Issue No.85
Welcome to Graeme and Elaine Halls
Exactly on September 1st, a full
congregation at Georgetown welcomed Graeme and Elaine to the Jersey circuit
They have had the benefit of over 3 months in Jersey to settle in as he made use
of his sabbatical period. He has attended worship at most churches, except Eden
and Ebenezer, and enjoyed the Battle of Flowers and Durell
The service was conducted by David Coote with
readings from Exodus 3, Moses and the burning bush and John 21, Peter, feed my
lambs. We sang 3 modern hymns, Fred Pratt Green's 'God is here! As we his
people', 'One more step along the world I go' and 'Walk, walk in the light'
from Songs of Fellowship. David preached on 'Is God calling you?' setting out
the steps that led to his calling to ordained ministry and urging each one of us
to respond to His call to ministry in a range of ways.
Graeme then came
forward. He received a towel and bowl from Ruth Heaven of Georgetown and
promised to serve our community and neighbourhood. He received a Bible from
Maureen Le Feuvre of Sion and promised to be faithful in the study of God's
word. As Ruth Baudains from La Rocque spoke by the font, Graeme promised to
baptise and prepare for membership all those called to be Christ's disciples.
Judi Le Quesne of Georgetown brought forward bread and wine and Graeme promised
to celebrate Holy Communion to help us to meet with the living Christ.
Then Graeme was greeted by John Le Gresley on
behalf of the Circuit Stewards, Rev. John Harkin, Anglican; Father Brian
Sandeman, Catholic; Rev. Patrick McManus, CTJ; Constables of St. John, St.
Saviour and Grouville and Deputies from St. Saviour and St. Clement. Graeme
replied with thanks for the warm welcome he has had. He produced a piece of
Roman mosaic to show that we only see a part of a much bigger picture and we all
have a distinctive place in it. His wife Elaine, who is ordained but retired
on health grounds, spent the whole service outside in her wheelchair as she is
allergic to carpets and perfumes His mother Margaret has already joined the
Flower Club and feels part of the community.
Refreshments were served in the Hall afterwards
giving many a chance to get to know Graeme. In Sept. 2010, Graeme will become
Jersey Super in succession to David Coote.
Ed Le Quesne
Graeme Halls writes:
When I was 13 my Gran and I came to have a
holiday in Jersey one half term. We came to stay at the Biarritz and I can
remember walking along the sea front and visiting the war tunnels. That was my
last contact with Jersey until last November when the Methodist Church sent me
to visit with the prospect of coming to be a minister here. As a result, I have
been here since the middle of May, on Sabbatical, and before I knew it the 1st
of September had arrived and it was back to work!
Elaine and I are nearly the same age, but I think
she looks younger than me! She was brought up in Birmingham then Worcester,
whilst I was brought up in Harpenden. We both had Methodist upbringings and
continued in the life of the church throughout our teens and into our twenties.
We met for the first time (or did we?... more later!) in 1983 when having
candidated for the ministry I was accepted and went to Wesley College Bristol,
where the first person I met was the college president, Elaine Giles, who was
just starting her third and final year. To cut to the chase, by February we were
going out, by May we were engaged and the following June we were married.
Eventually we both settled in Lancashire in neighbouring circuits, then in the
same circuit. Our plans to work together in this way were ended when Elaine
became ill, and had to retire. Seventeen years ago we went to Wales, and served
in Cardiff, followed by Chepstow and then Penarth. I was Chaplain to Cardiff
prison for five years, Synod Secretary for seven and acting Chair for 18 months
whilst Will Morrey was President of Conference. We were involved with a large
housing estate in Cardiff with many social problems, and then three large
building schemes, each over half a million pounds. These have significantly
dominated the last decade of my ministry but we are very pleased with the
outcomes, both in terms of the buildings and their outreach and mission.
I have some long standing interests and some new
ones. I collect coins, am keen on astronomy, read about Jack the Ripper, the
Cambridge spies, play the guitar, and more recently got interested in family
history (it must be my age). Elaine and I are keen on gardening, Elaine loves
crafts, is a good cook and is great with computer artwork, but is unable to
attend church services or meetings. Visitors are always welcome to the manse
here in Pontac and we would be delighted to see you. Who knows where God will
call us all to be in the future, for we are called to serve in his name and care
in the example of Jesus. He will require us to change so that the message can
continue to be seen and heard by those who do not yet believe, for He who makes
all things new will do a new work with us here in Jersey.
To be accepted for the ministry you need to be a local preacher first, and in
the 1970's the church organised young local preachers weekends and after we were
engaged we were looking at some photo's of Elaine's and there I was on one!
Methodism can be a small world. We have now been married 24 years, and for the
last seven Margaret, my mother, has lived with us and come with us here. We look
forward to serving the Jersey Circuit and living and working here amongst you
and all who live here.
Graeme Halls
Letter from a Bigger
Island
This comes to express immense gratitude for all
the wonderful cards we have received over the past few weeks in Royston. We
stood them along two window sills, a cabinet and a table. Whenever we looked at
them we felt supported. We did appreciate the surprise farewell at the ferry
terminal!
Adjusting to the changes of living in England has
proved more difficult than we expected and we have really missed all the people
we knew and the way of life we had in Jersey. We think often of you all!
Recently we watched the BBC Antiques Roadshow on TV which was filmed at Samares
Manor and saw four familiar faces plus the manor grounds we know well.
On our first visit to one local church here we
worshipped in the Village Fete Marquee on the green which was a unique rural
experience. A church member told Chris that during a holiday visit to Jersey
several years ago, her husband was taken into hospital after an accident. She
remembered Chris as the chaplain who visited them on the hospital ward. It was a
touching story to listen to and God's world suddenly seemed very small and
personal..
Lynn is busy sorting the house and belongings and
enjoys singing at Harvest festival in a choir. Our two sons are much closer now
and we have already had 5 major visits from relatives and friends. Our small
corgi continues to enjoy the vast woodland of a garden where she has discovered
a hedgehog and chases the occasional cat on her territory. After our arrival
the telephone number and email address were changed and we can now be reached
on tel. 01763 256816 and
c__white@ tiscali.co.uk(note the double underscore and there is
no space between the @ and tiscali.co.uk) May God
bless you all for giving us such good memories of eleven years in Jersey.
Chris and Lynn White
September Circuit
meeting
Christine welcomed the circuit to St. Ouen with a
reading from Haggai and we sang 'Great is thy faithfulness'. We heard of good
work at the Bay through their coffee mornings and monthly lunches plus links
with First Tower School for Harvest. We heard of St Helier Little Rascals, now
meeting for Wednesday lunch as well as Tuesday mornings. St. Martin are
planning to produce the Roger Jones musical 'From Pharaoh to freedom' next
February with a free session on Sunday after two ticketed performances. Liz Lambotte is working with the Youth service in partnership at Communicare. Her
other news and news from St. Ouen is given elsewhere.
The meeting approved Andrew Bird for admission as
a local preacher. His recognition service will be held Sunday 22nd November at
6.30 at St. Martin. After hearing how this 47 year old son of the manse had
changed from boyhood pranks to disrupt his father's meetings to a real faith in
Jesus he was unanimously supported as a candidate for the presbyterial ministry.
David Coote led a prayer for him and Monica.
Rev. Liz Hunter spoke about the Redeeming our
Communities ecumenical project which is taking the love of God out into the
community. There will be a special youth event at Hautlieu school on Feb. 3rd,
when young people will speak out about our community. She also said that her
sabbatical is from end of Feb to end of May. She will be looking at the role of
chaplaincy in palliative care.
Senior Steward, John Le Gresley, reported that they will be looking for a
probationer minister to replace David Coote next September and are looking to
sell Bethel and Chris White's manse. New regulations mean bigger % of the sale
goes to central funds. They are also looking for one or two people to join the
team of Circuit Stewards.
Sue De Gruchy went through the Circuit accounts
in masterful fashion. Though finances are tight there was little support for
reducing the staff as there are many signs of new growth.
It was agreed unanimously to
extend the invitation to Rev. Billy Slatter for a further 5 years from 2010. Then Billy
explained that our St. John property will be known as Les Freres Centre. It will
have the circuit meeting as managing trustees
Les Freres Centre will
have a Property Group. and a Users Council. The Centre has £25k from the
Circuit for some refurbishment. Further investment depends on the appointment
of a development officer. and following a review
which would look for signs of new growth with BB and GB.
A family worker is being appointed at St. Helier
Methodist Centre supported by a grant of £4506 p.a. for 3 years. (one-third of
the cost).
Billy gave a lively account of his sabbatical
looking at workplace chaplaincy, then showed his expertise at producing DVD's
with a DVD showing the houses of people in Zambia and the house that he and 18
American co-workers built through 'Habitat for Humanity', a group set up by
former President Jimmy Carter.
David Coote revealed that the
£16k in the
District Development Forum, for any training opportunities that people want was not fully used and hopes more will take up the chance to get new skills to
promote 'Is God calling you?'
A young person in the age range 16-23 is being sought for 15 hours per
week to engage with the national Youth Participation strategy. It is hoped to
appoint by January
From now final decisions on property matters will
be taken in the District, not Manchester. Norman De La Haye, Richard Dupre, Di
Toole and Rodney Picot will join the District Chair and the District Property
Chair and 4 Guernsey reps on the Property Consents committee.
Headlines from Conference included a move to make
Local Preacher training more accessible and approval for the production of a new
hymnbook with some of the excellent modern material now available. Liz Hunter's
full report is elsewhere.
There is still one space on the list of circuit
reps to Synod in Guernsey on April 17th next year, but there was no further
volunteer at the meeting to join the eleven already chosen and so a full meeting
drew to a close just before 10 pm.
Ed Le Quesne
Thursday Night is Music
Night - 100 not out
A Celebration display at the entrance to
Georgetown, featuring the many JEP adverts and a celebration cake made by
John Curwood.
The 100th concert in May 09 was a special one
featuring the Manchester Canzonetta Children's Choir of Manchester conducted by
Jeffrey Wynn Davies. They were from 9 to 13 years of age but displayed a great
quality and range and volume of voice. They sang as a complete choir, a boys
choir, a girls choir and as soloists.
Jeffrey Wynn Davies conducts
the choir
Everyone left with a piece
of the celebration cake.
Concert History
In 2001, at the conclusion of the refurbishment
of the Church premises, music played an important part in the rededication
service. From that experience the idea of a series of concerts to raise funds
to offset the huge costs of refurbishment was born and the series 'Thursday Night is Music Night', TNMN, was created.
As with Topsy it just 'growed & growed' and
continued monthly - April 5th 2001 to now - May 28th 2009. After the accounts
were settled the Concerts continued and the funds raised have been donated to
various charities, usually through a local request or organisation. But the
philosophy behind the concerts was not solely of a financial nature, it is was
also to provide local musicians, especially the young musicians of the Island, a
platform on which to perform within a kind and supportive environment Further,
it was there to provide opportunity for people to come and hear good music
without having to pay large amounts for tickets. Instead, giving what they could
afford in appreciation of the music they had heard.
In just over 8 years the Concerts have built up
their own following and those attending always enjoy the high standard music,
the appreciation of which is reflected in the considerable amounts in the
retiring collection baskets. A more recent development has been the visit of
choirs from the UK and abroad.
Accommodating their dates has not always proved easy. The people involved not
only provide our music but become good friends too, as our Russian friends
Blagovest from St Petersburg . We always look forward to the three choirs from
abroad allocated to us when the Jersey International Festival takes place in
October .
Money raised
In the years to May 2009 the concerts have raised
over £18000, net, after expenses. In the first 4 years, all money raised went to
the Church Refurbishment Fund. Since 2005, over £8,000 has been donated to
charities.
Helping hands
Many hands help with the concerts; Martin Delap
printing posters, Rodney Picot, handling finance, John and Margaret Curwood with
special floral displays, Ruth Heaven, organising presentations and refreshments
and many others who help with moving furniture, parking cars, serving and
washing up refreshments and other vital jobs.
Happy Birthday 'TNMN' and long may the Concerts
continue !!
Rowland Heaven
Methodist
Conference 2009
Give
thanks in all things
Chris and
Linda Haines on ordination day
Well Wolverhampton
perhaps doesn't conjure up images of an exotic metropolis, or even a vibrant
city, but The Wanderers are in the Premiership for the first time in years and
that has put Wolverhampton back on the map, especially in football terms. A
compact town centre, Wolverhampton has all the well known high street stores and
plenty of eating places......Indian, Thai, Italian,
Chinese.......the choice was extensive and tasty!
But I
wasn't in
Wolverhampton for the sport or the food. I was there to attend my first
Methodist Conference. I really didn't know quite what to expect but I'd gone
with the hope that if nothing else I would get a feel for the bigger
picture.....how Methodism ticks and where we as one church, one Circuit, fit
into it all. That hope was fulfilled over and over again as I not only listened
to various debates but also met people from across the Connexion and around the
world, all of whom shared one thing ......an expression of their faith in, and
their love for, God through the Methodist Church.
And that was the first
thing that struck me...the fact that we do belong to a worldwide church, a
church that maintains a continuity from the past through the present and into
the future. As part of our Ministerial Session we stood together and listened as
the names of those ministers and deacons who had died during that Connexional
year were read aloud. A poignant moment that came full circle when on Conference
Sunday we listened to another list of names....those being welcomed into Full
Connexion. A list which included Chris Haines and I was privileged to be
present at his Ordination Service at St Chad's in Shrewsbury (see photo).
There could be no
doubting that you were at a Methodist gathering when at Conference. Every
session begins with the singing of a hymn, usually one of Wesley's, although
more recently these are beginning to reflect the diversity of the church and
include not just contemporary worship music but hymns from our overseas churches
as well.
And so to the content
of the Conference. The President urged both Conference and the Church as a
whole to be 'Creating Safer Space'. This didn't just mean Safeguarding but also
Sanctuary, somewhere where it's Safer to be Different, where it's Safer to
Explore, and where it's Safer All Round. The Vice-President focussed on one of
the greatest strengths of the church, the whole people of God working together,
lay and ordained, meeting to confer, share, pray and worship together and then
go out and respond by telling and sharing God's love for all.
I found the
'workings'
of Conference fascinating. There is a very definite process and that's as it
should be. We would never get through all that needs to be discussed and decided
if there wasn't a structure and part of that is being prepared by reading all
the material that we are sent in advance of Conference. That's a lesson I
learned this year...you can't just skim read if you really want to engage with
the conversation and be well informed in coffee time chat.
I'll just give you a
brief resume of some of the topics that were on our agenda. Especially the
issues that perhaps might affect us at local level. First we have the items that might help us to be
nurturing disciples in the local church.
1. Bible
Fresh : 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King
James Bible. Bible Fresh is an initiative that will be providing resources to
help churches to celebrate this date.
2.
Singing the Faith: Conference agreed to a new authorised collection of
hymns and songs, a rolling resource of commended material and a website
featuring topical and contemporary material. This decision was made after a long
and quite heated debate. This would not be to 'replace' any previously
authorised collection but to augment existing books such as Hymns & Psalms.
Then
items which were more in the public forum.
Climate
change and the challenge to live our lives as world changing disciples:
Conference recommended a very comprehensive and informative report that had been
presented for reflection and action. It came from a theological basis and
encouraged a liturgical angle to be taken on the whole issue of climate change.
The whole report is
already available online
http://www.methodist.org.uk/downloads.
The report is entitled Hope in God's Future
and includes some challenging calls for
response from local churches.
Representatives from
the Youth Conference brought a thought provoking presentation which asked
Conference to think about where they would be in ten years time. They reminded
us that it's important to engage with our children and young people now and they
shared something with us about the Youth Participation Strategy which is an
initiative that aims to get young people participating more in the leadership
and the running of the church.
The question of the
training of local preachers was raised on more than one occasion throughout the
Conference. Questions as to how to encourage young people to respond to a call
to preach, how to make the training more accessible and creative, were all
discussed. These questions will be considered further at next year's Conference
which takes places in Portsmouth. I'm looking forward to it, especially
now that I understand a bit more about how Conference works. After all where
else could you go and be asked to take a standing vote in order that people can
sit down! For those that don't know when a minister retires it is known as
'sitting down' and has to have the approval of Conference who vote by standing
up!!
I would
just like to say thank you to the church for giving me the opportunity to be a
representative at Conference and for your prayerful support as I and many others
from around the Connexion do our best to represent you and the church at local
level.
Liz
Hunter
Dancing With God
When I meditated on the
word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at
the end of the word.
I remember reading that
doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to
lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and
everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes
that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues,
perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or
another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes
surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from
one person and gentle guidance and
skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the
word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I
thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i"
dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I
became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became
willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you
today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting
God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful
and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything
for you in your life, share this message
with someone else. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to
pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance
Through 2009!
Sent by Pat Bougeard,
April 2009
SOUL SURVIVOR Youth
Conference - Bath and West Show Ground -
Somerset
Sunday 16th - Friday 21st
August
Wow! To worship God with over ten thousand young
people in the 'big top', shown above, at Soul Survivor is an incredible
privilege. That's what eight of us experienced from Samares Methodist this
August. The blessing of sunny weather was a bonus particularly as all delegates
were camping.
Worship services were morning and evening, with
the latest worship music led by gifted teenagers and preaching from top
international speakers, but most importantly there was a sense of the manifest
presence of God. We waited on God and were welcomed to respond to His presence
and call. Although these services would last between two and three hours no one
wanted to leave.
In between times there was a vast mix of
possibilities to explore. This Included relaxing cafes, energetic sports, a
massive series of seminars and even a cinema. A particular favourite with our
group were the late night gig venues with top Christian bands such as 29th
Chapter, Bandwithnoname and LZ7.
Worshipping God, learning from his word and being
changed by His spirit are the core aims of the conference. We saw hundreds of
young people come to faith in Jesus and thousands go deeper in their
relationship with Him.
Our appreciation goes to all those who upheld us
in prayer through this faith adventure. We are also grateful for the financial
donation from Jersey Methodist Circuit, private donations from Samares Church
members, parents and those who supported fund raising efforts.
The group at lunch
Here are testimonies from
the young people:
'I saw the power of God around people in the big
top. I liked the modern songs with clear, straightforward lyrics. Chapter 29 and
their new song, Invincible will be a hit! '
'I enjoyed the atmosphere of worship and seeing
the different ways people expressed the presence of God in them. I enjoyed the
different bands and having people from all around the world to speak. The many
different workshops through the day were also good. '
'I liked it all, feeling peaceful the whole time
and having nothing to worry about all week '.
'I found it really inspiring and feel that bit
closer to God. The teaching was personal and realistic '.
'I learnt some spiritual things. I was able to
sort out issues and problems from the past and feel much better and hopeful for
the future '.
'It was good worship and I felt a calm
atmosphere, like I really belonged here. '
If your young people might be interested in going
next year in August 2010 then feel welcome to contact Andrew and Monica Bird
ambird05@googlemail.com for more information. Also check out
www.soulsurvivior.com
Andrew and Monica Bird
Liz Lambotte 's Recent
Life
GRADUATION June 2009
It was a very proud
moment when I travelled to Cliff College for my graduation after four years of
study for a BA (Hons) degree in Children & Youth Ministry. I would like to say a
huge thank you to the Circuit for the financial support and especially to St
Aubin for their words of encouragement and many prayers that kept me going.
HOLIDAY CLUB - July 20th
- 24th
Fun and games at Wastewatchers
St Aubin had a
fantastic week at holiday club. Our theme was Wastewatchers with activities
based on God's transforming powers. The chairs were put to one side and the
church transformed into a space used for fun and games with the drama 'Park
Life' set on the stage.
The parachute game
The children took part in
many activities including making wonderful creations from recycled material.
Dressed for the visit to
Bellozanne
We visited Bellozanne to
show us how we can take seriously our responsibility of looking after our
environment and visited Reg's garden to see how he has transformed a camp site
into a beautiful garden.
CRABBE August Bank
Holiday Weekend
Walking the planks - teamwork
Thirteen young people
spent the bank holiday weekend at Crabbe sleeping in the log cabins and enjoying
the huge space surrounding them. We spent time chatting around the glow of a
camp fire watching the stars. During the day we played team games and visited
Les Mielles to have a go on the Segway Rally and mini golf. It was a time of
building relationships and sharing with each other.
Some of the young people
TO COME :- KINETIC -
Leadership training for
young people
An exciting new venture is
beginning at the end of October aiming to develop and release the leadership
potential in young people aged 13+. A series of 12 sessions covering subjects
including 'The character of a leader', 'Vision and strategy', 'The art of great
communication', 'Building a great team' and 'Managing the tough times'. As well
as discovering what leadership is all about opportunities will be given to lead
groups and gain a First Aid Certificate in Emergency Life Support.
To find out more at
lizlambotte@jerseymail.co.uk.
Liz Lambotte
Little
Rascals
Little Rascals broke up for the
summer holidays on 14 July. Some of the mums find 8 weeks without any activities
very daunting, so we have met every week at different parks.. This has proved an
extremely valuable experiment. The mums have really enjoyed meeting up and
keeping in touch with friends, and I have got to know several of them so much
better. We will definitely do this again next summer.
Recently I felt the need for Little Rascals to expand. . Well I 'm
delighted to say that all being well, we are going ahead and planning for a
second day. This session is going to take a different slant, and we are going
to call it our 'Lunch and Story Club '. The idea is that we meet from 12.30 pm.
The children and carers will bring their own lunches, and they will sit and eat
around the little tables together. (A very important social learning
experience, which some children are not always familiar with) Then at
appropriately 2 pm the older children\mums and anyone who wants to, will go
upstairs into the small classroom, for a short story, few songs and a very short
prayer. All this should only take 20\30 minutes, and then we can all go
downstairs and play again until home time at 3 pm. Most of the normal Tuesday
equipment will be out, but no art activity will be on offer this session.
I am fully aware that 12.30-3 pm
is not the best of times for some small children, but as this is the only
available time in the Church diary, we are going to make the most of it. As to
Helpers. I have been lucky. Some kind Church ladies have 'volunteered! ' to go on
a rota, . Gordon our tea and coffee man is transferring from Tuesday to
Wednesday and Maureen continues to be 'Equipment Manager! ' This is the plan, please tell
people about it, and pray that God will use this new venture to reach the
families who still do not know about his love.
Sally
Vasselin
Beach Olympics
Beach Volleyball in
progress.
St. Helier, St. Martins and Samares young people
battled alongside teams from other churches in the Fresh United Beach Olympics
on August Bank Holiday Monday at Le Braye. Fresh United is the
interdenominational banner under which many churches with young people in Jersey
join up for regular events, giving mutual encouragement and support.
It was a scorching day for the Olympics which
encouraged many congregations to pack a picnic and cheer on their team. With a
jovial audience competition was soon fierce but good natured. The eight events
included everything from Catapult Catch (an enormous catapult, that fired water
bombs which then needed to be caught in buckets over 50 metres away) to Crab
Football and Volley Ball using a giant beach ball.
Every team was a winner with prizes for all, but
the Gold medallists were St. Pauls closely followed by St. Johns in Silver,
with third and fourth places going to Samares and St. Martins respectively.
Festivities ended with a mass swim for many and anticipation of the next Fresh
United event.
The concept behind Fresh
United is an identification that the island is too small for us all to have our
own projects on the go ' it 's sometimes right to have our own church project-
but often a great thing to plug into something bigger. Benefits include:
' * share resource
(greater) and lighten the load (my burden is easy and light - youth leading can
be very demanding this is one way to help lighten your load not increase your
burden)
' * encouraging for
young people to see bigger numbers (vision of Heaven)
' * Young people
make friends ' who is at same school '
' * Fun for the
leaders (and good for us!)
' * It pleases God
Any youth leader who feels their young people may
be interested in joining other churches in youth events, please contact Andrew
Bird (ambird05@googlemail.com)
and he will be more than happy to share information on forthcoming Fresh United
events and additionally the monthly youth leader support and encouragement
meetings.
Thanks again to all the
churches who contributed: St. Andrews, Freedom, St. Johns, St. Helier, St.
Martins, St. Pauls, Portuguese, St. Ouen's (CE), Oasis, Samares.
Andrew Bird
The enthusiastic teams
Walk for the Word
The Bible Society Action Group held the Queen's
Valley Sponsored/Donation Walk around Queen's Valley on a sunny
Sunday September 13th. The amount raised so far is £1350.00. Further gifts
welcome. Andy Bissex spoke at the Circuit service that evening and said that
Bibles are now being printed at a rapid rate in China now with official support.
A new Secretary is required as Sue Huelin is
retiring after many years service. Offers to serve and further gifts can be
sent to
Alan Colback.
Chairman of the Action Group.
YOUTH KESWICK JULY 2009
The sweet juice of fresh watermelon dripped over
our hands and onto the enormous sun drenched lawns of Youth Keswick 2009 at
Vinchelez Manor, St. Ouen's. The exceptional meals in their variety and quality,
could be taken as a metaphor for the entire weekend in early July.
Young people from churches across the island
including Samares, Bethlehem and St. Helier Methodist, soon filed through the
efficient registration process. Selecting a tent they settled in ready for
action - it was not long in coming.
Fun 'icebreaker' games for the 120+ youth and
leaders moved into the first evening's session of loud worship with Ross and his
band, Replenish. Fast paced presentations and an introduction to the weekend
theme of 'The Father Love of God' followed.
Small groups in the big
tent
Weaving through the weekend were quieter more
reflective times. Particularly popular was a focus on prayer and how to listen
to God. The small group sessions encouraged many to pursue God in a new, more
open and creative way. Journals were provided to allow the youth to map out
their thoughts, feelings and ideas as they journeyed though Youth Keswick 09.
Mayhem overflowed in the now traditional Saturday
afternoon water fight. Massive water guns of all shapes, sizes and power were
fired indiscriminately - great soaking fun! A dip in the swimming pool seemed a
fitting finale to most.
Youth Keswick concluded on the Sunday evening.
The youth joined Adult Keswick at Trinity, where exciting testimonies and a
sample of the weekend were shared with the adult congregation.
All armed with water pistols, including a leader Monica Bird, on the left
A big thank you went to the
Hamilton family for yet again allowing Youth Keswick to be held at their Manor,
and additionally to the many leaders and helpers who helped make Youth Keswick
2009 a big success.
The 2010 Youth Keswick is planned to be held once
again at Vinchelez Manor on Friday July 2nd to Sunday July 4th. It's a great
opportunity for any Secondary school aged youth, particularly those connected to
our Methodist Churches. If you would like further details, you're most welcome
to contact Andrew and Monica Bird on 07797732996 or
ambird05@googlemail.com
Andrew Bird
By the
way
Why is it
that doctors call what they do 'practice '?
Why don 't
sheep shrink when it rains?
If flying is
so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
Why didn't
Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why is the
man who invests your money called a broker?
Why is the
time of day with the slowest traffic called 'rush hour '?
Why are they
called 'apartments ' when they are all stuck
together?
Why don 't
they make the WHOLE PLANE out of that stuff they use to make the indestructible
'black box '?
On my
first Anniversary
In the late 1980's I came to
Jersey for a day trip with my parents and afterwards I wrote an account which I
entitled 'How to do Jersey in a Day!!' Prior to that the family had enjoyed
several week-long holidays here as I was growing up, my Father having been
employed by British Rail and we were consequently able to sail over from
Weymouth reasonably cheaply. We usually stayed in the Havre de Pas area and
hired a car to get around. It was during these stays that we discovered The
Market and Apple Doughnuts! When I first knew I was moving to Jersey the
thoughts of my mother, my brother and I all turned to the Market - unfortunately
for different reasons! My Mum thought of the lovely butchers and good meat I'd
be able to enjoy. My brother's thoughts turned to the fresh veg and fish easily
available there - my thoughts turned to Apple Doughnuts!! - Equally
unfortunately I think I've probably visited the bakers in the Market more often
than any of the fresh, healthy providers.
My first year in Jersey has been
a full one. I discovered early on that it's not just holidays that pass quickly
here, 'time' seems to fly by all the time. One of the first 'uniquely Jersey
events' I attended was the St. Ouen's Church family outing - on my first
Sunday! We decorated the lorries and off we set - streamers streaming and
whistles whistling - loudly! We had a great time - I'm now up to three such
trips - way behind many of you but catching up.
Another of the highlights of my
first year has been establishing my chaplaincy at Stuart Court MHA and getting
to know the lovely residents and staff there. Of course I do realise that it's
not me that they like to see, it's only because I am invariably accompanied by
'Bella' - and they simply love her, so much so that she's often a resident there
herself with Jan, the Matron, being surrogate Mum. Whether it's the fortnightly
worship, the exercise groups or games events, or indeed the concerts!! I always
enjoy my visits.
Of course the variety and
diversity of the four churches in the West Section offer lots of opportunities
to explore the Gospel being lived out in the lives of the congregation and in
others. From welcoming new lives both infant and adult into the Church family,
to saying farewell to those who are truly experiencing 'eternal life', and every
aspect of life in-between, it all gives us a glimpse of what God promises in the
eternal, overflowing fullness of life.
Over the year I was delighted to
share in my first Liberation Day services as well as sharing in the colour and
enthusiasm of the Battle of Flowers and the Air Display.
Within the churches there has
been an Away Day and other explorations about what the Vision and Mission of the
churches are; opportunities to explore our faith through Bible Study and
Fellowship groups and through Christianity Explored. There has been a year of
celebrating the Bi-centenary with St. Ouen's with many highlights especially the
Prayer Labyrinth during Holy Week and the Flower Festival in June.
Among the many new experiences
has been: providing articles for the JEP and broadcasting messages on BBC
Jersey, leading morning prayers at the Biarritz and leading Assemblies at St.
Mary and St. Peter's Primary Schools, sharing stories with Bethesda Pre School
and St. Peter's Nursery and becoming a regular visitor to Longfield Villa, a
home for adults with special needs. There are numerous other activities which
make up the patchwork of activities over the year but through each of them my
prayer has been that Christ will be seen and shared.
Working alongside new colleagues,
ordained and lay, has been a blessing and will continue to be so as we look
ahead seeking to discover the Vision that God has for His people called
Methodist in Jersey, and as we each seek to be faithful to discovering and
fulfilling our calling.
There are enormously exciting
opportunities around the island, within the Methodist Church; ecumenically; with
those seeking to explore faith issues and with those whose thoughts rarely turn
to God. The challenge to reach out with Jesus love in every situation we find
ourselves in is as true today as it was for those who first heard Jesus'
commission. Together, let's get out there and share the Good News.
I rarely go around the whole
island in a day any more, there's so much to see and experience, it's going to
take quite a while yet to discover it all Thank you all for making me and
my (animal and human) family so welcome, may God bless us all in the days and
years ahead.
Christine Legge
Ordination
at St. Paul's Cathedral
Katherine Picot,
until recently a Macmillan nurse, was ordained at St. Paul's on Saturday 27th
June before a congregation of 2,500. Katherine has spent the last two years at
Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge and commences her ministry in the
U.S.A. having accepted a three year appointment as part of the pastoral care
team serving the 6,000 strong congregation of St. Martin's Church in Houston,
Texas. Supported by numerous friends, family and colleagues, her ordination
was followed by a celebratory supper in the Great Hall at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital where Katherine trained as a nurse.
Katherine, the daughter of Lewis
and Judy Picot, and now in her late 30 's and tall like most Picots, was brought
up in Cornwall but has close links with Jersey as a granddaughter of the late
Donald Picot. During school holidays she worked at Stuart Court Methodist Home.
The service conducted beneath the dome of St. Pauls by the Bishop of
London began with a fanfare of drums resounding through the building as the
thirty nine ordinands took their places, and ended with communion for all who
wished to partake. The Church bells rang out as the clergy processed out of the
building and family and friends gathered outside, cameras at the ready to
record the event on one of the hottest days of the year. A day to remember.
Rodney
and Nance Picot
Padre
Roger Hardman
The Methodist Recorder of August
20th had a picture of a smiling Roger Hardman, a touch of grey in his hair. The
article described his work as the senior RAF chaplain outside Iraq. He joined
the RAF in 1991 after leaving Jersey and now has the rank of Wing Commander.
He says 'chaplains occupy a very highly-valued operational role, as
well as being greatly valued back in the UK. When personnel are away
from home, their normal means of support - families, favourite pastimes, friends
and so on - are missing. My job as chaplain is to make sure that
personnel have someone that they can open up to, impartially and confidentially.
'
He is normally based at Abbey
Wood near Bristol but has spent much of his ministry in Iraq, as he joined just
after the first Gulf War with RAF planes patrolling the no-fly zones. He
recently conducted the ceremony that marked the end of operations in Iraq. He
said 'Prayers, music and parades play a great part in focussing people 's
attention on the challenges that they and their predecessors and colleagues have
faced. To me, the most inspiring thing about the people in RAF - and our
colleagues in the Royal Navy and British Army - is the selflessness of putting one
's life at risk to help deliver peace and security to troubled parts of the
world. Offering thanks to God for those who have suffered death or grave
injury to deliver peace is something that reminds us all of the remarkable
achievement of our armed forces '
Summary
by Ed Le Quesne
Wayside
Pulpits
These
signs are circulating on the internet, as photos of actual signs seen outside
churches. Enjoy them! Send us other examples!
1. Adam blamed Eve
Eve
blamed the snake
and the snake didn’t have a leg to stand on.
2.
There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google
3.
Down in the mouth? Come in for a faith lift.
4.
God. You’re Great!
5.
All services are different. We leave repeats to TV
6.
As you pass this little church, be
sure to plan a visit,
so
when at last you’re carried in, God
won’t ask “Who is it?”
7.
Can’t sleep? Don’t count sheep...
Talk to the Shepherd!
8.
Speak well of your enemies.
After all, you made them
9.
Let us help you study for your final exams
10.
Almost 2000 years old and still under the Maker’s guarantee
11.
God is perfect ... only man makes misteaks
12.
We are the SOUL Agents in this area !
13.
The MEEK ... shall inherit the earth
If it’s alright with you !
14.
Happy Easter to our Christian Friends
Happy Passover to our Jewish Friend
To our atheist Friends, Good Luck
Clarence
Edward Perchard
18th May
1915 - 14th June 2009
Clarrie Perchard was
born in Jersey 94 years ago. He was the fifth of 14 children and spent much of
his childhood in St Martin. After his marriage he lived at La Commune, St
Saviour just up the road from his beloved Eden Chapel.
His mother had a deep
faith and this had a strong influence on his life. They worshipped at the
French Chapelle Independante at Maufant where there were often visiting
Missioners who built and encouraged their faith and where they would sing much
loved Sankey hymns.
This upbringing gave
him a sound biblical knowledge, sadly not greatly in evidence in people these
days, and a strong faith. He was always pleased to have a chat and talk about
his faith, peppering his conversations with lines from his favourite hymns and
from scripture passages.
He left school at the
age of 14, which was not unusual in those days, to help support the family by
working on the land. He worked on various farms, learning his trade which stood
him in good stead for when he had a farm of his own. Farming was in his life's
blood and his parents used to say that he had been born with a sickle in his
hand, for as a child he was never happier than wandering around the lanes with
his sickle rather than playing with a toy.
He met and later
married Phyllis (Queenie) Siouville in 1939 at La Rocque Chapel, just as the
occupation began. Whilst Clarrie went about the business of the farm, Queenie,
also a very hard worker, supported him whole heartedly. She was the talented
home-maker and could always be found indoors, cooking, baking and sewing for
their family and she always provided a warm welcome for visitors to their home.
They were both good, careful teachers and prepared their family well with good
life skills and they shared almost 62 years together.
During their life
together they were able to enjoy visits to Rhodesia (as it was in those days) to
visit their daughter, Mary. But Mrs Perchard did not generally enjoy travel and
was much happier staying at home whilst Mr Perchard made visits to California
and The Holy Land with friends. He kept a picture of a view across the Kidron
Valley to Jerusalem as a special reminder of this memorable trip.
Mr Perchard's strong
work ethic and sound understanding of all things agricultural made him a
respected member of the farming community. He was involved in the Farmers
Union, the RJA & HS and the Parish Agricultural Society. He regularly took part
in the cattle shows and spent many hours talking cattle talk with his good
friend John Germain at these events.
Like so many islanders
during the occupation he kept a hidden radio to keep people in touch with what
was happening elsewhere and even at one point was involved in hiding a Russian
Prisoner of War in various family members' homes, which was a very dangerous and
brave activity.
In retirement he
maintained his keen interest in The Farm but was able to devote more time to his
garden which was a joy for any visitor to experience. He delighted in growing
beautiful plants and flowers and very often the preacher at Eden on a Sunday
morning would receive a bunch of Alstroemeria. He always grew something special
for the Church Harvest Thanksgiving.
In fact he was a
dedicated member at Eden Chapel having been involved here at Eden for 70 years
since 'Pop' Siouville and Charlie Gilbert approached him one Sunday morning to
become a teacher. He held most of the roles in the church at one time or
another, as Sunday School Superintendent, Property Steward, Trustee, Treasurer,
Senior Church Steward and so on, indeed Mr Perchard has taught three generations
in Sunday School which must be a very unusual feat.
He was of strong
character, had a deep faith and a faithful heart, but most of all he loved
Christ and his regular weekly attendance at Eden is greatly missed.
Mr Perchard leaves five
children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and is also survived by
three sisters, Gladys, Muriel and Margaret. Our thoughts and prayers are with
all the family.
Karen White
Rev.
Wesley Kenworthy
It is with great
sadness that we heard of the death early in September of the Rev. Wesley
Kenworthy. He was minister in charge of Wesley-Grove and First Tower from
1985-88 with his wife Ann. After the death of Ann he had retired from the active
ministry and moved to Folkestone to be near a close friend, Mrs Christine Pledger. He was quite involved in the community and wrote a column regularly in
the Folkestone Herald.
Nance
Hicklin
St. Ouen news
As we come to the last
three months of our Bicentenary year, we can look back with praise and
thankfulness for the support we have received at the various events we have
organised.
We held a “Songs of
Praise” on the village green in July, and though a very blustery day the rain
held off. We were pleased to see among those who supported us residents from
both homes for the elderly. It is the hoped that the West Section will hold
carol singing on the green in the run up to Christmas. We also held a very
successful garden party at Moreland Lodge, Les Landes, during August. As usual
there was an abundance of sandwiches and cakes, and together with a Bring and
Buy Stall raised a very satisfactory amount for our funds.
Sunday School Outing -
on September 6th after morning service and in perfect weather our young people
accompanied by parents, grandparents, members and our minister, set out in
gaily decorated lorries for a lovely drive through the countryside to Les Freres
Centre. The ladies soon put out a wonderful faith picnic. Our thanks to the
caretaker, Mrs Joan Streets, who had set up the tables and chairs outside and
for all her help. Afterwards, Rev Christine and the more energetic members
joined the children in ball games, while the more senior ones enjoyed a chat in
the sunshine. Then it was back in the lorries and a drive to town and through
the tunnel making as much noise as possible, waking up the neighbourhoods as we
drove past.
We were able to join
the National Trust for Jersey Heritage Open Day and welcomed many people,
including old scholars, gave refreshments and explained the history of our
buildings.
Of course amid all the
celebrations the work of the church goes on. We have a Share through Prayer on
the first and third Mondays of each month at 10.30 am, and we are taking prayer
walks around the parish, stopping frequently to pray for the local community.
The prayer walks are part of our preparation for “Back to Church Sunday”.
On October
4th we celebrate our harvest and on October 10th we will be holding a Harvest
Barn Dance in the Parish Hall. Tickets price £6 to include a light supper,
available from Valerie Remon 741689.
Our autumn
bazaar is on November 21st, also at the Parish Hall.
Our Sunday school
celebrates its 175th
anniversary on November 15th and our Church Bicentenary is on December 6th.
Valerie
Remon
Calling
all children’s workers
As you will see from the current
Methodist Circuit plan, a trial Circuit Children’s Service is being held during
the morning Service. The first was held at Bethlehem during the last quarter
and was led by Mike Bossingham from the Family Friendly Trust.
Children’s Circuit morning Service
The next one has been
planned for 1 Nov. 2009 at Georgetown Methodist Church 10.30 am
Service with the themes Messy Church, All Saints and Light. This Service will be
led by Reverend Graeme Halls and light refreshments will be served.
We invite you to bring your young people and if desired, prepare
something to participate; we send an invitation to families within your church
to come to this event. If your church is holding an ‘alternative Halloween
party’ you are welcome to bring something to share from that event.
It would be good if
children from around the Circuit participated – are your group willing to dance,
sing, and share the puppets?
We will arrange for
additional parking to be available at the schools nearby.
In order to gauge the
level of interest, please advise us of the following;
Will your church
encourage families to come along?
Will the children’s
workers bring the children within your church to this Service?
Would your group like
to participate?
Puppets, dancers, singing?
It would
be helpful if you could advise us of your thoughts by 10 October 2009.
Beverly
Waller
Georgetown Church Community Link Worker
Tel
731002 Home 730914 Church
hughandbevwaller@jerseymail.co.uk
Would
your church like to host the next Circuit Children’s Service?
Advise
David Coote or Circuit Office prior to the next plan date
Christianity Explored Course - at the Jersey Bowl, 7 pm from Thursday 8
October
Messy
Church (for children 3-8 years) at Philadelphie Methodist Church from 3.30 pm
on Tuesday 3 November.
More
details from Christine 491877
Magnet
I have recently resumed my
subscription to Magnet, a quarterly magazine with the strap line ‘encouraging,
enabling, equipping’. It was linked with Network but is now an independent
magazine with volunteer editors. It aims to be inclusive, sometimes radical,
always affirming and challenging.
The website now
contains all the articles since Spring 1987. They are helpfully arranged by
season so all the Easter or all the Christmas issues are together. It costs £20
p.a. for 4 issues, posted direct to you To subscribe ring 01778 392031 or go to
www.magnetmag.co.uk
Ed Le
Quesne
perils
of my computer
Eye halve
a spelling chequer
It came
with my pea sea
It
plainly marques for my revue
Miss
steaks eye kin knot sea
Eye
strike a key and type a word
And
weight four it two say
Weather
eye am Wong oar rite
It shows
me strait a weigh
As soon
as a mist ache is maid
It nose
bee fore two long
And eye
can put the error rite
Its rare
lea ever Wong
Eye have
run this poem threw it
I am
shore your pleased two no
Its
perfect awl the weigh
My
chequer tolled me sew.
From SHMC
magazine
Hope my
spell-checker has done better than the above effort.
All
contributions for the 86th issue and offers of help by December 15th, to:
Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, JE2 4RU. or to
edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
|
