Rudyard Kipling and the chapel with five walls

Wath Chapel

 Wath Chapel in the Pateley Bridge Circuit has 5 walls. It also has links with Rudyard Kipling whose grandfather was once minister here. When I visited the chapel on Monday I asked why it was shaped this way because it is not a regular pentagon. The answer was simple and pragmatic - this was the shape of the piece of land that was given in 1859.


The Methodists wanted to use all the space and so shaped the chapel to the land.

The people here have plans to do the necessary work to enable visitors to enjoy quiet days and other activities here. There is a lot of work to be done but also a lot of commitment and already they have people wanting to come for a writing course in the spring of next year. The members of this tiny and unusual chapel have reimagined its future and are committed to God's mission.

Inside Wath Chapel, from the balcony

Pateley Bridge Methodist Church

Wath is one of the Methodist churches that are part of The Church in the Dale. This is an ecumenical partnership between Methodist, Anglican, United reformed Church and Catholic churches in Nidderdale. In this rural area they do all they can together and concentrate on what is possible not on the things that cannot yet be done. I met some representatives from the churches in Pateley Bridge Methodist Church.

I love the glass communion table in Pateley Bridge MC. Yes, that is a space rocket on the left, they had all age worship here on Sunday.

This church has been refurbished and now offers hospitality to many different groups in the community. One of their very successful activities has been the Easter Journey which involved children from many schools who came to the church to participate in the Easter story as they moved from scene to scene around the church. In this rural area, children travelled from villages several miles away and sometimes the whole school came as one group of about 30 children. This gave a particular challenge as the age range was very wide. The church is planning to offer the Easter Journey again next year and the bookings are already coming in!

Some of the leaders of The Church in the Dale

Lay leadership is very important in The Church in the Dale and a strong lay leadership means that relationships do not depend on those between the ordained personnel. The strength and commitment of lay ladership was very evident in the third church I visited, Glasshouses Methodist Church. The original chapel has been sold and converted into a house and the church hall is now a comfortable, bright and welcoming worship and community space.

Glasshouses. The old church is on the right and the refurbished church on the left.

 Several diverse activities that take place here including sword dancing and an art group. The book club is meeting next month to discuss The Great Gatsby and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (both books I would recommend!).
The regular lunch club is run by Audrey. She and her friend Olive are both farmers, Olive still looking after a flock of 30 sheep and so especially busy in the lambing season.

Lunch with the people at Glasshouses. Olive and Audrey are on the right and Rev Liz Smith, Chair of the Leeds District on the left.

This church, the only one in the village is at the centre of the community, engaged in contextually appropriate mission. It was a pleasure to visit them in this beautiful dale where ecumenism is regarded as the normal way of working and glimpses of glory are around every corner.

A week-end of celebration in Leeds

People from across the connexion gathered in Leeds in the first week-end in October. The focus of the celebration was Sunday October 6th. On this date, exactly 200 years ago the first Methodist Missionary Society was formed in a meeting at the Old Boggart Chapel. The society was formed to support the missionaries who were travelling overseas to share the gospel. Other Districts followed the example of Leeds and a few years later the Conference agreed the establishment of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society.

On Saturday, my day began in Oxford Place Mission where the World Church Forum were meeting. The Forum included representatives from the Districts, the World Church RelationshipsTeam, Mission Partners on Furlough and others who have served as Mission Partners. We were joined by 3 very special guests: Rev Dr Albert Jebanesam (President of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka), Rev Arnold Temple (President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone) and Rev Dr Cuthbert Edwards representing the Methodist Church in the Caribbean.

Rev Dr Albert Jebanesan, Rev Dr Cuthbert Edwards and Rev Arnold Temple

 These were the first three countries to be visited by Methodists from Britain.  During the day we heard from all three special guests and learned so much from them. They gave us much to think about and to pray about and reminded us that we are part of a world-wide church.

I was given the opportunity to share some of the glimpses of glory from my visits to partners in Bolivia and Kenya and to MRDF Partners in Cameroon. (See earlier blogs for details of these visits)

If you don't know about our relationships around the world, do look on the website and find out more. www.methodist.org.uk/mission/world-church

On Saturday evening I went to Hinsley Hall in Leeds where there was a meeting of the Methodist Missionary History Society. I joined them for their evening meal and for a book launch. The book, 'Methodists and their Missionary Societies' is written by Rev John Pritchard and is the first volume, the second volume will be published in the next few months. Read more about it here: http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9781409470496

David's Harp leading worship

On Sunday morning, Daleep joined us and we both took part in morning worship at Oxford Place. Worship was led by Revd Stephen Poxon who was Secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society until Conference this year when we agreed new ways of supporting mission. We were also joined by David's Harp, a talented and lively music group from the circuit in London where Stephen is now serving.

Unveiling the plaque

After lunch a crowd of over 200 people gathered at a place very near the site of the Old Boggart Chapel. Here I unveiled a blue plaque celebrating the formation of that first missionary society.

The Salvation Army band played for us and we sang enthusiastically in true Methodist style. Revs Arnold, Albert and Cuthbert and Daleep joined me while I gave a brief address and Jebi (as Rev Albert is usually known) pronounced the blessing. This was particularly appropriate as the missionaries  led by Thomas Coke, left Leeds 200 years ago for Sri Lanka (then known to the British as Ceylon).

Rev Dr Albert Jebanesan, Rev Dr Liz Smith, Rev Ruth Gee, Rev Arnold Temple, Rev Dr Cuthbert Edwards, Dr Daleep Mukarji

The crowd around the plaque after the unveiling

 From the site of the blue plaque it was a short walk to Leeds Minster and a service of celebration. The Minster was packed, we were joined by the Mayor. Music was provided by the organist in the Minster, the Aire and Calder Music Group, The New World Steel Orchestra and David's Harp. Applecart dramatised the story of that first mssionary meeting and the resulting mission. In the first part of the service we joined in an act of repentance for those times when we had failed to recognise God's presence in the rest of the world. We were given absolution by the 3 church leaders from Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone and the Caribbbean. That was an important and very moving part of our worship. Daleep gave an inspiring and challenging address calling us to  one mission, God's mission.

Daleep addressing the congregation in the Minster

Members of the World Church Relationships Team took part in the service

The service concluded with an act of commitment which I led after reflecting on the vision for the future of mission in God's world.

The words of the commitment we made were:

We commit ourselves to be part of:
a world transformed by God's love;
a confident church motivated to share God's love;
a people celebrating being part of the worldwide family.
Alleluia! Amen.

I invite you to say these words aloud and commit yourself to one mission, God's mission.


We left the Minster singing 'We are marching in the light of God'.
An amazing week-end, full of celebration of  past, present and future and full of the glory of God.

Spirit, Light and harvest in Lancashire

The last week-end in September was spent in the Lancashire District where I was hosted by Paul Davies, the Chair of District, and Elizabeth his wife. I arrived on the Saturday in warm sunshine and went straignt to the seaside in Blackpool. But this was not the day for paddling, instead we went to the New Central Methodist Church in Blackpool where the Spirit of Light Festival was underway. And it was better than padddling and candy floss.

New Central methodist Church in Blackpool is in the heart of the shopping centre

Matthew at the Forest Church stand

The church hall was filled with a variety of stations where we were able to explore the way in which Christians can enable those who are already engaged in different forms of spirituality to glimpse the glory of God in Christ.
At one one of the stations Matthew told me about Forest Church where those who are drawn to forms of spirituality closely connected to the natural world can worship together and encounter God in those places using language and actions that are familiar to them. The Christian liturgy that has been developed for Forest Church includes circle dancing, and the cycle of the seasons is celebrated.



Revd Sally Coleman had organised this day and people flocked into the church to find out more, to walk the prayer labyrinth and to engage with one another and with God.





There is aprayer room in the church which is open to people most of the time. Some important meetings and conversations take place here.

 

Revd Sally Coleman and Revd Paul Davies inthe prayer room

Sunday began early when I was interviewed on Radio Lancashire before we went to Chorley. Chorley Methodist Church has been beautifully refurbished and we were celebrating this and dedicating the church. Paul and I arrived in time for the early communion service which was led by the minister of the church, Revd Sally Ratclife, it was good to break bread together at the beginning of the day.  After a lively morning service we gathered in the afternoon for the official rededication. The mayor and the local MP were with us and the church was packed. I was preaching, and what a privilege that was. With these wonderful new premises the real work begins as the people here find ways to share the good news in their community, I am waiting expectantly to hear exciting news from them in the future.

The congregation in Chorley Methodist Church

Rev Sally Ratcliffe welcomes us to the afternoon service of thanksgiving and dedication

I went with Paul to Mere Brow Methodist Church in the evening, where we were celebrating harvest. In this rural community, harvest is very significant and the thanksgiving offering of produce at the front of the chapel contained much that was home grown.

The choir had been drawn from across the circuit and enhanced our worship, contributing 3 special items.  All of us sang traditional harvest hymns, ending with the Manx Fishermen's hymn as is their tradition.
I was preaching again and we thanked God that because of Jesus we always have hope, even when the harvest fails. We know that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.


I am now falling behind with the blog so expect another posting today as long as the internet continues to work on the train to London!

Pioneers in Cornwall and Plymouth and Exeter

The Unit skatepark in Launceston is church for large numbers of young people who come here to have fun, to refie their skills on bikes and skateboards and to learn about Jesus and worship together.
I visited the Unit along with Daleep during our visit to the Cornwall District. We prayed there with Sam who is now planning to move to bigger premises in order to accommodate this growing Fresh Expression.

Later in the week, in Plymouth and Exeter District, the District Chair, Revd Pete Pillinger hosted a meal where I met more pioneer ministers. As we shared together I was inspired by their enthusiam and commitment and recognised in them people who expect to find God in diverse communities and want to enable others to find God too. Steve works with small groups, Kris works in the surfing community and Jon in the alternative music culture. Talking with them is exciting and inspiring and the evening ended all too soon.

I wonder how many others are finding and sharing God in their communities? I know very many are and I believe this is at the heart of mission and the call of every disciple.

On my second day in the Plymouth and Exeter District I met with Superintendent Ministers and Supernumerary Ministers. Here too were people who know what it is to live in expectation that they will glimpse the glory of God in the places where they are sent. Among them was a great variety of experience and a great deal of wisdom and grace.

Clotted cream, pasties, saffron buns and glory in Cornwall

Steve Wild, Chair of Cornwall District made sure that we didn’t miss out on any of the delights of Cornish fare when Daleep and I visited the District earlier this month.

We ate pasties and saffron buns on a bench at St Benedicts near Truro, ice cream with clotted cream in Newlyn, fish pie made with Cornish fish in Steve’s home (thank you Laura!) and in every church a  generous feast of Cornish fare.  The regional foods in Britain are varied and wonderful and we must support those who farm and process them for us, they do a great job often in difficult circumstances.

My five day visit began in Saltash Methodist Church on Sunday morning where I was invited to preach. Revd Peter Stephens led the worship and Revds Steve Wild  and  Jane Willcock (MInister of the church) also took part. 

I met many people during the faith lunch that followe. Here are some of them.

With Revd Jane Willcock

Margaret, the Church Steward and her husband

On Sunday afternoon we crossed the Tamar again into Devon and to Plymouth Cathedral for an ecumenical service of thanksgiving. We were warmly welcomed into the Catholic Cathedral. As you can see it is a beautiful, light and spacious building. It was good to be joined by  the Chair of the Plymouth and Exeter District, Rev Pete Pillinger.

The next few days included two meetings with local preachers and worship leaders in Crowlas and in  Launceston. I enjoyed meeting with committed and enthusiastic Christians who were engaging with challenging issues and giving so much of their time to the Church. 

Monday morning was spent in Truro. First we visited the Cathedral for a prayer meeting with ecumenical leaders . Ecumenical realationships are very healthy in Cornwall and in November an Ecumenical Covenant will be signed, The Vice-President will be there on that historic occasion. Watch out for more news about this.

From the Cathedral we went to Truro Methodist Church to join the Luncheon Club and a number of supernumerary ministers. We had lunch together and then I spent time with them talking about expectant waiting for glimpses of glory.

This was the theme again later in the week when I led a quiet afternoon at Degibna Prayer Chapel. This chapel, in the heart of the countryside has been refurbished as a place of prayer open to all. It is well used, both for regular prayer sessions and for retreats. Outside there is a prayer garden. The prayer garden has been designed around the theme o the fruits of the spirit as you can see from the photograph. The garden is bounded by a Cornish Fence. Cornish fences are very broad, bounded on each side by stone walls and filled with earth, in which various plants grow. Cornish fences are living boundaries, they reflect the seasons and challenge rigidity.

Degibna Prayer Chapel

The Fruits of the spirit - faithulness

Cornish crosses mark places of special significance, pilgrimage routes and crossing points at rivers. Sometimes they mark the way taken by funeral parties when carrying the coffin to the nearest consecrated burial ground, which could be many miles away. The crosses marked the route and, often behind them would be refreshment for the journey.  I love the way in which the symbol of our faith is an integral part of Cornish culture, people really value these crosses and resist proposals to disturb or move them.

On Wednesday September 18^th  we went to Cubert, 262 years to the day after John Wesley”s first visit The Methodist Chapel in Cubert newly refurbished  and used to be the Sunday School building.  We had a great celebration in Cubert, unveiling plaques to commemorate and inform people about the Methodist heritage and then sharing in a celebratory act of worship together in the chapel. It was very special to be part of this anniversary.

Unveiling the plaque at Cubert

Cornwall is a beautiful county, it is also the county which includes the most deprived ward in England. Daleep and I visited Bugle in the heart of the clay country, a post-industrial area. Here we met representatives from the Methodist Church and a local councillor and the Community Support Officer.  We listened. We listened to the story of that community, a community divided and a community where many are struggling with poverty and exploitation. We listened as the Methodist Minister, Sheila MacInally talked about her work in that community and her hopes for the church’s engagement with the whole community. We listened, we talked and we prayed together.  I glimpsed something of the glory of God who stands alongside the poor and the marginalized in that meeting.

 

On Thursday I left Cornwall, visiting Gwennap Pit and Trewint on my way to the Plymouth and Exeter District. Both of these are places I hope I will return to, places of historic significance and places where there is real engagement with the present. Places where I felt the presence of God.

Chipping Norton and Stow on the Wold Circuit Bicentenary

On Sunday September 14th I was in Chipping Norton School where the Chipping Norton and Stowe on the Wold Circuit were celebrating their bicentenary. I think this must be an unusual event and it was a privilege to be part of it.

The choir sang an introit at the start of worship

 
Members of the circuit were joined by minsters who had served there including Revd Ronald Frost, who had been in the circuit in 1945. Friends from other parts of the country joined us along with the Mayor and other community representatives.


The singing was led by a combined Circuit and Church choir and the hymns included one specially written for the occasion by one of the choir members. We enjoyed it so much, we sang it twice!

A candle was lit for each church in the circuit

Revd Soba Sinnathamby, Superintendent Minister

 Each church in the circuit has been challenged to begin something new for mission in this bicentenary year and they are rising to the challenge.

Among the many documents that I have signed this year are the authorisations for lay people to preside at communion. As I signed them I prayed for each person so it was especially significant for me to be invited by the Chair of District to present the authorisation to one of the Circuit Local Preachers.



We celebrated 200 years and looked forward in faith and in hope to the next 200!

With Revd Peter Hancock and some members of the circuit

Some September musings

Well, so much for blogging every few days! I really intended to do that but then September arrived! It has been great but left little time to blog so over the next few days I hope to make up for that.

After the Methodist year had begun for Daleep and I in London we found ourselves in Manchester on September 3rd where we led a NewYear Service for the staff of TMCP, the Connexional team based in Manchester and some members of the Circuit. The next day we did the same thing in Methodist Church House, London and were joined by the Youth President, Tamara Wray. It was good to begin the year by worshipping with members of the Connexional Team including those newly appointed to the Discipleship and Ministries Learning Network and to other roles. I am enjoying working with the Connexional Team and I am very grateful for the work they do and the support they offer. Please remember them in your prayers.

After a week of various meetings I travelled to Liverpool where I was attending 'Together for the Common Good', a conference exploring the ways in which we work with other churches. I was given the task, along with two others of reflecting on the conversations we had shared and looking to the ways in which we can continue to work together. We remembered the work that had been done in the 1970s and 1980s by the Anglican and Catholic Bishops and the Free Church Leaders including Norwyn Denny and John Newton.  More importantly, we recognised the way in which church leaders in Liverpool are working together now in so many powerful ways. You can find more about this conference and see videos of the sessions at http://togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/conference.html

The following week, Daleep and I attended the World Methodist Council meeting in London at Wesley's Chapel. Here we shared in inspirational worship and shared in some of the work of the Council. I was able to sit in on the work of the standing committee for worship and liturgy and thoroughly enjoyed the two sessions especially as this was a committee that is clearly going to get things done.

The World Methodist Council at worship

Steve Pearce playing the organ in the Foundry Chapel which was played by Charles Wesley.

I was invited to offer the greetings of the Methodist Church in Britain in the opening session and also to take part in the British evening on Wednesday. I was given the challenge of describing British Methodism in 10 minutes, Daleep,Tamara and Jo Cox also took part. After the presentation which included a piper, who was very well received, we were served fish and chips and ice cream from vans parked at the back of Wesley's Chapel. As we queued for our food, we were entertained by Morris Dancers.
I had to leave that night but it was a very good two days in which I met many of our partners from the World Church and enjoyed talking with them and learning from them. We belong to such a rich and varied family.

At the end of the week I went to a meeting of the Churches Together in England Enabling Group in Cambridge and travelled from there to the Chipping Norton and Stow on the Wold Circuit - which I will write about in the next blog.