It has been over 80 years since the Methodist Conference grasped Rev. Walter Hall’s vision and supported the founding of MHA.  And in those 80 years, we have worked together with our friends in the Methodist Church to meet the changing needs of people in later life.   This year, for MHA Sunday, we are delighted to announce that our long-standing patron and friend, TV and radio presenter Pam Rhodes, is fronting our campaign and has supported us by presenting our 2024 video.   MHA Sunday 2024 will be held on 9 June, but we warmly encourage churches across the circuit to hold a service on any day that fits with their rota or programme of activities. We very much hope that you will be able to help us get the message out across your Circuit: to churches, ministers, preachers, worship leaders and stewards. Marking June 9 on the plan as MHA Sunday serves as a useful reminder to those planned to lead worship that day, it also provides time to prepare using your free downloadable resources.

 

MHA Sunday Materials

 

Our focus this year follows Mark 4:30, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and uses the growth of God’s Kingdom to highlight the impact a small gesture can have, especially on those in later life.   This year our free downloadable pack includes a complete order of service and videos, including a sermon – everything needed to lead an MHA Sunday service and perfect for Local Arrangements.

 

Free Worship Resources

 

We would appreciate it if you would forward this email to all those in your Circuit responsible for leading worship and encourage them to take a look at the resources. For those without email, let them know there are resources available. It would be wonderful if every church across the Connexion could hold an MHA Sunday service in 2024.   With faith and kindness we are stronger together.   With every blessing, Abby Ogier Head of Chaplaincy

A number of ministers in Circuits across the District are in appointments which come to and end in August 2025.  A training / preparation meeting will be held for ministers and Circuits on Friday 9th May from 7pm to 9pm on Zoom.  Ministers and Circuits are being individually notified.  However, if you feel you should be attending and do not receive an invitation, please contact the District Office.
 

 
The Black Country Circuit are seeking to appoint a FAMILIES’ WORKER (Part time 16-20 hours per week depending on suitable applicant - days to be agreed with some flexibility needed)
 
Salary: £14.00 per hour
 
We are looking for a creative and passionate individual to take on a new role of  Families’ worker to support the vision of the circuit in engaging with families in the church and wider community: 
 
Are you:
 
A committed Christian who is passionate about youth and family work?
Good at encouraging people to join in, take part, and have fun together?
Brave enough to try new things, reach out and meet new people, and run a range of exciting community and church-based activities?
Able to work alongside people of all ages and diverse backgrounds?
 
Do you:
Know how to use social media to promote our work and reach more people?
Want to help model a fully inclusive culture where children and families are integrated throughout the church and community?
 
If you think this might be you, contact us for more information and a job application pack:
revruthchilds@gmail.com
07456 268771
Closing date for applications 30^th April 2024 at 5pm
Interviews 15^th May 2024
 

Thursday, 18 April

What do you think?

Join us for "What do you think?", a fun, interactive evening for young adults discussing interesting topics of your choice

Date and time: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00 - 19:00 BST

A free online 1 hour session.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-do-you-think-tickets-841437200317?aff=signpost1

What do you think?

Join us for an exciting online event where we want to hear your thoughts! Whether you're a creative thinker, a tech enthusiast, or just someone with an opinion, if you're aged 18-30, this event is perfect for you. We'll be discussing hot topics topics like digital discipleship and designing a Christian community for and by Gen Z, sharing innovative ideas, and sparking engaging conversations. Don't miss this opportunity to express yourself and connect with like-minded individuals from around the Connexion. It's time to let your voice be heard online! Mark your calendars and get ready to share your perspective on various interesting subjects.

This session will be co-facilitated by Tom Hart (Youth President) an Abi Jarvis (Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer, Evangelism and Growth team). See you there!

If you can't make the date but still want to share your ideas, email us at mwol@methodistchurch.org.uk or take 10 minutes to fill in this survey: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/BVI-1C7Y/what-do-you-think

 

Come join us at Sunshine and Showers: the Retreat, a time for prayer, reflection, and planning

When?

Mon, 3 Jun 2024 10:00 - Tue, 4 Jun 2024 16:00 

Where?

The Hayes Conference Centre, Hayes Lane, Swanwick, Alfreton, UK

Hayes Lane Swanwick DE55 1AU

Agenda

10:00

Welcome

Day One

Prayer as friendship (a space for discussion); rhythms of prayer (an opportunity for physical activity); forms of prayer (a time of silence and rage)

Day Two

When prayer is hard (a space for lament); prayers for healing (a time of intercession and a place of peace); answering prayers ourselves (an opportunity for justice)

16:00

Sunshine and Showers: the Retreat

Do you eagerly desire a revitalised sense of prayer in your church, but you're not sure where to start? Have you taken a look at the Sunshine and Showers prayer resource, but you're not sure if it's right for your community? If so, this may be the event for you. Join us for a rejuvenating event at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick.

Built around the sessions in the Sunshine and Showers course, this refreshing retreat will help you consider the paradoxes that can make prayer difficult, and how you might encourage your church or Circuit in prayer. For example: the frustration that God is always with us, but that we don't always feel God's presence. This is an opportunity to experience what this reflective, discursive prayer course is like. Connect with like-minded individuals and leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world!

Please note: this event is intended for those who play a role in encouraging prayer in their church or circuit (such as a worship leader, deacon, circuit steward, local preacher or youth leader), particularly if you are actively considering using the Sunshine and Showers course. As places are limited, please consider if this is the right event for you and your community. If you are unsure, please contact us: mwol@methodistchurch.org.uk

If you are looking for a time of prayerful retreat, we encourage you to take a look at upcoming retreats organised by Reflect: reflectretreats.co.uk

There is a refundable cost to this event. This will be fully refunded to everyone who attends the event, or to people who cancel more than a month in advance. We are unable to refund people who cancel less than a month in advance (although tickets can be transferred to someone else) or who are no shows on the day, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Please book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunshine-and-showers-the-retreat-tickets-851528614007?aff=signpost

An exciting course to equip and strengthen anyone working with/ministering to young people in churches and community projects.
 
Youthscape Essentials is an innovative course for volunteers and paid youth leaders that increases your skills and understanding about working alongside young people today. Whether you're running a community project, a church youth group, or occasionally helping out on a Sunday morning, the course is designed with you in mind! It’s not about the numbers of young people attending, it’s about putting God at the centre of your youth ministry. 
 
The Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham Districts are facilitating this course, and the 1^st session is in Telford. Follow the link for more details and to book or contact Jo Yair for more information.
 
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/birminghammethodistdistrict/1216754# <https://www.tickettailor.com/events/birminghammethodistdistrict/1216754#
 
 
Jo Yair MA l Ministry and Mission Coordinator
 

We are delighted to have Revd Inderjit Bhogal speak to us about how to be "more than welcoming: engaging with South Asian Communities" . This is in conjunction with the South East District and is open to everyone across the Connexion but places are limited.
 
The event takes place on Tuesday 30th Apr 2024,  at 19:30. It is an online event. Please book your place here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/more-than-welcoming-engaging-with-south-asian-communities-registration-776334787247
 
Rosie
 
Rosie Bryant  
Learning & Development Officer | The Connexional Team  
Phone: 07772979625
 

Advanced Courses arranged in the following Circuits in 2024.
Please contact Stephanie Bradley to book or for venue information and times via the following email address: stephaniebradley@birminghammethodist.org.uk
 
11 May - Sutton
21 May -  Droitwich
25 May - Coventry Central
01 Jun - Solihull
08 Jun - Wednesbury Black Country
19 Jun - Birmingham West & Oldbury
22 Jun - Telford
06Jul - Shropshire & Marches - Ludlow
13 Jul - Bromsgrove & Redditch
05 Oct - Vale of Stour
 

As we have now spent all of the surplus District Children's Holiday monies I wanted to share with you some details of where and what it has funded in the hope that Churches will still apply for funding which is now available through the District Advance Fund.
 
Total amount Paid out to Churches since 2020  £16202
Number of Projects supported  39
Number of Churches supported 32
 
What types of projects have been approved?
Pop up Spaces
Holiday Clubs
Christmas Activity bags
Breakfast Clubs
Lego clubs
Books for reading initiatives
Summer Clubs
Special needs groups
After School clubs
 
So if you have a project coming up please apply for funding (up to £500) using the application form linked to this and forward to Tim Lorimer at childrensfunding2024@gmail.com
 
Note the change of email address.
 

Beckminster Methodist Church

Birches Barn Road

United Kingdom