From:                              Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District Office [admin@wsmethodist.org.uk]

Sent:                               15 September 2023 10:31

To:                                   beckminster@talktalk.net

Subject:                          15/09/2023

 

New this week:
Synod Summary 1
Synod Summary 2
Finance Officer Vacancy
Circuit Support Worker Vacancy
In case you missed it:
Youth Leader Evening
LN online learning opportunities
Practical Property Update
Exploring Digital
Advanced Safeguarding Training
Children's Support Fund

Dial-a-prayer free phone line to hear prayers : 0808 281 2514 Methodist News : 0808 281 2478

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Synod Summary - appointments and thanks

On Saturday the Synod appointed the Rev’d Dr Jo Cox-Darling to be Deputy Chair, and thanked Rev’d Alan Combes for his faithfulness in filling this role previously.
We gave a vote of thanks to David Hemingway as he steps down from his role as District Local Preachers’ Secretary and to Melody Jones who has been our District Children and Youth Ambassador.  Thanks were given to those who have served on the District Probationers Committee as a new committee is formed jointly with Birmingham.  And the Synod recognised the extraordinary nineteen years of service that Angela Newey has given as District Advocate for Action for Children before stepping down this year (see Angela in action at a previous Synod).
The District is deeply grateful to all those willing to volunteer in roles which are essential to our life together.   We will be looking to make new appointments through adverts in the Weekly Mailing.  Please do consider whether any of these might be roles you might consider.
 

 

Synod Summary - proposed new District in West Midlands

Last Saturday members of Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham Districts Representative Synods met in a joint Synod session at Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church.  The Synods were meeting together to consider a proposal to merge to form a West Midlands District from September 2025. Having heard the proposal in the morning, the Synods met separately in the afternoon for further conversation and voting.
Both Synods produced a very similar vote (70% / 71%) in favour of adopting the recommendation that the merger go ahead.  This is not the end of the matter.  The Recommendation will now go to the Methodist Council, which is expected to direct that it be discussed and voted upon at all Circuit Meetings in the Spring.  Results will then be fed into the Spring  Synods.  If there is found to have been sufficient support, a final decision will be made by the Conference next Summer.
Obviously a significant proportion of the Synods voted against the recommendation.  Over the coming months, further work will be done to try to respond to the concerns expressed at the Synods as more detailed plans are produced.  Whilst there will be an opportunity to express views through the Circuit meetings in the  Spring, you are also welcome at any time to make personal responses via the District Office admin@wsmethodist.org.uk 
 

 

Finance Officer Vacancy

The Black Country Circuit seek to appoint a part time
Circuit Finance Officer
 
Hours  10hrs a week flexible.
Pay £10,000 per annum.
Closing date for applications 25th September 2023
Interviews will be held in week commencing 2nd October.
 
The Finance Officer will

  • Work with circuit treasurer to ensure that the circuits financial administration is accurate and secure.
  • To ensure that timely accounts on the standard form of accounts (accrual accounts) and Charity returns are produced for the circuit and submitted to the Methodist Church.
  • To provide financial information required for circuit meetings.
  • To support the superintendent minister with budgeting and accounts for the circuit.

For further information please contact Mr David Ashfield 01902 674884.
For an application pack please contact Rev Denise Williams
revdenise@hotnmail.co.uk  0121 520 2237.
 

 

Circuit Support Worker Vacancy

 

Youth Leader evening

If you are a youth leader at church, paid or voluntary then you are invited to a special evening hosted by Jo Yair and Charlotte Hambly.
We would love to say thank you for your ministry, spoil you with tea and cake, and hear how the districts can better support you.
Please book at a place to attend as it is at Jo’s home, using the following link. (There is parking but please car share where possible or if you need a lift from/to the train station then please ask).

Details on the following link:
https://app.tickettailor.com/events/birminghammethodistdistrict/979730
We look forward to seeing you
Jo and Charlotte.

 

Learning Network online learning opportunities

Online learning opportunities around the Pilot project and faith rooted organising.
 
20th September
Eddy and Kerry in partnership with Birmingham Citizens- focusing on Community organising more widely- so not just for Churches. But it will help people understand how organising is different from community engagement, or asset based community development, etc. And why it is important that we think about why we are motivated to get involved, which will be different for different groups.
  
9th November
Alison Webster (theologian in residence for Citizens UK) in collaboration with Kerry and Eddy on one of their regular’ learning Thursdays’ slots.

More information in the following link: 
 
https://actionnetwork.org/events/how-involvement-in-community-organising-can-transform-congregational-life-in-the-methodist-church?source=direct_link& <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__actionnetwork.org_events_how-2Dinvolvement-2Din-2Dcommunity-2Dorganising-2Dcan-2Dtransform-2Dcongregational-2Dlife-2Din-2Dthe-2Dmethodist-2Dchurch-3Fsource-3Ddirect-5Flink-26amp-3B&d=DwQGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=gdaNOclgGaSJ6HtVNufdJPbEaIpYfiHISU4IblPJydQ&m=8p6ykhtNm8H4iViJorkiPaxJLKZRYU1UJA_QJ9ji-nU&s=oR3VewlWoTFXZuC4riL1iefsFJVO0-UkZxUUe2WEl_g&e=>
 
 

 

Practical Property update

Come and join Matthew McDade ( District Property Consultant), Keith Walton ( District Property Secretary) and Rosie Bryant( Learning Network) as they uncover some of the mysteries of property.

Learn key points about completing your annual returns and getting consent for work. Find out what your legal responsibilities are with regards to asbestos in your buildings. Take part in a building inspection and see how you should be using the quinquennial to inform your decisions and more.

There will be opportunity to ask questions of experts and we invite you to submit questions or areas you are interested in learning more about before the event, so we can tailor part of the content to your needs.

The event will take place on the 7th October at Trinity Methodist Church, Kidderminster. The event is free and lunch will be provided.  Drinks will be served form 9.30 onwards so we can start promptly at 10a.m. For further details or queries contact Rosie at bryantr@methodistchurch.co.uk. Please book via Eventbrite.

 

Exploring Digital


A day online exploring the digital world for Methodist Churches and communities.
 
Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an expert panel. Don't miss this chance to enhance your church's online presence and explore faith in the digital era!

  • When: Saturday 30 September, 10am to 3:30pm.
  • Where: Online, so you can join wherever you are. 
  • Cost: We are providing this day free of charge.

We'll be sharing further information about speakers, topics and resources closer to the event. Register for your free place now to avoid missing out and join us on Saturday 30 September for a day of exploration into the digital world and the opportunities it holds for the Methodist Church.
 
 
 
 

 

 

Advanced Safeguarding Training

 Advanced Safeguarding Training Dates.
 
Anyone wishing to book onto one of these sessions needs to email kayredfern@birminghammethodist.org.uk
 
All of the below are training dates at The Methodist Churches below:
 
16th Sept – Dudley Wood – face to face – 9.45am registration
 
14th October – Kenilworth – face to face – 9.45am registration
 
25th November – Solihull – face to face – 9.45am registration
 
 
 

 

Children's Support Fund

There is still money available from the above and if your Church is thinking of running any Children's activities, then, please consider applying for a maximum of £500. The attached application form needs to be completed.. Any further questions please contact Tim Lorimer on tim.a.lorimer@gmail.com Many thanks


 

 

 

 

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