Author Archives: Wesley

The Revd David Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer for Jerusalem, has been talking to JPIT’s Politics
in the Pulpit podcast. The podcast considers the political dimensions in the Bible readings that are to be
explored in churches the following Sunday.
David talks about history, propaganda and peace in the context of his recent experience of living in
Palestine and what it is to be a Christian activist and disciple.

The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference have released a statement on the situation in Israel and Palestine. They have written to the UK Government to ask them to work for peace in the region and are asking you to join them in praying for those affected by the attacks. The Methodist Church has published resources, prayers, background and reflections.

Merciful God
We cry out to you, in anguish and horror, at the situation in Israel – Palestine
The images we are seeing, the stories we are hearing, of homes, hospitals, places of sanctuary, healing
and care, destroyed.
We know that there are so many more stories which have not yet been told, and perhaps never will be.
Of precious lives lost, of grief and trauma beyond that which most of us can imagine.
Compassionate God, you came and dwelt among us; you know and understand the suffering of this world.
There is no place beyond your reach; you are everywhere, even in places where we fear there is no hope
left.
Where we are tempted to despair, your spirit brings mercy, and justice, and healing.
You call us, again and again, in times of conflict and destruction, to be attentive to those who are most
vulnerable.
Give us the compassion to weep with those who weep, and mourn with those who mourn.
The discernment to recognize the limits of our own wisdom, and to avoid those actions and words which
may cause further harm.
Inspire in us a renewed commitment to walk humbly with you, seeking the peace and flourishing which
you desire for all of your beloved children,
Amen

Taking inspiration from the Wesley’s Holy Club, Methodist Young Adult Fellowship (MYAF) has been formed by a group of Young Adults within the Methodist Church as a group to offer fellowship to one another. Comprising of a WhatsApp group and monthly zoom gatherings, MYAF hopes to be a safe and inclusive space for young adults to meet, chat, pray and get to know one another in a church which can sometimes feel very grey. 

The group is for 18-30 year olds who have connections with the Methodist church and would like to spend time connecting with other young adult Methodists. 

To join the group or find out more, please email admin@yorkshirenemethodist.org 

The Benefact Trust has a short video on this topic. Note that they have a fund specifically for Methodist projects.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has just published its annual report on Poverty in Scotland. It points that low wages are keeping people in poverty.

“We are dismayed that the Prime Minister is delaying the implementation of policies to achieve net zero. As Christian leaders we are deeply committed to encouraging all within our sphere of influence to be ambitious in reaching net zero as we seek to care for God’s creation. This transition must be rapid, equitable and just.”

This is the beginning of the joint statement issued by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, The Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement on net zero policies.

“At a time when so many people are struggling financially, the government has a crucial role to play in ensuring the cost of transition to net zero does not fall most heavily on those least able to afford it. Delaying measures to insulate homes will have the opposite effect, and slowing efforts to reduce fossil fuel use will increase climate impacts on vulnerable communities around the globe.

Extreme weather events this year have demonstrated the urgency of the situation. The independent Climate Change Committee have assessed that even current policy measures are insufficient to meet the UK’s climate targets. The government needs to urgently demonstrate how it will get the UK back on track to reach net zero before 2050.

The commitments made at COP26 were instrumental in providing confidence to industry, investors and civil society that the UK was serious about rising to the climate challenge. It is a source of extreme disappointment that the Prime Minister’s announcement will damage that confidence and undermine our collective efforts. As a country, we have moral and legal responsibilities to show leadership in tackling the climate emergency together.”

Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain

Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of General Assembly, United Reformed Church

Revd Gill Newton, President of the Methodist Conference

Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

Norman Mullings MBE is part of Harlesden Methodist Church in North London. He arrived in Britain from Jamaica in 1958, aged 18. In this prayer for the start of Black History Month, he marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the ship Empire Windrush to the UK. Filmed at the national Windrush monument at London Waterloo Station.

NCT are excited to announce that, through Cherish, they now have three dedicated support officers in post, based in Wales/Cymru, Scotland and North West England (Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester) who are able to provide on the ground support.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, these officers will be able to provide a range of training, resources and mentoring to help you look after your place of worship. 

In these places, it has been harder for historic churches to get the help they need to make urgent repairs to their buildings. Cherish has been set up to support at risk churches in these places, so that we do not lose this precious heritage. 

See the dedicated Scotland support page.

Securing funding for energy efficiency and generation measures can be difficult, but the Benefact Trust are keen to receive applications from Methodist groups focussed on net zero and climate change. Click here to view their grants page.  

There is a specific ‘Methodist Grants’ stream which is intended to fund missional projects, and this includes projects focussed on climate change. Caring for God’s Creation and taking steps to address the injustices of the climate crisis are key missional priorities for the Methodist Church, so are absolutely included within this grant stream.    

Before applying for a grant it is helpful to understand to assess your building and energy usage, and the Property Team have resources on the Assess Your Building & Energy Usage page to help you do this.