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New this week:
Thanksgiving Service for Leon Murray
How to find and keep brilliant volunteers
Church Planting Intensive
Rural Ministry Course dates
Faith in British Democracy
News from Action for Children
Amplify Steward Volunteers needed
District Care for Creation Sunday - update
In case you
missed it:
Finance Officer needed
Bewdley Music Concerts - world Premiere
Hosting a Ukrainian
Joint District Pilgrimage - save the date
Re:planting Church at the Margins
Preaching the Good News into Climate Crisis Course
Children's Support Fund
Dial-a-prayer
free phone line to hear prayers : 0808 281 2514 Methodist News :
0808 281 2478
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Thanksgiving Service for the Life of Leon
Murray
As many of you will have already heard, it is with the greatest
sadness that the District announces the death of Mr Leon Murray
JP, MBE who passed away on Saturday the 14th January
following a short, serious illness. As someone who has been
such a major contributor to the life of the Telford Circuit as a
leader and local preacher, and as a past Vice-President of the
Methodist Conference who has provided inspirational leadership to
the wider Methodist family,
Leon has also been involved greatly in industry with his work
with GKN; has been a much-involved and respected local Councillor
and a Mayor of Telford; he was a JP and served on the
Telford Youth Bench and significantly was a Deputy Lieutenant of
the County and was awarded an MBE.
As a District we give thanks to God for the life, work and
service of Leon Murray, a truly good and faithful servant. We
send to Barbara, Christine and Rachel and the family of whom he
was so loving and proud, our love and prayers for God's
comfort and care.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at Wellington Methodist
Church on Saturday 11th February at 12.30 pm. All are
welcome.
'The
souls of the departed are with God. They are at peace.'
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How to find and keep brilliant volunteers
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There ARE people out there with time
and expertise to give.
We want to help you find them! Many of us are
experiencing the same issues - too much to do and not
enough people to do it.
In our next webinar, we chat with three experts who are
finding innovative ways to find and keep brilliant
volunteers.
On Thursday 26 March, 10.00am-11.45am,
we'll be joined by Cat Ross from Baby Basics, Kate
Doran-Smith from Hope into Action, and Richard Farrell from
Langley House Trust.
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Together we'll explore:
- Developing
a flexible approach to volunteering
- Working
in partnership with charities, job centres, and
councils
- Using
social media effectively
- Working
with those of all faiths and none
- Supporting
your team well
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Our webinars are split into three
sections so you can hear from our experts, quiz them and
then explore your ideas with others.
10.00am-10:45am – Our panelists
discuss innovative ways to find volunteers.
10:45am-11:00am – Put your questions
to our panel of experts.
11:00am-11:45am – Join our breakout
groups to share your experiences.
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Cat Ross, Baby Basics
Cat took over as CEO of Baby Basics in 2019. The
organisation is the largest network of baby banks in the
UK. In 2022, they supported 43,000 children and their
families with clothing and other essential items. Cat takes
a proactive approach to finding and supporting the
many volunteers who give their time to Baby Basics.
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Kate Doran-Smith, Hope into Action
After several years as a Christian youth and community
worker, Kate came to Hope into Action in 2013. She loves
the idea that church volunteers can be the ‘magic sauce’
when it comes to supporting and loving the homeless and
vulnerable.
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Richard Farrell, Langley House Trust
Richard re-joined Langley House Trust in September 2022 as
their Volunteering Manager. Prior to that, he was
the Regional Volunteering Manager at FareShare where grew
their volunteer team from 70 volunteers across two sites to
around 300 regular volunteers over seven
locations.
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Church Planting Intensive
The next Church
Planting Intensive (CPI) takes place on 17 to 19 March 2023.
CPI begins with a residential at Cliff College and then
meets monthly on the 1st Thursday between 7-9pm. CPI is a
fully funded year-long hybrid course for those who are planting
NPNPs, designed for those who actively shaping a vision, about to
launch or in an existing project. It mixes teaching and
reflection, prayer and deepening our calls. Places limited to 30,
so get in quick if you are interested. The course will run again
on 3 to 5 November, 2023.
Booking here https://forms.office.com/r/5HDCB5fqwg
I hope that you will also be interested in:
7 February, Health
inequalities and the gospel
6 June, Training
courses (methodist.org.uk)
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Rural Ministry Course dates
Rural
Ministry Course dates for 2023
“Really
helpful – practical, inspiring & encouraging!”- Oct 22 RMC
participant.
25-26th
April or 17-18th Oct at King’s Park,
Northampton.
For lay & ordained leaders new to a rural context, entering a
rural appointment for the first time, or in need of a ‘rural
refresher’.
Come and explore mission, evangelism & leadership with a
rural lens.
We’re currently offering a 50% bursary for lay or ordained
Methodist participants, whilst funds last.
If further information would be useful, please contact Sarah
Hulme, rural mission & ministry officer via hulmes@methodistchurch.org.uk
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Faith in British Democracy
With
democracy under pressure everywhere, can Christians recover a
positive vision for political engagement?
This four-week course explores a vision of constructive and
critical participation in British democracy. Cynicism about
politics is at an all-time high, citizens are divided and angry,
and democracy seems unable to promote the common good. Given
rising global religious extremism, many fear the presence of
religion in politics and argue for a wholly secular democracy.
But Christians, not least Methodists, have long engaged in
political action as an expression of love of neighbour and
concern for the common good. There are rich resources in the
Christian tradition to empower us to engage with politics
faithfully, wisely and effectively today.
Faith in
British Democracy: A Christian Vision for Political Engagement delves
into these resources, equipping participants to become more
articulate and confident Christian citizens working for the
common good. The course is designed for anyone engaged in or interested
in British politics, campaigning or church-based action. Through
readings, conversation and reflection on participant’s practical
experience, we will explore a broad Christian vision of democracy
and consider its application in concrete areas of political life.
For further information and to register CLICK
HERE
Click on the following link for a poster:
https://mcusercontent.com/5d48be8d606159165b7417ca9/files/e2ff245a-a270-9f0d-b0e5-97ae113e71c2/faith_in_democracy_2023_A5_v2_lowres.pdf
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News from Action for Children
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Time
to step out of your comfort zone? Our top challenge events for
2023 are here
Are you looking for a way to challenge yourself in 2023? Why
not do it while fundraising to improve the lives of UK children
and families? You can take part in events across the UK. There
are thousands of different fundraising sports events to choose
from. Join #TeamActionForChildren. Find an event near you here.
A call for regular giving to support families with the cost of
living crisis
With over 3.9 million children living in poverty, it is no
surprise that our staff have already seen an increase in
families being impacted by the cost of living crisis,
struggling to afford the essentials like heating, food and
clothing. You can make a difference in 2023 by committing to
regular giving from as little as £3 per month. Read about how
we are supporting families such as Mum of two, Leanne, who is
struggling to make ends meet. Find out more and how to donate here.
Announcing our new CEO, Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry, who is currently our National Director for
Scotland, will become the next Chief Executive of Action for
Children, following a rigorous recruitment process.
Paul has been with the charity for almost 30 years starting as
a project leader, and he has built up a wealth of experience
across Children’s Services, particularly as National Director
for Scotland and latterly covering as National Director for
England as well. The Board felt that Paul was well placed to
take the organisation forward. He will take over from Melanie
Armstrong, our current CEO, who announced earlier this year
that she would be stepping down.
Young Ambassadors Board
Are you passionate about making positive changes to the lives
of children and young people in the UK? We are looking for 15
young people to join our mission to make sure the voices of
children and young people are always heard. Find more
information and how to apply here.
The deadline for applications is Monday 13th February.
Count your blessings this Lent
As we look towards Lent, we're preparing our own take on forty
ways to count your blessings. We hope this will offer a
positive boost to each day, and, if you’re able to, help you to
use this important and reflective time of the year to support
our cause. This resource will be sent to our Methodist
supporters and be posted on our website in February.
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The
congregation at Sculthorp and Fakenham Methodist Church held
their December Carol Service in aid of Action for Children.
Their beautiful Christmas tree proudly displayed our gift aid
envelopes. Thank you so much for this creative initiative!
Brown Lane Methodist Church in Cheadle have been in touch with
a tip to raise community awareness of our work. They mount an
exhibition on their notice boards and doors for Action for
Children Sunday detailing the work we do and thanking everyone
for the funds raised. They noticed that this resulted in
quite a few contributions from outside the Church. Last
year they raised over £1000. Thank you so much for sharing our
work to your local community!
Share your stories with us and we can share and inspire others.
Contact us here.
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Amplify Steward Volunteers
Amplify
Steward Role Outline
Background information: Amplify is a weekend away for young
people aged 8-18 and their leaders held at the Pioneer Centre
near Cleobury Mortimer between 24th and 26th March 2023.
Following on from the success of last year’s event, this year’s
event is going to involve even more children and young people. To
do this safely and to allow leaders to engage with their children
throughout the weekend, we need some help from those who are able
to give up a day of their weekend to steward.
Volunteer Role Title: Amplify Steward Location: Pioneer Centre,
Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 8JG
Responsible to: Volunteer will be instructed and under the
supervision of Charlotte Hambly and the Amplify Leadership Group
Time of role: Agreed shifts between Friday 24 th and Sunday 26 th
March 2023
Key volunteer activities
• Attend briefing before the event and before shifts at the
event.
• Attending a debrief session after each shift and after the
event.
• Guiding groups to their accommodation upon registration.
• Ensuring that common areas are supervised and available for
safe and fun free time.
• Keeping an eye on the bedroom corridors to make sure only those
with bedrooms on that corridor are accessing their room.
• Staffing the leader’s rest area at designated times.
• Making and serving drinks after activities.
• Alerting group leaders and Amplify Leadership Team to any
issues (safeguarding concerns, behaviour etc) in a timely manner.
We are looking for people who have the following skills and
attributes:
• Ability to work as part of a team with other stewards, the
Amplify Leadership Team and the leaders attending with their
young people.
• Ability to act under their own initiative.
• Ability to establish positive and productive relationships with
children and young people
• Awareness of and commitment to the participation of children
and young people in the life of the church.
• Commitment to and knowledge of Safeguarding, and willing to
provide evidence of, or gain, a valid regulated activity DBS and
at least foundation level in Methodist Church Safeguarding.
Criminal record check The volunteer will need a satisfactory
criminal record clearance certificate (Regulated Activity DBS).
Volunteers will be asked to provide all relevant documents for
these checks if they do not already have a valid DBS. This will
be of no cost to the volunteer.
Level of commitment: Amplify 2023 will take place between 24 th
and 26 th March 2023. The volunteer should be available for at
least 1 session (morning, afternoon or evening) on one of these
days. They are welcome to volunteer as much time as they can
during the weekend.
Accommodation, subject to availability, may be provided at a
small cost to the volunteer if volunteering on multiple days.
Training and support provided:
• Volunteers will be supported before, during and after the event
by Charlotte Hambly and the Amplify Leadership Team.
• Volunteers will have a briefing session before the event where
information will be shared and they will have opportunities to
ask questions.
• Volunteers will have knowledge of Safeguarding through the
completion of Safeguarding Training.
Applications To apply to be an Amplify Steward you should fill in
the form linked here
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District Care for Creation Sunday
Sunday
29th January
During our Autumn Synod we explored ways in which we can live our
call to be an Eco District. One of those commitments was enabling
a District wide worship service. Although there are many
opportunities to focus on care of creation at various Sundays of the
year we hope to worship in one spirit and body as a District and
worship service has been prepared complete with sermon by Revd.
Nick Read as well hymn suggestions, readings and prayers.
Click here
for service liturgy and Sermon.
Online Worship based on the District Resources can be found here: https://youtu.be/JbfN5SsF-uY
We would love to see and hear how you have shared your time
together and if you wish, post on this Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/wolverhamptonandshrewsburycareofcreation/
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Finance
Officer needed
for Telford Methodist Circuit (Registered Charity
No.1134372)
FINANCE
OFFICER (part time)
FOR 520 HOURS ANNUALISED OVER THE YEAR
(Equating to 10 hours per week)
The position will be home based.
“The Telford Circuit spans the Borough of Telford and Wrekin and
adjacent parts of the County of Shropshire. Centered in Telford,
it includes the Shropshire market towns of Bridgnorth, Much
Wenlock and Shifnal. The Circuit comprises 17 churches.
We are looking for someone to provide book keeping and
accountancy support for the Telford Circuit, including
preparation of end of year accounts, gift aid returns and other
financial statements (as well as those for filing with the
Charity Commission), budgeting and general financial oversight of
Circuit funds.
Attendance and participation at meetings will be required, as
will occasionally visiting people in their homes, and hence we
would expect the candidate to have access to transport.
Salary in the range £12 – £15 per hour depending upon experience
and qualifications
Closing dates for applications is 1st February 2023
Interviews will be held on Monday 13rd February 2023
Starting date as soon as possible.
For more application form and information packs please contact
Sharon Hanson on 01952 505108 or email circuitsupport@telfordmeth.org.uk
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Bewdley
Music Concerts - world premiere
Bewdley
Methodist Church, High Street, Bewdley DY12 2DH
Church
concerts are back – with a world premiere
Bewdley Methodist Church is re-launching its popular Music in the
Chapel concerts with a piano recital – featuring the world
premiere of a work composed especially for the church.
Fantasia on ‘O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing’ by Tony
Bridgewater was commissioned for the church’s 225th
anniversary in 2020 but pandemic lockdowns led to all the
concerts being postponed.
Concert organiser Neil Sollom said: “Tony has composed something
really special, based on four tunes associated with the
well-known hymn written by Charles Wesley. The lockdowns
and uncertainty over Covid meant we had to suspend our Saturday
afternoon concerts but this is a great way to re-launch
them. Tony’s last recital for us in 2019 was a sell-out and
we’re sure that hearing him play ‘our’ composition will be
equally popular.”
Mr Bridgewater (photo attached) is a freelance musician and
composer, conductor of the Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra and
principal accompanist of Kidderminster Male Choir. He will
perform his fantasia in the concert on Saturday 18 March 2023,
together with works by Bach and Schubert.
The concert on 18 March starts at 2.30pm and tickets (£10
including light refreshments) should be reserved in advance by
contacting Neil Sollom Tel 07780 650491, email neilsollom@btinternet.com or
Mike Dernie Tel 01299 400284, email mikedernie@aol.com.
All funds raised will go to help fund the church's ongoing
commitment to its mission and outreach activities and are
intended to increase the church's involvement with the local
community. The church is grateful to members Pat and Harry
Lewis for sponsoring Mr Bridgewater’s recital.
Plans for future concerts include an organ recital, a brass
ensemble, and singers.
For
more information contact Neil Sollom Tel 07780 650491,
email: neilsollom@btinternet.com
OR
Mike
Dernie Tel. 01299 400284, email: mikedernie@aol.com
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#ThereisRoom...Could
you host a Ukrainian person or family in your home?
As Russia’s war in Ukraine evolves, its impact on the people of
Ukraine is being felt in new ways. Attacks on civilian
centres and shutdown of key infrastructure will force many to
flee as winter sets in. Thousands are still hoping to come
to the UK, but suitable hosts are in short supply.
The Methodist Church is partnering with Citizens
UK’s "Communities for
Ukraine" Scheme, which helps community groups to
welcome and support refugees from Ukraine. This means that as a
host, you would have more wraparound support for both you and
your guest(s), being supported every step of the way. Matt
Caeser has joined the Connexional Team to in order to support the
scheme and we’re grateful to our Safeguarding team, Sue and Kay,
for offering the local support which means that potential hosts
from this District can now apply through the scheme.
If this is something you would like to explore, even tentatively,
then please find more information and apply here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-work/our-work-in-britain/social-justice/methodists-for-ukraine-apply-to-host-a-ukrainian-family/
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Joint District Pilgrimage - save the date
This Easter week, a small band of pilgrims will be walking the
Golden Valley Pilgrimage route from Hereford to Ewyas Harold,
starting on Easter Monday, April 10th and finishing the following
Saturday. Accommodation will be in Anglican Churches and
facilities will be basic! Costs are yet to be finalised but
will be kept to a minimum. Those who have joined two
previous such pilgrimages have found them to be both enjoyable
and spiritually enriching.
More details coming soon but, for now, please save the date if
you are interested.
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Re:planting Church at the Margins
As
part of the visit of the President and Vice-President of
Conference, the Birmingham District has organised a one day event
at Kenilworth Methodist Church on Saturday 11th March called
Re:Planting
Church at the Margins.
There is an excellent line up, with Deacon Eunice Attwood as
keynote speaker and a really good choice of workshops including
one led by our own Ministry & Missions Co-ordinator, Jo Yair.
Worship will be led by an intergenerational team. The
day will be designed to be accessible to all personality types
and learning styles.
The Birmingham District has extended a specific invitation to
members of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District. For
more information and bookings see here: https://birminghammethodist.org.uk/replanting-church-at-the-margins
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Children's Support Fund
There
is still money available from the above and if your Church is
thinking of running any Children's activities, then, please
consider applying for a maximum of £500. The attached application
form needs to be completed.. Any further
questions please contact Tim Lorimer on tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com Many
thanks
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