Issue
No.81
Welcome to Rev.
Christine Legge
Bethlehem was
packed as the Circuit welcomed Christine at a service on Monday September 1st.
Christine was supported by her mother and her brother Brian, an engineer with
British telecoms working in Bristol.
Rev.
David Coote led the service and brought greeting from Charmaine Bailey and
Malcolm Salmon. In his sermon, based on Luke 4 v. 14 - 21, he spoke of the
circuit being pregnant with opportunity as it seeks to be outward looking -
mission focussed
Christine made her promises of faithful service before being welcomed by circuit
steward John Le Gresley, members of her four churches, including Bethlehem's Graham
Bisson, who started a tradition of hugs, Then she was welcomed by Rev. Bob
Naylor, Rector of St. Mary, Brian Vibert from St. Ouen and Deputy Juliette
Gallichan from St. Marys Parish.
Cornerstone led the singing throughout and ended the service with a song of
blessing. All moved to the hall for ample refreshments and the crowded car park
gradually emptied. Our prayers are with her as she begins her ministry among us.
Ed Le Quesne
I was very fortunate to be brought up in a
Christian home and the whole family attended Sunday worship and all other
activities at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church (12 miles south of Bristol) with my
parents being involved in every area of church life. I became a Sunday School
teacher at age 12 and was involved in setting up a Clevedon Circuit Youth group
which led on to my becoming a Local Preacher in 1986, I still remember my
Recognition Service which was a wonderful occasion. I often felt that God was
calling me into full-time ministry but with well paid jobs in British Rail and
then the Electricity Industry it was fairly easy to ignore the call. I became
quite good at ignoring it in fact, but God does have a way of getting us to
listen to Him. In March 1999 I was involved in a very serious car accident while
on holiday in India and it was during the 18 month recovery time, during which I
was given time to reflect on my life and what I should be doing with it, that
with God's prompting and the encouragement of ministers and others that I
offered to test my call for the Methodist Ministry. I now listened attentively
to God and was finally sure, during a Retreat in Warminster in January 2001 that
this was indeed God's will and so completed my training at Wesley College,
Bristol. My first appointment was to the Bude Circuit which covers North Devon
and North Cornwall, I lived in Hartland (the little bulgy-bit on the North Devon
coast - a beautiful place with good people) and had charge of initially three,
rising to five, churches during my six years there. My Ordination in Leicester
in June 2004 was another highlight in my walk with God and I was supported by
family, friends and folk from the Bude Circuit,Redcliffe Bayand elsewhere. My
motto in ministry has been to 'Show
and Share Jesus' through my life, and
to encourage others to do the same. May God continue to call each one of us -
and may we all be willing to listen and obey. Every blessing to you..
Love Christine
Dear Friend,
Hopefully by now you will have heard of the
circuit 'Is God calling you?' The Initiative is based upon the conviction that
God calls each of us to something special. And without the bit that you can give
or do, the whole suffers. The particular initiative is part of our strategy to
build up the life of our local churches by employing appropriately trained
people in outward looking mission focused work. Such work, as a leaflet prepared
for use says, could be among the young but not necessarily so. The initiative
grew out of conversations in the Circuit Leadership Team and among the Staff. We
urge local churches to explore ways in which outward looking mission focused
work could be part of their programme and at the same time to seek to discern if
there are those within the congregation who, with training and financial
support, could respond and make that work more effective.
Of course God calls us to all kinds of different
tasks and not exclusively to church based work. Many of us will find that our
calling - or vocation - is to tasks elsewhere. If the spin off to this
initiative is to encourage us all to once again examine what God wants of us in
His Kingdom building work and if it encourages us to examine how we use our time
and gifts and wealth then it will have been worthwhile. If at the same time it
brings new life and enthusiasm to our churches then we can be doubly grateful.
The story so far is encouraging.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu once, in an address,
spoke about a symphony orchestra, an illustration I confess to having
plagiarised on numerous occasions. Have you ever seen a symphony orchestra? They
are dolled up and beautiful with their magnificent instruments, cellos, violins,
etc. Sometimes, dolled up as the rest, there is a chap at the back carrying a
triangle. Now and again the conductor will point to him and he will play 'ting'.
That might seem insignificant, but something irreplaceable would be lost to the
total beauty of the symphony if the 'ting' did not happen. In the praise ascending
to Gods throne something totally irreplaceable of your unique way of loving God
would be missing.
So what is God calling you to? Well at the risk
of being corny there is certainly something missing in Gods scheme of things if
what you have to offer is missing - even if you think it is but a 'ting'.
Yours in grace and peace
David
Stand to serve?
Harold Macmillan was asked by a young journalist
after a long dinner, what can most easily steer a government off course, he
answered "Events, dear boy, events. ... Perhaps its not just events
that have undermined confidence and popularity in the British Prime Minister but
the turbulent and vulnerable financial system sparked off by the imprudent
activities, even greed of the United States mortgage market and the policies of
some financial institutions has certainly delivered a blow, perhaps even a
knockout blow to one previously praised for his solid handling of the British
economy. However he may yet show himself the person to lead Britain through the
crises. In the few weeks between my writing this piece and your reading it more
'events' will have taken place.
Who would be a politician? Who would stand to
serve? Clearly there are many here in Jersey who would like to be and the autumn
elections will leave many disappointed, some elated. I am not a cynical observer
of politicians and I believe that most people do not enter politics to serve
their own interests or to polish their egos. There may be some who do and there
may be others who have a masochistic element in their makeup but it's not a
general rule. At least that's my observation. I speak as I have found.
Politicians in Jersey,
which is a small jurisdiction do not, like Presidents or Prime Ministers of
major world powers have the clout to move the world on big issues. They do
however have the opportunity to make Jersey a fairer, kinder and more equitable
place in which to live and to seek for the prosperity of the Island whilst
having a care for the environment and recognising a responsibility to the wider
world beyond.
Possessing a vision of what the good society
would look like matched with a down to earth practical bent which changes vision
into reality is essential. As democratic politics is the art of the possible
persuasive gifts and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues are a
must. Hopefully, unlike many who stand for election in the United States single
issues such as abortion or homosexuality will not be the determining factor for
the person of faith either to stand or to vote. Personal integrity is essential.
Generosity of spirit linked with a desire to see justice prevail and what
Christians speak off as love which has been described in part as goodwill on
fire are the attributes that Christians seek in a politician. And the ambition
to serve has got to be a major element in the person specification.
The ability to cope with events, the
unpredictable happening and the ability to keep your head when those around are
losing theirs, are also qualities we should look for in a politician.
All this is a pretty tall
order and it's not an exhaustive list! We, like those who stand to serve, will
struggle to meet these qualities but aspiration is also something we would hope
for in a politician. The world, your world and mine can only be as good as the
ones who inhabit it. Events can knock us off course and so for the Christian
holding on to Christ through the rough and tumble of a political life or any
life is not an optional extra but an absolute necessity.
David
Farewell Charmaine Bailey!
We said Farewell to Charmaine on a July Friday
evening at a Faith Supper and celebration at Bethlehem. Many people from the
West Section arrived carrying lots of food to share and soon the tables down the
middle of the hall were crammed with plates and bowls of good things to eat!
Following this time of meeting, greeting and
eating, people moved into the Church for the celebration. Praise songs were sung
with enthusiastic gusto as we Methodists are proud to do. The music was led by a
combined section praise group comprising singers, piano, guitar and organ
accompaniment.
Katie Norman then reminded us of Charmaine's
strengths and the love and respect in which both she and Malcolm are held. Katie
wondered how Charmaine ever has time to get off her knees, given the length of
her prayer list! However, we could all be sure that any request on the list
would be prayed for from the heart. She presented Charmaine with gifts from the
section: a print of a picture of St Aubin's painted by Carolyn Lake; a house
sign, Corbière, made by Lloyd Le Gresley and a cheque. Katie stated that
Charmaine would never forget Jersey either from inside or outside her new house
in Halifax!
Charmaine responded by thanking everyone for
coming and for the gifts. She loves St Aubin's and the church which forms the
centrepiece of the picture. She and Malcolm had arrived in Jersey as a team and
she was sad that Malcolm had not been able to fulfil all the plans and visions
he had for the four churches. Charmaine referred to the house sign and its
unusual letter C. Its shape represented to her half a heart. Half a heart is
leaving Jersey-the other half is in Heaven.
St. Aubin by Carolyn
Lake,, a favourite place
Charmaine said that they
had never been to a place where people have been so friendly and loving. She
wanted to share some thoughts from one of Malcolm's sermons. Philippians was his
favourite book. The theme of his sermon was For to me, to live is Christ, to die
is gain. We are assured that we can never be separated from the love of Christ
and Charmaine has found this to be true from her own experience. Without the
love and strength of God, she would have found it difficult to cope. The song
that followed, In Christ alone, reflected this theme. Doreen Munro led us in prayer for Charmaine
before the evening ended with I want to serve the purpose of God - which fits
Charmaine perfectly - and the sharing of the Grace.
Richard Quenault
News from Danny and Rebecca Desbois
ABOUT BETHESDA
Bethesda started in July 2008 and
currently consists of a manor house plus three bed and breakfast rooms, sleeping
eight guests. Bethesda (house of grace) - a place of safety, healing and
restoration. We anticipate there will soon be teaching weekends and events
giving opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. Expansion plans include a
Christian Camping and Caravan Site - watch this space!
ABOUT US
Owned and run by Daniel and
Rebecca Desbois, Paul and Kelly Dobson (Chesterfield) and Chris and Lesley
Pearson (Olive Branch Ministries). Daniel and Rebecca have lived in
France since August 2005 when God called them to leave Jersey. Paul and Kelly
live in Chesterfield with their daughter Emilie. Kelly plays guitar and is
anointed in leading worship. Chris and Lesley are pastors of Olive Branch
Ministries, and Lesley's artistic talents are being put to good use in the
furnishings of Bethesda.
LOCATION
Situated 30 minutes from St Malo
or 20 minutes from the mediaeval town of Dinan in a beautiful rural location is
this gorgeous farmhouse, built in 1896. Fantastic location for sightseeing,
fishing, horse riding, walking and much more! The historic town of Dinan with
its mediaeval buildings and castle walls is a must to visit. Dinan has plenty of
amenities and a large weekly market (Thursday mornings) with local produce as
well as plenty of bargains! St. Malo is also close by with
safe beaches, weekly markets, and numerous fish restaurants. Visit Mont St Michel, France's
most visited tourist attraction - well worth a visit.
PRICE £25
per person per night, children under 12 staying in the Family Room free.
Price
includes breakfast, bedding and towels.
We would be happy to print a
report of a visit by someone from Jersey in our next issues. Ed(itor)
MIFUMI BBQ
On the l9th July St Ouen's Methodist Church
hosted a BBQ in aid of Mifumi Primary School in the renovated courtyard by the
Church. Inside there was an exhibition of photographs featuring the work of the
School. . John Carnegie, an educational consultant to the school, gave a brief
presentation followed by questions. He pointed out that the school had become a
beacon project in this poor area of Uganda thanks to the generosity of Jersey
residents, UK friends and two work parties sponsored by Jersey Overseas Aid .
Although the school is now well established with
a dedicated Headmaster, facilities are still relatively primitive. Nevertheless
the children now have fresh bore water which has had a very beneficial effect
on their health. Efforts are now being made to provide a regular supply of
electricity through introducing solar power.
The Mifumi Project, which includes a local clinic
and other supportive services, is run by an inspired local African family, Mrs
Atuki Turner being the founder and field director of the work. The evening was a
great success and raised just under £1000 for the work.
John Carnegie
Prayers can't be
answered unless they are prayed.
Life without purpose is barren indeed -
There can't be a harvest
unless you plant seed,
There can't be attainment
unless there's a goal,
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul.
If we sent no ships out, no
ships will come in,
And unless there's a contest,
nobody can win.
For games can't be won unless
they are played,
And prayers can't be answered
unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong in your life today,
You'll find a solution if you
kneel down and pray
Not just for pleasure,
enjoyment and health,
Not just for honours,
prestige and wealth.
But pray for a purpose to
make life worth living,
And pray for the joy of
unselfish giving
For great is your gladness
and rich your reward
When you make your life's
purpose the choice of the Lord.
Unknown
ISRAEL Walking in Jesus footsteps
BY THE SEA OF GALILEE Front Row: Angela Lucas, Jean Schooling,
Sandra Whiteside, Glenys Best, Lorraine Wheeler, Alan Hilton, Edith Le Cornu and
Nola Webster
Back Row: Paul
Huddlestone, Kathy Elvy, Dianne Huddlestone and Lydia Leek.
In April a small group of Christians from Jersey
travelled together to Israel - members of the group were as follows:
Jean Schooling (Group
organiser), Angela Lucas, Glenys Best, Paul & Dianne Huddlestone, Lorraine
Wheeler (plus her mum Lydia from UK) from Bethlehem Church,
Nola Webster and Sandra Whiteside from
Bethesda Church, Edith Le Cornu from Sion Church, plus Alan Hilton from St
Matthews Anglican Church, accompanied by Kathy Elvy a Methodist Lay Preacher
from Portsmouth, who took the role of Spiritual Leader for the tour.
The group were very privileged to have a
wonderful Israeli guide who led them around all the biblical sites and places of
interest, and shared his wonderful love for his beautiful country and brought
the history of Israel alive with his outstanding knowledge.
The first evening was spent at a hotel in Tel
Aviv,, a very vibrant city with a beautiful coastline, following which the group
travelled to the Sea of Galilee, via Jaffa, Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel and
Acre. The group spent 3 days at a beautiful hotel right
on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, during which many biblical sites were
visited: Mount of Beatitudes (Site of the Sermon on the Mount), Tabgha, and
Capernaum, a trip on a Jesus Boat on the Sea of Galilee where a reflective
service was held, and on to Nazareth, Mount Tabor and Megiddo. One of the
highlights of the trip was to go up to the Golan Heights with breathtaking views
of Lebanon and Syria.
On leaving Tiberius, the group travelled to
Yardennit, and many were baptised in the River Jordan and then began the ascent
up to Jerusalem. It is the ONLY city in the entire Bible that we are commanded
to pray for by name. Jerusalem is mentioned 881 times in the Scriptures. It is
considered holy by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. It is indeed a unique
city, both in the world and in the heart of God. The group stayed for 6 nights in Jerusalem
and many biblical sites were visited, including the newly excavated City of
David, and the Pool of Siloam, the Ophel Archaeological Park, the Western Wall,
Temple Mount, the Via Dolorosa following the way Jesus would have walked to his
death on the cross at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and ending triumphantly
at the Garden Tomb, where a Communion service was held.
A day was spent in the desert at Masada, a high
fortress build by Herod, also Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found and
finally the group enjoyed a float on the Dead Sea.
Bethlehem was also visited, which is now a
fortified city, surrounded by a 30 foot concrete wall with very strict border
control, and the group spent time with a group of Palestinian Christians at a
centre called Beit Al Liqa, which has a garden which is a haven of peace for all
the Arab families around, and the love of Jesus is showed in practical and
loving ways. Also, a representative from Bridges for Peace
came to the hotel in Jerusalem to share how they work in practical ways to help
the many Jewish people who are returning to Israel in their thousands from all
over the world (biblical prophecy coming true), after hundreds of years of being
scattered among the nations.
There was also a wonderful day of worship in the
morning at Christchurch Anglican Church, in the Christian quarter of the Old
City of Jerusalem where both the Jewish menorah and the Christian cross stand on
the alter together and worship is in both Hebrew and English. In the evening the
worship was at King of Kings Church which is built under a big shopping centre,
where thousands of Messianic
Jewish worshippers and Christians from all over the world who are visiting the
region worship together.
Throughout the trip, readings, reflections,
personal thoughts were shared by the whole group as they travelled to each
biblical site, and each person felt touched by the wonder of walking in Jesus
footsteps, seeing many biblical places before their very eyes, seeing the beauty
of Israel and its people. The Jewishness of Jesus and the link between
Judaism and Christianity all became clear, and the realisation that the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is preparing to pour out His Blessings on Israel and
the Jewish people after thousands of years of suffering. God is giving
Christians a heart for the Jewish people and many are now standing with them and
praying for them.
All Christians should be encouraged to go to
Israel it really does bring the Bible to life and will change your life forever.
Jean Schooling
Wilma Le Moignan
Georgetown has a new face in the office. Wilma Le
Moignan is there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Her slight accent
tells us that she was born in a little village in the middle of Holland and grew
up in Amsterdam, where her father was a civil servant. Her mother looked after
Wilma and her younger brother Gerrit and sister Greetje. After school she worked
and travelled in France, near Geneva and England, at Elstree. She had 7 years in
Holland in a banking career, then travelled and worked again as a travel company
rep in the Greek islands and doing winter sports in Austria.
Back in Holland she worked for several travel
agencies and the last two years of her stay in Holland she worked at Schipol
Airport, Amsterdam. Through the airline company she worked for, she took a
holiday to Mallorca where she met her Jersey husband, Les Le Moignan and never
looked back They married in 1999, with a civil ceremony in Holland and a wedding
blessing service at Bethesda. Her mother was too ill to travel to Jersey and
died in 2000 but her father visits often.
She and Les, who works as an engineer for Jersey
Brewery, have settled in St. Martin. Her son Thomas, now 8 goes to St. Martins
Primary School. Wilma has settled as a member at Bethlehem and has qualified as
a worship leader. She enjoyed time at home with her young son and is now pleased
to have a part-time job. She grew up in a Reformed Protestant Church in Holland,
but much later in life became a member of a Pentecostal Church, unaware of the
Methodist Church. She is now happy to continue her Christian journey as part of
the Jersey Methodist Church.
Ed Le Quesne
Victory
The old man hesitated for a moment, looking out
across the threshold of his cottage which snuggled against the side of a hill in
the centre of the island. Then, resolutely holding himself erect, or all his
three score years and ten, he walked down the garden and through the gate
leading to the meadows. The feel of the soft, green grass carpet under his feet
instantly comforted him, and the hitherto strained expression on his strong
weather-tanned face softened perceptibly. He sighed softly, but the dull-grey
suffering in his old blue eyes vanished, as he walked on and up the valley to
his favourite viewpoint. How quiet and restful was the spring
evening!
He reached the stile at the head of the vale, and
stood resting for a full minute, with head bent, as though steeling himself for
some painful duty ahead of him. He turned and leaned back against a stile. His
whole being now reflected a quiet confidence in the beauty and power of God's
Nature to heal his bruised soul.
He allowed his gaze first to stretch out across
the meadows and cotils which sloped gently down away from him, until it rested
on a farmhouse and buildings nestling in a group of trees in the heart of the
valley. Immediately thoughts of the past came crowding into his mind. That
farmhouse and all the surrounding land had been his until a year ago, when he
had had to sell it. Yes, he had had perforce to sell this land, his inheritance;
this land which his ancestors had owned and farmed for generations. He was the
last of the family , and he had seen the farm pass out of the family for ever.
Oh, the sorrow of it! Oh, the sheer folly and sinful wastefulness of war! His
only son, beloved, had fallen victim to the Nazi occupation of three (or was it
four?) years ago. He had died because the German authorities had failed to
provide the local doctors with medical supplies when stocks had run out. Dazed
by the shock of his son's early death, he had nevertheless farmed on, helped only
by his ageing wife and two daughters. He knew that every ounce of food he could
grow was urgently needed to feed the islanders, some of whom were then showing
signs of acute undernourishment. Then another blow had fallen. The elder of his
two daughters had fallen ill, smitten by the same unrelenting disease which had
killed his son; she had been an invalid for nearly three years. He had struggled
on with the work of the farm, but soon the Germans had commandeered two of his
arable fields to extend the area of the airport, so that their bombers might
take off and land in greater safety on their murderous flights to and from the
cities of Britain. He had seen his best grazing land mulched to ruin by German
Cavalry Units ostensibly exercising their animals. Protests had been in vain.
Another area of his precious land had been taken over too, to build ugly
concrete repair shops for servicing Nazi aircraft. As one abuse of his land had
followed another, he had felt as if his whole being was trampled and tortured,
battered and beaten. He was his land, his land was himself. How cruel, cruel it
had been. When liberation came at long, long last, he had felt too old and broken
to make good the damage. He had sold the farm and retired to the cottage half
way up the hill. He had felt very, very tired.
A slight breeze gently caressed his cheek, and he
turned his face toward it. a beam from the setting sun touched his white,
uncovered head with gold. His thoughts moved swiftly forward to the events of
the day now so peacefully drawing to its close.
His invalid daughter had been buried in the
afternoon. The rigours of the German occupation were still taking toll of
innocent victims. She had suffered patiently, courageously, gaily and he was
glad for her that she had not lingered on longer. She was well now, well again
....
A dog barked and his attention was once more
focussed on the valley below.
How green and fresh looking everything was this
evening. Of course, it was springtime again. The earth was alive, pulsating with
renewed vitality as the sun warmed and wooed it each day. The dark winter had
once more given way to the miracle of spring. He remembered suddenly, an
age-long, ageless promise, While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, and
cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. This
was God's promise, and He had never failed to redeem it. Neither had God ever
failed him in his own life, the old man reflected. Man in his folly might hurt,
kill and destroy, but God in His wisdom healed, comforted and restored,
according to His promises. He had had his winter of doubts, sorrows and
hardships, but in his own soul, he knew now, it was Spring again.
Marjorie Dodds,
written in 1948, based on the experienced of her uncle, Frank Le Rossignol of Le
Vallon, St. Brelade during the Occupation. She had his permission to show it to
a wider public but at the time it was too close to the events to do so,
* * * *
A little boy
got lost at the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association ) and found himself in the
women's changing room. When he was
spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with women grabbing towels and running for
cover. The little
boy watched in amazement and then asked, What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen
a little boy before?
SHMC visit to Esperado, South Africa
 Liz
Hunter with Sophia
The toll was about a 45 minute
drive from the house where we were staying. As we drove through it on that first
Sunday in South Africa Sophia was waiting for us on the other side, ready to
show us the way to the Esperado Children's Haven. It was hard to believe that
after all the talk, the fund raising, the preparation, we were finally here. I
was experiencing a mixture of emotions as we drove through the gate relief that
we'd got this far, excitement that we were finally going to meet Sophia and the
children, apprehension that we really didn't know what faced us or what was
expected of us, and a great sense of privilege that we had been entrusted to be
the representatives of so many others back here in Jersey
 Some of
the boys from the community who helped in the garden
Needless to say we received a
fantastic welcome, a sea of smiling, quizzical faces met us and instantly all
the coffee mornings, cake stalls, sponsored walks were worth every ounce of the
energy and effort that we'd put in to raise the money that got us to South
Africa.
There is so much that I could
share about our trip and I want to tell you everything it was your trip as well,
we simply went on your behalf. I will tell you a little now and then some more
in the next issue.
Sophia cares for 18 young people
at the Haven. Mostly teenagers, they have been with her through the
most significant time of development in a youngsters life and she is their Mama.
The stories, the
histories, that come with those young people are heart breaking, thought
provoking and intensely upsetting and indicative of a society living with the
reality of HIV/AIDS. The loss of one or both parents led to these young people
finding themselves vulnerable, in unexpected places. For example, the young girl
whose mother died of AIDS and whose father couldn't cope. He turned to alcohol
for a solution but rather than an answer he simply experienced a complete
character change and ended up raping his daughter repeatedly. And the young man
who found himself orphaned and on the street, resorting to violence as the only
way to survive. He arrived with Sophia an angry and confused individual,
striking out at everyone who tried to get close and who now is the most gentle
and thoughtful of people. This place is aptly named it truly is a haven.
Besides the youngsters directly
in her care Sophia also feeds another 14 children from the nearby community. A
collection of small, shanty town type dwellings, this community is one of three
trust farms in the area. Farms that have been given back to the people by the
government but without any means to enable them to operate effectively or
efficiently as farms. There were no resources made available, no training for
people, no infrastructure to facilitate self sufficiency; and the result is a
collection of 80+ family units trying to survive.
In the last twelve months two
members of the community have died of cholera. Sophia recently battled with the
local municipality to get six basic concrete toilet blocks installed so that the
community has some sanitation to hopefully help prevent the catastrophic
diseases that could so easily sweep
through this place. It was just one indication of Sophia's sense of justice and
her preparedness
to fight for it.
We had arrived at Esperado with
no fixed plans as to what we would do by way of practical help, so on this first
day we simply asked what was needed. Sophia provided us with a Top Ten list. The
building needed painting, the garden needed to be prepared for planting some
fruit trees and the fruit trees needed to be bought. There were windows which
needed replacing, the front gate needed repairing, there is an ongoing use for
grocery vouchers, petrol vouchers, and electricity vouchers, the vehicle that
Sophia was using was constantly
in need of repair. We quickly realised that there was easily a week's worth of
work to occupy us!
Monday morning saw one part of the group disappear to Nelspruit to buy paint,
rollers, etc and the rest of us started to prepare the garden. It soon became
clear that this was not a job for basic forks and spades and the following day a
trip to the hardware store added pickaxes to our arsenal of tools. The painting
had started, the green chosen by Sophia, and all was going well. By Friday the
main building was all but finished and a good area of the garden ready for the
trees. Sophia knew the best place to get these so, having given her the money,
she set off and returned with Mango, Avocado, Lemon, Satsuma, and Lychee trees
plus a selection of herbs to begin the herb garden that she has wanted to
establish for ages.
In the meantime, the painting
team had moved on to paint one of the internal rooms, where some of the boys
slept. In the St Helier Methodist Centre garden we planted the trees with help
from some willing, if somewhat mischievous, young lads! It was the most
incredible week.
Sophia shared stories that both
shocked and challenged us something to share next time. Our youngsters were able
to share with the Esperado teenagers in a day at their school and generally
through the week got to know each other, to share and enjoy one another's
company. It was quite moving to see their friendships develop, especially
knowing that we would have to leave and that the intensity of the emotions
they'd
shared would make saying goodbye a tearful occasion. It was!!
 The SHMC
group after the final service
Our last day
at the Haven was Sunday and Sophia had already asked if we would lead a service.
Based around the story of Noah's Ark, some of the younger children from the
community had drawn pictures of animals. With Jane and Trevor as Mr & Mrs Noah
we had everyone there holding a picture and coming into the Ark! We shared in
saying the Lords Prayer together, sang We are marching, reflected on how not
only had we walked side by side together during that week but would continue to
do so. We presented Sophia with a book which contained your greetings, photos of
the church plus photos of our week there and comments etc from each of us.
Sophia asked for an act of commitment between us during which she lit a candle
and presented us with a traditional floor covering.
Our time together came to a close
with hugs, tears, more hugs, more tears, and the promise that we each now have a
place in one another's hearts and that our commitment as a church to Sophia and
her work will continue and grow in Gods love. Thank you all for your prayers and
support both whilst we were away but also during the months of preparation. This
truly was a life changing experience and through sharing the story we hope that
it will change yours too.
Liz
You can
see over 30 more photos from the trip at the following Facebook page
More on
the trip in our next issue
175 years of Eden Chapel - celebrated
with a harvest of talents.
 Mary Rives
wall banner proclaims it
History
The foundation stone at Eden was laid in May of
1833 and the inaugural service took place on 15th September of that same year.
The fellowship of Eden chapel is, however, longer than 175 years. In common with
most early Methodist groups there were meetings in homes which grew in size
until permanent accommodation became necessary. Surprisingly, the presence of
military forces in 18th century Jersey assisted in a period of evangelism and
spiritual growth, with some English Methodist soldiers bringing Good News with
them. In addition, Jersey fishermen returning from North America brought back
with them the Methodist message. Like-minded individuals began to meet.
John Wesley was subsequently invited to Jersey
and in his journal entry of 21st August 1787 he describes his visit to the home
of friend VV, the home of Monsieur Vivian, where he preached in the yard of the
house at Mon Plaisir, (now known as St Mannelier). He records an afternoon
stroll to La Hougue Bie and he would no doubt have walked near the site of what
would become Eden Methodist Church on the way.
It was a further 46 years, in 1833, before Eden
chapel was opened. These intervening years were turbulent, with little tolerance
shown towards Methodists and many challenges faced Eden's founders, including
violent disruption to their meetings. To set the scene, in Jersey the livre
tournois was still legal tender and Jerriais and French was commonly spoken,
although the language of many travelling evangelists was English. Times were
changing, 1833 also saw the inauguration of the RJA & HS, the UK passed the long
awaited Slavery Abolition Act and a law to restrict the hours children were
permitted to work in factories.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above
We are careful to remember that the church
comprises of more than a building or a small group of people, however Eden has
been special for many people and we are thankful for this place of praise,
prayer, communion, learning and love.
 Jersey Country display
Brian & Joyce Gilbert
This special anniversary, celebrated on the
weekend of 13th and 14th September, fell close to our harvest festival and in
planning our celebrations we thought about some of the countless gifts God has
provided. Just looking at our membership we noted the variety and range of
talents, skills and hobbies, our lives are enriched beyond the basic requirement
for food, drink and shelter. We had found a theme for our celebrations!
A harvest of talents
The congregation was asked to share their talents
and gifts. Their response was truly inspiring and enlightening. Displays
included amongst others, a dolls house collection, art, photography, language,
handiwork, flower arranging, the importance
of family love, published poetry and hobbies such as jigsaws and sporting
interests. There were of course traditional harvest gifts grown by the
congregation and a display of jam making, baking and one depicting thankfulness
for our daily food. There were sections on how Science and Faith work together,
the importance of prayer and the role of Christianity in a modern world. All
were presented with special thought for the blessings we receive from God and
many displays were enriched with Bible texts.
 Model house made by Anne
Le Cornu
A further display of items
in the Church Hall from Eden's Temps Pass also
provided some lively talking points as visitors and members revisited old times.
A full display of past
events at Eden including many wedding photos !!
Weekend events
We enjoyed a very busy weekend as the church was
open on Saturday afternoon when delicious afternoon tea was served by the ladies
of the congregation in the Church Hall, raising £300 for Jersey Kidney Patients.
Rev Billy Slatter lead the worship at both
morning and evening services, emphasising the importance of recognising and
using the gifts we have been given. Special items from Eden Singers who sang
unaccompanied and Jackie de Gruchy who presented one of her writings portraying
the story of Ruth and Naomi added to the occasion. It was lovely to see the
Church filled with joyful praise.
We at Eden were overwhelmed by the response to
our invitation and we had such fun! We pray that our personal tributes have
encouraged others in their walk of faith.
Claire White
Family news
Nicholas and Joy Owen
were delighted to celebrate their son, Douglas's graduation from Warwick
University. Douglas graduated with a Masters by Research in Biological Sciences.
Douglas is now working at Oxford University where he has joined a research
programme.
Jesse Perchard,
daughter of Philip and Niki Perchard, will be doing English Lit and Drama with
Education at Homerton College, Cambridge. My cousin and his family live nearby if she feels
at all lonely - although I think she is going to be too busy for that, says Niki!
Ebenezer celebrations
 Rev. David Coote welcomes
people
Over 200 people converged on Ebenezer on Sunday
evening , September 21st to celebrate the anniversary of the launch of their
Mission Development Project. The church was decorated for Harvest and the new
car park coped well with 80 cars.
Billy Slatter said that in April 2007 the planned
sale of Highfield Hotel next door and its replacement with housing had been a
spur to action. They had made plans and gone out in faith with a gift day during
Harvest 2007. The Gift Day target was £60,000 and on the day he had announced
that £59,600 had been received. The remaining £400 had been raised that day. He
announced that £387,000 had now been raised including grants from the Circuit
Advance Fund and Connexional Funds with just £30,000 still to be raised to
complete the project. He thanked a wide number of people for all the help and
support that had been given to Ebenezer and he thanked God for the doors that
had been opened during the past year to bring them this far.
In his sermon, Billy showed us two clips from
Last Choir Standing. One showed a Police choir, all dressed alike, grey haired
and male. The other showed a Community Choir with a variety of dress and ages
and male and female, all adding to the rich variety of the music. He said that
the challenge for the church is to be like the second choir, who are saying Come
and bring your own special gifts and join us as you are rather than the first
choir who say Come and become the same as us. He also spoke directly to those
who were not regular church-goers or had drifted away from church, challenging
them to come and change us
He hoped that all sorts of
people would find an opportunity to celebrate the love of God in Jesus through
Ebenezer's mission.
 The wide driveway behind
the church leads to parking for many cars.
 Space for many cars here.
During the service several hymns were sung at
full volume and readings and prayers led by June Le Rossignol, Liz Hunter and
Katie Norman. The service ended with a prayer of commitment led by Chris White.
After the service we were able to inspect the new
restored vestry and small meeting rooms on the ground floor of what was the
caretakers house and enjoy generous refreshments in the refurbished Hall.
The Circuit meeting
(on the following Wednesday) approved a loan of £60,000,
repayable over 5 years, to Ebenezer to convert the upper floor of the caretakers
house into a 2 bed flat for a commercial let.
Boys Brigade
This year the Boys Brigade are celebrating their
125th anniversary. They were started in Glasgow by the Rev. William Smith, who
was concerned by the aimless lives of young people in his area. Its logo Sure &
Steadfast proclaims its aim to instil a Christian way of life in young men.
Nationally there are now 1500 companies in UK and
Republic of Ireland and it is found in 44 countries world wide. In the last 10
years, numbers in the UK have fallen from 120,000 to 55, 000 reflecting a similar
decline in numbers of children and young people in churches. The Brigade are
using their anniversary year to put new impetus into their work.
On Saturday September 20th, Eric Hudson, director
of the BB in England and Wales spoke to leaders of Jerseys BB and GB. He pointed
out that the BB is a very good way for a church to engage in community outreach
as it reaches people who are not normally part of the church. It offers a high
quality programme of activities. He came at the end of a long series of
discussions between leaders of BB and GB here in Jersey and encouraged the
Brigades to move forward together.
On Sunday, Eric spoke at All-Age service at
Georgetown, led by Martin Delap which was followed by a noisy, happy outing in
five
lorries during a sunny afternoon.
 Eric Hudson, front,
during a break in a meeting at Les Frères with BB and GB leaders
Joint Boys and Girls Brigade discussions
The number of young people
involved in all BB and GB companies is about 130, mainly in the younger age
groups. They combined to put on a display at Communicare in March and leaders of
BB/GB have had discussions with the CLT. The CLT hope that with encouragement
and support the work of the BB and GB can be strengthened.
The following proposals were
put to the Circuit Meeting by the Leadership team and agreed.
1. That the BB and GB be
encouraged to apply for CAF money to help support the employment of staff to
build up the local companies. Any application would need to fulfil the mission
objectives of the use of CAF money.
2. That as soon as the
appointment is made the circuit undertakes a modest programme of maintenance and
decoration at Les Frères.
3. Two years after the
appointment of paid staff a review is made of the progress in strengthening the
local base of BB and GB. A decision may then be taken to invest in a major
refurbishment of Les Frères as a combined HQ.
4. Proceeds of a sale of
Bethel would be placed in the CAF. It may be used for a scheme at Les Freres if
the review recommends it.
Hopefully people can be
employed in the year 2008 / 09 and Bethel closed in 2009. Then the review would
take place in 2010 / 11.
A statement by the leaders
of the BB and GB was presented to the meeting which endorsed these proposals
wholeheartedly. They feel they now have a shared vision and strategy for the
future. They estimate about £20,000 is needed to rejuvenate Les Frères and in due
course they hope it will become a resource for the whole circuit.
Other Circuit meeting news
Circuit stewards
Dr. John Le Gresley has
become senior circuit steward in place of Di Toole, MBE, who has given sterling
service in the role. Gary Godefroy has resigned through pressure of work.
Richard Dupre was elected to join Ray Le Cornu & David Marett .
Gorey
The Gorey and Maison Binet
accounts are closed and the assets transferred to Circuit funds. The Maison
Binet Management Committee is disbanded with thanks for their work especially
recently and a gift of £20,000 made to the Methodist Ministers Housing Society.
There will be much pressure on MMHS funds in the next few years as many
ministers are due to retire.
Manses
Rev. Liz Hunter will be
moving to Seawood House. The Sion manse will then be available for short term,
(6 - 12 months) lease at the discretion of the Circuit stewards.
The Georgetown manse will be
sold and replaced by another property that more closely conforms to present
Connexional guidelines. It is hoped the new manse will be within half a mile of
the church.
Invitations
Rev. Liz Hunter's invitation
is extended for a further five years from 2009 and Rev. Henry Le Ruez's for three
years from 2008, making his a total of 10 years. From 1st Dec 2008, Rev. Henry
Le Ruez's hours of employment are increased from 12 to 15 hours, reflecting
growth at Samares.
Loans and Gifts from
Circuit Advance Fund
St. Ouen
have been granted a gift of £10,000 and a loan of £75,000 repayable over 5 years
for the conversion of their caretakers cottage. This is part of an exciting 3
phase plan for development of mission that was shared with the circuit meeting.
Ebenezer
have been granted a loan of £60,000, to be repaid over five years to enable the
upper flat to be renovated. It will be let at a commercial rate to repay the
loan and will complete their refurbishment programme.
Finance
Sue De Gruchy led us
expertly through the accounts which showed a positive balance of £20k on the
year, partly due to the death of Rev. Bailey. She was warmly thanked for
her thorough work.
Preachers
Mr. Nicholas Owen will be
recognised as a local preacher at a service at St. Ouen on November 2nd. Mrs
Katie Norman is halfway through her period on trial. Notes to preach have been
given to Pat Bougeard, Joanna Spybey and Joy Owen.
Peter Luce
Commenting that they had
both been in Sunday School together at Bethlehem, Ray Le Cornu thanked Peter for
all his work on behalf of the circuit as he retires from full time work as a
solicitor. There was warm applause from all .
MHA
Tom Perchard said that MHA
UK will not be involved under that name in work with a new residential
village behind St. Saviours Parish Hall. However he hopes that some of their
pioneering work on people with dementia can be put into practice there and
elsewhere in Jersey. David Coote praised the work of staff at both MHA homes in
Jersey, La Corderie and Stuart Court.
New District Chair
An advert for this post will
appear soon and interviews held in December, for an appointment to start in
September 2010, based in Guernsey.
Stationing
Over the next couple of
months, Chris and Lynn White will be looking for a new appointment and
Georgetown / La Rocque / Sion for a new minister to start in Sept. 2009.
Safeguarding
Bev Waller will be visiting
every Church Council this Autumn to confirm their safeguarding procedures to
ensure safety for children.
Sabbatical
Billy Slatter will be going
on sabbatical in March to May 2009. He hopes to investigate workplace chaplaincy
and to spend time on a construction project in Brazil
Good news shared
The Bay held a successful Quiet Day in July. 100 pupils
from First Tower School held their Harvest service in the church on Monday September
21st. Their Christingle service will be on Sunday December 7th.
SHMC
had been full for a week in August with Fire from the Isles conference. They had
shared a different type of worship with the Abundant Life Church and others.
Their Toddlers group is already full and they are sharing an Alpha course with
St. Mark's from January.
St. Aubin
had run a holiday club for 20 children in August and taken their youth group for
four days at Crabbe.
Ebenezer
reported an amazing year.
Bethesda
are pleased with their refurbished premises, opened with a strawberry tea in
June and thanked Billy Slatter for his support.
From the opening prayers led
by Rev. Christine Legge through the various news and decisions reported above
there was a real sense of an outward looking, mission focussed church at work
that was most encouraging to all present.
Ed Le Quesne
A prayer in the face of Climate Change
Jesus Christ, tempted to
turn stones to bread in the wilderness:
teach us that when we change
time for our convenience:
night to day in our living,
patience to speed in our
journeying,
winter to summer in our
eating,
we change God's calendar
which brings
the hatchling to the
caterpillar,
the bee to the nectar,
the rains to the farmer;
to the one which brings you
to the cross.
Give us grace in our
simplest actions
to choose the life which
breathes
in the beautiful complexity
of creation,
to conquer death,
and to fit us to be Easter
people. Amen
Channel Islands District Network Day
Companions in faith
banner at Bethlehem
The Channel Islands District Network used to get
together at Synod each year but because of the recent poor attendance it was
decided to try something new.
On Wednesday July 23rd between 11.00- 2.30 at
Bethlehem Methodist Church all ladies from Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark
were invited to meet and listen to Pam Turner the Network President. Her
theme was 'Companions in Faith'.
The day started with opening
devotion and followed by Network Business Meeting when Pam Turner updated
everyone on the latest news about the Network situation.
Pam talks to the meeting
Pam
then spoke on her theme 'Companions in Faith' giving a very interesting talk
using her experiences in Network. In order that all ladies could participate and
not be tied to the kitchen outside caterers were employed and provided a
delicious meal.
This was followed by Pam talking about her visit
to Latvia which was enhanced by pictures and music leading to the close of
worship.
 Barbara Rumfitt, Pam
Turner, Lynn White and Barbara Coote take a break at Greve de Lecq
Those who attended enjoyed the day and an e-mail
from Guernsey said - 'We had a committee meeting last night and we told those
that were unable to join us what a great time we had, joining in the fellowship
and of course that fab food. We really enjoyed the company of Pam Turner and all
that she had to offer. Thank you very much from us all.'
We hope that we shall be able to all meet again
perhaps on Guernsey next time.
Barbara Coote - District
Network President
What if ..
What would have happened
if it had been the three Wise Women instead of the three Wise Men?
* They would have asked directions..
* arrived on time...
* helped to deliver the baby...
* cleaned the stable..
* brought practical gifts ..
* and made a casserole
But as they left they
would have said
:- I heard that Joseph
isn't even working right
now
:- Did you see the sandals Mary was wearing with
that gown?
:- Did you see the Drummer boy. He can beat my
drum any time.
:- Want to take a bet on how long it is before
you get your casserole dish back?
:- Virgin my *%@$! I knew her in school
:- That baby
doesn't look anything like Joseph!
:- And that donkey they are riding has seen
better days too.
Anon, received by e-mail
News from the outlying Parish of St Ouen.
On Sun 7th Sept. Rev Christine Legge led her
first service in the Circuit at St Ouen. We have been looking forward to her
ministry here, confident that she will help us to continue to proclaim the
gospel and serve God among the people of St Ouen. After the service Christine joined us for
the Sunday School outing. After a circular tour of the island in glorious
sunshine on three lorries gaily decorated with balloons and streamers we enjoyed
a picnic, some games and an interesting if eerie tour of Lewis Tower.
The Sunday School has been growing this year and
now has a dozen members, most of them join us each Sunday. Their facilities have
been fully refurbished and new furniture has been provided by the Church. The
Sunday School anniversary takes place on November 16th with an open morning
enabling us to show all friends how much these facilities have improved.
St Ouen's response to the Circuit programme Is
God Calling You? will see the refurbishment of Chapel House and, subject to
Circuit approval and planning permission, construction of an additional
one-bedroom unit of accommodation. We intend to use the accommodation or the
income from letting it, to provide us with a pastoral worker to help Christine
with God's work in our parish.
Our Church anniversary weekend begins with a
bazaar at the Parish Hall on Saturday 6th December. This is our 199th anniversary and will
mark the beginning of an exciting bicentenary programme for 2009. We will keep
the Jersey Methodist up-to-date with our plans and we invite all our friends
around the Circuit to join us whenever they can.
Valerie Remon
The Affirmation, used at the end of the
Renewal Service at Ebenezer, Sept 08
The Cross
We shall take it
The bread
We shall break it
The pain
We shall bear it
The joy
We shall share it
The Gospel
We shall live it
The love
We shall give it
The light
We shall cherish it
The darkness
God shall perish it
All contributions for the
82nd issue and offers of help by Dec. 20th, to: Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St.
Helier, JE2 4RU. or to
edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
|
