The bell rang out for prayers just before 7 o’clock, but the chaplain was nowhere to be seen.  The quick-thinking Mayor called upon one of the two Circuit local preachers among the  councillors to deputise, and he offered an extempore prayer which received a chorus of approving Amens from both councillors and residents.  He went on to start the debate with a comprehensive speech proposing the adoption of a new core strategy for the next 15 years’ development.

It shows that having a star against your name on the circuit plan does not mean you aren’t regarded by people outside the church as still fully-accredited and active.  And it shows that local Methodists are putting their faith into action in a very public way.

When Tony Blair was Prime Minister, his officials warned him not to end one of his speeches with the words “God bless Britain”. Advisors told him “this is not America” and persuaded him to drop the idea.

Mr Blair told the story at a conference organised by Holy Trinity Brompton, a large Evangelical Anglican church in London.

He said: “You know the American president finishes an address to the American people by saying ‘God bless America’. I had the idea of finishing my address by saying ‘God bless Britain’. This caused consternation in the whole system. A committee was convened, and we had to discuss it.

“I remember we had this debate on and off but finally one of the civil servants said in a very po-faced way ‘I just remind you Prime Minister, this is not America’ in this very disapproving tone, so I gave up the idea.  I think it is a shame that you can’t since it is obviously part of what you are.”

But Mr Blair warned: “I think God and religion can also be abused by politicians too so you have got to be careful.”

Now there’s a nice example of the separation of church and state: paradoxically what America claims to do best.

[Story from the The Christian Institute]

Irene Davies is 83-years-old and has been a Home Collection Box secretary for a staggering 67 years. She started her collection box list at the end of World War II in 1945 at Clarke’s Lane Church in Beeston. In 1954, she established Inham Nook Methodist Church with her late husband Wyn, starting a new list of three box-holders which quickly grew to 40. She said: “We have arranged many fundraising events over the years and estimate to have raised over £50,000 for Action For Children during this time.”

Margaret Picksley is 88-years-old and has been a Home Collection Box secretary for nine years. During that time her list has raised £3,461. “I support Action for Children to make a difference,” she said. “I have supported the charity for over 80 years and remember selling the Sunny Smiles booklets and, of course, the Festival of Queens fundraising event. It is important to care for children who are underprivileged.”

If you or someone you know would like to join the League of Light, by having a home collection box in their home, please contact the Action for Children Customer Support team on 0300 123 2112. They will put you in touch with a local Home Collection Box secretary or an Action for Children local fundraiser. Every penny makes a difference to the children and young people they support.

Text and photo from Methodist eNews: The Buzz #106 [May 1 2012]

The award is designed to recognise the sustained effort, creativity, leadership and teamwork of young people under the age of 25 in the running of an organisation or project. This may be through a charity board, youth forum, executive or committee.

Sam, aged 19, lives in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire. He said, “I’m amazed to have won this award. It’s been a massive privilege to serve in this role. It’s made even better by the children and young people that I’ve worked with, they have such passion and enthusiasm; that’s what makes the difference.”

You can find out more about Sam and his work as Methodist Youth President on his blog.

Can we learn a lesson from St Ann’s in Nottingham where The Westminster, a Punch Taverns pub, is being eyed up by the local Jehovah’s Witnesses who want to buy it? There are a couple of pubs in Beeston with decent car-parks that would seem suitable.

St Ann’s local residents are reported to oppose the deal. “The pub has played a major part in in the community here.” “We would have no community left if it were turned into a church”. What spirit of community would Beeston Methodists bring to our town?

Others complained, “There are already more churches than pubs in St Ann’s. We don’t need another church.” At least that sort of criticism would not be heard round here if four Methodist churches closed.

But would Methodists, traditionally strong temperance campaigners, feel comfortable worshipping in a converted pub?

The enthusiasm of John Wesley and the Primitive Methodist ranters might well have placed them in a similar situation, but on the whole Methodists are more restrained these days.  Is it because we are more considerate of our neighbours (whose prayers were said to have been answered), or less willing to proclaim our faith publically?

“Writ

What a treat to find an online version of the Dictionary of Methodism, made available through the Wesley Historical Society.  At a time when the inherited church is being down-played in contrast with “fresh expressions”, it is good to be reminded of its achievements in such a convenient way.

With a click or two we can read brief biographies of the great and the good: the ministers we remember from our youth [Eric Baker, William Gowland and Kenneth Greet] and the missionaries who have inspired us [Andrew Pearson and Howard Souster].

We can revisit places that have shaped us [Ilesha and Mow Cop] and list famous local preachers [David Frost!], and review our distinctive doctrines [Christian perfection and Sin] and our traditional practices [Temperance and Pacifism].

There are hours of delight and instruction here.  Good holiday reading for young and old.

I was engaged in the somewhat daunting process of applying for a grant of probate, obtaining the authority to manage the financial assets of a dear relation who died at Christmastime.  The Family Division of the High Court of Justice needed to be assured both that I was indeed the person duly appointed and also that I would indeed carry out the deceased’s wishes expressed in her last will and testimony.  A serious business, no doubt, and not to be conducted by merely signing documents, with or without disinterested witnesses.  And not, you might imagine, to be conducted in the corner of an untidy office with hand-written posters on the wall, across a counter, with clerks chattering and bystanders trying to look the other way.  No sign of wigs or gowns, no ornate coat of arms, and little or no solemnity.

Just a bible.  I put my hand upon it and recited the simple oath.  That made it all OK.  As the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews said long ago:  “Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.”

Who said we’re no longer a Christian country?