New this week:
District Chair's Lent Pilgrimage Walks continue
Legacy of Peace
LDO Vacancy
MHA Synod Report 2025
In case you missed it:
Representative Synod Venue
New District Synod Secretary and Deputy Chair applications open
Action for Children News and Report
Intercessory Prayer Event
Rejoice and Sing Live!
In Harmony Free Church Choirs
Grant Funders Training Course
Borderlands at the Palace
District Small Grants for Suzanna's Table
MHA Sunday Resources
3Generate 2025 Volunteer Opportunities
Spiritual Companions Course
Exploring Ordained Ministry?
Bonhoeffer Movie - arrives in Shrewsbury
MWM Annual Global Missions Conference
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, 4th April Rachel will start in Brownhills and end at Darlaston, visiting many churches en route and having lunch at Walsall Central Hall.
The photos are from last week’s walk from Kidderminster to Stourbridge via Kinver Edge and under blue skies much of the day. 

Could You Help? Leaving a Legacy of Peace

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As conflicts rage and international tensions rise, the final Synod of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District will explore how we may become ambassadors for peace in the name of Jesus.
In preparation we invite everyone - as individuals or groups - to create an image that communicates something about peace ……..finding it, promoting it, campaigning for it, or lamenting its loss. 
You may want to create an artwork or take a photo.  You can send us a few words but your submission will be displayed as a 7”x5” photo so nothing too wordy please.
Our District has a proud history of involvement in peace and justice issues - help us to celebrate it!  After Synod, our “Pieces of Peace” will be displayed at the Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum.
Submissions should be in landscape mode (7”x5”) and emailed to the District Office as a photo (jpeg) file by 5th May.  Please also send in any words you may want displayed on the image, together with the name(s) of the creator and the church / group they belong to.  Thank you.


 

LDO Vacancy

The recruitment pack for a new Learning and Development Officer aligned to Wales Synod Cymru and West Midlands Districts has been published on the Methodist Church website: Learning and Development Officer
 
There you will find the job advertisement in both Welsh and English for your attention. Please share this information as widely as possible and pray for God’s leading in the appointment process. Thank you.
 
  
Every blessing / Pob bendith 
 
Delyth
 
Delyth Wyn Davies
Rheolwr Dysgu a Datblygu / Learning and Development Manager
Y Tîm Cyfundebol / The Connexional Team
07799 902576 [Symudol] / [Mobile]


 

MHA Synod Report for 2025 

Please find the MHA Synod report for 2025 here.

 

Representative Synod Venue 

The next Representative Synod of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District will be held on Sat 10 May 2025 from 10am - 3pm at Oldfallings United Reformed Church, Oldfallings Lane, Fallings Park Wolverhampton. WV10 8BH.
Parking will be available opposite at the Catholic Church Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, 542 Cannock Road, WV10 8PG. There will be limited parking at the Oldfallings URC for those that have mobility issues.

 

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.

Action for Children News and Report

Please find a link below to the Action for Children Report

A5 version

Intercessory Prayer Event

How do we carefully lead congregations in praying for others and the World?
Come along to explore what it is we think we are doing when we invite people to pray for others.
How do we avoid making intercessory prayer only about the latest crisis?
Can intercessions challenge?
How might we use images and imagery helpfully?
Our morning will include input from Revd Dr Christine Dutton, officer in the Ministries, Vocations and Worship Team, and the opportunity in workshops to write and create your own prayers. (Bring along a Bible, notebook, laptop or tablet whichever you use to create prayers for worship).
 
29th March 2025 - 10am to 1pm - Exploring Intercessory Prayer - Ledbury Methodist Church

 

Rejoice and Sing Live!

The United Reformed Church is running a service and celebration, Rejoice and Sing LIVE, at Methodist Central Hall, Coventry, a free event celebrating the 35th anniversary of our hymn book, Rejoice and Sing, on May 3, from 12pm.
 
It’s a service filled with lots of hymn singing for all, talks, a panel discussion with Steve Tomkins, Editor of Reform magazine, poetry and a new hymn, written by the Revd Dominic Grant. An exhibition and cafe are available from 12noon, and the service starts at 2pm. We’re also putting together a scratch choir, and choirs and individuals are invited to take part (lunch will be provided).
 
Tickets are free and are available from www.bit.ly/reform-live
 
With warmest wishes and thanks,
 
 Andy Jackson
Head of Communications, The United Reformed Church
020 7691 9865 | 07976 848062
 
Get your free tickets to Rejoice and Sing LIVE, a hymn-filled celebration of 35 years of our hymn book, Rejoice and Sing. May 3, Coventry: www.bit.ly/reform-live
 

In Harmony Free Church Choirs

Grant Funders Training Course

How to search and apply to grant funders training course
Run by Transforming Churches & Communities
Saturday 7th June 2025 9:30-10:00 start
Lanesfield Methodist Church Rear Community Hall
£49 per person
Do you need to raise money but don’t know where to start? Here is a training session ideal for you! A four-hour session to support churches sourcing and making grant applications with research and knowledge from current trends and data.
Places are strictly limited
Reserve your space today by emailing edbridgewood@gmail.com today

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



 

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
 

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
 
With many thanks
Every blessing in Christ
 
David Taylor
Christian films at my Cinema

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.

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 -
 
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 –
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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