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New this week:
MAST Trustees Needed
Methodist Liaison from Jerusalem Visit
Two Funding Opportunities
Children, Youth and Families' Worker needed
Learning Development Officer Vacancy
In case you
missed it:
Operations Manager needed
New Anchor Circuit
News from Action for Children
Run the London Marathon 2026 for MHA
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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MAST
Trustees Needed
MAST is
a Methodist Schools Academy which has been granted delegated
powers from Connexion as the religious authority for 66 schools,
overseeing 15,000 pupils all over England.
We are looking for Trustees from all parts of England and all
walks of life who have experience in Governance and/or Education
and who are passionate about education and wish to make a
difference in the education of mostly primary-aged pupils.
For the majority of our pupils, attending a Methodist School is
the only connection they have with Church. Trustees meet four
times a year, three times in London and once at a Methodist
School.
Attached is the MAST Trustee Role Description. If you are
interested in the role, please contact me at afoster.trustee@methodistschools.org.uk
with a CV and a letter explaining why you are applying for the
role.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Annette
Annette Foster
Interim Chair
MAST
afoster.trustee@methodistschools.org.uk
www.methodistschools.org.uk
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Visit
from Methodist Liaison Officer from Jerusalem
We have
a visit to Herefordshire on the 22nd July of the Revd David
Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer from our Jerusalem office.
David will be giving two talks, one in Bromyard at 4pm, and the
other at St John’s in Hereford at 7pm. We would like to invite as
many as possible to hear what he has to share. Please can you
advertise this through your networks and let your people know. All
are welcome. The Hereford branch of the Palestine Solidarity
Campaign will be joining us at St John’s and will have some
Palestinian products for sale.
The outline of his talk is:-
Title:
‘Loving through a broken heart’
Tag
Line: Palestine & Israel in the shadow of
Gaza & Iran
Summary
(although the situation is so fast-moving content may change!)
‘Loving through a broken heart’ is a direct quote form a resident
of the West Bank, the talk will use personal stories and images
from people in the West Bank and Israel to explore the current
reality in the Holy Land. While newsfeeds provide constant
updates, what is life truly like for Palestinians and Israelis
who remain committed to non-violent resistance, challenging the
Occupation and Settler Colonialism that continue to shape daily
existence and threaten countless lives?
Through their experiences, we will ask: What should our response
be from the UK? How can we engage with these issues in a
meaningful way, offering solidarity and action that supports
peace and justice?
Flyers
Bromyard pdf, png
St Johns pdf, png
Locations
Bromyard can be found here.
St John’s in Hereford can be found here.
Background
Information:-
Revd
David Hardman is currently serving as the
Methodist Liaison Office, Jerusalem for the Methodist Church in
Britain. Ordained in 1994 he has served churches and circuits in
the city centre, inner-city and suburbs of Manchester and London.
He has also worked for Christian Aid as Senior Regional
Coordinator in the North West of England and most recently as
Methodist Team Leader of the Joint Public Issues Team. Justice
and Peace have been at the heart of David’s ministry, he is an
accredited mediator with Place for Hope and a committed activist.
Methodist
Liaison Office
The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem was officially launched
in October 2012 to engage the world Methodist family in Christ’s
ministry of peace, justice, truth, and mercy among all peoples
living in the Holy Land in partnership with the Palestinian
Christian community.
The office is a partnership of the World Methodist Council, the
Methodist Church of Britain and the General Board of Global
Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Its purpose is to
increase awareness and involvement of the worldwide Methodist
community in the issues of Palestine and Israel. The Office is
also charged with coordinating advocacy and education initiatives
and can provide travel and volunteer opportunities for the global
Methodist community.
We assert all humans are made in the image of God and worthy of
equal value and dignity. Therefore the Methodist Liaison Office
works with all who labour to establish and maintain human rights
under international law, and who advocate and inhabit a non-violent
approach.
Working within our Wesleyan tradition, we continue to offer, with
humility, this principal as a frame of reference for all our
partners in the region.
We are committed to working collaboratively and in
partnership with Palestinian Christians and the historic churches
in the region.
We are committed to communicating to our sponsoring churches the
reality on the ground, and in particular the lived experience of
Palestinian Christians, to enable informed advocacy. We deplore
all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including antisemitism
and islamophobia which we guard against and call out when seen
and experienced.
Keep safe, keep caring, keep praying,
Regards
Phil Warrey (Revd.)
(he/him)
Superintendent Minister - The Methodist Church - Herefordshire
(South & East) Circuit (5/24)
Minister for St John’s (Hereford), Bromyard & Ledbury
Methodist Churches.
Deputy Chair - Birmingham District
(Tel) 01531 634242
(Mobile) 07917 077785
(E-mail) phil.warrey@methodist.org.uk
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Two
funding opportunities
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At
4front Partners we share our charitable grant of choice every
week and this week we have a Double Whammy!
Firstly, we have the new programme from Lloyds Bank Foundation
for England and Wales - the Deaf and Disabled People’s
Organisation Fund.
Now open for applications, the successful charities and CICs
will receive a grant of £75,000 of unrestricted funds over
three years. The criteria is for registered small and
local charities and CICs that are led by and work with Deaf and
Disabled people experiencing poverty. Your organisation will
work directly with Deaf and Disabled people to support them to
have more choice and control over their lives, access their
rights and entitlements, and challenge the barriers they face.
The grants also come with a breadth of tailored support to
strengthen the successful organisations.
There is a pre-application webinar on 16th July to
talk through the programme, eligibility and shortlisting. You
can sign up for this here ; https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/about-us/fundingdeaf-and-disabled-peoples-organisationspre-application-webinar/
With a deadline of 4th September we appreciate that
the summer holidays will mean you are likely short of capacity
to complete this application in time so the 4front Partners
team is here to help!
Secondly, we have the npower Business Solutions Foundation.
This fund is for organisations operating within 50 miles of
npower’s Leeds or Solihull offices, so make sure this is right
for you! They are looking for projects covering four main
themes;
• Improve the environment.
• Forge stronger community
bonds.
• Support local educational
institutions.
• Encourage responsible
business.
• Improve places and
spaces.
There’s also a range of different size grants right up to
£100,000 so not insignificant! Check out all the details
here; https://npowerbusinesssolutions.com/foundation#video
If these grants aren’t right for you, we will have others that
are. Our horizon scanning service aligns charitable
organisations with pots of funding, along with assisting with
the applications. Do get in touch at info@4frontpartners.co.uk
Tony Carr - 4front Partners
Email: tony@4frontpartners.co.uk
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Children,
Youth and Families' Worker needed
The Methodist Church Telford
Circuit
Children,
Youth and Families’ Worker
£27,570-£31,320pa depending on
qualifications and experience
37.5 hours per week with 30 days
holiday per annum, plus statutory holidays.
Commences 1 September 2025
· Can you
inspire and support the Telford Circuit and its churches in our
work with children, young people, and families?
· Can you
increase engagement with our existing connections within the
circuit and local churches?
· Can you
innovate to connect with those not yet involved, using principles
of pioneer mission and the God for All strategy?
· Can you
lead efforts to help children, young people, and families
discover and commit to Christian discipleship?
If so, we would love to hear from you. Please email super@telfordmeth.org.uk
for an application pack.
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Learning
Development Officer Vacancy
We have
a current vacancy for a Learning and Development Manager with the
Connexional Team. The role will involve managing Learning and
Development Officers across Wales, the West Midlands and South
West regions. It will therefore require travel including overnight
stays. We are looking for anyone with the relevant experience and
skills to join the team. To find out more about the role please
visit https://methodist.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/3885358?cid=1885
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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 – blackcountryad@gmail.com
(corrected email address)
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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
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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:
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 -
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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