The Week Ahead

An open letter to Boris Johnson from the leaders of seven Christian denominations, including the Methodist Church, expresses concern that failing to agree a deal on Brexit will “hit those held back by poverty very hard indeed.” Read more and sign the letter here.

It may be the hottest day of the year for some but this is a good time to start thinking of Advent. This year’s Advent Offering for the Mission in Britain Fund focuses on homelessness and hospitality. The downloadable resources are to include a candle liturgy, suggested Bible passages, prayers and hymns. Also included are a video, a PowerPoint presentation, all-age discussion guidance and role play. You can register here.

Everyone is invited to the inaugural Walter Hall Lecture

given by the Rt Hon. Lord David Willetts on 23 October at 6.30pm at Central Methodist Hall, London. The lecture will focus on the needs of older people and intergenerational responsibility. Visit  MHA’s website or RSVP to chaplaincypa@mha.org.uk.

To help churches, circuits and districts consider their next steps, a mission planning toolkit can be found on the Methodist Church website. The kits offers resources to guide and support those who are thinking about and planning the next chapter in their story. 

A JPIT intern working on issues of peace and justice will be visiting Hiroshima in Japan at the end of July to attend the ICAN Academy on Nuclear Weapons and Global Security Conference. Will Fremont-Barnes is one of 14 young people from around the world, all aged 25 or younger, who will be attending. Read more.

Editors of the connexion magazine are looking to commission artwork with the theme ‘going for growth’, inspired by Ephesians 3:17 “Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (New Living Translation). Editors are particularly looking for Bible journaling artwork.  Submissions should be sent to
theconnexioneditor@methodistchurch.org.uk by 16 August. Not all work submitted will be used.

The Observer reported on how Methodist Churches are supporting families over the summer holidays. The piece includes the South London Mission and Darlington Methodist Circuit and quotes JPIT’s Paul Morrison.