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

Sent:                               19 March 2025 12:27

To:                                   beckminster@talktalk.net

Subject:                          19/03/2025

 

New this week:
District Chair's Lent Pilgrimage Walks continue
Borderlands at the Palace
District Small Grants for Suzanna's Table
Corrymeela Volunteer Opportunities
MHA Sunday Resources
3Generate 2025 Volunteer Opportunities
In case you missed it:
Spiritual Companions Course
Exploring Ordained Ministry?
Bonhoeffer Movie - arrives in Shrewsbury
Rev'd David Lavender's email address
MHA Spring Report
MWM Annual Global Missions Conference
Fund for Human Needs news
New District Synod Secretary and Deputy Chair applications open
Synod Diary Date Reminders
Stationing Briefing - save the date!
Wholehearted Monthly Mission Series launches
Advanced Safeguarding Training update
New District Website - reminder
District Children's Activities Fund

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

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District Chair's Lent Pilgrimage Walks continue

District Chair’s Lent Pilgrimage Walks
On Fridays in Lent, the District Chair will be making pilgrimage prayer walks in the Circuits.  This Friday Rachel will make a journey through the Telford Circuit.  She will begin at Donnington, walking west as far as Admaston and then circling back to Oakengates United Church, praying at other churches along the route.
If you have any prayers that you would like her to carry on the pilgrimage, or your would like to join her for all or part of the journey, please contact Rachel by email - chair@wsmethodist.org.uk
The photo collage is from last week’s pilgrimage in the Stafford and Cannock Chase Circuits.  The Lent pilgrimage on Friday 28th will be in the Kidderminster & Stourport and Vale of Stour Circuits.

 

 

Borderlands at the Palace

On Monday 17th March His Royal Highness King Charles hosted a reception for The Royal Countryside Fund at Buckingham Palace. Borderlands Rural Chaplaincy, a beneficiary of the Fund, was invited to attend and Rev'd Nick Read represented the Chaplaincy at the event.  It’s wonderful to see the work of Borderlands being recognised in this way.  Link to story and photos here:  https://www.borderchaplain.org/blog/chaplain-revd-nick-read-represents-brc-at-king-charles-event.html


 

 

New roll-out of District Small Grants Scheme - Suzanna's Table

Could you host a community meal in your neighbourhood?
In support of the “Soul Food” Connexional campaign for Lent and Easter, the District is making available small grants of up to £200 to help churches or Circuits plan a “Suzanna’s table” event between Easter and Pentecost this year.  
 
Where might you set a table?  What will be on the menu?  Who will be on your guest list? And how will you invite Jesus to be a guest at the table too?
Background resources borrowed from the Yorkshire West District are here: https://ywmethodist.org.uk/susannas-table/   If you would like to discuss your plans please contact the District Office and we will be glad to put you in touch with further help.
 
Please note that this District will be working to a longer timetable and have our own grant form.  Grants will be awarded to support a new expression of hospitality rather than things which are already a regular part of your church’s programme



 

 

Corrymeela Volunteer Opportunities

We are in midst of recruiting for our next intake of long-term volunteers who will begin a year in residence with us at Corrymeela this coming September. 
 
We are conducting an open recruitment and expect applications to come in from all over the world-- but we are hoping to draw a significant number of applicants from Northern Ireland, UK and Ireland and would appreciate your encouraging people you know to apply.  
 
Please consider who might join us through volunteering and feel free to share this information.
 
Volunteer - Corrymeela
 

 

MHA Sunday Resources

Please click on the link below
MHA Sunday | Celebrating the Work of MHA
 
At the heart of this year’s MHA Sunday message is Irene’s story—a testament to the difference chaplaincy makes. When Irene moved into an MHA community, she felt lost and uncertain. But through the compassion and presence of chaplaincy, she found renewed purpose, belonging, and hope.
 
This year, we are reflecting on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)—a story of seeing, stopping, and responding with love. It speaks directly to our ministry as chaplains, reminding us that care is more than words—it is action, presence, and a willingness to walk alongside those in need.
 
MHA Chaplains are happy to come and give a talk/answer questions/lead a service if helpful.
Do contact me to see if I can be of any help.
 
Many thanks
 

 

Susan Martyr Tel: 07725 477267 Email: mha.org.uk

Mail: Epworth House 3 Stuart Street DERBY DE1 2EQ

Area Support Chaplain

 
 
 

 

3Generate 2025 Volunteer Opportunities


 
“A calming balm and great reminder of faith”
 
“Young people showed great passion for seeing God’s kingdom come”
 
“What a joy it was to be surrounded by so many young Methodists, united in their fun and faith!”
 
3Generate volunteer sign-ups are now open – and what better way to find out more than from past volunteers sharing their experience from last year!
 
There truly is a place for everyone to volunteer at 3Generate, no matter your experience, skills, or ability. We have a wide range of roles including working directly with young people in venues, stewarding, and registration.
 
Find out about all the available roles, and sign up here
 
Many thanks,
 
Felix Hanif-Banks (he/him)
Administrator, Children Youth & Families
Mobile: 07985334810

 

Course for Spiritual Companions

Birmingham Forum for Spiritual Directors and Companions are organising a one year ecumenical Spiritual Accompaniment training course for lay and ordained Christians from September 2025 to July 2026
It is ecumenical and two of the facilitators are Methodists. Please click here for more details.

 
 

 

Exploring Ordained Ministry - 14 June 2025

We are now taking bookings for the next Exploring Ordained Ministry Day! It will be held on Saturday 14 June 2025 from 10am to 12:30pm. The link to book your place is here.
Please pass this on to those who might be exploring a Call to Ordained Ministry.
 
 

 

Bonhoeffer Movie comes to Shrewsbury

Please could you put the following or something similar in your church notice sheet over the next few weekends and get word around by social media, WhatsApp groups, word-of-mouth, Sunday church announcements etc.:  
 
Bonhoeffer 12A
is showing at
 Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury 
 The Square SY1 1LH 
from Friday 28th March - Thurs. 3rd April:
Fri. at 2pm & 8pm
Sat. at 2pm & 5pm
Sun. at 7pm
Mon. at 2pm & 5pm
Tues at 4pm
Wed at 2pm & 8pm
Thurs at 5pm
  ***Try to organise at least one group outing for your church
(hopefully including to a midweek matinee for retired people)*** 
 
For details, trailer and to book go to:
bonhoefferfilm.com
 
"An inspiring, faith-filled story...Bonhoeffer's courage remains as provocative and powerful as ever"
             - Nathanael Smith,
               Premier Christianity magazine
 
"Some of the words spoken in the film have such an unnerving and uncomfortable contemporary relevance that I hear gasps in the cinema.  'Bonhoeffer' speaks with extraordinary clarity to a time when an ugly nationalism seems once more to be on the rise across the world"
              - J. John
 
I hope these showings go really well in Shrewsbury.  Please let everyone know and encourage them to attend.
 
With many thanks
Every blessing in Christ
 
David Taylor
Christian films at my Cinema

 

 

Rev'd David Lavender's new email address

Please note that if you would like to contact Rev'd David Lavender by email, please use his Gmail address  davidflavender@gmail.com.
 

 

MHA Spring Report

Thank you for the wonderful support from our friends within the Methodist Church, your tremendous dedication to Methodist Homes (MHA) and your overwhelming support of our mission, vision and values has again supported our vital work in helping people to live later life well.
Changes at MHA
2023 was another challenging year with the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, massive increases in energy costs and a shortage of workers across the care sector.
The biggest changes were announced in May 2023 following a strategic review of MHA’s services. The decision was made to sell ten care homes, place Auchlochan Garden Village in Scotland and its two associated care homes, into administration and sell the charity’s three remaining retirement living schemes in Scotland. Since the announcement, Hafan y Waun in Aberystwyth has transferred to the local authority. The sale of eight homes is proceeding well and should be completed by spring. Sadly, the buyer for the tenth home, Cedar Lawn in Stratford upon Avon, withdrew and in January, MHA had to make the difficult decision to close the home.

Revd Crispian Acher

In August 2023, we were shocked by the unexpected and very sudden death of our Head of Chaplaincy South, Crispian Acher, who at that time had just taken on the role of Acting Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality.  Crispian was a much loved and respected member of staff throughout MHA and beyond and is greatly missed. 
Celebrating MHA’s 80th anniversary
The 80th-anniversary service held at Wesley Church, Harrogate on 23 September was a joyful occasion, and it was wonderful to be joined by so many friends from the Methodist Church.  President of Conference Revd Gill Newton preached an inspiring sermon, encouraging us to look back with thanksgiving, and to continue forwards in confidence, knowing that God is good, loving and faithful.
Finding Nana
The children’s book, “Finding Nana” was championed by Crispian Acher up until his untimely death in August, and now becomes his legacy.  It was developed in recognition that it can be daunting for children when a loved one moves into a care home and seeks to address the anxieties that such young people may have when preparing to visit a friend or relative for the first time. The story has been written by author Jenni Bacon following visits to an MHA home and is illustrated by Sophie Parmenter. It has been published in partnership with Methodist Publishing and BRF. It is now available to order and will be formally launched in February 2024.
MHA Sunday
In 2023, MHA Sunday was themed around our intergenerational work, reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and how we need one another for our wellbeing. Through your generous support, we have raised approximately £160k through MHA Sunday activities and other support from faith communities.
This year, our MHA Sunday will be themed around Mark 4:30-32, the parable of the mustard seed, as we reflect on how the seemingly small act of making a regular telephone call has a big impact in our telephone befriending service. In this year’s video, we meet Dot and Grace, who were matched through this service, and witness them meeting face to face for the first time. MHA Sunday is held on 9 June 2024, but you are welcome to hold your service on any date that fits with your calendar of activities.
Our dedicated web page has free downloadable resources including an order of service (available in English and Welsh), the video, sermon notes and a fully worked sermon; everything you need to plan your service.  You can also order Gift Aid envelopes for your church or circuit.  To find all of this, visit mha.org.uk/Sunday.
Thank you for all your support.  In faith and kindness, we are stronger together.

 

 

MWM Annual Global Missions Conference

"The World is my Parish – Celebrating World Mission in Methodism’s past and exploring God's Mission in the future." happening at Cliff College, from Fri 30th May to Sun 1st June. 
You may already know about this and some from your district may already be booked on. The conference is run in partnership with Global Relationships and as well as commemorating and celebrating  overseas lay mission of the Methodist Church over many many years, we will also be looking to the future, exploring new mission paths, including District Partnerships. Our Keynote speaker is Rev’d Reynaldo Leao Neto, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. The Connexional Vice President, Carolyn Godfrey, and the Methodist Youth President, Bea Hulme, will also both be present, along with some returned mission partners, and other organsiations, to share their thoughts and experiences. 
If your district would like to bring any information about your district links, we will have a 'market place' space to share this. 
We are hoping the weekend can be one of celebration and affirmation. 
Please do publicise it, especially to those networks with particular interest in overseas missions or with global connections/partnerships. 
To register and for more information, including booking procedures, please go to https://mwm.org.uk/conferences/

Please click the link for a flyer.

 

Fund for Human Need news


Click the links to find out more about The Fund for Human Need news and Spring reports.

 

WM Synod are looking for a Synod Secretary and Deputy Chair

As we continue to grow as the West Midlands Methodist District, new roles and volunteer opportunities will start to be released throughout March—beginning with senior roles.

Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of:

Synod Secretary
This is a voluntary role open to lay and ordained Methodists living in the West Midlands District.
 
You will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the District and a District Trustee with particular responsibility for organising the twice a year Representative Synod meetings.
 
You will need to: 

  • be able to think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively

 and have 

  • a proven commitment to Justice Dignity & Solidarity,
  • good administrative and organisation skills,
  • knowledge and experience of several church settings,
  • a good understanding of charity governance particularly in a Methodist Church context.

The appointment is for 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years.

Click here for a full role description.

Deputy Chair
You will be the named Deputy for the District Chair, a District Trustee and member of the District’s Senior Leadership Team and take responsibility for an area(s) of District life as agreed with the Chair

2-3 sessions a week in agreement with your circuit
Remuneration: pro-rata stipend plus appropriate allowance


You will need to be
• a Methodist presbyter in the ‘active’ work
• a reflective practitioner who models discipleship development and the importance of self-care
• able to think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively
• able to initiate and manage change effectively and sensitively and have a proven commitment to JDS,
• the ability to motivate and inspire others
• pastoral and conflict management skills

For a conversation about the role please contact Novette Headley or Rachel Parkinson or for more information and a role description email: info@wmmethodists.org.uk

Click here for a full role description and a Voluntary Application form.

💼Interested in getting involved?
✅Keep an eye on our website for new listings.
✅We’ll also share updates right here on social media.
✅Not sure what role suits you? We’re here to help! You can arrange a 1:1 chat with a member of our team to explore the best fit for your skills and passions.
📩To book a 1:1, email info@wmmethodists.org.uk, and we’ll connect you with someone from our team.

 

Synod Diary Date Reminders

The Presbyteral Session of Synod will meet on 27th March at Wellington Methodist Church.
The Representative Session of Synod will meet on Saturday 10th May in person at a venue to be confirmed.
Both Synods will be in Session from 10am till roughly 3pm, with refreshments from 9.30am and at the close
 

 

Stationing Briefing 25/26: Save the Dates

The West Midlands District preparation and training meeting to outline the stationing process will be held online on 1st May at 7pm.  In Circuits where invitations come to an end in 2026, those expected to attend are presbyters, deacons, Superintendents and Circuit and Church Stewards who will be involved in the process. Spouses/partners or other supporting people are warmly invited to attend the briefing alongside ministers.  
There will be a follow-up online session on 13th May at 7pm for those who engaging with the processes of re-invitations.  Recognising that this can be a complex process, this session will go into more details around the protocols and will give greater space of questions to be aired.
 

 

'Wholehearted Monthly' Mission Series Launches


The Methodist Church is thrilled to announce the launch of wholehearted monthly, a free, online mission series starting in March on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm GMT/BST. People from all traditions and countries are welcome.

What is wholehearted monthly? Think community organising rally meets immersive spiritual laboratory. It's for anyone committed to a vibrant friendship between "Church" and "World" — and a desire for both to flourish. Each month, testimony from local innovators, input from a renowned guest speaker, and wisdom-sharing in networks around Gospel justice, inclusion, evangelism, and growth.

Speakers for the first of these gatherings are now public!

Rowan Williams is a theologian, poet and former Archbishop of Canterbury, and is author of fifty books on literature, politics, and being Christian. (Tuesday 8 April)

Chine McDonald is a writer, broadcaster and author, and is Director of Theos, the religion and society think tank. (Tuesday 13 May)

Get your seat at the online table here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wholehearted-monthly-tickets-1082365166349?aff=evangelismgrowth
 
Hosted by The Methodist Church in Britain and open to all. 
 

 

Advanced Safeguarding Courses - update 

If your circuit requires a course please let me know -
 
29/3/25 – Carrs Lane Birmingham 0945hrs registration 0945hrs
05/04/25 – New Road MC – The Black Country Circuit – DY4 7DE-  0945hrs registration – was LEABROOK but location has had to be changed
12/04/25 – Beckminster MC - Wolverhampton Circuit – 0945hrs registration
14/06/25 – Central Hall - Coventry Circuit –  0945hrs registration
31/5/25 – Sutton Park Circuit – Four Oaks Methodist Church – 0945hrs registration
21/06/25 – Studley MC – B80 7NJ – Bromsgrove Circuit 0945hrs registration
05/07/25 – Selly Oak MC Bham – 0945hrs registration
12/07/25 – Blackheath & Halesowen Circuit - Blackheath Central Methodist church,  High street Rowley Regis B65 0EH   0945hrs registration
04/10/25 – Brierley Hill MC Vale of Stour 0945hrs registration
 
Also for online courses use this link – its uploaded with new options regularly – if someone requires on line option can they please email me so I can create an account with MCBX as there is pre course work with this option – please bear in mind there is pre work for online course via MCBX
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/nottingham-and-derby-methodist-district-32226456073
 
Online courses –
24/3/25 – 10am x 12pm
24/3/25 – 7pm x 9pm
12/6/25 – 10am x 12pm
12/6/25 – 7pm x 9pm

With on line options there is a requirement to complete the pre course work via MCBX so anyone wishing to choose online course need to email myself, Stephanie Bradley at StephanieBradley@birminghammethodist.org.uk so I can create an account with MCBX as there is a requirement to complete pre course work on MCBX – some people are just attending the course without completing the MCBX work. The online option is far more time consuming than face to face and the feedback I receive is that the MCBX work is repeated at the on line session – just for people to consider.

 

New District Website and Socials launched


If you are looking for updates and news of the progress of the District merger, the launch of the new website and socials has now taken place so please click the link below to sign up for news regarding the new West Midlands District so you don't miss a thing!
https://www.wmmethodists.org.uk/

 

District Children's Activities Fund

If your Church is looking to run Children's activities and want some hep with funding, (up to £500)don't forget to apply to the District Children's Activities Fund using the application form linked to this and forward to Tim Lorimer at childrensfunding2024@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

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