Our Vision

Is to Aspire … to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!

The Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit

September 2004                                No 39

WELCOME
Well it has happened.  We have said farewell to Peter (what a wet move he had – torrential rain at both ends of the move!) and welcomed Gillian into the circuit.  For your christmas card list – Peter’s new address is: 7 Meadow Road, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 8NW. (phone 01751 472810). 

WHITWELL MALE VOICE CHOIR
The choir have sung in our circuit on many occasions and provide pleasure and fellowship to all involved.  Due to illness and bereavement, they are short of tenor and baritone singers and throw open an invitation to all who would like to join them.  Practices are held on Mondays at Whitwell Methodist Church at 7.30 pm.  You will be welcomed at any practice or for more details ring Michael Rogers – 811214.

SISTER ELIZABETH’S BOOK
Sales of sister Elizabeth’s latest booklet have been very good and all the churches have benefitted from these – our thanks to Elizabeth for her donations – but there are still some left if you would like to send copies to friends in hospital or in far flung areas.  Contact sister Elizabeth direct (01909 720403) to order.

METHODIST RECORDER
We don’t often feature in the pages of the Recorder, but two articles recently have had loal interest and so I reprint them here:

PAUL FIELD (singer/songwriter)...
.. will be IN CONCERT  at Brimington Methodist Church on Saturday, 18th September at 7.00 p.m.  Admission is free, by ticket only, and there will be an offering towards expenses.  Tickets are available from Jean Fisher, telephone number Chesterfield 620908.  You may remember the production of "Hopes and Dreams" performed by our Circuit - Paul Field wrote most of the Lyrics and Music for that musical, and has recently produced a CD entitled "New Hymns for the Modern Church".  Come and enjoy and evening with one of the most prominent Christian singer/songwriters of today. 

An early invitation to a HARVEST PRAISE EVENING at Brimington Methodist Church on Saturday, 2nd October at 7.00 p.m.   The Church will be beautifully decorated for Harvest, with many floral arrangements, so come early and have a stroll around before the Praise begins.

ON THE SUBJECT OF THE HARVEST…
Duckmanton Harvest Festival will be on Sunday, 19 September when the preacher will be the superintendant, Revd Gillian Robertson.  Then, on Monday 20 September there will be the sale of produce at 6.00 pm followed by the harvest supper and a performance by the Gilchrist Singers.  Entrance will be by ticket only – available from Church members at £2.00 (adults) or £1,50 (children).

Barrow Hill and I made a mess of the plan in getting the date wrong!!  The Harvest  Festival will be on 12 September and the preacher is Mr John Drayton.  (Unfortunately the service at Barrow Hill on 19 September will have to be an own arrangement).

Staveley will be holding a Pie, chips and peas Harvest Supper on Monday 27 September at 6.00pm.  The supper will be followed at 7.00 pm by “Olde Tyme Music Hall” presented by friends from Barlborough.  Tickets for this are £3.50 – these are available from the church.

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END…
After many years, I am sorry to report that the Afternoon Teas at Bolsover were not the success they might have been.  Apart from the fact that our friends from Staveley and Inkersall came on the last Monday, attendances were very low.  It is so disappointing for the few who had worked so hard to prepare the teas (including a lot of home baking) when so few attend, so it is with regret that we shall not be doing it again in future.  We did raise £228 for Network World Church Fund – thank you for the generosity of the few attendees and donations.      Muriel Maughan

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
A new “term” starts in September and the groups will start a study on Solomon’s Wisdom.  If you would like to join the studies please contact Margaret Rowley (825877) for further details.

SHEFFIELD DISTRICT NEWS
I had a request recently to reprint articles from the district newsletter (which is circulated to churches) to allow a wider readership. The Autumn edition has been received,,,,,,

Also available electronically on www.sheffieldmethodist.org

A message from Revd Richard Buckley Christian Aid Area Co-ordinator

SUMMER CRISES ... !

Shouldn't be allowed, should they? But sadly neither inhumanity nor the weather pay much attention to British summer holiday dates.
The drastic persecution of African people in the Darfur province of Sudan has been in the headlines for all too long. Mounted Arab raiders have driven an incredible one million people from their homes. They are surviving in virtual desert conditions, with little in the way of shelter, food, water or medical attention. On July 20th the Disasters Emergency Committee [DEC] launched a major appeal on behalf of 11 aid agencies, including Tear Fund, World Vision, Christian Aid and CAFOD. If you/your church wishes to donate to this appeal, please send a cheque for 'DEC Sudan Emergency' to any one of the above agencies or to Christian Aid, Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB. This office can also supply large posters and quantities of collection envelopes [tel. 0114 279 6215]. Christian Aid - like all/most of the other charities - also has its own Sudan Appeal, and you could donate to that, in which case your cheque should be for 'Christian Aid (Sudan)'.
As for the weather, we may be complaining about the rotten summer, but North India and Bangladesh are suffering one of the heaviest monsoon rainfalls irv years. That has resulted in four million homeless people, many houses washed away, millions of people and livestock marooned, crops destroyed and water-borne diseases rampant. Christian Aid has sent immediate grants to organisations in both countries. For example, a group in the Bangladeshi province of Sylhet is delivering food to 6,000 marooned families, will donate seed to 10,000 more so they can start growing food again as quickly as possible, and will re-house 1,000 of them. An Indian organisation, CASA (a church group, whose work I saw myself some years ago), is doing similar work in two of the worst affected districts. Because of Sudan, there is no special appeal for South Asia. But donations can still be accepted to fund this work, and this would be much appreciated. In this case, please write only to the Sheffield address and make your cheque out to 'Christian Aid'.
Finally, if your church could use a preacher on development issues, or your organisation would like a speaker, I am always happy to respond to invitations. Contact details above.

SHEFFIELD VICTORIA HALL ANNIVERSARY NOVEMBER 2ND 2004
The theme for our anniversary reflects our 'disabled and community access' programme, providing a lift and other amenities, but also our attempt to open up all aspects of our life here. Our theme is seen in many new initiatives in Victoria Hall. Reflecting our rainbow nature as a congregation- welcoming folks from up to twenty nations on a Sunday morning- we have a new international club which meets once a month to share food and Jenga! As well as our ongoing French service we have a new Zimbabwean Methodist fellowship which meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon. Many in our city centre are excluded from life in all of its fullness due to homelessness or addiction problems. We continue to provide for them through our clothing store, but now also offer rough sleepers packs. These are designed to help you survive a night on the streets of Sheffield and we also pack a little New Testament in with them. We have also begun a new partnership with the Sunday Centre to provide food and fellowship on a Sunday afternoon and from October we will be beginning a Soup Run before Church on a Sunday Morning. We are sure that our speakers at the Anniversary this year will help these and other initiatives.
We kick off with coffee and cake for clergy and lay workers at 10.30am and a chance to engage with Rev. Or Gary Mason, who will be preaching at our noon service. Gary has spent his ministry in the inner city, having a strong commitment to the Church's role in the urban setting. From 1992 until 1999 he had responsibility for two Methodist churches, one of which sits on a peace line in West Belfast; a 'Berlin' type wall which separates the Protestant and Catholic communities. The reconciliation projects put in place by that small Methodist community have been recognized by the Government as playing a crucial role in the building of peace in that area. In the course of his ministry Gary has been involved in what has now been called the peace process. Behind the scenes Gary has taken part in discussions with the 'more sinister1 elements in Northern Irish society, trying to present an alternative way to resolve the differences on the island of Ireland. In 1999 Gary was moved to be the senior minister of one of the largest Methodist Missions in Europe at East Belfast Mission, this church with fifty employees is in the inner city and is seen as one of the most creative churches in the area of social justice in Ireland. This church in the last few years has been at the forefront of efforts to quell interface violence, as well as a fast growing congregation and an inspirational youth ministry and outreach programme. Gary is a wonderful preacher and communicator having spoken at Spring Harvest and frequently on radio and television. I'm sure we have much to learn from him.
At our 3pm service our preacher is Rev. Kathy Galloway. Kathy needs no introduction to many of you. The leader of the lona Community, author of many books, former director of Church Action on Poverty, columnist in Third Way magazine and a fantastic theologian and story teller. I have given you more information about Gary because he will be less known to most of you but I'm very excited about what our two speakers will bring to us.  We also welcome the Teacher's Choir in the afternoon then we retire for a much-needed tea and return at 7pm for a celebration of the world church. Our service will be led by the Sheffield University Student Gospel Choir and Phil Jakob from lona and St. Marie's Cathedral will be teaching us to sing in the voices of the rainbow people God has made us, while Kathy will be bringing us a story and a challenge.
I do hope you will support us. I was very impressed on my first anniversary to meet so many folk from around the District. I look forward to seeing you again this year or meeting you for the first time!

Noel Irwin

around the district
The following have new appointments in the District from September. We offer them (and where appropriate their families) a very warm welcome and trust that their time here will be a blessing:

John Simms joins West, Joy Adams (Probationer) joins Brunswick, Gordon Webb (Superintendent) joins Chesterfield, Gillian Robertson (Superintendent) joins Bolsover & Staveley, Keith Osborn (Probationer) joins The Peak, John Hartley joins Doncaster, Andrew Chislett-McDonald joins Barnsley and Alistair Sharp (Probationer) joins Rotherham.  Robert Lewis & Rachel Downs Lewis move to join Ecclesall, Eileen Sanderson moves to North, Jane Sharpe and Alan Hindmarch stay within their own respective Circuits but take over as Superintendents.
We welcome Supernumeraries who have moved into the District, especially David Clark who becomes a Probationer Deacon in Peak.

Editor's Note

1.   Two suggestions of a new name for the District Newsletter have been received to date. I'm still open to others but can't wait forever!
2.   With so few articles having been received we have reluctantly reduced this issue to only one sheet. Come on - now stop being so shy! YOU must have some good stories to share from your Church/Circuit.

Methodist Church Environmental Network

Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing the world today. As the impact of global warming becomes more apparent and scientific evidence more compelling, we face serious questions as to how as a society we can live within our means. In response, the Conference of 2000 adopted the Environment Policy "Caring for the Earth". To date, 50 Methodist Churches have contacted the ECO-Congregation Scheme and a several have been granted ECO-Congregation awards.
We are aware that there are many individuals throughout the Connexion who are engaged in some way in environmental initiatives both within and outside the church. In order to further action the Methodist Church Environmental Policy we are seeking to communicate more effectively with those who have an active interest in the environment and the issue of climate change.
We propose establishing a network to help resource the local action of churches or circuits. Some members of the network may have specific expertise/interests to offer, e.g. they may be able to able to advise on energy use, resource youth activities or support community projects. The network will keep members up to date with events and facilitate sharing of information on initiatives undertaken abound the connexion and among ecumenical partners. The network will work in conjunction with similar initiatives in the Church of England and other denominations. It will supplement the valuable local networking such as the CTBI Sustainable Development Groups that are active in some districts.
We anticipate launching this network over the next few months with articles in the Methodist Recorder and other publications. The network will be established with a voluntary co-ordinator and will consume minimal resources and staff time.
Anyone who has an active interest in the environment and would like to know more about the network or offer specific experience is invited to make contact.
Steve Hucklesby, Methodist Church Secretary for International Affairs, 25 Marylebone Road, london NW1 5JR Tel: 020 7467 5245 e-mail: environment@methodistchurch.org.uk

NB    The District would also like to know of interested/experienced people in this field. If you are one or know somebody can you let the District Office know as well as contacting London.

For the next issue please direct any contributions and comments by 1st November to:  The District Communications Officer (District News), Rev Arthur Harbottle District Office, Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB 01142812733 fax 0114 281 2734 -fl: Sheffmeth@aol.com or dco@harboWe.org.uk

Worship Group Workshop
At Bolsover on Saturday morning 11th September Starting 0930 for 1000, and ending by 1300 or when we think we've had enough. The programme will be flexible,but I hope to include a session on Audio /Video presentation and one for musicians(skilled and beginners).
What we prepare will hopefully be used in a future Worship Group service at Bolsover, but the workshop will be open to anyone interested. Ian Bromley

Vote for Trade Justice.

Get ready for a new stage in the Trade Justice campaign. MAYC World Action and other TJM organisations will be asking campaigners to cast a vote for trade justice, and to collect as many votes as possible - in town centres, churches, colleges and workplaces - wherever...

Come to the seaside - take the call for trade justice to Brighton this September!

Help us put trade justice in the news in a way that has never been done before by joining thousands of campaigners in Brighton on Sunday September 26 2004 - the opening day of the Labour Party conference, the UK's governing party.
This public launch of Vote for Trade Justice will include international speakers and celebrities, and a host of other activities including a church service for inspiration and reflection. It will culminate in a mass "Ballot on the Beach". We will be asking Ministers and MP's to cast their votes too. Make sure the date is in your diary today. For more up to date info on the Brighton event see on the internet site: www.tjm.org.uk/brighton.
This is a crucial opportunity to build momentum for trade justice in the run up to 2005, when the UK will host the G8 summit of industrialised countries, and hold the presidency of the EU (from July to Dec 2005). The UK will be in a unique and powerful position to take action for trade justice.
But the campaigning doesn't stop there! We need to keep collecting votes through the rest of 2004 and 2005 to create a huge tide of pressure for trade justice, and in April 2005, we will be joining millions of others around the world in the "People's Week of Global Action for Trade Justice".
 

A VISIT FROM OLD FRIENDS
Revd Brian Phillips was resident in the Staveley Manse some twenty years ago before returning to Australia.  Brian has now retired and he and Helen are visiting this area at the beginning of September, staying with Barbara Taylor at Duckmanton.  They have arranged an “open house” from 6.00 pm on Tuesday 7 September to meet up with old friends.  For further details of where and how – contact the circuit office or see your church notices.

FINALLY…
A message which arrived in my post literally minutes after I had printed last month’s newsletter.

Circuit DIARY

Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months.

To have your meeting/event included in this listing – Please leave a message at the circuit office – 01246 470859. (I would rather hear the same message many times than miss it because everyone leaves it to someone else! - David)

September

    3    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm                    Bolsover
    6    Come Listen to the Band               7.30 pm                       Clowne
    9    Circuit Meeting                              7.30 pm                    Hillstown
    9    Start of new session of CBS
  11    Worship Workshop                        9.30 am                    Bolsover
  13    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm                       Clowne
  15    Local Preachers Meeting               7.30 pm                     Staveley
  18    Men’s Fellowship Breakfast           8.30 am                     Staveley
  20      Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
  21    Church Stewards Training              7.30 pm                     Inkersall
  24    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm                 Barrow Hill
  29    Network Togethercombe                7.00 pm                     Staveley

October

    4    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm                  Brimington
  15    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm               Barlborough
  16    Men’s Fellowship Breakfast           8.30 am                     Staveley
  18      Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
  25    Circuit Prayer Meeting                   7.30 pm                     Staveley