neurodiversity awareness session on Tuesday 13 July from 10am to 12noon via zoom. This session will cover an introduction to the most common neurodivergent conditions and other considerations namely:

• Dyslexia,
• Dyscalculia,
• Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD),
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
• The workplace perspective,
• Legal obligations,
• Why neuro-inclusive practice is a ‘win-win’ for individuals and organisations and
• Q & A.

This session will last approximately 2 hours and will be carried out by one of the  consultants we currently use, Janette Beetham. If you wish to attend please email wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk. Please note that places are limited and there is one session booked at this time.  You will be sent a zoom link nearer to the time.

Please read further for more information on Janette Beetham 

Janette Beetham is an experienced consultant/trainer who specialises in dyslexia and neurodivergent ‘conditions’ in the workplace – and she has been working with staff and ministers within the Methodist Church for a number of years.

She is herself dyslexic / neurodivergent (having only discovered this in her late 30’s with less than positive personal experiences during her education and early employment). She has a number of roles including be the founding director of Right Resources Limited, the Staff Consultant for Dyslexia & Neurodivergent ‘Conditions’ at Imperial College London as well as being a trustee of an educational charity. Janette delivers a range of workplace-focused specialist support services for individuals and has developed a range of accredited training programmes designed to enable employing organisations to ‘support a thriving and productive neurodiverse workforce’.

Last summer, the Methodist Church launched God for All – and it has been quite a year since! Watch this Year One Report and hear beautiful testimonies of transformation. This will be great to share with your churches and networks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyXMRZqPF_w&t=38s

In the spring you received copies of Take Your Next Steps In Evangelism & Growth. We hope these guidebooks are helpful, but we know that paper is no replacement for actual conversation.  

So the Evangelism & Growth Team would love to Zoom into one of your circuit/leadership team meetings in the year ahead. In a 30-45 minute slot on your agenda, we'd offer a short presentation on God for All and listen to the key questions you're wrestling with in your context. These would be taster conversations – from there we can explore next steps. 

If you'd like to book in, email evangelism@methodistchurch.org.uk with a couple dates/times that work in your schedule and we'll get back to you. With 350+ circuits to "travel" to, it'll take a bit of time, but we're committed to being with you in the year ahead.

The Property Team are reviewing the current Coronavirus guidance in light of the Government’s announcement on 5 July and will look to provide as much clarity as we can in the coming weeks, and especially after the data is reviewed on 12 July. We understand that the Prime Minister’s confirmation that there will be a relaxation of guidance in a couple of weeks may raise questions from churches about their particular context and we will do our best to support with these.

The LCP team have produced a useful guide with information, checklists and templates regarding church closures in collaboration with Property Support and David Stabler, DPS for Newcastle-upon-Tyne Methodist District. The guide can be found on Managing Trustees (methodist.org.uk).

Read the pastoral letter here 

Today, 30 June 2021, following prayerful consideration by the whole Church, the Methodist Conference voted to confirm provisional resolutions on same sex marriages conducted on Methodist premises or by Methodist office-holders.

Read the FAQs on the implications of this change here 

Ministers approached by the media for comment on issues regarding Marriage and Relationships can contact the Media Office for advice and support. 

The Faith & Worship course has ended, after some 30 years. We want to celebrate the many students, tutors, mentors, assessors and others who have been involved with the course and to praise God for the calling to preach the Word and to lead people in worship, and for the strength and grace that is given to those who have responded to that call over the years.  

COVID restrictions permitting, there will be a time of worship at Central Hall, Westminster on Sunday 17 October 2021. There will be a buffet reception from 4pm and worship at 6pm. Please spread the invitation to any who would like to join us – we are also sending this to Local Preachers’ Secretaries. Booking is by the Eventbrite link here. Early registration would be much appreciated so we can make appropriate plans. 

A similar email will be sent to all Circuit Local Preachers’ Secretaries shortly. Please pass the invitation on to all who might be interested, including through your District networks.

Are you a church or community leader looking to engage with this year's Prisons Week (10th-16th October)? Then this event is for you! 

Click here for more information and booking

Click here for the latest update.

We now have a leaflet available for Stewards (Church & Circuit) to help with their understanding of supervision within the church. Please feel free to pass it on to stewards in your circuit and churches.  We are also intending to add it to the Stewards pages of the website.

We’re so excited by the stories we've heard about A Methodist Way of Life so far. The new Implementation & Strategy Group is thinking about how we can support churches, circuits and districts over the coming year to embed MWoL in your communities. We’d greatly value your thoughts, and would be grateful if you could take a couple of minutes to fill in this survey. 

Saturday 4 September to Sunday 3 October 2021

The Methodist Modern Art Collection will be displayed as an Art Trail across churches in Coventry and Nuneaton for City of Culture. The trail exists of carefully selected works, providing unique moments of healing and contemplation. You can view the Art Trail on selected days from Saturday 4 September to Sunday 3 October 2021. For more information and timings for each church, please visit www.methodist.org.uk/ cityofculture 

#HopeFaithLove

We are currently looking for a volunteer couple who will support our work with ministers who are sitting down in the next few years. If you are, or know of, a supernumerary minister who might be interested then please consider the attached volunteer spec. The closing date is 30 June 21 at present. 

Diabetes  week is marked  this year from 14th to 20th June. This annual event was developed by Diabetes UK and the purpose is to raise awareness about diabetes. For this year the theme is about encouraging people to share their experiences of living with this condition.

So what is diabetes ? Diabetes is a serious and lifelong condition and there are two types, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin (NHS).

Did you know that 90% of adults of who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes? With type 2 the interesting factor is that people could be living with this condition without knowing this or unaware of the symptoms to check.

Some symptoms can include feeling very thirsty, urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night, feeling very tired, weight loss, cuts or wounds that heal slowly. See the attached links for a full list of symptoms.

Untreated diabetes or diabetes which is not controlled consistently can result in many health complications including blindness, amputation of limbs, kidney and heart diseases, to name but a few.

This awareness week is a way of getting us to learn more about this condition, look at our own health and possible symptoms and take some next steps. For further information you can go to https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ or  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/

Essential resources of the Methodist Church to fulfil Our Calling of responding to God’s love in Christ and working this out through discipleship, mission and worship.

Available to pre-order from Methodist Publishing. 

Direct link: Connexional Year 2021/2022 resources (methodistpublishing.org.uk)

We are holding a neurodiversity awareness session on Tuesday 13 July from 10am to 12noon via zoom. This session will cover an introduction to the most common neurodivergent conditions and other considerations namely:

• Dyslexia,
• Dyscalculia,
• Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD),
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
• The workplace perspective,
• Legal obligations,
• Why neuro-inclusive practice is a ‘win-win’ for individuals and organisations and
• Q & A.

This session will last approximately 2 hours and will be carried out by one of the  consultants we currently use, Janette Beetham. If you wish to attend please email wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk. Please note that places are limited and there is one session booked at this time.  You will be sent a zoom link nearer to the time.

Please read further for more information on Janette Beetham 

Janette Beetham is an experienced consultant/trainer who specialises in dyslexia and neurodivergent ‘conditions’ in the workplace – and she has been working with staff and ministers within the Methodist Church for a number of years.

She is herself dyslexic / neurodivergent (having only discovered this in her late 30’s with less than positive personal experiences during her education and early employment). She has a number of roles including be the founding director of Right Resources Limited, the Staff Consultant for Dyslexia & Neurodivergent ‘Conditions’ at Imperial College London as well as being a trustee of an educational charity. Janette delivers a range of workplace-focused specialist support services for individuals and has developed a range of accredited training programmes designed to enable employing organisations to ‘support a thriving and productive neurodiverse workforce’.

Preaching and Story 

Wednesday 21 July, 10.30-13.00 | via Zoom 

Workshop Leader: Revd Dr Mark Wakelin, Methodist Minister. 

We will tell each other stories, biblical or otherwise, and reflect on what we learn and feel. Within that reflection we will consider the importance of exegesis in preparing a story, and the relationship of story to truth. During the workshop we will aim to encourage each other and learn from each other to enrich our preaching. 

Changing the Climate: Preaching in the Environmental Crisis 

Wednesday 1 September, 10.30 | via Zoom 

A workshop with the  Paul Johns, Methodist Local Preacher. 

Climate change, floods and droughts, declining biodiversity – is all this just a stock of fresh sermon illustrations? Or does it shift the context of our preaching, and therefore sermon content too? God holds the planet in one hand and offers us the Bible with the other. What hope does the biblical message offer to a planet in pain? This workshop, led by Paul Johns, will provide an opportunity to share your thoughts and preaching experience, and to listen to and discuss two or three recent (and short) ‘environmental’ sermons. 

Suffering, Science, and Preaching a Theology of Hope 

Wednesday 8 September, 10.30 | via Zoom 

With the Revd Jennifer Brown, Director of Training for the College of Preachers and former Science Missioner. 

How can science help us understand suffering? Can science offer a way through which we can explore the perennial question of why God allows suffering? And how do we speak of hope in the midst of suffering? This workshop will explore how we can use insights from science in our preaching both to help people engage with questions around suffering and to offer a theology of hope. 

The Revd Jennifer Brown is Director of Training for the College of Preachers and a Theological Educator. She has worked as Science Missioner in the Oxford Diocese and is Secretary of the Science and Religion Forum.  

Prices for all of these on-line workshops: general, £7; ministry student, £5. 

Preaching in Advent 

Thursday 7 October, 09.30 | Holland House, Cropthorne, Worcestershire 

Workshop leader: Revd Canon Roger Spiller 

How can we make the Advent themes and readings come alive and speak to us today? The themes of Advent can stretch our credulity but can also address those ultimate issues that preoccupy us all. In this workshop, the Revd Canon Roger Spiller will look at how we can imaginatively approach the themes of the season in our preaching. 

This day-long workshop will include input, discussion, working with texts, matching themes and sermon structures, drafting outlines and generally stimulating the imagination to excite us in our preaching ministry. Lunch will be provided. 

The Revd Canon Roger Spiller is a theological educator and was previously Diocesan Director of Ministry for Coventry Diocese. He is currently the Chair of Trustees of the College of Preachers and has edited several editions of the 'Canterbury Preacher's Companion'. 

Ticket prices: general, £35; ministry student, £25 (includes lunch).
Booking open until 25th August 

For details of how to book for any of these workshops, please visit the College of Preachers web site. 

Click here for the latest Property Matters newsletter.

The government has updated the Guidance for Weddings & Civil Partnerships in England following the Prime Minister's announcement. It states:

From 21 June, there will no longer be a maximum number cap for attendees set out in law. Instead, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. This will be based on the COVID-19 risk assessment of the venue or outdoor space, and the measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

For further information, please refer to the government Guidance for Weddings & Civil Partnerships. Please note that this is only for England.

On Monday 7th June, Climate Justice for All (CJ4A)released the third in their series of monthly short films and worship resources!

CJ4A is a campaign which invites Methodist communities all over the world to engage in the issue of the climate crisis and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’. The campaign is being led by a team of young workers from Uruguay, Britain, Italy, Zambia and Fiji and a network of volunteers from fifteen other countries including Russia, India, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the USA.  

The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things in the run up to COP26: listen, call and commit. 

This month, the short film focuses on communities in Zambia and their experience of flooding and drought.

June’s worship resources also come from Zambia and consist of things such as: short film discussion questions, prayers, song suggestions and an exco-reflection. CJ4A wants as many communities to use their monthly content in whatever way best suits them: in Sunday worship, in small groups, in youth groups or in personal worship. These resources are an accessible way for Methodist communities to listen to our brothers and sisters in Zambia and hear their experience of the climate crisis. 

To find out more about CJ4A, visit their website and make sure to check out their new short film and worship resources. 

All three volumes of the 2021 Conference Agenda are now available online.

See https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-conference/conference-2021/conference-programme/

We have opened bookings for Frontline that takes place on 7 July 2021 from 7pm to 8:30pm. For more information, please click here. To book your spot at this event, please click here.

Please click here for an update on the funding for new Christian Communities and Methodist Action on Poverty and Justice (MAPJ).

There is a spam message going round the ministers’ email system. Fluent (our mail provider) have been made aware. Please delete the message, but if you have clicked on the link, please let Fluent know at support@fluent.ltd.uk.

Webinar - ‘Childhood during coronavirus: protecting children from the effects of poverty’. 

Action for Children invites you to an online webinar, ‘Childhood during coronavirus: protecting children from the effects of poverty’ on 7 July.

Staff will talk about the impact of the lockdown on families drawing on research in their report, 'End Childhood Crisis' and their campaigning work. They will also explain what they are asking the Government to do and how you can add your voice.  

To sign up, visit this page. 

Action for Children Sunday worship materials

Worship materials for this year's Action for Children Sunday on 11 July are now available to download. The theme is ‘Peace within, peace around.’ 

You'll be pleased to see activities that children can do whether they are worshipping at home or meeting in a church building. Vickie and Chris Heydon-Matterface (Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District) did an amazing job creating such engaging activities for children of different ages. 

To download, worship materials visit this page. 

Children’s Drawing  Challenge - Boycott You Bed  

Action for Children are asking their supporters to ‘Boycott Your Bed’ on Friday 9 July to raise money for vulnerable children and young people.  

Children can also get involved by taking part in the Children's Drawing Challenge, which asks them to draw the most fantastical, imaginative, exciting place to boycott their beds. Invite children in your congregations to sign up here before entries close on Friday 25 June. A winner will be announced on Friday 9 July. 

To sign up to sleep out, visit: boycottyourbed.co.uk/faith. Every £1 raised will help support the UK's most vulnerable children and you people.

Is your congregation, circuit or District facing tension or conflict? 

The reconciliation and mediation pilot project is now available to offer you practical support in times of change or conflict. 

Find out more here.  

For any queries please contact: katie.bradley@placeforhope.org.uk

You are invited to join Climate Justice for All for their ‘Have Your Say’ events on either June 9^th, June 12^th or July 13^th. 

These events consist of a 45-minute consultation hosted by CJ4A (www.worldmethodistcounil.org/cj4a) in partnership with Green Agents of Change (methodist.org.uk/greenagentsofchange). 

As part of the CJ4A campaign, they want to send a ‘call to action’ from Methodists to the UK government’s COP Ambassadors. Local Methodist churches and groups will be asked to add their names to this call to action but, before taking that step, they want to hear from Methodists across Britain. 

What does climate justice look like for you? What should Britain be doing to ensure climate justice for all? 

If you attend a Methodist Church or group and would like to have your voice heard then please do join CJ4A for one of these events, which are open to people of all ages (those under 18 will need a parent to book their ticket and give permission). 

Register here.  

For any further information, please email: pugmirem@methodistchurch.org

We have opened bookings for Frontline that takes place on 7 July 2021 from 7pm to 8:30pm. For more information, please click here. To book your spot at this event, please click here.

Warning - if you receive an email to your '@methodist.org.uk' email address like the example below, please delete it, and make sure you don't click any links as this is a scam.

SCAM TEXT BELOW:

Attention: Methodist Users, 

Due to too many use of this web mail service, there has been congestion in our database, therefore the administration Website would be closing all unused methodist accounts, note! You will need to confirm your methodist account as an active account by clicking on this link and submitting the required information (Click Here) to automatically submit will be verified of the necessary information and your account as an active account. 

Thank you 

© 2021. All rights reserved. 

Methodist Mail Administrator.

We would like to know how you currently use, and in the future plan to use, the Methodist Worship Book (MWB).  

The MWB is about to be reprinted, we understand worship has changed so we would like to know how you use the worship book and if you require it in an electronic form, what does that look like.  

This survey is anonymous. All questions are optional.

This survey should take you no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. Survey closes Sunday 6 June, 2021, at 10pm. Thank you. 

Survey link: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/BVI-O29/methodist-worship-book-survey

Volume 1 of the Conference Agenda is now available on the Methodist website.

See www.methodist.org.uk/conference-programme/ 

Click here for the latest Property Matters newsletter.

We have updated our web page in line with the new government guidance on the easing of restrictions. The new guidance can be found on Coronavirus Guidance for Property (methodist.org.uk).

MHA has been a significant part of the life of the Methodist family and many of us have watched and prayed with them through the pandemic, grieving with them the loss of life and proud of the clear witness of their chaplains and staff as they offered care in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Each year, MHA Sunday gives us the chance to support MHA prayerfully and financially and Sam Monaghan has written to all Ministers to ask us to do that this year.

I commend his letter here to you.

We would like to know how and if you used the Global Relationships worship resources, ‘The Best of All’ and web content.

This survey is anonymous. All questions are optional.

This survey should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete and will help us improve the next resource. Submission deadline is Wednesday 26 May, 2021 at 12noon. Thank you.

Any queries please contact us at publishing@methodistchurch.org.uk or call 020 7486 5502. 

Global Relationships Team survey: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/BVI-MPK

Click here for the latest update.

We are delighted to share a new Methodist video for Thy Kingdom Come. The aim of the video is to highlight all the wonderful ways in which prayer is important to people and makes a difference in their lives.

• Please share the video on your own social media channels and encourage others to share it on social media as well.
• Please share the video with your networks – you can download it here or point people to the website.
• Please encourage church leaders to use the video in their services and to encourage people to take part in Thy Kingdom Come. 

On Monday 10^th May, Climate Justice for All (CJ4A) are releasing the second of their monthly short films and worship resources!

CJ4A is a campaign which invites Methodist communities all over the world to engage in the issue of the climate crisis and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’. The campaign is being led by a team of young workers from Uruguay, Britain, Italy, Zambia and Fiji and a network of volunteers from fifteen other countries including Russia, India, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the USA.  

The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things in the run up to COP26: listen, call and commit. 

This month, the short film focuses on the Pacific and communities facing rising sea levels and forced migration.

May’s worship resources also come from the Pacific and consist of things such as: short film discussion questions, prayers, song suggestions and an eco-reflection. CJ4A wants as many communities to use their monthly content in whatever way best suits them: in Sunday worship, in small groups, in youth groups or in personal worship. These resources are an accessible way for us to listen to our brothers and sisters in the Pacific and hear their experience of the climate crisis. 

To find out more about CJ4A, visit their website (Climate Justice For All – World Methodist Council) and make sure to look out for May’s short film and worship resources on Monday 10^th.

From Step 3, (no earlier than 17 May) the limit of 30 people attending a funeral will be removed – this will allow for as many people to attend a funeral as can be safely accommodated, and those attending will be advised to follow social distancing guidelines to minimise transmission risks. 

The new changes at Step 3 only affect the limit on numbers of attendees, and any change to what you can do at a funeral (such as singing) will reflect the wider scheduled changes to guidance for places of worship and performing arts. The new changes also do not apply to commemorative events to celebrate the life of someone who has passed away, such as wakes – these will still be limited to up to 30 attendees from Step 3. The guidance for funerals will be updated in due course. 

Free trial of Roots at Home available here.

Click here for the latest ROOTS at home newsletter.

Following further communication with Government officials, the decision has been made to allow Church Councils to meet in person to fulfil their legal duty, but only if it is reasonably necessary, and there are no alternative options. It is therefore still strongly recommended that church councils meet remotely if they can. Please refer to the safety precautions listed in the Guidance for Church Councils. As part of the Government’s roadmap, this situation is under constant review and therefore please refer back to this page regularly for updates.

Webinar, Tuesday 4 May, 19.30-20.30 | via Zoom 

Are we aware of how our own cultural experiences and worldview affect our reading of the Bible and our preaching? It is all too easy to fall into thinking that our experience is 'normal' and shared by everyone. But in reality, our experiences and understanding of the world are shaped by many factors, including race, socio-economic status, gender, denomination, and theology. 

Only when we take time to hear and understand one another's cultural experiences and viewpoint can we truly recognise that we are part of a diverse global Church and unlock the wisdom that exists within the whole company of Christ. 

Pam Searle, one of the editors of the newly released book, Intercultural Preaching, will introduce the thinking behind the book, after which two contributors to the text of Intercultural Preaching, the Revd Wale Hudson-Roberts and Eleasah Louis, will be joined by the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Anglican Bishop of Bradwell, in a discussion on intercultural preaching, chaired by the Revd Canon Dr Vicky Johnson, Precentor at York Minster. 

Our panel of speakers will discuss what we mean when we talk about intercultural preaching, how we can share insights across cultures, and why intercultural preaching and dialogue are needed in the Church today. 

This webinar is being offered free of charge, but booking is essential. 

To book, please visit this page. When prompted, enter the password Preach405  

Workshop, Saturday 5 June, 10.30-13.00 | via Zoom 

The webinar will be followed by a workshop on how to create and deliver an intercultural sermon, taking place on 5th June. Tickets for the workshop will be available from mid-April and can be booked by clicking on this link and enter the password Preach506. 

Vocations Sunday is a time to celebrate the vocations of those whose call is in gathered church as well as those whose call is in scattered church. 

Are you preaching on 2^nd May?

Have you considering sharing your calling story with the congregation?

If so, why not share a story that expresses your sense of calling in 2021? 

#Methodist

#VocationsSunday2021

#LoveThisCalling 

For the Vocations website click here.

After what feels like an eternity of waiting and hoping, we’re delighted to launch resources to help churches garden, this week: click here. 

The aim is that churches create gardens themed on Psalm 23, which will be the inspiration for Bible Society’s garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this September. 

But with spring upon us, and the opportunity to get outside, we wanted to promote this now to give people the chance to do something. 

Designer Sarah Eberle and Hazel Southam are doing a Facebook Live at 1.30pm on Friday.