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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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