|
| |
Linc-It
 199kb printer friendly version of Linc- It
WHAT DO YOU PUT IN YOUR STARTLED SPACE?
“the daring notes of song
pierced through the barren numbness;
And then in startled space
which a youth as lovely as a god
Had suddenly left for ever,
the Void felt for the first time
That harmony which now
enraptures and comforts and helps us … (Rilke)
In a recent extract from davesdistrictblog, our
District Chair, David Perry, quoted the above extract and the words startled space caught his
attention, echoing for him the poetry of Genesis 1, where earth is the creative
space in which God’s purpose is to give birth to life. …. Formless void … soup of nothingness …inky blackness … barren. Perhaps Rilke adds an extra layer of
meaning – here is the surprising, unexpected, startling activity of God.
|
|
Is that startled
space what we need to find in the life and thinking of the Church if we
are to present God bringing newness to birth among us and through us? Maybe finding such space isn’t easy but it’s
vital that we try…. Here is one response,
one of several significant poems by Julie Doddrell, minister in the Boston Circuit, whose poem SHOCK! captures the irrepressible
energy of God’s love as evidenced in the gospels - and that which is called into being so
creatively from our ‘startled space’?
|
SHOCK !
How do we create
startled space in our sleeping churches?
Churches who have
forgotten how to be surprised by God …
Who have been deluded into thinking Jesus was a conservative with a small ‘c’
Who have been diluted by
the familiar,
And remain stoically
unshocked by the audacity of this radical Galilean preacher?
How do we hear … not
again … not ‘as if’ … but really, truly for the first time
the startling message He
brings
like the SHOCK of a
heavy beat …
A rhythmic insistent
heart-beat of love
jarring in every nerve,
thudding in every bone,
utterly absorbing and
encompassing
…somehow calling into
being the extempore jazz riffs of joy and hope … new notes to take our breath
away…
When all we expected was
orderliness and calm …
Like the SHOCK of cold,
clear water
Like the SHOCK of
falling down, down
Like the SHOCK of seeing
…
a man nailed to a wooden
cross
O Lord, SHOCK us with
your
insistent
drumbeat
heartbeat
echoing NOW in the
depths of my being ……ever-new
shocked into newness.
called by heartbeats of
love to dance
eyes wide open, ready to speak
Word and words into the
spaces you are creating.
|
|
Page 1
|
RAIN, SEA, SAND
AND SYNOD
Mablethorpe
welcomed us wetly but warmly to a packed programme of challenge, positive
outlooks and very heartening debate, initiative and progress. After pleasing opening worship and a lively
description of FURNICHURCH, a first-class example of churches working together
to collect and distribute furniture to very needy people within an 8-mile
radius from Mablethorpe, the roadroller of change rolled into view and chugged
purposefully forward. There are, after
all, many barriers and barricades to flatten...
|
Chris Jones, our District Development Enabler,
reminded us of the discussions and meetings that have been taking place across
the District. “Should we downsize ?
Would we be more successful as part of a larger circuit? Have we forgotten that God’s primary activity
is creativity. We must not see what is not there! There is no hidden agenda! We
must feel we’re in our element. It’s...aptitude (I get it) PLUS attitude (I
want it) PLUS passion (I love it) PLUS opportunity (Where is it? Let me get at
it!)
There’s been encouraging effort...and interestingly
different models of co-operation. The Epworth
and Scunthorpe circuits are on track to become one in September 2010. Grimsby
and Cleethorpes cover the same territory as North East Lincolnshire unitary
authority and anticipate sound development within their current area. The giant
“spiritual conurbation” of the Alford,
Skegness and Wainfleet with Louth with Mid-Lincolnshire circuits are
considering partnership while preserving their own identity (perhaps common
administration, local preaching teams etc).
Mid-Lincolnshire already have a fund of experience. Lincoln North and South, who feel they could continue current
progress separately, are examining a combined approach to >>>>
|
|
>>>>Lincoln city centre and immediate environs. Barton
and Brigg, sharing close boundaries with the Yarborough Deanery, are
looking to push more strenuously with ecumenical approaches and there are
already good examples of close working. Sleaford, with a fresh ministerial
team, has better potential stability but no obvious options yet. Boston is well-placed to move on but not wanting to be
isolated geographically. Like all circuits, they are looking at all feasible
links with their neighbours geographically and ecumenically.
This latter research can become complicated, as for South Lincolnshire! Their feelers
stretch into Stamford and Rutland, Grantham and Vale of Belvoir, South Holland,
Boston, Sleaford, Melton Mowbray.... Market
Rasen and Caistor look along the A631 towards Gainsborough who look to Retford for their villages west of their
villages west of the Trent)
There may be no clear outcomes and many feel unease at
the notion that big geography equates with big moves forward, even the High and
Holy of Marylebone hint openly that ‘supercircuits’ are more likely to attract
mission funding. There are helpful indications
that collaborations may work.
|
IN ALL THE DISCUSSIONS, we
have to bear in mind the nagging questions.
What is the relevance in our plans – or even the need for :
The
Connexion (known to some as the London Layer)
The
District, even the Circuit ....even the S-s-uperintendent
A
Christian presence when formal church isn’t there
Engaging
with Covenant partners ...(there are more genuine LEPs now...)
The
experience of other Districts and denominations
Links
with the United Reformed Church (ongoing?)
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
To
those who feel guilty at times
…
Those
who feel there’s a lot of nod at Synod, take heart! German research has stated
that nodding off is good for you. It refreshes the brain, improves the memory.
And it’s actually falling asleep that’s the best bit. It seems that our brain
replays recent events just before we sleep, sifting through new material to
decide what to work with. This period of marshalling our thoughts (those
dreamlike sensations we can’t recall) is probably more crucial for good
remembering than prolonged sleep.
There’s perhaps further
cheer for chocolate, wine and tea lovers. Consumption of all three can also aid your
memory. The all contain flavonoids which may reduce the risk of dementia. Before you become too excited, though, the
downside is that the positive effects of wine level out at just after half a
glass, and the brain needs only four modest squares of chocolate. So, best be a good Methodist and put the
kettle on……?
Try “Take God to work” by Ken Costa, churchwarden at
Holt Trinity, Brompton. It’s a 6-week
course for small groups to look at tough decisions, life choices, stress in the
workplace….and how we might live out our Christian values there, too. It tackles the real need to reconnect faith
in God with the workplace.
|
|
Page 2
THE FAIREST FOOTBALLERS IN ENGLAND
can be found in Louth, where Methodist Church and sport
combine to reach young people. A team from the Nichols
Youth Project have received recognition for their
football skills and their approach to the game. They
entered the Fairplay Football Tournament, which uses
sport as a means of developing young people and their
communities, seeking to reduce anti-social behaviour and
alcohol abuse by breaking down barriers between young
people and local police. They reached the final stages
of the competition in Derby but were defeated in the
play-offs….but they received the fair play award for
showing exceptional team spirit and sportsmanship. They
also have stringent comments about the poor role-model
qualities of some of our most famous players…….
(Abridged from a report by LMH)
|
|
FILL
THE BLACK HOLES
WHERE THERE ARE NO METHODIST CHAPELS, not least where our
Anglican colleagues, like us, are asking if their provision
is viable, especially in some villages. Do you recall
2004’s
PRESENCE
which is a workbook to help promote and sustain effective
Christian presence in villages. Our District
Mission Enabler, Liz Childs, suggests that every circuit
should establish an active Christian presence group ikn at
least one village without a chapel … see page 21 of
PRESENCE! |
LET TEENAGERS LIE-IN……
It really does hep them to function at their best. They have
better concentration at school, behave better in the classroom
and are generally more amenable. Don’t expect too much before
11 a.m.! It’s not that they’re lazy, it’s we who deprive them
of the sleep they really need through biological factors beyond
their control. We make them ratty by getting them up early….
ALL YOUR CHRISTIAN RESOURCES from
OLIVE TREE, High Mill, Kirkby Hill, Old Bolingbroke PE23 4HP.
01790 763627
www.olivtree.me.uk
Books, cards, novelties, church supplies, fairly traded goods…
teashop , warm welcome
Oh,
children…in exams….
“The Jews have always had problems with unsympathetic genitals …
“Sadly Moses died before reaching Canada…. “Jesuses golden rule
was do one to others before they do one to you … “Man doth not
live by sweat alone … “Jesus was a Big Noise because he always
had twelve decibels … “God took Sunday off to write the Book of
Guinesses … “Moses was sadly killed in
a
bull rush and his bits thrown into the river…
REVD DAVID NEWLOVE,
Louth’s superintendent, described how three circuits might
operate in partnership, working with some 1100 members and a
staff of 6 presbyters, a deacon, a youth worker and a team of
volunteer lay pastors. Common systems, flexible preacher use,
one area administrator, one plan-maker! And one ‘facilitator
.... |
|
Members at WADDINGHAM
raised almost £200 by cutting slits in margarine boxes and popping
loose change into them every day the sun shone
REVD GILLIAN BELFORD,
superintendent of Barton and Brigg, outlined the closer workings
with the Yarborough Deanery, helped by the positive energy and
support of Rural Dean, Revd Chris Lilley....conduct of Sunday
worship, prayer calendar, joint circuit and deanery meetings,
combined worship events, youth songs of praise, the Kirton-in-Lindsey
LEP, attracting new people to new ventures.
Last year’s BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY was seen as a success and more
congregations are expecting to take part this year. Our Methodism
is joining the movement with a call to churches to renew contacts
and create new ones. The date: SUNDAY 27TH
SEPTEMBER.. Look for more on: www.backtochurch.co.uk
REVD COLIN MARTIN,
superintendent: of the new South Lincolnshire circuit, spoke of
his four churches, three of them relatively large. Helped by
his mission enabler, Ann Bossingham, the circuit is always aware
that mission is a permanent agenda item. Existing activities are
invigorated, attitudes more outward-looking, there’s growing
support between churches and several small initiatives showing a
practical, ‘human’ church to the community
The journal PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE says religious people are less
likely to panic under pressure than people who don’t believe in
God. The stronger your belief in God, the calmer you remain. You
are not flummoxed if you make a mistake….
FRESH AND FREE … SATURDAY 23 MAY..LINCOLN CATHEDRAL..11.45 TILL
3 ..FRESH EXPRESSIONS ... ROADSHOW, MUSIC, WORKSHOPS ... LUNCH
IF YOU BOOK ... FREE ENTRY ... CELEBRATE!
AND THERE’S MORE!
REVD JULIE DODDRELL, minister in the
Boston circuit and, as our pages show, no mean poet, told of the
Old Leake and Wrangle Experience at the chapel, 8 miles from
Boston. Building on existing links, there is a successful Film
Club, showing top films and much cheaper than Boston! It began
with borrowed equipment – laptop, speakers, a tuck shop, 1.45
start. Over two years, out of it have developed a holiday club,
midweek children’s club, monthly Sunday School, some parents to
services, fellowship groups, asking about Christianity. It’s a
powerful outreach and service ... and winner of an award from
Boston Borough Council! |
|
Page 3
|
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BOSTON operate a burger and soup van in
Boston town centre from 7-9 pm every Saturday. They’re
developing a regular clientele and finding the real nature of
needs , as of 18 people sleeping in a field – and answering
questions about faith.
REVD
DAN HAYLETT
offered the successful EDGE venture at Keelby, where a
purpose-built coffee shop run to exacting professional standards
meets a local need, offers a meeting space and proven
opportunities to engage in Christian mission. It’s an example
of the outward-looking, welcoming approach of this church.
HOW’S
THE COVENANT, THEN?
Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler reports that Covenant relationships, in
enthusiasm and implementation, are patchy, the District has
positive things to report. The Kirton-in-Lindsey partnership
is making its way to full LEP status. Bardney in
Mid-Lincolnshire is set to become an LCP (Local Covenant
Partnership). We’ve added more ministers offered Authorised or
Associate status. |
|
There’s a church-sharing agreement at Beckingham (Gainsborough) which should develop into an LEP….and
the paperwork for the Old Brumby Methodist-URC partnership in
Scunthorpe has been approved.
MORE GOOD NEWS – IN GAINSBOROUGH
The youth programme QUEST ( a sort of pre-Alpha) has led to
three memberships and young people asking for more … The group,
70% of whom have particular needs, “want somewhere to belong….”
WHAT ABOUT THE 10% OF YOUNGSTERS WHO DON’T THINK LIFE IS WORTH
LIVING?
The recent Prince’s trust survey talked to 2004 young people
across Britain. More than 25% aged 16-25 said they are often
or always down or depressed. An increasingly vulnerable
generation…. Find the full report. It’s on:
www.princes-trust.org.uk
|
|
Can you talk
TEXTESE? A friend
tells me 18 means late …BRB is be right
back … 404 means you’re clueless
…. 143 (I love you) … RAB is a tactless move
(Ross and Brand) … P999 is Parents Alert ..
He’s Code 18 = a technological
disaster (it’s not the equipment. It’s the operator).
And GOOD is bad. (GetOutOfDebt
job is one taken just for the cash).
At
least it’s had more appeal than Esperanto!
GO ON, BE BOLD
…. Check out www.youthlincs.co.uk ….
And look out for the imminent Facebook survey…
Do you know
about SPRINT? It’s a valuable opportunity for ministers,
not superintendents, who have been
serving in the District for more than five
years. It’s not a race training situation but a monthly coffee morning
in each
other’s homes, to share concerns about everyday life as a minister, in a
relaxed, confidential space.
Fi you can raed this, you have a sgtrane mnid too. Olny 55 plepoe out of 100
can.: I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg.
The phaonmneal pweor of the human mind, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it dseino’t mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the
only iproamtnt thing is that the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm.
This is bcuseae the human mind deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef but the
word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
|
|
Page 4
PRESBYTERAL FAREWELLS
Late
March is rather early to say good-bye but Synod has met for the
last time in this Methodist year, so … We will say good-bye to
Lindsay and Ian Kemp as they leave Alford, Skegness and
Wainfleet … Jeong Sook Kim leaving Scunthorpe’s Winterton
group … and Peter Pillinger, from Mission Enabling via Fresh
Expressions to District Chairpersonship. We wish them well and
acknowledge with gratitude their ministry among us.
HAIL TO OUR TWO ORDINANDS
who will be (in the words of an elderly member of a coastal
circuit) proper vicars when Synod next meets. John Corrie
(Sleaford) and Dan Haylett (Grimsby/Cleethorpes) gave their
testimonies. It was very reassuring to hear of their journeys
into an ever deeper faith and their whole-hearted commitment
to the presbyteral ministry. Perhaps we could sing their
chosen hymns on July 5th, their ordination day
…John’s “From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the
sun (Songs of Fellowship 1774 in Book 4) and Dan’s “Give me
the faith which can remove and sink the mountain to a plain”
(Hymns and Psalms 787).
HAIL
TO THE NEWLY APPOINTED:
Jane Measures, who is the new Training Officer for us, jointly
with the Nottingham and Derby District. Greetings to Richard
Wills (Lincoln) who becomes our lay representative on the
Methodist Council….and to Simon Dean as he replaces Alison
McNish (as if you could!) at CTAL … and to Revd Pam Costin, as
an Authorised Minister in the Barton and Brigg Circuit.
YOU HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN IT’S THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD?
It’s to highlight issues, challenges and injustices facing
young people today – and to celebrate young people and seek
lasting change and growth. Check out:
www.yearofthe child2009.co.uk
SITUATIONS
ABOUT TO BE VACANT
As David Perry will not be seeking a further term in the District, we shall be seeking a new Chair to take up
the post in September 2011. Deputy Chair
(and District Property Secretary) Jenny Park
- who, as superintendent of South Holland as well – will
need three people to replace her?, ALSO IN 2011. We also need a Grants Officer in 2010…..
|
|
FAREWELL TO CHAPELS Some farewells bring much sadness.
Synod acknowledged with much regret, the notice that our Eastoft,
Ingoldmells and Seathorne churches are ‘ceasing to worship’.
For those who have had the burden of decision, we offer our
prayers, mixed with appreciation of a long and significant
witness.
Up for sale are West Torrington Chapel, the chapel cottage
at Scopwick and the chapel, with ancillary premises, at
Donington.
STILL AFLOAT
The Boat Ministry is alive and well. Revd Maurice Perry with
his ecumenical team of 15 dedicated volunteers, looks to begin a
second mission tour beginning at Lincoln Boat Festival and
ending at Surfleet on Sea Sunday (from Jul7 17-26). The
ministry is no longer in receipt of grants, so there is an extra
challenge to find the £1000 needed to keep the boat in top
condition. It’s a different and rewarding way of sharing good
News to people who wouldn’t set foot in our churches. Disabled
…children … parents … teenagers (allowed to steer! – blessed by
the presence of Bishops and our Chair…..
NETWORK’S
District President is Sue Leese, who is willing to go to any
church in the District to speak. She lives in Epworth – the
super’s wife – and her chosen charity is Epworth Old Rectory.
District Day will be October 19th, at Moorland Park
in Lincoln. From 11 am-3 pm …. It’ll be a morning session of
worship-related activities, with lunch and an afternoon act of
worship using the morning’s ideas and offerings.
ACCORDING
TO A CHILD…”Paul
cavorted to Christianity down the Damascus Road”
(The Nomination Committee for Chair of District is:
Jennifer Park, convenor ..Brian Bailey .. Stephen brown .. Nick Chambers ..
Mike Childs .. Ernie Fytche .. Jonathan Hustler .. Langley Mackrell-Hey ..
glenda Taylor .. with substitutes Anne Spolton .. Trevor Hancock ..
Laura Macbean .. Kate Melling)
|
|
METHODIST HOMES SUNDAY this year is 14th June and the theme is
CHOICES. “Choose Life!” Worship resources are available from
www.mha.org.uk
Page 5
PRESENT …
You
can only be startled in the present
You can recall
surprise but you can’t be surprised again
You can’t
anticipate surprise…even if you try to imagine it
Open our
senses to the ever-present God … the God of NOW
Always new and
always surprising ….
With the
surprise comes the energy …BANG!
The action,
the joy, the leap of the heart ….And the springing from the seat!
That we would
only forget what we have always known…and see what we have never known …
Startling
radical audacious God, stir us to your NOW.
And yet ..
even Jesus was singing his new song using the notes of all that had gone
before
As Scripture
was fulfilled in Him..
So how do we
re-work, re-package (is that all it is?) the music of so many centuries,
The notes we
have always known yet need to hear fresh-played
…unsettling …
astonishing … radically different yet oddly familiar.
NEW music…yet
ever old
For in one
sense we can NEVER have anything NEW to sing or say …
It is still
the gospel of Jesus Christ..the Word and the words of God
The kingdom
proclaimed in voice and touch…
NEW songs,
ancient truths…ever old yet ever new.
Teach us to
sing today’s song, ever-present God….even NOW
JD
|
MARKET RASEN AND CAISTOR
are still on the move
… Linc-it 19 reported on their circuit priority decisions … more use of video
projectors …more modern music …Messy Church … house groups, holiday clubs ,,,
performances of Stargazers …. Prayer walks …Men’s Breakfast Club … Holiday at
Home for elderly … Prayer Tree … Lent courses based on the film CHOCOLAT
(innovative and meaningful …..)
The next priority is communication with those who don’t attend church.
Research shows many people believe in God but don’t see the relevance of
traditional church to their lifestyle. So .. meetings in schools? Village
halls? Cafes? Pub rooms?
So … the circuit has adopted a straightforward communication strategy,
especially for newcomers and new housing developments. It’s this:
·
ENSURE that what we are offering relates to the lifestyle and needs of the
community
·
HAVE a clear message using everyday English
·
MAKE IT EASY for people to respond.
IN THE NICK OF TIME
Revd Mark Lawrence tells of the frequent Alpha courses on Thursday
afternoons in Lincoln Prison’s chapel – with the co-operation of the
officers. Sharing the ministry with Joy Osborne (a Nazarene minister from
Grimsby) and Steven Marshall, a local lay chaplain, Mark sees the profound
effects on men who for the first time experience the reality of God. Steven
runs a midweek Bible study group with vulnerable prisoners … and there are
lives impacted with the Gospel.
I HEAR THAT Stannah are developing an express stairlift to help pensioners get
upstairs before they’ve forgotten why they were going there…..
INCLUDING JESUS IN THE BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY’S ELECTION CAMPAIGN
has drawn a combined response from Methodism, the URC and Baptist churches.
We’re reminding people that ‘Love God with all of your being and love your
neighbour as yourself’ is the key life rule and there’s irony in using the
world’s most famous Jew to promote a racist message. Watch out for the
election pack due out now which will call on us all to engage positively with
politicians and utterly reject racist political activity.
ARE YOU A DUNKER?
Check this for its truth? Chocolate digestive biscuits are best because of
that mix of melted chocolate and soggy underside. They can survive eight
seconds in tea (a mere 3 seconds for Hobnobs and gingernuts!) Best success
from laying the biscuit, choc side up, to minimize the ‘choc bleed’ into
your cup and to slow ‘biscuit crack-up’… Well!
OUCH!
The doctor’s receptionist looked sympathetically at the middle-aged man, bent
and shuffling as his wife helped him in. She asked: “Arthritis in the back
with complications?” The wife replied briskly. “No- do-it-yourself in the
garden – with concrete blocks….”
SATURDAY 6 JUNE: LOUTH NICHOL HILL
RESOURCES FOR A MISSION SHAPED CHURCH
COURSE TASTER DAY
10.00 Registration,
coffee 10.30 Worship .. 11.00 Taster 1 .. 12.00 Lunch,
stalls, materials 1.00 Taster 2, then break
.. 2.30 Taster 3 and closing worship at 3.30
PERHAPS WE’LL MANAGE MORE THAN ONE STEP AT A TIME
In his presentation to Synod, Revd Colin Martin, as did others in table
discussions, expressed the willingness to tackle the challenges of relationships
with other churches … the bonding in reshaped circuits … more energetic sharing
of resources … more careful and thorough communication channels between and
within churches … looking out for potential partnerships … assuring clear
management and accountability. A considerable shopping list!
We must beware of Mr and Mrs Arbutt … Ah, but … larger circuits’ activities may
not be supported – it’s too far to go to! … Larger circuits may struggle …
looking inwards, becoming even more congregational … people’s gifts may be
overwhelmed … small congregations feel very isolated....
|
Page 6
For every member
in every church, key questions still are…
- How are we going to discover and respond to the needs
of our community?
-
How might we develop an outreach programme which
allows people to enter it at a safe place (e.g. a film club) and move on to a
more ‘Christian-flavoured’ event (e.g. a holiday club) to a fresh expression
(e.g. messy church)
ACROSS THE DISTRICT, SO MUCH TO
PRAY ABOUT … |
-
In Epworth, the ministry of hospitality to visitors from across
the world to Epworth .. and the Old Rectory’s expanding
educational and community links
- The continuing positive impact of Street Pastors in Lincoln
and the plans for similar ministry in other towns
- The Godpod outreach bus
-
Café churches … film evenings … school assemblies ….
Children’s clubs … drop-ins across our District
-
Continuing developments in Mid-Lincolnshire
-
The outcomes in Grimsby and Cleethorpes of preparations for
changes in emphasis and organisation, mission-led and sustained
by prayer
-
The Methodist Conference in Wolverhampton from 2-9 July and the
ordination of John Corrie and Dan Haylett
- The
Gainsborough Youth group
-
Scunthorpe’s diversity and multi-cultural communities
- The
continuing faithfulness and vision evident in the stretched
situation of Barton and Brigg
-
Ecumenical mission in New Toft and Brookenby and new approaches
in South Kelsey
|
|
-
The
small groups which meet throughout the Sleaford circuit for prayer, study,
worship and fellowship
-
Ministry to the elderly in South Holland
-
For
Bourne and Thurlby’s vision of re-designing premises to meet mission needs
-
The expanding community work in Wrangle
-
FURNICHURCH
and its response to severe need ion the Mablethorpe area
-
Farming communities across the District, affected by adverse market forces and
other factors seriously undermining their viability
-
Louth’s
NICHOLS PROJECT as they engage with the area’s young people
-
The staff, governors, parents and children of our schools in Brant Broughton,
New Holland, Wainfleet and Bardney
And …. NETWORK with president Sue Leese … the Rural Stress Network … our
chaplains …the EPIC centre and the major Lincoln Circuits event on June 21st
there … our Methodist Home at Stones Place … Churches Together in all
Lincolnshire …
|
|
….and every church mentioned in your local paper
OUR BUSY LIVES
MAY INVOLVE US IN BEING PART OF, OR PRAYING HARD FOR…..
- The District
Circuit Stewards’ Consultation at Horncastle on 22 June,
- The MAYC
District Summer Camp at Cleethorpes …Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June
- This year’s
Conference in Wolverhampton from July 2-9, not least Ordination Sunday on the 5th,
and our ordinands, Dan Haylett and John Corrie
- The District
Network AGM on July 3
The District
Policy Committee on July 13 at Horncastle
- The District
Synod at IMMINGHAM on 12 September
- Back to Church
Sunday on September 27
- MAYC District
Sports Safari on October 17-18
li>Network’s
District Day at Moorland Park on October 19
- Remembering to
pout the clocks back on October 25
- The 2010
Conference – in Portsmouth ……
|
Page 7
STARTLED SPACE
Waiting space
Silent space
… like the space before creation
before Word and words
the space between breathing in and breathing out
after the gasp .... before the letting go
before dawn
before light
Creative, hopeful, expectant space
A space before
birth
before blossom and bud
The space before resurrection
Dead space
Ending and beginning space
….ripe, ready, opportune kairos space
God’s space
|
Many thanks to contributors in many ways: directly face-to-face .. in
written contribution … in sent magazine (you tell so much, even by what you
don’t say!) … in cheeky e-mail … in re-editing longer pieces … particular
thanks to Julie Doddrell for her deeply challenging poems …
Plus an apology to the people of Gipsey Bridge, whom I inadvertently closed in Linc-it 19.
My informant has recovered from his wounds.
The next deadline is September 12th which is the date of the
(shorter) Autumn Synod at Immingham in my home circuit - and my final edition
of Linc-it. Edition 21 still means
‘Coming of Age’ and our communications, via E-LINC and the wide-ranging
website, reach a wide audience and
‘serve the present age’.
Editor: Brian Smith … 01472 353164 … brianbouncer@aol.com
District website: lgmethodistdistrict.org.uk
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
