Dear friends, It's been lovely to celebrate with family and friends the occasion of my Mum Janet's 60th Birthday at the end of January. Friends travelled from all over Cheshire (including from Frodsham), from Essex, Hampshire and Bristol. Around 85 people shared in the afternoon party - mum was on good form and enjoyed every single moment! Our very own Harry Leather brilliantly entertained us, and Frodsham's Nick Smith also did us proud with the catering. It was a wonderful event! I had friends staying here at the Manse with me that weekend, and it was precious to have time to spend with those people who have supported Mum and I over the last 7 and a half years. They are part of my family too! One of the nicest things to come out of the celebration of Mum's 60th birthday stems from our decision to ask for donations to the Dr William Larmour English Charity. This is a long standing charity based in Haslington, where Mum lives, where the local Doctors Surgery gives a grant to two or three people a year on the basis of how poorly they are and what their life expectancy is. Mum was the recipient of one of these grants in 2012 which enabled us to have a holiday in Whitby, which we have very fond memories of. We were grateful to receive £500 and I am thrilled and humbled that the very kind and generous donations for Mum's birthday amounted to £640 which we have given to the charity to enable another family to have a recuperative holiday. It was thrilling to think that a family event of ours might benefit someone else who might be going through a very difficult time at the moment. This year as a church family we are thinking more intentionally about Anti Human Trafficking - in prayer, awareness raising and in financial support. This is for the International Justice Mission and Salvation Army International. It was wonderful to see churches in Frodsham as well as other friends (Soroptomists) working so hard together to create the 'Pop Up Shop' on Church Street in February. It was packed each time I walked through the door - both with enthusiastic volunteers and eager bargain hunters! And from that something in the region of £2500 has been raised for the Salvation Army Human Trafficking Support Fund. What a great achievement (alongside a huge amount of work). Well done to all concerned, and in particular our own members Stephen and Hillary Pickett. Isn't it amazing what can be done when people come together with a common aim, or with mutual support, to help someone else? We are an Easter People - who believe in a Resurrection God. "Nothing is impossible for God", we are reminded in Luke's Gospel. In the remainder of this year (yes, it is Easter already!) what are your plans to make a difference? How will you leave a mark this year? Some of you already have, in very tangible ways, and many of you in quieter and more hidden ways. But isn't it amazing when we do things with a common purpose and achieve something? Doesn't it make us glad to be alive, to be followers of Jesus Christ, and to be those who can do so much more when we do it together and for a shared goal? What else can we achieve and celebrate under God this year? If you have any good news stories to share please send them in for subsequent copies of the Newsletter so we can all be encouraged together. God bless you, Rev'd. Denise Harding
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Dear friends,
We're almost at the start of a New Year, so if you are reading this article (late) around 1st September then Happy New Year! The Methodist year ends on 31st August, and our New Year begins on 1st September. If you haven't got children or grandchildren in school then this time of year may well pass you by, but it marks a new beginning there too. For Churches, Circuits, Districts, Presbyters, Deacons and Lay Leaders it marks endings and beginnings. For Revd Claire Heald (Wesley, Christleton and Rowton) and Revd David Ray (Hoole) it marks the start of them 'sitting down' from the active ministry. Their ministry amongst us in the Circuit has been a gift to us all, and they will continue to exercise ministry amongst us in the future, still living within the Circuit, but without pastoral responsibility for any church community. We also bid farewell to URC minister Revd Martin Hardy (Caldy Valley and Garden Lane) as he moves onto pastures new. Please would you commit yourself to praying for Claire, David and Martin in this new phase of their ministries? For Revd David Goodwin (Hoole, Garden Lane and Caldy Valley) and Revd Christine Dutton (Wesley, Christleton and Rowton) it marks a new beginning in the Chester and Delamere Forest Circuit as we welcome them as staff at a Circuit Service at Hoole (Hamilton St) at 7.30pm on 1st September. Please would you also commit yourself to pray for David and Christine as they prepare to move to a new (or in the case of Christine, first) appointment? And if you felt able to join with many other folk from around the Circuit in offering a warm welcome, then come and join us on that evening, to wish them well and offer them your prayers. What does a New Year usually invoke? Resolutions, reminiscing, regrets? We are in good heart in Frodsham, with our brothers and sisters in faith in this community, and within the Circuit with all those who represent our churches, and serve us in many ways (particularly thinking about and giving thanks to God for Church and Circuit Stewards who are starting, continuing or completing terms of office). Let's resolve to serve God afresh in this coming year together, let's reminisce about what God has done in us and through us and despite us, and let's not regret any new or renewed opportunity that God places in front of us in the year to come. God bless you, and Happy New Year! Rev'd. Denise Harding Dear friends,
As I write this letter, we have been enjoying lovely sunny and warm weather - which I think lightens the spirit and helps us to value God's creation around us as our gardens grow and develop (not so good for those who take great care in the garden - lots of extra work!). We are growing and developing at Frodsham Methodist Church - numbers are increasing at our 10.45am morning service, and even more so at our 4all service on the first Sunday morning, where the whole range of ages within the church family come together and find a way to worship God and to grow in faith together. But we need your help... We have four strands to each service - Finding our creativity, Finding sanctuary, Finding our voice, Finding inspiration. For three of the four sessions (the one not led by a preacher) we would really like to expand our team - if we have enough people we are hoping that people will only need to offer two or three Sundays a year, but if we don't get offers of help then the same few people will end up doing lots of Sundays and not be able to experience the full range of 4all for themselves. So please could you prayerfully consider this - could you lead something creative - drama, art work, music, craft, woodwork, poetry, creative writing etc. Could you lead a discussion group? Could you prepare something reflective to help people find sanctuary - a prayer station on the given theme, taking people for a brief walk to reflect on God outdoors, some interactive activities to help people to be still and calm, writing prayers or reflections for others to use? And other things for all the above that the Leadership Team might not even have thought about... We want to hear from you if you can help us. Please, please, please talk to me if you can offer something, or fill your name in on the sheet in the hall, as we will be delighted to help you use your God given gifts in the church. In the last five months I have found it increasingly difficult to keep up with my workload in ministry, not feeling very energetic or very well, and having quite a confused and foggy brain. I am very sorry if this has affected my ministry amongst you during this time - having a brain scan and waiting to discover if there was a brain tumour present has been pretty stressful. After lots of tests and an MRI scan I have been found to have megaloblastic anaemia - something that can be treated with regular injections, and once the B12 levels are back to normal in my body I will have much more energy to do things. But not feeling well has made me reassess how much things use up the limited energy I have had, and whether they are things that are worth doing and have value. I am under the care of the Doctor for the next few months, on a reduced workload with reduced hours until I am fit and well again, and this has made me look at my diary, and look at the important things I feel I do in my ministry. There are things that will remain undone - and I have to accept that for the next few months. But I also want to ensure that the things that I can do, still get done. But I also have to accept more readily that the ministry I am called to in Frodsham is a shared ministry with you all. Only a few weeks ago we were desperate to appoint new Church Stewards, and we only received one person who was willing to serve, meaning some who have served for over 6 or 7 years still are continuing in their role, to serve the church (that's me and you) so that lots of unseen and seen things are done every week. It is a gift the Stewards offer to the Church, but it is often not without some considerable personal cost to the individuals and their families - I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to each of them, and the many other office holders in the church, for their faithful hard work. We are the largest church in the circuit - but still the same small core of people do the majority of the jobs that need doing. It won't be long before we have worn out those faithful people, and then what do we do and where do we go for help? Please friends - we need the help of each of you to enable our church to be the beacon of light in the community that God has called us to be. So when you see in the Link or in the Newsletter appeals for help with things, or hear it from the pulpit, please don't presume someone else will come forward and volunteer - they haven't and they don't. We need you - the Leadership needs you, I need you, the church needs you - to use your energy for the good of the Gospel and the future of the fellowship at Frodsham Methodist Church. I know we all have limited time and energy (just acknowledging and accepting that for me has been hard recently) - but we all have a responsibility for sharing in the work of the Lord. So will you consider helping when asked, will you join with us in helping run 4all, will you give some of the energy God has given to you to serve the Lord at Frodsham Methodist Church? Thank you for your support and love - thank you too in advance for your offers of help and your energy... God bless you, Reverend Denise How will you live your life in Lent? I want to encourage us all to spend time thinking about our connections with other people - not just the people we get along with but particularly the people we struggle with, or the children we have been spotted scowling and tutting at!
The priority for Frodsham Methodist Church this year is growing together as family. I would like each one of us to commit to growing a relationship with someone we don't know very well, or strengthening one with someone we know quite well. Invite them round for coffee, or a meal, or out for a walk or an event. Include them in something you love to do - share it with them. Let's grow as family through Lent - not arguing, or moaning or complaining, but just living well, and showing love! Let's do it! Rev'd. Denise Harding Dear friends,
Easter is almost here! Where have the first few months of this year gone? Have you found space and time for your relationship with God since the New Year? Was it on your list of resolutions to make or keep? Well, even if not, how would you describe your relationship with God right now? John Wesley, our father in Methodism, used to ask three questions in his class meetings - and he expected honest responses! How are you travelling with the Lord? What sins have you committed since last we met? How have you been delivered from your sins? So, if you want to check out your relationship with God as we approach Easter, you could do worse than to ask those three questions honestly to yourself. And when you have done that, then focus your attention on the good news that Jesus came to free us from our sins - that wonderful news we celebrate on Easter Sunday, and every Sunday. Live as one forgiven and renewed - and share that good news this Easter season with all the people God places across your path. God bless you, and Happy Easter! Rev'd. Denise Rev'd. Denise Harding preached this evening, Wednesday 22nd January, as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - and used some words from John Wesley...
John Wesley's words, interspersed with my attempting to bake a loaf of bread at ecumenical service at Catholic Church tonight: ‘Give me your hand, my brother...’ John Wesley – Sermon on the Catholic Spirit Do you show your love by your works? As you have time and opportunity, do you in fact "do good to all men," neighbours or strangers, friends or enemies, good or bad? If you are thus minded (may every Christian say, yes), if you are but sincerely desirous of it, and following on until you attain, then "your heart is right, as my heart is with your heart." "If it be, give me your hand." I do not mean, "Be of my opinion." You need not. I do not expect or desire it. Neither do I mean, "I will be of your opinion." I cannot, it does not depend on my choice. I can no more think, than I can see or hear, as I will. Keep your opinion and I will keep mine, and that as steadily as ever. You need not even endeavour to come over to me, or bring me over to you. I do not desire you to dispute those points, or to hear or speak one word concerning them. Leave all opinions alone on one side and the other: only "give me your hand." I do not mean, "Embrace my modes of worship," or, "I will embrace yours." This also is a thing which does not depend either on your choice or mine. We must both act as each is fully persuaded in his own mind. Hold fast to that which you believe is most acceptable to God, and I will do the same. I believe the Episcopal form of church government to be scriptural and apostolic. If you think the Presbyterian or Independent is better, think so still, and act accordingly. I have no desire to dispute with you one moment upon any topic. Let all these smaller points stand aside. Let them never come into sight. "If your heart is as my heart," if you love God and all mankind, I ask no more: "give me your hand." I mean, first, love me. And that is not only as you love all mankind, not only as you love your enemies or the enemies of God, those that hate you, that "despitefully use you and persecute you," not only as a stranger, as one of whom you know neither good nor evil. I am not satisfied with this. No, "if your heart is right, as mine with your heart," then love me with a very tender affection, as a friend that is closer than a brother, as a brother in Christ, a fellow citizen of the New Jerusalem, a fellow soldier engaged in the same warfare, under the same Captain of our salvation. Love me as a companion in the kingdom and patience of Jesus, and a joint heir of his glory. If I am ignorant or out of the way, love me (but in a higher degree than you do the bulk of mankind) with the love that is long-suffering and kind; that is patient, bearing and not increasing my burden; that is tender, soft, and compassionate still; that does not envy if at any time it pleases God to prosper me in his work even more than you. Love me with the love that is not provoked, either at my follies or infirmities, or even at my acting (if it should sometimes so appear to you) not according to the will of God. Lastly, love me not in word only, but in deed and in truth. So far as in conscience you can (retaining still your own opinions, and your own manner of worshipping God), join with me in the work of God, and let us go on hand in hand. And you may certainly go at least this far, that you speak honourably wherever you are of the work of God by whomever he works, and kindly of his messengers. And, if it be in your power, not only sympathize with them when they are in any difficulty or distress, but give them a cheerful and effectual assistance, that they may glorify God on your behalf. Dear friends,
What exciting times we are in as a church family! The new monthly service for everyone - 4All - is going really well, and all the comments are really positive. Thank you for being part of this new worship event – an opportunity for all the family of the church to be together, and to share in worship and fellowship. If you haven’t yet given it a go, do come and join us. It is at 10.45am on the first Sunday of the month, and there is something for everyone! The Leadership Team are very aware that bringing together people in the church means that people are meeting others whose names they don’t know, and whose stories they don’t know either. Would you be part of helping us to get to know each other a bit better? Would you be able to send a picture of you (and your family) with names clearly showing who is who in the photograph, to my Administrator Caroline Warrey? And if you can say a bit about yourself/your family that would help even more. Things like where you grew up/what jobs you have done/when you became a Christian/any interesting facts we may not know! If you could do this in February then Caroline can soon put together a church family photograph album which we will keep in church so if you aren’t sure of someone’s name, you can go and take a look in the album. But the big challenge will be getting everyone to do this! If sending something by email (fotsection@gmail.com) is too much of a challenge to you, then drop the photo in an envelope through the Manse door with a note describing who is in the photo (please don’t presume that I know all your names either – I’m still learning too!). I hope that this will help us learn each other’s names and grow closer together as a family. We also have had a wonderful time sharing in an Advent Course watching the BBC Nativity DVD before Christmas. In fact it was so popular that we are going to watch another DVD – Chocolat – for a Lent Course. Join us first of all on Saturday 15th March at 7pm to watch the Chocolat film together, and then on five Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm on 18th and 25th March, and 1st, 8th and 15th April. We had a great time last time. Why not come and join us for this next film session? There is a lot going on in the life of our church – which fills me with delight, and huge thankfulness for all your hard work and commitment and participation. Isn’t this a wonderful family to be part of? One more thing for you to look out for — there will be special events during Holy Week to help us prepare for Good Friday and Easter. Do join in as you wish and as you are able – take the time in quiet reflection as we prepare to accept once more the gift of life that Jesus gave us through his death and resurrection. God bless you, Rev'd. Denise Harding Dear friends,
We have had an eventful few months since I wrote last. We have lost three of our church members – and we mourn their passing, and of those others in the past year that we miss so much, and wish we could still have with us. And yet in the midst of deep despair and grief and pain we see the church at her very best. We see prayers being offered for those in need, we see practical help being given – including meals – to ease the load, we see love in action. Love in action is what we find through the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. God sent his one and only Son to be amongst us and to live life as we do. He sent His Son to show us what true love is, what real comfort looks like, and to give to us the example we should follow for the rest of our lives. Love in action is what we should live for the whole of our lives – to those on the margins, to those we find it hard to get along with, to those we have had disagreements with. Love in action is about seeing the very best in someone and wanting the very best for them, despite the circumstances we may be faced with. Love in action is what we see on the streets of most of our cities and large towns on weekend nights with Street Pastors – showing the love of God in practical ways like giving out bottles of water and flip flops, calling a taxi to ensure those worse for wear for drink can get home safely. Please pray for the Street Pastors around the UK and the work they do to show love in action every week. Rt. Rev'd. George Carey said recently in the media that the Church of England may die out within a generation. This, he says, is due to the lack of attention given by Ministers in the Church to the younger generations who are not filling our churches as the older generations have done. I would extend what he says to include people in churches who have no desire for change because it doesn’t fit with what they are used to. Love in action would be to accept that change is necessary if we are to see a vibrant Circuit and Church in this next generation. Love in action would be to encourage us all to share what God has gifted us with for the benefit of the growth of His Kingdom. So – will you think and pray about this with me? What does love in action mean in your life? What does love in action mean in our life as the Methodist Church in Frodsham? I hope that we might come to the same conclusion – love in action means putting ourselves last and others and God first – that we might be a blessing to many and God might be glorified. May we be able to show love in action to our friends and family, within the church and in the community this Christmas and New Year. May God’s blessing be upon us as we seek to embody the nature and character of the Christ Child this season of Christmas. May we be humble enough to put others first and to place the example of Jesus Christ in front of us each and every day in our life of faith. I pray that God’s peace and blessing will rest upon each of you this Christmas – and upon your homes and families throughout the coming year. May we start a New Year with love in action for all those God places across our paths. Christmas greetings and Happy New Year! With love from Rev'd. Denise |
Pastoral LettersWritten by the Minister & Members
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