Connexion & District Office (PEMD)
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Welcome to your Holy Week edition of the District Team Email. As always it is packed with information, resources, events and prayer. Please read it through and note anything that may apply to you or that feel should be passed on. Take extracts for your church and circuit magazines and lift off posters etc for your notice boards. Most posters and information will expand, otherwise check for web links to download full details. Please be assured of our continued prayers and support for all your work and as a team we send you our greetings for wonderful Easter celebrations.
The 2012 Conference opens on Saturday 30 June in the Plymouth Pavilions where the Revd Dr Mark Wakelin and Mr Michael King will be inducted as president and vice-president for the forthcoming year. This will be followed on Sunday 1 July by Sunday Worship where all ordinands will be received into Full Connexion. For this service alone, there will be over 950 public tickets available. Click here to go online, or go to www.methodistconference.org.uk
News of the Team NEW DISTRICT TREASURER Please note we now have a new District Treasurer. She is Mrs Fiona Budd and she can be contacted as follows: Post: District Mission Resource Centre The Mint Methodist Church Fore Street Exeter EX4 3AT Email: treasurer@pemd.org.uk Telephone: 01392 211624 (Wednesdays 10am - 2pm only)
Mark is on sabbatical April 9th sees the start of my first sabbatical. So what am I going to do? One of my favourite Bible stories is the feeding of the five thousand but not for the usual reasons; I am intrigued that Jesus asked that the leftovers of the meal were collected and so 12 baskets of ‘rubbish’ were gathered. What is it about the ‘rubbish’ that is valued in this harvest?
I don’t know about you but I often like to do the things that I enjoy, am naturally talented at, or that come easy to me. For my sabbatical I am going to try and do some of the things that come less easily, that I find more difficult and that might take more effort – you could call it ‘investing in the leftovers’ valuing that side of me that I have not particularly valued before. Now some of the particular things that I hope to do will involve setting up a couple of administrative processes that will help me order things in a better way. Sometimes when I read a book or watch a film I think of a brilliant sermon illustration only to forget it! I would love to devise a system for collating these ideas.
Some will know that I started running a while ago; long distance running has been something that I have said I am terrible at and could never do. I have proved this wrong by running a few half marathons but want to take this further and see if I can use the next few months to train for the Reykjavik marathon on 18th August. It all seems very daunting but I want to know what it feels like to be disciplined enough to be ready for such a difficult thing. So if you see me out and about on the road as I run around Exeter or on the way to Exmouth (!) don’t be offended if I only wave – I need to keep going!
Finally and perhaps most importantly I am also going to use the time to train to become a ‘Myer Briggs’ practitioner. I will explain. Katherine Briggs and Isobel Myers devised a psychometric assessment to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. I came across this idea first as a civil servant and then in my ministerial training and have always found it an interesting and useful tool. Essentially it helps you understand yourself and how you relate to others, from my sabbatical point of view there is a point of particular interest. Everyone who undertakes the assessment establishes that they have a side to them that often employs strategies that come easy or naturally. Part of the process is also to understand that we each have a ‘shadow side’ aspects of ourselves that we relegate or ignore. You can see that this shadow side is not so dissimilar to the ‘leftovers’. So this training will help me understand myself more fully as well as allowing me to help others who want to know how this process may be of benefit to them.
So that is my Shabbat, I will have to run many miles and overcome the psychological barrier that marathon training presents (hope my knee holds out!) I will also have to attend training sessions, sit exams and undergo practical exercises for my Myers Briggs training, all exciting stuff – I will appreciate your prayers.
Mark Gilborson
Simply... the latest
Steve Jones is now part time Venture FX Pioneer, developing the ‘Simply’ initiative of small mission communities. Here’s an update from Steve.
Web and Online Journal of the Journey - to find out more about the ‘Simply Dream’ visit www.facebook.com/simplysw where there is also an online journal of the journey so far with a blog post for every day. This chatter can also be found on Steve's blog www.pilgrim.typepad.com
On the Ground - We are working in Barnstaple on an estate there planting church and also in an area of Exeter around Polsloe Bridge. We have spent several weeks prayer walking, meeting community and church leaders in these areas and beginning to develop relationships within the communities themselves.
The Movement - We have established an Oversight Team (Dave Martin - Chair, Jane Allin, Chris Brown, Paul Rees, Ian Bell) and are developing a leadership community with Clive Orchard (Exeter) and some other interested folks. We are exploring apprenticeship schemes for young adults with various partners including SWYM, YMCA, TIM and DNA/Pioneer. With the finances of Circuits, District, Connexion and VentureFX being squeezed we are looking to nurture individual giving and social enterprise/business opportunities to create a sustainable future beyond the summer of 2013.
Wider partnership with Pioneer - it is extremely exciting to report back on the vibrancy of this new ecumenical partnership nationally, regionally and locally. The Pioneer Network is a stream of new churches throughout the UK and have developed a close working partnership with Methodism. Simply itself is an expression of this missional unity and is a joint project. Regionally, in the next few years, we are seeing possibilities of shared church plants in Plymouth, Bude, Exeter and Torbay. At their recent national conference with over 600 leaders present Pioneer had an offering for this Methodist partnership. Find out more about our new ecumenical partner at www.pioneer.org.uk
Half Marathon - Don’t forget: Steve and Pete are running in the Great West run to raise money for Simply.. If you would like to sponsor them do contact the district office.
The Signal and Accord We actually have two Venture FX Pioneers working in the District, so here’s an update from Jon Curtis as well.
I've been working in Exeter as a Venture FX pioneer since December 2010, although my connection with the city is much lengthier! The project that I'm part of exists in two parts- 1) Some people who are part of the alternative music scene and culture in the city, who are both unchurched and dechurched have been coming to discussion groups (The Signal), an Emmaus course and fortnightly bible studies and are becoming disciples of Jesus. It's been very exciting! I'm trying to help those people as best I can in their journeys! This part of my work is known as The Signal and Accord. 2) In conjunction with Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA Plymouth), I am part of a new project in Exeter to redistribute food rejected by supermarkets before it even goes on sale. We have taken on a premises in Sidwell Street, and aim to have "The Treasury" up and running, distributing food to food banks, charities, hostels and loads more by May. This project is going to be staffed by volunteers, some from the first group mentioned! All also very exciting!
You can follow related work and musings at www.signalandaccord.com. Any questions at all can come to jon_shoe@hotmail.com
SHINE
Firstly, a prayer baton will be preceding the Olympic Torch on its way around the country encouraging churches of every denomination and stream to pray for the nation during this important time. Secondly, whilst the prayer baton is zigzagging across our islands, Methodist Churches are also being invited to take extra time to pray locally. Once the baton has passed through our area, we are being encouraged to continue praying for all the key events that are coming up over the next few months. Here’s how it will happen in our District:
the circuits received from and passing to; the Olympics and Paralympics and the events surrounding it, using resources from www.morethangold.co.uk the Jubilee Celebrations, in particular the neighbourhood events in June; the Methodist Conference (which takes place in Plymouth 28th June to 5th July); and a renewal of faith in our nation. Details of the route that the prayer symbol will take will be sent to each circuit Superintendent and senior steward. For more details, please contact Dave Martin on mission@pemd.org.uk There are more ideas for this important moment of prayer on the Methodist website
Tara Mathew ~ In Three Days Resource & Pop Video Easter Outreach Campaign 2012
‘In Three Days’ and is a resource study based around the resurrection using a pop video as a different approach to introduce people to Jesus. I wondered if you might be interested in taking a look at it as it may be of use to your youth and schools workers. The web address for the campaign is www.in3days.org and click here be able to see the resource booklet online.
The pack contains a printed booklet and a DVD, which has the In Three Days video on it along with the book that can be followed on TV, as well as files for printing out the pages from the book for use in RE classes etc.
District Vocations Day Our annual Vocations Day for those exploring the next step and asking the question - 'What is God saying?' Book in through the District Office - Saturday 28th April 10am - 2.30pm District Mission Resource Centre, Exeter
NARRATIVE PREACHING (It's more than just telling stories!)
Is narrative preaching, with story-like sermons, a soft option, alright for children but...? What can Bible stories teach us about how to shape our sermons? How can we preach on Bible stories? Can narrative preaching reach parts that other forms of preaching can't?
Paul Johns Director of the College of Preachers Methodist Local Preacher
At Wonford Methodist Church Exeter Saturday 12th May 2012 From 10.00am to 4.00 pm Cost £5
Please bring your own packed lunch – coffee and tea served all day from 9.30 am. To book contact : Steve Jones steve.jones@methodist.org.uk Tel: 01392 211624 Sue Jones Suepatrum@talktalk.net Tel: 01823 270183
SOUTH WEST ECUMENICAL SAFEGUARDING CONFERENCE SATURDAY MAY 19TH - IN PLYMOUTH This forum has a constitution and works with the purpose of churches working together to support one another, consult together and where possible to cooperate on matters relating to Safeguarding. It is here we look at and discuss new legislation and have access to updates, from central government around safeguarding. The chair of this group also sits on the Christian safeguarding forum who link directly with central government. Elizabeth Hall also attends this group. To give an example they are presently in discussions around vetting and barring legislation and the issues regarding changes to the CRB process which will have a huge impact on how we recruit safely as churches. This exciting new opportunity is a chance to meet others regionally for the first time. These are likely to be people who are in a similar role across the denominations. It is open to all people who are interested and working within a safe church environment including supers and ministers. Please would you pass this onto all ministers and those responsible for safeguarding. Thank you. Please read details and bios and note booking form. If you are interested please book directly with the person on the booking form: Weblink: http://www.pemd.org.uk/index.php/latest/188-regional-safeguarding-conference
Not-to-be-missed event coming up at Methodist Church House in London. Check the website or email Verena on thimv@methodistchurch.org.uk
The Queen is inviting the nations to join the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 3 June. Millions of people will eat together with neighbours and friends as part of the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking the Queen’s 60 years of service.
A Learning Church Research and Church Life Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham Thursday 14 June 2012 This one-day conference brings together the Methodist research community (academics, ministers, research professionals, students) and other interested parties, providing an opportunity for participants to share existing research interests and to discuss the role, contribution and impact of research within the life of the Church. It will also provide a rare opportunity to bring together members of the Methodist research community from across the Connexion. The broad theme of the conference is A Learning Church Research and ChurchLife. This points to issues around how research and critical thinking in a Church context can impact on our Christian practice. What does research around experience, ministry, theory and practical theology tell us about how we can develop as a community of disciples and how our practice should evolve? How does the Church listen to and learn from research in these areas? Call for papers Those interested in presenting a paper during the group sessions should email research@methodistchurch.org.uk, giving a summary of the proposed talk (up to 500 words). The paper should take about 10-15 minutes to deliver. Proposals should be received by Friday 30 March. Attending the conference If you are interested in attending the conference (but not speaking) you should also email research@methodistchurch.org.uk along with a brief indication of your connection to the Methodist Church and what you hope to gain or contribute to the conference. This is necessary as places are limited. Attendance is free, and requests to attend should be received by Monday 30 April 2012.
Inspire Network Retreat
The third European Methodist Festival takes place in Krakow on 8-12 August 2012. It is for everyone; children and adults, individuals and families. You will meet in workshops, seminars, Wesley (small) groups and prayer groups, at Morning Praise and in night cafés, at Gospel workshops and informal coffee sessions at the 'EMK-Mobil'. Sports and games will also be offered. A guided tour of the city and trips to nearby sights (eg the Auschwitz memorial site) are being planned. More information about the festival and current news is online at www.methodistfestival.eu.
You need to make your booking by 1 May. MORE TRAINING INFO In the Region, we now have the ability to train people for Local Preaching Online - we have trained online tutors ready to work with anyone who would be interested in joining this online and revised version of 'Faith and Worship'. Contact Steve Jones for more details.
Over the last few days we have confirmed dates for our Leadership Module - Safeguarding Training Day. This day is mandatory for all ministers and safeguarding reps/officers (district, circuit or church) plus others are 'warmly invited' - lay employees, youth and children's workers, pastoral workers, circuit stewards spring to mind. There is also the assumption that each participant has previously completed Module A or the Foundation Module. We will be holding these days in... Plymouth - Wed 13th June Taunton - Wed 27th June Exeter - Wed 4th July Okehampton - Wed 18th July Barnstaple (plus newcomers to the district) - Tues 18th Sept The Saturday One for those who do real work and/or can't make the other dates - Sat Oct 6th we have already held the national pilot in Torbay in 2011 ALL DAYS ARE 10.00AM TIL 4PM
If you want to attend, it is essential that you book in using this online link booking helps us in communication especially regarding venue details or any last minute changes. You can also book in via the district website.
Foundation Module - After delivering 100+ sessions as a training team there are several more sessions coming up in Ringash, Sidmouth, West Devon, Torbay. Contact Steve to book in.
There is now a new Trainers Network page on the district website - folks willing to deliver courses and development experiences in your circuit. http://pemd.org.uk/index.php/trainers-network
METHODIST CHURCH ENERGY COST SAVINGS Charity Funding Solutions (CFS) was originally set up to assist the Church of England diocese to make energy cost savings. Staffed by volunteers (mostly retired) the organisation has now begun to work with Methodist Churches. In the Southampton District around 40 churches have switched suppliers to save on their energy costs. CFS are currently in conversations with the Exeter Diocese and would be interested to hear from any Methodist Churches in this District who would like to find out more.
THE CFS SERVICE CFS currently offer a cost free service to clergy and treasurers to:
C of E parishes have made over £1million of energy cost savings through the service, and earlier this year when our Director met with the Methodist Church Environmental Committee, it was estimated that the Methodist churches across the country are overpaying £5 million on their energy bills. Any inroads into this alarming figure can only be beneficial. For more information contact:
Tom Sterry MBE Charity Funding Solutions www.cfsolutions.ltd.uk tom@sterry.eclipse.co.uk
SINGING THE FAITH +
Since Singing the Faith was published last September, we have listened to your feedback and suggestions. After much discussion and detailed work on costings with the publishers, Hymns Ancient & Modern, we have decided to pursue the production of an organ edition. We have opted for a three-volume, hardback specification, very similar to the binding of the full music edition but with a larger page size, 265 x 175 mm. This will be a facsimile of the full music edition – we will not be resetting any music or altering the page layout at all. The organ edition will be available at a price of £180.00 + p&p per set (see below). We need a minimum print run of 400 sets for this production to be viable. If you think that you or your church would be in a position to order such a set, please complete this short survey by no later than 31 March 2012. Indicating interest at this stage does not commit you or your church to purchasing the edition but will give us an indication of the project’s viability.
If we receive sufficient expressions of interest, we will then ask for firm orders and payment in advance. We do not yet have a production schedule but would anticipate copies being available in the summer of this year. THIS LOOKS VERY EXCITING……….
Minister (lay or ordained) for Cranbrook Full time, fixed term contract for five years
The Anglican Diocese of Exeter, the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District and the URC South Western Synod are seeking a lay or ordained person to help establish a worshipping and witnessing ecumenical community in Cranbrook, a new town in East Devon.
The postholder will work with the developing community to offer welcome and outreach to new residents and explore with the community the development of an appropriate and relevant form of church offering pastoral care and spiritual nurture to the whole community.
If you are interested in this exceptional and exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of this new ecumenical Christian community please download an application pack from the Churches Together in Devon website at www.churchestogetherdevon.co.uk
The salary will be equivalent to an incumbent’s stipend in the Exeter Diocese (at present approx £23,660 plus housing). The postholder must be willing to relocate into provided housing.
Closing date for applications: 4 May 2012 Interview date: 21 and 22 May 2012
NEED A RETREAT?....
1 Retreats Reflect offers Retreats around the country, which are open to all denominations and are always very popular. We would like more Methodists to know of these, and are always happy to consider to new venues. Retreats are current planned in Leicestershire, Surrey, Cumbria, and Berkshire. Revd Paul Golightly, a member of the executive, is Director of St Anthony’s Priory, a centre of spirituality and retreats in Durham. 2 Local Quiet Days and Retreats We are happy to receive requests for people to lead local Quiet Days or Retreats. 3 Requests for Spiritual Direction Together with the Retreat Association, we are pleased to help people find a spiritual Director or to understand more about the ministry of Spiritual direction (which goes under a variety of names). 4 Weeks of Guided Prayer and Retreats in daily Life We are pleased to help interested groups make contact with facilitators. Reflect’s President, Yvonne Walker, and other members have wide experience in this field. 5 Information for Church Newsletters Reflect is pleased to provide occasional articles about topics relating to spirituality and retreats, and we hope to widen our network. For more information see www.methodistretreatgroup.co.uk or contact Judith Lampard, Chair of Reflect at: judithlampard@googlemail.com
PRAYER
As you read through the various items above, please offer each one to God. Please consider joining the More than Gold prayer initiative and join with millions around the country in prayer for the church and nation.
Please pray for Mark Gilborson, and for other presbyters and deacons, for refreshment during a time of sabbatical. Pray for our two Venture FX projects and Steve and Jon as they connect with those who our outside the regular life of the church. Pray particularly for the national initiative as they work through likely funding cuts. A number of churches and circuits are struggling to find people to fill key leadership positions. Please pray that the right people will step forward, or that imaginative ways forward will be found that will encourage and enliven the mission and ministry in those places.
Finally, please pray that the churches across our region will reflect both the sacrificial love and resurrection hope of our Saviour.
Don’t forget …. Pick up the Team Email online at: http://www.pemd.org.uk
The Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT 01392 211624 admin@pemd.org.uk
Pete writes…
The most important bit of my agenda each autumn is the stationing process. This year nine circuits have a total of eleven vacancies and five ministers are retiring in 2012 and another five are moving. One vacancy from last year makes the eleven. Indications are that there will be a small shortage of ministers - but often this changes over the year.
Thanks to the team who brought us the BibleFresh festival - it was a great day. September and October have been a great period of celebration for me as I have participated with you in events in your areas. The President of Conference, Leo Osborne, shared celebrations in Exeter, Coast & Country, Bude & Holsworthy and Minehead Circuits. At a visit to Westerly, our LWPT home in Minehead he met 100 year old Winnie Cartwright, the widow of a minister. "at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mark10)
The Government is proposing to make the word marriage apply to same sex partnerships and see this as a matter of equality. For me it is like saying that all circles are square, this cannot be, they are both shapes but they are two different shapes. It makes marriage just another lifestyle choice instead of the fundamental union of a man and a woman which is fundamental to the very make of human societies.
Well the Biblefresh Festival is now over, the speakers gone home, the experiences (ahem) experienced, the Mint very nearly back to what it was, though I am sure that some of the liberally sprinkled glitter will not surface for many years. If you want to see some photos of the day, click here I am writing here for two main reasons. I want to thank all those who came and those who took part in the planning and running of what was an excellent day. Evaluation sheets are rarely welcomed and so it is 3 weeks after the event that we are writing to everyone, who came, to invite their comments not just to reflect on the day, but to consider whether this is something we might like to do again. Clearly it will be another 100 years before the King James gets its next significant birthday but should we as a District gather together occasionally to worship and learn together? So if you get an evaluation sheet please fill it in and if you don’t but want to comment please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know what you think.
When I last wrote about ‘Disciple’ it was as much with anticipation as from experience. I am delighted to say that all of my hopes have transpired to have substance! We are half way through the 34 week course and thoroughly enjoying the weekly meetings, conversation and fellowship. Reading the Bible every day is excellent too. The course neatly divides the reading into sections that relate to a ‘theme word’ each week. For example, when we looked at the role of ‘Suffering’ in the world we read Job. When we were studying ‘Covenant’, we read parts of Genesis and when we looked at ‘Worship’, we studied the Psalms. Each week there is a section in the manual and a video which covers the historical and biblical information so we can see how it all fits together. The whole purpose of this course is that we read the Bible so that we might become better disciples, and for those of us undertaking this we feel that it really is helpful. If you would like to know more about ‘Disciple’ and whether a course can be set up close to you, please get in touch with me.
Part of My professional background comes in team building and in particular the use of the model set up by Professor Meredith Belbin. This model helps to identify the distinct roles that people bring to a team. This tool can be excellent in gaining personal understanding of individuals and how teams work effectively. Most importantly it can allow a team to work to its strengths and identify weaknesses. The team can then implement mechanisms to ‘cover’ those areas that it might struggle with. If you are part of a new team or an existing team, I would be very happy to come and lead a 2 hour session using this tried and tested model that may help you reflect on working more effectively together. It is also actually quite good fun!
The autumn Synod of the Plymouth and Exeter District met on Saturday 10th September at Shebbear College. This was the first time Synod had met at Shebbear College for 20 years and we were fortunate to be able to meet in their brand new hall. The main focus of the morning session was on the General Secretary’s report to Conference 2011 – Contemporary Methodism. Synod’s attention was drawn to the discipleship themes and the approaches to change. Revd Mark Gilborson spoke about Bible Fresh, encouraged churches to consider More than Gold during the lead up to the Olympics next year and offered his services to circuits regarding Belbin team training. A presentation from Action for Children introduced their work in the South West and in particular fostering. A carer was introduced who spoke enthusiastically about his role as a foster parent and the support from Action for Children. Sharon Rowe, Youth Participation Project Manager, spoke about youth participation and it was agreed that a future Synod would give more time to discussing youth work and how young people can be encouraged to take part. Synod elected to Conference 2012: Revds Simon Leigh, Paul Smith, Neal Street and lay Jane Allin, Edwin Dobinson, Kathryn Trotman and Frank Watson. There was a brief discussion about Synod venues and whether we should continue to visit all parts of the District in turn or use just one or a few venues. Feedback was requested and any comments should be sent to the Chairman and/or Synod Secretary.
Prisons Week 2011 20th – 26th November 2011 Dear Lord, you said ‘when I was in prison you visited me’. Enable those who are imprisoned to know and feel that they are not forgotten, that God loves each and every one of them. Enable all those who work in prison to support those who feel lonely and unloved – that they would know that God is with them and loves them. We are delighted to let you know that George Verwer - founder of Operation Mobilisation will be the speaker at our local prisons week. Wednesday November 23rd, at 7.30 pm at Peverell Park Methodist Church. (enter car park from Glendower Road)
Baby Boomers 23-25 November 2011 High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Herts
Sadly this conference is now fully booked but if you are going please let Dave Martin know as it would be good to travel together.
NOW FREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL
We are so excited about our 'Being Methodist Today' Day in November. We, as a district team, want to open this event up to as many people as possible so we are making the day itself free of charge for everyone - we already have 40 folks booked in with 6 weeks to go!!! We will, though, have a whip round at some point during the day to help with expenses. BOOK IN HERE FOR FREE - in less than 2 minutes.
FANCY A WHOLE WEEKEND IN PLYMOUTH - 25-27th Nov?
in addition to this special day, we are having a special refresher weekend for Local Preachers, Worship Leaders and Tutors including a free meal on the Friday evening 25th Nov, hosted by someone from Plymouth Central Hall overnight and then enjoy the day 'Being Methodist Today' (Sat 26th) with everyone else. Folks are then welcome to go home or stay over Saturday night and attend Central Hall the Sunday morning. BOOK THROUGH DISTRICT OFFICE OR WEBSITE or BOOK ONLINE in less than 5 minutes. 28th November - 1st December 2011 Plymouth Methodist Central Hall The Gathering is a contemporary art installation created as part of Fringe events during the final week of the British Art Show 7 in Plymouth. It will feature over 50 life-sized figures, created by church, school and community groups, representing the millions whose lives have been transformed by one person. Just over two thousand years ago a star, moved across the eastern Mediterranean skies to herald the birth of a child. ‘The Gathering’ will remind its participants that we are once again entering Advent - a time to reflect on the significance of this historical moment to every individual and for the future of our planet.
To find out how you can be a part of The Gathering please contact Anita on info@armyofartists.co.uk or telephone 07890 201856 www.armyofartists.co.uk
Making chocolate meaningful this Christmas The Meaningful Chocolate Company has produced the UK’s first ever interactive set of chocolate tree decorations, based on the characters of the Nativity story.
Each box of Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations contains a limited edition Christmas card, a sticker set and six hand wrapped, high quality, Fairtrade chocolate decorations. The Christmas story, which can be found on the card, enables adults or children to read the story while placing character stickers on the decorations. Once completed, the decorations can be hung on the tree as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.
“It’s not the Church of God that has a mission in the world, but the God of mission who has a church in the world.”
If you want to be part of the way God is shaping the church for the future; If you are concerned about connecting with those who don't come near church; If you would love to try something different; consider joining the next Pioneer Disciple Course Starts January 2012 in Plymouth Info: 01752 604096 or mission@pemd.org.uk
Cornwall and Plymouth & Exeter Districts Retreat 7th – 9th February 2012 At Bedruthan Steps Hotel Cornwall
PRISMATIC CHURCH - Recovering the colours of God’s Mission
Time to be still with God, to meet friends, to be inspired Guest speaker: Gerard Kelly Next year’s Refresher Course for all retired and active Ministers and lay employees and their spouses is again a joint conference with our colleagues from the Cornwall District. Closing date for applications is the end of November 2011 so please fill in your form as soon as possible.
For further details of costs, grants and a booking form contact Steve Jones Email: training@pemd.org.uk
CONNECTING DISCIPLES 2012
You are invited to the Connecting Disciples 2012 Conference for lay employees, children and youth workers on 5-8 March at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon. Registration for the event is on Monday 5 March at 3.30pm and the conference will end on Thursday 8 March after a shared lunch at 1.00 pm.
The theme for this year’s conference is Graceful Discipleship which will be explored over the course of the event through Bible Studies, theological reflection and workshops. There are a variety of specialist speakers and worship leaders including the General Secretary, Martyn Akins, the President designate and Secretary for Internal Relationships, Mark Wakelin, the Secretary for External Relationships, Christine Elliott, the Secretary of Connexional Team Operations and Revd Helen Cameron, Senior Methodist Tutor & Co-Director of the Centre for Ministerial Formation, Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education
More information about the conference and details about booking a place can be found on the Methodist Church website: www.methodist.org.uk/connectingdisciples. Booking should be made by 12 noon on 30 December 2011.
College of Preachers Day
Saturday 19th May 2012 - 10-4pm After a successful study/development day for Local Preachers in 2010 we have asked the College of Preachers to return for a day of input. The feedback from our last 2010 day was outstanding.
£5 on the door but you will also need to book in by clicking here
Sunday 3rd June 2012 For many of you, this will be old news – but just in case it is not, it is worth checking http://www.thebiglunch.com/ for ideas about what to do. The suggestion being offered to Churches and local communities is to hold a ‘Big Sunday Jubilee Lunch’. There may well be further resources provided for the occasion – watch this space….
DON’T FORGET THAT THE HOLIDAY DATES HAVE CHANGED FROM THE NORMAL PATTERN
Need a break? Check this out:
For ministers we offer:-
Treloyhan Manor Hotel, St. Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AL http://www.christianguild.co.uk/treloyhan/index.php
GOING SOLAR? Wonford Methodist Church in Exeter is now the proud owner of photo-voltaic panels on its south facing roof. The whole process has proven to be very interesting. Our initial concerns were related to cost, maintenance, security and environmental benefit; we have been pleasantly surprised that the answers to these questions have all been encouraging. The solar panels are maintenance free and guaranteed for 25 years. In reality they work at great efficiency (97%) for 40 years. Environmentally they should save 2 tonnes of carbon going into the atmosphere every year and will provide electricity for our neighbouring homes and shops. They are also a public statement to the surrounding area of something that we are doing to value God’s world. Finally they will provide for the future. Because of the FIT (feed in tariff) we should generate enough income to recoup the initial outlay in less than 9 years. This will give an on-going income of £1.7k for an additional 13 years at least and likely 32+ years. At Wonford we are planning to use the income to support church based outreach initiatives. If you do have some capital and a suitable roof it may be worth investigating this kind of investment. There is one word of caution, the Government’s very favourable FIT is likely to be reviewed before April 2012 so it may be better to consider this sooner rather than later. If you are interested, please contact Mark, who will be very happy to talk to anyone who is considering going solar! oblig@blueyonder.co.uk Impossible God The Passion PlayImpossible God is a one-man passion play written by Frank Topping and performed by Mark Topping. Impossible God recreates the world of those who witnessed the passion. Palestine AD32 is brought to life as numerous characters relive their experience of the events. Impossible God is a powerful exploration of the historical events at the heart of the Christian faith. This inspiring one-man play challenges us to look again at Jesus of Nazareth and consider the meaning of his life, death and resurrection. Mark Topping is a professional actor who has toured England, Wales and Ireland for five years performing as John Wesley. The devotional book ‘An Impossible God’ was written and adapted for the stage by author, actor, broadcaster and Methodist minister, Frank Topping. Booking InformationTo have an Impossible God event at your church costs £275 + travel expenses. For bookings contact Mark Topping 26 Sandford Road, Aylburton, Gloucestershire GL15 6DP.
Telephone: 01594 840086 Email: marktopping@phonecoop.coop
PRAYER The Team members are really grateful for your prayers for the activities of the District and the mission and ministry of the other circuits. If you have issues you would like others to join with you in prayer, please let us know via the District Office. We are praying regularly for you and with you. We rejoice with Steve Jones on his appointment (half-time) as a Venture FX Pioneer and pray for him and his family as he adjusts to a new way of working. We also pray for the outworking of pioneering church planting ideas across the District. Please pray for: - Those ministers and circuits going through the stationing process in the next few weeks and particularly our District Chair – Pete – as he guides and supports those in our District. - Those circuits that came together in the recent Reshaping for Mission process, as they find new ways of working and expressing their mission together. - Continued encouragement as we develop both the Disciple (bible study) and Pioneer Disciple (fresh expressions) courses. - Wisdom and guidance for us all as we respond to invitations, project, and initiatives – of which this team email is just a small selection.
Don’t forget …. Pick up the Team Email online at: http://www.pemd.org.uk
Contact your District Team via the District Mission & Resource Centre The Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT 01392 211624 admin@pemd.org.uk
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