0930plus

Since we started back after the summer, KS2 children have been meeting after each 0930live! to watch a short video connected with that week’s theme. Anecdotally, this seems to be helping to reinforce the story and message. The session is very relaxed but often ends with a few of the children staying back to discuss issues in more depth. We leaders are constantly reminded of the need to give space for discussions to arise naturally!

Young Band

Six children have already played with the main band to lead us in a worship song and there are more planning to join to play some carols in the December 0930live! It’s lovely to encourage them with their playing and for them to gain an experience of playing with others and leading worship.

Toys and Gifts

0930live! held its Toys and Gifts service in late November. This year the toys are going to a charity DEBRA that supports children with a devastating skin disease, EB. In addition, food and toiletries will be donated to the local food bank.

Nativity

Our Nativity service this year is at 10.45am on 21st December and all children are very welcome to take part.

WW1 Evening

Andrea organised a brilliant evening in October to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War. 13 young people from Frodsham Methodist Church prepared and served a meal using recipes from the time of the First World War. Many people tasted a main course trio of Lentil Curry, Beef and Vegetable Stew, followed by a dessert of Apple Crisp (nowadays called Apple Crumble) and Eggless Fruit Cake. A selection of items from the first world war were on display including a Bible and medals belonging to a soldier from the war, plus letters written home during the war. Towards the end of the evening everyone sang songs from this era. The oldest person lit a single candle in remembrance and the young people read details about the war and the poem In Flanders’ Fields.

The young people worked hard as a team and created an enjoyable evening.

Pippa Jacobson
Schools and Families Worker

According to reports from the National Crime Agency and The Salvation Army, modern slavery continues to
increase. The Government’s Bill, when passed, will give new tools to law enforcement agencies, establish an
Anti-Slavery Commissioner and make provision for the protection of modern slavery victims. The government
identifies that legislation is only part of the wider solution.

Everybody has to be part of the solution. Think when you buy goods, who made them? If you see something that gives you cause for concern, report it to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Think about supporting the Salvation Army Human Trafficking Victims Support fund. Frodsham Churches Together continues, through different activities, to raise awareness and forward funds to this fund. Activities have included, amongst others, presenting concerns to the local MP, Government Ministers, Senior Clergy, holding an open forum and an ecumenical service, working with Churches across Cheshire, and keeping in contact with other concerned groups.

This work will continue in the New Year as we develop our links with others across Cheshire within different organisations. If you are concerned about Human Trafficking and would like to have more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Each year, Frodsham Methodist Church chooses a particular charity to support throughout the year, with donations from Sunday morning coffee, and some of the profits from the various social events we hold. We have decided that next year we will be supporting two organisations who work in the field of anti-trafficking - Salvation Army International and International Justice Mission.

We are pleased to advise that our Craft Fair which was held on Saturday 8th November  proved to be another great success.  We had 23 stallholders selling a wide range of art and hand crafted items including cards, jewellery, dresses, glass and wooden toys.  We were pleased that the stall holders included two of our Church members Alun Evans and Jane Gibson.

In the Church Hall we also had the Traidcraft stall and children’s activities which were very popular.  

Over £1100.00 was raised – which will be divided between the Tim Parry Johnathon Ball Foundation for Peace and Church funds.  We got some lovely positive comments from both stall holders and visitors:

“What a lovely friendly event. Felt very welcome”

“ I really enjoyed last Saturday. It was such a lovely day! I enjoy your craft fair so much and hope that you will contact me next year”

“It was very well organised and the quality of the crafts on sale was very high - there were some really nice items.  The ladies providing refreshments were lovely and the cakes were fantastic!!

And even:

“ Came last year, it is one of the reasons I have just moved to Frodsham. Brilliant !!”

More photographs from the event are on our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/meetthecraftmaker  

A big thank you to the very many people who helped to make the event such a success.

Carolyn Frayne

A small group from Church were lucky to visit the Beacon House of Prayer and Christian Centre, located in Sandyford, just outside Stoke-on-Trent, on Tuesday 22nd July 2014.

We spent time in private prayer in the variety of prayer spaces available in the House and explored some of the many resources they have on offer. We then attended their daily act of worship joining in song and prayer and listening to readings from scripture. Finally, we joined in fellowship and discussion over our packed lunches.

What an uplifting and exciting spiritual experience we had and a deeply moving one to see such commitment from this group of Christians. Thanks to Andrea Ellams for arranging our visit.

The House of Prayer was established in 2007 and has continued to grow since. But what is a House of Prayer? The leaders of the House, William and Karen Porter, sum it up like this: ‘The word ‘Beacon’ sums up a lot of the vision—may it be a light of God’s presence, a fire of night & day prayer and a signal of burning hot Christian spirituality as people live out Jesus’ love.’

For more information about the House or if you wish to visit, the details are below.

Beacon House of Prayer & Christian Centre
A.: 550-552, High Street, Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5PD
W.: www.beaconhop.org
T.: 01782 827238
E.: [email protected]

Good to be back!

0930live! finally started back recently after a very long summer break. It was so good to meet up and share each other’s news. All the children had started new classes and, in some cases, new schools. There were new jobs, interests and a very new baby! Our first theme was from Matthew 6: 25-34, ‘Do not worry’ and we explored how we may react when we’re worried, what Jesus said about how God cares for each of us and knows our needs and how we can put it into practice.

Themed Preaching

We have planned several parables from Matthew’s Gospel for the services before Christmas. Each one is as relevant as ever to our lives today: the parable of the sower, the unforgiving servant, the workers in the vineyard and the wedding feast.

Harvest – 28th September

This year 0930live! have been asked to decorate the church for Harvest. Flowers and vegetables will be enthusiastically and creatively incorporated into decorations on Saturday 27th September 10-12 noon. The more the merrier on that day…

‘0930plus’

There are now nearly 40 children, from babies to 18 years, who regularly attend 0930live! Wow, no wonder the Hall after the service can feel so energised! We really want all our children to gain as much as possible from coming to church, and also to be involved. So we have started some groups to meet after the service where the theme can be explored further. Young Minds (Year 6+) will continue to meet with Simon on the 2nd week, sometimes they will be discussing that week’s theme, or maybe preparing material for the following service. KS2 children (Juniors) will meet each week to watch a short video followed by discussion. There will also always be a 
craft activity available for the younger children.

Music

We are starting a young band for anyone who has achieved Grade 1. This will meet on the 4th Sunday after the service – all are very welcome to come along. We also hope to start a young singing group and are planning to get the adults singing for Christmas too. 

Watch this space…! 

Pippa Jacobson 
Community and Schools Worker

An evening of Food and music

The young people of our Church have preparations well underway for an evening of food and music from 100 years ago, in commemoration of World War 1, on Saturday 11th October. Places are limited, so look in the Church Hall for the information and booking form. A basket will be available for donations, which will go towards our work with young people. We are hoping to have a display of items from the war or that period in history. If you have anything suitable please could you bring them to church on Sunday 5th or Saturday 11th October from 1-5pm.

Messy Church at Weaver Vale

Churches Together are running two more Messy Church events at Weaver Vale Primary School. On Thursday 2nd October and Monday 15th December, from 2.45-5pm. If you would like to help please let Andrea know. 

Toddlers - Thursdays 9am - 11.45am

This is such a valuable group for parents and children provided by our church. Since September we have welcomed many new faces, and there are a great many supportive conversations between the adults happening during the morning. All welcome. We have also welcomed families back to Messy Mice, which runs on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. 

Our assemblies and lunch time club in the schools this term are focussed on our own God-given potential and the way we treat others.

I am reading the letters Paul wrote to the Churches at the moment, and at the end of Ephesians 3 he writes, “Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you will be filled with the fullness of God. With God’s power working in us. God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus from all time, for ever and ever. Amen”.

May we know, as a church and individually, God’s love, and pray that his love shines through our church.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

PS I have a DVD on John Wesley, his life and conversion, if you would like to borrow it.

On 25 January 1944 history was made when the Rev'd. Florence Li Tim-Oi was made a 'Priest in the Church of God'.

The Ordination in the Anglican Diocese of Hong Kong and South China took place in the Free China village of Shui Hing during the Sino-Japanese War. It was conducted by Bishop R O Hall in order that Anglican Christians in Tim-Oi's parish of Macao, the Portuguese island colony, could receive the sacrament of Holy Communion properly authorised.

Li Tim-Oi's Story

At her birth in Hong Kong on 5 May 1907, Li Tim-Oi's father called her "Much Beloved" because he valued her as a daughter even if others preferred sons.

When she was baptised as a student, Tim-Oi chose the name Florence after Florence Nightingale, the famous 19th century English nurse known as 'the Lady of the Lamp'. In 1931 at the ordination of a deaconess in Hong Kong Cathedral, she heard and responded to the call to ministry. She took a four-year course at theological college in Canton. She was made Deacon on Ascension Day 1941, and was given charge of the Anglican congregation in the Portuguese colony of Macao, thronged with refugees from war-torn China.

When a priest could no longer travel from Japanese-occupied territory to preside for her at the eucharist, for three years Tim-Oi was licensed to do so as a deacon. Bishop Hall of Hong Kong then asked her to meet him in Free China, where on 25 January 1944 he ordained her ''a priest in the Church of God''.

He knew that this was as momentous a step as when the Apostle Peter baptised the Gentile Cornelius. As St Peter recognised that God had already given Cornelius the Baptismal gift of the Spirit, so Bishop Hall was merely confirming that God had already given Tim-Oi the gift of priestly ministry, but he resisted the temptation to rename her Cornelia.

To defuse controversy, in 1946 Tim-Oi surrendered her priest's licence, but not her Holy Orders, the knowledge of which carried her through Maoist persecution.

She resumed the practice of her priesthood in the Church in China, and in Toronto when she retired in 1981. She was awarded Doctorates of Divinity by General Theological Seminary, New York, and Trinity College, Toronto.
Tim-Oi died on 26 February 1992 in Toronto and is buried there.

In 1994, on the Golden Jubilee of Li Tim-Oi's priesting, Archbishop Donald Coggan launched the Li Tim-Oi Foundation in St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London. You can find out more by visiting the website.

On 24 January 2004 an icon of the Rev Dr Florence Li Tim-Oi was dedicated at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Church. It had been written by the Rev Dr Ellen Francis Poisson, Order of St Helena, New York. The icon can be visited in the Dick Sheppard Chapel in the undercroft of the recently re-ordered St Martin's building in Trafalgar Square.

Marg Jacks

As the summer break draws closer I am spending some time reflecting on what I have been involved in this year, where I have been privileged to see God at work in what I have done, looking in faith to the following Methodist year, and seeking God’s guidance for the future. Over the coming months as a Church we will be seeking people’s ideas and views on how as a Church we can develop our faith both individually and in groups. Maybe you can consider the following questions:

1. Does God matter to me?
2. If so how am I going to learn more about him?
3. How as Frodsham Methodist Church can we help you grow in faith?

Perhaps during the summer you will find the time to stop and appreciate God the Creator, by noticing creation around you in the places we visit over the summer; A God who cares - by helping others this summer or allowing others to help you; A God who loves you by finding time to read the Bible or Christian books; Spend time in prayer or by talking to others about God.

September brings the start of a busy few months - a Harvest Festival, the children cooking a meal to commemorate the 100 years since World War One in October, and the coming Christmas Tree festival in December. There is talk of a sleepover event and other new events for children/families to get involved in. Watch this space!

Over the summer holiday Messy Mice and Toddlers will continue as usual.

As Churches Together we welcome the opportunity to run a Messy Church at Weaver Vale School once every half-term after a successful beginning in June.

May God surprise you and refresh you this summer.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

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

You may have read in the media that some fair trade producers have not been  receiving their proper dues. 

Whereas this may be the case in some less well regulated parts of  the market, it is certainly not true of the Traidcraft network. As a Christian organisation, Traidcraft maintains very close links with its suppliers and ensures they receive a fair price for  what they produce. There are inspections to ensure quality; occasionally producers are  brought over to the UK to promote their products; Traidcraft runs ‘Meet the People’ tours that anyone can join to see the work first-hand for themselves. 

You can also see profiles of some of  the producers in the Traidcraft catalogue. So when you buy from Traidcraft, you can really be  sure that you are making a difference to the lives of the producers and their communities. 

By the way, have you tried the new household cleaning range, Clean and Clear, which contains the world’s first fairly-traded palm oil? Or the new Divine milk chocolate caramel bar - delicious! 

Elizabeth Holmes

The entry in Debrett’s Peerage which styles her “ The Rt Hon the Rev’d Baroness Richardson of Calow OBE gives perhaps, a snapshot of Baroness Richardson’s illustrious career.

One of Baroness Richardson’s recent Questions to the House of Lords (Schools: Admission Policies – Question 22nd July 2013):
“Is the Minister aware that not all schools of religious character select on faith grounds? The Methodist Church has 65 primary schools that are state funded and 17 independent schools, none of which select according to the faith of the parents, although all are organised on Christian principles, but they are offered to society for the good of society as a whole,’’ indicates that education and inter-faith relations are among Baroness Richardson’s focal interests.

Kathleen Margaret Fountain was born on 24th February 1938. She attended Calow Primary School in Derbyshire and then went to St. Helena School, Chesterfield. She gained her Teacher’s Certificate at Stockwell College and went on to study Theology at Wesley House College, Cambridge.

In 1964 she married Ian D. G. Richardson and they have three daughters, Kathryn, Claire and Anne. Kathleen Richardson began her career as a teacher in 1958 at Hollingwood Secondary School, Chesterfield . From 1961 to 1977 she worked within the Methodist Church as a Deaconess and Lay Worker before being ordained into the Methodist ministry in 1980 and thereafter working as a Methodist minister in Denby Dale and Clayton West Circuit. In 1987 she became Chairman of the West Yorkshire District of the Methodist Church.

The Reverend Kathleen Richardson achieved two ‘firsts’ for a woman;
 1992 she was President of The Methodist Conference
 1995 she was Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council and President of Churches Together in England

Subsequent appointments include chairing the London Ecumenical Aids Trust, serving as Vice President of the Council for Christians and Jews, being a panel member on the Robert Hamill Inquiry into the murder of a Northern Ireland Catholic man and between 2000 and 2006 Moderator of the Churches’ Commission for Inter- faith Relations.

In 1996 Reverend Richardson was honoured with an OBE for services to the ecumenical movement and then in 1998 was created a life peer in the Queen’s Birthday Honours lists and became Baroness Richardson of Calow (cross bencher). At this point Baroness Richardson was granted early retirement from the Methodist Church in order to spend more time in the House.

Baroness Richardson has visited the Holy Land on numerous occasions, one of which was as part of a delegation from the British Council of Churches to look at the effects of the first Intifada. In addition to her responsibilities as a peer, she is Chair of the Churches’ Information for Mission.

In 2010 Baroness Richardson re-visited her Primary School in Calow. She talked with pupils and was questioned by the pupils’ School Council about her work in the House of Lords. Baroness Richardson’s portrait by Don McCullin (2006) hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

* Debrett’s states that for recreation, Baroness Richardson enjoys reading and needlework. (However does she find the time!)

Pam Bath

Palm Oil – Clean and Fair

Palm oil is one of the most widely used commodities – hundreds of products in our supermarkets contain it, although it is often hidden by being called ‘vegetable oil’.

So what, you might say?

The problem is, in many parts of the world, under the influence of multi-national companies, vast swathes of natural rainforest are being cleared to make room for palm oil plantations – to the detriment of local village life and the wider global environment.

Traidcraft is trying to reverse this trend by sourcing palm oil from small-scale farmers in Ghana, where palm oil grows naturally. They are working with nature rather than destroying it – and, even better, the growers benefit from the Fairtrade premium.

The palm oil which Traidcraft sources is used, along with fair trade coconut oil, to produce a new range of cleaning products, Clean and Fair – the first ever such products to carry the Fairtrade mark. The handwash, washing-up liquid, laundry liquid and multi-surface cleaner all clean well, and are environmentally friendly, with no ‘nasties’ in them.

So why not try one of these products from the Traidcraft stall at Frodsham Methodist Church, or at the Wellspring coffee morning on Thursdays at Main Street Community Church?

Elizabeth Holmes

As our thoughts turn to Summer and holidays, I praise God for the opportunities to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. Over the next few months we have some Messy walks planned. A themed Seaside morning at Toddlers to celebrate Summer and the children leaving us to attend Primary School in September. Plus the children from the Manor will be celebrating another Infant Wedding. Messy Mice will be two years old at the beginning of June.

Lots of celebrations, and this reminds me of the excitement children bring into our lives and their energy for life. Jesus said,” Suffer the children to come unto me”, and that we cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven unless we become like a child. Mark 10 v 13-16. Let us not forget that God can touch everyone regardless of age, perhaps just stop and think for a moment about what Jesus meant about being like a child. Children trust, are faithful and loyal, loving, full of life. Are we like that with God?

As a Church, we are beginning to look at God’s plan for us for the following year. If you have any comments, good or bad, about my role and work here, please pass them to me. You never know - your ideas may be the spark needed for a new direction.

God bless,

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

Well, what do you think? Does it matter? We’re friendly and welcoming. Is that good enough? Would you notice if someone’s behaviour changed? If they became forgetful, distracted and not engaging with friends in the way they had previously? Would you do anything about it? Perhaps you’d just wish them “Good Morning” and quickly pass by on the other side.

Research shows that in coming years 1 in 4 people over 65 will experience dementia and 1 in 3 people over the age of 80. So if you’re sitting in church with someone on your right and someone on your left which of the 3 of you will it be? That is simplistic but whilst we have children and young families connected with our church in Frodsham many churches are predominantly made up of older people. This is an issue we would be foolish to ignore.

Patricia and I attended a conference on growing dementia-friendly church, the title of the day was “The Lord is STILL my Shepherd”. The day was informative, interesting and thought-provoking. We heard some rather funny stories, such as the Bishop who told us about the day he found his father on the doorstep wearing his coat, his wellingtons and a tea cosy on his head. The Bishop was embarrassed to discover that his father had been down the street for a pint of milk. But, after a moment or two, he concluded that it probably didn’t matter, no harm done. Then the desperately sad story of a man in his 50’s who was diagnosed with dementia. How were his family going to cope with the steady decline as he lost his mind?

We heard from a couple called Bob and Sylvia. They rehearsed a dialogue for us about their life since her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. She made lots of mistakes, which her husband lovingly corrected, as she smiled or laughed. She was still very aware and alert and wanting to make a difference for others while she still had the ability. They described the blurring of reality being like looking through raindrops on a windowpane.

So how can we, as Christians help? It is a common commandment in the Bible to remember.

“Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and grandchildren about the day you stood in the presence of the Lord your God….”     Deuteronomy 4:9
“….and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me."     1 Corinthians 11:24

The message of the conference was that losing your mind does not mean losing your soul.

We were encouraged to think about people living well with dementia rather than suffering with dementia. To focus on the person as he or she is and not their deficiencies. It’s helpful not to ask questions, even apparently simple ones such as, “Do you want tea or coffee?” Don’t contradict because it’s not important that the person you’re caring for thinks it’s Tuesday when in fact it’s Saturday. Familiar liturgy, the Lord’s Prayer or the Twenty Third Psalm may possibly be remembered. Music and hymns can still be enjoyed by many people with dementia. Holy Communion and the ministry of touch become ways to make a connection.

We heard from a lady who has set up a carers’ support group in her community to offer fellowship and practical support. It is likely that people affected by dementia will look towards sources of support within the local community. Prepared, equipped for the challenge, the church can be one such source of support. People who are “dementia-aware” will take time to listen to the story, offer support as individuals continue their journey and help them look to the future with hope.

This anonymous, poignant poem gives us a little understanding of the needs of people living with dementia:

To my Carers, Family and Friends:

I need you not to ask me to remember,
Do not try to make me understand;
Let me rest and know you are with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I’m confused beyond your concept, I am sad and I am lost,
All I know is that I need you to be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me, do not scold or curse or cry,
I can’t help the way I’m acting, can’t be different, tho’ I try.”

Perhaps one of the most important messages of the day was that we need to learn to be at peace with ourselves whilst we are able.

Finally that just leaves the question we started with, “Is our church Dementia friendly?”

Ros Caldwell and Patricia Barnard
Church Stewards

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

People from a variety of Christian denominations, from Merseyside, Manchester, Altrincham, Stoke-on-Trent and across the Cheshire plain came to Frodsham Methodist Church on Saturday 29th March.

Why? because of their concerns about human trafficking in the U.K. and internationally. In a full day’s forum, a range of speakers explained the facts about what human trafficking is, what is being done to stop it and how to support victims.

Major Anne Read from the Salvation Army Headquarters and their National Anti-Trafficking Response Co-ordinator led the day. Anne was supported by her colleague Major Gladys Ljungholm from the North Western Division. Other speakers included the local M.P. Graham Evans and Hannah Flint from International Justice Mission. Discussion in the afternoon was chaired by Frodsham Methodist Church’s minister, Rev’d. Denise Harding.

The Forum, supported by Frodsham and Cheshire Churches Together, sought to inform individuals and encourage them to discuss and identify positive forms of action. The Forum was an opportunity for concerned individuals to identify how the Church and other organisations could respond to this issue in a modern world. If you are concerned that someone may have been trafficked, telephone Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or The Salvation Army on 0300 3038151. For further information on the Forum e-mail enquiries to: [email protected]. 


Human trafficking is trade in human beings – most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labour or commercial sexual exploitation. Another motive behind the trade is the extraction of organs or tissues.
 
Human trafficking is condemned as a violation of human rights by international conventions.


Stephen Pickett

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

Toddler Group: Thursdays, 10-11.30am

Thursday mornings are always busy, full of noise, activity and lots of coffee, tea and biscuits are consumed, plus snack for children. It’s great to see new faces and the sunshine has been enjoyed once again as we use the outside area. We are planning as good as new sale for the 5th April. Come and grab a bargain (see details below) plus considering where to go for our summer trip. If you are thinking of joining us, you will be made very welcome.

Good as New Sale: 5th April, 10-12noon

At Frodsham Methodist Church. In aid of Chester Babygrow Appeal. Bring your items to sell either on Friday 4th April between 4-7pm or Saturday morning 9-9.30pm. Contact me for further details on 07749877823.

Messy Mice: 10am 1st and 3rd Mondays

We meet to get messy, chat and discover another story from the bible. We are looking at the life of Jesus at the moment. The session is full of busy children. So full, another pair of hands would be a great help! If you can help please speak to me.

Walks for the Summer

With longer days and some warmer weather ahead, why not join the church family and take the opportunities to meet and go for a walk. In May, June and July we are going out on a Friday night for Messy Outings, and it would be great to have a few Saturday/ Sunday events over the summer months. If anyone would like to organise these, or have suggestions of where to go let me know.

Good Friday All Age Worship and Tea

If you are around on Good Friday why don’t you join in the faith tea and worship time at Frodsham Methodist Church. A great opportunity for us to join together.

May God hold us in his love and care over the next two months. Please pray for all the children taking exams either in KS2 or above in the near future.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

Themed Preaching

We are continuing with themed preaching up to Lent, the theme for this period being ‘Learning to be Church’, and we will be looking at Sharing the Good News, Salt and Light, and Loving our enemies in 0930live!

Young Minds

This group continues to meet after 0930live! to discuss relevant topics and they are planning to lead one of the services in the next few weeks. Anyone in Year 6 or above is very welcome to join them.

10th Birthday

More than ten years ago a group met to discuss how we could better serve the needs of young families at FMC in an increasingly secular age. After much discussion 0930live! was born, with its emphasis on learning and fellowship, and our first service was in February 2004. Initially it was just once a month, until we felt God was challenging us to increase to twice a month, which we did in October 2008. Throughout, God has supported, guided, encouraged and challenged us.

As a planning team, we have grown in faith and repeatedly learn how great God is. We have witnessed families join us and grow in God’s family, and we have mourned the passing of people who encouraged from the outset: we remember with love, Mike Cairns, John and Sylvia Langley and Len Worrall. We also thank Rev’s Gordon, Pat and Denise for their support and guidance.

As part of a year of celebrations we will be having a party in the church hall Saturday 8th February from 4pm. Everyone is very welcome to come along to celebrate our 10th birthday!

Pippa Jacobson
Schools & Community Worker