Sunday 31 January 2010

Silent Auction works wonders!


The Silent Auction held at Caversham heights Methodist Church for the relief of the people of Haiti raised £1,500 and the church is grateful to all those who donated items for auction and to all who helped to make it such a success.

This brings the final total raised in aid of Haiti at this church to £3,400, which includes Gift Aid, the 5 Shelterboxes (at a cost of £500 apiece) that were sent as quickly as possible, and the remainder which will be channelled through the Methodist Relief and Development Fund that has been at work in Haiti for many years.

For those who didn't see my earlier blog, each Shelterbox includes everything needed to help a family or group of ten people to survive a disaster. The following is lifted from their website and reduced to be more suitable for short items of news.

At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove - that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

Family treasures

this post is to share some of the joys that Christmas with my two great grandchildren, Louisa and Toby, brought me.





Friday 29 January 2010

Young men find church too girly

Church services and interiors need a more macho makeover if they are to attract men aged under 30, Christian Vision for Men (CVM) believes. A questionnaire on the movement’s website found that men cringe with embarrassment at much of church culture. Songs declaring Christ to be the ‘beautiful one I love’ use words ‘many men wouldn’t sing to their wives,’ CVM director Carl Beech explains. ‘Feminine’ decorations such as banners and flowers, robed vicars, action songs and kid’s plays, and ‘pastorally driven’ sermons and discussions all alienated young men who ‘want to know about (Jesus’) great decision making and leadership’. CVM has launched two Christian-themed men’s magazines and is calling churches to host big screen transmissions of the World Cup this summer to boost churches’ flagging male attendance.

Source: The Times (27/1)

Monday 25 January 2010

Church establishes independent Education Commission

Church establishes independent Education Commission

Revd Dr John Barrett appointed as Chair

The Methodist Church is establishing an independent education commission, responsible for reviewing Methodism’s approach to education in Britain.

The Commission will be responsible for identifying a set of principles and a theological rationale, which underpins Methodism’s engagement with education. It will include all forms of formal education, including the Church’s responsibility for 64 state-maintained Methodist day schools and 14 independent schools across England and Wales, as well as its involvement in further education and higher education. It will also consider the Methodist approach to and involvement with informal education, including links to the Church's work with children and youth, and all forms of chaplaincy in education.

Revd Dr John Barrett has been appointed as Chair of the Commission. “Education is central to the development of both children and adults, and Methodism has always been passionate about accessible, high quality education provision,” he said. “It is important to review our approach to education and assess whether our commitment of our resources is appropriate for the responsibilities we have and to determine what our priorities should be for the future.”

John is a Methodist minister, and has extensive experience in education, having taught in a Methodist college, a theological college and having worked in schools in the UK. He recently stepped down after five years as the first Principal of the Anglo-Chinese International School in Singapore. Additionally, John is also Chair of the World Methodist Council Executive Committee, and was the first chairperson of the World Methodist Council’s Education Committee.

John would like to hear from anyone who would like to be considered for membership of the Commission or who feels they have a contribution to make to its work. Those interested are invited to register their interest by contacting the Methodist Church through the Projects, Research and Development Cluster by email: projects@methodistchurch.org.uk

The Commission will report to the Methodist Conference in 2012.

Source: Methodist News Service 25/01/2010

Methodist Haiti appeal passes £80,000 mark

A joint appeal launched by the Methodist Church and MRDF for Haiti has smashed the £80,000 barrier, which means that more than £100,000 will be donated to Haiti.

Donations to the Church’s World Mission Fund have reached more than £37,000 by this morning. The Fund gave an immediate grant of £20,000 on 13 January, and the money raised through this appeal will allow for continued support. So far, donations to MRDF have reached £46,000. Donations have come from the Methodist Church in Ireland and people all over Great Britain and will go directly to the Church in Haiti, which is distributing aid to those most in need.

Expressing his gratitude for the initial grant, Revd Gesner Paul District President of the Methodist Church in Haiti, said; “We thank you for standing near us at this time of severe difficulty and continue to count on your support by any means as we try to recover from this very traumatic disaster.”

Revd Tom Quenet, Methodist Partnership Coordinator for the Americas and the Caribbean said; “We continue to be amazed by people’s generosity. While Haiti will remain in the news for a little while, we are in it for the long haul. We will continue to work with the Methodist Church in Haiti, helping them to rebuild their lives and communities long after the news crews have gone.”

In February, Tom hopes to lead a visit by a group of British Methodist representatives to the country. This will also include Lord Griffiths of Burry Port, who was ordained in Haiti, and Haitian minister Revd Marcus Torchon, whose family have been affected by the disaster.

Donations to MRDF will also support the work being carried out by the Methodist Church in Haiti, as well as the relief efforts of the charity’s emergency partner, Action by Churches Together (ACT) International. ACT is providing counselling services and water and sanitation engineers, who will construct water purification systems and latrines that will help in the fight against cholera and other water-based diseases. Donations through both ACT and the World Mission Fund will provide food, water, blankets and tents to thousands of people, as well as other essential support to those affected by the disaster.

Kirsty Smith, MRDF Director, said; “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our appeal. These gifts will help to reinforce the relief efforts on the ground. The earthquake has caused major devastation to a country that was already battling extreme poverty. Key services and institutions have been totally destroyed. We will continue to do all that we can to make a difference.”

People can donate via the Methodist Church by visiting www.justgiving.com/Methodist-Church-Haiti-Appeal, or sending a cheque payable to the World Mission Fund to Dave Bennett, Fundraising Coordinator, at Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR. Postal donations should be labelled ‘Haiti Appeal’. For further information visit www.methodist.org.uk or contact Revd Tom Quenet on 020 7467 5160.

To donate via MRDF, visit www.mrdf.org.uk or call 020 7224 4814 to give by debit or credit card, or send a cheque made payable 'MRDF (Haiti emergency)' and to MRDF, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR.

Source: Methodist news Service 25/01/2010

Saturday 23 January 2010

TV's Religious output

Synod motion to criticise TV’s religious output

The Church of England’s governing body is to debate the ‘sensationalist and unduly critical nature’ of TV coverage of religion. Noting that the quantity of religious programming has declined, a lay member’s motion will also lament its quality. Former BBC producer Nigel Holmes will claim at the Synod in February that even the ‘few remaining programmes’ are being marginalised. He says that the BBC’s percentage of religious output has dropped by a third in the last ten years, while ITV’s has reduced to ‘next to nothing’, and broadcasters have ‘a lack of sympathy for, and ignorance of, religion’. The Guardian commented that our ‘sneering’ media as a whole is ‘almost uniquely out-of-touch with the world of religion.’

Sources: The Guardian (18/1, 19/1); Daily Telegraph (18/1); Church Times (22/1)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Friday 22 January 2010

"Enough for Everyone"

THE BAPTIST UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN BRITAIN

THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Churches say “There is enough for everyone” - Homelessness and Poverty Action Week

There is enough for everyone – that is the message of Poverty and Homelessness Action Week beginning on January 30.

The Methodist Church in Britain, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the United Reformed Church are supporting the awareness-raising week run by Church Action on Poverty and Housing Justice. The three churches have recommended resources produced for the campaign to be used in worship services.

Paul Morrison, Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church in Britain, said Poverty and Homelessness Action Week was especially important this year as the country prepares for a general election.

“Poverty is not just the problem of some people having too little; it’s also a problem of some people having too much,” he said.

“From the very start, Methodism has been about sharing the gospel, and sharing was not just about telling people stories, it was about having compassion for who they are and the situation that each person finds themselves in.”

Revd Dr Rosemary Kidd, Faith and Unity Coordinator of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, said: “It is quite clear that some people are paid too much but we have no mechanism by which we measure what is too much. There is enough for everyone, it’s just that wealth is poorly distributed.”

Frank Kantor, Secretary for Church and Society at the United Reformed Church, said: “We want to hear from people who wish to contribute to the debate on incomes and inequality in the UK which will be a key issue in the run up to the next election”

You can find out more on Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, and contribute to the debate via the Methodist Church website or by visiting the Homelessness and Poverty Action Week homepage: http://www.actionweek.org.uk/html/home.html

Source: Methodist News Service 22/01/2010

Churches' Preparation Guide for 2010 General Election

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN BRITAIN

THE BAPTIST UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ENGLAND

CYTUN – CHURCHES TOGETHER IN WALES

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

THE SALVATION ARMY

SCOTTISH CHURCHES PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE

UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND


NEWS RELEASE
22 January 2010

Churches launch guide to prepare for the 2010 General Election

Online resources designed to help Christians prepare for the General Election were launched today.

Eleven Churches and Church agencies have worked together to create an electronic booklet and website www.churcheselection.org.uk, which includes information on how to arrange a hustings meeting at local churches as well as a downloadable guide offering information on the important questions of this election campaign.

The election materials do not support a particular Church view or political party line, but aim to help people engage with a range of important issues facing the country, however they may decide to vote.

Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church who worked on the resources produced by Methodist Publishing and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, said: “We hope that the website will really help Christians engage with the election. The Faith in Politics booklet covers a whole range of policy issues, written by leading Christian experts and campaigners. The website also carries new guidance for groups wishing to hold hustings events during the election campaign, enabling people to register their interest in organising a hustings event and be put in touch with others in their constituency. We hope churches up and down the country will take advantage of these ecumenical resources.”

Faith in Politics covers issues including the economy, environment, health, education, equality and diversity, Europe, migration and sanctuary, poverty and criminal justice. The resource also provides a series of questions to facilitate personal or group reflection on political issues, or which could be used to quiz election candidates.

The Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of the Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Division, said: “I really hope these resources will be used by churches across the country to help them get ready for the General Election. They provide a rich range of material from which Christians and others can explore policy areas and form questions for their parliamentary candidates. The material points to the breadth of the impact that Westminster politics can have on the life of the nation, and I hope it will stimulate searching questions that will in turn help people make an informed judgement about how they use their vote.”

The Revd Bob Fyffe, General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, said “These resources will provide a rich source of information for churches and Churches Together groups across the four nations. The combination of these resources together with the online hustings information should ensure that Christians around the UK can fully engage in discussions with their prospective parliamentary candidates. The fact that the Churches have worked together to provide these resources is a strong statement in itself, and we hope that local churches and groups will fully engage in the democratic process.”

Source; Methodist News Service

Thursday 21 January 2010

Silent Auction for Haiti

Other churches may like to run something on similar lines as this event which I have just sent for publication in all our local papers and radio stations:-


Haiti Earthquake

Caversham Heights Methodist Church (Corner of Woodcote Rd and Highmoor Rd) in Reading will be holding a “Silent Auction” on Saturday 30th January. You are asked to donate gifts (of any value, new or second hand) that others might like to buy, and bring them to the church on Friday 29th between 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm, or Saturday 30th between 9.00am and 10.00 am. The gifts will be displayed in the church with a bidding paper beside them. From 10 am to 12 noon please come and write down bids for anything that takes your fancy.
At 12.00 noon the highest bidder gets the item.
Any unsold items to be collected by the donor plus items whose optional reserve price has not been reached.
There will be a homemade cake stall and tea and coffee will be served.

All proceeds will go to help bring aid to the people of Haiti.


UPDATE: from the two services at church on Sunday January 17th, £660 was donated which includes £111 of Gift Aid. Since than we have received a further £256 which also includes Gift Aid. A total of almost £930. We have already sent £500 to Shelterbox for box in our name to be sent to Haiti. The box includes everything needed to help a family or group of ten people to survive a disaster. The following is lifted from ther website and reduced to be more suitable for short items of news.

At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove - that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers. Each box costs £490 to equip and ship.

Tuesday 19 January 2010

Methodist Podcast re Haitian earthquake

A special edition of the Methodist Podcast following the earthquake disaster in Haiti on 12 January 2010 is now available to download from Methodist Web Radio.

People have been shocked and horrified by the scenes of devastation in Haiti following the massive earthquake, which left thousands of people dead and survivors fighting for their lives. Revd Tom Quenet, Methodist Partnership Coordinator for the Americas and the Caribbean, was due to be in Haiti when the earthquake struck. He told Karen Burke how he heard of the tragedy and the work he has been engaged in since to help with the relief effort.

To listen to the podcast, visit:

http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.webradio

Soutce: Methodist News Service 18/01/2010

Friday 15 January 2010

Crucifixion for Trafalgar Square

Over a hundred actors will bring Christ’s trial and execution to the heart of London next Good Friday by staging a Passion Play in Trafalgar Square. Organisers say the free performance will give a ‘unique’ taste of being in Jerusalem on the first Good Friday. The event has the backing of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. Most Revd Vincent Nichols said: ‘I am delighted that people from so many Christian denominations will be coming together to remind Londoners why the bank holiday of Good Friday is observed.’

Source:Daily Telegraph (13/1)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Haiti earthquake Appeal

Appeal launched to help thousands struck by devastating Haiti earthquake

Church donates £20,000 to aid victims of killer quake feared to have left thousands dead

The Methodist Church in Britain has launched an emergency appeal and granted £20,000 in immediate aid to Haiti after a catastrophic earthquake rocked the Caribbean nation yesterday.

Reports revealed that the 7.0-magnitude quake, the worst to hit the country in two centuries, tore down the HQ of the UN Mission, the presidential palace and thousands of homes in the space of a minute at 16.53 Haitian time and 21.53 GMT. Survivors used the micro-blogging site Twitter to report on the unfolding tragedy.

Revd Marcus Torchon, a Haitian Methodist minister serving in the Liverpool District on an exchange programme, said: “I am still waiting for news from family members who are missing. I managed to speak to my nephew after the quake happened, but since that phone call there were more than 10 after-shocks. Now the line is dead because the major phone networks are down.

“It is really destabilising emotionally. Practically, I would like to be of service to them. I feel that at some point I may have to go there when the airport is open. At the end of the day, we have nothing but our faith in God.”

Revd Tom Quenet, Partnership Coordinator for the Americas and Caribbean, established contact with the President of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas at 3am GMT today. Tom said: “Following the damage caused by four successive hurricanes that hit the island in 2008, I fear that the people of Haiti will wake up to scenes of devastation, fear and loss of life.”

Haiti’s Methodist church is the largest membership district of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean & the Americas with 12,000 members.

Tom Osbeck from aviation ministry Air Calvary said: “The buildings, homes, businesses and hospitals of Port-au-Prince are flattened. We stand outside and weep as we hear thousands of crying people. Thousands have died – many, many around our house.”

David Carwell of Mission Aviation Fellowship said: “All kinds of things in our house shook and slid and came tumbling to the floor. There have been many aftershocks and tremors. They seem to be weakening, but I doubt if it’s over yet.”

The Methodist Church in Britain is appealing to people to make their response through the World Mission Fund while international relief agencies and governments work to bring relief to Haitians.

Donations can be made through the Just Giving webpage on the Methodist Church website here or by sending a cheque payable to the World Mission Fund and posting it to Dave Bennett, Fundraising Coordinator, at Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR. Postal donations should be labelled ‘Haiti Appeal’.


Source: Methodist news Service 13/01/2010


Please read what Angela Shier-Jones has written under "God of the Earthquake" on her blog http://the-kneeler.blogspot.com

Tuesday 12 January 2010

'Now a Christian;

My friend Tony Miles has let me know on his blog Maybe2day about a new Church Army initiative that is worth checking out and passing on to others.

Here are the details of the new Now a Christian FREE email course which they have launched @ www.nowachristian.org

You Tube – see http://www.youtube.com/churcharmy#p/a/u/0/KHsy5vf0zoU.

Do watch this it takes about 2.5 mins and gives a great overview of the programme which is FREE.

Please put the link on your website.

There is an Inspire Magazine article about it on their website:

http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/article.aspx?i=98&q=369

Monday 11 January 2010

Methodists’ New Year’s Resolution

Methodists’ New Year’s Resolution - to cut carbon emissions by 10 per cent within a year·
Call to be ‘earth keepers’ rather than ‘earth eaters’

Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, signed up to the 10:10 campaign yesterday on behalf of over 100 staff at Methodist Church House in London. Throughout 2010, staff will work to cut 10 per cent off the building’s energy use.

Martyn said: ‘We begin to change the world when we change our lives and lifestyles. It is absolutely right, then, that as Christian disciples heeding God’s command to be good stewards of the planet, and increasingly ‘earth keepers’ rather than ‘earth eaters’, we commit ourselves to joining the 10:10 campaign. Together we can make a small but significant change and express hope in God’s future.’

Using the principle of ‘small actions, big difference,’ office staff will be encouraged to switch off lights and computers when they are not in use. There will also be a travel survey, initiating a year-long challenge to look at travel patterns for work engagements in Britain and with partner churches worldwide.

Energy saving actions at Methodist Church House have already begun. Desk printers have been replaced by more efficient shared printers. All office staff have their own recycling bin with non-recyclable material now deposited in separate communal bins. Following the results of an independent audit by the Carbon Trust, there will be an investment in a suitable building management system and exploration of PIR (passive infrared sensors) lighting.

Tamsin Omond, Faith Coordinator for the 10:10 campaign, said: “It is great to have the Methodist Church joining the initiative. Faith groups have recently had a strong voice on this issue and turning words into action is essential to tackle the global problem of climate change. All our personal actions reinforce the message to our governments regarding the scale of ambition that we expect from international agreements.”

The wider Church is encouraged to join the campaign via http://www.1010uk.org


Source: Methodist News Service 07/01/2010

Sunday 10 January 2010

PC or WC?

I can't resist sharing this laugh from my friend Tony Miles' blog Maybe2day and he was sent it by Catherine:-

"EU Directive No. 456179

In order to meet the conditions for joining the Single European currency, all citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must be made aware that the phrase ‘Spending a Penny‘ is not to be used after 31st December 2009.

From the 1st January 2010, the correct terminology will be: ‘Euronating’.

Thank you for your attention.

Ha ha ha!"

Sunday 3 January 2010

The Longest Night

Further to my post 'Snow Relief Centre', I asked for a report of what happened on the longest night of 2009 for our local ecumenical newspaper, 'Caversham Bridge' and I have pleasure in sharing it with you here.


"The longest night

It seems that everyone has a story about the snow that fell on 21 December (the longest night) last year. At Caversham Heights Methodist Church, we too had an exciting time.

Early in the evening, my doorbell rang, and a very public-spirited neighbour asked if I knew that a number of motorists were stranded on the main road in their cars and trucks, and wondered whether we could open the church hall and offer hot drinks? While she went off to tell shivering drivers we were opening up, I phoned several church members who live nearby, and in a short space of time, we were offering warm shelter, hot drinks and most importantly, loos!

Many cars, vans and lorries, including big trucks, were straddling St. Peter’s Hill and Woodcote Road, and soon we had dozens of people, old and young (plus a couple of dogs) thawing out. Amazingly, the word got out very quickly, and a number of local residents (not necessarily connected with our church), appeared at the hall, offering help, food, bedding and accommodation, and so as the evening wore on, we were able to provide soup and sandwiches. Woodcote Way Stores kindly stayed open long enough for us to stock up on some items. (One local resident generously paid for these.) When it became clear that those travellers not within walking distance of home, would have to spend the night in Caversham, some folk were taken to local homes, and the rest slept at the church. Several valiant volunteers stayed up all or most of the night (thank you, Sarah & Steve, and Adam!), and in the morning, we offered a simple breakfast of toast and tea.

A BBC TV reporter appeared early on, and later, we were phoned by Radio Berkshire, the Reading Chronicle, the Reading Post and Rob Wilson MP. A few drivers decided to leave their cars and try the train. A police officer eventually appeared, but when there was still no sign of the road being cleared, some of the truckers knocked on doors, borrowed shovels, and began clearing the road. Meanwhile, some new drivers had arrived, having left the Oxford area that morning, unaware that the road was blocked.



We continued to benefit from the help and support of the Caversham community - for example, some bacon sandwiches turned up in the morning; someone brought in a flask of hot chocolate; and folks walked down to Waitrose to buy supplies and received a donation of tea bags from the store.

By midday on 22nd, all of our temporary visitors had gone, but not before some of the truckers had generously taken up a collection in gratitude.

If you are one of the people who very kindly offered or gave help, food or bedding that night, we are deeply grateful for your generosity. If you need reimbursement for your expenses, please contact me. Any surplus money from the collection will be divided between Shelter and Action for Children. If you lent bedding or a shovel, we still have a few items left in the church hall! Please ring (0118) 9470040 to arrange collection.

Once again, a big thank you to all those generous people who showed community spirit that night. When giving us the collected money, one of the truckers made a little speech. He said, “We thought Caversham people were all posh. We truckers are seen as the scum of the earth, but you’ve treated us with respect and kindness. Thank you.”

(Rev.) Jenny Dowding"

Friday 1 January 2010

Forward into 2010


On this first day of the new Year 2010 I send greetings to all my friends, wishing them a very blessed New Year, with many more disciples won for Christ so that His Kingdom grows in grace and in strength. May God direct all our labours and give us a new vision of how we should fulfil our calling.

With just 6 weeks before the beginning of Lent, Churches Together in Caversham are planning for the Lenten Study groups, with this interesting slogan -


"Don't give up Chocolate this year...... Take it up........

Lent groups 2010, will take a different form than other years, it will be
based around the film ‘Chocolate’ and there will be a sign up sheet in each
church at the beginning of the new year…"


This will certainly be different and should prove to be very interesting.