Channel Islands

The President and I have just returned from a visit to the Channel Islands. I had never been there before, so I was glad to get to see Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

It was very good to share the worship at Alderney Methodist Church with the Chair of District Rev David Hinchliffe, and also Rev Arthur Mignot, a well-loved figure on the island, who this year celebrates 60 years since his ordination. We sang a hymn which he had composed celebrating the conversion of John Wesley.




Wesley himself stayed on Alderney in the year 1787, and preached to the islanders on the beach!

On the tiny island of Sark we visited the village school, with all of 30 scholars, and answered some searching questions during their assembly! Then we joined some of them for Godley Play at the Methodist Church which was great fun.
The photo shows

the sanctuary at Sark Methodist Church with the Presidential candle which we placed there.

Called to Love and Praise

This was the title of the Forum for past Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Conference which was held 10-11 January at the Royal Foundation of St Katherine in London. Forty-four of us gathered, representing Methodist Conferences spanning the last 30 years, to consider two past Conference reports; the Ministry of the People of God in the World (1990) and Leading and Presiding (2011). We spent 24 hours studying, praying, and talking together about ways in which the Presidency can best lead the Methodist people both now and in the future.

Thanks to all who came and partcipated in a memorable weekend.