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New this week:
Operations Manager needed
New Anchor Circuit
News from Action for Children
Run the London Marathon 2026 for MHA
In case you
missed it:
Last Chance to sign up for Scratch Choir
3Gen Tickets and Grants
New Circuit Numbers for New District
Spring Dance Company
Dates for your diary
New District Synod Secretary needed
Spiritual Companions Course
Advanced Safeguarding Training
New District Website - reminder
Dial-a-prayer
free phone line to hear prayers : 0808 281 2514 Methodist News :
0808 281 2478
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Operations
Manager for Black Country Circuit needed
Operations
Manager (Finance & Property)
An opportunity to bring Finance and Property management expertise
to the day-to-day running of the Circuit and support the
Superintendent Minister and Circuit Stewards with a view to
releasing resources for mission work.
You will have some experience of Financial Management (including
maintaining financial accounts, payments & receipts) and
Property (including arranging maintenance & repairs, lettings
& sales and reporting to governing bodies)
Salary £40,000 pro-rata based on 60% full-time equivalent
Flexible working to be agreed; you will be required to attend
some evening Leadership meetings
Applications to be received by 12noon, 31st July 2025
Interviews week commencing 18th August, although
flexible
The post requires satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring
Service
For further information and an application form, please email the
Circuit Office – blackcountry@gmail.com
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New
Anchor Circuit
We’re excited to share that two of our Methodist Circuits, Gornal
& Sedgley and Blackheath & Halesowen, are coming together
to form a brand new Circuit as: The Anchor Circuit from September
2025.
This decision has been rooted in prayer, careful planning, and a
shared sense of calling. As both Circuits faced similar
challenges and opportunities, conversations began, and it quickly
became clear that we had more in common than we had apart. With
support from our Church Leadership Teams, Circuit Meetings, and
the wider District, the decision to merge was warmly embraced.
So why “The Anchor Circuit”?
 A replica of the locally
made Titanic’s anchor stands between the two communities
We are anchored in Jesus,
our hope and strength
A shared history in Boys’
and Girls’ Brigades across both circuits
With overwhelming support from church councils and circuit
meetings, and successful matches in the first round of
stationing, we’re moving forward with hope and unity. This merger
places the circuits in a stronger position for mission and
ministry in the years to come.
Let’s keep praying and supporting one another as we step into
this exciting future together.
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News
from Action for Children
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News
and upcoming events
NEW: Introducing Action for Children
eCards
We’re excited to share our new Action for
Children eCards with you – a heartfelt way to
celebrate life’s moments while making a real
difference for vulnerable children and families
across the UK.
From birthdays and congratulations to simple
messages of love, our eCards are perfect for any
occasion. Choose from a beautiful selection of
designs, including some created by children we’ve
supported thanks to generous supporters like you.
Your eCard will be delivered straight to your
recipient’s inbox on your chosen date. Every
eCard you send is also a donation. Your gift
could help put food in the fridge, pay essential
bills, or support a child’s mental health – all
while bringing a smile to someone’s day. Browse
the Action for Children eCards here.
Honouring our Heritage
Throughout June, we celebrated Honouring our
Heritage by shining a spotlight on our wonderful
home collection box holders. For many years,
faithful box holders have helped us ensure that
vulnerable children and young people across the
UK don’t miss out on a safe and happy childhood.
You can still catch up by downloading our special booklet
and four prayers and
reflections.
There's still time to celebrate Action
for Children Sunday
Thank you to the churches
that are holding a special worship service to
celebrate Action for Children Sunday over the
coming months. We are so excited to
hear about your plans.
There is still time to hold a service or event,
if you haven't already! Visit actionforchildren.uk/faithFR
and scroll to 'Action for Children
Sunday' where you will find worship material and
a guide if you wish to host a cream tea
or afternoon tea.
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Scratch
Choir for launch of WM District - last chance to sign up!
Born
in Song – Come and Sing!
The launch
and welcome service at the end of August is fast approaching! You
can just turn up on the day but do book a ticket on this link to
let us know you are coming and ensure that you are catered for
after the service.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/district-launch-and-chairs-welcome-service-tickets-1420708781209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Last
chance to sign up for the choir… details are available on the
website http://www.wmmethodists.org.uk
and signup by emailing the Birmingham District office – office@birminghammethodist.org.uk
.
The scratch choir will lead the congregational singing and sing a
feature item in the service on 30th 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 (30th August).
The dates are as follows:
Saturday
5th July 3pm - 4:30pm
Stratford Methodist Church
Old Town, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6BG
Monday
28th July 7pm – 9pm
Shirley Methodist Church
257 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AL
Wednesday
30th July 7pm – 9pm
New Road Methodist Church Stourbridge
29 New Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1PQ
Thursday
28th August 7pm – 9pm
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX
Saturday
30th August Rehearsal: 11:30am – 12:30pm Service: 3pm
– 4:30pm
Walsall Central Hall
Central Hall, Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 2EQ
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3Generate
2025 tickets and grants
3 - 5 October at the NEC, Birmingham
Ticket
sales are now live - click here
3Generate
is back and bigger than ever in 2025! We are looking forward
to welcoming even more children and young people from across
the Connexion to experience an amazing weekend packed full of
fun, faith and discipleship.
There is also financial assistance for all attendees from the
District. Please click here
to access the grant form.
There
are also 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 churches 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.
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New
Circuit Numbers for the New West Midlands District
Please
be aware that the following numbers will apply for Circuits in
the West Midlands Methodist District from 1st September
2025
3/1
Anchor
3/2 Birmingham
3/3 Birmingham (Sutton Park)
3/4 Birmingham (West) and Oldbury
3/5 The Black Country
3/6 Bromsgrove and Redditch
3/7 Cannock Chase
3/8 Coventry and Nuneaton
3/9 Dudley and Netherton
3/10
Herefordshire (South and East)
3/11 Hidden River
3/12 Kidderminster and Stourport
3/13 Shropshire and Marches
3/14 South Warwickshire
3/15 South Worcestershire
3/16 Stafford
3/17 Tamworth and Lichfield
3/18 Telford
3/19 Vale of Stour
3/20 Wolverhampton
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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
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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 21st
November – 22nd December 2025.
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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
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WM
Synod are looking for a Synod Secretary
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.
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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.
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Advanced
Safeguarding Courses - update
If your circuit requires a course please let me
know -
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
11/10/25
– Brierley Hill MC Vale of Stour 0945hrs registration - note
change of date
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
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.
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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/
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