District Newsletter

District Newsletter – April 2024

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Welcome to the Bolton and Rochdale District Newsletter.

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

If you have any information to share, please contact us so we can include in future editions.

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

 

Letter from Rev Kathy Selby, Superintendent of the Bury Circuit

 

Dear Friends,

 

I’m writing this at the beginning of Holy Week.  During Holy Week and Easter we reflect on the amazing sacrifice Jesus made willingly for us all.  Through Jesus’ death and resurrection we can each receive forgiveness for the things we do wrong and a new, eternal life as a child of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. 

 

When the risen Lord Jesus appeared to the disciples, who were hiding away in the locked room, his first words reassured them of forgiveness and gave them peace.  He then said, ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20: 21 & 22).  Forgiven and set free by Jesus’ sacrifice, they were sent out in the power of the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus’ work. 

 

The same is true for us as Jesus’ present-day disciples – he sends us out, in the power of the Spirit, to continue his work.

 

In this time of great change in our District and Circuits, it might be easy to focus in upon ourselves and our organisation, as we learn new ways of working together.  Let’s make sure that we keep our focus where it needs to be – on our risen Lord Jesus – and go where He sends us, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

 

You might like to pray this prayer, from a prayer written by Izwe Nkosi for Lectio 365:

Lord, save us from being inwardly focussed.

Send us out to tell the story of your love.  Amen

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Kathy Selby

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends

 

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

 

In this video, Phil tells us:

- About himself and his background

- A fact that people may not know about him!

- What drew him to the role

- What excites him about the North West England District

- What he hopes to achieve in his role (subject to Methodist Conference)

- And a word of encouragement to us all.

 

 

Reminder of the following dates for your diaries:

 

We have various dates and flyers 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 it with others:

 

1. Equip Series on Zoom

Come along to these information evenings and be equipped as we move towards the launch of the North West England District. 

A flyer is attached for circulation.

  • Wed 17 April 2024
  • Thu 16 May 2024 
  • Mon 10 June 2024 
  • Tue 16 July 2024
  • Wed 14 August 2024

 

2. Launch Event - Saturday 31st August 2024

This event is an opportunity to celebrate as five districts become one, to form the North West England District. Starting at 2.30pm, the event will include the welcome service for Rev. Dr. James Tebbutt, our District Chair (subject to Methodist Conference), and will also welcome the wider District Team. The President of Conference will be preaching, along with the Vice-President and Secretary of Conference in attendance.

To be held at Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS. A save the date flyer is attached for circulation. 

 

3. Video from James Tebbutt 

This video can be shared, and also watched in church councils and circuit meetings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLnRNxKjGq4

 

In this video Tori Allen interviews Rev Dr James Tebbutt, the nominated District Chair of the North West England District. James tells us:

 

- About himself and his background

- Some facts that people may not know about him!

- What is important about our new district

- Why this matters to churches and circuits

- What he hopes to achieve as our new District Chair (subject to Methodist Conference)

- And a word of encouragement to us all.

 

4. Autumn Synod for the NWE District - Saturday 14th September 2024

More details about this will come to DPC meetings and Spring Synods regarding the Constitution of the new Synod and the arrangements. 

 

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

 

Blessings
 

Jill Orrell

(on behalf of the Communications Subgroup)

 

For your diary - Save the Date

 

Sunday 14th July 2024 at 2.30pm at Harwood Methodist Church, Longsight, Bolton.

For entry to the car park, off Longsight Lane, set your Satnav to BL2 3JP.

You are all invited to a Service on 14th July to celebrate God's work in the Bolton and Rochdale District.

It will be an opportunity to give thanks and share fellowship together prior to the amalgamation of 5 Districts in the new one District to be called North West England District.  

We, as Bolton and Rochdale District, have made a unique contribution to Methodism over the years, so come and join us at Harwood Methodist Church, where there is room for all and a good car park.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Spring Concert
The Ladybridge Singers
present a concert at
Connections Community Methodist Church
Henniker Road, Bolton, BL3 3TP
Friday 5th April at 7.30pm
Adults £7.00 & children £3.00 from [email protected]
or pay at the door
 

Threads Through Creation @ Blackburn Cathedral

Wednesday 6th March - Sunday 14th April 2024

An extraordinary, uplifting art exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral, on show from 6th March to 14th April as part of a nationwide tour of 20 cathedrals.

Admission free. See Blackburn Cathedral for details.

 

 

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Local Preachers’ Retreat 2024

The Ammerdown Centre, 19th – 21st April 2024

Oh, how I love your law…?

Leader : Bob Bartindale, Connexional Officer for Worship and Local Preachers

Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. 

So says the author of Psalm 119, several times!

As Christians who emphasise God’s love and grace, how can God’s Law be at the centre of our faith?

On this Retreat, we shall reflect on the relationship of law and grace, and on Jesus coming to “fulfil the Law”.

And on how this might affect our discipleship and our calling as worship leaders and preachers.

A time to think, to reflect, and possibly to discover a new insight to inspire our faith and our calling.

The retreat will be in silence from Friday night to Sunday lunch time and will follow the familiar format of short inputs of approximately 20 minutes, each followed by ample time for private reflection, in the peaceful stillness of the presence of God.

A wonderfully peaceful and comfortable retreat house set in the countryside near Bath, Ammerdown offers space and peace for this time with God.

The cost for the weekend (accommodation and full board) is £250

Click here for the booking form.

 

Cliff College

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting (slowly) warmer – and at Cliff College, that means we’re getting ready for Cliff Festival! We’d love for you to join us from 24-27 May 2024 on the Cliff College site, where together we’ll be exploring the journey of the exodus and God’s faithfulness to his people and his promises. Come and encounter God through a weekend of music and art, Bible studies and seminars, prayer and conversations. Day and weekend tickets are available now at www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/festival.

 

Courses at Cliff College

What skills and knowledge do you need to gain this year? Maybe how to support families in faith development, or how to help your church respond to issues like climate justice and health & wellbeing? Maybe you’re exploring pioneer work or wanting to better navigate change and conflict in your congregations and communities.

Whatever your context and challenge, Cliff College can develop your theology and practice and help you respond to God’s call to mission and ministry in 2024. Find out more on our website or contact us at [email protected].

Cliff College’s new MA Theology and Mission* programme, available from September 2024, equips students to explore missional theology and practice in depth, to inform and enhance their own engagement in the work of God’s Kingdom. Students can choose from a variety of units including biblical studies, chaplaincy, Methodist and Wesleyan identity and leadership, alongside core Missional Theology and Missional Theology in Practice units.

This course can be studied either online or at our College campus in Derbyshire, full-time or part-time. Applications are now open: find out more and apply here.

*subject to approval from the University of Manchester

 

Wesley House - Reflective Pastoral Supervision Courses 2024

Please find attached a flyer and a link to relevant page of the website - https://www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/centre-for-leadership-and-ministy-development/pastoral-supervision/supervision/

 

Safeguarding Training - there are several sessions planned between now and July 2024 in various formats. Have a look at the Events section of our website for more details and to register your place. District Events | Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District (barmd.org.uk)

 

Dates for your diary: visit the District Website: www.barmd.org.uk

 

UPDATES

 

ArtServe - an organisation for Christian creativity

 
Dear fellow Christians,
 
My name is Rachel Gallehawk and I am a Methodist Local Preacher in the South Essex Circuit but also a member of an organisation called ArtServe. I hope you don't mind me sending this email but I wanted to share the existence of ArtServe with you which I joined in 2019..
 
ArtServe seeks to explore and share creativity, develop ideas about how the arts can be used in worship, and to worship together. Its roots go back to 1935 as a fellowship of Methodist organists and choirmasters but in 2010 developed into an organisation with a much wider creative remit for Christians. 
 
ArtServe has many things to offer including an annual festival in October, a magazine published 3-4 times a year, facebook groups, financial support through the Freeman Trust grants for young people (although adults are not excluded) needing tuition to help with music in worship, a monthly online members chat, a website and a bi-monthly email newsletter. 
 
I have attached a copy of the latest newsletter which I would be grateful if you could share with others in your circuit. The newsletter is free to subscribe to and is delivered via email. Please also explore the website if you wish to know more about how ArtServe can support your Christian creativity https://www.artserve.org.uk/
 
Many thanks and blessings to you.
 
Rachel
 

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Methodist Women in Britain

 

Please find attached our spring newsletter and prayer diary for March to May.

Prayer Diary March to May 2024

Remember that our website www.mwib.org.uk has all the up to date information and news about all things Methodist Women in Britain as well as every Saturday a new Prayer for the Week, regular blogs from our co-chairs and details of our merchandise and upcoming events.

Bronwen Braisdell
Communications Officer
 

An extra mailing this spring.

* Our Swanwick conference is now full but booking is still open if you would like to join with us by zoom.

* A poster attached for our Garden Party at Epworth Old Rectory (the previous one had an error on it!); booking opens on 28th March for this event.

Bronwen Braisdell

Communications Officer

Action for Children
Criminally Exploited Children

 

Action for Children have published their powerful report Criminally Exploited Children - Shattered Lives, Stolen Futures.

   

It follows a review they commissioned at the end of last year, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay OBE, focusing on how policy and practice can better prevent and respond to this growing issue, which affects the lives of tens of thousands of young people.

Read the report here

New Methodist Church website launched

A new Methodist Church website has been launched, designed for individuals exploring faith and seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. The site features a contemporary, user-friendly design, improved functionality, and easy access to essential resources to assist visitors in their exploration of faith. The website is available at the normal address, methodist.org.uk, and you can read a short news release about the launch

Visit the new website here

 

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

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Methodist Women in Britain

 

Here is an advert and role description for the position of Co-Chair to take over from Ruth when her term of office finishes in September. Please consider prayerfully whether this is a role you could consider, or pass the information to someone you know who might be interested in joining us.

 

Bronwen Braisdell
Communications Officer
 

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: