Issue No.84
The President celebrates
the Bicentenary at St. Ouen with Rev
Christine Legge
A 45 minute sermon that left people wanting
more. That was our experience at St. Ouen on Sunday May 17th when we heard Rev.
Stephen Poxon make a large congregation enthusiastic about the strengths of our
Methodist community with a range of stories from his visits round the world and
in the UK as President.
He said that the church in many places is not
dying but discovering a new sense of purpose as we face up to the challenges of
today where the pursuit of money has been shown to be an empty vision. We are
called to get connected to our communities in the way that John Wesley was, with
both scriptural holiness and social holiness, to be a community that knows the
grace and love of God in Christ and offers it to all.
Christine Legge had put
out a display of pots of various shapes and sizes and as Stephen casually tossed
one in the air and caught it,
he reminded us that we were people who carried
spiritual treasure in clay pots, the image used in 2 Cor. 4. He urged us to
share our love of Jesus with others.
The bicentenary celebration service opened with
three worship songs, led by Hugh Lince,organ, Karen Le Mouton, flute and Marcus
Pagnum, guitar.
David Coote then offered words of welcome to Stephen on his
first visit to Jersey and his wife Deacon Myrtle Poxon who was here four years
ago as Vice-President.
Opening words by Liz Hunter and Christine Legge and a
hymn Knowing you Jesus led into the first lesson, 2 Cor. 4:1-12
(Treasure
in clay pots) read by Nick Owen.
A responsive prayer for God s presence led to
the Gospel reading from Matt. 9:35 The harvest is plentiful but the
labourers are few read by John Le Gresley. The great hymn We have a gospel to
proclaim led to the sermon.
Stephen is not bound to the lectern but moved
freely and has a wealth of stories to tell. His first stories told of a growing
confidence among Methodist churches that they still had good news to tell in
the 21st century There may be doom and gloom in the economy and political life
but we have a loving Father who welcomes us all through grace. He
urged us to get back to our roots, as shown by John Wesley, of scriptural
holiness and social holiness by living a life that is good, honest and in the
pattern of the disciples and also connected strongly to our society as Wesley
was, setting up schools and health centres and improving prisons and urging the
ending of the slave trade.
Stephen revealed his overseas mission experience
( 7 years in Jamaica and two years in Zambia) by leading us in a chorus song
with actions, which all joined in enthusiastically in the middle of the sermon.
We were then ready for more!
Stephen gave us several examples of the great
impact made by the faithful and extended witness of one or a small band of
Christians, who had seen a need and regularly offered their service to meet it.
He ended by challenging us to be more willing to share our love of Jesus with
others He said we have this treasure in each of us, coming from God's mercy.
We are clay jars, but shining with the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord.
Ed Le Quesne
A Good story to tell
Myrtle
Poxon, David Coote and Vice President David Walton on left of the new Bailiff,
Michael Birt. The President and Barbara Coote are on the right
The President and Vice President made a big
impression on the Channel Islands District. With good humour and an ability to
connect with people of all sorts in the four island jurisdictions that make up
the Channel Islands District they showed both the joy of Christian faith and
what confidence in God can do in transforming individuals, churches and
communities.
Both the President who was accompanied by his wife Myrtle and the
Vice President were able to spend some time in Jersey and Guernsey. The
President visited Alderney and the Vice President, Sark.
Joint visits
They visited Samares which has a strong outreach
mission to a local estate, met the minister Henry le Ruez and Andrew Bird the
full time lay pastor, one of Jersey's six lay workers and some members recently
drawn into its life. Though used during the week the church has outgrown its
premises for its cafe style worship and now worships in the Eastern Good
Companions Club, a local community hall. The President and Vice President learnt something of the church's involvement
with the Grace Trust and it regularly packs food parcels for individuals and
families who have difficulty in making ends meet.
Both the President and Vice President attended a
lunch at the Biarritz Hotel. Before lunch they shared in a Circuit Network
Easter Offering dedication service led by Network District President, Barbara
Coote. Here again the President burst into song before sharing stories drawn
from world church experience.
Their visit acted as a catalyst for a useful
discussion with local Jersey politicians including the Chief minister, business
people and Rev Matthew Reed the Christian Aid director of marketing and
supporter care who flew over from the UK for the meeting. Christian Aid's
involvement in a meeting in Jersey with other groups who many local people feel
denigrate Jersey has been a cause of much controversy. A constructive time was
aided by helpful comments by both the President and vice President and an
acknowledgement by the Christian Aid director that Jersey people with expertise
in this field ought to be able to help in shaping Christian Aid's tax policy,
whilst not impairing Christian Aid's advocacy and campaigning work. At a Jersey
States Christian Members Breakfast the President led in prayer and gave
encouragement to Jersey politicians who shared with him some of the dilemmas
they were concerned about including proposals to introduce civil partnerships in
Jersey.
Sark visit
Clay pots featured in the Vice
Presidents time in Sark where he visited the Jeremiah project in the Islands
Loraine Pottery. This is one of several innovative projects begun by lay Pastor
David Hollingsworth. The project offers a spiritual experience of God as a
potter and we as clay. The Vice President tried his hand and left the Jeremiah
project with a chalice and paten. Later he shared in a reflective service
overlooking the neighbouring Islands of Guernsey, Herm, Jethou and Brechou (the
home of the Barclay Brothers) from a horse drawn carriage, a vehicle synonymous
with Sark. Such services are soon to become a regular feature of the Methodist
community's life.
Alderney visit
When the President visited Alderney with Myrtle
they were accompanied by the Lay Pastor, Irene Day. They met many Island
residents and leaders, supernumerary the Rev Arthur Mignot and his wife Eileen
and prayed with church leaders in the Island's Methodist Chapel. They visited
Sylt Camp the only concentration camp to be run by the SS on British soil
during the Second World War, where four hundred perished in a place of
incredible inhumanity. Only recently islanders gathered for the unveiling of a
simple stone plaque placed there by ex-prisoners and their families.
Guernsey visit
On Sunday the Vice President was in Guernsey. In
the morning he preached at Les Camps and after a tour of Guernsey with the
Superintendent Rev David Hart he was at St Paul's where he preached about
Christians in the workplace, urging that prayer and practical support be given
to church members engaged in working life. In the service he also interviewed
Nigel Lewis a leading civil servant and a banker Keith Le Parmentier who is a
local preacher in the Guernsey Circuit. Many warmed to the Vice Presidents idea
of having a Business Sunday.
A growing confidence in God and openness to fresh
ways of worship and outreach was a repeated and welcome theme in a District
which is able to show evidence of new life and fresh ways of doing things.
Visits by the President and Vice President to the two Methodist Homes in Jersey
and to Maison de Quetteville and Maison L'Aumon in Guernsey, where there is
currently being built a magnificent dementia care unit, were greatly valued by
residents and their friendliness and words of greeting were much appreciated.
When they left the Vice President and The
President who was to fly to The Gambia the following day took with them the love
and the prayers of the Channel Islands District. They each took with them a copy
of David Chapman's recently published book 'Chapel and Swastika' which tells of
Methodism in the Channel Islands during the German occupation. They took also
stories of churches responding to twenty first century challenges. As they
travelled the District they gave candles as reminders of our 'connectedness'
with the wider life of the church (Christine Legge is holding
one in the lead article photo).
They left a grateful people who had gained much
from their visit, and who had been encouraged by the Presidents and Vice
Presidents natural warmth, openness and inspirational stories.
David Coote
Wesley Day in Jersey
Georgetown were pleased to welcome Ian and Diana
White to their evening service on May 24th. Ian had brought a handmade stole,
a present from Methodists in Bolivia with him. Its strong colours don't come
out in the black and white photo in
the printed copy but we can demonstrate them here.
The service was well attended by people from
round the circuit, who were pleased to welcome the Whites back to Jersey from
their retirement home in Newcastle. All four hymns were written by Charles
Wesley, including 216, And can it be . Three extracts from John Wesley's
diaries were read. The first on 24th May, 1738 was the familiar one about going somewhat unwillingly .... and a quarter before nine finding his heart
strangely warmed .. The second 10 months later, talked about the vileness
of field preaching , the first time that he preached in the open air. The final
one on 28th August 1748 talked about his field preaching, with stones thrown at
him and hitting those near him. In his sermon, Ian White spoke of the spark of
grace that had transformed the life of John Wesley and how the Spirit is still
active today.
Ed Le Quesne
Channel
Islands District Synod
Friday events
We met this year in
Jersey at St Aubin Methodist Church and shared in a wide and varied agenda. The
day began with a meeting of the small committee who have responsibility for
overseeing and supporting the work of our two District lay workers
on Sark and Alderney, Mr David Hollingsworth and Miss Irene Day. Both face very
real and difficult challenges in their work and I would encourage you to pray
for them.
On Alderney the
children's club has had a makeover and a name change. Now known as Loaves and
Fishes, they meet on a Wednesday lunchtime and share a meal together, watch DVDs
and pray. With 30 children attending the club was one of the venues
for the Bishop of Winchester's visit in February, when the children subjected
him to a Question time !
Fresh Expressions of
church knows no bounds and has found its way even to Sark! Using Jeremiah 18 as
their inspiration a fellowship based around the island pottery is being
planned. The process of creating something from clay will be used as a means to
share scripture, to pray and to be together. To be known as the Jeremiah Project
items produced will include chalices and plates for use in Communion. These will
be offered free as gifts from a Christian community embracing the theology that
we are all imperfect vessels called to share Christ with the world. Exciting
times in Sark!
The District Policy
Committee (DPC) met early on Friday afternoon to discuss some of the practical
issues that the District manages on behalf of the Circuits and individual
churches. This included property matters and also the formal acceptance of the
nomination of Revd David Hinchcliffe as the Chair of the Channel Districts from
September 2010. He will also take up the appointment of Superintendant
(Supt) of the Guernsey
Circuit and will thus be living in the other island!
The final business on
Friday was the Ministerial Session when all presbyters and deacons, active and
supernumerary, meet together in fellowship to share Holy Communion and to
promise before God and one another to continue to fulfil our calling as
ministers of the gospel and the sacrament. It is a moment that I always find
very poignant as it reinforces the fact that we are part of something so much
bigger that embraces not just Methodism past,
present and future but the whole of God s wonderful creation.
Friday came to a close
in the evening when 30 members of Synod met at Jersey Bowl for supper and some
friendly rivalry as we
discovered who knew the difference between a strike and a spare. Don t ask
me....I m still confused! David Hinchcliffe shared in this evening.
Liz
Hunter
Saturday events
On the traditional sunny Saturday the Synod
assembled at St. Aubin. Several Guernsey members had stayed in the hotels on
the Bulwarks. The business included the last Church and Society report by Rev
Chris White, who was wished well in his next appointment. The District
Development Forum reported that they had a grant of £16,000 per year to spend on
training opportunities and its convenor, Clive Falla listed examples of recent
grants. Written reports were received on the work of Network, the Ecumenical
team and the initiative, Extending Discipleship - Exploring Vocation which is
exploring where the C.I. District should link for training needs for ministerial
candidates and others. It was agreed that we should explore whether to join
the South East or the South West Training Forum. By unanimous vote, Rev. David
Hinchcliffe was confirmed as District Chair from Sept. 2010. He is currently
Supt of the Woking and Walton circuit and has done research on English Churches
engagement with Europe. He is also in his third year as a Doctor of Ministry
student In Kansas City. He is a a leader of Alpha and Disciple courses and has
practical experience in ecumenical co-operation.
Rev. Will Morrey spoke about the development of
the NCH from ts foundation in 1869 into the present day Action for children. He
explained that research revealed that only 1% recognised NCH while 21%
recognised Barnardos. The new name will describe clearly what it is about, and
help with fund-raising. Right from the start it has campaigned on behalf
of the most vulnerable children,
echoing Wesley s call not to go to those who need you but to those who need you
most. He gave the example of a girl in Styal prison who had been born in prison
and had herself had a baby in prison. They want to break this cycle of
deprivation They are always there for children with core values of passion,
equality and hope. For 5 years they have had a project in Guernsey
and would be interested in exploring possible projects in Jersey as we implement
the Williamson report.
Will Morrey and David
Coote in conversation
Rev. Carole Holmes from
Guernsey led a reflection on 3 children, the boy with the loaves and fish, Jairus'
daughter and the boy who was called to Jesus, reflecting as adults on their
encounters with Jesus. This led into a talk by Liz Lambotte She reminded us
that 100 years from now, our bank balance or possessions will not matter but the
contacts we have had with children would still be important. Spiritual
awareness is already present in young children in their joy and wonder in small
things in the world about them. She described an assembly with a Year 3 class ,
where they quietly meditated on Jesus as a friend with a lighted candle in a
darkened Hall as a focus. She spoke of the importance of play for children to
learn and said that our life-script is set by the age of seven. The face of
love from a mother lays down a real confidence in a baby. As well as teaching
them we must also learn from children.
Rev. Mark Bond spoke of the 20 years of
Ecumenical covenant in St. Brelade, which has had its ups and downs. It has a
real focus in managing Communicare, which has had a range of leaders since John
Le Page left. The Anglican/Methodist worship at the chapel closed recently but
is now used by the New Life Christian Fellowship, which has brought a new energy
to the worship. The Dean, Rev. Bob Key also spoke and remarked how important it
had been to be invited on his first day in Jersey to meet with Mgr. Nicholas
France and David Coote and there was close co-operation between them. He finds
it useful to explore their views when controversial topics come before the
States.
After a hearty singing of the doxology we moved
next door for our lunch, a single course of freshly cooked plaice ( Jersey ),
chips and coffee.
After lunch we had a stirring talk on the theme Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
by Rev. Mark Wakelin, which has been reported in the recent Jersey Link.
David Hollingsworth at
St. Aubin
In closing the Synod, David Hollingsworth from
Sark, remarked on the stained glass window behind him. It showed Jesus by the
pool of Bethesda, as related in John 5, asking the sick people there, Do you
want to be made well . He pointed out that many translations leave out v.4
which talks about an angel coming to stir the waters. He said that we have to
bring the Good News to others. In Sark they are starting Jeremiah services,
making clay pottery using the skills of a member who runs the local pottery. He
said that political tensions there are subsiding and the community is hearing
about the thing that can link them together.
Ed Le Quesne
A Leaving Note
Chris and Lynn White at
Georgetown's anniversary lunch at Ambassadeur Hotel
Writing this feels like I am leaving a note on a
kitchen table whilst having the door keys in my hand ready to go!
The past few weeks have kept me very busy and I
am realising I will have to leave some things unfinished, some paperwork still
on the desk and regretfully some people I never did locate and visit. I hope
that Rev Graeme Halls will pick up on some of these as the handover becomes real
and practical. It is frustrating never to finish things before some new demand
arrives by telephone.
I cannot find words to sum up eleven years of
ministry and life on the island and I will not tire you with too many
paragraphs. I am aware that I have occasionally got things wrong or spoken
unthinkingly and for those I would ask your forgiveness, no excuses. It is
difficult to balance those two qualities of listening and leadership, both of
which are essential. I leave optimistic about the Methodist Church here because
I sense God is moving among us and guiding. The future is beginning to clear
despite some hurdles yet to jump. With God in the picture there is always hope.
Our willingness to act with faith and foresight is vital still.
I will miss people mostly and miss those numerous
folk who have already left us for eternity, whose faces are still fresh in my
memory along with their words. I am indebted to so many of you who have
encouraged us and supported us at difficult times and we will never forget you.
Later this year I have asked Ed Le Quesne if I
can write to let everyone know how we are settling into life in rural
Hertfordshire and he has welcomed this. From August 13th our address is:-
68 Melbourn Road, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7DG
As some will know, I enjoy letters and postcards
but I am no fan of emails. I will leave an arrangement with Wilma at the
Georgetown office to be sent the Jersey Methodist and Jersey Link so that I can
keep in touch with you and remember you in prayer. I hope to see many at my
final services and am sorry if I miss you. Perhaps we will come back sometime, I
always leave coats and brollies in peoples homes, not to mention books.
Rev Chris White.
Celebration of 51 years
at Bethel
Chris White led a
Thanksgiving Celebration service on a sunny Sat. June 27th as the Girls Brigade
prepared to hand Bethel back to the Methodist circuit. Kathleen Noel led
prayers for the past, present and future. Ann Marett outlined the history of
Bethel and there were photo albums to spark memories of the important role that
G.B. has played in shaping numerous young lives. The reading from Hebrews 11.
v. 8 -10 led to an address from Chris White on A touch of the Abrahams as the
Brigade prepares for their future venture, sharing the premises at Les Freres
with Boys Brigade. Lusty singing of Moses, I know you're the man ,
God of
Bethel and One more step along the world I go and
an ample tea completed a memorable end to this phase of G.B. in Jersey for
officers, helpers and friends.
We Seek, Serve and Follow
Christ say Bev Waller, Ann Marett and Mary Rive
Engaging a generation -
are you ready for Mission Possible Development Officer - Girls Brigade and
Boys Brigade
The role:
With the support of the Methodist Circuit in
Jersey, the Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade wish to appoint a paid development
officer to assist and support the volunteer Brigade leaders and executive
officers in their efforts in nurturing and rejuvenating existing groups as well
as co-ordinating the establishment of new groups around Jersey as they seek to
engage with a new generation through outreach and mission.
The person:
A committed Christian and drive and a desire to
work with children and young people as they discover their faith in the
fulfilment of the objectives of the Brigades: To seek, serve and follow
Christ and the Advancement of Christ's kingdom and all that tends towards a
true Christian life Perseverance to overcome conflicting demands, interests
and emotions is vital, as is the ability to be a good communicator and
negotiator. Good organisational skills and time management skills will enable
the Development Officer to work in what will be an unsupervised job for most of
the time.
This is a part time paid
position, 25 hour per week and the
appointment will be made for an initial period of 3 years. Interested parties
should apply in writing to Circuit Office, Ravenscroft, La Route de Noirmont, St
Brelade, JE3 8AJ. For more information, including job description email
circuit.office@jerseymail.co.uk
Closing date 17 July,
GOOD NEWS FROM THE
BRIGADES
Every local church is surrounded by communities
of children . . . Many of whom may never hear the message about Jesus . . .!
What a challenge!!
Every community of children
has a church within their surroundings . These are the people with that message
to share . . .!
What an opportunity!!
But (in the UK)
-
83% of young people
believe that the community does not care about them.
-
59% of Churches have no
one attending between 15 and 19.
-
1000 teenagers a week
are leaving church.
These challenges and opportunities are our
future, and working together BB and GB in Jersey are seeking to engage with a
new generation of young people. Recognising this, the Jersey Methodist Circuit
has agreed to support the work of the Brigades through the appointment of a
Development Officer.
The Development Officer will support the work of
existing groups, ensuring that these grow and develop and support the outreach
mission of those churches which currently enjoy the presence of a company.
The Development Officer will also work with
churches around the Island that currently do not have the Brigades with the
objective of establishing new groups. The Brigades are passionate about working
with children and young people in the local community. We want to engage a
generation with a message of hope rooted in Jesus and need help. The Development
Officer will be one piece of the jigsaw, but all of us involved within the
Church community in Jersey will have a part to play in helping to ensure that we
reach this common goal.
The recruitment process has started, and the job
will be advertised in the JEP. If you feel this is your calling, or suspect
someone else needs a gentle nudge, then please do what is needed! Equally if you
feel you have time to spare on a voluntary basis helping one or both of the
brigades, please contact us, if you don't we are sure the Development Officer,
when appointed will be knocking at your door
Ann Marett and Andrew
Bennett
'It's Showtime' -
Saturday, 16 May 2009 at St James Centre.
The Show, with over 80 children and 15 adults
taking part was an opportunity for children around the Jersey Methodist Circuit
and Girls Brigade and Boys Brigade to share their talents. It was a sell-out.
Jurat Sally Le Brocq, Vice President of the
Jersey Girls Brigade had a front row seat alongside the President and his wife
The show opened with
the children, led by a girl from St. Ouen, inviting the audience to
sing along to 'There's no business like show business.'
The New Disciple Puppet Team from
Bethlehem Methodist Church
opened with the song 'Love is a Wonderful thing'. The Puppet team was
formed in 2005 . The name was chosen after a discussion about the 1970's pop
group the New Seekers - they decided that they wanted the audience to be new
seekers for Christ. They wanted to have a purpose, not just to entertain, but to
deliver the Christian message in a visual and exciting way with an appeal to all
age groups. As in the Bible the disciples were followers of Jesus who went out
to spread his message to all who listened. They hope as a group to reach out to
other people who want to hear more of God's message.
St Martins Boys Brigade
performed a delightful sketch about
five scarecrows who wanted to break free from the poles that they had been
placed on. Once free from their poles, they invited the audience to meet them
in the cabbage patch.
The girls from Georgetown
Girls Brigade , with ages ranging from 4 to 15 years, had chosen their
animal and designed their masks and costumes to dance to the Pink Panther theme
tune. Starting from the back of the audience, the groups of animals made their
way to the front with each group being led by an Inspector Clouseau character.
The animals moved around the stage until the dramatic end to the piece of music
when a Pink Panther figure appeared to take the spotlight.
St Martins Methodist Church Youth Club
entertained the audience with their version
of the well known Flanders and Swann sketch called 'The gas man cometh'. A
well rehearsed sketch, with confident actors who engaged with the audience to
provide much laughter. The sketch was well sung by two boys.
The New Disciple Puppet
Team - Bethlehem Methodist Church returned with the song - 'Josiah'
The Puppets were popular with the young members
of the audience as well as adults.
Noah's Ark - Who put the
colours in the rainbow St Ouen's Methodist Church
A sketch retelling the story of Noah's Ark, with
some amazing handmade wooden animals and an ark. The sketch ended with a
beautiful rainbow being opened on the stage, forming a back drop to the
participants, who sang 'Who put the colours in the rainbow '
British Sign language
Song - Georgetown Girls Brigade 'For God so loved the world'
Georgetown Girls Brigade
chose to communicate with the audience in two ways at the same time - singing
and using British Sign Language. With the children in dark clothes and white
gloves, the ultra violet lights highlighted the gloves to provide maximum
visual effect.
The song is by
John
Hardwick, a Christian song writer who has visited Jersey and taught the leaders
to 'never expect children to do something that you would not be prepared to do
yourself!'
Liz Lambotte,
Youth Worker at St Aubins Methodist Church, read
a poem about children and childhood, encouraging the audience to remember 'big
muddy puddles' and bright yellow daisies'.
Ribbon Dance -
Georgetown Girls Brigade
Georgetown Girls Brigade used red, yellow and
orange ribbons to dance to Westlife 'You raise me up' . This
inspirational song, used to recall the 9/11 terrorist attack, gave a
thoughtful moment for the audience to reflect on the words 'You raise me up, so
I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong,
when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up... To more than I can be.
A girl from St
Ouen's Methodist Church impressed the
audience with her beautiful singing of several songs starting with 'The girl
from Ipanema'. Later she performed the solo ''Where is love ' from
the musical Oliver.
St Martins Girls Brigade
- dance - 'Hot n cold'
The members of St Martins Girls Brigade
entertained the audience with their dance to 'Hot N Cold', a lively routine with
some excellent body and facial expressions.
The New Disciples Puppet Team from Bethlehem
Methodist Church ended the show with 'Put the love of God in your heart'. A
wonderful song that had the audience foot tapping and clapping along with the
puppets.
The Lieutenant
Governor, Andrew Ridgway congratulated the children during his
closing speech
Reverend Stephen Poxon
encouraged the children to live their dream, to be whatever they wanted to be
and to take all opportunities life gave them. Stephen Poxon gave an example of
how important the Girls Brigade and Boys Brigade organisations can be to an
individual. He retold the story of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson,
who spoke about how the values that were established in him at The Boys' Brigade
have lasted throughout his life and made him the person he is today: Alex
Ferguson says It was the teamwork and commitment of the boys that made the BB
so special to me ... I still to this day have my Boys' Brigade bible, I pray
every day and my Christian faith is so important. Rev. Poxon also led the
whole audience in an action song that got everyone on the feet and waving their
arms!
Finale
The cast of over eighty children ended the show
with a lively and fun filled singing of 'Thank you for the Music', during which
balloons and party poppers were shared with the audience. Hugh Lince played the piano and provided musical
support, with Ian Baratte being a wonderful compere.
Report by Bev Waller Photos by Philip Le Brocq
2009 marks the 30th
anniversary of the United Nations' International Year of the Child. It
is an opportunity to make 2009 a year in which the issues, injustices and
challenges facing young people today can be highlighted. It gives chance
for work with children and young people to be celebrated and to facilitate new
initiatives with and for young people.
How I spent my sabbatical by Billy Slatter
I have often said that I am not holy enough to be
a minister, retaining one foot in the world and that probably contributed to the
motivation to spend part of my sabbatical looking at workplace chaplaincies.
It is an area of work that is a little remote
from church life and yet is probably more relevant to mission than any other. A
Workplace Chaplain may wear a badge or a dog-collar to indicate an official
presence, but the work that is done belongs to every Christian in the world of
work.
After working through the Industrial Mission
Association induction course, I arranged a tour of England in which I visited
ten different types of workplace situations so that I could compare and contrast
how Chaplaincy operates. The workplaces I visited were;
Manchester United Football Club,
Bolton Wanderers Football Club,
Outo Kumpo Ltd (Sheffield Steel)
National Exhibition Centre Birmingham
Newmarket Racecourse
Felixstowe Port
Poole Local Authority
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Gatwick Airport
Marketplace Chaplains Europe
It was very
encouraging to find that without exception, the chaplaincy was valued and spoken
well of. The most negative expression was that of indifference, and that was
only found where the chaplaincy was not very well known. Where the chaplain was
known, there was a welcome and appreciation of the independent interest and care
that was available. I was surprised to hear some executives say that the
Chaplaincy is vital to their business.
There is a lot of good work being done in the
workplace and it would benefit our church to find ways of engaging more with it.
I took a holiday in the middle of the sabbatical
and as I wanted to see Easter in an Eastern Orthodox context I went to Cyprus.
It was Holy Week and the Island was preparing for the celebration of Easter that
is as big a festival for them as Christmas is for us. The 'higher' western
church had services throughout the week commemorating different aspects of the
passion narrative - including a macabre 'burning of Judas' that I didn't attend.
On Easter morning I went to an Anglican service
that had mainly an ex-pat congregation. I was surprised to find the whole event
exactly as it would have been in England, there was no incorporation of any
local traditions and no Orthodox influence on the service. It raised lots of
questions about engagement with other cultures.
The second half of the sabbatical focused on a
trip to Zambia with a charity called Habitat for Humanity. It was founded by the
former U.S. President Jimmy Carter with the mission to provide a decent home for
everyone in the world. It's a big aim, but little by little it is making a
difference.
I was attached to an American group for a two
week project building a house for a family. Being with the Americans added
another interesting cultural dynamic to the trip, not least of which was
teaching them to speak English properly. We stayed in very basic conditions in
the African bush and the build work was hard as everything had to be done by
manual labour since there were no tools. However, whatever we were able to
contribute practically was more than rewarded by the hospitality and friendship
given to us by the Zambian people. People who have done similar things with
Jersey Overseas Aid will know that the African experience is truly
life-enriching and unforgettable.
Filling in the sabbatical gaps I learned to
construct websites and to create and edit dvd's so I managed to tick most if not
quite all of my agenda boxes.
I have many stories, experiences and memories so
in the coming months I will, doubtless speak much more than I can write. The
sabbatical has been beneficial to me in many ways; for the work that I have been
able to do and for the space to think and develop outside of a circuit context.
It's been good to have the break; it's good to be back.
Billy
Dr. Douglas Begg
Douglas Begg died on 13th April. His
well-attended funeral at St. Helier Methodist Centre was conducted by Chris
Haines who flew back to Island specially. Douglas was Chris's mentor
during his training as a local preacher. Chris is due to be ordained in July
Douglas and his first wife Christine had three
children, and his youngest, Trisha spoke about her father. She said
"Douglas' father was a professional soldier
with the Royal Scots Fusiliers in the First World War so he ran a tight ship. He
was disciplined - and, being Scottish, also thrifty! Born in 1926, Douglas was
only 19 when the war ended, so he just missed out on fighting in WW2. The
closest he came was the CCF at Sedburgh School in Cumbria, where his father had
also been, guarding railway tunnels. Having grown up during the war, nothing was
wasted. He'd always keep old envelopes to make notes on. We remember him writing
out his round for the day (in geographical order) on the back of such envelopes.
Douglas trained to be a doctor at Westminster
Hospital and was always conscientious, dedicated and compassionate.
Independently, Douglas and Christine applied for jobs at the Jersey General
Hospital where they met on the male medical ward which is under the big clock.
Once upon a time they were seriously considering becoming missionaries but
instead opted for careers in medicine caring for the sick closer to home. Little
sayings cropped up throughout our childhood, such as "Little missionaries
do good things in dark places!!"
Andrew, Lizzie and I often used to accompany him
on his rounds and got to know many of his patients well. Although initially
Douglas worked in partnership with other doctors, he eventually set up his own
practice, working extremely hard and supported by Christine. When we moved from
Ouaisne to Beauport House in 1967, Douglas also ran a surgery from home in the
evenings. A few years later, the house was converted into a nursing home which
Christine ran, and the family moved into the new house that had been built on
the adjacent plot.
Douglas was a multifaceted family man. Whilst his
toolbox remained pristine and untouched, he could whip up a storm at a
children's party by performing magic tricks and pulling rabbits out of hats. He
was a budding thespian with an impressive baritone, playing and singing his way
through leading roles during his school and University years. Old habits die
hard and at the drop of a hat he would dress in disguise, entertaining and
amusing the elderly residents of the home. A gifted communicator, he contributed
widely to medical journals and newsletters and kept a daily diary from the age
of 7 to 79. He taught us the big and small lessons in life: that we should
treat everybody with respect and kindness and think of others first; that if we
failed at something first time, we should keep trying until we succeeded - stickability
, he called it.
To say that Douglas enjoyed his food would not do
credit to a man who could single-handedly devour a Battenburg in one sitting, or
demolish half a tower of profiteroles before dinner. His sweet tooth was
legendary and it only increased with age - in his words, "I'm not greedy
but I like a lot"
To conclude we'd like to read a short entry from
Douglas's 1944 diary entitled,
Have a Cheery way
Have on your
lips a cheerful smile
Keep in your
heart a song
Laugh, and
you'll find that life's worthwhile
Cheering other
folk on.
He continued to work full time until his "retirement" in 1992 but even
then he carried on helping other doctors by covering their holidays and other
absences. He also worked for the Social Security Department during his
"retirement". It was one of his responsibilities to visit disabled people at
home to assess their eligibility for various allowances. He finally hung up his
stethoscope at the age of 75 at the end of a long and distinguished career.
Nola Webster
Dr. Douglas Begg was a well-loved
and loyal member of Bethesda Methodist Church for many years, always a very
regular worshipper until recent years when his health deteriorated. But he was
there whenever he could, often accompanied by his devoted daughter, Heather or
by his grandson Jonathan or a carer. He was always welcome, but it took a
lot of courage as he was gradually becoming so severely handicapped.
He was also a Methodist local preacher having
attained his accreditation in 1990, and he enjoyed preaching the gospel around
the churches in the island where he was always well received. Tesson Chapel
was also close to his heart and he preached there regularly. He took a very
active role in the LP meeting and also as a member of the Gideon society, when
he kept very busy distributing Bibles to schools and hospitals and speaking at
school assemblies, a task he enjoyed.
Douglas had a very strong faith which he was able
to share in the Message slot on the radio which was heard and appreciated by
many people. He was one of the founder members of the Methodist Men's
luncheon club.
But it was as a member of our church at Bethesda
that I knew him best, a real gentleman in every sense of the word, always
greeting everyone with a smile, a very quiet man but always ready to get
involved with anything that needed doing and a genuine concern for the welfare
of others. When he was no longer well enough to preach, he still enjoyed
occasionally reading the Bible passages on a Sunday and taking part in as many
of the church's activities as he could. Our faith lunches and men's
breakfasts were a special treat for him, where he had the time to chat and share
experiences with his friends.
As his illness progressed, it was distressing to
see this once alert strong, intelligent man having difficulty to cope, but in
spite of his discomfort, his smile, that was so much part of him, was always
there. And this smile grew to a positive sparkle when he was given chocolates
which he really enjoyed eating. Whenever I visited him and asked him how he
was, his answer right to the end was always the same - I'm alright.
And he knew he was alright spiritually as his
trust and faith in his Lord were so strong that he knew where he was going and
that death was not the end but a new beginning in the loving arms of the Saviour
whom he worshipped so faithfully during this life. I feel sure he will have
received the welcoming words from Jesus - Well done, good and faithful servant,
enter into the joy of your Lord.
Enid Quenault
We also record the death on
Easter Sunday of Ian Toole, husband of Di and father of Vicki, Helen and
Elizabeth. Ian and Vicki were responsible for the Liberation pagent at Fort
Regent, which celebrated the 50th anniversary in 1995. Ian also audited
the Circuit accounts for many years.
Clarrie Perchard
died on Sunday, June 14th. Full tribute to this Eden stalwart in our next
issue
Wedding
On June 6th at Georgetown,
Joanna, daughter of Rodney and Nance Picot married Andy Cookson.
Time paces - a poem on a clock
When as a child I laughed
and wept,
Time crept.
When as a youth I waxed more
bold,
Time strolled.
When I became a full-grown
man,
Time ran.
When older still I daily
grew,
Time flew.
Soon I shall find in passing
on,
Time gone.
O Christ! Wilt thou have
saved me then?
Amen.
A Methodist worth
celebrating 250 years on!! Plaque by the organ at St. Martin.
Jean de Quetteville, one of six children, was
born at Le Catillion, a farm deep in the heartlands of St. Martin on May 22nd
1761. His father made plans and dreamed dreams, all of them centred on Jean.
He sent him to school in Winchester, though probably he had to learn English
there as well(!). We know that he remained there till he was at least 15. His
most significant memory of those years was of the Methodist revival sweeping
over the town and affecting both the citizens of the town and the soldiers in
the barracks - one can almost imagine open air meetings with soldiers giving
their testimonies amidst hails of stones and mud. Jean was deeply challenged.
Back home he was restless, difficult and
disinterested in the farm. His father was at first puzzled and then desperately
anxious. All his cherished plans were falling apart. Desperately he approached
the St. Martin Rector who advised that a swim at St. Catherine s Bay and more
mixing with young people of his own age would put matters right. Two of his
girl cousins knew exactly what the need was and where they had found the answer
themselves. So they planned, prayed and schemed. The plan probably included a
meal to entice him into town, coupled with a surprise! He took the bait and
found the surprise was a preaching service conducted by Robert Carr Brackenbury,
one of John Wesley's preachers, at 3 Market St (now Royal Square) the home of
the Perchard family. That night Jean became a new man in Christ and never looked
back.
Robert Carr Brackenbury was in Jersey through the
very soldiers Jean had heard in the open air at Winchester! When their regiment
had been transferred to Jersey, as new Christians, the soldiers had done the
rounds of the Jersey churches looking for fellowship and had been horrified that
nobody spoke English! Desperate for help they sent a letter to John Wesley
asking him to send a bilingual preacher/pastor who could help the soldiers in
English, and bring the local people to faith in their native French. Great idea!
Now it so happened that when John Wesley received
the letter, he had staying with him the very man needed. Robert Carr
Brackenbury was of the Lincolnshire gentry, owned thousands of acres, as
well as being fluent in French. He had recently been widowed after a very short
marriage and was willing to leave his brand new Raithby Hall and the new chapel
built over the hall stables and heated by the horse underneath! He arrived in
December 1788 and spent seven years in the Channel Islands evangelising,
organising and compiling a French hymnbook and so preached to Jean and his
cousins in the Perchard house.
As regards Jean he never looked back Dad was
bitterly disappointed that his son was still not interested in the farm and he
refused to let Jean borrow his horse for his forays into all corners of the
island. Jean arranged lots of family gatherings where he shared the great
things the Lord had done for him. He was accepted as a Methodist preacher and
conducted his first service on Christmas Day at Mrs Le Couteur in St. Mary.
After two years in Jersey he spent a year in Guernsey (he married a Guernsey
girl but we'll forgive him as her name was Suzanne de Jersey!), Alderney and
Sark. He gave himself to the evangelisation of the Channel Islands, only slowing
down a little about 1820. He died at the ripe old age of 82 in 1843. By that
time he was described as The Apostle to the Channel Islands and a plaque was
erected in our St. Martin Chapel.
Offers please!!
The reason for writing the above article lies in
the fact that 2011 will mark the 250th anniversary of Jean de Quetteville's
birth and it is an appropriate time to celebrate the enthusiasm, dedication and
courage of our Methodist forebears. The exciting events depicted above cry out
for some kind of stage production. Anyone willing to get involved in such a
production should contact one of the circuit ministers or myself
Rev. David Le Seelleur
St.Ouen, 200 not out
Jill Green with one of
her displays
It is hard to believe we are already halfway
through our bicentenary year, and what an amazing time it has been so far. The
Lord has really blessed our celebrations and surely our amazing flower festival
held on the weekend 12th/14th June will long be remembered. Thank you first to
Jill Green for her outstanding contribution, both in the wonderful flower
arrangements and the display of artefacts depicting the life of our Church
through the 200 years; to all our members who worked so incredibly hard with
the catering and in so many other ways; to Hugh Lince for organising a concert
on the Friday evening, and thank you to all who visited us during the three
days. We appreciate your support.
Prayer labyrinth
Three of our members, Joyce Lince, Joy Owen and
Doreen Munro put together a prayer labyrinth Jesus walk to Jerusalem during
Holy Week which was so very meaningful.
President's visit
We were honoured to have the President of
Conference preach at the Circuit Service on May 17th. The Chapel was full,
everyone enjoying refreshments after the service. The day before, our Sunday
School gave their story of Noah s Ark at St. James and I thank the teachers for
their dedicated work in our growing Sunday School.
Dates to note
We continue the celebrations with a Songs of
Praise on our new village green next to the Parish Hall on July 19th at 4.30 pm
and a barbecue at the church on August 8th at 7 pm. We welcome everyone to
these events.
Valerie Remon
Wesley Cricket team
Standing: :
Richard Le Cornu, Clive Richardson, Shaun Cooke, Jim Perchard, Chuggy Perchard,
Ed Le Quesne
Sitting:
player 1,
Billy Slatter, Steve Michel, Nick Owen, Steve Le Mouton, player 2
(Anley Richardson also
played)
In their first 20 0ver match on 9th June, the
team beat a Farmers X1 by 3 wickets, thanks to 50 not out by Chuggy Perchard.
Captain Nick Owen is planning further matches.
Christian Aid
fund-raising
Paintings by Congolese
artist
Two water-colours indicating
the method of fishing used by locals on Lake Tanganyika and the rivers on that
part of eastern Congo and western Tanganyika. were bought in 1961 in
Dar-es-Salaam by Mrs. Julie Amy from the artist Debace. He was hoping to earn
money to help his fellow Congolese who were suffering terribly from the civil
war raging at the time. Nothing changes remarks Mrs. Amy.
The artist was on his way back to Congo, having
lived and worked in Brussels and Paris where, it seems, his work was highly
acclaimed. Mrs Amy has kindly given them to be sold to raise
money for Christian Aid s 2009 project, which focuses on the Congo.
The paintings are 12 x 9 (just over A4
size) and are pictured below;
Offers to me on 730131 by end of July or
I will buy them for £50 !!
Ed Le Quesne
Reflections and highlights on ECG: A Heart for the
Nations (Llandudno: April, 2009)
A group of about 20 went
from Jersey. Here are some highlights, collated by Karen Le Mouton.
The title ECG meaning,
Equipping, Challenging, Going - along with the tag line 'A heart for the Nations
- equipping the church to build a better world' set itself a high target. It
achieved the objective of encouraging people to consider their Christian journey
and to compare it with God's will for this time and place. There are many
questions to be asked and the final Bible study given by Martyn Atkins aimed 'To
change our minds about Church and discipleship.' He encouraged us to break free
from the 'way things have always been done' and to seek God's way now.
Bearing in mind that God reserves the right to change the rules to push forward
His word, it may even require us to break the 'rules'. There was much to
Equip and to Challenge, now we need to 'Go' to the people and places where God
is waiting to be introduced.
Christine Legge
Wow! How to pinpoint one highlight from what was
a fantastic week. Well, the worship was amazing....YFriday may not be to
everyone's taste but they are on fire for the Lord. There again the Bible study
with Martyn Atkins was thought provoking and really sound in its scriptural
grounding. And the late night fringe event I went to (another Bible study but
with a different approach) that was innovative and encouraging. The whole event
proved to be a time of encouragement and challenge and that is my
highlight....CHALLENGE. I came away challenged to think about how we can be
church in 2009 and be relevant to the 21st century whilst not losing our
integrity and the very foundations which make us Christians, and more
specifically Methodists. God has a wonderful work for us to do as his
people, we have to do it together and we have to be confident in what we
do....that's the CHALLENGE. Liz Hunter
As I was driving to
school this morning, I was listening to my YFriday CD and was immediately
transported back to ECG in Llandudno! There were many memorable moments during
the week, but I will always remember praising God and singing along to YFriday
in a theatre packed with people of all ages- a foretaste of heaven! Their music
spoke to us all, from the youngest to the oldest. A lady next to me said 'I wish
my grandchildren could see me now!' Dianne Huddlestone
The whole week was
amazing and a wonderful time but I think the highlight for me was visiting the
Care Home for the elderly with the Drama Group and singing group which was our
outreach into the community. The Group was mainly formed of young people and
working with them was a good experience and enormous fun, Grandma that I am!
We all enjoyed doing our
little drama and singing to and with the elderly residents but the best part
was mixing with and chatting to them afterwards over a cup of tea. This was
obviously not something they experience often, for some of them commented how
lovely it was to see and talk to the young people. We really felt we had made
contact with them and left hoping to be back next year. It was really was a
highlight for me. Maureen Rayson
There are plans for a
return trip next April. Contact Katie Norman for more details.
All contributions for the
85th issue and offers of help by Sept 21st, to: Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St.
Helier, JE2 4RU. or to
edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
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