The big day is here. From all across the Connexion (indeed, from all parts of the world) people are arriving in Wolverhampton as the morning progresses. People of various Methodist Churches and traditions. Ecumenical guests. Representatives of other faiths and of the wider community. Conference old hands. People who've never been before. Friends, family. Ordinands and those who have shared their journey. Hundreds of people, each with their own story and their own journey that means this is the place to be today.
So it's a big day. And I can't pretend not to be a bit nervous about what lies ahead. Becoming President of the Conference is an honour, a privilege and an awesome responsibility. But it becomes possible because of the huge amount of support and love with which one is surrounded - and I am very grateful for the many cards, letters, emails, phone calls and personal words of greeting and encouragement.
The day has also started well because my great niece, Bethany, and her husband, Rich, have become parents this morning (just over a month early). Thomas James. Lovely news, though it's still a bit sobering being old enough to be a great great uncle!
As this year unfolds I shall do my best to keep the blog updated, and hopefully there will be pictures from time to time.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Full Circle (2)
Hilary Price - being presented with her long service certificate as organist at my home church in Monton Eccles (above)Heidi Cottrell and Andrew Upham of the British Methodist Youth Choir who performed at Patricroft and Monton in the Salford Circuit (below)
Launch of the OUTCOME' new book and study guide 'And it can be' at Chelsea Methodist Church 
John- Howard Norman standing on the Wesley stone at Westhoughton with supporting cast of the congregation!Like the President I can hardly believe it is 12 months since we started this journey in Scarborough and I simply want to echo his thanks to all who have supported us in prayer - and messages on this blog! - along the way. It has been a marvellous privilege for me to serve the Church in this way and I have been greatly encouraged and inspired by those I have met
up and down the Connexion. And are we yet alive ? WE ARE!
We pray for David and Richard as they take on the baton in Wolverhampton this Saturday.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Full circle
One of the highlights of the Methodist Conference is the Reception of presbyters and deacons into Full Connexion and then the ordinations which follow.
Last week I spent 36 hours with the diaconal ordinands at Ambleforth abbey. There are 5 of them
Becky Bawden
Fiona de Boltz
Claire Gill
Ellie Griffin
Liz Rowe
and I have the privilege of being the President at their Ordination service at Shirley Methodist church this coming Sunday.
I should have been with the presbyteral ordinands for 24 hours this week but I injured myself....!!!
I was in London for this final weekend. Going down the steps at Paddington Tube Station I damaged my left leg - the doctor says it's badly sprained...and I'm hopping around very well.
I had gone to share with Women's Network at one of their Consultation Days - it seemed to go well and I got lots of sympathy.....and thanks to the Chair of District, Jenny , who picked me up from Church House and took me over to Blackheath where we were sharing together in the opening of the newly built Sunfield Methodist Church. It is a beautiful building with a marvellous stained glass window.....
and I discovered that the glass artist was from Pilling, Lancashire......what a small world it is!!
and that is where I want to end.......
the service was well attended and lots of people coming in during the past couple of weeks to view not only the new building but also the Methodist Art Collection. Sunday was a 'more normal service' and for me my final one as President - to share in communion with these people was very special....even if I was still limping!!
But it was on the Saturday afternoon, after the service chatting to people including Paddfy on the left that I came across Gloria Braham
and quickly discovered she was the sister of Ted - who had been my senior circuit in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica for the first 6 years of my ministry. Ted and his wife Madge are God-parents to our eldest child, Matthew........the years rolled away...and our conversation was about Jamaica...about family and familiar places......things had come full circle for me...I didn't even know about Gloria...Ted died a year ago......and he and many others were so instrumental in shaping and forming me to be the person I am now.........it was as if God was saving this up for the end...to show me again how great my debt to those people of Jamaica, to the people of the wider world Church........
a gift of God...a moment of grace.
Last week I spent 36 hours with the diaconal ordinands at Ambleforth abbey. There are 5 of them
Becky Bawden
Fiona de Boltz
Claire Gill
Ellie Griffin
Liz Rowe
and I have the privilege of being the President at their Ordination service at Shirley Methodist church this coming Sunday.
I should have been with the presbyteral ordinands for 24 hours this week but I injured myself....!!!
I was in London for this final weekend. Going down the steps at Paddington Tube Station I damaged my left leg - the doctor says it's badly sprained...and I'm hopping around very well.
I had gone to share with Women's Network at one of their Consultation Days - it seemed to go well and I got lots of sympathy.....and thanks to the Chair of District, Jenny , who picked me up from Church House and took me over to Blackheath where we were sharing together in the opening of the newly built Sunfield Methodist Church. It is a beautiful building with a marvellous stained glass window.....
and I discovered that the glass artist was from Pilling, Lancashire......what a small world it is!!
and that is where I want to end.......
the service was well attended and lots of people coming in during the past couple of weeks to view not only the new building but also the Methodist Art Collection. Sunday was a 'more normal service' and for me my final one as President - to share in communion with these people was very special....even if I was still limping!!
But it was on the Saturday afternoon, after the service chatting to people including Paddfy on the left that I came across Gloria Braham
and quickly discovered she was the sister of Ted - who had been my senior circuit in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica for the first 6 years of my ministry. Ted and his wife Madge are God-parents to our eldest child, Matthew........the years rolled away...and our conversation was about Jamaica...about family and familiar places......things had come full circle for me...I didn't even know about Gloria...Ted died a year ago......and he and many others were so instrumental in shaping and forming me to be the person I am now.........it was as if God was saving this up for the end...to show me again how great my debt to those people of Jamaica, to the people of the wider world Church........a gift of God...a moment of grace.
winding down?
These past couple of weeks have continued to be full of new and exciting things even though the Irish Conference felt as if the 'formal representation' as President and VP was coming to an end.
It was a privilege to share in the induction of Bishop Graham Cray and the Rev Stephen Lindridge, the two new FX leaders along with the Archbishop Rowan and the URC Moderator, John. The chapel at Lambeth Palace was packed with family, friends and FX staff and supporters. During the year David and I have seen countless initiatives of churches finding new and relevant ways of sharing the gospel of Christ.
One unusual event this month was a reunion of those in Manchester MethSoc from the late 1960's into the early 70's. I had been in this MethSoc 70-73 and it was real joy to meet many from that era. You forget how formative these years are on the rest of life! Thanks to Russell Kirby and Marion Rixson for organising it.
The following day I was sharing in worship at Monton Church in the Salford circuit. This is David Walton's home church where he has grown up and people have known him 'since before he was born'. It was also the weekend the Methodist Youth Choir were visiting the circuit and they shared in the worship as well.
I was pleased to be able to share in worship and to thank this congregation for the way they had nurtured David and supported him (and me) so wonderfully through this year. The Choir were great!
I spent 24 hours with those at the superintendent's course - both those preparing to become supers and others who've been doing it a while. It was good to meet up with so many people that I've met in other places and at other times this year. The course was very well run by Anne Topping and her team.
Then onto spend time with former members of Cardiff MethSoc where I was chaplain for 11 years.
Jo and Ken Kingston had invited me to share in a circuit weekend at High Wycombe. There was a circuit fun afternoon at Bucks New University on the Wellesbourne campus. It was rather overcast but as the open air worship began and I was preparing to preach the sun came out...just in time for the BBQ!! Morning worship was at Wesley Church in the circuit then I drove to Hitchin to be with another former student Phil Turner (Smiler as we all called him) who is minister of the Meth/URC ChristChurch who were celebrating their 40th anniversary. Phil had rather uniquely managed to have the URC Moderator lead worship in the morning and the Methodist President in the evening - not bad!!
It was a privilege to share in the induction of Bishop Graham Cray and the Rev Stephen Lindridge, the two new FX leaders along with the Archbishop Rowan and the URC Moderator, John. The chapel at Lambeth Palace was packed with family, friends and FX staff and supporters. During the year David and I have seen countless initiatives of churches finding new and relevant ways of sharing the gospel of Christ.
One unusual event this month was a reunion of those in Manchester MethSoc from the late 1960's into the early 70's. I had been in this MethSoc 70-73 and it was real joy to meet many from that era. You forget how formative these years are on the rest of life! Thanks to Russell Kirby and Marion Rixson for organising it.
The following day I was sharing in worship at Monton Church in the Salford circuit. This is David Walton's home church where he has grown up and people have known him 'since before he was born'. It was also the weekend the Methodist Youth Choir were visiting the circuit and they shared in the worship as well.
I was pleased to be able to share in worship and to thank this congregation for the way they had nurtured David and supported him (and me) so wonderfully through this year. The Choir were great!
I spent 24 hours with those at the superintendent's course - both those preparing to become supers and others who've been doing it a while. It was good to meet up with so many people that I've met in other places and at other times this year. The course was very well run by Anne Topping and her team.
Then onto spend time with former members of Cardiff MethSoc where I was chaplain for 11 years.
Jo and Ken Kingston had invited me to share in a circuit weekend at High Wycombe. There was a circuit fun afternoon at Bucks New University on the Wellesbourne campus. It was rather overcast but as the open air worship began and I was preparing to preach the sun came out...just in time for the BBQ!! Morning worship was at Wesley Church in the circuit then I drove to Hitchin to be with another former student Phil Turner (Smiler as we all called him) who is minister of the Meth/URC ChristChurch who were celebrating their 40th anniversary. Phil had rather uniquely managed to have the URC Moderator lead worship in the morning and the Methodist President in the evening - not bad!!
Finishing Off the Irish!!!
What a wonderful time we had with the Methodist Church in Ireland. We met in Dublin and were treated with wonderful love and hospitality.
The Methodist Church in Ireland is very much alive and well as we heard about and saw some new initiatives in mission and ministry. They are very much a large extended family as it seems everyone knows everyone else. It was a joy for me to meet up with friends, especially those that I have come to know through MMS Ireland
Ken Todd - former MMSI treasurer
Richard Clutterbuck, Principal of Edgehill Theological College and a friend from our time at Queens College....
The Ministerial Session lasted for a day and was jointly chaired by the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Aian Ferguson, and myself.
There was then a Civic Reception given by the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire and then we all went to share in the Election and Installation of the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Donald Ker. Donald is also Secretary of their Conference. It was a wonderful service and made even more special with the attendance of the President of Ireland, Mary Mcalease and her husband Martin. The first time ever that the President of the nation has been to the Methodist Conference. Donald in his address spoke about the 3 remaining marks in the present uncertainty...faith, hope and love.
It was a real joy to share in the chairing of the Representatice session of Conference with Donald - there were times he didn't know if he was the President or Secretary!!
David and I took with us 2 representatives from our own Conference here in Britain. These were Deacon Eunice Attwood and Mr Mike King. They all shared fully - bringing greetings from the Britsh Church and also Mike through addressing their World Church evening event; David through leading prayers one morning and Eunice through sharing about Diaconal ministry and encouraging the Irish Church to embrace a Diaconal Order.
the photo shows Eunice about to speak with David and Mike behind fully engaged!
I had the privilege of preaching at the Conference Service on the Sunday morning at the Methodist Church in Dun Laoghaire. It was here that something catastrophic happened.....that maybe a cause for a charge!
Myrtle was with me and perhaps there is a similarity between Eunice and Myrtle...both full of laughter, strong personalities, good looking, young.......(etc!)
but imagine my horror that in the prayers of intercession the local minister prayed for the President of the British Conference Stephen and his wife Eunice..........
I didn't know whether to be full of joy or scared...and this was picked up for the rest of the Conference that I now have two wives!!!
though it looks good!!
The Conference ended with a service of celebration including the ordination of 2 younger presbyters. It was a wonderful time .....but why did I finish them off?
Well this was the 240th Conference and since the time of the Rev John Wesley the British President has also been President of the Methodist Church in Ireland...whilst the Irish President has only been Vice-President of his/her own Conference....confused???
After many years of discussion this Conference made the final vote to allow the change in their constitution that the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland is also President of the Conference ....a real alleluia moment, although some are sad at its passing it does signal a new springboard for the continuing growth and development of our sister church
Please pray for Donald, his wife Sandra and for all our sisters and brothers in the Irish Methodist Church
The Methodist Church in Ireland is very much alive and well as we heard about and saw some new initiatives in mission and ministry. They are very much a large extended family as it seems everyone knows everyone else. It was a joy for me to meet up with friends, especially those that I have come to know through MMS Ireland
Ken Todd - former MMSI treasurer
Richard Clutterbuck, Principal of Edgehill Theological College and a friend from our time at Queens College....The Ministerial Session lasted for a day and was jointly chaired by the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Aian Ferguson, and myself.
There was then a Civic Reception given by the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire and then we all went to share in the Election and Installation of the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Donald Ker. Donald is also Secretary of their Conference. It was a wonderful service and made even more special with the attendance of the President of Ireland, Mary Mcalease and her husband Martin. The first time ever that the President of the nation has been to the Methodist Conference. Donald in his address spoke about the 3 remaining marks in the present uncertainty...faith, hope and love.
It was a real joy to share in the chairing of the Representatice session of Conference with Donald - there were times he didn't know if he was the President or Secretary!!
David and I took with us 2 representatives from our own Conference here in Britain. These were Deacon Eunice Attwood and Mr Mike King. They all shared fully - bringing greetings from the Britsh Church and also Mike through addressing their World Church evening event; David through leading prayers one morning and Eunice through sharing about Diaconal ministry and encouraging the Irish Church to embrace a Diaconal Order.
the photo shows Eunice about to speak with David and Mike behind fully engaged!
I had the privilege of preaching at the Conference Service on the Sunday morning at the Methodist Church in Dun Laoghaire. It was here that something catastrophic happened.....that maybe a cause for a charge!
Myrtle was with me and perhaps there is a similarity between Eunice and Myrtle...both full of laughter, strong personalities, good looking, young.......(etc!)but imagine my horror that in the prayers of intercession the local minister prayed for the President of the British Conference Stephen and his wife Eunice..........
I didn't know whether to be full of joy or scared...and this was picked up for the rest of the Conference that I now have two wives!!!
though it looks good!!The Conference ended with a service of celebration including the ordination of 2 younger presbyters. It was a wonderful time .....but why did I finish them off?
Well this was the 240th Conference and since the time of the Rev John Wesley the British President has also been President of the Methodist Church in Ireland...whilst the Irish President has only been Vice-President of his/her own Conference....confused???
After many years of discussion this Conference made the final vote to allow the change in their constitution that the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland is also President of the Conference ....a real alleluia moment, although some are sad at its passing it does signal a new springboard for the continuing growth and development of our sister church
Please pray for Donald, his wife Sandra and for all our sisters and brothers in the Irish Methodist Church
Thursday, 25 June 2009
More than Bakewell Puddings
Our visit to the Sheffield District began for me in Bakewell - almost as famous for its puddings as Eccles is for its cakes!Deacon David Clark and others from the Methodist Church had invited the local mayor, the Chair of the Chamber of Trade and other members of the community for an evening to talk about the social and economic future of the town - especially for its small businesses as they face the effects of the credit crunch.
It was a lively and constructive evening with some practical suggestions for action - including encouraging a reduction in local shop rentals as a stimulus to trade. The Church is to be congratulated on its initiative.
On Sunday morning I was planned to preach at The Crossing Church in Worksop - a joint Methodist /URC venture which was celebrating the third anniversary of life in its new building.And what a splendid building it is. The coffee shop and entrance opens right onto the high street and there are lots of activities and outreach throughout the week; currently over 90 volunteers are involved. Local impresario and church organist Dave Jordan masterminds a popular series of concerts in the Church itself.
The Rev Mark Pengelly (pictured with his family above) leads a strong lay team and I look forward to watching their progress over the next months as they seek to deepen the spiritual life of the Church.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
