From:                              Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District Office [admin@wsmethodist.org.uk]

Sent:                               08 May 2024 15:22

To:                                   beckminster@talktalk.net

Subject:                          08/05/2024

 

New this week:
District Pilgrimage 2024
Love Pray Vote
Survivor Awareness Webinar
Taize Pilgrimage
New Lay Stationing Rep needed - updated
In case you missed it:
BCUIM Team leader needed
FE Sunday Resources
Christian Leaders in Public/Private sector
MHA Sunday Resources
Stationing Training and Preparation Meeting - Correction
Equipping those working with young people
Safeguarding Advanced Training Dates
District Children's Holiday Fund
3Gen Bookings

Dial-a-prayer free phone line to hear prayers : 0808 281 2514 Methodist News : 0808 281 2478

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District Pilgrimage 2024

Following this year’s pilgrimage, Rev’d Dee Yeadon (who has been stationed to the District from this September) wrote a short reflection.  This now forms the basis of a 2 min video, with photos from the pilgrimage.  You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/bIhnAZtqKwo?si=4hZYJH42FbX9Dg0_ 
 

 

Love Pray Vote

 – engaging with the General Election
A webinar at 7pm on 21 May will introduce JPIT’s resources for individuals and churches for the election, including how to encourage voter registration, put poverty on the agenda, host a successful hustings, and preach and pray in the election period. Register for the event and access the resources at www.jpit.uk/election
 

 

Survivor Awareness Webinar

How to speak to and about survivors of abuse
Tuesday 14 May 2024 at 11am – 12:30pm on Zoom

 
Trigger warning: victims and survivors of abuse
This webinar is being organised and led by the Methodist Survivors Advisory Group with support from the Connexional Safeguarding Team. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people will experience some form of abuse or traumatic experience during their lifetime. Survivors of abuse choose carefully who to disclose to. They might not always go to “the Safeguarding Officer” but rather the person at church they think is most likely to listen to them, believe them, offer support and perhaps act on their concern if that’s what they want. When someone speaks out to you about their experience of abuse and trauma, you are being given their trust.
 
There will be many people in our congregations still suffering in silence, too scared to speak out at church for fear of being judged or blamed. Some survivors have unfortunately experienced a negative response from churches: being told they are to blame, or that what happened was God testing them, that they should just forgive and forget, or even that they are a liar. Survivors hear those messages and believe them. They don’t hear the message of “God loves you” loud and clear enough, perhaps because of shame and guilt, perhaps because of negative experiences, or perhaps because this part of life simply isn’t ever raised in our church.
 
So how can we speak out from the pulpit, giving the good news of God to survivors of abuse? How can we respond well to survivors of abuse and offer them support? How can we let them know “God loves you” and “it wasn’t your fault”?  If you want to find out more please register for the webinar here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/webinars/survivor-awareness-how-to-speak-to-and-about-survivors-of-abuse-14-may-2024/ 
 
(If you are anyone else you know are personally affected, you could contact our local District Safeguarding team or one of the organisations listed on our website here:
www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/support-for-survivors/contacts-for-survivors-organisations/
 
or here:
www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/support-for-survivors/other-organisations/

 

Young People's Pilgrimage to Taize

 

New Lay Stationing Representative needed

The Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District has an immediate vacancy for a Lay Stationing Rep (LSR) to work with the Chair on Stationing in 2024/25.  With the new West Midlands District expected to begin from September 2025 and the LSR for the Birmingham District indicating a desire to then step down, the person appointed to this role is expected to become LSR for the new District.  Both District Policy Committees have agreed to this, subject to this appointment being open to people in both Districts.  Indications of interest from both District are therefore invited.

The LSR plays a very significant part in the life of a District. The role involves working alongside the Chair during the Stationing Process offering a Lay perspective.  It includes meeting with Circuit Invitation Committees and with ministers and those who share their journey.  More information is on the attached role description.
 
Could this be for you?  Or for someone you know whom you could suggest it to?  If, after reading the information, you would like to explore this further, please contact the W&S District Administrator, Richard Lockley, as soon as possible and by 2nd June at the latest so that further conversations can take place admin@wsmethodist.org.uk   Appointment will be subject to safe recruiting procedures.  
 

 

Team Leader of BCUIM needed

Black Country Urban Industrial Mission
  
The Black Country Urban Industrial Mission is looking to appoint a Team Leader who will work with the Executive Board to drive forward the ministry of BCUIM and to support and develop an ecumenical team of Workplace Chaplains.
 
This is 0.5 Full Time Equivalent role equating to 21 hours. This role allows for hybrid working, locations to include the BCUIM office (currently Wolverhampton), and activities in the industrial environment in the area known as “The Black Country”.
 
Salary is £17,418 p.a. (£34,837 FTE), plus allowances if appropriate.
 
This role is a post to which an Occupational Requirement under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 applies, the requirement being that the post holder is a practising Christian
 
Download the Job Description and Person Specification here. Or please email: recruitment.bcuim@gmail.com
 
For informal enquiries regarding this post please contact Simon Foster: simon.foster@lichfield.anglican.org
 
To apply please send a CV, covering letter addressing points in the person specification and the names and email addresses of 2 referees to: recruitment.bcuim@gmail.com
Closing date Wednesday 29 May 5pm
Interviews: Wednesday 12 June
 
 

 

Further Education Sunday resources

Sunday 12 May 2024 is Further Education Sunday! It's a great opportunity for you to pray for your local Further Education or Sixth Form College and consider how your church or church project could partner with your local college to bless and support young people and the staff who work with them.
 
You can find videos, prayer and Bible resources for FE Sunday on the website www.fe-sunday.uk, where you can also get in touch to find out more about partnering with a local college.  Share your prayers and actions on social media using the hashtag #FESunday24.
 
 
Many thanks,
 
Lynne Hayes-James
Administrator and Clerk to Trustees
St. Peter's Saltley Trust
 

 

Christian Leaders in Public and Private sectors

Forward Partnership and St Peter's Saltley Trust would love to hear from Christians leadership roles (emerging, middle or senior) in the public, private or voluntary sectors (but NOT local church leaders), who see their role as contributing to the renewal and transformation of society.  We want to understand more about how your sense of calling relates to your work role, and how the local church might better support you in your vocation.  You can do this by...
 
Taking part in a short (3 minute) online survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3texnY-KI8nmULaBdu_jH2ontvMKxI_ZXr5iUE-mnxCgk1g/viewform
 
and/or
 
Joining a one-off, 90 minute focus group with other Christians in leadership, at a mutually convenient time, to share your perspectives.  To sign up, please contact Ian Jones (director@saltleytrust.org.uk). 
 
For more information about the project, click here.
 
 

 

MHA Sunday Resources

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. 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

Stationing Training & Preparation Meeting - correction

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 10th 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.
 

 

Equipping those working with young people


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 1st session is in Telford on 11th May. 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
 

 

Safeguarding Advanced Training Dates

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
 

 

District Children's Holiday Fund

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.
 

 

3Gen bookings

Volunteering for 3Generate is now open! There are plenty of different ways to join the team and help make the event happen.
Here’s Jude Levermore sharing why volunteering matters: https://youtu.be/iWCUqrTfEBU  
Let’s share the news far and wide and encourage those we know to get involved. And why not consider the opportunity yourself too?
Check: www.methodist.org.uk/3Generate for further information and to book your place as general booking is now open.

 

 

 

 

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