The next edition of District Grapevine will be published in June 2010. The deadline for submission of

articles is 11 May 2010.

We now have another arrangement in place for District Grapevine to be recorded on to tape (no CDs unfortunately) and these or large print copies can be ordered from the District Office. You can also find District Grapevine on the District web page - http://www.eamethodist.org.uk/district.php?Grapevine

District Administrator – The Methodist Church, Chapel Field Road, Norwich NR2 1SD Tel: 01603 625765 Email eadistrict14.office@btinternet.com

District Grapevine The Newsletter for the East Anglia District of the Methodist Church

www.eamethodist.org.uk – Registered Charity No. 1129451 Issue 13 – February 2010

From the Chair:

Taking Account Before I came into the Methodist ministry I sought a career in accountancy. I greatly enjoyed the years spent in the profession and some of my colleagues then are still friends today. When I was called into ministry, I reluctantly left accountancy and continue to be something of a ‘frustrated accountant’, messing with figures and tax when I can. As you might imagine, my chosen career was good preparation for the one to which I’m called. It is helpful to be able to read and understand a set of figures, especially in a busy meeting. Also, in certain pastoral situations, I have been able to use my previous experience to help those who have got into a muddle. For, ‘all things work together for good…….’ (Romans 8:28)! Accountancy is about being ‘accountable’ - being able to explain where money has come from and gone to, providing evidence that supports each transaction. ‘Accountability’ is also a buzz word in organisations today, and the Church is no exception. However, our accountability is not just about money but our use of other resources, such as personnel, time and training. As people of faith we are answerable to God who, in Jesus, has rescued us from sin and death, calling us to be His own, making us His children and heirs with Jesus. That is, we need to be accountable for the new life in Jesus that is ours. How have we used our time, our resources, our faith and commitment? Have we been the best that we can be for God? The way Christians seek to fulfil their calling is by accepting the call to be a disciple of Jesus and live out their lives in accordance with His will. Thus, ‘discipleship’ is a very important part of our life together. But all too often we fail to be accountable for our discipleship and the evidence - the words we use, the actions we perform (or don’t perform), our choices, our lifestyle, etc - shows that we aren’t as committed as we would like to think we are. To be effective disciples we need to be accountable to God and to one another. So, as you make your journey into faith, who will you allow to tell you when your discipleship is lacking? And will you thank them if they do? I hope so – but I fear not, for we are all keen on others being accountable but are reluctant to be accountable ourselves.

I am no longer my own but yours

Your will, not mine, be done in all things

I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose

The Church today needs effective disciples. And if I’m failing in my discipleship, will you please tell me? And who will tell you?

Graham

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Reflections on the Calvinist/Arminian Debate

In his article on the front page of the last edition of District Grapevine, the District Chair, Rev Graham Thompson wrote of some of his difficulties in singing the hymn ‘In Christ alone’. The article sparked quite a bit of correspondence, some of which is reproduced here. Whilst I am in no way qualified to advice Graham on his understanding of theology, I do enjoy singing In Christ alone. Might the couplet that bothers him allude to my resolve that

No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from his hand.

I don’t read/sing it as a promise (ie Calvinistic) but more a declaration that it is my intent (with His help) to remain true to my salvation (ie Arminian). Graham asks, ‘Do you know what you are singing?’ I’m afraid, too frequently, the meaning behind many of the pre-twentieth century hymns (and some later ones) escapes me, and the language used often obscures rather than elucidates. I hope any new collection of hymns will choose those that are accessible, and ones that we can enjoy singing.

Richard Webb

The letter from the Chair in the October issue of Grapevine was timely. We do not own teaching contained in the hymn 'In Christ alone my hope is found.' Ministers at their ordination are required to assent to 'the doctrines of the Christian faith as this Church has received them.' It is not for us to criticise when they make that assent known. A main plank of Methodism - and of course, many others too - is that we are all in danger of rejecting God, notwithstanding his sovereignty. A consequence of this is a due humility on our part. Charles Wesley, with Matthew 5 v.13 in mind, expresses it beautifully.

Ah! Lord, with trembling I confess, A gracious soul may fall from grace; The salt may lose its seasoning power, And never, never find it more. Lest that my fearful case should be Each moment knit my soul to Thee; And lead me to the mount above, Through the low vale of humble love. (MHB 480)

Keith Horton

Thank you for the October edition of DistrictGrapevine, which I enjoyed and found thought-provoking. I especially like Graham’s letter on thesubject of the words we sing. I also have found ithard to sing some of the words of many of thepopular hymns – both traditional and modern –although I had not picked up the particular referencein Graham’s letter. Thank you for that.

Jackie Smith

The cardinal doctrine of Calvinism summed up by the sound byte “once saved always saved” seems to be adisastrous recipe for complacency and antinomianism of the worst kind. It conjures up a grotesque scenario onjudgement day: the “once saved, always saved” Calvinist Christian blithely presents his “Certificate of HeavenlyInsurance” only to hear the dread words “Depart from Me, I never knew you” But is the Arminian in any better position? Driven by the angst of never being sure from one day to the next whetherhe or she is a true Christian eternally loved by God, he or she strives to build up a record of good works to present onjudgement day only to be told to depart from God’s presence for salvation is not by works but by faith! Both descriptions are clumsy caricatures of the true position of the two kinds of believer. Pressed to it, both Calvinist and Arminian Christians who take the Bible and their faith seriously will confess boldly onjudgement day that they have lived out their lives in the light of Philippians 2:12-13, each working out their ownsalvation with fear and trembling, knowing full well that it is God who is working in them both to will and do His goodpleasure. On that day, they will give the glory, not to some man devised doctrines that give rise to unhelpfulcontroversy, but to God who alone has in fact kept them faithful, enduring to the end. The Calvinist/Arminian debate stems from one of the many irreconcilable paradoxes in the Scriptures which arebeyond the puny wit of man to comprehend - the free will of man and the sovereignty of God, doctrines which cannotbe reconciled this side of heaven. Our part is not to generate a theological debate, but rather to be sure, whateverdoctrinal label we wear, that we have repented of our sins, accepted the forgiveness of Jesus, experienced thetransforming power of the new birth and then to walk joyfully in love and holiness before our God all our days, quietlyassured - but never complacent - that we belong to Jesus Christ, not for the years of time alone, but for eternity! Michael Gooday Attleborough Methodist Church

“Dosinging?”

v13

pleasure. On that day, they will give the glory, not to some human devised doctrines that give rise to unhelpfulcontroversy, but to God who alone has in fact kep them faithful, enduring to the end.

The Calvinist/Arminian debate stems from one of the many irreconcilable paradoxes in the Scriptures which are beyondthe puny wit of humans to comprehend - the free will of man and the sovereignty of God, doctrines which cannot

We do not own teaching contained in the hymn In Christalone my hope is found. Ministers at their ordination are

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‘Bob the Builder’ and friends on Baltic tour

Would you like the chance to visit Latvia, to help develop our District link, and to share in an exciting new venture with our Methodist brothers and sisters? Could you offer practical skills to make a difference to the lives of young Latvian women and their children?

Are you willing to give a week of your time for a life changing experience? We need a team of willing enthusiasts, some with building and DIY skills, to help transform some of the rooms at the Hope Centre, in Straupe, North East Latvia, into useable spaces. Other parts of the Centre are fully operational but extra impetus is needed to complete the remainder of the rooms. The Hope Centre, a non profit organisation run by the Latvian Methodist Church, offers a home to young mums and their children who are struggling to cope. The Centre offers these young women a safe home in which to grow and be part of a family. At this crucially important time in their lives these women learn to trust and take responsibility, as well as learning motherhood and life skills.

Zuhra currently lives at the Hope Centre with her daughter Sab na. When Zuhra arrived at the Hope Centre she could not read or write and was very distrusting of others. Through this experience of home and hope she and her daugher have been transformed.

Essential requirements:

Availability in early July 2010 (the visit is likely to take place from 2-10 or 3-11 July)

Flexibility and a willingness to have a go. Volunteers with building, plastering, painting skills particularly welcome. Other tasks required include catering, driving a minibus and keen communicators to work with the young mums.

Ability to work as a team. We hope to have a team of ten people who will work together with Latvian leadership.

Enthusiasm to come back and inspire others.

Please note that a knowledge of Latvian is not required! Practical information:

The trip will be self financing, costs are expected to be in the region of £400 including flights (from Stansted) and

accommodation. Accommodation will be provided in twin rooms, with shared bathroom, at the Hope Centre. The team will do its own catering.

There will be an opportunity for sight seeing and shopping in Latvia's capital

city, Riga, a city of many beautiful architectural buildings. Accommodation in Riga will be in hotels.

There will be opportunities to meet in fellowship with Latvian Methodists and to worship at their church. Are you ready to rise to this unique and challenging experience? Want to know more?

For further information and an application form, please contact Sarah Friswell,

District World Church Action Team, on Email: sarah.friswell@talktalk.net or

Tel: 01284 753 964

Deadline for applications: Sunday 28th March 2010

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Connecting Creativity or is that a flaming bush over there? Jackie Smith reports on the October ArtServe Conference God’s use of visual aids in worship, a cockroachhymn, what Mrs Noah really thought of all thoseanimals, pebbles in a river of cloth, Angel voicesever singing, Sarah’s reaction to mothering anation, and dancing the psalms. All deeplytheological points for discussion at the HayesCentre whilst the rain lashed the windows and thebright autumn leaves were stripped from the treesand blown into huge sodden piles by the roaringwind! - And then there was the food! Three cooked mealsa day, tea and coffee breaks, biscuits and cakes,you don’t go hungry at an MCMS/ArtServeConference in Swanwick. This was the first Conference organised byMethodist Arts Limited known as ArtServe. I’m sureyou will hear more of ArtServe in the future. There were around 100 people from all over theConnexion gathered to experience new ways ofexpressing worship, to hear talks, to participate inworkshops and worship, and to raise voices in songto the glory of God. The keynote speaker was Rev.Piers Lane from Cliff College, and amongst thoseleading workshops were Rev Andrew Pratt,Marjorie Dobson, Stella Bristow, Jacqui Hicks, andJulie Hulme. It was entertaining, thought provoking,exhausting, a time to meet up with old friends, tomake new ones, a time to step out of everyday lifeand keep company with God. Did I hear you say you’re sorry you missed it? Well,there will be another chance to go this year whenthe ArtServe Conference will be held over theweekend of 22 - 24 October, at High LeighConference Centre, Hoddesdon. Put the date inyour diary.

Oh, and that visual aid that God used? Why, the Burning Bush of course!

Introducing Richard Armiger Hi! I am Richard Armiger and I have recently been appointed as the second part-time Regional Training Officer to work alongside Ann Howlett-Foster in

both East Anglia District and Beds, Essex and Herts District (BEH). I live in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and am married with two children aged 6 and 3. I worship at my local Methodist Church, The Square in Dunstable, and am actively involved both in the church and local circuit, Chiltern Downs. I have a number of different activities and roles, including being a local preacher. I have a media, technology and management background and have run my own media production company for the past 7 years. Prior to that I worked with the BBC for 15 years. Alongside this new role of Training Officer, I am also the part-time District Development Enabler for the Beds, Essex and Herts District. Part of my desire for work in this new role is a passion for training, along with everything else! I have previously worked as the Training and Development Officer for BEH and have more recently been working with the Guy Chester Centre on developing a small group discipleship approach called Step Forward. I want to see the church grow and flourish and am keen that we encourage every member of the District in their own personal journey of faith and discipleship through providing and sourcing a wide range of quality training opportunities. I very much look forward to working closely with Ann and the District over the coming months and hope to be able to meet many of you at the various events that will take place during the year. Opportunity: Taste and see day - training for trainers 27th March 2010

Have you ever thought you might like to get involved in delivering / facilitating training?

We would like to offer you a ‘no strings attached’ opportunity to come along to learn and practice some basic trainer skills and gain knowledge of the different ways people learn. Following this informative and enjoyable day, there will be no automatic expectation of you to commit to being a trainer, although we do hope some of you might like to give it a try.

This taster day will give you an opportunity to see if training delivery is for you. If you are not sure about signing up for the day then please give us a call and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Date: 27th March 2010 (10.30 am – 4pm) Delivered by: Ann Howlett-Foster & Richard Armiger (Training Officers) Venue: To be confirmed (Cambridge area likely) Contact: Ann Howlett-Foster ann.howlett-foster-to@ntlworld.com Tel: 07590 893950 Richard Armiger richard.armiger@methodist.org.uk Tel: 07802 409050

TRAINING AND STUDY

27 March 2010

27 March 2010 (10.30 am – 4pm)

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Creating Safer Space

Module A: Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Foundation Training Many of you will be aware of the Methodist Church’s safeguarding programme, Creating Safer Space (CSS). The Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy states: ‘As Christians we are charged to love and care for each other. This is particularly true where the most vulnerable members of our community are concerned.’ Rev Nigel Fox (District Safeguarding Coordinator) has been working with the Training Officers on planning a training programme. The introductory or foundation element is Module A, which we will make available to all those who need to train for it within the next 12 months, starting in spring 2010. The aim of the training is: ‘To enable participants to deal confidently and appropriately in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in the church context’ If you are in any of the roles listed below then you will need to attend one of our training sessions, and we would encourage you to sign up for training sooner rather than later. These training opportunities are made up of weekday/daytime events. There will be other evening and Saturday events later in the year (dates yet to be agreed). Six Module A sessions are currently planned (3 hour maximum)

20th April, Ely am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30) 6th May, Norwich am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30) 18th May, Suffolk* am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30)

* actual location yet to be confirmed So who needs to attend? If you are in any of the roles/offices described below then you are required to attend Module A training.

Those in the following roles will need to attend CSS Module A training Presbyters Youth Leaders Church Council Deacons Children’s Clubs Leaders Church Stewards Lay Employees Junior Church Workers Property Stewards Local Preachers Uniformed Organisation Leaders Caretakers Worship Leaders Drama Group Leaders Circuit Stewards Church Safeguarding Officer Parents/Carers and Toddler

Leaders Appropriate users of the building

Circuit Safeguarding Officer Choir, Music Group Leaders and key church musicians

People with pastoral responsibility

Booking should be made through your Circuit Safeguarding Representative who will liaise with the District Safeguarding Coordinator. We look forward to seeing you soon. – Ann Howlett-Foster

TRAINING AND STUDY

Israel Pilgrimage/Study Tour Dear District Friends I want to let you know that I will be leading a trip to Israel from 5 - 19 March 2011. It will be co-led by Canon RichardCapper, of Norwich Cathedral. For those who are not familiar with my background: I hold a PhD in Hebrew Bible andthe Ancient Near East, and have travelled extensively and studied In the Middle East. This 15 day schedule (inclusiveof travel to & from Israel) will provide adequate time both to see ancient sites and absorb modern culture. We willtravel in Israeli and Palestinian areas, from as far north as Banias (Caesarea Phillipi) to as far south as Masada andHebron. [1 night in Tel-Aviv, 6 nights in Galilee, 1 night at the Dead Sea, and 6 nights in Jerusalem.] Prices are beingworked out at the moment, but we hope it will be in the region of £1200 (inclusive of flights). Those interested in goingmust be able to walk at least 3 miles per day on uneven terrain. For those of you who are able: there will be two, 1-hour seminars at the Norwich Cathedral Hostry to discuss the trip: 24 February 2010 at 7.30 pm and 13 March 2010at 11.00 am. Attendance at one or the other would be helpful. For more information, please contact me on 01953601964 or jacknlawson@btopenworld.com Jack Lawson, District Development Enabler

20 April, Ely6 May, Norwich18 May, Suffolk*

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FAREWELL AND THANK YOU

Rev Dr Lorna Allies has been the Rural Advisor for the East Anglia Methodist District and the Norwich Diocese for 3 years, but that role has now ended. Lorna was asked by a newspaper to reflect about rural community. Some of her thoughts are reprinted here. As I began to write about rural communities I found that I first had to look back at some of the changes to our rural communities over the past 3 years. There appears to be more bad news than good news, but the good news is there and it is both interesting and exciting. When I became Rural Adviser in 2006 the news was dominated by the imminent closure of Post Offices and in Norfolk there was hope that rural post offices could be saved from closure if they were turned into ‘community hubs’. A delegation from Norfolk to Westminster, led by Peter Smith of the Norfolk Rural Community Council, told ministers of these plans in January 2007, and I know that he and his team have worked tirelessly to fulfil those plans and excellent things have happened, such as the opening of the shop and Post Office in Great Ryburgh in March this year. Some issues, such as animal diseases, have not gone away, although things seem better now than they did at the beginning of 2007 when Avian Flu brought chaos and despair to so many in our region. Somehow those who kept free-range poultry across Norfolk and Suffolk had to keep them indoors for almost four weeks. There was news that nearly a third of dairy farmers, paid less for their milk than ten years earlier, would be leaving the industry during the next 2 years and now at the end of 2009 we know that, during the last decade, over 13,000 producers have quit the dairy sector and currently more than 1 million litres of milk are being imported daily. Our dairy industry is in jeopardy. The last 2 years have seen recorded losses of between 10 to 15% in bee numbers in our country and there is still no real public awareness of the huge difference the loss of the honey bee can make to food production and the need for more research and more funding. By 2008 it became clear that some of our rural schools were under threat and that we had a two tier system for Broadband access that left rural areas with huge disadvantages in terms of business and education. Affordable housing was finally recognised as the key to sustainable rural communities and a great deal of work was begun to address the issue of second homes, inflated rural house prices and the lack of affordable homes for young local families.

But little has been achieved as the recession has taken its toll of the provision of housing, particularly in rural villages. The good news is like the light of the sun before dawn. It is almost imperceptible until you look and see that the brightness is increasing rapidly, objects are appearing and the light is growing very fast. There is something happening in our rural communities which is the most hopeful sign for decades. Communities are beginning to work together to combat the difficulties, people are becoming more enterprising and entrepreneurial. More rural businesses are set up each year than urban businesses and many are quietly thriving in our leafy villages. There is a new spirit of co-operation growing as people come together to run community shops and even community pubs. Different groups are working together as they have not done for many years. The Church membership, the school, the pub community, the village hall committee are seeing the value in working together to raise funds, provide events and activities. Those villages where the different groups gather together occasionally are truly thriving. But there is still more to do and it is early days. If I were asked what would help to sustain our village communities, I would not advocate just working together. I would implore everyone in the village to look at how they spend their leisure time and ask them if there was any way they could try and enjoy just being together. It is truly time to bring back the village summer fete, not just for fund raising but for pure fun; to recover the village dance or hop where young and old relaxed with each other. If you want to keep your shop, then use it. If you want to keep your school then make sure you keep your young families. Most of all, if you want to live in a sustainable community then become a proper part of it, get to know people and join in. The post office can often become a focus of community life

RURAL ISSUES

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The District Agricultural Chaplain reflects on some issue affecting farming Farming has hit the headlines again, with farmers being asked to maximize returns of food production while still adhering to green issues. This means not applying additional fertilizer, the obvious boost to additional yield. Surely this has been the objective of farming through the centuries, bearing in mind that returns are usually determined by the weather. There have been so many changes in my lifetime: set-aside varying from 5 – 15% of the farm holding to reduce ‘food mountains’ and ‘wine lakes’; grants for drainage and ditch filling; field margins,(area not cultivated around the edge of the field usually 5 – 10metres from the ditch line). Much has created habitats for wildlife. Is this to be forfeited to produce more food? It is always fascinating to hear the Minister for Agriculture using language suggesting what must be done to promote agriculture and falling short of how to go about it. The suggestion often is that consumers are the answer - provided we get food labelling which is acceptable. It is suggested we reduce imports and create a market supplying fresh produce all year round - at the same time reducing demand for water usage. Very difficult when a number of soft fruits, for instance, have a high percentage of water content. Report of last year’s harvest suggested a very easy harvest workload with good yields of cereal crops. But that was not how I witnessed it in Yorkshire at the end of August and beginning of September. Producers there had experienced rain almost every day and by then only 20% of the crop was harvested. It was towards the end of September before harvest was complete. The late finish then created additional problems in planting next years crop because it was too late for oilseed rape. Changing cropping plans can be very difficult, not least because of availability of seed.

The Copenhagen International Climate Conference ended without an agreed text, but some money was proposed for a working party to investigate carbon emissions from agriculture. Why agriculture was singled out I cannot quite understand, but at least it’s a start. The issues are worldwide, which is appreciated, but reducing emissions from the deforestation and degradation programme will have little impact in this region. Back to more local issues. Wheat and barley prices are below production costs by about £25 per tonne. This has assisted livestock producers because of cheaper feed inputs. The livestock sector has had a reasonable year, apart from milk producers. Unfortunately it is still more cost effective for supermarkets to import than to pay our farmer’s an additional 3p per litre irrespective of the carbon footprint in food miles. Keep supporting our fastest growing outlets – the Farmer’s Market - where all food on display is grown locally with complete traceability on all meat products. It was good to meet more of you this year. If you know of anyone connected with agriculture who would benefit from the services of Farm Crisis Network (FCN) please get in touch. We have a team of experts offering free advice. George W Frost

ANNIVERSARY VISIT 250 years ago, Methodism was brought to the West Indies by a plantation owner named Nathaniel Gilbert. He came home to England on a visit and was converted by hearing John Wesley preach. When he returned to Antigua he felt compelled to preach the Gospel to the slaves on his plantation and to build a small stone church for worship. In 1928, Rev Will Barrett went to the West Indies as a missionary. He worked in many of the Leeward Islands, serving in Dominica, Aruba, Curacao and Antigua. He was a Chair of Methodism in the Leeward Islands. When he found the small church Gilbert had built was in ruins, Will ran a campaign to restore it as the Gilbert Memorial Church. Will died aged 60, just before coming home on leave and was buried in the churchyard of the restored church – now called the Barrett Memorial Church.

To mark the 250th anniversary celebration, the Chair of the Caribbean Church has invited Rev John Barrett (nephew of Rev Will Barrett) to preach in the Barrett Memorial Church and the city church in St John’s, where there is a large wall plaque to Will’s memory.

Rev John Barrett has recently returned to the Cambridge circuit from Singapore where he served as a Mission Partner

MORE RURAL ISSUES

METHODISM IN ANTIGUA

The District Agricultural Chaplain reflects on some issuesaffecting farming

farmers

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From the District Worship Group

LIVING FAITH

Following a Master “To learn by example is to submit to authority. You follow your master because you trust his manner of doing things even when you cannot analyse and account for its effectiveness. By watching the master and emulating his efforts in the presence of his example, the apprentice unconsciously picks up the rules of the art, including those which are not explicitly known to the master himself. These hidden rules can be assimilated only by a person who surrenders himself to that extent uncritically to the imitation of another.” The above quotation comes from Michael Polanyi’s book Personal Knowledge (page 53). Polanyi (1891-1976) was a chemist and philosopher. Originally from Hungary, he moved to England, where he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, a professor of chemistry at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. The above quote is from his description of how skills and traditions are passed from generation to generation in a society. Read it again, and ask yourself whether this is exactly the same sort of uncritical trust that is needed to follow Jesus. Jack Lawson, District Development Enabler 01953 601964 jacknlawson@btopenworld.com

Moldova Visit Geoff and Karen Bensley of Magdalen Way Methodist church, Gorleston, visited the village of Dancu in Modova as guests of Chris and Helen Ducker and their children. The visit was to support Chris, Helen and other local Christians in running a summer camp (a ‘tabara’) for children aged 8 – 12 at the nearby site in Hincesti. After prayerful consideration – and encouragement from friends – the results of fundraising efforts for the tabara were ‘amazing’. It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding and enjoyable experience and Geoff and Karen were made to feel very welcome by everyone they met. Over 100 children attended the camp, from 10 different villages in rural Moldova. Since their return, Geoff and Karen have given a number of presentations about their visit and have committed to further fundraising to support Chris and Helen’s mission. They hope to return later this year. Other groups or churches who would be interested to know more are invited to contact Geoff and Karen on 01493 721704.

Services to the Community Everyone connected with Trinity Methodist/URC church, March, was delighted to hear the news that Margaret Oatey – a church stalwart for many years – had been awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the community in East Anglia, mainly for the voluntary work she has done for Mencap. Margaret confessed to being ‘gobsmacked’ when she first heard the news and at first thought it was some kind of practical joke. In her ‘spare’ time Margaret has worked tirelessly for the church, raising funds, running church groups and supervising catering arrangements. A few months back she was proud to accept, on behalf of everyone at Trinity, the maximum 5 Star Hygiene Certificate for catering awarded by Fenland District Council Environmental Health Department.

Half Days of Prayer Over the last few years there has been a stronger focus on our prayer life through the Pray Without Ceasing and other initiatives. We hope to develop this further as we continue to establish a prayer culture in the District. Our vision is to have cluster groups around the District who meet together for half a day of prayer. We acknowledge that Synod is an example of an occasion when there is considerable pressure on a few people in terms of planning and preparation. This is just one of the events that prayer groups might consider to focus on. But we are not just praying for ourselves. This is a diverse District with exciting and challenging issues facing us. Please contact Nigel Fox on 01603 426657 or Derek Grimshaw on 01603 811999 if you would like to be part of the prayer life of the District.

Living Nativity – and the camels came too

As part of the switch-on of Christmas lights in Ely, Churches Together in Ely brought the true story of Christmas to hundreds of people with a ‘Living Nativity’ performance outside the Cathedral. Around 30 members of Ely Methodist church were involved, particularly with the technical side and costume-making. Once actors had been recruited, Methodists accounted for at least half of the volunteers. There was an emphasis on speaking to the crowd – and explaining that, although the real live camels were all part of the attraction, the purpose of the 3 presentations was to bring the true meaning of Christmas to the celebrations.

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War Memorials in Methodist Churches Roland Buggey writes: In the October issue of District Grapevine I wrote requesting information on war memorials in Methodist Churches in the East Anglia District. The response has been encouraging and, through these columns, I would like to thank all those throughout the District who have contacted me, sending photos and information on their church’s memorials, or telling me where I could find a memorial. Some information had already been collected and sent to the National Inventory of War Memorials at the Imperial War Museum. Although lodged nationally it will not feature in Methodist archives. I myself worked on that inventory some years ago – a small cog in a nationwide recording of all war memorials. One church I dealt with had closed and converted to residential use. I knew that it had a memorial, so I called and saw the occupier. I was pleased to learn that it was still there, adorning the wall of her living room – and it would remain there as her uncle was on it. Many thanks again – and please keep the information rolling in. I can be contacted at Oak Lodge, Denmark Street, Diss, IP22 4LF. Tel: 01379 641759

Editor’s Note:

This information, and the report from friends at Holbrook about their anniversary celebration,

reminds churches and circuits of the importance of archiving records.

DIGGING FOR TREASURE Local Preacher Development

It was with thanks to the District and the Norwich Circuit for their financial support, that 3 of us (Sheila Drew, Jean Larner and I) were able to attend the Preachers Conference, ’Digging for Treasure’. The conference was sub-titled ‘Restoring Confidence in Expository Preaching for the Twenty- First Century’ and took place at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster in November. There were three excellent speakers and topics:- Ø Rev Martin Turner, Superintendent Minister,

Methodist Central Hall, Westminster: ‘The Priority of Expository Preaching’

Ø Rev Rupert Bentley-Taylor, Senior Minister,

Widecombe Baptist Church, Bath and President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches: ‘The Preacher’s Authority: The Bible’.

Ø Rev Paul Smith, Superintendent Minister of

Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth: ‘Principles for Expository Preaching’.

The three presentations explored the ‘Why’, ‘What’ and ‘How’ of expository preaching. Each encouraged preachers, to dig into the scriptures for treasure. The speakers led 3 afternoon seminars: Ø How did the Apostle Paul preach? Ø Preaching the Word Today Ø Preaching the Old Testament

The conference was organised by Methodist Evangelicals Together, and was well organised It ran to time, there were various bookstalls, tea, coffee and snacks, and also lunch was provided for a nominal charge. A book entitled ‘Digging for Treasure’ – which covers the entire conference and includes the full lectures - is available published by Moorleys Print and Publishing, ISBN 978 086071 6310. John Howe Local Preachers are reminded that a grant towards the costs of approved events for Continuing Development may be available from the District if their circuit will also contribute. Further details can be obtained from Mrs Mary Read, District Local Preachers Tutor.

War Memorials Trust

Conference

4 March 2010

Looking after war memorials in Cambridge

Guildhall, Cambridge

10.00 am – 1.00 pm

For further information call:

Conservation Team: 020 7233 7356 War Memorials Trust: 0300 123 0764

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Holbrook Methodist Church Nr. Ipswich Celebration of 180 years of worship in the present place - December 2009 We decided that our celebration should include a short service using Charles Wesley hymns and music that the congregation might have sung 180 years ago - “What shall I do my God to love” and “Rejoice the Lord is King”. Prayers and a historical account reminded us of the people who attended that first service. The worship was followed by a meal of mutton with dumplings followed by a batter and pears pudding. The meal was served in candlelight!

In the Ipswich Record Office there is an Account Book, which not only tells the story of how the permission to build the Chapel was obtained, including instructions about the size and cost of the building, but also contains a diagram showing where everyone who could afford to rent a pew sat at the first service. We used that information to arrange the seating to mirror the original service in 1829. Thanks to the account book we were able to give every member of the 2009 congregation the name of the person who sat in the same place 180 years ago. Further research from the archives also provided us with some information about their families, homes and occupations. So during the evening we were able to remember and give thanks for the faith and courage of our predecessors whose hopes and dreams were realised when the chapel was opened 180 years ago. We spent a few minutes thinking about Thomas Seager whose name did not appear in the account book but who started a “class” in Holbrook in 1791. We know that for 12 years services were held in Thomas’s home, which was described as “the cradle of Methodism in Holbrook” and that he remained a class leader for thirty years. One can only assume that, sadly, he was too poor to pay rent for a pew and must have sat in a “free pew”.

When he died in 1843 it was said that “no man was ever more devoted to any cause than Thomas’s sixty year devotion to Methodism in Holbrook”. We also thought about the struggles those early Methodist faced to pay off the debt involved in purchasing the land and building the Chapel, a debt which took over 50 years to pay back! This fact made those of us who were there, appreciate just how fortunate we are, that the refurbishment that was completed in 2009, is debt free!

We closed our special evening service and celebration with the hymn – “Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place” – a power that has moved for 180 years and one which, with God’s help, will continue to move in this special place. Ruth Eccles

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Garvestone and Mattishall - (Mid Norfolk Circuit) A small group of Methodists and Anglicans whomeet regularly for Bible study and discussiondetermined to find out about the spiritual journeysof people in Church about which they knew little.The group invited 6 people with very different‘autobiographies’ to speak to the group – 2 (verydifferent) Anglicans; husband and wife Mormons; aRoman Catholic priest and a Baptist. The speakersalso undertook to answer questions. The visitorsspoke at approximately fortnightly internals. In theintervening weeks the group met to discuss whatthey had heard and, in particular, the answers toquestions asked. The group noted that, in all 6 cases, the mostprofound spiritual experiences had come quite along way into their journey and not at its beginning.They also noticed some unexpected similarities.The meetings have provided challenge andstimulus, as well as helping the group to feel betterinformed. The experience is recommended toother groups.

Holbrook Methodist Church near Ipswich

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VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE

NOVEMBER 2009 The President, Rev David Gamble, and Vice President, Dr Richard Vautrey, visited the District over the weekend of 27 –

29 November. Full details of their itinerary, their impressions and further photographs, are included in their blog at www.methodist.org.uk

HUNSTANTON The President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev David Gamble, led the service of rededication of the refurbished and extended building at Hunstanton Methodist Church on Saturday 28 November 2009. 160 people attended the service including the Mayor of Hunstanton, Mrs. Christine Earnshaw, borough and town councillors, friends from around the town and circuit and representatives of ecumenical links.

The church now has a link area between the worship area and community hall and projects an

altogether much more welcoming and connected feel, a space for more contemporary worship and has excellent facilities for groups, retreats and conferences. "Thanks be to God", to which all replied, ‘Amen!’

SOHAM We were honoured to have Dr Richard Vautrey, Vice President of the Conference, with us on the afternoon of Saturday 28 November, when we held a service to celebrate the re-opening of our church hall after 10 months of hard work – the culmination of many years of discussion and planning. Dr Vautrey performed the opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon and also gave the address based on the theme ‘Buildings that are part of our mission and ministry’ at the service held in the afternoon. Also present were Rev Graham Thompson, Chair of East Anglia District, Rev Barbara Garwood, Superintendent Minister of the Ely and Newmarket Circuit, and Rev Edwin Myers, Minister (all pictured).

During the service a cheque for £5,000 towards the cost of the new facilities for disabled people was presented by the Cambridge Historic Churches Trust. The Trust administers grants through the WREN landfill tax credit scheme (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd). It was Dr Vautrey’s birthday so we were able to surprise him with the presentation of a cake. NORTH WALSHAM When the President of the Conference, Rev David Gamble, conducted Advent Sunday worship at North Walsham Methodist Church, Norfolk, he presented a Methodist Church Music Society long service certificate to Godfrey Talford, principal organist at the church, in recognition of his 50 years of service to Methodism as choir member and organist. (Also pictured – Rev Pat Olivent-Hayes, Superintendent Minister of the North Norfolk Circuit.) Mr Talford has served the North Walsham Church since 1986, but he first learned to play the organ as a teenager at the Millhouses Church in Sheffield and later served at Armley, Kippax and Drighlington in the Leeds District, at Clifton, Brighouse, in the West Yorkshire District and at Marlborough Square Church, Coalville, Leicestershire before he moved with his family to Norfolk in 1985. Mr Gamble is the Assistant Organist at Muswell Hill Methodist Church, London, and expressed special pleasure at being invited to make this presentation to a fellow organist. As well as presenting the certificate, he read a personal letter from John Bailey, Secretary of the Methodist Church Music Society, which paid tribute to Mr Talford’s recent contribution to the Society as an Executive Committee Member and to his knowledge of charity law and governance which has been valuable to the Society in the creation of ArtServe, the new organisation which supports all creative arts in Methodist worship, of which he is a founder Board member. After a career in industry, Mr Talford became General Secretary of the Methodist Local Preachers Mutual Aid Association in 1996 and managed its transition into the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust until he retired in 2006.

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BULLETIN BOARD

A History of Methodism in East Norfolk A new book has just been published describing thehistory of Methodism in East Norfolk, written by BenMilner from the East Norfolk Circuit. The bookdescribes the history of Methodism in East Norfolksince it was first introduced to the area in 1754 byRev Thomas Olivers. This was not a success andRev Olivers was chased by an angry mob andforced to hide in Great Yarmouth’s Rows beforeescaping back to Norwich on horseback. During thefollowing 250 years of Methodism in East Norfolk,over 100 churches and chapels have been opened. At its peak in the late 1800s, Methodism in EastNorfolk had over 2,000 members, spread across 48churches belonging to 5 circuits. Now, in 2009,East Norfolk has one circuit and 21 churches. Thebook describes the history of Methodism over thisperiod and covers the areas surrounding GreatYarmouth, Gorleston, Acle and Martham. Within thebook, chapters are dedicated to the PrimitiveMethodist Temple and the Central Hall in GreatYarmouth, as well as a chapter on Methodistchurch organs. The book is 230 pages long and contains over 140photographs of old Methodist churches andMethodist gatherings and people. The book is onsale £10, of which £5 will go to the Action ForChildren charity. Books can be ordered from BenMilner on 01493 668646 or b.milner@uea.ac.uk.

The Primitive Methodist Temple in Great Yarmouth

in 1910 (top) and a 2009 photograph showing Temple Road passing the place where the old

Temple stood.

One Sound (Formerly MAYC Orchestra and Singers)

20th February 2010 Ely Cathedral 7.30 pm

‘One Sound’ – Youth Music in Christ - are giving aWorship Concert in Ely Cathedral. This is anopportunity for a truly uplifting evening in thecompany of young Christians aged 13 – 25. Theywill sing and play a variety of music which will bringjoy to everyone who hears them and they areexcited at making music in such wonderfulsurroundings. One Sound will also take part in theSunday morning worship at Ely Methodist Churchon 21 February. Member churches of Churches Together in Ely willalso be supporting with rehearsal space, cateringand general arrangements. The faith of the youngpeople is real and I hope that as many people aspossible will share this evening with us. Inparticular please encourage your young people toattend. Tickets are priced at £5 and £3 for thoseunder 26. Their website is www.onesound.org.uk for moreinformation. For tickets and further information please contact -Sheenah Adkins 01353 659065 E-mail - sheenah.adkins@btinternet.com

Also coming to Ely Methodist Church: An Evening with Charles Timberlake Saturday 20 March 2010 – 7.30 pm Further details from 01353 662426

Saturday 12 June

10.00 am – 4.00 pm

ALISON ADAM

Leading a singing event not to be missed

Hungate Church BECCLES

Alison is gifted in leading groups of people to sing music from around the world.

People not experienced in singing in choirs find

themselves harmonising in way they never thought possible.

Watch out for more information from the

District Worship Group