| The Methodist Church |
|
|
|
|
|
 
Welcome to The Buzz!
The Buzz is a great resource that brings the whole Methodist Church in Britain together by sharing good news from the Connexion. The stories below illustrate different ways in which the Church is working out the four aspects of Our Calling: Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.
If you have any stories to share, why not get in touch?
Have a blessed month!
Rosie Winn
Media Officer
Find us on:
|
| |
 |
WORSHIP – Unity in mission
Portsmouth Methodist Church, Portsea Island
|
|
The three Methodist churches on Portsea Island are pooling resources to enhance their missional impact.
Copnor, Eastney and Trinity Methodist Churches will now become mission centres for the new Portsmouth Methodist Church.
The culmination of this 18-month process was celebrated at a launch service last month at Trinity Methodist Church. The well-attended service was led by the Revd David Muskett, deputy superintendent of the East Solent and Downs Circuit.
The service featured groups from the church including the Zimbabwean Fellowship, the Junior Church, and a newly-formed singing group. The celebration was followed by tea and cake.
The Revd John Mills said: “All three church councils voted unanimously to become Portsmouth Methodist Church and to share our resources; human, financial and spiritual. In joining together we have a better chance of responding to God’s call presented by the missional opportunities within the city.”
www.portsmouthmethodists.org.uk
|
|
 |
|
| |
 |
LEARNING AND CARING – Aiming to ‘Reach’ everyone
Brough Methodist District, East Riding of Yorkshire
|
|
|
Brough Methodist Church has launched a new project that aims to provide weekly, welcoming and contemporary worship for people in the town.
The ‘Reach’ project provides a safe and inclusive place for families and people of all ages to come together in vibrant, modern worship featuring music, singing, readings, arts and crafts, dance and drama, alongside prayer and contemplation.
Taking place on Thursdays at 6.30pm, the emphasis is on creating an informal relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Karen Clark, one of the coordinators of the project, said: “This is such an exciting time. The scheme aims to be more appealing to those who have found traditional services not to their liking, those who would like to explore their spirituality through a fresh approach to church or those who simply want to try worship for the first time.”
www.facebook.com/BroughMethodistChurch
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
EVANGELISM – Church joins motorcyclist association
Brackley Methodist Church, Northamptonshire
|
|
|
Brackley Methodist Church has officially been recognised as a member of the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association (CMA).
The church welcomed members of the association’s Towcester branch to its service in April.
The church was presented with a white leather cross to recognise its partnership with the CMA. The Revd Pat Olivent-Hayes received her own biker cross and is now an official supporter of the CMA.
Congregation member Roger Geyton was welcomed as a member of the CMA and also received a leather cross.
The Revd Patricia Olivent-Hayes said: “It is a privilege to work alongside CMA and to support them with our prayers.”
www.brackleymethodistchurch.wordpress.com
|
|
|
|
| |
|
SERVICE – Luncheon club eases loneliness
Cullen Methodist Church, Scotland
|
|
Cullen Methodist Church, on Scotland’s beautiful Moray Coast, recently stepped in to meet a need within the community that surrounds it.
The church is situated on the seafront and is surrounded by a traditional fishing village, which over the years, has lost much of its local facilities and where the population is mainly single, elderly people.
Church members and the Revd Ray Cummins came to realise that many of the local people did not have company when eating, so a plan was hatched to provide a monthly cooked meal.
The lunch was well attended with people enjoying good food, great fellowship and a short epilogue.
Several months later the luncheon club has become such a success that people have to pre-book in order to secure a place.
The Revd Chris Jackson said: “It is amazing what great opportunities exist for building the Kingdom of God, quite literally, on your own doorstep.”
www.methodistchurchinscotland.net
|
|
|
| |
|
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 – Helicopters and Haribo rings at little ‘royal wedding’
Fleetwood Methodist Church, Lancashire
|
|
|
Fleetwood Methodist Church hosted its own royal wedding with pupils from a local primary school.
The service was led by the Revd Ruth Dunn, who worked alongside Flakefeet Primary School to create an event that almost overshadowed the real royal wedding.
Headteacher Dave McPartlin said: “We wanted to do something special for the royal wedding in an area where many children are disadvantaged. It’s about the experience and creating memories.”
Ten-year-old pupils Charlie Twitchet and Isabelle Sherlock took on the roles of Meghan and Harry, supported by a host of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Members of the church came to witness the ceremony, dressed in their finery, to be part of the day. The sun shone and the streets were filled with well-wishers.
There was plenty to organise; stag and hen parties, suits and dresses, arrival by helicopter, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town, national press and a ceremony with the exchange of Haribo sweets for rings. Donations for the day came in their droves from parents and local businesses.
The Revd Ruth Dunn said: “It was a delight to have the wedding in the church and the service enabled the children to understand the importance and meaning of relationships.”
www.northfyldemethodistcircuit.org.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
