Well I am Wesleyed out!  Since I last blogged I visited Grace Murray’s grave (the Newcastle lass he should have married!) preached on Wesley in Manchester and Durham, am now setting off to St Pauls Cathedral, Aldersgate Street and Wesleys Chapel here in London and tomorrow will be at the New Room in Bristol!  I reckon I have travelled faster and further than the Olympic torch!  To top it and tail it I have also been to Tolpuddle (of Martyrs fame) in the Southampton District and on Sunday will be preaching at Gwennap Pit in Cornwall!

And it is not just me who has “done Wesley” recently.  He is featured on Sunday Morning Worship (Radio 4), Sunday Half-hour (Radio 2) and Choral Evensong (Radio 3)!  Seems that some of the things that Wesley was about resonate with 21^st century spirituality and discipleship and I have been glad to have been a party in celebrating that.

But it also has been good to see some of this being worked out in many and various ways this past fortnight – partnership with new churches, in cafes, drop-in centres, allotments and new housing estates and in preparing to welcome Olympians and their families and visiting the office of the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes and Methodist Insurance has made me realise how they make much of this possible having as much of a desire that our heritage that serves the present age has no one else but realising that it is not always as easy as we might suppose.  But then as Wesley discovered nothing ever is yet it is always worth persevering!  Which is where we come in.

See you in a couple of weeks.

In this merry month of May Joseph the Hymnographer’s words often came to mind during my visit to the Channel Islands District.  “Safe home, safe home in port, rent cordage, shattered deck, torn sails, provision short and only not a wreck”!.   Yes it rained and blew a bit so flights and especially sea crossings were “interesting” and David Hinchliffe, the Chair of District and I were marooned on Sark for 24 hours longer than expected but in God’s  providence it proved to be a particularly valuable time as did the visits to each of the islands – excluding Jersey which The Vice-President had already covered.  I was particularly inspired by The Jeremiah Project on Sark , where folk  were invited to help make a pot and then have it sent to them free of charge providing opportunity for the potter to recount the story (Jeremiah 18).  I suspect my pot will need a lot of work done on it!  (The gory details may well be seen on An Island Parish starting next year on BBC2!)

Celebrated my 60^th birthday in Norfolk with family and friends, worshipping and partying together.  A good occasion and I’m more encouraged by my hairdresser who couldn’t believe I was a day over 45 (but then he only sees me from the back!) than the person who said I looked much older “in the flesh” then on the prayer card!

Regrettably I’ve only been able to spend 24 hours with the Deacons at Convocation as I’m now in the Southampton District for a visit but as usual I was inspired by the variety of service and the richness of ministry that our Deacons offer.

By the time I write next I shall have “passed through” Southampton, Manchester and Stockport, Sheffield (for my nieces wedding), Wesley Study Centre Durham, London, Bristol and will I hope have safely landed in Cornwall.  “And only not a wreck” I trust will still be the case!

VP visit to Wales and Shetland

 

My district visits resumed on 20^th April with a train journey to Cardiff for a weekend in Wales. Cardiff has been transformed since I was last there in 1990, and the magnificent sea front development is impressive. On the Saturday I had an enjoyable day at St. Michael’s College co-leading with Rev Stephen Adams a Myers-Briggs workshop on leadership. We had a great time and I was very grateful to Stephen Wigley, District Chair, for enabling me to do one such workshop during the year. 

 

Following that we went on to an event which was fun in a very different way: Trinity MC was hosting an Urdu Convention, led by Rev Irfan John.  Irfan and his family fled from His home country under threat because of their faith, as did many of the families present that day, some of whom had travelled four hours to be there. It was inspiring to be amongst them, from babes in arms to grandparents. Entertained by juggler Peter Cole, who used his art to present bible stories, and led in gospel singing in their own language those present had a day that fed them in many ways – including of course delicious food. Trinity has a particular ministry to those who have been forced to flee their home land, and is a wonderful example of wider Methodist hospitality.

Llanyrafon MC

Next morning it was up to the valleys, to Llanyrafon in the Cwmbran circuit, for morning worship, where two of the young people who had recently returned from Spring Harvest gave an account of the inspiring time they had there, and the music group led us in some newly learned songs. 

Wrexham Methodist Church

Sunday dinner was provided by two local members and then Stephen drove me for nearly four hours through beautiful Welsh scenery to Wrexham, venue of the evening service. Minister Richard Sharples has been running a Youth Emmaus course and had asked if we could aim the service at the group of young people, plus their parents and any young at hearts, and it was a pleasure to do this. David (my husband if you remember) joined me there to take part and we did reflections on the crucifixion and resurrection from the points of view of Peter and Mary Magdalene. Supported by a superb music group I think the service went well, and the young people led conversation groups on the theme. Afterwards we joined them for their session. It’s been encouraging to see the work that is enabling young people to grow as disciples. But what a long day!

Shetland

Why the butt of so many Methodist jokes? What a wonderful place! And the weather is consistently sunny (though people have asked if we have brought it with us). It’s easy to fall in love with these Islands, and the Shetlanders are very welcoming people – everyone David and I meet wants to start a conversation. It’s not all  holiday though, we have to remind ourselves, and so an evening has been held on growth through small discipleship groups, an afternoon with the District Leadership Team on strategy re manses and churches and three services on Sunday.

Some of the members at Lerwick MC

Lerwick MC is the biggest in Shetland, and being in a port regularly receives visiting mariners from other countries. Fortunately they have a member, Derek, who speaks more languages than there are days in the month, so visitors can soon be made to feel at home. He gets called out as translator when medics are called to emergencies on ships. The warm fellowship at Lerwick MC enables a number of people with complex needs to contribute fully to the life of the church.

Culswick MC is very different. A tiny chapel on a hillside overlooking a few dwellings, it is only open once a month in the summer, and for a Christmas carol service. It’s always  unlocked though, to offer a dry space for walkers to shelter (apparently it does rain sometimes). Perhaps there is potential to develop this hospitality? Anyway, the church was nearly full and afterwards sandwiches and ‘homebakes’ (a regular feature of church occasions) were consumed eagerly by the congregation. It’s a good job they don’t weigh passengers as well as luggage on planes because we two were certainly carrying excess personal weight when we came home.

We just had time to get to the evening service at Scalloway, where the local worship group led us and then I ‘took us to Kenya’ giving my MRDF presentation.   Afterwards – guess what – more homebakes, but also the first time I have been offered ‘pigswill’!  Well I guess it was Dream Topping or the like, but Messy Church that day had focussed on the Prodigal Son so ‘pigswill’ was an obvious choice of food! It was a long day for the folks at Scalloway, but they, like so many others, have found Messy Church a very helpful outreach tool to local families.

 

Add to that the visit to the most northerly MC at Haroldswick where we checked that they had a photo of Samares (the most southerly, visited in Jersey), lunch at the church café in Walls, a check on progress at North Roe where the old building is being beautifully modernised, and tours around various islands surrounded by cobalt blue sea. It’s a land where there are few large communities, and some chapels appear to be in the middle of nowhere, with a handful of faithful members. There are challenges to be faced, as in many other areas of Methodism, in order to be mission focussed. But we found the people to be in good heart, with an openness to new ideas.

Finally, a trip to an old mill, a drive down narrow lanes where new-born lambs explore their new environment, and a walk up Sumburgh Head to see the nesting seabirds, including some puffins. This was a lovely end to a lovely trip; thanks to our gracious hosts, Jeremy and Sheila.

Blog for the Easter period

 Gosh, I’m a long way behind Leo with my blog. Must try harder! Whilst Leo was exploring Brazil I have had a more leisurely time at home, sleeping in my own bed for more than three weeks running! I’ve preached in various churches across Cheshire, entertained family at home, been fed by Holy Week reflections and a shared in a joyful Easter morning service in my own church.

It has been a privilege to share in anniversary year celebrations in several churches. On Palm Sunday, in glorious weather, I was in the picturesque village of Cumberbatch, where the chapel is in an idyllic setting. The children waved palm branches and we all sang Hosanna! That evening I caught up with many old friends in Winsford as I led a circuit service. It’s a bit strange, though, sharing my experiences of the MRDF visit to Kenya when there are two Kenyan ministers in the congregation. They know a lot more about it than I do. The week progressed with reflections each evening led by our own minister John Fisher, and included a very moving communion service with our Anglican friends on Maundy Thursday. I chose not to process round town on Good Friday – for some reason those leading it want to sing Easter Sunday hymns as we walk – and opted for the indoor service which was quiet and humbling.  Easter Sunday I was re-introduced to my own congregation and it was great to be there, and share in the distribution of communion. As has become our custom, we each took flowers to transform the cross for display on the roadside I know there is debate about this but somehow it works for me).

In the awful weather of the holiday weekend we had the other set of grandchildren for a sleepover and went to the cinema as the least wet option on the Monday to see “The Pirates! in an adventure with Scientists” – possibly the only children’s’ cartoon film to feature Charles Darwin. Such are the privileges of being grandparents. Then, at the end of the week, I led worship at Gawsworth (See picture) , another lovely country chapel that has been well renovated, and  a united area service at Lower Withington; both places within 15 minutes’ drive from home though the former is in a different District.

Good things tend to come in threes so the next evening saw me at Kelsall MC in the Delamere Forest Circuit where they have made a huge transformation to their building, which is now light and airy and beautiful. It was a joy to share in the service of rededication, where the trowel that had been used for the laying of the original foundation stone was presented by Joan and Allan Haworth. History was honoured as the church looks forward in its mission to the community.

South East District

Two or three “firsts” during my visit to the South East District.  I don’t think:-

1)  I’ve ever sat in on another District Synod before – I’ve exchanged the Newcastle one for three others including Channel Islands tomorrow!  Fascinating and good to pick up ideas to re-cycle in the north!

2)  I’ve ever preached in a church that the Queen has re-opened before as I did at Windsor!  A service incidentally that reminded me again of Prevenient Grace – I might tell you sometime!    

3)  I've ever spoken at a church which has an underground car-park as at Redhill!

A good visit with some welcoming people and challenging questions but which I shall remember most I think for the hour I spent with Kenneth Greet – just out of hospital after having been seriously ill but still full of kindness and faith as well as taking a keen interest in the life of our church (and the tea was good as well!)  Him praying for me was very very humbling.

By the time you read this I shall be island-hopping between Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark (in four days!) for Synods, visits and services before a few days break as I prepare to celebrate a significant birthday.  3 score years!  A rail card!  Yippee!

Brazil

Well what can I say about Brazil? Eight services, three children’s clubs, school visits, several projects, cultural exchanges, sharing of faith and of Methodism, food, food and more food and yes, the Amazon, Ipanema Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado! Exhausting, stimulating, exciting, challenging . . . . . . you name it it was all of these and more and of course a huge privilege as well as providing enough sermon illustrations to bore the pants off everyone!

Having been back for less than 24 hours it’s hard to give as objective reflection but some things were very obvious:-

• The vastness of the country – larger than the U.S. if you exclude Alaska and second only to China in size.
• The love and honour that Brazilian Methodists give to John Wesley especially in holding social concern and evangelism together – which they seek to emulate - and do so! Woe betide you if you don’t mention him somewhere in the sermon!
• The average age of the congregations and the pastors was 35 and 30 respectively! This affects the worship somewhat – no organ in sight!
• We were glad to have visited the north as well as the south of Brazil. The difference in terms of affluence, job opportunities, church resources etc was striking. In many ways this was more challenging than posh apartments next door to Favelas - especially when some Favelas have become little more than tourist attractions!
• The importance of small groups for every member.
• A passionate desire to make Christ known in every way possible.
• 

A few days recovery and preparation time now before Ministerial Synod where with my colleagues in the Newcastle Upon Tyne District I renew my promises made at Ordination. Then its back on an aeroplane to the South East and a few days later to The Chanel Islands. I think this is what’s called a frequent flyer!

Please pray for the Methodist Church in Brazil especially on “their day” in our Methodist Prayer Handbook (9^th) They have much to teach and inspire us with but plenty of challenges of their own too!

Cumbria District visit

Living in Cheshire, which is beautiful but for the main part rather flat, it’s always a joy to reach that part of the M6 which begins to twist and turn amongst the magnificent Cumbrian fells. My visit to the Cumbria District (joint with Leo) began with an unexpectedly trouble free drive (Friday teatime!) to Richard and Sue’s home, the District manse in Penrith.

Saturday saw a gathering of some 250 from across the district to focus on ‘Going for Growth’. Between us, Leo and I led sessions on pastoral and spiritual care, and we were all well cared for by Penrith Methodist Church between sessions. What wonderful premises too, for a community building, and not only very helpful for worship but used by Radio 3 to broadcast a concert a few days later.

On Sunday I was picked up by my chauffeur, Jim, and had a tour of the Lake District in between preaching twice and visiting the MHA home in Penrith - and all this in glorious weather. The morning worship was at Wigton, where we made bread during the service assisted by a keen group of children before they left during the sermon to make truffles to be given out as people left (Mothering Sunday). Even those of us who have foregone chocolate for Lent could legitimately eat one! About 30 people stayed to share lunch, and I was able to congratulate the local congregation on their adaptation of the building, again to make a useful community space. There is much of this in Cumbria – on our drive we passed the chapel that hosts a village’s disabled loo – are there others around the country? Back to Penrith, where the Friends of Woodlands MHA hosted afternoon tea, and I was able to chat to about 16 residents, one of whom is the uncle of the Circuit Meeting Secretary in my own Circuit. I never cease to wonder at the resilience of some of our oldest members, who continue to play for hymn singing in their nineties and show a continued interest in world affairs as well as those of the church. Then, on to Kendal where Sandylands MC has had a major makeover, and Leo and I shared in a circuit service which was enhanced by a worship group whose members ranged from teens to eighties.

Monday was the day to visit two significant and impressive projects: the Food Bank at Cockermouth, and Shackles Off youth project in Seascale. Of course, in true gospel fashion, both of these happen without fuss or showy building. What does it say about our society in this day and age that Foodbanks are necessary and proliferating? We heard of a family going 6 days without food, and many people who did not have money to buy food for the next day. So people can be referred from a variety of sources to collect a pack containing basic essentials which have been assembled by volunteers who work under the coordination of a paid staff member and group of trustees. We also heard a moving personal account of what it was like to be affected by the dreadful floods of November 2009, and how Churches Together in Cockermouth provided a large band of volunteers to work alongside the Emergency Services, moving people to safety and providing loving care for those who had to abandon their homes and possessions.

Shackles Off is a remarkable project for young people that grew out of the vision of a remarkable woman, Lyn, who came to realise that God was calling her to work amongst young people in Seascale. Their mission statement is: To help young people foster their personal, social and spiritual development and to empower them to make a positive and fuller contribution to the local community and to society. The project is nurturing teenagers in their faith journey, and has links with the local Methodist Church. On Easter Sunday (8^th April) several young people will be baptised in the sea; given that temperatures fell below freezing last night (5^th April) I hope they will be wearing wet suits! Please pray for these, and all those who will take a new step of faith this Easter. No doubt there will be news on the website: www.shacklesoff.org.uk.

We progressed to Workington, to visit another MHA, this one recently taken over from Southern Cross, and had a useful talk with the Manager about the changes involved. It was good to hear that MHA provide thorough training for their staff about the different systems now in use.

That evening we had a meal at the manse with members of the District Public Issues Team. Every district should have one, if it consists of such people as we met there: people from many walks of life who have a keen interest, and not a little expertise, on some of the major issues facing our society today. It was the day before the final vote on the Health and Social Care Bill, and we heard passionate views expressed on how the NHS would be affected. Trident is also a local issue, with the Barrow ship yard being a major employer in the region. Difficult issues that Christians must grapple with.

The sun shone on our final day, as we travelled to Ambleside MC for a morning with Presbyters and Lay Workers and an afternoon with Supernumeraries, spouses and widows. The church is a symbiotic project with the Anglicans – new premises adjoining the Anglican building, whilst the former MC has been converted to affordable homes (see www.helm.org.uk). Methodists worship in the Wesley Room which has floor to ceiling windows looking over (yes, you’ve guessed) magnificent scenery! As we worshipped in the afternoon we were somewhat alarmed by a low flying aircraft – a local said ‘that was very low flying’ on a level with the communion table!

The day finished with a meal at the Bishop of Carlisle’s Home, where we had an ecumenical meal that was full of laughter and good conversation. Cumbria is a very special ecumenical county, as Methodists, Anglicans and URC have pretty much coterminous boundaries, as they do with the County. Some very good working relationships have been developed which set an example to many other areas. In fact, there is much that the rest of the connexion can learn from Cumbria.

Back for the final time to my wonderful hosts Heather and Lawrence, who had made me feel so much at home, and determined to visit Cumbria again for a holiday before too long. I will!