July / August 2010

Minister’s letter

Dear friends,
As I write this, Cumbria has just experienced another major tragedy with the shootings along the West coast. I know many people will have been, and most likely still are, praying for those affected: the families of those killed, the injured, the communities stunned by the totally unexpected and violent deaths of neighbours and friends, passers-by who witnessed the horror of people being shot right in front of them, or those who may now feel guilty because they had a ‘lucky escape’ from death or injury - and all on what had started off as a very ordinary Wednesday in half term.
Not surprisingly perhaps, for their professionalism always seems to come to the fore in these awful situations, the emergency services have been praised for their dedication in difficult conditions. But I wonder if you know that alongside the emergency services (and other agencies) who are called out when a major incident occurs, a team from Churches Together in Cumbria is also mobilised. Rev Nicola Reynolds, the Methodist minister at the joint URC/Methodist church in Workington is one of the lynch pins in this, being one of two church contacts whom the police initially call on when a major disaster happens. She in turn contacts ministers in the area where the incident has occurred and the church’s support and care of all involved begins.
You may not have realised that, as well as in the shootings tragedy, the Churches Together in Cumbria Emergency Response Team was active after the recent school bus crash on the A66, during the November floods in Cockermouth and elsewhere (2009), with the mountain marathon in Borrowdale (2008), the train derailment at Grayrigg (2007), and the floods in Carlisle(2005).
Whilst many today dismiss the church as irrelevant, the church’s involvement South West Cumbria Methodist Circuit & Furness United Reformed Church Pastorate in such emergencies shows we do have a vital part to play in our communities and one which is appreciated by the general public whether they are people of faith or not. The emergency response team may start off the work of drawing alongside people in their distress but it is the church communities who carry on this ministry in the months after any disaster. As I heard Richard Teal, Chair of the Cumbria Methodist District, say on Radio Cumbria -the churches are ‘in it for the long haul’. So as we pray about these extraordinary and often horrific events which occur from time to time, let us also include prayers for those in our churches who will be will be there day by day, month by month supporting those affected as they try to rebuild their lives.
Ann
Contents

Farewell

Back in the autumn of 2003, South West Cumbria found itself in the fortunate position of having the most varied staff team anywhere in the district, with a full time Methodist presbyter and another who not only served the circuit half time but also brought great wealth through his experience in the field of Training and Development. There were two full time URC ministers too (a third, with expertise in the field of education, would follow on a part time basis a year later). And then to complete that mix we gained the only Methodist Deacon in the active work to be found anywhere in the county. When people first met Tom Luke, I imagine they might have wondered whether they’d ever understand a word he said in that broad Geordie accent, but understand they did, and we discovered that what Tom has to say is well worth listening to.
Diaconal ministry is very different from the work of what a lot of Methodist and URC people are accustomed simply to call ‘a minister’. Because their service (and that’s what the word means) is offered in a host of contexts which are sometimes beyond the reach of presbyters for various reasons. And so, over the years, Tom has embodied the good news of Jesus Christ through chaplaincies at Barrow AFC, ASDA (where he won the ‘Mum of the Year’ award shortly after I arrived in Barrow) and most notably the shipyard. ‘Loitering with intent’ isn’t always easy, and it takes patience to build the relationships that make an industrial chaplaincy work well, but people at BAE came to value having a known Christian presence among them. A couple of years ago, Tom’s work began to take him up the West Coast to offer chaplaincy at the Sellafield site too, and his day’s work would begin as he got onto a crowded train of BNFL and other site staff all making the same journey north.
It matters that a deacon has a church base for his work, and Tom has held the role of Associate Minister at Trinity Church Centre, and most significantly at Beacon Hill, where his ministry has been valued not just by the Sunday congregation, but also by members and leaders of the uniformed organisations, droppers-in at coffee mornings and others. And Tom has encouraged us to broaden our horizons and to care in the name of Christ for people in need across the world. You need only glance at almost any issue of the ‘Lebone Light’ to see how much the children at Lebone House Aids Orphanage in South Africa have been helped by the generosity Tom has encouraged on the part of people in all thirteen of our churches. But that relationship hasn’t been a one way street; it has helped us to grow in faith and love as well.
Of course, Tom couldn’t have done it alone. We’ll miss him, but we’ll miss Jan too. When I first arrived, it was a joy to meet with two little girls rejoicing in the names of Raven and Phoenix, and to see how they blossomed in Jan and Tom’s care. There have been other children too numerous to list since that time, but every one will have moved on from the care of two very special foster parents, having seen the love of God at work in very down to earth and practical ways. And Jan was instrumental in setting up the First Tuesday Ladies Group, a flourishing fellowship which has gathered, as often as not, at the Riverside Gardens manse. I never did get to sample one of her Easter morning breakfasts, though the meals she produced for Beacon Hill Supper Club nights were always a treat.
It came as no surprise to me when the Circuit Meeting was unanimous in inviting Tom to stay with us for a further five years up to 2013, but like all Methodist ministers, Tom is subject to the discipline of stationing, and there is an important piece of work to be done in my home town of Truro. Please pray for Tom and Jan as they begin a new phase of life and ministry in and around that lovely part of Cornwall. I don’t get down to my native land as often as I used to do, but at least I can now hope for saffron cake by post!
The Farewell Service for Tom and Jan will be at Beacon Hill at 6.00 p.m. on Sunday 25th July. Do come if you can! Martin

Contents

A CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON CLIMATE CHANGE

British Methodists have the opportunity to make their views heard on climate change, as part of a new Church-wide consultation. The consultation concerns the draft Methodist Conference Statement on climate change, entitled Hope in God’s Future and is now live online at http://www.methodist.org.uk/higf. (Once adopted, a Methodist Conference Statement is the official view of the Church on a particular matter. It is also referred to by key Church committees, such as Faith and Order, when deciding on related areas of doctrine.)
“Climate change is an issue that affects all of us and is increasingly becoming a concern for many people around the world,” said David Webster, internet communications coordinator, who is leading the consultation process. “We hope as many Methodists as possible put forward their opinions, as we need a Conference Statement that reflects as much as possible the view of the entire Church on this important issue.”
The results will determine recommendations to the Methodist Conference in 2011 on what shape the statement should take. It is open to all Methodist Church members and regular attendees in Britain. For those without internet access, the consultation is also available in print form. Copies can be obtained from the Help Desk at Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR (tel: 020 7486 5502).
Martin
Contents

What Is Methodism?

That is the title of a new publication - a brief guide published by the Cumbria Wesley Historical Society and launched at the joint spring synod held at Trinity Church Centre.
With an enthusiastic foreword by Rev Richard Teal, Chair of the Cumbria District, the 32 page glossy booklet picks up Methodism’s story from its beginnings and follows through with a brief sketch of the divisions which followed John Wesley’s death, tracing developments through to the formation in 1932 of ‘the Methodist Church of Great Britain as we know it today’. Further sections follow on Methodism’s structure and its relationship to the wider life of society. A section headed ‘Methodist Worship and Doctrine’ is beautifully illustrated with photographs (from inside and out) of tiny country chapels and grander town churches across the county. Final sections home in on Methodism in Cumbria and relations with other churches. It is to be hoped that future editions will be updated to include reference at this point to our own United Area, and maybe - who knows? - a still more ambitious one embracing the whole county and the Church of England as well as our own Methodist and United Reformed Churches.
Copies of the book can be obtained from Mr. Eddy Leteve at 6 Beech Grove, Houghton, Carlisle, CA3 0NU at £3.00 + 50p p&p. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Cumbria Wesley Historical Society’. Martin
Contents

Day 9 - Prayer

In the Methodist Prayer Handbook, day 9 of each month asks prayer for Cumbria and for our twin district in the Methodist church in the Patagonian region of Argentina. The next two requests are:
July 9th Pray for the work of Christian Education by IEMA in Argentina, and for the development of Christian learning and understanding in a fast changing world, not only in Patagonia and Cumbria, but all over the world.
August 9th Pray for a continuing and growing sense of Connexion between the Methodist communities in Patagonia and in Argentina generally, where congregations are often separated by huge distances.
Pray also for a strengthening of our sense of togetherness in Christ in this Cumbria District, where our beautiful geography can be a hindrance to getting together. Pray for a growth in mutual respect, understanding, trust and co-operation in practical Kingdom work between Christians of different traditions and backgrounds within communities, between communities and across oceans and continents. Martin Dodds
Contents

Children And Families Day

Thanks to everyone, especially Catherine Clarke, who helped to organise the Children and Families day in May, when 10 adults and 9 children from 4 different churches enjoyed a lovely summer’s day at Earnse Bay beach. A picnic, much playing with sand and water, beach rounders and cricket and an ice cream to finish were enjoyed by all.
Contents

Community Outreach Group

Please try to ensure that your church is represented at the next meeting of the Community Outreach Group.
Please note the forthcoming activities - note the dates now, and watch out for more details nearer the time.
Lebone evening - 16-07-10
August prayer calendar for United Area?
Adrian and Bridget Plass evening - 09-10-10
Abbot Hall weekend (28-30/01/11)
Any other ideas?
If you wish to come on the Abbot Hall weekend, but haven’t yet booked a place, please contact me as soon as possible.
Hazel

Contents

First Tuesday Ladies

From last year’s Network fellowship day came the idea of First Tuesday Ladies - an opportunity for ladies to meet together to share their faith, and grow in it. As the name suggests we usually meet on the first Tuesday of each month.
We are continuing with our bible study, and time of fellowship at 41 Riverside Gardens. We meet at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th June and 20th July. You will notice that neither of these is a “First Tuesday”. We have moved the June one because of the late May bank holiday, and the July one so we can have a party to say goodbye to Jan!
Anyone wanting further information please ring Janet on 833882.
Contents

Staffing News

After a period of stability within the staffing of the Methodist circuit and URC pastorate, and the excitement of the preparations for the United Area, we now enter a time of change and planning for change.
The first change will be felt, of course, when Tom and Jan Luke leave us in August. As this was an unplanned departure, and Tom does not have sole charge of any churches, we are not replacing Tom with another ordained member of staff. You may already have seen adverts for someone to do some of the administration tasks, including the necessary paperwork for the start of the United Area. This will release more staff time for ministry.
We also have to plan now for September 2011. Within the Methodist system (which we need to follow as the current minister at Trinity is URC) there is a very tight and detailed procedure to be followed. We have already established that Janet Calderley will not be seeking an extension beyond August 2011, and in informal conversations Martin Williams has indicated that he will be seeking an invitation to serve for a further term in the United Area when his original appointment finishes in August 2011. So we have both 1) a vacancy and 2) a re-invitation to consider.
1) After much thought and prayer, we are looking to make the vacancy a suitable appointment for a probationer (a minister who has finished their training but is not yet ordained), who would be based at the Millom manse and have pastoral charge of Millom, Broughton and Kirkby. So we need to seek comments from those churches on such areas as current needs, new opportunities to be addressed and styles of worship required. You should be aware that there will be a shortage of available ministers in September 2011, so we may not be successful.
2) When the minister seeking an extension is the superintendent, we need to consult all the churches in the circuit, and in our case would obviously need to include the pastorate churches too, but full consultations are only required for those churches in the superintendent’s particular care. Typical questions would be “What do you appreciate about his ministry?” and “What areas of his ministry could be developed to address the needs of the church?” It is very important to realise that at this stage it is views that are being sought; it is most definitely not a vote!
So please be prepared for your church steward or church secretary to be asking for such comments during July.
Hazel - On behalf of the Leadership Team

Contents
Invitation From Barrow Baptist Church Encouraging Missionary Disciples When: 3rd and 4th July 2010 What: A weekend of teaching and fellowship at Abbey Road Baptist Church, Barrow, with Roy Searle. Everyone Welcome! Programme: Saturday 3rd July 11:00 a.m; Coffee available Noon Opening worship Lunch (soup and bread provided) 2:00 p.m. onwards - Roy Searle of the Northumbria Community on The means, message and meaning of being a missional community (talks and discussion groups) 5:30 p.m. ‘Pie and Peas’ 7:00 p.m. Musical evening with Voce and guests 8:45 p.m. Compline Sunday 4th July 10:45 a.m. Morning worship led by Roy Searle ‘Bring and Share’ lunch, followed by brief closing prayers and reflections Everyone is very welcome to join us for any or all of the Saturday programme. There is no set charge for the day, but there will be the opportunity to contribute towards the cost of the day. It would be a great help in preparing venues and catering to have some idea of numbers, so please let John Goddard know at 27 Carlton Avenue, Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 9AT or on 01229 824597 or on jmgoddard@tinyworld.co.uk know: Your name, the name of your church, if you require lunch, if you require ‘Pie and Peas’ and if you have any special dietary needs. United Area Celebration Service We will be holding a special celebration service for the new United Area on Monday, September 20th at Trinity at 7:30 p.m. This will of course be after the United Area has started, but is to suit the diaries of both Richard Teal (Chair of the Cumbria Methodist District) and Rachel Poolman (President of the URC Cumbria Area), who wish to join us to mark this milestone. Please note the date now so you can join us then.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

At the first meeting of this group -attended by members from TCC and Ramsden St we got off to a good start making prayer shawls. We first heard about this ministry at a workshop at the URC Area Day held at Trinity. Several people showed interest and so the decision was made to start a group which will knit shawls for people going through difficult times to let them know that they are being remembered in prayer and hope that the shawl will be a comfort to them. The next meeting will be held at Ramsden Street on Wednesday April 28th from 1.00pm to 2.00pm and everyone is welcome to come along (whether you knit or not). Anne
Contents

Green Tip

This month’s tip comes from Martin Williams:
“During the relatively quiet summer months, internet users can make a real difference by getting into the habit of starting their travels around the web each day by saving 86 square feet of rainforest. All you need to do is visit http://www.ecologyfund.com and you’ll see straight away how you can make your contribution with just a very few clicks. There’s no cost to you, because the funding is all provided by the advertising on the site.”
He adds: “I’ve saved a little over seven acres so far (the site will keep count for you), and I’m aiming at ten, as that will be the equivalent of the family farm in Cornwall. Of course, if I get there I’m sure I’ll think of another target...”

Contents

Visit By Adrian And Bridget Plass

We have invited Adrian and Bridget Plass to come and give us an evening of “entertainment with a message” on Saturday, October 9th 2010. Although this is more than a year away, please note the date now as you will not want to miss this opportunity to hear these inspiring speakers.
Hazel

Contents

Lebone Evening

This year’s Lebone Evening will be on Friday 16th July at Beacon Hill, starting at 6:00pm. Unfortunately, due to smaller kitchen facilities, and the fact that we will have half our stuff packed away, Jan will not be baking her world-famous meat and potato pie.
However, do not despair, for we have decided to have a Pie & Pea supper cooked by K & E Catering, who have provided catering for Beacon Hill on numerous occasions, always with excellent results. This will be followed by news and pictures from my latest visit to Lebone.
Tickets will be on sale for the price of £3.00 and will be available from your local COG rep. Final numbers will have to be in by Sunday 11th July, as we have to inform the caterers of the exact numbers attending.

Contents

"Network News"

Network Dates And Events For 2010.
We hope you will support Network events as the money raised goes to fund mission work.
Coffee Mornings
On Thursday 29th July the coffee morning at Beacon Hill will be for Network, and Muriel Dawson and Elaine Pears are holding a Network Coffee Morning
Saturday August 7th, Dalton URC Church 9.45 - 11.30. There will be the usual stalls and raffle and tombola. All proceeds from these events go to the Methodist World Mission Fund so please come along and support
Sept 23rd, Roose.

Circuit / Pastorate Events
The next Network Meeting is
Friday 10th September, 2pm at Askam. Network AGM
Ecumenical Rally - Tuesday 5th October at Trinity Church Centre.

District Events:
Thursday 1st July, 2 - 4pm “A Basket of Fruit” at Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church. This is the Summer celebration.
Wednesday 7th July, 11- 3:30pm “Welcome to the Feast”(Spirituality), a Regional Resourcing Day to be held at Penrith Methodist Church.
Wed 13th October, Autumn day - Brampton
Nov 1st - 3rd, Conference at Abbot Hall
More details on each of these will be provided at appropriate times in the Newslink.
Any further information please ring Janet 833882, Network Secretary
Network is undergoing change, following restructuring within Methodism. In 2011 a new movement, MWiB is to be launched. Methodist Women in Britain will include and incorporate the Women’s Network in the Methodist Church (WN) and the British Unit of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (British Unit, WFMUCW) and aims to go beyond both! More information will be forthcoming as the year progresses.
Janet
Thanks to all who contributed to the Easter Offering envelopes and the collection at the service. The total raised was £734-90, which is nearly £200 more than last year.
Muriel

Contents

Abbot Hall Weekend 2011

Look out in your church for booking forms for the next away weekend, which will be at Abbot Hall from evening meal on Friday 28th January 2011 to after lunch on Sunday 30th January. The inclusive price for an en-suite room will be £122, and for a standard room £110. Single rooms are in some demand; please try to send your forms back as soon as possible to ensure your choice of room type. Please contact me (474601) if you can’t find a booking form or for further details.
If you wish to come on the Abbot Hall weekend, but haven’t yet booked a place, please contact me as soon as possible.
Hazel

Contents

Regular Sunday & Services

You are welcome at any of these churches at the following times:
Askam (Duddon Road) 10:00 am also 1st Wed of month 10.00 am
Beacon Hill (Holyoake Avenue, Barrow) 10:00 am
Broughton (Princes Street) 9:30 am
Dalton Methodist (Wellington Street) 10:30 am
Dalton URC (Market Street) 10:30 am
Hartington Street Barrow 10:30 am
Kirkby (Marshside) 10:30 am (on 1st, 2nd & 4th Sundays)
Millom (Queen Street) 10:45 am
Ramsden Street, Barrow 10:45 am
Roose (North Row, Barrow) 10:45 am
Trinity Church Centre (Warwick Street, Barrow) 10:30 am
Urswick (Tarn Close) 10:45 am (2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays)
Vickerstown (Warren Street) 10:45 am
For times of the evening services, special services and postcodes, please ask one of the church members, or look at the church's page this website.

Contents

Regular coffee Mornings

Please note that coffee mornings are held every week as follows:

Broughton – Tuesdays from 10:30 till 11:30

Roose –Thursdays from 9:30 till 10:30

Beacon Hill –Last Thursday of each month from 10:00 till 11:00

Millom – Fridays from 9:30 till 10:30

Ramsden Street – Fridays from 10.30 till 11:30

Askam – Saturdays  from 10:00 till 12:00 from Easter until September.

Dalton URC – Saturdays  from 9.45 till 11.30 in aid of various charities.