New this week:
Final Lent Reflection
Easter Pilgrimage- Day Walkers invite
Synod Secretary applications close on Friday
Food for Thought Conference
Digital Development Officer Post
Comedy Magic Night
Circuit Steward Training
In case you missed it:
Queen's Jubilee and Children's Support Fund - with form
LPWL Study Day
Saltley Trust Small Grants
Playgroup Manager Needed
The Spirit that Crosses Borders
Walking with Micah
Ablewell Advice 10 for 10
Unconscious Bias Training
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

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Easter Greetings from the District

The District Team offer hope for a blessed journey through Holy Week for all readers of the weekly mailing and a joyous celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
 

Final Lent Reflection

A Sonnet in response to Theyre Lee-Elliott’s “Crucified Tree Form - The Agony”

The time being ripe a seed came down to earth,

warm welcomed by receptive, humble ground;

a season’s secret nurturing brought to birth

heaven’s rooted fulness in whose shade was found

a shelter for those scorched by cruel glare;

support for weary bodies needing rest;

sweet fruit to counter hunger and despair;

a place for every bird to make their nest.

Till those shamed by such goodness brought it down.

Machete, axe and chainsaw had their way;

stripped bare the golden blossom from the crown;

tore limb from limb; brought torture, death, decay.

Yet still the root live buried deep below

gives hope that from this stump new life will grow.
 

In the book of Acts, Peter talks of Jesus being hanged on a tree.  This led to an ancient tradition of the cross being a living tree.   In this painting, Lee-Elliott goes further in fusing the cross, the tree and Christ’s body into a single suffering whole. 

In this sonnet I hoped to do something similar.  When I was describing the receptive humble ground into which a seed falls I was thinking not only of the forest floor but of Mary’s response to Gabriel at the Annunciation.  “Heaven’s rooted fulness” is a phrase which I hope speaks into the nature of the incarnation as well as describing the glory that is a mature tree reaching to the sky. 

It is not a new idea to speak of Jesus in arboreal terms.  An Anglo-Saxon author describes Christ as the “golden blossom” whilst Jesus spoke of himself as the true vine.  The life-giving properties of trees and vines in offering shade, food, rest and a nesting place are conducive to such metaphors.

The reference to machete, axe and chainsaw reflect the fact that I found it impossible to meditate upon this painting without thinking of the destruction of trees with consequent effects on climate change.  Forests still cover around one third of the world’s land area, but in just half my lifetime we have destroyed a billion acres.  I was also mindful of this District’s link with Rwanda. One of the lesser known effects of the genocide was the destruction of forest and woodland through the displacement of large numbers of desperate people.  The genocide left both the population and its beautiful home country disfigured and in a state of agony.

Rwanda has pursued an active policy of reforestation and this has helped bring healing to the land and the people.  The District has played its part in this, in small measure, and regular visitors have noticed the difference over the years. 

In our devastated world, hope is possible because of Jesus, the one Isaiah describes as the shoot that came out of the stump of Jesse; the branch that grew from the roots. 

Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.

You can find a video of this reflection here: https://youtu.be/3J-yvVlJ7jc

Sonnet by Rachel Parkinson - permission given for use with attribution

Crucified Tree Form - The Agony by Theyre Lee-Elliott © TMCP, used with permission. www.methodist.org.uk/artcollection The Methodist Church in Britain

Easter Pilgrimage - Invite to Day Walkers

18th-23rd April

led by Rev’d Rachel Parkinson & Deacon Carys Woodley

The core group for the pilgrimage is now finalised but there’s still an open invitation to join us for a day’s walk, especially with the weather looking good next week!

Day walkers will need to be at the starting point by 9.45am at the latest.  Each walk is around 10 miles, taken at a gentle pace but with some hills and stiles to negotiate.  Please bring a packed lunch.  We will have support cars so with a bit of car shuffling, we should be able to arrange for everyone to be able to get back to the start at the end of the day.

If you are intending to walk, please text Rachel (07950 808240) by the night before so we know to expect you.  Any questions before Monday to Rachel at chair@wsmethodist.org.uk 

Synod Secretary Vacancy - applications close on Friday

The Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District is looking for a replacement Synod Secretary. This post could be Lay or Ministerial (in the active work or Supernumerary).

The Synod Secretary plays a vital role in the life of the District.  The post carries the opportunity and challenge of becoming familiar with the full scope of the work of the District and connecting this with individual Circuits and the wider Connexion.

The vital qualities required in this role are:

•    to be a people person - able to communicate with a variety of people and to work in collaboration with lay and ordained colleagues

•    to be able to develop relationships of trust, particularly with the District Chair

•    to be a good planner and to be able to pay attention to detail

•    to be willing and able to comply with Connexional guidance in CPD

•    to be willing to gain an overview of the life of the whole District.

A full role overview is here.

Please send an email expressing interest or for more information, to Andrew Beattie, synsec28@gmail.com. Formal applications should be submitted as above by Friday 15^th April 2022.   This appointment will be subject to Safer Recruiting guidelines.

Food for Thought Conference

All lay and clergy are welcome to discover more about being a disciple of Jesus Christ at this day conference.

 Roger Walton will explore discipleship in Mark’s gospel with some summary points about the other three gospels and their approach.
 
Mark’s gospel is an ‘action movie’.  It presents discipleship as learning rapidly on the move. So fasten your seat belts for a bumpy, exhilarating ride as we explore discipleship in Mark and how that might speak to us today.

This joint day conference between Lichfield Diocese and Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury Methodist District on 7th May 2022  features keynote speaker Revd Roger Walton. There will be worship, Bible study and workshops in which to reflect on different aspects of discipleship including joy, rule of life, forgiveness and change. It will be held at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre near Stone ST15 0NL between 10 and 4pm. The cost is £20 including tea, coffee and a choice of lunch from a quality menu. 

Bishop Michael of Lichfield and the Revd Rachel Parkinson, Chair of Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury Methodist District are taking part. The workshops are being led by Revd Andrew Roberts, Dr Lindsey Hall, Revd Preb Helen Morby and Revd Roger Walton. Bookings are being taken now. For more information visit the website or contact John Underhill on 07936 300297 or jlunderhill@btinternet.com

Digital Development Officer Vacancy

The Tamworth and Lichfield Methodist Circuit seeks a Digital Development Officer.
We need a creative and motivated team player to grow the digital presence of the circuit and develop this as a means of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Main duties of the role are:
• Facilitate and produce video content and upload to social media, working alongside colleagues and volunteers.
• Support and update the Circuit Website
• Source/create material for regular positing on social media.
It is an occupational requirement of the role that the person appointed be a Christian.
Starting Salary £11.50 per hour Part time initially 8 hours per week
The role is for an initial 1 year contract
Closing date for applications midnight 6th May 2022
Interviews scheduled for mid May For further information and application form contact Circuit Administrator on churchoffice.tamlich@gmail.com Tel: 01543 256333
For a job Description lick here.

Comedy Magic Night

We have a special treat coming to Trinity Methodist Church, Codsall, Wolverhampton, on Saturday evening, 11 June, 2022, and I am just giving you the first 'heads up'. We will be hosting Tom Elliott:  if you have never heard of him, then please read all about him below:
 
Tom Elliott is one of the UK’s most exciting comedy magicians, touring throughout the year, whilst also being founder of ‘Our Centre Stage’, a network of nationwide community arts projects coming in 2022. However, the majority of his gigs aren't in comedy clubs or theatres, they are in churches, of all denominations. He is a regular on what is known as the 'Christian circuit'.
A committed Christian, he hopes his brand of comedy can bring people closer to God.
Once described by Miranda Hart as ‘Such Fun’, Tom has appeared on BBC TV & Radio, had a feature piece in the Times Newspaper and received significant crowdfunding support for his initiatives. He's also welcomed the likes of Milton Jones & Rosemary Conley CBE onto his wellbeing themed podcast.
 
Tom is always keen to champion the goals and dreams of others, driving him to launch the People On A Pursuit Community, that helps people to pursue ambitious entrepreneurial or creative goals, increase their productivity and maintain a sense of wellbeing.
 
Tickets - £8 (recommended age 12 upwards)                             
Please put this date in your diary now. It would be great if you could advertise the event over the next few months, bearing in mind that people have busy diaries, which is why we are advertising this now. I will be able to send you some printed publicity in the next few weeks.
 

Circuit Stewards Training

Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Children's Support Fund

There is still a good amount of funding still available through the above fund so if you have any activities celebrating the Queen's Platinium Jubilee with your Junior Churches then please submit an application for funding. We can turn these around reasonably quickly provided all the information and signatories are complete. Click here for an application form.
 
If you have any projects not linked to the Jubilee then please also consider applying.. any questions please contact me tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com.
 

LPWL Study Day

Speaker: Di Kruczek from CAP (Christians against Poverty)
LPWL study day is on Saturday 30 April at St. Stephen's Methodist Church, Cannock from 10 - 3. Open to all, not just preachers and worship leaders. An opportunity to hear speakers from Christians Against Poverty and explore the work of other organisations in the field. What the Bible says about people who are poor and how we can get more involved.
See poster here.

Saltley Trust Small Grants

Do you have an idea for a project where a few hundred pounds would make a big difference?  St Peter’s Saltley Trust’s small grants fund can help support creative and innovative projects in Christian learning and discipleship.  Eligible projects in some way help to grow gifts, skills, confidence and understanding for living out Christian life and the Church’s calling at grass roots level, in response to the challenges and opportunities of today… and tomorrow.  We particularly hope to benefit the most marginalised.
Grants are available to cover project costs including: developing resources, learning and training opportunities, action research, conferences, events or exhibitions.  Around 10 grants of approx. £500 each are available every year, to projects located in the wider West Midlands region (B’ham and Black Country, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire).
Read more on what we do/don’t fund at: https://www.saltleytrust.org.uk/what-we-support/. Contact: bursar@saltleytrust.org.uk

Playgroup Manager Needed

Kingswinford Methodist Church Playgroup
Stream Road, Kingswinford, DY6 9NP
 
An enthusiastic, personable and innovative individual is required to lead and manage a highly popular and successful Playgroup, based at Kingswinford Methodist Church.  The post offers an exciting opportunity for a person with the relevant qualifications and experience to work with a committed team of early years practitioners in sustaining and further developing the high levels of care and education provided by the Playgroup, which was graded “Good” by OFSTED in October 2019.
 
The long-established Playgroup provides pre-nursery education for children aged 2 to 3 years, operating on a term time only basis from 9.15 to 11.45 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
 
The post offered is a permanent, part time position, with the Playgroup Manager working 18 hours per week for 40 weeks per year.  On the three days per week when the Playgroup is in session, the Manager works from 8.30 to 12.30, with the additional hours that are allocated for administrative tasks being flexible.
 
The annual salary, including holiday pay, is £9,560 (figure quoted is based on pay rates for 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023).
 
Further information and an application form are available from the Kingswinford Methodist Church website: www.kingswinfordmethodist.co.uk
 
Completed applications should be returned to secretary@kingswinfordmethodist.co.uk
 
Closing date for applications:           Saturday 23^rd April 2022
Interviews to be held:                       Thursday 19^th May 2022
Start date:                                           1^st September 2022
 
The Methodist Church is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  This appointment will follow the Methodist Church’s safer recruitment procedures and the successful candidate will undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to the commencement of employment.
 
 

The Spirit that Crosses Borders

The Centre for Faith in Public Life at Wesley House is hosting a series of events at Pentecost exploring faith questions arising in the context of migration. Our contributors bring to bear experience of migration in the Pacific, in Europe and in Central America.

Join us in person or online to explore this pressing topic.

Further information and to register for this free event can be found here - https://bit.ly/CrossesBorders

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.

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

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:
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. 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/

6. 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)
 
 

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