The Christian family, far and near

To be present at the Archbishop of Canterbury's enthronement on Thursday was a real privilege. The Methodist Church in Britain was officially given one ticket and I was graciously offered the opportunity. Those processing needed to arrive early, but I admit that I didn't need the hour allotted in the Crypt 'Robing Room' merely to adjust the VP cross! Nevertheless it was good to meet up with an old friends, including Ivan Abrahams who was representing the World Methodist Council, before the procession began. The seat allocated in the Cathedral was in the front row between the Quire and High Altar, which felt very special. Wasn't the Ghanaian drumming and dancing electric (I'm probably biased!)? And I thoroughly enjoyed the eclectic mix of hymns and songs, exemplified by the 'Saranam' from India and Charles Wesley's 'And can it be' to finish. There was a sincerity, humility and grace in the words of Archbishop Justin, very much echoing the first words of Pope Francis; both have spoken of their confidence in the people of God, which Christians in the global north so badly need to hear. Over a tea for a great multitude, it was lovely to see other Methodist chums - Steve Lindridge (Fresh Expressions) and Harvey Richardson (ecumenical officer for Kent) - and to know that Methodism's strong ecumenical leanings were being acknowledged. Transported by coaches to the University campus in the early evening, a celebration dinner was laid on, mainly for the benefit of ecumenical, other faith, and overseas guests. It was good to renew friendships with people such as Sammy Azariah (Bishop of Pakistan), and the Anglican Bishop of Colombo (from our involvement in the WCC consultation on reconciliation in Sri Lanka). I also had a fascinating ten minutes with the leader of Zoroastrianism in UK, then sat down to the meal opposite a troubled Bishop of Tanzania and next to Brother Paolo of Taize. It was that kind of evening! On Friday I returned to Banbury, to an afternoon Bible study group in the village of Adderbury with another lovely group of Christians. To round off a wonderful couple of days, our daughter-in-law Hilary gave birth to a rather large boy (England need a decent front row succession policy after the Wales defeat!) and Tim later said that he would be named Alfred. I assume, as they live near Wilton, that it's the royal Wessex connection! Isabel and I are, as one might imagine, delighted.

It was good to be in my home Circuit for Mothering Sunday, leading worship at Easington, complete with a traditional and scrumptious Simnel cake! Last Wednesday I attended the launch of the Horsefair Project at the New Room, Bristol, which is a really imaginative scheme to build new educational and office space adjoining John Wesley's chapel. A place to study Wesleyan thinking in the middle of a busy Shopping area. Potentially very exciting! On Saturday I was asked to take part in a BEH District day conference for small chapels at Harlington, Bedfordshire; and it was so encouraging to have a good turn out, but also to hear the imaginative and creative ways that members of small urban and rural chapels were responding to the spiritual needs of the present age. A sort of theme emerged, in my own mind at least, about possibly 'too many chapels, but too few churches' - a feeling that the actual buildings and their upkeep can too often drain energy away from being a vibrant Christian presence (or church) in all our communities. That community presence is vital, notwithstanding the need of others to worship with a bigger, better resourced, group of people. After Anne and Andrew Brown's gracious hospitality, on Sunday morning I led a section service at Boxted, north of Colchester; a number of the congregation could not cross the Colchester Marathon route very easily, but it was a warm fellowship and we were well looked after. After lunch with an old Chester House inmate, flatmate and football chum - Jon Bloom - it was off to Tendring Circuit and the largest village green (43 acres, I was repeatedly told!) in England, or UK or even Europe - Great Bentley. If you disagree with the last sentence, please contact Great Bentley, not me! The welcome and the quality of tea certainly matched the size of the green. It was a week-end when rural Methodism definitely demonstrated life, care and grace in large quantities. Monday and Tuesday was spent with the District Chairs at Northampton for the Connexional Leaders' Forum, and in my short association with CLF I have found it such a knowledgeable and insightful group. It has been a privilege to be associated with it.

Appreciating what is essential

Monday to Thursday was spent a 'Connecting Disciples'layworkers' conference at High Leigh. The broad theme was 'reconciliation' and the Connexional Team had pulled out many stops to get an excellent range and quality of workshop leaders. Dr Lia Shamada gave an outstanding address on reconciliation, drawing especially on her experiences in Northern Ireland and the East end of London; and how we might strive for a final product, but that reconciliation is actually a journey. One of the joys of the time together, not least over mealtimes, was to hear stories and experiences from fellow lay workers. It was wonderful to hear how God is using a variety of people in so many transforming ways. But I also came away with a slight sadness, having heard that many layworkers feel unsupported, taken for granted, not included in Circuit staff meetings, not even an annual appraisal of their work. Giving layworkers some encouragement would be appreciated; but giving them an opportunity on a Circuit agenda to tell others publicly what they do each week, that would be even better! From there I went north to Wesley House, Cambridge a pastoral visit to be alongside staff and students. Jane Leach and the staff were so gracious in the midst of such a difficult time for the college. The time with the students was a mixture of sharp questions and good fun in the common room, and having a listening ear in private. Given the whole context of WH at the moment, the morale was better than I could have expected and much credit must go to the leadership of WH. To maintain such a good atmosphere and sense of purpose next year will, in my opinion, require special consideration from the Connexion both for WH and Durham.

Branches and roots

The week-end visit to South Wales was preceded by a meeting with the Belonging Together Ministers Group in London. Ministers originating from our Partner Churches have different insights, experience and wisdom to offer the British Church and this group is an important aspect of that sharing. To re-inforce the point, the first engagement on Saturday in Wales was to join in with a gathering organised by Rev Irfan John in Roath, Cardiff. He brought together a singing group from a neighbouring Methodist church, Urdu speakers, others from South Africa and South India,leaders of nearby churches of various denominations, including an Ethiopian priest; and a couple of English people who strayed across the Severn Bridge! It was a lovely start to the visit, followed up by a meeting with Will Morrey and Vicky in Cardiff. The Sunday was spent in the Gwent Hills and Vales Circuit. My mother was born in Blaina, so leading worship at Cwmcelyn was special. And then Lin and Jack Healey, hosts for the week-end took us to Six Bells to see the miners' memorial and statue, close to where my grandfather and uncle mined coal (see photo). Then on to the Circuit Big Sing at Blackwood MC, a gathering of 300 on Sunday afternoon - great singing by a 'scratch' choir, an excellent sketch about evengelism from the young people, and some very sensitive prayers. A great way to finish the week-end visit.

VP - Ash and Beach

One of the joys of living in the village of Hornton, near Banbury is the close ecumenical working between Anglicans and Methodists. Last week I was invited to lead the Ash Wednesday service for the village in the Methodist chapel, which was a real privilege. A couple of days ago, in another village, I was asked why Christians don't do more together as, from an 'outsider' point of view, this seemed like illogical disunity. I agreed. In between, I spent the week-end in Somerset, preaching in the morning at East Brent, a small chapel where my parents worshipped for many years. It was good to see old friends from some of the surrounding 'link' chapels too - Brent Knoll and Brean. It was just as good to meet people new to me, now new friends, who have recently given fresh impetus to those small village causes. In the evening I joined Robert Channon (Superintendent) and Ward Jones (Chair) in a Circuit service at Milton, Weston-super-Mare. During the day I picked up some anxieties about the way the Methodist Church was moving; but much of this was based on one-sided reporting of recent Conference decisions. There are different ways of addressing communication breakdowns, but the PR role of President and VP is one very important part of the strategy. Perhaps the Church has underestimated this PR role of senior Connexional leaders lately. It is difficult to put 'time to listen' in a job description and how would you assess, quantify, appraise or target-set such an objective? But it's nonetheless vital for a Church that values connection so highly. Just as Lent is a good time to listen to what God wants to communicate to us.

VP - Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

A delightful and informative Friday evening with Val (DDE Cornwall) and Peter was followed by an early morning flight from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly. The Revd Charlie Gibbs met us with Circuit Steward Beryl and then off to the manse to meet Mary. The walk around Hugh Town, the Old Town and the Garrison took most of the morning as our pace reduced and conversations increased. A pastoral visit in the afternoon and then Isabel and I met with folk from the Methodist Church; a 'Grand Tea' followed by questions large and deep. Sunday was a busy day, first attending an early 'Contemporary worship' before a preaching appointment at an ecumenical service in the Parish Church on St Mary's. A quick lunch, then a speedy launch (called Lightning, see photo)over to St Martin's for an afternoon service; before returning for an evening service with an emphasis on connecting people with the world church. It is so important for the President and VP to embody connexionalism, as so many of our churches feel remote from national decision-making. On Monday an early flight to Newquay, exchanging fields of daffodils for... fields of daffodils, and on to meet local church stewards in town-centre Redruth,trying hard and impressively to redefine their mission in the midst of some acute poverty. Not an easy situation at all. Lunch and early afternoon at the Carpenters cafe in the company of the District deacons - Helen, Michelle, Tom and Geoff. It was fascinating to hear of their different ministries, their joys and challenges; before Evensong in Truro Cathedral and meeting up with Steve Wild and Mark. On Tuesday morning Steve drove us down to Penzance to meet with Pamela Luke (ex-VP) before visiting Langholme (Methodist Homes) at Falmouth (as per top photo) in the midst of their redevelopment plan. It was a wonderfully varied District visit, and what a privilege to share with so many different Christians, in such varied settings, over the course of a few days. We met some very committed people.

VP - Justice on the agenda

During last week I travelled to both Queen's in Birmingham and Cliff College, having been aware that a lot of comments in Methodist circles about Fruitful Field could be read as implied (at best) criticism of the two centres. This seems to me to be grossly unfair both on Cliff and Queen's; but also on so many who were involved in the long decision-making process, not least those involved at the Conferences both in Southport and Plymouth. Anyway, on Saturday morning it was a change of 'justice' gear, and I met with a group (some of whom are in this photo at Bloxwich)

from the W+S District who will be going out to Rwanda in July to work alongside local Church and reconciliation groups. We looked at a number of issues, joys and difficulties that tend to accompany such visits, but I found the whole morning inspiring. The afternoon was spent with some young people from around the District who had been given the opportunity to tell the Vice-President how they felt about the Church. The whole time was led by a group called 'Alive and Kicking' emanating from Kinver,

who were excellent leaders of worship and discussion. So my thanks to Tom, Jake and the two called James. One of the issues that was raised was the lack of good teaching in church groups for young Christians relating, in everyday situations such as school, with friends from other faith backgrounds. Just one of many challenges expressed! On the theme of justice, John Howard (District Chair) left at 5am on Sunday morning to get the Heathrow flight to Tel Aviv; and then begin a couple of months of his sabbatical as an Ecumenical Accompanist for Israel/Palestine. Now there's a country that needs to find justice and peace - has it ever, in all the time I have been preaching, been off my list for intercessory prayer? It certainly was again at St John's, Wolverhampton where I led worship on Sunday morning as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations. Such a good spirit was evident. Good worship followed by some fascinating conversations about their involvement with the local community and all its changes over half a century. Later that afternoon in Bridgnorth a chance to meet folk from the Telford Circuit over a lovely afternoon tea (with fruit cake!) prior to their time of prayer for new mission planning in the area. The service that followed was in the joint URC/Methodist Church, also 50 years old and the first LEP in the country.

It was good to spot another VP in the congregation - Leon Murray(1985) and compare notes afterwards! Lots of energy in the worship and I hope and pray that it is repeated in the mission outreach; and one venture which began today (Monday) was the ecumenical Food Bank in Bridgnorth. Another justice issue for us in Britain in 2013 - and we probably wouldn't have foreseen that 50 years ago! Tomorrow Mark and I will be at the House of Commons for an all-faiths reception to discuss the jubilee campaign for debt cancellation and its continued relevance today. Mark is one of the main speakers at this Jubilee for Justice event.