District Grapevine

The Newsletter for the East Anglia District of the Methodist Church
www.eamethodist.org.uk – Registered Charity No. 1129451
Issue 13 – February 2010

From the Chair:

Taking Account
Before I came into the Methodist ministry I sought a career in accountancy. I greatly enjoyed the years spent in the
profession and some of my colleagues then are still friends today. When I was called into ministry, I reluctantly left
accountancy and continue to be something of a ‘frustrated accountant’, messing with figures and tax when I can.

As you might imagine, my chosen career was good preparation for the one to which I’m called. It is helpful to be able to
read and understand a set of figures, especially in a busy meeting. Also, in certain pastoral situations, I have been able
to use my previous experience to help those who have got into a muddle. For, ‘all things work together for good…….’
(Romans 8:28)!

Accountancy is about being ‘accountable’ - being able to explain where money has come from and gone to, providing
evidence that supports each transaction. ‘Accountability’ is also a buzz word in organisations today, and the Church is no
exception. However, our accountability is not just about money but our use of other resources, such as personnel, time
and training.

As people of faith we are answerable to God who, in Jesus, has rescued us from sin and death, calling us to be His own,
making us His children and heirs with Jesus. That is, we need to be accountable for the new life in Jesus that is ours.
How have we used our time, our resources, our faith and commitment? Have we been the best that we can be for God?

The way Christians seek to fulfil their calling is by accepting the call to be a disciple of Jesus and live out their lives in
accordance with His will. Thus, ‘discipleship’ is a very important part of our life together. But all too often we fail to be
accountable for our discipleship and the evidence - the words we use, the actions we perform (or don’t perform), our
choices, our lifestyle, etc - shows that we aren’t as committed as we would like to think we are.

To be effective disciples we need to be accountable to God and to one another. So, as you make your journey into
faith, who will you allow to tell you when your discipleship is lacking? And will you thank them if they do? I hope so – but
I fear not, for we are all keen on others being accountable but are reluctant to be accountable ourselves.
I am no longer my own but yours
Your will, not mine, be done in all things
I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose
The Church today needs effective disciples. And if I’m failing in my discipleship, will you please tell me? And who will tell
you?

Graham

The next edition of District Grapevine will be published in June 2010. The deadline for submission of
articles is 11 May 2010.

We now have another arrangement in place for District Grapevine to be recorded on to tape (no CDs
unfortunately) and these or large print copies can be ordered from the District Office. You can also find
District Grapevine on the District web page - http://www.eamethodist.org.uk/district.php?Grapevine

District Administrator – The Methodist Church, Chapel Field Road, Norwich NR2 1SD
Tel: 01603 625765 Email eadistrict14.office@btinternet.com
 Reflections on the Calvinist/Arminian Debate

In his article on the front page of the last edition of District Grapevine, the District Chair, Rev Graham Thompson wrote of
some of his difficulties in singing the hymn ‘In Christ alone’. The article sparked quite a bit of correspondence, some of
which is reproduced here.

Whilst I am in no way qualified to advice Graham on his

understanding of theology, I do enjoy singing In Christ
alone. Might the couplet that bothers him allude to my
resolve that
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from his hand.
I don’t read/sing it as a promise (ie Calvinistic) but more
a declaration that it is my intent (with His help) to remain
true to my salvation (ie Arminian). Graham asks, “Do
you know what you are singing?’ singing?” I’m afraid, too
frequently, the meaning behind many of the pre-
twentieth century hymns (and some later ones) escapes
me, and the language used often obscures rather than
elucidates. I hope any new collection of hymns will
choose those that are accessible, and ones that we can
enjoy singing.
Richard Webb
Thank you for the October edition of District
Grapevine, which I enjoyed and found thought-
provoking. I especially like Graham’s letter on the
subject of the words we sing. I also have found it
hard to sing some of the words of many of the
popular hymns – both traditional and modern –
although I had not picked up the particular reference
in Graham’s letter. Thank you for that.
Jackie Smith
The letter from the Chair in the October issue of
Grapevine was timely.
We do not own teaching
teaching contained
contained in
in the
the hymn
hymn 'In
In Christ
alone mymy hope
hope isis found.'
found. Ministers
Ministers at their ordination are
required to assent to 'the doctrines of the Christian faith
as this Church has received them.' It is not for us to
‘Do criticise when they make that assent known. A main
plank of Methodism - and of course, many others too - is
that we are all in danger of rejecting God,
notwithstanding his sovereignty. A consequence of this
is a due humility on our part. Charles Wesley, with
Matthew 5 v.13v13 in mind, expresses it beautifully.
Ah! Lord, with trembling I confess,
A gracious soul may fall from grace;
The salt may lose its seasoning power,
And never, never find it more.
Lest that my fearful case should be
Each moment knit my soul to Thee;
And lead me to the mount above,
Through the low vale of humble love. (MHB 480)
Keith Horton

The cardinal doctrine of Calvinism summed up by the sound byte “once saved always saved” seems to be a
disastrous recipe for complacency and antinomianism of the worst kind. It conjures up a grotesque scenario on
judgement day: the “once saved, always saved” Calvinist Christian blithely presents his “Certificate of Heavenly
Insurance” only to hear the dread words “Depart from Me, I never knew you”

But is the Arminian in any better position? Driven by the angst of never being sure from one day to the next whether
he or she is a true Christian eternally loved by God, he or she strives to build up a record of good works to present on
judgement day only to be told to depart from God’s presence for salvation is not by works but by faith!

Both descriptions are clumsy caricatures of the true position of the two kinds of believer.

Pressed to it, both Calvinist and Arminian Christians who take the Bible and their faith seriously will confess boldly on
judgement day that they have lived out their lives in the light of Philippians 2:12-13, each working out their own
salvation with fear and trembling, knowing full well that it is God who is working in them both to will and do His good
pleasure. On that
pleasure. that day,
day, they
they will
will give
give the
theglory,
glory,not
nottotosome
somehuman
man devised
devised doctrines
doctrines that
that give
give rise
rise to unhelpful
controversy, but to God
God who
who alone
alone has
has in
in fact
fact kept
kep them faithful, enduring
enduring to
to the
the end.
end.

Calvinist/Arminiandebate
The Calvinist/Arminian debatestems
stemsfrom
fromoneone of the
of the many many irreconcilable
irreconcilable paradoxes
paradoxes in the in the Scriptures
Scriptures which
which are are
beyond
beyond
the punythewitpuny wit of man
of humans to comprehend
to comprehend - the
- the free
free willwill
of of manand
man andthe
thesovereignty
sovereigntyofofGod,
God, doctrines
doctrines which cannot
be reconciled this side of heaven. Our part is not to generate a theological debate, but rather to be sure, whatever
doctrinal label we wear, that we have repented of our sins, accepted the forgiveness of Jesus, experienced the
transforming power of the new birth and then to walk joyfully in love and holiness before our God all our days, quietly
assured - but never complacent - that we belong to Jesus Christ, not for the years of time alone, but for eternity!

Michael Gooday
Attleborough Methodist Church

2
 ‘Bob the Builder’ and friends on Baltic tour

Would you like the chance to visit Essential requirements:

Latvia, to help develop our
District link, and to share in an x
exciting new venture with our
Methodist brothers and sisters?
Could you offer practical skills to
make a difference to the lives of
young Latvian women and their x
children?
Are you willing to give a week of your time for a life
changing experience?
We need a team of willing enthusiasts, some with
building and DIY skills, to help transform some of the x
rooms at the Hope Centre, in Straupe, North East
Latvia, into useable spaces. Other parts of the Centre
are fully operational but extra impetus is needed to
complete the remainder of the rooms. x
Availability in early July
2010 (the visit is
likely to take place
from 2-10 or 3-11
July)
Flexibility and a willingness to have a go.
Volunteers with building, plastering, painting
skills particularly welcome. Other tasks
required include catering, driving a minibus
and keen communicators to work with the
young mums.
Ability to work as a team. We hope to have a
team of ten people who will work together with
Latvian leadership.
Enthusiasm to come back and inspire others.

The Hope Centre, a non profit organisation run by the
Latvian Methodist Church, offers a home to young
mums and their children who are struggling to cope.
The Centre offers these young women a safe home in
which to grow and be part of a family. At this crucially
important time in their lives these women learn to trust
and take responsibility, as well as learning motherhood
and life skills.
Please note that a knowledge of Latvian is not
required!
Practical information:
The trip will be self financing, costs are
expected to be in the region of £400
including flights (from Stansted) and
accommodation.

Accommodation will be provided in twin rooms, with

shared bathroom, at the Hope Centre. The team will
do its own catering.

There will be an opportunity for sight

seeing and shopping in Latvia's capital
city, Riga, a city of many beautiful
architectural buildings. Accommodation in
Riga will be in hotels.

There will be opportunities to meet in fellowship with

Zuhra currently lives at the Hope Centre with her
daughter SabƯna. When Zuhra arrived at the Hope
Centre she could not read or write and was very
distrusting of others. Through this experience of home
and hope she and her daugher have been
transformed.
Latvian Methodists and to worship at their church.
Are you ready to rise to this unique and challenging
experience?
Want to know more?

For further information and an application form,

please contact
Sarah Friswell,
District World Church Action Team, on
Email: sarah.friswell@talktalk.net or
Tel: 01284 753 964

Deadline for applications:

Sunday 28th March 2010

3
 TRAINING AND STUDY
Connecting Creativity or is that a
flaming bush over there?
Introducing Richard Armiger
Jackie Smith reports on the October ArtServe
Conference
Hi! I am Richard
Armiger and I have God’s use of visual aids in worship, a cockroach
recently been hymn, what Mrs Noah really thought of all those
appointed as the animals, pebbles in a river of cloth, Angel voices
second part-time ever singing, Sarah’s reaction to mothering a
Regional Training nation, and dancing the psalms. All deeply
Officer to work theological points for discussion at the Hayes
alongside Ann Centre whilst the rain lashed the windows and the
Howlett-Foster in bright autumn leaves were stripped from the trees
both East Anglia District and Beds, Essex and Herts and blown into huge sodden piles by the roaring
District (BEH). wind!

I live in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and am married with
two children aged 6 and 3. I worship at my local
Methodist Church, The Square in Dunstable, and am
actively involved both in the church and local circuit,
Chiltern Downs. I have a number of different activities
and roles, including being a local preacher.
I have a media, technology and management
background and have run my own media production
company for the past 7 years. Prior to that I worked
with the BBC for 15 years. Alongside this new role of
Training Officer, I am also the part-time District
Development Enabler for the Beds, Essex and Herts
District.
Part of my desire for work in this new role is a passion
for training, along with everything else! I have
previously worked as the Training and Development
Officer for BEH and have more recently been working
with the Guy Chester Centre on developing a small
group discipleship approach called Step Forward. I
want to see the church grow and flourish and am keen
that we encourage every member of the District in their
own personal journey of faith and discipleship through
providing and sourcing a wide range of quality training
opportunities. I very much look forward to working
closely with Ann and the District over the coming
months and hope to be able to meet many of you at
the various events that will take place during the year.
Opportunity:
Taste and see day - training for trainers
27thMarch
27 March2010
2010
Have you ever thought you might like to get involved in delivering / facilitating training?
- And then there was the food! Three cooked meals
a day, tea and coffee breaks, biscuits and cakes,
you don’t go hungry at an MCMS/ArtServe
Conference in Swanwick.
This was the first Conference organised by
Methodist Arts Limited known as ArtServe. I’m sure
you will hear more of ArtServe in the future.
There were around 100 people from all over the
Connexion gathered to experience new ways of
expressing worship, to hear talks, to participate in
workshops and worship, and to raise voices in song
to the glory of God. The keynote speaker was Rev.
Piers Lane from Cliff College, and amongst those
leading workshops were Rev Andrew Pratt,
Marjorie Dobson, Stella Bristow, Jacqui Hicks, and
Julie Hulme. It was entertaining, thought provoking,
exhausting, a time to meet up with old friends, to
make new ones, a time to step out of everyday life
and keep company with God.
Did I hear you say you’re sorry you missed it? Well,
there will be another chance to go this year when
the ArtServe Conference will be held over the
weekend of 22 - 24 October, at High Leigh
Conference Centre, Hoddesdon. Put the date in
your diary.
Oh, and that visual aid that God used? Why, the
Burning Bush of course!

We would like to offer you a ‘no strings attached’ opportunity to come along to learn and practice some basic trainer skills
and gain knowledge of the different ways people learn. Following this informative and enjoyable day, there will be no
automatic expectation of you to commit to being a trainer, although we do hope some of you might like to give it a try.

This taster day will give you an opportunity to see if training delivery is for you. If you are not sure about signing up for the
day then please give us a call and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Date: 27thMarch
March2010
2010(10.30
(10.30am
am––4pm)
4pm)
Delivered by: Ann Howlett-Foster & Richard Armiger (Training Officers)
Venue: To be confirmed (Cambridge area likely)
Contact:
Ann Howlett-Foster ann.howlett-foster-to@ntlworld.com Tel: 07590 893950
Richard Armiger richard.armiger@methodist.org.uk Tel: 07802 409050

4
 TRAINING AND STUDY

Creating Safer Space

Module A: Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Foundation Training
Many of you will be aware of the Methodist Church’s safeguarding programme, Creating Safer Space (CSS). The
Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy states: ‘As Christians we are charged to love and care for each other. This is
particularly true where the most vulnerable members of our community are concerned.’

Rev Nigel Fox (District Safeguarding Coordinator) has been working with the Training Officers on planning a training
programme.

The introductory or foundation element is Module A, which we will make available to all those who need to train for it
within the next 12 months, starting in spring 2010. The aim of the training is: ‘To enable participants to deal confidently
and appropriately in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in the church context’

If you are in any of the roles listed below then you will need to attend one of our training sessions, and we would
encourage you to sign up for training sooner rather than later. These training opportunities are made up of
weekday/daytime events. There will be other evening and Saturday events later in the year (dates yet to be agreed).

Six Module A sessions are currently planned (3 hour maximum)

20 April,
20th Ely
April, Ely am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30)
66th
May,
May,Norwich
Norwich am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30)
18 May,
18th May, Suffolk*
Suffolk* am (9:30 -12:30) pm (1:30 - 4:30)
* actual location yet to be confirmed

So who needs to attend? If you are in any of the roles/offices described below then you are required to attend Module A
training.

Those in the following roles will need to attend CSS Module A training
Presbyters Youth Leaders Church Council
Deacons Children’s Clubs Leaders Church Stewards
Lay Employees Junior Church Workers Property Stewards
Local Preachers Uniformed Organisation Leaders Caretakers
Worship Leaders Drama Group Leaders Circuit Stewards
Church Safeguarding Officer Parents/Carers and Toddler Appropriate users of the building
Leaders
Circuit Safeguarding Officer Choir, Music Group Leaders and People with pastoral
key church musicians responsibility

Booking should be made through your Circuit Safeguarding Representative who will liaise with the District Safeguarding
Coordinator.

We look forward to seeing you soon. – Ann Howlett-Foster

Israel Pilgrimage/Study Tour

Dear District Friends

I want to let you know that I will be leading a trip to Israel from 5 - 19 March 2011. It will be co-led by Canon Richard
Capper, of Norwich Cathedral. For those who are not familiar with my background: I hold a PhD in Hebrew Bible and
the Ancient Near East, and have travelled extensively and studied In the Middle East. This 15 day schedule (inclusive
of travel to & from Israel) will provide adequate time both to see ancient sites and absorb modern culture. We will
travel in Israeli and Palestinian areas, from as far north as Banias (Caesarea Phillipi) to as far south as Masada and
Hebron. [1 night in Tel-Aviv, 6 nights in Galilee, 1 night at the Dead Sea, and 6 nights in Jerusalem.] Prices are being
worked out at the moment, but we hope it will be in the region of £1200 (inclusive of flights). Those interested in going
must be able to walk at least 3 miles per day on uneven terrain. For those of you who are able: there will be two, 1-
hour seminars at the Norwich Cathedral Hostry to discuss the trip: 24 February 2010 at 7.30 pm and 13 March 2010
at 11.00 am. Attendance at one or the other would be helpful. For more information, please contact me on 01953
601964 or jacknlawson@btopenworld.com

Jack Lawson, District Development Enabler

5
 RURAL ISSUES
FAREWELL AND THANK YOU
Rev Dr Lorna Allies has been the Rural Advisor for the East Anglia Methodist District and the Norwich Diocese for 3
years, but that role has now ended. Lorna was asked by a newspaper to reflect about rural community. Some of her
thoughts are reprinted here.
As I began to write about rural communities I found
that I first had to look back at some of the changes to
our rural communities over the past 3 years. There
appears to be more bad news than good news, but the
good news is there and it is both interesting and
exciting.
When I became Rural Adviser in 2006 the news was
dominated by the imminent closure of Post Offices and
in Norfolk there was hope that rural post offices could
be saved from closure if they were turned into
‘community hubs’. A delegation from Norfolk to
Westminster, led by Peter Smith of the Norfolk Rural
Community Council, told ministers of these plans in
January 2007, and I know that he and his team have
worked tirelessly to fulfil those plans and excellent
things have happened, such as the opening of the
shop and Post Office in Great Ryburgh in March this
year.
Some issues, such as animal diseases, have not gone
away, although things seem better now than they did
at the beginning of 2007 when Avian Flu brought
chaos and despair to so many in our region.
Somehow those who kept free-range poultry across
Norfolk and Suffolk had to keep them indoors for
almost four weeks. There was news that nearly a third
of dairy farmers, paid less for their milk than ten years
earlier, would be leaving the industry during the next 2
years and now at the end of 2009 we know that, during
the last decade, over 13,000 producers have quit the
dairy sector and currently more than 1 million litres of
milk are being imported daily. Our dairy industry is in
jeopardy. The last 2 years have seen recorded losses
of between 10 to 15% in bee numbers in our country
and there is still no real public awareness of the huge
difference the loss of the honey bee can make to food
production and the need for more research and more
funding.
By 2008 it became clear that some of our rural schools
were under threat and that we had a two tier system
for Broadband access that left rural areas with huge
disadvantages in terms of business and education.
Affordable housing was finally recognised as the key to
sustainable rural communities and a great deal of work
was begun to address the issue of second homes,
inflated rural house prices and the lack of affordable
homes for young local families.
6
But little has been achieved as the recession has
taken its toll of the provision of housing, particularly in
rural villages.
The good news is like the light of the sun before dawn.
It is almost imperceptible until you look and see that
the brightness is increasing rapidly, objects are
appearing and the light is growing very fast.
There is something happening in our rural
communities which is the most hopeful sign for
decades. Communities are beginning to work together
to combat the difficulties, people are becoming more
enterprising and entrepreneurial. More rural
businesses are set up each year than urban
businesses and many are quietly thriving in our leafy
villages. There is a new spirit of co-operation growing
as people come together to run community shops and
even community pubs. Different groups are working
together as they have not done for many years. The
Church membership, the school, the pub community,
the village hall committee are seeing the value in
working together to raise funds, provide events and
activities. Those villages where the different groups
gather together occasionally are truly thriving. But
there is still more to do and it is early days.
If I were asked what would help to sustain our village
communities, I would not advocate just working
together. I would implore everyone in the village to
look at how they spend their leisure time and ask them
if there was any way they could try and enjoy just
being together. It is truly time to bring back the village
summer fete, not just for fund raising but for pure fun;
to recover the village dance or hop where young and
old relaxed with each other. If you want to keep your
shop, then use it. If you want to keep your school then
make sure you keep your young families. Most of all, if
you want to live in a sustainable community then
become a proper part of it,
get to know people and
join in.
The post office can often
become a focus of
community life
 MORE RURAL ISSUES
Agricultural Chaplain
The District Agricultural Chaplain reflects
reflects on
on some
some issues
issue
affectingfarming
affecting farming
Farming has hit the headlines again, with farmers being The
asked to maximize returns of food production while still Copenhagen
adhering to green issues. This means not applying International
additional fertilizer, the obvious boost to additional yield. Climate
Surely this has been the objective of farming through the Conference
centuries, bearing in mind that returns are usually ended without
determined by the weather. There have been so many an agreed text,
changes in my lifetime: set-aside varying from 5 – 15% but some
of the farm holding to reduce ‘food mountains’ and ‘wine money was
lakes’; grants for drainage and ditch filling; field proposed for a working party to investigate carbon
margins,(area not cultivated around the edge of the field emissions from agriculture. Why agriculture was
usually 5 – 10metres from the ditch line). Much has singled out I cannot quite understand, but at least it’s a
created habitats for wildlife. Is this to be forfeited to start. The issues are worldwide, which is appreciated,
produce more food? but reducing emissions from the deforestation and
degradation programme will have little impact in this
It is always fascinating to hear the Minister for region.
Agriculture using language suggesting what must be
done to promote agriculture and falling short of how to Back to more local issues. Wheat and barley prices are
go about it. The suggestion often is that consumers are below production costs by about £25 per tonne. This has
the answer - provided we get food labelling which is assisted livestock producers because of cheaper feed
acceptable. It is suggested we reduce imports and inputs. The livestock sector has had a reasonable year,
create a market supplying fresh produce all year round - apart from milk producers. Unfortunately it is still more
at the same time reducing demand for water usage. cost effective for supermarkets to import than to pay our
Very difficult when a number of soft fruits, for instance, farmers an additional 3p per litre irrespective of the
farmer’s
have a high percentage of water content. carbon footprint in food miles.

Report of last year’s harvest suggested a very easy
harvest workload with good yields of cereal crops. But
that was not how I witnessed it in Yorkshire at the end of
August and beginning of September. Producers there
had experienced rain almost every day and by then only
20% of the crop was harvested. It was towards the end
of September before harvest was complete. The late
finish then created additional problems in planting next
years crop because it was too late for oilseed rape.
Keep supporting our fastest growing outlets – the
Farmer’s Market - where all food on display is grown
locally with complete traceability on all meat products.
It was good to meet more of you this year. If you know
of anyone connected with agriculture who would
benefit from the services of Farm Crisis Network
(FCN) please get in touch. We have a team of experts
offering free advice.

Changing cropping plans can be very difficult, not least George W Frost
because of availability of seed.

JK JK JK JK

ANNIVERSARY VISIT METHODISM IN ANTIGUA

250 years ago, Methodism was brought to the West
Indies by a plantation owner named Nathaniel Gilbert. To mark the 250th anniversary celebration, the Chair of
He came home to England on a visit and was converted the Caribbean Church has invited Rev John Barrett
by hearing John Wesley preach. When he returned to (nephew of Rev Will Barrett) to preach in the Barrett
Antigua he felt compelled to preach the Gospel to the Memorial Church and the city church in St John’s, where
slaves on his plantation and to build a small stone there is a large wall plaque to Will’s memory.
church for worship.
Rev John
In 1928, Rev Will Barrett went to the West Indies as a Barrett has
missionary. He worked in many of the Leeward Islands, recently
serving in Dominica, Aruba, Curacao and Antigua. He returned to the
was a Chair of Methodism in the Leeward Islands. Cambridge
When he found the small church Gilbert had built was in circuit from
ruins, Will ran a campaign to restore it as the Gilbert Singapore
Memorial Church. Will died aged 60, just before coming where he
home on leave and was buried in the churchyard of the served as a
restored church – now called the Barrett Memorial Mission
Church. Partner

7
 LIVING FAITH

Following a Master Moldova Visit

“To learn by example is to submit to authority. You
follow your master because you trust his manner of
doing things even when you cannot analyse and
account for its effectiveness. By watching the master
and emulating his efforts in the presence of his
example, the apprentice unconsciously picks up the
rules of the art, including those which are not explicitly
known to the master himself. These hidden rules can
be assimilated only by a person who surrenders
himself to that extent uncritically to the imitation of
another.”
The above quotation comes from Michael Polanyi’s
book Personal Knowledge (page 53). Polanyi (1891-
1976) was a chemist and philosopher. Originally from
Hungary, he moved to England, where he became a
Fellow of the Royal Society, a professor of chemistry
at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of Merton
College, Oxford. The above quote is from his
description of how skills and traditions are passed from
generation to generation in a society. Read it again,
and ask yourself whether this is exactly the same sort
of uncritical trust that is needed to follow Jesus.
Jack Lawson, District Development Enabler
01953 601964
jacknlawson@btopenworld.com
Geoff and Karen
Bensley of Magdalen Way Methodist church,
Gorleston, visited the village of Dancu in Modova as
guests of Chris and Helen Ducker and their children.
The visit was to support Chris, Helen and other local
Christians in running a summer camp (a ‘tabara’) for
children aged 8 – 12 at the nearby site in Hincesti.
After prayerful consideration – and encouragement
from friends – the results of fundraising efforts for the
tabara were ‘amazing’. It was a challenging but
ultimately rewarding and enjoyable experience and
Geoff and Karen were made to feel very welcome by
everyone they met. Over 100 children attended the
camp, from 10 different villages in rural Moldova.
Since their return, Geoff and Karen have given a
number of presentations about their visit and have
committed to further fundraising to support Chris and
Helen’s mission. They hope to return later this year.
Other groups or churches who would be interested to
know more are invited to contact Geoff and Karen on
01493 721704.

From the District Worship Group

Services to the Community
Everyone connected with Trinity Methodist/URC
church, March, was delighted to hear the news that
Margaret Oatey – a church stalwart for many years –
had been awarded the MBE in the New Year’s
Honours list for services to the community in East
Anglia, mainly for the voluntary work she has done for
Mencap.
Margaret confessed to being ‘gobsmacked’ when she
first heard the news and at first thought it was some
kind of practical joke.
In her ‘spare’ time Margaret has worked tirelessly for
the church, raising funds, running church groups and
supervising catering arrangements. A few months
back she was proud to accept, on behalf of everyone
at Trinity, the maximum 5 Star Hygiene Certificate for
catering awarded by Fenland District Council
Environmental Health Department.
Half Days of Prayer
Over the last few years there has been a stronger
focus on our prayer life through the Pray Without
Ceasing and other initiatives. We hope to develop this
further as we continue to establish a prayer culture in
the District. Our vision is to have cluster groups
around the District who meet together for half a day of
prayer. We acknowledge that Synod is an example of
an occasion when there is considerable pressure on a
few people in terms of planning and preparation. This
is just one of the events that prayer groups might
consider to focus on. But we are not just praying for
ourselves. This is a diverse District with exciting and
challenging issues facing us. Please contact Nigel Fox
on 01603 426657 or Derek Grimshaw on 01603
811999 if you would like to be part of the prayer life of
the District.

Living Nativity – and the camels came too

As part of the switch-on of Christmas lights in Ely, Churches Together in Ely brought the true story of Christmas to
hundreds of people with a ‘Living Nativity’ performance outside the Cathedral. Around 30 members of Ely Methodist
church were involved, particularly with the technical side and costume-making. Once actors had been recruited,
Methodists accounted for at least half of the volunteers.

There was an emphasis on speaking to the crowd – and explaining that, although the real live camels were all part
of the attraction, the purpose of the 3 presentations was to bring the true meaning of Christmas to the celebrations.

8

War Memorials in Methodist Churches
Roland Buggey writes:
In the October issue of District Grapevine I wrote
requesting information on war memorials in Methodist
Churches in the East Anglia District. The response
has been encouraging and, through these columns, I
would like to thank all those throughout the District
who have contacted me, sending photos and
information on their church’s memorials, or telling me
where I could find a memorial.
Some information had already been collected and sent
to the National Inventory of War Memorials at the
Imperial War Museum. Although lodged nationally it
will not feature in Methodist archives. I myself worked
on that inventory some years ago – a small cog in a
nationwide recording of all war memorials. One
church I dealt with had closed and converted to
residential use. I knew that it had a memorial, so I
called and saw the occupier. I was pleased to learn
that it was still there, adorning the wall of her living
room – and it would remain there as her uncle was on
it.
Many thanks again – and please keep the information
rolling in. I can be contacted at Oak Lodge, Denmark
Street, Diss, IP22 4LF. Tel: 01379 641759
War Memorials Trust
Conference
4 March 2010
Looking after war memorials in
Cambridge
Guildhall, Cambridge
10.00 am – 1.00 pm
For further information call:
Conservation Team: 020 7233 7356
War Memorials Trust: 0300 123 0764
Editor’s Note:
This information, and the report from friends at
Holbrook about their anniversary celebration,
reminds churches and circuits of the importance
of archiving records.
9
DIGGING FOR TREASURE
Local Preacher Development
It was with thanks to the District and the Norwich
Circuit for their financial support, that 3 of us (Sheila
Drew, Jean Larner and I) were able to attend the
Preachers Conference, ’Digging for Treasure’. The
conference was sub-titled ‘Restoring Confidence in
Expository Preaching for the Twenty- First Century’
and took place at the Methodist Central Hall,
Westminster in November.
There were three excellent speakers and topics:-
Ø Rev Martin Turner, Superintendent Minister,
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster: ‘The
Priority of Expository Preaching’
Ø Rev Rupert Bentley-Taylor, Senior Minister,
Widecombe Baptist Church, Bath and President
of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical
Churches: ‘The Preacher’s Authority: The Bible’.
Ø Rev Paul Smith, Superintendent Minister of
Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth: ‘Principles for
Expository Preaching’.
The three presentations explored the ‘Why’, ‘What’ and
‘How’ of expository preaching. Each encouraged
preachers, to dig into the scriptures for treasure.
The speakers led 3 afternoon seminars:
Ø How did the Apostle Paul preach?
Ø Preaching the Word Today
Ø Preaching the Old Testament
The conference was organised by Methodist
Evangelicals Together, and was well organised It ran
to time, there were various bookstalls, tea, coffee and
snacks, and also lunch was provided for a nominal
charge.
A book entitled ‘Digging for Treasure’ – which covers
the entire conference and includes the full lectures - is
available published by Moorleys Print and Publishing,
ISBN 978 086071 6310.
John Howe
Local Preachers are reminded that a grant towards
the costs of approved events for Continuing
Development may be available from the District if
their circuit will also contribute. Further details
can be obtained from Mrs Mary Read, District
Local Preachers Tutor.
 LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Holbrook Methodist
Holbrook Methodist Church
Church Nr.
near Ipswich
Ipswich
Celebration of 180 years of worship in the
present place - December 2009
When he died in 1843 it was said that “no man was
ever more devoted to any cause than Thomas’s sixty
We decided that our celebration should include a short year devotion to Methodism in Holbrook”.
service using Charles Wesley hymns and music that
the congregation might have sung 180 years ago -
“What shall I do my God to love” and “Rejoice the Lord We also thought about the struggles those early
is King”. Prayers and a historical account reminded us Methodist faced to pay off the debt involved in
of the people who attended that first service. The purchasing the land and building the Chapel, a debt
worship was followed by a meal of mutton with which took over 50 years to pay back! This fact made
dumplings followed by a batter and pears pudding. The those of us who were there, appreciate just how
meal was served in candlelight! fortunate we are, that the refurbishment that was
completed in 2009, is debt free!

In the Ipswich Record Office there is an Account Book,

which not only tells the story of how the permission to
build the Chapel was obtained, including instructions
about the size and cost of the building, but also
contains a diagram showing where everyone who
could afford to rent a pew sat at the first service. We
used that information to arrange the seating to mirror
the original service in 1829. Thanks to the account
book we were able to give every member of the 2009
congregation the name of the person who sat in the
same place 180 years ago.
Further research from the archives also provided us
with some information about their families, homes and
occupations.
So during the evening we were able to remember and
give thanks for the faith and courage of our
predecessors whose hopes and dreams were realised
when the chapel was opened 180 years ago.
We spent a few minutes thinking about Thomas
Seager whose name did not appear in the account
book but who started a “class” in Holbrook in 1791.
We know that for 12 years services were held in
Thomas’s home, which was described as “the cradle of
Methodism in Holbrook” and that he remained a class
leader for thirty years.
One can only assume that, sadly, he was too poor to
pay rent for a pew and must have sat in a “free pew”.
10
We closed our special evening service and celebration
with the hymn – “Be still, for the power of the Lord is
moving in this place” – a power that has moved for 180
years and one which, with God’s help, will continue to
move in this special place.
Ruth Eccles
Garvestone and Mattishall - (Mid Norfolk Circuit)
A small group of Methodists and Anglicans who
meet regularly for Bible study and discussion
determined to find out about the spiritual journeys
of people in Church about which they knew little.
The group invited 6 people with very different
‘autobiographies’ to speak to the group – 2 (very
different) Anglicans; husband and wife Mormons; a
Roman Catholic priest and a Baptist. The speakers
also undertook to answer questions. The visitors
spoke at approximately fortnightly internals. In the
intervening weeks the group met to discuss what
they had heard and, in particular, the answers to
questions asked.
The group noted that, in all 6 cases, the most
profound spiritual experiences had come quite a
long way into their journey and not at its beginning.
They also noticed some unexpected similarities.
The meetings have provided challenge and
stimulus, as well as helping the group to feel better
informed. The experience is recommended to
other groups.
 VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 2009
The President, Rev David Gamble, and Vice President, Dr Richard Vautrey, visited the District over the weekend of 27 –
29 November. Full details of their itinerary, their impressions and further photographs, are included in their blog at
www.methodist.org.uk
HUNSTANTON
The President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev
David Gamble, led the service of rededication of the
refurbished and extended building at Hunstanton
Methodist Church on Saturday 28 November 2009.
160 people attended the service including the Mayor of
Hunstanton, Mrs. Christine Earnshaw, borough and
town councillors, friends from around the town
and circuit and representatives of ecumenical links.
The church
now has a
link area
between the
worship area
and
community
hall and
projects an
altogether much more welcoming and connected feel,
a space for more contemporary worship and has
excellent facilities for groups, retreats and
conferences.
"Thanks be to God", to which all replied, ‘Amen!’
SOHAM
We were honoured to have Dr Richard Vautrey, Vice
President of the Conference, with us on the afternoon
of Saturday 28 November, when we held a service to
celebrate the re-opening of our church hall after 10
months of hard work – the culmination of many years
of discussion and planning. Dr Vautrey performed the
opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon and also gave
the address based on the theme ‘Buildings that are
part of our mission and ministry’ at the service held in
the afternoon. Also present were Rev Graham
Thompson, Chair of East Anglia District, Rev Barbara
Garwood, Superintendent Minister of the Ely and
Newmarket Circuit, and Rev Edwin Myers, Minister (all
pictured).
11
During the service a cheque for £5,000 towards the
cost of the new facilities for disabled people was
presented by the Cambridge Historic Churches Trust.
The Trust administers grants through the WREN
landfill tax credit scheme (Waste Recycling
Environmental Ltd). It was Dr Vautrey’s birthday so we
were able to surprise him with the presentation of a
cake.
NORTH WALSHAM
When the
President of
the
Conference,
Rev David
Gamble,
conducted
Advent
Sunday
worship at North Walsham Methodist Church, Norfolk,
he presented a Methodist Church Music Society long
service certificate to Godfrey Talford, principal organist
at the church, in recognition of his 50 years of service
to Methodism as choir member and organist. (Also
pictured – Rev Pat Olivent-Hayes, Superintendent
Minister of the North Norfolk Circuit.)
Mr Talford has served the North Walsham Church
since 1986, but he first learned to play the organ as a
teenager at the Millhouses Church in Sheffield and
later served at Armley, Kippax and Drighlington in the
Leeds District, at Clifton, Brighouse, in the West
Yorkshire District and at Marlborough Square Church,
Coalville, Leicestershire before he moved with his
family to Norfolk in 1985.
Mr Gamble is the Assistant Organist at Muswell Hill
Methodist Church, London, and expressed special
pleasure at being invited to make this presentation to a
fellow organist. As well as presenting the certificate,
he read a personal letter from John Bailey, Secretary
of the Methodist Church Music Society, which paid
tribute to Mr Talford’s recent contribution to the Society
as an Executive Committee Member and to his
knowledge of charity law and governance which has
been valuable to the Society in the creation of
ArtServe, the new organisation which supports all
creative arts in Methodist worship, of which he is a
founder Board member.
After a career in industry, Mr Talford became General
Secretary of the Methodist Local Preachers Mutual Aid
Association in 1996 and managed its transition into the
Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust until he
retired in 2006.
BULLETIN BOARD
A History of Methodism in East Norfolk
A new book has just been published describing the
history of Methodism in East Norfolk, written by Ben
Milner from the East Norfolk Circuit. The book
describes the history of Methodism in East Norfolk
since it was first introduced to the area in 1754 by
Rev Thomas Olivers. This was not a success and
Rev Olivers was chased by an angry mob and
forced to hide in Great Yarmouth’s Rows before
escaping back to Norwich on horseback. During the
following 250 years of Methodism in East Norfolk,
over 100 churches and chapels have been opened.
At its peak in the late 1800s, Methodism in East
Norfolk had over 2,000 members, spread across 48
churches belonging to 5 circuits. Now, in 2009,
East Norfolk has one circuit and 21 churches. The
book describes the history of Methodism over this
period and covers the areas surrounding Great
Yarmouth, Gorleston, Acle and Martham. Within the
book, chapters are dedicated to the Primitive
Methodist Temple and the Central Hall in Great
Yarmouth, as well as a chapter on Methodist
church organs.
The book is 230 pages long and contains over 140
photographs of old Methodist churches and
Methodist gatherings and people. The book is on
sale £10, of which £5 will go to the Action For
Children charity. Books can be ordered from Ben
Milner on 01493 668646 or b.milner@uea.ac.uk.
The Primitive Methodist Temple in Great Yarmouth
in 1910 (top) and a 2009 photograph showing
Temple Road passing the place where the old
Temple stood.
12
One Sound
(Formerly MAYC Orchestra and Singers)
20th February 2010
Ely Cathedral 7.30 pm
‘One Sound’ – Youth Music in Christ - are giving a
Worship Concert in Ely Cathedral. This is an
opportunity for a truly uplifting evening in the
company of young Christians aged 13 – 25. They
will sing and play a variety of music which will bring
joy to everyone who hears them and they are
excited at making music in such wonderful
surroundings. One Sound will also take part in the
Sunday morning worship at Ely Methodist Church
on 21 February.
Member churches of Churches Together in Ely will
also be supporting with rehearsal space, catering
and general arrangements. The faith of the young
people is real and I hope that as many people as
possible will share this evening with us. In
particular please encourage your young people to
attend. Tickets are priced at £5 and £3 for those
under 26.
Their website is www.onesound.org.uk for more
information.
For tickets and further information please contact -
Sheenah Adkins 01353 659065
E-mail - sheenah.adkins@btinternet.com
Also coming to Ely Methodist Church:
An Evening with Charles Timberlake
Saturday 20 March 2010 – 7.30 pm
Further details from 01353 662426
Saturday 12 June
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
ALISON ADAM
Leading a singing event not to be missed
Hungate Church
BECCLES
Alison is gifted in leading groups of people to sing
music from around the world.
People not experienced in singing in choirs find
themselves harmonising in way they never thought
possible.
Watch out for more information from the
District Worship Group