Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Magazine
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth."
June 2003
From the Manse
Dear friends,
John Wesley was born on 17th June 1703. This year we celebrate the 300th anniversary
of that birth. Our Circuit services 25th May in Ashbourne, 1st June in Hulland
and 15th June in Brailsford are to help us celebrate our Wesley heritage as
a Circuit together.
The 25th May service told John Wesley's story in narrative, song, poetry and
drama. We also recognised Stuart Mustow as a Methodist Local Preacher, the
latest addition to Wesley's band of travelling preachers.
The 1st June service will be a "Songs of Praise" service held in
the Millennium Hall in Hulland at 2.30pm. Using song and testimony this reflects
the practice of the early Methodists, renowned for their hymn singing and
for the class meetings where confession and testimony were regularly shared.
The 15th June service in Brailsford will be in the open air, preceded by a
picnic and games. It was the open air preaching that characterised John Wesley's
travels around the country enabling him to reach thousands with the gospel
message. It was this open air preaching that was the dynamic of the revival
under Wesley and Whitfield.
John Wesley travelled over 250,000 miles, mainly on horseback. At his death
in 1790 there were over 71,000 Methodists in Britain and 43,000 in the U.S.A..
Today there are over 10 million Methodists worldwide, with rapidly increasing
membership especially in Africa.
It was Wesley's conviction that "all can be saved" that remains
at the heart of Methodist preaching. The conviction that there is no one who
is beyond the reach of God's saving power; that any person can come to repentance
and find salvation in Christ.
It was Wesley's organisational ability and Methodical ways of putting his
faith into practice that led to the establishing of the Methodist Societies.
Every member was placed in a class and were expected to be regular in attending
the class meeting. The societies were serviced by a band of travelling preachers.
The Circuit system with its lay preachers remains the classic feature of Methodism
today.
None of this would have happened but for the work of the Holy Spirit. Wesley
had his "heart warming" experience at Aldersgate on 24th May 1738.
In 1739 he began his preaching in the open air. Many times his journal records
that as he preached, people were falling to their knees confessing their sins
as the Spirit came upon them.
This year Pentecost falls on 8th June. Appropriately it falls in the midst
of our Wesley celebrations. Pray that it may be the start of revival here
in Ashbourne.
"Send us the Spirit of thy Son,
To make the depths of Godhead known,
To make us share the life divine;
Send him the sprinkled blood to apply,
Send him our souls to sanctify,
And show and seal us ever thine."
Charles Wesley (HP300v2)
God Bless,
Chris
Christian Aid
A huge thankyou to everybody who helped during this years' Christian Aid Week.
We had 18 volunteers which was wonderful and helped spread to work between
many hands, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
Our Church collected a total of £1030.61 from the envelope collection,
a huge increase on last year that will make a real difference to Christian
Aid. What is even more wonderful is those people who decided to 'Gift Aid'
their donation. It you are a tax payer (this can include paying tax on savings)
and sign the gift aid form, Christian Aid can claim back the tax that you
have paid on that gift. With this added money, the total that Christian Aid
will receive is £1125.99 (it's worth noting that if everyone had signed
the Gift Aid form, Christian Aid would have received another £212 -
enough for more than 500kg of chickpeas to help a farming community in Afghanistan).
Finally, several people took part in the "Count Your Blessings"
scheme during Lent. Another £98.30 was sent to Christian Aid for this
- thank you!
Catherine Green
NCH
July will be a busy time for our Circuit NCH group… We have a wonderful
evening arranged for Friday 4th July. Together with the British Heart Foundation
and Cancer Research UK, we are hosting an evening of food and music in Marquees
in the lovely surroundings of Sandra and Cliff Lewer's garden. There will
be a welcome drink at 7pm followed by a three course dinner to the evocative
sounds Harp and Carpe's music. Then there is dancing or just listening to
a super duo called Just Us. Tickets are £25 and are available from Val
Howse.
Saturday 12th July has been designated our street collection day. We are very
grateful to Marianne Matthews for organising our rota. If you can spare an
hour on that day, please let Marianne know.
13th July is NCH Sunday when we give thanks for all involved in its work,
see below
On Thursday 17th July we have our annual charity stall outside the Town Hall
in Ashbourne. We really do need to make the most of this opportunity, and
we wonder if every family in our Church can help us with the vital work of
our own Methodist Sponsored Children's charity? Would it be possible for each
family to provide us with one cake, or a few small cakes, or a pot of home
made Jam or marmalade? Or provide us with fruit, vegetables, or plants from
your garden on the day? Any one of the committee would be happy to put cakes
in the freezer and we will be putting a box in the vestibule for the collection
of bottled preserves. There are always plenty of visitors to Ashbourne who
will buy our produce, but each year we never seem to have enough to sell!
Committee members: Doris Harrison, Betty and Mike Hadley, Val Howse, Sandra
and Cliff Lewer, Eric and Marianne Matthews, Judith Starkie, Margaret Todd.
Families Matter - NCH Sunday 13th July 2003
NCH Sunday is a special Sunday designated by the Methodist Churchto reflect
on the work and impact of its children's charity. The theme for this year
is families matter, highlighting the work of our family placement projects
- adoption, foster care and family-based shared care. These projects support
some of the most vulnerable children in our society by finding adoptive and
foster families for children in care and by linking individuals and families
to support disabled children and their parents through care in the home, outings
or other activities.
There are thousands of vulnerable and excluded children in the UK who need
the support of families; 5,000 waiting to be adopted; 45,000 need foster care
placements; 100,000 severely disabled that require intensive support, usually
given by their families.
There is a desperate shortage of people coming forward to adopt or foster
children in care or to offer regular support to disabled children and their
families. Volunteers are also needed to befriend and support young people
in care who have little or no contact with their birth families. Families
matter is a UK wide NCH initiative to raise awareness about this need and
raise money to support and train those who come forward to extend their own
family, so that vulnerable children and young people can have the same opportunities
as others to reach their potential.
· Give thanks for the family of God, to whom all belong and no one
is excluded
· Pray for those children and young people whose lives have been scarred
by abuse, neglect or violence and who find it hard to trust again.
· Pray for disabled children and the prejudice and exclusion they face
in everyday living.
· Give thanks for the work of NCH in bringing a sense of healing and
hope for the future to children and families.
Without the ongoing support of many Methodist churches and supporters, the
work of NCH could not continue. Thank you for your support and prayers.
News from Kniveton
Mrs Broughton has delighted everyone by her amazing recovery from a very serious
fall and it is most enheartening to see her once again involved in a busy
life with family, community and Chapel playing a part in her activities. Thank
you Winnie for reminding us not to give up, but to keep looking to Jesus and
watching our prayer time.
There are times when the chapel services are held at the home of Mrs Rayworth.
In this way we are able to share worship together and maintain the one-ness
of the fellowship. Thank you to Sheila and the family who make this and the
kind hospitality we receive possible.
The music side of the worship at Kniveton is provided by John, Enid, Jackie
and Anneliese, we trust they are aware of how important they are to the life
of the worship and the blessing we receive from them.
Anneliese and Richard now have a second baby boy, Brodie, he was born at a
quarter to five, just in time for his granny to be aware of his birth as she
came to take part in the Easter Offering dedication service. CONGRATULATIONS.
Lester and Linda have recently returned from a visit to Belarus. The first
week was spent with the local Chenoble Children's help line group when together
they shared an organised programme, visiting children's hospitals, orphanages,
local dignitaries and the Russian Ballet. The second week was a more personal
arrangement re-visiting families well known to them because younger members
have stayed at the Breck to re-cooperate and gain strength in a healthy environment.
On their return journey, Lester and Linda were accompanied by Nina, the mother
of Alesia, a student from Belarus who is staying here. Nina came in order
to attend the wedding of Alesia to Stephen. The wedding was at Ashbourne Methodist
Church. The family are grateful to the Rev. C. Eddy for his understanding
and help, to Enid for the lovely floral arrangements and to Don who served
them so well on the organ.
David will soon be in Australia, spending time with his son Jonathan. We wish
them a joyful and interesting holiday, our best wishes go with David and we
look forward to hearing his news in due course.
Sister Merle Wilde
Miss Marguerite Thorn 1912 - 2003
Marguerite died on Saturday 17th May, aged 90 in a care home in Nottingham.
She worshipped at Ashbourne Chapel for many years. Many of us will remember
her wonderful crafts that were displayed in her home in Hillside Avenue and
sold at numerous church fairs.
In her earlier days she was a head teacher and for many years cared for her
elderly mother. We give thanks for her long life.
Daphne Dyster
Easter Offerings
Following the recent Dedication of Easter Offerings Service at Bralisford,
the amount of £668.63 was forwarded to the Methodist Church Fund for
World Mission. Thank you to everyone.
Betty Douce
Thank You
We would like to thank all our friends throughout the circuit who sent cards
and good wishes for our Golden Wedding. We had a wonderful family reunion
followed by a fortnight's holiday on a farm in Cornwall with our younger son
and family, over from Spain for the occasion.
On Easter Sunday we attended a sung Eucharist at St. Endellion Church. St.
Endellion consists of a large church, a farm shop and a couple of houses,
but we had to join a queue to get in. When the service began there were chairs
in the aisles and people standing at the back, in the porch and outside; somewhere
between 300 and 400. The singing, led by the St. Endellion Singers was truly
uplifting. An entirely unexpected experience in such a small place.
Michael and Dorothy Prior
An AGLOW Conference
Theme " HOW TO BE UP - WHEN YOU ARE DOWN"
Only recently have I become aware of the Women's Aglow Fellowship. If you
are new to the name, then here is some information......Aglow is women , worshipping
'praising and glorifying God in all areas of life...coming to a knowledge
of Jesus Christ as Saviour, Lord and Healer........Women learning their unique
role and their many creative opportunities according to Scripture.
Recently a small contingent from the circuit visited the regional conference
held at Hanchurch near Stoke on Trent. Perhaps the title of the theme was
an inducement!
I am sharing some of the headings of the morning session. Away from the fellowship
of other believers it takes prayer and a little time to get to the heart of
the teaching but the Holy Spirit comes to our aid in gentle love and wisdom.Permission
has been granted to print these extracts.
1 Mourning.
Ecclesiastes 3 v 4. A time for everything,
A time to weep and a time to laugh
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
2. Tiredness
Mark 6v 30 -31
.
3.Salvation.
.......Then you will find joy in the Lord. Isaiah 58 v 14.
The promise is "I bring you Good News of great joy" Luke 2 v 10
The promises of Jesus .....John 15 v 11.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8 v 10
What has happened to all your joy? Galatians 4 v 15.
4. Stability
Our stability is in God not set by external circumstances.
Jeremiah 17 v7 - 8
James 1v 2 - 8
2Timothy 1 v 7.
5.Identity.
Know your Identity.
We have a right to be called children of God John 1 v 12.
We are co-heirs with Christ. Romans 8 v 17
We are loved, precious, redeemed, known by name. Isaiah 43.
God is the lifter up of our heads.
6. Our Calling .
Should be a joy - Hebrews 13 v 7.
We can lose sight of what it is about.
We can become driven by expectations.
We can consider our reputation.
We can become ambitious.
We don't work for Him, He works with us - Mark 16 v 20.
Now found in Christ alone - Phillipians 2 v 11.
7. Under attack.
....but David found strength in the Lord His God. ---! Samuel 30 - 6.
Sister Merle
News from Brailsford
The comfy chairs have arrived. 27 out of 30 chairs have been sponsored - thank
you to those who have made this possible.
The Holiday Clubs on 7th March and 25th April were attended by 13 and 15 children.
The next one is on 28th May. We are also planning a series of holiday clubs
on each Wednesday during the summer holidays. These will be based on the Scripture
Union material "Seaside Rock".
Our outreach continues on Saturday 7th June and 2nd August when we will be
serving "cream teas" from 3.00pm - 5.00pm.
On Sunday 15th June, we will be at the village hall for games and activities
from 2.00pm, with an open air service at 4.00pm, followed by a picnic tea.
Since the last circuit magazine Brailsford_ALIVE@9 has been taking place on
the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. This has been well received so far,
and we are making progress with the music and the content of the worship.
It is an alternative service which lasts for 45mins and is suitable for all
ages. If you are not sure whether it's for you, come along and see!
We appreciate your continued support, both practically and in prayer.
Jane Baker
NCH Step Out For Children
Several people will be taking part in NCH's sponsored walks "Step Out
for Children" during June. Brian and Dreda Kitchen are walking on 7th
June in Ticknall. Chris Dakin and Molly Phipps are doing theirs on 28th June
at Carsington. Please sponsor them for this worthy cause - and support them
in your prayers.
Methodist Homes
The total for the 2002/2003 financial year is £1660.42 (Confirmed by
MHA HQ) My thanks to all who gave to make this total
Tom Parkinson
Mayfield Well Dressing
The Mayfield Well Dressing will be on 14th and 15th June. The blessing of
the wells will commence at 11am on Saturday 14th at Hermitage Lane.
St John the Baptist Parish Church, Mayfield
Ashbourne Annual Gift Day
The Gift Day this year will be on the Chapel Anniversary, Sunday 22nd June,
and it will be supporting Outreach and Mission in the church. This is an opportunity
for you to give a Birthday Present to our church. We also ask you to pray
for this work, as well as supporting it with gifts of money.
Ashbourne Church Stewards
Ashbourne Family News
Congratulations to Dorothy Critchlow who has recently celebrated a big Birthday.
Alstonefield 'did it on her' and arranged a surprise village party!
We send our Best Wishes to Ron Cork as he prepares to move home to the new
development on Park Road Ashbourne.
Congratulations also to Tracy and Peter Dawson and family on the birth of
a(nother) daughter - Darcey Gwendoline.
We send our prayers and support to all those who are unwell at the moment,
especially Joe & Enid and Maureen Dumpleton. We think of Graham and Angela
Smith. Angela is now at home in Solihull following major surgery.
We pray for Mrs Barbara Dadge who is now resident in St Mary's Nursing Home,
Ednaston. We also keep Tom and Betty Little in our prayers, Tom is now living
at Madge House, Ashbourne. We also pray for Doug Hulme who is also resident
at Madge House.
We pray for the family of the late Mrs Gertie Wilson of Clifton.
We have also recently heard news of the passing away of Mrs Peggy McGibbon,
who had formerly been a member at Ashbourne but had moved away.
Ashbourne Community Bus
Do you ever…
…wake up on a Sunday morning, realise it's raining and wish you didn't
have to walk to church?
…have no-one to give you a lift to church?
…want your children to come to church, but can't give them a lift yourself?
…want to give friends a lift to church- but can't fit them all in your
car?
Every week, we provide a door-to-door bus service for the morning service
at Ashbourne, which is currently under-used. The bus is available for anyone
in Ashbourne who would like to come along to the morning service and can be
used regularly or on a one-off basis. If you'd like picking up by the bus
(for whatever reason) then please give Ian Marsh a ring before 9am on the
Sunday morning.
Ian Marsh
Ashbourne Women's Fellowship
Our regular meetings continue each fortnight on Tuesdays at 2.15pm in Cornerstone:
3rd June Annual General Meeting Rev Chris Eddy in the Chair
17th June A Talk on Chiropody Doreen Bunting
If you would like transport, please ring Carole Thorpe no later than the Sunday
evening before the meeting. Please be assured of a very warm welcome - if
you'd like more information, please contact me.
Margaret Bacon
News from Hulland
We don't have much to report this time, but we are looking forward to two
events in the coming month.
Firstly, we have the Hulland Songs of Praise on Sunday 1st June at the Millennium
Hall, Hulland Ward. You are all most welcome to come along and join us at
2.30pm.
Secondly, on Sunday 8th June we are celebrating our Chapel Anniversary. Chris
Eddy will be leading a service at 6.30pm, to which you are all invited.
Peggy Spencer
Global Islam - Global Christianity
Whilst the Church in the West has largely forgotten many desperately poor
Christian minorities in the Muslim world, Saudia Arabia and other Muslim Eastern
states are spending billions of dollars of oil money to support Muslim minorities
all over the world and to spread Islam. As long ago as 1998, the Oil exporting
countries (OPEC) donated some $87 billion for development projects to support
Muslim minorities and to promote Islam. Over 100 million Qur'ans have been
printed in the King Fahad holy Qur'an printing complex at Medina (Islam's
second most holy place). This in addition to millions of audiocassettes are
often given away free of charge.
A Challenge
Funding to support Muslims and Islam on this scale can seem overwhelming to
us as Christians. Perhaps, we should then see it as a challenge. It is the
Muslim concept of ummah (the global Muslim community) that inspires such unity
and financial generosity to fellow Muslims and to Islam.
However, Christians have a similar - much older - teaching: The Church as
the body of Christ. Let us take up the challenge and also pray for our fellow
believers in the West and challenge them (and us) to help their (our) Christian
brothers and sisters to give generously to support the Church in the Muslim
world. What changes we might see if Christians in the West began to support
their brothers and sisters and the promotion of the gospel in a radically
generous way, which rivals Muslim oil funding in the Middle East.
Ps. (By giving up one newspaper per week we could raise collectively as a
church around £2500 per year for the 'Church' worldwide.
Muslims in this country
We should apply Christ's teaching to love our neighbour and this includes
Muslims. Muslims in this country enjoy more freedom and rights than in any
other country in the world. We should in our dealings strive to impress upon
them that we expect no less for our Christian brothers and sisters around
the world in Muslim countries.
Roger Mallard
The Gateway Centre
At our last meeting we decided that it would be good for everyone to know
who is staying in the Gateway Centre through the month.
We are also in the busy months and this year we have a lot of quick changeovers.
If anyone has an hour to spare to help on any of these days it would be much
appreciated. The quick changeover dates are marked with a *.
June
4th - 6th* North Border Junior School, Doncaster
*6th - 8th Breakaway, Duke Street Chapel, Sutton Coldfield
9th - 13th* St Peter's Primary School, East Bridgeford
*13th - 15th 34th North Staffs Boys Brigade, Stoke on Trent
18th - 20th* North Border Junior School, Doncaster
*20th - 22nd The Venture Group
24th - Dance Group, India
Thankyou
Rachel Walker
Weigh In for Trade Justice
As a part of the national weekend of action on Trade Justice, in Ashbourne
we will be having our own "Weigh In" for Trade Justice. From 12noon
on Friday 27th to 12noon on Saturday 28th June we will be asking people to
put their weight behind the international campaign for a fairer trading system.
Nationally, the aim is for every single MP (there are 659 of them in total)
to be lobbied during this time, and we will be working with Ashbourne Churches
Together and More details on exactly how you can "Scale Up for Trade
Justice" will be coming out in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, here are some challenging statistics for you:
· In the Midlands, only 17% of people buy Fair Trade food regularly
- and 39% of people haven't heard of it!
· What can you do to spread the word about Fair Trade?
· In the Midlands, 62% of people would be willing to pay more for goods
if they could be confident that the producer had paid a fair price
· People are willing to buy Fair Trade - but they don't know where
to get it. Why not give your friends a copy of the Ashbourne Fair Trade Directory?
Please do your bit to help make international trade more fair, and spread
the word about Fair Trade to your friends and colleagues.
Stuart Green
Source: Survey carried out by ICM Research for Retail Week, October 2002.
A Thankyou Note
Pauline and myself would like to thank you for making us welcome since we
moved from Anglesey to Ashbourne last August.
I was especially pleased to meet Roger Mallard with who we share the need
to expand youngsters' involvement in the Church today, in a more modern way.
It was encouraging to see so many people being involved in a variety of Church
activities. A preacher once said, that a Church is only a building until there
are people inside doing God's work - then it becomes a house of God.
Roger needs people of all ages and capabilities to help with a variety of
tasks, to enable him to reach out to bring more youngsters into Christianity.
I like to attend a traditional service, but I recognise that we have to cater
for youngsters today in a more modern way.
From the short time I have been involved with this Church, I know that you
will give him the support he needs for this important task - anyone and everyone
can help. Along with myself, please offer your support to him.
John Latham
My First Visit to District Synod
On Saturday 12th April I attended the spring Synod of the Nottingham and Derby
District of the Methodist Church, which was held at Chilwell Road Methodist
Church in Beeston, Nottingham. This was my first experience of a District
Synod.
As I set off from Ashbourne with Chris Eddy, I couldn't help wondering what
the day had in store. On arrival we met up with Ann Parkinson, a fellow Circuit
Steward, Sandra and Cliff Lewer and Brian Kitchen.
TV CAMERAS
Outside the Church were TV cameras - all very intriguing! I later realised,
when I saw the Midlands news that evening, that they were to film and interview
John Hindson, who had done a sponsored walk, from his home in Stapleford to
Synod, carrying a bucket of water on his head, to highlight the issue of access
to fresh water in many developing countries.
A PACKED CHURCH
The Church was packed and the day began with coffee, followed by the welcome
and opening devotions. Various business agendas were then covered.
HIV/AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA
I was particularly interested in the report given by Rev Dr Martine Stemerick,
on her visit to South African townships. The great scourge is HIV/AIDS, with
600 people dying daily in the townships. What a dreadful statistic! We could
have listened to Martine for much longer, but the schedule of the day didn't
permit. Luckily, many of us were able to hear more when she visited Ashbourne
on 15th May.
METHODIST HOMES
A very interesting report was given by Rev Keith Albans on Methodist Homes,
this year being their Diamond Jubilee. We were told of four new projects in
the region, and others in the pipeline.
Anglican Methodist Covenant
Votes were taken on the Anglican Methodist Covenant, the result being 176
in favour, 63 against and 7 abstentions.
ORDINAND'S TESTIMONY
There was an Ordinand's Testimony Service, during which the Rev David Hayward,
who is to be ordained at this year's conference, gave his testimony.
LEARNING & CARING
A Commissioning Service was held for Mrs Judith Wood, who has been appointed
as District Training and Development Officer. In the afternoon, we divided
into four different workshops - Worship, Learning & Caring, Service and
Evangelism. Judith Wood led the group on Learning & Caring, and talked
on how to select a Circuit Learning Package.
Judith is a very enthusiastic and energetic lady, who prefers the word learning
to that of training. She advocates that we examine all aspects of Church activities
- young people, pastoral visiting, leadership teams, safeguarding, holiday
clubs, leading meetings etc. She suggested that one topic that learning would
benefit should be chosen initially and then ask Judith to put together an
appropriate package. Judith's plans are therefore referred to all group leaders
for their consideration and possible contact of Judith, through Chris.
SONGS OF PRAISE
Roger Johnson is the new District Evangelism Enabler.
On 15th June, Songs of Praise on BBC TV is to be dedicated to John Wesley.
www.wesley2003.org.uk
UPLIFTING
I was initially asked to comment on what particularly uplifted me on the day,
my thoughts are as follows:
1. Seeing so many Methodists gathered together.
2. Meeting the Rev Wesley Blakey, Chairman of the District, for the first
time and seeing him looking so well.
3. The organisation of the Synod was excellent, and the use of the multi-media
projector was a great asset and helped the day to flow without the use of
too many pieces of paper or hymn books.
4. I felt the Synod was very caring and I particularly liked the way so many
letters were to be sent conveying greetings, congratulations and sympathy.
5. Lastly, I think I sang more hymns in one day than ever before. Mostly they
were sung unaccompanied and with great gusto, in the true Methodist tradition
- a wonderful experience. I got home at 5pm, having returned with Chris in
beautiful sunshine - but the day didn't end there.
A WONDERFUL DAY
The final performance of Encounters was held in the evening and I, along with
the other signers joined in with the drama. The evening finished with a party
for all those involved. What a wonderful end to an interesting day.
Elizabeth Heap
Missssion Matters
Gracious God,
Your love is stronger than hate and greed,
Your grace is greater than injustice and suspicion,
Your hope can sustain us in a tortured world,
Your joy can transform us,
Your peace is needed by a world in pain.
We ask that you will enable us to share in your Spirit's love,
grace, hope, joy and peace with all people.
A prayer from the Methodist church in New Zealand.
Pray for North Korea
Mission organisations Release International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide,
the Evangelical Alliance, Asialink and the South Korean churches are orchestrating
a week of prayer for North Korea from 23-29 June. Churches throughout the
UK and Ireland are being urged to pray for North Korea on Sunday 29th June.
This week is designed to heighten awareness of the desperate plight of the
North Korean people and to galvanise much needed prayer for North Korea and
the persecuted church there. Little has been known about North Korea over
the last decades due to its extreme isolationist policies. The communist regime
has sought to decimate the church and repression of Christianity has been
ruthless and thorough. The situation of the church has remained largely a
mystery and the church worldwide, outside Korea, has often forgotten the need
to pray for these most persecuted of our brothers and sisters. Please remember
to pray for Christians in North Korea this month.
(A CD containing PowerPoint slides and video clips is available for this prayer
initiative from Release International 01689 823491).
Ruth Mallard
How to do Missionary Work...without leaving home
Wycliffe Associates - Regional Day. Saturday 7th June, 9.30am for 10am - 4pm
at the Riverside Centre Community Church, Pride Park, Derby.
If you support a Missionary or are interested in supporting missionaries in
any part of the world this could be the day for you. Come and learn and share
how we can "work here and help there".
There is a full day's programme including a speaker who has worked in Brazil
and Guinea Bissau (West Africa) for 30 years. The full day's programme is
£7 and includes lunch and refreshments (help is available if you would
like to attend but the cost is an issue - please speak to Ruth Mallard), alternatively
you can drop-in any time between 9.30 - 4 pm.
To book or for further details please speak to Ruth Mallard. Details are also
available on the Mission Noticeboard.
South Africa Mission evening
Thank you to all who attended this interesting evening and for your gifts.
£160 has been sent to the Sakheka Support Group in Gugulethu, South
Africa.
News from Kirk Ireton
The monthly service at Kirk Ireton was held on a week night for the month
of May. It was originally planned to be a service of "Community Hymn
Singing", but along the line the focus changed and we enjoyed John Wesley
celebrations as a Christian event in the village. The choir, led by Rev G
Mann, had already selected hymns by Charles and John Wesley, and the congregation
had selected hymns in the tradition of the Revival. Between the hymns, the
important events of Wesley's life were noted as were the crucial developments
which were to shape the pattern of the future Methodist Church.
During Holy Week, the Church in the village requested the use of the Chapel
for a shared Maundy Thursday service of foot washing, recalling the washing
of the disciples' feet by the Lord. The actual foot washing was done by Rev
G Mann. Perhaps it was the first time that such an event had taken place in
the Chapel. Each one present found it to be a moving and humbling experience.
A number of people now form the core of the Chapel community as we seek to
serve the village and be responsible to the Chapel building itself. I believe
that there is a real sense of belonging and caring between us both for what
we are and what we are able to do in the service of God our creator. I believe
that each one of use would be happy to pay tribute to David and Mary, who
have been instrumental in helping us to achieve that which otherwise would
not have been possible, and we thank them for their commitment to share with
us on our journey together.
Sister Merle Wilde
Women's Network
District Days
The next District Day will be at Uttoxeter on Thursday 12th June. The day
commences at 10am with coffee followed by a business meeting at 10.30am. Lunch
is taken at approximately 12.30pm (please take a packed lunch, drinks available)
followed by a Service at 2pm 'In praise of Older Women'. Why not give it a
whirl?
The District Day on Wednesday 8th October will be held at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
I am sure Harry and Lyn would be pleased to see a good crowd from the Ashbourne
Circuit. Why not make a note of the date in your diary now and resolve to
come along?
AGM
Our next Circuit event will be an AGM on Monday 7th July. There will also
be a baked potato Supper and a speaker. Watch out for further details.
Alma Swan
Jesus in the Garden
Jesus in the garden, "Don't hold me hard," he said,
"I've only just arisen from the dead."
Jesus went a travelling and met a pair he knew,
they didn't recognise him 'til he'd said a thing or two.
Jesus joined disciples in the Upper Room that night,
he visited them suddenly and gave them quite a fright.
Thomas looked him in the eye, "I won't believe it's true,
until you've put my hand in yours, and then I'll know it's you!"
A fresh and lively morning on the shore of Galilee
Jesus cooked a breakfast which they all ate hungrily.
And whether it was fish, or freshly buttered toast
you know that he who cooks and eats can hardly be a ghost.
And if you'd put your fingers where the nails had shattered bone,
you'd know, like Tom, undoubtedly, you'll never walk alone.
And whether it was two or ten, a thousand or but three
they knew their Lord had come to them to set their spirits free.
Then Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my sheep, now off you go,"
and Peter, shaking with relief did what he told him to.
And though like Peter we deny we know our Lord sometimes
he forgives us just as readily for that and other crimes.
And sometimes we may see him and hear his voice unaltered
when walking in the footsteps where his first disciples faulted.
But often he'll be unannounced and take us by surprise
and it's possible he won't be in a form we recognise.
For it's the essence of his being which he freely gave away
giving life its meaning, bringing God into our day.
And if we puzzle over 'how', we'll blow our brains apart
So it's best to let him walk into the garden of our heart.
Peter Dawson
Visit of United Christian Institute Students to Derbyshire
Exciting news!!
From Tuesday 24th June to Tuesday 8th July, 24 students from the United Christian
Institute in the Punjab, India, will be staying in the Gateway centre. The
students aged from 13 to 18 will be in England for three weeks, most of that
time in Derbyshire. The UCI comprises a campus of five schools and was founded
by different denominations, including Methodism.
The students, coming to England, are all members of a dance troupe, and have
a very full programme, talking about themselves and demonstrating their dances
to schools and churches throughout Derbyshire. They will be learning about
England and Christian worship in our country whilst they are here.
This is going to be a great opportunity to meet and get to know these young
people and their leaders and we hope that everyone will take at least one
of the opportunities to spend time with them and offer their services where
help is needed. The following is a list of some of the help that we know will
be needed.
Tuesday 24th June. The whole group, 31 students and leaders will be arriving
at the Gateway Centre, time to be confirmed, but will need a welcome meal
after a very tiring journey.
Sunday 29th June and/or Sunday 6th July, 6 of the students will be joining
us for worship in the morning and perhaps taking part in the service. We would
like people to offer lunch to pairs of them, after the service.
Tuesday 1st July, the leaders will be going to Derby to buy authentic Indian
food. If anyone would like to offer a lift, or accompany them, I'm sure they
will be delighted to share their culinary knowledge with them. In the evening
there will be an event in Ashbourne but the venue is yet to be confirmed.
Please keep this date free.
Thursday 3rd July at 7pm we will be sharing supper with them in the Century
Hall. Perhaps a typical English dish could be offered to go with the Indian
dish they will be preparing. After supper some of the students will give their
testimony and then demonstrate and teach us a dance. This will probably be
a ticketed event.
After two hectic weeks, visiting and demonstrating in churches and schools
all over Derbyshire, the young people will be having a day at Alton Towers.
It is hoped that some of our young people, of a similar age, will be free
to accompany them.
This all provides a wonderful opportunity for us to learn about the life of
Indian Christian students and for them to learn about us.
If you can help in any way, please contact Chris Eddy, Elizabeth Hurfurt or
Val Howse.
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
1st June People sharing their testimony in Hulland
2nd June Young people in the town taking exams
3rd June That the residents of Hulland may be touched by our outreach
4th June That the residents of Ashbourne may be touched by our outreach
5th June Helpers in Cornerstone
6th June Mission around the world
7th June Those enjoying cream teas at Brailsford
8th June That the residents of Stanton may be touched by our outreach
9th June Those receiving money from our Christian Aid Collection
10th June That the residents of Kniveton may be touched by our outreach
11th June The work of the Circuit Staff
12th June All involved in the women's network
13th June Visitors to Ashbourne
14th June All involved with the Mayfield Well-dressing
15th June Young people enjoying games at Brailsford & open air service
16th June The work of Methodist Homes
17th June That the residents of Parwich may be touched by our outreach
18th June That the residents of Barilsford may be touched by our outreach
19th June Our work with Christian friends in the area
20th June People helping to clean the gateway centre
21st June People passing the Milldale chapel
22nd June Ashbourne Chapel Anniversary and gift day
23rd June Christians in North Korea
24th June United Christina Institute students arriving in Ashbourne
25th June That the residents of Kirk Ireton may be touched by our outreach
26th June That the residents of Tissington may be touched by our outreach
27th June Those around the country scaling up for Trade Justice
28th June Work of NCH
Dates for your Diary
June
Sun 1st 2.30pm Songs of Praise Service Hulland Millennium Hall
Sun 8th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 8th 6.30pm Hulland Chapel Anniversary Hulland
Wed 11th 7pm Service with Chris Eddy Milldale Chapel
Sun 15th 6.30pm Circuit Open Air Service Brailsford
Sun 22nd 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 22nd Ashbourne Church Anniversary Ashbourne
Sun 22nd Kniveton Well Dressing Kniveton
Fri 27th 8pm Quiz Night with Pie & Peas Ashbourne Century Hall
Sat 28th morning Weigh in for Trade Justice Ashbourne
Sat 28th 8pm Saturday Night Live! Waterside
July
Fri 4th 7pm NCH Party (see main article) The Elms, Snelston
Sun 6th 10.30am Ashbourne Explorers Service Ashbourne
Wed 9th 7pm Service with John Lowe Milldale Chapel
Sun 13th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 13th 10.30am Service led by Rev Welile Segabi Ashbourne
Mon 14th 7.30pm Talk by Rev Welile Segabi Ashbourne
Thu 17th NCH Cake Stall Town Hall
Sun 20th Ecumenical Picnic in the park Ashbourne
Sat 26th 8pm Saturday Night Live! Waterside
Sun 27th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 27th 6.30pm Kirk Ireton Chapel Anniversary Kirk Ireton
Tue 29th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Ashbourne
August
Sun 10th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 10th 2.30pm Tissington Chapel Anniversary Tissington
Wed 13th 7pm Service Milldale Chapel
Sun 24th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Tue 26th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Ashbourne
Sat 30th 8pm Saturday Night Live! Waterside
If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine, I will be happy
to publish it. We also welcome contributions that may provoke debate or discussion.
However, this does mean that the views expressed in this magazine are not
necessarily the views of Ashbourne Methodist Circuit or any of its Churches.
Items (including Dates for Your Diary) for the July/August Ashbourne Church
magazine to me (Stuart Green) by 9pm on Wednesday 18th June
Items for the September Ashbourne Circuit magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday
20th August