Channel Islands - Bailiwick of Guernsey

Another Island and yet more amazing views, on a clear day you can see Jersey, Sark, Herm France, and Alderney from this viewing point on St Peter's Port.

Click here to visit the Bailiwick of Guernsey Circuit website

The fourteen churches of the Circuit are spread across three islands,Guernsey,Alderney and Sark laying off the coast of France, about 80 miles south of the coast of the English 'mainland'. Although part of the British Isles, the history and culture of the Bailiwick is very different from the United Kingdom.

Dave, Alison , myself and John enjoying some relaxation time on Herm preparing for the Circuit retreat the following day.

Retreat on Herm
A beautiful island a short boat ride away from Guernsey, no motor vehicles allowed. Alison led the input for us all and I took some folks on a prayer walk enjoying the incredible views and spending time chatting.

God and Marmalade
Forest Methodist church was almost at the point of closure five years ago when Rev Carole Holmes arrived. The congregation discussed its future and took a courageous decision to change morning worship to 9am and host a breakfast cafe style worship. The result is 'God and Marmalade' a vibrant weekly act of worship resourced by several teams with over sixty people attending including young families.

Click here for God and Marmalade website.

Presentation of 60 year Local Preacher certificate to
Mr Norman Brehaut.

Norman and Eunice Brehaut kindly welcomed Alison and I into their home for afternoon tea where we had the great joy of presenting Norman Brehaut with his 60 year Local Preacher certificate.

Circuit Worship at Les Cappelles

Circuit worship took place at Les Cappelles where we also also had the delight of presenting two Local Preachers with long service certificates.

Monday began with Rev David Hinchcliffe, Chair of District and Superintendent of the Bailiwick of Guernsey kindly transporting us to the staff meeting where we shared in conversation about ministry together. Afterwards along with David, I attended the Service of Thanksgiving for Deacon Margaret Lyndsey. Margaret had served in the Wesley Deaconess Order and previously been Vice-President, it was a pleasure to give thanks for her life and witness and meet Margaret's family and friends.

Heaven Sent Compassion
Here I am with Pete and Pauline, two extraordinary people who feel God has called them to engage with young people who 'hang out' around St Peter's port. They have befriended and supported quite a few young people many of whom struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Here we are in the sunken gardens where the young people are often congregated. Pete describes this ministry as 'Heaven sent Compassion.'


A day with Deacon Kathy Hays

Spending the day with Deacon Kathy Hays was great fun. Here we are visiting a local MHA Home where we spent time chatting to a lady originally from Heaton, Newcastle who was delighted to hear a North East accent.
We also visited a pre-school nursery where Kathy told some very excited three year olds the story of Easter and in the afternoon along with two other ladies did a Prayer Walk around an estate where struggling families are being supported by the local Methodist church, where Kathy's husband Rev Jeff Hays ministers.