New this week:
Making a link to Bethlehem
Primitive Methodist Pottery Talk
Religion and Media Conference
Methodists for World Mission Rwanda Webinar
Action for Children News
In case you missed it:
Fairtrade Christmas Market
Christmas/Advent Grants - updated form
Refresh: Lay Vocation Conference
Being Tentmakers in the Marketplace
Rural Mission & Ministry Course
Methodist Conference - Telford
Latest Safeguarding Training Info
District Children's Activities Support Fund

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Making a Link with Bethlehem

As Christmas lights are switched on in towns and cities across the country, many of us are preparing to tell once more the story of Jesus' birth.  Bethlehem will have a starring role, but for many listeners it may seem no more than a storybook setting.
This Advent and Christmas the District has decided to make a tangible link with the real "little town" by ordering 1,500 Christmas decorations carved from olive wood by Palestinian artisans in and around Bethlehem. They'll shortly be distributed across the Circuits who will each decide what use to make of them.
This project hopefully fulfils many aims. Firstly, they are beautiful, natural and durable gifts. Our hope is that they will be part of Christmas decorations in 1500 homes across our geography for many years to come - a reminder of the local church's generosity and, through that, the generosity and grace of God displayed in the birth of Jesus.  Secondly, our purchase is helping to support a Palestinian community impoverished by the collapse of tourism since 7th October 2023.  And last but certainly not least, we hope that these gifts will remind people to pray for an end to war and violence, and for a just peace, especially in the land of Jesus' birth.  

Primitive Methodist Pottery

Englesea Brook Heritage Talks
An heirloom adorning the District Manse shelves is this small side plate (or muffin) bearing a picture of Jubilee Chapel in Tunstall along with the cheery phrase "God buries his workmen but carries on his work". These are words of Charles Wesley, also to be found on the memorial to the Wesley brothers in Westminster Abbey. Today, we might find less gloomy ways to express the truth that God's work is greater and more long-lasting than any of us!
If ceramics like this pique your interest, then you can find out a whole lot more this Saturday 16th November 2024 at 11am when Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum will be hosting a heritage talk online. John Anderson will be talking about the history of Primitive Methodist Pottery, examining its iconography and looking at who made it and why.
https://zoom.us/j/99452796845...
Meeting ID: 994 5279 6845
Passcode: 151080

Religion and the Media

Creating Connections: Religion and the media in Wolverhampton

Join us on Thursday 28 November for our 'Creating Connections' event in Wolverhampton

13:30 Registration and refreshments

14:00 Welcome from Councillor Linda Leach, the Right Worshipful Mayor of Wolverhampton; Dr Timothy Wambunyathe, Bishop of Wolverhampton; and a representative from Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

14:10 Introduction - Michael Wakelin, Exec Chair Religion Media Centre – What is the Religion Media Centre and why are we all here?

14:20 Presentation: The Religious Landscape of Wolverhampton - Revd Ray Gaston, Inter Faith Enabler for the Wolverhampton Episcopal Area and Adviser on interfaith relations to the Bishops of Wolverhampton and Lichfield. And Dr Opinderjit Takhar MBE, a researcher...

14:40 Who’s in the room? - Unsung heroes, untold stories, from your faith communities

15:15 Youth and Social Media Panel - Students from the city’s schools and colleges share their media insights

15:45 Networking and coffee/tea break

16:00 Media Panel - A panel featuring news editors and journalists from the West Midlands, chaired by Leo Devine, former BBC editor and leader of many different BBC regions. The panel includes:- -Gary Newby, news editor...

17:00 The Changing Face of the Media - An opportunity to catch up with the extraordinary growth of social media

17:30 - Dal Darroch, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Football Association will talk about the FA’s engagement with faith communities

18:00 Plenary - What we have learned and next steps

18:15 - 19:00 - Networking and Refreshments

About this event

• Event lasts 5 hours 30 minutes

Explore the way religion and belief are interwoven into the life of Wolverhampton, as people from long-standing and diverse communities share their stories and open the window into their world.

Join us at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club for presentations and conversations with journalists, teachers, academics, and religious leaders, making new contacts and networking with local media representatives who are looking for stories.

The purpose of the day is to bring together local faith communities with local and regional journalists to improve the reporting and understanding of religion. Several media professionals from the main TV and Radio channels will be present along with print and online media editors and reporters.

Wolverhampton will be the 12th city to be visited by the Religion Media Centre for our Creating Connections initiative. Attendance is free, but you must register here beforehand.

The event is hosted by the Religion Media Centre, an impartial and independent organisation aiming to increase further cohesion and understanding in society by helping the media report and understand religion and belief. Join our mailing lists here >>

Methodists for World Mission Rwanda Webinar

Join Methodists for World Mission for a webinar on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 6.30pm for an opportunity to meet with Bishop Samuel Kayinamura from Rwanda. To register, complete the online booking form  before 18th November at 6pm. A zoom link will be sent out nearer to the time. 

 

Action for Children News

Fairtrade Christmas Market

The Fairtrade Group for Wolverhampton Circuit are holding a Christmas Fairtrade Market at Beckminster on Saturday 16^th November; 10.30am - 2.00pm. Cards, gifts, groceries and chocolate for gifting. Teas and coffees, light lunches available from 12 noon.

Christmas/Advent Grants - Hush the Noise -updated

Christmas is loud, isn’t it? So much expectation. So many voices. Telling us how to celebrate, what to wear, what to eat and drink, what to watch and what to buy. Instead, this Christmas we’re inviting everyone to hush the noise. 
Christmas can indeed be overwhelming, with all the noise and expectations.
This Advent and Christmas, the Methodist Church is inviting you to create opportunities for God’s love to shine, focusing on ordinary acts of kindness that can make an extraordinary difference.  The District is supporting the Connexional “Hush the Noise” Campaign by making small grants available of up to £200.  Anyone in the District can apply, though you’ll need your Superintendent’s signature.
 
Applications will be considered by the District Chair and the Ministry & Missions Co-ordinator.  Rachel and Jo will be particularly looking for projects which:
 

• Go beyond giving gifts away to seeking to build relationship with people beyond your Sunday congregation
• Communicate the love of God in Jesus, and make room for people to respond
• Are conscious of the need to be environmentally friendly
• Include people who find Christmas overwhelming, noisy or challenging

 
Connexional resources can be found here.

Please click here for an updated application form.
Please remember to include the bank account number and Sort Code in order to speed up payment and send your application to janet@wsmethodist.org.uk for processing.

 

Refresh: Lay Vocation Conference

Come join us at the Berkswich Methodist Church for a day of learning, networking, and fun at our lay leader conference! Whether you're a paid worker, or a volunteer you're welcome. It is an opportunity to connect with others and to hear more about what "God for All" means to you and your role. It is also a chance to reflect and learn more about your own vocational calling.
As well as hearing from our Keynote Speaker - Trey Hall, Director of Evangelism and Growth. We will have a guest speaker from Care for the Family and there will be opportunity to speak with Jo Yair, Mission and Ministry Co-ordinator for the W&S District, Adam Sanders, Mission Enabler in the Birmingham District and Rosie Bryant from the Learning Network. So there are plenty of opportunities to find out more about training and coaching available through the church. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and recharge with like-minded individuals. Register now to secure your spot!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1037817468987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Being Tentmakers in the Marketplace

Rural Mission & Ministry Course

Bookings are now open with dates & new venues for 2025.
For anyone in need of a rural refresher or considering a move to rural.
50% bursary for all lay/ordained Methodists.
Further information & booking form here: www.tinyurl.com/RMMC25

Methodist Conference 2025 - Telford

Taking place @ Telford International Centre
26th June – 2nd July 2025
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

An exciting opportunity to support
The METHODIST Conference

Conference Needs
Stewards/Help Desk
Collators and paper distributors
Creche
Memorial Service Chaplains

Please make initial contact with YOUR District’s PA
Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury admin@wsmethodist.org.uk
Birmingham  office@birminghammethodist.org.uk
Chester and Stoke   chester.stoke@btconnect.com
Be part of the team that makes The Methodist Conference work!

Latest Safeguarding Training Dates

District Children's Activities Support Fund

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