Our Vision

READERS
Thank you for the overwhelming response to my plea in the last “Our Vision” for readers to ease the situation on the plan. So far seven people have offered their services in this way and they will appear on the next plan.

THE ROVERS RETURN
No we’re not off to Coronation Street! This is a bumper edition of the newsletter because in the last month, the two big Evangelical Events took place – Spring Harvest and Easter People – and churches from the circuit were represented at both. There follows some reports and thoughts from each… This is dated material so I can’t save it, but it shows how we can be affected by the Spirit of these big events and moved to share it with others.

Our party of 25 family and friends arrived in Llandudno at the Ormescliffe Hotel (a good hotel with some rooms overlooking the sea - and excellent food!), on 2nd April. Some people were from our circuit, some from the Worksop and Kiveton Circuit, and family from Leeds and Liverpool.

After a rather rushed, but good, meal we set off for the evening meeting. Unfortunately the main venue, seating 2000 was full to capacity so Jenny and Ann, unable to get into the meeting went back to the hotel to watch Casualty!! After the evening celebration there were many other meetings - we chose to go and see and preview of the new Rob Frost Musical "Here and Now" (coming to Sheffield on 2nd October).

The next morning we met together in the hotel for a time of fellowship and prayer, then went to the one of the various Bible Studies. We choose the one led by Rev Paul Smith, whose study on parts of Isaiah was clear, understandable, and very challenging. After a short break we heard testimonies from overseas visitors who came from Pakistan, India, Kenya, Burundi, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Cuba, Belize, Poland, China and the Pacific Islands. The theme of this year’s Easter People was ‘Global Vision’, and it was interesting and challenging to hear how Christians in other parts of the world are living out their Christianity, often suffering persecution and yet the Church in most parts of the world is growing.

Most days followed a similar pattern, with short seminars in the afternoon, or time for relaxation, shopping (!), or visiting the surrounding areas.

On the Saturday afternoon we built a long sand wall on the beach, then stuck flags of all the countries of the world on the wall. Prayers were said from the bandstand on the Promenade. I’m sure that the people of Llandudno knew that something was going on!!

We have been to Easter People many times and we have never failed to come back refreshed and more strengthened to serve our Risen Lord. We shall be going to Easter People, Llandudno next year (22nd-27th April) - you are welcome to join us - please let us know if you are interested.

Sing, clap, shout it out
This is what it’s all about
Come, join the celebration
Every language, every nation.

Come, hear the Gospel word
Hear the answers, know you’re heard
Tears of sorrow, tears of laughter
Until the time of the ever after.

He’ll come and bring peace with him
Like it was in the beginning
Until that time people on the earth
Follow Him of virgin birth

All the sorrow, all the pain
Will disappear when He comes again
Laughter, joy, for all eternity
This is what He’ll give to thee.

JUBILEE
A boy of 12 has waited for this day for some time. Much preparation has been made for this, much more than he knows. He eagerly rushes to his local railway station. The platform is already full! He stands on the Railway Bridge overlooking the platform. The train arrives. His expectation rises. Will he be able to see? He catches a glimpse, but only a glimpse. He runs to the main road, he knows their car will pass by. Then he sees her, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
OK so its me, and its 1977 and the Silver jubilee. In June it will be the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and throughout the year she has made many visits up and down the country. Having been present at a number of places where the queen was due to visit in recent years, I am more aware than I was 25 years ago, of the preparations for a visit by royalty. Not just the events and functions she attended, but the roads, buildings and security etc. So far there seems to be far less interest in this Jubilee than 25 years ago. To say the least, the response to any preparations for events appears to be lack lustre, if not in general, an apathy to it all. Perhaps these are signs of the times !!
Now it must be said that the concept of Jubilee, is very much a biblical one. If you read the book of Leviticus, Chapter 25 and Verse 10, you will find that, as the result of seven cycles of seven years in which Israel's land and people gained freedom. A year of joy and liberation was begun. A year where the law stipulated three things: that the land and people were to be sanctified: (1) It was to be a time of rest for the soil as well as people (Lev. 25:11). The unattended growth of the field was for the poor to glean and for the beasts of the field (Ex. 23:11). (2) All land was to revert back to the original owner (Lev. 25:10-34; 27:16-24). Please note also, Leviticus 25:29-30; 27:17-21. (3) Every Israelite who had sold himself--either to his fellow countryman or to a foreigner settled in the land--because of poverty and remained unredeemed was to be freed along with his children (Lev. 25:39-46).
You may say that this seems in many ways alien to our time and culture. Yet farmland today, is often worked to destruction in many areas of the world. Also famine, starvation is as much with us today as it was 1,000s of years ago. Many millions are without homes or land to call their own. And slavery, be it to commerce, be it to money, be it in the sweatshops overseas, is very much still with us today. The Year of Jubilee, prevented the Israelites from oppression of one another (Lev. 25:17). It had a levelling effect of Israel's culture by giving everyone a chance for a new start. It discouraged excessive, permanent accumulations of wealth and the depravation of an Israelite of his inheritance in the land. Families and tribes were preserved by the return of freed bondservants to their own families. Permanent slavery in Israel was rendered impossible.
This year was a constant reminder of God's interest in social and economic freedom (Ezek. 46:17). The Israelites were repeatedly given the opportunity to begin anew, and the impoverished were enabled to maintain themselves in society. This year also reflected God's provision for the soil's conservation (Lev. 25:11-12,18-21). During the Year of Jubilee, the Israelites were once again taught that they were to live in faith that the Lord would satisfy their needs (Ex. 16:17-18).
To conclude: We are all given a new start through our faith in Christ. Many in our world, need not only a new start in Christ; but deserve a new start economically. As we celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, let us not be apathetic, but pray and actively work for a World Jubilee. And let us most of all; prepare our world, and ourselves, for the return of our King Jesus. Amen.
Mark

SPRING HARVEST - 2
Dear friends of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit. My name is Beth, I am ten years old and I attend Bolsover Methodist Church.
I was one of the group of twenty people from our church who went to Spring Harvest 2002. Their daily newspaper suggested that we should write, and tell everybody about our time at Spring Harvest.
I was in a group called Access All Areas, which was for children aged 8 – 11. My group leaders were very nice. Each day we had a morning session from 9:45 – 1:00 and an evening session that was from 6:45 – 8:45.
Access All Areas was a really good thing for me to go to. We did lots of fun activities like crafts, parachute games, dance workshops and lots of other interesting things. The Access All Areas theme song was very good.
The week here has been fabulous – it’s definitely a thing to recommend. Every morning my family and me went to good morning big top – a family celebration from 9:00 – 9:30. Every day we listened to a story, we sang songs and said prayers together. Graham Kendrick and his band were leading worship and they were excellent. We liked the song “Our God Is A Great Big God” best.
All my family had a great time especially my brother Jack who won a football competition. Even the adults had a great time. Lots of Love – Beth Wilson.

Spring Harvest for ushas been and gone
And once again it was enjoyed by everyone,
The speakers were brilliant and forthright
We also had songs and fun every night,
People, young and old, were gathered together
And to make it better we had some sunny weather,
People, some of them, played tennis outdoors
While some of us went a walk on the sea shore,
But whatever we did or attended each day
We shared with other Christians in every way.
Although it’s over for another year we have our memories
Of our enjoyable time with people from home and other countries,
Jack Wilson won a medal at five-a-side
And filled those of us there with a bit of pride,
To see his face when they’d won was pure delight
And he even slept with it that night,
But we were all winners I have to say
For being near to God in every way,
Go see for yourselves if you get the chance
Because only by being there do you get a better glance,
Of all that goes on there during the night and day
I’ve run out of ideas so this is all I have to say.
Except for this, roll on Spring Harvest next year
And when it arrives there wilI be a great cheer.

SPRING HARVEST – 4
Four members from Inkersall Methodist Church decided that this year, instead of going to Easter People, we would go to Spring Harvest for a change, held at Skegness. This was our first visit to Spring Harvest and we went on the third week, being Easter Week.
The first thing that we noticed was that we were outnumbered by a younger generation! This was good to see enjoying themselves, not only in the Butlin’s amenities but also in the worship meetings The book stalls and music stands were always very busy but we managed to browse and spend We bought countless C.D ‘s new music book and also a drama book So, Inkersall, be prepared!
We enjoyed the worship meetings and felt uplifted with messages from the different speakers, especially Geoff Lucas and Alistair Brown
The only disappointment to the week was when we discovered that the one and only GRAHAM KENDRICK had been worship leading the week before However, we had a very good worship band with Steve Thompson as leader We learned some new songs + actions!
The weather was kind to us, sunshine all week. What with good weather, good organisation, good fellowship, we had A GOOD WEEK
We learned throughout the week about Christians in other parts of the world e g Muslim and Islamic countries being persecuted for their faith, being thrown into prison, tortured and even death. At the end of the week a collection was taken from both Spring Harvest sites to help these people After watching videos of these situations we felt very lucky and humble that we could have this freedom to be able to worship together in great numbers
THANKS BE TO GOD.

A live church has parking problems; a dying church doesn’t.
A live church has lots of noisy children around: a dying church enjoys peace and quiet!
A live church changes the way things are done to do things better: a dying church doesn’t need to change a thing!
A live church dreams greater dreams for God’s Kingdom; a dying church has nightmares.
A live church invites people to risk involvement and tries new ideas; a dying church plays it safe and never risks anything.
A live church supports world mission; a dying church thinks charity begins at home.
A live church uses its traditions and buildings to serve God and people; a dying church uses people to serve its traditions and buildings.
A live church worships; a dying church worries.
A live church is filled with tithe-ers; a dying church is filled with tippers!
A live church forgives and seeks forgiveness; a dying church never makes mistakes!
A live church looks for challenges and opportunities; a dying church looks out for problems and dangers.
A live church evangelises; a dying church fossilises.

(Reprinted with permission from Harpenden High Street Methodist Church magazine)

Thinking about Membership?
You are warmly invited to an evening to think about and consider, becoming a member of the Methodist Church.
The evening, we hope will look at the why, what and how of membership in
The Methodist Church.

Led by the Revd Peter Cross and assisted by the Revd Mark Coles, we hope it will be an evening in which you will find yourself welcomed in the name of Jesus in to his Church, and discover your place in his growing kingdom.

The evening will take place at 7:30pm the 16th of May at Staveley Methodist Church.

Hope to see you then!!

Membership is for:

All those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and accept the obligation to serve Him in the life of the Church and the world are welcome as full members of the Methodist Church.

In the Church

Members are committed to worship, Holy Communion, fellowship and service, prayer and Bible study, and responsible giving.

In the World

Members are committed to the working out of their faith in daily life, the offering of personal service in the community, the Christian use of their resources, and the support of the Church in its total world mission

NCH Sunday
On Sunday 14 July NCH will be celebrating 133 years of helping the children who need it most. The theme for this
year’s NCH Sunday is “Adoption”.

NCH has been finding families for vulnerable children for well over a century and the work still continues, with most of the children helped today being those who have undergone considerable damage to their young lives through abuse, neglect, disability or illness. Of the 55,000 children in care only 4% are adopted each year. NCH expects the cost of adoption services to be around £200,000 this year and is dependant on the support of the church and individuals to continue to operate. Please support the work through regular donations in the NCH boxes and by giving generously on NCH Sunday. The circuit representative for NCH is Graham Newton in Bolsover. He will be able to assist if you need further information on how to help NCH.

SISTERHOOD ANNIVERSARIES
We are now in that time of year when the Sisterhoods hold their Anniversary Rallies, Clowne and Barrow Hill have already taken place and they shared in good times together. To come are rallies at Brimington Common on the 10th June and Staveley is on 15th July.

OLD TIME MUSIC HALL
The folk at Barlborough recently put on a very successful "Old Time Music Hall" which was greatly enjoyed by all who saw it. They have generously offered to put on extra performances throughout the Circuit. If you would like a performance at your church please contact Peter Cross or Mrs Gill Breeze (472858) to arrange a date. (Apart from having a good time, this could be a good fund raising opportunity)

PRINTING
Note to all church officials:

The circuit owns a photo-duplicator, which produces good quality black and white A4 sheets (this is an example!) at very low prices when compared with photocopying (A single-sided page at the local copy shop will cost you 5p or 6p per copy – we can print you 100 copies for 1.5p each or 2.3p double sided).
If you want any printing done for hymn sheets, leaflet drops etc please contact David at the circuit office. Plus - if you provide an original, the copies can be yours in “minutes”.

THE CAFÉ
                  Are you aged 14 plus?
                  Do you live in the Brimington area?
                  Do you need somewhere to meet friends on Friday nights?
Brimington Common are opening up a drop-in Café to help give the young folk on the common somewhere to go and meet up with friends. It will be open every Friday from 7.30 pm until 9.00 pm. There will be Video films, music and computer/playstation games for entertainment plus big screen TV for the World Cup Football…..
It all starts on 3 May so come along to: the_café@brimington_common_church_hall.

Last Call for Breakout 2002
This month we send for our tickets to go to Birmingham on 5 – 7 July for MAYC’s annual Breakout event. If you would like to join with a small group from Clowne, e-mail: breakout@bolsoverstaveley.plus.com or give us a call on 01246 811232.

Other Events Notified

A testimony service for five ordinands from the Sheffield district will be held on Thursday 9 May at Cantley Methodist Church (Doncaster). (I have directions on how to get there in the circuit office if you want them).

Cannon and Ball will be sharing an evening of jokes, showbiz stories and their testimonies to their Christian Faith on Friday, 17 May at 7.30 pm at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Sheffield. Tickets cost £7 (£4 for youth) and are available by ringing Nan Alder – 0114 235 0574 or Chris Kirk – 0114 236 3157

Cliff College’s annual Celebration Weekend on 24-26 May will include a special one-off musical event this year. The terrace will be transformed into a Concert arena for the performance by two Christian Bands – “Yfriday” and “One Hundred Hours” (I’ve seen Yfriday at MAYC in the past and they are noisy but good!). Tickets are limited so book early (£4 each in advance by telephone – 01246 582321 extension 121, or write to: the event, c/o Paul Critchley, Cliff College, Calver, Hope Valley, Sheffield S32 3XG.)

Our Anglican friends invite us to “A Party In The Park” (Chatsworth Park that is) on Saturday 22 June to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the diocese of Derby. The Archbishop of Canterbury will be preaching at evening worship. The day is from 11 am until 6 pm and entry is ticket only (should be available from your local Anglican Church) - £4 each. Further details in the circuit office.

Youth for Christ are organising two weekend training conferences in July. If anyone would like details – check in the circuit office.

To commemorate the life of Herbert Silverwood, the Cliff College Development Scheme Appeal have organised an open day at Birthwaite Hall Farm (in the Barnsley circuit – for directions contact the circuit office) on Saturday 27 July. There will be guided Farm walks at 11 am, 3 pm and 7 pm and refreshments served 10 am – 12 noon, 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm

Circuit Meetings and Other Church Events

May 2002

   9 Ordinands Testimony Service          7.30 pm        Cantley
10 Circuit Prayer Meeting                       7.30 pm        Barrow Hill
13 Portland Street Male Voice Choir Concert for Christian Aid
                                                                    7.30 pm        Clowne
18 Men’s Breakfast Meeting                   8.30 am        Staveley
18 Christian Aid Lunch                            12 – 2 pm    Bolsover
20 Circuit Prayer Meeting                       7.30 pm        Barlborough
24-26 Celebration Weekend                                        Cliff College
25 The Event – Christian Rock Music   6.30 pm        Cliff College

June 2002

10 Sisterhood Anniversary Rally                                 Brimington Common
10 Circuit Prayer Meeting                       7.30 pm        Brimington Common
13 Summer District Day (Network)        11 am           Victoria Hall Sheffield
15 Men’s Breakfast Meeting                   8.30 am        Staveley
21 Circuit Prayer Meeting                       7.30 pm        Bolsover
22 A Party In The Park                                                 Chatsworth
28 Local Preachers Meeting                  7.30 pm        Bolsover

Our Vision

May 2002 No 11

Other Events Notified

Circuit Meetings and Other Church Events

May 2002

June 2002