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New this week:
Funeral arrangements for John Farrimond
Easter Pilgrimage '24
Changes in the District Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Training for the Community from NSPCC
News from Action for Children
Cardiff Methodist Community Choir Tour
3Generate '23 Video
In case you
missed it:
Children's Support Grant
Amplify Stewards Needed
Christian Aid Changemaker Conference
Christian Aid's Lent Study
Connexional Vacancies
Local Arrangements Training
Circuit Steward Training
Christ for All Nations 2024 update
Dial-a-prayer
free phone line to hear prayers : 0808 281 2514 Methodist News :
0808 281 2478
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Funeral Arrangements
for Rev'd John Farrimond
The
District is sorry to bring the news that the Rev’d Ken Farrimond,
Supernumerary in the Telford Circuit, has recently died.
Our prayers are with John’s family. The funeral
service for John will take place at Trinity Methodist, Newport on
Thursday 22nd February at 11am. It will also be streamed
via Zoom. If you would like this option then please contact
the District Office for details (admin@wsmethodist.org.uk )
John’s wife, Kath, died during the pandemic and so the family are
arranging a lunch afterwards to recollect and celebrate both
John and Kath’s lives and ministry over their seven decades
together. Those able to join the lunch are asked to let the
family know in advance, and by 6th February. Again, please
contact the District Office for contact details.
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Easter Pilgrimage
2024: 1st - 6th April
Members
of both the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham
Districts are invited to join a “pilgrim community” of up to 12
people this Easter week on a route largely based in the Telford
Circuit. During this six day experience, we will walk, pray
and eat together and share sleeping space in a number of
Methodist Churches. Luggage (including your airbed /
camp-bed and bedding) will be transferred each day. Mileage
will be between around 8 to 10 miles, taken at a gentle pace on
rural routes that may include stiles. We share cooking
within the group.
This is now a “tried and tested” formula which has been greatly
appreciated by previous pilgrims. Being willing to be part
of a short-term community is far more important than being
super-fit, providing you can manage a modest amount of walking
over a number of consecutive days, followed by nights on a church
floor! The pilgrimage will be led by a small team of
previous pilgrims, including Rachel Parkinson, Chair of
Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District.
If means allow, we suggest a contribution of £140 to the kitty to
cover food, accommodation and luggage transfer.
Unfortunately, the living arrangements mean we cannot
include children and young people, though they will be welcome to
join us as accompanied day walkers (details later). The gathering
point will be close to Wellington Station on the early evening of
Monday 1st April. The departure point will be Shrewsbury
Station on the late afternoon of Saturday 6th April.
If you are interested in joining the group this year, please
don’t delay - contact Richard Lockley in the W&S District
Office: admin@wsmethodist.org.uk
There will be a briefing for pilgrims on Zoom on Thursday 14th
March at 7pm
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Changes in the District Safeguarding Team
We were
very sad to lose Kay Redfern as Assistant DSO just before
Christmas. Kay has recently been in touch to say that she
really is missing us all, but that she and her husband are
thoroughly enjoying their new life on the South Coast and can
really recommend retirement!
We’re very pleased to welcome Stephanie (Steph) Bradley as new
Assistant District Safeguarding Officer across the two Districts.
Like Kay, Steph will focus on training and safeguarding
audits whilst also assisting Sue Holder with some casework.
In introducing herself, Steph says that she comes to this post
having completed 33 years service with West Midlands Police where
she has built up extensive experience in safeguarding and
multi-agency working. Steph was recently commended by the
Chief Constable for the part she played in Operation Satchel -
the largest ever child sexual abuse investigation and prosecution
in the West Midlands.
Steph and her husband have 3 grown up children and are also relatively
new grandparents to a two year old. She says that she is
thoroughly enjoying the challenges of bringing all her experience
into a new context.
I’m sure Steph will soon become a well-known face across the
District. She can be contacted at stephaniebradley@birminghammethodist.org.uk
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Safeguarding Training for the Community from
NSPCC
Within our churches there’s a good level of safeguarding training
and awareness. But what about in our communities? The
NSPCC is offering free training to help communities be fully
supportive of the children and families in their midst in a way
which is safe and appropriate. Could your church be a host?
If you’d like to explore this you can use the email contact
on the flyer. Alternatively, if you’d like to chat things
through with Lizzie Brookes, Local Campaigns Officer for the Midlands,
the District Office has Lizzie’s contact details.
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News from Action for Children
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Happy
New Year!
We hope you had a lovely Christmas. It
was wonderful to read many
heart-warming stories about remarkable
ways that Methodists raised funds over
Christmas. Thank you for your support
and prayers throughout 2023.
Here are some updates on activities
that are kicking off what we believe
will be another fruitful year.
Blessings,
Karis Kolawole
Faith Partnerships Lead
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Stephenson's Award
2024 - nominate a shining star
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Do
you know an Action for Children
supporter or staff member who deserves
recognition for exemplary service to
the charity?
Then, nominate them for a Stephenson
Award and let us celebrate the shining
stars in the Action for Children
family.
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Past
nominees and winners have included
Methodists who raised thousands of
pounds over decades, helping us make a
huge difference in children’s lives -
people like lifelong supporter, Olwyn
Margaret Dimmock, who was nominated in
2022 for raising up to £160,000 for the
charity over 33 years.
To find out about the awards and
categories, and how to make a
nomination, visit: actionforchildren.org.uk/stephensonawards
Nominations close on Friday 9th
February 2024.
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Count your blessings
through Lent
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Lent
is only a few weeks away. We know some
of you are keen to take part in Count
your Blessings, daily reflections and
short stories about our work with
opportunities to make small donations
during Lent.
The leaflet will be available by the end of the week in the
post to church contacts and online: http://actionforchildren.uk/faithFR
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Children at the
Table: Sign our petition to make good
childhoods priority
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In
January, we launched the Children
at the Table campaign, along
with four other leading charities -
Barnardo’s, the National Children’s
Bureau, NSPCC, and The Children’s
Society.
The UK could be the best place in the world to grow up. But
right now, it isn’t. There are more
babies going without support from health
visitors. More children are growing up
in poverty. Ahead of the general
election, we must make sure the next
Prime Minister does more to make good
childhoods a national priority.
Find out more and sign our petition
here: Children at the
Table - https://take.actionforchildren.org.uk/page/142209/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=fth
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Cardiff Methodist Community Choir SHOUT tour
'24
Heaton Moor United Church, Stockport, SK4 4HL
on Friday 16th February 2024 at 7pm.
And
Lichfield Methodist Church, Lichfield, WS13 6JJ
on Saturday 17th February 2024 at 7:30pm.
ALL ARE WELCOME - the event is free entry but donations welcome
on the night!
In conjunction with the EDI policies of The Methodist Church
CMCC works to raise awareness of the social injustices within
society that prevent the Kingdom of God from becoming realised.
If we want to declare that our faith is for everyone, that it is
so wonderfully hopeful and takes us towards the Kingdom here on
earth, we must have a deep-rooted understanding as to why we make
that declaration,
How can we offer food if we do not know about hunger?
How can we offer inclusion if we do not know about those
excluded?
How can we offer comfort if we do not know about the pain?
How can we offer fellowship if we do not know about loneliness?
And as Christians, how can we rejoice in the birth and
resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ without knowing the horror
of the crucifixion?
CMCC takes up this worthy campaign and in its own way raises awareness
of societal injustices, at the same time heralding and empowering
the uniqueness of humankind to love and care for each other, as
we are loved and cared for.
We are CMCC. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreCMCC
Rev Andrew Charlesworth, Chair of Wales Synod Cymru writes
‘Cardiff Methodist Community Choir (CMCC) are made up of members
of the Cardiff Circuit and those who come along from the wider
community. They have a passion for justice, dignity and
solidarity, together with a desire to share with others in an
accessible and creative way. The Choir is keen to offer new
arrangements of well-known secular and Christian songs. Having
recently attended a service led by CMCC, I would heartily
encourage you to come along and share with the Choir as part of
this tour.’
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3Generate '23 Video
Have you seen the brand new short video about
3Generate 2023? It's an amazing compilation of lots of faces and
voices from last year's event! It's inspiring and encouraging and
well worth a watch to be reminded how awesome it is to be
involved in ministry with children, young people, families and
young adults.
What's your favourite moment in the film?
⭐Watch it
here
:https://youtu.be/jsiYMhXqlo8?si=bR1U9CWnu1QarQog
Please share with your churches to inspire them to take part
in 3 Generate this year.
Interesting in volunteering for 3 Generate 2024?
Please sign up to find out how to be part of it all this
year!
https://eventsfeedback2020.typeform.com/to/RUodg6kt
Dates for your diary
Volunteer Registration : 12th February 2024
Ticket sales open 16th April 2024
Sarah Remy
Events Assistant | The Connexional Team
Phone: 020 7467 5217
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Children's Support Fund
We are still able to support Children's
activities through a Children's support grant. The original fund
has been spent but the District has agreed to make more funds
available so please apply using the link and forward to my email tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com
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Amplify Stewards Needed
Could
you be part of our small but mighty stewarding team? If you are
passionate about young people involved in the church and want to
be a part of a great team who will be serving, listening and
engaging with them, then being an Amplify Steward is for you!
This varied role will allow you to both be blessed by and be a
blessing to our young people. Amplify takes place between 15th and
17th March 2024 at the Pioneer Centre near
Cleobury Mortimer. You can volunteer anywhere from one session to
the whole weekend. Food will be provided for the meals you are
with us for, and there is some accommodation available to stay
with us for the weekend. You can find out more information about
stewarding and apply at www.birminghammethodist.org.uk/amplify/#stewards.
Contact Charlotte youth@birminghammethodist.org.uk
for more information. We'd love to have you on board!
Thanks,
Charlotte 🙂
Charlotte
Hambly | District Youth Coordinator
07742737437
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Christian Aid's Changemakers Conference
Saturday 2nd March 10.30am-1pm
Join us for our hugely popular annual conference to hear stories
from our partners in Burundi and to meet with fellow Christian
Aid supporters to help make Christian Aid Week 2024 a great
success. You can join us in 3 ways:
- Join us in person
in London
- Attend a local
‘Watch Party’ hosted by CA staff in Crewe (St Andrew’s) or
Warrington (The Outset)
- Or join online
from your own home.
The first 2 options are followed by a networking
lunch.
Sign up here to attend: Changemakers
Conference: Changing the world together | Christian Aid
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Christian Aid's Lent Course
Christian
Aid has joined forces for the Act on Poverty initiative with
partner organisations – including The Methodist Church, Baptist Union,
Church
Action on Poverty and The Trussell Trust.
Over 200 churches and individuals have signed up already to put their
faith into action in the run up to a General Election.
Over six weeks, those taking part will find out more about the
reality of poverty both in their communities and around the
world, through activities designed to inspire them to take
actions such as engaging with MPs.
Each pack contains:
Guidance for a short Bible study
- Access to audio
recordings of conversations featuring anti-poverty
practitioners and activists, many with lived experience of
poverty in the UK and worldwide.
- Questions and
prompts for small group discussion.
- Inspiring videos
from churches taking practical action on poverty.
- A guide to simple
steps your church can take to advocate for change.
You can also use each pack as a standalone session to explore the
issues most relevant for you.
To find out more and If you’d like to join hundreds of others
taking action on poverty, you can sign up here: Act
on Poverty - Christian Aid
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Local Arrangements Training
There will be an event held in the Telford Circuit meant to
support those asked to lead local arrangements. The event will
give ideas and support to those who find themselves having to
lead an act of worship when they are not used to doing this. It
is therefore aimed at church stewards, worship leaders,
musicians, etc. who get involved with this.
The event will be at Dunwell Ghanaian church in Ketley on the 17th
February from 10-2 pm. Can people bring their own lunch/tea for
these events please. Although the event has been requested by the
Telford Circuit, this is an open invitation for anyone across our
District to attend.
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Circuit Stewards Training
Are you a new circuit steward, or have been one for awhile and
are looking to dive deeper in to your roles &
responsibilities and develop your skills and knowledge?
This 6
session course takes place on Monday evenings,
7-9pm, from 26th Feb-15th April, 2024. 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: Welcome and Introduction to Circuit Stewarding
- 26th
Feb
Session
2: Calling and Role of the Circuit Steward
- 4th
March
Session
3: Distinctively Methodist - 11th March
Session
4: Positive Working Together - 18th March
Session
5: Continuing to Learn - 25th March
Session
6: Mission Planning - 15th April
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
How do
I book a place?
Go to Eventbrite, you can follow the link here Circuit
Stewards Training Tickets, Mon 26 Feb 2024 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
Rosie
Bryant
Learning & Development Officer | The Connexional
Team
Phone: 07772979625
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Christ for All Nations 2024
www.cfan.org.uk
2024 is a big year for CfaN so as a leader that is based in West
Midlands and surrounding area, we would like to invite you to our
Leaders Vision Breakfast for Birmingham on Saturday 10th Feb 2024
at 8.30am at The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre.
This Vision Breakfast is an invitation to church leaders to come
together and contribute significantly to Birmingham and the UK's
spiritual landscape.
Event Highlights
*
Visionary Talks: Engage with leaders as they discuss CfaN's past
achievements and envision the exciting future of evangelism.
*
Networking Opportunities: Build connections with members of the
faith community who share your dedication and passion.
*
Detailed Insights: Gain in-depth knowledge about CfaN's School of
Evangelism and the upcoming Gospel Campaign and opportunities.
Please find attached the link to CfaN's web page for more
details www.cfan.org.uk/vision
<http://www.cfan.org.uk/vision>
Tickets are £25 per head, but as you are a leader we would like to
offer you a complimentary ticket, but places are limited, if you
require further information or to book your free ticket please
give CfaN a call on 0121 602 2000.
They are looking forward to welcoming you on the 10th February
2024.
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