David and Barbara Coote visit Brazil

On the Hospital boat on the Amazon with Manaus Superintendent minister Rev Maisa Gomes de Oliveira
(Full report here)

Dear Friends,
Following considerable debate over the past two years since the launch of the discussion document ‘Shaped for Mission’ the Circuit Meeting in July this year agreed a Mission Statement which will give direction to the Circuit in its policy and decision making for the coming year.
Both the Staff and the Circuit Leadership Team which is Staff and Stewards together will want to ensure that in so far as resources permit every circuit church feels supported and encouraged in its ministry and mission. We have a great many dedicated people across the circuit and a very able fully committed staff who are prepared as people of faith to grasp new opportunities. Together with the resources that God gives, though the future is not without its challenges there is no reason why the Methodist Church in Jersey cannot be an increasingly effective focus of God’s love and Grace.
A Happy New Methodist Year!
David

Annette Voak and Iris Le Feuvre in traditional Jersey bonnets at the U.N. day (see here)

JERSEY METHODIST CIRCUIT MISSION STATEMENT
Our purpose is to build confident faith in God, to encourage Christian growth so that all may know God’s love in Christ and to strengthen community life in Jersey.
It will accomplish this by –
Encouraging all circuit churches to be open to sharing with other circuit churches and ecumenical partners creative use of resources.
Exploring the release of ministers and lay workers to work on the edge of church life, and supporting circuit wide and Island initiatives in prayer and evangelism
Equipping people through training and teaching programmes to be more effective in discipleship, in leading inspiring worship and in sharing in other ministries within the church
Engaging with and supporting all who work for better community relationships, respect for creation and the relief of poverty and need in Jersey and across the world.
Enabling new ways of reaching and relating to young people in the church and in the wider community.

Welcome to Jersey

Charmaine and I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the people from the four western churches, the circuit and the circuit staff for your welcome and helping us settle into the new manse. It has been a very hectic time, and the house has been full of family (and workmen!) but we are finally settling down and finding our way around. The house name ‘Acierto’ is Spanish and can be translated, ‘Success’ – very apt, considering that the transaction was only completed a few days before we arrived, and how much work needed doing. At the time of writing, we are preparing an ‘open day’ (Saturday 30 September) so that people can drop in between 10 am and 4 pm for a ‘cuppa’ (I’ll never loose my northern roots!) and a chat – and a look round. It seems as good a way as any of getting to know people, and beginning to remember names.
Despite the busy month, we have had some time to do some exploring, and we have to keep pinching ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming – living in such a beautiful place. There are so many places of interest as well as places where we can just ‘be still’. I think this is the best part of moving away from a busy inner city environment, where it’s very hard to find those ‘quiet places’. We’ve also had a little taste of two of your annual events. We saw the evening procession of ‘Battle of Flowers’, and we saw the finale of the Battle of Britain Air Display. We only had time to go down to St Aubin's, but I think that was probably the best place to be. I’ve seen the Red Arrows many times, but this was the best.
Right now I’m in the middle of all the harvest festival preparations and looking forward to sharing in the services around the western section. That will be another opportunity to think about the beauty and bounty of God’s creation as we leave summer behind and welcome the autumn.
I’m also looking forward, now that the welcomes are over and settling in period behind us, to working with the section and the circuit. First impressions are that there is a lot going on! There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and many meetings booked in the diary! May God grant us grace, and patience, and vision, and energy… as we seek to do his will in our churches.
God’s richest blessings upon all.
Malcolm Bailey

New Faces at St. Helier M. C.

Shelley Rose and Teresa Mendeiros relax before the start of Little Rascals, the new baby and toddler group at SHMC. This is just one of the new initiatives Shelley has introduced. Others include a Community Coffee Bar on Mondays and Wednesdays (10 a.m. to 12 noon) and outreach into the local community such as providing social facilities for a group working with adults who have learning difficulties and liaising with Shelter and the Women’s Refuge to develop an ongoing input with their work.
Shelley was appointed Community Link Worker in June. She is a member of St. Matthew’s church, mother of four and studying to be a lay reader. She has a social science degree and a diploma in health and social care. Teresa recently started work as caretaker, living in one of the flats in Vauxhall St.


Diane Golding in the office

From September 1st 2006, Diane began work as the Church Administrator at Georgetown, taking over from Rowland Heaven. She writes as follows;
I am Jersey born, married to Richard, and we have two sons, Anthony age 7 and Michael 4. I was educated at Beaulieu Convent School and started my career in Banking. After Anthony was born in 1998, I covered a wide variety of jobs - although nearly all involved with office work. I have been in the fulfilment industry for the past 3 years since Michael was born in 2002. My interests and hobbies include gardening, walking, swimming and decorating. I am really looking forward to meeting you all in the very near future.
Bye for now!
Diane

Diane is pleased to have a job where she is not on her feet all day, as she was in the fulfilment industry where she repacked CD’s etc in response to orders received over the internet. She has had a warm welcome from members at Georgetown.
Ed Le Quesne

Keyboard errors ..
Remember in prayer the many who are sick in our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say “Hell” to someone who doesn’t care much about you!
(from SHMC magazine)

Farewell service for Rev. Kevin Jones, Mrs. Anne-Marie Jones and their family


It took place at Bethlehem on Sunday evening July 30th. In the photo Rev. David Coote wishes them all a blessing and thanks them for their years of service. At the end of the service the Jersey Community Gospel Choir sang. The conductor is Jane Horsfall and her husband James is the pianist. On the left is Malcolm Salmon and next to him is Mike Field.



Sale of La Croix au Lion Manse
The Estate Agents described the Manse at Croix au Lion as a ‘detached period house built of largely rendered granite in about 1846... large property in need of modernisation throughout but with the potential to create a lovely family home.’

There was an open viewing on Sat. Sept 16th and it was sold by tender on Friday Sept. 29th. The guide price was in excess of £450,000. we will learn the actual price at a future meeting.

A Channel Island Take-over ?...

Revs. Caroline Homan and Debbie Godefroy outside the manse at Evesham

Ruth and I just happened to be on the mainland over the weekend of Sat. September 2nd and the rugby season not yet started fully so we took it upon ourselves to represent Jersey unofficially at the Welcome Service at Evesham Methodist Church for their new Minister…one Rev Caroline Homan.
We drove up from Wales that morning and on the advice of friends parked at the Manse back gate. As we made our way down the path shrieks of delight could be heard from within that must have been heard back over the border as Caroline saw us arriving from her kitchen window. The surprise was complete as we had hoped. The white collar most fitting too we thought ! We were joined at the buffet lunch by Rev Debbie Godefroy “ up from Bristol “, members of Frome Methodist Church (her placement Church whilst training) and members of her family. We even got to washing up in this large Manse which is next to the River and liable to flooding, as is her Church just a few hundred metres away. The extensive garden will need a Jersey Overseas Aid Project next Spring .
After a walk around the Town Centre we attended the packed Church for the Service. We found it both emotional and very moving as ‘our’ Caroline was involved. Ian and Diana White had come and Ian read the Gospel. The Church senior and junior choirs both contributed to the special occasion as did the preacher, Chairman of the Birmingham District, Bill Anderson. What a pleasure it was to sing well chosen hymns in a full Church! It has 4 Supernumeries and 4 organists in the congregation! Local community and Church signatories welcomed Caroline personally. Her response was typically generous in its praise of so many who had supported her along her journey to the Ministry…and especially Rev & Mrs Frank Topping who were present, Rev Ian White and Jersey got a special mention !
We moved on to the Welcome for the new Lay worker for her other two Circuit Churches, and that proved to be Michael Sergeant whom we remembered from his work in Alderney. He and his wife have both preached in various Churches around our Circuit. They will work alongside Caroline.
We left in high spirits assured that Evesham will appreciate and support Caroline's work and skills, enthusiasm and vitality; vision and enterprise in their Church. Her first Service next day was a 10.30 am Service of Holy Communion and a Wedding Vows Renewal Blessing! Straight in at the deep end as we would expect…an appropriate analogy with the River so close by and the Church and Manse regularly flooded out !
We wish her every Blessing and success.
Rowland Heaven

Rev C. Homan,
29, Waterside,
EVESHAM
WORCS.
WR11 1BU
Tel. 01386 442 380

Caught up in the War

Liz, 3rd from left, with other volunteers
On July 6th, 2006 I went as a Highway Project volunteer to Israel along with 43 other people from around the UK. The reason for my going is that I am required to do a placement as part of my studies for my diploma course in Youth, Mission and Ministry at Cliff College.
Landing at Tel Aviv Airport we took a coach to Jericho where we spent time together as a group, visiting Masada, the Dead Sea, Qumran and trekking for 41/2 hours through the desert of the Wadi Kelt to visit St. George’s monastery. A few days later we split off into our 6 teams to begin our Mission work, four teams to Jerusalem and two teams to Nazareth.
I was to be involved for two weeks with St. Margaret’s summer camp, a residential Christian camp based in Nazareth for children aged 7-11 and 11-14 years old. Our team of seven were responsible for art and craft, dance, drama and creative writing. The children spoke only a small amount of English but were very keen to teach us words and phrases of Arabic.
The youngsters were incredibly responsive to our ideas and the week progressed very quickly, culminating in a performance on the Thursday evening for the parents to view what their children had experienced in the week.
The weekend was our free time to engage in more sightseeing. A most treasured moment was visiting the Sea of Galilee, spending time on the lake in a small boat reading the passage from the Bible where Jesus calms the storm and walks on the water. It was surreal as I was feeling the peace and presence of God in the boat; I could hear the booming of the missiles exploding only a short distance away in Lebanon. We visited the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Multiplication and Capernaum. On arriving at Capernaum our group leader received a call telling us to make our way straight back to the Sisters, Nazareth where we were staying as a missile had hit Tiberius where we had been passing through only half an hour before.
Back at base we were reliably informed that our position in Nazareth was out of missile range, the missiles could reach 20 Km and we were well beyond that. Sunday night we continually heard the droning of the Israeli fighter planes flying towards Lebanon and dropping their missiles. At 11.35pm we heard a huge explosion followed by the Israeli sirens going off. A missile had hit Nazareth Illit, a Jewish settlement only 10 minutes away from us. We were now within the war zone as the missile range had increased to 45 Km from Lebanon.
It was an extremely scary situation. Thoughts of my family back home rose to the forefront of my mind and I wondered if I would ever see them again. By the next morning the authorities had decided to cancel all holiday camps and our co-ordinator from Highway-Projects, Ian White moved both groups further south to Jerusalem for safety.
It was a very emotional and sad time having to say good-bye to friends, leaders and children that we had been with for the week knowing that we had a choice to move away from the situation but for these people it was their home.
In Jerusalem we were fortunate to be able to do some more sightseeing until work was found for us. The last few days I spent rubbing down and painting railings for the Princess Basma Hospital for disabled children.
It was a time of incredible spiritual growth for me, a marvellous experience, although scary at times. It made me realise how lucky we are to live in a beautiful, peaceful island with the freedom of being able to travel all over without being interrogated at check points or asked to show passports. I wonder how many times we remember to say thank you to God for living in such a peaceful setting.
Liz Lambotte


New Challenges
With many of Jersey Network groups now having members of the older generation it was decided by the President and Vice President to take a fresh look. Some of these groups started as young wives etc., but Network wanted to emphasise that it was now to encompass groups of all ages throughout our Methodist Churches. So following on from our previous two Saturday morning sessions ‘Christmas Unwrapped’ and ‘OASIS’ we planned a:
United Nations Festival
This was our most ambitious programme so far – a United Nations Festival. The idea was not only to celebrate that Network was all ages but also that Jersey Methodism had a wonderful mixture of cultures.

Wilma from Holland
We used the Boys Brigade Headquarters at Les Freres where representatives covered tables with artefacts, flags, etc of different countries plus most important food tasters typical of that country. Portugal, Holland, South Africa, England, Philippines, Switzerland were represented plus of course Jersey and all supported by live music. Plus a Fair Trade stall, and a stall displaying plants from around the world with our Jersey Gardening Guru, Denis to answer questions. Ploughman’s lunch was served with drinks providing further time for socialising. Whilst this was going on in another Hall there was a programme for everyone to join in. It started with Dao Yin which attracted a mixed age. Each circuit church was encouraged to send a mixed age five-a-side football team. This was mainly youngsters and the finalists were given a cup.

David Coote presents the trophy to the winners
Something more for everyone was the ‘Curling’ and teams of young and old challenged each other. For the young there was a children’s activity corner. Despite poor weather we had a really good turnout from all ages and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the time.


South African with Christopher, son of Nicky Salmon
All these activities have been completely free including refreshments for everyone and just put out containers for donations. Every time including the last event we have completely covered our costs and had some left over.
Lynn White (President) and Barbara Coote (Vice President) have enjoyed working on these programmes with the support of many people from the different Jersey Island Network groups and we look forward to trying out some more ideas in the future.
Barbara Coote

I also had a comment from a visitor to this event;
Just to say that I took the children to the Methodist "UN day" at Les Freres on Saturday, and it was extremely good, with lots to capivate the interest (and the palate). The lady from Holland had a very interesting wooden game, which they particularly liked, and a word sheet to take away. The boys were amused to see her youngest son had "clog" shaped slippers! It was nice to see and chat to Iris Le Feuvre at the Jersey stand too (with bean crock, cabbage loaf, and wonders), as I hadn’t seen her for ages, and we go back a long way (we were often round at her farm as children!). The other tables too were well laid out and interesting (it was good to see the Fair Trade table too), and the plants of the world was also a clever idea.
Tony Bellows

Samares News;

God’s Smuggler 50 Years on…
Over fifty years ago a Christian called Brother Andrew saw the need to help our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in what was then a Europe divided in two by the advance of atheistic Communism from the East. The story of that time was written down in God’s Smuggler, an inspiring book which many of us have read. Brother Andrew went on to form Open Doors which today is “an international ministry serving persecuted Christians and the Suffering Church world-wide”.
The grace and providence of God has been seen over and over again in the ministry they have provided. For more information go to http://www.opendoorsuk.org
As part of their Anniversary celebrations in 2005, Open Doors launched a Jubilee appeal and one of the projects was to provide safe houses in countries where Christians are in grave danger due to their commitment to Jesus. One safe house typically costs £7000. We at Samares Methodist Church feel that the Christians of Jersey should be able to raise this amount to provide funds for a safe haven and launched an appeal to this effect in June 2005. Since that time we have received a number of contributions from various churches across the island and we intend to run the appeal at least until the end of 2006 when we are hopeful we will have seen the desired sum raised.


Kitchen of the SafeHouse Cafe
One fund raising event for the Safe House Appeal was a "Safe House cafe" in our church hall and chapel on Saturday 8th April 2006 which was very well supported by a large range of people. The Faith page in the JEP on the previous day got the news to at least one person who came along and BBC Radio Jersey were announcing it on the morning of the event. I was interviewed on the Easter Sunday Morning radio programme by Lynsey Beahan to further publicise the cause.

Happy diners...
The cafe had several strings to its bow! From 1030 to 1230 we served coffee/tea, cake and biscuits and from 1230 to 2.30 pm we followed with simple lunches of soup, sandwiches and desserts. Alongside this we had stalls of toys, books, Bric a Brac and cakes which were well 'rummaged' by most people present. In total we raised £787.51. We had a second fund raising event on the same theme on Saturday 22nd July when we served ice cream, coffee, tea etc from 11 am with simple lunches from noon up until 2 pm. This event raised a further £184.40 towards the grand total and with the news that our brothers and sisters in Bethlehem are also raising funds towards the appeal, our target is in sight! To date (August 2006) the amount raised is £4893.91- the latest news about the appeal can be seen at www.samare.fsnet.co.uk/open_doors_appeal.htm.
If you haven’t yet contributed and wish to do so then you can send a cheque made out to “Samarès Methodist Church” to Mr. R. Walker, 39, Millennium Court, La Greve d'Azette, St. Clement JE2 6GS. Please write “Safe House” on the back of the cheque. A very grateful Thank You goes to all who have helped so far!
Stephen Higginson


Methodism in Brazil

David and Barbara at Sao Paolo
In July I was privileged to go to Brazil to represent the British Methodist Conference at a meeting of the Brazilian Methodist Church General Council which meets every four or five years. Barbara was able to join with me and before the Council we spent a week travelling to see many projects supported by the Methodist Church.
The Methodist Church in Brazil is a growing church with more ministers than it can employ full-time and many in training. Its worship is confident and loud. Music groups play a vital role in church life. Dance and movement emerge naturally from within the congregation with an average age well below the norm in Britain. The church also maintains an impressive list of ‘social action projects ‘ across a huge country providing for the homeless, street children, slum dwellers and those addicted to drugs or alcohol. In a leaflet prepared for the Shade and Water project it states, ‘the Church affirms its responsibility for the holistic well- being of all people as an inherent part of its fidelity to the Word of God as expressed in the New and Old Testaments’.
Significant resources which maintain the life of the church in its discipleship, evangelistic and educational work are home generated from funds derived through an involvement in higher education. Many social projects are financed from outside of the country mainly from the USA or Germany but also from Britain. In our visit we were introduced to a project among indigenous Indians supported by Network. We also visited ‘Casa de Passagem’ (Passage House) a project supported by Christian

Passage House discussion group

Aid and this year by St Aubin as its summer outreach project. It targets children at social risk, providing community rights and citizenship programmes and employment training.
The term fresh expressions of church could well be applied to many a project.
A dance workshop, run by a young man whose life as a drug addict had been turned round after an experience of Christ, is centred on a small half built church amid self built homes on what was the rubbish tip of the one and three quarter million city of Manaus in the heart of the Amazon region.
Here also was a hospital boat that took medical assistance to those living in the Amazon rain forest only accessible by river. We had a fascinating river trip from Manaus which is close to the point where the (black) Niger converges with the (brown) Salimoes to become the Amazon and for several miles flow together at different speeds and colours. Manaus itself was once a centre of a prosperous – for a few Europeans – rubber industry but is now a busy industrial place exporting via ships along a thousand miles of Amazon river to the United States and Europe paper and manufactured goods. The authorities are sensitive to the ecological issues but as with most developing countries do not want to bear the burden of ‘saving the planet’ whilst the rich world carries on as normal.
We were glad that the Rev Oseias Barbosa De Silva, who visited us here in Jersey last year and who has begun a five year appointment in Tewksbury this year, helped to explain how the Channel Islands are part of the British Isles but independent of Westminster. ‘Like the Malvinos’, would come the reply! A former Mayor of Sao Paulo had helped to put Jersey on the map by investing in a Jersey bank £500 million of embezzled money ! Corruption in Brazil’s Government is assumed in a country where despite a growing middle class due to a thriving economy the rich get richer and the poor remain poor with a large number living in appalling conditions.


Church on a Rubbish Dump

Regional Conferences take place annually; the General Council every four years. This year it met in a very pleasant holiday/convention centre in Aracruz in the state of Espirito Santo. The language barrier was frequently broken down by obvious signs of affection and kindness and with the aid of translators. With this help we were able to follow debates and get some insight into the issues that are uppermost in the Brazilian church at the present time. Significant tensions exist largely around the nature of the church, its social action programme and its response to the rapidly growing Pentecostal churches. Ecumenical contact especially with the Roman Catholic Church is shunned by a significant number of the people.
These tensions played a part in the election of the college of Bishops which began at dawn with prayer and fasting and concluded at 4 pm when a hungry conference went for lunch. It was an exciting though somewhat undignified event which reminded us of the Eurovision Song Contest as the individual votes of the 142 voting members of Council were read and an electronic score board gave the current state of play. It took four rounds of voting to secure eight Bishops with the required seventy two votes to qualify. Two of the current Bishops were not re-elected including the present Presiding Bishop, Bishop Joao Alves de Oliveira Filho. Although the Bishops certainly provide the church with a focus for leadership there is not here a model of election we would want to emulate in the British Methodist Church.
There was as one would expect debates over a range of topics. Electronic voting which worked well and there was much enthusiastic worship conducted within the framework of Brazilian time which often meant that sessions started late. No one was much troubled with this or by conference going on late into the night. No problem!
The Conference banner which also carried the logos of business sponsors read in Portuguese, ‘Witness the joy and hope of service’. There was certainly much evidence of joy and hope despite anxieties and much sadness with the personal stances that some were taking on ecumenism and church priorities.
There is a real sense of confidence that the grace and power of Christ can change lives. This, linked to a missionary zeal goes a long way to explain the churches growth which in membership is about half the current size of the British Methodist Church. Wesley studies featured prominently in training. Superbly crafted murals depicting the life of the Wesleys cover the walls of the Faculty of Theology of the Methodist University of Sao Paulo and there were frequent references to the life and words of John Wesley throughout the General Council week. Liberation Theology was also on the syllabus but there was not much evidence of it being reflected in the life of the church at least at the point at which it engages with economic or political action.
We returned to Jersey deeply grateful for the warm hospitality shown to us by a great many people. We left a growing church, not without its internal struggles but one which certainly brought together the four key words of the Conference theme - witness, joy, hope and service.
David Coote


Three Churches News (Ebenezer, Sion, Eden)
On 16th July the three churches came together at the parish field behind Trinity Parish Hall for a Service in the open air. A cloudless sky and hot temperatures set the scene for a really good day. Over one hundred people of all ages came together including 20 plus boys and leaders of Blantyre Boys Brigade Company from Scotland who had just arrived for a summer camp in Jersey, their 4th visit to Les Freres.

Blantyre B.B. company
The Service, led by Billy Slatter and Chris White, included a blend of traditional Methodist favourites and popular modern songs. Billy did not preach from the back of the lorry as planned, but Pauline had pride of place instead, playing the keyboard up on the lorry. Chris interviewed John Murray, MBE, the BB Captain, and Billy preached on the story of Gideon and how great things can be achieved by unlikely people who put their trust in God. The message was perfectly and memorably illustrated by a tug of war competition with the boys from Scotland against the rest of the congregation. To cut a long story short, the Jersey side were left with one young lad from Ebenezer, and he won! A little secret, he had some help from his Dad and a mechanical friend! JP will answer any queries!

Jersey boy gets help!
After the service, the sunshades came out, games were played on the field and a splendid barbecue had been organised with an additional chef from Sion to swell the expert team from Ebenezer to ensure everyone went home well fed. Everyone agreed it was a great day of worship, fun and friendship.
Our annual summer outing was not so lucky with the weather, but that didn’t stop the hardy young and not so young travelling around the island on the florally decorated Pallot lorry. The first stop was a swim at Rozel, then into town with the much enjoyed ‘scream trips’ through the tunnel, and then onto Millbrook Park for sandwiches, with finally a hop across to Greve de Lecq beach for the afternoon and a highly competitive sand-castle building contest.
Our successful Family Services began on the 10th September, to coincide with the schools going back. As mentioned before this was started on a trial basis at the beginning of the year and has proved successful. The traditional service starts at 10 am with a coffee break at 10.45 in the Hall, with the Family Service starting at 11ish. It really is inspiring to see the young and older generations worshipping and participating together in a more informal environment.
Jeannie Richardson’s ‘Pickles’ parents and toddlers group has proved successful, but Jeannie has changed the time to 9.30 to 11.30 am, making it easier for parents doing the afternoon school run. Please phone Jeannie on 878999 for further details on this wonderful new venture. Please continue to pray for each of the three churches involved in talks over the merger. The future for each congregation is so important to us all.
Michael Picot

MHA JERSEY – Quarterly Newsletter
This last quarter has again been a very busy time for our company, as we move forward with plans for the future.
Rev. David Coote is organising a Circuit evening service at Georgetown on Sunday 29th October 2006, to celebrate the work of MHA Jersey over the last 40 years. The Directors and staff look forward to seeing as many of you as possible to join us in this very special celebration. Watch your church newsletter for further details of this event
Maison La Corderie – Matron, Liz Booth, 872454
With the improvements made to the short stay rooms and bathrooms, as detailed in previous quarter’s news, we are seeing a higher occupancy of these rooms. These are available for respite use for short or long stays and our rate is VERY competitive compared to other facilities available in Jersey. Our permanent rooms are now all taken.
Matron celebrated her 50th birthday in July, and had a wonderful day celebrating with the residents and her family who had travelled over from the UK. Liz organised a BBQ at the Home which was also a wonderful hot summer’s day, and we all had a great time. Liz was overjoyed with the number of people who attended and she says that it will be a day to remember, having her family and her ‘extended family’ around her.
Our ‘Open Day’ held in August was a great success. We had over 100 people through the doors and it has generated a lot of discussion in the wider community. People were very impressed with our updated bathroom facilities and this ‘day’ has lifted the profile of the wonderful work done by MHA in Jersey. There was a knock-on effect, as our residents enjoyed the day greatly, and some were very generous in taking people around on a tour of the premises and allowing them to see their rooms. They were so proud to show everyone their Home.

Stuart Court – Matron, Jan Robinson, 726936
The dining room extension plans are now out to tender, so at long last we are moving forward. The long awaited improvement to the car parking situation has begun. The garden at Denehurst is going to form an extension to the existing car park and make parking a lot easier and safer for all. Also, as part of the negotiations with Planning Dept., there will be a visual improvement to the whole property with the building of a new granite wall to hide our ugly bin storage area.

Denehurst – Administrator, Michael Picot, 852954
As with the dining room extension to Stuart Court the plans are now out to tender for the conversion of this property. This will provide three self contained flats with full facilities, completely independent of the Home next door.
We already have an oversubscribed waiting list for these units, and that is without any publicity! So I’m afraid the waiting list is now closed for the moment.
A new car park is also being created in the lower garden to provide parking for these flats, together with some guest parking.
Michael Picot - Administrator

District Policy committee
This met on Sat. Sept. 9th at St. Helier Methodist Centre in the warm sunshine that is traditional. In his opening remarks, David Coote spoke of the challenge of reaching Generation X, those born between 1960 and 1980, who are searching for meaning but don’t find it in our churches. Few are attracted by old-time religion and they don’t want pre-packaged truths. However there are fresh expressions happening, he was meeting the Dean, Rev. Bob Key soon and we should not be defeatist.
The Roman Catholic Dean of Jersey, Canon Nicholas France, spoke on the progress of ecumenism. For some it was U-cum-in-ism (i.e. join us), others were ecumaniacs, while many were content to remain in their own denomination. Being willing to learn from other Christians was important to build relations between churches. The Councils of Churches set up after the war were almost another denomination with a routine of joint activities. They have been replaced by Churches (or Christians ) Together which enables people to collaborate. Springboard and Walk Jersey have been two ventures during his time as President of CTJ. He would like to hand on to an Anglican when he retires from the post, but finds they are more self-contained than Methodists or his own church.
Rev. David Hart, Superintendent of Guernsey circuit said that a review had been demanded at their February circuit meeting. It has found a strong attachment to the local chapel but little sense of circuit vision. The present arrangement of chapels was, he said, a relic of a past age as surely as the decaying greenhouses. The Brock Road site in St. Peter Port has been sold recently and 13 recommendations are being considered by the churches. It was interesting to hear that the other island is on the same path as we have started with ‘Shaped for mission’
After an excellent lunch we heard from Rev. Liz Hunter about the Methodist Art Exhibition and about David Coote’s trip to Brazil. Then Rev. Chris White asked the DPC to urge our government to take action on implementing financial controls to avoid large tax losses by developing countries. However most speakers felt that our governments were already well aware of the need for high standards of regulation. Though it is an important issue, the DPC didn’t have the time or expertise to make an appropriate statement.
We learnt that Karen Bell from Guernsey is going forward for foundation training and selected June Le Rossignol and Rev. David Hart to represent us at Conference in Blackpool from 5th to 12th July. We dispersed at 4.30, to meet again in Jersey next May as a full Synod.

September Circuit Meeting.
Rev. David Coote welcomed members to St. Martin and reminded us not to be easily distracted (as his teachers once said of him) and read Jesus’ call to “bring good news to the poor.. “ from Luke 4.
In place of Caroline Homan there is £16,500 in a District Development Fund if any person or group wants training. We welcome the imminent appointment of an Anglican prison chaplain to work alongside Henry Le Ruez and Father Michael. We were given copies of the “Fresh expressions” newspaper and expect a visit from Peter Pillinger next August.
We heard good news about a wedding at Georgetown, building work at St. Aubin, Wednesday coffee mornings and monthly lunches at the Bay, 16 close to finishing the Disciple course, 3 going on a work party to Kenya and young and old worshipping together at Ebenezer.
In her report, Di Toole thanked the previous Senior Circuit steward, Enid Quenault for her leadership and welcomed new stewards, Sue Le Riche and Gary Godefroy. She also thanked Eric Le Rossignol for his work as Treasurer and said they had several applicants for a paid treasurer to take his place The manse ‘Acierto’ had been purchased for £525,000 and had been made ready rapidly for Malcolm and Charmaine Bailey. 43 people had attended an open viewing of Croix au Lion manse so there will hopefully be a successful sale soon.
Eric Le Rossignol’s accounts were adopted without discussion and a tribute to his thorough work. He proposed we paid a premium of £100 to give indemnity to stewards up to £100k. He also reminded treasurers that a standard format for accounts will soon be in place.
David Coote drew attention to the Circuit mission statement printed on the front page of this issue of the Jersey Methodist. Circuit stewards will be attending all church councils to hear their response and progress will be assessed at the Spring circuit meeting.

Malcolm Salmon, fit again, outlined the 4 points of his youth programme as agreed with his management committee led by Billy Slatter. He also led us through the Safeguarding Policy which will be implemented in the next year.
Billy Slatter said the 3 churches merger has faced difficulties but they are working hard to overcome them. David Coote read a letter he is sending to La Rocque. It apologises for inadvertently selling a strip of land giving access to the beach, along with the La Rocque manse At the time no-one had been aware of it.
On behalf of the stewards, John Le Gresley proposed that the CLT explore the engagement of an Estate Management Consultant to advise on the future use of redundant Methodist Property. This was agreed, though it has to fit with Standing Orders.
A paper was circulated to the meeting from Rev David Le Seelleur who suggesting that in the event of the Maison Binet flats being sold the proceeds of sale be given to Methodist Homes Jersey. Di Toole Senior Steward responded by informing the meeting that following any sale a proposal would be made to the Circuit Meeting for a donation to be made from the Circuit Advance Fund which would be the recipient of the the proceeds.
The meeting then considered a resolution brought by Rev Geoffrey Nowell originally composed by the Maison Binet Committee that if the residents of the Maison Binet flats moved from the flats they should not be financially disadvantaged. Following lengthy debate Geoff withdrew the proposition and a vote was not taken.
A proposal was then brought to the meeting by Di Toole that the flats would not be sold until such time as flats were vacated. The Meeting gave support to this proposal.
The discussion of Maison Binet took up the remaining time, till we closed at 9.45 with a taster of the Methodist Art exhibition from Liz Hunter.
Ed Le Quesne

New Baby

After a long labour, Jeremy and Margaret Troxler’s baby girl, arrived on Monday June 19th. Ada Evangeline weighed 8lb 3 ounces. Jeremy says “When we look at Ada we can't help but see her resemblance to her father, in the eyes, in her cheeks, and in her expressions: and despite that fact, she's actually beautiful! A few people have asked us why we chose her name: "Ada Evangeline" (pronounced "ee-VAN-jell-een"). The short explanation is that we liked those names, and they both just came to us very early on: when we put them together they sounded like poetry to me (I'm an English literature major) and we just knew that was what it was meant to be. We liked "Ada" from the start because it sounds like a mountain name to us and it's the name of a minor character in the Bible, "Adah," who is the wife of Esau in Genesis. In German, the name Ada is derived from a root word meaning "Happy"; in English, it's derived from a word that means, "Noble or Serene." We chose the middle name, Evangeline, because of the word's meaning. "Evangel" is the Greek word that the Bible uses for "Gospel," for the good news of Jesus Christ. It's the same root that makes up the words "Evangelism or Evangelist." The name literally means, "Bearer of the Good News." It is our prayer for Ada that in her life she would always be a bearer of the good news of Jesus: so much so that in fact "good news" is her middle name. ”
From an e-mail sent to Iris Le Feuvre


SAMARES METHODIST YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENABLER ANDREW BIRD


Andrew and Monica welcomed by Henry Le Ruez
Samares Methodist Church is a friendly fellowship that seeks to be creative and imaginative in reaching our local area with the great news of Jesus. This Biblical passion for being a church that takes seriously our Lords mandate to share His love and saving grace, within the context of twenty first century life, attracted me to the post of Youth and community development.
Together we are seeking to develop relationships with all ages and social backgrounds from our community - ranging from schools to retirement homes, single folk to family units.
As we progressively expand our connections and influence within society, the need for constant change is a demanding yet exciting challenge. This we seek to do as a fellowship with a sense of unity and common purpose, with Christ at the centre.
I am greatly blessed to be married to Monica, who is not only beautiful, but a great support and encouragement. Together we seek to serve the Lord in our different areas of influence, and feel blessed to be living in Jersey. We particularly enjoy the beaches and ever changing coast line. I additionally get to indulge in a little fishing, which along with football is a favourite sport of mine.
Andrew Bird
(Andrew begun work in this full-time post in May)

Preachers in Training

Chris Haines is continuing Foundation Training. Now his wife Linda writes as follows:
I have felt for a while that God has been calling me to preach, and so to start the process of becoming a Local Preacher I spoke to my Minister, Rev Kevin Jones. I was then given a note to preach from Rev David Coote, (it really is a Note!) I have been most fortunate that I have June Le Rossignol as Mentor. She has been taking me around the Circuit, showing me the ropes and giving advice. I have felt God’s presence with me as I have been taking various parts of the service and receiving great encouragement from the congregations that I have visited. I have also been busy studying the Faith and Worship Course, spending time with Rev Liz Hunter discussing theology. I have a long way to go yet, but I do feel that I have been blessed, and encouraged to carry on.
Linda Haines

Katie Norman is on trial



A very successful day!

“Fairy tales from Andersen” proved to be a winner at this year’s Battle of Flowers. All the hard work by so many people paid off and resulted in a stunning float that won five trophies!
In the paper class, we won 1st prize, the Youth Trophy, the ‘Best Set piece’ Trophy (for the sleigh), the Best 2-dimensional Trophy (for the title book cover) and the Prix D’Excellence de Papier Trophy. This is only the second time that we have won all five trophies.

The children on the float were delightful - Nanneke as the Snow Queen, Rebecca in the flower as Thumberlina, and Kirsty as the Mermaid with her beautiful tail. The other youngsters, walking or dancing, were Daniel, Hannah, Chloe, Evangeline, Emma and Beth. Maureen as the sweep who fell in love with the Shepherdess, Wendy; Nance as the Emperor carrying the nightingale in a golden cage were the accompanying adults. The float was very ably towed (with our very own small mower/tractor) by John Hunter, the king who ‘was in the altogether’ new suit of clothes!
Grateful thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make this year’s exhibit such a success.
Nance Hicklin

Methodist Church Collection of Modern Christian Art
In the early 1960s a Methodist layman, Dr John Morel Gibbs, made the observation that the artistic quality of ‘religious art’ and ‘church furnishings’ was poor. His vision was for a collection of specially commissioned and carefully bought paintings to be created that would serve to encourage more imaginative use of art in the religious context. The result was the Methodist Church Collection of Modern Art and we have the privilege of welcoming this collection to Jersey in early 2007.
Including works by Graham Sutherland, Mark Cazalet and Francis Hoyland, the exhibition will be displayed at two venues – St Helier Methodist Centre and Jersey Arts Centre. With over 40 works in the collection it promises to be an amazing opportunity for the people of the island to engage with the Gospel message presented in a format which is accessible to all different backgrounds, ages and faiths.
The exhibition will be in Jersey from January 15th until February 11th. Details of opening times will be published at a later date. To enable the exhibition to be available to as many people as possible we do need STEWARDS. You will not be expected to be an expert on the paintings, rather just a presence in the building to enable it to remain open whilst the works of art are there. If you would be interested in helping or require further information please contact SHMC 877517 or Revd Liz Hunter 739906.

Circuit Young Church Action Team Meeting – Wed. 11th Oct., 7.30 pm at St Helier Methodist Centre. Please ensure a representative from each church attends to enable us to share information and encourage one another. A young person rep. would be good too!

Circuit Youth Fellowship 6.30 – 8.30 pm; fortnightly from 8th October at Seawood House, Tower Road


Safeguarding Training;
Two training events are currently planned for all children’s/youth workers, those involved with music/drama groups, uniformed organisations. In the session we will be familiarising ourselves with what constitutes child abuse and how to identify it, be aware of the current legislation and our current safeguarding procedures. To help us develop confidence and knowledge to ensure good practise. Please make every effort to attend one of the dates below; a third evening will be planned in the New Year.
Tuesday 24th Oct – Bethlehem 7.30 – 9.30 pm
Wednesday 22nd Nov – St Martin 7.30 – 9.30 pm

La Rocque

John Gottrell was presented with a certificate recently from the Methodist Church Music Society to celebrate more than 60 years of service as organist at La Rocque Methodist Church. This award coincided with his 80th birthday in May.

Les Freres Badminton
A badminton club has commenced at Les Freres on Friday evenings from the beginning of September to include coaching if required. There will also be table tennis.
St. Martin
The first meeting of a course called ‘Bible for Beginners’ on Sept 13th was held at the home of Donald and Sue Reid. Led by Billy Slatter, an encouraging 14 turned up. It will run fortnightly up to Christmas.
The church held an away-day on Saturday 30th September at the Biarritz Hotel from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Midweek Service at Georgetown
Midweek worship is helpful for those who cannot always come to Church on a Sunday due to work or family pressures. It is also there for a different pace and style of worship offering more time to a theme and then conversation. In an age of coffee and conversation it may not be too long before we see the end of the Sunday sermon where only the preacher speaks. Too much worship can appear like a spectator sport rather than a corporate sharing of life and faith. There’s a thought to ponder!
Just once a month on a Thursday at 8 pm. about half a dozen people have met in Church to see a video from the Bible Society. Then people share their views and thoughts and then prayers take place. I recently heard of a book club where everyone reads the same novel and then meet over refreshments to discuss it. Could there possibly be some theology in “ Midsomer Murders” or in the latest Ian Rankin novel?
We are a Circuit Church open to anyone to drop in If you would like to come along please do try it out. . Revd Chris White
Young people
Julia Picot, daughter of David and Fiona, has a B.Sc Hons in Biological Sciences from Warwick University.
Alex White, son of Chris and Lynn, has started an Art Foundation course at Kingston Poly.
Charlotte Hunter, daughter of John and Liz, has a place for Sept 07 at City University to study Performing Arts, Music and Eng.Lit. In her gap year she is working at Alexander Forbes as well as going with the Kenya work party in November.
Interested in Children’s Work?
John Hardwick is coming to Jersey in October. John is a national children’s worker with many talents; he can juggle, ride a unicycle, work puppets, write songs, produce CD’s, write holiday clubs. He regularly works at Spring Harvest and Easter People and is generally a quality person for us to have in Jersey for a weekend.
On Saturday morning, 7th October he will be running a training session from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for people who work with children in any way. Then, at 4.00 p.m. there will be a children’s tea and praise party so we can see how to apply the things we learn. Both these events are at St. Helier Methodist Centre.
On Sunday 8th October, John will be leading the family Service at St. Martin and children from other churches around the circuit will be joining us so that is one not to miss.
Billy Slatter

Items for the January issue should be sent to Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St. Helier, JE2 4RU by
Christmas E-mail edleq@jerseymail.co.uk