Di Toole, M.B.E.
All Methodists in Jersey were delighted to hear that Di Toole had been awarded
the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours list. It was for her work at St. Helier
Methodist Centre, where she was Chairman of the committee that supervised the
£2.2m refurbishment of the Centre, completed in 2000. She is a circuit steward
and is very involved in the life of the Methodist Church in Jersey. It was also
for her work with the Jersey Cheshire Home. She has been involved since its
foundation in 1981 and president since 2000.
She asked to be photographed in front of her favourite banner in the Hall at
SHMC and wants to thank all those who have sent her messages of congratulations.
She is very grateful for them. We add our own congratulations.
Final service at Gorey
About 150 people crowded into the church at Gorey on Sunday afternoon, January
8th to celebrate 165 years of worship at Gorey and were welcomed by Rev. Chris
White. The opening hymn “Lord for the years” was very appropriate. Before
leading the opening prayers, Alan Colback spoke of the Prayer group that had met
regularly on Wednesday mornings and gave the thanks from members of the
Alcoholics Anonymous groups that met in the Hall 3 times a week. The 6 person
ladies choir sung “The Lord”s my shepherd” with great energy in two part
harmony.
The ladies choir
Mrs Enid Quenault read the Old Testament lesson from Gen.9 about the promise to
Noah and gave the thanks of the Circuit Stewards for the faithful witness of
many people at Gorey over the years. We sung “Great is thy faithfulness” before
a reading by Janine from Matt.13 and prayers by lay worker Sue Le Riche. The
hymn “Lead us, heavenly Father” was followed by a rousing sermon by Rev. David
Coote based on Matt. 13 v.52, bringing new treasures as well as old out of his
store. He spoke of the great changes since 1840, when 80% of Christians lived in
Europe and North America, to today when 60% live in Africa, Asia and Latin
America. Now World Church visitors come to Britain. While we praise God for past
treasures the church must be the “vehicle of God’s tomorrow” with a faith that
is life-changing. He commended the new Archbishop of York, John Sentanu, for
embodying the power and joy that makes real disciples. Aslan in C.S. Lewis’s
Narnia is described as a “not-so-tame” lion and David wants us to have a
“not-so-tame” faith. We should be partners and co-creators with God in making
justice, renewing relationships and protecting the planet. Noah had a rainbow
sign of promise and in the cross God embraces us in a new Covenant relationship
that releases us to do greater things. David used the example of the great
pianist Paderewski, who encouraged a young boy to keep on playing, to encourage
us to keep on playing our part in sharing in God’s mission.
During the whole service, 16 large candles were alight at the front. A lighted
candle and a copy of Mark’s gospel was given to a representative of each church
in the circuit. They were extinguished after the final hymn “Love divine, all
loves excelling” with the request that they are lit on each of the remaining
Sundays in January as members from Gorey find new spiritual homes. One candle
was left, to represent members who may move to other denominations. As this
building shuts its doors, the Spirit moves on.
Generous refreshments were provided at the end of the service. I learnt from
Chris White that the cross over the pulpit, made some years ago by Ron Turver,
will be taken by Ron and Kathy to a church in St. Lucia later this year.
The communion glasses will go to the hospital chapel. Other items are for sale
as listed below. The toddler group and the AA groups have found alternative
homes. The sign board was taken down the next day. In due course the building
will be put up for sale, but the circuit will retain ownership of Maison Binet.
Ed Le Quesne
From the service booklet, prepared by Emily Le Feuvre, daughter of Andrew and
Philippa. Early history
In the parish of Grouville Methodists commenced to meet in 1808, in the house of
Mr. Gibaut at “Harve” La Rocque. Preaching in French began in 1810 at Gorey
where Mr. Jean Cook preached at his own house. In 1816 Services were moved to
the house of Mr. George Mallett, but owing to opposition and ill treatment they
were discontinued in Gorey from 1817 to 1822 but continued in the neighbouring
parish of St. Martin at the house of Mr. Jean Falle.
The arrival in 1818 of sailors for the oyster fishing led to the beginning of
English speaking meetings and in 1822 the French speaking society began again in
Gorey. There was much ill treatment and damage to property, but by 1840 the
congregation had increased to such an extent that the English members had to
build for themselves a chapel which was opened on Feb. 29th 1840. Mr. Thomas
Saunders preached to a large congregation at the laying of the foundation stone
and received several promises of help toward making the project a huge success.
The chapel had to be enlarged in 1843 to hold 250 to 300 people; there was also
a Sunday School attached to the building
Further alterations to the church, dividing the building, and the erection of
two flats were completed in 1959. Written for the bicentenary of Methodism in
Jersey 1974
Kenyan connection
The friends of Gorey Methodist have supported the family and fellowship of
Joshua Kilangu’s churches in the slum areas of Nairobi with their prayers and
gifts for the past 14 years. Joshua has experienced many difficult times but the
churches have also seen God at work. A few years ago, a group who were against
the Christian mission demolished one of the new church buildings during the
night and its outreach work was restricted.
25 years ago, Alan and Dorothy Colback gave David, Joshua’s father, a Gideon
testament and he later gave it to Joshua, who asked if they would sponsor his
Bible College training. They have continued supporting him all these years.
Joshua married Agnes and they now have 3 sons, Alan, David and Daniel. The
family have been to Jersey on two occasions and Joshua has preached at several
circuit churches.
The Gorey Church council agreed that a retiring collection would be taken to go
towards having a new roof, costing £2000. It will replace their corrugated roof
with low cost ply boards to reduce the heat. They have seen people collapsing in
church, fainting with the heat. If any one who did not attend the service and
wish to contribute, a gift can be sent to Alan Colback.
A brief summary of Joshua’s work
He is in charge of 5 churches of the African Inland Church, 3 of which have
pastors under him. On Sundays he has a service in Kiswahili for 200+ people,
popular in the slum area for those who have not been to school. It lasts for
over 3 hours. Then the English service for about 100 to 200 youth and students
lasting about 90 minutes. He visits several sick people each week and has lost
23 members to AIDS in the last 3 years. He holds Estate prayers, with preaching
sessions and Bible studies on Tuesdays. Friday is preparation day and Saturday
is the day for weddings, 2 or 3 a month and for funerals. The pastors are not
well paid as the congregations are poor so he has been grateful for the support
of friends at Gorey. They are shocked to hear that it will close down
Items offered to the Churches after closure.
29 Worship Books
34 NIV Bibles
41 Songs of Fellowship
48 Hymns and Psalms (soft cover- 5 are hard back)
2 Chairs
1 Loop system
2 Organ stools
1 Hymn board
12 Blue chairs
15 Grey chairs
11 small Grey chairs
3 Low tables
1 Filing cabinet (3 drawers)
1 Electric Urn
2 Large teapots
2 Vacuum cleaners (1 Dyson and 1 Hitachi cylinder)
1 De-humidifier
3 Oil filled radiators
These items are free but a donation would be appreciated. Please contact the
Secretary. Alan Colback Tel 855733.
1 Special Item; Technics Digital Piano/Organ and stool £500.00
Muriel Le Gresley, the faithful organist
Support for St. Aubin
At a special Circuit meeting on November 16th, the following propositions were
passed.
1. A grant of £90,000 from the Circuit Advance Fund to St. Aubin.
2. Permission to borrow up to £100,000 from the CAF to meet cash flow
requirements. (This is in addition to a £65,000 loan from Methodist Chapel Aid)
3. Support for St. Aubin and encouragement to proceed as soon as possible with
both repairs to the Church and internal refurbishment of the Hall.
The financial position was summarised as follows by the Treasurer, Helen Clark:
Current balance £103,000
Money promised by members up to September 2009 £60,700
Tax reclaims £16,500
Promised donations from trusts £64,600
Total definitely available £244,800
Estimate (lowest tender + fees) £394,500
The shortfall of £149,700 will be met by the Circuit grant of £90,000
More fund-raising over 4 years £40,000
Further trust donations £20,000
Fund-raising in 2005 has been very successful through a variety of ways, beyond
financial pledges, that have brought the congregation together with events such
as concerts, crafts bazaars, a flower festival and even a Hoedown. Thus a
continued income of £10,000 a year for the next 4 years through these events
which open the Church to visitors and the wider community is a realistic
commitment.
Arthur Le Ruez, Senior Steward explains the project.
Plans were obtained for modernising the Hall, including a mezzanine floor over
half the area, new heating, lighting, disabled toilets and a redesign of the
kitchen to make better use of the space. These plans were approved by the Church
Council. However a serious structural problem emerged, almost certainly caused
by a cracked drain that has now been replaced. The Church too has problems with
water seeping through the roof, guttering and pointing causing dry rot and
damage to plaster, windows and other areas. Hartigans, structural engineers and
Greg Menzies, a QS are advising St. Aubin and supervising the project. They will
try to keep the project on schedule and on budget. The “Open door” project
welcomed 7,500 visitors to the church during the year, a value recognised by
local people and ecumenical partners alike. The scaffolding was put in place at
the start of January. Worship will continue in the church but for the next 8
months the young people will meet in the Parish Hall.
There is a vibrant worship life and active youth work as described by Liz
Lambotte, the Sunday club and youth leader.
A parent and Toddlers group meets twice a week in the poor facilities of the
hall. There is a lack of storage areas so some equipment is kept at the home of
a member. An improvement in the building and storage facilities can only
strengthen this loyal and happy group.
The Sunday club come out after the second hymn to a warm welcome from the
committed leaders, who meet regularly each month, but to a cold and unwelcoming
Hall.
There is a large group of 11-15 year olds that are accompanied and nurtured. A
safari meal (each course in a different house), a return safari meal, where the
young people decided on a menu and cooked a three curse meal for their guests, a
parachute and pizza night and a sleep out have all been undertaken. These
youngsters get involved with church services and take part in dramas and dances
during family worship. They are preparing to be Junior Worship stewards which
will help them make the transition between Sunday Club and church. The vision is
to give these youngsters a pad of their own, a safe area to try out different
things, a worship area to experience different ways of worshipping, a place
where they can take ownership. Whatever we give to youngsters, they offer back
twice over.
Every Thursday night in term time there is a youth club open to youngsters from
year 7. Most of these youngsters are not connected to the church. There is a
pool table, table tennis table, football table and recently a drum kit to begin
working to form a band. Affiliation to the Youth Service means that they can
take advantage of courses and use places like Crabbe and St. Aubin’s Fort. A
group of youngsters experienced MAYC in Cornwall and thoroughly enjoyed it
although none had church connections. This is real outreach and they would love
to offer more, such as a holiday club, a homework area, a parenting support club
and general functions for building up community relationships. Liz continues “I
am fully committed to the children and young people at St. Aubin, having given
up a full time teaching post to train for a diploma in Youth, mission and
ministry at Cliff College. Didn’t Jesus say “Go out and make disciples of all
nations” Helping our children to become disciples is both a privilege and a huge
responsibility, an opportunity not to be missed. With a modern equipped
welcoming hall we could achieve so much. We must never forget that the Church is
always “one generation away from extinction”
Matthew on left, Liz on right of the walkers
Matthew Speight came up with the idea of walking the 16 Methodist churches. In
planning his route he found out that the full distance around would be 37 miles.
This being a huge challenge to accomplish in one go, he decided to divide the
walks into east and west. The first 17 mile walk took place in September,
beginning at St. Aubin, via the Bay church, St. Helier, Georgetown, Samares, La
Rocque, Gorey, Eden, finishing up at St. Martin where a well earned cup of tea
and sandwiches awaited us. The second 20 mile walk, in October, started at St.
Martin, going towards Ebenezer, Sion, Bethlehem, Bethesda, Philadelphie,
Communicare and back through the railway walk to St. Aubin. The weather was
ideal for walking although we had a few spots of rain on the second walk. It was
lovely to spend time chatting to people on the walk and to visit the Methodist
churches in the circuit. Many of the churches opened up their doors for us and
offered refreshments and toilet stops. The total money raised for St. Aubin was
£504.50 with £140 going to Jersey Hospice and £60 to Eden. Our youngest walker
was 11 year old Ben Rive who raised a large amount of money. I would like to say
thank you to all those who took part, those who opened up their churches and
served refreshments and a very big thank you to Matthew who organised it all.
For those of us who love walking it was two Saturdays very enjoyably spent. Liz
Lambotte
Walking the Great Wall of China
Liz Booth, Matron at La Corderie
I met my fellow travellers at 11 am on 12th October. There were 23 people in the
group, all from UK except me! The youngest was 22 and the oldest a sprightly 75
year old lady.
Our first stop was Moscow, a five hour flight from London. Onward to Beijing,
the capital of China and home to 13 million people. Arrival was 9.10 the
following morning, a total of 21 hours travelling - very tiring. In spite of our
tiredness we were whisked away to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City for a
sightseeing tour. The brightly coloured buildings were delightful to see, many
of them under restoration. Tiananmen means Gate of Supreme Harmony and was built
in 1420 as the gateway to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City itself once
housed the Chinese Emperor and his family and entourage. Finally, at 6 pm we
arrived, exhausted, at our hotel.
A small part of the Great Wall
The next day our trek along the Great Wall began. The wall stretches 6,000
kilometres across China, our first glimpse being at Huangyaguan as the wall
snakes along the ridge line of the Yanshan Mountains. We started up Heaven’s
Ladder, a steep climb of over 200 steps. This was probably when I first time
asked myself “Whose idea was this?” Several areas of the wall are in a state of
decay and the terrain underfoot is quite rocky and unstable in parts. Also
several places had sheer drops on either side of the track we were walking
along. Some members of our party suffered from vertigo and found these parts
particularly difficult. We travelled from Jinshanlin to Gubeiko, a part of the
wall dating back many years to the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty to rule over
this vast land.
The following day we trekked from Jinshanlin to Simatei and then from Simatei to
Mutianyu. Throughout the scenery was stunning, even the best photographs we took
do not really do it the justice it deserves.
There were so many steps, some very shallow, some very deep, which made it very
difficult for me only being 4 ft 11. Although some areas were particularly
difficult we all supported and encouraged each other. It was the first time I
had experienced an organised trek and I was amazed at how well we all got on
with each other despite having very different backgrounds and personalities. It
was not all difficult; there were lots of laughter and new experiences, which
included travelling down a zip wire over a river, which was great fun, and also
tobogganing down the mountainside.
The accommodation was very basic barrack style with very poor facilities. The
food was quite good at times, but the breakfasts were awful. The one positive
thing is that I am expert at using chop sticks.
Whilst I was away my progress was regularly relayed to the residents of Maison
La Corderie by my partner Roger. Since my return the residents have enjoyed
sharing my experience through the photographs and videos that I took along the
way.
For me this trip was an amazing achievement, not only physically, but mentally
and spiritually as well, and I would like to thank all who made the 100 mile
trek possible. These people helped me to raise £4,200 for Age Concern, half of
which will be coming directly to Jersey. Liz Booth
Methodist Homes for the Aged (Jersey) Ltd Newsletter
The Company was formed in 1965 by our Jersey Circuit. The main shareholder of
the company is The Trustees of the Methodist Church. It was formed to give
elderly residents in Jersey the choice to live in a communal Home, independent,
but without the worry of looking after their own home. The residents have to be
able to look after themselves as we are not registered as a nursing home. They
each have their own room with en-suite facilities. Bath or shower is provided on
each floor of the Home. All services are provided, cleaning of rooms, washing
including personal clothes, & the provision of breakfast, cooked lunch & light
evening meal. Each Home has outside facilities for residents’ enjoyment in the
summer & also parking facilities should they still wish to keep their own car.
The Matrons organise in-house entertainment from time to time, & outside trips.
Recently both Homes took the residents out one evening for a coach ride around
the island to see the Christmas lights. Each Home has a 'Beauty Room' where a
hairdresser or a chiropodist comes regularly.
Besides meals, morning coffee in the lounge and afternoon tea in the 'Tea Bays'
located around the buildings with seating are provided so residents can meet &
enjoy each other's company or use to entertain visitors if they prefer rather
than using their rooms.
Maison La Corderie was opened in 1975 & is just off Green Street. It
accommodates 30 residents with 2 short stay rooms for renting on a daily basis.
This is for families going on holiday, who would not like to leave their elderly
relatives alone in their home whilst they are away. Residents are able to walk
into town, or take a short walk down to the seaside at Havre des Pas & to Howard
Davis Park. Once a month the residents have a quiz against a team from The
Cheshire Home, who are just up the road from us.
Stuart Court was opened in 1987 as an extension to Stuart Villa which had
been bequeathed to the Church. This Home provides accommodation for 26 residents
with 2 short stay rooms. Its location at Millbrook has wonderful sea views from
the lounge & from the new dining room extension when it is built later this
year. Those residents located on the south frontage also have this wonderful
vista. Stuart Court benefits from a large lawned garden with these lovely views,
& if able, residents have a short walk to Coronation Gardens at Millbrook.
The Homes are staffed by a Matron who has to live in, with a separate flat
provided. If the Matron is 'off island' then the Deputy Matron has to sleep in
to provide cover. They are supported by Care Assistants who perform a varied
role from helping with bathing if necessary, waiting on the tables at meal
times, providing some of the in-house entertainment & generally supporting the
residents particularly when they are ill or infirm. Then there are the cleaners,
kitchen staff & the all important cook! Each Home has a slightly different
policy as to the format for meals but both provide good quality & fresh homemade
food whenever possible. We also have a maintenance man who has been employed by
the Company for many years, & is therefore well known, trusted by the residents
& extremely popular with them. His role is to look after general maintenance, &
also assist residents when moving into the Home with minor alterations to their
rooms, e.g. the provision of additional shelving & picture hanging etc.
There are also fortnightly in house church service at both Homes, mornings at
Stuart Court & evenings at La Corderie. Each Home has a dedicated Chaplain. Rev.
Kevin Jones for SC, & Rev. Chris White for La Corderie (assisted by others).
Residents & staff are kept informed of any changes & matters of interest with
monthly meetings & a newsletter. As you see from the above our residents are
well looked after, & in a convivial & social environment. They have their own
telephone & TV, as well as a call system linked to the Matron's office in times
of need, if they are unable to leave their rooms.
The Company has 7 Directors. They are Reg Jeune CBE, Brian Bullock, Dorothy Le
Maistre, Ruth Heaven (Georgetown), Ian Jayes (Sion), Jean Carrel (St. Aubin),
Hazel Le Boutillier (Eden). The Chairman of the Company is Tom Perchard (St.
Martin), the first lay chairman. The previous chairmen were as a matter of
course the Superintendent of the time. Rev. Ian White had the foresight to ask
Tom who had only been a Director since August 2000 to take over this role in
December 2001, as the role of Superintendent was getting ever more demanding.
Also due to increasing Health & Safety requirements, the role of Chairman was
becoming more ' hands on'. The Chairman & Directors each have important roles
within the organisation & provide active support on a totally honorary basis.
Tom's interest in all aspects of the Homes is appreciated by both the residents
& staff. In his term of office he has had to handle a number of difficulties
with both staff & residents. I know that the staff in particular are grateful
for the support they have received from Tom & his team. Tom tries to visit each
Home at least once a week, if the other love of his life permits (part time farm
help to his son Richard)! The Matrons can call him at any time, & indeed he has
instructed them to let him know ASAP if any resident falls seriously ill, is
admitted to hospital or passes away. His wife Rosemary therefore also has a very
important role as Tom's personal PA, answering the many phone calls from the
three of us. Their team work is a great asset to the Company. A Public thank you
is due to both from us all in the Circuit. The Matrons & I are aware that his
compassion, dedication & amount of time given to this role is a wonderful
contribution, & demonstrates his sound Christian faith in action.
The Board are dedicated to their role, provide a wonderful caring environment, &
in relation to other Homes in Jersey, a very inexpensive service to the
community. The Directors also provide a supportive role to the residents,
visiting the Homes on a frequent basis, & assisting those who have no close
family or friends around them. As an example, a Director will attend important
hospital appointments with any resident if they have no-one to go with them.
Another organised a group of people to go into our Home to complete name tagging
of all personal clothing because there was no family member to assist in this
task.
The Directors are supported by an Administrator & I was very fortunate to have
been offered this position when it became vacant last year. The previous
incumbent (Jackie Wilson) had been with the Company for over 30 years,&
therefore had a wealth of knowledge & experience. Jackie worked for Sam Ferguson
(Deputy Sarah Ferguson's father) & when the Company was formed he asked Jackie
to take on the role. Jackie worked for such luminaries as Donald Picot (Rodney
Picot's father ), Reg Jeune ( who has been a Director since inception ie. 40
years ) Arthur Le Ruez & John Green to name but a few of the dedicated people
who have given much time to their roles. The above named Picot's are distant
relations of mine, but it is nice to be able to carry on the Picot connection
with our Homes! I therefore found this offer daunting, but I was extremely
honoured to have been given this opportunity to work for a Church organisation.
Michael Picot at the workplace
For those who know me I still have my newsagent business but employ someone to
help with the deliveries mainly in the St. Clements Coast Road area, so I was
looking for an additional part-time form of employment. The offer came at the
right time & gives me an opportunity to put into practice my Christian faith in
the support of the residents of our Homes. I don't think I will stay at this
post as long as Jackie did, as I have already reserved my room for when I become
an octogenarian!!
My role is to perform all the administrative functions for the Company, as the
Matrons have responsibility for the daily operation of our Homes. The office is
located at La Corderie, so twice a week I have to commute between the two Homes,
which makes the job varied & a chance for a little fresh air on my travels! I
therefore do not have any direct responsibility for the residents, but am there
to assist them, should they need any help with routine financial matters, & any
other matters they may need to discuss in a confidential manner. I am very
fortunate to have been selected for this role & enjoy my job. It is also a very
exciting time for the Company, as we were bequeathed the house attached to
Stuart Court by Miss Mary Morel. Not only had Mary bequeathed the house to us
but also the contents. Tom Perchard asked me to take responsibility for the
clearing of the house & the sale of the more valuable items before I had
formally begun my employment for the Company. I am grateful for the trust that
the Board had in me to complete this task, which I have found extremely
interesting. I had to liaise with antique dealers & The National Trust for
Jersey, & others for the disposal of the effects. Mary had many connections, & I
endeavoured at all times to dispose of the items as she may have wished. I never
knew Mary but received guidance from those that knew her. The Morel family had a
long association with The National Trust; indeed it was her father who donated
Morel Farm to them in 1939. On behalf of The Board I negotiated with them for
any items they were interested in, & some of the Jersey pieces were bought by
the Trust to be placed in Morel Farm, & also their property at 16 New Street
currently under renovation. David Hick bought the remaining valuable items, the
remaining household effects of any value going into a charity auction for the
Jersey Aid for Europe Foundation. The remaining bric-a-brac was given to the
Cancer Research shop, another charity Mary had fund raised for. This hopefully
demonstrates the sensitive manner in which the Company handles any bequests left
to them. This now leaves the property empty & ready for the next phase in its
life. The Board have engaged architects & plans are presently with the Planning
Department to turn Denehurst into three self contained flats for the housing of
elderly couples, who need to be fully mobile. The idea at the moment is that
they are for totally independent living, but will have the advantage of calling
on trained staff in any emergency. They will be able to have meals at Stuart
Court at an additional charge by prior arrangement with the Matron if they so
wish. Unfortunately, Denehurst has been listed as a Building of Local Interest &
this is probably going to cause the Board some difficulties with their plans. As
part of this scheme we wish to improve the very limited & difficult parking at
Stuart Court, & also extend the dining room which is not ideal at present.
I intend to provide occasional up-dates to the “Jersey Methodist”, so watch this
space as these plans develop. If anyone would like further information, or put
their names down for any vacancies when they occur, then do please do give me or
the Matrons a call.
The Chairman & Directors are a real pleasure to work for & I am proud to have
been given the opportunity to work for such a wonderful organisation, always
striving to provide the best residential care in Jersey. Working alongside our
two Matrons enables me to use my previous work experience & also put into
practice my strong Christian faith in the care for our fellow brothers &
sisters. Michael Picot
Tel. 872454
Peace be with you
Some months ago I wrote about this section in our Communion Services. It brought
a sympathetic letter, as well as an editorial comment. Friends who may share my
views about it might be interested in a couple of letters published recently in
the national press. They suggested “dropping to one’s knees at the intrusion(!)
of the Peace” as a way to opt out. One correspondent wrote that when he did this
at a local church, he was tapped on the shoulder by a lady in the pew behind,
until “I was forced to turn round, shake her hand, and respond to her unearthly
smile” The other correspondent wrote that the idea of dropping to one’s knees
rarely works, and adds that “Peace devotees are a breed not to be thwarted; they
pat your back, pat your head, or bend down and breathe ... into your air”. His
letter concludes, “I am wondering about a water pistol”
Geoffrey Nowell
Visit of Oseias Barbosa da Silva
At the end of September the Circuit received a visit from Reverend Oseias
Barbosa da Silva from Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Executive Secretary of Christian
Education and Sunday Schools for the Methodist Church in Brazil. His visit was
organised through the Missions Committee in conjunction with the World Church
programme of the Methodist Church, with assistance from Alison Driscoll in
London. It had a gestation of around six years since the previous visit by
Patricia Groeting from Argentina, with the aims being once again to learn more
of the work of the Methodist Church world-wide and also to investigate whether
links could be formed with the Portuguese community, this being the reason why a
Portuguese-speaking visitor was originally requested.
The first part of his visit lasted until the end of October, and consisted of a
wide variety of events, beginning, on the day of his arrival, with a visit to
the Logos ship to coincide with the Portuguese evening there, where he met key
people among the small Protestant Portuguese community. His programme included
at least seven house groups, including a bilingual ecumenical one, four school
visits (three assemblies and talking to a class of 8 and 9 year olds doing a
project on Brazil), at least six meal-type events, the September Circuit
meeting, a Circuit staff meeting and interviews with Radio Jersey and the JEP.
In addition he visited the hospital, the prison, The Gap and various Jersey
attractions, including the Zoo where he heard about how Jersey was contributing
to lion tamarin conservation in Brazil. He also saw the work of Ecce Homo and
even attended a Senatorial hustings! He preached at SHMC, Georgetown, St Aubin
and St Martin, and spent time with members of the Portuguese community,
including a Brazilian pastor involved in the Protestant work with the Portuguese
community.
He then visited Guernsey for 2 1/2 weeks, where he stayed at Les Cotils, visited
Sark and undertook a varied programme of meetings, visits, and preaching
appointments. After this he returned to Jersey for the Missions Weekend,
accompanied this time by his wife Jane, also a minister, and their son Oseias
Junior.
After the St Martin Missions Lunch, they attended the Brazilian evening at
Communicare on Saturday 19th November. This featured a Brazilian meal- feijoada
(pork & bean stew), arroz (vegetable rice), coconut rice, non-alcoholic
Brazilian-inspired drinks, and fruit and desserts brought by attendees. Oseias
introduced an audio-visual presentation of 'One Week With Jesus', whereby the
whole Brazilian Connexion gets together annually to build a church and do other
work in a remote part of this vast country. We also had Brazilian dancing
lessons, a limbo competition (won by Kirsty from SHMC) and a Brazilian quiz.
The following morning was the Circuit Sunday School at Les Freres. Though two
large Sunday schools were unable to attend, we still had a good number present.
We sang in English and Portuguese, considered what Jesus meant to us,
experienced Brazilian dancing (some more actively than others!), then went to
the sports hall to play Copo-Football, the Centipede Game and a balloon game.
That evening was the Circuit Service at Eden, attended by over a hundred people,
in which Oseias read "The Letter from Oseias to the Church on Jersey", and we
heard more about his visit, his church, and the work of World Missions, and
shared in fruit and fruit juice.
After a debriefing the next morning reviewing the visit, Oseias and his family
returned to England on the Tuesday. I was greatly blessed by my involvement with
Oseias, his enthusiasm, his gifts, his love of God, and the way he has opened a
door to show how God can work within the Methodist Church to inspire, to bless,
and to bring large numbers of people into His Kingdom. The growth in the
Brazilian Methodist Church has been particularly inspiring.
I would very much like us as a Circuit (or District) to be able to further
develop links made both with Oseias and, through him, with the "Igreja Metodista
do Brasil". Linda and I will certainly be keeping in touch with him.
Linda and I would like to thank publicly all the ministerial staff, Jill Corbin,
the Missions Committee, the Sunday School leaders, and anyone else involved in
organising and attending the various events, for their help in making the visit
successful and so enjoyable. Finally a special thank you to Di and Sonny le
Maistre and Martin and Jan Le Boutillier, without whose kind hospitality and
transportation the visit would not have been possible.
Chris Haines
Visit of George Alagiah
George Alagiah visited Jersey on Sat. Dec. 3rd in his role as Patron of the
Fairtrade Foundation. At the Town Hall he presented a framed copy of the
Fairtrade Island certificate to Deputy Bailiff, Mr. Michael Birt. This will hang
in the States Members room to remind them of the commitment they have made to
support and promote Fairtrade in Jersey.
George Alagiah and Michael Birt
George Alagiah will be known to many as the presenter of the six o’clock news on
BBC. He was born in Sri Lanka, moved to Ghana with his parents when young and
went to study in England. So he has a background from 3 continents and he spent
over a decade as a reporter for the BBC at a wide variety of the world’s trouble
spots. He said that he used to think that political reforms were needed to bring
democracy to these places but his view gradually changed. Now he believes that
change will come when people have some economic hope for themselves and their
families. A person with no income or hope will be willing to listen to militant
speakers offering violent change as a way to a better future. Those with some
income in their pocket and prospect of a future will more readily resist wild
ideas. Thus
he was very attracted to the principles of the Fairtrade Foundation and
willingly became its patron and gives 3 weekends a year to Patron Road
shows.
He was accompanied by his wife Fran, who works as a fundraiser for the Fairtrade
Foundation and by Bruce Crowther, who set up the first Fairtrade town in
Garstang in Lancashire. Their first stop was St. Peter’s Parish Hall for lunch
with members of the Fairtrade committee and supporters. Then he was interviewed
by the JEP and Radio Jersey at the Town Hall, where there was a display of
Fairtrade goods available in Jersey and tastings of wine and chocolate provided
by the Co-op. Tea and coffee was served by the W.I., many of whom are fans of
George and were glad to be photographed with him!
Before George spoke, Ed Le Quesne gave a short outline of events in Jersey
leading to the award of Fairtrade Island status. After his speech, he presented
membership certificates for the newly formed Jersey Fairtrade Island Group.
In the evening George was guest of honour at a dinner for over 100 people from a
variety of business and political roles at Hotel L’Horizon, that featured
Fairtrade wines and a Fairtrade chocolate dessert. Speaking before the meal,
George emphasised that business and campaigners should be working together to
reduce poverty. He said it was his first visit to Jersey, which had a reputation
as a home of wealthy people. He was glad to hear that it had a concern for
people who are trying to improve their situation through the support of
Fairtrade. He said that in our globalised world, poverty and insecurity in one
part are bound to have an impact elsewhere. His speech made a deep impression on
those present and one was heard to say afterwards, “No-one can fail to support
Fairtrade now”.
George and Fran with Jersey Fairtrade Island Group chairman Dave Ellis and
wife Betty.
George spent Sunday in Guernsey, who are hoping to become a Fairtrade Island
soon, before flying back to London on Monday morning to read the news. He was a
most pleasant person who took the trouble to informally with all the groups
present at the events.
There is now a formal membership subscription of £5 minimum for a church,
school, firm or other group to join the Jersey Fairtrade Island Group. At the
moment 8 Methodist churches are members, Bethesda, Sion, Philadelphie, Samares,
Eden, Ebenezer, St. Martin and Georgetown. I know others are committed and just
haven’t got round to it yet. 5 parish churches have joined and the Catholic
Parishes of the East and West and the URC and Friends. The contacts will help us
to take the message to many businesses in Jersey for the award of the
certificate is just the end of the beginning. Our shopping choices can really
have a big impact on the thousands of farmers given a living through Fairtrade.
It also modifies the behaviour of corporations with Nestle recently launching
its first Fairtrade brand of coffee.
The slogan for Fairtrade Fortnight, 6th - 19th March is “Got the Fairtrade
habit? Pass it on” 50 church action guides have been ordered for churches to
make a special effort to do this and hopefully some Island events will also keep
the profile high and spread the word.
Filling a container for Kenya
Over the last couple of months a 20 foot container has stood in a quiet corner
of Anne Perchard’s farm at Le Ferme, St. Martin and is gradually filling with
useful materials for our Kenya project supporting 1000 AIDS orphans through Dr.
Hezron Mc’Obewa at Wanangwe. Already it has over 60 computers, donated by
schools and firms with more promised. Tools for Self-Reliance have donated a
range of carpentry tools and tool boxes. We also have 5 Singer sewing machines
and two sets of football kit. We have several large bags of soft toys but still
needed are; all sorts of games for children, compressors, old but functioning
generators, needed for the workshop, office furniture to give to schools such as
office desks, chairs and tables, small cupboards, used fridges and cookers,
microwaves, irons, a range of medical equipment for the clinics, microscopes for
schools, science laboratory equipment and other teaching aids, second hand
bicycles, overhead projector for training and seminars
Any help with finding these items would be welcome.
Packing all these items for their long journey via Portsmouth, Felixstowe and
Mombasa to Kisumu will be challenging. The cost of transport will be just under
£2000 while the container itself cost £950. However when it gets to Kisumu it
will be used as a hospital ward, with windows cut into its sides !! I hope the
container can be on its way fairly early in the New Year so please let me know
soon if you have any items that might be suitable. Ed Le Quesne
The next project is to Homa Bay, a nearby area of Kenya, also on the shores of
Lake Victoria
St. Helier Unity group Kenya project
The Unity group have undertaken to provide help for the village of Nyalkinyi,
the home of Paul, a Kenyan working in Jersey. Prayers, thoughts and practical
help have already enabled the group to make great progress and the villagers are
overwhelmed by the efforts of their Christian brothers and sisters in faraway
Jersey.
So far the fund-raising has realised enough money to enable Stage 1 of the
project, the borehole, to be started. A final estimate, following the
Hydrographic Survey commissioned, is awaited and it is hoped that the borehole
will be completed soon. Stage 2, building a health clinic for the village, is on
course. Jersey Overseas Aid has reaffirmed its support to the extent of paying
up to £20,000 for building materials. The Unity group have commenced fund
raising to help to offset the cost of sending a team of volunteers to Kenya in
November 2006 to help with the building work. The plans are awaited and the
costings and Paul will work with the village regarding the team’s visit whilst
he is there for the winter.
The plan is to hold a meeting in February for all those members of our
congregations interested in the project. Overseas Aid requires that recruiting
takes place from within the participating congregations so as not to detract
from recruiting for their own projects. Interviews to finalise the team
selection will be held in late March.
Paul spoke to the Unity group recently about his childhood in Kenya. He has
memories of sitting in the dark with brothers and sisters, they could not afford
an oil lamp, sometimes with no evening meal, waiting for parents to come home
from work or the market, singing hymns and children’s choruses to hide their
fear of wild animals which might be outside their hut. His memories brought a
lump to many a throat and reminded the group of why they are doing this project.
More information on the project can be got from Wilma Apperley (SHMC rep. to the
group) tel: 510188 or Dave Ellis tel: 861848.
Flo Fleury
Philadelphie was filled to overflowing for the funeral of Flo Fleury, a
testament to the great love and faith that she shared with all she met.
To our dear departed Flo Fleury
When thinking - speaking - of a Christian friend
And wondering who could be the nearest one -
The one I knew on whom I could depend
On certain faith in Father, Spirit, Son -
My mind would turn to Flo, whose strong belief
Could always be relied upon, when days
Were full of joy, and those which offered grief,
And she would share the happiness, or ways
Of understanding sorrows - of our own
Or those of friends, for she’d experienced both,
Accepted what the Lord sent. Faith had grown
And she had used her faith for others’ growth.
We know the blessings of dear Flo will bring
Us nearer to our Heavenly Lord and King.
Mabel Underwood
Outreach at Christmas
Eden Singers singing carols at Le Quesne's nurseries in December.
(Photo by Alan Colback)
A strong choir from Georgetown and other circuit churches provided carols at the
very successful soup kitchen in the Royal Square on December 6th. The
choir was organised by Rowland Heaven and the soup kitchen raised money for the
Shelter and the Homeless Outreach group.
Georgetown had an open church from December 13th to 16th. The variety of
displays this year had a natural theme and included one from Plat Douet School.
The school held their carol service at the church. Two sessions and imported
benches were needed to accommodate all pupils and parents.
This display by the Toddlers and Girls Brigade included stories of Christmas
traditions from several parts of the world. On the Sunday before Christmas,
Derek Le Maistre led a service of carols and bible readings and poems. The
Holmchase choir, conductor Amy Luce, led the singing. At the front was a
striking tableau made by the Craft Group, under the heading “God’s gift to you”
Holmchase choir
Tableau at Georgetown
Ebenezer held a candle light carol service on Friday Dec. 16th, which was
much enjoyed by a large congregation. There was still a buzz about it when I
came to take the service on the Sunday. A service of carols and readings, led by
Rev. Christine Price, was held at All Saints Church on Wednesday December 21st
to remember those people connected with Shelter, who had died during the year.
About ten names were read out and many present lit a candle in memory of a
particular friend. Some 400 people have contact with Shelter over the course of
a year, some for just a night or two, others for a longer spells. Ed Le Quesne
A special wedding
Malcolm and Nicky celebrated their wedding on Saturday 10th December at St
Helier Methodist Centre. With Nicky’s family coming from Belgium and Malcolm’s
family coming from Cornwall, it highlighted the fact that many had travelled
from far and wide to attend what was to be a very special day since the
unfortunate accident that had happened to them both on the 1st October. It meant
having to postpone the original date set for the 29th October.
His sister Sharon with Malcolm and Nicky
Malcolm and Nicky had planned the service together with support from Revd Liz
Hunter who officiated. Thanks to the Revd Nigel Deller, a long term friend of
Malcolm’s, for a very amusing but thoughtful address using an “Andrex” toilet
roll for his analogy; to another Cornish friend of Malcolm’s who played the
organ; to the teenagers in the Music group at St Helier Methodist Centre and to
the Jersey Community Gospel Choir, (Malcolm is a member), for singing during the
signing of the register. Following the service light refreshments were served in
the hall where family and friends enjoyed meeting the newly married couple with
Malcolm and Nicky having their first dance to a track from Westlife called “You
raise me up”, which also has a special meaning to them both since the accident.
Although not going away on honeymoon until the spring of 2006, they enjoyed
their first Christmas together with the two boys, Christopher (11) and Damien
(3); setting into what is now the family home at Seawood House.
Georgetown G.B. formed a guard of honour
Nicky’s roots were in the French speaking part of Belgium but she has spent most
of her life in Durban, South Africa where she was re-introduced to the Christian
faith through Alpha and then became involved with the Methodist Church after
being brought up in the Catholic tradition. Nicky is currently employed as the
Manager of Approved Courses, an e-learning centre which provides both corporate
and individual training courses and is a part of the Approved Group, overseeing
three branches in Cyprus, Guernsey and here in
Jersey.
Malcolm is now making a very good recovery since the accident, surpassing what
the Consultants had hoped for. It is a miracle that not only did he survive such
a terrible fall with the injuries he sustained but has made such a quick
recovery and at the time of preparing this article is hoping shortly to return
to work although it might be part-time to start with.
Both Malcolm and Nicky want to thank everyone for their support over the past
three months and look forward to meeting with you in the coming months. Deacon
Malcolm Salmon
Georgetown vacancy
Rowland Heaven has indicated that he wants to step down from his role as
administrator at Georgetown, when he ends his spell as a Steward in April.
Anyone interested in this part-time post, 3 hours for 3 mornings a week should
contact Georgetown stewards for more details.
Tracy Le Couteur
Tracy completed the last five months of Caroline Homan’s appointment as lay
worker at Georgetown, finishing in December. Her ministry was much appreciated.
Tracy writes:
I am thankful to Ed for contacting me to ask what I shall be doing with
myself this year! Because it gives me an opportunity to say how much I
enjoyed working with the Methodist church and to thank everyone again for making
me so welcome. So what will I be doing this year? Starting this month I shall be
working full time for St. Clement's Church. Part of my responsibility will be to
develop more workshops for children (Caldwell Hall was filled with noisy, happy
children making an almost life size nativity before Christmas) but I shall also
continue to visit in the parish and share the leading of worship at St.
Clement's with David Shaw and Martin Dryden. I will also be travelling to
Salisbury for an interview at Sarum College to see if I can enrol on their STETS
course (Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme) to begin training
for the priesthood in September for three years. It is all very exciting!
Local news
Philip Rondel, died on Jan. 1st. With his late wife Joyce, Philip was a member
at Galaad for many years. He was recently a member of St. Helier Methodist
Centre, joining his daughter Nance Hicklin there.
Compassion U K . Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Caring
for children across the world. For many there is no hope, but God may be calling
you to do something for Him. Sponsor a child in need through this Christian
child sponsorship ministry, for just £18.00 a month.
Details from Alan Colback. Tel 855733 or e-mail.alancolback@hotmail.com
Kevin Jones
I have accepted the appointment in Banks (Southport) so we will be going back to
Lancashire, about 1 1/2 hours from my parents. I will follow my minister from
when I was a local preacher. They specifically wanted someone strong on
preaching. There is much work to do in the five Churches, but we feel God is
guiding us.
Kevin
Malcolm Bailey
Rev. Malcolm Bailey has been invited to take over from Kevin in the West from
September.
Disciple course
This 34 week course starts on Wed. Jan 18th at St. Helier Methodist Centre at
7.30. Rev. Liz Hunter.
Amos Group
The group sent a letter to Senator Frank Walker to congratulate
him on his election as Chief Minister and urging him to act on his intention to
look at social as well as financial issues. A very positive reply was received
and we hope there will be a continued dialogue over the next three years. We
would like to see action soon on childcare, on education/ rehabilitation at the
prison, on a housing law that covers lodgers among other issues. The group also
send a booklet about the history of binge drinking, first published in the
“Epworth Review”, to all the 2006 States Members. It urged them to implement
seriously their alcohol strategy with a minister nominated to take
responsibility.
This issue should come out on the third Sunday in January. The next edition is
due out early in April. Please send items to Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St.
Helier, JE2 4RU by March 20th or by e-mail to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
