The January 2019 (issue 13) is now available.
This edition has the theme of “journeying”, and includes an article by the past Vice-President of Conference, Jill Baker (Strathclyde Circuit) on “pilgrimage”, an insight into the shared journey of two Methodists with different views on aspects of sexuality, and an exploration of travelling together ecumenically by the new Connexional Ecumenical Officer, Ruth Gee.
The redevelopment group meeting planned for 15th January has been postponed until after the all-church meeting on 20th January. It is hoped that the congregation will make progress in considering the shape of its future, and how the building might contribute to that vision.
In the early 1906s John Morel Gibbs, a Methodist layman and art collector, became keenly aware that Non-Conformist traditions demonstrated no deep appreciation of insights into the Bible through the works of contemporary artists; he therefore decided to create a collection of original works to tour the country. In this, he was assisted by the Rev Douglas Wollen, also an art-lover. These works became the nucleus of the now widely-appreciated Methodist Modern Art Collection.
The Collection includes works by artists from over the past 100 years, from within and furth of Great Britain; it is still expanding and now comprises 54 paintings, prints, drawings reliefs and mosaic works. Although care and maintenance is provided by the Methodist Church, funds from charitable sources are often used for purchases. The Collection – as originally intended – tours the country; it is also available to view online, with some works also in postcard format.
Recipients of the Armistice Day retiring offering have expressed gratitude for our support of their work, providing the following information:
Help for Heroes: “Thousands of Servicemen and women are living with injuries and illnesses – both physical and mental – each and every day. Together with their loved ones they continue to need our help to cope with the challenges they face. Your support means they won’t have to battle alone. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives. Our mission is to deliver an enduring network of support to help our Heroes with their challenges and to go to live active independent and fulfilling lives. This is at the heart of everything we do.”
One beneficiary has said – “Thanks with all my heart for being there for me and others. Please don’t go away. One way or another, we’re going to need you for the rest of our lives.”
Blesma –The Limbless Veterans: “(We are) dedicated to the support of all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes, empowering them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. We support our Members, both young and old, for life. Just as we are still caring for our Second World War veterans, we also care for our younger generation, from recent conflicts that have survived complex trauma injury and will need specialised support as they age. Rehabilitation, advocacy, counselling, and care are the four principles of our Association. We work tirelessly to provide practical, emotional and financial support to injured veterans and their families as they rebuild their lives.”
Following a request from All We Can to consider supporting their emergency work with others and particularly their local connections in Indonesia, there will be a retiring offering next Sunday, 13th January to facilitate donations to them in support of the relief and rehabilitation work for victims of this disaster. However, in the following couple of weeks, further donations can also be given to David Easson (Church Treasurer) for forwarding.
All We Can is delivering humanitarian aid through partners on the ground, both in the Sulawesi province, following the earthquake and tsunami upheavals of late September, and also in the Sunda Strait villages after the more recent (22ndDecember) volcanic tsunami devastation.
Sleeping bags donated at the 3Generate Youth Event held in Southport in November were delivered in early December to Calais, to provide essential bedding for refugees. 70 Bags were taken by the Learning & Development Officer for the East Central District – this was Nigel Pimlott’s fourth trip to Calais where he acts as a volunteer with Care4Calais:
“(Refugees) have nowhere to live, no protection from the elements, live in constant fear, and they have little hope of tomorrow being any different from today.”
Thanks to some generous donations, we were able to provide Christmas gifts for 3 children who were referred by various agencies looking for support.
M and T aged 7 and A aged 4 each received gifts of a warm coat, pyjamas, socks and a toy.
Thank you to those who donated towards these.S
Because of the recent increase in the stringency of economic sanctions, Iran’s economy is experiencing great rises in the prices of food and increasing scarcity of medicines and other essentials.
In the Anglican community in Iran, 3 small congregations continue to meet under pastoral oversight of the Vicar-General and 3 deacons who lead weekly services.
“Christians of the Diocese of Iran and the wider community face the challenges of living at this demanding time. Archbishop Suheil, as President-Bishop, had planned to visit in mid-October, but it did not prove possible. It is a reminder of how isolated the congregations are. It is rarely possible for people to visit.
In this situation, those outside the country can best serve these small communities by holding them in prayer, (remembering) all those who follow the way of Jesus in Iran, together with the whole population and leadership of the country. Pray too for the role of Iran in the wider region.”
(from ‘Bible Lands’ the magazine of the Jerusalem and Middle East Church Association, Winter 2018 edition).