Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Magazine
Hear this, you who trample the needy…
skimping the measure,
boosting the price and
cheating with dishonest scales…
The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob:
"I will never forget anything they have done."
March 2005
From the Manse
Dear friends,
We are in the season of Lent. In this season we prepare ourselves for Good
Friday, we walk with Jesus towards the cross. Lent is traditionally a time
to draw aside from the hurly-burly of our activity, and spend some time alone
with God.
For this time, I offer one verse on which to meditate. It is Luke 9v23 "If
anyone would come with me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily,
and follow me." We sometimes talk about this as "The Cost of Discipleship".
What does it mean for me, to follow Jesus?
To deny oneself. This means we cease to put our selves, our own pleasures,
as number one, but rather put service of the Kingdom as number one. We do
this every time we offer to take a turn in The Cornerstone, or in Powersource,
or in many other little ways. Jesus taught us "Seek first his Kingdom,
and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well".
Matthew 6v33. When we put God's Kingdom first our own needs will be met.
Peter declared to Jesus "We have left everything to follow you".
Mark 10v28. Jesus replied "If you have left home, or brothers or sisters,
or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel you will receive
a hundred fold in this life." This I have found to be true. I left my
home and country to go as a missionary to Africa. I find I have gained many
brothers and sisters in Christ, several who act as mother to me, many homes
where people have said "treat it as home". Whatever you give up
for the sake of the gospel, God replaces in abundance.
The second phrase is even harder, "Take up your cross, daily". To
accept that following Jesus may involve suffering. It may mean rejection by
others. We live such privileged lives. In this country we do not expect suffering,
and we do not accept it when it comes. But for countless Christians in our
modern world, to follow Jesus means persecution. Read the testimonies of Bilquis
Sheikh (I dared to call him Father) in Pakistan, or Brother Yun (The heavenly
man) in China. These remarkable stories give us a glimpse into a world that
is a reality for many thousands of Christians in today's world.
It is no wonder that when they come to our country they find our churches
dead. The fire of the spirit is missing. We pay lip service to Christ, but
do not know the cost of following him. How many of us would continue to follow
him if we started receiving death threats, or had our homes burned down, or
were faced with imprisonment?
What does it mean for us to take up our cross? What was it that led Jesus
to the cross? It was the way he identified with the outcast, the lowly, the
despised, those regarded as sinners. The religious leaders couldn't cope with
Jesus declaration that God loved such as these. One way we can take up our
cross is to share in Jesus mission to those who are outsiders. Those who are
despised by others, the vulnerable, the disfigured, the sexually exploited…..
To take up the cross is to identify with them, show them God loves them, as
Jesus did.
During Lent do meditate on this verse. Ask God what does this mean for me?
Have I pushed Jesus down to number 2, or 3, or lower? Do I want a Christianity
that is free from effort or free from sacrifice, free from controversy or
free from pain? Do I just seek a God of comfort? Or am I willing to let God
use me, as and where he will? Am I ready to deny myself, and take up my cross
daily, and follow him? May God touch our hearts as we draw close to him in
this Lenten season.
God Bless, Chris
Ashbourne Churches Together, Lent and Easter
LENT LUNCHES 2005
The lunches continue on Thursdays at 12.30pm in St. Oswald's Church Hall.
The theme will be "Words from the Cross" and the speakers will be
Thursday 3rd March Rev Alec Prail (Elim Pentecostal)
Thursday 10th March Fr John Guest (Catholic Church)
Thursday 17th March Rev Mair Bradley (URC)
HOLY WEEK SERVICE
Tuesday 22nd March at 7. 30 pm at Elim Pentecostal Church
WALK OF WITNESS
Good Friday 25th March. Starts at 12.15 pm in the Market Square
Please join your fellow Christians in this act of witness on a very special
day.
Ashbourne Methodist Church also has a Maundy Thursday Communion Service at
7.30pm and a Good Friday Service at 10.30 am.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Easter Offerings
On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, envelopes for Easter Offerings will be placed
in the pews. All proceeds go to the Fund for World Mission. This enables,
among other things, the following to be funded:
V Grants for Partner Churches overseas
V Training for Mission Partners
V Support for long and short term Mission Partners
V World Church in Britain programme
V Mission Live programme
V Funding of the work of Nationals in Mission Appointments
V Special Projects
V Training Scholarships for those from our Partner Churches
The envelopes are provided for your offering - please give generously to provide
the necessary resources for the work of sharing the love of God throughout
the world.
The offerings will be dedicated at a Circuit Service to be held at Brailsford
on Sunday 24th April at 6.30pm. The service, entitled 'Creating a Just Community',
will be led by ladies from Ashbourne. The Rev Dr Keith Albans (Senior Chaplain,
Methodist Homes) will be the speaker. Please book the date and come along.
Alma Swan
i-pods and Goats
That was the headline in a Guardian article about the top Christmas presents
in 2004. Well I don't know much about i-pods (although my grandson had one
for Christmas) and not a lot about goats, except I know where these came from.
Along with bees, bicycles, vaccinations and many others they were gifts from
the alternative Christmas Gift catalogues which became very popular last year.
Organisations like Oxfam, Send a Cow and World Vision to name but a few were
overwhelmed by the demand. To those trying to find a Christmas present for
friends or relatives who have everything it was the answer to a prayer and
the recipients both of the Christmas "present" and of the actual
gift were delighted as well.
So why this article? It is to say that it is not just for Christmas.
Birthdays and anniversaries come at any time in the year and these catalogues
are still around. John and Elizabeth Hurfurt have a World Vision catalogue
and Ruth and John Lowe have one from Send a Cow. So if you are looking for
a different gift, to give or to receive, one that shows your concern for those
less well off - you know where to look. From blankets to bikes, chickens to
trees you can give a special person a reason to smile and your gift will give
some of the world's poorest a hand up not a hand out. Every gift means a brighter
tomorrow for someone and you couldn't give anything more inspiring.
John Hurfurt
News from Brailsford
The Alpha Course which began in September has now finished and the group are
continuing to meet and study the Life Worth Living course, led by Chris. We
intend launching another course, probably in September. Please pray for anyone
who you think may be interested, or if you've never been on an Alpha course,
why not come along and find out what it's all about?
Our outreach into the community continues as we open up the Church building,
serve homemade soup and give people an opportunity to meet and chat. Please
call in on Saturdays March 5th and April 2nd, between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
You will be very welcome.
The midweek monthly fellowship continues to meet on the second Wednesday of
each month at 2.30pm. This is open to everyone (note the name change).
We have been blessed by a variety of services each Sunday - Alive @9, United
worship with All Saints, and our traditional evening worship.
We also have a couple of celebrations here at Brailsford. We send our love
to Hilary Gibbins on her 80th birthday on 25th April. We also send congratulations
John & Christine Stubbs who celebrate their Ruby Wedding Anniversary on
29th May
Jane Baker
THANK YOU
We have received the following message from Alan Wright's sister in The Cayman
Islands.
"Kindly convey to the Council and congregation of Ashbourne Methodist
Church, our sincere thanks for the donation of £881 given to my brother
Alan to aid in our recovery from the devastation caused by hurricane "Ivan"
on September 12th and 13th 2004.
"Your gift was given to the Elmslie Memorial United Church Fund set up
to aid hurricane victims. Many people have benefited and are still receiving
assistance with food, mattresses, roofing materials, sheet rock for ceilings
and interior walls, appliances etc. The Churches and Service Clubs have also
organised work teams to help people rebuild.
"The heroism of many during the 36 hours the storm ravaged the island
was amazing and the recovery rate is also quite remarkable.
"There is, of course, still much to do. Our church and church hall complex
still only have tarpaper roofs and await the availability of shingles but
the hall is being used by a Government Primary School and we have worshipped
in the sanctuary since one month after the storm.
"Thank you for your prayers and practical expression of your care and
concern.
God Bless, sincerely,
Olive H Miller
Giving Envelopes
Giving envelopes for the coming year April 05 to March 06 will be mailed to
all who now use them and any who have requested them, before end of March
05.
Cliff Lewer
NCH The Dalesmen Concert
We are delighted that the ever popular Dalesmen Male Voice Choir will be giving
a concert to support our charity on St George's Day, Saturday 23rd April at
7.30pm in Ashbourne Methodist Church. Under the musical direction of David
Scott-Savage, 40 members of their choir will be presenting a wonderful and
varied programme. Classical and modern, Negro spirituals and hymns, some specially
arranged, will provide one and a half hours' uplifting entertainment. Refreshments
will be provided and are included in the cost. Admission £5 is by programme
available from members of NCH Support Group.
The Dalesmen Choir, which includes our own Sid Harbey among its 60 members,
was formed in 1987 of local Derbyshire Dales' enthusiasts to enjoy singing
and add to the musical life of the area. They perform at about 30 events annually,
supporting many charities. To boost their charity giving and their own funds,
they have produced a video set against historic and heritage Derbyshire sites
and a CD. We hope you will be able to join us on April 23rd and enjoy some
great singing.
Support Group:- Doris Harrison, Betty & Mike Hadley, Val Howse, Sandra
& Cliff Lewer, Marianne & Eric Matthews, Judith Starkie.
Ashbourne Family News
We have received the following note from Anne & Michael Wareing:
Hi everyone! Thought I would give you an update on Michael & me. We are
both well. I miss mum very much but for some reason we have peace about being
here. We have settled at a Church - the Minister is a good teacher although
the congregation are mostly "Church goers" - some work to be done
there (Michael on the job!) They have a lot of young people. We need your
prayers - it seems when I am feeling down in comes a letter from Joe &
Enid - thanks to them. It is good to hear about our friends at Ashbourne.
Anyway, if anyone is up our way we would love to see you - we do good B&B
(ha ha). Our love & prayers, Anne &Michael Wareing
We join with the whole Church family in sending our congratulations to Mrs
Betty Alsop in celebrating her 90th Birthday, and to Andrew Lewer and Gabriela
Ciacia on their engagement.
We have also received a message from Andrew and Gabriela:
We would both like to thank everyone in the Church family for their congratulations,
prayers and cards following our engagement at Ashness Bridge, near Keswick,
on 7th February. Gabriela has been made to feel very welcome by the Church
since coming to Ashbourne and we are now looking forward to many years of
worship and fellowship here together. Andrew I Lewer & M Gabriela Ciacia-Lobo.
We continue to pray for all those who are unwell and to those who support
them day to day. We think especially of Bill & Pearl Steeples, Alistair
Paton, Janet Weeks, Marjorie Maher, Mrs Botham, Mrs Doris Harrison and Mrs
I Parker.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gwilym Roberts and his family as they mourn
the passing of Lyn. We shall miss her humour and laughter which she shared
with us all.
Visit to Argentina
I have been highly honoured to be nominated by the Nottingham and Derby District
of our Church to join a small group of 6 people with the "Formation in
World Mission" section of the Methodist Church to undertake a visit to
Argentina commencing 19th March for 2 weeks.
The itinerary is Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario where we will meet with
Methodist Church people, discuss common matters and attend the Theological
college for instruction/discussion, plus acting as Ambassadors for the British
Methodist Church and to listen.
Formation in World Mission was initially financed by a transfer of funds from
Methodist Fund for World Mission in 1998 and has developed since; one of the
objectives is to promote International exchanges and placements. Mission now
having the wider meaning of being two ways and not the old fashioned view
of 'we' sending missionaries to 'foreign' lands.
The Methodist Fund for World Mission itself has as one of its objectives 'to
engage in a continuing relationship of mutual help and enrichment with churches
(including united churches) in the life of which Methodist missions have played
a part'.
The British Methodist Church has had mission partnerships with Argentina since
1830 and this visit is a part of the continuing bonding of the two churches.
The Methodist Church in Argentina is small with 3000 members and 100 ministers,
the country has had huge problems with dictatorships, the Falklands War, uprisings,
disappearance of huge numbers of people and the main church is Roman Catholic.
The language is Spanish; the driving is terrible, climate humid.
My main task is to listen, to learn and to inform people back in Britain.
The programme is packed and over the 15 days in Argentina one afternoon and
one morning are designated 'free', many visits to groups, communities and
projects are planned plus training, travel and meals with congregations.
The whole project and experience is daunting, I hope to learn a great deal
and be able to spread that knowledge widely on my return and during my forthcoming
term 06/07 as Connexional President of Women's Network of the Methodist Church.
Sandra Lewer
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
27th Feb Those providing the music for our services
28th Feb Women's Network
1st Mar World Leaders during Fairtrade Fortnight
2nd Mar Mission partners around the world
3rd Mar Customers buying fairly-traded goods
4th Mar Women's World Day of Prayer
5th Mar The people of Mooiplaas, South Africa
6th Mar Members of the Essence group
7th Mar Members of the Housegroups
8th Mar The staff and local preachers within our Circuit
9th Mar Businesses who support Fairtrade
10th Mar Those making decisions on behalf of our Church
11th Mar Farmers during fair-trade fortnight
12th Mar The public hearing about Fairtrade today
13th Mar Those who bring the word of God to us each week
14th Mar People spreading God's word at work
15th Mar The members of the Women's Fellowship
16th Mar The Walk and Talk group
17th Mar Friends from all Ashbourne churches at the final Lent Lunch
18th Mar Cornerstone volunteers
19th Mar Those attending the Praise service
20th Mar Those who help with Powersource
21st Mar Those who are unwell or in hospital
22nd Mar Young people attending Youth Club
23rd Mar World leaders at this difficult time
24th Mar Those making decisions on behalf of our Circuit
25th Mar All customers of Cornerstone
26th Mar Those preparing for services tomorrow
Fairtrade Fortnight
I would like to share with you, this Fairtrade Fortnight, some thoughts on
fair trade. I have included a short Bible study and time of reflection, which
you may wish to use in a quiet time, and also some information about Fairtrade.
If you decide to use the time of reflection, you will need to have the following
coins to hand: 3x 20p, 3x 10p, 4x 2p, 2x 1p.
CELEBRATION OF FAIRTRADE
On Saturday 12th March we have a celebration of Fairtrade planned for Victoria
Square. There should be music, fun and free samples and information for the
public. If you can pop by to say hello between 10am and 1pm that would be
great. If you're short on time, then please come along at 12noon to see a
piece of history being made!
It's easy with all the excitement to forget that Fairtrade isn't so much fun
for Third World Producers - for them Fairtrade offers a lifeline. Please continue
to buy Fairtrade products, and look out for new products on the shelves -
and please make a habit of buying these. For example, Co-op now sells white
and brown Fairtrade sugar in their Ashbourne store.
THE DIFFERENCE FAIRTRADE MAKES
Buying Fairtrade really does make a difference. Here's news of how one Fairtrade
producer group is Making Poverty History:
The Kasinthula Cane Growers Project (KCG) in Malawi supplies raw cane sugar
to a commercial refinery. Located in an inhospitable region of Malawi prone
to drought and floods, most families eke out a living from the arid land.
After a near-catastrophic start-up in 1996, sales to Fairtrade buyers mean
KCG members at last have a cash income. They are now looking forward to building
a secondary school and health clinic and no longer have to rely on a crocodile
infested river for water after paying to have bore holes dug.
What's really important about buying products with the Fairtrade Mark is that
you can be confident that Third World Producers are getting a better deal.
Importantly, this isn't just a better deal for the producers, it's a better
deal for our planet. The Fairtrade Mark guarantees:
· farmers' organisations a fair and stable price for their products
· extra income for farmers and plantation workers to improve their
lives
· greater respect for the environment
· smaller farmers a stronger position in world markets
· a closer link between consumers and producers
Fairtrade has come a long way, but there is still a long way to go before
all Third World Producers are guaranteed a fair price for their work - so
please keep supporting Fairtrade by buying the products and helping with the
campaign
REFLECTING ON FAIRTRADE
Spend a few moments in quiet preparation.
Pay close attention to your breathing.
Be relaxed.
Be at peace with yourself.
You may wish to light a candle
and sing gently several times a song
Read 2 Samuel 23:13-17 and spend a few moments reflecting on the passage and
on David's actions.
David was clearly desperate for a drink of water, and the three mighty men
had gone to a great deal of trouble to get one for him, yet David poured it
away before the Lord. Why did David do this? He poured it away because he
knew that the risks that had gone into fetching it far outweighed its value.
And he poured it out 'before God' because he knew that God could see the costs,
the costs which were far greater than those implied by a simple drink of water.
We too need to see the costs of the choices we make, of the things we consume,
and make our choices with God in mind. Spend some time thinking about your
recent purchases of food and clothes, consider especially…
…how did that purchase affect the weakest, most vulnerable people?
…did the purchase respect the integrity of God's creation, in our role
as stewards of this earth for God?
…did that product deny the abundant life that Jesus came to give?
…who pays the price if you get a cheap deal?
Divide the coins into five piles as follows, to represent the shares received
from the sale of £1 of bananas in the UK…
Worker / grower 3p
Farm owner 12p
Exporting company 35p
Importing company 10p
Supermarket 40p
Bananas are the UK's most popular fruit, yet most are grown on large plantations
where chemical use is rife and workers often face dangerous conditions. Small
family farms find it impossible to compete with their low prices, and many
have abandoned their plots.
Read Amos 8: 4-7 and then re-divide the money to represent who benefits from
Fairtrade bananas
Worker / grower 14p
Farm owner 14p
Exporting company 22p
Importing company 10p
Supermarket 40p
Pick up the extra 11p that the banana growers get for every £1 of bananas
sold and hold it tight in your hand.
Costa Rican banana grower Maynor Ugo Ugalde said: "It would be very difficult
for us to survive, let alone prosper and plan for the future, without Fairtrade."
Imagine the 11p in your hand, the difference between poverty and planning
for the future. Spend a minute or two considering how you could help make
the difference through your shopping.
Pray out loud
Tilt the scales,
O God of the mustard seed:
That the poor shall see justice.
Share the feast,
O God of Eden's abundant garden:
That each crop may fetch a fair price.
Upset the tables,
O God of the upside-down Kingdom:
That the least can benefit from their trade.
Open our eyes,
O God of life in all its fullness:
That we may learn to walk the way of your son
tilting, sharing, upsetting this world
Not satisfied
until the products we bring to our table
Give a better deal, to all who hunger for one.
In His name, Amen.
FAIR TRADE PRAYER 'WALK'
There is a fair trade prayer walk leaflet available at Ashbourne Church, containing
suggestions for a real or imaginary walk through Ashbourne with prayers related
to fair trade at stops along the way. Please collect a leaflet and join in
prayers for Fairtrade.
Stuart Green, with input from Ruth Mallard and the Fairtrade Foundation
An unforgettable Experience
The strange thing that happens along our path usually comes unexpectedly and
the one I want to share with you was just like that. On a Sunday just after
Easter I was to preach at the morning and evening services at a chapel in
Hampshire.
After the morning service I went along with the young people and part of the
congregation to the home of a member who had not been well.
Some time later people began to leave, and our host inquired where I was to
have lunch. Everyone looked surprise and no-one had heard anything about lunch
for the preacher. First one and then another person supplied valid reasons
why it was impossible for them on that day. The gentleman surveyed them rather
accusingly and said, "Well then she will have to stay here and I will
see to it."
He went into the pantry and returned with the largest meat plate I had ever
seen and announced that he was going to the pub to ask them to provide the
dinner. On his return, and until lunch arrived, he would be doing the weeks
accounts.
Meanwhile I should enjoy the sitting room fire, keep it supplied with fuel,
read, go around the farm - in other words do as I liked. So far so good. In
a hymn book I discovered the words of the hymn 'Be still my soul, the Lord
is on thy side' a hymn we sing to the tune Finlandia and I wrote it out on
the end page of my Bible. I went outside and explored the farm buildings -
huge barns and silos, the storage places of an arable farm, only a few cows
had been kept. Everywhere was clean and tidy. In a shed adjacent to the house
were two bicycles, one a ladies of the 'sit up and beg' style, cleaned and
polished as if in readiness for its owner, and by it a gentleman's cycle.
At 3.15 the wonderful lunch arrived, the huge plate was piled with food and
my host said "Every bit has to be eaten, I don't want anything left"
During the meal I listened to the story of this man, of how wonderful his
wife had been, how little he felt he had made his appreciation known to her
of all she was and all the tireless love and help that had been his through
her. Everything about him spoke of the remorse and loneliness.
A stray cat had sought to find a home with them, but when it came for the
food she provided, he would throw stones to frighten it away. Following the
death of his wife, the cat disappeared to return with two tiny kittens. At
the time of my visit, the kittens were fully grown, and with their mother
must have been three of the most cared for felines in the county.
An airfield was built quite near to the village during World War Two and was
the home of a United States bomber Squadron. The home in which I was sharing
lunch became the place of comfort, security and help for countless young men,
ravaged in mind and homesick for family.
And so the time came to an end, I washed the dishes and did what I could and
went down to the chapel for the evening service. The congregation were contrite
about the lunch, but glad that I had been to the farm. Did you hear what the
American airmen did, they inquired? It was all those years after the end of
the war, but the squadron sent a plane of former airmen over for the funeral
of Mrs ------. and six of them carried her to Chapel and later carried her
to her resting place in the church yard. They stayed on for some days to comfort
her husband, because she had been a mother to them in their time of need.
On the way home, it seemed to have been a real Sunday, with the joy of Resurrection
overcoming the power of darkness and death.
Sister Merle
Praise
This is a newly established event, every third Saturday in the month. It is
a time of Praise and worship from 7 to 8.15pm which is for all ages. We are
attracting about 25-30 people at the moment, but there is plenty of room for
more. The emphasis is on praising God in the freedom of the Holy Spirit through
singing, meditation, prayer, prophesy and music. So far, it has been a huge
encouragement to those who have attended and it has enabled people to come
into the presence of God in a slightly more informal setting than Sunday.
You are more than welcome to come and join us. Our next two evenings are Saturday
19th March and Saturday 16th April at 7pm in the Century Hall.
For further details please contact me.
Tim Dutton
News from Tissington
We had an unexpected treat after our service in February when tea and cakes
came round. This being the Birthday cake of Nora Oakden, who celebrated her
80th Birthday. We send our congratulations and also our thanks!
Does anyone know anything about the Old Chapel (pre-1955)? An entry in our
visitors' book says someone was looking for the Old Chapel built by the Wrights.
We would like some information on this ourselves - so if anyone can help please
phone me.
Sandra Alcock
My Heart Strangely Warmed
This is intended to be a monthly space where you can share a recent experience
in a service that has brought you closer to God. Often, different people are
moved by different things and it's good to share with one another our experiences.
A couple of weeks ago, Tim Dutton was preaching at Ashbourne. Part of the
service included some more reflective songs, a meditation and a quiet time
for us to consider our response. The meditation focused on some of the apparently
unimportant choices we have to make, but highlighted to me how the wrong choice
can get in the way of our relationship with God. It used the lines "Lord,
help us to say 'no'…help us to say 'yes'. The impact of the meditation
and the quietness afterwards helped me to feel close to God.
Stuart Green
Mission Matters
PHAKAMISA EDUCARE MISSION SPEAKER
Ashbourne Methodist Church. Sunday 17th April, 10.30 am.
Linda Howieson from the project in Pinetown South Africa will be sharing in
our morning service. Educare projects provide education and centres for poor
areas and despite very little equipment and poor conditions educational standards
are good. The teachers are local people and some funding comes from overseas,
such as our District.
POWERSOURCE MISSION LINK
Vanessa Cook our Powersource mission link will be visiting Ashbourne Methodist
on Sunday 29th May. She is a Methodist Mission Partner working in Germany,
mainly with children and young people. She will be sharing in our morning
service, in PowerSource and in a JMA lunchtime event. She will also be taking
our evening service at 6.30pm.
Mission Adventure 2005
I was able to attend and participate in this excellent weekend (4th - 6th
February) with many mission supporters from around Britain. We explored our
role in God's Mission and the challenges and work of mission opportunities
in our churches and circuits. With other partners in mission we shared and
learnt. Hilary Faith Jones presented Biblical story telling in a powerful
way. The workshops and presentations included: communication/multi media approaches,
Circuit mission strategies, World Development issues, HIV/AIDS, Youth and
Children, Caring for creation, Political affairs, Urban and rural mission.
The Revd Dr Mvume Dandala, General Secretary to the All Africa Conference
of Churches was our keynote speaker and hearing his views on mission from
an African perspective was enlightening. He brings the greetings of the Methodist
Church of South Africa to us. His main talk focused on 2 major problems in
the mission approach today with links to the crises in Africa: The de-linking
of the African village from the African city - the development model which
dominates promoting urbanisation at the expense of the rural communities (where
70-80% of the population live) and the de-linking of social responsibility
and spirituality. Our next Mission Matters article will give a fuller report
and I would be happy to provide a summary of his talk beforehand to anyone
who is interested.
I was able to go along to 3 workshops. The first was "Caring for the
Earth", a Biblical perspective of stewardship and social justice. We
looked at how our actions in caring for the earth helps us speak of God. We
received current scientific information and the likely impact on us and future
generations and we investigated practical steps that churches and individuals
can take.
The second workshop was "Children changing the world". We discussed
what makes it easier for children and young people to join in the Church's
mission to God's world and what makes it hard for children and young people
to be part of the adventure. Steve Pearce, the Methodist Church's Secretary
for Children's Work, who will be visiting our church in Ashbourne in the autumn,
led this.
My final workshop was "Let your light shine - mission in the economy
and workplace in the 21st Century". The special calling of a workplace
chaplain was examined and the role of a Christian in the workplace and how
churches can support and care about peoples' jobs outside the church.
Ruth Mallard
Women's Network
FAIRTRADE SUPPER & QUIZ
TODAY is your last chance to get a ticket for this event which is happening
tomorrow (Monday 28th February). It will be an evening of fun, food and fellowship
- well worth the £4 ticket! (available from Alma)
DISTRICT DAY
This will be held at Bridge Street Methodist Church, Mansfield on Tuesday
8th March. Coffee is from 10am, followed by a business meeting at 10.30am.
Lunch will be taken at 12.30pm (packed lunch required). At the afternoon service
at 2pm, the speakers will be Sandra (Lewer), Jenny Hughes and Margaret Picksley
on their visit to Iona.
WILLERSLEY WEEK
Twelve places have been booked for Monday 11th April. This year the leader
will be Barbara Brown on the theme "Seasons in a Woman's Life".
The cost of the day is £9.75, which includes coffee, lunch and conference
expenses. If you would like to go, please see Alma as soon as possible. If
you would like to go on another day, please see Alma even quicker!
WILLERSLEY EVENING MEAL
5th May seems ages away, but this year the number of places is limited. It
is therefore necessary to get booked asap! The speaker is Mrs Jenny Hoskins
on "Organ Replacement and Transplant Games" (Mrs Hoskins had a liver
transplant and has taken part in these Games). The cost of the evening is
£10.50 and commences at 6.45pm.
If you are interested in any of these events, please contact me.
Alma Swan
Child Protection Training
There will be a training session on Child Protection held on Monday 7th March
at 7.30pm in the Century Hall, Ashbourne Methodist Church. Anyone is welcome
to come along to this introductory course. The course is a re-run of one held
recently, and as such this is especially for any members of Ashbourne Church
Council or workers with children who did not attend the previous course.
From the Circuit Stewards
Very shortly the Agenda will be out for the March Circuit Meeting which made
me realise that I had not given a report on the proceedings from the September
meeting as promised. Better late than never!
The meeting was held at Brailsford Chapel and we are grateful for their hospitality.
One of our first duties was to place on record our appreciation of Ann's expertise
and commitment to her duties as Circuit Steward for the previous 6 years.
It was also reported that we were not yet able to recommend the name of a
successor to the meeting as our approaches had proved negative and no one
appeared to be called to the role at this particular time. The question was
asked - and is asked again - 'Is it you '? In the meantime we have re-organised
our commitment to the Church Councils as follows:-
Elizabeth - Ashbourne, Hulland, Kirk Ireton and Kniveton.
Eric - Brailsford, Parwich, Stanton and Tissington.
We placed on record our appreciation of the spiritual leadership that Chris
has given to the Circuit during the past twelve months and also to say thank
you to Sister Merle and Roger for all they continue to do to ensure that we
are a lively witness in the area. Mention was made too of the continued dedication
of our Local Preachers and of the roles of our supernumerary Ministers.
The District has advised Chris that he is due to take a three-month Sabbatical
during the connexional year 2005 -2006. This arrangement is not optional and
therefore arrangements have to be put in hand to cover this period. A Support
Group has to be formed and a Group Convenor appointed. Further details are
to be given to the next Meeting.
Reports were received from the various Circuit organisations and of note we
were pleased to hear that Tom Parkinson had rescinded his previous decision
and was to continue with the work as M.H.A. representative. Diane Whitmill
is taking over as LPMA secretary. Thanks to Geoff Thompson for his 15 years
service in that role. In his Local Preachers report Tom asked that we all
continue to pray that others will hear the call to preach.
Our Circuit Treasurer, Michael Prior, presented his annual report on the state
of the Circuit finances which have been approved by the independent examiner.
Thank you Michael for the effort you put into this role.
In receiving Hedley Allcock's Circuit Property report we were reminded of
the responsibility of all Church Councils to ensure that their properties
are well maintained and as far as possible meet the requirements of current
legislation. Roger's report made interesting reading and made us aware of
the work being undertaken amongst young people in the Circuit. Reference was
also made of our responsibilities regarding Child protection and current practise.
Discussion took place on the future of the Youth and Community Worker's appointment.
Chris was authorised to continue discussions with Rev. Christopher Harrison
regarding the possibility of the appointment eventually being an ecumenical
one.
Under Synod matters, we heard from Elizabeth Heap of the new Multi-Faith Centre
at the University of Derby. We raised no objection to the District's attempt
to reduce the numbers eligible to attend the District Synod after Chris detailed
the reasoning behind the proposal.
Finally Chris spoke about the Connexional document 'Priorities for the Methodist
Church' and it was agreed that the item should appear on future Church Council
agendas.
As you can perceive, this was a varied agenda resulting in a rewarding meeting.
We are all part of the Circuit and we hope that we can encourage you, the
reader, to participate in future Circuit matters and events.
Eric Matthews
Cornerstone Extension
We celebrate the need to extend and modify The Cornerstone only 7 years after
it was completely refurbished from its dilapidated state. The Ashbourne News
Telegraph have published a good report setting out the reasons i.e. the huge
demand for the coffee shop services plus the increasing demand for other general
use not least of which is Powersource.
Many people inside and outside of our church fellowship will be greatly inconvenienced
by this construction work and I would like to apologise but the Church Council
are very sure that everyone will be happy with the improvements when complete.
When this Church undertook in faith the Project 2000 back in 1997 the major
way of financing was by direct giving linked to gift aid and by interest free
loans. Although we are being assisted by the Circuit Advance Fund it would
be wonderful if we did not need to call on this fund for the full £20,000
that we have requested - other churches in the circuit have needs also - please
therefore may I ask that any additional amounts that can be raised by direct
giving or loans be handed to our Treasurer John Hurfurt as soon as possible.
The Lord will bless this work which is done in his name and for His Kingdom.
Cliff Lewer
Ashbourne Annual Church Meeting
All who are part of the fellowship at Ashbourne are encouraged to come to
the Annual Church Meeting on Monday 25th April at 7.30pm in the Century Hall.
It is an opportunity to review the whole life of the Church and to discuss
important issues. Each church group leader will be asked to prepare a report
which it is hoped will be printed and available before the meeting.
We will be electing Church Stewards and Church Council Representatives for
the year beginning 1st September 2005. Nominations for Church Council members
may be made on the poster on the vestibule notice board (should appear mid
March) - nominations should be made by 18th April.
Carole Thorpe (Church Council Secretary)
A message from Ashbourne Powersource
Last September, the young people's groups that meet on a Sunday morning were
renamed to follow the new Scripture Union material. The staff decided to follow
this by renaming the groups as a whole to "Powersource". This name
is a more up to date name that includes young people from 3 to 18 and is a
name which the young people can identify with.
As part of the launch of our new name, we thought it would be a good idea
to have T-shirts printed with a logo and text message on, so that all the
young people feel part of the bigger group.
A competition was held and a design was chosen. A Bible text in 'text message'
form was also chosen.
The Church Council kindly gave us the go-ahead to print, and finally the T-shirts
have arrived. The young people have been receiving their T-shirts from 13th
February.
The cost of each T-shirt is £5. To meet some of the costs, the young
people forfeited their Christmas card. We are therefore asking for the rest
of the cost to be covered by people 'sponsoring' some of the cost of a T-shirt.
If you feel that you would like to sponsor some of the cost, please speak
to Becky Dutton. Your donation / sponsorship will be gratefully received.
We will encourage the young people to wear their T-shirt any time they feel
- we hope it will give them a feeling of belonging to our group as well as
part of God's wider church family.
Thank you,
The staff
Sandra Lewer and Becky Dutton - BUBBLES and SPLASH (aged 3-7)
Nigel Marsh and Christine Evans - XSTREAM (aged 7-11)
Roger and Ruth Mallard - GRID1 (ages 11-14)
Mark Lewis, John Hurfurt, Roger Denny, Tracy Dawson (ages 14+)
Women's World Day of Prayer
Women's World Day of Prayer is Friday 4th March and this year our service
has been prepared by the Christian Women of Poland. They have taken as their
theme, "Let Our Light Shine." Services will be held at:
2pm Church of St John the Baptist, Mayfield
7.30pm St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne
The speaker at both services will be Rev Joan Whyman from Roston and ALL ARE
WELCOME.
Betty Douce
POWERPOINT TRAINING
Ashbourne Adult Education has a Saturday training session planned on PowerPoint.
It will be from 9.30am until 4.30pm on Saturday 12th March. Due to building
work at the Ashbourne Centre, it will be held at Wyaston Village Hall.
Gateway Bookings
The Gateway Centre has the following bookings upcoming:
4th - 6th March Dronfield Baptist Church Youth
11th - 13th 1st Hilton Brownies
18th - 20th Trent Vineyard, Nottingham
24th - 28th Family Group, Oxford
29th - 2nd April Morley Camping Venture, West Yorkshire
Ashbourne Women's Fellowship
We continue meeting once a fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon in February. We
meet in The Cornerstone at 2.15pm, please come and join us. If you require
transport please ring Carole Thorpe no later than Sunday evening before the
meeting on the following Tuesday.
Dates for your Diary
FEBRUARY
Mon 28th 7.30pm Network Fairtrade Quiz Supper Century Hall
MARCH
1st - 13th FAIRTRADE Fortnight
Thu 3rd 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Fri 4th 2pm Women's World Day of Prayer St John, Mayfield
Fri 4th 7.30pm Women's World Day of Prayer St Oswald's Church
Sat 5th 11.30-1.30 Soup and a Chat Brailsford Church
Thu 10th 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Sat 12th 10am-1pm FAIRTRADE Celebration Victoria Square
Thu 17th 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Sat 19th 7pm 'Praise' Service Ashbourne Century Hall
Tue 22nd 7.30pm Holy Week Service Elim Pentecostal Church
Thu 24th 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Service Ashbourne Church
Fri 25th 10.30am Good Friday Service Ashbourne Church
Fri 25th 12.15pm Walk of Witness Market Square
Sat 26th 11am Holy Saturday Walk meet at Milldale Chapel
Sat 26th 2pm Holy Saturday Service Milldale Chapel
APRIL
Sat 2nd 11.30-1.30 Soup and a Chat Brailsford Church
10th - 16th Global Week of Action on Trade
Sat 16th 7pm 'Praise' Service Ashbourne Century Hall
Sun 23rd 7.30pm NCH - The Dalesmen Concert Ashbourne Church
Sun 24th 6.30pm Dedication of Easter Offerings Brailsford
MAY
5th - 8th Christian Aid Week
Sat 14th 7pm 'Praise' Service Ashbourne Century Hall
If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine, I will be happy
to publish it.
Items for the April Ashbourne Church magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday 16th
March
Items for the June Ashbourne Circuit magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday 18th
May
Home Services
Church Groups Methodism
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Together Ashbourne
Circuit News