SEPTEMBER YORSAY TEXT ONLY

THIS IS A TEXT ONLY VERSION FULL VERSION AVAILABLE http://www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/news.php?id=165


Dear Friends
Welcome to the September
Edition of YORSAY. At the
start of a new Methodist Year
We welcome our new Staff
and any one else into our
District Also if you are re-
ceiving Yorsay for the first
time this is probably due to
your e-mail address being in
either the District or a Circuit
Directory as it is at the re-
quest of Synod that informa-
tion is made available as
widely as possible through-
out the district
Let me have news from your
Churches and Circuits; con-
tact details as the foot of the
newsletter. Harvest Celebra-
tions are very imminent so
that is up to you!! Make sure
you send me your details in
good time so that others can
plan what and where to visit.
[not only for Yorsay but for
the web site as well]
Yorsay is available via e mail
or as a download from the
web site . However just as a
warning the doc version in
word is a very large file and
not all the graphics will
download correctly so the
advice is to download the pdf
copies. [Adobe reader is
available as a free download
from the website]
Yorsay is not only meant
for those who receive it via
their e mail address it is
hoped that at least one per-
son in each church will
copy it and make it avail-
able to All members of the
congregation via notice
boards or through church
newsletters.


S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9
CHAIR’S MESSAGE

From the Chair’s desk
It was a wonderful family holiday in Cornwall. We spent a week in a delightful cottage, overlooking
Mousehole and with a wonderful view across Mount’s Bay to St Michael’s Mount and right down to The
Lizard. In the night, there were the lights of fishing vessels, navigation buoys and the Lizard Lighthouse –
plenty to interest anyone with a penchant for sailing!
Barbara and I were joined by our two sons, Christopher and Jonathan, for most of the time. We walked,
lazed, swam, read, had a barbecue and felt really refreshed – in a different way than on sabbatical, after
all the family were with me this time.
At the beginning of the week, we went to morning service at Mousehole Methodist Church. I admit that
we felt a bit like the dreaded “mystery worshippers” and, of course, we didn’t know what we would find.
There was an appropriately warm welcome in the lovely chapel close to the harbour. The service was led
by a laywoman – one of the local congregation, we learnt. There were a few children, despite it being the
school holiday, and they received a good children’s address before leaving for their own activities. The
rest of the worship was based on five of the stained glass windows in the chapel: John Wycliffe, John
Bunyan, John Wesley, Jesus the Good Shepherd and Jesus the Light of the World. There was a word
about each one, including a scripture reading and an appropriate hymn. It was really good to be there,
with good singing and interesting, though-provoking addresses. Over coffee after worship, someone did
elicit from me what my job was, and I found out that the service was, in fact, a “Local Arrangement”. The
person leading the service was not a Local Preacher, but she had prepared a special service using the
available resources, and she had obviously put in an enormous amount of work. It was a fine and worthy
act of worship – praise God!
And then at the end of our holiday, we went to morning service at Liskeard Methodist Church, where I
was ordained on St. Peter’s Day 1982. I had not been back since then, and it was a gloriously nostalgic
visit. This time, worship was led by a Local Preacher from a neighbouring circuit – readings chosen from
the lectionary for the day, with well-chosen hymns, and an amusing and apposite children’s address –
even though the young people were all away on a weekend together! The sermon had us laughing, and
thinking. Again, it was a fine and worthy act of worship, and we were pleased we had been there.
So why do I mention these two Sunday mornings? Not to claim any particular bonus points for having
been there whilst on holiday, but because in their different ways they were examples of worship which
was of the best. Firstly, a “Local Arrangement” and secondly a Local Preacher, and in both instances I
would have been proud to have taken anyone with me, and I felt God’s presence there.
Do you remember Our Calling which includes the statement that “The Church exists to Worship – to
increase awareness of God’s presence and to celebrate God’s love”? At the Methodist Conference in
July, and recently in the pages of the Methodist Recorder there has been conversation about the im-
mense importance of really good preaching within really good worship. At the beginning of another Con-
nexional Year, can we all commit ourselves once again to making our worship the very best it can be –
for the glory of God and the furtherance of God’s Kingdom?
And you know, I think it was the congregations as much as the leaders of worship who made those two
services so memorable – their obvious commitment to the task in hand. Every single one of us has a part
to play in God’s Church – not least in worshipping God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Stephen Burgess

P a g e 2

WELCOME SERVICES
Friday 4th September 7.30pm Hull West Tower Hill Hessle Hull for Janet Whelan
Sunday 6th September 10.30am Snaith and Selby Circuit Sherburn in Elmet Welcome
for Sally Coleman [Probationer]
3.00pm Goole Circuit Commissioning Service for Linda Day [Superintendent]
6.30pm Malton Circuit Welcome for Geoff Floyd [Superintendent]


A
New Venture in
the
Princes Avenue
Area of Hull
An area near the
University and
very busy on a
Friday and
Saturday to Rival
the City Centre

P a g e 3

P a g e 4 ANCIENT MEDICINE FOR MODERN ILLS:
PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF LUKE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

POCKLINGTON METHODIST CHURCH, NORTH YORKS – SAT 28 NOV 09
LED BY REVD JOHN PROCTOR
Year C of the Lectionary, the year of Luke, will start this Advent. Most Sunday services in the coming twelve months will fea ture a reading
from this gospel.
930 Arrivals & coffee
1000
1015

1020
1110

1130

1230

1315

1410

1420

1515
1530
____________________
The day will include speaking from the front by John Proctor, and group work, with a chance to talk together over the scriptures and the task of
preaching. Please bring a Bible, and come expecting to learn from the gospel and from one another.
We hope to achieve the following:
- to acquaint ourselves afresh with the shape and substance of Luke‟s Gospel
- to reflect on how to preach in the coming year, when Luke informs the lectionary
- to see how parables preach and how they can be preached, and to appreciate afresh their blend of direct challenge and open-ended question
- to look at Luke‟s perspective on the incarnation, and at our task as preachers this coming Christmas
------
John Proctor was born near Stirling in 1952 and grew up in England. He trained for the ministry at Glasgow University, and served a Church of
Scotland parish in Glasgow from 1981 to 1986. Then he came south again, to work for the United Reformed Church, teaching New Testament
at Westminster College, Cambridge. Here he works with theological students from many Christian traditions, and travels regularly to lead
study or training events around the church.
John is married to Elaine, with an adult daughter and son. Away from work, he bird-watches, follows cricket and supports Cambridge City in
the Southern Football League.
For details contact Mary Jackman District LP Secretary jackmans@madasafish.com
Worship
Introductions
Ointment and bandages: an outline of Luke’s Gospel
Coffee break
Sight for sore eyes: the parables in Luke’s Gospel
Lunch
Words of life and health: preaching Luke’s Gospel
Pause
Good voice: Christmas and Luke’s Gospel
Worship
Tea & dispersals

Family Friendly Churches Trust
Revamped Multimedia Courses
We have decided to revamp our multimedia days and
weekends to give more flexibility to those organising the
day or weekend.
Instead of the full day courses we are now offering half day
modules. A Multimedia Day would consist of two modules,
a weekend of 3 modules plus Sunday worship. There is
also the option of adding an extra session on the preceding
evening – usually a Friday. The church can choose which
are the most suitable modules for their needs.
The modules we are offering are:
B uy ing a nd I ns ta lling a Dat a Pro je c to r : T his gives
essential information about purchasing and installing an
LC D P r oj e ct or a nd is i d ea l f or t h os e who m us t ma k e
purchasing decisions. Helps a church to explore a range of
Key Questions that affect the type and power of projector
that will be installed. Also explores other knotty issues such
as the placing of a screen.
Basic PowerPoint Training Course: Any church running
multi-media will need a host of people proficient in using
P o we r P o i nt . T h is c o ur s e g o es t hr o ug h t h e b a s i c s of
producing and running a presentation. It is a very „hands
on‟ session and unlocks the fun of using animations. This
is ideal for those who will build and run presentations.
Using Projection well: Learning PowerPoint is only half
the battle. To gain wide acceptance the equipment has to
be used really well. This course first of all runs through an
"MOT" of your installation so that you can sure that you are
using it as effectively as possible. Then it develops the skill
of producing interesting presentations that are still very
readable. Also explores what works and what doesn't.
PowerPoint tasks: A workshop that covers the quickest
method of copying the words of a hymn into PowerPoint
and b uilding a librar y of wor ds. Also covers b uilding a
meditation of images and background music.
PowerPoint Operators: Covers setting up PowerPoint to
work in twin screen mode with the presentation control
screen. Also looks at using Zionworx to project the words
of hymns etc.

P a g e 5

U s i n g mu s i c i n mu l t i - me d i a : T h is wo r ks h op
explores how to take pieces of music from CDs, edit
them and then build them into PowerPoint presentations. The course
focuses on how to do this smoothly and without errors. Participants will need
a working knowledge of PowerPoint.

U s i n g v i d e o i n m u l t i - m e d i a : T h i s w o r k s h o p
explores how to take video from tape or DVDs and
b ui l d t h e m i nt o P o we r P o i nt p r es e nt a t io ns . T h e
cour s e f o cus es on ho w t o do t his s moot hl y a nd
wit hout er r or s . P ar t icip a nt s will n ee d a wor kin g
knowledge of P owerP oint. Explor es how you can

Multimedia Residential Courses

All the above modules are included in our 3 day
residential courses at Willersley Castle.

The next courses are for 16th-19th November, 2009
and 22nd-25th February, 2010 and there are still a
small number of places left. Ministers should be able
to use their CDIM allowances to pay the bulk of the
cost.

You can find out more at:
www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/mmwspec.htm

P a g e 6
SYNOD

The September Synod is at Askham Bryan Agricultural College
on Saturday 5th September.
For map and location www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/synod.php
This page also carries the updated version of the Safeguarding
procedures that will hopefully be adopted by this synod.

“I am the bread of life”
We invite you to come and explore Holy Communion through dance, drama, singing,
prayer and worship.
We particularly welcome those with learning disabilities or complex needs, their
carers, friends and family.
But everyone can come— to worship together and learn more of God and Jesus.
Further details contact:
Co-Ordinator,Carole Meikle ifh.meikle@ntlworld.com or 07834166226
In the Father’s Hand When? Saturday 19 September Time? 2-4pm Where? St Paul’s
Church,Holgate York YO24 4BF Fully accessible venue, blue badge parking

P a g e 7
Acomb SummerFest

On the 21st June 2009, 10 local congregations of Acomb (York South Circuit) joined together to share in an open air service. Members of t he
Methodists, Anglicans, Catholic, Baptists, Quakers, the gateway and ark churches, as well as local residents put aside worshi p differences to
unite in a time of worship, prayer and fellowship on a scorching hot day. There was well over 300 people there and a good tim e had by all.
Worship was led by Godrey Birtill, a musician, song writer and worship leader and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu preached. A
BBQ and children‟s activities followed the service.

Steve Redman, of The Ark church, as one of the main organisers, said this after the event:
“The day was met by fantastic local support and public response and this is the first time in history these ten churches have stopped their meet-
ings and all come together – and to such a fantastic result. The crowd loved Archbishop Sentamu – he really is popular and lots of people say
they like to see him in person. He got everyone involved and sprits were really high. It was meant to be a one-off event but afterwards I was
inundated with people coming up to me saying „Right Steve – let‟s plan next year‟. So it definitely looks like this could be an annual event.””
Rachel Wood.

Holy Rood House
The Centre for the Study of Theology and Health
Annual Hildegard Lecture
Fri 25th September 7.45 at Sowerby Methodist Church, Thirsk.

'Living with Difference - Life on the Edge'
Rev David Gamble President of The Methodist Conference and Consultant to Holy Rood House

York Minster and placed in the Lady Chapel.
Members of the Church of England are often hardly aware of the saint in question, who d ie d a t
t he ag e o f 24 in a nu nner y in no r t her n France. She was, after all, a French Roman Catholic who

about God is pro fo undly r e le vant to our t ime . Wit h few r esour ces ( not even a fu ll B ible) ,
comparatively little education, and a background that may strike us as cloyingly pious, she goes to
the heart because she wrote honestly, passionately and wisely. I have long loved Thérèse, and believe

that divide us, but on the high altar will stand a chalice bearing the ring of Cardinal Mercier of Malines, who in the 1920s led
a brave conversation with Lord Halifax about unity between Anglicans and Rome. They failed. But love and prayer allow
God to do what humans cannot do.
At York we treasure that memory. In this place where for a short time the shining faith of Thérèse will be strongly present,
we shall pray that God‟s will be done. The Minster will be open all night. Come and pray with us, with Thérèse, with Jesus
and with all who long to see God‟s will done on earth as in heaven. Bring a rose as a sign if you wish.
The Very Revd Keith Jones, Dean of York

Rev Rory Dalgliesh, Chaplain to the University of York, will be taking part in the Vitruvian Triathlon around Rutland Water on the
5th September.
The race is Half-Ironman distance, and comprises a 1.2 mile swim, 53mile cycle and 13 mile run.
He is fundraising for Amnesty International again after raising a tidy sum last year doing a 97 mile non-
stop canoe race around the Cheshire Ring Canals, and has a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/
rorysepicadventures which can be used online, or you can contact Rory directly (01904 414398) to ar-
range a contribution in person or by cheque if you would like to do so. Any donations would be welcome in
the direction of a very good cause.
The Chairman has kindly given Rory permission to not be present at Synod on the day.
never came to this country, and probably knew nothing much about us. Her world was in many
ways a narrow one, and an alien one.
B u t S t T hé r è s e o f L is ie u x is w o r t h k no w in g a bo u t . Somehow, she wrote down what it was
like to have faith: that in itself is a rarity for a young Carmelite sister. These papers, gathered and
published as “The Story of a Soul” reveal to us a brilliant and spiritual woman, whose teaching
she is a Christian teacher from whom we may all safely learn much about Jesus Christ. No saint of
modern times has had such an impact as Thérèse. In New York, the relics stopped Fifth Avenue.
I am delighted that the Order of Carmelites have agreed that her bones should stay 18 hours at Anglican York Minster. At
7.30p.m. on October 1st guests from the Roman Catholic and other churches will gather with us at the Minster to thank God
for her, and also to pray for increased understanding and friendship between our traditions. There are some serious issues

Rev Gamble will lead a seminar and workshop on the theme on Saturday 26th at Holy Rood House
and will preach at the Eucharist at Holy Rood House on Sunday 27th

All are welcome - and residential facilities are available.
Please contact Rev Elizabeth Baxter for details and bookings: 01845 522580 enquiries@holyroodhouse.org.uk
The Visit of a Saint
On October 1st a casket containing some of the bodily remains of a saint will be brought into

Opportunity to Experience the Church in India
Flying out on or around January 10th 2010 and back on or around February 7th 2010, a group of seven people from our region and
from the Midlands will be visiting the Tamilnadu region of India, and engaging in a month of immersion in a very different culture.
Based in the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary of the Church of South India the group will visit church based social projects in both
urban and rural areas, and spend time reflecting together in the light of their faith. The visit will include sharing in communal
meals and daily worship while in college, and will be accompanied by a tutor from one of our British colleges who will act as group
enabler. Those who are applying to be part of the group need to have:
no previous substantial experience of travel outside Europe
ability to engage in reflection, using the Bible and other faith resources
openness to engage with different cultures and willingness to tackle basic language learning
membership of the Methodist Church (including joint membership of LEPs) OR membership of the Church of England
while demonstrating, in relation with the Methodist church, a clear commitment to working ecumenically
The trip will cost £2050, but grant funding of £1050 has already been secured, and it is hoped that individuals might be able to
secure further grant funding from home churches, circuits and districts.
If you would be interested in applying to be part of this group please contact:
Revd Andrew J. Lunn By post: St John’s College, 3 South Bailey, DURHAM. DH1 3RJ

By e-mail: andrew.lunn@methodist.org.uk
Contact should be made to allow time for application forms to be sent and returned by the closing date of 21 st September 2009.
Preliminary considerations
There is one places available on this programme for a lay person from the North-East and Yorkshire. It involves a four week visit
from about 10th January to about 7th February 2010. Places are open to Methodists (including joint members of LEPs), and mem-
bers of electoral roles in the Church of England who have demonstrated, in relation with the Methodist church, a clear commit-
ment to working ecumenically.
It would be important that members of the group were able to engage in theological reflection. This will be enabled by the accom-
panying tutor, but some prior engagement in Bible study or other religious studies would be necessary.

Funding Arrangements
The expected cost per participant will be about £2050. Grant aiding of £1050 per participant has been obtained from Methodist
Church connexional sources. In light of the Anglican-Methodist Covenant and other ecumenical understanding, this money is
available to Anglicans who demonstrate current and specific commitment to working as active partners with the Methodist Churc h.
This leaves £1000 to be met by the individual, with sponsorship they can arrange (circuit or District). This costing includes a con-
tribution by each participant to cover the costs of the accompanying tutor. This does not include any spending money, and partici-
pants will need to make their own way to the departure airport in the UK.
For further details and application form contact as above or the District Communications Office


East Coast Christian Community Music Festival
After months of planning the East Coast Christian Community Music Festival is beginning to take shape. Centred on
Bridlington the festival has attracted the support of the Bridlington Urban Renaissance Town Team and the East
Yorkshire Schools Music Service and The Kingston upon Hull Music Services. The festival will open on Wednesday
18th November 2009 with an afternoon matinee featuring the U3A Entertainers and supporting guest artiste.
Wednesday night is The Big Band Night with The Buckrose Concert Band and the Hunmanby Silver Band.
Thursday lunchtime will feature an electronic organ concert with Michael Carr. Thursday night is The Big Night Out
concert with local amateur groups performing various musical styles including country and western, jazz etc.
Gospel Artists Friday lunchtime we have a classical piano concert with the young pianist Gareth Deakin. Friday eve-
ning will see a distinct change of mood as Marylyn Baker the blind gospel singer and recording artists heads the
evening concert supported by the University of York Student Gospel Choir. On Saturday there will be workshops for
musicians of all abilities and seminars for church choir leaders, worship leaders and worship teams. Further infor-
mation: rob.parker@christchurchbridlington.co.uk
Saturday afternoon events move to the Bridlington Spa complex with the final of the East Coast Youth Musician
Competition. This competition has three categories 11 years and under, 14 years and under and 19 years and un-
der. Closing date for entry to the competition is Saturday 19th September. (Visit web site for details and entry
forms). The East Riding Senior Wind Band will be performing during the competition final. Web Site
www.ccmf.co.uk. On Saturday evening the Spa Royal Hall will echo to the inspiring sound of the Salvation Musicians.
This is to be followed by the presentation of the musical by the American Composers Jimmy and Carol Owen “Come
Together” which had outstanding success touring the US and UK with Hollywood Star Pat Boone. Dr Anthony Clarke
will be conducting an augmented Churches Together Choir. Rehearsals start Thursday 17th September at the Brid-
lington Salvation Army, Wellington Road, Bridlington. YO15 2BJ. If you or someone you know would like to join the
choir for this exciting musical come along, you will be welcomed. For full rehearsal details see web site or e-mail
anthony-clarke@ccmf.co.uk. Festival Sunday commences with the Festival Services in the Spa Theatre featuring the
Ridings Lights Theatre Group. On Sunday afternoon school choirs and ensembles will be performing in the Bridling-
ton Spa Theatre at the East Coast Festival of School Music Making. To date 14 East Coast schools and school music
services have already agreed to take part in this event. Further details next time.
Finally on Sunday night at 6:30pm the festival will be brought to a close with a Grand Finale Concert and Thanks-
giving in the Bridlington Spa Theatre. East Yorkshire churches will congregate at the Bridlington Spa in a combined
18-22nd November INVITATION TO JOIN FESTIVAL CHOIR

On Saturday Night 21stNovember 2009
there is to be a performance at the Bridlington Spa of the Jimmy and Carol Owen Musical “Come Together”. Singers
of all abilities are invited to join the Festival Choir for this performance. Rehearsals start Thursday 17thSeptember
at the Salvation Army Citadel, Wellington Road, Bridlington 7:30pm.Just come along or contact anthony-
clarke@ccmf.co.uk
INVITATION TO JOIN FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

On Sunday Night 22ndNovember2009
the Festival Finale Christian Heritage Concert will take place in the Spa Theatre, Bridlington. The organisers would
like to form a Festival Orchestra to accompany the mass hymn singing. Musicians interested to joining this orches-
tra should contact Festival Director paul-lowe@ccmf.c.uk. Bringing Together Church and Community Through Mu-
sic

www.ccmf.co.uk to find out more ––

Wedding Fayre –
Cottingham Methodist
October 3rd 10am-3pm.
Cottingham Methodist is taking a leaf out of Market Weigh-
ton‟s book and has organised a Wedding Fayre to be held at
our church on Saturday the 3rd of October from 10am-
3pm.
There will be two catwalk shows, one at midday and the sec-
ond at 2pm, literally down the aisle, with dresses from
Jacquelines Gown‟s and menswear from Len Beck tailors,
and hair by Dizzy‟s.
This is a Cottingham centric event, and all of the suppliers
are either local, or within a stones throw of the village. We
have two types of limo‟s, cake makers, photographers, ven-
ues, stationers, lingerie, florists – you name it we have it,
including the minister! .

Fijian Church leaders appear in court
Leaders forbidden to speak, preach or meet together
Nine Methodist Church leaders in Fiji have appeared in court, pleading not guilty to charges of breaching Public Emergency Regulations.
The nine leaders, including the Church‟s President, Revd Ame Tugaue and General Secretary Revd Tuikilakila Waqairatu, appeared in court
yesterday, and have been released on bail until a full hearing on September 24.
For the last three weeks the leaders have been forbidden to speak, preach or take part in meetings, making life almost imposs ible for a church
whose spiritual life-blood is based on gathering together. The church‟s solicitor is in negotiation with the police and the Fijian Government to
relax the conditions for the next bail period.
Last month the Church agreed to comply with the Government‟s demands, cancelling this year‟s Methodist Conference and negotiations are
proceeding with the police concerning an administrative meeting planned for August 31. Currently the Government insists that only ordained
ministers (excluding the arrested leaders) should be allowed to attend, but the Church does not want to exclude lay people.
Steve Pearce, World Church Partnership Coordinator for the Methodist Church in Britain, said; “It is clear that the military government is ac-
tive in the life of the courts. Where police actions contradict court decisions, the courts are reluctant to assert themselves. Negotiation and dia-
logue are difficult in these circumstances but the Church is clear in its wish to avoid confrontation.”
Speaking to Steve this morning,[13th August] the Church‟s Deputy General Secretary, Revd Tevita Bainavanua, expressed his frustration dur-
ing a monitored phone call, saying, “We can talk about Jerusalem and Galilee but not Fiji! We are telling our people not to do anything to
worsen the situation.”
The Church continues to work and worship despite this situation, which is consuming much time, energy and finance, with the p rospect of a
long court case ahead. Traditional choir festivals will go ahead as planned, beginning August 22, although no national festivals will take place.

ENDS

No Graven Image?
By Paul Lucas
Surprisingly few people actually know the Ten Commandments these days and even as Christians we may
well defer to Jesus‟ emphasis on the great command: „Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength‟(Deut 6:5). Jesus coupled this with the new teachings „love your
neighbour as yourself‟ (Lk 10:27) and of course the Golden Rule „Do to others as you would have
them do to you‟(Lk 6:31). The implication being that if we do these simple things, then all other commands
and requirements will simply fall into place - just because we love God and it shows. The King James version
commands us to worship no graven image, or idol in place of the true living God.
Some eleven years ago three Anglican priests from Tyneside, all of whom I knew quite well, were tragically
killed in a road accident on the A1 in Northumberland. The whole community was stunned, not just the
church folk, everyone. People asked the inevitable „why‟ questions that we just cannot answer. The need for
a reason and the anger towards God ran high – why ever would God allow it? Sorely tested by such times of
trail some will turn to God in faith while others turn away in utter disbelief and to some the „‟Almighty‟
seems silently aloof. Yet, in the midst of the pain and anguish, the cross of Christ reveals the ageless truth that
God himself has, as the saying goes, ‟been there, done that and bought the T shirt‟ and actually worn out the
T shirt completely!
One of these priests had got me started as a tree carver when, in a former occupation as a tree surgeon, I had
dismantled a large dead elm in a Church Hall grounds. I‟d said: „pity we couldn‟t make use of the timber
somehow‟ to which he replied „well actually, as it happens….‟ One thing led to another and a chainsaw sculp-
ture of a mother and child was the result. Clearly representational of Mary and the Christ child, some had said
the piece spoke not only of birth and life‟s potential, but strangely also of death and premature loss, even
more poignantly with the oncoming events.
I was captivated by the possibility of telling the gospel story through carved symbols and carved many a sim-
ple cross for customers and others from bits of tree trunk left from the day‟s work. Recently, when the chance
came to undertake a chainsaw carving as a minister rather than a tree surgeon I knew that sense of all things
working together for the good. On the off chance I rang the Hull Daily Mail and then Radio Humberside got
wind, next came Look North, but the people who really made it worthwhile were the passers by who stopped
to look. „ Hey mister, what you doing?‟ gave the perfect opportunity to respond „well it‟s the story of Jesus,
the birth, the death and resurrection, in just three images‟ Mary and child, the cross and the risen sun (son),
and the flying dove of the Holy Spirit. The old lime tree that grew for years in the forecourt of a Methodist
Church, far too close to a neighbouring building, eventually just had to go, but it gave me the chance to re-
cycle the timber into a new landmark that tells something of the Gospel beyond the doors of the church, out
on on the street - in this case the busy Holderness Road in Hull.
In these days of media, sound bites and constantly moving images, all sorts of stuff passes as „real art‟ but
very little really communicates anything of intrinsic value. The old cliché „beauty is in eye of the beholder‟ is
absolutely true, but the motive behind the art is for me what really speaks the message. This Christian „totem
pole‟ story of Jesus reminds us that „no graven image‟ should ever be admired or worshipped in itself, but
should be a way mark pointing to what is true and real and genuine, even to God. It may even be that vital
talking point that reminds someone, that even out of death, God‟s love forever rises and returns to fill each
and every open heart and soul. „God so loved the world‟ and still so loves us with all his heart, soul, mind and strength; He sent Jesus to say so,
even unto death on a cross to prove that he meant it, then sent the Spirit to say so again. All we need to do is say „yes, Lord, here am I, send
me‟ - that others may also come to know the Lord our God.

Swine flu guidance update August 2009
Swine flu is spread by droplets that come from the nose and mouth when a person sneezes. These
droplets stick to surfaces and can remain infectious for some time.
In response to queries from local churches, recommendations have been made to reduce the risk of
spreading these droplets during common church activities. Each church is different and individual
ministers may wish to consider further ways in which the risk of spreading the disease could reasona-
bly be reduced.
Holy Communion
For the period of the pandemic, we recommend that:
•a common cup should not be used
•intinction (dipping bread in wine) should not be practised as it can carry unnecessarily high levels
of risk
•individual communion vessels should be carefully cleaned (this is crucial)
•those handling the vessels and the bread should use an antibacterial gel on their hands before tak-
ing part in Communion
•when using individual cups, the cups should be handed directly to communicants, not passed be-
tween them
bread should not be passed from one communicant to another. Where there are clear pastoral reasons
for doing so, giving Holy Communion ‘in one kind’ (using only bread or wine) is also acceptable prac-
tice within the Methodist Church.
Sharing in the Peace and other greetings
During worship services and gatherings, it is common for people to share a sign of Christ’s peace with
one another, often through handshaking or hugging. Where there appears to be a significantly in-
creased risk of infection, such as when members of the congregation have recently come into contact
with people with swine flu, we recommend that people refrain from physical expressions of the Peace.
The usual practice of shaking hands when greeting each other on arriving at church, or saying goodbye
after the meeting, should also be reconsidered in these circumstances.
Church facilities
Think about the cleanliness and accessibility of your church facilities.
•Are tissues and bins easily accessible?
•Are the contents of such bins disposed of regularly and hygienically?
•Are the hand washing facilities satisfactory
•Could you provide sanitising gel in addition to soap?
If you serve drinks or food on church premises, are you following all the recommendations in the
food hygiene certificate to reduce cross infection?
Supporting those with swine flu
Please check that people with the virus have a designated ‘flu friend’ – a healthy friend or relative who
can collect anti viral or other required medication, as well as delivering essential supplies whilst the suf-
ferer is restricted to their home.
Where it is inadvisable to visit people in person, regular contact by phone, email or other means may
prove invaluable for those isolated by the virus.
Those wishing to share in worship but restricted to their home may wish to attend an online worship
service at St Pixels, the online church, or share in worship broadcast on the radio, such as the Daily
Service on Radio 4 longwave, each weekday at 9.45am. For more information, visit www.stpixels.com
or www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wzfs.
Please pray…
•for the NHS ; for the pharmaceutical industry working to produce vaccinations ; for victims in
less-developed nations ; for those with underlying health problems; for those caring for the sick
This is an update to the May Guidelines for full details http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content& cmid=2684

THE WEB SITE DETAILS FOR HELEN SHAPIRO SHOULD READ http://www.mannamusic.co.uk/

Please note :- many of the items in this months Yorsay have been gleaned from other sources
than the churches in this district– I think it is a poor show that I have had to find this infor-
mation from in some cases other denominations rather than our own churches please let me
have information on your events etc not only for Yorsay but for the web site—contact details
are below.
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 or yhcommunications@msn.com
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.
Yorsay Newsletter © 2009 York & Hull Methodist District – All rights reserved.