Our Vision
Aspire… to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
November 2002 No 17
THE BOLSOVER MANSE is almost finished. We are now settled back in and absolutely delighted with the standard to which the work has been carried out. It is now a house for the circuit to be proud of, rather than embarrassed by. There are still some small jobs that need doing, the erection of the shed, painting the gates and sorting out the inevitable teething troubles. These jobs should be done within the next couple of weeks.
Pauline and I would like to invite you all to see the work that has been done and to this end we plan to have an open day on 1st January 2003. We will have open house from 10am until 12.00noon, then from 1.00pm until 4.00pm and 5.00pm until 8.00pm when we will be serving refreshments (cup of tea and biscuit) and we will be happy to show you round the house.
Please come and have some fellowship with us.
Peter
LPMAA NEWS
All members of LPMAA — both preachers and honorary members — are invited to attend the next meeting which has been arranged for Friday 15 November 2002 at 7.30 pm at Brimington. There will be a chance to discuss the document outlining proposals for the reorganisation of LPMAA.
Proposition for Future Witness and Mission
A discussion paper by Graham Cutts
placed before the Circuit Meeting on 16th October 2002
And reprinted here for you all to think and pray about
It is suggested that the following thoughts are discussed at individual Church level and at a later Circuit Meeting a debate is held to share in each of our local conclusions and look towards formulating a future Circuit Policy.
We spend a lot of time at Circuit Meetings and other Church Meetings concentrating our thoughts and attention on those matters of business laid down in the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church. It appears these days, through ever increasing legislation, little or no time is ever available to discuss and pursue matters of spiritual concern which are instrumental to the future life and witness of the church.
When we look at the world around us and all the terrible and evil activities which are occurring within society today it is often said by many people, “where will it all end?”. You and I know or at least we should know, and that is when God calls a halt to it all. What so many of those people who are concerned about the degradation within society don’t realise is that without making an assured Commitment of Faith to God they themselves are to be drawn into the abyss at the last day. These are the people who the Church should be focussing on during these difficult days.
There is also another group of people we should be particularly concerned about and they are the members of our congregations who regularly meet in fellowship but haven’t taken that step in Faith. There are many who enjoy a good sing, a good service and donate generously to maintaining the Chapel but fail to realise or accept Our Future is not established in this world or Church Buildings but through Our Faith in God —OUR FATHER AND CREATOR through Jesus.
When our eyes are opened to these matters does it concern us? — IT SHOULD, We are failing in our basic and fundamental function as Christians by witnessing and proclaiming the Saving Grace of Jesus. WHY? Because we have allowed ourselves to become “bound in bondage” by commitment to maintaining a Place of Worship rather than to God. Whilst ever we allow this ongoing situation to continue, the church will stagnate and gradually less and less opportunity will arise to fulfil the purpose of OUR CALLING. Let us address the situation before it is too late by reaffirming Ourselves to Jesus.
I personally believe that there is a great opportunity and Future ahead for the Church – THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. A church whose individual members are focussed and committed to Jesus will be equipped and enabled by THE POWER AND PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT to fulfil GOD’S WILL AND PURPOSE. The experiences of the early church at Pentecost are available to the Church of Today and Tomorrow IF ONLY WE PLACE OURSELVES TOTALLY AT GOD’S DISPOSAL through OBEDIENCE AND COMMITMENT.
I for one, do not accept that the Church is dying, (the church the world sees may be), but the Church focussed on Jesus is very much alive. That very much alive church could be here within the BOLSOVER AND STAVELEY CIRCUIT if ONLY WE WANT IT TO BE. Some 18 months ago there was an air of expectancy throughout the circuit with the introduction of the Circuit Vision 2010. During March 2001 when we held that Circuit Gathering at Staveley to introduce the Vision 2010 I personally felt encouraged by both the attendance and the general response of that gathering. Where has all that enthusiasm and expectancy disappeared to? We’ve withdrawn into our shells and got wrapped up in the necessary but mundane matters of business and survival. Survival of what? — our own individual places of worship.
As a preacher I enjoy the fellowship and communication with so many people in the different churches throughout the circuit; but what saddens me is how much more benefit could be gained by so many worshipping together in a larger congregation. It is self evident unless there is a dramatic change in circumstances that several of the circuits 11 remaining Churches are likely to close within the next few years. I don’t enjoy attending closing services and dealing with the Sale of Church Buildings, it is far more satisfying to be faced with joining in something new. What we have experienced in the past is the closure of Churches through a decline in Spiritual Growth in the areas where they are located. What we are faced with at the present is AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW — a refreshing thought — a growth inspired by God, not the Church. Now is the time and opportunity to be released from the bondage and burden of sustaining a building to be free to develop spiritually as God desires for EACH AND EVERY ONE OF HIS PEOPLE.
The strength of the Church is in a body of believers whose faith is founded in Jesus. Coming together, uniting in large numbers and congregations offers an opportunity to share in Spiritual Growth. During this 21st Century the opportunity for a Christian revival is as great as at any time in the past. To meet the demands for such an event to take place we must be a strong Spiritually Alive and Aware Church, vibrant and enthusiastic to proclaim The Saving Grace of Jesus. Such a Church must be united not only within itself BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY in its PROCLAMATION OF Jesus AS ITS HEAD. I believe that individual churches coming together with each other (not united Circuit Services, but where two or three congregations join together) on an occasional basis, and one hopes a future permanent union, will offer and open NEW HORIZONS for more effective WITNESS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
Graham Cutts
BRIMINGTON COMMON’S HARVEST
Our Harvest Praise weekend is now a lovely memory for us—we had a great time of worship with Cliff College students in the morning Family Service, and our Sunday School children were presented with their promotion books. The church looked beautiful and there was a real sense of gratitude and thankfulness as we sang all the wonderful Harvest Hymns during our evening service. On Monday evening 55 people sat down to a “ploughman’s platter” after a wonderful time of entertainment in the form of an “Olde Tyme Music Hall” by our friends from Barlborough Chapel. The entertainment was first class—concluding with a “Brimington Common Proms” - amidst much cheering and flag waving! The sale of produce raised £55 for NCH. Thank you so much Barlborough for supporting us so well.
WHAT GOES ON…
Thank you to those churches who have replied, what about the rest? I can now give an expanded weekly diary: (In future months I’ll vary the presentation to find out which layout suits YOU best).
FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS/PRAYER GROUPS
SUNDAY 10.00 am Brimington Prayer Group
MONDAY 7.30 pm Brimington Common (Alternate weeks) Social Hour / Prayer Group, Inkersall Bible Study, Bolsover (occasionally) Worship Preparation Group
TUESDAY 7.30 pm Brimington Common (Alternate weeks) Fellowship Group, Bolsover (occasionally) Worship Preparation Group, Brimington Fellowship at 66 Hill View Road (contact 279664)
WEDNESDAY 10.00 am Staveley (Alternate weeks) Prayer Meeting at 10 Hayfield Close, Brimington Fellowship Group (various venues contact 620908), 2.30 pm Inkersall Bible Study, 7.30 pm Barlborough Fellowship
THURSDAY 10.00 am Clowne Prayer Fellowship, Bolsover Community Bible Study, 7.30 pm Brimington Common (Alternate weeks) Fellowship Group, Bolsover Community Bible Study at Mr & Mrs Newton’s
FRIDAY 10.00 am Staveley Intercessions, 7.30 pm Brimington Monthly fellowship at 59 Cotterhill Lane (contact 271608)
SISTERHOODS/LADIES MEETINGS
MONDAY 2.30 pm Staveley Sisterhood, Inkersall Sisterhood 2.45 pm Bolsover Women's Fellowship, Barrow Hill Ladies Meeting 6.00 pm Clowne Sisterhood
TUESDAY 2.30 pm Brimington Ladies Friendship Circle (2nd and 4th weeks)
WEDNESDAY 2.30 pm Brimington Common Sisterhood
YOUTH/UNIFORMED ORGANISATIONS
TUESDAY 9.30 am Brimington Mums and Toddlers 5.30 pm Staveley Brownies, 6.00 pm Bolsover Boys Brigade, 7.00 pm Staveley Guides
THURSDAY 2.30 pm Brimington Mums and Toddlers, 5.30 pm Brimington Brownies, Brimington Guides
FRIDAY 6.15 Clowne Junior Club, 7.30 pm Brimington Common Youth Café, 7.45 pm Clowne Youth Club
COFFEE MORNINGS
FRIDAY 10.00 am Staveley, 10.30 am Bolsover
SATURDAY 10.00 am Clowne, 10.30 am Inkersall
OTHER MEETINGS
MONDAY 7.30 (occasionally) Clowne PTA
WEDNESDAY 2.00 pm Staveley (Alternate weeks) Wesley Guild, 7.00 pm Brimington Choir Practice
SATURDAY 8.30 am Staveley (3rd Sat in month) Men’s Breakfast,
OUTING TO YORK
On Saturday, 5th. October, I drove the Staveley & District Churches United Choir, which includes members from our Barrow Hill, Brimington & Staveley Churches, to York for the day. After an informal afternoon, we met for tea at Southlands Methodist Church, Bishopthorpe Road, York, before returning home.
The Church is about 1/2 mile from the castle museum, or 1/4 from the nearest point of the city wall.
They served a plated ham & quiche salad with boiled new potatoes, etc., followed by fresh fruit salad or trifle, and cakes at £5.00 per head.
If anyone is planning a similar outing to York, and would like further details of the contact please get in touch with me.
Similarly, I drive part time for TM Travel, and if I am not otherwise committed, I will try to make myself available if you so require me.
Geoff. Thompson (Staveley)
CHURCH TREASURERS—PLEASE NOTE!
As requested at the last Circuit Meeting, Peter has arranged a visit by Theresa Stedman to explain the new Church Policy (Insurance). Would all treasurers make every effort to attend on Thursday 30th January 2003 at 7.30 pm at Staveley.
Misprints from the Parish Magazine:
The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment and gracious hostility
CIRCUIT PRAYER LIST
Please remember these friends in your church and personal prayers:
Gwen Cushing, Marjory Henry, Jean and Harry Feneley, Mervyn Stubbins
GOD’S BEAUTY IN AUTUMN
As you’re walking in the park
On a cold October day
And you see the changing colours,
Does it take your breath away?
Is each corner that you take
A delight before your eyes?
As the ever changing scenes unfold
Nature’s own surprise
As you look across the valley
Do you feel a sense of peace
And a oneness with the Autumn day
You hope will never cease
As the gentle rain falls softly
On your hair and on your face.
At the beauty that surrounds you
Do you wonder at God’s grace
The wind stirs the trees, as they bow and sway
Oh Lord, it’s good to be alive
On this autumnal day.
June Jones
Misprints from the Parish Magazine:
The minister would appreciate it if the ladies would lend their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning
NCH SPONSORED WALK
This took place, as planned, on Saturday 7 September around Brimington Common and Tapton. The number of walkers was disappointing, but those who did walk were not disappointed. The weather was glorious and the scenery wonderful. We stopped for a picnic in Tapton Peace Gardens and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day including our NCH friends and young people from the Corner House Independence Project* and the Yew Tree Project* both in Chesterfield.
Thank you to everyone who helped or took part in the walk which raised almost £500 towards the valuable work of NCH.
Graham Newton
*Corner House Independence Project : works with young people aged 15—21 who have been accomodated by the Local Authority and who are now moving on into independence.
*The Yew Tree Project : provides respite care and short term breaks for young people between the ages of 16—21 with learning or physical disabilities. They run a variety of activity groups throughout the week—ranging through youth clubs, Duke of Edinburgh Award, drama, music and movement and sensory sessions.
“CHRIST ON TRIAL”
Sister Elizabeth recommends this book by Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury designate) in which he brings the gospels vividly to life. He looks at how the trial of Christ profoundly challenges what we believe and how we live. He draws not only from the Bible but also from contemporary fiction, film and theatre. He explores the ways society continues to put Christ on trial. In fact, all christians stand with him before a watching world.
How we respond to the challenge is the focus of “Christ On Trial”. It increases our confidence in the faith we have received and invites us to discover what we are, and what we might be in God’s sight.
(copied from the publisher’s notes). There are questions at the end of each chapter to promote discussion
THE HARLEQUINS
Are a theatrical group who meet at Staveley, and who need (and welcome) new members to help with their productions. Just come along to Staveley any Wednesday 7-30 pm until 10-00 pm or phone Angela on 474476. Their next production is the 2002 Pantomime—The Magic Sleigh at 7.30 pm on Monday 2 December then every evening until Saturday 7 December—Tickets are £2.50 - contact Angela (474476) or Cynthia (473397)
Circuit Meetings and Other Church Events
November 2002
2 Safeguarding Training Day 9.30 am Bolsover
4 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Bolsover
8 Local Preachers Development 7.30 pm Staveley
15 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barrow Hill
15 Prayer Conference Swanwick
15 LPMAA Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
19 Circuit Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
25 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Clowne
28 Circuit Property Committee 7.30 pm Staveley
December 2002
1 Circuit Advent Service 6.00 pm Barrow Hill
4 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Hillstown
14 Circuit Carol Service 6.00 pm Staveley
16 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Staveley
Christmas around the circuit
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services will be held at the following churches this year:
Christmas Eve:
11.30 pm: STAVELEY - Rev'd Mark Coles
11.30 pm: CLOWNE - Rev'd Peter Cross
Christmas Day:
9.15 am: DUCKMANTON - Rev'd Peter Cross
10.00 am: INKERSALL - Rev'd Mark Coles
10.30 am: BOLSOVER - Rev'd Peter Cross
10.30 am: BRIMINGTON - Rev'd Raymond Goadby