Information eXchange
June 2010

Herewith the second issue of information exchange. For brevity I am not including full articles. E-mail recipients can obtain them by CTRL + click on the relevant links (I have checked to see they work!).

Book recommended by Rev David Wynd - The Shack by William I Young

My Dad told me that from now on he is only judging theological books on whether they make him cry with joy because of God’s love or with sorrow at the state of humanity. Having read this book I can say that it does both.

This book has divided many in the church, some dislike it and others find it opens up some of the biggest questions within the Christian faith. It is a novel that follows the story of Mack, a man who has known great loss, as he travels to the shack after an invitation from someone called Papa.

Originally written for the author's children this book is very readable and anyone of any ability will be able to appreciate it.

CHANGES IN COPYRIGHT LAW FOR CHURCHES. From Methodist E-news 15th April 2010

Changes have just taken place regarding the licence requirements for music played from sound recordings (MP3s, CDs, etc) on church premises. They came into effect from the 1 April 2010. However, how these rights are to be administered to churches has yet to be decided.

In the meantime go to http://www.ipo.gov.uk/about/press/press-release/press-release-2009/press-release-20091112.htm for the news item supplied through the Intellectual Property Office.

For current guidance on music performance in churches go to the Music Performance Fact File at http://www.ccli.co.uk/pdfs/Fact_File_Playing_Music.pdf

Methodist Council – April 2010

A major issue addressed by Council was the 2009 Methodist Conference commitment to establishing the Church’s position on the situation in Israel and Palestine. The Council approved a report submitted by the Israel Palestine Working Group for presentation at the 2010 Methodist Conference. The report gives guidance on how to take action to promote justice and peace. One of the report’s resolutions encourages Methodists to write to their MPs, MEPs and Government ministers and call for urgent help to be given to people who are suffering as a result of the Occupation. It also encourages Methodists to visit Israel and Palestine through the help of agencies that convene meetings with Palestinian Christians engaging in respectful dialogue with Jews and Muslims. Another resolution supports the World Council of Churches 2009 call for an international boycott of Israeli goods from illegal settlements.

The Church’s carbon reduction project was also on the agenda. The Council accepted a report identifying how established policy and practice impacts on the carbon footprint of the Methodist Church and how reductions could be made to reduce the Church’s carbon footprint in line with the Government’s targets of 80 per cent reduction by 2050. The report included recommendations that Methodist Circuits be encouraged to fund Government sponsored smart driver training among lay workers, ministers and preachers where appropriate; that local churches sign up to Hope in God’s future pledge and that changes are made to Standing Orders in order for energy performance and energy efficiency requirements to become mandatory for church buildings and manses. For full report go to http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=432

From The Buzz 81 1st April 2010

EVANGELISM - 20+Socials (or, why should the Youth Group have all the fun?)

From Pilsley Evangelical Methodist Church, Clay Cross Circuit, Sheffield District

About 18 months ago Tracey and Martin Harris realized that there was a social gap for many in their church, with people only seeing each other at a Sunday night service. For some it was difficult to attend mid week home groups because of child care or other restrictions. There were also those who appeared to be on the fringes of church, which Tracey and Martin weren't happy about. So this was why 20+Socials were birthed - to help people feel that they belong and to get to know each other socially.

Tracey reports, "We made the decision to hold the Socials in our home, rather than at church, to give a more relaxed atmosphere. Having set the date for our first one, which was Pudding and Games Night, we then invited some non Christian friends and neighbours to come too and there began a series of successful events, often with up to 40 people. All our events include food, with everyone bringing a contribution.We have had a wide range of themed 'Nights' including Wine and Cheese, Chocolate, Western, Hawaiian, Italian, the Oscars and a Pink Party.

Ironically, it's often the 'not yet' Christians who ask when the next one will be held. People have brought along family, friends and work colleagues. And, not least, it's also improved the closeness of our relationships with our regular church family.

We wait to see what the future holds. It's all about building relationships, and if that can include some fun and food, why not? I'm confident that Jesus would approve - after all, his time on earth included socializing and sharing food with all kinds of people."

E-mail contact: Tracey Harris mailto:tracey@harrisfamilyx6.plus.com

From The Buzz 82 30 April 2010

Learning for Pleasure is top class From Sharnbrook Methodist Church, Bedford Circuit

Looking for a way to get more people involved in your local church? Why not follow our inspiring lead and set up a Learning for Pleasure initiative? Since 2006, we've been running the popular scheme, for older people. It boasts an array of classes including gardening for the green fingered, digital photography and art for those with a creative bent. For fitness fanatics, there are also sporting options such as table tennis. The scheme has 60 members, from all sections of the community, with an outreach project attracting 90 eager participants. And it's fantastic value for money at only £10 for a yearly membership!

The groups meet in Methodist premises and so we have an important link with a very diverse group of people who, if not worshipping with us, may be aware of the work our church does in the village.

Church website: http://www.sharnbrookonline.co.uk/pages/facilities/methodist.htm

Buzz promotes an international friendship From The Derby (Derwent Mission) Circuit

A church service with a difference led to international friendships after a special Christingle service, the brainchild of deacon June Harrison, It was seen by Carolyn Huntsman, lay pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Loveday, Texas, USA. She was so impressed with the initiative that she got in touch and invited us to become a sister church.

Jean Parton, church steward of St Thomas's Road Methodist Church said: "Since then, we've been awash with emails, gifts, newsletters and prayer requests from our American friends. And, we were delighted to share in each other's joy as we both celebrated Centennial events. Jean felt honoured to join them for their celebrations. The visit showed her the different ways in which the Southern American church worshipped. Jean said: "It is hoped that my visit will be the first of many exchange visits when the two churches will learn more of each other and share ways of proclaiming the good news of Jesus."

E-mail contact: Jean Parton mailto:jean.newlyn@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone contact: 01332 769015

Sign on for your e-mail copy of The BUZZ at http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=contact.subscribe where you can also delete or change your details.

From Methodist E-news, 15th April 2010

Free weekly prayer texts from the Methodist church

Following a successful pilot, the Methodist Church is now offering free weekly prayer texts to help Methodists join in prayer with hundreds of others on topical and personal issues. To start receiving the texts simply send a text message reading PRAYNOW to 82088, which will be charged at your standard network rate. All prayer texts received will be free of charge. You can also get weekly Methodist prayer text messages on Twitter as well as on your mobile phone. To get the prayer texts on Twitter follow http://www.twitter.com/methodistprayer.

Ban the bomblet - churches celebrate the cluster munitions act.

Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Church leaders have welcomed the passing of the Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Act. It enables the UK to ratify the international treaty banning cluster munitions - something that has been called for by thousands of people around the world. Cluster munitions have been widely used in conflicts around the globe, but on 1 August this year, an international treaty will come into effect, banning the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions, and requiring countries to assist survivors and affected communities.

For more information go to http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=428 .

From Methodist E-news 17th March 2010

NOW IS THE TIME

Now is the Time, a campaign by an alliance of nine UK churches, calls on the British Government to make a commitment to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, building a safer future for all. The Churches are pressing for governments to put all bomb-grade material under international control and commit to making the use and possession of nuclear weapons illegal through a new Nuclear Weapons Convention. Add your support by signing an online petition at http://www.endnuclearweapons.org.uk/petition.htm. For further info. go to http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=424 .

FAIR WORK COALITION

The Methodist Church helped launch the Fair Work Coalition (http://www.fairworkcoalition.org.uk/ ) last week. Faith groups, charities and trade unions have united to campaign for fair treatment for some of the UK's most vulnerable workers. Millions of workers do not have the protections that most of us take for granted. Basic rights such as maternity leave, sick leave, or the right to raise concerns about safety without fear of being sacked, are denied to many. More at http://www.methodistchurch.org.uk/fairwork .

From Methodist E-News May 2010

YOUNG METHODISTS GEARED TO GET GENEROUS

A website for young people run by young people has been launched by the Methodist Children and Youth Team. Generous ( http://methodist.generous.org.uk/ ) is a safe, online space designed to enable young people to discuss and act upon decisions made at Youth Assembly - an interactive body designed to maximise the impact of young people's influence on the Methodist Church in Britain. Young people can sign up to the site and pledge their commitment to different goals, such as confronting racist behaviour or challenging churches on the opportunities available to them. Methodist Youth President Pete Brady said, "Generous offers the chance for young people to share things that affect them on a daily basis in their lives and churches. This is an opportunity for young people to be part of the decision-making process emerging from the Youth Assembly that will then play its part in re-shaping the Methodist Church. I am very excited about how this will increase youth participation across the districts."

TAKE A GLIMPSE OF THE WORD ...

A new booklet, Glimpses of the Word, offers readers an inspiring collection of images, prayers and reflections on the Bible. Readers are encouraged to listen to Scripture and consider what God might be saying to them personally. The booklet is designed as a starting-point to help people to get more engaged with the Bible in their daily lives, in advance of Biblefresh - the Year of the Bible in 2011. Readers will find contributions from authors as diverse as Martin Luther, Helen Keller and Oscar Romero.

Glimpses of the Word is ideal for personal or group reflection, but churches are also encouraged to share its insights with their communities by giving the booklets away. It is available from Methodist Publishing at £5 for 50 copies, and can be purchased online at http://www.methodistpublishing.org.uk/ .

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