 The book club at Frodsham Methodist Church continues to meet on every third Wednesday of the month at 7.30. New members are always welcome.
At our June meeting we were very fortunate to be visited by local lay preacher Dr Judy Ford, who talked to us about her novel, Awayday, that we had read for the meeting. She told us about writing her books, and where her inspiration comes, and answered lots of questions, including how to design a book cover. Awayday is a traditional ‘whodunnit’ set amongst the dons of an Oxford college. Very few of us had guessed ‘whodunnit’ before we reached the end of the book. If you are interested in reading a ‘whodunnit’ that will leave you with something to think about then I can highly recommend one of her novels. These are the books that we are reading for the rest of the year: August 17th – Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey September 21st - Momo by Michael Ende October 19th - Travelling to infinity by Jane Hawkins November 16th - After You by Jo Jo Moyes Patricia Barnard
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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 Review of the year
In our final 0930live! of the year, we revisited some of the themes we have looked at since September. As we planned this last service, we reflected that we had concentrated on aspects of God’s character before Christmas, then looked at Jesus’ characteristics up to Easter. Finally, we considered how it was the power of the Holy Spirit that brought about the dramatic change in Peter. In a previous service, we had used the imagery of the Olympic rings to remind us that we are all joined to one another. A Venn diagram (cruel so soon after GCSEs) showing God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit interlocking, with us in the middle,emphasised that whilst we are all connected, we rely on the Trinity to sustain us. Our challenge to ourselves before our long summer break was; in a world full of so many needs, what could we do over the holidays to make a difference? We used the Starfish story to illustrate the thought that we can make a difference to people in small ways. Starfish Story A girl was walking along a beach throwing starfish that had been washed up by the tide back into the sea. A man saw her and, laughing, asked her why she was bothering to do it as there were thousands and she couldn’t possibly throw them all back. In response, the girl picked up one starfish and threw it into the water, saying that she had made a difference to that one. She continued to do this whilst he turned and walked away. But instead of walking off, the man slowly turned, bent down and started to throw the starfish back into the sea. Hopefully, we can all make a difference to someone through the next few weeks until we meet again in September. Pippa Jacobson Community and Schools Worker Dear Friends,
A change of minister is an opportunity to step back and to reflect on how our story has led us to this point. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate ministry. By ministry, I don’t mean that of Denise, Neil or Andrew Emison, I mean the ministry of Frodsham Methodist Church. In September, it will be my privilege to come alongside of you in ministry, listening to what you have discerned that God is calling us to do. In time,your ministry will become our ministry, but it will never be “mine”. It is true that Conference is sending me to take a “principal and directing role” amongst you, but that leadership is to be modelled on Jesus as he takes towel and bowl and kneels before those he calls friends. My first task will be to not break the good, courageous and mission-shaped work which is already happening! The calling we share is to be a priestly, prophetic and evangelising fellowship within our community that celebrates and shares God’s love. In our Methodist understanding, no part of that great calling is exclusively mine, but it is my privilege to share in it with you. I already know that I am joining a gifted team. As I met with various people during my visit I was struck by how many chose to mention how much they valued the ministry of Andrea and Pippa and of the gifting and grace of our Leadership Team. Our Vision and Strategy Document 2015-2020 clearly represents a significant work of discernment and provides the framework for our way forward. We have resilient structures, we shall continue to need prayer, the ministry of God’s Word, the power of the Holy Spirit and most of all God’s grace as together we seek to join in God’s mission. We shall continue to pray for Denise as she finishes her sabbatical and moves to Crewe/South Cheshire and for Neil as he continues to lead the life and ministry of our circuit. We celebrate the glory of Christian ministry to which we are called and in which we all share: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) ‘Alleluia! Amen! Naomi, Matthew and Sophie share my excitement as we join with you to take the next steps in our discipleship together. Grace and peace. Andrew |
Pastoral LettersWritten by the Minister & Members
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