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Circuit Bulletin 17.1.2021

Sutton Park Circuit News - Sunday 17th January 2021

Circuit Services 10.30am and 6.30pm

This Sunday our Circuit morning service will be led by Revd Dr Jimmy Dube, the Hewitt family (from Kingstanding) with Gospel Central. Readings and prayers can be downloaded here. It comes from Stockland Green Methodist Church.

Bible Month

The evening service will follow on the Bible study of Ruth.
Tonight - Chapter 2, led by Clive, Tom and Jack (see below for more).

Circuit Quiet Afternoon (Saturday 30th January 2-4.30pm)

There will be an afternoon reflecting on the book of Ruth, we will gather on Zoom for the story, using the Godly Play resources, and some time spent reflecting together. Then there will be space for you to reflect on the story off-line. So have your art, craft, or writing materials ready. Finally, another Zoom session to pray together and ‘share’ tea together – although you will have to provide your own drinks and snacks.

To book please contact Rev. Emily via email: eyoungemilyra@gmail.com or telephone: 0121 386 5612. Thank you.

Bible Month Service & FB Details

We are really excited about this! During our evening services in January we are going to be working our way through the Bible Book of Ruth. After an introduction by Revd Stephen Froggatt, each week will see different leaders presenting a chapter at a time:

• 3rd Jan - Introduction (Revd Stephen Froggatt)

• 10th Jan - Chapter 1 (Revd Emily Young)

• 17th Jan - Chapter 2 (Clive Thursfield, Tom Watts, Jack McGinnigle)

• 24th Jan - Chapter 3 (Glyn & Angela Constantine)

• 31st Jan - Chapter 4 & Conclusion (Revd Stephen Froggatt)

OUR BIG NEWS is that we have created our own Facebook Page - search for “Sutton Park Circuit - Bible Month” or go straight to the page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spcbm

You will need to “join” as it is a Private group, but once you have signed up you will be able to join in the discussions as we dig further into the book and discuss the questions raised by the various leaders during each week’s Evening Worship. The group is moderated by Revd Stephen and Revd Emily.

Can you help?

We have had a request from District Chair Revd Ian Howarth, who has recently volunteered to organise a team of ‘Manse Inspectors’ As part of the covenant relationship we have with our ministers, the District arrange for people from outside the Circuit to visit the ministers home from time to time to ensure that manses are properly maintained. Some people from this Circuit have faithfully done this in neighbouring circuits for many years. Unfortunately, Ian does not know who they are. If you are one of them or if you would like to volunteer, please do contact Iain by clicking here. A little more information: a) it is designed to help the incumbent by ensuring that the inside of the manse is of a reasonable standard:

b) it requires up to two visits per annum to manses in an adjacent circuit:

c) it requires the completion of a standard form which is designed simply to ensure every aspect is covered.

District Service

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the cancellation of worship services in churches, the District will be broadcasting a worship service at 10:30am on Sunday morning via Facebook Live and it will also be available on the District Website. Please download the Outline Order of Service or the full Order of Service With Words (both .pdf documents).

Midweek & Other Service Resources

The Methodist Worship At Home Service Sheets:

• 17th January 2021 in Regular or LARGE PRINT formats [COVENANT]

• 24th January 2021 in Regular or LARGE PRINT formats

The Vine At Home is also available now:

• 17th January 2021 in .docx or .pdf formats

Our reflection this week is written by Tim Baker. He writes “The God who made the mountains and the stars is calling you. Desiring you. Hoping for relationship with you.” Tim has also made a video of his reflection this week, and it can be downloaded for from by clicking here.

Connexional News Updates

A round up of some of the things that have been happening recently:

Other News Updates

A selection of other news which has been happening recently, and which may be of interest to people in your church:

Well Worth A Listen…

Do you listen to the Methodist Podcast? How about ‘In Our Time’? If not, you may well have missed these two recent broadcasts.

Peer Talk

Peer Talk is a Charity founded by Methodist Minister Revd Stephen Normanton to support people with depression and other mental health issues. Here is a supporting Letter from Revd Dr Roger Walton, former President of Conference, as well as the Peer Talk Newsletter January 2021. I draw your attention to this week’s Methodist podcast 49, which has a focus on mental health and includes an interview with PeerTalk @ 8min 7 sec. Peer Talk is of course only a tiny charity and would particularly welcome your support in these times when mental health is such a pressing concern. Please donate if you can.

John Wesley

Over on Radio 4, there is the discussion programme ‘In Our Time’ which explores the history of big ideas. In this episode, Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss John Wesley (1703 - 1791) and the difference he made during the Christian Revival of the 18th Century, developing Methodism into a major movement around the world. There is a reading list to accompany the programme.

GDPR - Annual Checklist

All Trustees ( = Members of Church Councils & Circuit Meeting) are now being asked to complete an annual checklist compiled by TMCP. This has been developed to help Managing Trustees across the Connexion check that they are on top of their data protection responsibilities.

The first checklists will need to be completed by May 2021 - the three-year anniversary of the introduction of GDPR regulations - and they are being compiled by the Districts as a requirement to demonstrate assurance by the Districts to the Controller, being TMCP. Each Church, Circuit and District is advised to work with its District Data Champion. The Data Champion for the Birmingham District is Revd Stephen Froggatt.

The Checklist is now available for Managing Trustees from the TMCP Website. The Button below takes you straight to the relevant page.

Needing advice regarding finances?

Needing advice in making ends meet.. or perhaps you know somebody who may appreciate some financial advice? Please click HERE for details of people who may be able to help.