**The below reflection is published by kind permission of Professor Clive Marsh, Vice President of the Methodist Conference 2019-20. It was first published yesterday in Theology Everywhere, where a reflection on an issue or topic is posted each Monday. All are welcome to subscribe.** We are using a whole new language. (‘Are you on mute?’, ‘Send me a link’, ‘Are you the host?’) Digital natives (those who’ve lived with computers since birth) are simply saying ‘welcome to our world!’ (the new real world?). Those not au fait, or even wanting to be au fait, with such technology are saying ‘but I’m now not part of the “we”’ you’ve just referred to. So when this is all over, I won’t be within what you’re calling “the new normal”.’ And I won’t even mention the question of ‘Zoom Communion’. I’ll just say it’s at times like this I’m glad I’m not a presbyter. No one can buttonhole me (even virtually) and ask why on earth we can’t ‘do Communion’ across the WWW and expect me to be able to do anything about it.
‘Zoom Communion’ is, though, just the tip of a very large iceberg of issues raised by the digital world for the ways in which the church conducts itself, undertakes its mission, and in which theology takes shape. I can quite see why those who actively explore ‘digital theology’ become exasperated with a church which seems to go at a snail’s pace when, from their perspective, ‘things have to change (and quickly)’. I can also sense (and sometimes share) the alarm of what might happen if too many changes happened too rapidly, and too substantially. There can be little doubt that when our lockdown ends, or as its strictures are gradually relaxed, when social distancing is eased, and when we take stock of what has been happening in recent weeks, digital theology will have more allies, or sympathizers: ‘you know, that Zoom thing really is good. It’s got me thinking about the different ways our theology of conferring could happen.’ ‘Pastoral care could be thought of differently, you know, than we’ve been doing it for years.’ ‘More people might be willing to join in with meetings, so we could have a more diverse group.’ ‘Class meetings could make a comeback.’ That’s only the positive stuff, of course. There are counter-arguments too. Lots of people I know are ‘Zoomed out’ already through all meetings and one-to-ones going online. Plenty are missing seeing others (really seeing), not to mention the extroverts who need their hugs. I’ve been wondering myself whether I’ll get things wrong ‘after lockdown’ – or at least behave awkwardly – by hugging people I’ve never hugged in my life before (and can’t honestly remember whether I have) simply because I’ll be so pleased to see them. It will take a while to adjust after the initial re-assessment of social relations (actual and virtual). But we will, I hope, start to ask harder questions, and in fresh ways, such as: when do we need to meet in person? What is best done online, not just for money-saving reasons, but also for the sake of resisting climate change, and to save time? And these practical questions are caught up within a bigger range of issues of direct theological import, not least about creation, Sabbath, and what ‘church’ is anyway. Behind those hidden, theological framework kinds of questions other, even more basic, stuff is buzzing around too. What is ‘really real’ anyway? The terms ‘virtual’ and ‘real’ have become fuzzy, but have helpfully pressed us to say what is ‘real’. ‘Fake’ has also intervened as an overused, but still important, term. ‘Virtual’ is not the same as ‘fake’. But the realm of the ‘fictional’, the ‘made-up’ is tangled up in there too. This has always been the case in the worlds of faith, belief and theology. We do make things up (even some of our God stories) but that’s only because it’s sometimes hard to get at what’s true and real (really real), as what’s real and true has never simply been about ‘what happens’ or what we can prove (scientifically). I recall that one of the first pieces I ever wrote which had to do with the Internet (20 years ago? I can’t even remember) was prompted by claims that it would give us a whole new understanding of the Holy Spirit. I’ve seen some of the thoughts I put on paper back then re-emerging in articles and blogposts which have appeared in recent weeks. The Holy Spirit is really real, even whilst not visible, and yet seems very active as people connect ‘virtually’. A new insight brought to my attention in the lockdown is how inclusive some new more informal forms of church are proving for those on the autism spectrum. People can be involved (e.g. doing a craft or art activity at home amongst family members) in a ‘bigger congregation’ without necessarily having to look at the camera, and without the stress (for them or for other family-members) of ‘going to church’. All I hope, in the post-lockdown phase of the church’s life, is that we don’t get polarized, and that we do really reflect carefully and appropriately critically on the experiences that we’ve been having. For some, it will be about ‘getting back to normal’ (for which read ‘proper worship’). But what if the online worship has sometimes felt more ‘real’ than some of our past Sunday activity? What if we find that online life has added a new depth to what we go back to experiencing on Sunday (or Monday, or Wednesday, or whenever our face-to-face worship happens)? There will, in other words, need to be fresh considerations about what is real, and what helps us connect with the Really Real (I’m sure someone must have used that term for God before) in all our post-lockdown theological debate – whether or not the word ‘theology’ itself is used. Professor Clive Marsh Vice President of the Methodist Conference 2019-20
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Frodsham Methodist Church's Christmas Tree Festival 2018 was officially opened by the member of parliament for the Weaver Vale constituency, Mr Mike Amesbury, MP, last night Friday 7th December). The Christmas Tree Festival is open on both Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday will see special worship services amongst the trees. Do come along. We hope to see you there. Join us to celebrate the charities and voluntary organisations that work so hard in our community.
Fun afternoon with activities, food tasting, a walk ans a talent concert. More details to follow. The Cheshire Churches Together Service for 2017 will take place in Frodsham. It will be celebrated at St. Laurence Parish Church on Sunday 22nd January at 3 pm. We are privelaged that the preacher will be Rev’d. Dr. Roger Walton, President of the Methodist Conference. The focus will be on reconciliation between our different Churches and promises to be a rewarding time. Dr. Walton is former Director of the Wesley Study Centre in Durham and the author of a number of books and articles. You are all most welcome and encouraged to come and share this time together. The Cheshire Churches Together Service for 2017 will take place in Frodsham. It will be celebrated at Saint Laurence Parish Church, Frodsham, on Sunday 22nd January at 3 pm.
The focus will be on reconciliation between our different Churches and promises to be a rewarding time. You are all most welcome and are encouraged to come and share this time together. 'Rejoice Greatly' - Wesley Church Centre, Chester City Centre, Saturday 3rd December at 12.45pm - a celebration of church music with a seasonal flavour, with Rebecca Ramsey, Soprano.
All are welcome at this festive event--what a lovely way to start an afternoon of Christmas shopping. If you are not sure where Wesley is, check out the map below. Chester and Stoke-on-Trent District Rally led by The President, Rev'd. Steve Wild, and the Vice-President, Dr. Jill Barber, of the Methodist Conference
Longton Methodist Central Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2JH On Sunday 13th March 2016 at 6.30 pm Light refreshments from 4.30 pm. Free parking at rear of church adjacent to Tesco, Longton A District Youth Event will be held on Saturday 21 June from 11:00am to 5:00pm at Brereton Heath Nature Reserve. This event is in support of the Street Child World Cup. Further details about this work can be viewed here. If you are interested or want more details, speak to Andrea Ellams, Young Families Worker, or e-mail enquiries:frodshammethodist.org.
On Tuesday 10th December we are able to visit the Beacon House of Prayer, which is in Stoke-on-Trent, to spend time learning how the House works, using the prayer spaces in the House and joining in their prayer gathering that happens between 12 and 1pm.
Karen Porter, the pastor, will talk to us about how the House came into being and they will provide a sandwich lunch. A donation will be given at the end of the day. We shall leave soon after 9am and leave the House mid-afternoon. If you would like to go please speak to Andrea Ellams or e-mail andrea.ellams@frodshammethodist.org. For more information about the Beacon House of Prayer, visit their website. Welcome to our first craft fair! There will be plenty of stalls selling and demonstrating all kinds of crafts, with plenty of ideas for presents. Special demonstrations in the craft room and children’s activities. The garden will be decorated and you can sit and relax in the ‘knit and natter’ area. Why not come for lunch or afternoon tea with home-made soup, freshly made sandwiches and a variety of cakes on sale. For more information, do e-mail us on craftfair@frodshammethodist.org. Please put 30th June at 4pm in your diaries now - this will be the Circuit evening service where Mr. Alan Carter will be admitted as a Local Preacher, and it will be followed by refreshments. We are very pleased to be able to host special event and all are welcome to attend.
Today, we welcome our new Minister, the Rev'd. Denise Harding officially to Frodsham and to our Circuit.
Ms Harding will be celebrating at our monthly 9.30am service of Holy Communion and then there will be a Circuit Service beginning at 6pm, though you are invited to come from 5pm. This will be led by our Chair of District, Rev'd. Peter Barber. This will be both a service of welcome and also to celebrate the joining of the Chester and Delamere Forest Circuits. In addition, Mr. Ken Jackson, a local preacher from Chester, will be leading our usual 10.45 Worship. All are invited to this special day in our Church and we look forward to seeing you. The service arrangements are as follows:- 4.30pm to 5.15pm: Messy Church 5.15 to 6.00pm: Family-friendly Service 6.00pm to 6.30pm: Food, Chat and Farewells Please feel welcome to attend all or just some of the parts of the event that is being arranged. This is a Circuit service and we also welcome friends from all the other churches in the Delamere Forest Circuit. Pat will also celebrate her final service of Holy Communion with us at 9.30am. A Service of welcome and installation of Susie Treeton as the Chaplain of Chapelfields Care Home will take place this Sunday, 8th July at 2.30pm at Chapelfields Care Home, Frodsham. Chapelfields is managed by Methodist Homes for the Aged (MHA). Please do come along and share in this important event. All welcome. Chester Methodist Circuit in partnership with the Delamere Forest Circuit present: A Taste of Haiti
Saturday 31st March 2012 at 7.00 p.m. Supper Event at Caldy Valley Neighbourhood Church, Chester, CH3 5PR The speaker will be the Rev’d. Marcus Torchon. Tickets £8.00 per head. Places are limited. Please book your place by telephoning Sheila Roberts on 01244 336754 by 25th March. Raffle Proceeds to Methodist Fund for World Mission Joint Circuit Messy Choices at Frodsham Methodist Church Sunday 4th March, 2012 Starting time 4.30pm for crafts and activities, Worship at 5.15pm followed by tea Everyone welcome – all ages! A time to chat, meet and make friends and chill. Come for all or part of the time. There will be crafts, bread making, parachute people, decorating stones, build a tower, an obstacle course and the chance to decorate a mural. This will be a chance for the new Circuit (made up of the Chester Circuit and Delamere Forest Circuit) to meet together for worship.
Afternoon Tea of sandwiches, pizza, salads and cake for all! For more information text or ring Andrea Ellams on 07749877823. Year Sevens and above are invited to:
THE MIX YOUTH EVENT on SUNDAY 26th FEBRUARY – 4pm START (ADMISSION FREE) This includes a mix of workshops: DANCE WORKSHOP (led by professional dance students), ARTS WORKSHOP (led by a community artist), DRUMMING WORKSHOP (using various percussion instruments - led by a qualified drummer) PLUS EVENING ENTERTAINMENT with THE IDENTITY & A LOCAL ENTERTAINER (to be confirmed) VENUE: WESLEY CHURCH CENTRE, ST. JOHN STREET, CHESTER If you would like to go please let Andrea know (07749877823). Transport can be arranged. We are delighted that Janet Batey, member at The Hurst Methodist Church, Kingsley, has now completed her Local Preacher studies.
There will be a special Circuit Recognition Service on Friday 13th January at 7.00pm at The Hurst, when Janet will give her testimony and be received as a fully-accredited Local Preacher. Please come and support Janet at this event. For more information, e-mail enquiries@frodshammethodist.com. |
ReflectionsThe reflections here are written by members of our congregation.
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