New this week:
Dates for your diary
FE Sunday
Meeting cancelled
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
In case you missed it:
Could you Sticky Theologian?
Open Farm Sunday
Visit of President of Conference
Appointment of JACEI
A Day of Exploration with Dr Gary Hall
Action for Children News
Singing for the Brain
It Takes a Village Celebration
Circuit Admin Vacancy
3Gen Volunteer sign-up open
Vocation Sunday Worship Resources
LDO Vacancy
Representative Synod Venue
New District Synod Secretary and Deputy Chair applications open
Grant Funders Training Course
Spiritual Companions Course
Exploring Ordained Ministry?
MWM Annual Global Missions Conference
Wholehearted Monthly Mission Series launches
Advanced Safeguarding Training
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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Dates for your diary

Some dates for your diaries: 
Revd Rachel Parkinson's leaving service:  Saturday 26th July 3pm at Berkswich.  
The inauguration service for the new District and welcome to new Chair  - Saturday 30th August 3pm at Walsall Central Hall
 

FE Sunday

Sunday 18 May 2024 is Further Education Sunday! It's a great opportunity for you to pray for your local Further Education or Sixth Form College and consider how your church or church project could partner with your local college to bless and support young people and the staff who work with them.
 
You can find videos, prayer and Bible resources for FE Sunday on the website www.fe-sunday.uk, where you can also get in touch to find out more about partnering with a local college.  Share your prayers and actions on social media using the hashtag #FESunday25.
 
 
Many thanks,
 
 
Lynne Hayes-James
Administrator and Clerk to Trustees
St. Peter's Saltley Trust
Gray's Court
3 Nursery Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3JX
bursar@saltleytrust.org.uk
0121 427 6800
 

Cancelled Meeting

Sadly we have had to cancel Zoughbi 's meeting as his visa hasn't come through. Please can this be shared as widely as possible.
 
Denis 
 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Birmingham

Editor: I saw this last year and it was excellent!

A spectacular theatre production of
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe  
is coming to:
Birmingham's The AlexandraTheatre 
 on
Tuesday 27th - Sat. 31st May 
as part of a UK-wide tour throughout 2025.
 
This production played for six months in London's West End at the theatre which ran Cats.
 
For details and to book go to:
lionwitchonstage.com
 
To get an idea of what to expect see
youtube.com/watch?v=ihLwncHYq1U
 
It's in Birmingham for just five days.  Don't miss it!
 
Every blessing 
In Christ
 
David Taylor
Christian Films at my my Cinema
 

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

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
 

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

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
 

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.

'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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