My Church (2)

Here we all are on our weekend away at Grange-over-Sands.  We looked at our understanding of the universe and the interconnectedness of all creation. Activities included discussion, prayer writing, banner making, Bible study and dance. It was good to spend time with one another, and learn and pray together.

Dial Park Primary School

When my local primary School found out that I had been elected as Vice-President they invited me to take an assembly to tell them all about it.
I told them the story of John Wesley, from his being rescued from a fire as a small boy, to his warmed heart, his travels on horseback, and the first Methodist Conference.
I explained that I was carrying on in this tradition, travelling the country to spread the message of God's love, only this time, not on horseback!

Remembrance

Here is the window display at Methodist Church House for Remembrance Day. The message reads 'Peace is not just the end of conflict - it involves establishing justice and building trust'. There is an invitation to anyone to come inside and take a free copy of St John's Gospel; a replica of the ones distributed to the troops in World War 1.
Many thanks to all those who contributed to the setting up of the display.
The President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Ken Howcroft will be representing the Methodist Church at the Cenotaph service tomorrow, November 9th.

Beds, Essex and Herts 18th-20th October

North Weald minister Jason Askew, self and Chair of District Anne Brown

The President and I visited Beds, Essex and Herts on a weekend visit. We were part of a District wide Local Preacher/Worship Leader study day on the Saturday which was challengingly entitled 'Cutting Edge Worship'! The president led workshops on new ways of praying, and mine was on preaching to 21st century congregations.
 My thanks to all who engaged with this subject and provided such stimulating discussions!

I was privileged to preach at the re-dedication of North Weald Methodist Church after some extensive refurbishment. The church has been transformed and is ready 'to serve the present age' in their village.

Gloucestershire circuit

October 10-11 saw me visiting the Gloucestershire circuit, where some local preachers and I shared in a Quiet Day. We were in the lovely little chapel at May Hill, deep in the Gloucestershire countryside and surrounded by stunning views. We were delighted when a reporter arrived to do a report on our small gathering for the local newspaper!
On the Sunday, members of the newly refurbished Cinderford Methodist Church and I shared in the leading of worship. One exciting part was the prayer table, which gave us images and ideas to create our own intercessions.

Liberal Democrat Conference

This was my second party conference, and this time I had the opportunity to interview my own MP Sir Andrew Stunell, Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove. Sir Andrew attends a local Methodist church when in the constituency. Here he is with the representatives from the United Reformed, and Baptist churches, the Quakers and the Salvation Army. And me!

Hazel Grove

Hazel Grove Methodist Church was built in the 1970's, but stands on the site of an earlier church dating from the 1820's - on the corner of Wesley Street and Chapel Street, which seems appropriate! The Sunday School building was opened in 1914 next to the original chapel and this year celebrates its centenary.



At the final celebrations, which coincided with the Harvest Festival, it was great to meet Rev Juliet Wriglesworth, who spent her childhood in Hazel Grove and was a member of its Sunday School. She is now serving in the Newcastle upon Tyne (West) circuit.