Our Vision
Aspire… to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
September 2002 No 15
Well it’s the start of a New Methodist year, and many of those I trained with have moved on to pastures new, but I am still here in sunny Derbyshire! I am sure that some may say, that my being here for 5 years has gone by ever so quickly, and that for others it may seem an eternity; it all depends from which viewpoint you’re looking !!
Now, believe it or not, my viewpoint is that I am as excited about being here as I ever was. My love for my best friend Jesus and my love for and to serve the people called Methodists, has not waned in the slightest; although I do own up to getting tired sometimes!
But as I look to our New Year, I do sincerely believe that the challenges that face us as a circuit are as real as ever. I realise that sometimes the future of our circuit, and what God’s Vision for us may be, might seem daunting. It is from the manse study I can assure you. But for us to be an effective circuit, we must learn of God’s Vision and plan for us, and accordingly take the necessary decisions, however tough or sacrificial they may seem, and grow together, no matter how hard or daunting that may be.
Yet going back to our circuit service in August, perhaps we should take those words of Isaiah to heart, that our young people looked at so creatively:
"But those who trust in the LORD will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles.
They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak." Isaiah 40:31
Perhaps Gods viewpoint for us, is that when we are following His vision, His plan, then the life of our circuit will become more vibrant and effective, as we rise on eagles wings !! Lord Give us the Vision !! Mark Coles
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
I’m sure that by now many of you will be aware that Peter and Pauline have at last moved back to the Bolsover manse. It has been a traumatic time for them waiting for the satisfactory completion of the refurbishment, but at least now there should not be any further problems for them with the interior.
Welcome back to you all.
MHA News
The regional office of MHA have notified us of a new building project in Amber Valley (a nursing/dementia/residential home), and to invite anyone to a series of regional open days (these are to be held in Nottingham on 3 October, Leeds (includes the Hathersage home in their area) on 13 November, Scarborough on 20 November and Newcastle on 5 December). A number of staff and supporters of MHA are also taking part in “The Great North Run” - the Newcastle half-marathon on 6 October, and are seeking sponsorship to raise funds for the work of MHA. A sponsor form is available in your church for your help.
SAFEGUARDING
For those of you out there who are involved in working with children, and for those who may encounter children on church premises (stewards and the like) Bolsover organise a day of “training” for all the circuit which we thoroughly enjoyed last year and recommend to you. The next day is to be on Saturday 2 November at Bolsover with overspill on the 9 November if necessary. Please make an effort to go on the day—I promise it is not daunting, nor a waste of your time, and at the end of it you will be better prepared for dealing with any problems as they arise! To reserve a place on the day or for more information please contact Hazel Bullock (******) or Sheila Green (*******) as soon as possible.
SITUATION VACANT
For the last ten years, Grace Knights has been the circuit contact for Methodist Homes. With her departure, we are looking for someone to take over this position. If you would like to help by taking over this position please contact Peter or Mark.
WHAT GOES ON…
Based on your replies to my request for the programme of events at your church in last month’s newsletter, NOT A LOT! So please will you let me know what happens on a weekly, monthly or even daily basis in your churches.
MONDAY
2.30 pm Staveley Sisterhood, 6.00 pm Clowne Sisterhood, 7.30 (occasionally) Clowne PTA
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
10.00 am Staveley (Alternate weeks) Prayer Meeting at Hayfield Close, 2.00 pm Staveley (Alternate weeks) Wesley Guild, 6.30 pm Barlborough Fellowship
THURSDAY
10.00 am Clowne Fellowship
FRIDAY
9.30 am Staveley Coffee morning, 10.00 am Staveley Intercessions, 6.15 Clowne Junior Club, 7.45 pm Clowne Youth Club
SATURDAY
8.30 am (3rd Sat in month) Staveley Men’s Breakfast, 10.00 am Clowne Coffee Morning
CIRCUIT PRAYER LIST
Most of our churches have a prayer list—people known to us who are in need of God’s care and blessing to see them through a time of illness or difficulty. Some of these folk are known throughout the circuit, and it sometimes comes as a surprise to hear of an illness of a member at another church—maybe weeks later. It has been suggested that we can start a circuit list for such prayer requests.
We start with requests to pray for:
Gwen Cushing, Marjory Henry and Harry Feneley (remembering Jean too). We also remember Rita and Gerald Sawyer, David and Sue Wilson and their families at this time of their bereavements.
TOGETHERCOMBE VILLAGE FAYRE
For many years now, the circuit Network ladies have “Come Together” in September for a time of entertainment or other forms of fellowship. This year’s event has a different format and the Network committee will be deciding just what this will be at the meeting on 6 September. The “Coming Together” will then be on 18 September—so make a diary entry not to miss the village fayre.
Other Events Notified
Friday 15 November—Sunday 17 November: A Prayer Conference will be held at the Hayes, Swanwick—Everyone is welcome. The cost is £48 per person per night for rooms but daily rates are also available. I have a booking form in the circuit office if anyone is interested.
Circuit Meetings and Other Church Events
September 2002
1 Circuit United Service 6.00 pm Brimington
2 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
6 Network Committee 2.00 pm Staveley
13 Local Preachers Development 7.30 pm Staveley
13 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm New Brimington
18 Togethercombe Village Fayre—Network
7.00—9.00 pm Staveley
19 Local Preachers Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
21 Men's Breakfast Meeting 8.30 am Staveley
23 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Duckmanton
October 2002
4 Network District Day 11.00 am Victoria Hall
4 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Inkersall
14 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
16 Circuit Meeting 7.30 pm Bolsover
19 Men's Breakfast Meeting 8.30 am Staveley
25 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barlborough