 Dear Friends,
At last I have arrived in Frodsham after what seems like a long wait – since finding out last November that I was to be stationed here in the Chester and Delamere Forest Circuit. So far life has been quite eventful – I moved some boxes on moving in day and have now got a prolapsed disc and a trapped sciatic nerve (see photo of a walk along the Whitegate Way with me on crutches!!). My Mum Janet (57) was also found in my first working week to have suffered a fairly major stroke about ten days earlier, which means she can no longer read or understand anything written, or even simple instructions. In the midst of this, much building work has been carried out to the Manse to help Mum to be able to live on the ground floor – the builders and decorators have been at the Manse until well past the middle of September – and there is still some work to complete yet. I’ll be relieved when it’s all completed, but am very grateful for all the ways in which the Circuit and churches have helped and supported me through this transition from Bristol. I am very excited to be here at last. I feel very strongly that God has called me to be in this place for this time – and I do trust that He will use me in the most effective ways for His purposes. That means I need to look to see what is happening in the churches (it will take me some time to get round to all the activities so I do beg your patience with me), and try to work out how best to support what is happening, and to help move us on together to continue to work for God into the future. It will also be a challenge for me to find ways of using the particular gifts God has given me – including leading Quiet Days and Teaching/Reflective Weekends (particularly in the Ignatian Tradition) – to help hopefully to develop our spirituality together. So please feel free to ask me to help lead things like this, and together I pray we will grow in faith and confidence and love. I know one thing for certain as I begin…I cannot do it all, and I cannot do it alone. Will you join with me in reaching those who are searching and seeking in our midst, and in each of us taking seriously our discipleship and mission before God, and encouraging each other in it? With Christian love and best wishes, Reverend Denise Harding  We are pleased to report that this year’s Summer Fayre was a huge success! Our cake stall was VERY popular, with cakes and scones made and donated by our staff and volunteers. We also had tombola and raffle, a bookstall, nearly-new clothes and a bric-a-brac stand. Many items were kindly donated by staff, volunteers and the families of our residents. The event was so popular that we had to close an hour early, as we had sold out of many items. In two hours we raised nearly £400 for the resident’s fund. On behalf of everyone at Chapel Fields, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone whosupported this event.
We are pleased to report that the renovation works within the home are progressing well. Although we did have to postpone the date of our Summer Fayre due to the works, it was certainly worth it. Our garden has now got a fully accessible path which makes it much easier for residents to enjoy time outside. We now have nine volunteers at Chapel Fields. We are very grateful for all the hard work and dedication that they give to our residents. They are supporting us in different ways such as helping with gardening, befriending, music and activities. If you think that you could spare some time to help us in your church, circuit, community group or in the home, then we would love to hear from you! Contact Ella Turner on 01928 734743 to find out more. The staff and residents here at Chapel Fields would like to thank the local churches for their continued input. Also, we would like to give a very warm welcome to Rev'd. Denise Harding to Frodsham Methodist Church. We hope she enjoys her time here in Frodsham and is successful in all that she sets out to achieve. Ella Turner Volunteer Co-ordinator September has both welcomed back established friends and seen new faces in our children’s groups. The schools have warmly welcomed us back for assemblies and new ideas are being discussed for the coming year.
At Synod (The Methodist District Conference held in September) we were reminded that new ideas for mission need to be backed up with research and time needs to be taken to discover the needs of the people within the community that we serve, anchoring this in prayer and seeking God’s will. May God inspire each of us to show God’s love and grace to others in the things we do. We welcome the new head at Weaver Vale Primary School. Her name is Sue Mills and she has invited Pippa Jacobson and myself to continue our work within the School. We are going in on a fortnightly basis to take the assembly and lunch time club. On the same morning we take the assembly at the Manor House School. What a busy morning that is! Five of our young people joined fifty-nine people at the District Youth Event in September. They took to the water in canoes and did other outward bound activities before eating tea together at Holmes Chapel Methodist Church and attending a youth service. Watch out for the same event next year. Open for children in Year 6 and above. After having a debate about what day we should hold Messy Church on, the conclusion was to continue Messy Church on a Friday Evening at 5.15pm until Easter, 2013. In the summer months we will organise outdoor events. There will be a meeting to discuss the running of Messy Church shortly. If you can offer help in any way to support this venture please come along or let me know. People are needed to bake puddings (all costs are reimbursed), prepare savoury food, help at the craft tables, wash up, clear away and lead worship. On Saturday 22nd December we will be holding a Christmas Holiday Club from 12noon until 4pm. Please put this in your diary. Further details nearer the time. As ever, if you have any queries or questions about our work with young people, please do get in touch with me: [email protected]. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker  Here is another story illustrating how the work of Emmaus can change people's lives. Michael lives in an Emmaus community and this is his story.
Michael's Story "My marriage lasted for twenty two years but the relationship broke up because I was never at home. I worked extremely long hours on the farm. Then my life became very stressful and I was in hospital with drink related illnesses. I slept rough on and off for two years, mainly in the woods because at least I wasn't out in the open. I mixed with people who were taking drugs and I didn't feel safe. My worst point was when I was sleeping rough on marshland and one night it was raining very hard. I woke up surrounded by water and I ended up in hospital again. I wasn't sure about Emmaus at first but now I am relaxed and happier. It's peaceful and safe here. I have just done Level 2 in Health and Safety and I hope to do further training and education. When I get up in the morning I have something positive to do. It's important to me that this is a working community. It's only fair to do your share and not to expect things to be given to you in a plate." Thank you for your support so far this year for this worthwhile Charity; it is very much appreciated. Like so many other charities, Emmaus would not exist without the generosity of the general public. Also please remember that if you have friends or family who live near an Emmaus Community and they are planning to dispose of quality furniture the Emmaus Community would be pleased to hear from them. Jim Caldwell  Charles Wesley’s hymn Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim, retained in the new Methodist hymnbook, Singing the Faith, was published in 1744, a time of great turmoil in Britain. With Britain at war with France, Roman Catholics were being persecuted in Britain, and along with them, the newly formed Methodist Societies were treated with great suspicion too—suspected of being Roman Catholics in disguise and accused of attempting to overthrow the Crown.
Both John and Charles Wesley made clear their unstinting support for the Monarchy, but they could not hide from the fact that what they wanted was a revolution of sorts: a revival to shake up the religious establishment. Hostility was widespread and in 1743 John had recorded in his diary the event where, after having preached in Wednesbury, he retired to the cottage of a local Methodist where: Before five the mob surrounded the house again in greater numbers than ever. The cry of one and all was “Bring out the minister; we will have the minister.” Through the words of his hymn, Charles Wesley offered hope and support to newly formed Methodist Societies. It is a hymn of great encouragement to all believers with the use of servants in the opening line referring to all Christians. It was published anonymously in a volume entitled Hymns for Times of Trouble and Persecution. The version sung today omits two stanzas to do with faithfulness in the midst of persecution, which I imagine would have been especially enthusiastically sung by the small bands of early Methodists: The waves of the sea have lift up their voice, Sore troubled that we in Jesus rejoice; The floods they are roaring, but Jesus is here; While we are adoring, He always is near. When devils engage, the billows arise, And horribly rage, and threaten the skies: Their fury shall never our steadfastness shock, The weakest believer is built on a rock. Whether it be in the markedly different challenges faced by Christians in Syria recently forced to leave their homes by rebels or Christians in Britain finding ways to respond to increasing scepticism and marginalisation, such words are a great encouragement and comfort. They remind us that, however unlikely it sometimes feels, we have a God who is with us and not a God who is far off. Matthew  Dear Friends,
I was pleased to be asked to write this article for your newsletter. Being a hostage gave me a great deal of sympathy for those members of society who find themselves homeless because like them I was ignored, diminished and made to feel powerless. I have been involved with Emmaus since I opened the first Emmaus Community in Cambridge in 1992 with Lord Runcie former Archbishop of Canterbury. There are now 23 Communities up and running, including Emmaus Preston and there are several other groups working towards opening new Communities. I feel very proud of all that the Emmaus Movement has achieved. It’s an organisation like no other in the way that it restores in people who have been marginalised a sense of their own worth and potential. It is no exaggeration to say that Emmaus changes lives. It has helped hundreds of homeless and unemployed people to find new purpose. Residents of Emmaus Communities are required to work at the business of collecting, refurbishing and selling donated household goods in order to support themselves and each other, but they also contribute to other charities and organisations by donating some of their income and time. In this way, people who have previously been thought of as drains on society are able to make a positive contribution and to regain their sense of dignity. Some residents move on to new lives outside of Communities, others chose to stay and to help new members of the Community. Many residents become paid members of staff within the organisation. Having an Emmaus Community in a neighbourhood means that not only is there a reliable and effective service for homeless people, but there is also a source of good quality furniture for those on low incomes. The voluntary work undertaken by the residents of Emmaus Communities also serves to enhance the lives of those living nearby. Emmaus residents have helped restore neglected playgrounds, have cooked meals for pensioners and have taken groups with disabilities on outings, to name just a few of the activities undertaken. I would like to thank the members of Frodsham Methodist Church for their support and for making Emmaus their charity of the year. Your contribution makes a real and lasting difference. Kind Regards, Terry Waite, C.B.E. President, Emmaus UK We have spent time over the last few months looking at, and imagining, what it was like to be in Jerusalem around the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and in the months that followed. One of the main characters we have explored was Saul, who persecuted the followers of Jesus, but later experienced an incredible conversion on his way to Damascus.
We ended our year on an amazing high when Manor House School joined us with their visitors from Ghana. Our theme was that wherever we travel in the world, God is with us always. The Church was full as we praised God together in song, dance and prayer. The Hall was full afterwards too and we ran out of cups and bacon (despite multiple extra rations)! Sadly, we have had to cancel our annual weekend away this year because the camp site is under water, however we will try to plan some other activities at points through the summer, weather permitting. As we think ahead to September, we look forward to continuing to grow in faith and, led by the Spirit, to encourage others in any way we can to come and reconnect with God. May he bless all our plans this summer and refresh us ready to do his will. Amen. Pippa Jacobson Community & Schools Worker No doubt some of you will be travelling further afield this summer. Wherever we get to, whether it’s for a day trip or a week away we plan and make sure we have everything. But do we plan to get lost!
Jesus walked and visited many different places bringing God’s message to the people. Had he ever got lost! I’m sure you have at some time in your life. Hopefully you weren’t lost for long. Can you remember how happy you felt at being found? Perhaps some of you will walk through a field of sheep or just view them from a window this summer. In Luke chapter 13: 4-7, Jesus tells of a shepherd who kept on looking for the lost sheep, until he found it. Reminding us that wherever we are and whenever we stray from God he is out looking for us - to bring us back into his love. I hope we have time to stop and refresh ourselves over the summer and ask God to renew us, fill us with his love and equip us to serve others in the coming months. Messy Mice begins again on Monday 3rd September from 10 - 11.30am. Toddler Group is open all the way through the summer. Thank you all for your hard work. Andrea Ellams Young Family Worker  It has certainly been a busy couple of months here at Chapel Fields Care Home! At the end of May we welcomed representatives of the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK to a coffee morning. They spent time chatting to our residents and visitors. We sold plenty of tea, cakes and scones (made by staff and volunteers) to raise money for the Residents' Fund.
On Tuesday 29th May the residents at Chapel Fields Care Home in Frodsham celebrated ‘The Queens Jubilee – Our Story’. This project was arranged by Ella Popper, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, and Sandra Turnross, Social Life Co-Ordinator, in conjunction with Manor House Primary School and Home Instead. 30 Children from Manor House Primary School came and sang for our residents. The children were aged 10-11 and expertly sang many rousing patriotic songs, accompanied with actions! Afterwards the children chatted to our residents about the Jubilee and their memories of the Queen’s Coronation and previous Jubilee celebrations. The children asked many questions about their thoughts and emotions during other key royal events, such as the birth of Prince Charles and the death of Princess Diana. Now that the children have gathered this information, they will write stories based on the residents’ experiences, which will be displayed at the home and local community centre during the Weaver Words Literature Festival. On Tuesday 5th June, the residents of Chapel Fields came together to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Our residents enjoyed music and entertainment from a local DJ, organised by Sandra Turnross, our Social Life Co-ordinator. Our residents enjoyed dancing and even our Chaplain, Susie Treeton, couldn’t resist the opportunity for a boogie! Our renovation work is now underway. Work to the bathroom areas and much of the cosmetic work is now taking place, with work on the dining and lounge areas to follow. The renovations are expected to last between 12-14 weeks and we aim to keep disruption in the home to a minimum during this period. We are pleased to report that we now have six established volunteers who help with a range of tasks within the home. Most recently, we have welcomed Ian Jesse who assists our Music Therapist with a group on Monday afternoons. Volunteering not only improves the lives of the older people in our care but can also enrich the lives of the volunteers themselves. It’s not only about charity and giving but also about learning new skills, meeting new people and having fun! If you could spare some time to help us in your church, circuit, community group or in the home, then we would love to hear from you! Contact Ella Turner on 01928 734743 to find out more. On Saturday 4th August we will be holding our Summer Fayre. All proceeds will go into the Residents' Fund. The Fayre is open from 2pm until 5pm. Ella Turner Volunteer Organiser  Susie Treeton is pictured third from the right. What a happy afternoon we enjoyed! Residents of Chapel Fields Care Home for Older People, their family members, friends and staff joined together for a service of welcome to Susie Treeton and to mark her commissioning as M.H.A. Chaplain to Chapel Fields.
The service was led by Rev’d. Pat Christopher and the Chaplaincy Adviser for the West of England gave a short address. I think we will all remember his visual aid – a very small salt spoon. The purpose of a spoon is to stir, so here we had a mini – stir (minister - oh dear!!) which is what Susie has been called to be. She is obviously very much at home at Chapel Fields and already known and loved by the residents. The service included prayers, familiar hymns and Bible readings reminding us that in serving others we are serving Christ. We ended on a rousing note singing the hymn ‘God is our strength and our refuge’ to the tune ‘The Dam Busters March’ after which we were all ready for a welcome cup of tea! As part of the commissioning we said together: Susie we welcome you! May the Lord make you a blessing amongst us and us a blessing to you, as we work together for Christ. I’m sure we can all say ‘Amen’ to that. Sylvia Langley Presbyters from the local Methodist Church circuit, of which Frodsham Methodist Church is part, have begun holding monthly services of Holy Communion in the Care Home.
Dear Friends,
At Ministerial Synod last month I requested permission to ‘sit down’ which is the quaint Methodist way of saying ‘retire’. Synod agreed and I leave the Circuit at the end of July to move back to our home in Wales. So as I write this last letter for the magazine, I am reminded of the faithfulness of God and know that the work I have been given to do in this place is nearing completion. I came to the Delamere Forest Circuit to try to fulfil the role of Superintendent Minister and care for two congregations which were very different in many ways. On my minister’s profile, I described my style of ministry as people-centred and collaborative – preferring to work as part of a team but able to take the lead when necessary. I added that I was open to change and willing to experiment with new or different ways of 'being church'. As I read this I am amazed that I knew myself so well. After eight years, despite changing and growing in many ways I hope this description still fits. But before I go, I look forward to another busy time as summer approaches with an opportunity to celebrate H. M. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June. Then the Olympics in July and August and the Olympic Torch will pass through Chester on 29th May and near Frodsham on 30th. There will also be a concert by Equinox with a Strawberry Supper so please ensure you have a ticket. The Manor House School are coming up to Church for an ‘Infant Wedding’ on the morning of the 17th July and you are invited to attend this wonderful event. There will also be a Circuit Celebration and Farewell on the afternoon of 29th July, 2012, and will be the last Circuit Service for the Delamere Forest Circuit. It will be a family friendly event beginning at 4.30pm with messy crafts, moving into the Church for worship at 5.15pm and then food in the Church Hall at 6pm. This will be my last service in the Circuit and my leaving ‘do’. You are welcome to attend all or part of the celebration - it will be very informal. It has been a joy and a delight to be part of this Church and to live in Frodsham and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the months to come. Yours in Christ, Pat  Pastoral Cycle Sometimes it is easy for any institution to become insular and self-serving and, perhaps naturally, concerned rather than survival rather than any real mission or purpose. Christian faith in Britain too is becoming seen simply as just one part of the ‘third sector’ as a provider of services or as a kind of recreation facility like bowling clubs or theatres. It is becoming seen as part of something bigger and not something in itself. Since the publication of its report Time to Talk of God in 2005, The Methodist Church has been seeking ways to reacquaint the Church—and the Christian disciple—with the wider world. As the report reminds the reader, everything a Christian believes and does is an aspect of discipleship; the goal of discipleship is to grow ever more Christ-like in every aspect of life. One of the ways churches in Britain have sought to do this is through the rise of Practical Theology which proposes the use of the pictorial ‘Pastoral Cycle’ (below), a four-stage guide on how to listen to God. It begins with an experience (an event; what happened and how did one feel). Next is exploration (why did it happen; what life experiences, knowledge and abilities did one draw on). The third stage is reflection (which theological issues are relevant). Finally, is the response (how is one challenged or changed by the experience). The intended consequence of this process is the ‘so what’ question: “what difference is it going to make next time I find myself in this situation?” The cycle should not return to where it originally started, but all this new learning and reflection hopefully takes a person onto a new place and into new situations. However, for some the worry is that the starting point of experience in the Pastoral Cycle belies the fundamental weakness of the approach: if the Church is of inherent value should reflection not begin with Scripture and Church teachings and not with experience?  Ignatius of Loyola
The 31 July is the annual commemoration of Ignatius of Loyola. As a young man Ignatius was (in his own words) a man given over to the vanities of the world, and took a special delight in the exercise of arms, with a great and vain desire of winning glory. After a serious injury he was forced to convalesce for several months and it was during this time that he said he began to daydream that he was one of the early saints, leaving him at peace and not looking forward to battle. The Ignatian Method of prayer places oneself in the Biblical scene where you become a part of it by way of your imagination. Try to imagine what you might see...what you might hear...and what the persons in the scene might be doing. At each point in the contemplation, you are invited to draw some practical instruction from the reflection for your own life to-day. What changes and challenges does the reflection on the event deliver? It can be useful to read all the verses of the text 2 or 3 times, then read a verse and pause to meditate on it for a few moments and let the Spirit guide in how to pray and intercede with God (as described in Romans 8:26-27). As the Church commemorates Ignatius, perhaps the Ignatian Method is a valuable ameliorative basing our reflections from the outset in Scripture rather than in events. To conclude, a prayer of surrender penned by Loyola strongly reminiscent of the Methodist Covenant Prayer: Take, Lord, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. You have given me all that I have, all that I am, and I surrender all to your divine will. Give me only Your love and Your grace. With this I am rich enough, and I have no more to ask. Amen. Matthew We put a lot of time and effort into our church life, and sometimes it seems an up-hill battle, but it’s good sometimes to reflect on some of our achievements as we hesitantly walk with God.
Some of the things we can be proud about achieving together are just listed below and are really fantastic marker posts to give thanks and praise for: 1. Eighth Year since the start up of 0930 Live! now fortnightly with live band and lots of active worship 2. Start up of monthly Lunch Group 3. Start up of Book Reading Group 4. Eighth year of Fellowship and Remembrance Services 5. Five new worship leaders volunteered and trained 6. New Annexe to Church Hall funded and built 7. Two Families and Children’s Lay Workers appointed 8. United Reformed Church members welcomed into the Church family 9. £7,000 a year raised for external charities operating locally, nationally and internationally 10. Art Exhibitions, Christmas Tree Festivals, Safari Suppers and Quizzes linking Church and community 11. Messy Church, Messy Mice and Buggy Walks started for young families 12. Regular Christian Assemblies provided by our lay workers in two local primary schools 13. Men's Club and evening Ladies Group growing strongly, with warm fellowship and many 'outside' members 14. Six new local preachers begun training in the Circuit (one of them ‘ours’) who will enrich and diversify our worship At the time of writing ALL the church lights work and all the boilers are heating!!! Be proud! We are Marching, we are Marching, we are Marching in the Light of God! Come and join us and enjoy. John Holmes Church Treasurer  We have been delighted to welcome several new families to 0930 Live! over the last few months. It is exciting to witness growth as well as making new friends. In March the Manor House School choir joined us for a service, singing beautifully, and raising some more money to enable a party from their link school in Ghana to come here in July. They will be joining us for a service 15th July and it will be lovely to share worship with them. As a result of their timing, the dates for 0930 Live! in July are 15th in Church and 22nd July at Beeston campsite. There will be no 0930 Live! 8th July.
As we look ahead to the summer we are getting busy planning our annual camping weekend. This will be our fourth trip away and third time at Beeston. The theme this year will focus on the forthcoming Olympics, so get your running shoes ready! Dates for the camp are Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd July. It is ideal for first time campers due to its proximity to home and people are welcome to camp for one or two nights. Or not at all - the sessions are planned to allow involvement during the day only. Please let Andrea or me know if you are interested in a camping pitch, or if you would like more details. Pippa Jacobson Community & Schools Worker  Over the last two years Messy Church has met on a Friday night, bringing people of all ages together to spend some time having fun, eating and worshipping God. As we enter a time of change within our church life, it’s good to stop and revalue what we do. There is a possibility that the night may change to a Thursday from September. Would this suit people or is a Friday night better? Why do you come to Messy Church? Can we improve it in any way? Would an earlier time be better? Have you every been? Or would you like to help? Comments gratefully received.
Our links with both primary schools are as strong as ever. In the coming months The Manor School KS1 children are holding their infant wedding at Church. In July, children and their carers from Ghana come over to spend a week in the school and together we will be celebrating their visit at 0930 Live! The lunch time club at Weaver Vale enables a large group of children to come together to discuss Christianity through the activities provided. At the end of term these children will be involved in the assembly. This, when mentioned, caused great excitement! Can you believe it was a year ago that Messy Mice started? And what a great time we have had and continue to have. Let’s hope there is some summer weather approaching to enable us to be more Messy outside! Talking of the Summer, hopefully there will be some café style drop in sessions for people to use. Look out for details. Toddlers have seen changes to toys and equipment over this year and new people have joined. Come and join us on a Thursday morning. New ideas. I’m just putting forward a new idea. Do you ever want to find out more about Christianity but find it hard to find the time to? A mum with a busy life perhaps? I am suggesting that once a month over a lunch time, we meet to learn together in a friendly way to talk about our faith. Come just as you are with your lunch. Open to everyone, children welcome. Look out for more details. My number is 07749877823 if you would like to get in touch. Or you can e-mail me on [email protected]. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker  ‘in the image’ is an exhibition of pieces from the Methodist Art Collection, to be held at the Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, Chester, from 22nd September to 27th October.
This renowned collection includes works by Graham Sutherland, Elizabeth Frink and Edward Burra – people I’ve spoken to who’ve seen it say how brilliant it is. The event is aiming to be more than just an art exhibition. There are already links with local schools and a programme of school visits is planned, with relevant material available for teachers. There is an exciting programme of workshops, including an art appreciation course and other events involving creative writing, music and drama as well as visual art. Wesley is looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of tasks, including transport, painting boards, etc., in readiness for setting up the exhibition; stewarding; helping with school visits. There are two briefing sessions for prospective volunteers, on Thursday 5th July at 2pm or Thursday 12th July at 7.30pm. By September we will be in the same Circuit as Wesley, the new Chester and Delamere Forest Circuit. It would be good to give as much support as possible to our new friends. There is more information on their website or in the flyer here, and there will be more details nearer the time. Liz Holmes  Since our last article in April, I am pleased to report some positive changes here at Chapel Fields Care Home.
We have now recruited Susie Treeton as our Chaplain, who joined us on the 8th May. She will be a focus for the spiritual life of the Home, ensuring that the spiritual needs of our residents and staff are addressed. We look forward to stronger relationships between MHA and the local churches and faith communities as a result of this new role. Also, we are pleased to welcome Mandy Woo who is our new Reflexologist. Reflexology has huge benefits to our residents who enjoy the one-to-one time that each session provides. Chapel Fields will be undergoing refurbishments over the next few months. While disruption will be unavoidable during this period, it will hopefully be kept to a minimum. Many areas in the Home will be refurbished and the finished result will certainly be worthwhile. We have welcomed three new volunteers, who are helping with activities and events within the home. This support has already had a huge impact on the well-being of our residents, and we look forward to expanding our volunteering roles. On this note, we are looking for a volunteer to assist with our Music Therapy sessions. Currently, our Music Therapist offers individual and group therapy to meet the emotional and psychological needs of our residents, in a way that promotes their self-esteem and freedom of choice in order to pursue a better quality of life. Our Music Therapist works with our residents every Monday. The volunteer role will involve enabling residents to participate in group sessions, using basic instruments. So if you have an hour to spare at 2pm on a Monday, then please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01928 734743. Some of our residents recently enjoyed a trip to the theatre to watch a musical production at the Brindley Centre in Runcorn. They also had a lovely Easter celebration, making Easter bonnets for a competition to win a giant Easter egg. There was also music and dancing which was enjoyed by all! We also received positive feedback from our residents who participated in reminiscence sessions, using museum objects, kindly loaned to us by the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port. On Friday 20th April we held a coffee morning, welcoming members of the local community into the home. This was a great success, raising £50 for the residents’ fund. Therefore we want to say a huge thank you to all those people who came and gave us their support! Ella Popper Volunteer Co-ordinator  A lot of my work as Young Families Worker revolves around food! People love to eat and, regardless of age, they meet in the different groups, chat, play, worship and EAT.
Perhaps you have given up a type of food for Lent? Easter is a time to remember the last supper and to celebrate the risen Christ on Easter Day. Families and friends often get together over this festival to eat. Jesus throughout his ministry ate with anyone who would have him, identifying with them and accepting them for who they were. Sharing his love, peace and knowledge of God with those around him. Through the ordinary act of sharing food, friendships can be made and strengthened: God’s love can be passed on. May God grant us the courage to talk about his love and friendship in the ordinary tines in life, perhaps when we are sharing food with one another. Andrea Ellams Young Families Worker  In February I attended a meeting in Preston entitled ‘expanding our horizons in respect of Methodist schools’. The Methodist Church has always believed in the importance of education for all individuals. You may not know that the Methodist Church now has 65 state funded schools in England, although none of them are in Cheshire. Many of these schools are in the most deprived areas of the country. All the schools have a Christian foundation and serve their local community including students of all faiths, or none.
In England there is a huge change taking place in the provision of education with a significant reduction in the role of the local authority. The last Labour Government introduced Academies which were formed from schools which were deemed to be failing. These schools required significant investment from sponsors, and were often given new buildings, changes in leadership and a new ethos. The sponsors may or may not have previous experience in education. Schools that are in the most deprived areas are often the ones that are deemed to be failing. If this is a church school and the church is unable to continue to sponsor the school then it will be allocated a different sponsor and will lose its Christian ethos. The present Coalition Government has extended the academy programme with the Academies Act in 2010. Outstanding or Good schools were invited to convert to academy status, and now all schools who are ‘performing well’ can apply for academy status. There is also the opportunity for Free Schools to come into existence, which could be new schools built to fulfil a need in a particular area. The message from the Department for Education seems to be not if schools will convert, but when. So, what difference does this make? The academy receives funding directly from the Department for Education, and loses most of the support previously provided by the local authority. The school sponsor can purchase support from providers other than the local authority. The school sponsor is held accountable for the progress that is made by the students in the academy. There are many secular groups who are prepared to sponsor academies. We need to ask ourselves, as The Methodist Church, where we want to stand in this new landscape of providers? John Wesley saw the provision of Day Schools (in addition to Sunday Schools) as part of the mission of the church. The Methodist Church has always been at the forefront of education, often providing education for the most deprived in society, raising personal expectations and life chances. The development of academies and Free Schools could therefore be seen as an opportunity to further the mission of the church through its work in education. At the meeting we had long discussions about the role that The Methodist Church should take in our new landscape. Should we attempt to become important players in academies and free schools, although their formation may well be against the principals of many Methodists! If we ignore education then are we allowing our schools to become completely secular? Should we actively be seeking out gaps in education provision, and exploring opportunities for ecumenical partnerships? Is this a useful vehicle for our overall mission, especially where more disadvantaged communities exist? Or where the local authority is closing small village schools, might we be pro-active in making proposals to the pressure groups opposing the closures. Alternatively should we be discussing with local authorities or government specific roles The Methodist Church could play in looking for new schooling solutions? These are some of the issues that The Methodist Council and Conference will be discussing over coming months. Please hold them in your prayers as these discussions take place. John Wesley told the first Methodist teachers to always remember that ‘an ounce of love was worth a pound of knowledge’ and his challenge to teacher and pupil alike was this: ‘Do all the good you can By all the means you can In all the ways you can In all the places you can At all the times you can To all the people you can As long as ever you can.’ Patricia Barnard |
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