Our Vision
Is to Aspire... to Inspire... a Desire... in JESUS!
The Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit
November 2004 No 41
A 'Risky' Business
When you hear the words, 'risk assessment' what immediately comes to mind - uneven pavements or dangerous gas fires, frayed carpets and storage of inflammable materials?
Probably at least some of those things have come to mind and you may personally have been involved in doing your part to minimise both the hazards themselves and the risks that crop up in our church buildings.
The probability of some risks is low while their impact may be high. Other risks may be highly likely but their impact is minimal. The classic example of this is the case of the likelihood of a toddler falling from an open upstairs window. The probability is low but the impact would be catastrophic. On the other hand the probability of rabbits eating new bedding plants in the grounds of a country church may be high but the impact, although annoying, will be low.
But risk assessment is not just about buildings and preventing physical accidents - it's to do with all that we are about, as a worshipping community.
It's important to identify the risk and impact upon us all of ignoring other dangers in our church communities.
Let's look at some of them. There is:-
· the danger of not supporting our leaders so that they become discouraged;
· the danger of not volunteering to help in the Sunday School occasionally which leaves our current teachers without an opportunity to refresh their own spiritual lives by worshipping on a regular basis;
· the danger of sitting back and letting others (the 'usual suspects' as they say) get on with all the hard work in the church so that they become overburdened;
· the danger of not being a truly welcoming and open community so that outsiders who don't usually cross the door of a church will want to come again;
· the danger of enjoying our own way of worshipping so much that we become intolerant of the needs of others, (and that goes both ways between the traditional and the modern styles);
· the danger of not giving as generously as we should given our circumstances, so the work of God is hindered;
· the danger that we become lazy and careless about our own regularity and participation in worship, prayer and Bible Study.
And to top it all, the danger that if we do not look outwards into the community, then we will become cosy clubs with a limited appeal and lifespan - a dying membership - and unfaithful to the Great Commission of our Saviour Jesus whom we profess to follow.
I'm sure you could add many more to my list of dangers. When we look at our risk assessments in this way our whole outlook on what is really important changes - and we still look after our premises.
One Methodist Church is reported to have linked its risk assessment to 'Our Calling' with its potential risks including:
"Failure to increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love."
"Failure to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care."
"Failure to be a good neighbour to those in need and to challenge injustice."
"Failure to make more followers of Jesus Christ."
Well! Let's see what this approach makes to our future plans.
With love, Gillian
God really promises, "do not fear, for I am with you." But it can be nearly impossible for a hurting person to believe this until someone comes along side to "make God visible."
Dave Biebel
Togethercombe
There was a great stirring in the Togethercombe community on 29 September this year, as it was to be the Togethercombe Fayre – an annual event by now. Each year it take a slightly different programme so that all the Network ladies are on their toes! There was a short time of praise and prayer led by the president, Mrs Rita Sawyer, which included music, singing and readings and then our guest of honour, Revd Gillian Robertson – circuit superintendent, shared with us the story of her life and calling to the ministry. We were glad and honoured that we had the opportunity to learn more about her. The Fayre then started with various stalls and a decorated wooden spoon competition and time to chat with one another – exchanging news and views. Meanwhile, home made scones and tea or coffee were available, A collection of stationery was made as our contribution to the District Christmas Fayre which will be held on 3 December at Sheffield Victoria Hall.
We concluded the evening with a short epilogue from Iona. A very enjoyable evening – sharing and caring, in which £108 was raised (this is not primarily a fund raising effort!).
Ladies – if you’ve not been before – make a booking for 2005 (September) and consider using Community Transport if you have no other means of coming. See you then!
I KNOW A MAN WHO CAN
I entered Chesterfield Royal Hospital on 7th March this year. Ten weeks later I was allowed home for a few hours – I was awake very early that morning – 6.30 am. – it was Saturday 15th May and as others slept on I felt the need to write down my feelings and have been encouraged to share them with you. This is what I wrote that morning:
I am going home today for just a few hours. While I have been in hospital all these weeks I have had loads of thoughts about all the wonderful friends, pals, all kinds of people that I have met and known along the way. There are all my friends and pals over at Cliff College – I truly thank God for all these people. I also thank God for all the people who work and run this hospital – from Mr James (my consultant) and his team, all the staff on Elizabeth ward – from nurses to cleaners all have been truly wonderful people.
As I’ve jotted down these feelings, all sorts of things came into my mind but to finish them all off I have had this thought in my head – a television advert where a car breaks down – a little boy, dad and mum stranded – a recovery vehicle arrives to sort out the problem, then dad comes to mum to say “It’s fixed”. The little lad says “Are we going in the lorry with the big flashing lights?” and dad replies “The man has fixed it, son”. These wordsbrought home to me that the “MAN” has been with me and fixed it through love and devotion which we must never lose sight of.
God bless you all and with all my love,
Roy Watts (Brimington Common)
The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it's going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.
Elisabeth Elliot
Christians in politics
We are holding a Christians in politics event on Nov 11th 7.30 at Hall Road Methodist Church Brimington. At the moment we have representatives from the Conservative and Labour parties, with the possibility of a Liberal Democrat being added to the line up.
The evening will be split into two halves, the first half allowing the politicians a chance to talk about their faith and calling into the political arena and their choice of party. The second half will be a question and answer session open to the floor. The evening will be chaired by myself. The evening is open to all, please come along. Any thoughts for questions to Gary Hatton or myself.
Thanks, Darryl Beresford
TIME OUT FOR CARERS
Are you caring for someone? Do you feel you could do with some time to yourself? There is a “Carers Sitting Service” available in the Shirebrook, Langwith and Creswell area which is operated by Focus (CLS) – a community funded organisation which has been operating for the past 18 months. On referral by your GP/District Nurse or Social Services they provide a fully trained care worker to give carers a short respite. They have now received extra funding and are expanding into the Bolsover area. The service is free, and if you would like details contact Hazel Cartwright – tel 01909 723095
The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small.
Mother Teresa
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)
November
5 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Inkersall
6 Christmas Fayre 11.00 am Brimington
6 Christmas Fayre 11.00 am Staveley
11 Christians in Politics 7.30 pm Brimington
15 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Duckmanton
20 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
20 Beloved – Womens Day 10.00 am Brimington
22 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
26 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
27 Christmas Fayre 10.00 am Clowne
December
6 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm New Brimington
13 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
17 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Hillstown
18 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
Christmas Services in the circuit:
Cristmas Eve 24 December:
Brimington Common 11.30 pm Revd Mark Coles
Clowne 11.30 pm Revd Geoff Fisher
Staveley 11.30 pm Revd Gillian Robertson
Christmas Day 25 December:
Duckmanton 9.15 am Revd Gillian Robertson
Inkersall 10.00 am Revd Mark Coles
New Brimington 10.00 am Mr Eric Vaughan
Bolsover 10.30 am Revd Gillian Robertson
Brimington 10.30 am Mrs Nel Shallow
Boxing Day 26 December:
Brimington 10.45 am Mrs May Hoyes
(N.B. All other churches are closed on Boxing Day) |