Good News Stories from around the Circuit

There are many interesting and exciting events and initiatives happening around the Circuit. So, if there are things happening in you local church then please let Adam know so that he come along with a camera and notebook or send a photograph and a short report by e-mail to Adam Biddlestone

New Room says 'thank you for the music'

Following a recent Friday Communion service, people gathered to say thank you to Philip Carter for his 44 years of dedicated service to John Wesley's New Room as Director of Music.
JWNR Trustee, Rev. Ward Jones paid tribute to Philip's years of dedication to music at The New Room and his unparalleled knowledge and expertise of organ music across Methodism.
In response, Phillip spoke of the unique organ at The New Room and of many choirs from around the UK and the States that he has been involved in through The New Room.

Philip was presented with a piece of inscribed Bristol Blue Glass and a special cake was cut, Philip is pictured with his cake and Co-Directors of JWNR, Kate Rogers (left) and Louise Wratten (right).

Black History Month Celebration

Over one hundred people from across the Circuit joined the Zimbabwean Fellowship congregation, who worship at Westbury - on - Trym Methodist Church, for an uplifting act of worship. At the heart of the celebration was recognition of the contribution that black people have made to the life of our churches and wider communities since the Windrush Generation arrived. As part of worship members led the congregation in a traditional Zimbabwean hymn of praise and worshippers processed around the church to the well known worship song, 'we are marching in the light of God.'

Following the service, fellowship continued with a meal where members of the Zimbabwean Fellowship and Kiran and Kavita from Knowle Methodist Church had prepared traditional Zimbabwean and Asian food which was really enjoyed by everyone.

Evangelism, Growth and Discipleship

On Saturday 14th October, 30 people from across the Circuit attended the Evangelism, Growth and Discipleship Day at Holy Trinity, Bradley Stoke. An inspiring and engaging day led by Rev. Andy Fishburne (Connexional Evangelism and Growth Team) introduced us to the latest Methodist Way of Life Resources and a variety of related activities before inspiring us to reflect on opportunities for evangelism in our local contexts. A great way to set us thinking about the months ahead.

More information and resources will be available in the coming weeks.

Circuit Welcome Service

A large congregation from across the Circuit gathered on Sunday afternoon to welcome Rev. Sharon Lovelock and Rev. Martin Slocombe as they begin their ministries within our Circuit and Rev. Patrick Stonehewer as he moves to a new appointment within the Circuit. Music was provided by a group of musicians and singers from Victoria Methodist Church, our Chair of District, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Pye preached and led the induction promises and welcomes in which he was joined by Rev. Neil Thorogood, representing the URC Synod, local church representatives , ecumenical and civic guests. Fellowship and conversation were enjoyed following the service.

Circuit Achieves Bronze Eco Circuit Award

The Circuit has been awarded a Bronze Eco Circuit Award by Arocha UK. A huge thank you to everybody who worked on our application and for all that s happening around the Circuit that we were able to report on.

Circuit Steward and Eco Church Champion, Mike Culshaw presented the Certificate to our Superintendent Minister, Rev. Teddy Kalongo at the Circuit Meeting last week. We can now use the badge in our publicity and social media.

Helen Stephens, Church Relations Manager for A Rocha UK said, 'it is encouraging to see how much environment related activity there is across the Circuit and not least the number of registered and awarded churches. It's a testament to what's possible with collective focus and action with others.''