New this week:
Second Lent Reflection
Amplify Youth Event
Walking with Micah
For Racial Justice
In case you missed it:
Ablewell Advice 10 for 10
Unconscious Bias Training
New Chaplain needed for Scargill House
Methodist Modern Art Collection Bewdley
All We Can Ukraine Relief Fund
Fair Trade Pop up shop
Learning and Development Events
Trauma-informed Ministry in a Time of COVID
Conference Volunteers URGENTLY needed
3Generate 2022
Stationing Training
District Pilgrimage Easter 2022
Children's Support Fund 

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Second Lent Reflection 

A sonnet in response to Clive Hicks-Jenkins’ Christ writes in dust - the woman taken in adultery

They rule the roost in that bucolic town,

these stocky bully boys who brook no doubt.

If you don’t stand up straight they’ll pull you down;

she broke their rules so now she is dragged out

as beast to slaughter, halter led and bound;

her fate determined till he queers their pitch.

He’ll not stand with them, bends low to the ground,

upends their rules, calls out the hypocrites.

Stones fall from hands, they quietly slip away

but they’ll be back to blight another day.

In reflecting on this picture, I took the same starting point as the artist.  Clive Hicks-Jenkins began with sketches he’d made of the village of Montclar in Catalunya in 2010.  This is a charming and picturesque village and indeed, in the picture, you can see sheep grazing on the hill below attractive architectural features.  And yet Montclar had a dark side to it, relating to events 70 years before in the Spanish Civil War.  Truth telling, reconciliation and forgiveness had not taken root there and so it was a place not at ease with itself.

I began by imagining that the three accusing men and the woman all lived in the village at the top of the hill.  What would it be like for her - and for others like her - to live under the gaze of those men, a gaze which I couldn’t help but think would probably be both censorious and lustful?  I imagined that life in the village might superficially seem very idyllic….everything in its place and a place for everything just as they like it.  But scrape the surface and you would find fear and anxiety, particularly affecting anyone whose lifestyle didn’t conform to the norms these men approved of.

It was only when I read the gospel passage in the light of the picture that I noticed that Jesus is noted as twice bending and twice straightening.  It put me in mind of the way that “bent” has been used as a pejorative term to refer to members of the LGBT+ community, as opposed to being straight.  It is not only voluptuous women caught in adultery that these men would drag out to stone, but anyone whose sexuality they disapprove of.  The contemporary setting of this picture reminds us that the dynamics we see in the gospel passage exist in every age.  We might feel we live in more times more accepting of diversity but research shows that even in Europe, harassment of and discrimination against LGBT+ people has been on the rise in recent years.

Jesus is having none of it in this picture.  He interrupts the dynamic and takes a position in which he identifies with the woman, mirroring her experience of and in the world.

You can find a video of this reflection here: https://youtu.be/PXqMIbE7WeU

(Sonnet by Rachel Parkinson - permission given for use with attribution

Christ writes in dust - the woman taken in adultery by Clive Hicks-Jenkins © TMCP, used with permission. www.methodist.org.uk/artcollection The Methodist Church in Britain)

Amplify Youth Event 2022

Last weekend a number of young people and youth leaders from the District joined others from the Birmingham District for the Amplify Youth Weekend, reflecting on the theme “Rest, Refresh, Revive”.  It was a fantastic weekend - many thanks to everyone who helped to make it so.
You can get a flavour of the weekend in this short video: https://youtu.be/ULIxGJNKTZ4
 

Walking with Micah

Are you interested in shaping the future of a justice-seeking Methodist Church? Are you involved in chaplaincy? Then join the conversation! https://walkingwithmicahforchaplains.eventbrite.co.uk/

As a chaplain, you have invaluable insights into the world the Methodist Church works with and as we look to the future of our justice-seeking work, we want to hear from you.

For Racial Justice 

Do you want to be part of the Methodist journey towards a more inclusive and just Church and society?  
Would you like to be empowered to challenge racism, champion racial justice and be a part of bringing about transformational change? 
If so, please join us on 
26^th March, 11am – 3.30pm,
immerse yourself in stories, conversation and creative exploration of putting hope into action.  
 
There are two ways to get involved...
 
For children, young people and their leaders who can travel to London: 
This event is anti-racist -- An Agents of Change Roadshow at Wesley’s Chapel
Tickets here: https://www.methodi​st.org.uk/our-work/children-youth-family-ministry/agents-of-change/agents-of-change-roadshow-events/
 
For everyone else:
Striving for justice, dignity and solidarity: Racial Justice -- hearing stories; changing lives. 
Held online via Zoom. Attend in person, or as a small group from your church or home.​ Tickets here: Striving for Justice Tickets, Sat 26 Mar 2022 at 11:00 | Eventbrite
 
 Registration closes 21st March. 
Read on for a little more information: 
Building on a history of challenging injustice and a firm commitment to social justice, the Methodist Church is hosting a series of gatherings entitled ‘Striving for Justice’.  These events are an integral part of the Justice Dignity and Solidarity Strategy.  
Striving for justice is a journey through conversations, storytelling and reflection, for transformational change -- the change of hearts and minds -- towards a more just and inclusive Church and society.    
The first event will focus on racial equality within the Church and broader society. The Methodist Church over the last 30+ years has committed itself to becoming a fully inclusive Church, challenging racism and all forms of discrimination and inequality.  
Racism and racial discrimination deny basic human rights of justice and dignity, cause great suffering and affect us all. But, how does it affect you? Can you be part of the solution?   
Everyone should strive for justice.   
Methodist in root yet open to all, each Striving for Justice gathering critically considers the concept of justice through people’s lives and experiences. Space and support are offered for open and honest dialogue, personal and group reflection and questions and inspiration; which is hoped to enable participants to better be the change that our hearts seek; to be more Christ-like.   
There is no space for injustice in God’s heart, there should be no space for it in ours. 
The Agents of Change roadshow is an opportunity for young people to gather, share their experiences, hear other people’s stories, and be encouraged to think about how they and the Methodist Church might respond to racial injustice. During the day this event will partner with those participating in the online event ‘Striving for Justice’.
 

Ablewell Advice Walsall 10 for 10

We are doing things a little bit differently this year for Lent as we mark Ablewell Advice's 10 year anniversary of helping the residents of Walsall on the 30th April, so today we are launching our 10 for 10 appeal.
Please have a look at the below for ideas of how you can help us during our 10 for 10 appeal.
We would love it if you could send us photos or tag us in any social media posts using #ablewelladvice


 

Unconscious Bias Online Training

Unconscious bias refers to a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.' Hidden biases have the power to undermine and derail our desire to act Justly, and fairly towards other people and lots of areas of our decision making. It is possible to be unconsciously biased regarding disability, religion, race, gender, age, social class, and more. This Unconscious Bias Training session is aimed particularly at those engaged in the stationing invitation pro[1]cess, but is also applicable for those on circuit meetings and church councils, etc. We will be using the video resources for introducing unconscious bias which is now available on the Methodist Church Website. The resources can be found at: Introduction to Unconscious Bias – for church councils, circuit meetings and other groups. (methodist.org.uk) The online session will include watching the videos and joining in small group conversation/reflection following each of the 3 video clips. The reading/study material which is required before and after the session will be sent to participants once they have booked a place and the booking period has closed. When booking your place, please select which session you will be attending. To Book:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unconscious-bias-training-tickets-249312128287

Scargill House requires new chaplain

Scargill Movement is an international, ecumenical community living and working in the Yorkshire Dales. Our mission is to provide space for the mysterious transforming love of God to work in people’s lives. Hospitality, creativity and fun are at the centre of what we do, and we provide a place of relaxation, refreshment and learning for guests who come to attend programmed events, independent visits and retreats.
 
We are currently looking for a new chaplain and are keen to search within all denominations. We have previously advertised in the Methodist Recorder with little success, so had hoped that the district websites/newsletters may reach more people. 
 
Would it be possible for you to put this on your website and/or district mailing? 
Please do get in touch if you have any further questions.
 
Many Thanks
Helen Cook
 
Scargill Movement
"Lives shared, lives transformed"
 
Helen Cook
Personnel, Scargill House, Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5HU
 
T: 01756 760500
E: helen.cook@scargillmovement.org
W: www.scargillmovement.org
 

Methodist Modern Art Collection comes to Bewdley 

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ART COLLECTION COMES TO BEWDLEY

Click here for poster.

A selection of art from the internationally renowned Methodist Modern Art Collection, one of the UK’s most significant collections of modern religious art, will be on display in the Wyre Forest Gallery at Bewdley Museum each day from Saturday 26 March until Sunday 24 April 2022. Opening hours are 11.00am to 3.00pm and admission is free. 

The total Collection features fifty works, including some by well-known artists such as Graham Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink, William Roberts, and Maggi Hambling. Some of the artists were or are Christian, while others not, but together they offer widely differing perspectives on the Christian story.
An extensive conservation programme has recently been completed to return these important paintings to their full glory and to ensure they are available for future generations.
Twenty works have been chosen for the Bewdley exhibition, depicting scenes from different stages of the life of Jesus before focussing on his crucifixion and resurrection.
A programme of exciting creative events, including workshops, talks and reflections has also been planned over the duration of the exhibition. Full details can be found at: www.forallpeoplebewdley.com
This exhibition has been organised by the ecumenical group Bewdley Churches Together, consisting of six local churches, and is financially supported by several local organisations.

Jim Ineson from Bewdley Churches Together commented “It is a privilege to have this Collection here in Bewdley. The works that we have on display offer a thought provoking and sometimes challenging perspective on Christ’s life. Whether you are a person of faith or not, Christian or non-Christian, you will find yourself challenged in intriguing new ways through this exhibition appropriately called `For All People’.”

For further information contact Jim Ineson at 01299 405645 or jim.ineson@gmail.com
 

All We Can Ukraine Relief Fund

All We Can - the Methodist Relief and Development Charity - is working together with the Global Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain to provide critical humanitarian assistance to communities facing violence, upheaval and the trauma of war.
If you want to do something to help Ukrainians, here's one possible route
 
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/donations/ukraine/
 

Fair Trade pop up shop in Wolverhampton

Coming soon - Wolverhampton Fair Traid  will be opening another pop-up shop in the Mander Centre, Wolverhampton on Saturday,  12th March: opening hours:- 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Mondays  - Saturdays.  We will remain open until Saturday, 23rd April. 
You will find us next to the YMCA shop in the Victoria Arcade - the passage leading from Beatties into Mander Square itself. Looking for Mothers' Day gifts? We will have plenty of ideas for you. Easter eggs, cards and decorations will also be available. 
We look forward to seeing you. 
Further details from Brenda Shuttleworth: brendaks@hotmail.co.uk

Learning and Development Events

Over the last Connexional Year, there has been a shift in the way that the Learning Network have been organising and running events. We are increasingly working cross regionally, often in partnership with colleagues from other Connexional teams (such as Evangelism and Growth), to host online events and webinars which are open to anyone who wishes to book in via the Eventbrite link provided. We will of course still continue to run some training and development events regionally; for example, Advanced Safeguarding, and regional support and community of practice groups, such as the one for WLP tutors and mentors.
To avoid sending out multiple emails, I have tried to gather all of the events that I am currently aware of into this one newsletter. I’ve grouped events by topic, rather than date, since some are either ongoing or held on multiple dates. Please do share and distribute this to all who may find it helpful. I’ve kept the formatting as simple as possible to allow you to cut and paste the information into your own newsletters, or copy and share individual events with those you particularly want to encourage to attend. Any queries or questions about specific events should be addressed to the event organizer, not the LN West Midlands team.
Events will continue to be advertised via our Learning Network West Midlands Facebook page, and Connexional social media and newsletters.
Kerry (scarlettk@methodistchurch.org.uk )
 
Learning and Development Opportunities

3. Circuit Stewards Training

Various dates, on zoom.
This four -session course will be offered twice in 2022. The sessions are based on the material available on the Stewards pages of the Methodist website. Sessions will run from 7 till 9 pm.
Dates:
16th March: Distinctively Methodist
23th March: Positive Working Together
30th March: Continuing to Learn
The second course will be run on the following dates:
14th, 21st, 28th June & 5th July
 
To book – www.bit.ly/circuitsteward
 
           4. Social Justice and Evangelism Webinar Wednesday 6^th April 7-8pm, on zoom
Communities who have struggled for the last decade have been hit by the pandemic and now face rising costs. This session aims to look at how communities are being affected, who is likely to need support and what we as churches and Christians can do to be part of positive change.
Speaker: Paul Morrison
Hosted by: Eunice Attwood, Church at the Margins Officer
Register here: REGISTER NOW
 
 

5. Rural and Rooted: Being a church without a building

       29th March at 7pm, on zoom.

How   might being church without a building look in your local community? Come and join a conversation on zoom hosted by: Dave Friswell LN, Yas Finch District Missioner, with Andy Fishburne and Sarah Hulme from the Evangelism and Growth team.
All welcome from across the Connexion, but this is aimed at people looking to pioneer/ reimagine small rooted church in their rural communities.
Register  here
 

6. Bible Month Events

Various dates, on zoom
Bible Month is an annual campaign celebrating scripture by inviting the whole Methodist Connexion to feast on one particular book of the Bible together. In 2022 we will be exploring the book of Isaiah. There are a range of events to help you prepare (and don't forget to order your Isaiah reading guide).
19 March - Local preachers and worship leaders
23 March - Reading the Bible with young people Visit the Bible Month page to find out more, book your place at preparation events on Eventbrite, and check out the Engage and Explore events in June below.
      7. Divine Online – the monthly meetup for digital practitioners Monthly, on zoom
Are you working in a digital field or interested in how digital is shaping the church? Want to learn more about digital theology and finding God online? This monthly meet up is facilitated by Fiona Fidgin, Digital Training Officer for the Methodist Church.
Meeting monthly on the second Wednesday of each month 2pm – 3.15pm starting Feb 9^th. Come and join in the learning and the conversation. Sign up here to register:
https://forms.gle/ZMJ7FrSDC5FXnNVe8

8. Positive Working Together: Bullying and Harassment

Various dates, on zoom
For training dates for Positive Working Together courses (including Growing through Change and Conflict, and Scripture, Spirituality and Conflict) please visit the following webpage and scroll down until you see the section on training dates for 2022. https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/guidance-for-churches/introducing-positive-working-together/training-in-positive-working-together/
 

9. Beginning a Church at the Margins: A 3 session interactive online course

Various dates, on zoom
Aim of the course: A space to think about connecting and becoming a community of new Christians amongst and led by people experiencing poverty.
For: People who are passionate about their community with very little or no experience of this kind of work. Whilst you can attend alone ideally, we would like you to join as a team (you plus one other person from your church or circuit) to share in conversation together (if you are an experienced pioneer drop us an email for more information).
Important: Each session in the course builds on the previous session, so you need to be available to attend all three sessions. The sessions are designed to be interactive rather than formal presentations and will not be recorded. This course is open to all across the connexion (not just West Midlands)
Hosted by: Eunice Attwood, Church at the Margins Officer and Kerry Scarlett, Regional Learning and Development Officer
To book: please click the links (in blue) below, or go to https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-work/our-work-in-britain/evangelism-growth/discover-church-at-the-margins/church-at-the-margins-training/ and click the links in red beside the dates you wish to attend.

Wednesday 8^th June 7-9pm: Session One: Creating connections and spaces where people truly encounter one another.
Wednesday 22^nd June7-9pm: Session Two: Nurturing communities in which people with lived experience of poverty are recognised as the experts
Wednesday 13^th July7-9pm: Session Three: Sharing the gospel and seeing transformation as people grow in faith and challenge injustice.    
If you would be interested in attending this course over two days face to face at Cliff College, please email: attwoode@methodistchurch.org.uk
 
 
New Resources for use at Local Church/ Circuit level.
Walking with Micah “Justice Conversations
These conversations are an invitation to anyone involved in the life of Methodist churches and communities to have a conversation about what a just world looks like, and to feedback their answers to the project.  The answers will help shape the Methodist Church’s work to tackle injustice.
Local Justice Conversations can take any shape or form, but it’s hoped that people will encounter three things:

• Listening to experiences of injustice
• Exploring where God is
• Reflecting on what a just world looks like.

 
There are lots of tools available on the Walking with Micah website to support conversations – from worship resources, to guided conversations, to intergenerational ideas and craftivist sessions.  This 12 minute film, Speaking from Experience, in which people with particular experiences of injustice describe what a just world looks like to them. 
You can find out more about the Justice Conversations here. At the end of a Conversation, groups are encouraged to feedback their answers via an e-survey.  Postcards are also available where people do not meet as a group.  Feedback from this phase of the project will be looked along with resources from other phases to work towards the Conference report in 2023.
 

Trauma-informed Ministry in a Time of COVID

Wednesday 4th May 2022, 9.30am till 1pm on Zoom
 
Last year the District offered two repeat sessions of this half day course run by the Tragedy and Congregations Team.  It was found to be very helpful by those who attended and so now - as we reach a different stage of the pandemic - we are offering a further session.
The course is designed for those in ordained ministry and will be delivered by the Rev’d Hilary Ison.  It offers opportunities to:
            •  articulate experience of the COVID crisis
            • make connections between these reactions and trauma theory
            • explore the dynamics of communities after a tragedy
            • look at biblical resources for addressing our current situation

Numbers are limited to 12.  To book your place on one of these please contact Richard in the District Office admin@wsmethodist.org.uk   Priority is given to presbyters and deacons on the stations and Supernumeraries with oversight of churches.  




 

Conference Volunteers URGENTLY needed

3Generate 2022

We’re delighted to let you know that 3Generate, the Methodist children and youth assembly, will be taking place at the NEC in Birmingham again: the dates are Friday 30th September to Sunday 2^nd October 2022. Tickets go on sale from 1^st April to 31^st July so groups can register and book tickets during this period but payment isn’t required until the first week of September 2022. More information can be found here.

 

Stationing Training 2022

Following the positive response to online training sessions last year, training in Stationing processes will once again be held online and broken down into separate sections.  The training will be conducted by the Chair and the District Lay Stationing Rep.
Ministers and Circuits expected to be involved in stationing will receive individual notification of these sessions.  The training is for ministers, spouses/partners, Superintendents and Circuit Stewards involved in reviews or moves.  Training on the process for re-invitation would also be very helpful for any other people, such as Church Stewards, who may play a part in the review process.
 
7pm Thursday 5th May:  An introduction to the Stationing Process*  
 
7pm  Monday 23rd May:  The re-invitation process  
 
6pm  Tuesday 24 May:  New appointments (Ministers)
7.30pm  Tuesday 24 May:  New appointments (Circuit Invitation Committee)
 
*NB the District Policy Committee previously arranged for that date is being postponed due to other factors)
 
 

District Pilgrimage: Easter 2022

Celebrate Easter this year by joining a small Pilgrim Community sharing life together as we travel through beautiful Shropshire Countryside (subject to COVID restrictions at the time).  We’ll be using a route tried and tested in 2019, staying overnight at churches in Church Stretton, Stiperstones, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Craven Arms and Ludlow.
Begins Easter Monday 18th April.  Arrives Ludlow 23rd April with invitation to stay and lead worship together on Sunday 24th April.
Up to around 10 miles walking per day on footpaths with some stiles.  Very steady pace!
Accommodation is on church floors but with support vehicles to transport luggage and bedding of your choice.  Catering will be done communally.  Over 18’s only for overnight stays, but day walkers will be welcome.
Suggested contribution £110 pp to cover food and transport but means to pay should not be exclusive.
To show an interest and for more information please contact the District Office: admin@wsmethodist.org.uk
 

Children's Support Fund

The above fund has been available to access for about 18 months now and I would encourage more applicants to support the young and disadvantaged children from our District. As we are now coming out of the pandemic I am sure Churches are looking at what new activities they might be able to run and this fund may be able to help. There is a ceiling of £500 and applications need to made on the attached form and emailed to Tim Lorimer @ tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com
 
Some examples of activities we have supported are:
 
Kingswinford. Purchase of Lego sets for their Full of Spirits Project
 
St John's Bloxwich.  Support for School meals
 
Fallings Park, Stationary bags to support prayer spaces for Children
 
Stafford.  Tablets to help in school work
 
Beckminster.  Christingle Bags
 
Aldridge.  Support for their ECO warriors project
 
Bourne Methodists.  Support for newly formed Dads and Children's Saturday club
 
Cole Street.. Working with Safer Families Charity providing activities for Children
   
Should anyone want more details of these projects please send me an email.
 

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