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TORRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
October 2014 - Issue 38
Welcome to Edition Number 38
Contact e-mail address is [email protected]
This is the Newsletter of the whole Circuit, so please send details of future events, activities or
'anything', you wish to share with the Circuit to Dave Watson by e-mail; phone 01237 451437 or to
6 Greenings Road, Buckland Brewer, Bideford, EX39 5LU. Please send them before the 20th of
each month if possible.
This Circuit Newsletter is free & therefore could you please ‘dish them out’ to as many people as
possible, inside and outside of our buildings – be adventurous. If this means more are needed by
each church, then please let me know. Thanks - Dave Watson
Pilgrimage to The Holy Land
Rev Ken Morgan will be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy land in February, The Golden Walls hotel
in Jerusalem and The Ron Beach hotel in Galilee will be where we will stay, the climate will be
perfect for the tour, there are five places available, but booking will close at the end of October. As
this is the last pilgrimage I will be leading I hope to make it a memorable time. The dates of the
pilgrimage are 10th -19th February 2015. Come and see the 5th Gospel for yourself.
Methodist Women in Britain Plymouth and Exeter District
The Methodist Women in Britain project has now changed on Monday 1st September and will be
the Devon and Somerset Freewheelers, which will last for 2 years.
Devon Freewheelers - “Riding for Life” - Emergency Riders Serving the Community.
The services of the Freewheelers are offered by volunteers who have received advanced training
and undergo regular reviews of their skills. They give up their time to serve the community and
save lives. They do this in the knowledge that they probably will never meet the beneficiary and
that the same person will probably never know of our services nor that we have played any part in
their recovery. There emergency response vehicles are fully kitted and adapted to carry the
Clinimed systems, which are NHS approved for maintaining the cool chain from collection to
delivery and their volunteers have even used their own bikes to transport non-urgent items that
have no control requirements. All of their personnel carry official identity cards which are worn at
all times when on duty.
Circuit Methodist Women in Britain
There will be a committee meeting on Monday 13th October at Northam Methodist Church at 7.30
pm. All women and indeed men, if you like, are urged to try to attend. We shall be discussing our
activities leading up to the Easter Offering Service.
Torridge Circuit Website
The Circuit Website is available on http://torridgecircuit.co.uk/
If you see any gaps or would like changes to any of the wording please contact Maureen Ellis on
[email protected], Tel: 01409 231309. Or if you have events you would like
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advertised across the world! If you have photos that would add colour and interest please send in
jpeg format if possible.
Circuit Safeguarding – Jacqui Watson (Circuit Safeguarding Representative)
Please contact me if your church needs any Safeguarding Training for newly appointed people.
New appointments need to have done their training within 6 months of starting the appointment.
I also have a supply of what were known as CRB forms & the issue number for this batch is 406,
Disclosure & Baring Service, which replaces all others – please contact me if you think you require
a form.
From Peter and Ann Whatton - ‘Petra & Beyond’
Please contact Peter and Ann Whatton on 01237 421420 or [email protected] if you
are interested and would like to know if places are still available.
Our 3 Methodist Circuit Ministers - Rev Ken Morgan, Rev Stephen Hill & Rev PJ Jackson along
with our new District Chair Rev Graham Thompson at PJ's Welcome Service at Bideford, High
Street Methodist Church on Monday 1 September 2014
Who Do You Think You Are?
Who Do You Think You Are? is a very interesting program about people discovering various
things about their background. So, I decided to put you to the test. Who Do You Think I Am?
When I was small I had a small appearance on the TV show Dallas
I like to debate the bible with anyone who will listen
I hold a brown belt in Shorin Ryu karate
My son shares the same name as a relative, but he is not a Jr.
I have an interest in model railways and would like to build my own someday
Three things on my bucket list is to fly first-class, attend every grand slam tennis tournament, and
meet my all time favourite movie star.
If I was marooned on a desert island I would like to be marooned with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Malcolm X, Deborah from the book of Judges and the poet and author Maya Angelou.
My best kept secret is I love motorcycles and horseback riding
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Okay have you figured out who I am?
Well, if you are struggling to figure out who I am let me put you out of your misery. I am Rev. P. J.
Jackson the new minister to the circuit. Well, what more can I say? You now know all there is to
know about the new minister. Plus, we have five years to get to know one another better.
Circuit Dates
Circuit Prayer Meeting on Tuesday 30th September at 7pm at Langtree Methodist Church
The Next Circuit Meeting will be held on Buckland Brewer Village Hall (near the Chapel) on
Thursday 2nd October at 7.30pm. Tea/Coffee will be available from 7pm.
The Circuit Property Meeting will be held at Torrington Methodist Church on Thursday 20th
November at 7.30pm
Local Preachers
Local Preachers Meeting –Thursday 25nd September at 7.30pm at Langtree Methodist Church.
This will include Communion & will be led by Rev Stephen Hill.
Torridge Methodist Circuit Weekend 2014
There will be opportunity to join a Circuit Weekend at Sidholme from Friday November 28th –
Sunday 30th November 2014. It will be led by Rev Ken Morgan & will cost £130 per person. If you
wish to have extra days you can have 20% discount on the usual tariff. Please arrange your own
cancellation insurance & there is a £10 deposit. Please contact John Babb to check on availability
of spaces.
Torridge Circuit Skittles Evening – Richard Watson
The winning team – ‘Hillbillies’
The Annual Circuit Skittles Evening took place on Saturday 6th September at Week Farm. As well
as skittles, everyone enjoyed the BBQ & Fellowship. The Evening gave many their first chance to
meet PJ, our new minister.
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The Results were 1st – Hillbillies 304; 2nd – All Whites 300; 3rd – In Laws & Out Laws 283; 4th –
Odds & Ends 271; 5th – Rose Buds 270; 6th – Dennis’ Menaces 268; 7th – Ben’s Bowlers 261; 8th
– Babb’s Beauties 258; 9th – DJ’s + A 253; 10th – Alverdiscott 248; 11th – Ken’s Crowd 244; 12th –
Northam Nomads 241; 13th – Wot Nots 240; 14th – Northam Nutters 238; 15th – SLS 233 & 16th –
High Street Rebels 230
Many thanks to everyone who helped in any way and especially to Glen & Della Bealey, who
kindly hosted the evening.
Plymouth & Exeter Methodist District News
Frank Watson has been elected as part of the District Representatives to the 2015 Methodist
Conference
Alwington Methodist Church
Thank you to everyone who supported our last coffee morning, when we raised £200 which has
been donated to The Farm Community Network Fund.
October Coffee Morning
This month’s coffee morning will be held at Alwington Methodist Church on Tuesday 7th October
between 10.30am and 12 noon. All the usual stalls and all money raised will be donated to our
church funds.
Autumn Concert
On Sunday October 19th at 7.30pm at Alwington Methodist Church we welcome you to a concert
performed by The Newton St Petrock Choir. The proceeds, by collection, will be donated to
Alwington Methodist Church Funds. The concert will be followed by refreshments.
Take a Break
After a successful start to our autumn programme we welcome Ken Egan on Tuesday 21st
October at 2.30pm, when he will speak about the history of Winkleigh Aerodrome. This be
followed by tea and biscuits.
We look forward to meeting you at all these events.
Northam Methodist Church
Thursday Fellowship Meetings at 2.15pm at Northam Methodist Church – cost £1 including a
draw, Tea & Biscuits. Details contact Maggie Smale on 01237 421956. This restarts again in
September.
Thursday 2nd October – Peter Christie on ‘Folklore in North Devon’
Thursday 9th October – Trevor Johns on ‘A Year as Mayor of Bideford’
Thursday 16th October – Hilary’s Hat Hire
Thursday 23rd October – Maggie Smale – Social Afternoon with Quiz & Cake
Thursday 30th October – Philip Pope on ‘Tools for Self Reliance’ – Bring along any old tools
Thursday 6th November – Andy Atherton – Mish Mash
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Making Waves
This is a Christian Drama Group, who go around to different groups & clubs acting out humorous,
thought provoking sketches. If you would like to book ‘Making Waves’ please contact Maggie
Smale on 01237 421956. A small charge of £10, to cover travelling expenses or new books, is all
we ask.
Alverdiscott Gardening Club – Next Meeting Monday 29th September at 2.30 pm. Please contact
Cynthia Courtney on 01271 858237for more details. The Meeting Fee is £1, which includes tea
and biscuits.
Alverdiscott Methodist Chapel
Our previous Coffee Morning raised £87 for FCN (Farming Community Network.
Our next Coffee Morning will be on Thursday 2nd October and will be for The Shoeboxes. Come
and enjoy good company, good coffee and support a worthwhile cause.
Come and enjoy good company, good coffee and support a worthwhile cause.
We are experimenting with a new type of service on a Sunday Evening known as EXPLORE. We
begin with tea and biscuits (or coffee if you prefer). We explore some aspect of the Christian
Faith maybe a hymn or a bible reading or what is going on in the world and how we as Christians
should deal with it. Choosing our own hymns and praying together, you will be very welcome if
you would like to come even if it is just to see what is happening. The first Sunday of the month is
led by a Minister or Local preacher and the last Sunday by a member or members of the
Fellowship. (see Circuit Plan for details)
Crafty Move
The Art & Crafts Group meets at Alverdiscott Chapel on the second Tuesday of the month,
beginning at 10.30am, but people can arrive when they are ready. The Next Meeting is on
Tuesday 14th October
Bring whatever craft you enjoy: knitting, crochet, rug-making, lace-making etc. Tea or coffee will
be provided. If you wish you can bring a picnic lunch and stay on till 2.00 or 2.30.
This is an opportunity to meet with friendly people and do something you enjoy – perhaps even
picking up a new skill from someone else. We agreed to pay £1 each to meet any expenses such
as heating when the weather gets chilly. The Chapel has ample car parking. For more information
contact Stuart Fuller on 01271 858258 or [email protected]
School Room Alverdiscott Chapel
Having recently had a new roof and been fully redecorated inside the old school room at
Alverdiscott Methodist Chapel is now available for use by the community.
Tea and coffee making facilities are available. The room would be very suitable for small groups,
e.g. committee meetings, book club and or other low impact activities.
Contact Philip Squire on 01237 473692 for more details
Torrington Methodist Church
The next ‘Ignite’ Service with be on Sunday 26th October at 7pm at Torrington Methodist Chapel
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Torrington Chapel Harvest Festival Services start on Sunday 28th September. Rev Ken Morgan
will lead the Morning Worship at 10.30am and Mr John Chapple will lead the Evening Service at
6.30pm. There will be a Supper & Sale on Monday 29th September starting at 7pm.
There will be a Sankey Service on Sunday 2nd November at 6.30pm with 30 minutes of
Community Singing followed by the Service at 7pm. This has been moved from Sunday 19th
October.
Advance Notice
There will be a Concert on Friday 5th December by the Holsworthy & Bude Choir
Torrington Methodist Junior Church
Torrington Methodist Junior Church is held every Sunday Morning from 10.30 to 11.30am. We
organize a varied mix of stories, games, craft and most importantly FUN! We welcome any child
The Junior Church restarted on Sunday 7th September after the summer break.
Dream Kidz Remember
The Dream Kidz of Torrington will be leading a concert of Remembrance on Friday 7th November
at 7pm at St. Michael's and All Angels church, Torrington. The concert will include music and poet
ry from the children and supporting choir as well as some audience participation!
This will be an opportunity for the whole community to come together and remember those who fo
ught for our country and loved ones we have lost. We would like to be able to read names of not
only those people who lost their lives in various conflicts but also those from Torrington and the
surrounding area who fought and returned.
To this end if there was anybody from your family who you would like remembered please call into
Torrington Jewellers and let us know. Teas will be served in the church after the concert and any
money raised will be split between The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.
Littleham Methodist Church
Our Coffee Mornings start again on Wednesday 8th October from 10-30 to 12 noon. Coffee &
food £1 & there will be our usual bring & buy stall. We look forward to seeing you all again after
the lovely summer we have enjoyed.
Milton Damerel Methodist Church
Harvest Festival Week-end
Our celebrations will be held over the week-end of 10th to 13th October. For decorating of the
chapel with produce and flowers, etc., the chapel will be open all day on Friday 10th October, for
which all help will gratefully be appreciated. The Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 12th October
at 11am & our guest preacher is Mr Courtney Drew of Holsworthy. The celebrations will continue
on Monday 13th October with a Bring and Share Buffet Tea from 6.30pm in the Schoolroom,
followed at 8pm by a short Thanksgiving lead by Mr Mark Shepherd, of Chilsworthy, and finally the
auction of produce, etc., by Mr James Morrish of Kivells. All friends and visitors are most warmly
welcome to join us and share in the celebrations.
The Bible Study Group meets each Monday from 7.30-9pm and we have lively discussions.
Anyone is very welcome to come and join us!
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Pilates is held every Monday morning from 11am to 12noon with tutor, Di Sluggett. She is a
member at Lake Methodist Chapel and is an excellent & qualified teacher. These are gentle
exercises which helps develop good posture and strengthens the body’s core. This is a growing
group and anyone wishing to join should contact Di on 01409 281637.
Our Baby & Toddler Group meets on Tuesday mornings from 10.30am to 12noon, although we
tend to run over! At present we have 9 children with 3 of them fairly new born babies, plus a
handful of Mums & Grans. This is a friendly group and we welcome other mums/dads or
grandparents with children to join us. It costs £1.50 per family per week and we are supported by
the Bluecoat, Torrington & Holsworthy Children’s Centres. We meet in the Lower Schoolroom
which is cosy and warm and where our good supply of toys are kept. There is ample parking. For
more details, please contact Sheila on 01409 261466.
Waveline Christian Dance Group
Please contact Sheila on 01805 601140, Maureen on 01409 231309 or Sheila on 01409 261466 if
you are interested in this group. We are also happy to take part in suitable events in the Circuit.
Parkham Methodist Church
Parkham Methodist Ladies Club Meets at 2.30pm monthly on Wednesdays in the Chapel Sunday
School Rooms
Wednesday 1st October – Afternoon Trip to the Quince Honey Farm & Tea
Wednesday 5th November – Mark Shepherd on ‘My life as a Vet’ with a Charity Stall for the
Chemotherapy Unit
At Parkham, we have for a few years sent our main Harvest Festival collection to Wateraid, and
doubtless we are not the only ones in the Circuit to support them. So the following may be of
interest as an example of their work .
Over 44 million people in Ethiopia have no access to pure water leading to about 33,000 children
under 5 years old, dying every year from water borne illnesses. In the village of Gellabo, heavy
rainfall from March to May is followed by a long dry season. Wateraid tested a local spring for
contamination, capped it, then fitted a large tank to prevent cattle accessing it. Next, 21 Solar
Panels were used to power a pump taking the water 120 metres uphill to a reservoir. Pipes were
laid to new taps in the village. The work was done by the local community with help from an
Ethiopian Evangelical Organisation. Local women were then taught plumbing skills and provided
with tools and spare parts and a local weaving business has been set up to pay for the system's
upkeep.
What a splendid example of what can be done when donations are used so efficiently to help
people to help themselves obtain a better life!
Jean Wright.
Thornhillhead Methodist Church & Frithelstock Parish Church
There is a Variety Concert & Harvest Supper at Langtree Village Hall on Saturday 18th October at
6.30 pm for 7 pm. Tickets are £12.50 each. There will be Music, Poetry, Devonshire Readings by
various local artist including:- Barnstaple Ladies Choir; Mr Andrew Millman; Jo Taskis & the
Accordian Group. Tickets are available from:- Eileen Brown on 01805 624325 or Rose Bond on
01805 622281
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Thornhillhead Methodist Church are holding their Harvest Festival Service at 3pm on Sunday 28th
September led by Rev John Carvosso followed by a Savoury Tea & Sale of Produce. Proceeds
are for the Property Fund
Bideford (High Street) Methodist Church
Jo Simpson, District Mission Evangelist is currently running a pilot scheme at Diana Yendell's
home, 23 Highfield, Northam on Wednesday’s at 7pm, entitled 'Table talk'. This will replace the
Bible study sessions and will hopefully encourage more people to share fellowship.
Many people enjoyed meeting Jo at the MSI meetings held at Bideford Methodist earlier this
summer, so it would be good to meet up again and renew contacts made.
A Christmas Craft Fair to be held at High Street, Bideford from 10am - 4pm on Saturday 22nd
November. Refreshments available and stalls for hire at £10 each.
This was very popular last year and if you would like to book a stall please contact Wendy Elliott
(01237 475597 or [email protected]) for a booking form.
Churches of Shebbear Study Day
The Churches of Shebbear are holding a Study Day at Shebbear College from 9.45am-4pm on
Saturday 18th October with the Speaker – Rev Paul Wilson who is the MET (Methodist
Evangelicals Together) Development Worker.
Cost is £15 including Lunch & Coffee. Please book by 10th October with David Ley on 01805
601247, Ted Lott on 01409 281262 or Chris Andrew on 01409 281618
Buckland Brewer Methodist Church
Buckland Community Shop from 7.30-6pm each day and 8am-1pm on Saturdays in the Old
Chapel Vestry – Come along and see what is happening!! There is now a Foodbank Collection
Point in the Shop.
Buckland Brewer Methodist Church now has a Facebook page – just log into Facebook & type
Buckland Brewer Methodist Church – Come and have a look. The Editor is exploring how to use
this way of communication. Hopefully we can reach out with The Good News of Jesus Christ to
All.
The Buckland Brewer United Harvest Festival Service will be on Sunday 28th September at 4pm
led by Rev Kevin Beer (our local Anglican Curate) at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church followed
by a Harvest Tea & Sale of Produce at the Buckland Brewer Parish Hall. All Tinned & nonperishable food items will be collected for the North Devon Food Bank.
Bible Story Book
Rev David Gregory’s third book of Bible Stories, entitled ‘My Story’ and consists of 19 stories with
100 pages is available costing £5 with the proceeds going to North Devon Hospice & Exeter
Hospice. To date over £1500 has been donated so thanks to all who have bought books 1 & 2.
Copies of the book are available from Sheila Babb at Torrington on 01805 622949
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Christians Together in Bideford & District
The Christian Aid Schools Carol Concert is on Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm at the Bideford
Methodist Church.
Christian Aid ‘Hunger for Justice’ Weekend during One World Week at Northam Methodist
Church, Cross Street, Northam on Saturday 18th October from 10am to 5pm. Rev Beth McDowell
will do a presentation at 3pm
There will be displays in church and the hall with information about sewing/ knitting and Tools for
other countries Charities. We are encouraging people to save their 1p coins and are also seeking
support from large businesses and schools.
Lunches, tea and coffee will be available as well as tombola and other stalls. The Weekend
continues on Sunday 19th October which will start with the Morning Service at 10.30 am which will
be led by Julia Spencer. The Weekend events end at 3pm.
The Dates of the next Enabling Group Meetings are on Thursday 6th November at 2pm at St
Mary's House
The next CTBD FORUM Meeting will be on Wednesday 12th November at 7.30pm (tea/coffee
available from 7pm onwards) at Bideford Baptist Church.
Forum is a twice yearly meeting which is open to everyone - members of churches & the general
public. The focus of this Forum will be Poverty, Debt and the Churches response to it. Our main
speaker / discussion leader will be Jeremy Bishop from Holy Trinity Barnstaple.
Earlier this year six churches across North Devon spearheaded a new Christians Against Poverty
Centre which opened in Barnstaple. The churches joined forces to open the North Devon CAP
Centre at Holy Trinity Church office in Barnstaple, covering Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford.
Jeremy Bishop is the CAP Centre manager.
There is a Concert by the Mendip Male Voice Choir at St Mary’s Parish Church, Bideford on
Friday 3rd October at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £7.50 are available from the Church Office at 9
Church Walk, Bideford EX39 2BP on 01237 474078.
This Choir is 75 strong who perform a repertoire that extends well beyond traditional male voice
choral singing. The Concert also includes Hannah Lockwood a Soprano Soloist who is Chair of
the Bath Opera.
Taw & Torridge DCF (Disabled Christian Fellowship)
This group is for adults with any disability, carers & friends who meet regularly on the 2nd Saturday
in the month at 2.30pm till 5pm with a speaker or activity and tea. A short time is given to Christian
teaching and worship. The Meetings are usually held at St John the Baptist Church, Newport,
Barnstaple. Some outings are arranged and a holiday every other year. New members are always
welcome as are new helpful friends.
For more information contact: Anita Southey on 01409 261763; Bridget Bridgman on 01409
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The Gideon Story
The Gideons is an association of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible is the
inspired Word of God and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Gideons are regular Church members. They operate as an arm of the Church and try, by personal
example and witness, to lead others to faith in the Jesus Christ.
Gideon members place Bibles in hotel bedrooms, where a succession of readers can find the
Word of God. New Testaments are placed beside hospital beds, and in the homes of the elderly,
particularly large and giant print copies. Personal New Testaments and the Psalms are given to
students in senior schools (Year 7), and the young people are encouraged to read a section every
day. Personal copies are also presented to students in colleges and universities, and to members
of the medical profession, police, fire and ambulance services, and the armed forces. The
Gideons have started to present individual Scriptures to members of the Boys Brigade, the
Scouts, Seafarers and veterans. Other groups are to follow.
The Association was started in 1899 in USA, and in Britain in 1949. Gideon members now
distribute Scriptures in over 190 countries. Every year half million Gideons distribute over 85
million Bibles and New Testaments, and since the organisation began over one billion copies
have been distributed world-wide. The organization aims to distribute in excess of 100 million
scriptures annually by the year 2020.
The North Devon Branch of the Gideons is privileged to distribute over 2,000 scriptures each year
to the hospitals, hotels, guest houses and B & Bs, senior schools and service organisations in the
area.
For further information please contact David Hudson on [email protected]
Singing the Faith Organ edition
Following numerous requests from churches to publish a second print run of the organ edition,
Hymns Ancient & Modern have done just that. It’s back in stock priced £150 per set (no discounts
available). You can order it online at Methodist Publishing.
Dave Watson has purchased at Methodist Conference a copy of all the Singing the Faith
songs/hymns on 33 CD’s. It is recorded at Coventry Methodist Central Hall & is just the piano
playing the whole tune of each song/hymn. If any church/organist wants to hear what the
tune/hymn sounds like or the church would like to use it in worship please contact me on 01237
451437 or [email protected]
2014 3Generate - the Children's and Youth Assembly of the Methodist Church
Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 3Generate - the Children's and Youth Assembly of the
Methodist Church (buy them on the Methodist Website).
The weekend event from 14-16 November aims to change and challenge the Church, the world
and young people.3 Generate will kick off at 7pm on the Friday evening (November 14) at Pioneer
Centre, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, and will finish at lunchtime on Sunday (November 16).
Young people aged between eight to 23 years old are invited to book a place. There will be three
age streams, each with age appropriate activities, organised for eight to 11-year olds, 11 to 18
year olds and 18 to 23 year olds. There will be opportunities to spend time with friends and make
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new ones,worship, sports, music, games, outdoor challenges and to explore issues affecting
young people, the world and the Methodist Church.
Tamara Wray, Methodist Youth President, said: "3Generate is a fantastic event, which provides
children and young people the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals. The
weekend is full of fun, fellowship, worship and activities, but it is more than just an event.
3Generate enables children and young people to participant and have their voices heard within
the wider Methodist Church. 3Generate is great opportunity for children and young people to feel
a part of the Church and gain a better understanding of what it means to be part of the Methodist
Connexion. This is why it's our responsibility that 3Generate is made known to every young
person who is involved within the Church."
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH 2014.
PART 1
WHAT THE DISTRICT IS REQUIRED TO DO.
1.1
Review of Buildings and Societies.
Standing Order 962 requires that the DPC shall formulate and keep under annual review a
development master plan for the Methodist church buildings and circuit staffing of the District
taking into account Planning Authority proposals (e.g. new residential areas, new road proposals
and urban centre redevelopment). Existing and proposed church buildings of other denominations
shall be noted, particularly with a view to ecumenical cooperation or the formation of local
ecumenical partnerships and the consideration of projects under the Sharing of Church Buildings
Act 1969.
Notice of Motion 213 of the Conference directs all DPCs to ensure that a full review of current
buildings and societies be conducted against the criteria of vitality, vision, location and available
resources which will lead to a significant reviewing and broadening of the 'master plan' in SO 962.
This review should propose a sustainable long term plan for buildings and societies within the
district which can sustain effective ministry by presbyters, deacons and lay people.
1.2
Safeguarding.
The Conference directs that:
(A) Each synod ensures that District Safeguarding Officers undertake a review of the
implementations of recommendations of the 2011 President's Inquiry, assessing the progress
which has been made within the District.
(B) The outcomes of the review should be reported to synods and the Connexional Safeguarding
Adviser no later than April 2015.
1.3
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
The Conference commends the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Briefing to the Methodist
people for study, reflection and prayer either as individuals or with others.
1.4
Young People.
The Conference:
(A) recognises the valuable contribution young people make to the life of the Methodist Church
and the importance of encouraging young adults to take a more active role in the life of the
Conference.
(B) directs that where synods are sending four or more representatives to the Conference, at least
one representative should be under the age of thirty and therefore directs the Law and Policy
Committee to bring appropriate amendments to Standing Orders to the Conference of 2015.
Note that part (B) will apply to this district when we elect Conference representatives at the
Autumn synod. The number of lay representatives has risen from 3 to 4 for the Conference of
2015.
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1.5
The Challenge of the Covenant: Uniting in Mission and Holiness.
The Conference endorses Recommendation 2 in the report:
"We recommend that our churches at local and regional level, supported and advised by the
Methodist Anglican Panel for Unity and Mission, give priority to making full use to what it is already
possible for them to do together, and especially to plan together for mission, worship, deployment
of ministry and the use of resources".
Strongly encourages Methodist churches, circuits and districts to put it into effect, and directs the
Methodist members of the Methodist Anglican Panel for Unity and Mission to ensure that
adequate support and advice is provided by that body.
1.6
Ecumenical Report.
The Conference commends the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Report Good Society, to
Local Churches, Circuits and Districts for study, discussion and appropriate action, wherever
possible with ecumenical partners, and encourages Methodists throughout Britain to pray for the
people of Scotland and the rest of the UK in the time leading up to and following the referendum
on Scottish independence.
The report Good Society can be downloaded from www.ctbi.org.uk/671 and
www.agoodsociety.org.
PART 2
OTHER ISSUES THAT MERIT CONSIDERATION.
2.1
The General Secretaries Report.
2.1.1 The section 'Releasing our Buildings for Mission' complements 1.1 the review of buildings
and societies.
2.1.2The section 'Realising the Main Thing' directs us to the central task of every member in
finding ways of introducing people to Jesus Christ.
2.1.3 A working group will be established to take forward paragraphs 25-36 of the report titled
'Relationship Building'.
2.2
Statistics for Mission.
"The Statistics for Mission Report painted a grim picture of denominational decline and indicated
further sharp falls in the number of British Methodists. During the last 10 years membership has
declined by a third to 207738.Attenance has fallen by a similar proportion. Children's attendance
has more than halved and the church is ageing rapidly: 69% are aged more than 66 including
18% more than 81. (Methodist Recorder 15 August 2014)
The Recorder has invited and is publishing responses to these figures.
2.3
Working Party on Marriage and Civil Partnerships.
The report recommends that the definition of marriage is not revisited at this point, but that there
should be a two year period of listening, reflection and discernment about relationships on a much
wider basis, based upon thinking about and living with contradictory convictions and the nature
and authority of the Bible. Within that context , there would be exploration of the implications of
the divergence between the Methodist Church's teaching on marriage and the legal definition of
marriage, including particularly the missional aspects. The question of whether to readdress the
church's definition of marriage would then be returned to in the light of this process.
Conference adopted a resolution to appoint a task group on marriage and relationships to be
responsible for the production and dissemination of clear guidance on what is, or is not, to be
regarded as homophobia and, if thought appropriate, on a formal statement for the Conference to
adopt on this matter.
This Report was prepared by Ron Jordan – District Synod Secretary for the September District
Synod
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