Our Vision
Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit
February 2002 No 8
New Beginnings
Here we are at the start of another year. A Happy New Year to all from the circuit team. There are happenings afoot in Barlborough for ecumenical outreach in the village as envisaged by Vision 2010. Thanks to God’s planning the three churches of Barlborough Methodist, Poplars Church from Worksop and Chesterfield Christian Fellowship (CCF) based at Arkwright will be working together over the next few months to implement the following plans. These were initially prepared and started by CCF and so December’s plan is included for information. As preparation for this work there will be prayer meetings held at Barlborough Chapel on the following dates. Sunday nights 7 – 8pm on Jan 27th, Feb 10th, Feb 24th, March 10th and March 24th
Further Plans for “Making Jesus more Famous in Barlborough” include Sharing the vision and informing other churches, booking venue for Alpha course for an April start, arranging church prayer meetings for January and commence “prayer walking” and youth contact work around the village.
We ask for everyone to pray for the success of this initiative over the coming months.
Restructuring The Church
Sister Elizabeth Richards has prepared the following document as part of her computing course. We offer it here to share and as more food for thought - and prayer - for everyone in the circuit.
Every member a preacher: The most effective preaching is not done from the pulpit. It is done in the daily lives of those who believe – by the things that they do as well as by the things that they don’t do.
Every member an evangelist: By telling others what God has done for them and is doing for them. It is by the way they face the tragedies and difficulties that life brings to them that they are most likely to help others to believe.
Every member a pastor: By caring for one another. Many people drift away from the church because they think no one cares. A pastor looks after the flock, finds out why they are missing. He or she will befriend others and help them to feel that they are wanted and needed.
Every member a witness: Each one with faith not based on hearsay but not their personal experience of the validity of scripture and of God’s activity in their own lives.
Every member a missionary: One who is sent not of their own desire but under the compulsion of the Holy Spirit. To serve God and their fellow men in whatever way they can, according to the need and opportunities afforded.
The role of the minister: This has changed and is changing, smaller congregations, less men and women hearing the call to serve. Church members must increasingly take more responsibility for the maintaining and building up of the church. The minister will be available as a consultant to advise and teach those who are doing the day to day tasks - home visits to the sick or absent, caring for the cleaning and maintenance of the building. The church will be far more effective if these responsibilities are shared.
Clowne News
Christmas marked the occasion of 40 years playing the organ at church services for our senior organist Daryl Atkin. To mark the occasion Daryl was presented with a number of CDs (of organ music of course) by Mr Cedric Oldfield. The presentation was planned to take place during the evening service on 23 December, when Daryl was playing. To see the dawning of realisation that he was the subject of a “special announcement” was something to remember! Thank you Daryl for your continuing support and assistance to our worship at Clowne. A time of fellowship over coffee followed the service.
Inkersall Sisterhood
Now, an apology from the ladies at Inkersall – As many of you will be aware, the recent frosty weather has caused extensive damage to the heating system at Inkersall, so much so that the worship there is taking place in the Portakabin. It is felt, regrettably, that the Sisterhood Rally which was to have been held on Monday 4th March must be cancelled. We hope that they will be able to continue as normal next year.
Circuit Carol Service
The circuit carol service was held at Staveley during December, and was enjoyed by everyone who took part. The collection on the evening was for NCH funds and amounted to £182.50. Thank you to all who contributed.
Other Events You May Want To Attend
Over the months we receive many fliers for Christian events and other meetings of interest. These are just a few of the recent ones:
Sheffield Day On Healing
Saturday 23 February 10 am – 4.30 pm, Victoria Hall Sheffield.
An ecumenical meeting attended by the leaders of the churches in Sheffield – includes workshops, and worship. Cost £5 (take your own lunch)
Face To Face
The District Prayer Day – 9 March 10.30 am – 3.30 pm, Wesley Hall Crookes (again take your own lunch) Booking forms available from the circuit office.
In The Footsteps Of The Northern Saints
A Christian Heritage Holiday 5/6 days on a guided tour of sites in North East England, based at the College of St Hild and St Bede Durham 7-12 July cost £350
District Day
Saturday 23 March 9.30 am – 3.30 pm, Victoria Hall Sheffield – A day for exploring topics and issues on World Church and Development. Registration forms from circuit office.
If you want further details of these or other events please contact the circuit office (tel 470859)
Staveley
The Anniversary weekend is approaching and will start with Tea on Saturday 23rd February which will be followed by entertainment by the Harlequins. Tickets for this are available at £2.50. Worship on Sunday morning will be a family service led by the District Chairman – Revd David Halstead.
Other special events in the coming months at Staveley are the Men’s Sunday worship (on 17th March) when the members of the Staveley Methodist Men’s Fellowship will lead.
On 23rd March there will be a tea followed by the presentation of Easter music, including the cantata ‘Hail Glorious King’ by the Staveley & District Churches United Choir. This event will be to raise funds for the church refurbishment and further details will follow.
Maundy Thursday 28th March: we will be celebrating the Last Supper with communion round Our Lord’s table.
On Fridays, between 15th February and 22nd March, the usual Lenten lunches will be served from 11.30 am until 1.00 pm at Staveley Methodist Church in aid of Christian Aid. As in previous years these lunches will be served in turn by the different churches in Staveley and Inkersall Green.
“Our” Vision
Once again I make a plea to all the churches – this is the circuit newsletter and is available for anyone to share your news of forthcoming events and report on past successes. After two months, this edition still looks a bit like “My” Vision and is very Clowne and Staveley biased. Come on the rest of you – please let me have contributions by 21st of the month for inclusion in the next newsletter. Or if not a direct contribution, have you any thoughts for inclusion, eg a regular devotional message, I am open to anything you want to read.
Circuit Meetings and Other Church Events
February 2002
2 Circuit Safeguarding Workshop 2.00 pm Staveley Office
4 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
15 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm New Brimington
23 Anniversary Tea and Entertainment Staveley
25 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
March 2002
5 Local Preachers Meeting 7.30 pm Duckmanton
8 Network District Day 11.00 am Victoria Hall
8 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Inkersall
13 G P Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
17 Men’s Sunday 10.30 am Staveley
18 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barlborough
20 Circuit Meeting 7.30 pm Staveley
23 Tea and Easter music Staveley