Our Vision
Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit
May 2001
Well here it is… after a few initial teething problems with the technology of printing a newsletter, this is the first of what I hope will be a monthly circulation to all churches in the circuit. It is YOUR newsletter, not mine, so if you have anything, which you would like including please send copy (or even a computer disk – anything to make the job easier!) to me, either at home or at the circuit office.
My thanks go to David Slater for thinking about the newsletter when New Brimington celebrated with their open day last month – he was the first to volunteer a report…(see over).
You will by now have noticed a lack of items in the circuit diary printed on the back of the current plan. This is because I think that a newsletter is a better way of getting this sort of information through to people – I ask again that the organisers of events and meetings should contact me with details as early as possible. A date can be put on the newsletter many months in advance, with more details appearing in the issue or two before the event takes place. All circuit meetings should be notified as well as those individual church events, which hope to attract visitors from the other churches (e.g. Sisterhood Rallies, Special Visits). Organisers can then (hopefully) check the newsletter for clashing dates when arranging their next event. There should be someone at each church to pass on this information, and together we can move forward to our vision of a united circuit.
Wot’s next then?
A good question. And a good question too because it’s all too clear that things will not be the same again. Three ministers down to two. Three churches closed. Wot’s next?
To its credit, the circuit has responded so positively to the situation thus far, a situation not of its own choosing. Think of the Prayer Meetings dedicated to the future that continue to look to the future. Think of the 2010 Vision Day attended by 140 people with such enthusiasm, commitment, creativeness and vision. Then followed the Circuit Meeting when we met to move forward the vision. It wasn’t an easy meeting. Occasions like that when we face radical changes never are. But again, it was forward looking. The circuit is to be commended for turning a potential for retirement to our tents to sulk into God’s opportunity.
Then there was Synod. One of the items discussed there was the proposal made the District Chairs to create a new order of Presbyteral Ministers called Ministers with District Licence. The matter was voted on and overwhelmingly defeated. The discussion group I was in was unanimous that it was a bad move. Amongst the reasons given was the fact that it was a panic move and that it focused on ministers as the answer to our predicament. They aren’t, I believe. The laity are, I believe. Again, in my discussion group, all sorts of innovative propositions were being put forward to put the whole Methodist Church on a war footing to meet the future. The past is gone. It won’t return. The future is on the agenda.
So, wot’s on our agenda? First, Pastors. A paper on ‘A pastor in each church’ was read at the Circuit Meeting and sent to the churches for consideration. These will be key people in the churches of the future. Their role within each church will vary according to local needs but they will develop as time goes by. Then there is the question as to who will be my minister? The short answer is: we’re working on it. But it won’t be like the old days. It is likely to be a defined minister for the legal work of chairing meetings and subsequent follow up work. But after that, it will the minister who has the expertise at the jobs to be done. Pastoral work will be funnelled through the pastors in the first instance. Local churches will need to develop, if they have not done so already, local leadership teams to develop, direct and oversee the spiritual life and development of local churches. Bigger churches will need an administrator to co-operate with the Circuit Administrator who will work in close collaboration with the ministers. And, finally, local will have to mean circuit not just my church and its interests and needs. We have to lift our eyes to the Mission Field God has called us to serve. And that is the whole area served by the circuit. We have to take down our own fences before they are trampled down by the forces of secularism and indifference. We have to be bold.
We have made a start. There is much to be done. By God’s grace and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be obedient to God’s call to serve this present age and its future. (David Whitehouse)
Open Day at New Brimington
A very well attended Open Day took place at New Brimington, Mount Tabor. The aim was to raise the profile of the church in the neighbourhood, let local people know just what is available, and hopefully, on a long term basis, to encourage better attendances at the Sunday School and Church services. There was a good mix of local people and visitors from our other churches. The idea was to provide something for everyone. There were lovely church flowers, refreshments, various stalls, old photos and face-painting, a play corner, and things to make for the children.
Although not intended as a fund raising event, the costs of the day were covered with a little “profit”. The main expense was the printing and distribution of 4200 leaflets in Brimington North, New Brimington and Hollingwood which cost £140, but if the happiness of the day, of memories rekindled and fellowship enjoyed is reflected in a growing desire to get some spiritual roots, it will be money well spent. (David Slater)
Visit of The Chairman of the District
The chairman of the Sheffield district, Rev David Halstead, visited the circuit on Tuesday 8 May. After meeting with our own ministerial team at Staveley, a tour of the circuit churches was made. Finally a meeting at Barrow Hill with a number of church and circuit stewards allowed Rev Halstead to share our vision of the future shape of the circuit
Celebrating 40 years as a local preacher
May 6 saw representatives from all eleven circuit churches at Brimington Hall Road for a circuit united service in recognition of the 40 years service as a local preacher of Mrs Eileen Hill. Mr Richard Laws, who had been recognised at the same service as Eileen, gave the address – and a few reminiscences of that day. Our congratulations go to Eileen on this achievement.
CIRCUIT DIARY
Circuit Meetings and Events
May 2001
17 Reception of Easter Offerings 7.30 pm Inkersall
18 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Staveley
June 2001
4 Local Preachers Fellowship 7.30 pm Inkersall
8 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm New Brimington
18 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Clowne
29 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Staveley
7 September Network Meeting
17 September Network Come Together
6 October Circuit Meeting
Other Events with Circuit Interest
May 2001
June 2001
21 Methodist Conference
24 Ordination Sunday
23 September Circuit Service for Clowne 125 Anniversary
29 September Celebration Choir at Clowne |