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God gave them up! January 2014 Prayer Column

Does God really ever give up on anyone? In one place in the Bible it says three times that he does (Romans 1:18ff). It’s to do with attitudes to truth. If we suppress what we know about God, i.e., deny his existence when the evidence of his creation is all around us, his wrath is revealed from heaven. Our proper role as created beings is to honour the Creator God thankfully, and if we refuse to do so then he gives us up to spiritual blindness of hearts and minds. And when we exchange the truth about God for a lie, and worship the things he has made rather than him as Creator: e.g., the cult of celebrity; outward beauty (primping parlours); star signs; consumerism – then God gives us up to inner debasement, and a dishonouring of self and others. Those who choose to turn away from God are allowed to do so. It may seem a fine step of independence, but it does us no good at all: folly, futility, impurity, baseness, a downward spiral deserving death. Without Jesus there would be no

Christmas Services in Bradford North Circuit

Additional Christmas Services Church 22 nd pm Christmas Eve Christmas Day Allerton @ Elsewhere 10.30 am Bashforth Baildon 11.00 am Café style Blundell 10.00 am Jackson 6.00 pm Taylor 11.30 pm Holy Communion Hoe Bolton 7.30 pm  Drake 10.00 am Lorrain-Smith Calverley 4.00 pm Drake @ Elsewhere 10.00 am Greenwood Christchurch 11.30 pm Holy Communion at St Margaret’s Watson 10.00 am at St Margaret’s Watson Crag Road @ Elsewhere 10.00 am Taylor Eccleshill Lorrain-Smith 6.00 pm Allison 10.30 am  Whiteley Haworth Road @ Elsewhere 11.00 am OA Little Lane @ Elsewhere 10.30 am OA

The light of experience – first reflections on a pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine

Sharon and Sarah having just climbed Mount Tabor Question: What’s the connection between a Bingley coffee shop and a late night   conversation by the Sea of Galilee? Answer: Sharon and Sarah! It was on an early summer sunny day that we decided to make this unforgettable journey to the Holy Land. So strange, there, to see the motorway signs to Biblical places: Tiberius, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem and to reflect on the stories, events and people of faith; from a boat on the Sea of Galilee watch the sun’s rays penetrate the morning haze. For a moment, the water and my life, calm and still – soon to be storm-tossed like Jesus’s fearful friends in their sinking ship. So many beautiful churches built to mark the places of God’s presence in some special way. We saw in construction, beside the archaeological site of Magdala, yet another church with the communion table, looking through a boat shaped window over the Sea of Galilee to the hills, the

Blenheim Brunch

BLENHEIM BRUNCH Congratulations to Brenda Duckworth and her team  from local Methodist Churches who catered for the  Blenheim Brunch held at Haworth Road Methodist Church on 19 th October. The ‘restaurant’ was full (just short of a String Quartet playing in the corner!) The friendly reception committee were on hand to make us welcome.  As usual, the kitchen staff ‘kept their cool’ and kept the food, which was excellent, flowing.  The dietary variations were greatly appreciated. Overstretched waiters and waitresses attended to our every whim (they didn’t even have time to accept their tips!). Setting up and clearing away afterwards was no mean task but somebody had to do it!  Well done, all the helpers - your hard work was greatly appreciated! It is surprising how many inter-church friends we make as a result of numerous circuit activities over the years, and it is great to meet up with them on these occasions, if only for a short time.  Everybody enjoyed themsel

A good news story from Haworth Road Methodist Church

NEWS FROM HAWORTH ROAD SHOEBOX APPEAL FOR SMILE INTERNATIONAL The picture shows some of the 52 Shoeboxes which were sent to Smile International, together with 3 large boxes of Humanitarian  Aid and 3 large knitted Blankets. These are now on their way to the Smile Centre in Kosova where they  will be taken from there and distributed to children in time for Christmas. 

A good news story from Christchurch, Windhill

The e-merge youth project, which operates in conjunction with Christchurch, Windhill, produces a monthly report for the church. The following are extracts from the report for October:- This month has been very productive with the youth work and activities in Windhill. We started this month with preparing for the Family Church event, which was a hit on many levels. This event saw 35 people attend: 5 - 6 Young people from the estate, as well as new and local support from the street reps that have committed to help in the future. This event was a success and a good foundation stone for building on in the future. Youth work on Wednesday evenings is going great. We have a regular attendance of 18 young people, sometimes on weeks hitting 24 young people. The next development for this is in the programme of what we do. We have started doing workshops alongside the Table tennis and Fifa competitions. The first workshop we are looking at is music and we are going to bring down a

Circuit Consultation

Circuit Consultation A special Circuit Meeting was held on Monday 2 December at Thackley, to have conversations about the future of the circuit, in the light of the work which has been undertaken over the last two years, and comments received from various sources about the operation of team ministry. Questions which were addressed, and which need prayerful reflection by all who attend our churches, covered the following issues:- What significant ministries are provided by our churches, and how can we ensure that these are continued and developed? In planning for the future, how do we judge whether a church is viable or not? Vision? State of building? Finance? Lack of officers? Proximity to other churches? Where is the best place to make decisions about the use of resources? Is the Circuit too remote? Should churches be grouped in clusters? If the notion of clusters is to be adopted, on what basis should these be formed? What is the re

A good news story from a young girl at Calverley Methodist Church

On the 20 th of October, it was Lighthouse Sunday at Calverley Methodist Church and all of the children and some of the adults went on a walk around Calverley, trying to find objects starting with all the letters of the alphabet from A-Z, (it’s not as easy as it sounds!). We walked around Calverley going through the fields and the woods and luckily, the weather stayed ok. Here are some of the things we found: ·          Flower ·          Leaves ·          Officer ·          Yard ·          Zig zag It was a very enjoyable and interesting experience for everybody and I think we would all do it again if we could! By Caitlin

A Christmas message from our Lay Pastoral Visitor and Co-ordinator

Dear Friends,                                     Joyeux Noel! A favourite group of mine is the Carnival Band with Maddy Prior. They have a song called ‘Stuff’. Some of the words are:- Christmas time is here again, Time for family, time for friends, Time for church bells, time for snow, Tinsel, robins, firelight glow, There is time, but not enough – To get ourselves a load of stuff. The song goes on to parody our greed at Christmas.  During my Local Preacher training, we were introduced to the Charles Wesley’s Hymn (H & P 109) Let Earth & Heaven Combine. The last two lines in the first verse are:- Our God contracted to a span,  incomprehensibly made man. For me, this had a profound effect in my walk with the Lord. The fact that our God was reduced to a hand span (you can hold a baby in the span of your hand) and that we cannot comprehend why he did this. Yet he did this because he LOVES us. He gave his Son to be born and die for everyone.

Volunteers needed for Wrose lunch club

Wrose MethodistChurch , Thornacre Road, Wrose, Shipley, BD18 1JY CAN YOU HELP PLEASE? We run a Lunch Club at Wrose Methodist Church weekly on every Wednesday.   Due to unforeseen circumstances, after Christmas we urgently need a volunteer to cook the meals in our well-appointed kitchen, with the help of other volunteers.   If you are enthusiastic about cooking and love to feed a good number of people, then this might just be what you’re looking for! The job entails planning menus for each week, buying the ingredients the day before (quantity dependent upon numbers booking a lunch) and cooking a main course and a dessert on the Wednesday morning.  Numbers attending range between 15 and 22.   Lunch is served between 12 noon and 1 p.m.   We are willing to discuss expenses if a volunteer has to travel any distance.   We also require volunteers to help in the kitchen, and generally with the setting up of the tables, putting out crockery and cutlery, etc. and serving the mea

December 2013 Prayer Column

Hey, have you heard...? What about that , then?  It’s very human to gloat over the fall of someone, especially if they’re prominent or well thought of.  The news industry thrives on it, and always has.  You only have to lower your voice in a certain way to get instant attention from all around.  The words of the whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body (Prov 18:8).  But they don’t do any good when they get there. Gloating’s very human, but sub-Christian.  So how should we react when someone falls from grace or goes astray, especially a fellow believer?  Here are some suggestions: 1.     There but for the grace of God go I.  Reflect on our own vulnerability and pray for continued protection and guidance (1 Cor 10:12). 2.     Thus humbled, reach out compassionately to restore the fallen (Gal 6:1).  The gift of prayer brings everyone within our reach. 3.     If we’ve been hurt, remember the ‘f’ word: forgiveness (2 Cor 2:7).

November 2013 Prayer Column - Persistent Pestering

Persistent Pestering At the launch of Walkers are Welcome in Baildon the other day, Colin Speakman reviewed 200 years of work for public access to the countryside, leading to our present footpath network (and who knows what next).  He commented that change rarely came but by pestering authority till they yielded for a bit of peace. It’s like the point Jesus made about the need for persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).  But if, as he said, the Father God to whom we pray is so much more willing to respond than selfish power groups, why then do we still need to persist or even pester?  Here are a few suggestions. Problems in us : Asking for the wrong things, or for selfish reasons?  Could delay be the Father redirecting our thoughts?  Keep checking? Problems out there : Resistance not from God but from other forces, which may take time to overcome  (e.g., Daniel 10:12-14).  Keep at it. Problems beyond : God is sovereign: he knows best, and some reasons for his non-complia

The Spirit of the Christmas Truce of WW1 Relived

The Spirit of the Christmas Truce of WW1 Relived During the 1st World War on Christmas Day1914 an amazing thing happened. There was a truce just for that day. Germans and the British stopped fighting and started singing carols. They came out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy. Photographs of families were shown to each other, small gifts were exchanged. Then they played a game of FOOTBALL! Just for that day it was PLAY not WAR! In remembrance of those men, and, their hopes for the Peace to come: Football Match 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm Sunday 10 November 2013 Bradford's Centenary Square Reflections, Poetry and Music on the theme of peace and war 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm The Delius Centre, Great Horton Road Come and join us!

Eric Gill Sculptor - Hidden Gems in Bradford

Eric Gill Sculptor Hidden Gems in Bradford 3.30 pm Saturday 2 November at 3.30pm St Cuthbert's Church, Wilmer Road, BRADFORD BD9 4RX  Eric Gill was at the peak of his fame in the 1930s when he agreed to help his friend Father John O'Connor to make some sculptures for St  Cuthbert's RC church.  There are 16 examples of his work in the church and  there will be a unique opportunity for people to view them and hear about the sculptor himself from an expert, Rev Graham Kent.  Graham, a Methodist minister, studied Eric Gill and wrote his thesis about him. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Welcome Service for Rev Clare Davison 30 November 2013

There will be a Service of Welcome for the new Minister, Rev Clare Davison on Saturday 30 November 2013 at 4pm at Little Lane Church . A tea will be served immediately following the service.  This is likely to be along the lines of a similar meal we held recently with hot meat sandwiches and buffet.  For catering purposes will you please let us know if you would like to join us for the meal.  Email:   secretary@littlelanechurch.org.uk

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident

9th Annual Rosa Parks Symposium 13 December 2013

9th Annual ROSA PARKS Symposium Continuing the Dream: "Transformation into an Oasis of Freedom and Justice" Friday 13 December 2013 9.30 am - 5.00 pm, Great Hall, Richmond Building, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP To register your interest for this free event please contact: Events and Partnerships, Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford BD7 1DP E: events@bradford.ac.uk, T: (01274) 233217 F: (01274) 233218 W: www.bradford.ac.uk/events

Summer Coffee Evenings raise over £1,200

Wilsden Trinity Church We would like to say a big thank you to all who supported us for your help in making our Summer Coffee Evenings such a brilliant success. The evenings have proved to be very popular and have been really well attended, attracting people from Wilsden village as well as members of other churches in the circuit.  Together we have munched our way through a tonne of biscuits and home-made scones and consumed gallons of coffee and tea. We have baked and bric-a-bracked and book sorted and are all exhausted and half a stone heavier than we were in May but feel it has been well worth the effort. In addition to enjoying very pleasant social evenings, with God's help we have succeeded in raising over £1,200 - approximately £250 each for the five chosen charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance , Parkinson Society , Alzheimer's Society , Multiple Sclerosis Society and Martin House Children's Hospice . We are already planning for next summer and look forward t

Drop-in Centre is a Great Success - a good news story from Haworth Road Methodist Church

The new Drop-in Centre at Haworth Road Methodist Church is proving a great success.  Please come and join with us in free refreshments including home baking, home made jam, and book stall for your home reading.  We have friends coming regularly to join us and everyone is very welcome.  Come and bring a friend and share in good fellowship.  The church is near the bottom of Haworth Road in Heaton. The Drop-in Centre is every Friday 10.00 am to 11.30 am.

Rainbow God, Rainbow People!

As we begin a new Methodist year, the trees are dressing in their autumn colours. I love the orange, reds, browns and yellow that replaces the green. I wonder at the fruit, the berries and the seeds. As the temperature drops, energy bursts out in a final blaze of activity. Soon the hibernating, darkness of winter will enfold us. But for now there's plenty of colour! John Ruskin, the 19th century artist and philosopher, declared, 'of all the gifts that are bestowed upon man, colour is the holiest, the most divine'. A while ago, there was great interest in the concept of 'Colour Me Beautiful': we would look better and feel happier if we wore colours that matched our inner personalities. A the same time, 'Colour Me Spiritual' by Ann Bird was published. She believed that colour deeply appreciated, can touch and mould each one of us, not only on the surface but at a deeper spiritual level. What colour God? The question posed by the art exhibition, '