Circuit Newsletter
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6th June to 29th August 2010
Bicker Methodist Church Lent Course
When I Survey…. Christ’s cross and ours
Every Monday 2.00pm – 3.30pm in the weeks leading up to Lent in fellowship with others we will be examining our beliefs by following the renowned York Courses material on this course.
22nd February - Darkness At Noon
1st March - March Into Great Silence
8th March - The Child On The Cross
15th March - Outside A City Wall
22nd March - Touching The Rock
Why not join us….. Contact Rev Jennifer Park – telephone 01775 720 145 - for more details. Dear friends, By the time you have received this newsletter we will have celebrated 50 years as local preachers for David Sizer and Michael Holmes. Instead of the usual Pastoral Letter I thought it would be interesting for them to share with us how they both took up the call from the Lord. Congratulations and appreciation to David and Michael on this achievement - here are their stories. Rev Jennifer Park David Sizer From my earliest days I remember attending the Methodist Church at Sutton-on-Sea and being told by my mum and dad to “sit still and be quiet” during the service (some hope!). I have always felt comfortable in church and as both my parents were Methodist Local Preachers it was obvious that when they went out on their appointments I would go with them, especially as the rest of our family were grown up and away from home by the time I arrived.
This took us to chapels large and small. We were welcomed into the homes of farmers, old ladies and many others who loved the Lord Jesus and spoke of their love for Him. I never forgot these times and there is no doubt that they greatly influenced me, and the growth in faith.
Later on mum and dad invited me to join them in the pulpit when I used to announce hymns, read lessons and eventually say a few words. This was a major stepping-stone towards confirming a call to become an Local Preacher myself. My dad used to hire a car and we would go round the Circuit doing gospel evenings when I would often take the chair or sing. Since then I have travelled Circuits up and down the land.
I finally finished my LP training in 1960 while I was in my third year at Westminster College, Oxford. Alas, my Recognition Service was a week after my dad passed away but I think he would have been proud of me.
Needless to say when I began I had no idea that I would reach the milestone of 50 year’s preaching nor, that from 1996 I would also assume the role of a Reader in the Church of England. God moves in a mysterious way. Michael Holmes I am a Spalding man but spent most of my formative years in King’s Lynn where my voyage of faith and my preaching started. I came from a broken home and unlike many did not have the luxuries of a Christian home. However, I did share the richness of the local Methodist Church with a vibrant youth club and Sunday school. It was there that in a way I sought refuge and following a Cliff College mission received the Lord Jesus as Saviour of my life. I wanted something that the missioners had and following the mission wanted to share my experience with others. This was 1953 and I became one of a Mission Band. At the same time I asked for a ‘Note to Preach’.
In 1954 I was called up for military service and joined the Royal Air Force. During this time I preached in the Bridgnorth and Newmarket Mission Circuit. It was then that I met and married May. On demobilisation I joined the Lancashire County Police serving in the overspill areas in Manchester and Liverpool. It was in the Manchester District that I came on ‘full plan’ and served the Circuits in Manchester, Liverpool. Widnes, Warrington, St Helens and Southport. In 1968 I transferred to Lincolnshire and Spalding.
On retirement from the Police Service in 1985 I went to Cliff College as a student. I wanted to give thankfulness for all that God had done in my life and to get His guidance for the way forward.
From college I was asked to go to the South Derbyshire Circuit at Swadlincote as Pastor to five churches. From there, I was called to the Chippenham and Brinkworth Circuit to be the Pastor to six churches on the Swindon end of the Circuit. In 1992, I joined the staff of the Morecambe and Heysham Circuit as Circuit Evangelist and was involved in the ‘Lighthouse Project’ ran in conjunction with the Probation Service for homeless and needy people. After 2 years I returned to Spalding.
One of the first sermons I preached was on Paul’s advice to young Timothy (2 Timothy): 1) Be thankful for the past; 2) Develop what you already have and 3) Never be ashamed of the gospel. How true this is, and my advice to any who may be thinking of spreading the Good News of Jesus and His love.
Jesus confirm my heart’s desire To work and speak and think for thee Still let me guard the Holy fire And still stir up that gift in me. (Charles Wesley 1707-88)
Pastoral Letter On May the 13th two of or local preachers David Sizer and Michael Holmes are celebrating fifty years of preaching each. This is a tremendous milestone in their lives. We send them our congratulations, best wishes and grateful thanks for their years of service. I hope you will join them for the supper and service held at Broad Street Methodist Church. (Further details in this newsletter) I want to take this opportunity also to thank all those who quarter by quarter preach and lead worship. Without their commitment as local preachers or worship leaders making the Circuit preaching plan would be very difficult. However many of our local preachers are over seventy years young. This is a cause of some concern for the feasibility of preaching and leading worship in say five or ten years time unless there are more people coming forward. We would struggle now without the help of our supernumerary ministers and visiting preachers for who we are thankful. We are fortunate to have three people in training as local preachers: Sandy Hunt, Patricia Gooding and Geoff Clear. We are indebted to their mentors and to Eleanor Smith and Rev John Furniss who tutor them. We meet together each quarter prior to the Local Preachers’ Meeting for study, sharing ideas and monitoring where the three are in their training. The present Faith and Worship Course is regarded by many as far more rigorous than years ago. There are those who find the level of study and duration off putting when they are considering training. We should however reach for a high standard in knowledge and the offering of worship. The Lincoln and Grimsby District have been a given permission to pilot a condensed course which uses the resources of Faith and Worship but allows the training to be delivered in the shorter time of fourteen months. It does this by bringing together the worship portfolio and the assignments from Faith and Worship as the basis for assessment. The course is supported by seven residential weekends and weekly tutorial groups. Those who are presently training by this method are finding the course beneficial and interesting especially in having opportunity to meet with their fellow students. At present we do not have anyone in training to become a Worship Leader, although the training material and tutoring is readily available. As you read this perhaps you might think of someone who God might be calling to be a local preacher or worship leader. Or is God calling You? With love and prayers to you all. Jenny Rev Jennifer Park
AT A GLANCE
Churches Together in Spalding
Party in the Park at Ayscoughfee Gardens Sunday 4th July 2010 at 3.00pm
Service led by Pastor Kevin Taylor, Pastor South Holland Community Church.
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY – Sunday 26th September Keep a look out for further details in the Summer
Congratulations and well done to those churches who hosted Flower Festivals this year – Your churches looked wonderful!
The New Testament Brought to Life in Film
Gosberton Parish Church is hosting free showings of a major film series about the New Testament. Each evening’s screening has a different topic and the screening starts at 7.00pm. For more information contact Sally Pell on 01775 822 530 and the programme for the rest of the year is as follows:
· August 12th Mary Magdalene – Mary is one of the greatest Christian enigmas. Described as a seductress or a witch, the film tells how she was also a healer and politician.
· September 23rd Thomas – See and listen to the story of a man known as “The Doubter”. He was also a twin and a disciple of Jesus.
· October 21st Judas – An intriguing and tense drama about one of the most reviled figures in the New Testament. How did a humble, gentle disciple come to betray his Messiah.
· November 25th Apocalypse – Epic in scale and scope, this film tells the story of John, who, at the time, was the last surviving Apostle of Christ. It tells of his witness to the vision that is recounted in the book of Revelation.
· December 23rd Nativity – The story of Mary and Joseph and their families including their incredible journey of hope and discovery that led to the birth of Christ.
Edenham Regional House, Bourne DAYS of REFLECTION
Friday 4th June: Is God a Mathematician? The Revd Dr Tom Broadbent, a member of the Society of Ordained Scientists (who has a day job as Vicar of the South Witham Group) will explore both comfortable and uncomfortable aspects of the relationship between science and the Christian Faith.
Friday 9th July: The Dart of Longing Love Andrew Hawes will introduce some of the insights and wisdom of the writer of the 14th Century book on prayer “The cloud of unknowing”. This down to earth description of an individual’s relationship to God is a source of both wisdom and encouragement.
To book and for other enquiries about their future programme(s) and courses contact 01778 591 358 or visit www.erh.org.uk
Come as you are, come when you can Spalding Manse: 1.30pm Monday afternoons
Whether we have been attending church from being young or have just begun to attend we all have something in common, we are still learning. We remember how Jesus called his disciples to follow him. Being a disciple is a being a learner, so perhaps we should all be walking around with L-plates on.
The Come as You Are course sets out to get people thinking about their faith and what it means to be a follower of Jesus in their day-to-day life. So why not come along and share in this opportunity? Each session will be approx two hours with light refreshments, and there is no test at the end of it!
Session 1: Monday 14 June 1.30 – 3.30pm God of Surprise: What is God like? For better for worse: What sort of relationship is God offering?
Session 2: Monday 21 June 1.30pm – 3.30pm Do I really want this man in my life? A look at Jesus through the eyes of Mark
Session 3: Monday 28 June 1.30pm – 3.30pm A matter of life and death: Exploring the death of Jesus So the darkness shall be light: What are the implications of Jesus’ resurrection (continued in next session)
Session 4: Monday 12 July 1.30pm – 3.30pm So the darkness shall be light: What are the implications of Jesus’ resurrection From fear to fearlessness: How the Holy Spirit enables people
Session 5: Monday 19 July 1.30pm – 3.30pm Carpenter needs joiners: What does Jesus expect of his disciples? Tools for the trade: Keeping in touch through prayer and the Bible
Session 6: Monday 26 July 1.30pm – 3.30pm A heart strangely warmed: What makes a Methodist a Methodist? Food for the journey: Commitment and Communion
For more details please contact Rev Jenny Park 01775 720145to
“Taking a look at VAK” Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic ideas on worship and why the mix is so important. Interested? Contact Methodist District Training Officer, Jane Measures for more detail on 07812 003 525
Diary Dates
In June, when Strawberries are at their best, Our Strawberry Tea.
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Sunday 27th June at 6.00pm Service led by Rev Peter Garland.
Regular Meetings
Gosberton Methodist Church Salem Street, Gosberton, Spalding PE11 4NQ Church contact: Mrs Celia Hearth Telephone: 01775 841 026
We had a lovely evening, and a packed house, when the Mozart Players came.
On Mothering Sunday, Junior Church helped to lead the service where Tony sang and everyone danced.
Diary Dates
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Sunday 8th August at 10.30am Service led by Rev Ian Walters.
Gosberton Clough Methodist ChurchBeck Bank, Gosberton Clough, Spalding PE11 4LE Contact: Mr Graham Haresign Telephone: 01775 750 270
We congratulate Marian Draper on reaching her 90th birthday and wish to thank her for all the baking she does for our church and many other people – Happy Birthday Marian!
Diary Dates
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Saturday 10th July at 7.00pm 75th Chapel Anniversary Concert & Strawberry Supper.
Sunday 11th July at 2.30pm Chapel Anniversary Service and Tea led by Mr Michael Jessop
Forward Notice - 16th October 2.00pm to 4.30pm Circuit Event: Quiet Time - a joint initiative where everyone is invited to come and join us for a time of reflection and fellowship.
Gosberton Risegate Methodist Church Risegate Road, Gosberton, Spalding PE11 4EY Contact: Mr Michael Lee Telephone: 01775 840 836
Diary Dates Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.Sunday 27th June at 10.30am Service led by Mr David Allen.
Regular Meetings
Holbeach Methodist Church Albert Street, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 7DR Contact: Sunday Services Francis Biggadike 01406 423 624 Church Secretary Mr Dennis Mashford Telephone: 01775 766 485
Two successful Thursday Coffee Mornings have been held raising £305 for the Haiti Disaster Fund & £121 for Marie Curie. The Sunday Evening Services in Lent led by Rev Alan Barker have been well attended and appreciated. Diary Dates Sunday 20th June10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.6.30pm Sacrament Service led by Rev Robert Pritchard.
Sunday 27th June at 10.30am Service led by Mr Arthur & Mrs Maureen Male.
Sunday 4th July at 10.30am Service led by Mr Clive Bourne.
Sunday 11th July at 6.30pm Sacrament Service led by Rev Robert Pritchard.
Saturday 17th July 10.30am to 12 noon Summer Fayre.
Sunday 15th August at10.30am Service led by Mr Stephen Mashford
Pot Luck Evenings at 7.30pm £4.50 including light supper: Saturday 5th June An Evening with Tom Kennedy Saturday 7th August K2 or Bust, Off to the Himalayas with Tom King During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park Regular Meetings
Holbeach Drove Methodist Church Chapel Drove, Holbeach Drove, Spalding PE12 0PT Contact: Mr Ray Cole Telephone: 01406 330 316 Diary Dates Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District. Sunday 15th August at 10.30am Service led by Mr Arthur & Mrs Maureen Male.During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park
Lutton Marsh Methodist Church Marsh Road, Lutton Marsh, Spalding PE12 9NP Contact: Miss Brenda Putterill Telephone: 01406 362 209
Diary Dates
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Sunday 11th July at 2.30pm Family Service & Teddy Bear’s Picnic led by Mrs. Michaela Dean.
Sunday 1st August at 2.30pm Service led by Mr Arthur & Mrs Maureen Male.
During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park
Regular Meetings
Moulton Methodist Church Bell Lane, Moulton, Spalding PE12 6PQ Contact: Mrs Audrey French Telephone: 01406 370 684
Diary Dates Thursday 17th June at 2.00pm ‘Sankey’ Hymns Evening.Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Saturday 10th July 2.00 – 4.00 pm Singing Workshop £5.00. Contact Val Venables for more details telephone 01406 370 140
Sunday 11th July at 2.30pm Sunday Service led by Mrs Wendy Chandler.
Sunday 29th August at 2.30pm Service led by Mr Arthur & Mrs Maureen Male.
During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park
Regular Meetings
Moulton Chapel Methodist Church Fengate Road, Moulton Chapel, Spalding PE12 0XR Contact: Mr John Beehoo Telephone: 01406 381 429 Diary Dates Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Saturday 10th July at 7.30pm Sankey Evening led by Linda Wapples & Margaret Lawson.
Sunday 13th June at 10.30am Sunday Service led by Mr Stephan Halford.
Sunday 11th July Sunday Service led by Mrs Wendy Chandler.
Sunday 25th July at 10.30am Sunday Service led by Mr Nigel Lightfoot.
Sunday 15th August at 10.30am Own Arrangement Sunday Service.
During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park
Regular Meetings
Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding Broad Street, Spalding PE11 1TR Contact: Miss Diana Jefferson Telephone: 01775 767 581
Diary Dates
Saturday 5th June at 10.00am to 1.00pm Crafts Coffee Morning with snack lunches available. Sunday 13th June at 3.00pm Service for the Bereaved led by Rev Jennifer Park.
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Saturday 3rd July at 10.00am to 1.00pm Strawberries, Strawberries Coffee Morning with snack lunches available.
Sunday 4th July at 3.00pm Party in the Park at Asycoughee Gardens led by Pastor Kevin Taylor.
Sunday 11th July at 10.30am AGM and Sacrament Service led by Rev Jennifer Park.
Sunday 18th July at 10.30am Service led by Lieut Colonels Peter & Sylvia Dalziel.
Sunday 25th July at 10.30am United Service and Sacrament led by Rev David Curran.
Saturday 7th August at 10.00am to 1.00pm Summer Surprises Coffee Morning with snack lunches available. Regular Meetings
St Thomas’s Road Methodist Church, Spalding St Thomas’s Road, Spalding PE11 2XX Contact: Mrs Julie Miles Telephone: 01775 767 163
Organised by Jane Tarrant and Tommy’s Club our recent Quiz & Games Evening with a Bring and Share tea was a very enjoyable evening. Around 35 people came along and joined in the fun with plenty of laughs along the way. Jane is hoping to organise another evening later in the year so, look out for the fliers and come and join us for fellowship, fun, laughter and not forgetting the refreshments. Tommy’s Club held a craft morning in February which included card making, sweets, jewellery, bookmarks and pebble painting. An enjoyable evening was had by all, including the adults!
Wednesday June 9th at 7.00pm Containers of Hope DVD Coffee Evening.
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Sunday 27th June at 10.30am Service led by Mrs Sheila Hance.
Monday June 28th at 7.00pm Church Council.
Sunday 4th July 3.00pm Party in the Park at Asycoughee Gardens led by Pastor Kevin Taylor. 6.00pm Service led by Rev Ian Walters.
Sunday 11th July at 10.0am Service led by Mr Clive Bourne.
Sunday 18th July at 10.30am Service led by Mr David Allen.
Sunday 25th July 10.30am United Service and Sacrament at Broad Street Methodist Church led by Rev David Curran. 6.00pm Service led by Rev Peter Garland.
Sunday 22nd August 10.30am Service led by Rev Peter Stell. 6.00pm Service led by Lieut Colonels Peter & Sylvia Dalziel. Regular Meetings
Sutterton Methodist Church Station Road, Sutterton, PE20 2JH Contact: Mrs Miriam (Midge) Simpson Telephone: 01205 460 859
Dairy Dates
Sunday 6th June at 10.30am Service led by Mr Eric Hockham
Wednesday 16th June 10.00am to 12 noon Coffee Morning in aid of The Brownie Pack.
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Saturday 3rd July at 6.00pm Italian Meal.
Sunday 18th July at 10.30am Service led by Mr Keith Simpson.
Sunday 25th July at 10.30am Service led by Mrs Shelia Hance.
Sunday 8th August Service led by Miss Kay Willis.
Saturday 16th August at 3.00pm Cream Tea.
During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park Regular Meetings
Whaplode Methodist Church High Road, Whaplode, Spalding PE12 6TJ Contact: Mrs Audrey Chilvers Telephone: 01406 373 544
At present there are no Morning Services at Whaplode. There is now a Service on the first Sunday of each month and the third Sunday a Songs of Praise.
Sunday 20th June at 10.30am Circuit Service at Broad Street Methodist Church. Preacher: Rev Dr David W. Perry, Chair of Lincoln & Grimsby District.
Sunday 20th June at 3.00pm Songs of Praise led by Mr J Schofield.
Sunday 18th July at 3.00pm Songs of Praise led by Mrs R Schofield.
During Rev Alan Barker’s sabbatical please contact Rev Jennifer Park Regular Meetings
Hymn Books Used in our Services
Lectionary Readings
Spalding’s Christian Bookshop The Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, 14 – 16 Haverfield Road, Spalding PE11 2XP (opposite the Grammar School).
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm For more information telephone 01775 768 868
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