Beacon House of Prayer

I first went to the Beacon house of prayer two years ago on a Lay workers’ training day and was very impressed and amazed at what the house has to offer people and what God has done during the six years since it opened. It is situated very near a roundabout on the edge of the town of Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, and offers a space for people to go and join in the worship/ prayer times, or use the prayer rooms. The website tells their story ...

"We moved to Stoke on Trent in 2003 to serve a local Methodist church. At the start of 2006 we stepped out of that to seek God for a future direction in ministry. It felt as if we were standing on the edge of a new field with God saying ‘you can’t see a way but I will make a way.’ Over a period of six months we prayed and talked with friends about developing a new ministry. One word became crystal clear—’God is calling you to raise up houses of prayer, healing and renewal. In the midst of a significant citywide prayer movement since 2001 the clear prophetic call from God to us was: 'I want you to build me a house of radical worship, teaching and prayer, where the lost will be saved, the sick healed, the downtrodden raised up and my glory revealed. It shall be a holy house, a light on a hill, marked by my presence which you will carry to the nations. This is what has happened".

In December a few of us went to the house and after having a tour of the house, listening to their story, we joined in their midday worship time, when other people came in to worship with us. After lunch we spent time by ourselves in the prayer rooms. None of us wanted to leave at the end of the day.

If you want to experience a place for you and God and discover ideas to worship God then why don’t you come with us next time we visit? A comment from one person who came to the house in December, " I have really enjoyed today, it was so calm in the house, I didn’t want to leave".

Take a look at their website here.

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.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women into the Methodist ministry. So it is perhaps appropriate that we should begin our series on Women in Methodism by profiling the current President of the Methodist Conference, Rev'd. Ruth Gee.

In 1974 Ruth visited the Taizé community in France with a group of friends. One day she had been praying in a local Roman Catholic church when she felt very strongly that God was calling her to the ordained ministry, although she had no idea whether that was possible for a woman in the Methodist Church. What a coincidence that she should feel that call in the very year that it did indeed become possible!

59-year-old Ruth was born in Dorset and brought up in Wiltshire in a Methodist family (her father was a local preacher). She trained as a teacher of RE and English, and gained a degree in theology at Hull University. While there she met her future husband, Robert, at the University Methodist Society (Meth Soc - many Methodists will testify to what a good place Meth Socs were for finding future partners!). Robert is also a Methodist minister and they have two grown-up children, Andrew and Rachel.

After some years in Circuit ministry, mostly in northern England, Ruth became Chair of the Darlington district in 2008. Her election as President makes her only the fourth woman to have held this position. The Conference is the governing body of Methodism in Britain, and meets annually in July. The President (always a presbyteral minister) and Vice-President (a lay person or a deacon) are elected to serve for one year only. During that year the President acts as the Church’s representative in the world - for instance this year Ruth attended the Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. And, as John Wesley did, they travel the length and breadth of Britain, and overseas, preaching and visiting Methodist projects, and always encouraging and inspiring the Church in its mission.

It is usual for the President and Vice-President to choose a particular theme for their year. A woman of deep spirituality, Ruth wants the Church to become an ‘expectant people’, expecting to see glimpses of the glory of God everywhere around us. God is in everything, even the most mundane. But this is not just a ‘religious feeling’ - her belief that we can recognise the presence of God everywhere leads her to a passionate sense of anger about inequality and injustice.

In her Christmas message to the Church, Ruth quoted the first chapter of John’s gospel, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us; and we beheld his glory", and called on us all to be generous with our time and our love in response.

If you want to know more about what Ruth is doing in her Presidential year, you can follow her blog.

Elizabeth Holmes

Dear friends,

What exciting times we are in as a church family! The new monthly service for everyone - 4All - is going really well, and all the comments are really positive. Thank you for being part of this new worship event – an opportunity for all the family of the church to be together, and to share in worship and fellowship. If you haven’t yet given it a go, do come and join us. It is at 10.45am on the first Sunday of the month, and there is something for everyone!

The Leadership Team are very aware that bringing together people in the church means that people are meeting others whose names they don’t know, and whose stories they don’t know either. Would you be part of helping us to get to know each other a bit better? Would you be able to send a picture of you (and your family) with names clearly showing who is who in the photograph, to my Administrator Caroline Warrey? And if you can say a bit about yourself/your family that would help even more. Things like where you grew up/what jobs you have done/when you became a Christian/any interesting facts we may not know! If you could do this in February then Caroline can soon put together a church family photograph album which we will keep in church so if you aren’t sure of someone’s name, you can go and take a look in the album. But the big challenge will be getting everyone to do this! If sending something by email ([email protected]) is too much of a challenge to you, then drop the photo in an envelope through the Manse door with a note describing who is in the photo (please don’t presume that I know all your names either – I’m still learning too!). I hope that this will help us learn each other’s names and grow closer together as a family.

We also have had a wonderful time sharing in an Advent Course watching the BBC Nativity DVD before Christmas. In fact it was so popular that we are going to watch another DVD – Chocolat – for a Lent Course. Join us first of all on Saturday 15th March at 7pm to watch the Chocolat film together, and then on five Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm on 18th and 25th March, and 1st, 8th and 15th April. We had a great time last time. Why not come and join us for this next film session?

There is a lot going on in the life of our church – which fills me with delight, and huge thankfulness for all your hard work and commitment and participation. Isn’t this a wonderful family to be part of? One more thing for you to look out for — there will be special events during Holy Week to help us prepare for Good Friday and Easter. Do join in as you wish and as you are able – take the time in quiet reflection as we prepare to accept once more the gift of life that Jesus gave us through his death and resurrection.

God bless you,

Rev'd. Denise Harding

Rev'd. Denise Harding would like to share Christmas greetings with all her friends in Frodsham and would like to wish you the peace and joy of the Christmas season. 

Thank you all for your love and support through the past year. May you, your friends and your families have a blessed New Year. God bless, and thank you for a great year!

Rev'd. Denise Harding

I remember vividly a painting on the wall of the Sunday School room at the Church I attended whilst at university. It presented a Jesus with translucent white skin surrounded by children of the Empire. This is one of the challenges Christian missionaries have traditionally encountered in China, and no doubt many other countries; the perception that Christianity is a Western idea, just for Westerners.

In some ways, as Western goods and products become coveted goods in China, this challenge is being transformed into a blessing as more and more—especially young—people are attracted into churches by this very perception. The Church I attend in Wuhan holds a weekly English-language service, which is attended mostly by Chinese people and is followed by an English Corner, which attracts people who are not Christian and openly declare they are not interested in exploring faith, but come merely to practice English.

One of the most exciting ways of challenging this perception of Jesus I have encountered recently is through art and the Chinese-born artist He Qi (pronounced Huh Chee). His paintings are full of joy and humour and draw inspiration from traditional Chinese art forms. He says he takes particular inspiration from the simple and beautiful art of the rural people of China and from traditional Buddhist artwork. According to his website, ‘He hopes to help change the 'foreign image' of Christianity in China by using artistic language, and, at the same time, to supplement Chinese art the way Buddhist art did in ancient times’.

His story seems as inspirational as his art work. He describes how growing up during the Cultural Revolution he was sent to a communal farm to un-do the ‘negative effects’ of his parent’s intellectual careers by hard labour. He escaped from this by entering, and winning, a competition to paint a portrait of Chairman Mao—the beginning of his career in art.

As we enter the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany, his painting Adoration of the Magi, painted in 2001, gives a new perspective on this integral aspect of the Christmas story. The painting draws on the traditions of the Western Church, such as showing three wise men, but also on the symbolism and colours indicative of Beijing Opera.

People’s interest in the Epiphany down the years has added many facets and insights to the story that are not in the biblical account. Once the magi arrive at Jesus’ location, we are told the scantest details without comment:

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV, St. Matthew Ch. 2, vs. 11)

An unspecified number of wise men have become three kings and the gifts they brought have been given defined meanings: gold ‘for a king,’ frankincense ‘for God,’ and myrrh as a sign of suffering and death. This has become a kind of fact.

Early Christian thinkers seem to have had a variety of different interpretations of what these symbols meant. Just as He Qi’s painting is trying to change Chinese perceptions of Christianity, perhaps his new perspective on the magi can also help us to lay aside our ‘We Three Kings’ concept for a few moments and to think more widely about what the symbolism of these symbols was.

The Chinese Church seems to stress the importance of the Old Testament concept of tithing and often sermons in the Church I attend remind the congregation of the need to tithe, giving ten percent of all income away,—some might wonder if this is a helpful message for a congregation of people exploring faith for the first time, mostly made up of the poorly paid and students.

Just as we may struggle to buy Christmas gifts for a relative who seems to have everything they need, the gifts the magi brought, expensive as they were, seem insignificant gifts to give to a God who created all things and to offer before the greatest gift we have been given—Jesus. In his account, St. Matthew tells us they bowed down, worshipped Jesus and then opened their treasures.

One perspective on these gifts would be that the magi are offering to God the instruments they use in their divinations, and with them their jobs, their work and even their belief systems. What is important is not the value or use of what they offer (as in our traditional understanding of this tale), but what is meant by this giving. By this interpretation, what we offer God should not be limited to a tithe of what we have but perhaps the actions of the wise men act as a symbol, a reminder, to offer everything—our words, our worship, our singing, our dancing, our liturgy, our church buildings, every penny we spend, our lives, all we are—to God.

St. Bruno, an eleventh-century Italian Benedictine abbot (not to be confused with the patron saint of tobacconists!) saw gold, frankincense and myrrh as the offering of our wisdom, prayer and lives. He said, ‘Thus, we offer the Lord gold when we shine in his sight with the light of heavenly wisdom. We offer him frankincense when we send up pure prayer before him, and myrrh when, mortifying our flesh with its vices and passions and by self-control, we carry the cross behind Jesus.’

The great theme of Epiphany is how, for the first time, Jesus was revealed to the gentiles—non-Jews—and perhaps for each of us Epiphany can offer a different revelation. There needs to be no limit to how we offer ourselves to God—it’s not all about expensive gifts offered publicly to God.

For some people, yes, this might be offering money and riches to be used for service to others. For some it might be giving our time to a friend or family member who needs our care. For some it might be offering service to the community or to the stranger. For others it might be offering our intellect, our profession or artistic skills. Some might open their home and possessions for others to use. And for yet others it might be about offering prayer and meditation to God.

One of the joys of living in another culture is the different perspectives it can give one on everyday objects, occurrences and activities. He Qi’s artwork can help us all experience a new perspective on Christmas and Epiphany.

Matthew

Living the Jesus Way

Since September we have been following a series of themes under the title ‘Living the Jesus Way’. This is the first time for a while that we have set a theme of such duration and, as a team, we have found that it has greatly helped to streamline planning sessions. The feedback has been very positive, largely I think because the issues raised affect us all at different levels throughout life.

Young Minds

Setting themes has also been important for the success of our new initiative ‘Young Minds’. This is the group of Year 6+ that now meets after 0930live! to discuss the week’s theme and prepare material for the next service. They have produced videos, spray-painted graffiti and discussed how and why we judge others. Simon has led the group so far, and has done an excellent job with his inimitable light-touch approach! Expect to hear more from Young Minds in the future…

Celebration ahead

In February, we at 0930live! will have been praising God for 10 years, and we think that’s worth celebrating! Not only do we want to thank God for his faithfulness through the years, and for the wonderful fellowship and friendships we have enjoyed, but also ask his blessing and hand to be on all our future plans. It is our prayer that he will encourage us to reach deeper into our community to take the message of his grace and love to those who have still to hear it.

Pippa Jacobson
Community and Schools Worker

Have you bought all your gifts for Christmas yet? Are your plans for the Christmas period complete? Events like
Christmas, a birthday, a new baby or wedding take weeks to organise. With TV ads encouraging you to spend and portraying a Christmas we perhaps dream of - where is the True meaning of Christmas in all of this?

Yes, Mary and Joseph had been busy preparing for the birth of a baby, when the Roman’s census changed their plans.

Whatever your plans are for Christmas this year, take some time to examine the Christmas story again, visit one of our events or services in Church and remember why all the fuss, why all the preparation. I shall be reminding the children in school, and the families connected to Church, what Christmas is all about: a time when a new chapter in God’s relationship with people on earth began with the birth of his son.

There is the Messy Christingle on 13th December at 5pm. Come and make your own Christingle, celebrate in our service and enjoy tea together. On 22nd December at 9.30am is the 0930 Live! Nativity; come as a family, children come dressed as a shepherd or angel or wise man.

A Christmas holiday club is on 23rd December for children of primary school age, from 10am to 3pm; and the Christmas Day service is at 9.30am. Bring one of your presents with you. In all your preparations add the true meaning of Christmas into the mix.

May you all have a peaceful Christmas and God’s blessing for 2014.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

Dear friends,

We have had an eventful few months since I wrote last. We have lost three of our church members – and we mourn their passing, and of those others in the past year that we miss so much, and wish we could still have with us. And yet in the midst of deep despair and grief and pain we see the church at her very best. We see prayers being offered for those in need, we see practical help being given – including meals – to ease the load, we see love in action.

Love in action is what we find through the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. God sent his one and only Son to be amongst us and to live life as we do. He sent His Son to show us what true love is, what real comfort looks like, and to give to us the example we should follow for the rest of our lives.

Love in action is what we should live for the whole of our lives – to those on the margins, to those we find it hard to get along with, to those we have had disagreements with. Love in action is about seeing the very best in someone and wanting the very best for them, despite the circumstances we may be faced with.

Love in action is what we see on the streets of most of our cities and large towns on weekend nights with Street Pastors – showing the love of God in practical ways like giving out bottles of water and flip flops, calling a taxi to ensure those worse for wear for drink can get home safely. Please pray for the Street Pastors around the UK and the work they do to show love in action every week.

Rt. Rev'd. George Carey said recently in the media that the Church of England may die out within a generation. This, he says, is due to the lack of attention given by Ministers in the Church to the younger generations who are not filling our churches as the older generations have done. I would extend what he says to include people in churches who have no desire for change because it doesn’t fit with what they are used to. Love in action would be to accept that change is necessary if we are to see a vibrant Circuit and Church in this next generation. Love in action would be to encourage us all to share what God has gifted us with for the benefit of the growth of His Kingdom.

So – will you think and pray about this with me? What does love in action mean in your life? What does love in action mean in our life as the Methodist Church in Frodsham?

I hope that we might come to the same conclusion – love in action means putting ourselves last and others and God first – that we might be a blessing to many and God might be glorified.

May we be able to show love in action to our friends and family, within the church and in the community this Christmas and New Year. May God’s blessing be upon us as we seek to embody the nature and character of the Christ Child this season of Christmas. May we be humble enough to put others first and to place the example of Jesus Christ in front of us each and every day in our life of faith.

I pray that God’s peace and blessing will rest upon each of you this Christmas – and upon your homes and families throughout the coming year. May we start a New Year with love in action for all those God places across our paths.

Christmas greetings and Happy New Year!

With love from Rev'd. Denise

Members and friends from Frodsham Methodist Church were fortunate enough to be invited by Matt Ollier, Director of Ollier Smurthwaite Architects, to be presented with a time capsule from 1876 inserted into the original Bourne Primitive Methodist Chapel, on Main St, Frodsham. The time capsule was found behind a stone in the front of the building as contractors were making room for parking space under the main Chapel building. 

Reverend Denise Harding, Minister in Pastoral Charge of Frodsham Methodist Church, and Rev'd. Bernard Dodd, retired Minister living in Frodsham, were presented with the time capsule on the steps of the sensitively converted Chapel. Rev'd. Bernard Dodd was able to show those present that he still had possession of a Preaching Plan from 1961 showing that he preached there for the Sunday School Anniversary in that year. Rev'd. Bernard said “It has brought back memories of the previous life of the Chapel, and my preaching here”. Within the sealed glass jar was to be found a copy of the Warrington Guardian dated 18th November 1876, a Primitive Methodist Journal of Denominational and General News dated November 16th 1876, and on the back of a printed Preaching Plan from 1876 was a hand written list of the Trustees of the new Chapel, with the names of the architect and builder too.

Rev'd. Denise Harding was also able to share something of interest with the architects, and with Andrew Hayes of Your Move Estate Agency of Frodsham. This was an original parchment of the mortgage deeds dated April 1877 between the Marquis of Cholmondeley and the Trustees listed in the time capsule. This mortgage was in the amount of £400, and indicated a 999 year lease on the land the Chapel was to be built on, with an annual rent of £3.14.4 to be paid twice yearly. Andrew was fascinated by the indenture that was shown to him “We just don’t see history like this anymore since the registration of properties and land at the Land Registry. These documents often have no legal purpose any more, but are fascinating historical documents, particularly for the people of Frodsham as some of the names of the Trustees are local well known surnames”.

Since 1987 the Chapel has been in use as offices, until the last couple of years when plans have been progressed for the conversion of the building into four town houses – two in the main Chapel building, and two in the rear Schoolrooms. This has been done by the architects and builders in a thoughtful manner, trying to reflect something of the history of the building as a simple and beautiful Primitive Chapel.

Rev'd. Denise commented: “We are very grateful to Matt Ollier and the contractors at Bourne Chapel for taking the time to contact Frodsham Methodist Church in order to hand over this very precious piece of Methodist history. The way that the Chapel has been converted is a credit to the Architects, and I am sure the town houses will prove to be lovely homes for people in Frodsham. We pray that people will enjoy the building as much as previous members have done for over 100 years.” Although the Methodist tradition in Frodsham in the past was segmented between Primitive, Wesleyan and United Methodists, the current Frodsham Methodist Church is a very happy uniting of Bourne Primitive, Five Crosses Wesleyan, Trinity Wesleyan and Union United Reformed Church.

It is anticipated that the items from the time capsule will eventually find their new home at the national museum to Primitive Methodism at Engelsea Brook near Crewe. This will mean that people will be able to visit and see the items on display (as well as lots of other fascinating pieces of Methodist history). See http://www.engleseabrook-museum.org.uk/ for more information. Before this happens though, local Frodsham folk are invited to drop into Frodsham Methodist Church Hall on Saturday 23rd November between 1pm and 4pm to take a look at the time capsule and to have a cuppa and catch up with others.

One of the younger members of Frodsham Methodist Church was very excited about the finding of the time capsule. Ella Carter is a pupil at Manor House Primary School in Frodsham, and with her classmates is currently undertaking a historical study of Grace Darling from the 19th century. Ella was thrilled to be able to hold a time capsule which was hidden in the same century as Grace Darling’s life, take some photos of the materials inside it, and has included these in the school assignment to be presented to her class. 

Rev'd. Denise Harding

Earlier this year a group of people from Frodsham Methodist Church travelled to Wrexham Methodist Church to listen to the Carnival Band, who performed half of their concert in the Church and half in a local tavern! They performed many hymns from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century in the style in which they would probably have originally been sung, followed by perhaps more bawdy songs in the tavern. In their words they hope to ‘capture the enthusiasm and enjoyment which they evidently brought to their music making’ when these hymns and songs were written. 

The concert was thoroughly enjoyable, and certainly to be recommended. It was also very informative as we were told some of the history of the hymns and songs.

Until about 1700 congregations sang mainly metrical psalms.  Much religious poetry was written, such as John Bunyan’s ‘Who would true valour see’, but it was not intended to be sung. Watts began to write hymns, which as they were not strictly based on scripture, gave more freedom of expression. John and Charles Wesley became interested in this and made hymn singing an important part of their ministry.

The Methodists soon began to write new tunes for their hymns, often in a quite secular style, such as they would hear at the theatre, pleasure gardens or even the taverns.  The hymns were expressions of personal thought and feelings in emotional language.  The new tunes were varied, vital and original.  Many were written by professional musicians, such as Samuel Stanley (who also kept a tavern) but others were written by ordinary people who had no training in music.  Small groups of men were formed to improve the singing, and gradually children and eventually women were allowed to join these choirs, with instruments such as clarinets, violins, flutes and guitars being added later.

In 1761 John Wesley produced his ‘instructions for singing’

  I     Learn these tunes before you learn any others.

  II   Sing them exactly as they are printed here without altering or mending them at all …

  III  Sing ALL.  See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.

  IV   Sing LUSTILY and with good courage.  Beware of singing as if you were half dead,
        or half asleep: but lift up your voice with strength …

  V    Sing MODESTLY.  Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of
        the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony. 

  VI   Sing in TIME.  Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it.  Do not run before nor
         stay behind it, and take care not to sing too slow ….

  VII  Above all sing SPIRITUALLY.  Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at
        pleasing Him more than yourself or any other creature.’

Now there’s something to think about next Sunday!

Patricia Barnard

As 0930live! continues to thrive, we have recognised that there is now a group of older children – most of whom have been coming since it started nearly ten years ago – who need the opportunity to take a more active role. So this year we have started a new initiative called Young Minds, which is for anyone in Year 6 and above. The group meets immediately after the service in the Quiet Room, where there are bacon butties and drinks provided, and it is an adult-led session. It’s envisaged that it will be discussed-based as well as looking ahead to future 0930live! services, giving them a chance to prepare drama or short films for inclusion in the service. If you feel you would like to get involved in helping to lead this group occasionally, then please let me or one of the team know. 

In order to be able to plan for Young Minds effectively, we have set the themes for 0930live! right up to Christmas! The general subject is ‘Living the Jesus Way’ and we will be looking at how we should welcome people (even those we don’t like), the stories of the lost sheep and coins, how we should manage our money and possessions, how important words are and how we shouldn’t use God’s name inappropriately, how Jesus said we are like salt and light to the world, and how we are not to judge others. All quite challenging stuff, but central to being a Christian.

At the start of the summer holidays, a group from 0930live! went back to Beeston to camp, on what was one of the hottest days of the year. You can imagine our concern when we discovered that none of the fridges or freezers were working, and then the drains blocked and we were without sanitation…!

Fortunately Rev'd. Denise had joined us in her caravan, whose facilities she generously shared! The camp was another success and there was a great mixing of ages, with the obligatory walk to the ice cream farm on the Saturday.

Next year we are considering getting a group together to go to Greenbelt, which is over the August bank holiday; more information will follow regarding this.

Pippa Jacobson
Community & Schools Worker

I was at District Synod yesterday and the Methodist Church is asking each church to review what they do and focus on what their Christian presence means in their communities. I feel excited about the future and the new ideas being prayed and thought about at our Church at this time. May we listen, and may God guide our ideas, and inspire us to share the love he has for each of us with one another.

Messy Mice has started again after the summer holiday on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month and, as we have said goodbye to the children who have started school/pre-school, we welcomed new children and babies in September.

Messy Church is on the 3rd Friday of each month from 5-7pm. The next one is 18th October, then 15th November. On 13th December from 5-7pm it is our Messy Christingle.

Our new group for the 20’s to 40’s age range is starting on the last Monday of each month. Meeting for the first time at the Manse at 8pm in October.  We need to think up a name for the group yet but the idea is to have a time for people to get to know each other better and to spend a short time thinking about a Christian topic. We are hopefully running the group during the day once a month for those who find the evening difficult. Watch this space!

Pippa and I are pleased to be continuing our time in both The Manor and Weaver Vale primary schools and thank the heads and staff for their support. My prayer is that God works with and through us to bring the right message to the children and staff in the coming weeks.

Toddlers are holding a Children’s Toy and Clothes Good as New Sale on Saturday 5th October in aid of the Women’s Maternity Hospital in Liverpool. One of the children who comes to Toddlers was born at 24 weeks and the hospital looked after him and his parents until he was ready to come home.  If you need more information about selling items please ring or text Andrea on 07749877823.

Advance notice ... There is to be a Christmas Holiday Club on Monday 23rd December from 10-3pm at Frodsham Methodist Church. More details to follow.

As ever the activities we run at Church cannot happen without a team of people involved and I thank all who already help. Please, if you have time and would like to help at any event, come and speak to me. The tasks are varied and the more people involved the better the event.

Thank you.

Andrea Ellams
Young Family Worker

Dear friends,

As we continue in this new Methodist year, I've been reflecting on the past, and how we deal with it.

All too often we can immerse ourselves in the past, and use those memories to affect what we think of the present, and what we do in the present. In our past, the grass was always greener, the summers were  always dryer, our churches were fuller, summer nights were always longer……and yet we have to accept that we are where we are now, today.

Things are not as they used to be. Life is different in so many respects, including within the church. For some it is a welcome change, and for some it is quite disturbing. I am excited about all the untapped potential within Frodsham Methodist Church - of wonderful faithful people. I am excited as we go forward, at all that God is leading and calling us to, as we seek to encourage one another. 

In these first few weeks of September, I have rejoiced in

The new members welcomed at 0930 Live!

The lovely work carried out to the church interior, and the constant work in the garden, to show the church in all its beauty (thanks to so many people)

The wonderful friendships and relationships developed through the camping weekend (maybe bonding together in adversity - just ask someone who was there!!)

Fun relaxed social events giving time for chat and laughter

New ideas for all the church, and particularly to address 'gaps' in our church life, including in our learning and growing together

The willingness and vision of new people as part of our Leadership - Alun Evans, Doris Cairns, Alan Carter, Bev Carter, Andrea Ellams, Elizabeth Holmes.

The excitement of starting my second year with you all, after your loving welcome and support through a difficult first year. 

and many other things………

A few years ago, one of the speakers at Greenbelt reflected on this passage from Philippians 4:8 –

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Let us look at what we have, and celebrate that, and perhaps even more than that - let us use our energies to encourage, to build up, to commend, to comfort, to support and to welcome. When we see visitors or new members in our church building, let us go out of our way to make sure that they feel welcome, and at home in our premises. Let us be tolerant of noise or things we are not used to. Let us make people want to come back, to belong even!

Let us encourage those that work in any setting with our children and young people, so they can do the very best for our young people today.

Let us look for what is good, let us look for what is pleasing to God, and let us reflect on these things, and look to praise and encourage wherever we can.

Let us also continue to pray for each other and pray for the mission of our churches. Let us stand alongside each other in encouragement and love, so that we can help God build the kingdom with us as his workers.

Thank you all, and God bless you,

Rev'd. Denise Harding

So far this year, we have considered the work of Amity in terms of their missionary & outreach work and also their humanitarian work in response to natural disasters. In this issue, the focus is upon their continuing work to improve living standards of people in rural communities across China.

Walk for Living Water

Simply put, water is life. It is estimated that over a billion people in the world lack safe drinking water. In China alone, some 200 million people still struggle daily to get safe drinking water. As an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in China for 27 years, the Amity Foundation has witnessed the consequent human tragedies, including poverty and water-borne diseases that disproportionally affect the young and lead to high rates of child mortality. The Amity Foundation is privileged to have provided assistance to millions over the last quarter of a century. In the last six years alone they have built over 650 water systems or well projects across China.

As part of Amity’s response to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, they have also organised projects, such as the so-called ‘Walks for Living Water’ in Hong Kong, to raise awareness—and raise funds—of this issue still affecting so many people in mainland China. The walks have seen up to 2,500 people and a variety of schools, churches and other groups taking part and have in themselves raised money to provide clean drinking water in eight remote villages in Guizhou Province, thereby benefitting over 10,000 people directly.

Left-behind Children

Another focus of Amity’s work is education & fostering and their main project for 2013 is to help left-behind children in rural villages, often adversely affected when their parents leave to find work in other provinces. Thousands of children have been sponsored over the past few years. This sponsorship has allowed orphans and left-behind children to still have hope in the future with many progressing from primary school to high school and even on to university.

Here is Jia’s story.

Jia’s father died from cancer in January, 2002. Shocked by her husband’s death, her mother suffered from mental illness before she also died, in a car accident, in October, 2003. They left behind four children. Due to financial difficulties, Jia’s three elder sisters dropped out of education and Jia was sent to live with one of her uncles. After her uncle and his family left to work in another province, Jia was left to live alone.

With Amity sponsorship, she was able to enter the best local high school in July, 2009, ranking sixth among all the contestants from her county. She tells Amity that in the future she wishes to be admitted to Beijing Foreign Studies University so she can realise her elder sisters’ education dream.

These are just two of many concerns Amity currently is helping to alleviate across China. 

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend the Ellams family were lucky enough to join Rev'd. Denise at Greenbelt. A festival where faith, arts and justice meet which is held at Cheltenham Racecourse. Most of us hadn't been to Greenbelt before and wondered what it was going to be like.

All of us enjoyed the weekend. There was so much to do, see, hear and taste. From music, talks, poets, magicians, comedians, show, films, discussions authors, silent disco’s, food vans, services of all descriptions, and stalls.

This is what Georgina and Jonny had to say.

"I think Greenbelt was Amazing! It’s a brilliant place to take young children and older children as well. I was really impressed with the amount of different things to listen to and do. When my Mum said it was a Christian Festival I was a bit like everyone is, 'is it just going to be praying?' but it weren't  I went to listen to a poet called Harry Baker and his poems were great and on all sorts of topic’s. I also enjoyed the comedians Adrian Plass and Milton Jones. There was a main stage where bands and singers preformed. I thought the best act was the London Gospel Choir because they were very lively and excitable. I loved Greenbelt and I really want to go again."

Georgina

"Summary of Greenbelt

Pro’s
Great atmosphere, good acts- great for music and comedy, good friendly place, people, atmosphere, safe acts for children, good facilities. Good venue and clean.

Con’s
Not much – in fact nothing this year.

Harry Baker, Milton Jones, Adrian Plass, London Gospel Choir and Lemor were amazing. I enjoyed the camping, although you don’t have to camp. Greenbelt is a great festival for members of any religion or none at all. Fantastic for all ages. Greenbelt is a must do festival."

Jonny

If you are thinking of going next year, it would be good if a group from Frodsham Methodist Church could go together. If we book before the end of January the tickets are cheaper. Adult weekend ticket is £99. Under 18 weekend ticket is £54. Family weekend ticket. (2 adults and 2 children ) £254. Single parent weekend pass with 2 children £156. Speak to Andrea Ellams for details.

On 20 th April, Ya’an, Lushan County in Sichuan Province, China, was hit by a large earthquake claiming around 200 lives and causing around 14,000 injuries. 

At least 200,000 homes were destroyed and rural areas were particularly adversely  affected. The damage to infrastructure also made it difficult for rescuers and aid workers to respond effectively. Amity issued the following report on the initial part of their contribution:  

“Nanjing-based Amity staff members rushed into Lushan County to release the first batch of supplies to a damaged Middle School as well as to prepare for Amity’s large-scale disaster relief distribution, scheduled to start on May 9. In this phase of emergency, Amity Foundation caters to the actual needs of the affected  people.

On May 3, the Hong Kong government’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) approved HK$5,304,000 (£460,000) to Amity Foundation Hong Kong, to help provide relief aid to the earthquake victims. On 9 May, Amity staff members from Hong Kong arrived in Ya’an, to join their Nanjing-based colleagues who were already in place. At the height of the operation, the team consisted of 30 members, including  Nanjing and Hong Kong Amity staff, four colleagues from Amity printing press, and other volunteer members and drivers. 

Essentially, Amity staff had to overcome problems such as dangerous landslides, traffic accidents and difficulties in the logistics of 12 trucks loaded with relief  supplies in difficult terrain and adverse surroundings. Despite such an unforgiving environment, Amity accomplished its tasks to distribute directly into the hands of victims emergency supplies, which included rice, cooking oil, cooking tools,  tarpaulins, blankets, folding beds and other necessities. Up to May 22, Amity’s aid had reached 13,803 households of 50,091 people afflicted in Lushan County.

Anti-Slavery Day has been created by Act of Parliament to raise awareness of modern slavery and to inspire people to eliminate it.    

Modern slavery or Human Trafficking is defined as:  The movement of a person from one place to another into conditions of exploitation,  using deception, coercion, the abuse of power or the abuse of someone’s vulnerability, even if consent had been given to be moved. Despite thinking this is a problem in other countries or big cities, it is a major issue that affects us all and the victims are in their tens of
thousands. 

So, who are the victims? Women, men, young people, children. They can be from any country including our own. Individuals are used for cheap labour, as drug mules, for sexual exploitation and other uses for the attainment of profit. The list is endless. Two centuries ago, the average slave could generate, we are told by experts, a 15% to 20% annual return on investment for their exploiters. Today the return is several hundred % per year and for sexual exploitation 900% per year. 

We are also victims in different ways, sometimes without even knowing about it. Drugs on the street, counterfeit goods, or ordinary items bought by us but made by trafficked labour, not to mention the back pages of our newspapers or the exploitation by the internet, as identified by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Centre (CEOP). 

Despite all of the above, Government, Charities and Churches are seeking to work  together to combat this. However, it is very early days and issues still need to be tackled in a variety of significant ways. Government takes a departmental approach - other countries appoint a champion  independent of political parties.  MP’s have an all-party parliamentary group.  Charities and the church have a variety of
sites which can be found by going onto the internet. 

The Methodist Church supports a project in Birmingham to facilitate a local response and has helped set up a Regional Anti-trafficking network in the West Midlands. The Anglican Church, through The Children’s Society, has projects in London, Birmingham and  Manchester. 

Locally, yes us, what are we doing?  A service will be held on Sunday 20th October for Anti-Slavery Day. Yes, it will identify what Human Trafficking is, but the service will also look at our Faith in Action, the Hope that the church can give in this, and the Love that it can provide by reaching out.  Please come. 

By the way, you could help! Write to your MP and Police Commissioner - ask them what they are doing? Tell your friends, go on line and find out more.    
 
Stephen Picket

Dear friends,

What a couple of months we've had! With some wonderful experiences too... June saw two 'firsts' for FMC and for me - an afternoon trail and garden party at the Manse; and the first of what I hope will be many Quiet Days, hosted by Pippa Jacobson.

Both of these were opportunities for being together - the first was a really fun afternoon exploring gardens of church members and friends (or as someone said to me - a chance to have a proper nosey at someone else's garden!). The second was a relaxed day sharing thoughts about being Amazed by God - and having created people in His image, encouraging each of us to see the  potential that there is in each of us as people of an awesome God. And I experienced a first for myself too in July - spending a day at one of Gilly's Quiet Garden Days - led very sensitively by Wendy and Andrew Rudd, with the wonderful hospitality of Gareth and Gill Morgan. www.quietgarden.org 

It was a wonderful day for me - a chance to rest in God's presence, and to think and reflect on the topic God was drawing me to. It was also lovely to meet new people and to have time to reflect and to write in my journal.

This year as a church we are hoping to continue our focus on teaching and discipleship - and the two 'firsts' we shared together, of fellowship and fun on a garden trail, and of being quiet and reflective together, are part of that  focus. Please feel free to share in any future events (next year's Manse event will be on Saturday 21st June - put the date in your diary now). I long for us to take time to have fun together, getting to know each other more closely, learning and growing together as we walk arm in arm as fellow believers.

Finally, at the end of my first year with you in Frodsham, I want to say a big and very heartfelt thank you - to each one of you. For the things you do in the name of the Church, from looking after the finances, property and garden, to music and worship in church, leading groups, baking cakes (including apple crumble and chocolate brownies, which I love!), to lots of practical 'doing' of things, to helping to lead in the way God is taking us; and for the things you do to share your faith in everyday life - visiting people, being a good friend, talking about God to others, praying with and for people, volunteering in so many ways in the community, just being you.  
              
The church wouldn't be the witness it is without you playing your part - what you bring to the fellowship, family and community is so important.

And I would like to close by giving thanks at the end of my first year for the good and positive ecumenical relationships shared in Frodsham - seen in  action at the Rotary Fun Day recently at Castle Park. I invite you to join with me in praying for continued opportunities to share together and to be a united witness in this lovely town of Frodsham, and to give thanks for our sisters and brothers in the other churches in Frodsham, and for the work of Wellspring too. 

God bless you,   

Reverend Denise Harding

While we have enjoyed some lovely sunny weather it made me think about sayings we know about the sun. The following saying, “Do not let the sun go down in anger”, you will find in Ephesians chapter 4 v 26. This is a letter
that Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus. He is giving them some guidelines on how to live in a way that
people can see the holy spirit at work in their lives. There are six guidelines; why don’t you look them up yourself?

Forgiving people who have upset us, or yourself saying sorry and making up, is sometimes quite difficult to do, yet when we do, how it saves the heart ache and allows us to move on, focus on God and show his love to others. When talking about this in assembly with the children, one small child asked, “What happens when you are angry after the sun has gone down?”

The nice weather has brought the return of the buggy walks, which are meeting each Tuesday afternoon at 1.30pm at the Barnsbridge Car Park in Delamere. See the facebook page: Tots @ Frodsham Methodist for further details.

Many of us have been enjoying the nice weather and our lovely countryside as we have met for Messy Outings. In April the children ran, while the adults walked, round the lake in Delamere. We were all ready for some tea at Oakmere church afterwards. In May we met at church and walked nearer to Frodsham, some of us finding places that we didn't know were there. Again finishing with food. Look out for details about the next Messy Outing.

The children at the toddler group and Messy Mice have been out in our soft tarmac area, playing and enjoying the sun.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

At the start of the year our Activities Co-ordinator, Sandra Turnross, secured a £1000 grant from Age UK to fund 10 weeks of arts and crafts sessions led by an
artist linked to Age UK. These are held every Wednesday in the main dining area. Sandra hopes to continue these sessions after the 10 week period with the help of volunteers. So far these sessions have been a huge success, with activities including pottery, drawing, painting and printing. Recently the group has been working on a collage which was exhibited at a showcase event on Wednesday 22nd May at Hollymere in Ellesmere Port.

During the run up to Easter, some of our residents took part in making Easter Bonnets. This activity was led by Sandra, with assistance from staff and volunteers. The bonnets were then entered into a competition at the Easter party on Good Friday and were judged by a local DJ and Liam Cato (volunteer). The residents enjoyed lively music, singing and dancing. Plenty of nibbles and refreshments were served, making the afternoon very special.

More recently we played host to the Delamere Park Singers on the 24th April, which was enjoyed by all. They will return later this year. On the 7th June we are having a special Garden Day which our volunteers are helping
to organise. Through this we are hoping to encourage residents and their relatives to make more use of our wonderful garden. Some of our volunteers will be working with residents to plant up pots and a large
trough in our garden with bedding plants, whilst the not so green fingered will be there to offer a bit of encouragement! If you are interested in gardening or want to help our residents enjoy a spot of the outdoors, why not pop in and see what is going on? Feel free to bring a trowel!

All of our events and fundraising efforts would not be possible without the support of our volunteers. They are supporting our residents in many different ways. As well as fundraising, our dedicated team help with gardening, befriending, music and activities. If you are looking to do something new to help your community in 2013, perhaps you could spare some time to help us in your church, circuit, community group or in the home. As little as one hour per month could make a huge difference! If so, we would love to hear from you! Contact Ella Turner on 01928 734743 to find out more.

Ella Turner
Volunteer Co-ordinator