Farewell to Jersey

Diana and Ian White and Debbie Godefroy on a retreat in Sark in April, led by Kathleen Richardson (back right). Ian has been in his final

appointment, Debbie in her first. The ministry of both has been much appreciated in Jersey.

Ian  writes:

    Moving from one appointment to another always provokes a variety of emotions and this is especially true this time as we move to our retirement home. There is the leaving of friends and the letting go of particular and special pieces of work. There is a recognition that hopes have not been fulfilled as one would have wished and also a tying together of many loose ends. As we leave Jersey there is all of this and more for after 40 years of travel I reach the conclusion of one pattern of ministry and the beginning of another. As my time as a regular preacher moves to a conclusion, as the travelling around diminishes and the pastoral work is handed over, so there is a sense of great thanksgiving for being allowed to be a minister within the Church and Community.

    Diana and I take this opportunity of saying 'thank you' to the Island Community for the welcome and encouragement they have given to us - especially during 2002/03. We shall long remember the occasions when strangers stopped to greet us and wished us well. We shall miss the beauty of the Island and the constantly changing moods of the sea.

    Thank you to the Church Communities and those Leaders who have given friendship and support and shared in the ministry of the past 6 years. We shall treasure those gifts of understanding and partnership - including the times of laughter and the occasional heartache. It has been a privilege to be part of the life of the Methodist Church across the Circuit and District during a time of change and opportunity. It has been a gift to us to be able work alongside colleagues in the Circuit and District. I am especially grateful to the people of Ebenezer and St. Aubin for their ministry to us and with us.

    Now, as we prepare to move on, it is time to turn our minds to the future. I believe that the Circuit stands at a crucial moment in its life - which way are we to go? The response to 'Shaped for Mission' in terms of the proposed local church programmes is a great encouragement.  One of my sadnesses is to be leaving at this exciting moment of opportunity for development and growth.  Our moving forward, in response to the guidance and challenge of God, does I believe require us to be communities united in work across the Island and not acting as independent congregations without a common goal. We continue to draw upon our heritage to enable us to work in the present and the future. The time for indulging in the theology of Lot's wife - looking over the shoulder - is long past.  At this season of Pentecost the Spirit moves amongst us and goes ahead of us. The challenge is in having the will to follow where the Spirit leads.  One final request - please welcome David and Barbara as they come to live and work amongst you. David brings immense experience both as a preacher and as a pastor of a large congregation. He will need, especially in the early days, your support, help and encouragement as he ministers with you to you and leads the Methodist people in this Island and District. May the Peace of the Lord be with you all Ian White

Debbie Godefroy writes:

    The time has come  the walrus said to speak of many things. Not that the things I intend to speak about have anything to do with strings and ceiling wax, nor do I imply in any way that the editor of this magazine resembles a walrus. (Thanks very much! Editor) Humour I have found to be an essential ingredient to survival in life and ministry. It breaks and relieves tension, lightens the spirit and strengthens the bond between those who can laugh together and at themselves. Laughter has healing properties and I believe God has the greatest sense of humour of all.

    I cannot put a date or a time on the beginning of my ministry in Jersey, it sort of evolved as I evolved into being a Christian. There were roles in the Church as a member and Lay person; there were meetings and group gatherings where I discovered more about God, faith and CPD! There was paper work that at times resembled a significant portion of the rain forest. There were the challenges of facing a Call to preach and ministry, the training and a very special moment at Ordination.  Most of all there were relationships with those that I learnt to call brothers and sisters and co-workers in God’s Kingdom.  At every point I was graciously accepted, welcomed and encouraged. There were of course the low times, the painful times and the critical questions, sometimes from others and often my own. We tend to view the past with rose coloured spectacles and focus on the good times, and although it is essential and necessary to be realistic and learn from our experiences I believe that to hold the good memories is to enable us to go forward.

    I recently went to the funeral of a friend who I had known for a number of years. His daughter shared some memories of her dad and as she spoke we could all relate to them. But one thing she said struck me as being very profound and was one the best “sermon”s I have heard. The sentiments of what she said were as follows: We measured success by love in our family. My parents never put pressure on us to succeed and never minded if we failed  they just loved us for trying. What a wonderful testimony and in many ways it sums up how I feel about God and those who I have had the privilege to work alongside in this part of my spiritual journey.

    When I first began at St. Aubin and later at St. Helier Methodist Centre and The Bay, I was aptly named a “Prob” technically short for Probationer but also in the sense that I was in the early stages of my ministry and likely to make mistakes (not that experience and time change anything). Sometimes I put pressure on myself to succeed and at other times convinced myself that others were putting pressure on me. Sometimes I failed and in the early days thought that all would end in disaster. However, that was not the case and the Grace of God and others who were in many ways far more experienced in faith and practice guided and enabled me. Even in the times when I have been trying (and I am sure there were many) I discovered that God loved me unconditionally and so did others and that is a special gift.

    I believe the Methodist Church in all its broadness sometimes gets a bad press. I have discovered that there is room for all theological persuasions and expressions and that there is a mutual respect for those who are different. Sometimes we need to be given a wake-up call in evaluating who we are and what we are about. At times we need to be challenged in our perceptions and understanding, but these are growth points and strengths and enable us to fulfil our role.

    Ecumenically it has been a learning curve and in sharing together with those from other denominations we have discovered the Unity of Christ in many ways. Learning more about each other dispels fear and myth and in identifying areas where we can work together to change things for the better we learn what it means to be disciples of Jesus. Being different can be complimentary and tackling issues such as housing and discrimination reveal that the institutional division, which is sometimes laboured, is overtaken by our response to justice and equality for all. Despite our difference the core elements are present and I believe that it is in action at grassroots level that unity will be achieved.

    I have also been astounded at the openness and willingness of the Community too not only embrace the gospel but also to practice it. Work in the schools and with help agencies, doing time at the Prison (not as an inmate but as a friend), preparing for Battle of Flowers, in entertainment projects, in Nurseries and Youth Clubs I have been welcomed and included and we have worked together for the mutual benefit of everyone. Someone once described Ministry as seeing and experiencing the best and the worst of humanity. I have to say that so far the best far outweighs the worst, and the latter is often more present in myself than in others.

    This beautiful Island in which I have lived, the gift of my family and friends, colleagues, congregations and all the people who have touched me with their lives have created a kaleidoscope tapestry that has drawn us together. The threads that bind us will not be broken because we are in different places  that’s just geography!!

    There is so much more I could say and probably should say but another thing I have learnt is that if you want people to listen  keep it short!

    So all that is left if for me to say thank-you. Each one of you has played a special part in my life and in my development and growth, we have tried together and God has blessed us and loves us in it. You will always be special to me for in all the good and bad you have enabled me to fulfil my calling and to continue the journey. I will continue to pray for you and ask for God’s blessing and Grace in all the changes that will come. Life in all its fullness by definition means change but it also brings possibility and opportunity  in all of it keep loving God and one another it is what we are called to do in response to God who loves us  at the end of the day it’s all that counts!!

    I leave you with the words that were written on a cake to celebrate the life of someone special, the sentiments of which I shall take with me: “Do not cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” Debbie G Godefroy

 From September, Debbie will be in the Bristol West Circuit.  Her main Church

- Victoria Methodist Church, Whiteladies Rd. Plus University Chaplain to University of Bristol (part of an ecumenical team).  Her second Church - Sea Mills (with a new project for the Methodist Homes for the Aged still in the planning stages)  Also she is chaplain to the Methodist International House students from overseas.   In addition to the above she is also starting a Masters course in Christian Spirituality with Sarum College, through the University of Lampeter.

New Local Preacher

    Glenys Best was received onto full plan at a Circuit service at Bethlehem on Sunday evening April 4th.  The preacher was her mentor, John Perkins, who is pictured with her after the service.

Chris White sabbatical

Chris and Lynn will be going on a two week study tour to Cuba in November as part of their first 5 weeks.  Returning to duty for the two weeks up to Christmas, Chris will then take the remaining 8 weeks leave in Jan/Feb. The Cuban medical system should give Chris some new insights for his hospital chaplain work.

From Sion Methodist to the States

    Prior to last autumn I had no aspirations to be Connétable of my Parish of St. John. I did however tell a few friends that if our parish Deputy was not going to stand for the post, then I might be prepared to.  I felt sure from conversations I had had with him that our Parish Deputy intended to stand as Connétable. It did cause me a little consternation when I found myself wound up in an election campaign. Friends & family rallied around, support for which I was very grateful, and I took my oath of office in December.

    I have been involved with parochial affairs from about 1974 having been in the Honorary Police in all the ranks from 1980 until 1997, and I was Procurer Du Bien Public for the last three years prior to my election, so I was very familiar with Parish affairs.

    I have always taken a keen interest in politics, but sitting in the’Big House’ is quite something else. I do find it interesting, a lot of reading (I was warned about that), but nobody told me about the extra meetings and presentations one needs to attend to acquaint oneself with future propositions. The only tedious part of the job is to have to listen to some members repeat exactly what has been said twenty minutes earlier by someone else. I have only spoken three times so far. I have had something to say on another three occasions but others have stolen my thunder before I had a chance to speak, and I will not repeat a point previously made.  I used to listen to the States on the radio, but there are of course other things that happen that one does not’see’ on the radio. I include in this remark, long periods of absence from certain seats.

    There are interesting happenings in the Parish over the next few years, the building of a new rectory, hopefully making sufficient funds from the sale of the old rectory to build the new, and fund much needed repairs to the church steeple and roof which requires hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on it.  The Parish has a legal responsibility to maintain the Parish Church and the Rectory. We have been given authority by the Anglican Church (through the Bishop of Winchester) to sell the old Rectory, but all the proceeds are to be used specifically on the Church repairs and building the new rectory.  We would not have had the consent without this factor.  The parish has given money to Sion and the URC Churches over the last 3 years for their development projects, but last year was the final payment.

    Life is busier now than it was before I retired from Jersey Telecoms in 1999, but much more interesting. Richard Dupré

Sion lost one of its most loyal and faithful members with the death of Miss

Irene Smith in May. She was like a mother to her nieces and nephews and was present at services, morning and evening.  Her trademark hat was buried with her.

The Good Friday Film

    Despite being a member of the Good Friday Film Committee, I admit the evening film was not to everybody’s taste.  The Hoover Street Revival was, for me, disappointing.  I did not like the style of the documentary, the soundtrack was at times difficult to decipher and for the first fifty minutes I wondered where the film was going.  However, what has to be borne in mind is that this church has a congregation of over 4,000 and it is still growing.  They must be doing something right.

    As we were shown, the congregation is made up of the poorest of the LA community, drugs and prostitution are everyday occupations and many of the members have been in jail, or are still serving time.  However, the church has made a difference in their lives.

    It was a pity that we didn’t get a chance to hear more of the words of Bishop Noel Jones as he is attributed with much of the success of the church.  It is his preaching that is sold in videos and cassettes to reach those who are unable to attend in person (e.g. those in jail) and those who need support during the week.  However, he appears to be supported by a huge network of support staff. We only saw him preach  the running of the church and its” business seemed to be conducted by others, leaving him the freedom to channel his talents into speaking.

    However, I was struck by one particular sound bite of his preaching , and in the light of the decisions, we as a Circuit will have to be making shortly it was worth repeating for us to consider.

     ‘to get what you want you have to be willing not to have anything  that’s the risk’

    The film may not have been the viewing choice of many in the audience, but for me  all difficulties aside - I found food for thought in one brief moment.  I am grateful that I found this moment of inspiration, it made the rest of the experience more bearable  rather like life.  Helen Toole

Long serving Brigade officers

    Forty years ago the Beatles were preparing for their first tour of the USA, ‘Needles and Pins’ nestled with ‘Bits and Pieces’ in the Top 20.  The MV Caroline sailed into the Bay of Ramsey, Isle of Man to prepare for the first broadcast on Good Friday 27th March 1964 of ‘Radio Caroline’. Closer to home a young couple in St. Martin embarked on a journey.  Gordon and Muriel Cobden set up the 2nd St. Martin’s Boys Brigade Company.  From small beginnings the Company grew from strength to strength.  A drum and bugle band was formed with the Girls” Brigade and for over ten years they were regulars performers at the Battle of Flowers.

    The young people of today are very different from the youngsters of the Sixties but Gordon and Muriel have moved with the times but still insist on discipline and good manners.  Although the Wednesday evening meetings include an element of fun the Boys” Brigade principles of developing habits of obedience, reverence, discipline and self-respect are still adhered to.

    On Friday 12th March Deacon Malcolm Salmon led the 2nd Jersey Company, officers of the Battalion, members of the Church and ex-members of the Company in a Service of Thanksgiving for forty years service.  Refreshments were served in the hall afterwards when a splendid celebration cake was cut and gifts were presented. Gordon and Muriel through forty years of loyalty and dedication have played an important role in shaping the lives of many young men in the Island. We wish them many more happy years enriching the lives of the young people in their care.

    The photo alongside shows Gordon and Muriel and also Peter Audrain, who has led the Georgetown Brigade for 40 years and Deacon Malcolm after the service at St. Martin.

Jean Huish, Brigade Executive secretary

 Jersey District Girls Brigade Open Day at Bethel HQ, Le Hocq Lane Sat. 26th June from 10 am to 5 pm

    Morning coffee and afternoon tea.

All are welcome to look around the indoor camping facilities, visit the Chapel, view the craft work on display and enjoy refreshments.

    There is an Eisteddfod exhibition with classes in flower arranging, painted or crayon picture, photography, cakes, decorated gift boxes,

home-made cards and collages.   Classes for all ages from 5 years to adults.

Entry forms from the companies at La Rocque, Georgetown, St. Martin or Jersey Baptist Church.

     Park at Le Hocq public car park and walk up the lane or use the park and ride minibus.

Channel Islands District Synod

    Debbie points out the way!

One would have thought it impossible to get lost on such a small island as Sark, but some of us did have problems finding the little Methodist Church The Ministerial staff, Deacons and Lay-workers of the district met in Sark before Synod for a two-day retreat led by Rev. Baroness Kathleen Richardson. Time was given for reflection, thought and prayer and ended with a Communion Service led by Kathleen and Cedric May in the chapel.  The Sark congregation provided lunch.  We were more than satisfied. This was a first for the Channel Islands but hopefully not the last.

    With WALK - JERSEY about to start it was not surprising that Evangelism was high on the agenda.  Synod resolved that the District set in motion a process by which every church feels equipped to carry out the work of evangelism.  As a first step each church is asked to place their policy on Evangelism on their church agendas and send a minute to Rev. Derrick Mellor, to report back to Synod 2005.

    We were privileged to welcome the Bishop of Winchester and the Dean of Guernsey who emphasised the vast range of points on which Methodists and Anglicans agreed.  Our work was to see how we could maximise the common ground we had within our framework.  There are already good ecumenical partnerships.  It was agreed that the circuits identified current joint work and that the Superintendents meet with the Anglican Deans for further conversation.

    A difficult subject for Channel Islanders to take in was that of energy and the importance of Christian concern.  This was led by Mr. Martin Dodds (co-ordinator of the Steering group on Energy & Christian Responsibility Pack) who explained the background to the pack.  Hope was expressed that the Study Pack would not only help us to understand the importance of energy as part of our Christian responsibility, but to encourage us to identify questions about the assumptions behind the source, generation and use of energy in the Channel Islands.  I have a pack if anyone is interested to see. There is a lot in it for Islanders.

    Streamlining is taking place and we no longer have two or three separate District Funds and many treasurers.  Synod resolved to create one account for the Methodist Church Fund and District Expenses fund with just one Treasurer.

    Reps to Conference will be Mrs Mollie Thompson & Rev. Kevin Jones and Miss Bethany Jones to the Youth Conference (Nov. 2004)

    Transport to the Islands and timings have caused a headache recently. How best could we use our time?  One decision is to take packed lunches which would end the problem of who has/has not ordered and would give more time with the agenda.

    Good wishes were given to Rev. Debbie Godefroy as she moves to Bristol and Deacon Cedric May, who leaves Sark to take up a new appointment in his home town.  Six new members have been received in Sark and Cedric was also responsible for Local Preacher Training in the Guernsey Bailiwick.  Rev. Ian Suttie thanked the Chair, (the other Ian) on behalf of the District, for his untiring work over these last six years.  We are all very grateful for his contribution, leadership, support and care for the District.  Ian is held in high esteem in the District and also in the Connexion. We all wish him a happy and relaxing time as he “Sits down”.

    I, too, am sitting down.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being Secretary of Synod for these last six years, but I need to move on and give time for other important work.  Please give Rev Stephen Robinson from Guernsey your support. June Le Rossignol

  Synod extra

    Rev. Chris White, as Church and Society minister asked Synod to welcome the Methodist paper “Let your light shine” about involvement of Christians in daily economic life and commend it for discussion within the Church, which they did.  However there was little support for a motion asking Synod representatives to engage in dialogue with representatives within the finance industry.  Yet we surely can’t be neutral about the way our major industry conducts itself.  It doesn’t assume that we have to be critical of what they do. Finally, the Synod asked Churches to consider the global benefits of using Fair-trade goods on its premises.

Methodists, Mennonites and the New Man at Communicare

    Do you remember last summer pressure cooker heat and death in Paris? It was my first visit to Jersey for thirty years since I almost drowned on a 1970’s family holiday.  I sat there looking out to sea, in the garden of the Highlands Hotel, in a daze.  Did they really ask me to be the new warden of Communicare?  Oh no, what have I done?  I can’t believe I’m coming back here again.

    Fitting a biography into a paragraph is never easy but here are some of the basics.  I was born in Bury, Lancashire where we also lived until recently.  My wife’s name is Karen and we met at London Bible College (a.k.a. “The London Bridal College”) in the 1980’s.  We have two children, Rebecca (aged 14) and Emily (aged 12).  My professional background is mainly in housing related voluntary organisations.  I worked for organisations like the Churches National Housing Coalition where I wrote some of the Homelessness Sunday materials referred to in a previous edition of “The Jersey Methodist”.  My most recent job was as Mission Development Worker with the United Reformed Church in the North West but last year I was earning my living as a freelance writer.  That’s lots of job satisfaction but little money!  Those myths about writers starving in garrets are all true.  Oh and none this has anything to do with my academic background in theology!  In case you are wondering about the mysterious title to this article, I regard myself as a Mennonite  having been part of two small Anabaptist communities and closely involved with the London Mennonite Centre  but my membership is Methodist and I have been active as a Local Preacher and a Steward in the Bury and Heywood Circuit and at Bolton Road Methodist Church, Bury.  Now why is it that I can see you all reaching for the reference books to find out what a Mennonite is!

    There are so many positives.  A thousand people a week flow through this marvellous place.  We have skilled and committed team.  John and Carole Le Page’s care and commitment is evident in every aspect of Communicare’s life. But we should be under no illusions about the challenges that face Communicare over the next few years.  The Centre needs volunteers  for minibus drivers, Boys Brigade, Youth Club and a Secretary to the Communicare Council.  We are a Christian charity in need of continued support for our ongoing work and new developments in a tight financial climate.  Above all we must renew the vision that underlies the Centre, interpreting our 1st Century faith for a 21st Century culture and bringing new life to the ecumenical relationships that have been so important for us.

Philip Wood   

Note from the Encyclopaedia Britannica;Mennonites

    A Protestant church rising out of the Anabaptists, a radical reform movement of the 16th century Reformation and named after Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who consolidated the work initiated by the moderate Anabaptist leaders.  Though the church started in Europe the largest number of Mennonites is located in the United States and Canada.  Two of their doctrines are nonconformity to the world and non-resistance in lieu of military service.

Angel News   -   A good news story

 The photo shows Angel and his bride Elina on their wedding day in December 2002 in Mkushi, Zambia.  The bride’s dress was donated by ladies in Jersey and posted out to him by Norman De la Haye. The bridesmaid wore a second dress.

    The story starts in 1991 when an Overseas Aid trip went to Malole in Zambia. The team were introduced to Angel, with a huge tumour on the left side of his face growing since he was five years old.  Dr. Sandra Quenault was on the team and she took photos and told friends at Bethlehem. £10,000 was needed to bring him to England for surgery.  This was raised by a sponsored walk “Angel Appeal”.   The operation was carried out by three Christian surgeons, offering their skills free, in March 2002. It lasted over 10 hours, and he didn’t lose the sight of an eye as was feared.  He visited Jersey during his convalescence.

    Back in Zambia, he qualified as a teacher and has been teaching since 1998.  Flo Fleury and Norman and Rosemary de la Haye have kept in contact with him. A letter of 12th July 02 says “... I am very sorry that I do not always reply to your letters.   .. due to pressure of work at school and at home.  I have been studying for Primary Teachers Diploma by Distance Learning for over a year now. ..   I still take my full class of over forty pupils.   and am mentor for three students, who will be with me for one year...I have been kept busy if not overworked, due to lack of teachers at my school.  We are only four trained teachers.

    I am engaged and about to get married to Elina Namutowe who is a Mambwa by tribe. I am a Bemba. However her traditions, customs and culture are very similar to mine..... I have paid the dowry to Elina’s family.  I am now preparing for the traditional wedding ceremony.  The type of dressing is completely western.  I have organised for almost everything. What is remaining is the wedding dress for the bride. I had been making prior arrangements for hiring one from some businessmen but all in vain.   Therefore I am requesting you to organise one for me, that is, if it is possible.   ... then followed Elina’s height, 1.75 metre and waist 32 inch  (a good mix of units!)

    Norman and Rosemary got busy!   On 11th October Angel says   ‘..

Really, I still cannot believe that you have answered my request positively Thus, I have found that my vocabulary in this language is not wide enough as to find suitable words in order to show my thankfulness. However your reward is somewhere!’

       On the November 30th  Angel writes again ‘ it is great to inform you that I got the two parcels. All the contents are in good condition and untempered(sic).  Surely, God must be exalted because He loves all of us including Angel.   What you have done has not been believed, yet!  It is a great relief!  Many thanks for this and may God richly bless you always.     ...I am busy preparing, marking and entering the pupils” tests and results, before term ends on Dec 6th. Soon after closure I will board a train to my village for the wedding. ‘

    There was no further news till a letter dated 14th February, 04 ‘... We always give you honour for having been so good to us for over ten years. Please, bear with us, as we sometimes sound so demanding.  This is due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

   God surprised us!  He gave us the daughter, Katongo, at unexpected time of 11:00am on Oct. 04, 03 on Saturday.  Many thanks to God and you, good people, who have been so supportive to us.

  Katongo has really changed our lives dramatically and we have been

receiving honour from relatives, friends and family members.   Bye for now and warmest regards to you and all Methodist Christians over the Island.

         Yours in Christian love,

                    Angel and Elina.

 JOURNEY'S END...OR HERE IT ALL REALLY BEGINS...OR IN AT THE DEEP END.

    Lilian Grandin arrives at Choatung in Yunnan Province after months of travel, by sea, by river boat, and on foot.  She joins the Bible Christian team who are already working in the area.  We are now in another world, near the borders of Burma, Tibet and North India.  Real mountains, river valleys, various tribes few of whom speak Chinese but have their own separate languages.  The climate is full of extremes of temperature and harsh conditions.  It is not a bit like Jersey!  She joins a real committed group of people: Sam Pollard and Mr & Mrs.Parsons responsible for work amongst the Maio tribe; Frank Dymond who looks after the Chinese speaking work; Miss Ethyl Squires in charge of setting up schools and supervising the educational work. Most importantly for Lilian she joins the medical team of Dr. Lewis Savin and his wife.  All have already been working in Chaotong for several years.

 Just a few extracts from open letters written home,   published in the Circuit Mag “The Messenger."

 Life in China is such a culture shock.

Oct 7th, 1907.   "I think I have previously mentioned a girl called LIU, aged sixteen, who spoke of unbinding her feet to come to school. She was dependent on an elder brother both parents being dead. He would not allow her to do so and she stopped coming to services for two or three months. The brother has married, and since his marriage has not treated either this girl or an elder sister well; he also wanted them to bind their feet tighter. The man smokes opium and the girls think he wants to take them down to Sui-fu and sell them as wives; bought wives are thought less of than others even.  So on Saturday the elder sister came to Miss Squite and begged her to take her sister. We talked it over and agreed it could be done if we each paid half the maintenance.  Yesterday morning LIU came to the service and she was told she must unbind her feet and show them unbound to her brother and be turned out of his home.  This she did early this morning one of the girls having given her a large pair of shoes, and came over about 6 am.  Her brother was very angry and said he would kill her.  We are allowing him to cool down a little and then will send someone to obtain a written agreement that she may stay in the school, so that he may have no claim on her"

 Being a doctor in Choatong

Nov.28th 1909  “Last Sunday a burnt child was brought to me.  I dressed it then and on Monday. On Wednesday they came without the child, asking for medicine to put on the burns themselves.  I told them that the child MUST be brought to me daily. Finally after four days they brought it. The side of its face and head was covered with black gritty powder and the burnt arm was also treated in the same way. I was thankful that the black stuff was nothing worse than vegetable marrow rind burnt and powdered.  It was hard to get the nasty stuff off. I gave the people a scolding which had some effect for they have brought the child today.  I am rather afraid for the poor little thing however" 

Travelling was not to be measured in distance but in days. The nearest "clinic" was some three days by pony and on foot across remote and inhospitable areas.   Accompanied by Miss Squire they have to stop overnight in a primitive Inn.

  "The host brought us red rice --- the poorest sort but easier for us to eat than buckwheat which was all they had besides; with a couple of eggs each, beaten up and fried, we made a very passable meal.  The meal was not ready till 8.30 and by 9.30 we were settled in the loft above.  The loft floor consisted of canes laid over several boards. A flannel rug was put down where we were to sleep, and then a p'u'k'ai; we covered ourselves with the other p'u'k'ai from our mountain chairs. As the walls were not very good we had plenty of air. We slept fairly well despite the attacks of fleas and mosquitoes and rose next morning rather reluctantly but refreshed."  They are on their way to the home of a Mr. Long.....a local man who is leader of the work in the area and where the "clinic" is held.

    "We are the 'guests of heaven'; in other words we are weather bound though not unwillingly as we thus avoid keeping an engagement to take an evening meal with Mr. Long's sister who lives farther down the hill.  The old lady came to visit us yesterday, and I have seldom seen so wicked a face.  She has poisoned several people who were in her way and has tried to poison Long-si-fei, Mr Long's eldest son who is now in Japan.  She is grandmother of two little orphan children who are in her charge. The Long's are very concerned as to the children's safety. They are wealthy children but the old lady has snatched all their land"

    Life for all the team of workers was hard, and tough and so different. Nevertheless they stuck at it for years and the reward came in the form of the dramatic mass movement of the Maio tribe who embraced the Christian faith.  A remarkable account of how the Maio eventually survived first Chairman Mao's brand of Communism, then the "Cultural Revolution" appeared only recently in the Methodist Recorder of March 11th, 2004.

    Lilian eventually died in China, so did Lewis Savin and Sam Pollard and many other of that team.  They deserve to be remembered. Tom Nicholas

There was an interesting footnote to these articles when Harvey Richardson (Chairman of the London SE. District) came across them on our website. He had access to an old family letter describing terrible atrocities at the Choatong Mission. The only link was the mention in the address of "Stone Gateway" which was the name given to the area of the Maio mission headquarters established by Sam Pollard and Rev & Mrs.Parsons.  I was able to give him some help with sources of information. So the Web is useful!!! T.N.

Thanks to Tom for his series of four articles on Lilian Grandin , one of Jersey’s missionaries. Editor

Book Review

    It was the title that first caught my interest, when the author Mark Haddon was being interviewed on breakfast TV -- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. This combined with the enthusiasm of the presenter and the simultaneous (and successful) marketing of the novel to both an adult readership and teenagers piqued my curiosity.  I was not disappointed.

    This is a murder mystery with a difference.  The story is told by Christopher Boone, a fifteen year old boy who suffers from Asperger’s  a form of autism.  His outlook on life is very different from most peoples. He has no problem with answering A-level maths questions but is unable to understand people, he finds them confusing.  ‘ For example, people often say “Be quiet,” but they don’t tell you how long to be quiet for.  Or you see a sign which says KEEP OFF THE GRASS but it should say KEEP OFF THE GRASS AROUND THIS SIGN or KEEP OFF ALL THE GRASS IN THIS PARK because there is lots of grass you are allowed to walk on.’

    The tale revolves around Christopher’s determination to solve the murder of Wellington, his neighbour’s dog, and in doing so he embarks on a journey of his lifetime. In some ways the murder is almost incidental as you are drawn into Christopher’s world and discover a new understanding of this often puzzling disease.  The tale is at times extremely moving, very funny and completely convincing.  You forget that Christopher is only a character in a book, and feel privileged that he has allowed you into his life and has given you a new view of the world around us.  This is an agonisingly honest look at the world as Christopher’s autism leaves him incapable of telling lies, because of his inability to understand emotions and emotional responses to things.

    The book is so well written I was completely hooked from the first page. It has also won several prizes  notably the Whitbread Book of the Year (for adult fiction) and the Book trust Teenage Fiction Award.  If you are interested in seeing life from a different perspective this is the book for you.  (It is now released in paperback)  Helen Toole Another excellent read!  Editor

ACET      Aids Care Education Training

    ACET began in 1986 in London by a Dr. Patrick Dickenson - a practitioner in terminal care - who saw a great need for Christian care for people in their own homes. The work he began has spread world-wide and 10 years ago a branch of the charity was set up in Jersey.

    Mrs Rosemary Ruddy leads a small but dedicated team responding to the needs of our community. In an address to the Ladies Luncheon Club in April, she outlined the aims of this Christian charity: to reduce the risk & spread of H.I.V. AIDS through preventative education and a holistic approach. There are many problems as the infections are associated with a wide range of illnesses which can lead to long term disability; long term treatments; and significant mortality.  The burden of the disease is born by women; gay men; teenagers; young adults; and black & ethnic adults. It is a global pandemic. In 2003 5 million people were known to be newly infected; 3 million people died from H.I.V. Aids. It is thought that there are 40 million people living with the disease (2.5 million under 15 years old). There is a new wave in China, India, Indonesia, Russia and Asia/Pacific. In the UK there was a 20% increase with 7,000 new cases in 2003. Health authorities predict a worsening situation before there is any improvement.

    Treatment is available and is prolonging lives but it is what is known as a combined therapy and is only effective if it is taken exactly as and when prescribed (including at intervals throughout the night). Some people find such a regime too difficult to cope with and give up. Some people have side effects to the drugs and cannot continue on them. The treatment is expensive - £15,000 per person per year for life! This is a huge burden on the Health service.

    Prevention, therefore, makes every sense.  Numerically Jersey’s figures are low but there has been a 20-30% rise in sexually transmitted diseases, particularly infections acquired in Thailand, so education and self-protection information is crucial to improve this situation. The holistic approach to prevention has been to develop new guidelines on education & social issues to enable people to make healthy choices. ACET projects are looking at positive prevention by:-

    Supporting parents.

    Offering skills workshops in the community, churches and schools.

    Printed resources, in particular a popular booklet called “A Parent’s Toolkit” which offers practical answers to children’s questions and is targeted to the under 12 year olds.

    Working with minority groups whose first language isn’t English. In Jersey there is an outreach worker; a community development project; a bi-lingual guide to sexual health; a regular newsletter in Portuguese; classes in citizenship skills and education.

    English language classes have been found to be essential to enable minority groups access to information and employment opportunities. It has been found that many of the minority groups have low levels of literacy in their native language and need introductory programmes in language skills to enable them to access the classes offered at Highlands. ACET has been running these popular classes for some time and the need has expanded. On Saturday afternoons classes are held in St Paul’s Centre and all three rooms in Ruby Ferguson House. While the classes are running, they offer also offer a crèche facility. Many who attend find education intimidating but these specially tailored 2 1Ž2 hour sessions build up their confidence. At an open learning centre there is also the facility to use the internet assisted by 6th former volunteers.

    ACET in partnership with local radio produces language programmes called “Learn while you listen” broadcast on Sunday lunchtimes.

    Last year a multi-cultural event was held with 15 different nationalities represented. It helped to foster understanding and break down prejudice and they intend to hold such an event annually. 

Work in schools.

    Education in secondary schools is high priority and takes the form of assemblies and presentations. There are training sessions for teachers too. These all aim to help to confront prejudice and the stigma around H.I.V. Aids.

    A Saturday Kids” Club in partnership with Centrepoint is run in St Helier to occupy 8-12 year olds in an endeavour to keep them from early sexual experimentation resulting from boredom. ACET receives some funding for this work from Children in Need funds. In the work place.

    Awareness is raised in young adults by media campaigns, printed information and street collections. Ultimately the positive outcome from this work will lead to:-

    -a reduction in risky sexual behaviour.

    -reduction in HIV/Aids

    -reduction in treatment costs (£500,000 in Jersey currently)

    -improved family relationships

    -confidence & self-esteem

    -improved involvement in schools

    -improved community relations

         -improved employability with spoken English

    -reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Mrs Ruddy concluded her talk by reminding the meeting that ACET is a church based charity and relies on support from all the churches. She asked for our prayers. from SHMC magazine

 Atheists' day

    In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation for Easter and Passover holidays and decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while the atheists had no holiday to celebrate.

    The case was brought before a wise judge who after listening to the long, passionate presentation of his lawyer, promptly banged his gavel and declared, ‘Case dismissed!’

    The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, ‘Your honour, how can you possibly dismiss this case? Surely the Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. And the Jews - why in addition to Passover they have Yom Kippur and Hanukkah and yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!’

    The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said ‘Obviously your client is too confused to know when to celebrate the atheists” holiday!’

    The lawyer pompously said ‘We are aware of no such holiday for atheists, just when might that be, your honour?’

    The judge said, ‘Well it comes every year on exactly the same date - April 1st! The legal basis? “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1’ with thanks to SHMC magazine

 RUKBA

    The Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association (RUKBA) helps professional people and those who have given service to the community to remain in their own homes by providing them with a small lifelong annuity. Those who only have small savings are also eligible for grants for heating, house repairs and disability aids.

    Those eligible include officers and warrant officers in the armed services, nurses, teachers, clergy, missionary workers and secretaries. Applicants should be 65 or over (or over 40 and permanently unable to earn a living again due to illness).  Priority is given to those who have gone out of their way to help others.  They should be resident in the British Isles with income and capital below a specified limit.  Special arrangements are made for assisting those who own their own home.

    More than 5000 elderly people (including a few in Jersey) throughout Britain and Ireland receive Rukba’s help, which provides security for life in the form of a small, regular extra income.  A network of over 1000 volunteer visitors (known as Honorary Secretaries) offer friendship and practical support.  They also spread awareness of Rukba’s work and help raise funds.

    Rukba owns one residential and two nursing homes, 24 flats for older people and eight bungalows for the disabled.  Help is given with accommodation and fees when people are too ill and frail to remain in their own homes.

    For further information please phone Bill Tower on 852063 or e-mail bosunjsy@localdial.com.

 '11TH COMMANDMENT' COMPETITION - THE WINNERS.

The Methodist Church has announced the winners of its recent '11th commandment' competition. The top five entries are: Thou shalt not worship false pop idols Thou shalt not kill in the name of any God Thou shalt not confuse text with love Thou shalt not consume thine own body weight in fudge Thou shalt not be negative

After promoting the competition on drinks mats and postcards in hundreds of pubs, cafes, cinemas and student unions around the country, 2000 text message entrants vied to create the 11th commandment.  Simon Jenkins, editor of co-organisers shipoffools.com, said: "The serious commandments that stood out were anti- organised religion, debt and war, but pro- tolerance and conservation of the earth. In the humorous ones you could almost hear the clink of glasses between the lines. Religion and laughter, Methodism and pubs, the 11th commandment competition has shown that they can live together"

    Revd Jonathan Kerry, Co-ordinating Secretary for Worship and Learning at the Methodist Church, was equally delighted: "The response to this competition, including the media interest from right round the world, shows that people are definitely interested in talking about values and spiritual issues, even on a night out. The challenge to the Church is to join the conversation where people are, not waiting for them to come to us.   We need to recover a sense of fun, and be more ready to listen than to judge."

    The competition has provoked some criticism centred on the innovative and provocative designs used on the promotional postcards and drinks mats. Revd Kerry comments: "We certainly did not set out to upset anybody, but these reactions demonstrate something of the communications gulf that exists between so much of the Church's message and the culture of most people in Britain today. I hope that the Methodist Church can learn how to ensure that the reality of church life becomes as engaging as this competition has proved. The entries show the preoccupations of the time in which we live: people want to live in peace, avoid being drawn in by celebrity, and also by the temptations of life - such as fudge; honesty in a relationship is important too." 

    The competition has started a dialogue between the Church and adults in their 20s and 30s, and the Methodist Church is looking forward to sharing people's views by publishing a book with the best competition entries later in the year.  

Some Runners-up:

THOU SHALT NOT...

  ...dump your lover by text...  dance like your dad...  marry unless truly in love...  change allegiance if your football team is relegated...  hold loud conversations on thy mobile in a public place...  condemn thy neighbour for having different beliefs...  use faith to hide from reality...  use plastic to multiply your possessions...  shrink-wrap cucumbers...  pretend to have no change when asked to donate to charity... 

THOU SHALT...

  ...commit random acts of kindness...  respect the earth...  indicate at roundabouts...  smile at the person opposite. 

What about readers of the ‘Jersey Methodist” putting forward ideas of their

own.    They can be printed in our next issue.

It is interesting that there are more “Thou shalt not “rather than “Thou shalt”.  Also those listed above are more imaginative than the only 11th commandment that I knew before, namely “Thou shalt not get found out”.  That shows an entirely worldly and selfish view of the purpose behind the commandments. 

From the top five, I find “Thou shalt not kill in the name of any God” very relevant today.

From the runners-up, I like “Thou shall commit random acts of kindness” 

Ed Le Quesne

A cry for peace

To you, Creator of nature and humanity, of truth and beauty, I pray: Hear my voice for it is the voice of the victims of all wars and violence among individuals and nations. Hear my voice for it is the voice of all children who suffer and will suffer when people put their faith in weapons and war. Hear my voice when I beg you to instil into the hearts of all human beings the wisdom of peace, the strength of justice and the joy of fellowship. Hear my voice for I speak for the multitudes in every country and every period of history who do not want war and are ready to walk the road of peace. Hear my voice and grant insight and strength so that we may always respond to hatred with love, to injustice with total dedication to justice, to need with sharing of self, to war with peace.

    Oh God, hear my voice, and grant unto the world your everlasting peace. Pope John Paul II

This prayer comes from the pack produced for the Arms Trade day of prayer, which this year falls on a very significant date, June 6th, the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The pack also includes this African Synod Statement:

    ‘The continent is burning and bleeding in many places . . . We turn to our Christian brothers and sisters and to all people of goodwill in the northern hemisphere.  We request them to intervene with those in responsible political and economic positions in their respective countries as well as those in international organisations.  It is imperative that there be a stop to arms sales to groups locked in conflicts in Africa’

One practical response is to add your face to the Million Faces petition that is promoted by Oxfam and  Amnesty.   Contact Ed Le Quesne for details.

150,000 collected so far, none from Jersey!

Working for Peace (from Bethesda News)

I am only one. But I still am one.  I cannot do everything.  But still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything.  I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. Edward Everett Hale.

Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children. From Matthew 5

Bible Society Bicentenary events

    The Bible Society was formed in 1804, a response to the determination

of Mary Jones in Wales to own her own bible. A special event at St.

Clement’s Parish Hall on Saturday 19th June celebrates  its  200th anniversary.  Starting at 10 a.m.  it includes interactive sessions and audio visual presentations  on aspects of their mission, which will be informative and inspiring.  Please bring your own lunch, while drinks will be supplied by the Jersey Action Group.  The event ends at 3 p.m.  Both long-time supporters and those new to the Bible Society are welcome.

    Celebrations continue with a “Picnic in the Park” on Sunday 27th June in St. Andrew”s Park from 1 to 3.30 p.m.  Bring your own food and drink and enjoy a performance of the Jersey Gospel Choir with Cornerstone plus games and a puppet show for the children. Information from Andy Bissex, Bible Society

From Bethesda News

Their oldest member, Mrs Roselle Du Feu, reached her 100th birthday in April. She still has a good memory and lives at Stuart Court. She had her card from the Queen brought by Sir John Cheshire. 

Arthur and Mollie Queree celebrated their Golden Wedding on April 19th. They asked that the gift from the church was a donation to Open Doors. Arthur has just retired as an active Jurat. 

A Grace

O Lord, grant that we may not be like porridge

Stiff, stodgy and hard to stir

But like cornflakes: crisp, fresh and ready to serve. 

The best vitamin for a Christian is B1

Walk Jersey in St Martin

    The Chapel in St Martin decided last year to invite a team of walkers and a team of associates to come and share in a time of Mission throughout the Parish as part of the Island wide initiative.  After several months of planning the teams arrived on the 8th May a sunny Saturday afternoon.  Eight men were to sleep in the church complex, on the floor, and the six associates, both men and women in peoples” homes.  They were from a wide variety of backgrounds and would not normally have met; in fact they didn’t meet before that first Saturday, but in the name of Jesus they achieved so much.

    The invitation was ecumenical and all three denominations took part in the events of the week.  We were blessed with good weather and an enthusiastic team.  The programme included a welcome event, a Barn Dance, attendance at all services on both Sundays, a men’s dinner, social evening with a quiz and Eden Singers, a community night hosted by the Constable, a Sankey evening, a Night of Colour with Daniel Cozens, (the Mission leader), a garden party and a 5 a side football competition.

    You will see that much was going on and when you add to this house to house visits, school assemblies, visits to the pubs, boys and girls brigades, youth clubs and many other organisations it will be appreciated the team were very busy.  They were also well fed as a wonderful catering team had the food organised for the week.

    The important thing, and the reason for undertaking the mission, was that the name of Jesus was high on peoples” agenda both for those within the church and in the community.  The key element of every contact was to talk about faith and many people were moved by the discussions held.  The important thing now is to keep this momentum going based on an uplifting experience of the work of God, building on the work already being done by the Church in the community

    There will be many memories of the week, well attended events, wonderful school assemblies and the individual stories of the walkers.

    The sun shone on the walkers and the Son was glorified. Derrick Mellor

Walk Jersey, May 2004

    “Walk Jersey” I believe has been a very successful mission.  Around the island Christianity has received a significant boost and as well as reaching out to the community around us has also seen dividends within the existing church life as well. Being involved with the youth team has meant a busy few weeks in preparing for and participating in two weeks of schools work in seven secondary schools and two major events at the Liquid nightclub which in total means we have presented the gospel to thousands of young people  I believe we have shared Christianity with them in a new and exciting way.

    We achieved this by bringing over two Christian bands, in the first week a three piece rock band called Replenish and a DJ as well  we had the schools and Liquid rocking (this was the first time a band had played in the nightclub!) and then in the second week a girl band called t-Girl whose style was more pop and dance based and another DJ from London!   During the schools work as well as performing we had good opportunities to share our faith with the students and some very interesting questions were asked. During the second week we held an after school drop-in café at St Helier Methodist Centre, in the youth room, where there was an opportunity to chill out or learn those dance steps!.

    The follow-up will continue in different formats  one has started on the 26th May.  This is the “Bridge 3:16” course which is a short six week introductory course to the Christian faith. It is being held at St Helier Methodist Centre on a Wednesday evening from 7.30  9.00 pm and led by the leaders and young people attached to “The Gap” inter-church youth program.

    At the end of the two weeks we were tired but glad of the opportunities we had of sharing and making the two weeks a success  we hope to build on this with the forthcoming Jersey Youth Keswick at the beginning of July.

Jersey Youth Keswick

(Friday 2nd July - Sunday 4th July) we begin at 7.30 pm at Vinchelez Manor, St Ouen and finish by joining the main Keswick event at the RJA &HS Hall in Trinity on the Sunday evening . The event is open to any young person from the ages of 13 (Yr. 8) to 18 and the cost will be £25 per person  there is a discount available where there is more than one person in a family.  Application forms available from me, tel. 722763 Deacon Malcolm Salmon,

The second edition of “The star of the North”, Parish magazine appeared in March.  Produced by the churches in St. John, drawn together through the Springboard initiative, they seem firmly established.  A further edition appears in July.

Open Hour Thurs, July 1st at 1.15 p.m. at Plat Douet School

We will aim to explain what we do in Open Book assemblies in primary schools, display our resources and share our experiences with you. We are in need of Christian Volunteers to help feed God’s children with His word. With more helpers we can move into more primary schools. All Welcome for further information, please contact Caroline Homan, 744606 or Jackie Edwards, 872325

When I’m 64 ..

    I was young in the 60”s as the Beatles emerged, causing Dad to rage at their music and long hair!  One of their most catchy tunes and effective words were in the song, which said.. ““will you still love me, will you still need me, when I’m 64”    In a personal sense it is true within our Methodist churches, as there are many examples of couples who have both reached 64 and more and are still in loving relationships.  If you look on the front cover you will see that this is the 64th edition of this latest manifestation of the “Jersey Methodist”.  This means that it is 16 years since Colin Hough gave the go-ahead for the first edition, and I had a nice letter of thanks from Ron Morling on behalf of the circuit stewards. It was 8 sides and cost 25p. The second issue was 12 sides, by the 5th issue the price was 40p and the 8th issue was a “Bumper 16 page issue!”  It has remained at 16 pages ever since, and the price went to 50p by issue no. 9. It was 60p  for issue 33, 75p a year later, had a brief spell at 90p before reaching our current £1 with issue 49 in September “00.  We have only ever carried one paid advert, for Sue Le Gresley’s Hair Salon and have needed no circuit subsidy.  In fact our current print method, using the Victoria College photocopier leaves us with a small surplus.

    The first issue in September “88 contained an article about life at Wesley House by Tony Morling, welcomed 3 new ministers, Michael and Jan Pullan, Tom and Ena Nicholas(for a return appointment) and Mark and Ros Haynes, described a holiday club at Bethlehem run by Lynda Steiner, and a youth weekend at Les Freres. There was a report on the London Conference  by

John Le Gresley and a Network conference by Doreen Picot. Comments to

Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park were invited. (This old joke remains!)

    One of our original team, Hazel Le Boutillier, has now resigned with our thanks for all her work.  Ian Jayes and Tom Perchard remain and Martin Delap joined us a couple of years ago.   We don’t have an AGM and elections, we just ask willing volunteers to come and join us.   We do currently draw news from local church newsletters at St. Helier Methodist Centre, Bethlehem, Bethesda and St. Martin.

    The question still remains

 ‘Do you still love us, do you still need us, now we’re 64!” Please ring or write or e-mail your comments, good or bad. Web readers can e-mail to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk

    One change I am going to put to our editorial team is to move our publication date back by a month.  Coming out at the start of October, we can report September circuit meetings, at the start of January can report Christmas, in April report on March circuit meeting and in July say farewells at the end of another Methodist year.  So don’t worry if we don’t appear in September! Ed Le Quesne

 All contributions for the 65th issue and offers of help by Sept. 1st, to:

Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St. Helier, JE2 4RU.   or to

edleq@jerseymail.co.uk

Also see the website www.ci-methodist.org.uk