New this week:
Growing through Change and Conflict Courses
Online Circuit Steward Training
Forest Church Event
Becoming an Active Peacemaker
Trip to Ghana
Chaplain for Queens
Request for Tables
Thanksgiving Service for Leon Murray - update
In case you missed it:
How to find and keep brilliant volunteers
Church Planting Intensive
News from Action for Children
Amplify Steward Volunteers needed
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

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Growing through Change and Conflict Courses

Please see information below on 3 courses on aspects of Growing through Change and Conflict
Each course is online and takes place over one day. Book by following the link to the Learning Network Eventbrite Page.
The Methodist Church Website and the LN Eventbrite Page has many more courses provided by the Learning Network and Partners Find out more at:
Learning and Development Events (methodist.org.uk)
Methodist Learning Network Events | Eventbrite
 
Growing through Change and Conflict
Growing through Change and Conflict offers support and training to Church Leaders, lay and ordained, as they recognise and respond to conflict. The day offers the opportunity to consider our own personal responses to conflict, to discuss our experience of conflict within a small group, to explore how conflict escalates within a faith setting, and to consider some simple techniques to lower the level of the conflicts that we experience
Wed, 3 May 2023, 09:30 – 16:00 BST. Online
Growing through Change and Conflict Registration, Wed 3 May 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
 
Bullying and Harrassment
Understanding the dynamics of Bullying and Harassment and explore ways to respond
The course considers bullying and harassment through two case studies. Topics include power, ego states, Kantor's four player system and top tips.
Wed, 7 June 2023, 09:30 – 16:00 BST. Online
Bullying and Harassment Registration, Wed 7 Jun 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
 
Scripture, Spirituality and Conflict
To deepen our understanding of the wisdom and impact of scripture in managing change and transforming conflict.
Our churches and faith communities are experiencing rapid change, which can sometimes result in difficult conversations and conflicted relationships. These experiences would be familiar to the early Christian church, where change and conflict were the norm, and heated conversations were regular occurrences. What can we learn from scripture about conflict and change? Building on our foundation day ‘Growing through Change and Conflict’, this material explores first an approach to scripture rooted in God’s loving reconciliation in the world, and then secondly offers a way in to bible study rooted in ‘the remembered bible.’ Drawing on our own lived experience of life in our church or faith community, we continue to support all those in our churches and faith communities to be peacemakers in the spirit of the gospel.
Tue, 11 July 2023, 09:30 – 16:00 BST. Online
Scripture, Spirituality and Conflict Registration, Tue 11 Jul 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
 

Online Circuit Steward Training

Are you a new circuit steward, or have been one for a while and are looking to dive deeper in to your roles & responsibilities and develop your skills and knowledge?
 
*There are two options in 2023 to join the online Zoom Circuit Stewards Course - join us for the above course in March via this page link, Circuit Stewards Training Tickets, Thu 2 Mar 2023 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
 
or to join in June/July click here: Summer Circuit Stewards Training
 
This 5 session course takes place on consecutive Thursday evenings, 7-9pm, from 2nd March to 30th March, 2022. It introduces new Circuit Stewards to expectations and responsibilities of serving in this area of circuit leadership and will refresh existing Circuit Stewards in their ongoing learning and development.
Each session will offer opportunities to explore ideas and share experiences as well as identify areas for further action, ongoing learning and development particularly in these areas:
 
Session 1: Calling and Role of the Circuit Steward - 2nd March
Session 2: Distinctively Methodist - 9th March
Session 3: Positive Working Together - 16th March
Session 4: Continuing to Learn - 23rd March
Sesion 5: Mission Planning - 30th March
 
This event is being led by the Learning Network.
For more information, please contact Jenna Thorne (thornej@methodistchurch.org.uk).
 
Who should come to this Learning Network event?
Anyone preparing for, or who has recently started in the role of Circuit Steward or anyone currently serving as a Circuit Steward who would like to refresh or develop learning and share experiences with others.
How much does this event cost?
This event is free and offered as part of the Learning Network support across the Connexion - just register and you'll receive joining instructions for the event.
 
About the Connexional Learning Network
Learning and development across the Connexion is supported by the Methodist Church's Learning Network. This work has four aims:

• nurturing and equipping Christ-like disciples
• challenging and equipping mission-shaped communities
• forming and equipping those who share in lay and ordained ministry
• enabling and encouraging creative thinkers in an environment of scholarship, research and innovation

Forest Church Event

You may be interested in a diocesan wide exploring Forest Church Day.  On Saturday 11 February, St Peter’s Stoke on Tern. 10.30am-3.30pm, a day for those thinking of starting Forest Church or some kind of outdoor worship and those already doing so. A chance to share what is already happening and support new ventures. An opportunity to explore the thinking and practice behind Forest Church to help it grow and deepen, a look at helpful resources and a shared Forest Church Celebration. Email Richard Barrett to book.
 

Becoming an Active Peacemaker

Do you wish to create a more peaceful society but do not know where to start? Are you frustrated by the divisions in your church? Are you struggling to find ways to resolve conflicts?
 
Events in the news, tensions and divisions in the places where we gather, including home, church, schools, and work, threaten our peace every day. The inability of global leaders and the custodians of our institutions to resolve conflicts is frustrating. But is there more we, as citizens and members of the society can do to build peace?  Can we be active peace makers in a world of divisions, inequality and political challenges? Can the church actively and justly promote peace-making in fulfilment of the commandment to be peacemakers?
 
The ‘Becoming an Active Peacemaker’ course equips participants with practical skills and knowledge to confront challenging issues and act to find solutions. This course targets persons seeking to reduce tensions in their institutions, groups, families, and communities. 
 
For further information and to register – CLICK HERE
 

Trip to Ghana

 
Dear Sibling,
Grace and peace be with you in full measure. I am hopeful we are all refreshed after the Christmas Season and enjoying the light of His presence in this season of Epiphany.
The good news is that the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship, UK and Ireland, with Rev William Davies have come out with a suggested dates for a plan Mission Trip to Ghana from the 11th to 19th April 2023.
The overall objective is to explore the faith in the Ghanaian context by interacting with both the clergy and lay in the urban and rural settings, and to understand the concept of mission and evangelism. We will visit some historical sites like; Cape Coast Castle and projects that are being or have been sponsored by the Methodist Church Britain.
The total cost involved is £2,000, and this is for the flight, hotel accommodation, hiring of air-conditioned coach, meals and other miscellaneous expenses. Interested participants may, however, make their own provision for purchases like souvenirs and gift items from Ghana.
In brief, the itinerary among others, will include:

• paying a courtesy call on the staff at the Conference Office in Accra
• visiting the Methodist Rafiki Satellite Village (Orphanage) in the Winneba Diocese, to have a session with the children. 
• a visit to Cape Coast Castle, to be briefed about the slave trade. 
• In Kumasi, we will visit the Kwadaso Methodist Vocational Institute. This is an institution for the training and equipping of girls with needed skills ie; seamstress, hairdresser etc.
• In the Northern Region (Tamale/Yendi), we will visit another area to explore the relationship between Christians and Muslims and we will visit some of the rural Methodist Churches to interact with the local people.

We are humbly inviting you to be part of this exciting trip to Ghana and asking you to coordinate with your district chair and other chairpersons and interested groups you know to make this available to our colleagues both clergy and lay leaders who may be interested.
The contact details of Rev. William Davis who will be coordinating with us as the trip organiser is as below;
Rev William Davies, Blackheath/Crystal Palace Circuit
Tel.(mobile) 07930843207. Email - william14da@yahoo.com
I am hopeful this is going to be an exciting experience and very beneficial for us all.
With kind regards,
 
Quophie Anochie Ababio
(CHAPLAIN, GMF-UK&IR) 

Chaplain request for Queens

 
Chaplain (Part-Time) to the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education
 
Job Description and Person Specification
 
We are seeking a new (up to half-time) chaplain and envisage appointing a person who will find a creative way of offering support to students on different pathways of study, with differing levels of pastoral support needs. We would expect the person appointed to work alongside a small number of part-time (hourly-paid) chaplains who together would form a diverse chaplaincy team. Our hope is that the person appointed would assist in the establishing of the team and then oversee the team’s work, beginning in the Summer 2023.
We are keen to hear from those who have experience of chaplaincy, who are committed to theological education, and who have a vision for how they might contribute to the community of communities which is Queen’s. Enquiries are sought from interested applicants, either lay or ordained, who are in good standing with one of the churches recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. 
Please visit our website to apply for the post.
 
Deadline for applications: 2.00 pm March 2^nd
 
It is hoped to conduct interviews before Easter.
 

Request for Tables

 
St. John's Methodist Church in the Wolverhampton Circuit is in need of
10 Gopak tables (1.2 metres length - 70cm height). If any churches
across the District have any surplus to requirements we would be pleased
to hear from you. Please contact Steve on 07963 833488. Many thanks.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Rev. Steve Jackson | Tel. 01902 883331
  Hurst Hill | St. John's | Upper Ettingshall
www.wolverhamptoncircuit.co.uk
 

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.'

Please find a link to a tribute on the Methodist website:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/tribute-to-past-vice-president-leon-murray-jp-mbe/

How to find and keep brilliant volunteers

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)

 

Rural Ministry Course dates

 
Rural Ministry Course dates for 2023
“Really helpful – practical, inspiring & encouraging!”- Oct 22 RMC participant.
25-26^th April or 17-18^th 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
 

News from Action for Children

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

#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/

 

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.  
 
 

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
 

Preaching the Good News into the Climate Crisis Course

 
This popular online short course, run by Dr Richard A. Davis,  is returning in March 2023.
 
This course is for lay and ordained preachers and worship leaders who wish to develop greater confidence when preaching about the climate crisis. Further information and registration details can be found here - https://www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/study/short-courses/short-course-preaching-good-news-into-the-climate-crisis/
 
There is an Early Bird Discount offer which expires on 31 January 2023 so BOOK EARLY

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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