OCTOBER YORSAY

Welcome
Welcome to the October Yorsay, we hope that you enjoy and maybe contribute to it. [Contact communications@yorkhullmethodist.org.uk ]

Yorsay is not only meant for those who receive it via their e mail address it is hoped that at least one person in each church will copy it and make it available to All members of the congregation via notice boards or through church newsletters.

THE METHODIST CHURCH
York and Hull District
Newsletter following
Synod on 13 September 2008
Hosted by the Whitby Circuit

From Heather Shipman
3 Templar Gardens
Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS22 7TG
synodsec@yorkhullmethodist.org.uk

Full Synod Minutes are available on the District Website (Synod pages)

www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/

(If you have any problem at all in accessing information in this way please don't hesitate to contact either Siân Henderson or myself for a paper copy)

A message from the Chair, Revd Stephen Burgess

Dear Friends

In some ways I want to reflect on the recent Synod, but my mind goes back just a little further to a number of conversations I have had, centring around what is distinctive about being Methodists.

In the District Policy Committee on Monday 8th September we began some long overdue work on a District Mission Policy - something which will guide our work and the development of the Circuits and District in the five years ahead - and further. Amongst discussion of finance, property and human resources, some time was spent considering just what we see as Methodism's contribution to God's Church.

So, just what is it that makes us the church that we are? I wonder what you think. Factors might include our democratic ways of discerning God's will, our commitment to justice throughout the world, a willingness to go not merely to those who need us but to those who need us most, and our passion for singing our faith.

I think that Synod underlined those commitments: consideration of matters referred to us from the Methodist Conference in Scarborough back in July, and the appointing of representatives to the Conference next July in Wolverhampton; the presentations regarding Action for Children which cares for the most vulnerable children and young people (under it's previous name of NCH and on into the future), MRDF and it's global remit, the challenge to support the work with asylum seekers through the Open Doors project in Hull; and then our renewed keenness to enrich our worship with new resources of hymns and songs. There's an issue to keep everyone debating, but at least it underlines the claim that "Methodism was born in song".

I'm not suggesting that we retreat into some sort of Methodist ghetto, and dwell just on what keeps us separate. But alongside all our ecumenical co-operation, we do need to know where we have come from, and what it is that we can bring to the ecumenical table.

What do you think it is that God wants the people called Methodist to cherish in this generation - what makes us special alongside all the specialness of all God's people? Do drop me an email, or write or talk among yourselves and then share it more widely.

Every blessing

Stephen


Synod began with worship led by the Whiby Circuit. We sang the Song of Caedmon and were very privileged in that our speakers were able to address Synod from a pulpit occupied at one time by John Wesley himself. The first part of the day was devoted to the legal business of Synod.

Election of Representatives to Conference

The following representatives were elected to Conference 2009 and will serve alongside the current representation of Revd Steve Barlow, Dr Stephen Leah and Mrs Heather Shipman

Revds Andrew Lindley, Chris Kirkman, Sue Sowden and Linda Day and Mrs Kate Woolley.

Representatives to the Youth Conference are still being sought and if you know of any young person who might like to attend please contact Revd Dale Cotton or Mr Colin Adamson (contact details in the directory)

Please help

Synod was very conscious that the post of District Local Preachers' Secretary was still unfilled and appeal to all circuits and churches to enquire amongst their local preachers if there is anyone willing to fill this vital post.

Chair's Re-invitation and Sabbatical

Arrangements for the re-invitation process for Revd Stephen Burgess were agreed by Synod. Stephen will also be on sabbatical from Sunday 22 March 2009 to Sunday 23 June 2009.

Closure of two churches

Proposals for the cessation of worship at two churches. Paull in the Hull (East) Circuit and Perth St in the Hull (West) Circuit were brought by their respective Superintendent Ministers and agreed by Synod

Presentations to Synod

Synod received a presentation from NCH, outlining their plans for the future and explaining the need for their change of name. In future please remember that the charity will be called 'Action for Children'.

MRDF (Methodist Relief and Development Fund) also gave a very lively and interactive presentation. This Synod were very conscious of their carbon footprint and had taken steps to monitor the mileage travelled by representatives and the amount of paper used. Ms Kirsty Smith outlined some of the work of MRDF and gave Synod further suggestions as to how individuals could reduce their personal carbon footprint.

The afternoon was devoted to a presentation from the Music Resources Group. They informed us of the work which was ongoing in the preparation of the new hymn book and introduced us to some new worship songs.

Safeguarding

The Revd Alison McDonald gave an excellent presentation on the Conference Report 'Creating Safer Space' and the issues arising which affect all of us. This report is a must for all Circuits and is now on the District website. Please ensure your safeguarding representatives are aware of it.

Local Issues

Though much of the business of Synod is dealing with everyday business and in reporting Conference issues, two issues were highlighted which directly affect our District.

The first is as a result of the Resolution which the York and Hull District sent to Conference in Scarborough and which was accepted. Conference agreed that they would be mindful of prioritising the use of fairly traded and locally produced food when considering conference venues and actively encourage Districts to adopt the same concerns. This involves the need to encourage everyone in our District to be mindful of these issues when arranging local events.

Secondly an emergency has arisen for the Princes Avenue Open Doors Project in Hull which supports asylum seekers. They have lost the funding for legal advice for asylum seekers currently supplied by the Citizen's Advice Bureau. Synod responded with an immediate collection which resulted in over £1380 being collected. They further guaranteed provision of funding until the Spring Synod 2009 but asked Circuits to consider whether there was any way in which they could help.

Provision of legal advice costs £250 per week. Could your Church or Circuit pay for one week?

...and finally

This is only a brief summary of Synod business. The minutes of Synod are on the website. Your Circuit representatives and your Ministers are all members of Synod so will also be able to answer any queries you may have. If there is anything further I can help with please don't hesitate to contact me.

Heather Shipman, Synod Secretary.

This Newsletter is also attached to the e-mail as a separate word document and a pdf document

Vetting and Barring -copy of the report given to Synod Sept 2008

The current system of making checks on external and criminal information for prospective workers with children and VA is through the CRB. That scheme requires the applicant to apply through the umbrella body (ie the CAS) with a fee if paid work and the information is then transmitted through the CAS to the employer or organisation as well as to the individual. As you know, you need a fresh CRB check for every job and it is only as good as the day it is issued. When a check comes back to CAS with material on it then CAS sends to the denomination which conducts an enquiry as to whether this person should be used or not. In Methodism that enquiry amounts to an experienced person conducting a risk assessment on the ground, preparing a report and then the Senior Persons' Group makes a decision. There is a right for the individual to make their views known and the denomination would advise the church whether that person should be suspended in the meantime



The shortcomings of the system are that it is cumbersome; it does not collect all relevant information and there may be lack of consistency in decision making. It also does not update. Those shortcomings were made very clear in the Soham murders and the Bichard enquiry into that recommended a new system which addressed those shortcomings. The DCSF picked that up and came up with the *ISA



The ISA is intended to produce *consistent decision making, *provide pre employment vetting, *replace the plethora of lists (POVA and POCA), *introduce continuous checking and cover greater numbers (anticipated 11m in 5 years). It will also reduce bureaucracy because there will be a single application by the individual



ISA is a non departmental public body in Darlington employing up to 250 people and a board. It will work in partnership with the CRB and the CRB will support the ISA in making decisions by developing and delivering admin and application processes.



*The scheme comes on stream in October 2009 but will be introduced in managed phases



How is application made? If you want to work with children or vulnerable adults from October 2009 you will need to apply to be registered with the ISA. Application is made through the employer or prospective employer or by yourself if you are self employed. When application is made the CRB will collect the info and give it to the ISA to make the decision.



If you are already working with children or VA and have a CRB then it will be phased in for you. If you are already working with children or VA and don't have a CRB then you will need to apply to the ISA quickly. That doesn't apply to anyone in the Methodist Church. There is no fee for volunteers but otherwise process for volunteers and employees is identical.



*Employers need to check the status before commencement of employment and they do this online by entering the site and entering the employee's registration number. They will only receive that from the employee and will only receive information as to status. The employee may not be in post before receiving the outcome



*What work is covered The Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 which invented the ISA provides that the ISA will make all decisions about who should be barred from working with children and VA and will deal with regulated and controlled activities in paid and voluntary work



What are regulated and controlled activities? Regulated activity is work with children or vulnerable adults which is frequent (2 in 30 days) intensive or overnight contact. Also certain defined activities. Controlled activity is frequent or intensive support work in health setting, working for certain organisations with access to sensitive records support work in adult care settings (e.g. day centre cleaners) when work is 3 times in 30 days. Only an ISA registered person can undertake regulated activity



It is individual's responsibility to register and employer's to check



It will develop 2 lists for those barred from working with children (the children's barred list) and those barred from working with VA (the adults' barred list). May be on both lists



How do you get on a list? Some offences automatically result in being on the barred lists. Some result in automatic barring with a right to make representations. Also some employers are obliged to give information and some employers may do so. Indeed anybody may do so. That would lead to the individual being asked to make representations before a decision is reached. When a decision is reached the individual may appeal on fact or law but not discretion to the Care Standards tribunal



*If you apply for a job or work in regulated activity or with children in a domestic setting knowing you are barred you will be committing a criminal offence. If you are employed without the employer having received an outcome then the employer is committing an offence



When you have been employed if you are subsequently barred your record is updated and the employer who checked you is notified (? If left there or did not get the job)



The idea is that this will be more straightforward and less cumbersome as well as providing a central place for information to be collated and help to prevent an Ian Huntley situation



*However, as with current system need to bear in mind the majority of those dangerous to children and VA will not figure on any list and will not be barred. It is safe recruitment and working practices which protects both children and VA and those who work with them.

A Pdf copy of the above is available on the Synod and Resources Web Pages [plus the Power point presentation when available]





SECRET VISITOR

NORTHERN CHURCHCHECK SUNDAY: TOP 10 CHURCHES VISITED

CHURCHES throughout the north of England received an unannounced visitor on Sun 7 September 2008.

Twenty-four ChurchCheck researchers descended on a secret list of services throughout the north of England - from Lancashire to Newcastle, Cumbria to Sheffield - giving their view from the pew on warmth of welcome, length of sermon, quality of music and much, much more.

All trained mystery shoppers, few of the researchers were regular church-goers. Their findings were presented at the Northern Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) in Harrogate (25 Sep-27 Sep), sponsors of ChurchCheck Sunday.

ChurchCheck Sunday - Top 10 Churches:

1 St Leonard & St Mary, Malton (Rom Cath) 100%

2 St Matthew, Darlington (C of E) 97%

=3 Elim Church, Halifax (Pentecostal) 95%

=3 Union Chapel Baptist, Manchester 95%

=5 All Saints, Keighley (C of E) 91%

=5 Methodist Church, Wetherby 91%

=7 St Andrew's Methodist, Bradford 90%

=7 St Oswald, Thirsk (C of E) 90%

=7 New Life Christian Centre, Wakefield (AOG) 90%

10 Baptist Church, Halifax 88%



'ChurchCheck Sunday researchers visited a range of services reflecting different traditions and styles,' said Steve Briars, Northern CRE's event director. 'The project has helped CRE monitor where local churches need more advice in welcoming new visitors.'

The general results of the Survey can be seen by looking at www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/ChurchCheckresults_Sept08.pdf

Do you recognise any of the results as applicable to Your Church?







Energising Mission

to the Third Age

Thursday 2nd October

at Clifton Parish Church, York

VOX is a new forum with representatives from OUTLOOK Trust, EA, Faith Works, Church Army, Mission Care,

Regenerate-Rise, Key change Charity, Christian Council on Ageing, Rob Merchant author of 'Pioneering the Third Age'

and other individuals concerned with the churches response to supporting and working with older people in faith

development and mission.

Programme

10.00am Registration

10.15am Welcome from Rt Revd. Martin Wallace, Bishop of Selby

10.30am Pioneering the Third Age-Rob Merchant (Gerontologist

and Church of England priest)

11.00am Good News for Third and Fourth Agers-David Heydon

(Director of OUTLOOK Trust)

11.30am Coffee break

12.00pm Urban Mission to the Isolated Elderly-Mo Smith

(Founder of Regenerate-RISE)

12.30pm Ministry in Care Homes-Brian James (Mission Care

Operations Director)

1.00pm Lunch (bring your own)

1.45pm Seminars

3.00 pm Open discussion

3.30pm Tea and finish

Booking form (please tear off this slip, complete and send to address below)

Your details

Name...................................

Address.....................................................

Post code...............

Phone .................................

Email .................................

E I enclose payment of ..... made payable to 'One Voice York'

If booking for more than one person please give details of all attending on separate sheet

The cost for the day is £15 to cover expenses and refreshments. Please bring your own lunch.

Cheques payable to 'One Voice York'

Please return to: Revd. Rachel Hirst, The Rectory, Sandy Lane, Stockton on Forest,

York YO32 9UR email: rachel.hirst40@googlemail.com tel 01904 400811

A VOX day conference hosted by One Voice York

Suitable for anyone interested in working with 'older' age groups or who is in the 50+ age group

and wants to be encouraged and inspired in their mission and ministry.









· The God Delusion Debate: 7.30pm 15th October at David Lloyd Centre, Kingswood Hull: This is a DVD of a brain-thumping heavyweight contest between two intellectual giants: Richard Dawkins, atheist and biologist, and John Lennox, Christian and Mathematician. This event is not going to make someone either an atheist or a Christian. But it is a powerful contest in which Dawkin's theories are put to rigorous scrutiny. Lennox' assertion is that it is worldviews, not science, that divides them. This will provoke thought and possibly discussion. The drama is high, but no assumptions are made and no votes cast. Probably a good night out, leaving all but the contestants unscathed.

Tickets £3.00 for entry and refreshments. For reservations: phone or text: 07777-647462, e-mail: tggd@btinternet.com. Sponsored by Red House Events (Tel: 01964-550444) www.redhouseevents.org







FAIR TRADE MARKET - Advance Notice

Alne Local and Fair Trade Market has been set up to encourage the knowledge and purchase of both locally produced and fairly traded products. An increasing range of local producers offer goods for sale alongside food and crafts from further afield which are fairly sourced. Entry is free and as well as browsing our stalls we invite you to join us for fairly traded refreshments, or why not have your breakfast with us - we sell bacon or egg butties and toast with a range of fair trade preserves in Alne village hall. (Alne is located between York and Thirsk just off the A19 south of the Easingwold bypass.)

There will be an extended Christmas Market on Saturday 8 November from 10am - 2pm also in Alne Village Hall. As well as breakfast we will offer light lunches on this date.







The Methodist Church website was named the UK's second best Christian Organisation Blog or Website at the prestigious Christian Blog and Web Awards on19th September. We are all very pleased and grateful to the many people who contribute to the website. Having seen the high quality of the winning site from the Roman Catholic Church, we are determined to continue to improve ours and to win it next year. Above all, we want a website that is helpful and inspirational to the thousands of people who use it each day.



http://www.christianblogawards.com/







Communications Team l-r Toby Scott, Lynne Newland, Anna Drew, Karen Burke

Photo © Methodist Recorder.





Statement by the 119th Conference of Methodist Church of Southern Africa

The termination of President Mbeki's term of office and the inauguration of President Kgalema Motlanthe
The 119th Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa - comprised of delegates from South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Mocambique - met in Bloemfontein and was guided by the theme "Come Holy Spirit, heal and transform your people." We were guided in a common quest for national stability that promotes moral, spiritual, social, economic and political well being for all in good and just nation. Therefore, we heard with deep concern and shock the decision by the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress to recall President Thabo Mbeki from Office before his term expired.

Nevertheless, we welcome the inauguration of a third President of democratic South Africa in President Kgalema Motlanthe and rejoice at his qualities of humility, ability to listen, as well obvious gifts of reconciliation as he has till now held together the differing factions of the ruling party . We now look forward to the work of a subsequent cabinet aimed - not at reinventing the wheel - but ensuring that the nation's Millennium Development Goals will be met by 2014. As we anticipate the new democratic leadership, we take this opportunity to raise the following concerns in the wake of the controversy within the ruling party.

Threats against the judiciary
We note that the context of President Mbeki's recall followed the ruling by Judge Nicholson that the President had - amongst others - not followed due process in terminating the role of Mr. Zuma as Vice President. On the other hand, members of the ruling party - and particularly the ANCYL - had made threats against the judiciary if it did not rule in favour of its candidate. These attempts by both camps threaten - in one way or the other - the independence of the judiciary. A threat to the independence of the judiciary, in turn, threatens national stability which - in a constitutional democracy - ought to be based on a respect for and commitment to the rule of law.

Africa's safety and security
As with Zimbabwe, South Africa had brokered ongoing paths to peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda and to some extent in Kenya. Our role in foreign relations - by no means an example of burgeoning success at challenging human rights abuses - is, however, seen by some as a model of 21st Century constitutional democracy. Its most notable outcomes in Africa have been the brokering of peace in revolutionary contexts with minimal bloodshed when compared with colonial and apartheid eras of South Africa's relations to Africa. The eyes of the world - and especially of Africa - will now be focused even sharper on South Africa. The safety and security of South Africa is bound up with the safety and security of its neighbouring states. Should our influence in these falter, the political sovereignty of South Africa may count for little, if anything, in our further pursuit for national stability.

Socio-economic and developmental progress
The past fourteen years have witnessed socio-economic growth and a shift toward a developmental state forged through the global and international relations based on social, political and economic choices aimed at building a macro-economic framework for the future stability of the nation. The outcomes of this framework - it is true - have not produced the necessary reduction in social inequality necessary for a more stable nation. We note too that current global economic failure brings into sharp relief the limitations of our own macro-economic choices. A shift in these mindsets required to advance poverty eradication and a developmental state ought to be challenged through democratic and enhanced participatory processes. Formulas and theories without the interaction of evidence and people's experiences of poverty and hardship have provided only limited achievements. People's participation and national democratic dialogue are essential ingredients for national stability.

Furthermore, the MCSA remains concerned for the effects that careless, hate-speech might have on our current volatile political situation; A possible growth of intolerance toward social and political difference; and a further polarisation of the body politic and social relationships.

We therefore call on the ruling party to:
Draw on the African principles of Ubuntu - the inherent respect and dignity that each human being should have for another - to engage in mediation processes for healing, reconciliation and transformation; Exercise good stewardship of human resources with respect and dignity; and strengthen our democratic gains over 14 years by advancing an abiding respect for diversity of opinion within its ranks and - thereby - within our nation.

Finally, we call on all people of South Africa - and especially the people called Methodists to:
Resist engaging in hate-speech and actions and redirect our actions and knowledge toward positive political choice as - for example - in the forthcoming national elections. We commend a trust in the abiding values of human respect, dignity and equality for all people that will not only maintain the best of stability but also - when applied consistently - spur us all toward new heights of well being and flourishing.

In the spirit of our Conference - which envisions a healed, reconciled and transformed world - we offer the people of South Africa, the ruling party and parliament guidance from our Wesleyan heritage: "Do no harm, do good and continue to live in love with God and your neighbour." We also offer our prayers: "God bless Africa, Guard its children, Guide our leaders and give us peace. Amen."

Statement ends
Statement issued by:
(Rev.) Keith Vermeulen
Director - Communications Unit
Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Methodist House
46 Church Street
Cape Town. 8001
Western Cape
Republic of South Africa.







Circuit Looses its position

For many years HULL West Circuit has been regarded as the largest Circuit in British Methodism - This is now no longer the case.

5 Circuits have combined into the Bristol and South Gloucester Circuit bringing together 50 Churches and Congregations to create the largest Circuit in British Methodism.







WEB SITE NEWS

The District Web site now has the ability to play Flash Content. I also have the systems to convert Power Point into Flash {SWF} content [as is shown by the Christian Aid presentation and the Synod presentations [?].

Christmas is not to far away and I would like details of you Christmas and New Year special Services and events by the end of November.

It is worthwhile advertising your event on the Web Site especially around Christmas as under normal circumstances the numbers of visitors increase by 25% minimum - so to me people are searching for Services and times.



Yorsay is sent on behalf of the York & Hull Methodist District by the Communications Office

Bob Lawe 27 Ryde Avenue Hull Hu5 1QA communications@yorkhullmethodist.org.uk

Please note that some of you may receive this and other mailings from a Karoo e mail address - Please do not reply or use this address as it is for mail delivery only

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the official views of the Methodist Church or of the York & Hull Methodist District and no inferred support for any of the items or organisations should be taken as granted.

Newsletter © 2008 York & Hull Methodist District - All rights reserved.