Our Vision

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

The Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit

July 2006 No 59

AU REVOIR
Each August sees changes within the Connexion of the Methodist Church as many Ministers and Deacons move appointments. It is with sadness that many depart, but with these movements new shoots are grown and tended throughout the country. The men and women that have been called by God to these ministries bring their own distinct style to those they have been called to serve and lead within new situations. We, of course have changes within our own Circuit as Mark leaves to go to Warrington and Geoff ‘sits down’ from full time ministry. Each church that these two have pastoral care over says a little something of what these two characters have brought to them.

Barlborough say ‘We would like to give thanks for Geoff and his ministry in the last few years that he has been our minister. And although he is retiring we know that we are not exactly losing him, we will still benefit from his ministry for quite a while yet. Geoff we wish you and Jean a happy ‘retirement’.

To Mark, thank you for your ministry and you time spent with us. We wish you, Jane and the family well in your next appointment.’

On behalf of Barrow Hill we shall all miss Mark very much because he has brought a new dimension into this area and won our hearts and respect by his attitude and enthusiasm to his job and his congregations. He has shown continuous ministry to our spiritual needs and great interest in our family and our social needs. We hope and pray that he will be equally loved and respected by his new congregations in Warrington.

Mark – not to be forgotten for his love of glasses of water, motorbikes, computers, power point, short meetings, check shirts and food! We have appreciated your enthusiasm, encouragement and preaching. Thanks for the memories – you will be missed. Our love and prayers are with you, Jane, Naomi and Jacob. From all your friends at Hall Road.

Brimington Common say ‘Mark, a very sincere thank you for all you have done for us in the short time you have been our minister. You help and encourage and made us laugh many times and in particular we remember the hilarious moments we have had at Church Council Meetings! We wish you well in your new appointment and send our love and best wishes to you, Jane, Naomi and Jacob. God bless you all.’

Nine years ago, at Clowne, we waited with bated breath for this young probationer to start – so that we could teach him how to go on! Mark was having none of that! He came with ideas that were refreshing and yet easy to join with and we were pleased to call him our minister for the years he spent with us. Like other churches in the circuit we shall be sorry to see him leave, but hope that he has enjoyed his time with us and wish him a new and exciting challenge at his new posting. His final event with Clowne will be at MAYC in Blackpool and our young people especially will remember him for all he has done for them over the years – they are already planning a visit to Warrington at some future date.

Then Geoff, what can we say about him? He is “one of us” having been in this area for many years. Since taking charge in Clowne and Barlborough we have been pleased to have someone who we can talk to and relate with. His style is one which we all gel with, and we hope that in retirement but in part time pastoral care we shall be well looked after by him. Thank you to both Mark and Geoff for their contributions to the life and witness of the Bolsover and Staveley circuit.

On behalf of the Stewards, Members and Friends of Inkersall we wish to say God Speed to Mark, Jane and family as they leave us for pastures new. We thank him for all he has done for our Church and we shall miss him very much.

We are grateful at New Brimington for the up lifting way that Mark has led our worship each time that he visits. We are also extremely thankful for his ability to limit church business meetings to fifty five minutes.

We at Staveley have greatly appreciated Mark’s leadership and spiritual guidance, and his attempts at outreach into the Community, particularly the schools. We are also grateful for his other multiple talents, particularly in heating, plumbing, carpentry and computers, which he has used generously on our behalf. Every happiness in your new situation, Mark!

Many are saying their goodbyes to Mark and his family during these last few weeks. Geoff, of course is retiring from full time ministry but is still having some pastoral care for Barlborough and Clowne. As a Circuit we say our goodbyes and say thank you at a Circuit service being held at Brimington on Sunday 16th July at 6:00pm. For those who want a more informal time with Mark, there will be an opportunity starting at 3:30pm on the same date at Brimington. Please bring food for a faith tea and we will share fellowship together.

CONCERT AT MOUNT TABOR
Saturday 15th July sees a visit by Whitwell Male Voice Choir to New Brimington. The evening starts at 7:00pm and is part of their 125th anniversary. For further information please contact David Slater on 205058.

STAVELEY’S SISTERHOOD ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
This is on Sunday 16th and Monday 17th July. Sunday at 10:30am Deacon Ann Gilson (Chesterfield) leads the morning service with the speaker on Monday being Mrs Rose from Clowne.

NETWORK
On Thursday 20th July, five women representatives from the Methodist Church Sierra Leone will be in the District as they are returning from the World Assembly. Judith Simms is hosting an AT HOME to give an opportunity to meet them. This is to be held at Victoria Methodist Church, Stafford Road, Sheffield from 7:00pm.

For further details on these events please contact Rita Sawyer on 277083.

MUSICAL EVENT AT BARROW HILL
A reminder that on Saturday 22nd July The Robin Johnson Palm Court Trio perform a concert at Barrow Hill. The event starts at 7:30pm and tickets are available from Hazel Wainwright, 270550, at a cost of £6.00 each. This includes a buffet.

THANK YOU
Through the media of “Our Vision” I wish to say a sincere thank you for all the cards, get well wishes and telephone conversations. A difficult time has made me realise how fortunate I am in having so many loving and caring friends. Your prayers have supported and surrounded me, keep praying for me and soon I hope to be able to resume “normal” living. Thank you everyone. Eileen Hill.

PRAISE AND HEALING SERVICES AT HALL ROAD
You are welcome to join us on Sunday 17th September and Sunday 19th November for our next celebrations, beginning as near to 7.30pm as possible!

MILLENNIUM SIGN
Is any Church interested in renewing their Millennium oval shaped sign with an update (if you haven’t already done so)? The words in the oval shape are:

“One Church One Lord

JESUS CHRIST

Worship Him here”

The cost is £72.50 for one sign, but if we get five orders the cost will be a much cheaper £50.50 per sign. If you are interested please contact Jean Fisher on 620908.

LEADERS OF WORSHIP AND PREACHERS TRUST (LWPT)
In future can churches and friends of LWPT please send donations to the LWPT office at 89 High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1EF and not to Dennis Kirk.

Circuit DIARY

Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months.

July 2006

7        Circuit Prayer Meeting                  7:30pm               New Brimington
15      Men’s Fellowship Breakfast           8:30am                         Staveley
          Whitwell Male Voice Choir             7:00pm               New Brimington
16      Circuit Farewell                            3:30pm                       Brimington
16      Circuit Service                              6:00pm                       Brimington
16&17 Sisterhood Anniversary                                                     Staveley
22      Robin Johnson Palm Court Trio      7:30pm                      Barrow Hill
25      Deadline for material for August’s Vision

August 2006

4 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7:30pm Barrow Hill
19 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8:30am Staveley

September 2006

1 Welcome Service 7:30pm Staveley