VP reflections on the joint visit to the Sheffield District 3rd – 11th March

Over the beautiful Peak District to spend nine days in one of my favourite cities, Sheffield, where I spent five very formative years as a young adult. Fortunately I have been offered a self-contained space in the home of two ex- Meth Soc friends. My room overlooks the small wood next door, and owls and woodpeckers provide a wonderful soundtrack. Here’s a quick overview of the nine days:

Saturday: Leo and I led a quiet day in the village of Apperknowle. The chapel claims to have the best view in Methodism – I would say it certainly comes in the top three I have seen. Inside there is, as always, great hospitality, with home-made cakes accompanying morning coffee and afternoon tea. This was a day in which we considered those things that had been significant to us on our discipleship journey, and included some creative work on personal symbols.

Sunday: for me, morning worship at Handsworth; a congregation which has dramatically altered its premises to make them a community space. It’s impossible to judge how much pain went into that process, but everyone can see how much gain has resulted. Worship is held in a multi-function room and people are setting the chairs out in the worship space as I arrive. Then ‘home’ to my friends for a reunion lunch for an ecumenical ‘ginger group’ I was part of in my post graduate days. This was followed by another reunion, where almost forty of my Meth Soc contemporaries gathered at the Broomhill site that had been our base. The building (to serve the present age….) is completely unrecognisable from the Victorian one in which more than 100 of us cooked group teas on Wednesday evenings. We shared in evening worship with the local congregation and circuit, to which I brought my challenge from the Pokot people of Kenya (see August blog).

Monday: down memory lane again, this time to Pitsmoor to the Urban Theology Unit, where I studied in the 80s. John Vincent is still actively involved although no longer director. UTU provides a valuable opportunity to study and reflect on ministry ‘at the edge’, but like all institutions is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Fruitful Field process. A useful meeting with Noel, Ian and John and Russell.

On then to have lunch with Caroline Riley, currently a regional training officer, and once a valued TDO colleague. Then to Whirlow Grange for a residential time with ministers up to 10 years in ministry. This gave us time to slow down, and reflect on our ministry under the theme of ‘Watching over one another in love’. It was a great privilege to spend time in this way in such a beautiful setting , and get to know people better. Our communion service focussed on the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, and Leo and I were able to offer foot-washing to those who wished to participate.

I then went on to the University chaplaincy with Revd. Catrin Harland and met the students who were present for the midweek communion service. Over refreshments afterwards I had a slice of a vegan birthday cake (some of the group have gone vegan for Lent) and it was delicious. It was also a coincidence that the birthday girl was the twin sister of one of the staff at the Keele chaplaincy, where I am on the management group for the free church chaplain! A quick tour of the Uni showed that immense changes have taken place since my student days. It was good to see a demonstration taking place outside the union building – some things haven’t changed and I’m glad.

Thursday I was picked up to go to Bawtry Hall, again old haunts, to meet with the superintendents. I was amazed to find they all wore very smart suits! And there were hundreds of them. Oh, no, there was a business convention happening, with the smart cars being so unsmart in their parking there was little room for us. Eventually the supers arrived looking more like supers and we had a useful time together working on collaborative leadership and risk taking.

I was then taken by an ex-colleague from the NW to his home for tea, and then on a visit to ‘Starter Packs’. This amazing (whoops, I’m becoming Eunice) project is run by a group of volunteers who wish to remain anonymous, and to keep the venue where they do their good works secret. (reminded me of some words of Jesus). They pack boxes which contain the essential bedding and kitchen utensils for homeless people who have been allocated a place to live but have nothing to call their own. All the bedding is new but other things may be new or good quality second hand. A referring agent acts as go-between so the recipient does not know who is providing their equipment. Nevertheless, they know that a thank you card will reach the providers! Another great little project!

Friday was the day to greet the supernumerary ministers and spouses, plus those whose partners have died. It was a blue-sky day in Bakewell and a glorious drive to get there. I knew quite a few who had been in Chester and Stoke-on-Trent at some time, and it was also good to meet a previous colleague on the Conference Secretariat in days long gone. There was much chattering, a short service and a sit-down meal. Afterwards I was able to spend longer with Jane Farley, who, together with husband John, had played such a significant part in my journey of faith. Then (this is turning into a continuous trip down memory lane) I went to visit Janet Morley, once coordinator of the TDO scheme and now a freelance writer. Her new book for Lent ‘The heart’s time’ is wonderful, and I purchased a further seven copies for folks who had requested one. Leo and I discovered at the beginning of the week that we were both using it, and had a daily conversation about each poem.

Our final day together on this visit was spent with some of the circuit stewards. I am full of admiration for those who take on this role; it must be one of the most challenging for lay people. We had a useful day in the fairly new church building at Birdwell, looking at challenges and opportunities in circuits. Again, there is good use of this chapel by the community. This is such a consistent theme now across the district visits.

Sunday morning dawned bright as I made my way to Doncaster, to the lively church at Cantley. I found this to be a church that knows what its mission is and sets about it with determination and good humour. Careful planning before the service ensured everyone knew their part, and the service was recorded not only for those who were housebound but also to be available on their website. I found that a bit daunting – I had planned a conversation rather than a sermon and you can’t predict what may emerge! I was intrigued to see they had handwritten John’s gospel for their own use, and it is much treasured.

Home, then, tired but happy. Many thanks to Vernon and Anne from the district for all the care put into making the visit memorable for all the right reasons.

Just enough time to sleep before setting off to connexional leaders forum in London.

Ploughing on!

Well not exactly but I seem to be clocking up the number of forms of transport I’ve sat on/driven during the past eight months – this one used for wood collecting in Norfolk to keep those who use our cottage warm next winter and possibly this one too! (It is too warm at present isn’t it? Ominous!!)

Another vehicle also features this time – a sad and unusual sight of an ambulance on the pitch at Whitley Bay where one of the West Auckland players broke his leg in two places. As League Chaplain I went to see him in hospital straight after the game and he seemed glad not only by my presence but the assurance of my prayers. Another opportunity to reflect on presence and proclamation as well as the fragility of so many in the world of sport.

Our Armed Services Chaplains have also seen and experienced some tough times too and so it was a privilege to spend three days with them at their annual Conference. The Ash Wednesday Communion service will live long in the memory. For some the next time they will share the bread and wine will be in Afghanistan. The words used in the ashing ceremony “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” resonated powerfully as we stood alongside the board and memorial window commemorating those chaplains who gave their lives in ministering to their colleagues in various conflicts. So Lent begins with much to remember, much to ponder and much to be thankful for.

Now its off to Sheffield for the longest of my District visits – 8 days! Poor folk!! But made better by the fact the Vice-President will be there too!

Ploughing on!

Well not exactly but I seem to be clocking up the number of forms of transport I’ve sat on/driven during the past eight months – this one used for wood collecting in Norfolk to keep those who use our cottage warm next winter and possibly this one too! (It is too warm at present isn’t it? Ominous!!)

Another vehicle also features this time – a sad and unusual sight of an ambulance on the pitch at Whitley Bay where one of the West Auckland players broke his leg in two places. As League Chaplain I went to see him in hospital straight after the game and he seemed glad not only by my presence but the assurance of my prayers. Another opportunity to reflect on presence and proclamation as well as the fragility of so many in the world of sport.

Our Armed Services Chaplains have also seen and experienced some tough times too and so it was a privilege to spend three days with them at their annual Conference. The Ash Wednesday Communion service will live long in the memory. For some the next time they will share the bread and wine will be in Afghanistan. The words used in the ashing ceremony “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” resonated powerfully as we stood alongside the board and memorial window commemorating those chaplains who gave their lives in ministering to their colleagues in various conflicts. So Lent begins with much to remember, much to ponder and much to be thankful for.

Now its off to Sheffield for the longest of my District visits – 8 days! Poor folk!! But made better by the fact the Vice-President will be there too!

VP Blog for February part 2

The 17 – 19th February weekend with London lay leaders was one of the most exhausting – and exciting - visits of the year. The district is engaged in a scheme named MEDAL (Methodists Enabling Disciples as Leaders) which is investing lots of time and energy in encouraging, enabling and equipping lay leaders – some new, some existing leaders – to play their part more fully in the mission and ministry of the church. More than 100 came to High Leigh to work and worship together and it was overwhelmingly wonderful. The mix of ethnic origin, age, experience and expertise gave a glimpse of the kingdom of God present among us.

It was hard work, mind. Not only did I have to be a ‘listener’ for the whole event along with Kan Yu and Peter Baffoe, but also lead a workshop (twice), answer some really tough questions on the Q and A panel, and preach at the communion service. Fortunately I was well fed myself by the prayers led by two ‘graduates’ from the London LP course, both of whom were inspiring, and by the singing (which of course led to dancing) and worship leading of the Leytonstone Methodist Youth Choir and their two exceptionally able accompanists. And all this as we sat around a beautiful worship display set up by Revd. David Butterworth, who used to enhance my own district gatherings with such as this. Wow!

Add to that a visit by the first black Zimbabwean cricketer, Henry Olonga, who told us how he had to flee his country because of his stand against the Government of Robert Mugabe, and how he was subsequently converted to Christianity.

Those present undertook some hard thinking led by Judith Jewell about how they would return to their circuits and engage in leading the church collaboratively with their ordained colleagues, pressing for change so that the church can more effectively be one of God’s tools for mission.

Their training will continue. Other districts could learn much from this model.

Visit to the Isle of Man

Fortunately I recovered my strength for the next weekend visit to the Isle of Man; very different, but also exciting in its own way. This beautiful district, like the other Island districts, has to find the right way to be part of the British Methodist Connexion whilst having a different legislature and being geographically discrete. My first engagement was with a group from their Leadership team to update them on the latest progress in the North West Districts Review process, and the Covenant which is to go before spring Synods. It was a very valuable exchange of information for me in my role as co-convenor of the steering group that underpins the work.

On Saturday morning a group of about 40 from churches across the Island gathered at Onchan MC to hear and share Good News Stories that I had picked up during my travels, and that they had within the Island. This is a very worthwhile exercise to undertake, as it does help to change the culture from seeing ourselves as in decline and fading away to one of rejoicing at the good things God is enabling through willing people who want to share the good news of the message of Jesus. Those who attended went away encouraged and fired up with some ideas to take to their own churches. Onchan itself has grown spiritually and numerically in the past few years, and that afternoon members were starting their new prayer initiative (see photo). There is just one circuit now on the Island, and some of the churches have their own ‘lay pastor’ as part of a collaborative ministry team across the Island.

Moving on then to Union Mills MC, for an afternoon on multi-sensory worship for LPs and WLs. One of the preachers, Bev, had set up a very moving worship focus with Lent as its theme, and all our senses were stimulated as we smelt the herbs, ate the bread and fruit, picked up the stones, lit the candles, had our hands washed, heard the clock ticking and the birds singing outside as we worshipped without words other than the Maundy Thursday readings. We were truly blessed by her ministry.

Sunday morning I led worship at Promenade MC, a church rebuilt in the 70s with a particular focus on welcoming holiday-makers. Good news! A Lenten liturgy was included (this seems to be very common now and uses actions and visuals to complement our words); a skilful organ accompaniment to every style of music we sang, full participation by the congregation, good powerpoint presentation, excellent coordination beforehand by the stewards, and fellowship afterwards helped us offer of our best to God.

All this was upheld by wonderful hospitality of the District Chair and his wife, a good Sunday lunch at Onchan, and a sightseeing trip to the west courtesy of Anne. “There’s Peel Castle”, she said. Oh, said I, there’s a hymn tune called Peel Castle. Yes, said she, it’s the Manx Fishermen’s Hymn!! - Doh!

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Well at last the snow has caught up with me which made my visit to The Nottingham and Derby District an interesting one! Late trains, lost taxi-drivers and a service cancelled but in between a really good turnout for the morning the Vice President and I led on Collaborative Leadership for Healthy Circuits, an opportunity to celebrate with the folk at Uttoxeter in their re-furbished building, two local radio interviews, one a great deal better than the other not least due to the interviewer and back to where it all began in Swanwick, one of eight churches in my first appointment. Good to see some old faces, better to see plenty of new ones and great to see some young people!!

Young people featured during the next couple of days too as I was privileged to spend 24 hours with 30 of our Younger Ministers at St Katherine’s Retreat Centre in London. So inspired with their commitment, so anxious about some of the issues they raised, so moved by sharing Communion and anointing some with oil for the next stage of their journey.

The Northumbrian Industrial Mission service in Durham Cathedral was another highlight of the year. Chaplains from across the region representing 14 different expressions of chaplaincy were present and including folk from church and work-place the congregation was around 250! Placing different symbols of chaplaincy on the altar and offering them in prayer to God was deeply moving. Great to hear Northumbrian pipes played too – different and better (??) than bagpipes!

On that contentious note I’ll sign off! Forces Chaplains Conference next and then after a few days break a longish visit to Sheffield for which much preparation awaits!

PS Thanks for your prayers for The Retreat. It didn’t quite work as I’d imagined as I kept bumping into people I knew but I fitted in a good walk and for reasons I still can’t fathom was asked to accompany one of our Probationer Ministers to a Valentine’s meal at her church!! Must have been 105^th choice! I’m sure she’d prefer to remain anonymous so here’s a photo of her with our chaperone! I’ll leave you to work out who is who and which is which!!

Blog for February part 1

Well, I spoke too soon about the kindness of the weather! My first engagement in February, to the Notts and Derby District, was curtailed by 10 cm of snow that fell overnight halfway through the visit; the Saturday went well, with 98 members of circuit leadership teams attending the morning session which Leo and I led. The focus was the General Secretary’s report to the Conference of 2011 on becoming a discipleship movement shaped for mission. Those present engaged in some serious thinking about possibilities for change. In the afternoon I spent a happy time with some of the families who attend West Bridgford MC. Overnight accommodation was provided by a former TDO colleague and it was good to catch up. Then I returned (having cleared off the snow) for a full cooked breakfast and then morning worship in which the children engaged in bread making and we shared a freshly baked loaf for Communion. Music was provided by a 15 piece ensemble, which is the largest I have seen so far, and all were excellent musicians. Sadly my lunch and afternoon engagement at Ashbourne had to be called off.

Two days later I was privileged to attend a service in Westminster Abbey, where the Church of England and URC were holding a service of reconciliation, healing of memories and mutual commitment. Fortunately the service sheet made up for my very rusty recall on church history of the mid-seventeenth century. It was a very fitting service, and struck me that it would have been impossible, 40 years ago when the URC was formed, to foresee that in 2012 the prayers of penitence would have been led jointly by an Archbishop who was a black man and a woman Moderator of the URC.

Back home and onto Bolton, to visit the Central Mission. This huge building is sought after for concerts due to its excellent acoustics, and the worship area is a fine example of its kind. But overall, such buildings as this present a significant challenge to the local congregation, who must not only deal with ongoing expensive maintenance problems but also seek a vision for the right way forward. The work that is carried out in the lower floor of this Mission is most impressive. Independent charities, as well as church activities, serve some of the most vulnerable members of the community including asylum seekers, refugees, and people with long-term mental health issues. There is a bright and cheerful café serving good food prepared by this latter group., but I was not able to sample it as I already had an invitation to good food at the home of Rev Devadas Matcha and his wife Sarani who provided great hospitality.

The following Sunday I was in another Anglican building, this time the small Parish Church of Ashby St. Mary, the village where we were having a few days holiday with a friend. I preached to a full church of about 50 souls, all of whom were very warmly wrapped up. The choice of hymns which the preacher and organist (both Methodists) had chosen were approved of and sung heartily I’m glad to report.

Against all this, I was contributing to the continuing campaign for minimum unit pricing for alcohol, and articles were in the Methodist Recorder two weeks running. So please forgive me if I insert an appeal to you, the reader, in my blog this week. We think that David Cameron is warming towards this proposal of a minimum retail price of between 40-50p per unit of alcohol, which would save countless tales of injury and illness resulting from alcohol misuse and millions of pounds per annum to the tax payer. You can see more information about the current campaign, Measure for Measure, by following this link: www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/alcohol. If you can, please do write to your MP to show the strength of feeling for this issue. Thank you, it can really make a difference.

Island Hopping

Well I’ve been Island Hopping these last two weeks on “trains and boats and planes” and by car too! Good things are happening in Isle of Man Methodism and folk talked with energy, vision and enthusiasm about the future in a way they hadn’t apparently done in quite the same way before. Very impressed indeed with Saturdays turnout to discuss Pastoral Care.

The Shetland Islands was buzzing with Up Helly Aa in the air – a festival commemorating their Viking links and which is now the largest fire/light event in the world. 1000 men (men only!) carrying lighted torches through the streets will live long in the memory – health and safety on the mainland would have had a fit! Good to link this in with Candlemas though! Shetland, like the Isle of Man is beautiful and despite the problems (??) of isolation seem to value their Methodist links very much. Worship was a special highlight in both places as were the number of children, young people and young adults in the congregations. Any preacher who is in either place during the summer and could offer a date for the plan would be enriched as well as being much appreciated.

Notts and Derby later today and then back here to Newcastle for Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth. Then south once more for 24 hours with some of our younger ministers before the pace drops a little for a few days! Looking forward to preaching at the Northumbria Industrial Mission service in Durham Cathedral on Monday 13^th though!