Issue 186

Welcome to The Buzz!

The Buzz brings all members of the Methodist Church in Britain together by sharing good news from across the Connexion. Your stories tell of the many different ways that the Church is working out the four aspects of Our Calling: Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.

What is God doing for you and in your area? Get in touch to share your stories.

Mike Ivatt
Media Officer

WORSHIP

Celebration of the Contribution of Older People

Wesley Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea

In September, a special service of worship was held at Wesley Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex entitled a Celebration of the Contribution of Older People.

Prior to the service, older people were visited to learn more about their life stories and activities, past and present. Favourite hymns and Bible readings were included in the service.

The minister, Pastor Steve Mayo, spoke about celebrating not only what older people had contributed in the past but also what they can still contribute to church life with their wealth of experience and knowledge.

There was a large congregation for the special service and it was a joyous occasion, honouring many contributions over the years and those that are ongoing.

EVANGELISM

Chesterfield Pride

Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield

In the summer Central Methodist Church, Chesterfield attended Chesterfield Pride. The church is the first religious organisation to be represented at Chesterfield Pride, attending with the message ‘God Loves Everyone’.

The team of enthusiastic volunteers, including members from other churches, gave out stickers displaying the Dignity and Worth rainbow sheep with the caption 'Loved By God'. Many of those encountered were keen to wear the stickers, even some of those who declared themselves not to be Christians.

In addition to stickers, biscuits and information leaflets, the volunteers talked to those attending the event asking how the church can make everyone feel safe and welcome. The conversations were welcomed, with many people saying what a great thing it was for a church to be represented at the event and the importance of building bridges to make God accessible to all.

Many shared stories of their personal experience of church, with themes of both heartbreak and joy. Chesterfield Methodist will use comments from the event to help them continue their journey in becoming a more welcoming church.

LEARNING AND CARING

Trinity Learning

Trinity Church, Abingdon

Over seventy supporters of Trinity Learning gathered at Trinity Church, Abingdon in September to mark ten years of supporting well-being in local schools. Trinity Learning began in October 2009, when Trinity Church, Abingdon, appointed Rosemary Perrow as their education development officer. Her remit was to explore ways in which the church could use its time, talents and space to enhance the quality of life for those working in local schools, both students and staff.

Trinity Learning has provided small group workshops free of charge to over 3,500 students from 22 local schools. Projects have included “Putting Yourself First” INSET sessions for staff and supported work experience. Trinity Church is regularly used as an outside classroom and they have developed a partnership with the local primary school, helping it to become a Beacon School for the Peaceful Schools Movement.

During the event, Rosemary, the original and now retiring education development officer who worked so hard to establish the scheme, was presented with gifts and cards by the Revd Ian Griffiths. Rosemary is succeeded by the new education development officer, Nicola Williams..

SERVICE

Community Space

Kingswood Methodist Church, Wollaton

Wollaton community groups and residents have celebrated the opening of a new community space in Kingswood Methodist Church.

Reordering and opening up the interior of the old space has created a bright, welcoming area which greatly enhances the experience of the community. Toilets have been moved and refurbished and an accessible WC provided. The kitchen hatch has also been relocated to assist the serving of refreshments.

The work was carried out with the assistance of the community and a grant from the Methodist Church Fund for Property and the FCC Communities Foundation.

The Revd Christine Fox, minister of Kingswood Methodist Church, is delighted that the new community space is now in use. She commented: “This new light, open space at the heart of Kingswood is a brilliant resource for our current and wider community in Wollaton. We are extremely grateful to those who helped fund it as without their support we would not have been able to go ahead.”

The Buzz needs 'good news' stories from you!

Contact mediaoffice@methodistchurch.org.uk if you have a story for The Buzz. We cannot promise that your story will be used. Please ensure that you get permission for any photographs used.

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