Anglican-Methodist talks

A group of about a dozen Methodists and two Anglicans have begun to
explore the links we have, led by Rev. Chris White on Wednesday evenings at
Georgetown. A surprising number of people have moved from one church to the
other during their lives. There is a range of theological belief within
both churches and there are close links in several parts of the Island.
However, not everything is interchangeable. Only this year have
Methodist ministers gained the right, long enjoyed by their Anglican
friends, to conduct weddings without the registrar being physically present.
The Anglican Church is the Established Church. In England it means that the
Prime Minister had the final say in the recent appointment of the Archbishop
of Canterbury. In Jersey rectors have an official place in parish life.
However, the Anglican Church in Jersey has a bonus not enjoyed in England.
The upkeep of the church and rectory is largely paid for by the parish
ratepayers, who include Methodists, Catholics and others who completely fund
their own property!!
This accident of history is one of the issues that need to be faced up to as
we grow as Christians Together in Jersey. It will be one of the factors to
consider as we turn our focus away from church buildings, of which there are
still too many in a place the size of Jersey and onto church communities
serving their neighbours.
Another interesting thought was put forward in the Jersey Link recently
by Rev. Mark Bond, newly arrived Rector of St. Brelades. He suggests that
each parish elects its 'mentor' for the Constable. Thus instead of 12
rectors who are automatically Anglican, each parish would have a ministerial
mentor who could be Anglican, Methodist or Catholic. This would be a really
visible sign that the Churches are becoming one body, serving the community
through the parishes.

Ed Le Quesne 

THE CIRCUIT WEEKEND THAT ROCKED THE CHURCH!

Rev. Ralph Ward in Jersey for the Circuit weekend

This year I attended my first Methodist Circuit weekend. Not quite
knowing what to expect, but being hungry to worship & praise God and having
been told (on good authority!) that it wasn't an opportunity to be missed, I
decided to go.......with an open mind, and an open heart.
The Friday evening was a 'Kids' Praise Party. I was under the
impression however, that meant 'kids' of all ages! And besides, I reckoned
had there been bouncers on the door, I would have been able to wangle my way
in as a 'BIG Kid'!!! When I heard the name Ralph Ward, for some reason I
pictured a teacher type person, so when I saw a young trendy guy (no suit or
shiny shoes!) sitting down as I arrived at St. Helier Methodist Centre, I
presumed he too was playing the 'BIG Kid' and had decided to find out what
this Ralph Ward chap was all about.....I was soon to discover however, that he
was Ralph Ward, and at this point, I guessed it was going to be a 'cool'
evening!!! The attendance of young people and their parents was good, with
quite a lot of very young, normally hard-to-keep-focused children but Ralph
had the knack! The kids seemed glued, learning songs like 'All fizzed up'
with actions to accompany and balanced nicely with good bible stories that
Ralph applied to everyday life. There were also Games and refreshments...all
in all GREAT night! By the end of it, I was excited. I then felt lucky to
be one of the 'BIG Kids', as that meant I could come back on the Saturday
for more!!! 
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Saturday morning, although
there was already a distinct buzz in the Centre when I arrived with my Mum
for lunch! In the afternoon, people could choose to attend 2 of several
seminars, held separately in different areas of the centre. I can't comment
on those I didn't attend, but I certainly had no regrets about attending the
two I did! Alan Hilton & his Team led the 2 seminars I attended and both
revolved around the musical side of worship. I learnt a lot about how free
we can be in praising God and how easy it is to learn new songs when someone
who is willing and able, is teaching you. By the end of the day, I was 'on
a high'!

Ralph and helpers lead the action songs

Then came the time to give it back to God, in our Sunday morning Circuit
Service.. and what an AWESOME time of worship we had! Ralph led an
'all-age' service, that in my opinion was well balanced, reaching out to
both young & old. It was a modern service - one especially appealing for
those excited about being followers of Jesus! The children gathered on the
floor at the front of the church, clapping and openly enjoying singing new
songs, helping them praise Jesus. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to
help lead the worship, and for me personally, this was a true answer to
prayer. God's word was shared (with the assistance of visual aids) and His
gifts were put to use, as Methodists from all over the Island came together
to worship Him. 
How was it for the other people present? Well I can only speak for
myself when I say it was uplifting and hugely encouraging, but to the person
who shortly after the service said 'that beats lying in bed in a Sunday
morning', you're not wrong!!! I just hope and pray that we take forward
with us what we have learnt, and put it to use in our own churches.
I also thank God for Ralph Ward, who by giving up his time and sharing
with us his gifts, helped us to rock the church! Lets hope that next time
he is here, he will be able to see that we have moved forward as
Christians..............and multiplied! 
Hayley Queripel

An older person's view
Rev Ralph Ward is a man who has a great gift for communicating,
especially with young people, and who can give a message that finds a
response among all ages. On Saturday morning I attended the seminar on
Worship. Ralph reminded us that 'Worship was worship which gave worth and
grace to God'. We were reminded that it was in a meeting with like-minded
people that John Wesley experienced his heart strangely warmed by the Holy
Spirit. We looked at Acts 2 v.42-47 where we learnt how the early
believers worshipped. They focussed on Christ and the example was quoted
from Acts ch.16 when Paul and Silas sang praise to God in prison. Even in
those circumstances they worshipped.
On Sunday morning Ralph certainly held the attention of the youth and
gave the older members of the congregation a message from the Bible. The
choruses, sung with actions, were appreciated by many who attended but it
was good to conclude with a hymn which is a great favourite 'Great is thy
faithfulness'. Some would have liked another traditional hymn in the
service! After all it was 'All age worship' and not everyone likes too much
change. Some friends found the music too loud. We hope that other
congregations will not expect Island preachers to arrange 'AAW' in the same
way! We are all different and we try to include music which suits and meets
the needs of the various age groups in the congregation.

Ecumenical help
Refreshments were served on Saturday by members of other town churches who
share in the Ecumenical group which meets at SHMC on a Wednesday once a
month. This allowed all our Methodist friends to fully take part in the
weekend without having to worry about the kitchen. We may be able to offer
similar help if needed. Crèche facilities for the under 5's were in the
capable hands of Sue Wilson and two staff from Nestlings Day Care centre who
gave up their Saturday..
About 80 people stayed for a 'faith lunch' after Sunday worship, food and
fellowship rounding off a differently styled Circuit Weekend. A vote of
thanks to Stephen Higginson and others who made this weekend possible
Betty Mourant 

Ralph Ward was paying his first return visit to Jersey for 10 years. He
is now a circuit minister in the Wimborne Circuit, with a special brief for
ministry to young people. His previous Jersey visit was as a Christian
musician and music still plays a major part in his ministry.
In his workshop on all-age worship, Ralph stressed the role of
humour and participation to keep all included in the worship. He often uses
ideas from popular TV quiz programmes to get alongside people. He did not
like the idea of children doing colouring while a message is given to the
adults. Ralph's lively personality and musical ability is important to the
success of format.
Quite different was the workshop on reflective worship run by Rowland
from St Brelades. We sang through a number of Taize and Iona choruses and
reflected on the peaceful and restful space away from our busy lives that
they offered. We discussed how often the simple words should be repeated.

Ralph uses many illustrations

Those who thought the Circuit service was a 10.30 start had a good
period of time to meet friends from round the circuit over a cup of coffee
before the 11.00 start! Ralph has an easy visual style, using a number of
slides on the video projector to illustrate his theme. He appealed to many,
a few strongly objected even to the point of leaving early and not all are
willing or able to wave their hands in the air! It is fine as part of the
variety of Methodist worship but not, for me, one I would wish to experience
every week.. 
Ed Le Quesne

KEVIN JONES & FAMILY IN MICHIGAN
The social and cultural differences between Jersey and Michigan were
starker than we had expected. Several times in the first two weeks we
commented that had we known the area we were to live in, we may not have
brought our children. But in the end the visit was rich and rewarding.
Flint itself is a city of comparable size to perhaps Leeds or Liverpool. It
has seen better days; the roads are in a very bad state, in certain areas
there are street gangs, the city government is several million dollars in
debt and its affairs will soon be governed by the state. (A former mayor
refused to budget cut and now the city is bankrupt.) The one library which
the city had, faced a vote for closure while we were there, but it was
reprieved. Flint was built on blue collar work, the motor industry. Buick
& Chevrolet have plants there, but with the slump in the car market many
plants have closed and there is a lot of unemployment. Only one church
member now worked in the motor industry. During the first week we received
calls from two ex-offenders asking for money. We helped both in some small
way, but one turned out to be a con artist, the other promised the return of
funds, but never kept his word. It was like being back in Manchester!
Outside the city limits there were fine houses and some of the
congregation lived at a distance from the Church. Most had been local at
some time, but as they prospered they moved out. The estate where the
Church and parsonage were situated was relatively safe. The area was mostly
poor and mostly white. We visited just two of the families who lived
nearby: our children making friends with one family who had 3 children the
same age as some of ours, though they lived with their grand-parents. Mary
left us a hand drawn map of the area, outside of which we were advised not
to stray on foot. Continue to pray for Mary - her ministry is to a deprived
urban area and even church members have lost their lives locally. Pray for
Flint and for Eastwood Methodist Church.
The Eastwood United Methodist Church generally suffered from the same
poverty as the city of Flint. Many people were retired, & only a few had
well paid jobs. Several couples were re-married and some of the
grandparents were raising their grandchildren. However, they were a Church
that has succeeded to some extent in creating a Church community. We shared
in faith meals, picnics, a fund raising tea for the local school and
Thursday coffee & donuts. The cupboards at Mary's were stocked with food.
100 types of beans, clam chowder etc. It seems Americans eat out a lot.
Restaurants are much cheaper there. We tried MacDonald's, Wendy's, Burger
King, Grandma's, Ponderosa, Arby's and Subway. Some were good, some were
not. Mary warned us we would not be invited to people's homes and this
proved true. We only visited one house for a meal while we were there. The
culture of inviting people for a meal has disappeared in Flint. We were
taken out for meals twice. The Church was about 80 to 90 strong and ran two
services. An 8-30 am praise service with CD accompaniment, and an 11-00 am
traditional service. Both appreciated a preaching ministry. They had a
dearth of musicians so the ministry of Daniel on piano and myself on guitar
was welcome. 
Mary herself is 'charismatic'; Eastwood however was little different to
a middle of the road Methodist Church in Britain. Candles were lit by
acolytes (young people) who paraded in at the start of every service. The
dress sense was less formal because of the heat (90 + degrees at times.)
Jackets and tie were not expected, and Mary never wears a dog collar. Only
two songs were used in the main service: an opening and a closing hymn,
because of the lack of musicians. A printed order of services was issued,
but the people allowed me to largely ignore this and bring a freer style of
service. In between the services was the all age Sunday School. With about
six classes, the youngest to the oldest attended these discussion groups and
explored the Bible together over coffee.
I never managed to meet the superintendent, and only visited one
other Methodist Church. The Circuit system does not work in Michigan. I did
join 7 Methodist pastors for breakfast once. They explained, each church
has its own pastor and functions independently. If a Methodist church down
the road closed it would mean little to the next because of their
independence. Michigan is a conference in its own right with 2 districts.
There are probably as many Methodists in Michigan as in the UK. The Flint
area had 17 Methodist Churches. Within a mile of us there were 50 other
denominations We saw among others, Wesleyan, Lutheran, Pentecostal,
Baptist, Presbyterian, Church of God, Adventist & many independents. With
the exception of one Black Methodist church, Methodism was probably in
decline, facing the same problems as us with division over Church music and
few young people. The question of how to be relevant to a secular society
was real, though there are far more Christians in America than here. The
Methodist Church is the third largest in the USA with perhaps 14 million
members, of whom President Bush is one. Please continue in prayer for the
Christians of America.
Rev. Kevin Jones

David and Sue Le Gresley
David and Sue have cause for a double celebration to round off 2002.
David is a Church Steward at Sion and Sue a fully-accredited Local Preacher.
During this year David has qualified as an Island Blue Badge Guide,
following an intensive course of training and 'hands on' practice. Sue is
the Principal of 'Chic' Hair Salon, and has crowned her year by being among
the regional finalists for the National Training Awards. She received an
engraved crystal glass award at the South West regional finalists' event in
Bristol, hosted by Angela Rippon.

Sue on the right, receives her award from Angela, centre.

Four of the fifteen finalists were from Jersey, and Franz Schindler, the
local co-ordinator for the State-sponsored Training and Employment
Partnership, said, ' ... everyone who reaches this stage is a winner, and
the proportion of Jersey finalists is a demonstration of the high standard
of business training here..'
Fellow Methodists offer their congratulations to David and Sue on their
splendid achievements in 2002.
C.G.Nowell

Stepping into the (almost) unknown
As friends at Bethesda are aware I have recently offered for ministerial
training. I outline what has happened and what will happen next.
Over the past couple of years, several people (including some of you)
have told me I should go into the ministry. Hopefully that wasn't just
because you wanted to get rid of me! At the time, neither Linda nor I felt
God was calling me to the ministry, and I believe a genuine calling is
vitally important. I also knew that He would make it clear to Linda as well
if it really was of God.
The turning point was a phone call one night in June from a worried
friend. I prayed with him over the phone, replaced the receiver, and felt
in my heart that God wanted me to go into the ministry, that the time was
now right. Linda immediately turned to me and said that she felt I should
apply for the ministry!
So here I am. At the Circuit meeting I gave a testimony of my calling,
and I was approved almost unanimously to proceed to the first step,
Foundation training. This lasts from 1-3 years and can be done by distance
learning. However, training doesn't start until September 2003, so this year
I just have a few interviews to do. By the end of this year my timetable
should become slightly clearer though- I will probably be ordained between
2007-2009! I will probably candidate for the actual ministry during
Foundation training, but expect to be at Bethesda for a few years yet. I may
have to drop some jobs in the church though! Linda and I ask that you
remember us in your prayers as we begin a new phase in our lives.
Eph 4:11-12-"And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints
for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..."
Chris Haines

The Sunday School Anniversary at Eden took place on 6th October when
about 22 children took to the small stage and all gave their best.
The morning was based on the life of David and each of the younger
children had learnt a short poem about the shepherd boy, soldier and king.
The older children helped by joining in the songs, many written by Roger
Jones. Mrs. Sue Le Gresley gave a short talk.

Primary Action Song watched by other children
A solo in the afternoon.

During the afternoon service the children performed an abridged version of
Roger Jones' musical about Mary Jones and her quest for a Bible - Greater
than Gold. This was quite an undertaking as many youngsters were under 10 but all the children and especially the teenagers rose to the challenge of something more demanding. Rev. Jeremy Troxler presented the prizes and spoke to the children about our Bibles being like a flashlight. Following the service sandwiches and cakes were shared in the school Hall
which was filled to overflowing
Carole Ann Egre 

Occupational hymns
The November issue of SHMC magazine had a long list including:
Crown Him with many crowns ... Dentist's
There is a green hill far away     ... Golfer's
Rock of ages                        ..Geologist's
Almost persuaded                 ... Judge's
Search me, O God             ... Criminal's
Just a little talk with Jesus     .. Psychiatrist's

Any more suggestions?


Farewell to Galaad

Photo of Galaad outside

Galaad was opened 170 years ago, replacing a smaller building. Methodist
preaching began nearby in 1811, first in the yard, and then in the home of a
Mr de Carteret. But by 1823 his living room was not big enough for the
growing congregation so he built a hall with a capacity for 130 people
near-by. It was replaced nine years later by the present church built to
take 350 people. The new church was opened on the 14th October 1832, when
two sermons were preached. The following year a missions committee was set
up and Sunday school started. Over the years much has been done to
maintain and improve Galaad, especially in 1907 when the present pews were
installed. 
When Galaad was opened Jersey was very different from what it is today.
That same year cholera raged in St Helier with terrible consequences. It was
also a time of revival. Throughout the Island there was much poverty.
Communications with the United Kingdom were far less. Apart from the town,
Jersey French was the language of most Islanders. Life was often hard and
cruel with many defying God in their life styles. But already Methodism was
making a difference to the morals of the Island. The violent attacks on
faithful Methodists had by now died down. Services possessed a liveliness
very different from what we often find in our now respectable churches. Many
people came knowing their need to be born again. Often they cried out to God
in prayer for salvation. There was also exuberant praise as they received
God's mercy. Each member, too, belonged to a functioning class meeting. In
fact you became a Methodist member by becoming a member of a class meeting,
which was usually held weekly. Sunday worship was not considered sufficient
in itself to be accepted into membership. High moral standards were also
expected of members.
As time went on Galaad flourished, new members were received, while the
general life of the Island improved. Ministers and Local Preachers preached
faithfully. But gradually other changes came as well. With increased
prosperity there was a danger of a greater reliance on one's own natural
abilities. Also secularism, with its questioning of the miraculous, became
more prevalent. As the century advanced even the gospel itself risked being
toned down to avoid offence. Jersey was also being drawn into the British
way of life for good or ill. While there were gains, emigration accounted
for many losses. Education made great strides. However this sometimes
diverted people from the call of the gospel. By the 1930's it began to look
as if Galaad could not continue. Into this situation came a minister whom
some members will remember, Mr Skyrme. He visited faithfully, preached
ardently and lived out what he preached. He held a bible class for children
during the week. All this marked the beginning of new things at Galaad.
During the German occupation the congregation continued its faithful
witness. By the late 1940's a regular prayer meeting was held. Youth work
was started. There was a strong sense of fellowship in the church. But time
has marched on. Much faithful service has been given to the church, despite
the many more recent difficulties. Over the years Ministers have come and
gone. New preachers have been welcomed. Mission work abroad has been
supported. In their daily lives members have sought to witness to their
faith, but, as with so many Island churches, longed-for growth has not
materialised. The members have found themselves part of a community which so
often ignores God, and goes its own selfish way, or in doing good tries to
do it without God's help and guidance. For the members at Galaad this has
lead to a courageous decision to pool resources with their fellow members at
First Tower. 
We pray God's blessing on the friends at Galaad as they continue to
witness in a new setting.
Eric Lucas

Photo of members with decalogue

Some Galaad members in front of the decalogue, donated in May 1912 by M.J.Le
Quesne, widow of John Le Couteur. (Does anyone know more about gift or
giver?)

Galaad members remember

Elsie Huelin
My family have had connections with Galaad for many years, My
grandparents, my father and all my aunts and uncles attended there. My aunt
Laura Laurens was Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years and
organist for fifty. I started Sunday School when I was eight and remember
Christmas parties, Sunday School treats in lorries decorated with streamers
also a stage for S.S.anniversaries. We were married at Galaad and our two
children were christened and attended Sunday School.
Margaret Queree
I joined Galaad in 1948 and have always found it a very welcoming and
supportive community. We had a Mums and Toddlers group from 1987 to 1993
run by two of our young Mums. We have had a nursery school since 1972. An
extension to the schoolroom was carried out in 1977, resulting in a much
larger airier building. bout £15000 and was paid for in 3 years. The Sunday
School sadly had to close in 1990.

Galaad members have coffee in the schoolroom after morning service

We organised sponsored walks from Corbiere to West Park from 1979 to
1990. In 1978,'80 and '81 we took over an empty shop in St. Helier for a
week and ran our own shop selling all sorts including wonders made on the
spot. The aroma from the cooking attracted many purchasers! We made over
£1000 each time, quite good for those days. Philip Pallot from Waterloo
farm made over 100 apples pies and Marjorie Richardson over 200 wonders.
For many years we have had an entry in the Battle of Flowers, originally
started by Miss Agnes Pallot. I will miss the church very much and am sorry
it has to close, but it seems a wise thing to do and great things may come
from the new church, The Bay.


Philip Rondel has attended Galaad for 83 years, starting at
3 years old after his father died. At that time the church was lit by gas
lamps, lit with a taper, and heating was by paraffin stoves. There was
coconut matting in the aisles. Mr White, the newsagent from Kensington
Place, gave the present carpet which has lasted very well. Originally there
was a door from the vestry to a high pulpit, but when the decalogue was
installed in 1912, this door was blocked. The altar rail was added later.
The vestries at the back were one long room originally, but Philip's brother
built the present partitions. The window frames were made of an African
hard wood and have lasted very well. The windows were floodlit at Christmas
till about 20 years ago.

Photo of 'Galaad side view'

There was only a single door at the entrance but they were replaced by
double doors to allow easier access for coffins etc. The pews were all
varnished by Mr. Herivel and remain in good condition. In the 80's the
gallery was enclosed and a new ceiling and new wiring done. Before that a
window in the back church wall of the gallery meant that people in the back
pew were illuminated by the morning sunshine. Mould problems on one back
wall were solved by a suggestion from Don Huelin to fit grilles in the wall
for ventilation. The present garage was a stall for a horse and the manger
only disappeared about 30 years ago. The caretakers cottage had bathroom
and toilet added upstairs after the war by Galaad stewards. From pre-war,
the caretakers have been Queree, Ahier, Le Boutillier, Bliault (Mrs
Bliault only died recently) and recently Houghton.
Philip and his wife Joyce (nee Pallot) lived in Waterworks Valley and
their mothers were friends.
Though engaged at Galaad, they were married at Grove Place (centre of the
French Methodist circuit). Philip remembers a Sunday School treat to La
Rocque involving 6 two-horse vans with about 20 adults and children in each.
An insect stung one of the horses pulling Philip's van. They bolted into a
field, fortunately no hedges then. They kicked themselves free of the van,
braking the shafts and harness.

Photo of Galaad porch shows active involvement in many Methodist causes

Philip had young Tim Hicklin, age 3 or 4, on his knee.
Philip got a kick on the ankle and had to be rushed to hospital but
fortunately no lasting damage was done.
There were great celebrations for the 150th anniversary (20 years ago )
There was a special cake and concerts and the porch was decorated with
models (from Voisins) dressed as at 'Temps Passe' and present day.
Galaad used to join with the Glass Church, under Rev. Stievenard, on
Liberation Day.
Philip Rondel and Beryl Jameson


Galaad history from the archives
The Society was formed in 1811 in the house of Elie De Carteret, at 'La
Vallee' Some passers-by, hearing the service being conducted in the yard
said: 'They're in the yard now, they'll soon be in the house'. Not only
were they in the house, but in 1823 he built a hall on his property and when
that became overcrowded, he gave the Society a site and £25 towards a new
place of worship. The chapel was built on part of his garden, called Le
Grand Jardin. The area was about 70 ft by 60 ft. No money was paid but the
Trustees had to 'enclose the land with good walls from the remainder of the
garden as quickly as possible.' In 1857, Elie's son, also called Elie, was
granted right of way across a road to the East of the chapel. In 1865, the
Trustees paid £26 for a piece of land to the South and for access of a gas
pipe through Elie's land to enable the chapel to be lit by gas. In 1907 it
was renovated and re-opened on December 1st, seating 300.

Galaad organ and pews, ready for a wedding!

J.W.Hill & Co's Historical Directory of 1874 describes it as a 'plain
unarchitectural building ....cost £975 ... the windows are plain. ...
adjoining the chapel is a commodious Sunday School room. Rev. Nicolle was
the first minister.
In the archives, there are 3 minutes books, Trustees 1861 - 1964;
Leaders 1919-1944, 1946 - 1975; Church council 1975-1986.
Freda Le Boutillier
Freda would like to hear from anyone with old minute books in their
possession

Photo of Galaad plaque

Where does the name Galaad come from?
A search on the internet quickly showed that Galaad enters floats in the
Jersey Battle of Flowers and that there is a Galaad Methodist Church in
Guernsey! On Tuesday, November 19, 2002 on the Guernsey Tourism site was
this entry
Miscellaneous 
Drop-in at the Tea Junction, Galaad Methodist Church, 9-11am.
A Tea Junction sounds very Methodist!
Galaad also seems to be the name of a band that was popular in the 90's.
More biblically, Galaad was the son of Joseph of Arimathea and the more
modern form is Galahad, knight of the Round Table. In legend Christ
appeared to Joseph of Arimathea when he had been cast in prison by the Jews
and gave him the Holy Grail, the cup used at the last supper. It sustains
him for forty-two years till he is released by Emperor Vespasian. The Grail
is brought to Britain by Joseph or his son and gets lost when its keeper
dies. The knights are searching for it.
An Old Testament reference is in Genesis 31 v. 47 where Jacob makes an
agreement with his father-in-law Laban by setting up a pile of stones (gal )
as a witness ('ed). Hence gal'ed or Galaad, means 'a pile of stones to
remind us' It marked the boundary between their lands and ended the rivalry
between the two men.
In Psalm 60 v.7 it says, 'Mine is Gilead' another version of Galaad. It
may mark a place where David won a great battle as the psalm is titled 'a
prayer for deliverance' in the Good News Bible.
Putting the name 'Galaad' into the search engine Google gave 300,000
references! Using 'Galaad, church' gave over 500. I only looked at the
first 30 and already it has given several intriguing links to ponder on
before the Galaad name leaves our Jersey plan.
Ed Le Quesne


Farewell to First Tower
The name of First Tower will also be lost from our Circuit plan though we
will still be using the buildings under the new name of The Bay Methodist
Church. So it is appropriate to look back on its history as well. In
1997, Freda Le Boutillier, Circuit archivist and member of First Tower
compiled a 14 page booklet giving a full history of the first 150 years.
There is only space here for a page of items. The full booklet can be lent
to anyone wishing to know more.
* Opened on 26th December 1847, costing £374. Subscriptions were £41.7s 2d,
and opening ceremony raised £3. 0s .7d, so the chapel was built on faith
that the debt would be wiped out by their successors.
* In 1903 chapel extended to give 55 more seats.

First Tower entrance, some parking problems

* A caretaker's house was discussed in 1907 and in 1925, but it was never
agreed. In 1937 oak panelling fitted and other internal changes made in
memory of Mr J.J.D'Artenay. In 1977, the kitchen was opened by Mrs. Hilda
Baudains.
* In 1897 a Young Women's Bible class started, in 1903 a Wesley Guild formed
and a 'Men's Own' in 1909. A table tennis club started in 1930.
* From 1951, times of evening service altered, to 8 p.m. so visitors could
attend, but have stopped.
* The Sunday School room was opened in 1865, with over 100 scholars. At the
50th S.S. Anniversary in 1915, donations were given to the Belgian Relief
Fund, instead of prizes of the children. In 1920 a Boys' Brigade was
formed with 20 to 25 members. Family services on the 2nd Sunday of the
month started in 1970, morning services started at 10.30 from 1990.
* From 1990 Palm Sunday processions have been led by a donkey. The
Constable gave permission as long as the animal didn't exceed the 30 m.p.h.
speed limit and a person followed with bucket and shovel!
* In February 1970 a committee of five were elected to consider
amalgamating Galaad and First Tower. After long discussions, the two
churches decided to continue independently.
* In 1889, the Harvest Festival decorations were described as tasteful and
elaborate. In 1974 the tradition of a display on Saturday and stalls with an
evening concert began. A harvest supper was also started.

* Music has always been important at First Tower with frequent concerts,
both sacred and secular.
* In 1895, a fine toned American organ by Hamblin was bought for £15.
Organs were bought in 1909, 1918 and 1942, the latter donated by
N.P.Skelton.
In the Occupation, £200 in reichmarks collected by Mr. J. Hamon towards a
new organ, that was dedicated in 1955. The present instrument was
purchased in 1980 for £2,750. Since 1960 worship has been led by a robed
choir. 
* A Grand Bazaar at 'The Poplars' about 1905, included a six mile run by
motor car at 9d per head, which proved very popular.
* In Feb. 1922, a meeting decided not to hold a bazaar but to give what they
would spend at a bazaar. '£25 was raised on the spot. £50 will cover the
year's expenses we are not downhearted.!'
* In 1974, Rev. John Dodds said coffee mornings on Wednesdays from June to
September could be a service to visitors and a means of raising money for
the Church. They continue to this day.
* A Band of Hope was started in 1895 with fortnightly meetings. The Fife and
Drum Band, with 26 young people, was a great attraction. It played at
various functions.
* Sunday school Treats have often been outings in vans or char-a-bangs.
Recently the drive through the tunnel has been popular.
* A scout troop, the 12th Jersey, was formed in 1921 by the Rev.
F.H.Everson. It did much good work under various leaders, till it was
disbanded in 1964. A dozen members transferred to 1st Jersey
Freda Le Boutillier



THE 3 MYTHS OF VIOLENCE
As our nations find themselves hurtling towards war with Iraq, truth is
quickly becoming a rare commodity. A wise person commented that the first
casualty of war is truth. And yet Jesus has promised that we need not fear
the truth, because he is the truth, and the truth shall set us free. As the
logic of violence begins to obscure all debate, now is the time to unmask
some of the myths and presuppositions that justify our violence and often
captivate and narrow our thinking as we talk about the painful issue of war.

The first myth is one that we are indoctrinated with from the cradle:
we'll call it THE MYTH OF REDEMPTIVE VIOLENCE. In cartoons, in films, from
a young age we are taught that violence saves, is what works. "There are
bad guys in the world, and to stop them, we're going to have to fight them.
The end justifies the means: we don't like this, but just that it's a fact
of life: if you want to get some things done, you just have to resort to
violence." Generally, we take it as a given that violence, bad as it is,
solves some situations.
But does violence really work the way we think it does? Since World War
II, the United States has bombed over 17 countries with the goal of making
them more democratic nations. Bombs have been dropped on China, Korea,
Guatemala, Indonesia, Cuba, Congo, Peru, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Guatemala
(again), Granada, Libya, Panama, Iraq, Sudan, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan.
Almost none succeeded in establishing a democratic republic. Afghanistan
still looks tenuous at best.
The truth is that once the Pandora's box of violence is opened, so often
its results cannot be controlled. Gandhi recognized this fact. He said "I
object to violence, because, when it appears to do good, the good is only
temporary; the evil it does is permanent." The truth is that in every war
lie the seeds for the next war. In this century: World War II was a direct
result of the First, which ironically President Wilson had declared to be
yet another "War to end all wars". From World War II flowed Korea, as the
two superpowers created by the previous war battled for post-war supremacy.


The Korean War led us to Vietnam. The Gulf War eleven years ago gives us
talk of another Gulf War today. Violence breeds. It multiplies like an
insidious replicating virus. Now we are told another war won't just end
war, but prevent war altogether. Yet I shudder at what monster may emerge
from another war in the Middle East.
The notion that violence works in the long run is a myth. You can't bomb
hate out of the world.

This leads us to a second myth, the notion that THERE IS SUCH A THING AS
A JUST WAR. Since the middle ages, the church's six criteria for such a
just war are these: a Just Cause (such as self-defence), a Just end
(that's some prospect of success), fought by Just Means (minimizing casualties); it must be waged as a Last Resort, by a Legitimate Authority, and hold out hope for some Proportionality of Suffering. And yet, no war in history has ever met
all these criteria, EVER: especially the final four.
Some of you are thinking: what about World War II and Hitler? Well,
you're right: perhaps the only just war of our century in terms of just
cause and just end, was World War II. That war rightly forces us to pause
and reflect. But let us consider the results of that war: perhaps as many
as 20 million deaths, every soul precious to God. That number is so
incomprehensible: we can never understand it: only the infinite broken
heart of God could ever encompass such a tragedy.
But can we consider the so-called "just war" of World War II separate
from the unjust one, the Great War. The armistice was signed that 11th
November, 1918, in a train car at Compeigne in France. The peace terms
agreed at Versailles punished Germany terribly. Their harsh stipulations
left the German economy in a shambles, and created great animosity among the
German people. It paved the way for a former German corporal to ride that
wave of discontent to power. Perhaps we have never come to terms with the
degree to which we, by our own violent peace, contributed to creating
Hitler. To show the relation, Hitler had France sign its surrender in 1940:
in that same train car at Compeigne. Perhaps we might look again at what
makes a "Just War."
And now for our third and final myth, the myth that HUMAN BEINGS ARE
NATURALLY VIOLENT CREATURES. The idea is that people are hopelessly sinful,
so war is just going to keep erupting in the world from time to time. And
yet, for all the violence in the world, human beings are not, to quote from
a movie title, "natural-born killers." A study done after the First World
War found that 60% of American infantrymen never fired their gun. The truth
is that the love of country alone is often not enough justification to lead
people to kill in war. In every war there must also be a campaign to
dehumanise the enemy first: just look at some of the racist propaganda that
the USA produced about Japan in World War II; or the names given to the
enemy, like "Japs," "Krauts," "Gooks," or "Skinnies"; or modern caricatures
of Islamic extremists. The only goal of such campaigns is to nurture
killing-hate in the heart. It's just a truth: most people don't naturally
kill in war unless they've been lied to or forced to. Most veterans from
the Second World War will tell you that by the War's end they were fighting
for two things: to get the heck back home and to help their buddy in the
foxhole beside them.
Which leads to another important point: so often people kill in war,
not because they're bad, but because they're good. Within every person is a
God-given urge to sacrifice, to give of oneself for others, to live in
communion and shared endeavour with those around us. People go to war
because they do love their country, because they want to be a part of
something larger than themselves. They are told that they are fighting for
some grand ideal like "Freedom," or to avenge the victimized. And then,
once they're in the trenches, they're willing to kill because they've grown
to love the other men in their unit, because they have become a "band of
brothers," and they want to protect each other. The platoon system in the
military not only offers greater organization, but also makes the men
better fighters: they are willing to lay down their lives for those they'd
shared so much with.
The beauty of such self-sacrifice and courage is what makes war so
compelling, and we are right to honour it, and marvel at it, and thank God
for the courage and love of those who have made that sacrifice. And yet
this same beauty is also the great tragedy of war. War takes that
beautiful, God-given urge towards self-sacrifice, and twists it towards
violence. Jesus was right to pray, "Father, forgive them, they know not
what they do": because that urge to self-sacrifice, that love, was never
intended by God to lead us to kill another one of God's children. A friend
of mine is right when he says that because of this, war is Christianity's
greatest competitor: because we are meant to give our lives for each other:
but in suffering, not in killing; in the courageous service to Jesus Christ,
and not in the brave service of any national boundary or amorphous concept
of "freedom." All of us need something that we love so much that we'd be
willing to die for it. And many die for their country because they've never
been presented with a faith worth dying for. And yet we serve a saviour who
did die for us. He had an army of angels at his command and yet would not
"break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick." He taught, and lived,
cheek-turning and costly enemy-love. Rather than resort to violence to
bring about the kingdom of God, he himself became the victim of violence,
and through it won our salvation. The cross, the nails through his palms,
the spear in his side, all reveal the truth of what war really is: the
crucifixion of the truth, humanity crucifying its God. As those who follow
Christ, we must not approach a time of war pretending that Jesus did not
say, "Love and pray for your enemies." Perhaps if we only followed that
command, if we gave people a radical faith worth suffering for and dying
for, we would find the renewal we seek.

As for me, I think of something else Jesus said: "Let the children come
to me." According to the UN, thousands of Iraqi children have died in the
last 11 years as a result of sanctions. For me it comes down to this, in
the words of US Christian writer Wendell Berry: "(This is) the predicament
(that) modern warfare forces upon us: How many deaths of other people's
children by bombing or starvation are we willing to accept in order that we
may be free, affluent, secure, and (supposedly) at peace? To that question
I answer: None. Please, no children. Don't kill any child for my benefit."
Jeremy Troxler

What is a reformed Christian?
He or she has three important characteristics.
The first is obedient, the obedience of a musician following a Bach
score, not jumping to attention when the divine voice sounds. It needs
patience, listening with receptivity and prayer, letting oneself be moulded
by the mystery of God's love. It gives light and joy, the joy of being
recreated by what God is and does.
The second is critical, asking awkward questions, not out of confidence
in his or her ability to sort things out, but out of a passion that the
questions God puts to humanity should be heard clearly. The questioning is
not negative or destructive but an invitation to shared attention to God's
challenge.
The third is conversational, exchange, speaking and listening and
learning together. We need to find words beyond our own to talk with each
other about God and the things of God. It needs spiritual, moral and human
discipline and is anything but individualist. A good Reformed Christian
will always want conversations with dead Christians as well as living ones -
to allow Christian generations before us to join in the prayer and
discussions we now share. We will not be impatient with the past or too
enslaved by it. 
These 3 points were made by Archbishop of Wales, Rowan Williams
(appointed the next Archbishop of Canterbury) in a recent talk to
Methodists, printed in Epworth Review, April 2001. He goes on to say that
Methodists have historically combined all 3 characteristics. We have been
very interested in obedience, in Scriptural Holiness, in letting people be
shaped by the mystery they confront. Charles Wesley's hymns express this
Divine mystery and the exhilaration that it brings. We have also been
critical. John Wesley posed many awkward questions to his day, about
prisons, the slave trade and much else. And we have been conversational,
even talkative, with the class system letting people together find words for
God with each other. In the letters and journals of John Wesley, very
ordinary people find they speak of God with authority, speak to God with
boldness and speak to other people about the good news of God
It is also a vision for our society, as obedience, criticism and
conversation are rather rare. We have little common sense of what human
beings should be transformed to, what are the possibilities and riches of
humanity. We have plenty of cynicism but not much criticism. We have plenty
of sniping, gossip and not much open discussion and conversation,
exploration together of what we believe.
This is a brief summary of a longer article. It reminds us of a great
heritage. It is in that spirit that I raise concerns about the image of God
conveyed by a sermon illustration used recently in our circuit. Two
children were ill, one had faith, one did not, the one who had faith
survived the other did not. I didn't hear the particular service so I don't
know if there were nuances that the preacher intended, but the bare facts
above was what stuck in the mind of the listener. Surely we can't believe
in a crude interventionist God like that. The mystery of why illness and
death strikes one and not another is a challenge to faith, to be lived
through, conscious that we are never beyond the love of God and the support
of others. There is no easy or glib answer to this situation and many
others. We draw on the rich treasury of hymns and prayers built up over
centuries to sustain our faith in dark times. (I wrote the above before we
suffered our own family tragedy with the air crash that killed my brother
Graeme. It is still what I believe)
It is also in a critical spirit that we face the claims of other faiths,
with relations with Moslems uppermost in our minds at the moment. Claiming
that Christians are right and by implication that others are wrong implies
that we have wisdom beyond the ability of a limited human mind. Instead we
need respect and humility. Respect for the peaceful and charitable way of
life of many Moslems and humility to admit that the fruit of our Christian
society is still not yet 'a just and equal sharing of the things that earth
affords' in the words of Fred Kaan's hymn (H.& P.402). We both follow the
God of Abraham and neither have yet reached the Promised Land.
Ed Le Quesne
P.S. Since writing this Prince Charles has launched a dialogue between
faiths with the theme 'Respect'. I think this supports the thesis above.

Letter to the Editor

Full copy of Healing document by Michael Noel is here

This morning my copy of the September issue of the Jersey Methodist
was kindly dropped through my letterbox and at lunchtime I was able to have
a quick glance at it.
As you may know, I have been involved with healing for over 25
years, most of that time has been spent on researching the scientific
evidence for this phenomena in an attempt to more greatly understand the
subtle energies at work. Unfortunately, although there is now much more
evidence to promote the reality of healing, the way it is actually produced
is still in the realms of the unknown. What is known, as a demonstrable
quirk to the scientific suggestions of coincidence, probability and pure
chance, is that whenever an experiment is set up to test the validity of
prayerful healing for patients, those for whom prayers are said in a
purposeful and intentioned way, appear measurably better at the end of the
experiment than those in the control group. As we develop more
sophisticated equipment, results throughout the whole of this sphere of
research will give further credence to the power of prayerful thought on the
human body, mind and spirit.
Whilst I have no particular thought on the 'Unanswered Prayer'
article, I do feel that your comments regarding the one on 'Scientific test
of prayer?' lacks the objectivity of the true scientist. In America today,
more research is being done at universities and hospitals into this healing
phenomenon as we discover the intricacies of frequencies at subatomic levels
and how subtly they affect the workings of the human body.
From a believer's point of view, I find your comments seem to negate the
healing power of prayer. In which case why do we hold healing meetings at
Georgetown on a Monday morning? Why do we ask for prayers to be said in our
church for the sick? And why did we pray for you all those years ago?
Keep an open mind, Ed. We must not be so arrogant as to presume we know
all of God's wonders.
Yours sincerely

Michael Noel

Editor's response
I didn't know that Mike has been involved with healing, though he has
been a member at Georgetown for a long time. My 'tongue in cheek' comments
often draw a response!.
I don't think we are far apart, as I am sure that knowing you are
loved and cared for deeply by other people is a powerful healing influence,
while feeling lonely and desperate have a bad effect on your physical as
well as mental health. I don't feel you need to spend time looking for
subtle frequencies. I spend time pressing for fair trade, fair rents etc.
However Mike did take up my challenge to write a more detailed article. At
four pages long, it can't be reproduced in full here, though I can send it
to anyone interested. He has found evidence for the power of 'purposeful
intent' i.e. prayer, upon the condition of the sufferer. He makes an
interesting point about our circuit plan. We have an H, indicating a
Healing service. On the September to November plan, there is only one
service marked H, the evening service at St. Martin on November 24th. The
same is true on the new plan, St. Martin's evening service in February, the
last on the plan. Mike writes 'We have a specific healing service written
for us in our new Service Books. Do we use it? Why not? Why don't we?
Perhaps it is because we do not fully understand the difference between
healing and curing. This is a pity because the church is failing in its
education of the people towards health and harmony of body, mind and spirit
which is surely God's purpose for everyone.
Recently the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) of Great Britain has
formed a Spiritual Healing Ministry called the Friends Fellowship of
Healing. I have been honoured to have been asked to be a Supervisor for a
probationary healer in Jersey who has taken the official Quaker three-day
introductory healing course and wishes to develop their ability further.
This will be a two year commitment on my part and that of the probationer,
which I have accepted with considerable pleasure.'
Mike can be contacted on 734063 or by email at research@super.net.uk
Full copy of Healing document by Michael Noel is here

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