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Applying the circuit principle

I don’t want to be perceived as knocking the structures of Methodism. They are its very genius! This applies to the foundational concept of circuit. Circuits were created to support mission using the principle of shared resources. This was acted out in planting new congregations – the strong (resourceful) helping the weak. This has always been a symbiotic relationship and not a one directional flow. The problem is most churches; even the large ones are in survival mode with little spare capacity to look beyond their own needs. So the challenge of leadership is not to become parochial. I am glad to read in the Statistics for Mission report that the rate of church closures has slowed to just 100 a year as opposed to 150! I am not advocating propping up dying causes, but the loss of a rural/small town chapels should be a cause for heart-break. I suggest as an organisation we have become too reliant on the minister for leadership. Yes the minister brings a wider perspective and specific t...
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Advent Series number 1

With Steve and Jenny planned as our preaches we are taking the opportunity to use the Sundays of Advent to follow a series. It is based on Richard Rohr’s book ‘Preparing for Christmas’ Jenny has a few copies for sale at £3 if you would like to buy the book which gives daily mediations for Advent. If you missed one of the series or want to listen again use the link here For reflection What do I feel is my special message to deliver to the world? My reason for being alive in a nutshell. To work out how to let yourself deliver your special message, during Advent this year pay particular attention to: 1.        listening to God E.g. notice in spiritual reading, which words of Scripture~ (or in poetry, e.t.c.) are speaking to you.In the silence in your prayers before God, listen to your intuition of what God is saying lovingly back to you. Notice which of your daily attitudes and activities increase in you a sense of faith, hope and love in you (lift ...
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Advent Series number 2

John leading with humility – he must become more important while I become less important John 3.30 Listen to the sermon here NB You don't have to sign up with a dropbox account to download Coming expectantly How do we maintain our spiritual energy?   What depletes us and what energises us? The Jews who came from Jerusalem to meet John were looking for something. They were spiritually hungry. Did they go away satisfied? How about us? What difference has meeting Christ made? Transformation – Trans – across (beyond) Formation – To create, bring into being. Paul says we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) What does that mean? Making way for others. What blockages are there to God’s spirit at work in us? What do you make of John’s acknowledgement above(John 3:30 ) How can we learn to co-operate and not compete? What do we feel when our ideas are not the ones to be progressed? Ego has been defined as E dging G od O ut. Can you reflect on occasions w...
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