I know that I am not the only one who uses the Methodist Prayer Handbook each day and adds the Circuits of our District to their prayers, on the appropriate day of the month. For instance, the South Petherton & Crewkerne Circuit is number 24/18. 24 is our District number and 18 is the Circuit number. And so, on the 18th of the month, that Circuit is remembered in our payers.
With a desire to increase prayer support for the work of God in and beyond our District, I wonder if you would join with us in a daily commitment to pray for some aspect of District life? If so, you might find a monthly District Prayer Calendar helpful. Please find a copy here.
And, if you are in the habit of using the Methodist Prayer Handbook, why not write these prayer requests into each page of the month and then you will have all the prayers request in one place!
Enjoy the rest of the summer,
In this edition you can read about,
The Knitted Bible
Introduction from Rebecca Campion, Finance Administrator
Africa - Gospel and Culture Article
Re-Opening of Bude Methodist Church
Seoul Reflections Article
South West Youth Ministries Training Day
Action for Children Message
Dates for Circuit Stewards
Methodist Conference Business Digest
Somerset Churches Together Newsletter
Four vacancies (Plymouth & Exeter District and Cornwall District
Wesley Cottage Events and news
The Knitted Bible Exhibition
It was over two years ago that the idea of having the Knitted Bible exhibition as a central feature of Rowbarton Methodist Church, Taunton’s 125th Anniversary celebration was first proposed.
Isn’t it amazing how a good idea can take off? The Knitted Bible began ten years ago with a group of women at St. Georges URC Church in Hartlepool deciding to knit ‘The Last Supper’ scene. The project started to bring in people from neighbouring churches both with knitting and making props and now there are the 34 scenes that have been touring the length and breadth of the country for the last few years.
The exhibition was booked, and twenty-one months ago four people journeyed up to Wotton-Under-Edge to see the 34 Bible scenes on exhibition there – 14 scenes from the Old Testament and 20 from the New Testament. From that moment earnest planning began, and knitting needles were frantically clicking out bunting (seemingly miles of it!), a thousand knitted crosses to give to people who came, and a wide variety of animals and people, all with the purpose of both advertising and augmenting the travelling exhibition. The whole church community, friends, friends of friends near and far came together to knit, crochet or create wooden animals to be placed in the various advertising scenes.
Advertising far and wide certainly paid off, in the six days that the exhibition was open to the public over 600 people passed through the doors, some making the journey from Cornwall, Plymouth and Bristol just to see it. 108 children from two primary schools and nearly 100 more from attached youth groups came at specially allocated times and were also told the story of one of the exhibits on display, in line with a request from their teachers or leaders.
People were greeted at the door by an impressive ‘Creation’ scene assembled by Rowbarton folk, as were all the little floral touches to ‘lift’ all the other scenes of the travelling exhibition. Judging from the comments written in the Visitors Book, and the spoken reactions of those who came, people were hugely impressed by what they saw. Some folk tried to ‘guess’ what story was represented. For others it was a reminder of stories they had forgotten, and some read a story for the first time.
Pictured above The ‘Creation scene’
More than 40 people were involved as stewards and helped with refreshments. What a journey it has taken us on at the beginning of our 126th year and what humble thankfulness we feel as we reflect on a fantastic missional event.
And the journey continues – two more churches are now investigating whether they might present the exhibition in other parts of the District.
Introduction from Rebecca Campion
Hi! I’m Rebecca and I am delighted to have recently taken on the role of District Finance Administrator.
I am a bookkeeper and accounts manager with a heart for working with churches and charities. It is a privilege to help facilitate some of the wonderful ministries that are happening in the region and it has been a joy to learn of the many exciting projects that the District supports. I live in Plymouth with my husband, my 9 year old son and my 7 year old daughter. I love to spend time at the beach, I support Fulham FC and I generally eat too much chocolate!
I look forward to working with you and for you. Rebecca.
To contact Rebecca email: finance@pemd.org.uk
Africa – Gospel and Culture
At the beginning of June I had the privilege of attending the Methodists for World Mission conference at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. The theme was ‘Africa – Gospel and Culture’ and I was excited to be worshipping with and learning from our African sisters and brothers.
The keynote speaker was Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, who is Secretary General of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. He spoke of the great diversity of peoples on the continent of Africa and explained the church is growing in Africa and that many young people are becoming followers of Jesus Christ. He used a lovely phrase, saying that Africans have ‘planted their culture into Christ.'
He told us that many Christians in Africa can name a day they were born again but that often this has made no impact on the way they live their lives. There is often numerical growth but not spiritual maturity. He reminded us that there is a difference between those who are truly born of God and those who are just churched. This is not just true of Africa but of people everywhere.
Re-Opening Bude Methodist Church
1st & 2nd September
Members and friends at Bude Methodist Church invite you to attend their Celebration Weekend beginning on Saturday 1st September at 5pm led by Rev Graham Thompson. This will also be an opportunity to see our major refurbishment of the interior to provide a flexible worship space and upgraded facilities. A Bring & Share Supper will follow our Celebration Event.
Then on Sunday 2nd September Morning Worship will be led by Deacon Debbie Marsh and there are plans for more activities during the day, yet to be confirmed. We do look forward to welcoming you all as we give thanks to God for His guidance and faithfulness throughout our Project. For further details contact Deacon Debbie Marsh.
Seoul reflections
Pictured Carolyn Lawrence in Seoul
What a privilege it was to attend the World Methodist Council meeting in Seoul and to hear about what God is doing in and through the Methodist Church as well as learn about concerns for prayer. The World Methodist Council comprises 425 members representing almost 80 million members in over 130 countries and it is a real honour for me to be a part of this on behalf of the Methodist Church in Britain.
It was also good to learn about the particular issues facing the church in South Korea and hear about their earnest prayer for the reunification of North and South Korea. I was honoured to attend an early morning prayer meeting with 5000 local believers, as the culmination of 40 days of prayer for the reestablishment of the church in North Korea. I learned that there used to be a flourishing church in North Korea as described on this notice board outside the church where we were meeting.
South West Youth Ministries (SWYM) are holding a Training Day on 13th October 2018 for those who work with Children and/or Young People, as well as those who manage and mentor those who work for the church.
For more details and information about how to book a place click here.
Action for Children
Bonds of perfect charity
How Action for Children brings fullness in abundance
Our work, which comes in truly various forms, reaches children and young people across the UK. It is, therefore, quite challenging to convey in a few words how we make a real difference. However, a closer look at just one of our almost 600 services can do just that. Click here to read about Tafarn Newydd Children & Families Service, based in Pontypool, Wales
Dates for Circuit Stewards
Please put these dates in your diary:
CIRCUIT STEWARDS' MEETING
Wednesday, 3rd October 2018 Circuit Stewards’ Meeting at Newton Abbot, 7.30p.m.
Thursday, 11th October 2018 - Circuit Stewards’ Meeting at Chilsworthy, 7.30p.m.
CIRCUIT TREASURERS' MEETING
Saturday, 2nd February 2019 - Circuit Treasurers’ Meeting at Wonford , 10.30a.m.
STATIONING PREPARATION MEETING
Tuesday, 14th May 2019 at Wonford, 7.30 pm Stationing Preparation Meeting for 2020.
Work Wise is a Taunton based registered charity, supporting those looking for work, offering time, support and help with patience and compassion. It is a shared project of Taunton United Reformed Church and Temple Methodist Church.
Our new manager will: organise our open sessions, recruit, manage and train volunteers and work with the Trustees to develop the charity
We need:
a good organiser
a great listener
an inspirer with commitment and energy
12 – 15 hours per week: Salary: £6,270 - £7835 p.a.
Sessions based at Taunton URC. Some flexible working from home.
Interested? Contact: tauntonurc@gmail.com
Closing date for applications: August 15th
Lay Pastor Truro Methodist Circuit Cornwall
£24,157 pro rata (15 hours per week part-time )
Initial appointment 3 years Includes dedicated role in 3 churches Are you an experienced Christian and passionate about serving God in the church and community? Then go to www.trurocircuit.info/jobs for an application pack or contact trurocircuit@truromethodist.org.uk
Closing date for applications Wednesday 15 August 2018 Interviews week beginning Monday 27 August 2018
A vacancy will exist from September 2018 for a Circuit Administrator at 19 hours per week on average. Duties include administration and I.T. skills including M.S. Office. Training can be given in some skills. Use of a car is required and some evening and daytime meetings involved. Some knowledge of Methodist procedures would be an advantage. Subject to Safeguarding and DBS clearance.
Application Form from A. Foster on 01566 782516
Wesley Cottage Events and News Autumn 2018 Study and Quiet Days and Watchnight Service
We have a larger number of special events this autumn Places are limited on our study and quiet days and at our Watchnight Service so advance booking is essential (telephone 01566 880265 or email wesleycottage@live.co.uk). Although there is no set charge to attend donations are welcome and a buffet lunch is provided (light refreshments at Watchnight Service)
Monday September 24th 10am-3pm Study and Reflection Day: “The Depths and Truths of Scripture” with Rev Danny Reed
Monday October 8th 10am-3pm Study and Training Day: “Mission by Word, Deed and Sign” with John Hogarth
Monday October 29th 10am-3pm Iona Quiet Day with Katherine Rennie
Saturday 24th November 10am-3pm Study Day: ‘Spiritual Warfare’ with John Hogarth
Friday November 30th 10am-3pm Advent Quiet Day: ‘Beyond the Chocolate Window’ with Deacon Becky Lovatt.
Thursday 20th December 10am-3pm Study Day: ‘Christmas’ with John Hogarth
December 31st 11.15pm Watchnight Service with Rev Steve Wild and John Hogarth
(Pictured) Knitted floral pillars greeted visitors
