In November last year five of our young people joined over a thousand others from all over Britain for the Methodist church young weekend at Pontins holiday camp in Southport. The theme this year was Be Courageous.
We took part in discussions/ workshops, drumming worship and bible study, rode bikes and climbed walls outside, laughed at the comedian and enjoyed the different types of worship. We voted for the Youth President and created the Manifesto for 2019, which will be available soon on the Methodist Church website. Ellie, one of our young people, made this comment about the weekend, “I really enjoyed 3Gen. It was a chance to make new friends and experience new things. I took a lot away from the workshops we did there. About how the world is changing and what some people have done to change rules in our world and how they have changed how we do things. Also about how different people may feel in different ways. Like how people may pray in different ways and give thanks to God. I enjoyed sharing a chalet with my amazing friend Sam, especially when we were going to bed in the evenings because we had so many laughs and jokes. I think if I could take one thing away from 3Gen, it would be, always move forwards, don’t go back because one small thing could make a huge change in the world we live in today”. A great weekend!
0 Comments
Over the summer ( what a summer it’s been!), the young people (teenagers) have been involved in a youth weekend in Chester. The theme was serving others and started with a youth service on the Friday evening, followed by activities on the Saturday where groups of young people had various tasks to do in Chester. These ranged from handing out water and cake, to painting a fence and providing sports activities - all free of charge with the idea that we can bless others. We gathered together for another service to finish the weekend on the Saturday. The youth leaders from the surrounding villages are beginning to plan events to bring the young people from our various churches together. We joined together at the end of July for a fun evening in glorious sunshine. The campfire marshmallows went down a treat!
At our own church we have held a KS2 sleepover and the children and adults enjoyed discovering the caves (some for the first time) and thanks to Ric who showed us campfire skills and marshmallows were eaten over the fire. (The fire pit has been well used) All these activities bring people together and gives them an opportunity to learn new things about themselves; social skills to interact with others, and space to learn more about our Christian faith through practical activities, talks and prayer. We live in such an amazing area and the woods and hills around Frodsham were enjoyed by the people who came to our social at the end of July. Finishing with a barbecue at church. There are other activities planned for the coming months - so check our church website and tots at Frodsham Methodist Facebook page. We send our blessings and good wishes to the five children who left Toddlers to start school this September. I hope they settle in quickly. Others from our church family are starting High School – may they enjoy the new opportunities available to them and know they are in our thoughts and prayers. We welcome new families in September as the Messy Mice group and toddlers continue to run. A large group of families and young people are going together to Greenbelt again this year, some for the first time. A time to listen to speakers, new bands, poets and watch performances; joining 5000 plus for a Sunday Morning service. Last year we had no rain, not sure it that will be the same this year. Happy camping! As the months unfold may we strive to serve each other, support each other and together discover all that God has in store for us. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. Micah 6:8 Andrea Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker So far, it’s been a busy year and a year where we have seriously considered changes in our church. In a world which is always changing sometimes it's hard to let go of things that are precious to us. God's spirit is a moving spirit and Jesus told his disciples to go and tell people about him and his love for them.
In my work I often search the internet for inspiration and ideas. There is so much we can learn and use in our church journey. May God grant us patience, co-operation, excitement and a passion for him as we go forward. Something that has been running for a long time is our Toddler Group, and June has been declared as the national month of prayer for Christian Toddler Groups. Its theme is “Welcome one, welcome all.” (Luke 19 v1-10). Over the years many families from Frodsham and beyond have found a home in our group and it seems that each month I welcome new people to the group. Please include our Group in your prayers in June. Looking after young children isn’t easy - I’m sure the carers of little people would appreciate a prayer for patience, energy, fun and a little peace! Andrea Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker In Acts 2: 46-47 we have an insight of how the first followers of Jesus lived – being together, learning, sharing and eating. Following in these footsteps we are beginning to try something new here at church: Tea@5. Come and share in a simple meal, followed by games, craft, prayers and exploring different parts of the Bible. Open to anyone of any age. Donations towards the cost of food. For more details or to let us know you are coming ring 07749877823.
One way we help each other is through our children’s toy and clothes Good as New Sale Thursday, which is on April 26th this year. 9.30 -12noon and 7.30-8.30pm. You decide how much you would like to sell items for, label them up and bring the day before or on the morning of the sale. 75% of the sell comes back to you. Look out for more details near the time. Vice-President Jill Baker visited our District recently and lead a Lay Employees' day about Pilgrimage and the place called Bethel found in the Old Testament. It was interesting to hear that Bethel over the years was a place where people found God’s presence and went to seek wisdom, but eventually became a place of pagan worship. This reminded me that places, people and situations change. Dare I suggest that staying the same isn’t an option? Just as each day dawns and brings new opportunities and challenges, may we ask God to strengthen us, re energise and guide us for what lies ahead. Jill has discovered that spending some time in silence has helped her to stay connected to God, and perhaps this Lent time you may like to try and find 15 minutes of silence in each day. Perhaps reading from the Bible, praying, listening or just resting in God’s presence. The President’s theme for this year is exploring the rhythm of mission and discipleship, and the booklet, Day by Day, contains prayer to help you explore prayer day by day. This little booklet can be found in church if you want to pick one up. One of the prayers - Creator God, whose Word, at the dawn of time gave light and life; receive my praise. Jesus Christ, companion on the way, listening, healing; forgive my self-centredness. Holy spirit, giver of energy and love; Source of grace and courage; fill me today. Andrea Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker An afternoon of Fun! In October we opened our doors and invited people to attend an afternoon of fun. Many, many people from tiny babies to eighty-year olds came and enjoyed each other's company as well as the varied activities on offer. There will be other afternoons next year for us all to enjoy.
Another event which you are invited to is our Community Nativity on Sunday 17th December at 10.45. We all take part in telling the Christmas story through words, song and talking parts, dressed as a character from the Christmas story. Anyone, young and old, is welcome to dress up! The Knitted Travelling Crib is available for you to have for a couple of nights during December. The figures are made of wool and are ready to be cared for, played with and looked after during this time. Let Andrea know if you would like a slot on 07749877823. And don’t forget - Toddlers' Christmas Party is on Thursday 21st December. Wishing you God ’s blessing for the Christmas season and beyond. Andrea Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Greenbelt – Check the following You tube clips to see what the Greenbelt Festival is all about. There is a group going again next year - to get the best deal on ticket prices check out the Greenbelt website for details. Come and join others at a festival for all ages.
Becky preaching at Greenbelt's Communion Service 2017 Greenbelt Festival Film 2017 Greenbelt 2017 in a minute Greenbelt festival: Acts of the Imagination GB17- the movie. How do you condense four days of festival fervour into a two -minute video? As a Christian community it is good to come together and celebrate our individual talents and uniqueness and in doing so discover something new about ourselves, others and God. Events to get involved in … Fun Afternoon… October 14th Come and join the fun. Check out further details on our website. Lots to do for all ages. From bouncy castles, building structures, to baking activities, a walk. Treasure hunt and much more. Engage is a youth event held in Chester over October half term for high school children. Some of our teenagers have been to this in the past and really enjoyed it. You take part in community activities, worship, games, and tea together. Again more details to follow. Messy Mice is back! On 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Starting at 10am with crafts and outdoor toys. Snack and then songs and story time, based on a bible theme. £2.50 per family for children aged one and a half to school age. Details about Toddlers are on the Facebook page : Tots at Frodsham Methodist Church. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Summer is here again and I hope you find time to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. It’s a time when many
of us catch up with friends, share events, news and plan events for the rest of the year. Toddlers will be open 9am-11.45am on the following Thursdays during August: Thursday 3rd August – Open Thursday 24th August – Open Thursday 31st August – Open . .. and then we are open every week from the end of August On Saturday, 23rd September, as part of our Harvest celebrations we are gathering together to celebrate our talents. Can you sing, play an instrument, read a poem, make people laugh, dance? Anyone and everyone is invited to share their talent in an evening of entertainment and refreshments. So, don’t be shy, fill in the forms available on the notice board or ring Andrea on 01928 732612. ... and don’t forget to look in the weekly Notice Sheet for the date that Messy Mice is starting again in September. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Change
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Another year begins and for some of you change may have already happened - either instigated by you or by others. We say how a year flies by, but on the other hand sometimes a day can seem like an eternity. What chances would you like to happen this year? Is God prompting you to change or do something different? Will you embrace the opportunities that come your way? Will you spend more time talking to God? One of the biggest changes for me last year was travelling alone on the train, as I was involved in planning the adult activities during the 3Generate weekend that happened in November. I dared to get involved and by doing that I grew in confidence and made new friendships. Using technology - I have to confess, my knowledge of computers and all things technical has room to improve this year! The websites below were on a leaflet given to the adults who attended 3 Generate. Some you may find useful, either for yourself, your family or our church as we learn more about God and Christianity this year. www. Methodist Church in Britain: Contains lots of information. www. YouTube.com/3Generate TV: watch what the young people at 3 Generate talked about. http://www.faithinhomes.org.uk : contains a wealth of ideas, articles and resources for families about developing faith together. http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk : full of creative ideas to nurture faith together. https://homefrontmag.com : website from the US, with lots of stories and variety of ideas Dates for February and March Messy Mice at 10am is on 6th and 20th February and March – crafts and bible stories for the under 5's. Toddlers is on every Thursday morning 9 - 11.45am. Film club for year 7 to Upper Six. On the 12th of each month, starting at 7pm. 0930 Live! 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. May you grow in the knowledge and love of Christ this year. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker I started off this half-term in school reminding the children about being lights in the world. Matthew 5: 14-16 says, “You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven."
When the darkness closes in, either from shorter days or it’s just one of those days when nothing is going right, remember God’s presence provides a light in that darkness. Connect to him and shine brightly through this season. May you rest in God’s love and peace. Let me suggest 3 ways we can share God's love this Christmas:
Finally, let me tell you about an event we have in early January. "Be the Light Holiday Club" at Frodsham Methodist Church on Thursday 5th January 2017 Time: 2-4pm. Lots of fun, games and activities for Primary School Children. Cost £5 each. To book a place contact Andrea on 07749877823. At the end of the afternoon, at 4pm, there will be a Celebration of Light Service, followed by refreshments to which everyone is invited. Come and join us for this festive session. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker A sense of time, growth and seasons always becomes apparent at this time of year, when our thoughts turn to activities and events in the winter months. Familiar faces, and taller children return to the various activities held at Church. It has been wonderful to greet people again after the summer and catch up with their news. This reminds me of the Church being like a family - welcoming people whom we see frequently, others we see occasionally, and perhaps new people into the family. I pray we find new ways of being family in our Church. Looking forward, we have plans for a number of events where we can come together as a family. Firstly on Saturday 15th October, there is a walk (about 8 miles ) from the aqueduct in Trevor along the canal to Llangollen and back. We are walking in aid of our Church Charity (The Boaz Trust) and a donation towards this will be greatly received. All welcome, including dogs. Meet at 10am in the overflow car park near the aqueduct at Trevor. This year we are also collecting items to make shoe boxes for The Boaz Trust. These will be in the free shop for their clients to receive them at Christmas time. We can put the following items into the boxes: chocolates, gloves, scarves, hats, jewellery, moisturisers (but not creams), and accessories (clients receive toiletries monthly). We will be meeting in November to put the boxes together. The youth at Church would like to have a 'Stay Awake', so if you are a night owl and fancy helping at an event such as this, please speak to Andrea. Due to the primary schools finishing late for Christmas this year, there will be a Holiday Club and Christingle on Thursday 5th January 2017. Time and details will follow. Details for Toddlers and Messy Mice activities are on Facebook: Tots and Frodsham Methodist Church. Looking ahead to Summer 2017, some young people have already booked to go to Greenbelt! So, check out details on the Internet and see if you fancy going too. It would be great to have a big group going from Frodsham and Norley. Andrea's contact number is 07749877823 if you need any more information on the above events. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker, Frodsham Methodist Church Each year I say goodbye to those who have been part of Messy Mice and the Toddler Group and those children who are starting new schools in September. This year especially there seem to be many children and families who have been part of these groups for many years. I wish all a bright and happy future-may they remember God goes with them, and I hope they embrace life to the full. It would be good to see you again, so please check our website for upcoming events.
The young people were sad to hear that all the tickets for 3 Generate this year have sold out. I have been involved in the planning of The Well-the leaders' part of the weekend and it looks as if I will be helping during the weekend. Plans for an event similar to last year’s sleepover are beginning to emerge and for the year 7’s and above I think there is an opportunity to be involved in Engage again in November. September brings an opportunity to review/change the activities we offer to families and the young people and if you think you can offer a willing helping hand please speak to Andrea. God Bless, Andrea Young Families Worker This Summer brings a time of hard work and exams for some and for others a chance for an easier pace of life. Is it a time of preparation for change or a time to refresh old habits? May we always remember that at whatever stage of life we are; God is with us. May we be excited about the future and encourage others.
Encouraging Others Recently the Toddler Group raised £71 in a Good as New Sale, which will go to support the Baby Grow Appeal in Chester Hospital and Frodsham Food Bank. Not only did we raise money but many went home pleased with the items they had brought and the people who sold gained some extra cash too. In July the Toddler Group will be holding the Summer Beach party where we will say Farewell to the oldest children, who will be starting school in September. For some families this is an end to many years of coming to Toddlers and we send them on their way with God’s Blessings and a hope that our paths cross again in the future. Pippa and I are taking the Moving On books into some of the Frodsham Schools this term. This little booklet gives the Year 6 children an opportunity with us to discuss their hopes and fears about their move to High school. During the session it’s a real privilege to remind the children that God is their faithful friend who understands them and is only a prayer away. I was presented with this verse recently and asked what is God saying to you through this verse. So, in faith, I am presenting this verse to you and asking you what is God saying to you in these words? “God, your God, is leading the way: he’s fighting for you. You saw with your own eye what he did for you in Egypt: you saw what he did in the wilderness, how God your God, carried you as a father carries his child, carried you the whole way until you arrived here.” (Deuteronomy 1 :31) I am always amazed at the different responses of people; of the ways in which God touches us and works through us. The future is exciting; may we allow God to renew, inspire and excite us. Are you up for a challenge this summer? Do you want to do a sponsored walk to raise money for our Church Charity? Are you around on Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st August? I am thinking of walking an 11-mile trail, starting from the Pontcysyllite Aqueduct at Trevor. Please get in touch if you are interested. God bless, Andrea It’s amazing what a difference a few weeks can make. After the Christmas break, children return to Toddlers taller and wiser (perhaps) than before, and many 'bumps' have grown in size too! People are looking ahead and planning changes or events in the coming months.
In these dark winter months we look ahead to warmer longer days, but let’s not just wish our lives away. Recently these quotes have been used at 0930live!, when we were reminded that every day is a gift. At the first Messy Mice of the year, we reminded ourselves of Psalm 39 v7-10 that God is Everywhere. Exciting events are planned for the coming months - from a Pancake Party on 9th February - to an evening for people to come and try new recipes and create their own recipe book - to film nights, and the usual Church activities such as Toddlers, Messy Mice and 0930live!. Opportunities to come and learn more about each other, support each other and grow closer to God. So I started this report with," It’s amazing what a difference a few weeks makes", but really what a difference a day makes! What difference can you make today? I pray that God directs us so we see the opportunities each day that can make a difference to others. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Peace In a world where Peace, for some, seems to be in short supply. May we this Christmas time know God’s peace within and spread his love and goodness through our daily lives.
As we move closer to Christmas, we as a Church have supported Operation Christmas Child by filling 59 boxes with gifts to go to children in war torn countries, and to refugees. Thank you to all who helped, by knitting, collecting items, wrapping and filling the boxes and taking them to the drop off point. Over the last few weeks new families have come along to the Toddler Group and Messy Mice. Some have just moved into Frodsham. A warm welcome goes out to you all and I hope you will soon feel you belong. There is one Messy Mice before Christmas, on the 7th December. Traveling Crib Our knitted nativity set will be travelling from home to home this advent time. If you would like to host the crib for a couple of nights please text Andrea 07749877823. Put yourself in the picture Have you ever wanted to dress up as one particular character from the Christmas Story? Now you can. You are warmly welcome to join our Community Nativity on Sunday 20th December. Starting at 10.45am. Come dressed as a character of your choice and join in the story. Afternoon tea and Christingle Come and Join the celebration. On Wednesday 23rd December. Afternoon tea and making of the Christingles 3-3.45pm. Messy Christingle at 4pm. Donations received for the Children’s society. May you have a peaceful Christmas and travel with God in the coming year. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Recently I went to a "We are Family" conference based on a report, commissioned by the Methodist Church, which can be found here.
Below are some thoughts expressed during the day: More and more people advocate the idea that generations should do faith together - learning from each other. Faithinhomes.org.uk is a good website for practical advice about living faith in family situations at home. Tips about faith at home: Be flexible with your approach - no right or wrong way. Build God into the everyday, build faith into existing faith patterns. Get started - it’s never too late. Learn together. You don’t need all the answers! Meeting to talk - that’s where God is. The face of families has changed over the last ten years or more. Trust God, pray, walk alongside people. God bless, Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. At our Gift service on the 15th November 2015, we will be dedicating Christmas Shoe Boxes which will be transported to children around the world. Take a look on the Operation Christmas Child Samaritan's Purse website for details about what you can put in a shoe box. You can help in different ways:- 1) Finding a shoe box. 2) Collecting items to fill a box and either fill one yourself or bring items to Church to fill boxes together. 3) Use the knitting patterns on the website to make something for the boxes. 4) Donate £3. Each box needs £3 to help with transporting costs. 5) Come on Wednesday 4th November at 3.30pm and Thursday 12th November at 7pm to help decorate and fill boxes. Thank you, Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker This coming weekend, 26th and 27th September is our Harvest Celebration Weekend. Do join us for A Harvest of Memories on the Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Services will be held on the Sunday at 9.30am, 10.45am, and 6pm. Gifts for Frodsham Foodbank and Chester Aid for the Homeless will be collected. The items most in need are:
Milk (UHT or powdered) sugar (500g packs) fruit juice (carton) soup pasta sauces sponge puddings tinned tomatoes cereals rice puddings teabags / instant coffee instant mashed potato rice/ pasta tinned meat/fish tinned vegetables tinned fruit jam biscuits or snack bars any toiletries and baby products It’s been a busy year in lots of ways. Life doesn’t stay the same, and we have just said our farewells to nine children from our Toddler Group. We wished them all an exciting time as they move into full-time education.
The children in our church family are moving on to new beginnings, either to a new class/teacher in Primary School, going to High School in September, or going off to university. We wish everyone a happy, busy, enjoyable summer and best wishes for September. In September, Messy Mice starts again and I am wanting volunteers to help once a month at this event - to prepare the children’s snack, serve tea and coffee to the adults, and help clear tables for the snack. Of course there is always the washing up too! Messy Mice is a thriving group for the under 5’s, meeting twice a month on a Monday morning from 10 - 11.45am. If you can help please talk to me. Plans are going ahead for a sleepover event for our children on the 10th October. I have adults who are prepared to sleepover! But offers to help make tea or breakfast would be really appreciated. May you all find some time this summer to recharge your batteries and enjoy the warmer weather (I hope!). God bless. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”.
Psalm 118 v 24 Often we can get way down with the ‘what ifs’ and life in general. Perhaps we often forget to stop and be grateful for the things we have got or have done. Thinking positive thoughts helps us to cope with day to day living! The book of Hebrews has become a treasure source of encouragement and hope for Christians through the centuries. The writer reminds us that Jesus is always the same and always there as our friend. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever”. Hebrews 13 v 8. May you be in a positive place, as the nights are lighter and summer is approaching fast. Looking ahead Recently the children completed a survey and asked for a sleepover event. This is in the process of being organised and more info will follow. Other ideas are being followed up too. Messy Mice has been really busy this year and I really hope that, as a church, we can continue to offer this to families. Can you offer to help on the MONDAY morning? Talks are also underway with all the churches in Frodsham for us to work together to hold Messy Church. May we work together to offer God’s love to the people in our town. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker During the last few weeks I have been talking to the young people about what they would like the Church to offer them over this year. They have come up with some great ideas and hopefully some of these will go ahead shortly. Watch this space! (Help will be needed to make this happen) If I haven’t caught up with you yet, give me a ring.
At the beginning of March I helped at a youth event called ‘Engage Chester,’ run by people from different churches within Chester for young people in year 7 upwards. The kids did a variety of activities from circus skills to washing road signs, as well as games, worship and raising money for the local Hospice. It’s well worth going to. I will let you know when the next one is. Toddlers and Messy Mice are as popular as ever. Creating space for new people to feel at home in, support for adults and fun for children. Recently in assembly Pippa Jacobson (Community and Schools Worker) and I reminded the children about how unique they are and how special to God they are; that it’s OK to be different and good to learn from each other. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker |
Pastoral LettersWritten by the Minister & Members
|