Love this Calling Inspiring stories from the life of your Methodist Church - The Methodist Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Issue 22 • Spring 2021
Love this
Calling
Inspiring stories from the life of your Methodist Church
Do not fear, for I have redeemed
you; I have called you by name, you
are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)
Issue 22 • Spring 2021
With its perfect conjunction of the sun and Published by the Methodist Church in Britain
the Humber Bridge creating a golden version © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
(TMCP) 2021. Registered charity no. 1132208
of our Methodist orb and cross, Mark
Kensett’s beautiful cover photograph is the No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
perfect introduction to the theme of issue any form or by any means, electronic,
22 ‘Love this Calling’. mechanical, photocopying or otherwise,
David Perry without the prior permission of the publisher,
Editor The familiar orb and cross represents except for articles and photographs downloaded
the glory of the risen Christ for all the world. for local church use that are fully acknowledged.
All rights reserved.
Mark’s photograph individualises this and
makes it deeply personal. Notice how the
shaft of sparkling sunlight extends across
the water towards the viewer. Seamlessly
and uninterrupted, it spans the distance The Humber
Bridge
between the resurrection light on the other
side of the cross and ourselves, arriving
right at our feet, inviting a response.
What is the Connexion? The radiant love of Easter reaches out
Methodists belong to local This issue was produced under lockdown restrictions
to each one of us, wherever we are and and consequently no professional photographers
churches and also value
being part of a larger whatever our circumstances. God’s call were used. Contributors supplied doorstep portraits
upon our life is always to cherish this truth of themselves.
community. In calling the
Methodist Church in Britain and to make it uniquely our own. As I look
‘the Connexion’, Methodism Photo credits
reflects its historical and at the photograph I feel the reality of this All photographs copyright the contributors unless
otherwise stated. Front cover © Mark Kensett;
spiritual roots. afresh and dare to acknowledge that the Pages 4-5 © Getty Images; Pages 6-7 © Getty
In the 18th century a words of Isaiah 43:1 are for me; that the Images; Page 8 © Getty Images; Pages 10-11 ©
‘connexion’ simply meant symbolism of the photograph has my name Getty Images; Pages 12-13 © Getty Images;
those connected to a person Page 15 © Mark Kensett, Megan Lawrence and
on it. And yours. Getty Images; Pages 18-19 © Getty Images;
or a group – for instance,
For God calls each person to embrace Pages 20-21 © Getty Images and Queens Foundation
a politician’s network of (Mark Kensett); Page 23 © Getty Images; Pages
supporters. So when people their Christian vocation and to express this 24-25 © David Perry; Pages 26-27 © Mark Kensett,
spoke of “Mr Wesley’s calling without reservation. The stories and Stephen Lake and Thy Kingdom Come
Connexion” they meant
followers of the movement testimonies in issue 22 demonstrate the Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are from
the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised
led by John Wesley. breathtaking breadth and depth of God’s Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council
Wesley believed that imagination as God calls people in so very of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
belonging and mutual America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
many and various ways to follow Jesus
responsibility were
fundamental Christian in our daily expressions of discipleship.
qualities. The language Each of us has our own distinctive part to
of connexion allowed play in bringing God’s purposes to fruition. Methodist Church House
him to express this 25 Marylebone Road
interdependence, developing God invites us to love this calling and to London NW1 5JR
its spiritual and practical embrace the challenge of bringing it alive,
significance in the Tel: 020 7486 5502
secure in the knowledge that the one who Email: enquiries@methodistchurch.org.uk
organisation and ethos of his
movement. Both language calls us by name is the one who equips, Web: www.methodist.org.uk
and practice are important nurtures and sustains us on our life’s
Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps
Find us on Facebook
for Methodists today. vocational journey, wherever it leads and Follow us on Twitter
Go to www.methodist. whatever it entails. Watch us on YouTube or Vimeo
org.uk/theconnexion As we are bathed in glorious resurrection See our pictures on Instagram and
to change your order for light, God reaches out to us and calls us to Flickr
the connexion, and for Information contained in this magazine was
downloading the pdf to be fully who we are meant to be. And God
correct at the time of going to press. Views
reuse articles in your calls us to do everything in our power to expressed in the articles may not be the official
own church magazine. ensure that this is everyone’s truth, freed position of the Methodist Church in Britain.
Images are available at
www.flickr.com/ from all injustice and discrimination. While coronavirus limits church activities,
this mailing of the connexion is limited to
methodistmedia one copy to each address. For more copies,
Love and peace, order directly from Methodist Publishing
What do you think David at www.methodistpublishing.org.uk while
about this issue? stocks last, or download the pdf at
Email theconnexioneditor@ www.methodist.org.uk/theconnexion
methodistchurch.org.uk
2 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr
Highlights
6 Called to love her
neighbours 10 Taking God’s word into
the workplace 14 Our Calling to end
racial injustice
18 A calling to preach
20 On being called, trained
and formed 26 Reflection on
Love this Calling
Climate Sunday – has your Presidency adapts to life under lockdown
church registered? he Revd Richard Teal and Carolyn Lawrence, our President
n ecumenical coalition is and Vice-President, have had a year of office like no other. The
calling on churches this pandemic has restricted face-to-face visits across the Connexion,
year to do one or more but they have reached thousands of people virtually. In addition to their
of these: formal diary commitments, weekly Facebook Lives (facebook.com/
MethodistPresidency) have reached over
● hold a climate-focused
26,000 users. Over 11,500 visits have
service
been made to their blog and 450 calls since
● commit to take action to
January to their free phone line reflection
reduce greenhouse gas
(0808 281 2695). The Presidency has been
emissions
agile in responding to new circumstances in
● add their name to a call for
the most challenging of times.
the UK government to take
bolder action on climate
change.
Methodist Youth President Election Results
On Sunday 5 September, there aud Irfan from Cardiff will become the next Youth President
will be a national Climate following an election held online in December as part of 3Generate
Sunday event to celebrate the 365 (the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly). He will be
commitments made by churches. appointed for the connexional year 2021/2022 at a service this autumn.
Register to start planning your He commented “I would like to thank all the children and young people
local Climate Sunday here: who took part in the voting process. The focus of my year will be on God’s
www.climatesunday.org Church being a home for all.”
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 3
have sometimes struggled when they do, some know how they do what
it comes to conversations about they do, but fewer can articulate why they
vocation and calling, thinking do what they do. When people answer the
such lofty aspirations were reserved for ‘why’ question they find their raison d’être.
exceptional folk who, from an early age, It is the end to which all other things are
know who they want to be and how they are directed. Through the process I discovered
going to change the world. At other times my ‘reason for living’ is to support people
my socialist persuasions have led me to through learning and development so they
view vocation as the domain of the elite can realise their God-given potential.
and privileged, a luxury beyond the reaches
of those who simply need to earn enough My road to an education career
to get by, or who because of gender, race, When I look back over my career, I realise
sexuality or disability find certain paths supporting people has been the golden
closed to them. thread running throughout, despite a rather
However, in my role in the Learning reluctant beginning! As a teenager I wanted
Network, I have been fortunate enough to be an air hostess, or cabin crew as we
to have numerous opportunities for self- would call them now. I loved languages and
discovery and one in particular changed my desperately wanted to explore the world so
view on vocations. A wonderful colleague, I decided this would be an excellent career.
Nigel Pimlott, trained us to deliver an After finishing my French degree, however,
My ‘reason exercise based on the work of Simon the only graduate programme I could find
Sinek, which helps individuals identify the with a bursary was a PGCE. With limited
for living’ is to fundamental reason for their existence. options, I enrolled. It was one of the hardest
support people Sinek asserts that most people know what years of my life but when I completed my
4 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr
me to talk about my vocation and the crisis My soul still
of confidence I was going through. I shared
burned with
my struggles of working online, feeling
isolated, demotivated, zoomed-out and also a passion for
my frustration at not feeling I was making learning
a difference. Through some questioning,
Michael skilfully led me through three
dimensions of my work. Under the headings
of ‘soul’, ‘role’ and ‘context’ he enabled
me to see that my soul still burned with
a passion for learning and development
and that I loved my role as coordinator
within a team of equally passionate and
creative people. It was just the context
that had changed and become a problem.
training, I went to Hungary to teach English As an extrovert, I was missing the human
as a foreign language and thus began my interaction that had been such a central
life in education. part of my job, whether it was facilitating
Over the years, I have found a number of training days, meeting with groups to
tools to help people discern their vocation. discuss mission, or planning events with
Ignatian spiritual practices, spiritual much loved team members. He enabled
accompaniment, the Enneagram, Myers me to be excited again by my calling and he
Briggs tests, coaching and supervision reminded me of practices to help me keep
can all be hugely beneficial. However, life going.
circumstances are ever-changing and during I am an unashamed lover of romantic
the pandemic I really questioned again comedy, and during our Covenant service
whether I was in the right vocation. With this year I remembered a line from one of
so much need and suffering, was I really my all-time favourites, Bridget Jones’s Diary.
serving others? In the film Darcy (played by Colin Firth) says
to Bridget he loves her just the way she is.
Reaffirming my calling In the sermon we were reminded that God
A recent training event for existing loves us just the way we are.
*
The supervisor and
supervisee are in a
supervisors helped me. In a ‘goldfish bowl Sometimes we have a problem believing metaphorical goldfish
exercise’*, Michael Patterson encouraged that and loving ourselves becomes bowl being observed
impossible, but investing in ourselves, in by participants, who
whatever ways we find most helpful, is not listen and learn from
an indulgence. If we are able to discover watching a ‘live’
supervision session.
our ‘why’ or where our soul, role and
context connect, we can be liberated to be
the people God has created us to be, and
realise our calling, whether that be through
our paid work, a voluntary role or our Coming out
favourite pastime. of lockdown,
where do your
Rachel McCallam is the Learning & soul, role and
Development Coordinator for the Yorkshire context connect?
Plus region.
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 5
Called to love her
NEIGHBOURS
Alison Ransome aura has some remarkable stories bottom up; they are loved by God and they
to tell. They include working with pass it on. Faith should not be in your face,
speaks to Laura
Zambian women experiencing it’s simply about being. So my calling is that
Cooper, a member gender-based violence, giving her student I am called ‘to be’. I am called to be me.
of Burniston loan to a family in Romania whose house Called to serve.”
had washed away, and more recently working Laura’s belief that we are all equal struck
Methodist Church
on a building project in Mexico with her own me particularly when she said, “There’s no
in the North young children. So, why is the photo of her, special reason about gypsies that makes
Yorkshire Coast in this magazine, in the doorway of a beach them so welcoming. Nor do the Zambians
hut in a cold northern town? who embraced me have superpowers.
Circuit about her
It turns out Laura holds in harmony Equally there isn’t something magical about
call to respond to both helping people around the world and me going to give aid to refugees in Calais.
people in need caring for those in her own home and on
her doorstep. Her faith is profound and yet
simple. When I ask about this, she quotes
civil rights’ champion Martin Luther King who
said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
anywhere” and “Darkness cannot drive out
darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot
drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Laura has an intricate, yet simple
theology. She says: “Where there is need,
I do what I can to meet it, whether it’s here
in Scarborough where I live, or in Zambia
where the richness of the land is being
Why wouldn’t plundered by other countries. I give what’s
needed whether that’s a bunch of flowers to
it be God
a neighbour, or a roofbox full of clothes to
calling me? refugees in Calais.”
Called to pass on God’s love
Laura has a deeply ingrained sense of the
As you read world being God’s and God loving all in
Laura’s story, the world. I ask her where it comes from.
in what fresh way She says, “I’ve always been supported by
might God be fantastic Christians. The ordinary people
calling you in the church who make the cups of tea
to serve? have always inspired me, I am blessed by
these people. This is about church from the
6 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr
It’s all about humanity joining together and recognise people as equal to ourselves and Where there is
being equal in God’s eyes. I support Chelsea loved by God. We need to give as we’d want
need, I do what
[the football club], so have been known to to receive.”
say, in jest, that I have ‘blue blood’ running Laura went on to refer to one of the most I can to meet it
through my veins. The real truth of the well-known biblical passages on calling,
matter, however, is that each one of us has 1 Samuel 3, which describes how Samuel
exactly the same blood and we all bleed and Eli do not recognise God’s call in the
when cut.” night. I confess I had an inward groan, as it’s
such a ‘go to’ Bible passage about calling.
Giving as you’d like to receive I didn’t expect to hear anything new, but as
We have all read stories of amazing people I listened, I realised that Laura was saying
who serve others in amazing ways. I wanted something different. She said that those
to know from Laura what her reply would be who donate socks might not think they are
to people like me who say, “I could never go responding to a call from God, but they are.
overseas and do what you do.” When she is prompted to act she asks:
Her response is generous but also deeply “Why wouldn’t it be me? Why wouldn’t it
challenging. She says, “We are all better be God calling? Why wouldn’t it be God
together – some people have time, some calling me?”
financial resources, some have wisdom, I’m taking away these deceptively simple
and some a smile for others. The key thing questions to ponder.
is to care for humanity, not to give to make
ourselves feel better. If I need people to Alison Ransome is the Coordinator for the
donate 500 pairs of socks, I need proper Learning Network – North West and Mann,
pairs of socks – what can I do with odd and Connexional Vocations Advisor for the
socks? How many one-legged refugees do Methodist Church. She is overseeing the
we think there are? We all have a calling to #LoveThisCalling campaign.
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 7
Following
Christ in the
BOARDROOM
I am a director
of a healthcare
provider
administering
thousands
of Covid-19
vaccines
8 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr
“Why has God put me here?” ponders Alan Kershaw,
a business leader whose Christian calling
has taken him into offices and boardrooms
od the creator makes us all unique, whatever the experience is, it will impact on We will all be
and expects us to be different from who we are today and into the future. We
more closely
those around us. Yet as human cannot change the past but we can use it to
beings we crave to be like everyone else; change the future, which is why living with yoked in
part of the pack. How do we find balance in God close to us will give us the benefit of partnership
the faith journey of our lives in partnership his influence on our lives.
with God day
with God? We need to recognise that we are We are all unique and God allows us
different, and to love each other for those to develop differently. The skills and by day
differences and for who we are. experience that I have are different to what
As I write, we are in the middle of you have – and I have a lot to learn from
‘Lockdown 3’. I am a director of a you, and hopefully you can learn a little
healthcare provider that is administering from me too. But it is not my skills in the
thousands of Covid-19 vaccines to the most- boardroom, or my skills as a business
at-risk people across the city of Salford. My leader, or my skills on a computer that
career has been very varied: I have started distinguish me as a Christian. Rather it
up companies, shut them down, listed them is how I go about these tasks, and the
on the Stock Exchange and just been a part core Christian beliefs that give me that
of the wider team. I have been successful, foundation.
but this has not always been the case, I
have been made redundant and at other Listening to God’s voice
times been ‘laid low’. These have been I hope that God is working through me
incredibly difficult times – but on reflection sometimes, if not always. I know that I am
they have often served a purpose – for not perfect, and ask that God and those
myself, for my family, for the Church and around me will forgive me for those times
for others. when I definitely get it wrong. Asking God,
our family, friends and colleagues for
God working through me forgiveness when we get it wrong is an
“How has God put you here?” has been a important part of what makes Christians
question posed around the family dinner different in the world.
table on more than one occasion. The God calls us to be disciples throughout
answer is that often I do not know. I do our lives. Not just when we are with our
know, however, that God was influential church family – but also when we are with
in making it happen. God opened doors our human family, and with those people
(and shut other doors too) that have taken that we spend our days with, in whatever
me in unexpected directions, which have situation that may be. As a church family,
sometimes left me quite baffled. When we need to continue to recognise the
I look back, I can see that God was with uniqueness of each one of us and the gifts
me in both difficult and challenging times, that God gives us all to use, to celebrate
as well as positive and uplifting ones. I our differences and to look to better support
believe that through God giving me these each other wherever we are in our journeys
experiences, God was working through of life and faith.
me to enable what is happening there to I am thankful for what God is doing in
take place, and in a better way for those our daily lives (whether obvious or subtle),
involved. and I pray that each of us will strive to listen
The experience and skills that I have more intently to that still small voice of our
How will your
developed through my life have been creator God, and that we will all be more church make
enhanced by being part of a ‘church closely yoked in partnership with God day by sharing what God
family’ in whichever location I have lived day in the lives we are called to lead. is doing in your
and worshipped, and has shaped me into daily lives a
who I am today. As children of God, we are Alan Kershaw is Chair of the Methodist priority?
influenced by all of our life experiences; and Church Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 9
Taking God’s word into
the workplace
The Revd love this quote, which reflects on Another chaplain, Deacon Pamela Luxton,
the meaning of vocation: “Neither serves East Coast Caravan Park in
Canon Alan J
the hair shirt nor the soft berth will Lincolnshire. She says, “I love this calling
Robson is the do. The place God calls you to is the place because, wherever I am sent to, it is a
Lincolnshire where your deep gladness and the world’s privilege to be alongside those I am with
deep hunger meet.”1 and the experience gained enables me to
Agriculture
Disciples of Jesus are called to dwell grow in wisdom, knowledge and faith.”
Chaplain and wherever there is need. This calling is
sees much a vital part of our Methodist DNA and Bringing unconditional love to
the workplace
to celebrate heritage, and I believe chaplains have a
vital role in bringing the message of God’s Some chaplains are ordained, some are lay,
in workplace and some are volunteers, but each senses
love to society. In 1999, whilst thoroughly
chaplaincy enjoying circuit ministry, I had the privilege a powerful calling and vocation within and
and calling to become the Lincolnshire outside the church walls as ‘spiritual care
Agricultural Chaplain. I have continued in providers’. Each chaplain is working in “the
this role while simultaneously serving two
to four churches within various circuits.
I am just one of a creative and enthusiastic
band of workplace chaplains, who are
embraced by and embrace frustrations,
messiness and humanity. Each workplace
chaplain intentionally enters a specific
arena where people gather to either work,
Wherever there seek pleasure or healing – a “place where
your deep gladness and the world’s deep
is a workforce,
hunger meet.”
a chaplain may Wherever there is a workforce, a chaplain
be found may be found. You might expect to find them
where “gladness and hunger meet” in retail
centres, airports, microchip companies,
power stations, port authorities, doctors’
surgeries – even on racecourses. Simon
In what new
Pearson is a chaplain serving the needs of
ways could your
circuit engage national horse racing. He says, “I absolutely
with and support love my work with Racing Welfare, the only
workplace charity that supports all the people who
chaplaincy? work in racing. I love the diversity and
energy of this workplace!”
10 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickrplace where your deep gladness and the gathering and arranges professional Lives can
world’s deep hunger meet.” guidance. It is agreed to work towards
be changed
What do those who enter all these a viable way of farming for the next
arenas offer to the mission and ministry of generation. through the
the Church as it reflects afresh upon the consistent love
‘Methodist Way of Life’? I suspect every 3. A family is affected twice by suicide. The of a workplace
chaplain who is a ‘guest’ in predominantly couple’s son dies and their daughter
secular contexts finds the presence died in the same way eight years earlier.
chaplain
and reality of God as they provide ritual (Nationally farmers and farm workers
support, counselling and care to the people still have one of the highest rates of
they meet. Each echoes the power of suicide of any occupation at 45–50
unconditional love. A love that even the per year.) As well as offering practical
blind can see and the deaf can hear and assistance, the associate rural chaplain
the unfeeling can feel as each workplace supports them by listening to them, to
chaplain journeys alongside their neighbour ensure their pain and loss are ‘held’
to “the place where your deep gladness and respectfully and truthfully. The chaplain
the world’s deep hunger meet.” accompanies the bereaved parents to
Ultimately lives can be changed through inquests and the coroner’s court as
the consistent love of a workplace chaplain. their wills are rewritten and succession
A thousand stories could be told of light and plans are altered.
life being found. Here are three such stories
in Lincolnshire. Working as a chaplain is endlessly 1
Frederick Buechner
challenging and fulfilling! I have enjoyed so
1. A volunteer rural workplace chaplain Wishful Thinking – A
many wonderful encounters and felt God’s Seeker’s ABC (1993,
calls at a farm and speaks to the
nearness in countless surprising ways. Bravo Ltd)
25-year-old son who tentatively opens
up. He is on medication for long-term
anxiety and depression. He is at a loss
and tearful, feeling he must keep the
farm going. The chaplain ensures he
gains all his entitlements, including his
working tax credit, and gets his council
tax reviewed. Over time she ensures
the young chap and his worried partner
gain a steadier footing.
2. A farmer who is clearly depressed and
worried calls the volunteer chaplain. His
brothers and sisters (partners in the
business) are not getting on, there are
issues with succession and the farm
tenancy. The chaplain brokers a family
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 11While
hospitalised,
Isabel Barlow
found God’s
unfailing love
and now wants
to help others
It’s OK not oung people’s mental health is a provide support. However, many young
big issue. Everyone will experience people are too afraid to approach
to be OK
some sort of emotional crisis, the charities and people who can help,
whether due to loss or a tragic accident, leading to severe and long-lasting mental
and there are people and charities to health problems.
With the advent of social media and digital
technology, our mental health is getting
worse. Young people are told via social
media what they should be, what they should
look like and what grades they should be
achieving, and they experience pressure
and stress when they do not achieve
these expectations. I feel passionately it’s
important to support young people and
make it clear that “it’s OK not to be OK”.
My own mental health journey
I have been on quite a journey with my own
I have been on mental health. I have fallen down, got back
quite a journey up again, and there were times when I felt
that there wasn’t really a light at the end of
with my own the tunnel. But I kept going because I knew
mental health there must be something worth staying
12 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickraround for. I was very lucky in that I was
able to find someone who supported me
and he was able to pull me up from the pit
I’d fallen into. I relied on him and he made
me see that there is always a way to get
back up.
I felt at my lowest when I became very
ill and people close to me, including my
dad, also got ill. I felt there was no one
really looking out for me, and God also
wasn’t there any more. But even though
I had lost my faith, faith had not lost me.
The support I received from my church and
community was overwhelming and it made
such a difference to my attitude to life. Even
though I was in and out of hospital and in
sat up, she smiled at me – she was happy, I knew my
even though she had just died.
ambulances every week, the people I love faith wasn’t
did not give up on me. truly dead
Life is precious
This episode made me realise that life is
Near-death experience
short and needs to be lived. I was very
It hit me one day that I could have died
lucky that I had a support system and I was
during a stay in hospital, but I didn’t. My dad
able to get through these hard times. Now
also could have died but he didn’t. I realised
I want to return the favour. I want to spread
there was a reason God gave me a mentor –
the word of God and support people like my
someone that I could talk to who would help
me through these hard times – and there is mentor supported me.
a reason I am here today. I can still see myself lying in a hospital
While I was in hospital there was a bed staring up at the ceiling with wires and
moment when I knew my faith wasn’t truly tubes coming out of me thinking “What I
dead. It happened one evening. The nurse am doing here, what is the point?” But I
had just put my meds on the machine now look in the mirror and see a girl who
and walked out. Then the big alarm went has come so far in her journey and wants to
off, which meant that someone needed help change the world.
defibrillating. I peered out of my window I want to support people who are on this
and saw a little girl lying on a bed, white mental health journey and do not see a light
as snow. The doctors shocked her multiple at the end of a tunnel. Even if I help just one
times and nothing happened but, as a person, that means someone will be able
doctor was just about to call time of death, to go on and live their life. And I know I can What practical
she started to cough. It was a miracle. do it as God could have got rid of me but he response does
The doctors just put it down as a tech saved me. I do not want that to be wasted. I Izzy’s testimony
malfunction but there was something want to save someone else and show them inspire in you?
magical about the situation. As the little girl the light at the end of the tunnel.
A light at the
end of the
tunnel
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 13In a world of colour
inequality, the Church
stands for justice but must
address white power, says
the Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal
God calls us to arrived in the UK with my parents remain obstacles of injustice and exclusion
in 1964. My first home was in and there is resistance to change.
build a justice-
Dudley, ten miles from Smethwick, We can do better and God beckons us
based Church where Enoch Powell delivered his “Rivers on. God calls us to build a justice-based
of Blood” speech in April 1968, just a few Church, where justice is served with mercy
days after the assassination of the Revd Dr and humility, a Church where we all in our
Martin Luther King in Memphis, USA. These immense diversity are honoured members
events mobilised me to strive against racial in the one Body of Christ. It’s a Church
inequality, which made no sense to me as a with no superiors or inferiors, no centres or
teenager, or at any time since. I have worked margins, with one goal always to “..strive
for racial justice in Methodism and beyond first for the kingdom of God and his
The difference for longer than the Children of Israel were righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Everything
is that white in the wilderness. It is central to our calling follows from here and the pilgrimage
and must be sustained without ceasing. It towards our goal is stronger if we work with
people have calls for responses at the heart of worship ecumenical and international partners and
power and prayer, theology and preaching. There fully respect each other.
14 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrHoly Communion is not only a ‘foretaste of Addressing white power It’s a Church
the heavenly banquet’, it is also a revelation Our attention remains fixed on addressing
with no
of the Church and the world as they are the nonsense of racism. With a theology
meant to be. In a world of inequality, war, that insists we are all made in the image superiors or
bigotry and climate change, the Church can of God, and genetics that affirm we are inferiors, no
be one body symbolised in the one bread one human race, why does discrimination
centres or
we share, a sanctuary for all. We can stand based on skin colour persist in people
in solidarity with each other in our suffering who value all the beautiful colours of God? margins
humanity, not in charity but with justice, How can we strengthen our resolve to work
mercy and humility, seeking the safety and with people of all faiths and professions to
fulfilment of all. promote racial justice?
Sybil Phoenix used to say “racism is
The journey so far to racial equality prejudice plus power”, and these words
Considerable energy has gone into worship, were incorporated in the Methodist
prayer and work for racial justice. We have Conference report ‘Faithful and Equal’
helped influence some individuals and (1987). Sybil insisted that while we all
institutions. There has been progress in have our prejudices, the difference is that
terms of the promotion and development white people have power. This is how the
of black leadership and black theology. world is structured. White people have to How will your
district set
There are more senior black people in the address this colour inequality as integral to
about redefining
Church. Black Methodists have occupied addressing racism. Sybil was saying this 40
the norm of
the most senior lay and ordained roles, for years ago. What now? challenging
example as President and Vice-President I conclude with prophetic wisdom from injustice and
of the Conference, and as Youth President. Professor Anthony Reddie, a foremost building full
Many black Methodists are superintendent Methodist thinker and theologian. In an inclusion?
presbyters and circuit stewards, but I want article last year, Anthony offered incisive
to see more black Methodists in roles and insightful analysis and reflection on
such as district chair, and in senior a journey in Methodism ‘from racism
connexional roles. awareness to deconstructing whiteness’
Despite obstacles, black Methodists have in the quest for racial justice. Previously
made contributions to policy and process he wrote of the need to move beyond
changes and given leadership. We have ‘apologetic rhetoric’ by which Churches can
been at the heart of finding new directions resist progress towards the achievement
in building an inclusive and intercultural of justice. He argues that redefining ‘the
Church. Along the way, we have endured norm’ is necessary in the Methodist Church
hurts and disappointments. A leadership if we are to move beyond rhetoric of apology
role as a black person is a tough place towards a more determined and intentioned
and requires additional spiritual, emotional mode of challenging injustice, be it on
and physical stamina. Holding high office the grounds of race, gender, sexuality or
does not remove the feeling of being on disability, and build equity and full inclusion.
the margins, and can induce malice from I direct you to Anthony’s scholarship.
opponents. I have often found myself For Professor Anthony
saying, “let us not grow weary in doing what The Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal is a leading Reddie’s books and other
is right…let us work for the good of all” theologian and Methodist minister. writings, visit
(Galatians 6:9-10). www.inderjitbhogal.com www.anthonyreddie.com
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 15Hosting Ruda from Zimbabwe and Sopha from
Cambodia enriched our lives and created vital
global connections, writes Catherine Hickey,
Programme Officer in Global Relationships
etween 2018 and 2020 the The placements provide opportunity for
Methodist Church in Britain hosted Fellows to live out the programme’s three
two Global Mission Fellows as part core values:
of an exciting programme, new to Britain.
Birmingham District welcomed Rudaviro ● engage with local communities
Mvundura from Zimbabwe, while Wesley’s ● connect the Church in mission
Chapel and Leysian Mission in London ● grow in personal and social holiness.
hosted Sopha Touch from Cambodia.
Through these placements, Ruda and Sopha The Methodist Church in Britain is an
supported the calling of the Methodist affiliate of the programme, which is run
Church in Britain and deepened their in partnership with the United Methodist
understanding of God’s call on their own Church. The Global Relationships team
lives. They also brought vital connection coordinate and support the programme in
with the World Church – a key reason why the UK and host churches cover some of
Birmingham District and Wesley’s Chapel the costs.
hope to host Fellows again.
The Global Mission Fellows programme Sopha and Ruda join their host
Having Sopha communities
is a two-year leadership development
made us scheme focused on social justice. It’s open Sopha lived on site at Wesley’s Chapel. He
more aware to people aged 20–30 from around the became part of the young adults’ group and
world, including from Britain. Fellows train blessed the congregation with his musical
of our call
together for three weeks before taking gifts. He also served three days a week
to be global placements of up to 22 months in with Whitechapel Mission’s ministry among
Methodists different countries. homeless people. Superintendent the Revd
Dr Jen Smith said “This made us see the
extreme need on our own doorstep, and
made it easy for us to be involved with its
work.”
She thought his presence was a gift,
saying, “Sopha’s passion for Jesus and
personal humility made him able to make
peace and build friendships with all sorts of
people. His singing in the choir revitalised
it as he was just fun to be around!
Everywhere, his presence made people
individuals, not just labels or issues.”
Meanwhile in Birmingham District, Ruda
focused on engaging with young people.
16 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrUsing her gifts in relationship-building and gifts and it was good to see young people
worship-leading, she helped young people grow in confidence.”
connect with each other and encouraged Towards the end of the programme, she
them to deepen their faith, particularly was offered a job as a youth pastor in the
through regular youth-led services. Coventry and Nuneaton Circuit where she is
Describing the impact this had, the Revd working now.
David Butterworth, Mission in the Economy Sopha, who has a business background,
Officer, said: “Birmingham was truly blessed returned to Cambodia with a vision to
receiving Ruda. Her presence changed combine business and mission. But his time
dynamics and mindsets. Young adults on the GMF programme and at Wesley’s
could see they were not the ‘only one’ and Chapel had changed his understanding of Birmingham
the District recognised it did in fact have God’s call on his life. He said: “I felt part was truly
many young adults – they are now on the of something bigger, not alone in mission. I
blessed
agenda!” connected with people in different ways, and
As Ruda’s placement site supervisor, had opportunities to go with God, to serve receiving Ruda
the Revd Butterworth drew together a and bless others, but as God’s ambassador;
support team from the District. He said not just doing my own thing.”
“Although this was to offer Ruda a variety of Back in Phnom Penh, Sopha and a
engagement and fellowship opportunities, Cambodian Fellow who served in Ireland
everyone benefited and grew through the are now together finding ways to respond to
exchange.” local needs.
Ruda agreed, saying “They supported me
from the day I arrived and provided a second Success of the programme
home and family for me.” Ruda and Sopha were among a group of 57
Fellows from 29 countries commissioned
The impact of Ruda and Sopha’s to serve in 27 countries. (This included
placements the first Fellow recruited from Britain, who
For Ruda, a graduate of Zimbabwe’s Africa worked with a migrant justice ministry
University, adapting to a new environment, in Hong Kong.) Sending people ‘from
work and church culture brought significant everywhere to everywhere’, the programme “I felt part
personal and spiritual growth. Her time in creates a network of personal relationships
the Birmingham District confirmed her call across Churches and countries. As Jen
of something
to work with young people. She said: “It Smith put it: “Having Sopha with us made bigger, not
gave me a platform to use my skills and us more aware of our call to be global alone in
Methodists.”
David Butterworth agreed, saying, “I urge mission”
other Districts to ‘love this calling’ and
respond through the rainbow of possibilities
with Global Mission Fellows.”
The Covid-19 pandemic brought a halt to What
recruitment in 2020 but it is now underway opportunities
again. If you are interested in being a Global does this story
Mission Fellow, or hosting one in future open up in
years please contact Global Relationships your context?
at gr.admin@methodistchurch.org.uk
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 17No longer able to ignore God’s voice, Christophe and Michaela
follow their calling to become local preachers. Here they describe
their journeys.
A calling to Christophe Borysiewicz
preach can be It had always been there in my adult life, Responding to a call that had spent 20
lurking in the background, occasionally years buried, has also been a liberation.
a troubling,
popping up its head to remind me, before We all have our reasons for avoiding God’s
challenging I firmly shut it back in its box and encased call, whether to preach or to do other things,
thing it in concrete again. It had never been but having finally responded, my only regret
responded to or reflected on, always is not doing it earlier. I would urge others
avoided. A calling to preach can be a to explore all those insistent calls they
troubling, challenging thing. are avoiding.
And then, in my late 30s, a pilot started
up for a new local preachers’ course. A
couple of friends who were both local
preachers asked, “Why don’t you try it?”
Sometimes God can be very hard to avoid,
however hard you try.
So I did the course and have spent the
last five years responding to and reflecting
on what I felt to be my call to be a local
preacher. I had two big reasons for avoiding
it so much – one was my fear of not being
good enough in all sorts of ways – not
knowing enough about the Bible, not being
worthy enough, and not being good enough
at speaking in public. I suspect similar fears
lurk in many people’s minds.
The other, though, was more personal.
I did not want to be ‘a preacher’ – one of
those preachy types, who is forever going on
about God and the Bible. I was worried what
the world and my friends and family would
think. I didn’t want to put my head above
the parapet.
Responding to and reflecting on God’s
call is an essential part of the process.
The course has challenged me in all sorts
of ways, though it has also been massively
stimulating, and at times, a joy, and a time
of great growth in my faith. Responding to
my call, and learning how to preach and
how to engage a congregation with the
message of God’s love and grace have been
a revelation.
18 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrMichaela Barker
I hear it often from others – from the great was revealed in new ways, and I gained
prophets in the Bible to other preachers – confidence to share with others through
God was calling them into ministry, and they preaching whatever God might wish to
did their best to ignore it. I am no different. communicate.
I ignored my calling for so long. Throughout As the pandemic hit, my working life was
my life God was calling me, but, being severely affected but I continued studying
something of a control freak, I kept finding and found my digital skills much in demand,
excuses not to answer. especially for online worship services in our
Eventually I was in what might be termed circuit. I began to feel a powerful sense of
a metaphorical ‘Elijah’s cave’ where I began belonging, growing in faith, supported by my
to hear God as the still, calm voice; and this
family and church family.
time I knew I had to respond. I embarked on
Returning to work briefly, I discovered my
a journey which included the need to ask for
passion had shifted to longing to spend
forgiveness, practise ‘holy habits’ and get
more time with God and sharing God’s
more involved in church life.
word. Despite my reservations about study,
Once I had the courage to speak with
I enrolled at Cliff College for a degree in
others about this calling, I was delighted
that they didn’t laugh and say “What, you?” theology and ministry. I no longer try to
The next challenge was that I had no control everything. At every stage of my
formal training and had never considered journey God has opened doors, and placed
myself academic – my preferred learning the right people in my path, so I could
style is experiential (learning through gradually learn to lose my fears, trust more
experience). With some trepidation I began and follow my dreams – dreams I scarcely
a path of discernment, through the ‘Explore’ knew I had – without needing to know
course online. Encouraged by a wonderful what the future holds. I am now a full-time
tutor and mentor (lately on Zoom) I soon student, training to be a local preacher and
felt at home, experiencing much joy as God loving every moment.
I am now a
full-time student,
training to be a
local preacher
and loving every
moment
Having finally
responded, my
only regret is
not doing it
earlier
Whom will you
encourage to
listen to
God’s voice?
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 19On being called,
trained and formed
What’s it like to have a calling to ordained ministry? Introduced
by their Principal, students from The Queen’s Foundation explain
Professor Clive Marsh
is the Principal at The Queen’s Foundation. settings I’ve been able to respond to that
He writes: call and be a ‘theological educator’ (as the
jargon has it).
love my calling. I’ve known for over I now find myself, in the midst of a
35 years that it was to be helping pandemic, as the first lay Principal of
others learn and explore. Through a The Queen’s Foundation. It’s tough stuff,
variety of roles in different institutions and but the thrill is the same, knowing what
end-result is intended. We are supporting
students and staff who have ‘moved on’,
and are always moving on, in their learning
and their discovery about themselves,
God, churches, and the wider world. The
theology they engage with interweaves
with all of that, preparing them for different
roles (ordained and lay). My work and life
experience have made me realise there
are all sorts of different people needed to
do the tasks demanded of us as a team.
Diversity is one of our key emphases. It’s a
great thing, but it’s also very hard work. It
demands patience, lots of listening, careful
observation and honesty. It mixes together
our social, denominational, theological and
ethnic backgrounds, our personalities, our
respective different abilities and all sorts
of aspects of who we are as people. The
richness of all this, though, is so deep and
powerful that it’s hard to describe, so it’s
I love my better that three of our current students
calling describe their calling to you.
20 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrJuliet Kisob
was born into a Presbyterian to my superintendent.
Church family in Cameroon, and My church then
it was in secondary school there discerned my calling
that I first sensed a calling for ordained and through prayer and
ministry. However, things did not quite go encouragement revived,
as I hoped. There were no opportunities for nurtured, and kept my
women at the seminary. I went to university calling alive.
hoping that when I graduated, things might Queen’s has
have changed, but they hadn’t. I trained as welcomed me and
a teacher and no longer pursued ordained shown me the same
ministry. I found other ways to serve hospitality, which I
God. Following a challenging period of received from my
widowhood, my late brother offered me the sending church and
opportunity to study in the UK. circuit. Despite the
I had many dreams where I found myself times we are living in,
in a harvest field, once feeling a divine the digital learning
presence speaking to me in a loud voice, environment brings
saying, “You shall live.” I cherished that us together to learn
moment but did not make a link with God’s and grow together. Being at Queen’s
calling. I later completed a leadership is like looking into a mirror and learning
training programme hoping to secure a to let go and let God’s word challenge,
job with a charity abroad. But I heard the nurture and shape me. Queen’s is teaching
same voice speaking strongly to me and me about the reality of the demands
directing me towards the Church. I spoke of ordained ministry and the blessed
with my minister, also from Cameroon, and assurance that we are not alone on this
we prayed about it and I agreed to speak journey. God is with us!
Unprecedented
opportunities
to share
our faith
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 21Helen Gardner Tiras Dainty-Share
’d describe my call to the Methodist t was with great hesitation that
Diaconal Order as a slow burn over I finally answered God’s calling,
What a number of years; a gentle drum accepted God’s purpose for my life,
possibilities beat, which grew louder over time. I now and began the process towards ordained
do these four thank God for the timing, as we are offered ministry. There was, and continues to be, a
testimonies sense of not knowing what lies ahead and
unprecedented opportunities to share our faith.
open up in your
I am in year one of pre-ordination training uncertainty as I ask myself “Does God really
imagination?
on the Queen’s Connexional Course pathway mean me?”
so I study part-time, over a long weekend As family and friends will concur, I have
once a month. I work as a Community always been someone who likes to know
Engagement and Mission Enabler for a every detail and plan ahead. This journey
circuit in beautiful Cornwall and I support my is different, but whenever doubts begin
two adult children at university. I also offer to creep in, I recall the words of Jeremiah
help to friends and colleagues who’ve been 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have
plunged into home-schooling and devote any for you says the Lord, plans for your welfare
spare time to psychotherapeutic counselling and not for your harm, to give you a future
for frontline workers during the pandemic. with hope.” These words have given me
One of the best things about studying comfort and encouragement throughout the
candidating process and continue to sustain
part-time is that I am able to concentrate
me during my training.
on all the God-given aspects of myself as I
Since moving to Queen’s I have been able
balance work, life, rest and re-creation. In
to immerse myself within its community.
the pandemic we spend so much time on
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it hasn’t
our devices for work, school and to make
yet been possible to experience Queen’s
essential contact with loved ones. We crave
in all its glory but I’m thankful that training
time offline and part of my diaconal calling
has been able to continue online. It is a
is to spend time ‘being’ as well as ‘doing’.
privilege to learn and live alongside others
Queen’s provides an excellent online platform
training for ordained ministry, from a variety
connecting us for learning and enabling us
of backgrounds and denominational and
to ‘be together’. We are also provided with
theological traditions. Although expectations
an abundance of resources and reading to
have had to change, and Zoom has become
enable our independent learning. I have a my most used word, I continue to step out
tendency to procrastinate and the moors in faith and trust in the Lord, remembering
and sea are so tempting, so the regular the refrain: “Yesterday, today, for ever Jesus
cell group meetings, online coffee breaks is the same; all may change, but Jesus
and tutor meetings keep me accountable never, glory to His name!”1
and in touch with fellow students. It is also
wonderful to worship online with fellow 1
“ Oh, how sweet the glorious message simple
students at Queen’s chapel. faith may claim” (Albert B Simpson, 1890)
Does
God really
mean me?
22 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrFollowing God’s call is to share
in the recreation of the world, writes
the Revd Dr Jonathan R Hustler
cannot now remember whether have taken on an office in their local church I was suddenly
I wrote it or found it somewhere, and subsequently found delight in it.
but for many years I began
struck by a
However, I am also aware of those who have
meetings with a simple collect (and carried burdens they would rather lay down powerful sense
sometimes still do): because (rightly or wrongly) they believed of being in
there was no one to take their place. There
Loving God,
exactly the
are those who initially resisted a call to a
We give you thanks and praise that you have particular profession, recognising the cost right place
called us to your service. to themselves or their loved ones, but went
Keep us always mindful of our calling on to find fulfilment in their work. There are
and grant that whatever we think or speak others who find periods of dry routine seem
or do
to become more and more common as the
may be to your praise and glory. Amen.
years pass.
A few years ago, I presided at Holy
There is only one occasion that I can recall
Communion on Easter Day. As I distributed
when someone has commented on it.
the bread, I was suddenly struck by a
“Do we have to thank God for calling us?”
powerful sense of being in exactly the right
she asked.
place at the right time. This is what I was
Was I being insensitive to those for whom
vocation seems a burden, who accept that called to be and to do. “To be created,”
God wants them to do the work in which wrote HA Williams1, “is to be affirmed.
they are engaged or to hold the office Such affirmation of what we are is a major
entrusted to them, but would rather be element in our experience of resurrection.”
somewhere else? God in Christ is remaking creation and
It’s a fair point. There are moments in calls us to be a part of that work. To thank
most, if not all, vocational journeys when God for calling us is not about our particular
the disciple will struggle to find joy in what delight or lack of delight in our vocation in
1
HA Williams, True
they are called to do and some will struggle that moment. Rather, it is to be struck by
Resurrection (London:
more than others. I have rejoiced over the the sense of wonder at the privilege that is Mitchell Beazley,
years with those who, after persuasion, ours of sharing in the new creation. 1972) p.53.
www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Flickr the connexion • Spring 2021 23As we emerge from the pandemic,
Postpandemic: the connexion’s editor the Revd Dr
David Perry, Mission Consultant in the
what are our Yorkshire North and East District, uses
a photograph of stepping stones to
next steps?
reflect on a ‘Kairos moment’ – a Godly
time of maximum opportunity for
change to occur
s the restrictions of the Covid-19 Creating new places for new people
pandemic begin to lift, it is clear Many of us sense that church will never
the whole country is still coming to be the same again. We are in a Kairos
terms with a national trauma affecting every period of accelerated transformation; of
community. So many people are worn down, profound challenges to what was and of
fatigued, low and struggling. Within the great opportunities for that which is yet to
Church, all of this is true too. Looking at the be. So while we return to the familiar, paths
photograph there is a strong sense amongst less travelled are also being opened up as a
the grassroots of Methodism of just wanting matter of urgency.
to get back across the stepping stones to Taking the photograph of the stepping
our buildings and to the craved-for normality stones as a visual analogy for this challenge,
they represent as soon as we possibly can. we see some dwellings in the top right-hand
Of course we cannot take it for granted corner, separated from the church by the
that everyone will be willing to return to width and depth of the river. Notice how we
how we used to do church before Covid-19. are on the same side as this community,
Absence may not make the heart grow the majority of whom decided long ago there
fonder. Some will conclude that they are was no earthly reason for them to cross over
simply not going to put up with endless to the church. What if we decided to journey
meetings or acts of worship that do not in their direction and connect with those who
engage them. Having tasted freedom, live and work there, engaging in fresh ways
they will look for better ways of living out with the community we are called to serve?
their faith. So what new direction could we Of course this is precisely what so many
offer them? churches have been doing during the
As God’s Easter
people, which
paths is God
calling Methodism
to follow in order
to establish
‘new places for
new people’?
24 the connexion • Spring 2021 www.methodist.org.uk • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | FlickrYou can also read
