Our Vision
Aspire… to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
November 2003 No 29
As a family we stayed recently at a Christian Hotel, part of a large group of Christian hotels. When we arrived, I noticed some motorcyclists parking up outside. I had a brief word and found them to be Christian motorcyclists. “Great !” I thought, for if they were stopping at this hotel it must be a “Good Place”. As we entered the porch there was a supply of buckets and spades for residents to borrow and play on the beach, “Nice Idea” I thought. Then as we entered the lobby area, we were greeted with the sight of a warm, welcoming and homely setting, if not a little outdated; “Pleasant” I thought.
It was later that evening, after having had a long day travelling to visit our friends, that we retired to the family bedroom. It was OK, tea and coffee, en-suite bathroom, a Bible or two, although it had no TV. Well Naomi and Jacob were tired, it was nearly nine o’clock. Soon they were in bed, we noticed some noise from down below, a lounge I realised, no problem I thought!! But then it started, a fellowship service, hymn singing, clapping, laughter, prayers etc. I could join in it all !! This went on for an hour and half, possibility of sleep = zero. At eleven o’clock it was finished, and with the slamming of many doors all eventually went to bed, and so Jane and I went finally to sleep.
OK, so I did not complain in the morning, I’m a nice Christian and I / we don’t do such things, do we! And of course we won’t be going back there. But I reflected on my experince, I wondered what a non-Christian family might of though. What kind of witness would a stay at this hotel, have actually been? Negative or Positive. Yes it looked good, it was welcoming, but it was also outdated, and in the end a real disappointment.
So what do people experience when they come to our Churches I wonder a positive or negative experience. Are we looking good? Are we welcoming? Are we outdated? Are we relevant to this present age? Do we overall disappoint those who come to us?
Now there have been many innovative ideas set forth to aid the church in becoming what it was intended to become. There have been creative programs offered, special designs in buildings to enhance our worship and study, and many more. Perhaps one of the most innovative architectural designs is found in a story from New England.
The pastor of the church had bemoaned the fact that no one seemed to feel involved in worship service. The people could not be motivated to go into the world properly because they held back so much in worship.
He found an architect who promised to build a badly needed worship centre if the church would agree to keep the plans secret until its unveiling on the day it was first to be used. They agreed (it must not have been a Methodist church).
The big day finally arrived. The building looked very normal from the outside. The big difference was on the inside. A great crowd gathered early that first Sunday. Each person was seated in a pew near the door, one pew at a time. When the pew was filled, it was rolled automatically to the front ! This process continued until the entire sanctuary was filled. The minister was so carried away by having his audience at the front, he preached on and on. In fact, didn't even really get warmed up until twelve o'clock!
Suddenly another innovative architectural feature made itself known. In the middle of one of his most fervent appeals, at two minutes past twelve, a trap door opened, and the preacher dropped into the basement.
OK, so that’s a story, a Joke!! And we could not possibly put into practice those innovative ideas, well not most of them anyway.
But! What will we do to enable the Vision of our Churches being an effective Presence to come about. Will we renovate, renew, modernise or even build new Churches that reflect a more contextual and cultural relevance to those around us? Will we maintain a warm welcome, but remove some of our outdated-ness? Will we together endeavour to serve Christ in the world, in such a way, that all who come through our Church doors experience a Christianity that is practical and relevant for this day and age?
Yours in Christ The Rev MC
TOGETHERCOMBE PLEA MARKET
The Togethercombe Plea Market which was held at Staveley on 24 September was a great success. Mrs Rita Sawyer, our Network president, opened the proceedings and introduced Mrs Elaine Graham who spoke about her work as District secretary for Network and reminded us that all Methodist women are members of Network – some people seem to be unaware of this!
There were various stalls and games, also competitions – for the best decorated matchbox and also for the highest number of items crammed into a matchbox – the winner of this having 65 separate items in it!
We were entertained by Gwen Cushing and Grace Watkins playing piano duets and also by the Brimington Timbrel team.
It was altogether a most enjoyable evening, raising £200 for Nework’s World Church Fund.
Muriel Maughan
WHITWELL MALE VOICE CHOIR
A number of members from our circuit sing with this choir who will be performing two concerts in the near future. This coming Saturday evening (1 November) at 7.30 pm, the choir join with Creswell Colliery Brass Band in a concert at Creswell Social Centre.
Then, on Saturday 8 November the choir will be taking part in Whitwell Methodist Church Men’s Weekend celebrations with a concert after tea (Jesse Allisson – 01909 720646 can give you more information) and then in the worship on Sunday 9 November.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
As I reported in last month’s newsletter the District have organised a number of training sessions on many subjects of interest to church officials. I hope by now that the plan of events has reached all of the church notice boards.
Two of us from Clowne went on the Risk Assessment training at Gleadless last week.
As those church council members among us will have heard, we have all to prepare Risk Assessments for our churches. What does this involve?
The simple answer is “a great deal of work and writing for all of our churches!” If you have come across risk analysis in industry you will know that everything has to be closely examined to see whether or not an injury might result. Injury here might be a physical injury to a person or might be “injury” to our building/finances/presence in the community etc. “Risk” involves mathematical probabilities. It is the likelihood of something happening, and in the context of our present thoughts it is the likelihood that a “Hazard” will at some time cause an “Incident”.
“Risk Assessment” is simply looking at the “Hazard(s)”,deciding what the likely incidents are and the “Risks”, then decide how serious the outcome or probability that they will occur, then take steps to eliminate or reduce the occurrence (remember that eliminating one hazard may produce a second hazard – for example prohibiting standing on tables by providing a step-ladder replaces injury from falling from a table (high severity, very high risk) with falling from the step-ladder (high severity, medium high risk)). It may or may not need a written assessment – depending on the severity and likelihood of the incident but we were advised that written assessments should be the norm.
An example may help you see what is involved… Hazard: – a loose carpet edge which has curled up over the years (The hazard is fixed and always present). The Incident in this case will probably be someone tripping (or it might be a wheel on a wheelchair jamming and spinning the chair into a wall – or many other possible if improbable events!). That is the simple part! Risk assessment has to take into account how many people pass by, what they are doing, where it is (at the top of the entrance stairs will be far more dangerous than at the back corner of a little used storeroom) and the severity of any possible injury. In this age of litigation, when many people will sue for the slightest thing, it is important that we take care as a church to ensure that no-one can be injured on our premises. Here is something where everyone who comes through the door can be involved – “Hazard Spotting”. If you see something which might be a hazard to someone then make sure the hazard is removed or reported to your property stewards (This includes the boundary walls and grounds of the church). Everyone is responsible for their own safety and the safety of others – it is not the sole responsibility of one person at a church. Every effort should then be made to remove this hazard but this is not always possible and we must then reduce the “Risk” of the “Hazard” becoming an “Incident” by carrying out a “Risk Assessment” – perhaps by a nominated steward or by a small group nominated for the purpose by the church council. Written assessments are asked for – especially when a hazard cannot be completely eliminated and the risk is continuous, or when circumstances are unusual (e.g. emergency maintenance works).
Finally, MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS AWARE OF THE HAZARD AND THE STEPS YOU HAVE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY. Don’t just file the assessment away in a drawer!
I hope that this will give you some idea of where we are moving with regards to safety in our churches – impelled by the insurance company requirements – and perhaps a few more churches can be represented at future training days on this subject.
All Christian denominations are already united as blood brothers because we are united in the blood of Christ.
A MANTRA
Repeat over and over until you feel yourself enfolded in His peace…
Calm me Lord, as you calmed the storm.
Still me Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease,
Enfold me Lord in your peace.
SO THAT WAS TWO YEARS! … OR NEARLY
Coming home has been very special. After our outward journey on such a World-shattering day, there was always the feeling that we wanted to get home safely. it is such a treat to speak to our friends and family on the phone without it costing the earth and we have received the sort of welcome that is quite humbling.
We are very thankful that we had a house to come to, in Burnham-on-Crouch, but the big question now is “Where do we go from here?” We like it here but having been so far from our children for so long, it would be good to be near to them. But which one? Should we he in Kent, Fort William, South London or Rotherham? People tell us not to chase our children, as they could decide to move. We know that, yet where is home when we have had so many throughout our itinerant life? Shall we stay in Burnharn? We know we could be happy in many places. Having always thought it would be good to choose where we could live, in our own house, we now find that it is a much more difficult decision than any we have made about where the next field of ministerial service should be! Please remember us in your prayers as we try to make the right decision.
Leaving our friends in Samoa was not easy. Our neighbours’ children who used to come into our house to play, on so many evenings, have been greatly in our thoughts as we have imagined their sense of loss when seeing the empty house. Roy felt that he was beginning to see the students responding to his way of teaching and hopes that they will continue to question and investigate in their learning. One of the girls I had taught came for a tearful Farewell, just before we left, as did some of my former colleagues and friends. We had two official ceremonies; one at Piula college and one at our local community church, which were in the real Samoan tradition with gifts and feasting. They each included our having specially made Samoan clothes, so there’ll be plenty to show when our heavy luggage arrives!
In spite of frustrations, the whole experience has been very worthwhile and enriching from our point of view. As the Samoan church would like someone else to go now, in our places, we feel they must have felt it was a positive time for them, too. We know that we have friends in yet another part of the world and that is a great privilege. We thank God for the opportunity.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers as we have been on our Pacific Island!
Jo Newell
Roy and Jo have sent us their new phone number 01621 782823 and e-mail address :- roy@rdnewell.freeserve.co.uk .
We shouldn’t just tell people about Jesus
We should be “As Jesus” to them
SINGLES LUNCH CLUB
I would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in a monthly lunch club for those who live alone. Suggestions regarding day and venues would be welcome – Elizabeth Richards (01909 720403).
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
A husband and wife together, I find are the best people to help a newly bereaved. An invitation to come for a cup of coffee can mean a lot if a specific time is arranged. An invitation to lunch is marvellous. Methodists used to be known for their hospitality – it is a wonderful thing to do.
Circuit DIARY
Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months
To have your meeting/event included in this listing – Please contact me at the circuit office. (I would rather hear the same message many times than miss it because no-one informs me! - David)
November
3 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barlborough
8 Christmas Fair 10.30 am Staveley
14 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
15 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
15 Christmas Fayre 2.00 pm Brimington Common
17 Church Stewards Training 7.00 pm Staveley
22 Christmas Fayre 10.00 am Clowne
24 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Hillstown
24 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
29 Christmas Fayre 11.00 am Inkersall
30 Mission Choir 3.00 pm Barrow Hill
December
3 Christmas Coffee Morning 10.00 am Hillstown
5 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barrow Hill
15 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Staveley
15 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
17 Harlequins concert 7.30 pm Staveley
18 Circuit Carol Service 7.30 pm Clowne
20 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
Christmas Services in the circuit:
Christmas Eve
Revd Peter Cross 11.30 pm Clowne
Revd Mark Coles 11.30 pm Staveley
Christmas Morning
Revd Peter Cross 9.15 am Duckmanton
David Wilson 10.00 am New Brimington
Revd Mark Coles 10.00 am Inkersall
Revd Peter Cross 10.30 am Bolsover
Nel Shallow 10.30 am Brimington
January 2004
5 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Duckmanton
16 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm New Brimington
17 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
19 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
26 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Bolsover |