Resolution: That Synod approves the reports listed in the Reports and Resolutions booklet, April 2008.

During 2007 three members, Mrs Gwen Poulsom, Deacon Christine Milne and Rev Duncan MacBean resigned from the District Appraisal Group. Rev Christine Pocock, Rev. David Leese, Mr. Les Hope and Mrs Barbara Hope remain as members with Les Hope as the treasurer. Rev Margaret Kennedy and Mrs Linda Dowson have agreed to become members. We meet three times a year. Mrs Betty Idle continues as mentor for the Accompanists. There are 35 self-appraisers and 28 accompanists. Unfortunately I have to report the death of Mrs Jenny Davey an accompanist from Grimsby , and our sympathy goes to her family. Thirty self-appraisals were completed.

Barbara Hope attended the Chairman's induction Day to introduce the scheme to ministers new to the District. Two joint review sessions for Self-appraisers and Accompanists were held at Horncastle. These were used to update members on the proposed new scheme and collect comments for the connexion. This year the review days will be 8 th May am and 17 th May pm, when we will consider the training and progress being made by pilot districts. Accompanists are expected to attend one review day every three years.

It is proposed the new scheme will be rolled out into the districts in September 2009. No new accompanists have been trained this year as the role is changing and there will be a need for training of facilitators during 2009.

An Accompanied Self-appraisal Training Officer has not been appointed. Chris Jones (TDO) has been very helpful in preparing and leading the review days and has agreed to be involved this year. There will be a need for someone to be responsible for training when the new scheme is introduced.

My thanks go to all the accompanists for their hard and supportive work during the year, and to members of the DAG, particularly to those who have resigned: their support has been invaluable over many years. I look forward to another successful year.

Barbara Hope District Appraisal Officer

ACCOMPANISTS 2007/8

In the past I have written to Superintendent Ministers advising them that I would be willing to assist in deciding what old records may be suitable for deposit in the Lincolnshire County Archives. During 2007 I was approached by a number of Superintendents which has resulted in 142 deposits, both large and small, from four circuits covering 13 chapels as well as district, circuit and LPMA items. In addition a deposit was made by a widow of a member of the Lincolnshire Methodist Historical Society. The deposit included items covering 15 circuits and numerous chapels.

Standing Orders require that all minute books, account books and registers deemed worthy of preservation by the district and recipient archivists, shall be deposited on permanent loan with a public authority. A recent amendment to Standing Orders makes it clear that this includes all completed marriage registers irrespective of whether the church is still open for worship or not. There are many items, particularly minute books, that could have been deposited in the past and have now been lost, creating gaps in both Methodist and family history.

It would seem that at the moment a number of chapels are having to close and some circuits are having to merge. In such cases it is important that chapel minute books etc should be gathered up and deposited. With the merger of circuits it is a good time to ‘weed' the contents of both circuit safes. Other items that are most welcome, and may be in cupboards or in private hands, are photographs of special events, programmes, handbills, circuit plans and even plans of the building or ‘Rolls of Honour' from the two world wars. I am particularly keen for old Baptismal and Marriage Registers to be deposited at the Archives. It may be that the circuit safe or vestry cupboards are overflowing. If so perhaps the time has come to consider depositing some items with the archives – please give me a telephone call on 01205 363055 if you need help or advice.

Colin Shepherdson

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ALL LINCOLNSHIRE (CTAL)

At the meeting of Presidents and Deputy Presidents of CTAL held in December the group were reminded of the commitments made in the Churches Covenant back in January 2004. These commitments underpin all that goes on informally and formally in the name of CTAL. Much of the work reported in this annual report wouldn't have happened without the initiative, involvement and dedication of key individuals and groups for which we are grateful. “What is CTAL?” is a question that has been asked. Well CTAL does have an Office with an Administrator and hopes to appoint a new Ecumenical Officer during 2008 but primarily CTAL is about you – Christians from various church backgrounds in every part of Lincolnshire , North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire working together to fulfil the commitments made in the Churches Covenant. This report highlights some of the things that 2007 will be remembered for which happened under the CTAL banner.

The Common Ground Conference was a major consultation which took place in Horncastle during Fairtrade fortnight in March. Issues of Farming and Fairtrade were explored in the broader context of global trade justice. Colin Tudge, well known for his books and essays on farming and environment was the speaker.

The Churches Environmental Group working with BBC Radio Lincolnshire produced the Lent course “Earth in Our Hands ” and accompanying CD which later in the year went on to win the Environmental Category of the 2007 Jerusalem Awards for religious broadcasting. Well done to Chaplain Terry Miller and his team.

Several hundred people came to the “Earth our Home Event” in April. The Cathedral was set up with displays, events, workshops and activities on an environmental or conservation theme. The event concluded with an ecumenical service in which the Framework for Action was launched. School children packed the Cathedral on the Friday for a schools day on the same theme.

Following its launch in April the “Environmental Framework for Action” was distributed widely to every church in Lincolnshire with the aim of every Christian in Lincolnshire having a copy. This colourful and thought provoking action guide focuses on the themes of energy, transport, water, waste, purchasing, and biodiversity.

Almost 600 people of all denominations packed the Cathedral for the “ Fresh Expressions Vision Day” in March to be informed, inspired, encouraged and equipped to think about and start Fresh Expressions of Church. The day was hosted by Bishop John with Dr Steve Croft and Rev Peter Pillinger, members of the national Fresh Expressions team, as key note speakers. The first “ Mission Shaped Intro Course” took place in the autumn as a follow up to the Vision Day.

Lincolnshire played host to the “March of the Abolitionists” as they passed through various areas of the county in March. The white walkers accompanied by Africans and descendants of enslaved Africans donned yokes and chains for the walk recalling the gruelling journeys of enslaved Africans during the period of the slave trade.

Reports from several Churches Together Groups indicate that many are alive and active. Churches in the areas of Stamford, Gainsborough, Skegness and Sleaford all hosted schools festivals during the summer months, Churches in Boston reported that they were looking forward to Hope 2008, a Street Pastors scheme was launched ecumenically in Lincoln and Sleaford shoppers are now able to use homemade shopping bags in an attempt to reduce their use of plastic bags.

Local Ecumenical Partnerships – the absence of an ecumenical officer has meant that some of our 18 or so LEPs in the area remain in need of support however it is encouraging to see new partnerships forming at Old Brumby, Kirton in Lindsey and Grantham.

The Churches Roads group continued an active involvement with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and this year St Bernadette's RC Church in Scunthorpe was the venue for a moving service of remembrance planned in conjunction with the North Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership. Services of prayer and dedication for the drivers who grit our roads were held in December.

Lincolnshire Chaplaincy Services, which is now a company limited by guarantee seeking charitable status, works as the agent of all the churches in the area of Chaplaincy provision. The 17 strong team of paid and voluntary chaplains engage with the wider community in places of work, education and leisure. A separate report from LCS available in May will give more details. Of course many of the events and projects written about in this report would not have been possible without the initiative and input of the Chaplains.

Starfish Project at Grimsby Institute which seeks to respond to the needs of Tsunami affected communities in South India continued to grow and flourish under the leadership of Chaplain, Rev Dr Mike Ward. A fitting reward came later in the year when the Grimsby Institute were awarded “Outstanding Project of the Year” in the Higher Education Academy Volunteering Awards in London .

The CTAL Development Fund was able to give financial support during the year to the Fresh Expressions Vision Day and the Earth our Home event. CTAL was also able to support the Churches Tent at the Lincolnshire Show which is a very visible sign of Christian presence at the Show.

A separate report from the Tiruneveli Link Committee is available.

The CTAL AGM will be held at the start of the next Presidents Meeting at 10am on Monday 23 rd June.

For more information on CTAL please consult the CTAL website at www.ctal.org.uk or call the office 01522 504070.

Revd Canon Chris Lilley Chair of the CTAL Executive

LINC-IT would like to do just that. Information comes from several sources and is often under the heading of old news which may or may not be usable, depending on how relevant it has become by the time we publish. Many interesting events and activities don't date, however, and reflect good practice, genuine mission and can spark ideas for development.  Some loyal and valued contributors always provide material.  Others, who could do that, are seemingly shy.  I will print good news accounts, humorous observations from any (respectable) sources so that all may share in the evidence of forward motion.

I have wondered about the miracle of at least one exciting - or mildly fresh - example from each circuit... I am not averse to being invited to 'cover' a special event almost anywhere in the District and, in conjunction with Bob Lawe, to report on it as widely as we can.

The next issue (number 18) will be published before the 7th of May, as I am determined to escape then for a holiday on the Isle of Arran.  There'll be Synod, a potentially exciting theme this time, and many trawlings from many places. Hopefully, from you as well, dear reader.   Just contact brianbouncer@aol.com , 01472 353164 or write to 148 Weelsby Road , GRIMSBY DN32 9RR .
It'll be great to hear from you.

Brian Smith

Sheila Lymer and Mike Childs continue in this role.

Gleaned by Sheila from DisabilityNOW magazine.

 The Department of Works and Pensions are to look at Incapacity Benefits . A spokesman said a "fairer and more accurate medical test" would be introduced.

Blue Badges are issued by local authorities.  2.3 million blue badges have been issued across England , the equivalent of 45 permits per thousand people.

Preliminary thinking is for a redesign of the badge itself, creating a "secure and machine-readable badge". If the person who the badge is registered to is not in the vehicle then the badge should not be being used.
Promoting disabled people's rights . The Treasury should view disabled people as equally worthy of state investment. While disabled people get some resources to acquire education and skills, this is often not enough to gain paid or voluntary work to contribute economically. Lack of equal citizenship in socio-economic terms is society's lost asset, says Andy Rickell executive director at Scope.

Locally we keep an eye on Synod arrangements, to ensure that Synod is as accessible as possible to all, but sound systems continue to bring some problems here. Otherwise we have had little official contact to deal with, but hope that consideration of disability remains prominent in the lives of our churches.

“EVERY CHILD MATTERS” Change for Children

The above is also the title of the government document based on the 2004 Children Act. It sets out the national framework for local change programmes designed to build services around the needs of children and young people. The aim is to maximise opportunities and to minimise risk. Sounds like “government speak”? Well it is and now that I find myself representing you all on the County Council I have to learn it pretty quickly too! But never fear, I have been supplied with a list of a couple of hundred acronyms to make life easier.

But seriously, now that I have begun to find my bearings, learned how to use my swipe card and worked out which of the four committees I am sitting on this week, I find the proceedings both interesting and relevant to many aspects of our ministry in the Methodist Church .

As your representative, I am one of six added members to the County Council. An Anglican, a Roman Catholic and three parent governors make up the complement.

I am allocated to the Scrutiny Management Committee which considers all decisions made by the County Council Executive, the Children's Services Scrutiny Panel which is aligned with the Children's Services Directorate and the Children's Services Policy Development Group. I am able to vote on aspects relating to Children's Services. I am also invited to attend full County Council Meetings.

Items of particular interest are listed below:

School Transport – compared with other similar counties, Lincolnshire spends a great deal on this and so certain discretionary journeys are being targeted for cuts. (Ask your local County Councillor for details which might affect your area.)

School Meals – it appears that here there is a big success story. Currently all schools are meeting the “Food Based Standards” and it is hoped that through further development Primary Schools will achieve the “Nutrient Based Standards” by this coming September. I think that means that the quality of school food is improving! Even better though is the fact that hot meals are now available in many more Primary Schools. Hot school meals were withdrawn from primary schools in 1981 and redundant kitchens turned into art rooms, libraries, parents' rooms etc etc. Now at great expense they are being reinstated. Two years ago only five primary schools offered hot meals, today there are more than 200. This enables 35,000 children to receive a great benefit.

Special Educational Needs

Traditionally, children who have specific difficulties in accessing the school curriculum have been given extra help through a process of assessment which has culminated in the issuing of a statement of “Special Educational Needs”. This may take several years, costs about £6,000 per child and may deliver only about £1,000 of help per year. A new more efficient system of delivering the required help without issuing statements is being introduced. It will apply to the majority of children although those with significant mental &/or physical problems will still be subject to the statementing process.

Federation of Schools – this process of running several schools under the leadership of one head teacher operates in several places in Lincolnshire . It takes various forms and is used where it is difficult to recruit head teachers or where a school is not performing to a satisfactory level. Currently 26 schools in all phases are operating within such a system. A more ambitious scheme involving three secondary schools and a feeder infant and junior school in the Lincoln area is currently at the planning stage. It will develop into an Academy Trust and receive £50 million of Government funding. Despite much debate regarding the philosophy of such a scheme most councillors are in favour.

It was in June last year that I attended my first meeting at County Offices, Lincoln and since then many varied items have been discussed. Sometimes with my colleagues, I am scrutinising the decisions made by councillors in order to bring greater accountability and transparency to these processes. Other times I am able to contribute to policies being developed for children & young people's services.

Through its “Plan for Children and Young People (227-2010)”, the County Council aims to ensure that “.. every child and young person, in every part of the county, has the best possible start in life and is able to achieve their potential. ..”

It plans that all children and young people, including those who are vulnerable:

• Are healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

This may sound a bit like jargon again, but in practice it means that all services dealing with children and young people work to the highest standards. They should be integrated and working together as efficiently as possible. It involves pre-school, post school, before school and after school, in other words “wrap around care”. However we may view such a concept, it is currently embedded within the remit of all county councils and occupies a great deal of their time and money.

If you wish to find out more specific information you can Google “Lincolnshire County Council” and then “Children and Young People's Plan”.

Gill Wright

It has been a very busy time for us since we left Weelsby Road in September 2006

We not only changed our premises form St Christopher's Weelsby Rd Grimsby to St Aidans in Cleethorpes but we changed our name from Heneage LAH to Grimsby & District LAH as we cover most of Grimsby and surrounding districts too.

The scheme has grown and developed since It began in February 1992 and over the years it has befriended more than 700 people and given lots more some kind of help.This includes the work we do with volunteers and people not taken on as members. We now work very closely with Care trust + and lots of other agencies. September 2006 saw MHA and Help the Aged form a pilot scheme to reach out to more elderly people in the area of Cleethorpes and again this had proved that 

1. there is a need for such a service 2. It has been very successful

There is a possibility that other such schemes may be set up between MHA and Help the Aged in other areas.

We had a very high percentage of volunteers who went for some pertinent training and also helped to provide training for other projects. This is working together for the common good.

To put all this work in we still need around £12.000 in addition to what MHA gives us and we rely heavily on donations as there are no grants or trust funds who can help in our area. We are very grateful for the help we receive from the circuit, and donations from St Christopher's luncheon club and Scartho Methodist. We are without a chair person at present and would be grateful if there is anyone who would take this role on board for us. Also many thanks to Barry De Graff for the time he gave to us auditing our books and to Mark Hurst for taking over.

We still are serving between 75-85 people realistically and have about 27 volunteers

We celebrated our 16th birthday  alongside MHA 65th anniversary this year and feel very proud that we are still providing a low level preventative care for the elderly of Grimsby and district.

Pat Woolliss

The committee has not met formally in the past year. With relatively few lay-employment posts being set up in the district in the last 12 months the committee Chair has reviewed the relevant paperwork to ensure compliance with standards laid down in the Lay-Employment Advisory Information handbook. Three other committee members remain available for consultation by the Chair in case of need. The committee has approved job descriptions etc. for 10 new posts in the district in the past year.

The committee is reliant upon circuits/churches informing it of proposed new posts   prior to appointments being made. It is not the committee's job to scour the district for appointments made without the committee's approval, although it is aware that such appointments exist. We stress the importance of all employing bodies keeping the committee up to date with proposed new appointments and changes both to contractual conditions and personnel in respect of their lay-employment jobs. CPD requires all prospective lay-employing bodies to seek approval of our committee to the contract of employment and job description etc.  before a lay-employee is engaged.

The Lay Employment Advisory Information Handbook is regularly updated to be compliant with current legislation, so circuits/churches are reminded to use the up to date guidance notes before sending documents to the committee for approval. This pack is available for downloading from the Methodist Church website or can be purchased from Methodist Church House.

Attention is drawn to the changes to the lay workers' job titles and pay structure effective 1st September 2008 .

The National Minimum wage from 1st October 2007 is £5.52 per hour (age 22 and older), £ 4.60 per hour (age 18-21) and £3.40 per hour for 16 and 17 year olds.

As the committee is still operating without a secretary (a Synod appointment), all enquiries and paperwork should be addressed to the committee Chair.

On 1st September 2007 the Chair attended the District Lay Employment Secretaries Workshop at Methodist Church House. The two workshops chosen were "Accommodation: Its blessings, pitfalls and the law" with Neville Johnson and "Cases in Employee Relations: Long Term Sickness and Redundancies" with lawyer S. Galbraith.

Ivor McNish

The District Leadership Team (DLT) continues to meet on regular occasions. We schedule our meeting to fall a month before DPC meetings so that we can set the agenda (also for Synod).

Our main tasks this year have been

• To look strategically at the re-shaping for mission process and to hopefully keep the District on task and on target. This is a vital work and we need to be on top of the job if we want to lead rather than be driven by change.
• Supporting our TDO Chris Jones and consider training and development issues.
• Discussing stationing issues as they have arisen.
• Consider vacancies that come up.
• Receiving reports from Methodist Council and the District Chairs' meetings.
• And any other issues that arise between synods & DPC.

It is always a privilege to sit on DLT and to be able to serve the District in this way. With the nature and size of our synod we cannot always keep that sharp eye on issues or offer the confidential support needed in some instances. We will continue to do this on your behalf for this coming year.

Rev'd David Newlove (Convenor DLT)

The District manse inspections are now to occur every five years in line with current recommendations and a new Schedule J form.

Schedule Js will be sent out in June – thus allowing the visitors opportunity to carry out their inspections during the summer months.

The manses to be visited this year:-

(17/2) Lincoln North. 57 Mill Lane Saxilby Lincoln.
           Mr and Mrs P.Thornton

(17/2) Lincoln North. 62 Yarborough Cresc. Lincoln.
           Mr and Mrs P. Thornton

(17/4) Mid – Lincs. Rivers-Meet Cagthorpe Horn.
           Mr and Mrs M.G.Chambers

(17/5) Grimsby /Clee. 175 Mill Rd. Cleethorpes.
           Mr and Mrs J.F. Connolly

(17/5) Grimsby /Clee. 107 Welholme Ave Grimsby.
           Mr and Mrs J.F. Connolly

(17/11) Brigg. 16 St James Rd. Brigg.
           Mrs S Brydges Mrs J. King

(17/10) Scunthorpe. 152 Brigg Rd. Messingham.
           Mr and Mrs R. Barker

(17/10) Scunthorpe. 6 Ashberry Dr. Messingham.
           Mr and Mrs R. Barker

(17/17) Bourne. 2 Coggles Causeway Bourne.
           Mr and Mrs C. Shepherdson

I would like to thank the team of visitors on behalf of the District. Two copies of the completed reports will be sent to the minister at each address later in the year.

Roy Wilson – Manse Secretary

Having taken over this position everything changed! Instead of forms, information could be entered on the internet, although it was still possible to use the previous system if preferred.

My thanks to all those who battled with the technology. The vast majority of the information was entered by or soon after the deadline. The first sheet of the connexional synopsis is printed next. If anybody needs more information, I will be glad to help, or point you towards those who can.

Mike Childs

METHODIST HOMES

Methodist Homes Sunday 8th June 2008

‘Milestones or Millstones' is the theme of our MHS Worship for 2008. The milestones of our younger years are celebrated with great enthusiasm, but as the years advance they are often seen as reasons for commiseration, not celebration. The more milestones we pass, the harder the journey can become and in a society dominated by a culture of ‘staying young' ageist attitudes and stereotypes can turn milestones into millstones.

This year MHA celebrates 65 years of caring, a traditional milestone associated with retirement. However, rest assured MHA has no such intention. We are working with more older people than ever before, 12,500 in 150 projects throughout Britain , and our work is designed to help older people find meaning and purpose in their later years so that milestones do not become millstones.

Society has changed dramatically since 1943, but our mission is still as relevant today and we shall meet the challenges ahead with enthusiasm and commitment. Members of the Methodist Church have been with us all the way and your time spent in volunteering, raising funds or keeping us in your prayers has had a significant impact on our development. Thank you.

65th celebrations have taken place at Stones Place and Live at Home Schemes in the District. Staff continue to offer the older people in their care every opportunity to live life to the full through our ‘Seize the Day' initiative.

If you would like to know more about the work of MHA, or can help in any way, please speak to your District Representative, Dinah Smedley, or contact Angela Robinson 0113 2728477 email: angela.robinson@mha.org.uk

Members of Synod will be aware that candidating is in the process of radical change, as candidates move from a base of what has been called Foundation Training to Extending Discipleship  Exploring Vocation (EDEV). In the current year there were no candidates from the district, but we are already aware of candidates preparing for 2008/09, some of whom will have completed Foundation training, and some their EDEV studies. For next year at least there will be two different systems operating in tandem.

The Ministries Panel needs a full representaion of members from across all the circuits, and new members are always welcome.

David Leese

MISSION ENABLER

This year has seen the launch of my Mission Enabler Pack. It has been distributed to all Superintendents and ministers new to the District. The pack gives information about the role of the Mission Enabler and how you can make use of me in your Church or Circuit. It will be updated during the year to include information about Mission Courses, events etc. If you would like one for yourself, please contact me.

It is clear that Mission is rising up the agenda for all Circuits and most churches in the District and it is encouraging to see many appointments having at least a part mission element to them.

Mapping the Way Ahead and Pastoral Heart/Mission Mind are playing a large part in this year's work – I hope they will prove useful tools for the future.

The District Mission Network continues to function and to grow although we find it more and more difficult to meet and value communication through the e-group. The website also continues to communicate what is going on in the District on the mission front – I commend both of these to you.

Liz Childs

A gathering at Highbury expressed their appreciation for Rev Bill Lynn's services as pastoral director when he retired December 2007. Rev Will Morrey (President of Conference 2004/5) has now taken the new post as faith communities advisor, responsible for relationships with the Methodist Church .

At Conference this year at Scarborough N.C.H will present the annual report. If you would like an N.C.H buffet lunch, tickets are on request by e-mail (Methodist@nch.org.uk )

Always there for children is the new N.C.H. brand, publicly launching in September to raise awareness and fund raising. We were first to set childcare standards and we have been fighting for their rights since 1897.

A restructuring of N.C.H staff into regional areas is currently being implemented across the country and Lincolnshire will be part of England Central/West.

Local projects “caring together” have four N.C.H crèches working with special needs children in the Lincolnshire area.

There are bowling groups working with disabled young people at Lincoln , Skegness and Boston .

The group “listen and learn” meets on alternate Wednesdays for the purpose of helping teens to 25 year olds to better their reading and writing skills.

“Kaleidoscope “ at Scunthorpe is a drop in centre that supports outside agencies. The down syndrome group and the deaf society make use of the centre for their meetings. Also the welfare services use the building as a base to give supportive advice to those that need it.

Eileen is the leader of a support group that use the drop in centre, Their purpose is to help the siblings of disadvantaged children with activities and outings giving them the chance to be themselves.

Epworth and Crowle : Concert and carol service, coffee mornings and sponsored circuit walk (7miles raising £1147.00)

Cleethorpes and Grimsby: Home collecting boxes and some money left in memory of loved ones (over £4000). Store collections at Tesco (£400)and Morrisons (£500)

Barton and Brigg : A local minister opened her house and raised(£62). Home collecting boxes(£142.00). Christmas services at Barton (over £200) crib festival at Brigg (£300) over £900 was raised in a sponsored swim. Nearly £450 from Christmas Day collections throughout the circuit.

Louth: House to house collection (£400) There will be a hymn singing evening on June 12 th at Nichol Hill Louth 7.30 . A.G.M will be on 21 st April

Scunthorpe : Rex Carter has an annual open house. Step out is 7 th June, Christmas festival of trees by the rotary club at Old Brumby ( United Church ). Three store collections planned.

Lincoln South : Christmas day collections and home collection boxes within the circuit.

Spalding : Successful Christmas collection.

Boston : carol singing around the circuit (over £250). Fashion show with centre point (over £160). Sponsored walk (over £600). Store collections and street collections. Raised so far in nine months £2560.

Sheila Lymer

Network Quiet Day
A Day With the Celtic Wild Goose
Led By Elaine Turner
On Thursday 24th April 2008
10 – 3.30 Please bring a packed lunch

National Event
Sacred Places
Led by Judith Lampard
18 th to 20th April
At The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanick
Limited Funding Available contact Diane Patrick

May District Day
Overseas Missions
Led by Dot MacMillan who works overseas
On 21st May
At Spilsby Methodist Church
10 – 3.30 Please bring a packed lunch

October District Day
Commissioning of next District President Sue Leese
Speaker Sandra Lewer 06-07 Connexional President
On Wednesday 1st October
At Epworth Methodist Church
10-3.30 Please bring a packed lunch

Women's Network Social Action Project

This is the final year of Action on the Trafficking of women and girls in Europe . Any church or group wanting to hear more about this or the work of Network please contact Diane Patrick who will arrange speakers for you.

Diane Patrick

POLICY COMMITTEE (DPC)

DPC has met three times this connexional year, with a further gathering planned for 15th July 2008 .

The September meeting on Saturday 29th September had one main agenda item, working under the title – Mapping the Way Ahead. The essence of this is to see how the district can re-form for mission and sustainability for the future.

The eventual outcome was a working group who produced a questionnaire, in which circuits were asked to assess where they are now, in terms of strengths/weaknesses, membership and finances. This document has gone out and is to come back in May, then to July DPC, after which a summary will come to September Synod.

At this point it will need to be established how circuits, in consultation with district offices, would want to proceed in the reshaping of circuits, aiming for plans to be in place by September Synod 2009. Final implementation is to come into force in September 2011.

The two further meetings, in November and February dealt with necessary business - finance, property, Methodist Council, appointments and job descriptions, the Presidential visit, while always keeping an eye on Mapping the Way Forward.

Our thanks to all those who serve on DPC, bringing their own expertise to the themes and discussions.

Mike Childs

PRAYER CALENDAR

Firstly, I would like to offer thanks to all those whom I have pestered over the last seven years to send me prayer points for the Prayer Calendar. I know how busy everyone is, and sometimes my request must have been the last straw! I am very grateful to Alison McNish who has arranged and printed the finished document for me each time.

Secondly, I do hope that people have found use for the Prayer Calendar in their personal and corporate devotions and worship. Certainly friends in our link diocese of Tirunelveli in S. India appreciate the regular thoughts and prayers encouraged by our calendar, and are now producing similar documents of their own.

Finally, (do I sound like a preacher?) I feel it would be good to hand the editorial baton over to someone else this year. The calendar needs a fresh look and a new editor will bring his/her own aspect to the task, as I have tried to do. I would be pleased to pass on the file of past issues and notes, and help someone in the first instance. Please consider if God might be calling YOU, or someone you know, to do this important piece of work for our District.

Sandra Clack

Since my last report our Webmaster David Andrew has been unwell and we wish him a speedy recovery. I have done my best not only to run the District site but also to update any of the Circuit Sites that David was responsible for (if I have the key passwords.) So my apologies if the sites are delayed in updating – I always feel that a website should be updated at least once a week as it shows the viewer that the site is vibrant and cared for and not just put there as an add on to any outreach for the church.

As to the Press - we have had several dealings with certain elements of the Media trying to find out background details to some unsavoury events and happenings. At the time of writing this, if you have not heard about them or have only seen the facts reported then we have done our job. There are however a couple of timebombs ticking that will not only affect the L G District but other districts and the Connexional Team – we are struggling at present to diffuse the situation or if it goes off to minimise the fall out for the good of the Church.

On to happier things – if over the next few months you have difficulty getting hold of me or I am a little late in replying to e mails please forgive me as I am working with the Connexional Team and the Local Arrangements Team for Conference 2008 at Scarborough which takes up quite a bit of time.

My thanks to all who regularly keep me informed of events, happenings, etc in their Churches. I only wish that a few more would realise the potential of using the website.

For your information at the time of writing this the website is just over 150 megabytes in size , we have over the past year averaged 9,000 visits per month logging into around 18,000 pages per month. That relates to 300 people a day looking at the main site or one of the circuit sites.

THINK ABOUT IT !!!!

Bob Lawe

It has been an exciting year at HMP Lincoln. We have a new Co-ordinating Chaplain Revd. Andrew Roberts who took over from Revd Jeff Bird. Andrew has brought a new and open approach, which has been most welcome. As a result I was asked if I would run another Alpha Course. The prison is very much in favour of this course and gives us support to run it. They provide extra staff to cover the movements from the wings to the chapel where the course is held. We finished the Alpha course just before Christmas. I am delighted to inform you that at least three men received Jesus Christ as their Saviour and have been so impacted by the Lord in their lives that have asked us to run another course, which we started on Thursday 10th January so they can bring some of their fellow inmates along. We had the privilege of baptising the three new Christians too - which again is testimony to the transforming power of Jesus.

Another highlight of the year was when I took in four Cliff College students for a monthly service on a Saturday morning with the 'Vulnerable Prisoners.' After testimony and a short word brought to the men by the nervous college students, God moved powerfully. The result was several of the men received Jesus Christ and were baptised. Amongst this number was a man we had been ministering to who had formally been a Satanic priest! Is anything too difficult for our God?

Stephen Marshall has recently run the fantastic 'Freedom in Christ' Discipleship course which he adapted for use in prison which has been a real blessing to the men of E-Wing who went along. At least one of these men made a Christian commitment.

So all in all we are thankful to God for His working in the HMP Lincoln during 2007 and look forward to more eternal fruit in 2008.

We rely on the prayer support of the local churches and are always seeking the Lord for more labourers in this fruitful but difficult part of the harvest field.

Revd Mark Lawrence Free-Church Chaplain

The District has been privileged this year to have two first year Probationers: John Corrie (Sleaford) and Dan Haylett (Grimsby & Cleethorpes); two Ordinands: Julie Doddrell ( Boston ) and Andrew Lomax (Market Rasen); and one ordained minister to be received into Full Connexion: Jeongsook Kim ( Scunthorpe ).

The Probationers' Committee was once more a delight as we listened and talked with these ministers. They bring freshness to our District and as they are trained for, and are part of twenty-first century culture, we can learn a great deal from them about being Church in today's society. So their presence among us is not one way - us teaching them how to be ministers, but also - them teaching us how to be church for today and tomorrow, essential as we explore Mapping the Way Ahead.

Let us beware as congregations that we do not attempt to shape them into ‘the way we have always done things' and so lose the gift which God has given to us in our Probationers.

Liz Childs

BEQ Bequest
CAF Circuit Advance Fund
CAF (Temp) Temporary use of Circuit Advance Fund
CAPF Connexional Advance and Priority Fund
CPCG Connexional Property Committee Grant
CT Charitable Trusts
DAF District Advance Fund
DISC Discretionary Grant
IH In Hand
JRBT Joseph Rank Benevolent Trust
LA Local Authority
LBF Listed Building Fund
LF Landfill Tax Credit
LPOS Local Proceeds of Sale
MCAA Methodist Chapel Aid Association
MI Methodist Insurance
TBR To be raised
TC Total Cost
VF Vandalism Fund
VL Voluntary Labour

Property Report to District Policy Committee
November 2007

Schedule 1

17/10 Scunthorpe :Yaddlethorpe: Redevelopment of hall:
Total £46630 IH £10000 TBR £6630 Beq £500 CAF £5000 DAF £5000 (to be confirmed) Rank £5000 other £14500

17/19 SkegnessAlford and Wainfleet: Skegness: replacement of access for disabled, interior renovations Total £67548 IH £10000 TBR £7548 BEQ £50000

Minor Works Schemes (MW1)

17/2 Lincoln North: Bailgate: raising balcony rail to comply with health and safety regulations Total £750 IH £750

17/10 Scunthorpe : Yaddlethorpe: repairs to south end of church wall: Total £2507 IH £2507

17/4 Mid Lincolnshire : Coningsby Methodist Church Dogdyke Road Coningsby

17/9 Gainsborough: Beckingham Methodist Church

17/15 South Holland : strip of land - Broad Street Methodist Church

17/20 Spilsby: Scremby Methodist Chapel and caretakers cottage

Schedule 10b Application to use Model Trust

17/19 Skegness Alford and Wainfleet- Skegness - Bequest £30000

Schedule 12 Delegation of Managing Trusteeship

17/20 Spilsby– Circuit Property Committee- Repair and maintenance of tenanted properties and manse

Schedule 13a Use of Circuit Advance Fund for any Methodist Purpose (up to £10000)

17/5 Grimsby and Cleethorpes: Assisting in the funding of youth and children's work £10000

Permission has also been given to Crowle Methodist to seek a Biffa award for their scheme, which has increased in cost. Now £167,197 original estimate £117000

Property Report to District Policy Committee
February 2008

17/17 Bourne, Bourne Methodist Church ,

Installation new first floor, new ceilings to ground floor areas

IH £18053 CAF £18000 vat reclaimed £6309 total cost £42362

17/19 Alford, Wainfleet & Skegness, Skegness Methodist Church

Replace disabled access ramp to church and make interior renovations to hall

IH £10,000 TBR £7548 BEQ £50,000 Total £67548

17/3 Lincoln South, Harewood Cres. Manse

Supply and install conservatory, flooring and blinds: CAF £11,000 Total £11,000

17/11 Barton on Humber & Brigg, Barrow on Humber Methodist Church

Renew flat roof over kitchen and toilets: IH £3700 CAF £1000 Total £4700

17/14 Louth, Marshchapel Methodist Church

Replacement windows: IH £2000 TBR £380 CAF £8000 Total £10380

17/14 Louth, Grainthorpe Methodist Church

Disabled access ramp: IH £570 CAF £570 Total £1140

17/20 Spilsby, Halton Holegate Methodist Church

Re-roof kitchen annexe: IH £1622 CAF £1621 Total £3243

17/22 Boston , Hospital Bridge Methodist Church

Renovate kitchen and toilet: IH £10304 Total £10304

Schedule 3: Shared Premises

17/09 Gainsborough, Beckingham: Methodist with C of E – All Saints' Parish Church , Beckingham

Schedule 5: Application for Permission to Advertise for Sale

17/09 Gainsborough: Heapham Methodist Church

Schedule 7: Application fro Permission to Purchase a Building Freehold

17/20 Spilsby, Spilsby Methodist Church and North and South Manses and grounds

Release the right of reverter £10,000

Schedule 9b Grants/ Loans to property schemes

17/09 Gainsborough: West Stockwith : loan from circuit advance fund £10,000 repayable 6 months interest free

17/10 Scunthorpe : Yaddlethorpe – wooden hall at rear of church

Schedule 13a: Use of CAF for any Methodist Purpose

17/9 Alford, Skegness & Wainfleet: £4000 to support general work and mission

17/20 Spilsby: £10,000 for general purposes

Rev. Jennifer Park

Jonathan Hustler

A visitor to the National Portrait Gallery in London quickly notices how at certain periods portraits conformed to conventions. When a subject commissioned a painting of her or himself, s/he would have had an idea in her/his mind of what a portrait was. A sermon can be understood as a portrait; in it the preacher depicts the character of God as we have known Him through Jesus and/or the character of the human being in need of or having received forgiveness. But like the portrait-commissioner, the hearer of the sermon will be familiar with what a sermon is. However, the conventions that apply in one period may not be applicable in another.

This sabbatical project was to explore the ways in which sermons have been delivered in different forms over the course of time. My study focused on selected preachers in eight different periods and asked how they had shaped their sermons. I also explored whether and how some of those methods might be adapted and used by preachers in the early twenty-first century. The results of the study are being written up and I hope that they will be published as a book later in the year.

During the sabbatical, I made my first visit to St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden (near Chester ) to do some of the reading. This is a wonderful resource; the library is well-stocked, the hospitality gracious and (with subsidized rates for ministers) reasonably priced, and the atmosphere both restful and conducive to study. I warmly recommend it to anyone who wants a place to read and to think.

Mark Lawrence

During my sabbatical I had feedback from one of my colleagues that a member of one of the congregations in my section thought that ministers' lives were easy, that the churches didn't need them and that sabbaticals were nothing more than a paid holiday! Thankfully this mean-spirited attitude does not prevail in the churches, but rather the grace and mercy of Christ.

I'm so grateful to God and the Methodist Church for giving me the opportunity to have had time out from my ministry. I've met with God in so many special ways, places and through so many people. I feel refreshed, re-commissioned and re-equipped to continue in ministry. All the experiences I've had have enabled me to grow and develop as a Christian and as a leader. It has been an awesome privilege and, I believe, of eternal benefit. I have tried not to waste a moment's time as the list below will testify!

I had so many wonderful experiences I don't know where to begin. I shall be sharing various testimonies around the Circuit over the next few months.

The highlights have been as follows:

Walk Cumbria – Sleeping on a church-hall floor with a team of ten men. We preached on the first Sunday, did door-to-door visitations, spoke at school assemblies, did street work with the local youth, did rubbish collection at a local village and set-up a youth club. Easy street as you can see!

Joseph of Arimithea research – Went to Glastonbury and looked into the various traditions regarding his coming to England to trade and then after the Resurrection of Jesus to preach the Gospel and plant churches. I found even more than this, but I can share more as and when!

Freedom in Christ Discipleship Course – I completed this amazing course which is an excellent follow to Alpha. It is an absolute must for any Christian, or whole church for that matter, who is serious about moving on with God. It is practical, biblical, clear and powerful. I also went through the Seven Steps to Freedom on one day and that is a testimony in itself.

HTB Marriage Course – Carolyn and I are leading this seven week course starting on 13 th September for couples within my section. We thought we ought to go on it first to check it out! Wow! It is brilliant. I feel like I've falling in love again! However, it's not all chocolate and roses, but highly practical and challenging. Although there were several couples there is no group work! You work together as couples and watch a helpful and informative DVD presentation and then answer discussion questions and talk together about it. All good stuff!

Work Visits – I visited several congregation members in their places of work. These were: Lincolnshire County Council & Siemen's, including their Christian Unions, the Renal Unit at Lincoln Hospital , the Brockmoor Foundry in Dudley, RAF Scampton, BSC Filters near York , two high-tech companies in Lincoln and I also had the privilege of accompanying a meter-reader around the area with his duties. This has been a most rewarding and interesting time. I have been able to appreciate the different pressures and challenges of 21 st century business workings and how God's people are right in their seeking to bring glory to Christ by being lights in the darkness.

I could go on and on, but hopefully that gives you a brief overview along with all the data below. And now I look forward to returning to my duties with a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit to get on with the work I have been commissioned and called to do by the Lord Jesus Himself.

TIRUNELVELI LINK COMMITTEE

It was with great sadness that we said goodbye, in May last year, to Elaine Robinson who has been secretary to the link for eight years. During this time she has enlivened committee meetings with her enthusiastic good humour and gallantly taken on the role of tour guide for trips to India . She will be missed. Her place has been taken on the committee by Mrs Rosemary Gaskell. Mrs Gaskell, together with her husband, visited Tirunelveli in August 2005.

The link continues to flourish and we are hoping to take another party to visit South India in the near future. In anticipation of this forthcoming visit we held a “Tastes of Tirunelveli” evening in November. Thirty people shared in a Church of South India Eucharist led by Canon Alan Nugent and, following this, Dr Mike Ward from Grimsby College gave an illustrated talk about the Starfish Project which took students from the college to South India to work with victims of the tsunami. We heard how the hearts of the people of Grimsby , itself a fishing town, had been touched by the plight of the fishermen, women and children of the Indian coastal villages and moved them to offer practical help.

Our evening was rounded off with a delectable meal from the Malabar Junction restaurant in Lincoln that specialises in South Indian cuisine. Everyone enjoyed the evening and it was an opportunity to bring together those who know the region and those who would like to join our next trip.

The new diocese of Tutorcorin-Nazereth and its bishop are very keen to extend the hand of friendship to us and maintain the links established when the area was a part of Tirunelveli. It is hoped that we will be able to visit both dioceses.

Dr Premkumar Joseph has been in correspondence with us about his new project – a housing development for homeless people who have recovered from leprosy. Two-person dwellings are to be built on a site with enough space for a community centre, allotment areas for growing vegetables, and paddocks for keeping livestock to ensure independence and a degree of self-sufficiency.

We are hoping to entertain visitors from both dioceses later on in the year and the Bishop in Tirunelveli will be coming to Lincolnshire as a guest of Bishop John before the Lambeth conference in July.

Alison McNish

Whilst the past year has been one of some uncertainty with regards to the future of the TDO scheme Connexionally and as to what will succeed it after August 2008 when it ceases, the on-going work within the District has continued.

With regard to training I have been able to undertake or initiate courses relating to a variety of areas of life within the Church. These have involved specific training for roles such as stewards, pastoral workers, those working with children and young people, Local Preachers etc. Whilst the Church is rightly exploring new ways of expressing itself and its mission, there is still a need to support the ministry of those who give their gifts and time in service and to ensure they are properly equipped for the tasks they undertake.

During the year the District adopted a strategy for training and development. When written like that it sounds very dry!! In reality it provides a framework so that all can be properly supported and resourced in their work within the life of the Church.

A very practical piece of work was to help introduce and launch the Lay Training Course , working with the Diocese of Lincoln. Five groups around the District have so far taken up this opportunity to explore discipleship, mission and ministry. The ecumenical dimension of the course offers exciting possibilities.

Other training opportunities have come about through working with groups developing new projects. New initiatives often mean that people need to take on new skills or have existing experience affirmed and developed. This can be exciting and challenging work as it is not always clear at the outset what exactly is required and it is necessary to be able to respond to specific needs.

It has been a privilege to be able to share with groups of people as they explore new possibilities in developing the mission of the Church corporately and individually. Again this is exciting stuff!! The journey from the time an idea first comes to mind to a new piece of work beginning can be long, challenging, sometimes uncertain but also fulfilling and rewarding.

I have also been involved in supporting District groups such as the Child Protection Advisory Group, and Resourcing Mission Grants. Relating to a variety of regional and ecumenical groups ensures our work is not undertaken in isolation.

I am grateful for the support I have received around the District and look forward to continuing this work for the next few months.

Chris Jones

YOUTH COMMITTEE

Another busy year for us on the Youth Committee. The young people in our District have enjoyed a range of activities.

In July we held two District camps. One was help in Humberston the other in Derbyshire. A good weekend was had by all groups attending and luckily for us the rain held off and we had probably one of the best weekends in July!

October and November saw a busy couple of months for us. In October we visited the south of the District and went to Boston for a Quiz weekend. A group of us had the opportunity to go on Rev Maurice Perry's boat along the river Witham. The rest enjoyed a trip up Boston Stump. We then went back to Zion Methodist Church for the Quiz, Pizza & Chips. Worship was shared with the congregation on the Sunday morning.

November saw us heading for Lincoln once again for Sports Safari. Football, netball, ten pin bowling, swimming, uni hoc, squash, basketball, disco and ramble all in one weekend. It was fun though and worship was shared in an Anglican/Methodist church in North Scarle . I think the congregation enjoyed the worship with the band!! All the groups who attended the weekend participated in the worship which was a lovely act of fellowship.

As I write this report, the District is preparing for a weekend in Gainsborough. This is to involve solving a crime in the Old Hall. Sounds interesting.

It has been great to see a few new groups join in the activities held this year. I do believe there are a few more out there who would benefit from the activities we hold. If you are one of these groups then please get in touch in Alison McNish at the Youth Office. It's great mixing with other young people from around the District sharing mission, fun and fellowship.

We have seen some new faces at our Youth Committee meeting too, which is fab. It's always nice to see the leaders meet together to share ideas, cakes and have a time of fellowship. If you wish to attend our meetings everyone is very welcome. Horncastle Methodist Church in March, June, September and December.

Emma Hearth Chair

This Years' Methodist Youth Conference was held in Cardiff Bay .

The resolutions carried forward this year were, as always, important to the young people who attended and a lot of these were simple but very effective in the work of the church. For example, the following resolutions were passed but could be carried out by our own churches in no time at all.

• Recycling bins- The resolution asked that churches should be doing more to protect the environment by recycling. As you know the church goes through lots of paper for notices, services etc and to recycle these and other recyclable materials would help the environment.

• Bibles for new Christians- This stated that the word of God was the greatest gift someone could give to a new Christian and asks that churches make available some bibles for new Christians to borrow until they are able to afford or choose their own version. Many churches already encourage this.

• Hope '08- The resolution encourages all to try their hands at helping in a Hope '08 project. http://www.hope08.com/

Other resolutions focussed on church issues, slave labour, and youth violence. The following ones have relevance in our churches.

• Worship- The resolution stated that some young people are missing out in worship as the service is not meeting the needs of their age. They believe that increasing opportunities of spiritual connections i.e. in songs, different prayer, and active worship would encourage faith in these young people.

• Songs- This asks for new worship songs to be considered in worship and in new publications. This is going to happen as a new hymn book is going to be compiled.

• Ageing Congregations- young people are aware that there is an ageing congregation and want more families, youth and the 20s-40s groups to grow. They want to support all projects and fresh expressions of worship that enable this.

As I am now too old to attend Youth Conference again, I just wish to add that this year was fun. We had chance to look around various sights, the Dr. Who exhibition, meet new friends and learn to speak Welsh! I want to thank Simon Pillinger for joining me this year and to congratulate him in his new position of Methodist Youth Executive Member and wish him well in the continuation of this fantastic work.

Sarah Brown