Reflective Bible Study for the Circuit

Chorley Methodist Church in the Foyer

If you cannot make this time, due to work or other commitments and would like to attend a bible study like this please let your minister or a circuit steward know.



Coffee Mornings

Saturday 3rd June 2023, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm (Chorley Methodist Church)

Saturday 10th June 2023 (Whittle-le-Woods Methodist Church)

Bereavement Reflection Group

Friday 2nd June - 7th July 2023, 10.15 - 11.45 am
Leyland Methodist Church (includes visit to nearby cafe)

However long ago the loss, questions remain.....

A space to treasure memories and discover our own 'Treasure on the Shore'

Led by Deacons Ellen and Sylvie

This group is especially suitable for those who have not been recently bereaved, but would value space to reflect on how loss has affected them. So you are welcome however long ago you suffered a loss

Please register interest with Deacon Sylvie Nicholls.

The Asian Theologians International Conference

Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

At the Mayflower Methodist Church, Leicester

The keynote speaker is Professor Sarojini Nadar.  Prof Sarojini Nadar is an internationally acclaimed scholar and holds the Desmond Tutu Chair of Religion and Social Justice at the University of Western Cape, South Africa.

Open to all, lay or ordained, interested in looking at the bible and theology from Asian perspectives.

Organised by the Learning Network, supported by MWiB.

Book Here

Further information is available from Revd Dr Jasmine Devadason.

Reflect Quiet Morning - Journeying with God; Past, Present and Future

Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9.30 am - 12.15 pm

Online (via Zoom)

Using scripture, music, reflection and prayer: we'll trace God's presence with us in the past, enable ourselves to meet God more fully in the 'now' and seek God's wisdom and guidance for all that's to come.

If you would like to attend please email Lynne Tonge

Theology Book Club: Catherine Keller's 'On the Mystery'

Tuesday 6th June 2023, 7.00 - 8.30 pm or Thursday 8th June 2023, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm - Online

"With immediate impact and deep creativity, Catherine Keller offers this brief and unconventional introduction to theological thinking, especially as recast by process thought. Keller takes up theology itself as a quest for religious authenticity.

Through a marvelous combination of brilliant writing, story, reflection, and unabashed questioning of old shibboleths, Keller redeems theology from its dry and predictable categories to reveal what has always been at the heart of the theological enterprise: a personal search for intellectually honest and credible ways of making sense of the loving mystery that encompasses even our confounding times. "Link to this week's meditation, with words and thoughts from a recent book, "I, Julian", by Dr Clare Gilbert - about Julian of Norwich, a 14th century mystic, who lived as an 'anchoress' in a small cell, attached to a church in Norwich in a time of plague and conflict....

Book here on Eventbrite

Further information from Simon

Let Justice Roll Down ....

7th June 2023, 7.30 - 8.30 pm (Online)

Come and have a conversation about what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion looks like for us in the Church.

- for those that have done the online EDI training module and would like to discuss it.

Click Here to book, or if you have any questions email Kara Cooper

Click Here for the flyer

Advocating for Chaplaincy

Thursday 8th June 2023, 2.00 - 3.00 pm or 7.00 - 8.00 pm - Online

Calling all chaplains who are passionate about their calling to chaplaincy! Come and be a part of the conversation to explore how we might better advocate for chaplaincy in the church. There will be opportunity to meet others chaplains and hear about the plans we have for supporting chaplaincy in the region. We'll be discussing support needs, building community amongst chaplains and spaces to allow for theological reflections and wonderings... and much more.

Further information from Mel

Sign up for 2.00 - 3.00 pm slot Here

Sign up for 7.00 - 8.00 pm slot Here

Can Christians Be Depressed?

An Exploration of the Intersection of Faith and Mental Health.

Saturday 10th June 2023, 9.30am - 1.00 pm
Hillside Methodist Church, Brinscall

Led by Deacon Ellen Monk-Winstanley and Rev'd Gordon Gresswell, we will be looking at what constitutes depression, what the Bible has to tell us about how we respond to issues of mental health and how our faith can help us to live well in a world where mental health is a real issue.

There will be input, group activity and fellowship.

Please let us know if you would like to attend by contacting Deacon Ellen Monk-Winstanley.

Reflect Quiet Morning - Journeying with God; Past, Present and Future

Monday 12th June 2023, 9.30 am - 12.15 pm

Online (via Zoom)

Using scripture, music, reflection and prayer: we'll trace God's presence with us in the past, enable ourselves to meet God more fully in the 'now' and seek God's wisdom and guidance for all that's to come.

If you would like to attend please email Lynne Tonge

Church and Community: Families with Additional Needs

Monday 12th June 2023 - 2.00 pm

A one hour workshop featuring "The Gate Church" Experience, led by Jo Yair (Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District Ministry & Mission Co-Ordinator) and Geoff Bond (Regional Learning Network Co-Ordinator) exploring how to establish, resource and equip churches for working with families with additional needs.

Click Here to book

Call Me By Your Name CCLRG (Film and Book Group)

Saturday 24th June 2023, 9.30 - 11.00 am / Wednesday 28th June 2023, 7.00 - 8.30 pm

About this Event

This is a group for you if:

You want to learn how to theologically reflect on contemporary culture. Develop ideas of how to use books and films in your preaching.

Be able to theologically reflect on the content of secular books or films and think how to use them in small groups or missional outreach groups. Meet with others to discuss in a book/film group to discuss the content from a Christian faith point of view.

It's open to all but will be particularly useful if you are a local preacher, worship leader, small group leader, book group facilitator or run a film club in your church. We expect you to read the book or watch the film in advance and come ready to discuss.

We'll be running two sessions each month; a Saturday morning and Wednesday evening. You can choose which suits your schedule best each time.

Click Here to book

Where are all the volunteers?

Saturday 24th June 2023, 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

St John's United Reformed Church, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, WA4 6QE

This day is a wonderful opportunity for all of those working with volunteers in churches to come along and find out some great principles to aid in recruiting and managing volunteers brilliantly. We will be thinking about how to recruit volunteers in a safe way, how to value volunteers, and how to ensure you manage them in a way that means they want to stay.

This is an ecumenical day run in partnership with the Methodist Church, Church of England and United Reformed Church.

The day will be led by youth and children' advisers from across the denominations, so will naturally have these areas as a focus. However, it will be helpful for anyone who works with volunteers in churches.

Please bring a packed lunch as we will close the day by eating together.

To sign up, or for more information, click Here

Further information from Mel

Everyone an Evangelist

Gathering 3: Thursday 6th July 2023

Evangelism so frequently appears on church and circuit mission plans, but often people aren’t sure where to start or how to get going. Here’s how we hope we can help: ‘Everyone an Evangelist’ is a course to encourage us as individuals and churches in authentic, confident faith sharing. It involves three Gathering sessions over Zoom and a chance to put learning into action. Join us on this adventure, and step boldly into what it means to be a faith-sharer.

Simon and Mel are offering this course for up to 5 CLTs or local churches (approx. 4-5 people) from across the Region. For more details, or to have an initial conversation to see if this would be a good course for your church or circuit, please contact Simon or Mel

The contact details of the team can be found here on our Learning Network web page (you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the page!)

Mission Planning For All

Every church a growing church (online)

Saturday 8th July 2023, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm

A Zoom conference providing inspiration, practical tips and bespoke help to discern a really church or circuit mission plan.

Book at: www.methodist.org.uk/missionplanning

3Generate Gathering

Sunday 9th July 2023, 4.00 - 7.30 pm
Leyland Methodist Church, Leyland, PR25 3HA 

For Young people aged 8+

Food, Refreshments and Games.

Please contact families@wpmc.co.uk for further details and book tickets Click Here

Dune CCLRG (Film and Book Group)

Saturday 29th July 2023, 9.30 - 11.00 am / Wednesday 2nd August 2023, 7.00 - 8.30 pm

About this Event

This is a group for you if:

You want to learn how to theologically reflect on contemporary culture. Develop ideas of how to use books and films in your preaching.

Be able to theologically reflect on the content of secular books or films and think how to use them in small groups or missional outreach groups. Meet with others to discuss in a book/film group to discuss the content from a Christian faith point of view.

It's open to all but will be particularly useful if you are a local preacher, worship leader, small group leader, book group facilitator or run a film club in your church. We expect you to read the book or watch the film in advance and come ready to discuss.

We'll be running two sessions each month; a Saturday morning and Wednesday evening. You can choose which suits your schedule best each time.

Click Here to book

Shawshank Redemption CCLRG (Film and Book Group)

Saturday 19th August 2023, 9.30 - 11.00 am / Wednesday 23rd August 2023, 7.00 - 8.30 pm

About this Event

This is a group for you if:

You want to learn how to theologically reflect on contemporary culture. Develop ideas of how to use books and films in your preaching.

Be able to theologically reflect on the content of secular books or films and think how to use them in small groups or missional outreach groups. Meet with others to discuss in a book/film group to discuss the content from a Christian faith point of view.

It's open to all but will be particularly useful if you are a local preacher, worship leader, small group leader, book group facilitator or run a film club in your church. We expect you to read the book or watch the film in advance and come ready to discuss.

We'll be running two sessions each month; a Saturday morning and Wednesday evening. You can choose which suits your schedule best each time.

Click Here to book

Godly Play Training

The Lancashire District Godly Play Bus Project is hosting some Godly Play Training. This will take place at
Ingol Methodist Church from 28th-30th September inclusive

The full details can be found on the Godly Play UK website www.godlyplay.uk/events/three-day-core-training-preston/

This is a 3-day training course, covering the Core Skills for Storytelling and Door-keeping. Please consider whether this is something you feel you would like to do. There is the possibility that if you do feel you would like to attend the training and offer time to be part of the Godly Play Bus Project, offering the gifts and skills you have acquired, then the District Project could support you. I think normally for any training the participant pays one third, then the circuit and the district contribute two thirds of the cost if they are able to from their training budget.

Please let me know if you would be interested in attending the training and also book direct with Godly Play UK using the link above. Please also let me know if you are interested in being part of the team and we can begin the recruitment process, Deacon Kim Gabbatiss (kim.gabbatiss@methodist.org.uk)

Godly Play is an amazing way to share the Big Story of God.

Mental Health First Aid

Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th October 2023, 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Church House, Penrith

Facilitated by Brec Seaton and Ruth Jefferies: seatonb@methodistchurch.org.uk

What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. For more information visit www.mhfaengland.org 

What does it cost? Usually costing £325, the Methodist Church are subsidising the price to £50 (non refundable) for members of, and those with a connection to, the Methodist Church. Further help with funding is avialable for Methodist members with the NW&Mann Region. Contact Brec Seaton for more information.

How to book your place: https://MHFA181023.eventbrite.co.uk (booking closes 2 weeks before the start of each course. Please note that by booking you are committing to paying for a place and attending all the sessions).

Mental Health First Aid

Online course over 4 sessions

Tuesday 7th November, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Wednesday 8th November, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Tuesday 14th November, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Wednesday 15th November, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Facilitated by Brec Seaton and Ruth Jefferies: seatonb@methodistchurch.org.uk

What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. For more information visit www.mhfaengland.org 

What does it cost? Usually costing £325, the Methodist Church are subsidising the price to £50 (non refundable) for members of, and those with a connection to, the Methodist Church. Further help with funding is avialable for Methodist members with the NW&Mann Region. Contact Brec Seaton for more information.

How to book your place: https://MHFA071123.eventbrite.co.uk (booking closes 2 weeks before the start of each course. Please note that by booking you are committing to paying for a place and attending all the sessions).