January
2010 Issue No.86
Celebrating
Who We Are
"Is the church more like a home or a
shop? '' This was the challenging opening of a three part sermon by Rev.
Christina Le Moignan at St. Ouen on Sunday evening, December 6th as their 200th
anniversary celebrations drew to a close. Of course it is a place where you find
friendship and support like in a home. Yet it should also be like a shop,
welcoming to all sorts of people and staffed by people who are enthusiastic and
knowledgeable about its contents. A thought-provoking opening.
She then went on to describe us as
first people with a story, the story of a God who sent his son Jesus to
live and die and rise again as our Saviour, This was followed by reading from 1
Cor. 15, v.3-8, saying together the Song of Resurrection (H&P 830) and singing
'I know that my redeemer lives '
Then we are people with
standards, a way of living set by the Beatitudes, which we read
responsively, interspersed with words from Psalm 25 'Show us your ways, O
Lord,, Teach us your paths '. We concluded this section by singing 'O
Jesus I have promised '.
Finally we are a people with
stamina, a word much loved by her mother, apparently, as she regretted its
fading as she grew older. We are to reach out to those who are not like us but
are still God 's children. She used the image from Revelation 5 v. 6, of the
slaughtered lamb still standing, for the sacrificial love we are to offer. We
read some verses of the 'Te Deum ' and sang Charles Wesley 's great hymns,
'O for a thousand tongues to sing '. After prayers of intercession, led by
Rev Christine Legge we ended with another great Charles Wesley hymn, 'All
praise to our redeeming Lord '
Rev Christina Le Moignan, is a past
President of Conference who has family connections to Jersey and was specially
invited to lead this Circuit service.
Christina and Christine cut the celebration cake
after the service. It was enjoyed by the congregation with a cup of tea or
coffee.
The former St. Ouen deputy, Ken Syvret had
' - 200 ' on his piece of anniversary cake. He was one of many people from the
community who had joined in some of special anniversary year events
Ed Le Quesne
St. Ouen 's news
In 2005 during the 24/7 prayer one of our members opened her bible at Isaiah 58
v.12 'Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again
on the old foundations '. How God has honoured His promise (and some people
wanted us to close). As we go forward in faith and excitement into our third
century we know that God will continue to build this Church so that we may be a
light shining brightly for Him.
Our bicentenary year has been a
real celebration of faith, as the members worked together for the glory of God.
We have welcomed new members and our Sunday School has increased wonderfully.
Thanks to Mark Syvret and Nick Owen for refurbishing the rooms.
We have had a lot of fun with
the quiz, the barn dance and the Sunday School outing, but the prayer labyrinth,
Easter and Harvest services, flower festival and just recently our Church
Anniversary celebrations have been a time of meaningful gathering.
We celebrated the 175th
anniversary of the Sunday School in November with two wonderful demonstrations
by the children. The Church was packed with members, parents and old scholars
and enjoyed Jesus telling the disciples to cast the net on the other side of the
boat, and then the wedding in Cana. All the artefacts were made by Lloyd Le
Gresley and we thank Lloyd and Grace for their hard work and dedication.
The actual opening of the Church
was on December 3rd 1809. so in 2009 the Church was open between 10.30 and 12
noon and served coffee for anyone who popped in.
On Friday, December 4th we had a
wonderful Rally in the Parish Hall. Over 100 people came to a buffet supper
before enjoying the Rally led by the Rev Christine Legge. The Speaker was the
immediate past President of Conference, the Rev Stephen Poxon, who came over for
24 hours for the occasion. What an inspiring speaker he is. Thanks to Nick and
Joy Owen for making arrangements for his visit.
On Sunday, December 6th, we had
our final celebrations attended by His Excellency the Lieut. Governor and Mrs.
Ridgway in the morning. Christine led this service and the Rev. David Coote
preached an inspiring sermon on 'The Methodist way '. Afterwards His
Excellency and Elaine A 'Court, our oldest attending member cut a celebration
cake made by one of our members. In the evening we had a
Circuit Service.
We thank Stephen and Christina
for coming over specially for the events, and the representatives from each
church and old scholars and friends for joining with us. Thank you to Christine
for all her input and support throughout the year and to all our members who
have worked so hard to make the year so meaningful for everyone. As we walk
with the Lord into 2010 and beyond, we pray that He will continue to guide us
into new mission and service for Him.
Finally, thank you to everyone
who has prayed for us, supported and encouraged us and attended our various
events. May we wish you all every blessing for the year ahead.
Valerie Remon
Puppet Ministry Team at St. Aubin
St Aubin Puppet
Ministry Team led a worship service recently with the theme 'animated creation.'
The team (5 young people + 3 adults) worked really hard selecting suitable
material from songs and scripts while other members made some really creative
puppets and props to go with it. The team would love to be asked to perform it
again as it is such a worthwhile message to young and old of how we each need to
play a part in making the world a better place. If you would like is to bring
it to your church, please email
lizlambotte@jerseymail.co.uk
KINETIC - leadership training for young people
Kinetic began with a
residential at Bethlehem Methodist Church. The weekend was packed with both a
mixture of theory and opportunities for the young people to lead in a variety of
games. We explored what a leader might look like; if it is someone with certain
characteristics or personality traits. Research points out 'the capacity to
lead is rooted in virtually any individual,' but we sometimes think that God
only uses people bubbling over with confidence or those who are particularly out
going. We only have to look at the many characters from the Bible to realise
that God chooses very ordinary people. Much fun is had with the young people
leading various team games: minesweeper, nuclear reactor, scrabble as well as
Ready, Steady Cook where both leaders and young people enjoy tasting the
results. Already we are half way through the course with 12 young people signed
up to complete the training course by March 2010.
Kinetic is led by five dedicated leaders as well as each young person having a
mentor of their choice. We hope that this training will help young people gain
in confidence, develop new skills and equip them into making their dreams become
a reality.
Youthwork The Conference 2009
Six of us attended Youthwork The Conference in Eastbourne on Nov 20th to 22nd
weekend and both Matthew and Eleanor have written about their experience.
A team of us (Liz, Kara, Chloe,
Helen, Matthew and myself) from St Aubin's attended a Christian Youth work
conference in Eastbourne recently The theme of this year's conference was
'Transform- knowing the word, knowing the world and see the kingdom established
in earth.' The Conference involved Bible teaching, lively times of worship,
quality 'how to' sessions, hanging out with people of a similar mindset, prayer,
and generally having a good time.
The main highlights included
speeches from Mike Pilavachi and Jim Wallis, who spoke about Jesus and Big
politics, as well as vibrant worship sessions with Ben Cantelon and Vicky
Beeching (whose Albums are recommended)
We have all been challenged
about the idea of discipleship and have come back with fresh ideas for the
future of our youth at St Aubin's.
Eleanor Lambotte
This year's conference entitled 'Transform' was both interesting and
informative. The worship was vibrant and modern and the speakers gave very good
talks. The workshops I went to were:
'It's Not Rocket Science ' 'Or Is It ', ' 'Connecting With The
Un-churched ' and 'Adolescence: Bodies, Brains And Behaviour '. These
were all very good and I got a lot out of them. The hotel was great (much
improved on last year's!) and in a nice location. Here's hoping next year's
conference will be this good (or better!),
Matthew Speight
St Aubin Festival Weekend
During the St. Aubin Festival
Weekend at the end of September St. Aubin Methodist Church shared in the theme
'Temps Passe '. This was a display of photos retrieved from many sources and
shown in the entrance of St. Aubin Methodist Church. It was officially opened
by Senator Sarah Ferguson. It was a fascinating display of so much information
from the past years.
To link with this theme St. Aubin Methodist Church carried on the theme
'Temps Passe ' to their Harvest display. In the entrance flowers and vegetables
surrounded a banner from VE day, a Red Cross parcel, war time soap and photos
of the distribution of Red Cross parcels. Inside the church there were two old
ploughs with a hand tool, a vraic fork even with some seaweed. A milk churn and
batter pats, old cider bottles, a lobster pot and genuine tomato baskets
including the tissue paper once used to wrap them. Also genuine vegetable
baskets, a potato barrel and potato forks together with genuine Jersey potatoes
and even some seed potatoes in their box getting ready for next year. To
accompany these items were photos of people working on the farms and some of the
tools that were used.
Surrounding these displays were
lovely flowers, vegetables and fruit many not available in times past. This was
a fitting opportunity to give thanks for times past but also the gift of God 's
world around us.
Hundreds of people came in to look, over a hundred on Saturday afternoon alone,
bringing back others to share the display. Thanks go to so many for their help
in the displays including inside the church.
Barbara Coote
Recognition Service
Andrew Bird was recognised as a fully accredited local preacher at a Circuit
service at St. Martin on Sunday November 22nd. Rev Graeme Halls led the service
as David Coote was away.
Two preachers from Samares,
where Andrew is a community worker, read the lessons. Alan Colback read Joshua
1 v.1-9, where Joshua is promised God 's support as he leads the people into the
Promised Land while Stephen Higginson read John 15 v.1 - 16 , where Jesus
declares that he is the true vine. Rev. Billy Slatter, who was Andrew 's
mentor, preached on the theme from John 15 v.16 'You did not choose me,
I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last
' with amusing illustrations from playground games, picking teams. Preachers
secretary Ed Le Quesne read the letter from the President, David Gamble, and
Andrew was presented with an NIV bible.
Andrew
thanked those who had encouraged him on the way, including his wife Monica and
then we sang the hymn he had chosen, 'Great is thy faithfulness '
After
thoughtful intercessions led by Christine Legge we finished with 'This,
this is the God we adore '
Andrew
is now preparing to offer himself as a candidate for the presbyteral ministry.
Ed Le Quesne
A letter from the Superintendant
Dear Friend
January, as many of you will
know, has its roots in Roman mythology and Janus - the God of gates and doors,
beginnings and endings. He is most often depicted as having two faces or heads,
facing in opposite directions.
Politicians and not only
politicians are said to have the capacity to face both ways. We prefer people to
be single minded and consistent. We know where we are with them. I used to go
and listen to Donald Soper on Tower Hill in extended lunchtimes when I was
working with a building company in the City - that is before I candidated for
the ministry. Soper was always predictable in his responses. A convinced
socialist and pacifist and a man who could deal with matters of faith of pain
and suffering with a clarity I have rarely met before or since. And he was
quick-witted too. A man for some bizarre reason shouted out one day from the
crowd, 'What about flying saucers ?'' to which Soper responded 'I haven't time
to deal with your domestic difficulties now!'
Earlier in life I was also
influenced greatly by a youth club leader. I remember one particular incident
when one Sunday we had a visit from a Dr Davy, of Mission House who told us that
the Methodist Church was supporting the building of a hospital in the Ivory
Coast. He looked up to the gallery and pointing from the huge rostrum of the
Southall Central Hall said to us sitting in the back rows, 'What are you
good for - £500 '. Remember this is c 1961. Afterwards we met as the youth
group of about 24. 'We can't do it '. 'Never do it '. 'Far too
much '. 'Oh yes ', said the youth club leader 'we can. £500
is possible but let's aim for the impossible. Let's aim for a £1,000 '.
The majority of us voted to do so and within a year we raised over £1,200!
I guess now I am in my
retirement year I am looking back more than I would otherwise do so. It would I
think only be unhealthy if I was not equally excited by the future. But
retirement and 'sitting down' as we quaintly say in the Methodist ministry does
mark an ending of some sort. I am extremely thankful to God for people like
Soper and Harry - the youth club leader who were unquestionably big influences
on my life. Both had vision and both had a confidence in what God can do if we
trust our lives to Him. I have met others like that on the journey and yes here
in Jersey. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us lived our Christian lives as
Amy Luce conducted the Holmchase Choir. Totally committed, fully involved,
determined to the best possible job and equally determined to help others to do
the same.
So as I look forward to what
this new year will bring and my 'sitting down'. I give thanks to God for those
who have shown me how life at its best can be lived and who have pointed me in
the direction of Christ, without whom as far as I am concerned life would lack
purpose and whose single minded determination to witness to God's love provides
the basis of our Christian faith.
May 2010 be for all of us both
an end and a beginning. And may 2010 be for us all another year to thank God for
all that has been and an opportunity to trust Him for all that's to come.
Every Blessing
David Coote
Preachers meeting
Rev. Howard Mellor chats with John Perkins after a session for about 20
preachers and worship leaders on Sat. Oct. 17th at Bethlehem. His Bible study
on the lesson for the first Sunday in Advent was found to be very helpful.
An evening session at Georgetown, open to the circuit, was felt
not to be quite what we expected on the theme 'God still calls '. However
all enjoyed the fish and chips, from the local chippie, eaten during the
mid-evening break.
We now look forward to a visit in February from Rev.Dr. Mark Wakelin, holding a
seminar on Sat. Feb 27th at Bethlehem.
Ed Le
Quesne
 
GOOD NEWS FROM THE BRIGADES
BB/GB Development Officer appointed
For some time now the circuit has been considering the future of Boys Brigade
and Girls Brigade on the Island, and also the future of Les Freres. It was
agreed that we should look to employ a development officer who could assess the
situation as a whole, and help us to find a way forward in our work with
children and young people. Following adverts in the JEP three people applied
for the post and were interviewed. The unanimous view of the interview panel was
that Stephanie Cormack-Dexter should be appointed. She is a part-time lecturer
at Highlands College and also works with Mencap, teaching art. The appointment
is for 18 hours per week. She will begin the appointment in February and we very
much look forward to her working amongst us. There will be more about this
appointment in the next edition of the Jersey Methodist.
Graeme
Halls
Stopthetraffik
A large audience
assembled at St Helier Methodist Centre on November 20th to enjoy a concert of
music and poetry on the theme of freedom given by young Jersey musicians, the
Jersey Festival Choir and
Beaulieu choir, Then Steve Chalke spoke powerfully about an illegal trade
greater than drug trafficking and just behind arms trading, trafficking of
people. He is leading a UN campaign against this evil trade. Over £2000
was collected to go towards this campaign.
During the week team members from STT conducted assemblies and lessons in all
ten secondary schools This culminated in a walk by over 100 sixth formers,
starting from Victoria College, down to the Royal Square on Friday lunchtime.
There they were addressed by Steve Chalke.
Steve speaks from the United Club balcony
Sixth formers listen, while the rain held off!
While in Jersey Steve also discussed ways of hunting down the financial
transfers associated with the profits of trafficking with leading figures in the
local finance industry. The expertise in Jersey can be used to play a
significant role.
The
whole visit was organised by Jean Le Maistre, the President, and other members
of the Jersey One World Group and generously sponsored by Ogiers and the Co-op.
A very practical way of supporting the ongoing campaign is by your shopping
habits. The announcement that Nestle will make their most popular brand, the
4-finger Kit-Kat all Fairtrade by next year will start to reduce the use of
child labour in Ivory Coast. Please keep up the pressure for Fairtrade. There
is now a website
www.fairtradejersey.org to give you local information.
Ed Le
Quesne
The Story of the Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the
stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the
Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the
faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical
sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the
expected messiah (Jeremiah 23:5). The tree itself is therefore an appropriate
symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness
of God.
Our
story begins at the ground and winds its way to the top of the tree:
1.
GOD & CREATION represented by the DOVE Genesis
1:1-2:3
2.
ADAM and EVE & the FIRST SIN represented by an APPLE TREE Gen. 2:4-3:24
3.
NOAH & THE FLOOD represented by the RAINBOW & ARK Genesis 6:11-22,
7:17-8:12, 20:9-17
4.
ABRAHAM & THE PROMISE represented by a FIELD OF STARS Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-6
5. ISAAC & THE OFFERING OF
HIM TO GOD represented by the RAM Genesis 22:1-9
6. JACOB & THE ASSURANCE OF
THE PROMISE represented by a LADDER Genesis 27:41-28:22
7. JOSEPH & GOD 'S PROVIDENCE
represented by A SACK OF GRAIN Genesis 37, 39:1-50:21
8. MOSES & GOD 'S LEADERSHIP
represented by THE BURNING BUSH Exodus 2:1-4:20
9. ISRAELITES & THE PASSOVER
and EXODUS represented by THE LAMB Exodus
12:1-14:31
10. GOD & THE GIVING OF THE
TORAH AT SINAI represented by TABLETS (pages) OF THE TORAH (law) Exodus 19:1
20:20
11. JOSHUA & THE FALL OF
JERICHO represented by a RAM 'S HORN TRUMPET Joshua 1:1-11, 6:1-20
12. GIDEON & UNLIKELY HEROES
represented by a Clay Water Pitcher Judges 2:6-23, 6:1-8:28
13. SAMUEL & THE BEGINNING OF
THE KINGDOM represented by a CROWN 1 Samuel 3:1-21, 7:1-8:22, 9:15-10:9
14. DAVID & A SHEPHERD FOR THE
PEOPLE represented by a SHEPHERD 'S CROOK & HARP
1 Samuel 16:1- 17:58, 2
Samuel 5:1-5, 7:1-17
15. ELIJAH & THE THREAT OF
FALSE GODS represented by a STONE ALTAR 1
Kings 17:1-16, 18:17-46
16. HEZEKIAH & FAITHFULNESS and
DELIVERANCE represented by an EMPTY TENT 2 Kings 18:1-19:19, 32-37
17. ISAIAH & THE CALL TO
HOLINESS represented by FIRE TONGS WITH HOT COALS Isaiah 1:10-20, 6:1-13,
8:11-9:7
18. JEREMIAH & THE EXILE
represented by TEARS Jeremiah
1:4-10, 2:4-13, 7:1-15, 8:22-9:11
19. HABAKKUK & WAITING
represented by a STONE WATCHTOWER Habakkuk 1:1-2:1, 3:16-19
20. NEHEMIAH & RETURN AND
REBUILDING represented by THE CITY WALL Nehemiah 1:1-2:8, 6:15-16, 13:10-22
21. JOHN THE BAPTIST &
REPENTANCE represented by a SCALLOP SHELL Luke 1:57-80, 3:1-20, 7:18-30
22. MARY & THE HOPE FOR THE
FUTURE represented by a WHITE LILY Luke
1:26-38
23. ELIZABETH & JOY represented
by MOTHER & CHILD Luke 1:39-56
24. ZECHARIAH & ANTICIPATION
represented by a STONE TABLET & PENCIL Luke 1:57-80
25. JOSEPH & TRUST represented
by A CARPENTER 'S SQUARE AND HAMMER Matthew 1:19-25
26. MAGI & WORSHIP represented
by STAR & CANDLE Matthew 2:1-12
27. JESUS & THE BIRTH OF THE
MESSIAH represented by THE MANGER Luke 2:1-20
28. CHRIST & THE SON OF GOD
represented by the CHI-RHO SYMBOL
John 1:1-18
Georgetown at Christmas
Different groups in the church contributed to displays depicting the Nativity
story
.
At the front was The
Jesse Tree by the Monday group. 28 discs portraying a range of Old
Testament characters as listed on previous page lead up to the Chi-Rho symbol,
representing Christ, at the top.
Images drawn from the prophet Isaiah, depicted by church steward Gladys
Renouf, making use of her studies on the Disciple course.
The Census. Crowds flock to Bethlehem.
Produced by the Manse, including many knitted figures. On the scroll on the
left many members added their name and birthplace.
The angel visits Mary depicted by the Girls
Brigade. They chose to show a modern day Mary in the Liquid disco receiving
her message from God by text.
The Church
Network group made the Angel who visited Elizabeth, mother of John the
Baptist.
The baby in the manger was displayed by
the Activity group, using a kind of mosaic
The Angel appears to the Shepherds,
prepared by the Parent and Toddlers group.
Plat Douet School
display by Year 4 shows the visitors from the East. They collected
different coloured sands from beaches on the East of the Island to make their
display.
The Wise Men come bearing gifts prepared by the Neighbourhood Club using
some traditional figures.
The Word became flesh, as seen by the
Wednesday Group.
Messy church at Georgetown
On December 13th. the
service began with members putting their coats back on and singing a couple of
carols on the doorstep of the church.
Inside everyone sat round tables
and congratulated Roy and Sylvia Le Plongeon, celebrating their golden wedding
anniversary.
On
the various tables were items which children brought up to add to the display at
the front of the church.
There was excitement as crackers were handed out
to all the young people.
Pat
Bougeard 's signing group led one of the carols.
After the service ended, people shared a cup of
tea or coffee at the back of the church or in the Hall.
On November 1st, for a trial morning
Children 's Circuit service
members at Georgetown
turned by 90 degrees to face the Hall. Rev Graeme Halls led several hymns with
his guitar. His talk was illustrated by a range of images on the screen
Young people from St. Helier Methodist
Centre and Bethlehem also took part.
Brian Roberts, shown with his grand- children
Max and Grace, made a magnificent model lighthouse to illustrate the theme
'I am the light of the world '
Afterwards Grace Roberts, age 7,
wrote
The Lighthouse poem
A
cold winter 's night,
The clouds floating across the sky,
Seagulls screaming and squawking,
Boats crashing the sea.
The light is showing the way.
The original was illustrated by
a lighthouse with a Flybe plane and Condor ferry passing by.
Beverly Waller & Ed Le
Quesne
News from Sue Le Riche, who was a local preacher in
Jersey till 2 years ago
This e-mail was circulated by the Circuit Office
in December.
'Just a quick line to wish you a very happy
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It is a time of change here in the Okeford
Benefice. I have been asked to become an OLM (ordained Local Minister) I am in
the process of praying and contemplating whether this is the right move and if
it is really God's calling.
I lead worship along with David Shaw, a retired
Minister in our village church, and now help with the sacraments so I suppose
ordination is the next move. We are blessed at the moment. We now have a Sunday
School, first time in 15 years that we've had enough children, we have 2 youth
groups that meet in a monthly basis in the village primary school, and we have
very good contact between the primary school and the church. Being Diocese
Governor in the school I have become the link. So we are growing. We have a
very active house group which meet weekly and pray together often. And wait for
it .. our very very middle class, 'set in their ways congregation ',
allow music group and computer in church for family worship. Hallelujah. God is
really moving here.
Hope all is well in the Jersey Circuit, may God
Bless you all in your work '
In
a further e-mail, Sue adds
'Okeford Fitzpaine is a
conservation Village, approximately 9 miles north of Blandford Forum. It is a
mix of traditional thatch cottages, social housing and many farms. It has a
village school of 79 pupils that come from the village and surrounding area. I
am the Diocese of Salisbury Foundation Governor, and safeguarding governor. We
still have a village shop/post office and of course the church.
The church is becoming more
involved in the community and less involved with its self. We have a 1st Friday
lunch at the village hall. All are welcome and the lunch is funded by
contributions of those attending so open to all no matter how little they have.
I do not work at a day job per se, but work with the school, church, indoor
bowls and golf keep me busy.
Amy is loving her school
Clayesmore Prep, and is doing really well, she is beginning to read really well
now. She is now in year 5 and does not have a class teacher but is in tutor
groups. She is the goal keeper for the under 10 hockey team, plays netball and
swims for the school as well, although swimming is her weaker sport. Amy is now
a weekly boarder at school and is thriving there. Sometimes it is hard to get
her to come home at weekends, as school is so much more exciting. '
A MESSY ANSWER TO PRAYER
Refreshments ready
Has your church ever prayed for the seemingly impossible? I'm sure you have
as indeed we too have at Philadelphie and, no doubt like you, we are continually
amazed at the ways in which God responds to those prayers, but never more so
than the way in which He has answered us recently, for He has caused us to be
instrumental in nurturing an ever growing mess! Let me explain.
Just over two years ago whilst
visiting the north of England my husband, Bill, and I were introduced by friends
to a new and exciting way of 'being Church'. It was exciting because young
families, many of whom did not normally engage in worship, were flooding through
ancient Methodist church doors to hear the gospel message. That in itself we
found amazing; but what really caught our attention was the way in which this
was being achieved. For we were informed that these people were not meeting on
a Sunday but once a month on a midweek afternoon after school, and worship did
not proceed in a traditional manner but by allowing everyone to experience God
through His creative Spirit in a time of hands-on craft activity before engaging
in a short time of worship followed by the fellowship of sharing a meal
together.
It sounded fun! It sounded
inclusive, but above all it felt as though God's hand was over it all. Bill and
I felt privileged to bow our heads in prayer alongside our enthusiastic friends
and give thanks for the way in which God was building a Christ-centred community
in their area and indeed throughout Britain as the phenomena, affectionately
known as 'Messy Church' swept the land.
With Messy Church firmly in my
heart we returned from our holiday and I kept finding myself talking to God
about boundaries! If Messy Church was being so effective in the UK why not in
Jersey? Surely there was a church in the Island who had a young energised team
and the right facilities to do it. I spoke with a couple of people at church
and we prayed about it. I prayed, over the phone and by e-mail with our friends
in Durham. We were all convinced God would not exclude Jersey from His plan but
where could He plant His Messy Church?
The answer came, as it quite
often does, at a most unexpected time! I was at the manse speaking with our
then new minister, Revd Christine Legge when out of the blue she asked if I'd
heard of Messy Church. I'm sure I don't need to add that it took us no time at
all to discover we were as passionate about it as each other and felt that God
was prompting us to get moving! But where and how? We prayed some more!
Craft work in progress
After
some time and convinced that we were meant to be taking Messy Church out into
the community we drew up a short list of possible venues - God blocked them
all! Then, prompted by our Durham friends, He led us firmly back to
Philadelphie.
We had no team; arguably not the most suitable
facilities; no resources and no finances - we were ready to go!
We took the idea to Church
Council - they loved it! (We had previously introduced a couple of
mini-versions of Messy Church to everyone in All Age Worship services to give
them some idea of what it was all about). Now, with all the church praying and
with a very enthusiastic Circuit Steward
encouraging us (thank you again, John!) things really started to move!
God chose His team - we just did
the asking! Some of the 'zone' leaders (we have six craft stations); catering
team; and musicians, are from our congregation others from outside the church.
The facilities have proved to be
perfectly adequate albeit we had to be quite inventive in finding ways of
seating 73 folk for a meal at our December meeting (the second time we'd met)
and will need to be even more so if God keeps doubling the numbers because we
started off with 42 in November!
Resources are building up thanks
to the generosity of all involved.
As for money? Well, we still haven't got much
of that but we seem to get by, I really don't know how. . . . . . but God
does!
Katie Norman
Philadelphie Messy Church
Jersey Women 's
Refuge Appeal
Thank you for such a
wonderful response to the appeal for the Jersey Women's Refuge. You have
responded in all sorts of ways, there was even a team from Georgetown in the
tug of war organised by the prison officers. But this is not a one church
matter. The Refuge is a facility for all the island and therefore is a matter
for the circuit as well, so Elaine and I are delighted with the response to the
Christmas card project, which has so far raised over £1700. It makes a
real statement when we as Methodists act together, often alongside others, for
the betterment of the community and those who live here, especially those in
most need.
The gospel is shaped on the life and work of Jesus, who sought
out the most needy in body, mind and spirit, and helped them. Wherever there is
such need, here or overseas, I am sure we will continue to respond, as Methodism
has done here for over 200 years. Most churches will allocate an amount of
money, or a percentage of income each year for charitable giving. Many churches
who have misgivings about this will nevertheless, on trying it, find that
generosity (of money and spirit) will encourage others to be generous too. If
our members back what we are doing then the role of the church in our society
will be a living demonstration of our faith in a living, loving God.
Graeme Halls
A response from the
Refuge
To date, (December
11th) we have received 63 cards, some being sent on behalf of a group of several
people, and an incredible amount of cheques and cash, totalling £1,592.00
!!!
We are absolutely thrilled with
this amazingly generous response, along with the many, many kind words and
expressions of appreciation that have accompanied the gifts.
Every amount received has been
receipted, but on a time and cost basis, it has been impractical to post the
receipts - and many gifts came either without an address, or in the case of a
cash amount, were anonymous. We do hope therefore that, on our behalf, you will
be able to circulate an official 'thank you' to the many members of the
Methodist Churches in Jersey who have responded to our plight with such
generosity and blessings.
Many thanks.
Linda
*I
will update you again asap!
Jersey Women's Refuge, PO Box 708
Jersey JE4 0PW
'Bible in a Year ' project
A couple of months ago a leaflet dropped through our door, as many do each week,
but this was about a 'Bible in a Year' idea. It means an individual could read
through the Bible in a planned way, and this seemed to us to be a good idea. Now
for sure Selwyn Hughes and 'Every Day with Jesus ' notes might not be
everybody's style, but the framework of the project seemed great, and you do not
have to agree with what every writer (or preacher!!!) says.
Billy Slatter had a suggestion
of a weekly opportunity to come together as those who are sharing the journey,
to talk, encourage, and share what we are learning. This is happening each
Wednesday at St Martins. But what is really great is that 65 Bibles have been
purchased and are now in the hands of those who began on 1st January. I am sure
we wish them all well and pray that they will find faith and growth as the year
progresses. If you
have not yet joined in and would like to, it is not too late, you can start
where the others are at any point and join in the group if you wish, and then
complete it at the beginning of next year. If you would like a copy then contact
us...
Graeme or Elaine Halls
Circuit Archive
Rosemary Millow, our Circuit
Archivist, is keen to remind you to send her material of all sorts for our
collection. She is also willing to help anyone trying to research an aspect of
Methodist history. Her phone number is 721802.
Circuit Safeguarding
Are you
planning to help with Children’s work in 2010, are you planning to help with an
Easter Holiday club or church camp?
Consider completing the required
CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Disclosure form now. You will receive help
completing the forms and once completed, the certificate will last for five
years for the same role within the Jersey Methodist Circuit.
CRB Disclosures are free for volunteers.
Please contact the Circuit Safeguarding Officer for more details. Bev Waller
731002 (Home) 730914 (Georgetown Church Office)
A Senior’s Prayer
Today, Dear Lord, I am 90 and there’s much I
haven’t done,
I
hope, Dear Lord, you will let me live until I’m 91.
But then if I haven’t finished all I want to do
Would you let me stay awhile till I’m 92 '
So many places I’d like to go to, so very much
to see So perhaps, dear Lord, you’d manage to make it 93!
The world is changing very fast. There is so much in store; I’d like it very
much to live until I’m 94.
And if by then I’m still alive, I’d like to stay
‘til 95.
More planes will then be in the air, so I’d
really like to stick And see what happens in the world when I am 96.
I know dear Lord it’s much to ask (and it must
be nice in Heaven) But I’d really like to stay until I’m 97.
I know by then I won’t be fast, and sometimes
I’ll be late, But it would be, oh so pleasant, to be 98.
I
will have seen so many things and had a lovely time, So I’m sure that I’ll be
willing to leave at 99.
But why not make it until I’m 100 !!!!
Anon
(Passed on by Maureen Bougourd,
Georgetown)
A vegetarian’s Valentine message:
Cabbage always has a heart; green beans string along. You’re such a Tomato,
will you Peas to me belong?
You’ve been the Apple of my eye, you know how much I care; so Lettuce get
together, we’d make a perfect Pear.
Now, something’s sure to Turnip, to prove you can’t be Beet; so, if you Carrot
all for me let’s let our Tulips meet.
Don’t Squash my hopes and dreams now, Bee my Honey dear; or tears will fill
Potato’s eyes, while Sweet Corn lends an ear
I’ll Cauliflower shop and say your dreams are Parsley mine. I’ll work and share
my Celery, so be my Valentine.
Anon (in SHMC magazine,
Feb 09)
I vow to Thee my Country
I vow to love my neighbour, whatever race or
creed, to join her in her suffering, to plead with him in need.
This love will always question, will search out right from wrong, will give
itself for justice, for those who don’t belong.
This love will never falter, till every soul is free, till nations held in
bondage can sing of liberty.
Through scenes of devastation, through famine, drought and war, we’ll work in
ways of gentleness,
work hard till we restore the visions of the people, the hope of human grace.
till nations dwell in peacefulness together in this place; till all the world
together can sing in joyful praise
till all have found communion together in our days
Andrew Pratt
Can be sung to any 8787D
especially Ebenezer
Jersey Women 's Network
2010 theme 'Enough for all '
Saturday 23rd January
10am -12noon
Seminar
at Ebenezer looking at 'Enough for all '
and what we can do including recycling and dealing with poverty among us.
Speakers
Gerry Padden (Grace Trust)
John Rive (Recycling Officer)
John Hodge (Shelter Manager)
Saturday 12th June from
2.30
Cup of Tea Day
in Margaret Le Cornu's Garden in St. Martin. Please make a note in your diary.
Wednesday 16th June
District Day
This is our opportunity to visit Network friends in Guernsey, and meet with
others from Alderney & Sark.
The Triennial Competition
- Organised by Guernsey
Network this time.
Make 4 cards and 4 bookmarks depicting one of
each of the four seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
Choose from the following
categories:-
Birthday, Special Occasions, Children's,
Gentlemen, Religious, Open
All 4 cards can be made from 1 or more categories
but all 4 seasons must be depicted.
Card
4 x 6 inches
Insert optional, please include envelope
Bookmark
1 1/2 x 6 inches
Any medium can be used and
any design. i.e. glass paints, crayon, felt pens, templates, peel-offs, paper
folding, 3D, stitching etc.
Only 4 cards and 4 bookmarks
per entry for the competition
Judging 12th June 2010
Barbara Coote
'Enough for all '
is the theme of
Poverty and Homelessness Week which is from Sat. 30th January to Sun February
7th.
The Jersey Homeless Outreach
Group will be organising Morning Thought on Radio Jersey for this period. In
Jersey, very few people are sleeping rough, but very many are paying a very high
proportion of their income in rent or mortgage payments. Providing affordable
housing for all should be a high priority for any society and Jersey does not do
this very succesfully at the moment. The recent rreport by Professor Christine
Whitehead gives the opportunity for a fresh look at how Jersey organises its
housing policy.
Ed Le Quesne
Atheist holy day
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover
Holy Days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against
Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it
was unfair that atheists had no such recognised days.
The case was brought before a
judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge
banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed! ' The lawyer immediately
stood , objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your Honour, how can you possibly
dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews
have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists
have no such holidays. '
The judge leaned forward in is chair saying, 'But they do.. Your client,
counsel, is woefully ignorant. ' The lawyer said, 'Your honour, we are
unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists. '
The judge said, 'the
calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'the fool
says in his heart, there is no God. ' Thus, it is the opinion of this court,
that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April
1st is his day. Court is adjourned. '
from SHMC
magazine, May 09
Hymn Quiz
Work out the names of these well known hymns given these pompous definitions
1. Every member of the human race who reside on
the third planet
2. To the Supreme Creator give exultation, he
has performed large deeds
3. I sigh for ten times one hundred muscular
organs of taste to make sounds in tuneful succession.
4. You employees of the Divine Being, openly
declare your boss
5 We turn the soil over in the paddocks and
spread the perfect containers of future plants over the ground.
6. I moved to music before lunch at the time
the universe was born
7. Listen, the proclaiming heavenly messengers
make vocal music
8. May the complete universe in all its right
angles vocalise tunes
9. Warm affection of God, better than other
fondness
10. Place many monarch 's circlets on his head,
the sheep 's offspring sitting on his chair of state
Lunch Clubs at the Mayfair
Ken King spoke on 'Accents ' to the joint lunch clubs in December
His ability to speak in a wide range of accents and the amusing situations that
occur when they are misunderstood made for an entertaining talk. He was
introduced by Nance Hicklin, on his right. Other committee members on top
table are, from the left, Carol Du Feu, Rosemary Perchard and Maureen Rayson.
In other months, the Men meet on the first Monday and the ladies on the second
Monday.
For the men in September, Graeme Halls gave a photo presentation 'From
there to here ' which summarised his life so far, nearly always with a beard!
In October, Nick Owen gave a talk on the financial crisis, which caused great
interest and was summarised in the recent 'Jersey Link '. In November,
Jane Delap gave a fascinating account of her life as a pilot on 777 aircraft,
which also led to many questions. The Men's lunch welcomes men from other
denominations and has always reached its minimum of 20 members. Andrew Bird
started 2010 with an account of his time in Angola with Medair with a Christian
Relief Organisation.
Attendance at the Ladies lunch is much larger than the Men's but both
offer opportunities for fellowship between different parts of the Circuit.
Fairtrade
in 2010 would have started with a visit from Harriet Lamb, executive director of
the Fairtrade Foundation, but it was postponed due to the bad weather. A
website
www.fairtradejersey.org is launched. The theme of Fairtrade Fortnight at
the end of February is 'The Big Swap '. Swap your usual brand for a
Fairtrade brand. The rise of Fairtrade over the past 15 years has been greatly
helped by Methodists who care what they buy. Thank you for your support.
Ed
Le Quesne
All contributions for the 87th issue and offers of help by March 15th, to:
Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, JE2 4RU. or to
edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
Answers
1.
All people that on earth do dwell
2.
To God be the glory, great things he has done
3. O for a thousand tongues to sing
4. Ye servants of God, your master proclaim
5. We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the ground
6. I danced in the morning when the world began
7. Hark, the herald angels sing
8.
May all the world in every corner sing
9.
O love divine, all loves excelling
10 Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon the throne
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