Chris and Lynn White visit Cuba

Cuban schoolchildren welcome their visit

Chris writes:
A lot of people ask us why we went to Cuba and whether we will return and seem a little puzzled by the whole thing! Maybe a few words here will begin to answer some questions.
Cuba was a ten hour flight out of a chaotic Gatwick on a day when the departure screens were not working and when the airport terminal was changed at the last minute. Fast movement, telephone calls and a prayer squeezed in between finally got the party of 17 safely on board, including the Catholic priest who was to be our guide. This initial experience should have given us a clue as to what would follow. We arrived at Holguin Airport close to midnight in sweltering heat and then stood in an eternal queue. What followed was two weeks of fairly constant travelling, five hotels and an internal flight to Havana.
Late November was the coolest time of the year so we had been told, but it proved hotter than our Jersey summers. Money exchange could take place at the hotels we were told, but the very month we travelled Cuba was forced to abandon the American dollar and introduce the Cuban peso. This meant that actually obtaining money was going to be a problem in itself and power cuts kept closing the banks. It is astonishing how our sense of security rests on the feeling of money in our pockets! A drought then created water shortages which were always to take place mid-shower, when else? Cuba a land of extremes I had once thought? Perhaps there is some truth in that.
Guantanamo Bay was a journey to a vast hillside which overlooked the U.S. Naval Base below. The whole area resembled a desert occupied by lizards and buzzards which lived in what was a barren minefield landscape. It looked the most dreadful place on earth and having to eat lunch nearby seemed a strange feeling. Before travelling we wondered if Cubans wanted to be liberated as George Bush had suggested in his re-election speech but all we saw here was distaste for American foreign policy. Despite enduring poverty and shortages which in any other country would cause an outcry, we found Cubans to have a contentedness based on a strong sense of community. They were as outspoken as anyone I have ever met and yet their love of independence and patriotism was strong and observable.

We left Guantanamo for a beach village where Christopher Columbus had once landed and where chocolate was now produced. The palm trees, deep blue seas and lush vegetation were breathtaking. We visited schools and hospitals throughout the journey distributing small items of aid like soap and pens and medicines. We were welcomed by school orchestras, filmed on Cuban television and feted with fresh coconuts. On a balmy hot day, the taste of drinking a fresh coconut is just perfection. Out of what seemed like tropical jungle we then flew to Havana for a very different set of experiences. If you want to hear about our speaking to the Methodist Church in Santiago de Cuba, about a close brush with a military convoy and sights at the Tropicana cabaret etc . . then look out for our presentation sometime in the near future. The Cuban music and art that we brought back, are stunning in themselves! More details will follow!

Chris and Lynn White


Palm trees at Baracoa on the Caribbean coast


Priorities! Priorities! and the future of the Methodist Church in Jersey
When Rev David Deeks the general secretary of the Methodist Church visited the Channel Islands District and led a discussion with the Jersey Circuit Leadership team he said that his single theme as he visited the different parts of the Methodist Connexion this year is Priorities for the Methodist Church. He set these priorities against a background with which the Methodist Church in Jersey is all too familiar. It is a fact of life that the institutional church is in decline and has been for a great many years. Those who attend our churches are on average increasingly older and we have on the whole ‘lost the knack’ of making contact with young people. The church is more marginal to the life of the wider community and struggling to understand what is happening to it.
Against this somewhat disturbing although familiar background there are to be seen and heard many good stories of where the church has moved on and where it continues to make a difference in shaping the lives of individuals and communities.
Here in Jersey we are aware of many challenges. The ‘Shaped for Mission’ document and its predecessors drew attention to the urgent need to address real issues which hinder our work, soak up resources and energy contributing little to our contemporary mission.
David identified the need across the connexion to eliminate wasteful procedures and to reduce the burden of the maintenance of so much that we have inherited from a former age. At the same time he discerned that people are seeking ways of trying to tackle the communication gap and that beneath the surface people want to do something different and not simply to perpetuate the methods of former years. It was in response to this that the Methodist church set as its priority.

To proclaim and affirm its conviction of Gods love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God’s presence and action in the world and in the Church.

As ways towards realising this priority the church will give particular attention to the following:
* Underpinning everything we do with God centred worship and prayer
* Supporting community development and action for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor in Britain and worldwide
* Developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved
* Encouraging fresh ways of being Church Nurturing a culture in the Church, which is people centred and flexible.

Those of us who are familiar with the themes for the ‘24/7 Jersey Circuit Week of Continuous Prayer’ to be held between the 13th and 20th of February (details elsewhere in Jersey Methodist) will see these priorities reflected in the themes.
Not surprisingly David’s talk rang many bells with those present to hear him at the Circuit Leadership team. He in turn was encouraged that we are clearly not prepared to rest content and acquiesce in a gradual demise of the church.

I am sure that as you read this article you will also be determined to do what you can to reverse the trend of over a hundred years of decline. This is no small venture.
I am sure that the place to start is by renewing confidence in what God can do. Certainly we must deepen our conviction of Gods love in Christ for us and for all the world but also seek to deepen our love for Him. We must show that we love Him more than the buildings in which we worship. Yes it is true that I have floated the idea of a new church building in the centre of the Island to replace several old buildings. Our present buildings, all of which were built in the 19th century save Samares in 1903 and the very different Communicare thirty years ago suggest a Methodist Church rooted in the past. A new church building would be a demonstration of confidence and an affirmation that the Methodist Church until such time as it becomes part of a greater church - desires to speak to the contemporary and future generations.
This is of course only one clause in a programme of action, which could help to regenerate the life of the Jersey Methodist Church. I am not despondent for a sign of our willingness to move forward is undoubtedly to be seen in the ready response to the 24/7 week of prayer. I remain convinced that when our wills and God’s grace combine then nothing is impossible. Let 2005 be a turning point.
R.D. Moore in Methodism in the Channel Islands quotes Le Lievre in 1884 who, seeing new buildings being erected against those that from then on served as Sunday school rooms, asks whether the progress in the architecture of the Chapels has been accompanied by a corresponding advance in life and in power.
In any new venture this must always be the question we ask. Outward show is no compensation for the inward conviction that we have a gospel that is capable of transforming the world and without which the world itself including that little part of it we inhabit will be much the poorer. David Coote


Views from the West

1. VISION -- DECISION -- MISSION
Some five years ago, I believe I was given a vision that came from God. That vision was to create a new fellowship and a new Church for the west section out of the four existing Churches. I have given it much thought since then, but before I shared it with the Church council earlier this year, I needed to be sure that it was of God and not of me. Nehemiah chapter 4 verse 17 says, ‘What good is your vision if you cannot involve others in it?’
Much discussion took place before and since the report ‘Shaped for Mission’ was circulated to all our congregations. I believe that each Church should be saying, ‘what can we do to help’. At Bethlehem, as one of the Churches that was not earmarked for closure, our response was to put out the hand of friendship and propose that ‘The Churches in the West section join together for a trial period of one year to worship and work together as one fellowship in the most suitable premises’ We also stated that if it was deemed necessary to offer more than one style of worship, then this could be achieved by using the same premises at different times. Sadly to say, two of the other Churches were not interested in our response, but one Church wrote back and said, ‘We feel we could support a new Church for the west section.’
We call ourselves Methodists, we worship the same God, we share the same Minister, we worship in four separate buildings which are only a stones throw from each other, and yet for some unknown reason we have great difficulty in coming together to unite and be united.

UNITED WE STAND - DIVIDED WE FALL
UNITY BRINGS BLESSING DISUNITY DESTROYS BLESSING
We as the Methodist Church have major problems. These problems need to be dealt with instead of burying our heads in the sand. The one thing we need to be is realistic. Several reports have been produced over the last twenty five years, but what progress have we made? We have fifteen nineteenth century buildings to upkeep and maintain at great expense. They are not the most suitable for twenty-first century worship and activities. Sadly to say, for some people the Church is the building, hence the reluctance to join and create a new fellowship with a new identity. There is something good and exciting about creating and being part of something new as opposed to being part of something that is haemorrhaging and dying. Mission is about people, not buildings. Most of our congregations are either static or decreasing. There are 945 Methodists on paper, and yet when we have a circuit service, we are never more than 120 people. What does that say about our commitment? Around us there are congregations that are growing and worship in premises that are rented and are not even Church buildings. Do we need to own the premises we use for worship? Do they need to be Church buildings? We have a desperate shortage of Ministers and Local Preachers to the point where we are now relying heavily on preachers from outside the Methodist Church. Our Ministers are grossly overworked, especially with all the duplicated meetings they have to attend due to the fact that Churches seem to be insistent on retaining their own identity. We have great difficulty in finding people to take on the different positions in our Churches. Many people suffer with ‘burn out’ whilst others come each week but do not appear to be involved with serving others. Those of us who have done ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, will remember that one of the purposes for our lives is ‘to serve God and serve each other’ The fifth purpose for our lives in the same study is that ‘we were made for a Mission’. For us to be able to carry that out, we need to put our house in order first. I believe that at the moment we each operate from a position of weakness. What message do we give to the outside world? Sixteen Churches, not even half full and we can’t even man them with our own preachers. I do think we have a future, but not to remain as we are. Unless we go forward and are relevant to young people and the next generation, then we will be guilty of watching the Methodist Church die before our very own eyes. I do not believe that at the moment our resources of Ministers, buildings and finance are being used in the best possible way.

Next year we will be having discussions with the other Churches in the west section regarding the possibility of sharing a Lay Worker and also revisit the question of a new fellowship and/or a new Church. It is important that your Minister, your Stewards, and your Church Council are fully aware of how each of you feel about these major issues, so please make your views known.     Graham Bisson

2. St. Ouen Methodist Church is 195
On Sunday December 12th members of St. Ouen’s Methodist Church, friends and former scholars, together with the Constable and Mrs. Ken Vibert and the Deputy and Mrs. James Reed, celebrated with special services 195 years of witness in the Parish. Both services were led by our minister, Rev. Kevin Jones and members past and present gave their testimonies. We were delighted with the support of members of many churches of the Circuit. Refreshments were served after each service which gave an opportunity for reminiscing.
St. Ouen’s Methodist Church, the first Methodist Church to be built in the Island was opened on 3rd December 1809. In 1871 the Chapel became too small and the larger building was erected where services were held for many years. Two of which are remembered especially - a Sunday School Anniversary in the Occupation when Land of Hope and Glory was sung with great gusto, with the Germans outside, and the funeral of the late Senator J.J. Le Marquand - when in both cases the building was packed.
Over the years the congregation dwindled and in 1974 they moved back into the original building which had been used to house the Sunday School.
In the 1990s extensive restoration and refurbishment was undertaken by the members who continue worshipping there Sunday by Sunday. After 195 years we are very much alive and look forward to celebrating our bicentenary in 2009 and remaining a Methodist witness in the Parish.     Valerie Remon


3. Philadelphie Church Council have voted to continue for two more years to look for ways of extending their outreach into the community. Katie Norman

Reflections from a minister
What would you say thank you for in 2004?
Looking back this has been an exceptional year. In the past year in our Chapels, people have been Saved, Healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. Perhaps it is a sign of how little we expect God to move, but I have not witnessed such blessings for over 11 years.
The Spiritual temperature seems to have risen with Walk Jersey in May. Three of the western Chapels welcomed a team, and their witness and dedication were a genuine inspiration. Then at Bethlehem on Pentecost in equal amounts of fear and faith I spoke on the Holy Spirit and made an altar call. I expected only a small response but perhaps 25 people came forward. We prayed with people for the next hour, and there was at least one healing. Also a local preacher and friend from my former circuit was visiting. She was facing great problems. As we prayed she received the Spirit and spoke in tongues, something she had sought for over 9 years.
In July Anne-Marie and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. She totally caught me out by arranging for my parents, friends and two former ministers to be present. It was a wonderful surprise. We then travelled to Myrhoffen in the Tyrol where we had honeymooned 20 years earlier, only this time with our five Children.
Back to Jersey and we learned our ministry here was to finish in 2006. The process was far from wonderful, but the Lord will be glorified. Then following the round of Harvest festivals and a visit from the faith mission, we embarked on 40 days of purpose. Each of our chapels concentrated on the 5 main purposes in Christian living: To love God through a life of worship, to become more like Christ through our discipleship, to love one another in committed fellowship, to use our gifts in his service and to tell others the good news through evangelism. Thanks to all who made this a great success. New groups have been formed and are continuing, many have attended a small group fellowship for the first time, and all involved read the book. Then on our covenant Sunday at Bethlehem 8 or 10 people will come into membership. Other members have found a new strength in their faith. Personally my witness has been bolder and in the run up to Christmas three people prayed with me on separate occasions to receive Christ. One of them then received healing in answer to prayer. They were at the time on their death bed in hospital, and have since attended Church to tell of what happened.
It has truly been a year of blessings. I look forward to seeing what God will do in the New Year, My first book ‘How to build a better marriage.’ should be published in February, and I travel to Uganda for sabbatical in August, to visit the growing Methodist work around Jinja and attend the African revival fellowship conference in Kabale. Whatever is happening on the world scene, God is on the move.         Rev Kevin Jones

Words for a journey
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but never lose that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith the fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they’re worth taking
Loving might be a mistake but it’s worth making
Don’t let some hurting heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit or dance
I hope you dance
Taken from Lee Ann Womack:- ‘I hope You Dance’)
 

New Local Preacher recognised

Anne-Marie Jones and Sue Le Riche
Mrs Anne-Marie Jones was formally recognised as a Local Preacher at a Circuit service, conducted by Rev. David Coote, at Bethlehem on Sunday
evening, December 5th. Her husband Rev. Kevin Jones gave the charge.
Local Preacher’s secretary, Mrs. Sue Le Riche, read the letter from the President, Rev. Will Morrey and presented Anne-Marie with the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible. The service concluded with Holy Communion. Many stayed behind to share an excellent tea.
The music group included Anne-Marie’s two oldest children, Daniel on keyboard and Bethany on violin. The wide range of instruments and the enthusiastic accompaniment contrasted with the narrow theological range of the songs. Many were swept along by the spirit of the service and found it helpful.

Behind the labels
What actually happened at the evening service called ‘Reflective’ during the Autumn?
They alternated between Sion and Georgetown. They were arranged by a small group, led by Sue Le Riche and including Ed Le Quesne and June Le Rossignol with input from Revs. David Coote, Liz Hunter and Chris White. They had chapters of John’s gospel as a theme. At Georgetown we sat in a circle and had a time of discussion on the passage. At Sion, we sat in the front pews and had two or three meditations on the passage without discussion.
At both venues we adopted Sion’s custom of a cup of tea or coffee after the worship.
During Advent we looked at Mary’s song, the ‘Magnificat’ and joined the Circuit service at Bethlehem and the Carol service at Georgetown. In the New Year we shall be using materials on ‘The sanctity of life’ prepared by the Mission and Social Justice Group. The six sections each have a page or two of background information on topics like ‘What is life’, ‘Abortion’, ‘Euthanasia’ and ‘Homicide and war’ which will lead to an exploration in a Christian context, of topics where knowledge and technology have taken us well beyond anything known 2000 years ago.
For me, having short themes, preparing in a small group, having an opportunity for people to respond to what is said and add to it have all been positive outcomes. The negative aspect has been the change of venue which might have meant people have gone to the ‘wrong’ place on some Sunday evenings. Also the early experience of reflective services, which were really meditations, permanently put off regulars from both Sion and Georgetown. I believe we have evolved a good format, but it needs remarketing and it needs a consistent venue.

A brief question about the traditional worship reveals that it has continued as before to alternate between St. Martin and Eden. Worship has been led by both ministers and local preachers, with both musicians and prayer leaders coming from across the circuit. Usually the congregation is about forty. We probably all mean something slightly different by the word 'traditional' and so the feel of the service varies a little week by week, which is how many of us feel it should be. The organisation in recent months has been co-ordinated by Caroline Homan. She is always on the look out for people who would like to be involved in leading of the services.

The contemporary worship in the West worked well the first few months but has proved difficult to sustain. New musicians and singers would be very welcome. We continued in September with a series of Harvest festivals, followed by an alternative look at the ‘Forty days of purpose’ material, all with help from Liz Hunter and Malcolm Salmon. The ‘40 days’ course proved a great blessing and could be easily used around the circuit. Ed Le Quesne/Caroline Homan/Kevin Jones


Reverend Derrick Howard Mellor passed away on 16th October aged 57 years, just a few short months after discovering cancer. A full Chapel and nearly full Hall paid tribute to him at his funeral service at St. Martin on 25th October. The Jersey Evening Post, the Methodist Recorder and the Jersey Link have all published tributes to him and expressed condolences to Lynn and the family. Now 3 months later we print this tribute from those who knew him for a short time as part of Walk Jersey team, written by team leader, Keith Lewis.

Thank you DERRICK MELLOR

Almost a year ago it was my privilege to be invited to take part in a Christian evangelical mission in Jersey. The invitation was instigated by the Churches of Jersey in association with Through Faith Missions, who would principally be providing teams of Christian men and women to support and work with local Jersey communities to convey and explain the Gospel of Christ. This enterprise was known as Walk Jersey and took place throughout the island in May 2004.

From the outset, Derrick threw his considerable energy, enthusiasm and humour into the mission. I soon learnt that I was to be part of the team allocated to the Parish of St. Martin and therefore working closely with Derrick, his wife Lynn and a very able local team. As I recall, I only had two telephone conversations with Derrick prior to meeting him for the first time on May 8th 2004, but his encouragement and forward planning were obvious from the start. Such was Derrick's passion for the Gospel, that he arranged invitations for members of the team to explain their faith and experience of God, in schools, pubs, private houses restaurants, sports' matches, to the Constable... and even at church services!

The following week was a whirl of exciting activity and I know each team member remembers with huge affection, not only Derrick's wholehearted participation, but equally his pastoral care for each one of us. On a personal level, I recall being asked to speak in a restaurant in Gouray, where Derrick used his considerable charm to persuade other diners to listen patiently. On another occasion, he insisted I performed my 'school chicken' impression before a crowded Methodist church! Most poignantly, I remember him on May 15th taking part in a five-a-side football tournament and running his socks off. I was exhausted just watching!

After witnessing such athleticism, it was for us all a considerable shock to learn of the very rapid onset of illness which sought to overwhelm Derrick. However, although he was to die on October 16th, he undoubtedly confronted his situation with his customary courage and humour.

The very high regard in which Derrick was held by his community was very apparent to me at his funeral service on October 25th. Although tears were shed, the robustness of Derrick’s faith and energy and his endearingly humorous personality came through in the choice of hymns, the anecdotes and quotations, as well as in the strongly evangelical nature of the service.

For those of us who only knew Derrick for such a short time, there is tremendous sadness that we shall not work alongside him again, but this feeling is balanced by the overwhelming joy that he is now with Christ. On behalf of the whole Through Faith Missions team and the St. Martin's team of: Peter Jenkins, Tony Atkins, Ian and Iris Cooke, David Goodman, Eva McCulloch, Ross Cooley, Sharon Elson, Peter Elwyn, Eric Westwood, Karina Sayer, Des Wallace and myself- for all the encouragement and love you gave us- THANK YOU DERRICK MELLOR!

Keith Lewis

* * * * *
The invitations committee have issued an invitation to Rev. Billy Slatter to come to Jersey in September with his wife and 17 year old son to replace Derrick. We hope all the necessary consents will be given and his move from Norfolk will go smoothly.

Ways of believing
Miss Alison Le Cornu has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Surrey. Her thesis was entitled ‘People’s ways of believing: learning processes and faith outcomes’. Alison is the daughter of John and the late Florence Le Cornu and is the Director of the Wesley Centre, Oxford, which is part of the Westminster Institute of Education at Oxford Brookes University.

Here is a brief account of Alison’s thesis
Her interest was how Christian faith authorities, in the form of content (Bible and creeds) and people (Church leaders and clergy) affect the way people learnt. She focussed on the way people attempt to make sense of unfamiliar experience and learn from it. She was prompted by two books which suggested that a heavy external authority would influence learning and personal development so she formulated a research question; Does the faith of adult Christians influence the way they learn? If so how?
She compiled a series of interview questions such as ‘Please outline and give examples of any of the roles the bible has in your life’ and ‘Do you read theological books or listen to preachers with an eye to whether they are ‘sound’ or not? If so, what criteria do you use’
She conducted twenty-one interviews with students, eleven from an independent theological college, seven from a part-time Anglican ordination and three Catholics. An analysis revealed four ‘ways of believing’.

Discrete believers keep faith and experience separate. So Denise reported incomprehension about why God had not responded to her prayers to change her single state. Only recently had this led her to review her understanding of God.
Related believers brought their faith and experience together. Beth excitedly described how she had learnt a lot of God from being pregnant and giving birth. ‘I had no control over what was happening to me. And for me that was very like how God is’
Interpretive believers tended to interpret all of their experience according to faith premises. Miranda recounted a series of events in which the number 587 repeatedly and ‘coincidentally’ occurred. She took this as a sign from God of his love and care for her. Miranda’s ‘catch phrase’ was the question, ‘Where is God in this?’
Assimilative believers bring their faith into their experience. These learners aim to ‘allow God to take the word within them’ (Craig). Craig relived the wonder of David for creation by going outside and seeing it for himself.

In the USA a book by James Fowler ‘Stages of Faith’ (1981) outlined six stages of ‘faith’ from childhood to advanced adulthood and claimed that faith is a universal phenomenon which doesn’t depend on the content. Alison found people moved between categories and not in neat stages. The strength of people’s sense of self and the degree to which their faith was ‘personal’ or ‘impersonal’ was relevant. Thus discrete and related believers have a strong sense of self but discrete believers have an impersonal faith giving their faith framework more authority than experience and have a coherent intellectual world-view. Related believers have a personal faith, giving experience more authority than the faith framework and they focussed more on the person of Jesus. Interpretive believers have a weak sense of self with an individual and personal faith that constructs an all-encompassing and authoritative faith framework from their experience. Assimilative believers also have an individual and personal faith, with a strength of self which needs to be weakened. Their authoritative faith framework encompasses all their experiences.
Alison’s research is useful in her work of Adult Christian Education because students will be coming with this variety of approaches and will need to grow in a variety of ways.

This brief summary of her work is taken from a 4 page précis that she sent. I think I would label myself a related believer. How about you? Ed Le Quesne

SPECIAL MOMENTS NEED SPECIAL SONGS.

Rev. Tom Nicholas, after Christmas lunch
I was just four years old when Methodist Union took place in 1932. We had all the varieties in Redruth where I was born and brought up. My family was spread across them all. My mother and her family were staunch Wesleyans. My father played the organ at the Bible Christian Chapel having learned to play at the Primitive Methodist Chapel with his father. My Uncle Donald, Mum's brother, was organist and choirmaster at the United Methodist Chapel. So Methodist union involved some interesting conversations in our house as you might guess!!
However on 20th September 1932 it all happened in the Albert Hall in London. The Hall was filled with delegates and representatives from the three major Methodist communities and the present Methodist Church of Great Britain came into being. This is now only a dimly remembered piece history of course although I spent the greater part of my ministry dealing with the implications of that day in practical terms.
On that day in London emotions ran high. A mixture of hope and anxiety mixed with the occasional nostalgic glance to a past which was meant to remain where it belonged, behind them all. Over all there was a sure belief that what they were doing was what God required of them so it must be good. As part of the moment in true Methodist style they looked for a song to sing. Inevitably they turned to Charles Wesley and he did not let them down. They all joined in a two verse hymn (still in our Hymns & Psalms at No.62) which this poetic genius had created out of the great "faith journey" described so vividly in Exodus. Here are the words....

Captain of Israel's host and Guide,
Of all who seek the land above,
Beneath thy shadow we abide,
The cloud of thy protecting love;
Our strength, thy grace, our rule thy word,
Our end, the glory of the Lord

By thine unerring Spirit led,
We shall not in the desert stray;
We shall not full direction need,
Nor miss our providential way;
As far from danger as from fear,
While love, almighty love, is near.

I am glad to say that somehow the Channel Islands managed to get in on the act through a Guernseyman called John Winter David. The tune which they used on the day was MARIENLYST. From the 1933 Methodist Hymn Book to this very day this has remained the tune to use for this hymn. John Winter David was at one time organist in the French Wesleyan Chapel. Later he played the organ in the Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel in St. Peter Port and while there he also played for the French Service held every Sunday afternoon in the Parish Church. His tune was originally composed to accompany a French hymn beginning "Celeste Guide des fideles". How and why this tune was used on that very special day we may never know. But it must left a lasting memory for it to last until our time don't you think. Tom Nicholas

To Russia With Love 27th August 2004
A group of 6 members of Georgetown Methodist Church looked forward so much to their trip to Russia visiting Moscow for one week then travelling by train to St Petersburg for the second week. And no-one was disappointed, both cities being very different but well worth a visit.
However the main purpose and highlight was to be reunited with two friends, Anastasia and Stanislav, who had worshipped at Georgetown for around 2 years while working in Jersey. Now back home in Moscow they are a family of three with baby Lisa being just 11 weeks old when we met her for the first time. They all send their thanks for the gifts and the cards of good wishes taken to them.
Just days before our departure two domestic flights left Moscow each with suicide bombers on board and all passengers were killed. This did not deter us from our planned trip, unlike around 40 % of the 35,000 people who had intended to visit but who did cancel. We quickly discovered on arrival that one of Anastasia's friends, aged 29 years, had been on board, and he died leaving a spouse and three very small children. Sunday then was the day of the funeral and a sad day for them. Although our plans for the week were unaffected by the terror which was then gripping Moscow we were very much aware of events by World TV News.
About a week after the 2 airline disasters, a suicide bomber blew herself up outside Moscow Rizhskaya Metro station, and a further blast occurred at a Moscow bus stop. Even before the news of the hostage crisis in Beslan the Russian Defence Minister, Ivanov, said early on Wednesday morning that "interactive terror networks had declared war on Russia. A war where there is no front line and the enemy cannot be seen" Then, like others around the world we watched the news of 1 Sept. A day when all schools and colleges begin the academic year and when children, carrying flowers for the teachers, go with parents, grandparents. aunts and uncles for the BIG FIRST DAY. On Sunday morning Katie, Anastasia’s sister had spoken excitedly about the new start for her University studies. But the school in Beslan was seized by armed groups with bombs strapped to their bodies. They refused to accept food, water, medicines for the hostages and terror gripped the nation as they waited and watched. People were afraid as events unfolded and there was a most noticeable increase in the security in and around the city. People in the street were being asked to show passports and I.D. cards although none of us was approached. The large crowds of people demonstrated in the centre of Moscow against terrorism as we departed by train for St Petersburg.
Members of the public with whom we spoke were clearly appalled that children could be taken hostage and then killed and this behaviour seen as totally unacceptable for any human being. People spoke of very mixed feelings, being angry, scared, fearful for the days ahead, and uncertain of their President Putin and his leadership now. Their moral state seemed low. We noticed national flags being flown then lowered to half mast indicating the days of mourning for the victims of the terrorist attacks.
The Anti terrorist rally in Palace Square in St Petersburg on Monday was attended by over 40,000 people. It seems everyone understands that 2- 3 centuries of turbulent history, disagreement on central versus regional political power, and the war in Chechnya, are all at the root of the Beslan attack and that human life appears to be considered worthless. The general public appear to feel the responsibility for this lies with President Putin. They mistrust what they are being told. The Kremlin misrepresents things as improving when they are clearly getting worse and there is fear that even more terrible situations will occur. Their trust in the authorities has
been totally undermined but some do still trust Putin himself and they
live in hope for a strong leader.
Could this lead to a repeat of history when in Soviet Union in 1930's over 30 million lives were senselessly lost? We hope and pray this cannot happen again. Please keep the people of Russia in your prayers, young and old, ordinary working class, business leaders and political decision makers, as they struggle through difficult times.

A personal note from Gladys Renouf

MAYC weekend ‘Supporting Youth work in the Methodist Church’

I travelled to Basingstoke for the MAYC Youth Conference in November and found it to be a wonderful experience. Just under 200 young people aged between 13 and 22 gathered at Trinity Methodist Church, Basingstoke. I was known as an Observer or an "Old Person" and consequently could not vote and had to ask for permission to speak during the business meetings if I wanted to say anything, as did any person over the age of 22, even the President of Conference.
During the meetings it was marvellous to listen to the great enthusiasm of the young people as they spoke about their genuine love of God and I was taken aback by their general openness to talk about their faith. One young man I met at the lunch table was telling me he had found his faith only that year and he was bubbling over with his love of the Lord. I was amazed to find out that many of these young people felt so committed that they are training to be local preachers as well as studying for their school exams. The worship sessions were exhilarating with the music being led by young people on various instruments. Over half of the songs I didn't know, but you couldn't help but join in as the music just made you want to be a part of it.
I attended two workshops one on Worship and one on Prayer and found them to be very interesting. The food was brilliant, cooked meals were served throughout the weekend with main course and puddings!! But sleep, there wasn't much of!! I was in a Church Hall with 50 other young girls and I don't think sleep was on their agenda!! But many new friendships were formed and e-mail addresses taken.
At the end of the weekend the President of the Youth Conference handed over her cross and Bible to the new Youth President. It was an emotional time, with lots of hugs as the young people returned to their different abodes. I felt it was a real privilege to be with these young people and share in their enthusiasm of life and love of God.
Liz Lambotte from St. Aubin
(Bethany Jones from Jersey also attended)

A creed for today

We believe ...
in a world created by a generous God,
redeemed by a loving Saviour,
enriched by a life-giving Spirit.

in a world where all colours of skin
weave together to form
a cloth of harmony

in a world where the sacrifice of previous
generations was not in vain;
where the lessons of the past are heeded;
where peace & understanding are the cornerstones to life.

in a world where the supermarkets of the rich
do not exploit the tables of the poor
but there is a sharing of God’s harvest.

in a world where there is education for all, work for all
and time for all to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

in a world where every person holds their head up high,
stands tall and straight,
because they feel valued.

in a world where each of us can reflect
the love of God out to each other.

Bronwen Braisdell,
a local preacher in the Wrexham Circuit.
First printed in Icthus, the Local preachers’ magazine

Two items from St. Helier magazine

Christmas cards

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look,
And that is when I realise that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart.

For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in the meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I’m composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link.
Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think.
For once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It is because you’re on the list that I’m indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.


And every year when Christmas comes, I realise anew,
The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours. Anon. Submitted by Pam Marett

An Iona hymn
We rejoice to be God’s chosen
Not through virtue, work or skill,
But because God’s love is generous,
Unconformed to human will;
And because God’s love is restless,
Like the surging of the sea,
We are pulled by heaven’s dynamic
To become, not just to be.

We rejoice to be God’s chosen,
To be gathered to God’s side,
Not to build a pious ghetto
Or be steeped in selfish pride;
But to celebrate the goodness
Of the one who sets us free
From the smallness of our vision
To become, not just to be.

We rejoice to be God’s chosen,
To align with heaven’s intent,
To await where we are summoned
And accept where we are sent.
And, amidst all that we see,
to anticipate with wonder
That the best is yet to be.

words by John Bell of the Iona Community,
tune Nettleton 517 in H.& P
Used by Rev. Mark Haynes during the service he conducted at S.H.M.C. in August. Very relevant as we consider ‘Shaped for Mission’
? is a line missing in the last verse


As I see it - No strings attached
I recently paid a rare visit to the cinema, to see the film 'IRIS', based on the books by John Bayley about his wife Iris Murdoch, her life and her gradual decline into dementia. The sight of a woman of intellect, so articulate, so alive and vibrant, slowly becoming a shuffling, scruffily dressed, frightened and puzzled human being, really hurt. But for me the real message of the film was brilliantly expressed in the character of John Bayley himself. In particular the older John showed just how much he led Iris by the way in which he devoted himself to physically caring for her. His love for her was strong enough to survive her complex personality, promiscuity and bisexuality. Steadfast down the years, it did not waver, even in the last terrible part of her life, when she hardly knew him and lived only in that small part of her mind she still retained. He loved her and that was that. The wonderful thing about his love is that it did not demand or require she change, alter her views on life, or bend to his will. He loved Iris, and Iris was Iris and no-one else. There were no strings attached.
Most of us find it hard to give such unconditional love. We want to 'pull the strings' so that those we love become what we think of as 'perfect', are kind to us when we are kind to them; understand us when we are being difficult and won't tell them why - I could go on and on but I'm sure you know what I am talking about. Yet as Christians we should find it easy. After all, we have the best example in the world to follow - Jesus Christ. God isn't like some benign Almighty Puppeteer, manipulating our strings as we jerk Andy-Pandy-like through life. He leaves us free to live and be ourselves. We can fail many times - He will still care. We can shout at him - He will respond quietly and calmly. We can deny Him - He will still love us (as the disciple Peter discovered).
As I see it, I need to keep trying harder to love those around me freely and unconditionally - as God loves me - with 'no strings attached'. PAULINE DRUIFF (first printed in Bethesda News)


God Won't Ask
God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your wardrobe, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask about your social status; He will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won't ask how many material possession you had, but He'll ask if they dictated your life
God won't ask what your highest salary was, but He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
God won't ask how much overtime you worked, but He'll ask if your overtime work was for yourself or for your family.
God won't ask how many promotions you received, but He'll ask how you promoted others.
God won't ask what your job title was, but He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask what you did to help yourself, but He'll ask what you did to help others.
God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask what you did to protect your rights, but He'll ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbours.
God won't ask about the colour of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but He'll ask how many times they didn't.

From the magazine of the Basildon Methodist Church


Book review; The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith
There is nothing better on a cold winter’s evening than picking up a good book that can transport you to the warmth and vibrancy of another country and culture and this is what this book does.
This is the first in, what is now, a six book series. Set in Botswana, the narrative revolves around Precious Ramotswe the only female private detective in the country. The story is not one long tale of detection but rather a collection of cases, some more problematic than others. Each are dealt with in the same efficient and practical way by Mma Ramotswe. Interspersed are vignettes from Precious’ own life, recounting her own experiences and those of her father that contribute to her own particular style of detection.
Her life has not been without its own trials but she does not dwell on these, merely accepting them and moving on. One thing that she is fiercely proud of is Botswana (and her agency); she is proud of her nation’s achievements and of her people.
The stories are well written, and although I have never been to Africa, they evoke a strong sense of the country. My feelings were backed up when a South African friend of mine, currently on secondment to the island, read the book and experienced a pang of homesickness brought on by the images and memories evoked by the book.
Alexander McCall Smith is a marvellous storyteller, his love for his adopted homeland (Botswana) shines through the writing and Precious’ pragmatic and non-judgemental attitude is a joy to follow. For those who prefer a little romance there is even a stately courtship with which to warm the heart.
This book is a joy to read and what better on a cold night to warm yourself up with a blast of African sun and a slice of Precious Ramotswe’s life.    Helen Toole

(Different, set in Edinburgh, but also good is ‘The Sunday Philosophy Club’ by the same author)

Make Poverty History

On New Year’s Day, Dawn French as the Vicar of Dibley launched this campaign, backed by all the aid agencies. It calls for the wearing of a white armband to show that we really want our politicians to make the changes to debt cancellation, trade rules and agricultural subsidies that will reduce the massive inequalities in our world. It is too early to say how this will catch on.

Why 2005?
It is 20 years since Live Aid first stirred people to action. It is 5 years since the UN set the Millennium Development Goals of halving world poverty by 2015, but little has happened yet. Britain is leader of the G8 this year, setting the agenda for the world’s richest countries.
In July Britain will also be President of the EU for six months. In Jersey, we hope to gain official recognition as a Fairtrade Island during this year. Fairtrade is an initial step to eliminating poverty. Then there will be Lent courses and other opportunities to learn about Trade Justice, how trade rules make it difficult for developing countries to earn a living wage. In April, on Sunday the 10th, we hope all churches will use the worship materials prepared for the Global Week of Action.

Silver Trade Justice logos, available at £2 each
The recent tsunami in Asia and the response to it from round the world shows there is a real feeling of One World so perhaps there can be real changes in 2005. As the news media move on, we need to keep reminding politicians that people want the rules to be rebalanced so that we can say in our generation we ‘made poverty history’. Jesus came to bring abundant life, for all
Ed Le Quesne

Departure into Widowhood
The ones who die are called ‘the dear Departed’
Commended each to God’s Almighty hand.
In faith, we trust the paths they take are charted
To end in mansions in Immanuel’s land.

But those from whom the dead depart must fashion
Their own departures into the unknown;
Unparented, unpartnered, numbed to passion
Their path uncharted, unexplored, alone.

To be just ‘I’ and ‘me’, and unexpected,
From ‘we’ and ‘us’, - a unit, not a pair,
Is to begin a journey unsuspected
From here and now, but leading - God knows where!

Faith trusts He does, but can’t suppress the asking
Of ‘Why?’ ‘Why him?’ ‘Lord, what am I to do?’
Still unaware that grief and shock are masking
First steps away from all we were and knew
Marguerite Kendrick, Pershore

The 23rd. Psalm for Gardeners.
The Lord is my Gardener. I shall not wilt.
He has prepared a bed for me in rich soil where I am well watered. He has pruned and supported me, 'Causing me to bloom to his perfection. Even when the early frosts and wintry winds seek to harm me, He shields me with His cloche or re-pots me in his greenhouse and warms me. Against the excesses of the summer sun, Keeping me moist and oiling my leaves. I am spoilt with attention. I know that I am constantly in His love and care at all times, And I shall live in the garden of the Lord forever.

A question: Are we too concerned with buildings? After all, no-one has been saved by a brick!

Local news

Dr. John Taylor with Rev. David Coote after speaking to the combined Christmas lunch clubs about the wonders of the natural world at the Mayfair Hotel. As usual the ladies far outnumbered the men.

Russian influence is visible in the crib John Curwood prepared for the door at Georgetown! A variety of ‘Christmas trees with a theme’ were on display for the week before Christmas and the church was open daily from 10 till 6. The Christmas Eve crib service attracted 70 youngsters.
The choir from St. Lukes School came to the church and sang a number of Christmas songs to entertain the Georgetown Neighbourhood club, including a very lively version of ‘A partridge in a pear tree’ with actions.

24/7 JERSEY CIRCUIT WEEK OF CONTINUOUS PRAYER
Sunday Feb. 13th 2005 - Sunday Feb. 20th 2005

This 24/7 week of prayer reflects a desire to underpin everything we do with prayer and to seek Gods will for the future life of the Methodist Church in Jersey.

* We will seek to renew our confidence in God's presence and action in the world and in the church.

* We will pray for the world about us and for others with whom we share the journey of faith and discipleship.

* We will seek God's leading in the decisions we make as local churches as together as a circuit we seek to discern the way ahead.

* We will seek to be more deeply committed to the worlds most deprived and poor, including those in Jersey.

* We will seek to develop confidence in speaking of God's love in Christ for all in ways that make sense to our contemporaries.

LOCATIONS
Sun. 13th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Mon. 14th - Bethlehem
Mon. 14th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Tues. 15th - Communicare and Samares
Tues. 15th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m Wed. 16th - St Martin
Wed. 16th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Thurs. 17th - St Helier
Thurs. 17th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Fri. 18th - Ebenezer
Fri. 18th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Sat. 19th - Philadelphie and Georgetown
Sat. 19th 6.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Sun. 20th - St Aubin
The week begins with a circuit service at 6.30 p.m at Bethlehem and concludes with a service at 6.30 p.m. at St Aubin when the preacher will be Myrtle Poxon, Vice President of Methodist Conference.

St. Aubin
Sunday Club - recent activities
During October half term we had an evening with our middle group, Years 6 to 9 youngsters (aged 11-14) where they decorated a pizza, played some games while their pizza was cooking and then watched a DVD called "How to lose a guy in 10 days," whilst munching on Haribou sweets and popcorn. It was a good evening and helped friendships form. In December those same youngsters had a disco on Friday 17th from
7.00-10.00pm. Andrew Gray was DJ for the evening.
After rehearsals, the Sunday Club led the Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 19th December at 6pm with the title Jesus@bethlehem.com
A Safari meal is planned for January. Several have offered homes and culinary skills to the youngsters, so all the courses booked and are just waiting for a suitable date for everybody

Youth Club
Youth Club continues to thrive and on Thursday nights there is a real buzz of life in the hall. We haven't seen many people popping in for a game of pool or table tennis lately. Anyone is welcome even for a half hour to get to know some of our young people, anytime from 7-9pm. Representatives
The youngsters have voted for a representative, one from each school that attends Club. They are Elena Palasmith, Helen Sandeman and Andrew Gray and already they have come up with some good ideas. We have already enjoyed a pool competition that the three of them have organised. On Friday 17th December - we held a sleepover in the school hall from 7pm to 9am the following morning ending with breakfast.
Liz Lambotte

From ‘‘Church Chat’ that appears 4 times per year at St. Aubin.

* * * * *
All contributions for the April issue by March 30th, to: Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St. Helier, JE2 4RU. e-mail to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk Also see the website www.ci-methodist.org.uk