New this week:
Legacy of Peace
District Easter Pilgrimage
Could you Sticky Theologian?
Open Farm Sunday
Care Support Worker Vacancy
Visit of President of Conference
Appointment of JACEI
A Day of Exploration with Dr Gary Hall
Embers of Peace
Action for Children News
Singing for the Brain
It Takes a Village Celebration
Circuit Admin Vacancy
In case you missed it:
Love Pray Vote
JPIT Internship Opportunities
3Gen Volunteer sign-up open
Vocation Sunday Worship Resources
LDO Vacancy
Representative Synod Venue
New District Synod Secretary and Deputy Chair applications open
Rejoice and Sing Live!
Grant Funders Training Course
District Small Grants for Suzanna's Table
Spiritual Companions Course
Exploring Ordained Ministry?
MWM Annual Global Missions Conference
Stationing Briefing - save the date!
Wholehearted Monthly Mission Series launches
Advanced Safeguarding Training update
New District Website - reminder
District Children's Activities Fund

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

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Could You Help? Leaving a Legacy of Peace

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Could you help?  Leaving a legacy of Peace.

As conflicts rage and international tensions rise, the final Synod of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District will explore how we may become ambassadors for peace in the name of Jesus.
In preparation we invite everyone - as individuals or groups - to send in an image that communicates something about peace ……..finding it, promoting it, campaigning for it, or lamenting its loss.  The photo collage below may give you some starter ideas….
You may want to create an artwork or take a photo.  You can send us a few words but your submission will be displayed as a 7”x5” photo so nothing too wordy please.
Our District has a proud history of involvement in peace and justice issues - help us to celebrate it!  After Synod, our “Pieces of Peace” will be displayed at the Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum. 
Submissions should be in landscape mode (7”x5”) and emailed to the District Office as a photo (jpeg) file by 5th May.  Please also send in any words you may want displayed on the image, together with the name(s) of the creator and the church / group they belong to.  Thank you.

Here are a couple of examples below: 

Courtesy of Revd Richard Hall

Courtesy of Revd Roger Dunlop



 

District Easter Pilgrimage

Please click the link below for a one minute highlights video of pilgrimage made by Methodists from the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham Districts in Easter week. Fifty mile route linking Ludlow - Craven Arms - Clun - Bishops Castle - Stiperstones - Church Stretton, staying in Methodist Churches along the way. Pilgrims' Prayer for the earth composed and led by Stephen Allen as part of our morning prayer.
Here is the link to the Youtube video: https://youtu.be/8beCMsLMBrA?si=Yt_GjMd4Igh0WBwT

Could you be a Sticky Theologian?

Do you love chatting about tricky topics like the meaning of life, heaven and hell, and suffering, and hearing the perspectives of other people?
Could you spend a day in Leeds in June?
If you answered ‘yes’ to both of these questions, you might be just who we’re looking for! 
Find out more at this link.

Open Farm Sunday 8 June

Reconnect with your local food producers

Dig out your wellies & head for a Sunday afternoon outing to a farm.  
Open Farm Sunday is an opportunity to dis­cov­er the cru­cial work farm­ers do pro­duc­ing food, nur­tur­ing nature, and pro­tect­ing the envi­ron­ment for future generations. Sign up to visit a local farm & have the opportunity to talk with farm­ers, hear their sto­ries and dis­cov­er how they are work­ing for a more sus­tain­able future whilst pro­duc­ing food you can trust.
Why not organise a visit & invite your eco-church/ social justice group, toddler group families, warm space users, uniform groups, food pantry team…
For further details and to find a local Open Farm, please visit Homepage - Open Farm Sunday

Care Support worker Vacancy

The Wesley Centre For All Ltd c/o The Wesley Centre, Spring Head, Wednesbury, WS10 9AD Telephone: 0121 556 0420 www.wesleycentreforall.com

We are looking to recruit a Care Support Worker to cover our busy Day Centre. The position is for 10 hours per week spread over three days, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The position is paid at £6,349.20 per annum Leave is 28 days per annum pro rata, including statutory days The employer is The Wesley Centre For All Ltd.
By necessity there will be an overlap between “Company' and 'Daycare' and the successful applicant will be expected to perform tasks relating to both as they are not mutually exclusive. The successful candidate will, however, be mainly 'front line' working with clients who have direct care needs, some with mobility issues, some with dementia. No two days are the same and main duties will vary depending on the client's needs but will include, assisting with eating, mobility, toileting, personal care; Planning and delivering interesting and stimulating activities for the service user to do to maintain both physical and mental health. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential as there is a requirement to complete daily updates to client's files. We welcome applications from people who have attained or are working towards at least Level 2 or 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care.
The successful applicant will need to be DBS cleared and be able to provide two references.
Please send a copy of your CV, together with a covering letter to: care.support.leader@wesleycentreforall.com The Wesley Centre For All Ltd Spring Head Wednesbury WS10 9AD
Closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Friday 2 May. Interviews will be held during week commencing 5 May in the afternoon.

Visit of the President of Conference

We are delighted that the President of Conference is visiting the Lichfield and Tamworth Circuit and will be leading an event on the 11th May. For details click here.

Appointment of Chair of JACEI

The ethical investment advisory group
Are you interested in how our investments can shape the future of our planet, how companies deal with conflict or fair pay, or in ethical investment issues around AI? Are you a keen and experienced individual who is interested in helping the Church to invest its money ethically? Do you want to make a difference and contribute to The Methodist Church? Could you be the next Chair of this exciting work?  Please see the advert for this appointment by following this link: https://methodist.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/3815512?cid=1885&t=Chair-of-the-Joint-Advisory-Committee-for-the-Ethics-of-Investment
 

A Day of Exploration with Dr Gary Hall

Saturday 17 May at Church Stretton Methodist Church
 
The idea came from the Ludlow Church and has become a Circuit initiative. We very much hope friends from other Circuits and Ecumenical partners might join us to explore  faith together
 
Gary is a Methodist minister and tutor in preaching and ethics at The Queen's Foundation,  Birmingham. He has a warm , approachable style and is committed both to informed dialogue and pastoral care in the local church. He will be returning to Circuit ministry in September.
The theme of the day is:
 
 
Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land:
Holiness, Letting Go, and Being a Fully Present Church Today.
 
Please join us for a day of reflection and conversation as we explore what it means to be a faithful, present and adaptable church in today's changing world. Through insights on holiness, the challenge of letting go, and embracing the present moment, we will seek new ways to sing the Lord's Song in the unfamiliar territory where we find ourselves.
 
Church Stretton Methodist Church is just off the A49, and very close to the railway station.
It is proposed to serve tea and coffee from 10 and to start the day at 10.30. We expect to finish around 3.30.
Bring a packed lunch, drinks will be provided.
 
It would be so good to open up fellowship across our area, and indeed what will be our new District. All those who have heard Gary speak are very enthusiastic .
 
Please can you advertise this among your preachers and churches. This day is intended for everyone.
Further information can be had from
Adrian Williams, 01584 875220    AJWROSCROWDEN@gmail.com
or Richard Hall      superintendent2803@gmail.com
 

Embers of Peace

Action for Children News

Singing for the Brain

Singing for the brain group brings joy for the elderly at St John’s Methodist Church, Bloxwich in the Hidden River Circuit
 
As our congregations are becoming predominantly elderly, and increasingly accompanied with varying health issues, our circuit was thinking about the best way to connect with them and to help serve their needs.
Statistics from the Alzheimer’s website state that:
One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. A report in 2024, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society, shows that around a million people in the UK have a form of dementia. This is projected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.
This group isn’t exclusively for people with Dementia, there are many attendees who are elderly and just enjoy singing the old songs that they know and love and sharing a cuppa and a biscuit with like-minded people.
 
Having completed training with the Alzheimer’s Society, Deacon Helen Webster leads a team consisting of a lay worker and volunteers, and each of them take it in turns to lead a section of songs during the session. Some songs tap into childhood memories and are recited like poems with repetition and actions with piano accompaniment, some are familiar ditties that can be sung over and over in a ‘round’ style acapella, and some have karaoke style backing tracks that everyone can sing along to heartily together with popular choruses. At each session, there is a fun warm up and gentle stretch and continued interaction is encouraged throughout with clapping, joining in with simple percussion instruments and sharing any memories about the songs. The attendees are asked to suggest requests for the next gathering usually with a theme in mind.
 
The group launched in October 2024 and has included popular song choice favourites from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Christmas carols and songs, wartime songs, Girlguiding songs, songs about love, springtime, Easter and flowers.
 
Speaking with some of the attendees about why they like this group, one person with dementia commented:
‘It’s made me remember things that I’d long, long forgotten. I didn’t realise I knew these songs as well as I did’ 
This went on to help her further unlock other memories in conversations afterwards.
Another attendee said:
‘It brings back memories of songs that my wife and I used to listen to and some of the songs my parents used to sing’
It has proved a valuable group for carers, family members and friends too.
‘My Mother can’t remember much, but she can remember these songs. She loves the social side and getting involved with the actions and talking about it in-between’
 
Research and evaluation from the Alzheimer’s website found that it:

• Supports wellbeing by reducing anxiety, increasing relaxation and happiness and providing a sense of identity
• Increases opportunities for meaningful connections with people with a shared experience
• Provides opportunities for peer support
• Supports people’s memory, word recall and energy levels
• Gives people a sense of choice and control over how the session is shaped by what songs they select

There is a link on the website with further information and how to find a group near you
 
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/your-dementia-support-services/singing-for-the-brain

It Takes a Village Celebration

Hidden River Circuit Administrator Vacancy

Love Pray Vote

On Thursday 1 May, elections will be held for 23 councils and six mayors in England. JPIT has produced a short briefing with links to helpful resources on registering to vote, photo ID, and a prayer: www.jpit.uk/localelections  

JPIT Internship Opportunities

Applications are open for two full-time paid internship roles, aimed at Christians aged 21-30 who are passionate about issues of justice and peace, want to explore the intersection of faith, policy, and politics, and potentially pursue a career in one of these fields. Anyone interested in finding out more or applying should visit www.jpit.uk/internship. Please share news of these brilliant opportunities with relevant groups and individuals.   

3Generate 2025 Volunteering Sign-ups are live

3Generate is back and bigger than ever in 2025! Volunteer sign-ups are live and we look forward to welcoming even more people this year, to help children and young people from across the Connexion experience an amazing weekend packed full of fun, faith and discipleship.  

There are volunteer roles to suit everyone, no matter your skills, experience or ability. You’ll join a dedicated team of volunteers – and a great network of like-minded people! Please encourage your districts to sign up. Find out more about the different roles available and how to sign up at the following link: http://www.methodist.org.uk/3Genvols.  Keep an eye out for more information on ticket sales, which go live on April 29th.

Vocation Sunday Worship Resources

Vocations Sunday worship resources are now available: Vocations Sunday - The Methodist Church  

They follow the lectionary readings for the day and contain: 

·         Bible notes 

·         Prayers 

·         Hymn/song suggestions, both contemporary and traditional 

·         Intergenerational and creative ideas 

·         Suggested service outlines 

·         A full sermon if needed 

LDO Vacancy

The recruitment pack for a new Learning and Development Officer aligned to Wales Synod Cymru and West Midlands Districts has been published on the Methodist Church website: Learning and Development Officer
 
There you will find the job advertisement in both Welsh and English for your attention. Please share this information as widely as possible and pray for God’s leading in the appointment process. Thank you.
 
  
Every blessing / Pob bendith 
 
Delyth
 
Delyth Wyn Davies
Rheolwr Dysgu a Datblygu / Learning and Development Manager
Y Tîm Cyfundebol / The Connexional Team
07799 902576 [Symudol] / [Mobile]


 

Representative Synod Venue 

The next Representative Synod of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District will be held on Sat 10 May 2025 from 10am - 3pm at Oldfallings United Reformed Church, Oldfallings Lane, Fallings Park Wolverhampton. WV10 8BH.
Parking will be available opposite at the Catholic Church Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, 542 Cannock Road, WV10 8PG. There will be limited parking at the Oldfallings URC for those that have mobility issues.

 

WM Synod are looking for a Synod Secretary and Treasurer

As we continue to grow as the West Midlands Methodist District, new roles and volunteer opportunities will start to be released throughout March—beginning with senior roles.

Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of:

Synod Secretary
This is a voluntary role open to lay and ordained Methodists living in the West Midlands District.
 
You will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the District and a District Trustee with particular responsibility for organising the twice a year Representative Synod meetings.
 
You will need to: 

• be able to think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively

 and have 

• a proven commitment to Justice Dignity & Solidarity,
• good administrative and organisation skills,
• knowledge and experience of several church settings,
• a good understanding of charity governance particularly in a Methodist Church context.

The appointment is for 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years.

Click here for a full role description.

Treasurer
 
You will be part of a collaborative team, working strategically and creatively to shape a sustainable future for Methodism across the West Midlands with particular responsibility to ensure there is proper governance oversight of district funds and expenditure.
 
This role is open to lay and ordained Methodists living in the West Midlands District.
 
You will need:
 

• to be a qualified accountant or hold other relevant accounting qualifications

• a good understanding of charity governance particularly in a Methodist Church context,
• an understanding of financial matters, budgeting and monitoring ,
• the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team,

• the ability to present financial information clearly in written and spoken formats,
• a proven commitment to JDS

 
The appointment is for 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years
 
 
 For a conversation about the role,
or more information and a role description
please contact info@wmmethodists.org.uk or go to www.wmmethodists.org.uk/vacancies.html
 

Rejoice and Sing Live!

The United Reformed Church is running a service and celebration, Rejoice and Sing LIVE, at Methodist Central Hall, Coventry, a free event celebrating the 35th anniversary of our hymn book, Rejoice and Sing, on May 3, from 12pm.
 
It’s a service filled with lots of hymn singing for all, talks, a panel discussion with Steve Tomkins, Editor of Reform magazine, poetry and a new hymn, written by the Revd Dominic Grant. An exhibition and cafe are available from 12noon, and the service starts at 2pm. We’re also putting together a scratch choir, and choirs and individuals are invited to take part (lunch will be provided).
 
Tickets are free and are available from www.bit.ly/reform-live
 
With warmest wishes and thanks,
 
 Andy Jackson
Head of Communications, The United Reformed Church
020 7691 9865 | 07976 848062
 
Get your free tickets to Rejoice and Sing LIVE, a hymn-filled celebration of 35 years of our hymn book, Rejoice and Sing. May 3, Coventry: www.bit.ly/reform-live
 

Grant Funders Training Course

How to search and apply to grant funders training course
Run by Transforming Churches & Communities
Saturday 7th June 2025 9:30-10:00 start
Lanesfield Methodist Church Rear Community Hall
£49 per person
Do you need to raise money but don’t know where to start? Here is a training session ideal for you! A four-hour session to support churches sourcing and making grant applications with research and knowledge from current trends and data.
Places are strictly limited
Reserve your space today by emailing edbridgewood@gmail.com today

Course for Spiritual Companions

Birmingham Forum for Spiritual Directors and Companions are organising a one year ecumenical Spiritual Accompaniment training course for lay and ordained Christians from September 2025 to July 2026
It is ecumenical and two of the facilitators are Methodists. Please click here for more details.

 
 

Exploring Ordained Ministry - 14 June 2025

We are now taking bookings for the next Exploring Ordained Ministry Day! It will be held on Saturday 14 June 2025 from 10am to 12:30pm. The link to book your place is here.
Please pass this on to those who might be exploring a Call to Ordained Ministry.
 
 

MWM Annual Global Missions Conference

"The World is my Parish – Celebrating World Mission in Methodism’s past and exploring God's Mission in the future." happening at Cliff College, from Fri 30th May to Sun 1st June. 
You may already know about this and some from your district may already be booked on. The conference is run in partnership with Global Relationships and as well as commemorating and celebrating  overseas lay mission of the Methodist Church over many many years, we will also be looking to the future, exploring new mission paths, including District Partnerships. Our Keynote speaker is Rev’d Reynaldo Leao Neto, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. The Connexional Vice President, Carolyn Godfrey, and the Methodist Youth President, Bea Hulme, will also both be present, along with some returned mission partners, and other organsiations, to share their thoughts and experiences. 
If your district would like to bring any information about your district links, we will have a 'market place' space to share this. 
We are hoping the weekend can be one of celebration and affirmation. 
Please do publicise it, especially to those networks with particular interest in overseas missions or with global connections/partnerships. 
To register and for more information, including booking procedures, please go to https://mwm.org.uk/conferences/

Please click the link for a flyer.

Stationing Briefing 25/26: Save the Dates

The West Midlands District preparation and training meeting to outline the stationing process will be held online on 1st May at 7pm.  In Circuits where invitations come to an end in 2026, those expected to attend are presbyters, deacons, Superintendents and Circuit and Church Stewards who will be involved in the process. Spouses/partners or other supporting people are warmly invited to attend the briefing alongside ministers.  
There will be a follow-up online session on 13th May at 7pm for those who engaging with the processes of re-invitations.  Recognising that this can be a complex process, this session will go into more details around the protocols and will give greater space of questions to be aired.
 

'Wholehearted Monthly' Mission Series Launches

The Methodist Church is thrilled to announce the launch of wholehearted monthly, a free, online mission series starting in March on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm GMT/BST. People from all traditions and countries are welcome.

What is wholehearted monthly? Think community organising rally meets immersive spiritual laboratory. It's for anyone committed to a vibrant friendship between "Church" and "World" — and a desire for both to flourish. Each month, testimony from local innovators, input from a renowned guest speaker, and wisdom-sharing in networks around Gospel justice, inclusion, evangelism, and growth.

Speakers for these gatherings are now public!

Chine McDonald is a writer, broadcaster and author, and is Director of Theos, the religion and society think tank. (Tuesday 13 May)

Get your seat at the online table here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wholehearted-monthly-tickets-1082365166349?aff=evangelismgrowth
 
Hosted by The Methodist Church in Britain and open to all. 
 

Advanced Safeguarding Courses - update 

If your circuit requires a course please let me know -
 
14/06/25 – Central Hall - Coventry Circuit –  0945hrs registration
31/5/25 – Sutton Park Circuit – Four Oaks Methodist Church – 0945hrs registration
21/06/25 – Studley MC – B80 7NJ – Bromsgrove Circuit 0945hrs registration
05/07/25 – Selly Oak MC Bham – 0945hrs registration
12/07/25 – Blackheath & Halesowen Circuit - Blackheath Central Methodist church,  High street Rowley Regis B65 0EH   0945hrs registration
04/10/25 – Brierley Hill MC Vale of Stour 0945hrs registration
 
Also for online courses use this link – its uploaded with new options regularly – if someone requires on line option can they please email me so I can create an account with MCBX as there is pre course work with this option – please bear in mind there is pre work for online course via MCBX
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/nottingham-and-derby-methodist-district-32226456073
 
Online courses –
12/6/25 – 10am x 12pm
12/6/25 – 7pm x 9pm

With on line options there is a requirement to complete the pre course work via MCBX so anyone wishing to choose online course need to email myself, Stephanie Bradley at StephanieBradley@birminghammethodist.org.uk so I can create an account with MCBX as there is a requirement to complete pre course work on MCBX – some people are just attending the course without completing the MCBX work. The online option is far more time consuming than face to face and the feedback I receive is that the MCBX work is repeated at the on line session – just for people to consider.

New District Website and Socials launched

If you are looking for updates and news of the progress of the District merger, the launch of the new website and socials has now taken place so please click the link below to sign up for news regarding the new West Midlands District so you don't miss a thing!
https://www.wmmethodists.org.uk/

District Children's Activities Fund

If your Church is looking to run Children's activities and want some hep with funding, (up to £500)don't forget to apply to the District Children's Activities Fund using the application form linked to this and forward to Tim Lorimer at childrensfunding2024@gmail.com

 

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