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Welcome to the Buzz!
The Buzz is a great resource that brings the whole Methodist Church in Britain together by sharing good news from across the Connexion. The stories below illustrate different ways in which the Church is working out the four aspects of Our Calling and living out discipleship shaped for mission.
If you have any stories to share, why not get in touch?
With warmest wishes,
Rosie Winn
Media Officer
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WORSHIP – Different by Design
Livingston United Parish Church
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When severe weather caused by the ‘Beast from the East’ cancelled all four Sunday services at Livingston United Parish Church, technology came to the rescue.
To provide the congregation with some form of worship, an online broadcast was set up and the Revd Stephanie Njeru provided a short service. The service was a success and earned lots of positive feedback.
The church will take the encouraging statistics to the Church Council in a bid for future services to also be broadcast.
The Revd Njeru said: “This was an inspired solution to the problem that the weather brought. Hopefully will be the first of many acts of worship that will enable the housebound or non-churchgoers the opportunity to worship alongside others.”
Email: The Revd Stephanie Njeru stephanie.njeru@methodist.org.uk
Website: lupc.org.uk
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LEARNING AND CARING – Oxford Winter Night Shelter
Wesley Memorial Church, Oxford
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Oxford’s Wesley Memorial Church members enthusiastically responded to the challenge of helping the homeless during the cold months of January, February and March.
Seven churches took it in turn to open each night of the week and a number of other churches offered volunteer support and gifts of bedding, toiletries and food.
The newly refurbished hall at Wesley Memorial Church can receive up to ten guests. Most nights have seen eight or more in each venue. They are identified during the day by an outreach team from the homeless charity St Mungo’s so that the volunteers know exactly who to expect.
The project leaders are confident of re-running the night shelter again in 2019, and Wesley Memorial Church will be there with its team to take part.
Church Council member Kate Dobson said: “It has been very satisfying to witness how the guests have enjoyed their stay, particularly those who need to go to work the following morning! A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference.”
Email: Kate Dobson kate.dobson@wesleymem.org.uk
Website: wesleymem.org.uk
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EVANGELISM – Church now hosts two pulpits
St John’s Northgate Methodist Church, Gloucester
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St John’s Northgate Methodist Church has become the temporary home of the pulpit from St Mary de Crypt Church, from where Gloucester-born international evangelist and one of the founders of Methodism, George Whitefield preached his first sermon.
This important historical artefact is now sited on the south wall at the church and will remain there until a regeneration project is completed.
The project, made possible through a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, will make St Mary de Crypt Church and Old Crypt School Room fully accessible community and heritage spaces in the centre of Gloucester.
The church will re-open in Spring 2019. The pulpit will be returned to its original place with a specialist interactive multimedia heritage trail.
The Revd John Kime said: “Whilst the work at St Mary de Crypt is underway, tourists can come to this church and learn more about our heritage which had a massive global impact.”
Email: David Bennett gloucestershiremethodistmedia-newsrelease@outlook.com
Website: gloucestershiremethodist.org.uk
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SERVICE – Mission Outreach Centre
Collier Row Methodist Church, Romford Circuit
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Balloons, bunting and cake were in place to help greet guests arriving to celebrate the opening of the Circuit Mission Outreach Project, Romford.
The project evolved following the courageous decision of the members at Collier Row Methodist Church to cease meeting because of falling numbers of worshippers.
Rather than taking the decision to close and offer the premises for sale, the circuit, under the leadership of Superintendent minister the Revd David Jebb, took the courageous decision to use the premises as a mission outreach centre instead, including a night shelter.
He opened proceedings by explaining the vision behind the Mission, quoting John Wesley: “Go always, not only to those who want you, but to those that want you most.”
Email: The Revd David Jebb djebb2003@gmail.com
Website: romford-circuit.org.uk
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280 years ago, John Wesley wrote about his heart being strangely warmed. These additional Buzz stories focus on “the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ.”
#heartwarmed – Celebrating Chinese New Year
Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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In February, Brunswick Methodist Church was taken over by its Chinese Methodist congregation to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The service was led by Kevin Cheung, a local preacher and member of the Chinese congregation, who principally in Chinese with a translator.
The hymns were projected in both English and Chinese as were some of the prayers and readings.
As 2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog, the Revd Lawrence Law took ‘Dogs’ as his theme, beginning with Lassie and going on through the good things that dogs are responsible for.
Both congregations enjoyed the joint fellowship and the service is one that the Church wishes to repeat again.
Email: Sylvia Fuller sylvia.fuller@talktalk.net
Website: brunswickmethodist.org.uk
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