Anglicans and Methodists sign
On Saturday, November 1st, the President of Conference, Dr. Neil Richardson and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, in a ceremony at Westminster Central Hall, signed the Anglican-Methodist Covenant. Dr. Richardson said it was a ‘historic, memorable occasion, a landmark in our relationship with the Church of England. I hope it is a real catalyst - not least in a renewal of our common life and mission. The Covenant is as much or as little as we choose to make it. It is up to us all to make the most of it.’
In his address in front of the Queen, Dr. Williams took the story of Joseph and his brothers to illustrate how the providence of God works in and through our divisions. He said that in the 200 years the churches have been separate we have both discovered things about Christ and his kingdom that we are now eager to share with each other, as brothers and sisters working to overcome the distant legacy of arrogance and resentment. If all God’s gifts are given to be shared, we have no option finally but to offer them to each other in reconciliation.
After signing the Covenant, the hymn ‘Captain of Israel’s host’ was sung lustily then the congregation moved from Central Hall to Westminster Abbey. In his address, Dr. Richardson reminded the congregation that the concerns of the Church extend beyond the church. We have not voted for this Covenant, he said, in order to get a better deal for our ‘shareholders’ but because we believe it to be right. We have become convinced we shall serve the purpose of God more effectively together than separately. The concerns of the church reach at least as far as the neediest and poorest people in our country and beyond our country. He said the Church subscribes to a religion which insists that it is more important to be human than religious. The Church is committed to humanising life - helping people to discover in and beyond themselves resources of faith, hope and love which maybe they didn’t know were there. We are committed to helping our nation to explore what are the things which really matter in life and, conversely, what are the illusions and falsehoods which disfigure our national life. We are also committed to caring for the planet.
The Church’s mission can never be a threatening or oppressive crusade. It begins with the infinite value which God attaches to every human life and derives its character from Jesus who for Christians is the mirror of divine gentleness, sympathy and practical service. While Churches inevitably have ‘domestic’ matters to attend to, the well-being of our country and the healing of God’s world are absolutely central to our agenda. The two traditions enrich the vision of a world infused by the grace and love of God. Methodist Connexionalism was a reminder that the world is not as disconnected as it seems and that all things are connected by the love which is at the world’s heart, while the great liturgical tradition of the Anglican Church was a reminder that life itself is intended to be a liturgy of praise to God in a world which has found reconciliation and peace. He concluded that the Covenant is fundamentally a call to go forward together in faith, hope and love. ‘May it be a catalyst for the renewal of our common life and mission. And may its benefits be felt way beyond our Churches.’
Summarised from the Recorder report of 6 / 11 / 03
Editorial
In Jersey the circuit meeting and the Anglican synod voted against the Covenant. However the minutes of the March circuit meeting recorded that many voted against with sadness. They were against the process rather than ecumenism as such. It is now a fact, the start of a process. There are some negative voices fearful of what we might lose, but Dr. Richardson has given us a vision of what it can mean. In Jersey, with the Springboard programme, we are on our way. Ed Le Quesne
Here is one example, from the St. John’s Group of Churches
At the beginning of this year, as part of the Springboard initiative, St. John’s group of churches took the rare step of inviting members of its own community to say what they felt the churches should be doing for them. This proved a valuable exercise and, after numerous meetings, several needs were highlighted: more communication of the activities on offer within the parish; a means of bringing closer the two communities of Sion and St. John’s village; some help in the difficult task of bringing up young people in this complex modern world.
To fulfil these needs two definite ideas will be realised immediately: a parish magazine run by an excellent editorial team and a parenting course run by Sheilagh Mason of the URC and our own Caroline Homan. It is also proposed to alternate parish meetings between Sion and St. John’s village.
At the beginning of October an ‘Open Garden’ was held at St. John’s
Manor attracting between 500 and 600 people. On display were activities
provided by both the church and secular organisations within the parish. Organised by the St. John’s Group of Churches this occasion proved both entertaining and instructive (and gastronomically satisfying) and cemented the strong relationship which already exists between our three churches many of whose events we share during the year. Ian Jayes
CIRCUIT REVIEW
The March Circuit Meeting of 2003 committed the Circuit Leadership Team to ‘preparing a 4 or 5 year plan concerning the functioning of the Circuit and the associated costs, including options’.
The first action of the Leadership Team was to establish Working Groups covering a Vision Statement, the future ministry in Jersey, property and the future shape of Methodism in Jersey. The Leadership Team subsequently met in September, October, November and December to prepare a report for presentation to a Circuit Meeting.
The Report, if commended by the Circuit Meeting, will seek to offer models of a way forward including possible patterns of ministry. The whole process will be consultative and will be open to local Church Councils to comment and offer alternative ways of working. In order to achieve this objective the following programme of consultation is being put in place: -
January 22nd 2004 Special Circuit Meeting at Bethlehem to receive and commend the report to the Local Churches.
February to Easter - Church Councils meet to consider their response to the Report and submit response to the Superintendent by an agreed date set by the January Circuit Meeting.
Late Spring/Early Summer Additional Circuit Meeting to receive and adopt as appropriate a report on a Way Forward.
September 2004 subject to the adoption of a Way Forward, work begins on putting the agreed policy into place.
We enter a time of challenge and opportunity. Throughout it all we need to be prayerfully supportive of one another as we listen to God and each other and explore together what the Mission of the Methodist Circuit in Jersey is to be. I look with confidence to the future. Ian T. White
The ‘Jersey Link’ will next appear in March 2004, with Mrs Angela Le Sueur as Editor and a bigger and more widely representative editorial team. This decision follows a meeting called by Canon Nicholas France, President of CTJ, on November 19th
From Jeremy Troxler to Jersey friends
The
Troxler's manse
Tuesday, July 8th we moved up to our new manse in Maggie Valley, shown
above. About 20 church members moved us in and they've been really sweet
and thoughtful. There's a great mix of ages and backgrounds and even worship styles in the congregation which is really interesting. The parsonage itself is incredible, with mountain views and a huge garden. We've been told that we have black bears and coyotes for neighbors, and we've already seen lots of wild turkey and hummingbird in our garden!! It's really an interesting place!"
The Methodist church at Maggie Valley
The Methodist Conference Centre is just 15 minutes from their home, and their address is.
Jeremy and Margaret Troxler
205 Setzer Cove Road, Maggie Valley
North Carolina 28751, USA
Hurricane Isabelle gave them no problem since they
are in the far western portion of the state (7 hours from the coast). The coastline was really affected. They took up a special offering for them.
The Colbacks visit North Carolina USA.
Dorothy and I were in NC during October, the Fall season when the majority of trees turn red, gold, brown and purple, a remarkably beautiful time of the year. We travelled along the Blue Ridge parkway for some 200 miles and this was God’s natural World in all its splendour.
We had fellowship in various churches but the most enjoyable service we attended was at the church where Rev Jeremy Troxler is the minister. There were about 200 people at the service. There was a gowned choir. The church is modern in design and situated on the main street. We also went to the manse which is only a few minutes away from the church. It is a bungalow in a large area of parkland with stunning scenery of the hills around Maggie Valley. We also met some of Jeremy’s and Margaret’s friends and family who had come to the service and the folk there were thrilled to have Jeremy as their new pastor for the work he has already established. They send their greetings to the folk in Jersey, and they greatly valued their experience of having been here. Their dog has the name of ‘Bouley’
The following Sunday we were able to have fellowship with the Troxler family, Jeremy’s parents and Grandma. This was in the most delightful country setting on the outskirts of the City of Greensboro. Grandma had prepared the lunch for all the family, she’s a delightful lady, and she had been to Jersey. Steve Troxler ( Jeremy’s father ) had announced that he had put his name forward for election to the prestigious post of North Carolina’s Commmissioner of Agriculture.
We visited, The Cove, in Asheville, this is the Billy Graham training centre, all set in extensive grounds. From there many people go to all parts of the world as church leaders. We were given a guided tour also visiting the showcase area where all the gifts were displayed that had been given to him by Presidents, Head of States, the Queen, the Pope and Russian officials in recognition of his Christian ministry.
North Carolina is not normally on the itinerary of people visiting the USA. It is not holiday/ vacation oriented except for the East coast beaches but simply a beautiful area to visit. Alan and Dorothy Colback (Photos by Alan)
Samares Centenary
Rev. Henry Le Ruez and some of the children who made the special centenary banner celebrated over the weekend 4th/5th October.
The church’s origins can be traced back to 1895, when Mr. James. Joslin Dupré (a man of great vision and generosity who not only saw the need to share the Christian message but also did something about it) suggested to the Quarterly Meeting of the Jersey English Wesleyan Methodist Circuit the ‘possibility and desirability of opening a Mission Room at Samarès’. The new society, meeting in a small rented cottage just down the road from the present location, flourished and the chapel (originally known as Samarès Wesleyan Methodist Mission) was dedicated on the 8th October 1903.
A number of alterations have been made to the premises over the years, including the building of a hall alongside the chapel in 1956. A major refurbishment of both chapel and hall was undertaken by the small congregation in 2000, with financial help from the Jersey Circuit Advance Fund and the General Property Fund of the Methodist Church and other charitable trusts.
The centenary celebrations started on Saturday, October 4th, with a lunch at the nearby Shakespeare hotel for members of the congregation and a few specially invited guests.
On the Saturday afternoon the premises were open to all to enjoy a chat and light refreshments with members of the congregation, and the opportunity to buy a 40 page booklet, entitled ‘One Hundred Not Out!’, written by John Le Cornu, the senior Church Steward, to mark the centenary. A number from around the Circuit dropped in to offer good wishes, as did several who had been brought up in the Sunday School or had been linked with the church in years gone by.
On the Sunday morning the preacher at the Centenary Service, led by the church’s own minister, the Rev. Henry Le Ruez, was the Rev. Ian White, Chairman of the C. I. District and Superintendent of the Jersey Circuit, and the congregation included a number of guests, including the Constable of St. Clement. Mr. White based his sermon on the story in Genesis of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, focussing on the words, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven’, and reminding the congregation that probably the most important place in the church building is the door, where the people not only enter to experience the awesomeness of God but also go out and back into the world. A splendid centenary banner, made by Sunday School staff and designed with the help of the children, was on display in the chapel throughout the weekend.
A special Celebration Service was held on the Sunday evening, when Christians from around the Island were present to share in the festivities, and Mr. Le Ruez, together with members of Cornerstone, the local Christian music group, led the lively and thoughtful worship. A feature of the service was the lighting of one hundred candles from one single larger candle, to represent the effect of sharing the Christian gospel. The central message of the evening was the second part of Psalm 139:5, ‘You have laid your hand upon me’. Drawing on the example of Gideon with his contracted army of 300 men, the congregation was reminded that scripture repeatedly encourages us that the Lord achieves much through the few when His hand is upon His people.
Samarès church has a membership of only 13 but a congregation that almost always exceeds that number. In addition, the age weighting is mainly in the 30-50 bracket and there is a high degree of commitment in the church, which is using the centenary celebration to launch a series of mission initiatives in the area that, while within its capacity, are designed to share the love of God in practical and relevant ways. John Le Cornu
Book Review ‘A Hundred Not Out’ by John Le Cornu
This book documents a factual recording of the origins of Samares Methodist Chapel as a worshipping centre for mission. It chronicles the beginning of Christian worship in this place. Mr Le Cornu is to be commended for his attention to factual detail. This has without doubt required a vast amount of time with research and delving through archive material. The size of this booklet belies the time given to this writing.
The book forms an important contribution to the written recordings of the beginnings of Methodist worship in Jersey. For those worshipping now at Samares, it provides them with an important part of their history. For the relatives of those mentioned, it gives a poignant reminder of the contributions made by our Methodist ancestors and forefathers.
This book enables the history of Samares Chapel never to be forgotten as it remains in printed format in perpetuity. As a printed record it details the past which is fascinating but the author rightly concludes by looking to the future and the possibilities which exist for this most southerly Methodist church in the British Isles.
Hazel Le Boutillier Available (£3.00) from the C.B.M., Ottakar’s and The Printed Word Bookshop, or from John Le Cornu, 21 Howgate, Avalon (£4.00, inc p&p)
Samares in Black & White
Black & White was the theme of an alternative Halloween party enjoyed by 40 people at Samares on 31 October. It was fascinating to see such an array of black and white, yet all so different.
The children came as animals such as pandas, polar bears, cats, dogs, zebras and Dalmatians blending in alongside the adults dressed as waiters, Burlington Bertie, angels and police officers.
After the opening game of ‘Guess the Picture’ (all black and white, of course) the newspapers came in handy for paper islands (similar to musical chairs), pass the parcel and Sir Laughalot where 2 teams were challenged to dress one of their members up in the best suit of armour possible. There were also blindfolds and a tail for our version of that old popular party game ‘Pin the tail on the zebra’! Even a few trick or treaters passing by came in for a while (once they’d taken off their Halloween garb) interested to see what was going on. While all tucked into a feast of pizza, hot dog and cakes, a puppet sketch acted out an illustration of different colours relating to our conscience and actions. It was a great evening with all ‘showing their colours’ in black and white. Miriam Higginson
DR. LILIAN GRANDIN Part 2
SHE BEGINS HER JOURNEY UP THE YANGTZE
On Thursday 11th January 1906 Lilian sailed from Southampton on the "Princess Alice". On the 23rd February she embarked aboard the river steamer "Sui Wo" in Shanghai to begin the long journey up the river Yangtze. She would have to tranship to smaller boats the farther up the river she went. The final stages were by quite small Chinese river craft which were propelled by oars or by teams of men called "trackers" who pulled the boats by ropes from path along the river bank, a little like the horse drawn canal boats we have seen pictures of. They had to negotiate many rapids, narrow gorges and a river often blocked by sand banks and rocks.
Here is part of the entry for Day 1 of the second moon Feb 23rd. 1906
Soon came alongside the "Sui Wo" a smart little river steamer. As I passed up to the deck we had a glance at the native cabin and shivered to think of those who travelled on Monday being herded together so. The bunks were cushionless and I suppose that each would bring his or her own Chinese bed. The Saloon is on the top deck and our cabins opened out of it. Mr & Mrs. Hicks and Charlie had the Ladies Cabin. I had the Stateroom to myself with far more room than on the "Princess Alice". Mr Evans shared the 2nd Stateroom with a Russian gentleman who did not appreciate open windows. Mr Trenberth and Mr. Hicks tried to compose Mr. Evans and my Chinese names but were not satisfied with what they had done. My surname will probably be "Chew" or "Chang". Mr. Trenberth went away at 10.15 and we had some very good Cadbury cocoa and bread and butter for supper.
She now sets off into China proper. China is in political turmoil. The old structures are collapsing in the face of the failures of the old ways to cope with corruption and mismanagement. Old Manchu China is also under threat from new Western based ideas and the commercial and economic drive of the European nations backed up by powerful military resources. The disgraceful "Opium Wars" and the establishment of the Western controlled "Treaty Ports" are part of that story. It is also part of the story of the tolerance of foreign Christian missionaries at the time. So the poor, the hungry, the desperate of China have to look for some scapegoats on whom the vent their anger and frustration. Hence the Boxer Risings and the massacre of many Europeans, often Christian missionaries!
February 27th, 1906
At 1.30 pm we passed "The Little Orphan" a conical rock in the centre of the Yangtze surmounted by fir trees on the side of which a joss-house was erected. There are two stories told of this rock. One is that the Devil put his thumb up through the Yangtze, it does look like a thumb in shape. The second is that there are two orphans, the larger one up the river with which the little one quarrelled and so departed to this spot........ On one side of the cliff the mate pointed out to me the slits in the rocks in which it is said that the old people are brought to spend their last days. It seems a rather terrible story to believe in. We heard here a sad story. A Chinaman committed suicide and the Roman Catholics were accused of poisoning him. Their house was attacked and Mr & Mrs. Kingham were massacred with their youngest child. Miss Waugh escaped with the elder child. The country above here evidently is not at rest and many anticipate trouble. It will be alright up the Yangtze.
Even for Lilian far away in China it could still be a small world. Wednesday 28th February. Hankow.
Miss Glass, who came out with us, was to go to this station. A bright sunny morning. Packing up took some time and then walking on deck a chat with the Chief Engineer, Mr. Good of Gorey. He is quite an elderly man and it is long since he visited the native Island. In the next Edition farther up river a small craft is wrecked and she visits a Chinese prison etc.
Tom Nicholas
Ebenezer history
In the closing decade of the 18th century , the Methodists in Jersey were severely harassed with many male members of parish society condemned to prison because of their conscientious opposition to Militia training on Sundays. The first victim of this form of persecution was Charles Blampied of Trinity. It was during these difficult times that ‘cottage’ meetings sprang up in the Parish. The homes of William Howard, Thomas Le Riche and Moise Picot were used in this way.
In 1809, Philip Le Riche offered part of his premises which were
converted into a meeting house for 120 people. In 1826, the foundations of the Chapel were laid on the ground given by Mr. Philip Le Riche and in 6 months the Chapel was opened. The foundations of the present Chapel were laid in 1893 and it was opened in 1896. Thomas William Messervy had brought a stone from the ruins of the temple in Jerusalem and presented it to be placed in one of the walls of the new Chapel. Beautiful silver trowels were given to the leaders of the Chapel at this time. A high proportion of the Constables of the Parish during the past 150 years have been sons of Ebenezer.
In 1920, a three day bazaar was held to raise money for an organ and choir stalls (before music was played on a harmonium). Over £1000 was raised - a vast amount for that time. The organ was built in memory of Mr. Emile Benest, organist for over 20 years, who died in the Great ‘Flu epidemic of 1919. Mr. Percy Philip Luce was organist for over 65 years and his photo hangs in the vestibule. The organ is still in use today, one of the finest in the Channel Islands.
Before the TV masts were built the spire of Ebenezer chapel was the highest point in Jersey. A plaque in the church remembers Mr. Philippe Le Vesconte, Constable from 1868 to 1877 and Trustee of the Church for over 25 years. The Le Vesconte monument was erected in his memory. Other plaques remember the families who donated the windows in the church.
At 11 a.m. on the first Sunday in September 1939 a senior member of the Church announced that the war with Germany had begun. The Chapel was a great source of strength to all who worshipped during the Occupation. In 1942 a young Russian slave worker found refuge with a family who lived at Crown Lodge near Trinity Post Office. He worshipped at Ebenezer every Sunday morning till the end of the Occupation and his presence was missed when he was sent back to his homeland. In August 1970, the neighbouring chapel of Carmel on Rozel Hill closed after over 100 years and members transferred to Ebenezer. Edward De Gruchy
Ebenezer Church Harvest Celebrations
Inspired by the articles in this summer’s Magnet magazine, Ebenezer church was a riot of colour. The vestibule and front of the church were draped with lengths of different coloured cloths and fruits or vegetables of the same colour displayed on them. The meditation service entitled ‘Colours of Creation’ by Alison Judd was used. Junior Church brought their gifts at the start of the service, and they recited an acrostic based on the word Harvest. They had also produced a branch with paper leaves on which were written prayers for those who do not have a harvest. In his sermon Rev. Tom Nicholas summed up the uses and qualities of water which are needed for every growing thing and person. The morning service was all age worship, when we were pleased to welcome members from Sion church. In the evening, Sion came again as did members of the congregation of Trinity Church. It
was a gift day and a sum over £1800 was raised. This will help towards the £20,000 cost of the refurbishment of the organ, which was back in use, after 3 months away, for the Harvest services Phyllis Le Goubin
MUSTARD SEED SUMMARY
Rose Helie says that they expect to send 11 trips in all this year, 2003 and have also taken an ambulance to Moldova. Two of the trips have been to Ukraine. They have 400 Christmas shoeboxes for Moldova and a larger number for Romania Mustard Seed are reassessing their priorities for 2004. Their top two are
a) focussing on health:-the essentials for survival, taking clothing, bedding, as well as materials to make homes weatherproof in Romania and Moldova and continue our medical care programme in Romania (At present there is sadly no suitable doctor or nurse to do this work in Moldova.)
b) and on education:- which we believe is the key to independence in the future. We will continue our employment and training programmes, employing 4 teachers and 1 social worker and continue taking computers and educational equipment and furniture to Romania. Sadly no more furniture and other non-essential ‘luxury items’ can be accepted. .
Letter from Rose Helié
Dear Packers of Shoeboxes and Givers of other aid. Phil and I and the rest of the Jersey team felt we were really privileged to distribute your shoe-boxes and the aid you had donated. As always there was tremendous joy (probably never more than with giving out the shoeboxes) but also there was pain and sadness at the suffering we see.
As well as giving out the shoe-boxes, we distributed food bought with money from Jersey, and this was received so very gratefully. Also we went to visit a number of the families we support, and this was a special time - by now some of those families recognise us and greet us like friends. In most we can see real evidence of improvement and this is so very encouraging.
There were situations that really disturbed us, as we felt there was so much sadness and no opportunity for improvement, no matter how hard some people tried. I want you to be aware of the disturbing encounters we had, as well as trying to share with you the joy your gifts brought. Our motto is "YOUR HELP MAKES A DIFFERENCE" please keep giving because your giving really does make a tangible difference. Rose Helié
‘Sonny leaving his seeds in the east’, one driver’s experience in 2002 from St. Martin
We set off for St Malo on 5 Nov arriving at Caminul Felix two days later. Ted Egre and I took turns driving and resting. The problems are always at the borders in Hungary and the longest wait was leaving there for Austria, four and a half miles of trucks! (It will be different when Hungary joins the EU in 2004, borders will disappear).
We were met at Romanian Customs by Unel, one of the fathers at Caminul Felix who clears Customs papers for us. After a couple of hours we drove to Caminul Felix where we unloaded the truck the following day.
Nicu Gal (who visited Jersey) and other representatives were there to receive parcels allocated to different poor areas. The American couple who manage Caminul Felixís farm were away, so we were able to stay in their house. We saw the running of the farm, which is progressing really well, they are milking 110 cows and have over 100 calves and heifers to follow. Any surplus milk is sold to private families or to the local dairy. Cheese is made at the farm and on the Saturday we visited the soup kitchen which is run by the Church pastor. It is situated in the basement of a Catholic monastery where street children come for a meal and change of clothes twice a week.
We saw villages of poor families and gypsy compounds where the aid was being distributed. One of the gypsy camps was Hai-eu where we delivered the tea chests from our harvest festival service. The people of the village send St Martin their grateful thanks for the toiletries, toys and stationery which will come in very useful. Hai-eu has a new church recently built by an American charity. There is a meeting room at the back of the church and Mustard Seed pay for a teacher to give lessons to children. They also pay for a doctor to run a clinic out of school hours.
Gradual progress is being made, for example in Urvind, there is a communal kitchen and shower room. Some adults have found employment giving them all hope for the future. But this can only be achieved with support. So please continue to remember Mustard Seed in your giving and in your prayers A G Sonny Le Maistre
Faith Mission - Dare to ..... believe !!!
David and Steven after the Circuit Service
The Faith Mission held at Bethlehem Church from 28th Sept. until 19th Oct. was a great success. Steven and Joanna Cousley (& baby Aimee) plus David Lewis moved into Bethlehem premises for the 3 whole weeks and made themselves available at all times. Steven is a little Irishman with a powerful preaching gift, very evangelical and his message was always biblical - his catchwords were always ‘if it’s in the bible its true’ David on the other hand was the quiet half, a real gentleman, with a real heart for children’s ministry, and great for one-to-one counselling. In fact they complemented each other in their diversity.
There were 2 very full weeks of events, ranging from:
* Men’s Breakfast
* Ladies Just Desserts
* It’s a knockout
* Quiz night
* Sankey and Strawberries Evening
to Coffee mornings / afternoons
The Bethlehem Church ‘family’ all worked together, and above all prayed together daily through a prayer rota so that the whole Faith Mission was covered in prayer, and each and every event was so well attended, with people coming from all over the Island.
There were two ‘Big Question’ nights with special speakers: Capt. John Le Page MBE spoke on why God allows suffering in people’s lives. he spoke about his own childhood spent unhappily in a Children’s home in Guernsey and the way that God came into his life and transformed it. Dr. Stewart-Jones spoke on his Christian faith and pointed out biblical truths that there IS life after death for those who believe.
Dr. Rob Forrester and his wife Lynne came over to Jersey for a weekend. Dr. Forrester spoke at the Men’s Breakfast and Lynne Forrester did a seminar especially for ladies whose husbands are unbelievers, and in the evening they both spoke n their personal lives. Lynne spoke with great humour mixed with emotion on how she tried to ‘evangelise’ her husband. Rob spoke of his disbelief and anger and how he could not understand his wife’s great love for Jesus. After all he was a doctor with a scientific mind. It all ended in a challenge where Rob, at the end of his tether, was crying out to the Lord ‘OK God, if you are there, show me!!’ and over a two year period he studied and read the Bible , expecting to be able to prove to Lynne that her faith was unfounded. Instead he found that the more he read the Bible his faith in God began to grow, until he too asked Jesus into his life. At least 60 /70 people attended all these special events with people responding to the Christian gospel.
The Faith Mission also went into three schools and held Assemblies. They ran an After School club for the young people.
The Mission ended with a Circuit service on Oct. 19th, with people outlining what the Faith Mission had meant to them. Thanks were given to Stephen, Joanna & David on the way they had led Bethlehem into ‘Mission’.
Rev. Kevin Jones is now running a Y Course for people who wish to know more about the Christian faith. Jean Schooling
Some of the events were held at St. Mary’s Community Centre. This was more comfortable for some people unused to Church.
A striking large poster outside the church during the Mission was removed before the Jersey Methodist camera got there!
From a church newsletter!
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days
Deacon Malcolm Salmon reflects..
Looking back Sept. 2002 to August 2003
St Helier Methodist Centre
1. Active leadership of Youth Club giving priority to being available regularly on a Tuesday evening. Before the summer break the club was thriving with around thirty members between the ages of nine and thirteen. 2. Junior Church. I have taken the ‘young teens’ group monthly, up to six young people. It included a joint course with Debbie, preparing youngsters to take communion which we celebrated together on Easter Day. Circuit Young Church Action Team The circuit meeting agreed that Christian Education and Youth Work could be joined together. I hoped this would inject some new vision and life. This year we have focused on Christian Aid. In June we held a small overnight camp at Les Freres, which only two churches in the circuit responded too. It is only fair to say that encouraging the churches in the circuit has been quite frustrating mainly I feel because of those that are involved are busy people. I have also tried to set up a circuit youth executive with a view to enabling that to develop into a District executive but the response to date has not been encouraging. X-Time Youth Fellowship This group has grown from a youth alpha in my first year into a circuit youth fellowship with ten young people coming from three churches. This group has met monthly at Seawood House. Boys’ & Girls’ Brigades I have been the chaplain to both the Brigades in the island.
Ecumenical
Gap & Cell Groups - Last summer (2002) I was involved in co-leading a Youth Alpha short course in Gorey. Over the course of the five weeks we had twenty young people attending and at the end of the course twelve of those responded to become Christians. Through my involvement in this I worked with Tim Bond, Youth worker for the Community Church and St Paul’s. Following this course I was invited to join the ‘Gap’ leadership team, with evenings held at the Community Church every other Saturday. Christian Aid Youth Task Group . In May of this year along with Danny Desbois, we took three ‘pilot’ assemblies in three primary schools.
Detached
Schools Work Involved with one primary school, La Poulequaye, and at the secondary level taking assemblies at Le Rocquier and RE lessons at Grainville Schools. Youth Service & Other agencies I am a member of the Education, Sport and Culture, Youth Advisory Committee which meets quarterly and St Helier Youth Parish Committee which meets monthly. I regularly meet Sheilagh Mason (Youth Officer) to discuss together issues that arise between the State Youth Service and the church. Looking forward from Sept. 2003
Circuit
Focus my work in four areas
St Helier Continue to support the leadership of the Youth Club on a weekly basis, providing that new leaders are recruited and the Church seeks to develop this work from September 2004 (appointing of a Youth Worker). Leading the Young Teens group once a month and providing input into the development of the Junior Church.
St Aubin Support the Youth Club, giving spiritual input monthly, in liaison with the leaders.
Bethlehem & St Martin Support the development of their young teens groups within the Junior Church.
Circuit Young Church Action Team to chair and lead this group, injecting some life into how we operate as a team in the circuit and island.
Continue to support the work of the Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade as Chaplain.
Possibly moving the X-Time youth fellowship group around the churches to try and encourage others to join this group
Ecumenical
To continue to lead and support the work I do with ‘The Gap’, Jersey Youth Keswick and Christian Aid Youth Task Group.
Detached
To continue my involvement with the local schools, this year adding to my existing involvement Haute Valle, Victoria College.
To continue my involvement with the two committees that I presently attend and my involvement with the Youth Service. Report prepared by Deacon Malcolm Salmon in consultation with Revd Ian White August 03
Resolutions of the 1993 Derby Conference
Ten years on from an emotional and deeply felt debate on sexuality around the Connexion and with the issue of ‘gay’ bishops in the news headlines, it is worth restating our Methodist position.
The 6 resolutions agreed were
1. The Conference, affirming the joy of human sexuality as God’s gift and the place of every human being within the grace of God, recognises the responsibility that flows from this for us all. It therefore welcomes the serious, prayerful and sometimes costly consideration given to this issue by the Methodist Church.
2. All practices of sexuality which are promiscuous, exploitative or demeaning in any way are unacceptable forms of behaviour and contradict God’s purpose for us all.
3. A person shall not be debarred from the Church on the grounds of sexual orientation in itself.
4. The conference reaffirms the traditional teaching of the Church on human sexuality: namely chastity for all outside marriage and fidelity within it. The conference directs that this affirmation is made clear to all candidates for ministry, office and membership and having established this affirms that the existing procedures of our Church are adequate to deal with all such cases.
5. The Conference resolves that its decisions in this debate shall not be used to form the basis of a disciplinary charge against any person in relation to conduct alleged to have taken place before such decisions were made.
6. Conference recognises, affirms and celebrates the participation and ministry of lesbians and gay men in the Church. Conference calls on the Methodist people to begin a pilgrimage of faith to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality.
A related issue causing much debate relates to the authority of the Bible. The report ‘A Lamp to my feet and a Light to my Path’ for Conference in 1998 recognises that the existence of differing approaches to Scripture often causes disagreements about fundamental issues, but says hopefully, could our diversity be seen as a strength not a weakness? Its ends by saying ‘Do we understand how sincere Christians can hold opinions radically different to our own and are we prepared to acknowledge that they may have glimpsed some aspect of divine truth which we have failed to comprehend?
Clive Marsh is now Convenor of our Faith and Order Committee. In a recent Recorder series he made the following points:- (briefly here)
1. There are many ways of reading the Bible
2. There is no single image of Jesus resulting from our reading of the Gospels
3. The Gospels are quite materialist texts at times
4. The Gospels may be better understood as stories rather than history
5. Non-Christian readers may sometimes stand a better chance of
‘getting the point’ of Gospel stories than Christian readers
6. We may need to correct the theological views of the Evangelists at some points
7. Not all of the Bible may be worth reading
8. Historical-critical study of the Bible has not yet had as much of an impact on contemporary Christian faith as would be useful
9. More playfulness in our reading of the Bible would be welcome
10 The Bible has a hard job today to prove itself as a collection of texts worth reading
11. Who we read the Bible with may be as important as ‘what the Bible says’
from Methodist Recorder, August 7th 2003
Our President, Rev. Dr. Neil Richardson, wrote an article called
‘Recovering the Bible’ in the Recorder, Nov. 27th. He urged us not to
defend the indefensible, a God who ordered plagues and massacres, or has a bias to the male. Instead ‘let the Bible become a means of grace, truth and power and ‘relevance’ will take care of itself ... It’s the record of revelation, the story of God and man intersecting in Jesus Christ. ..
Look at the really big picture: the purpose of creation, the future of the world and who has the last word Allow the central images such as ‘Jesus at the right hand of God’ to shape your imagination.’
Try to read the whole article. Comments welcome!
Ed Le Quesne
Letter to the Editor
16/10/03
Dear Ed,
I find your practice of providing critical comment on the contributions you receive for the Jersey Methodist distasteful.
In the current issue, Kevin Jones provided an article on Methodist beliefs. You clearly had some difficulty and offered your own corrective view and I presume invited a Local Preacher, Martin Delap, to join your attack on a piece written by one of our ministers.
Please credit your readers with enough intelligence to make their own assessment and leave any correspondence to the subsequent issue.
I will not be providing material for future issues. In the event that you print this letter can we agree the wording of any caustic footnote before publication?
Yours sincerely
Nick Owen
The extra comment was by one of our editorial team, Martin Delap. The
‘Jersey Methodist’ welcomes all contributions.
Ed Le Quesne
I am happy with your comments.
Regards Nick Owen
Here is a further response to the article from Alan Colback
What do Methodists believe?
I often wonder what Methodists believe, it seems that the sureness of God’s saving grace has been Diminished, De-stabilized and Sidetracked, and we are now looking at a new agenda. A free for all programme, yes, God has made his offer of salvation to all, but there is a condition attached. The Bible says, that you must be born again; three times Jesus said this, so it’s worth taking note. We seem to want to sing the hymns that Charles Wesley wrote but want to cancel out the biblical requirements that John Wesley expounded, as out of date material. Scripture gives the eternal message that we need to be saved from our sin and the ultimate separation from a Godly inheritance, and that was why Jesus came to be the Saviour. If people asked the right questions about God’s Saving Grace, would we be able to explain and define this, if we in the first place had not and did not know God’s Saving and Redeeming power in our lives. It would be so comforting to replace the Cross with a rainbow; Yes God gave the rainbow so that we may be reminded of his faithfulness and as a sure covenant between man and God. Yes, God has kept his side of the bargain, sadly as history has shown, man has considered that he knows better than God, so a more pleasing, less demanding and a more readily acceptable system has been and even accepted in official Church Assemblies. Yet it is to the Churches demise that the Authority of scripture has been demoted. It is estimated that few church folk have a regular bible reading time of God’s word, whereas the reading of the daily newspaper seems to be vitally essential. Yes we do see God’s miracle of a rainbow, but we need to look at the cross and remember that Christ died on the cross for the salvation of mankind. This was God’s ultimate Love gift, (John Ch 3 v16) (For God so Loved the World, that he gave His Son.) who not only died but rose again from the dead. He is a Living and Loving Saviour. The churches that are showing growth and vitality are those who have preachers who are prepared to declare Scriptural Holiness and the assurance of God’s Saving grace. Many religions say that there are many ways to God but Jesus said ‘I am the way’ and if we want to know his saving grace then we all need to come to the cross in repentance and faith, there is no other way, then we will know truly that we are saved and heaven will be our home. If we wait for people to ask the right questions, then we’ve a long wait, for the questions they want answers to are, can I have a more stable future?, Where and how can I have more money? Can I find a more loving and pleasurable life, but the question that the Jailor in acts 16 v30 asked will be far from their minds, namely ‘What must I do to be saved’ The Church needs to present Jesus Christ, as he is revealed to us in Scripture, as the Saviour, for He only is able to change lives, and bring them his peace.
Alan Colback
Methodists attend Tax Haven Conference
Representatives from the Jersey Circuit were invited to a conference entitled ‘Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain - the Changing Offshore World’. Held at the Town Hall on Sat. 4th Oct., the lectures were in English and translated into French for those who came from St. Malo.
Given wide media coverage, the opening remarks were given by John Christensen, assistant economic adviser in Jersey till 1998. Speaking from a Tax Justice Network platform he also declared his role as a director of Menas, an economic advisory body covering the Middle East and North Africa (see www.menas.co.uk). Whilst the conference looked at over 60 offshore finance centres, it made particular reference to the offshore industry sector within the Jersey Finance Industry. Large emphasis was placed on the Oxfam 2000 report on Tax Havens and the fact that in the last three years governments are taking far more interest, especially after 9/11. ‘Tax Havens have now moved from the edge to the very centre of global capitalism’ said Mr. Christensen. One among many examples quoted relating to the negative global impact came from Nigeria. Quoting from the Economist (5.2.00) it read ‘When Sani Abacha was dictator of Nigeria at the end of 1990, the central bank had a standing order to transfer US$15 million or so to his Swiss account every day. In 2002 the Swiss government reached a settlement with Nigeria which is still a heavily indebted country. Mr. Christensen added that the results of an inquiry into Nigerian money in Jersey are still awaited!
Dr. Mark Hampton, a global authority and author of the Macmillan publication (1996) on Tax Havens spoke about the change in society with wealth in manufacturing industry being moved to the rapidly changing world finance industry. He spoke further about the Enron scandal and the significance of the Cancun talks, which collapsed. Dr. Hampton saw the UK, with its many links, as having a pivotal role over the wider offshore locations such as the Caymans, Bermuda etc and quoted the UK Chancellor Gordon Brown who has expressed an anti-tax haven stance.
Toward the end of the day, Mr. Richard Murphy, a Chartered Accountant declared his Christian viewpoint and also his experience in operating offshore trusts in tax havens earlier in his career. He was quoted in the J. E. P. on 29th July this year as saying,’ The States of Jersey continues to choose to base the island’s economy on a deeply resented activity, which denies legitimate revenue to other governments. Any moral person must find this objectionable’ Mr Murphy spoke with several Church representatives over lunchtime on the role of the Church in a Tax Haven.
At the conclusion of the conference, John Christensen spoke about the alternative direction for Jersey and for greater tourist links with northern France, its nearest neighbour. He closed by giving a stark warning about the years ahead in these words, ‘Jersey is the most dependent tax haven in the world’, that dependency being on tax revenue. Question time was not without its moments of tension and closed on the controversy which John Christensen raised regarding Jersey’s offshore role in Iraq’s sanction busting.
The conference was organised by the Jersey branch of ATTAC, (Association for the taxation of financial transactions for the benefit of the people) who provide detailed information on this conference on www.jersey.attac.org Rev. Chris White,
Church and Society Convenor for C.I.
A Church of the future?
A group from Trinity, Wolverhampton went to explore a link with the Methodist Church in Hanover. Sunday morning Worship was disappointingly so familiar - the only difference was the language. The hymn books were bilingual and a team of interpreters allowed all to listen on headphones and follow what was going on. But the church is organised very differently. There are two Methodist churches in Hanover, only one with a long-term future. Its congregation commute to worship, up to 150 km. Worship is usually 90 mins and often there is a ‘bring and share’ lunch. With many coming from a distance it would be strange if they didn’t even stay for a coffee. To build church life, they hold a large number of house groups. In effect there is one central worship centre and lots of satellite groups to enable as many people as possible to grow in their faith.
To see the same pattern in the Wimborne Circuit, it would have one church, no small chapels, just lots of house groups. The minister would have just the one church as a pastorate. Of course this system has difficulties as it has its advantages, but it challenges and broadens our thinking about how church life has got to be. Our group was left with these questions:- would we be prepared to commute to worship and how important are our buildings when it comes to being church? Ian Griffiths Ian is a minister in training at Queen’s.
The above is an edited version of an article in the ‘Ringwood
Messenger’, Oct/Nov 2003. It was passed on by Rev. Geoff Nowell with the note, ‘a blue print for the future for the Jersey Circuit, I wonder?’
Jennie Lindley 20 Jan 1915 16 Aug 2003
Jennie Lindley was the youngest of four children. Her father was a manager at the local Colliery. She was brought up in a loving Christian home, where reading the Bible and prayer were daily activities. The Bible promoted much discussion and often argument and became a source of strength and inspiration in Jennie’s life. She wrote in the SHMC Magazine. ‘I gave my heart to Jesus Christ on 25 October 1926, and I have the card to prove it!’
Jennie was educated at the Academy of Wakefield and her first job was as a typist and general dogsbody to Miss Hilda Porter, a retired missionary, who started the first Methodist International House in London. Jennie met Bert when her mother invited him home for tea and the relationship blossomed during Bert’s training for the Ministry that began in 1933. Jennie recalled how she had to promise to wait seven years before being married. They at last married in 1940 and were stationed in Whitstable in Kent, known as Hell Fire Corner because of the constant bombing raids. When they arrived the Battle of Britain was in full swing and, as they lived near the Spitfire base, there was no let up from the day and night time raids. Jennie worked with the Red Cross and Bert was the Captain of the local fire-fighters.
They were blessed with a son, Andrew, born in Boston and later a daughter, Elizabeth, born in Cleethorpes. Family life was a gift that Jennie treasured. Ministry was seen as a partnership as well as an opportunity for personally expressing faith. Jennie took an active role in the Church. She sat on several committees, was President of Women’s Network and Vice President of the Girls Brigade and a Pastoral Visitor and spoke at women’s meetings as well as being supportive of her husband’s ministry. As his responsibility increased as Superintendent and as District Chair in the 1970’s, she fully supported the work here in the Jersey Circuit at Communicare and Maison La Corderie as they took shape. She herself ‘retired’ to Maison La Corderie and became a friend and natural leader to the residents there. She often gave lifts to people who had no transport and was an inspiration when later she accepted with grace that driving was no longer an option. Her courage and determination were revealed in her positive attitude towards life. Jennie was a strong personality; she had a sense of presence and could seem a little intimidating initially. However, when you got to know her you discovered that she was a gracious and loving person, with a generous nature and a deep commitment to sharing the gospel with all. Edited from the Eulogy given by Debbie Godefroy on 26 August 2003
Chapel Quiz
The following links lead to photographs of the 15 chapels in
the Jersey Methodist circuit
