I have read a Bible passage every day since I took religion seriously, some seventy years ago. In my teens, like most youngsters , I questioned and rebelled, until, on Young People's Day 1947, the preacher challenged us all to take Jesus seriously - and I felt I was being confronted by Jesus Himself. The conviction came upon me that as far as life is concerned, the Jesus way is the only way to live, whether you are old or young, no matter what race or colour, no matter what social class or period of history. The Jesus way is the only civilised way for responsible people to live - quite a realization!
I then started reading the Bible, guided by notes published by the Bible Reading Fellowship, and I have read my daily portion ever since. I've had my ups and downs in the Christian life (like everyone else), my doubts and apprehensions, my timidities and my boldnesses, my triumphs and my failures - but I have always come back to the declaration Peter made to Jesus, "To whom else can we go, you have words of eternal life" (John 6:68), and so, through the years, I have clung to the conviction, "You can't get better than Jesus". When I was in the army I wasn't quite bold enough to kneel at my bedside to say my prayers (surrounded by 23 other lads!). Instead I would sit on the bed and unobtrusively say my prayers and read my Bible. Lads would sometimes come up to me and say, "What are you reading, Count?" (My nickname was Count because, at that time - 1948/1950 - the Secretary General of United Nations was a Swede named Count Bernadotte!) So, "What are you reading, Count?" - "The Bible" - "Oh aye", and that was often the end of that; but sometimes it would lead to interesting, and at times profound, conversations about life - and religion - but never to ridicule or abuse. The helpful thing about using Bible reading notes is that you are led into parts of the Bible you would miss if left to your own preferences, and you receive help in understanding difficult passages. For instance, on June 27 this year, the passage was Isaiah 50:4, "The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word ... morning by morning he wakens ... my ear to listen ". Isaiah is a prophet preaching to keep people near to God in difficult times, and here we have an interesting connection between the TONGUE OF THE TEACHER and THE EAR TO LISTEN. Many of the troubles in life spring from the disconnection between speaking and hearing. So often we are more ready to speak than to listen. We preachers can be more ready to speak FOR God than to listen TO God - but then, isn't the world full of people who prefer their own words rather than the words of God, and their own ways rather than the ways of God? Just as the touchstone to understanding the Bible is Jesus, so also the touchstone to understanding the heart and ways of God is Jesus. This is clearly demonstrated in a beautiful hymn by F W Faber (Hymns & Psalms 230). Without even mentioning His name, we are drawn into His presence, we glimpse the very heart of God, and we find ourselves speechless in wonder, love and praise. "There's a wideness in God's mercy ... v1 There's a wideness in God's mercy, Like the wideness of the sea; There's a kindness in his justice which is more than liberty. v4 For the love of God is broader than the measures of man's mind; And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. v5 But we make his love too narrow by false limits of our own; And we magnify his strictness with a zeal he will not own. v6 If our love were but more simple we should take him at his word; And our lives would be illumined by the presence of our Lord. Rev Bernard Dodd, July 2015
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“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 As you read this you will be aware that a lot has happened since the Frodsham Forum a year ago on Anti Human Trafficking. A lot of energy has been given after the forum in engaging with other groups and in particular, politicians and Government Ministers with regard to improving the Modern Slavery Bill, which became an Act of Parliament on the 26th March 2015.
The Act will strengthen the response of law enforcement and the courts by: Increasing the maximum sentence available for the most serious offenders from 14 years to life imprisonment; Ensuring that perpetrators convicted of slavery or trafficking face the toughest asset confiscation regime; Consolidating and simplifying existing modern slavery offences into one Act; Introducing Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders to restrict the activity of individuals where they pose a risk of causing harm; Strengthening law enforcement powers at sea to close loopholes which can prevent the police and Border Force being able to act on board vessels at sea. The Modern Slavery Act will ensure victims receive the protection and support they deserve by: Creating a statutory defence for victims of modern slavery so that they are not inappropriately criminalised; Giving the courts new powers to order perpetrators of slavery and trafficking to pay Reparation Orders to their victims; Providing for child advocates to support child victims of trafficking; Extending special measures so that all victims of modern slavery can be supported through the criminal justice process; Providing statutory guidance on victim identification and victim services, including an enabling power to put the relevant processes on a statutory basis; Introducing protections for victims of abuse on an overseas domestic workers visa. Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner The Act also establishes the UK’s first ever Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner to drive forward the law enforcement response and hold them to account at all levels, ensuring that the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted and that the victims are swiftly identified so they can get help. The Act Everybody is pleased that the Act is now law. Although all agree there is more to be done, such as identifying hidden slavery in the supply chains of Major companies. Churches Together Against Trafficking Churches can act Together and be a large organisation against trafficking. 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 fund and similar front line organisations. Raise awareness, get organised! Over the last few years Churches Together have had a, Forum to raise awareness, established links with other groups, ecumenical services, coffee mornings, talks to church groups and others, fund raising for front line organisations. Why not see us at the Cheshire Show on the 23rd and 24th June? We have joined forces with the Soroptimist’s at their Tent with the ‘Stop the Traffic - Gift Box. Don’t pass by, say, Hello. This is just part of the work that has and is going on to help people become aware of what Human Trafficking is and what they can do to combat it. The work of Churches Together is to raise awareness in all communities and to support organisations in the front line. If you wish to help, donations can be made to: Churches Together Against Trafficking- The TSB bank - sort code 77-48-03 account 16203160. If you would like further details about the work of Churches Together Against Trafficking please email: frodshamforuminfo@gmail.com Stephen Pickett “We want a fresh moral vision of the kind of country we want to be.” So wrote the bishops of the Anglican Church in February in a strongly-worded attack on Britain’s political culture in the run-up to the general election. And they called on all Christians to use their vote “even though it may have to be a vote for something less than a vision that inspires us”. The Saturday after the publication of this letter, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was the keynote speaker at a conference in Coventry organised by the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) which campaigns on behalf of the Baptist, Methodist and URC churches, and which we (John and Elizabeth) were fortunate to attend. The conference was entitled ‘Love your Neighbour: Think, Pray, Vote’, and encouraged participants to bring their understanding of the gospel to bear on their voting intentions in May. The Archbishop gave an inspiring address, skilfully weaving his way through the issues without taking any sort of party political line. He encouraged us to be hopeful about our society, to celebrate the good things that have been done by recent governments, and to rejoice in the freedom that we have to discuss these issues openly. At the same time we should not be complacent, but ask challenging questions about how inequality is to be lessened and about how we become a fairer society, taking better care of the poor and vulnerable. He said that as Christians, following a God of love and justice, “We speak out because loving our neighbour is in our DNA.” He urged us to challenge cynicism wherever we found it, (and was overtly critical of Russell Brand’s message of nihilism). He urged us not just to ‘think, pray and vote’ but also to ACT. By doing so we could ‘change the wind’ and help to bring about a fairer, more just and equitable society where all may flourish. The conference then broke up into workshops – choosing which two to attend was really difficult, as they all looked inspiring! We finally chose to go together to one on climate change first. This was a little disappointing, as it rather dodged the big scientific issues and homed in on the need to live more simply and sustainably (though that in itself was challenging). After lunch, John went to a workshop on poverty, and I did ‘Preaching and Praying Social Justice’. You may already have noticed that’s a bit of a hobby-horse of mine! Again, there was much to inspire and challenge. The day ended with Rev Ruth Gee, former President of the Methodist Conference, preaching on words from Micah chapter 6, verse 8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Elizabeth Holmes The letter of James
Since the beginning of this year we have been studying the letter of James, since he addresses subjects that we thought are still very relevant to our everyday lives. We started by challenging people to find it in the bible! Then handed out bookmarks to help us return to the letter each time. We covered topics like putting our faith to work and acted out the parable of the Good Samaritan; we read what James had to say about being slow to anger and thought about ways to control our anger and we thought about the destructive potential of our tongues. Simon offered us an excellent way to remember: we should ThiNK before we speak/ text – is it True? Is it Necessary to say it? And is it Kind? We have had good feedback that studying a book in the Bible has been useful, so we will try it again in the future. 11 years of 0930live! In February we celebrated 11 years of 0930live! and gave thanks to God for his strength and grace that have enabled so many people to be involved in and enjoy this form of regular worship. We hope that He has great plans for us over this next year. Eastertide This year is the first that 0930live! does not fall on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday. Therefore we have to be creative about how we tell this amazingly important story. We are planning a contemplative review of the themes from James prior to Good Friday and then plenty of praise in the weeks following Easter. We do hope that you can join us at these services. Pippa Jacobson Community and Schools 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 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 Latest ideas and News for Families and Children ...
Greenbelt 2015 As you might have read in the notices, the Church Council is happy to help subsidise the cost for people to go to Greenbelt this year, which is on the August Bank holiday weekend, 28th-31st August. Rev'd. Denise and I are willing to supervise a group; others may want to help too. Families are welcome to join us. Please talk to either Rev'd. Denise or me if you are interested. To get tickets at the best price we need to commit as soon as the tickets are released. Take a look at the Greenbelt website. Our Treasurer has offered for the Church to help with payment up front if this is needed, but once committed and ticket is paid for, it is your responsibility to pay. A booking form will be out soon - look out for more details, and let Rev'd. Denise or me know as soon as possible if you would like to come. Children’s Event 2015 Following on from the successful World War One evening, I am sure the older children in Church would like to do something together this year. Has anyone got any suggestions! So far we have had suggestions of a sleepover, sponsored walk, or car wash. No Camping trip but a day together instead This year we are fitting our 0930live! camping ideas into a day. So if you haven’t fancied camping, you might like the sound of meeting together for a day of activities, and cooking tea in the open air, with games and finishing with worship. This may be for you! Keep 4th July free as a potential date and look out for further details. We will not be travelling far from home, but will hopefully be at a venue outside Frodsham. Anyone for puppets? Having found some puppets who are eager to be brought to life, I need a team of children/ adults to make this happen. Additional puppets may be required before we can work on a sketch. Find out more at 0930live! or by speaking to me. Toddlers is having a makeover! Thursdays at 9.15am Still £2 per family. Since starting back this year, we have set out the rooms in a different way. Moving the larger toys into the smaller room and the craft/snack tables down the hall separating the Baby area from the main hall. This has quietened the large hall and given parents better space to stand and chat. We are still experimenting with the layout so any other suggestions would be helpful. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker Dear friends,
A slightly belated Happy New Year! It’s good to be starting a new year, and for me it’s good to be back amongst you all. I’ve missed you very much. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, cards and cakes! We (Frodsham Methodist Church Leadership Team) are hoping to look at things with fresh eyes with your help this year. You will have seen by now questionnaires that are being handed out to everyone who is connected to the church through attendance of some form or another. Or you may be more technologically able and filling in the questionnaire online on Survey Monkey. The manner of your participating is not important – but your participation is. We want to try to plan for the future. We want to see what God is saying to us as His family of Methodists in Frodsham about priorities for the next year, and three years, and five years... You might think it doesn’t matter, or you’re happy with how things are. Well, please tell us that. You might want some things to be different, or for us to do something new – so please tell us that too. My one request to you each is this – whatever you write, whatever box you tick, whatever comment you formulate – please do it from careful and most importantly, prayerful reflection. The Leadership of the church will be listening to your voices – and through you to the voice of God. So, please will you help us to complete this piece of work – so that we might be ready and able to serve God now, but also in the future. And when the responses come in, by the middle of February, please look out for the Church meeting where it will all be presented and discussed – you are part of the life of the church and we want you - I want you - to be part of shaping the future under God’s care and wisdom. Thank you, and God bless you, Reverend Denise Harding Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery and millions of people around the world are subjected to it. The techniques used by traffickers and the forms in which trafficking is manifested are various, but what is common to them all is the exploitation of some people by other people. Those who are victimized include babies, children, teenagers, women and men.
Jesus taught that no one should live in physical or spiritual bondage. He said, ‘The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’’ (Luke 4: 18 – 19). He was quoting Isaiah 61: 1 – 2. Later in Isaiah 61 are these words, ‘I, the Lord, love justice! But I hate robbery and injustice.’ (v. 8). Consequently, Christians are called upon to work for the elimination of all forms of human trafficking. The Church Council of Frodsham Methodist Church have decided to support two charities carrying out important work in this area as the Church Charity for 2015. Both organisations also welcome our support as prayer partners. Since its inception, The Salvation Army has sought to reduce the worldwide phenomenon of abuse of individuals or groups of people for personal gain, now defined by the United Nations as human trafficking. It has established places of refuge for victims, sought legal changes that would both prevent trafficking and punish those involved, and it has created alternatives for those vulnerable to trafficking. Through its constituent territories, corps, centres and individual members, The Salvation Army continues to plan and undertake culturally and biblically appropriate responses which will help to eliminate the development or continuation of any form of human trafficking. The International Justice Mission is a global organisation of Christian professionals who aim to rescue people from slavery and restore them to safety and to build up justice systems to make slavery more difficult. It is the largest casework based Human Rights organisation working in the developing world. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems. We will be welcoming Hannah Flint from IJM and Gladys Ljungholm from the Salvation Army to talk to us at morning services later in the year. If you would like to find out more about their work in the meantime you can have a look at their websites: www.ijmuk.org and www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/antitrafficking Carolyn Frayne 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 frodshamforuminfo@gmail.com. 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.: thebeaconhop@btconnect.com 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 |
Pastoral LettersWritten by the Minister & Members
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