Just for fun - from SHMC magazine

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

1.  He called everyone "brother"

2.  He liked Gospel

3.  He couldn't get a fair trial.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish: 1.  He went into His Father"s business. 2. He lived at home until he was 33. 3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his mother was sure he was God.

. . .. similar for Irish, Italian, Californian

But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman: 1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was no food. 2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it

3.  And even when he was dead, He had to get up because there was still

work to be done!

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John Wesley reached out to others. Here is a prayer to make us think. 

    Prayer of a Wounded Heart

Dear Lord

It's been a long time since I've been in Church

I miss the fellowship of other Christians

I guess they believe I've quit caring about you

What should I say to those who question my heart?

Dear child,

I question the hearts of those who profess to be

My 'true followers', but who have failed to visit, call or write to you. I always search for My lost sheep, till I find them If those who profess to follow Me, have failed to reach out to you Then it is not your heart I question, it is theirs.

While in nearby Worcester Park for a family wedding in July, I popped across to Epsom Methodist Church to meet Rev. David Coote, who has just been confirmed by Conference as our Chairman from September 2004. I took some recent "Jersey Methodist"s and the latest Jersey Link so he could find out something about us, though it won't help him with speaking Jersey names!

David has a relaxed, friendly manner. He is the Sutton (Surrey) Circuit Superintendent and heads a church of several hundred members with a second minister, recently ordained, an energetic supernumerary and a Chinese minister. (There is a service in Chinese on Sunday afternoons to cater for Chinese speaking members, many of whom first came to live in the area to work in large psychiatric hospitals and are now joined by others in many professions including catering.) There is a large group of Scouts and Guides numbering in the hundreds. There is a puppet ministry by young people that is proving very successful. They are fund-raising for a building scheme of over £2 million, which will include the modernization and extension of the worship area and final removal of the pews as well as a sports / activity hall, and in partnership with the local borough council a day centre facility. Evening services consist of "Cafe Worship", a more informal style with people sitting at coffee tables in the Hall. Currently they are exploring the parables.

The church produces a monthly magazine called "Focus". The July issue has 36 A4 pages, with a calendar of events, special prayers for each day of the month, news, articles and four pages of adverts. The Holiday Bible Club, for 5 to 14 year olds, is "King David ... Rock Idol?", for a week in August. The weekly service sheet shows services at 9 and at 10.30 plus the Chinese service at 3 and the Cafe Worship at 7. In the week there is coffee 10 - 12 each day, Little Monkeys (Mother & Toddlers) on Tuesday, Genesis for babies 0-3 on Fridays, Wesley Quilters on Tuesday evenings, midweek prayers, Communion with Bible study,house groups and Fellowship Meetings, a Badminton

Club and even a Cricket Club on Saturday afternoon. All signs of an active

church. You can see more about them on their website, www.emc.org.uk, a first-class site.

David said that their church is the only stone built property in Epsom and though the membership is the biggest, it is one of only three Methodist churches in the Borough of Epsom and Ewell which has a population of about 70,000 people. He has spent all his ministry in 3 circuits in the London South West district, apart from his training and a spell in circuit in Birmingham. He and his wife Barbara, who is Occupational Health and Safety Advisor for the London Borough of Wandsworth, are looking forward to a move to Jersey next August. David will write more about himself and his hopes much nearer then. 

Ed Le Quesne

Forces Chaplain

The Methodist Recorder of April 10th, in the middle of the Gulf War, had an article by David Bridge about the role of those who minister to the armed forces during conflict and in peacetime. It featured two photos of Roger Hardman, who used to be minister in the west section before Derek Poole. He became an RAF chaplain saying that "It was a way of extending the ministry of the Church into the life of the community at a time when many parts of the community didn"t connect with the church in any way"

His present job is at Amport House in Hampshire, for centuries the country home of the Marquises of Winchester, but military since the 1940's. It is now the centre for training and support for chaplains in all branches of the military. Roger is director of pastoral and community support, the Methodist member of a team of three under the direction of the principal, Rev. Richard Lee. Recently it has provided specialist help to deal with post-traumatic stress among more than 1000 service personnel who have had exceptionally shocking and distressing experiences when acting as temporary fire-fighters during the fire strike.

Chaplains are trained in every respect as other members of the services, except they don't carry arms. Each chaplain has to look after him or herself, but they are recognised as non-combatants by the Geneva convention. There are over 20 Methodist chaplains in the forces.

The heart of a chaplain's ministry is pastoral. This is why the ministry of chaplains is accepted at all levels. Being available to people who want to talk about things, to share their worries and anxieties is a crucial part of the chaplains work. The chaplains are "on call" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These days there are no compulsory church parades, but in times of stress a great many people turn to the church and chaplains need to conduct worship to make it accessible to those unfamiliar with the life of the Church. Ecumenism is strong, a chaplain is expected to minister to everyone.

Chaplains help with the development of moral and spiritual development of all personnel, raising questions with them about core values including integrity, respect and sacrifice. People may be called on to act under pressures way beyond those in other professions and may be called on to make the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives. Chaplains help them to think through these issues before they arise in war or peacekeeping.

Amport House is open to any member of the armed forces who wishes to learn the skills that chaplains exercise, especially pastoral care and helping people cope in times of crisis. They come to these courses in civilian dress to avoid inhibitions that might be felt through rank. There are also specialised courses on bereavement counselling, family dynamics and marital listening. For many of these courses, Amport House can call on professional actors from London who role-play situations of tension and conflict.

Chaplains sometimes have difficulty in relating to local civilian

congregations. Roger Hardman said "Chaplains and churches have an equal responsibility to ensure that there are good channels of communications. I receive more invitations to speak than I am able to accept. When I speak at church meetings I find people overwhelmingly supportive and helpful. However in some districts the chaplains seem almost anonymous."

Roger Hardman recognises and welcomes a pacifist movement within Methodism. He said "People who hold this view are celebrating Christ and I am glad they can say what they do. There are things I cannot say, because of my position. Chaplains are responding to the situation that exists, here and now. However we also need people who can stand back and look at the big picture and say "Do we want a world like this or struggle to find a better way, a way to free us from the need to go to war in the future?." I invite Methodism to sponsor a dialogue between chaplains and members of the peace movement, so that we might understand each other better and enrich each other's ministry."

Edited from the Recorder article by Ed Le Quesne. It is good to hear of one of our former ministers, offering an important ministry.

Dr. Lilian Grandin 

....... Jersey's first woman doctor ....... Methodist Missionary Doctor ....... product of Great Union Road Bible Christian Chapel...... former student at Jersey Ladies College

 While I was researching for my little book "The Bible Christians in Jersey" I was was allowed to see some items relating to Lilian Grandin's experiences in China as a Methodist Missionary Doctor stationed in Choatong in Yunnan Province of S.W. China in 1906 -1924. She died in 1924 of cholera and was buried in China. Dr. Dorothy Symers, her niece, and another researcher Mrs. Georgia Le Maistre kindly made available to me two pieces of fascinating information to help me in my work. These were......

1) Lilian's hand-written travel journal made during her initial trip of 2,000 miles up the Yangtze to get to the base of the Bible Christian Church's work at Chaotong. She was to work in their little hospital there alongside a Dr. Savin to help train Chinese girls as nurses and practice medicine in the area.

2) Letters she wrote home to her Church describing her experiences, to encourage both prayers for their work and continued support. The letters were published in the old United Methodist Church Circuit Magazine "The Messenger" and were designed to be read out in the Great Union Road Christian Endeavour Meetings.

I hope to give a few examples to show how things were for these heroic and extra-ordinary folk who actually died in the service of the Gospel and of people whom they had grown to love and serve.

It is not all that simple to touch the past without some sensitivity and understanding as to the way things were for Lilian. So here are one or two thoughts for you to reflect on when you read what she poured out in the words that we read.

The years are 1906 -1918. In China there are no telephones. No railway exists in the area. No commercial planes fly. She travels there by sea and river and foot and it takes 3 months. Post to and from takes the same time each way. There are no cars, hardly any road system. She travels about on a pony or being carried in a chair by Chinese porters. Not just down the road but across rivers and over mountains. China is quite different from the pictures of our own time even if you have managed a cheap visit to the Great Wall of China on a package and think you know something about that massive and ancient culture. In 1907 the old Manchu dynasty is in collapse and a modern nationalist China is emerging. The whole country is in turmoil with many internal civil wars. Anti-European feelings are rife and the Boxer Risings (1900) and attacks on Westerners are in the air. By 1912 Sun-Yat-Sen and a new Nationalist China is coming to power. We are pre the Russian Communist experiment so Chairman Mao is still some time in the future. The European powers have an influential part to play in the China story of that day, not always to China's benefit - the Opium wars for example. Before Lilian dies in China the 1st World War will have plunged Europe into total disarray . Where Lilian lives and works she is surrounded by different tribes of people (tribe is a word more familiar to us in African context). They do not speak either Mandarin or Cantonese forms of a Chinese language. Each tribe has its own language, often not yet in a written form. They each have different customs and dress codes. Behaviour is often violent and brutal by our standards. In these far flung regions the Europeans are few in number and rely on the goodwill and support of the local Mandarin who is a law unto himself within the political structures of the time. This is the world into which she enters to join others who have already set up this Christian base in Chaotong. They live amongst the Maio tribe but are in touch several other tribes in the area

Here is just a taste of her fluent and descriptive writing. June 24th 1912.....a little piece about childcare Chaotong style.

Li-shang-wu, the girl whom I have been training for the last 4 years is able to do a great deal to relieve the suffering of her fellow country women and their children. She will be able to advise the mothers how to feed their children and to remedy the many ailments caused by injudicious feeding. A Chinese child is not disciplined like a British child, but is allowed to have whatever it wants no matter how unreasonable its wishes may be. One day last year, a father brought his 5 year old, a pale, thin, listless, anaemic child to the Dispensary saying he had no appetite for food, but would drink as much wine as the father would give him. When I told the father that he must stop giving the child wine he looked very surprised and answered "But he WANTS it and cries for it" - as though that were sufficient reason for indulging the young autocrat. A little less introduction and many more extracts next time around. That is a promise 

Tom Nicholas (Three further articles to come. Editor )

Lucille Annie Le Maistre (1911 - 2003)

Lucille was the oldest of Jack and Annie Germain's five children and, after marriage to Dol, in "9"" they had seven of their own, four girls and then (wonderful!) three boys. She therefore had a very busy life, first as a shopkeeper and then running the home side of a busy farm and also watching with fond affection, the growth and development of her brood ... which have been followed by the arrival of twenty grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one Australian great great grandchild. She "ruled" over her family circle with great care and love. Having paid her first visit to our chapel at two she brought her children too when they were young. It is said that one of the boys thought he might end the tradition as far as he was concerned by kicking the woodwork in front of the pew. Being equal to any occasion Lucille simply removed his shoes! In time the centrality of Mum became more pronounced and precious, especially following the death of her husband in 1995.

Two of the girls went off to distant Canada and Australia but letters kept flowing and phone calls were numerous and these far away family members would rush home at the slightest excuse. It was moving to see each of her children drop a rose, and each of the next generation some rose petals, onto her coffin after it had been lowered into the grave. One of her hats was present on the coffin during the service.

Lucille, and later on her family too, became fully involved in the life of our St. Martin's Chapel. She was a Sunday School organist for a while, and much involved in Sunday School anniversary preparation. She was a regular worshipper twice a Sunday until almost the end. Friendships begun there and also in the wider community were continued and developed in her home. Her policy of open house ensured that many sought her counsel in time of need and she always listened carefully and responded in a frank yet gracious way.

The end came quite quickly. Failing health brought the whole family, those from far away places as well as the locals, to her side. Even in those twilight days there was much laughter and even more love flowing among the family. I was privileged to be part of it, sharing with her as I did, from my little wordless book, the real hope that all believers have of Heaven. One day, on June 23rd, God called her there. 

C David Le Seelleur

The heat is on at the Biarritz!

"Phew! What a scorcher!" In temperatures like those recently encountered I regularly charged myself with the puzzle "Is it standards or stuffiness that dictates we should wear collar, tie & jacket at all times ?! This puzzle stayed with me as I got warmer and warmer simply by going about the place on my morning walk-about. Right until I got to my dining room to be greeted with the beaming smiles of my Kenyan waiting staff these wonderful folk wear collar & tie too, do a much more physical job than I do these days and guess what? They don't even think it's all that hot !

With a packed Hotel it would be most ungrateful of me to complain about the recent weather. It is no news to declare how difficult it is becoming to sell our Jersey Holidays, and so I genuinely think that this current climate is a real shot in the arm for all of us in the Tourism industry. As I tell my guests, " You won't forget this Holiday in a hurry!" and for all the right reasons. When the weather is on our side, Jersey comes into its own. Gone are the grumbles about how the Island used to be and what we should be doing about this that and the other folk are getting their "trunkers" on (as my " year old calls them - he means swimming trunks!) and heading for the beaches. It really is a time of year when we can praise & give thanks for being fortunate enough to live in one of the finest points on earth.

As we strolled along the bulwarks of St. Aubin on a recent evening my wife commented on the gentle sounds of chattering masts and straining ropes as a contrast to the clicking of glass & crockery in the al fresco eateries opposite. "Whoever named "The Biarritz" was no fool" she remarked " We could be there now!" and so we could except what we offer is probably better value and value is the key word, particularly when catering for Christian holidaymakers. Customer expectation has grown faster in the past ten years than in the previous thirty. For example today a Hotel bedroom without an en suite bathroom will not sell period. .We at The Biarritz have always been in the business of nurturing and retaining our custom by major investment into our property to offer the very best value possible. Added Value is that little extra of course this we offer in both our opening and closing two weeks by selling holidays for £199.50 per person for the week bed,breakfast & dinner ! This offer is of course open to local people should any readers wish to charge their batteries and have a weeks pampering and a break from the washing up ! The weeks available are 27/09/03 -04/10/03 or 04/10/03 -11/10/03 and interested persons should call me on 742239.

Plans for this forthcoming Winter will take us for the first time into the Self-catering market as we transform an under-used area of the Hotel into a splendid two bedroom family apartment. Last winter we were fortunate enough to purchase a neighbouring piece of land which for many years had been heavily wooded and regularly a threat to our stunning views. The land has now been cleared and will become a new outdoor children's play centre complimented by a covered area for games.

The first half of my day usually ends early in the afternoon when I take a break before the evening routines. As I flop through the front door I am given a sharp reminder that it is school holidays by the heart-breakingly wonderful, but thoroughly exhausting sight of my two little boys. My six year old clutching the rope I have tied to his inflatable dinghy and my three year old with his "boogie board" tucked under his arm. "Are you ready Dad?" they plead. Ok, just let me find my trunkers !! 

DUNCAN O'NEILL, GENERAL MANAGER

TERCENTENARY EVENTS

An evening at the Archives

Chris White introduced a memorable evening to about 60 invited guests on June 2nd, many making their first visit to Jersey's 3 year old Archive Centre.

The Archive is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 to 5 (reading rooms closed between 1-2pm). To become a reader, you will need to bring a piece of photographic ID.

E-mail: archives@jerseyheritagetrust.org or telephone 833300. You can also view the catalogue on www.jerseyheritagetrust.org on the Jersey Archive Site pages.

Mary Philips gave a graphic account of the times in which Wesley lived, though not accurate on some details of his life. He was born into a largely agricultural world and lived through the industrial revolution as people moved into poor housing round factories. His message brought hope to people in despair as 4 in 10 infants didn't survive childhood. She also described his visit to Jersey in 1787, the voyage taking 10 days via Alderney and Guernsey due to bad weather.

Jeremy Troxler spoke about John Wesley's promise to his dying father to follow him as rector of Epworth. When this wasn't accepted by the Bishop, John offered for missionary work in Georgia. He was much impressed by the calm confidence shown by Moravians on a stormy journey out. He was not popular in Georgia and got falsely accused of improper conduct with one of his female parishioners. He left suddenly, feeling a failure, yet a few months later, the experience led to his "warmed heart" and God had changed apparent failure into an amazing ministry. After the talks, an anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed by the guests. A range of Methodist items were on display at the Archive Centre, and remained out for several weeks

Open Air service at St. Aubin on June 15th

Held at 4 p.m. on a very hot afternoon outside the parish hall, and it was attended by a fair number of people, though few non-Methodists. Rev. Kevin Jones preached, basing his words on those used by Wesley himself, with Wesley's characteristic clear set of points. At the end of the service, David Marett took the opportunity on behalf of the circuit to thank Jeremy

and Margaret warmly for the ministry among us. Obviously moved, Jeremy

thanked Jersey for the warm reception it had given to two young people who had come to serve their Lord amongst us in God's name

Celebrations at SHMC

JOHN WESLEY himself could not have failed to be impressed by the amount of interest and effort which had gone into celebrating his 300th birthday. The Methodist Church was fortunate that the Jersey Heritage Trust and Tourism combined to present a programme which found favour with Methodists and tourists alike.

Early in the year we had decided that as a church we would celebrate the occasion on the actual date 17 June taking up the suggestion of David Le Gresley to conduct a tour of St. Helier pointing out the places connected

with John Wesley. We also decided at the same time, that we should have a display of memorabilia and that after the walk we should provide a supper and a presentation of some of the scenes and excerpts of John Wesley's life.

And so it came to pass that at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday 17 June a J.E.P. photographer was ready to take a picture of the 60 + people before they set off in two groups with David Le Gresley and Paul Nicolle to the various places of interest where from the commentary and detailed description we tried to imagine life as it was over 200 years ago when people crowded into small rooms to listen to the great man's preaching all of which was in English and needed an interpreter as the natives only spoke French.

Such was the interest that the hour passed all too quickly and we were back at the church where nearly 100 people sat down to a splendid supper supervised and prepared by Gill Luce and Pauline O'Prey and helpers.

At 8.30 p.m. we were summoned to the church where all was in readiness for the action which began in dramatic style with the fire at the Epworth rectory and "Jackie", as John was called, being rescued from the flames, amid the screams of the other children and the cries of his mother. This was followed by a scene of John & his friends at Oxford, where, complete with wigs and gowns, they met regularly to study and pray, thus earning themselves the name of Methodists.

And so the story unfolded with scenes following in slick succession. One which was particularly effective was the journey to Georgia aboard ship as John marvelled at the calmness and serenity of the group of Moravians, as they prayed together in the face of the raging seas.

The narration between scenes was read by Debbie, with stages hands, Kay Papworth & Libby Farnon setting the changing scenes with simple props. Costumes were expertly handled by Pam Marett, adding an authenticity to the presentation.

*

This summary of events is not complete without a special word of thanks to Jean Treleven who is to be congratulated on the superb display in the vestibule. It featured the 37 chapels and meeting places which have been used for Methodist worship in the island, and extracts from Wesley's journal for his visit here, shown below.

*

The enormous amount of time and effort which has gone into researching the details and compiling this exhibition has given our celebrations a touch of professionalism which has been greatly admired by many visitors as well as Methodist people. This valuable contribution to our heritage should be preserved for posterity.

We would like to think that everything about the Birthday celebrations was carried out in such methodistical fashion that John Wesley would have been proud to be associated with it. 

Pat Tourtel

What do Methodists Believe?

In these days when belief is unpopular and Christian belief is under attack, we may well ask, "what does the Church believe today," and does the Methodist Church have anything special to share?

The basic faith of the Methodist Church is described by the four all's.

1. All people need to be saved.

2. All may be saved.

3. All may know they are saved.

4. All may be saved to the uttermost.

This emphasis on salvation has become less prominent over the years. So what do these 'four all"s" teach us & what is their message for today?

All need to be saved. This speaks of the greatest need of mankind. It is a Universal need, no one is excluded. If we really want to understand the Christian faith, we must realise that no one is born a Christian. We are not born good enough for heaven. Heaven is a place where no sin is admitted, not even 1%, no evil thought, word or deed will be acceptable in God's Holy presence. There is a serious mistake that many people make; they feel that if they are good they will go to heaven. This is a "fairy tale religion," It does not take account of our sin, nor does it see our need. The Bible is quite clear; "if we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves." (1 John 1:8) We need to be saved from our sin; as John Wesley put it, "from our original Sin, and actual sins, the sins of our past and the sins of the present, from our hidden sins and our open sins." Christians are people who acknowledge they have sinned and have come to Christ for forgiveness.

All may be saved. This is the good news, God's offer of forgiveness is to everyone; no one needs to miss out on God"s saving love. From the lowliest pauper to the mightiest prince, all may be saved. Recently I read something that startled me, it sounded wrong but as I thought further I saw its truth. This is what I read; we should not "think that lost sinners are saved by love, either God's love for them or their love for God. God loves the whole world, (John 3:16) yet the whole world is not saved." We are not simply saved by God's love but by his action in Christ upon the cross. We are saved when we place our faith in Jesus who died to forgive our sins. To be a Christian there is something we must do. We must believe that Christ died for our forgiveness. We must seek his forgiveness; his blood on the cross was the price of our cleansing. It is faith in Christ that brings God's salvation into our lives. All may be saved but salvation can only come through a personal faith in Christ.

All may know they are saved. A Christian is not someone who simply hopes that God will accept them; they have an inner conviction that God has heard their prayer and accepted them for Christ's sake. Not because they are good, they know they are not, but because they have believed his promise. Rom 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be

saved." A living faith in Christ has become the key to understanding God.

They have the witness of God"s Spirit within them, that they are God"s children and loved by their heavenly father. (CF Rom 8:15-16, & 1 John 3:1-2) This is not something they boast about, they have simply come to place their faith in Christ and found that in exchange God has granted forgiveness to them.

All may be saved to the uttermost. If someone claims they have faith but their life does not show it, we may conclude that they are fooling themselves. To be a Christian is to be a little bit like Jesus. To be saved to the uttermost means that there is no limit to what God can do with someone who gives their life wholeheartedly to Him. God is able to break the chains of old habits, he is able to cleanse our speech and turn our lives around. If we are God's people it should show in the way we live. Christians may not be free of all sin, but they will not allow sin to dominate their lives. They will fight against temptations and faults till they win the battle. Anything less says that God can not finish the work He has started.

These were the teachings of the early Methodists, should we expect less today? A Christian is someone who acknowledges their sin, finds forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, has the assurance that they are accepted by God & follows Him in a deepening discipleship. May this be your experience too. The local Methodist Church meets each Sunday for worship at 11 am. 

Rev. Kevin Jones

Le Marais, August 23rd, 2003

*

Ed Le Quesne

What do Methodists Believe? A response by two of the editorial team

The article by Kevin Jones on p.9 is classic Methodist theology, but I feel it is answering questions people are not asking. At the time Wesley was writing, he was faced by Calvinists who believed in predestination, so his emphasis on salvation for all was very important. He also wrote at a time when disease and death were far more common than now and questions about salvation were felt to be urgent as you might face your Maker at any time. In our day, the urgent question is how to live in this world with so many choices available, if you are fortunate in your place of birth. I believe the Methodist Church has put forward some very balanced views, taking on board the very varied experiences of people. We have taken on board the full ministry of women, while some of our |Anglican friends struggle with the knowledge that Jesus chose 12 men and no women as his disciples. Ten years ago, after an emotional debate, listening carefully to strongly held views, a carefully balanced statement on sexuality was put forward at the Derby conference as our policy.

There are many other areas of life where the Methodist Church has expressed the Christian viewpoint on issues such as asylum seekers, peace and war, divorce, abortion, third world debt etc etc. We are pilgrims on the way, through God's varied exciting, mysterious, suffering world, not people who know that our answer is His answer too. Ed Le Quesne

Martin Delap adds: I think that overall it is fair comment. Kevin makes his point well, and I wouldn't disagree with it. Your main point I think you sum up very well. "We are pilgrims on the way, through God's varied exciting, mysterious, suffering world, not people who know that our answer is His answer too." To add a brief point: The core issue to me is not whether or not the church is *answering* the questions that people are asking; we (and "the people") have a problem with understanding what it is that people are *asking*! The issue to me is "Does the church today help people to understand and clarify their *questions*?". What I think that Wesley did so well for his era was not so much to "answer" the questions but to ask the questions in a way that resonated with people; in a way that could be understood and in which people felt was a way of phrasing the questions that they could not articulate. In doing so he then helped people to understand their own religious experience and to recognise and explore further the love of God.

I think that the challenge we, as Christians, face is exactly the same. We are all on a spiritual journey - the Emmaus Road if you like. Do we go (with Christ) forwards towards the sunset or do we continually look back to the cross? Wesley was a man for his time. Our problem is that we don't know, or at least cannot articulate, what questions it is we need to ask now. As I think Wesley found, it is in formulating the question that we start to obtain insight into the nature of God (rather than an "answer"). Many people, including myself, seek quick solutions to problems which we haven't defined. As a result people find ideas such as the "New Age" have a vague spiritual appeal. Ultimately however this leaves us with no further insight into the nature of the God of love; it becomes spirituality for spirituality's sake or a statement that believing in something seems better than believing in nothing. Our primary mission is not to provide quick and ready answers - but to provide questions and ideas which help us move forward in our understanding and appreciation of God's love.

A final thought through this poem

God's Risk

To speak is to risk misunderstanding

To act is to lay ourselves open

To misinterpretation. This God has done

And we all have misheard him, every one.

For God has often been misquoted

His actions have brought loss of control

Since consequences can never be foreseen.

In this openness can God"s love be seen.

When to the Israelites God declared

"You are my people" he soon became

A tribal token . The vision Jesus gave

Of universal love has often been betrayed.

Revelation brings confusion, for every truth

Becomes distorted, refracted and fragmented.

We veer towards idolatry and pride

Yet slowly grow. God"s risk is justified!

Dennis Tackley

Bethlehem Car Park

*It was in September 1979 that the Trustees first approached the owners of the field to the South of the Chapel with a view to purchasing sufficient land to create a Car Park. Unfortunately the request was turned down as was the subsequent one made to the new owner of the field in 1981. However, in 2002, his heirs agreed to the purchase of the site. Initially Planning and Environment were not in favour of development, so further negotiations were made, with the result that the Committee reconvened on site in Autumn 2002 and finally voted in favour. Contractors moved in earlier this year and the car park became operational in May. We thank God for all who have contributed to the realisation of this long awaited asset, in particular Graham Bisson, our Property Chairman. 

B. and K. Le Maistre

Graham Bisson says that thanks to an anonymous donation some years ago, and rent paid by Jersey Telecoms for a small area of the caretaker's garden and donations from members, the £49,000 cost of the project has been fully met. There is space for 48 cars, plus 24 extra with cars parked up the centre. The surface is gravel on hoggin on a hardcore base. Maree and Bob Farrimond have left a "Car Park Full" signboard, hoping it will be used

frequently. It was not needed on the summer Sunday evening when I took

the service and photo recently, but should be soon. See the next column! Ed Le Quesne

FAITH MISSION: DARE TO.. BELIEVE !!!

Bethlehem Church are having a Faith Mission from 28th Sept. until 12th Oct. We are delighted that Steven & Joanna Cousley and David Lewis will be visiting us and leading our "Mission". A programme will be sent out to each church, showing the full programme of events, which will have something for everyone ~ from fun events like "It's a Knockout" & "Quiz evening" ~ to a delicious "Mens Breakfast" and a scrumptious "Ladies Just Desserts" evening all followed by a talk from one of the Faith Mission Team.

There will be " Big Question evenings -

1st October - "Why does God allow suffering" (Speaker: Captain John Le Page MBE) &

7th October: "Is there life after Death?" (Speaker: Dr John Stewart-Jones), plus on

4th October, a "Guest Night" with speakers Dr Rob & Mrs Lynne Forrester "The Man who challenged God "If you"re there God, show me" all events held at St Mary's Community Centre. Especially for ladies whose husband/partner does not yet know Jesus as Lord and Saviour there will be a "Ladies faith lunch" on 4th Oct. at Bethlehem led by Mrs Lynne Forrester. In "One in, One out". Lynne will share what happened in her own life, and will offer prayer ministry and worship too. On 11th Oct there will be "Sankey & Strawberries" at Philadelphie, plus a "Youth Night" at "The Loft" behind St Mary"s Rectory with loud music. For full details, have a look at the programme. Any enquiries please ring Rev. Kevin Jones on 481479. THE IDEA IS TO BRING NON-CHRISTIAN FAMILY MEMBERS / FRIENDS OR WORKMATES TO EVENTS TO HEAR ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN A RELAXED INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE. THE CHALLENGE IS THERE... "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that ALL WHO BELIEVE shall not die but have everlasting life".

The Faith Mission will culminate in a CIRCUIT SERVICE at BETHLEHEM AT 6.30 PM ON 19TH NOVEMBER. We now have a brand new car park at the rear of the church no more parking on the road !!! Jean Schooling

SAMARES METHODIST CHURCH

Since the closure in 1955 of Bethel Methodist Church in La Rue du Hocq (now the HQ of the Girls' Brigade), the little chapel on the Coast Road at Green Island is the only Methodist witness in the Parish of St. Clement.

Its origins can be traced to the year 1895 when, the Bethel church being French speaking, the English Circuit of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Jersey created what was in effect a church plant, with the fledgling English-speaking fellowship meeting in rented premises some 50 yards to the east of the present buildings, possibly the cottage on the corner of the coast road and the road leading to Green Island slipway. The cause made progress, so that on 8 October 1903 the present chapel was opened. Being known as "Samarès Wesleyan Methodist Mission"; it was built at a reported cost of £420. Thus the Church at Samarès will be celebrating the centenary of the opening of the chapel later this year.

Originally the chapel was lit by acetylene gas, which was described as giving "a very steady powerful and yet not glaring light". Later gas lighting was installed, and finally by electricity, through the generosity of Elizabeth Lady Knott of Samarès Manor (later, of course, Mrs. Elizabeth Obbard), who performed the "switching-on" ceremony on 18 December 1935.

During the German occupation, the Glenmoral Concert Party (so-called because a numbers of members lived in nearby Glendale and Balmoral Avenues) was formed by some of the members with a view to raising funds to build a hall where the Sunday School could meet, but it was not until 1956 that the present hall was built.

When in 1968 the States decided to widen the road alongside the chapel, the original low wall, railings and gateway bordering the road were lost and the entrance to the chapel was moved from the south of the little porch to the east.

In the year 2000 a major programme of refurbishment took place; a new entrance was made, the porch became the vestry, a new vestibule was created with direct access to the hall and a glazed screen erected to separate the vestibule from the worship area. The hall was also extensively renovated, with a new kitchen and toilets (including a toilet for the use of disabled persons).

The Church has gone through a number of ups and downs during its first 108 years, including the very difficult days of the occupation, when at one time it had a flourishing Wesley Guild of over 130 members. The present membership is not enormous, but the fellowship is lively and welcoming (average age in the forties); and although looking at the past is fascinating, the Church is now concentrating on being in the future just what it was first called to be a Mission, serving God and the neighbourhood in accordance with its Mission Statement: "Jesus we serve; Jesus we share; together we grow".

A number of celebratory events is being planned, including a Church Anniversary Service on the morning of Sunday, 5 October 2003, when the preacher will be the Rev. Ian White, and (the weekend being also a Springboard Initiative weekend) a celebration service in the evening in which the other churches in the parish will be invited to participate. It is intended that the premises will be open all day on Saturday, 4 October, with a lunch for members of the congregation and a few specially invited guests.

The above paragraphs give only the very briefest of sketches of the history of the fellowship, but a Centenary Booklet, "One Hundred Not Out The Story of a Mission", giving a full account of the Church since its foundation is in course of preparation and it is hoped that this will be ready in time for the centenary weekend in October enquiries to John Le Cornu (Tel. 722316)

METHODIST CONFERENCE 2003

The seaside town of Llandudno proved a very welcome setting for this year's Conference, with its wide promenade running all along the bay, a focus for many Methodists who enjoyed their morning walk from one of the many hotels that run along the sea front.

The Conference got under way in fine style on the Saturday afternoon with a parade led by the Rhyl Silver Band, along the streets and the prom, culminating in an act of witness at the town's sea front bandstand. This was Rev. Ian White's last official duty as President. He delivered a positive address to the 500 people who were gathered to celebrate the occasion. He spoke about Methodists being a people on the move, a "people for change" and "switched-on" communicators.

The Opening Session of Conference in the North Wales Theatre followed, with the singing of the traditional hymn-"And are we yet alive?", followed by a welcome from the Welsh Districts who were hosting Conference

Ian White welcomed the new President, Rev. Dr. Neil Richardson and presented him, very briefly, with John Wesley's Field Bible and the Presidential Cross. The Vice-President, Dr. Peter Howdle then welcomed the new Vice-President, Mrs. Judy Jarvis and inducted her into office.

Sixty-two overseas representatives from Methodist churches from around the world were presented to the President and Vice-President and they brought a splash of colour to the proceedings in their national costumes. The new President gave his Presidential address and in a very inspiring talk challenged us all to be a Church with God at the centre, to be an expectant Church offering worship that is transforming.

The Conference Service on the Sunday morning was attended by over 3,000 people from all over the country. Dr. Richardson took Jesus' first miracle at Cana as both a foretaste and metaphor for Jesus' whole ministry and challenged Christians to constantly renew their faith to ensure that the "new wine" of our belief does not turn back to ordinary water. It was a very joyful and challenging service that ended with people getting up and dancing in the aisles as we sang "We are marching in the light of God".

On the Sunday afternoon Ordinands were received into Full Connexion and Judy Jarvis gave her inaugural address on the theme "Hospitality lies at the heart of Faith"

Monday morning opened with the debate on Stationing. I was able to speak on the memorial from the Jersey Circuit and though it was not accepted by the Committee I was encouraged by the support it received from ministers and stewards. There was good representation from the Youth Conference who spoke enthusiastically about their work. Church Councils were asked to promote the full participation of young people in the life of the church.

There was a brain storming session on the future of the church and many ideas were put forward. Questions such as "where are we heading?" threw up a framework of themes for future discussion and possible action.

The important debate on the Anglican-Methodist Covenant on Tuesday afternoon resulted in a Yes vote by 277 - 86. We were reminded that it is not a unity scheme, does not predict the form of shared life that will emerge, is not a take-over but an equal partnership and will further open up possibilities of working together.

Rev. Professor William Abraham, Professor of Wesley Studies at Southern Methodist University, Dallas gave a far-ranging talk covering many aspects of Wesley's life and work but said Wesley's message was simple "Love the socks off everyone"

Many Methodist World Church leaders attending Conference had been travelling round the Connexion visiting Methodist churches. On the whole they did not seem too enthusiastic with what they had seen of the "Mother church" and some spoke of sending missionaries back into Britain! One was impressed by their enthusiasm, especially those Black Christian leaders who took every opportunity to speak to representatives of their faith and of their churches back home. It was a privilege to meet them.

I have just given a birds eye view of this historic Conference. I found it most interesting and thank the District for sending me, with Rev. Ian Suttie from Guernsey, as their representative. Enid Quenault

Local News

Apology

Relying on a single uncorroborated source, our last edition said that some people didn't come to the Good Friday service because they didn't know it was on. In fact the Good Friday (and Maunday Thursday) services were advertised in the Connexional, District and Circuit Diary section of the plan as are all events that don't fall on a Sunday. Oophs! Sorry to Circuit secretary..

Sion Manse

The circuit stewards are pleased to be able to report a little progress in relation to the Sion manse. A tenant has been found for a period of 6 months on a full commercial rental basis.

It is unlikely that the let will be extended beyond the end of November so we will again be looking for a tenant for any period up to the end of July 2004 when we hope that the replacement for Revd Debbie Godefroy will move in.

Should anyone know of likely tenants please let one of the stewards know or alternatively contact Mr Peter Bridle of Vibert & Bridle. The steward route is clearly the cheapest for the Circuit! Eric Le Rossignol

BETHESDA ALPHA COURSE

Bethesda will be running an Alpha Course beginning at the end of September and running through to Christmas. They are enquiring of St Peter's Football Club to see if their function room would be a suitable venue. The Alpha Supper Launch will be on Wednesday 24th September at 7:00 p.m. (We will confirm the venue later.) The course is expected to run from Wednesday October 8th to December 17th. Do seek to invite a friend, the course is the best modern way to explore faith in a safe atmosphere. Kevin Jones.

JUNIOR POET

Recently Jersey and Guernsey primary schools took part in a poetry competition. The best ones were published in a book called 'Hulabaloo'. Jacqueline O'Hara, one of Bethesda's Junior Church members had her poem included. Well done, Jacqueline. Here it is :-

SUMMER

Summer is hot and sticky,

Summer is fun!

If you have a swimming pool,

That would really be cool,

If not, a cold shower is a bonus!

Summer is fun in the park,

You can be silly and play.

If there is an ice cream van

And if not, find a pool,

To help you cool down.

Jacqueline O'Hara (9) Mont Nicolle Primary

Bethesda's annual Church outing.

About 40 children and adults went for a traditional spin in three

antique lorries on Sat 2nd August. The afternoon drive ended up at the Millbrook Station Cafe for ice creams, then it was back to Bethesda for a barbeque. After this came the evening drive through the tunnel to Gorey for chips at the Drive-in Barbeque before heading back to Bethesda again and home.

Christian Books for Les Quennevais Library

A number of Christian Books were recently presented to the Library at Les Quennevais by the congregations of Bethesda and St Ouen's Churches. This is part of the Christian Books in Libraries Scheme.

Circuit Resources

Since last autumn (2002) the Circuit Resources Bank is now situated at St Helier Methodist Centre and is available to anyone in the circuit - if you would like to have a look and possibly borrow an item you need to contact Pauline on 877517 (10.00 am - 4.00 pm) who will make arrangements with you to view and collect your item. The resources included; Children's & Youth Work Resources (including videos and training material), Resources for worship, Bible Study, Mission and Ministry, Information of envirnoment and the world church, Social Responsibility Reports. If these resources are used then we can look to extend and update them - they are there for your use. Also available is a tv and video combination unit.

Malcolm Salmon

KENYA VISITORS

Pastor Joshua Mutisya-Kilangu, his wife and two sons have been granted their Visas and will be in Jersey from Thursday September 4th - 24th 2003. Joshua's ministry was well received last time they were here, so we hope that there will be opportunities for him to speak at schools, house groups/fellowships or wherever.

He will be sharing Morning worship with Alan Colback at St Helier Centre 10.30 am on Sept. 7th, at Gorey 11 am on the 14th and at Bethesda 10.45 on the 21st. You are invited to " Come and meet Pastor Joshua and his family"

a Coffee Morning on Saturday Sept.13th 10 am to noon at Villa Sedona, Grouville

If you would like to have them at your home for a meal, or contribute to a gift of money towards their Ministry in Nairobi, or need other information , please contact Alan on 855733

WINTER LET IN TOWN OUTSKIRTS: OCT 2003 APRIL 2004 NO QUALIFICATIONS

3 bedroom quality non smoking furnished semi detached house with garden and parking available for short term. Dates may be flexible. 

or

ARE YOUR FRIENDS LOOKING FOR JERSEY ACCOMMODATION NEXT YEAR? HOLIDAY LET IN TOWN OUTSKIRTS 

3 bedroom quality non smoking semi detached house with garden and parking on small quiet estate. Panoramic sea views. Sleeps 6 including children. Dogs welcome by arrangement. Contact Henry & Eileen Le Ruez for further details by telephoning 481335 or by e-mail Familyleruez@homesteadjy.freeserve.co.uk

Tim Ross writes, "I have taken some action on the JEP article ( about the woman with ME who had a thyroid urine test done). It has taken a long time, but I have had the test done and at last have the results. They do show that my thyroid levels are down a bit, but that could be a result of some medicine I've been receiving in the last few months. My doctor is referring me to a local pathologist who can better interpret the test results... so it is just wait and see. Apart from the ME, we are all doing OK.

I continue to paint when I can. I have just finished a very large painting (8 feet high), called "Pilgrimage", for our church. It has been received quite well by the people in the church, in spite of being an abstract - who says Methodists aren't progressive.

Bye for now,

Tim Ross May 2003

Foundation Training

Chris Haines begins a course at Salisbury this September. He will continue living in Jersey, attending Salisbury on a number of occasions. He follows in the footsteps of Maree Farrimond.

Samares Methodist church

From May to July we followed parables and events recorded in Luke 18 & 19 following a Freedom theme and introduced a church family breakfast before each All Age worship.

How did it go? Very well. Taking each passage for two consecutive weeks meant that we really got into Jesus' teaching both adults and children as the same subject was also taken into the Sunday School. Our preachers tackled the challenge with great resourcefulness. Visitors on holiday have also expressed their appreciation. We are developing a greater

freedom of worship which has also been well received. And getting to

church for a 9 o'clock breakfast has been a real challenge!

Now we expect the new format to become our regular approach to worship for adults and children. The devotional The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, author of the much acclaimed The Purpose Driven Church will form the guide to the three months from September. It leads us to the importance of being outward looking Christians with something real to share. It fits in well with the centenary of our chapel building celebrated this October. We shall continue to value your prayers.

Henry Le Ruez August 2003

* The Methodist website address is www.ci-methodist.org.uk

* Thanks to all who have contributed to this issue.

* Items for the December issue should be sent by Nov. 15th to Ed(itor) at 16, Millais Park, St.Helier, JE2 4RU or e-mailed to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk .