District Newsletter

District Newsletter – August 2024

 

Welcome to the final edition of the Bolton and Rochdale District Newsletter.

This edition includes details about events, dates for your diaries, training opportunities, vacancies, links and contacts.

Please share this newsletter around your churches, circuits and contacts.

 

Letter from Rev Andrew Lunn, District Chair

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This is a final chance to say thank you to you all.  Everything we have done, and everything we do, depends on people working together.  I hope there has been much in the life of Bolton and Rochdale District in which we can, together, take pleasure and satisfaction.  Thank you to all those who have held office, and contributed to the work of the church; and to all those who have prayed, encouraged, and supported.

However, Christian gratitude is not only about what is between us.  It goes beyond the horizontal relationships of one person with another, because in our gratitude we give thanks to God.  We were able to do that together in the service we had last month at Harwood.  I hope it will be a part of the gratitude we all feel.  That through who we are, and what we do together, God’s generous grace is made real in our lives and those of others.

Perhaps we even dare to believe that God’s grace extends to us in gratitude: that God is grateful for who we are, and what we do; that God says of what we have been together: ‘That’s good.’

My prayers for you all as you continue in worship, witness and service.

Grace and peace be with you all.

Andrew.

Andrew J. Lunn 

District Chair

 

A word of thanks from Rev Darren Garfield, Deputy District Chair

What a wonderful final District service we had at Harwood Methodist Church on Sunday 14th July, as we marked the ending of the Bolton & Rochdale District, and the commissioning of the new North West England District from 1st September. It was lovely to share in worship as we sang, prayed, and reflected together. It was a beautifully worded and very moving act of worship. A huge thanks to Harwood for hosting the service and offering us such warm hospitality and tasty cakes!

Thank you for the lovely card and very generous gift, and Ruth and I are grateful for all the support, friendship and colleagueship over these past two years as Deputy Chairs (and before that of course). I have really valued your kindness, help and guidance and will pray for the district as we begin a new chapter and journey in the life of the Methodist Church.

Thank you again.

With all best wishes,

Darren. 

Revd. Darren Garfield 
Deputy District Chair

 

Prayers for the District

Generous God,

We thank you for your goodness to us, and to the generations that preceded us, who faithfully trusted you and were not disappointed, for to them you gave blessing and made their work fruitful.  We thank you for their legacy in buildings, finances and traditions set in place that we enjoy to this day.

We pray for all who work as archivists, administrators, and historians, especially those in the heritage centres of Methodism, ensuring that the story of your call to scriptural holiness and social action, by the Wesley brothers John and Charles, is not forgotten. Bless those who teach in our colleges of training, who research the legacy of Susannah and Samuel Wesley, and those who have followed on, that they, in their diligence, may explore fresh ways to pass on the story and enable each of us to find our place within it.

Gracious God,

We thank you for your servants today, called to ministry in so many ways , our President and Vice President, Chairs and Superintendents, Presbyters and Deacons , Lay Pastors, Local Preachers , Worship Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Stewards, and Mission Partners, and all who exercise their God given gifts in greeting, reading, hospitality , art, music, finance and administration, that the church in the present age might worship you and make Christ known.

We pray for our Districts at this time of transition, as we recall our history, relish our present activities and enjoy our relationships across the locality, asking that, all that is good and true may find its place in our hearts, that we might be willing to be reshaped and renewed by the Holy Spirit, and that we might show graciousness, kindliness and love to one another.

Great God

We thank you for the new opportunities opening to us in the merger of the Districts, that you are touching the hearts of your people calling them into new ways of living. We thank you for those who have shouldered the heavy workload of management, those who have laboured in prayer, and for those who have meticulously communicated across the region ensuring that all are invited to participate in this venture.

We pray for all those directing the Evangelism and Growth programme, the God for All and Methodist Way of Life that through its campaigns the love of God may be spread to those who have not yet experienced his saving grace in Jesus Christ.  As we move forward give us confidence in your leading, hope in the possibilities emerging, joy in unexpected revelations and peace in our hearts.

We ask these prayers and those deep within our hearts in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

 

A Prayer of Letting Go and Moving On

Let us pray

We lay down what is past and look to the future.

We let go of hurt and regret, and travel with hope.

We leave behind familiar paths and take new steps into the unknown.

 

Loving God,

You hear our deepest feelings of heart and mind and spirit.

We place each other into your loving hands.

Just as you have guided your people since time began

we pray that we will continue to be guided by your faithful voice

as we move into a larger District

with more opportunities for mission.

 

O God, may we continue to listen to your voice;

O God, may we eternally trust your guiding hand;

O God, may we move with you;

O God, may your peace which passes all knowledge and understanding

be our peace. In Jesus' name, Amen

 

 

Commissioning and Blessing

God remains with us

Though we let go of our cherished Districts.

God remains with us

Though we serve in different ways and pursue different causes.

God remains with us

Though we worship across more places.

 

God's love remains with us

God's justice will inspire us

God's realm will call us to action

God is eternally for us and with us.

Thanks be to God! Amen

 

 

Dear Friends

 

Further information and releases to share with you all, and hope that you will please circulate these widely in your Circuits and Churches. Please feel free to print and share them with others.

 

Equip Series Recordings 

 

The recordings of all 6 sessions are now available to watch: 

Sixth session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb278Rkzy7I

Fifth session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22L7Xo433Ts 

Fourth session  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzQbdfQRjio

Third session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLeKaSeTbc8

Second session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMrPj_F8hZw

First session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANf2e2mX0I

 

Thank you to all those who participated in attending and sharing updates. 

 

Meet the Team:

 

Rev Dr James Tebbutt - District Chair

In this video Tori Allen interviews Rev Dr James Tebbutt, District Chair of the North West England District. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLnRNxKjGq4 

 

Rev Phil Gough - District Secretary of Ministries and Vocations

In this video Tori Allen interviews Rev Phil Gough, District Secretary of Ministries and Vocations of the North West England District. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g43r4J22Xb0  

 

Ms Heather Fergusson - District Secretary for Administration and Compliance

The Regional Review Group is pleased to announce that, following advertisement and interview, Ms Heather Fergusson has been appointed as the District Secretary for Administration and Compliance in the merged North West England District of the Methodist Church from 1st September 2024.  This is one of the three most senior leadership roles in the new District.  Heather is based in the North West and has a professional background in Local Authority management, before in recent years working as Head of Projects (Strategy and Delivery) for a high performing Multi-Academy Trust that operates a diverse network of primary and secondary schools.

 

The Revd Dr James Tebbutt, Nominated Chair of the North West England District, said: “I am delighted that Heather is joining the new District: she brings a wealth of interpersonal and administrative skills, and leadership experience of several areas for which she will have responsibility in the new District structure.  Heather offers a vocational understanding and commitment to the purposes and values of the new District, and we very much look forward to working with her in encouraging and guiding the new District.”

 

Heather responded to her appointment by saying:  “I am honoured to have been chosen for this role.  Under God's direction, I am looking forward to using my skills and knowledge to help lead the new District in a transformative and collaborative way.”  A video conversation introducing Heather will be available in due course.

 

District Safeguarding Officers

Please see attached document regarding two new District Safeguarding Officer appointments. 

Mission Area Leads (MALs)

 

Learning Network

Kristie Eve explains how the Learning Network will operate as our new District comes into being. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maaKaVre9xM

 

Infographic - Attached is a new Infographic which gives a explanation of the hubs and mission areas within the North West England District.

 

Facebook: The North West England District is now on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nwedmethodists/ and many posts and stories are now being shared! 

Please do take a look, like it, follow it, and ask churches and circuits to include in their own church Facebook pages. Thank you. 

Do you have a story of mission happening in your context? We would love to hear from you! Let us know about it at [email protected]

 

Expressions of Interest - still being received if you feel able to offer in some way. Please click here to go the vacancies page for the expression of interest forms and further details for the North West England District. 

 

If you have any queries or comments, please do email [email protected]

 

Blessings

Jill Orrell

(On behalf of the Communications Subgroup)

[email protected]

 

 
UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Cliff College: Foundations units available from September 2024

Cliff College’s Foundations units are 15-week online units covering essential topics for Christian mission and ministry today. This September, you can choose from two units – Integrating Theology and Practice or Reading the New Testament. Both units offer a combination of live seminars and content for you to work through at your own pace, as well as opportunities to contribute to discussion boards and learn from other students’ thoughts and reflections.

‘I really enjoyed this course. Theological reflection is a helpful tool for ministry and our own Christian walk, and engaging with it has been enriching for me.’
Integrating Theology and Practice student

‘The course offers a comprehensive overview and has helped broaden my understanding of the New Testament in context.’
Reading the New Testament student

Both units start on 30 September 2024; applications close at the end of August 2024. For more information, visit the Cliff College website or contact [email protected].

 

 

UPDATES

 

The Methodist Conference took place in Leeds 27 June – 3 July  - please find attached the Conference Business Digest which we hope is helpful to you.

 

My ordination story: Deacon Clare Purfit 

After many years of hard work, walking into the Conference hall to be received into Full Connexion of the Methodist Church and to become a full member of the Methodist Diaconal Order (MDO) was not only an honour and privilege but also an amazingly emotional experience, hard to describe.

It affirmed the call from God which I had answered. At times It wasn’t an easy journey, but when I was welcomed and received and the MDO cross was placed around my neck all became very clear. God had called ‘me’, ‘Clare’, to do his work in the church and the MDO. I couldn’t have done it alone but God was with me guiding me all the way. God promises to equip us when he calls us and he certainly was there with me every step of the way.

It was good to celebrate with all the ordinands in the morning, but I was ordained with my fellow deacons in the afternoon at Morley Central Methodist Church. To have each other and our families and friends with us as we heard them shout ‘they are worthy’ was emotional and a real blessing.

I say thank you to everyone there, we all felt so loved and supported. I especially thank my fellow ordinands who are now lifelong friends and Sisters and a Brother in the MDO. I was ordained to prayer, witness and service and look forward to continuing my lifelong ministry (for now) in the Circuit in Wigan and living out my life as a full member of the MDO.

Clare Purfit

 

Action for Children

Action for Children have released a report revealing that many UK parents fear not being able to provide three meals a day for their children this summer. 

“More than a third (36%) of parents are concerned their child could experience an 'unhealthy holiday' in terms of nutrition and physical health due to a lack of money, with this figure rising to nearly half (47%) for those on Universal Credit.”

Read the report here

 

3Generate 2024

Even though the deadline has passed, we don’t want anyone to miss out on what is going to be an amazing 3Generate! Join in an action-packed weekend of workshops, talks, arts and crafts, sports and so much more. Please contact the 3Gen Team if you would still like tickets or information.

Get in touch here 

4-7s

The 4-7s are back and bigger than ever. There will be LEGO, play areas, soft play party bus as well as a whole range of interactive workshops and fun activities. Email the 3Generate team to find out more.

Email the team here 

 

Autumn & Advent performances from Springs Dance Company - Booking now, for your churches

At Springs Dance Company we have been bringing joy through dance and connecting churches to their communities for more than 45 years. This year we have two fantastic but very different performances available for churches to host.

A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance - an uplifting dance production.

Bring your community together to watch an intimate portrayal of grief and joy performed by five outstanding dancers.

“Last night was easily the best experience, the best performance, the best night. Stunning. Blown away. So grateful.”  Alan, audience member

Created after the pandemic and based on Ecclesiastes 3: There is a Time for Everything, the performance is ultimately a celebration of life, enabling viewers to reflect whilst the dancers sensitively explore the tension between grief and joy.

“…it is one of the strengths of the performance that it does not offer easy answers or a simplistic message, but relates to universal emotional experiences. That makes it incredibly powerful and accessible to people from any background. Thank you and well done - it was beautiful!"  Andrea, audience member

Springs Dance Company is inviting churches to book now to host a performance of A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance from September - October 2024.

Further information can be found on the Springs Dance Company website page: https://springsdancecompany.org.uk/productions/a-time-to-mourn-a-time-to-dance/, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07775 628442. 

  

Journey of the Magi –  a much-loved, family-friendly, festive frolic with a profound message.

“Absolutely fabulous show. Wonderful mix of fun, wit, and meaning. It made me laugh and it made me cry all in a couple of minutes. (Hope you'll come back)"  Richard, Poynton Methodist Church

Share the joy and wonder of Christmas with your church and local community through this fast-paced, brilliantly witty yet poignant performance. The show offers a contemporary comparison between the journey the wise men took 2000 years ago and our own preparations in the run up to Christmas today. With sparkle, a soundtrack to keep toes tapping and awe-inspiring dance, Journey of the Magi delights audiences of all ages.

“The show was wonderful and it was such a thrill to have the hall buzzing - everyone was captivated. Inspired visual storytelling." Sue, Central Hall Methodist Church, Walsall 

“This event doubled our record church attendance. Our attendees really enjoyed it. Wonderful dance relating complex story concepts.”  Revd Brian, St Chad's Church, Coventry

Springs is inviting churches to host a performance of Journey of the Magi, which will be available from 22nd November - 22nd December 2024.

Further information can be found on the Springs Dance Company website page: https://springsdancecompany.org.uk/productions/journey-of-the-magi/, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07775 628442.

 

The Methodist News

If you don’t already receive this you can subscribe online at:-

https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/sign-up-for-newsletters?utm_source=Methodist%20Church%20House&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11505298_The%20Methodist%20News&dm_i=BVI,6ULJM,35DR8Y,RGULV,1

 

A Methodist Way of Life

A Methodist Way of Life commitment card is available online at www.methodistchurch.org.uk/MWoL. Many people are downloading and finding it useful.

 

VACANCIES

 

Please click here to go the vacancies page for current vacancies for the North West England District. 

For employment and voluntary opportunities in the Methodist Church Connexionally: http://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/connect/jobs-volunteering/

 

SAFEGUARDING:

Advanced Module Training Dates – please visit the Events section of the District Website to book places on these training days. District Events | Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District (barmd.org.uk)

Policies and guidance – the most recent are now available on the Methodist Church website: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-ministers-and-office-holders/safeguarding/policies-procedure-and-information/policies-and-guidance/

District Safeguarding Officer: Email address Helen Bolton - [email protected]

Update from Connexional Safeguarding Team:

Managing Trustees are advised that there are now 4 new data protection resources available to them on TMCP’s website:

1. Updated Document Retention Schedule for Managing Trustees - Updated Retention Schedule and other new Data Protection Resources – June 2021 –Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (tmcp.org.uk)

2. The Annual Checklist in a shortened Word version.

3. Guest Wi-Fi Acceptable Use Policy - TMCP has been working with the Connexional team on producing an Acceptable Use Policy (Policy) for guests using Church Wi-Fi. This is available to download from the Safeguarding Forms section of the Methodist Church Website:

The Policy sets out the terms and conditions of the contract between the Managing Trustees and the guest using the Wi-Fi network.

The Policy should be displayed or be accessible to guest users by means of a prominent hyperlink before the user gains access to the Wi-Fi network.

The Policy must be available in a way that allows the user to store and reproduce it. You could do this by encouraging users to print the Policy/ the terms and conditions.

4. Zoom Guidance - New guidance has been produced by the Connexional Team as part of the Digital Communication Guidance for Churches. From a data protection perspective, please bear in mind the implications particularly with regard to recording Zoom sessions, deleting those recordings and locking the meeting to guard against “Zoom Bombing”: How to use Zoom safely and with integrity

 

GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation came into effect on 25th May 2018. Training and resources from TMCP are fine tuned for The Methodist Church context: https://www.tmcp.org.uk/about/data-protection

 

RESOURCES:

 

Attachment(s): 
PDF icon North West England District Explainer Infographic.pdf
PDF icon Conference 2024 Business Digest.pdf
PDF icon NWED DSO appointments.pdf
PDF icon North West England District Explainer Infographic.pdf

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