Will Morrey, the President, with Iris Le Feuvre, David and
Barbara Coote at Georgetown in May President’s visit
The Circuit Service with the President, Rev. Will Morrey,
caught some people by surprise with it being held at 7.30 on Saturday, May 14th
at Georgetown at the end of a week that had started with the magnificent
Liberation 60 celebrations. The President emphasised the theme of his year,
‘Listening’ describing the importance of really discovering the needs of others.
He came to Jersey almost straight after visiting the Shetlands District and
brought personal greetings to Samares, the most southerly, from Haroldswick in
Unst, the most northerly chapel.
The President’s visit to see Anne Perchard’s large
herd of Jersey cows prompted a lively interview on BBC Local Radio about the
Jersey Cow and the Rwandan connection, one of many projects with which Jersey is
engaged in aiding third world countries to build up diary industries. On radio
the President shared thoughts on the life of the Methodist church its priorities
and challenges. In a newspaper interview he shared an ecumenical vision for
Jersey and being questioned about his hearing loss, whilst not side-stepping the
difficulties he said, ‘People are made so that we have shared needs.’ In many
ways he addressed the needs of those he met.
The President led morning prayers and engaged in a breakfast
discussion on the theme of Christian tourism at the beautifully located
Methodist Biarritz Hotel. Later he visited Maison La Corderie a Jersey MHA home.
Accompanied Rev David Coote and Mrs Coote the President visited the
Bailiff in his chambers at the Royal Court in Jersey bringing greetings from the
connexion. A conversation followed which focused on the role of the Bailiff and
of the Methodist Church in Jersey. With Liberation weekend and the visit of the
Queen a few days prior some thoughts were exchanged on the occupation
experience. Following a brief spell in the court public gallery the President
went to the States Chamber to meet some politicians and listen to a very
significant and controversial debate concerning the introduction of a goods and
services tax. (GST)
He also spent some time listening to a small gathering of
people who were active in social issues in the Island. He heard of the
experiences of Mrs. Iris Le Feuvre, who helped with the inception of the
Communicare project and later became the first woman Constable in the Island.
He also heard of the work of the Amos group and of Christian Aid, Fairtrade and
Trade Justice from Ed Le Quesne and Daniel Wimberley. He spoke of the
situation he had met in the Bolton area, where a Methodist and a Catholic
congregation are sharing a building and getting to know each other as Christians
together, following the loss by fire of one of the buildings. It sometimes
takes a crisis to provide the opportunity. Ed Le Quesne
President’s Visit to Guernsey
In Guernsey’s Torteval Church, decorated for the Harvest of the
Sea the President witnessed a Drama presenting the life of Phillipe Baker who
went from Sark to Haiti. In a Pentecost sermon the President urged the
congregation to have visions and dreams and later using the metaphor of journey
challenged all to remember where they had come from and to look to the future.
In another address basing his words on the call of Samuel he encouraged all to
be open to Gods call to serve. The Methodist Church along with ecumenical
partners is seeking to respond to a changing scene. The population has become
much more diverse in recent years. The harvest of the sea, agriculture and
tourism which still have a significant role in the economy of the Islands have
given way to finance as the dominant feature. The President shared with the
Guernsey circuit leadership team thoughts on worship, the role of ministers and
‘Prosperity with a Purpose’. With the Superintendent of the Guernsey Circuit,
Rev Ian Suttie the President led assembly at a Guernsey Secondary School and
visited the newly opened ambitious Guernsey Youth Housing project for which NCH
is acting as consultant. In meetings with staff, Supernumeraries and widows and
in every situation the Presidents personal touch was deeply appreciated. The
President’s desire to listen was always evident and his words of encouragement
and challenge made his visit particularly interesting and fruitful.
Methodist Conference Torquay 2005
Rev Tom Stuckey, the new President used his inaugural
address to talk about ‘the God who inspires’. He told the conference that he
wants to address two of the stated Priorities of the Methodist Church:
‘developing confidence in evangelism’; and ‘encouraging fresh ways of being
church’. "Talk about God works best when it stimulates talk with God. There is a
single word, which encapsulates 'conversation with God'. It is 'theology'. I
believe we shall become a God centred Church when we genuinely engage in
theology."
Tom said that the Methodist Church needs to be reinvigorated
by the Holy Spirit, without losing touch with the Word of God. "Word and Spirit
need each other," he said. "When the Word is without the Spirit the Church dries
up. When the Spirit is without the Word the Church blows up. When Word and
Spirit come together the Church grows up. This key note speech and its stress
on the Holy Spirit and theology, the most used word in contributions from
conference members used over 130 times gave the tone for conference.
The Covenant Report reminded conference that there is lively,
positive work together with the C.of E. in many places across the Connexion.
There were very moving, sensitive and theologically based addresses and debates
urging the church to take more seriously the issue of Domestic Abuse and on
sexuality where the church agreed that it should continue the Pilgrimage of
Faith. Contrary to some misleading newspaper reports conference made no
commitment at this stage as to what advice it would give to Ministers regarding
blessings in the event of government legislation on same sex partnerships.
A most important debate ranged around the report ‘Time to
talk of God’ and recovering Christian conversation as a way of nurturing
discipleship. ‘Pray without ceasing’ and the launch of the 14 months of prayer
picked up a good deal of the Presidents keynote talk.
Combating HIV/Aids and Make Poverty History stimulated
conference as did Youth Conference presentations. Conference received the report
for further discussion around the connexion on What sort of Bishops. This debate
was helped by an earlier discussion on the nature of oversight in the Church.
And all this was only a part of a week, which included times for prayer and
worship and of course the ordination of new ministers including Maree
Farrimond.
The new Vice President of conference John Bell who will be
visiting us next Spring called for the Church to be open to new insights in the
search for and pilgrimage with God. The President finished his address by
saying “ Methodism stands on the threshold of a new discovery of itself. Come
Holy Spirit. Disturb our complacency. Drive away our fears." Many of us came
away hoping and praying that this may indeed be true.
David Coote
Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than
those who try to do nothing and succeed.
Richard Bird
Welcome to Billy Slatter, Pauline and Philip
Billy was born in December 1955 in Clapton, East London and
was married on 3rd June 1978 to Pauline, at Canterbury, Kent. Their son, Philip,
is aged 18 years. Billy lists his interests as FOOTBALL, Badminton, General
Sports, Walking, Eating out, Country Pubs, Holidays, Computing, Gadgets and
Organising things!
He speaks about himself as follows:
I became a Christian through a 'Damascus Road' type
conversion experience in 1971 when aged 16 years. I joined the Methodist Church
in Basildon, Essex and served as Local Preacher, Church Treasurer, Sunday School
Superintendent and Youth Leader (though not all at the same time.) My ‘working’
life was spent in the shipping & forwarding business specialising in meat
importations. I loved the work and was pleased to be able to say I had seen a
ship every day of my working life prior to ministry. It is good to think that
some such opportunities will arise again living on the island. My ministry began
as a Lay Pastoral Assistant at Bromsgrove, Worcs., then following training at
Bristol I served in Horley (Gatwick) and Norwich, where I am at present. (
Visit our website at
www.NorwichMethodist.com. If you buy from Amazon and other stores using our
links, church gets commission at no cost to you) Looks good: Ed While at
Ministerial Training College I had the opportunity to study in Israel for three
weeks. The trip included a visit to a refugee camp that began a special
relationship for a few years. This was a life changing experience in so many
ways that I can talk enthusiastically about it for hours - be warned! I have led
two group tours to Israel since then, the last being in 2001. I consider myself
to be a practical person prepared to get involved in shifting tables as much as
listening to troubles. My preaching and theology are broadly evangelical though
nobody likes labels. I see myself as an ordinary person able to teach and preach
the things of faith in ordinary language to ordinary people - it is God who
somehow takes all this ordinary stuff and makes it special. I enjoy and
encourage participation in worship and am personally comfortable with many
styles, forms and media. The digital projector has opened up new possibilities
for creativity in worship and I use this regularly for illustration, PowerPoint,
video/DVD and camera work.
Pauline is a
gifted musician with the piano as her main instrument, though she could play
anything if she wanted to! She is employed as a Learning Support Assistant in a
local primary school where she also runs a choir and teaches music and she hopes
to find similar employment locally.
Philip has
just completed college. He is very much into films and production and he hopes
to find a career in the media. As I write, he is waiting to hear whether he will
be accepted for an intensive course with a TV production company. If so, he will
delay joining us in Jersey until it finishes in December. He is a pleasant,
sociable person who enjoys his football, gym and music and he carries a large
address book! We have been warmly welcomed on our brief visits to Jersey and we
are very much looking forward to coming over and getting to know people and
playing our part in Circuit life.
Billy will be
in pastoral charge of St. Martin, Eden and Ebenezer and the family will be
moving into a new manse at Les Hautes Charrieres, St. Martin.
*******************************************************************
We make a living by what we get;
We make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill
*********************************************************************
Caroline Homan, after the Circuit Service to celebrate her
admission as a Local Preacher
Dear Everyone,
Ed the Ed has asked me two or three times to write down what
I said either at my accreditation service or at the Circuit Service but I’m
sorry Ed, I’m not very good at doing things twice. So instead, I thought you
might like to know some of the things that have brought me to a place where I am
embarking on pre-ordination training at Bristol (just up the road from Debbie
Godefroy).
I’ve been a Christian since I was quite a young child but I
first came across Methodism properly when I taught RE in a wonderful Methodist
school, Kent College for Girls, Pembury near Tunbridge Wells. I enjoyed its
humanity and the way it tried to help the children see that many people have
tough lives and we are called to support one another in difficulties and to try
to change the world: it was a very hands on type of Christianity.
Then, one day browsing the Guardian I saw an advertisement
for a Training and Development Officer in the Channel Islands and I really liked
the way the Methodist Church took learning for everyone adult or child
formally or informally- importantly. After all as God has something amazing for
all of us to do, it is important to keep growing, developing, learning. So over
I came.
One day, when I was sitting at home, Ian White rang, ‘Would
you like to visit some churches Caroline?’ ‘Of course’, I said, ‘Where?’ ‘South
India’ he said. It was a visit that really changed my life, making me more aware
of people who went to church not because they chose to but because they can find
no other strength to help them get through some pretty tough times. It also made
me aware that through serving one another, we sometimes have to challenge
injustice and that this is one way to bring about God’s kingdom on earth as in
heaven. I also saw how practical love, practical theology brings good news to
people: it was a very different type of evangelism.
Back in Jersey, I had the great good fortune to start working
as a lay worker: it meant that I could visit lots of people in their houses and
share with them their stories of faith: I don’t know why but many of us find it
easier to talk about God in our homes, with a cup of tea rather than in church.
And as someone who had been a Quaker, I was really shocked to find how humbling
and how powerful it was to take communion from the church into people’s homes
and a great sense of awe and privilege came when twice in hospital I shared
communion with people either dying or quite close to death. These experiences
and many others, including helping with and training people for Local
Arrangements brought me to a very startling point: I had to offer to go on note
as a Local Preacher and to my even greater amazement for Foundation Training.
Caroline with her brother Duncan, who she described as ‘her
rock’. She is wearing the necklace and earrings given by friends at Georgetown
I’ve had a wonderful time in Foundation training watching
presbyters, deacons, different congregations, the community at the Women’s
Refuge. I experienced many different types of spirituality and wonderful
training through Guy Chester Centre, a Methodist institution in North London.
All have given me so much: insight into God’s love, variety and energy: his
ability to speak to me through a homeless lady and a gifted preacher, her desire
to lead me gently but quite firmly into a place where I had to ask you and the
wider church whether they thought it right to forward me for training as a
presbyter. I was over the moon when I was told that the Connexion felt that I
was called to this. A delight that sustains me as I struggle with packing up
house, juggling work and moving requirements so that I will be ready for
college: I just hope that after all those years of teaching I’ll manage to be a
reasonable student.
Thank you all for a very precious four years: I have learnt
so much, been given so much that I feel will remain with me. You have challenged
me, supported me, laughed with me and been friends with me. I go away different
from when I arrived and for that apart from a few grey hairs, I am very
grateful. For those of you who would like it, my new address:
Flat 13, Frances Greeves House, Wesley College, College Park
Drive, Henbury Road, Bristol. BS10 7QD With my love and my prayers,
Caroline x
Chris Haines with his wife Linda
Chris Haines
As many of you know, I was recently recommended by the
Connexional Candidates' Committee (is this the correct name? It seems ages ago
now) for Pre-Ordination training. Having done two and a bit years' Foundation
training part-time, living here while attending residential weekends at STETS in
Salisbury (following in the footsteps of Maree Farrimond and Sue Le
Riche), I now have a further two years' Pre-Ordination training, following
the same pattern.
This has already begun, as I am currently undertaking an
extended placement at Communicare, exploring the interface between the Christian
ethos there and the various groups that use the centre to discern where God is
working. This is proving interesting and challenging. During my Foundation
training, I have found many of my assumptions and views being challenged and
refined, and have learned much from those coming from different perspectives. It
has taught me to consider why I hold particular opinions, to examine them in the
light of Scripture, reason and experience, to reflect upon the implications of
these for my opinions and to modify them in places when necessary. It has forced
me to confront difficult theological issues, and situations in which I have felt
uncomfortable, and emerge from them wiser than before. It has also strengthened
my convictions about several areas of the Christian faith. I am sure
Pre-Ordination training will continue to do these things, and further encourage
my spiritual development.
New local preachers
Katie Norman, Tom Perchard and Nicholas Owen were given a note to
preach by
the June Preachers meeting. They will be sharing in the leading
of worship
round the circuit and studying the ‘Worship and Preaching’ course
with Circuit tutor, Rev. Kevin Jones and till she leaves, Caroline Homan.
C. T. J. Spring forum at the URC, Sion
This concentrated on the Healing Christ, with presentations by
Rev. Chris White about his work as a hospital chaplain and Rev. Geoff
Houghton as a hospice chaplain. Both presentations were laced with humour
but they do meet people at times of great need such as a couple facing the loss
of a child or a person in the prime of life, suddenly having to face up to just
a few more months to live as inoperable disease hits them. There are no easy
words in such situations but the support and prayers of our chaplains and
visitors are much valued by patients and staff alike. The last verse of our
closing hymn said ‘so Jesus’ touch of healing grace lives on within our
willing care; by thought and prayer and gift we prove his mercy still, his
love we share.’ It summed up their message. Earlier, the peace cross was
dedicated anew in a gap between showers.
Amos Group
It will meet at anew venue, St. Lukes Church, at 5.45 on
Wednesday, Sept. 7th and frst Wednesdays of next months. Tpics include the ESC
Childcare plans, the alcohol strategy, the cost of long-term care. All are
welcome. Ed Le Quesne
Letter from Sark
Roger Browning, at Synod in April
Dear friends,
A whole winter has gone by since I last wrote to you and God
has been doing many things that have surprised and encouraged Jehanne and
I. We are pleased to say that from the small beginning of one youth club, we now
have grown into three very distinct groups of children and we have made an
impact on the culture of going to the pub. Our senior club has become well
established and we welcome up to twelve young adults on three nights each week.
I intend this club to run right through the summer unless the young people
become pre-occupied with outdoor activities and holidays. We are making every
effort to devote some part of the Sunday evening gathering to religious
instruction but I do find that this is resisted and we have to tread carefully.
Plans for our future, well we are trying to restart an
evening service and we hope to introduce young people back into worship. We have
been astounded and humbled by the generosity of people who remain anonymous and
recently donated £850.00 towards the youth work. When you consider that we
received £800.00 in one donation in April for the pool table God has confirmed
His intention to love the children in our midst. A black cloud has been hanging
over the island for several months concerning the situation involving the school
teachers and the education of young people here. The island population has been
seriously divided over several issues and this makes it hard for many families
in such a small community. I am continually trying to focus on prayer and away
from the money that is so freely given because we must rely on the goodness and
faithfulness of God, not on ourselves. My wife and I continue to ask for your
prayers for this community.
The Church Fellowship celebrated 80 years on this site on May
the 26th 2005 and we were delighted to host a party for nearly one hundred
guests including a very worthy party from Jersey. It was a pleasure to have
Reverend Coote and his wife with us for the day and also Reverend Suttie
from Guernsey. We must say a very big thank you to all who supported our
celebration day as it was a marvellous opportunity to praise God for his
faithfulness and creativity. During the service we remembered the witness of a
young minister, one Rev Philippe Baker who left Sark at the age of 24
years to train and then work as a missionary in Haiti. The Reverend Baker met
Reverend Picot (of Jersey origin) who was already working in Haiti who
left Rev Baker in charge of the small community in Port Au Prince for a short
time while he visited other areas of the country. Unfortunately Rev Baker
contracted yellow fever and died after a very short but fruitful ministry of
just a few weeks. I remember reading that Phillipe Baker was loved for his
gentle but persuasive approach to ministry. It is worth noting that he was used
to saying ‘I desire your conversion and I ask God to grant it and expect to see
it’ to people that he met. Although this might be difficult for us to deliver
in such a way in this day and age never the less it must encourage and challenge
us in our own desire to spread the Good News.
Sark has numerous friends and so many people have fond
memories of worshipping in our small church. I was handed information and photos
of Mr Arthur Queree the father of your own Mrs Enid Queree, who
informed me that her father was a lay pastor on Sark.in 1921 and 1922. Ties with
the islands continue and we were so pleased that friends could join with us in
this celebration day.
We are waiting to welcome Deacon Cedric May (former lay
worker) on the 13th of July who intends to visit the island and will stay with
some of our members. At the end of August Sunday 28th we will be joining the
Anglican Church at Creux Harbour for the annual Sea Service which this year will
include the sailing ship Spirit of Sark that by then will have competed in the
Trans Globe race. I pray that God will continue to bless his people and send you
greetings in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Roger A Browning.
Sark Church celebrates 80 years
The photo shows most of the Jersey group who visited the
Methodist church in Sark on 26th May to join in the celebration of the 80th year
of the opening of their Church. Besides those in the photo,
Rev and Mrs David
Coote were there and
Matthew Speight, who had gone for a walk around Sark.
The service was held in the Church and Rev Coote gave the
address. It was also mentioned that many years ago the late Mr Arthur Queree
had been the lay pastor at that Church. He was a local preacher in Jersey and a
member at Bethesda. His son, also Arthur, and daughter Enid (Quenault)
and other family members were among those present. After the service a meal was
served in the Marqee alongside the Church. Everyone enjoyed having been at the
special event, including friends from Guernsey and the mainland.
Alan Colback
Special day for Maree Farrimond
One of the highlights of the annual Methodist Conference at
Torquay was the ordination of new Methodist Presbyters and Deacons. Maree
Farrimond, who has lived and worked here in Jersey, was ordained on Sunday 26th
June at Saltash, a short distance from Torquay. A coach full of her Church
members had travelled from Caldicot to be with her on this special occasion. It
was a privilege to have been present and place hands over Maree as she knelt
along with others. Altogether it was a very moving and uplifting experience
with a sense of God’s presence among us.
Maree has fond memories of her years in Jersey where we saw
her in the pulpit as well as in the downstairs pharmacy in Boots. This dual
role has served Maree well as she now ministers in Caldicot and is obviously
appreciated so much. Her husband Bob is a volunteer in the local Christian
Bookshop and involved in the life of the Methodist Church. Very shortly we will
see Caroline Homan and Chris Haines tread the same path. Let us give thanks
that God is calling people from the island to serve him. As you read this, do
ask whether God may be gently calling you to some form of ministry in the near
future?
Rev. Chris White
Walking Boots for Stilettos
Liz Booth is Matron of Maison Le Corderie, the
residential home for the elderly in Green St, a charity linked to Methodist
Homes for the Aged. The photo shows her outside the front door with her boots
She is only four foot ten inches high and is known for wearing a variety of high
heeled shoes. She will be exchanging them for her walking boots in aid of
charity. She is going to trek the Great Wall of China in October to raise money
for Age Concern and has arranged that half of what she raises will be spent here
in Jersey. Her training programme is very demanding and she is using the
facilities at Fort Regent to get fit for the adventure. Since becoming Matron,
her other achievements have included completing Last year’s Itex Walk then four
weeks later successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in
Tanzania, at 5895 metres the highest peak in Africa.
If you would like to sponsor Liz please send cheques to her at
Maison La Corderie, payable to ‘Age Concern’ The leaflet she has been given
describes the 10 day trip as ‘a challenge of physical toughness, cultural
fascination and historical intrigue. ‘ There are 7 days of actual walking for
between 4 and 8 hours each day. We look forward to hearing how Liz gets on and
will report in a future issue. Ed
Le Quesne
Review of 2004!
Rev. Kevin Jones looks back on 2004.(this was squeezed out of the
previous issue)
Looking back this has been an exceptional year. In the past
year in our Chapels, people have been Saved, Healed and filled with the Holy
Spirit. Perhaps it is a sign of how little we expect God to move, but I have not
witnessed such blessings for over 11 years.
The Spiritual temperature seems to have risen with Walk
Jersey in May. Three of the western Chapels welcomed a team, and their witness
and dedication were a genuine inspiration. Then at Bethlehem on Pentecost in
equal amounts of fear and faith I spoke on the Holy Spirit and made an altar
call. I expected only a small response but perhaps 25 people came forward. We
prayed with people for the next hour, and there was at least one healing. Also a
local preacher and friend from my former circuit was visiting. She was facing
great problems. As we prayed she received the Spirit and spoke in tongues,
something she had sought for over 9 years.
In July Anne-Marie and I celebrated 20 years of marriage.
She totally caught me out by arranging for my parents, friends and two former
ministers to be present. It was a wonderful surprise. We then travelled to
Myrhoffen in the Tyrol where we had honeymooned 20 years earlier, only this time
with our five children.
Back to Jersey and we learned our ministry here was to finish
in 2006. The process was far from wonderful, but the Lord will be glorified.
Then following the round of harvest festivals and a visit from the faith
mission, we embarked on 40 days of purpose. Each of our chapels concentrated on
the 5 main purposes in Christian living: To love God through a life of worship,
to become more like Christ through our discipleship, to love one another in
committed fellowship, to use our gifts in his service and to tell others the
good news through evangelism. Thanks to all who made this a great success. New
groups have been formed and are continuing, many have attended a small group
fellowship for the first time, and all involved read the book. Then on our
covenant Sunday at Bethlehem 8 or 10 people will come into membership. Other
members have found a new strength in their faith. Personally my witness has
been bolder and in the run up to Christmas three people prayed with me on
separate occasions to receive Christ. One of them then received healing in
answer to prayer. They were at the time on their death bed in hospital, and
have since attended Church to tell of what happened.
It has truly been a year of blessings. In the New Year, my
first book ‘How to build a better marriage’ was published in February, and I
will travel to Uganda for sabbatical in August, to visit the growing Methodist
work around Jinja and attend the African revival fellowship conference in Kabale.
Whatever is happening on the world scene, God is on the move. Rev
Kevin Jones.
Newsletter from Daniel Jones in Toronto
About a month in:
"Core value month" (where new students are imparted with
TACF’s core values) was both fun and scary. Topics such as ‘the Father Heart
of God’ and ‘deliverance’ were scary things. I learnt that crying was OK in
Father Heart. We learnt to hear God's voice and journal spiritually. We learnt
to soak, which is great fun. We’ve just started the worship course. The first
week we’ve just had Jeremy and Connie Sinnott. It was fun. Jeremy is
mad! Clever, funny and real. A great teacher. We memorized scripture verses
and it didn’t make me feel like a Sunday school kid. Isaiah 60: 1-3: ‘arise
shine for your light has come’ and Psalms 42: 7-8: ‘Deep calls to deep in the
roar of your waterfalls.’ Yesterday, as commanded in Psalms 96 + 98, we sang a
new song unto the Lord. It was based on verses from Psalm 145 and totally
rocked my world. And you know what’s even better than that? Any congregation
can do it! On that note, I would love to try and do a ‘Seek His Face’ meeting or
a soaking meeting when I get back. Probably better on a weekday, if I may be so
bold!
I must tell you about the vision I had on Thursday. I was
running a country road type thing. I was a small child wearing a cowboy hat and
wellies! (It’s ok to be a small child in your vision, by the way). I fell over
and out of a big pickup came God the Father. He was wearing cowboy boots, jeans
and a cowboy hat. He picked me up and just held me in his arms. Whilst I was
there, I played with his hat and beard. Isn’t it good? At the moment I have
Matt Redman playing on my personal CD player. It’s good to have some music to
listen to and along with Jason Upton, it’s good enough to keep me going for now.
Today is the 3rd day of the healing conference so that makes
it June 3rd. I am having a great time here. Just had Gary Sheldon
teaching. I really enjoyed him. He’s a friend of Randy Clarke and like a 50
year old Christian hippie. Cool, huh? I should be playing on Sunday evening,
that’s when our worship team is leading. I have been asked to play in the
morning as well with Jeremy Sinnott. I am enjoying the time here, I am
quite sad that it will soon be over; I have made a lot of friends.
11th June Jeremy Sinnott has said that next time my team is
on the stage with him I can lead a song! Praise the Lord. I get to lead the
people in worship. That excites me. That’s what I came here for. 25th June As
you can probably guess I am safely in Flint at Mary’s house. I really enjoyed
my time at the school, made many great friends who I hope to keep and learned
some great things. P.S. Please pray for Mary Spencer, the American minister who
exchanged with Kevin. She is in hospital, having suffered another mini stroke.
Some thoughts on Good Friday, 2005
The ‘traditional’ service in SHMC was well-thought-out, and
appreciated by a larger congregation than for the past year or two, I thought.
The meditation of Mary was moving and all the readers read with much expression.
The silences were also very effectively used. One trusts that many folk were,
like me, helped by what was done. There are only two comments I’d want to make.
They are, of course, subjective. One is that perhaps the passing to and fro in
front of the wooden cross might have been avoided if the second lectern on the
organ side had been used for some readings. The second is that use might have
been made of at least one of the hymns by Charles Wesley on the Passion and the
Cross. In this section of H.& P. there are 26 hymns; five are by Wesley and a
further two by his near-contemporary Isaac Watts. What spine-tingling words
both men invite us to sing:
Endless
scenes of wonder rise
From that
mysterious tree,
Crucified
before our eyes
Where we
our Maker see;
Jesus,
Lord, what hast thou done?
Publish
we the death divine,
Stop, and
gaze, and fall, and own
Was ever
love like thine!
and
Then let
us stand beneath the cross,
And feel
his love a healing stream*,
All
things for him account but loss,
And give
up all our hearts to him;
Of
nothing think or speak beside:
My Lord,
my Love, is crucified.
( * Wesley wrote: ‘Then let us sit beneath his cross, And gladly
catch the healing stream .. ‘The words which have been changed weaken the
imagery very much, don’t you think?) And what about a change from Watts’s ‘When
I survey ..’ and try instead his stirring one that begins ‘Nature with open
volume stands .. ‘ about the Wisdom and Power of God. This hymn has been
restored to modern hymn books after years of neglect. It works on the theme of
Nature as a volume, showing the handiwork of God which comes to its climax in
the Cross. So verse 3 runs: (H&P 174)
Here his
whole name appears complete;
Nor wit
can guess, nor reason prove,
Which of
the letters best is writ,
The
power, the wisdom, or the love.
Erik Routley called this hymn, ‘the greatest of all hymns
written on the atonement since the Reformation’ (‘Hymns Today and Tomorrow’ -
1966, p.68)
Finally, in passing, I’ve never been happy to sing that couple
of lines in Samuel Crossman’s ‘My song is love unknown .. ‘ where in v. 5 he
wrote: ‘Yet cheerful he To suffering goes .. ‘ To me the gospel narrative, in
particular the description of the agony in Gethsemane, tells a very different
story, doesn’t it? Geoffrey Nowell
Liberation 60 Sunday at Georgetown
The preacher was Reg Jeune,
CBE on
the right. He is standing in front of a display, made as every year by John
Curwood. On the left is Alan Ley, who has seen military service in
more recent times and is proudly wearing his medals
Girls Brigade News Summer 2005
Jersey wins National Competition
With training from top Island coaches, Louise Heald and
Siobhan Rondel, the girls won both the Senior and Junior matches against
Guernsey. They were entered in the Girls Brigade national competitions in
Coventry for the first time. There were about 200 Girls Brigade members from
all over England, Scotland and Wales taking part in various sports competitions.
The Jersey team ended up holding the trophy aloft after they beat Ruislip 7 6 in
a tense and thrilling final. The weekend was very exciting, especially when the
girls met pop ideal, Gareth Gates who was staying at the same hotel! An amazing
experience for those girls who went memories, photographs, autographs
Ruth Gilson, Girls Brigade National Director visits Jersey 1-3
July 2005
On the Friday evening, Ruth Gilson met Officers and
Helpers at Bethel Headquarters to hear about the work of the Brigade in Jersey.
Ruth gave an inspirational talk about ‘G B Arise’
Focus points have been emerging about reviewing and improving
the Image of GB, Releasing girls and women in Christian Service,
and Equipping girls and women for Christian leadership. Alongside these
key points, of course, there is all the ongoing work of G B to support it is
vital that these issues are Secured, so that delivery of good practise
and quality activity within G B is maintained well across the country. Girls’
Brigade is being called by God to ARISE!! Please include the work of the Girls
Brigade in your prayers.
District Sports Day
Georgetown Co. were The Marett Trophy winners On Saturday
afternoon, the annual district Sports Day was held at Plat Douet School. Ruth
Gilson had the opportunity to meet girls, parents and friends of Jersey Girls
Brigade. Teams competed for the Marett Trophy, won by the Georgetown Company.
A fun filled afternoon, with races including 200 metres, shuttle race,
three-legged race and a tug of war, which was blessed with sunshine.
Annual Dedication Service
On Sunday morning, the Annual Dedication Service was held at St
Martins Methodist Church, led by Girls Brigade Chaplain, Deacon
Malcolm Salmon.
The girls took part during the Service, with Georgetown Company preparing the
Prayers of Intercession and St Martins Company acting from a dramatised bible
reading. During the Service the leaders of the Companies were invited to renew
their commitment, girls invited to keep the motto and members of the Body of
Christ invited to encourage the members of the Girls Brigade and support them in
prayer. Captain Beverly Waller carried the District Colours with
escorts.
Mary Rive, Ann Marett, Kath Noel, Jenny Thomas with National
Director, Ruth Gilson.
Ruth Gilson presented long service awards to:
- Ann Marett, Island Commissioner and Captain of St
Martins, 40 years service
- Kath Noel, Deputy Commissioner and Captain of La
Rocque, 30 years service
- Jenny Thomas, Island Secretary and Retired Captain,
40 years service
- Mary Rive, Lieutenant at La Rocque, 20 years service
Congratulations to the above Officers who have given 130 years
service to the Girls Brigade!
There were happy campers at Bethel when the Evening meal was
served but how many different ways can spaghetti be eaten?! Georgetown Girls
Brigade held a sleepover after the District Sports day (or was it a stay awake!)
where twenty senior members enjoyed the experience.
Bethel, G B headquarters
In the 2005 season it welcomes campers from Guernsey, Jersey
and the UK. Bethel has two main rooms sleeping 22 in each, a room sleeping five
suitable for leaders and a single room. Large lounge, kitchen, dining room and
it’s own chapel.
Bethel cottage offers self-catering facilities for 5 or 6
people. The facility is basic but comfortable, offering a lounge area; private
walled outdoor patio area, 3 bedrooms, kitchen and dining area. Both Bethel
headquarters and the attached cottage are available for bookings. Further
details, bookings and viewings are available from Ann Marett 862447.
Beverly Waller
40 years as a local preacher
At the start of the Circuit service at Georgetown last month to
admit Caroline Homan as a Local Preacher, Rev. David Coote,
Superintendent of the Jersey Methodist Circuit, presented Ed Le Quesne
with a certificate from the Methodist Conference to mark 40 years of service as
a local preacher. He was admitted at Brentwood, Essex, after four written exams
and the normal trial service. Rev. Philip Beuzeval was his main mentor.
The present training course is much better. As a 40 year refresher, he is
currently re-reading John Wesley’s 44 sermons, which are part of the
training of all preachers.
Coming next time
A full and interesting account has been received of the visit to
Jeremy Troxler’s ordination in June by a small group from Ebenezer and
St. Aubin. Rather than edit it drastically, it will be printed in full in our
October issue.
‘Make Poverty History’ at Home
....
Gambia Beat Band beneath the G8 flags and a banner in English and
Jerriais on July 2nd
These past few months have given me great encouragement that
people round the world share in a vision of God’s world where we care for one
another. The massive injustices of debt and trade have become a talking point in
the media. The G8 meeting in Edinburgh and the Live8 concert were a focus for
people to show their concern.
In Jersey there were moving services in a number of churches
on Sunday April 10th to celebrate the Global Week of Action for Trade Justice.
The Service was produced in Geneva in several languages by an Ecumenical Group
and used round the world on the same day. The local media gave good publicity
to the issues highlighted by a stall in the precinct all week and hundreds of
white wrist bands were sold.
We then had the Liberation 60 celebrations, reminding
ourselves how fortunate we have been. In Christian Aid Week, as well as the
familiar red envelopes, cards were distributed, and hundreds returned, voting
for trade justice.
On Sunday June 26th, an ecumenical service in the Howard
Davis Park, looking forward to the G8 summit, heard about the situation in the
Congo from the first hand experience of Rev. Jane Ilton. On Saturday,
July 2nd, a big crowd gathered in the Royal Square, mostly wearing white
clothes. As the Town Church struck 12 midday, in a circle we sang the very
moving South African song from the apartheid era, Sen-zi-ni-na (‘What have we
done?’ other verses say ‘What has Mandela done?; Our only crime is being black;
They are killing us; What have we done? ). Many then went to join the Live8
concert in the Peoples Park, while Daniel Wimberley flew to Edinburgh to
deliver in person the many messages written by Jersey people on the back of
giant ‘Side by Side’ postcards.
The G8 are taking action on debt but action on trade is
delayed till meetings in Hong Kong in December, so there will be more chances to
make our feelings known.
In the meantime, there will be a party to celebrate 60
years of Christian Aid on Saturday, October 1st at Communicare at
7 p.m.
Buffet supper and live entertainment by Martin Nicholls. Tickets £5 individual,
£8 couple from Natalie Nicolle, 11, Parade Road.
Does this creed for today, from the Indian National
Industrial Mission, printed in the Methodist Recorder, on 31st of March, express
our vision?
I believe in one world, full of riches meant for
everyone to enjoy
I believe in one race, the family of mankind, learning
how to live together by the hard way of self-sacrifice.
I believe in one life, exciting and positive; which
enjoys all the beauty, integrity and science; uses the discipline of work to
enrich society; harmonises with the life of Jesus, and develops into a total
joy.
I believe in one morality: love - the holiness of
sharing the sorrow and joys of others; bringing together people as true friends;
working to rid the world of the root causes of poverty and injustice, ignorance
and fear; love, the test of all my thoughts and motives; love, guiding me,
controlling me, assuring me of God’s forgiveness; and in giving me confidence
under his spirit’s control:
I believe in Jesus and the Bible’s evidence about him;
whose life, death and resurrection prove God’s lasting love for the world; who
combines in himself, life, love, truth, humanity, reality and God; who saves,
guides and unites all people who follow his way;
I believe in the purpose of God, to unite in Christ
everything, spiritual or secular, to renew society, individuals and nations, to
guide all governments under his fatherly direction.
Amen
. . . . and Away
I spent two weeks in Kenya in June, on a ‘people safari’. The
first week was near Kisumu, visiting projects run by a Kenyan NGO, called OGRA,
set up by Dr. Hezron Mc’Obewa in 2000 and now supporting nearly 1000
orphans. I am fortunate to have been Hezron’s Physics teacher while he did A
level Physics at Victoria College and now chairman of WASOT, which raises funds
for OGRA’s work.
Here am I with Anthony Ochieng, who has been
supported for the past 4 years in this secondary school by OGRA. I asked him
what was his favourite subject and he said ‘Physics’! He was made Head boy,
but his conscientious efforts were affecting his school work, so he has recently
stepped down. He takes his GCE exams in November, but his Physics teacher is
one of three from his school sent by the Kenyan Government to help in Rwanda!
OGRA are currently supporting 14 other pupils in secondary
school, but are also giving training in carpentry, dressmaking, computing and
other trades to more orphans so they can support themselves and younger
siblings.
The OGRA motto is ‘Giving hope, saving lives’ and they
are putting it into practice also through the provision of a hospital and a
clinic and recently have built their own secondary school. This year
there are plans for a workshop to draw together all the varied trades that
are being taught in a variety of places. Chairman of OGRA trustees is
Charles Awour, who was Hezron’s teacher, and is now Headmaster of a primary
school with 27 classes and 17 classrooms. The other classes meet under trees,
since you asked!
Charles outside the OGRA office
Charles has a salary of £62 per month, £2 more than a class
teacher! He is one of many able and committed people making a difference in his
community. He has donated the land where the workshop will be built. He gave me
a unique soapstone carving as thanks to all Jersey friends.
The second week was spent in Nairobi staying with John Thige
Gatharia. He was a pupil of mine at Thika High School from 1968 to 1972. A
good student, he did an electronics degree at Manchester University and now runs
a company he formed in 1980 called Comtec, that installs mobile phone masts,
microwave & optical fibre links in Kenya and other African countries. He said
that the income from coffee bushes on his father’s two acres paid school fees
for him and his 5 siblings back in the 70’s. Now the price of coffee is so low,
the children are supporting their father. A tiny example of the need for
Fairtrade!
Six former staff, including Chris and Jose Day from
Guernsey, spent a day back at the school, meeting many former students, now
engineers, doctors, surveyors, a professor, a judge, teachers, administrators
etc. They are keen to help the school and the country to move forward and are
quite aware that there are areas that need reform in their country too. For
example just before Moi was voted out in 2002, M.P.’s doubled their salary to
£10,000 per month! This needs to change but so does the dumping of EU
subsidised sugar that has closed several local cane sugar producers, for
example.
Ed Le Quesne
Spring Synod at Bethlehem
On a sunny Saturday in April, the Synod opened with a talk
from David Coote. He compared alternative views of life - like a wheel or
road using examples from Macbeth and others. The first, despairing, view is an
unending cycle, the second, hopeful, view presses on to build the kingdom.
After routine appointments, though David was surprised to
find Mrs Barbara Coote as Vice President of Jersey Network, we heard from
our two newly successful candidates for the ministry, Chris Haines and
Caroline Homan(see below) Both were offered good wishes for their training
and future ministry. The importance of asking ‘Why don’t you consider offering’
to potential future candidates was emphasised.
Ian Suttie from Guernsey said that there was hope of a
new scheme in St. Peter Port though it still had to get through the planning
process.
Rachel Lampard from London had led a successful
seminar in Guernsey in December on the topic ‘Sex, violence and bad language in
the media’ raising the question ‘Who sets the standards?’
We had the surprising information that there are 700 Thais
and over 3000 South Africans in Jersey among many other nationalities showing
how cosmopolitan we have become in Jersey. There were also 35 cases of AIDs in
2004.
In Guernsey Methodist and Anglican clergy meet quarterly.
They are planning to create an ecumenical chaplaincy with people in work in St
Peter Port. The new Guernsey Superintendent will be Rev. David Hart, who
with his wife Rev. Anita Hart will form a husband and wife ministerial
team. This will mean extension of one manse and the other unoccupied..
We sadly said farewell to Caroline as Training and
Development Officer (TDO) as she is leaving in July. It is likely the new TDO,
a half-time post paid for by the Connexion, will be based in Guernsey, though
housing will be a problem.
On April 30th the NCH Guernsey Youth Housing Project was
formally opened. It has taken 5 years to set up and offers a range of options
from Crisis Pads to advice and support. It aims to become the focal point for
young people and their families for advice, support and where needed,
intervention to reduce harm.
Synod received a most informative report in person on Make
Poverty History by Daniel Wimberley and he urged churches to make this a
central issue. He referred us to some of the many excellent resources available
on this topic. (Daniel took messages from Jersey personally to Edinburgh and the
G8 in July)
One of the major events for the next Connexional Year is
Pray without Ceasing. Throughout 2005 - 06, Districts across Britain will be
sharing in prayer, rather similar to the Jersey 24/7 last February. The Channel
Islands dates are 4th - 18th November. Synod received news of this venture and
formed a small planning committee.
At the end of the Synod we heard of new proposals to change
the rules regarding the Circuit and District Advance Funds. If passed by
Conference they will release funds for Mission in other ways than building. The
funds have built up because in 2003/04, 115 chapel buildings have been sold and
5 new building schemes supported. This is welcome recognition that people are
more important than buildings. Ed Le Quesne
Worship Leaders' Training Course
AIMS:
·
To aid personal
involvement in corporate worship through improved understanding of the nature of
worship
·
To develop worship
leading skills
·
To assist evaluation of
gifts and abilities in worship leading
SESSIONS:
Introduction to Corporate Worship - 13th September
• The structure of Worship - 20th September
• The Leader's Presentation - 4th October
• Preparing for Leading Worship - 18th October
• Leading Prayer in Worship - 15th November
• A Miscellany of Aspects - 22nd November
• Enabling Worship - 29th November
Venue & Times: St Helier Methodist Centre, Youth room, 7.30 -
9.30 pm
Further Information: Contact Malcolm Salmon on 722763
Rev. Charles Carnahan
Charles visited Jersey for a few days in April, staying with Roy
Picot. He is currently Treasurer to the Director of Administrative Services in
the
New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. This
conference has 550 churches and 100,000 members and has a more liberal outlook
than George Bush’s Methodist church, with links to the West Angolan and
Nicaraguan Methodist churches The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist
Church have published a document ‘In search of security’ to raise a debate
among church members and others about a move away from reliance on military
force. Charles views his breaks in Jersey, the last 7 or 8 years ago, as a
retreat with friends and good food. We are glad to see him.
Local news
Father’s Day Footie Frenzy
On a very hot Sunday afternoon in June at St Martin’s School Playing Field, four
church teams participated in a knock-out five a-side football tournament. Each
team had to have a Dad or adult male player, an adult female player as well as
children in the team. In fourth place were St Helier United; in third place
were La Rocque Rebels, in second place were St Martin Giants (well done
especially to the Deacon’s future wife - Nicky for playing in two full
matches!) and in first place was the Bethlehem Bruisers. I’m sure their
opponents felt those bruises! Each participant received a certificate and a
trophy was presented to the winning team; so well done to everyone for taking
part. Shall we make this an annual event?
Deacon Malcolm Salmon
Family notices
We have become aware that some people who don’t live in
Jersey and thus can’t read the Jersey Evening Post regularly, still keep in
touch with Methodist friends by reading this journal on the internet or have it
posted to them. Thus we are starting a small section in each issue that record
briefly ‘Hatches, matches and dispatches’. There is a danger that we will leave
out someone. All we can do is apologise and include your notice in our next
edition.
Engagement
Keith &
Patricia Howlett (Caretakers
at St Martin Methodist Church) have the pleasure to announce the engagement of
their daughter, Nicky to Deacon
Malcolm Salmon on Tuesday
19th April 2005. The wedding will take place at St Helier Methodist Centre on
Saturday 29th October at 2 pm; all are welcome to celebrate this very special
occasion.
Deaths
Joyce Rondel,
(nee Pallot) wife of Philip Rondel, died in May 11th. Joyce was a member at
Galaad for many years, more recently a member at St. Helier Methodist Centre.
Richard Jeune,
elder son of Reg and Monica Jeune, died suddenly on May 21st. He was a member of
St. John’s Church (of which church his wife is a churchwarden) and one of the
Senior Directors of Mourants.
Doreen Gottrell (nee Queree),
wife of John, died on 23rd June. Doreen was a member at La Rocque all her
married life.
This issue should have come out on the third Sunday in July. The
next edition is due out early in October. Please send items to Ed(itor), 16,
Millais Park, St. Helier JE2 4RU by September 20th or by e-mail to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
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