Text Version of June Yorsay

JUNE 2011
Welcome to the June Edition of Yorsay. Some of the arti-cles are indexed below
Page 2 Living Wage
Page3 Royal Wedding
Page4 Synod Newsletter
Page6 Rural Work
Page7 Driffield Revamp
Page8 Ordination venue changed
Page9 Santiago
Page10 Third Age
To make sure that you re-ceive the emails from the communications office please put our e mail addresses in your safe lists.
yhmethodist@msn.com communica-tions@yorkhullmethodist.org
yhmeth@yhmeth.karoo.co.uk
bob_lawe@hotmail.com



When we think of sharing our faith what usually comes to mind are words, lots of words, crafted with passion into sentences designed to persuade and convince someone
else that embracing faith in God will be truly transformative for them.
As the disciples got to grips with Easter the risen Christ offered them a radically enhanced alternative to this narrow view of faith-sharing. How we live our lives - what we do and who we are in relation to God and to each other - becomes central, because we share the value and meaning of our faith each and every time we put it into practice as God's Kingdom-building people. Just like Jesus did. Words then are only part of the picture. Loving actions and attitudes always speak more loudly.
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22)
It is through the phrase 'As the Father sent me' that we enter the revolutionary 'Jesus' dimension to sharing our faith which reframes our understanding so decisively. With stark simplicity it really does flesh out the magnitude of what Jesus expects to be normative for those who dare to follow him as disciples. We are to be as focussed on being good news for the poor as he was. We are to be as determined to see justice done as he was. We are to be as passionate about those whom society excludes as he was. We are to be as resolute in facing up to evil as he was. We are to be as in touch with the needs for healing and wholeness in those around us as he was.
Because being sent by God to bring the Kingdom of Love near looks like this, entails this and demands nothing less than this. And so like Jesus we have to have absolute and total trust in God. And God makes it all possible.
Which is surely why throughout this first Easter the risen Jesus gifts this selfsame trust to his disciples as he prepares them to share their faith as Christ-followers. And time and again as he does so he gifts to them peace; that real, deep and lasting shalom in God's presence in which is our true wellbeing, together with the peacefulness which comes from having a true and rock-solid sense of godly purpose in life. And then he breathes the Spirit right into every fibre of their being human. He then sends them out to do likewise for others. Our sending is no different.
The truths Jesus discovered in the wilderness finally shape his closest friends to follow his path. From now on, when it comes to faith-sharing, for them it's as natural as breathing. Inbreaths of the Spirit and outbreaths of the Kingdom.
[This month front page is by Rev David Perry and is taken from his award winning blog http://www.visualtheology.blogspot.com/ ]
xPage 2
FTSE 100 companies must adopt Living Wage, say Methodists  Living Wage Campaign celebrates 10 year anniversary A campaign to lobby FTSE 100 companies to adopt the Living Wage has been backed by the Methodist Church and its Central Finance Board.
The Living Wage is the minimum hourly wage necessary for an individual to meet their basic needs, including shelter, clothing and nutrition. Revd Alison Tomlin, President of the Methodist Conference, will publicly endorse the launch of the Fair Pensions campaign at Methodist Central Hall on May 2, with more than 2,000 people expected to attend.
Revd Tomlin said: “The Living Wage is about treating people with dignity and respect; it is about recognising our value as individuals, as human beings. It is absurd to pay people a wage that will never allow them to meet their needs. The majority of those living in poverty are in working households and this kind of practice keeps people in poverty. FTSE 100 companies should lead the way in bringing about fair wages for all who work.”
The Fair Pensions campaign will be launched at a mass rally organised by London Citizens at 2pm at Methodist Central Hall on May 2. Churches, charities and institutional investors will join in urging FTSE 100 companies, to become Living Wage employers. One of the signatories is The Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, which manages funds on behalf of Methodism in Britain. People will be encouraged to lobby FTSE 100 companies directly online at www.activateyourmoney.org.
Bill Seddon, Chief Executive of the Central Finance Board said: “With the Methodist Church supporting the Living Wage campaign, it is entirely appropriate that the Central Finance Board signs these letters to FTSE 100 companies. We look at the relationships companies have with their employees, suppliers, and service providers. That leads us to consider not only executive pay levels, but also the lowest paid in a company. The Central Finance Board is helping to put Methodist Church policy into practice by encouraging companies from its position as a socially responsible investor."
BEVERLEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
PART-TIME PRESBYTER OR DEACON
This small Circuit centred around the historic market town of Beverley, East Yorkshire, wishes to appoint a part-time PRESBYTER or DEACON to work 15-19 hours per week.
The successful applicant would have pastoral oversight of 3 village churches –
Bishop Burton, Tickton and Walkington
The appointment would begin on 1st September 2011 or 1st January 2012 and would be for an initial period of 18 months, with an option to review and extend.
Closing Date for the applications is 24th June 2011.
For further information and an application form contact
Hilary Hoggarth, Circuit Steward 01482 861112
or hmhoggarth@hmhoggarth.karoo.co.uk
Page 3
Hi ,
I thought readers of Yorsay might like to see the attached pictures. They’re of the Royal Wedding Party at Market Weighton Methodist Church where we watched the Royal Wedding on big screen – all the young ones dressed in wedding attire, the little ones made crowns and tiaras. We had the usual bunting, flags, buns and balloons -about 60 folk came. We managed to borrow the life sized cardboard replica of William and Kate from the local Slimming Club and here are a few of the young mums and children posing for photos
THE METHODIST CHURCH York and Hull District
Newsletter following
Synod on 7 May 2011
Hosted by Snaith & Selby and Goole Circuits
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)
Dear Friends
The purpose of this Newsletter is merely to highlight some of the issues which were raised at Representative Synod. They are only highlights and to learn more of what went on I would recommend a visit to the District website where you can see and hear some of the presentations as they happened.
Synod began with worship which included hymns and prayers led by members of the Circuits’ worship band and the organisers of this Synod. This set the scene for a very full day of business. Members were welcomed by Revd Linda Day, Superintendent Minister.
After the early business of the meeting which included the reporting of dispensations granted and apologies received Synod requested that letters of greeting be sent to various people. After giving approval to the appointment of scrutineers should Synod be moved to vote on an issue, the Revd Mary Jackman read the list of Local Preachers who had died during the past year and thanked God for all their work in His name. She also reported that there had been a considerable increase in the number of people offering for Local Preaching and Worship Leading in the District.
One of the responsibilities of the Spring Synod is the agreement to the appointment of officers in the District and a list had been circulated with the Synod agenda. Various amendments had been received and others were added during the day. If you are in receipt of the Directory and can spot any inaccuracies please let myself or Siân Henderson know.
Cessation of Worship
Synod agreed to the cessation of worship in the following churches:
Settrington Methodist Church (Malton Circuit)
Pickering Carr Methodist Church (Pickering Circuit)
Committee Reports and presentations from Representatives
Synod received reports from the following:
District Policy Committee, Ministerial Synod, Finance, Methodist Council and Conference.
Fuller details of these reports can be seen in the minutes which are on the website. They deal with the everyday work of the District and are important for the wellbeing of churches, circuits and the District as well as being part of our response to the connexional nature of Methodism.
A Way Forward for Mission
Two proposals from Synod which will be taken to Conference are as follows:
Hull (East) Circuit and Withernsea Circuit shall be combined to form a new circuit from 1st September 2012, and the two circuits will work in federation until that date.
The Whitby, Sherburn, Filey and Scarborough Circuits should amalgamate to form one new Circuit. This change to take effect from 1st September 2012 and will include the close working of the separate circuits in the interim period.
These two proposals mark the first of our circuit clusters to move towards a proposal which has been debated locally and submitted to the District Policy Committee and finally to Synod. They will be received by Conference in July 2012.
District Policy Committee and Presbyteral Synod
The business of both DPC and Presbyteral Synod which was brought to Representative Synod can be read in the minutes of Synod and so I will not take up space in this newsletter recounting those issues.
Treasurer’s Report
I would encourage all Church and Circuit Treasurers to look at the website and read the report. Mr Ian Stockley, the District Treasurer, had some important points to make for the future.
Hull International House
It is the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Hull International House. This house provides accommodation for students studying at Hull University. It has a warden and can accommodate up to 40 students. If you would like to know more about it the presentation to Synod is on the District website.
Acts 435
Jenny Herrera gave a presentation on this newly formed charity. It has grown out of an Anglican initiative in the Diocese of York but is now ecumenical. Jenny outlined how the charity worked to directly help those in need. It put people who can give, in direct contact with those who were in need, using the Church as the physical face-to-face forum and enabling people to give online. She outlined the 4 step process involved and invited churches and circuits to consider getting involved. If you would like any further information about the charity or a leaflet explaining how it works please contact either myself or Siân.
Mission, Ministry and Money
This was the title of the final presentation to Synod. Revd Richard Andrew, the Deputy Chair of District introduced the subject, a vitally important one for all our churches, circuits and the District as we look to the future and how we will deploy our resources. The full text of the presentation is on the website or either Siân or myself will email it to you if you wish. Richard drew our attention to two points:
1. A recognition that as Circuits re-structure there will be a need for local churches, Circuits and the District to think carefully about its priorities in spending and a more strategic approach to giving. Eric Morecambe once famously said to Andre Previn, ‘I’m playing all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order’. In a parallel way the church is, in many respects, resource rich, but not necessarily in the right places or in any discernible order.
2. Secondly, there is a recognition that we are a connected people, the body of Christ together, and part of our mission involves raising our horizons to support others at points of need or opportunity. How can we do that better?
He went on to say that there is a tendency in the life of the church to leave the finances to a few people – the concern of those with the appropriate knowledge and expertise. We see this aspect of church life as something far removed from the spiritual or ‘real’ purposes of the church. The reality is that the gospel has to ‘earthed’ as well as ‘heavened’ and it is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that something like one third of Jesus’ parables involve money in one way or another.
Ministry, buildings, training, witness at home and abroad, action for social concern and in the public square, relationships with others, and not least the complexities of running an organization, all have to be paid for and cannot be divorced from the question of mission as the apostles recognized when they shared their possessions in common and then later appointed people from within the community to administer its life in order to serve and release energy for the mission of the early church.
Synod then broke into groups to discuss this presentation. It raises vital issues for the Church in the foreseeable future and I would encourage all members of every congregation to make themselves aware of these issues and this presentation
Synod concluded with a service in which Revd Sally Coleman gave her testimony. It was a very fitting end to Synod, reminding us of the beginning of a journey for Sally and our own journeys alongside one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sally as she goes forward for ordination.
Blessings Heather
Copies of the presentations from Synod [including Sally’s Testimony Service ] - The Full Minutes of Synod—The Memorial and the Briefing Mission Ministry Money are available on the District Web Site Synod Page
http://www.yorkhullmethodist.org.uk/index.php?cid=70&pid=23
Rural Work
In the York and Hull District there are many examples of small rural churches working at being an Effective Christian Presence at the heart of their communities. It has been very hard to pick just two or three examples.
The Rural Business Project which is based at Thirsk Auction Mart began life as a project of the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber (CRC). The finance for the project came from Yorkshire Forward. The aim of the project is to reach those farmers who are hard to reach, who don‟t readily engage with organisations providing professional help and support. From the beginning it has worked with both Farm Crisis Network (FCN) and local churches. Originally one person was employed full time to engage with famers and offer help, support and signposting to other agencies. Over time the project has expanded to comprise 1 full time and 2 part time officers in North Yorkshire along with a part time administrator. The project has also planted another scheme in the South Pennines area.
Although still managed by the CRC the funding now comes from the Land-skills sector and the emphasis of the project has changed slightly to include mentoring and training alongside the pastoral support. The project was mentioned in a recent DEFRA report as an example of good practice in reaching the hard to reach and helping them to move on. Certainly the project and the churches that support it have earned the respect of the Land-skills sector that funds it. It is a real example of practical Christianity reaching out to those who need it most.
On a different scale, but still a means of reaching out to the community, is the community newspaper Sowerby Now. This is enabled by the two churches in the village of Sowerby as a way of communicating not only their own news but encouraging the exchange of community news. Local clubs and organisations along with the schools can all submit articles. It is a professionally printed newspaper that is delivered free of charge by a group of volunteers to every home in Sowerby once a quarter. Paid for by advertising, the paper generates a small surplus which is given to local charities and events. On page three there is a letter from the clergy along with service times and church events.
A website has just been launched to enhance the paper as a place to advertise diary dates and as a general resource for the village with useful contact numbers and other local information.
Church buildings can be another way of engaging with the community especially if it is the only public space in the village. Woldgate chapel is in the village of Hayesthorpe and it is the only public space for 4 villages. 4 years ago it was facing closure but the Bridlington Circuit decided to keep the building and adapt it for community use. Now, as well as hosting various village events, worship has restarted on a monthly basis.
The district has two Post Offices which operate out of Methodist Churches. The first in Rufforth has been going for about 5 years and is well used by the village. The post office is open for two sessions a week and the church hosts a coffee morning at the same time. This provides a good opportunity for the village to get together. One regular visitor who has M.S. says that these sessions are a life line as she has a chance to get out of her house and see people.
Weaverthorpe was the last remaining Methodist Church in the Wolds Valley. The Sherburn circuit were reluctant to close it and so it was refurbished to become a community space as well as continuing to be a worship centre. The local Post Office closed and the service went into the local pub and the chapel started a coffee morning on one of the two post office days. The post office struggled in the pub and has recently transferred to the chapel were business is picking up because people can stop and chat as well as do business.
There is so much more to tell. The village of Levening where the Methodist Church was sold and the money raised was used to refurbish both the parish church (used for joint worship) and the Methodist schoolroom (used for church and village activities). Or the breadth of children‟s work that takes place ecumenically in the many small communities, with their after school clubs, holiday clubs and activity days; youth and children‟s workers that are employed ecumenically and supported by large groups of volunteers.
The rural church is alive and kicking in our district helping to provide services and premises holding out the Christ light to their communities.
2011 Prayer Handbook
“Run the Race”
Available August 2011.
Price £3.50 (£3.15 for 10 copies or more)
2011/12 Diaries
Standard £7; Interleaved / loose leaf: £10
For collection at Synod in September please give orders to Tricia Mitchell by 7th August. (dde@yorkhullmethodist.org.uk ; telephone 01347 838569)
A BOLD decision has been made over the future of one of Driffield‟s best-known buildings.
The Custodian Committee of Driffield Methodist Church has announced it is exploring the feasibility of rebuilding the church on Middle Street North, as the existing building is no longer fit for purpose.
At a meeting held on Monday, the Committee voted unanimously that to knock down the existing building and rebuild on the same site would be the best way forward for the church.
The other option they were faced with was a complete refurbishment of the inside of the building.
“We know the decision is not without emotion because, for the people who have been attending the church all their lives it is part of who they are and we respect that – but changes need to be made,” said the Rev Robert Amos, the church‟s Minister.
Poor disabled access, out dated facilities, the cost of heating and the general cost of keeping the building going meant a decision had to be made that would improve the church for future use.
“It is a bold move but we feel that it is needed for the future,” Mr Amos said.
The current Methodist building has been on the site since 1880, although re-modelling work was undertaken in 1966.
“We want to keep the size of the building so it can be used for concerts as well as worship.
“It is the biggest building in Driffield for groups to use and we want to keep that community use,” said Mr Amos.
Plans for various work totalling £460,000 had previously been unveiled to provide a new kitchen, entrance and better disabled access at the church. However those plans have been put on hold.
Mr Amos said: “It was felt after a lot of decision making that whether we refurbished or rebuilt it would not make a lot of difference financially.”
The cost of a rebuild is one thing that has not yet been fully discussed but it is something which the Custodians will now look into.
Mr Amos said: “What we felt we wanted to do was get the vision, which is the most important thing, first.”
The group will now look at getting architects on board and the costings involved.
Plans include minimising the building‟s dependency on fossil fuels as much as possible.
The Custodians are looking into using solar panels to generate electricity and installing solar water heaters and heat exchangers.
Plans state the new building would need to incorporate worship space for up to 450 people, a main hall with a capacity of up to 100 people, with moveable chairs, a cafe room and garden space.
Custodians would also like to see an atrium for up to 50 people and a meeting room to cater for the same number.
Plans also include retaining as much car parking space as possible.
“We want to involve the whole community and want to know what they want, and what they see for the future,” Mr Amos said.
Article from the Driffield Times May 2011 © Johnston Publishing
www.acts435.com „ ...giving to anyone who has need.‟
Acts 435 - an effective tool to relate mission, ministry and money
It is quick and easy to get involved and be able to bless others in very practical ways - new shoes for the children, or some food for a family in need. Please email Executive Director Jennifer Herrera at jherrera@acts435.org.uk for more information as to how you can get involved as a church or circuit, or if you would like to give to those in need, go to our website - www.acts435.org.uk - and give as little or as much as you feel you can.
Ordination Service Moved
The Ordination service from the Southport Methodist Conference that was due to take place at the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool has had to be moved to Chester Anglican Cathedral after the invitation by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Liverpool the Most Rev Patrick Kelly has been withdrawn on the advice of the Vatican
In a statement the Archbishop said it had never been a question of simply having a large enough venue. "It could also be a word about the ecumenical journey to which we have been long committed, which was reaffirmed when Cardinal Kasper visited Liverpool at Pentecost in 2010 and yet more powerfully by Pope Benedict during his visit to this island last September," he said. "In response, therefore, to this request I did last autumn give my permission for the use of the cathedral for this purpose."
"However, it was always clear to me that the occasion would be a symbol and given the iconic reality of the Metropolitan Cathedral far beyond Merseyside it would be watched, interpreted, scrutinised quite properly by many. And symbols are dangerous things; they can explode. Every pattern of ordination known to me is at the service of Communion and an occasion for profound renewal of the most personal, hidden demands of discipleship. Spotlights, controversy, fear of misinterpretation undermine the prayer and discipleship into which the Spirit would lead us.
"During my recent prolonged time to reflect because of convalescence, I found myself often wondering if what I had encouraged was inappropriate at this time and a possible scandal in the original meaning of that word, a stumbling block for an ordination and for the ecumenical journey. I was not entirely surprised when I was informed that this was the judgment of the Holy Father's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity in tiieir interpretation of the principles set out in the Ecumenical Directory of that same Pontifical Council. Sadly, therefore, I have to conclude that the invitation for some Methodist ordinations to be celebrated in the Metropolitan Cathedral should be withdrawn."
The Archbishop said he recognised that this decision would bring "pain to some, relief to others and confusion to many'! "I can only apologise for any rift for which I am responsible and pledge that I will continue to be as faithful as I have for all the nearly 50 years of my life as a priest to the ecumenical journey to which the Second Vatican Council committed every Roman Catholic," he said.












In the Way of St James
Santiago de Compostela
Saturday 15 – Tuesday 25 September 2012
Led by Brian Thornton & Bob Lawe
After a Successful Tour to Oberammergau Brian Thornton & Bob Lawe would like to welcome you on a journey of Discovery to Santiago de Compostela in the footsteps of St James. See some of the heritage of Northern Spain on this 10 day tour of fellowship and discovery.
The Pilgrims Route to Santiago de Compostela is renowned as a path of signiicant world historic and religious heritage. Along the route there are a succession of beautiful towns and villages and history can be found around every corner. Our tour includes a journey along the Pilgrims Route between Leon and Santiago and a return along the Pilgrims Coastal Route through Asturias and Cantabria.
Day 1 - Saturday Travel from North of England to the South coast . Dinner and overnight at Plymouth.
Day 2 - Sunday Board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry service to Spain. Relax and enjoy a night on board ship.
Day 3 - Monday Arrive in Spain and proceed to the wonderful old city of Leon for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 4 - Tuesday Some time to explore the beautiful Cathedral city of Leon. In the afternoon the route travels through Astorga before continuing on the faster route via Lugos and Betanzos to arrive in Santiago de Compostela, for a 4 night stay.
Day 5 - Wednesday Full day at leisure in Santiago. We suggest a morning guided sightseeing tour including a visit to the Cathedral followed by an afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 - Thursday Full scenic day excursion to Rias Baixas. Start from Pontevedra and travel through a succession of pretty villages following the route through Combarro, Sanxenxo, Pontonovo and Cambadas. See the small fishing ports, cliffs and wonderful beaches.
Day 7 - Friday Another full day in Santiago. In addition to the many historical and cultural sites there are countless restaurants specializing in Galician cuisine.
Day 8 - Saturday Depart Santiago and travel along Spain‟s northern coast, through Asturias, to arrive in the province of Cantabria for a 2 night stay.
Day 9 - Sunday A short local excursion to Santillana del Mar, a town best described as a living museum.
Day 10 - Monday Join the a Brittany Ferries cruise- ferry service from Spain with a comfortable night on board.
Day 11 - Tuesday Arrive on England‟s south coast and travel home.
Cost £1020 per person - Full Brochures and booking details/forms available from Bob or Brian
bob_lawe@hotmail.com or thornton813@btinternet.com

Saturday 23rd July
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Free Children’s Bouncy Castle
Tombola, Face Painting
Teas, Ice creams, Plants
BBQ , Cake stall & tuck shop
Boys Brigade Band
Plus the famous Fairtrade Chocolate Fountain
All Proceeds to
Christian Aid
Summer fete
Willerby
Methodist
Church
Yorsay is sent on behalf of the York & Hull Methodist District by the Communications Office
Bob Lawe 27 Ryde Avenue Hull Hu5 1QA 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 offi-cial 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 © 2011 York & Hull Methodist District – All rights reserved.