New this week:
Scratch Choir opportunity
Beckly Lecture
Wholehearted Monthly
New Resources for Church Growth
Dignity Freedom Network
Action for Children News
In case you missed it:
Defibrillator Funding
It Takes a Village - postponed
The Well Conference
Wolverhampton Pride
Single Friendly Church Network
Spring Dance Company
Dates for your diary
Open Farm Sunday
3Gen Volunteer sign-up open
New District Synod Secretary and Treasurer needed
Grant Funders Training Course
Spiritual Companions Course
Exploring Ordained Ministry?
Advanced Safeguarding Training
New District Website - reminder

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

View this email in your browser

Scratch Choir for launch of WM District

 
Born in Song – Come and Sing!
We are forming a scratch choir to lead the congregational singing and also singing a feature item in the service on 30^th August in Walsall to launch the new West Midlands District and welcome the new Chair of District.
 

• No prior singing experience required
• No expectation on reading music (printed music will be provided for those who prefer to read)
• We ask that people attend at least one rehearsal and then the rehearsal and event on the day (30^th August).

 
The dates are as follows:
 
Monday 30^th June 7pm - 9pm
St Johns Methodist Hereford
St Owen's St, Hereford HR1 2PR
 
Saturday 5^th July 3pm - 4:30pm
Stratford Methodist Church
Old Town, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6BG
 
Monday 28^th July 7pm – 9pm
Shirley Methodist Church
257 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AL
 
Wednesday 30^th July 7pm – 9pm
New Road Methodist Church Stourbridge
29 New Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1PQ
 
Thursday 28^th August 7pm – 9pm
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX
 
Saturday 30^th August Rehearsal: 11:30am – 12:30pm Service: 3pm – 4:30pm
Walsall Central Hall
Central Hall, Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 2EQ
 
Book in by emailing the Birmingham District office saying which rehearsal(s) you are to be attending.
office@birminghammethodist.org.uk
 
 

Beckly Lecture at Methodist Conference '25

Monday 30 June | 6.45pm 
You are invited to the Beckly Lecture, at Methodist Conference in Telford – or join us online.  
Anthony Reddie, Professor of Black Theology at the University of Oxford, will be speaking on the topic: “Whiteness is the Sea, not the Shark: a postcolonial critique of British Methodism”.  
Reserve your free place at jpit.uk/beckly-lecture  
 

Wholehearted Monthly

Tuesday 10 June | 7.00pm - 9.00pm 
At our next Wholehearted event, we will be joined by Dr. Krish Kandiah - social entrepreneur, advocate for refugees and vulnerable children, broadcaster on BBC Radio 4 and Radio 2, and author of many books, including the award-winning Paradoxology: Why Christianity Was Never Meant to Be Simple. 
Hosted by The Methodist Church and open to all.  
Free sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/5bpzfj9r 

New Resources to Help Churches Grow

A new edition of ‘Our Church’s Future Story: Guidance and resources for growth planning’ is being launched at the Superintendents’ Conferences and is available now. Our Church’s Future Story will help your churches discern a growth plan that will help them steward their limited resources well, with God’s help. The new edition can be ordered free from Methodist Publishing now, and a new suite of digital resources is available at methodist.org.uk/grow. Several 60-minute Zoom walkthroughs of this new pack are scheduled during June – church leaders can pick the best time for them and find out how they could use Our Church’s Future Story to see their churches grow. 
 

Dignity Freedom Network - speakers available

Dignity Freedom Network UK, a registered charity based locally in Stafford, partners with OMIF (a humanitarian initiative of the Good Shepherd Church of India) to bring dignity and hope to poor and marginalised people of South Asia.
We strive to live out Isaiah 61:1 with integrity by providing Education, Healthcare, Economic Empowerment, and Community Development programmes which impact thousands of disenfranchised people annually. We particularly serve outcaste women and girls who often face the additional burdens of gender discrimination and exploitation. Our work is led and directed by Asian staff to maximise the impact on communities while maintaining cultural integrity.
 
Theologically-trained staff would love the opportunity to raise awareness among your congregations of our work, be that Sunday congregations or mid-week meetings including children’s/teens’ work etc. Please get in touch or see our secure website for more information: https://www.dfn.org.uk
 
Please feel free to forward/distribute this email and my contact details to Ministers and other Leaders in your church circuit.
Thank you very much,
Janet
 
Janet Carleton
Partner Communications
DFN UK
 
DFN UK, PO Box 3560, Stafford ST16 9QP
01785 785068                   www.dfn.org.uk                 
 

Action for Children News

Defibrillator funding

London Hearts is a registered charity providing life-saving heart defibrillators throughout the entire of the UK.
We currently have funding schemes running which enables us to provide the equipment at reduced costs.  We are therefore able to supply the following depending on where you wish to locate a Defibrillator:

• Mindray C1A Fully Automatic Defibrillator & C Series Carry Case – currently just £660 exc VAT under our scheme
• Mindray C1A Fully Automatic Defibrillator & Internal Wall Bracket - currently just £660 exc VAT under our scheme
• Mindray C1A Fully Automatic Defibrillator & Internal Cabinet with door alarm - currently just £660 exc VAT under our scheme
• Mindray C1A Fully Automatic Defibrillator & External heated Locked or Unlocked Cabinet – currently just £950 exc VAT under our scheme.   (Please be advised the external cabinet requires a power supply & is not suitable for installation into a phone box)

 
VAT will only be applied if the payee is VAT registered.
 
Our schemes are run on a first come first served basis and there is currently no limit to the number of units you require.  Once our funding has been exhausted the schemes will close.  As with all previous schemes we have run, demand is high, so we advise you act promptly.
The only eligibility requirements are: 

• You are based within the UK
• To share with any interested third party our free online recorded CPR/Defibrillator awareness training which we will provide via email at point of dispatch
• Responsible for ongoing maintenance ie., simple routine visual checks, replacing of battery and pads when required.
• External Defibrillators are for installation on an external wall and a power supply is required.  Once installed External Defibrillators must be registered with the ambulance service via www.thecircuit.uk

To receive our full general information and a non-obligatory quote please complete our online form at:  Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts
 
If prior to this you have any questions please contact me by email reply or by telephone on 02070432493.
 
Our office hours are Monday to Thursday 8am-4pm and Friday 8am-1.30pm.
 
 

It Takes a Village - postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances the 'It Takes a Village' Windrush celebration event planned for 7th June has been postponed till later in the year

The Well Conference 2025

Wolverhampton Pride

Single Friendly Church Network

 My name is Liz and I am the Church Engagement Officer for Single Friendly Church Network. I am emailing to let you know about our free resources and training opportunities for church leaders, as a perfect follow up to the 2024 Methodist report on Singleness.

What is Single Friendly Church Network?
We are a Christian charity helping churches to welcome and value single people at every stage of life. We are research-based and provide free resources and training for churches and leaders.

We believe listening to single people’s voices is so important to pastoral care and church growth. You can also watch our short video to find out more about our work.

Our free resources and training for church leaders
We would love to work with any staff responsible for mission or training in your District - to ensure that church leaders and singles' advocates in your area are aware of our work, such as:

• Why singleness is such an important issue
• Our seasonal resources
• Our free training opportunities
• Our free 5 Step Audit that churches can complete to become a Single Friendly Church

We would especially like you to consider featuring our resources and training opportunities in your communications and events calendars across the year. Our next webinar is on Tues 3rd June.

Bespoke training for your District
We can also offer any bespoke training or presentations tailored to your District. I would be more than happy to arrange a zoom with you to discuss this.

Methodist Conference 2025
If you are going to Telford in June and would like to meet us in person - we will have an exhibitor stand throughout the conference and a Fringe event on Mon 30th June.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read this email and look forward to hearing from you.

Easter Blessings
--
Liz Dunbar
Church Engagement Officer
Single Friendly Church Network
 

Spring Dance Company dates

Springs Dance Company are delighted to be touring our popular Christmas production again this advent. Loved by everyone for the enjoyable, nostalgic, easily relatable story and outstanding performances by our world class dancers. 
Journey of the Magi is a professional production of dance, theatre, song and poetry. It is a family show: accessible for all, fun and thought-provoking, full of warmth, hilarity and delight. It offers a wonderful opportunity to laugh, reflect and refocus during advent. 
Now available for churches to book between 21^st November – 22^nd December 2025.  

 

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
 

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

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.

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.
 
 

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/

Copyright © 2025 Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District - The Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a part of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District.

Our mailing address is:

unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences