Message from Lorraine Darlow

Welcome to the Learning & Development Newsletter.

As we welcome October, we move in our focus through our Methodist Way of Life themes to that of ‘worship’. 

God calls us to a life of worship – devotion in our everyday life in all the places we find ourselves and through all our interactions with the people and situations we encounter - being aware of the presence of God with us. Romans 12 describes a way of life that is love in action, and urges us to offer ourselves to God as our true and proper worship. Some translations use the words spiritual worship, which reminds us of our innate spiritual nature to relate to ourselves, others, the world around us and to God. Other bible versions use the words ‘reasonable worship’, which may help us to remember that there are no levels of sufficiency but simply a devotion in ‘who we are’ to all that God is. And in all of this, we are not alone but share in our devotion, encouraging and strengthening one another to continually seek God in all things.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47)

I wonder what has spoken to you recently in your everyday worship or in the worship encounters you have shared with others?

Lorraine Darlow

Learning and Development Manager

Art in Worship

The Wales Synod Cymru Vocations Group is holding two Art in Worship days for Local Preachers, Worship Leaders and those considering a call to preach or lead worship to explore how God can speak to us through art. The first of these was held in Sketty in September with a good number attending from all over south Wales. The day started with a session led by Deacon Jon Miller introducing Visio Divina, followed by workshops with opportunities to draw or paint or to create an act of worship using Visio Divina. Delyth Wyn Davies from the Learning Network led a session on Exploring a Bible story through Art. There were also prayer stations set up for quiet reflection. The second event will be held this coming Saturday, 21 October at Old Colwyn Methodist Church. Contact Delyth for more details.

Growing in Leadership – a new course from Cliff College, taught by Rev Ashley Cooper

Leadership is a perennial concern for Christian mission and ministry. What makes a good leader? How should leadership be exercised? How can teams flourish and individuals in leadership avoid burnout? Growing in Leadership, a new course from Cliff College, explores different leadership approaches and practices across the church. Designed for those serving in or considering church leadership, this course is taught over ten weeks and is available online. Click here to learn more

In response to Our Calling, Methodist People are to help others to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care.

Who Cares? is a series of four 2-hour modules that introduces participants to pastoral practice, drawing on insights and underpinning knowledge in the areas below. With suggested pre/post-session learning and reflection, these pilot sessions will set churches and Methodist communities on a sound footing to envision and enable pastoral support in their context.

Session details (it is strongly recommended that participants attend all 4 sessions)

• Session 1 (13th November): Introduction to Pastoral care

• Session 2 (20th November): Discipleship and Hospitality

• Session 3 (27th November): Listening and Prayer

• Session 4 (4th December): Pastoral Care in Difficult Times

All sessions will take place on Zoom, from 7-9pm

Click here to register.

Connecting Chaplains - An opportunity to celebrate and affirm the work of chaplains, with the President & Vice President. Click here to book.

Refreshing Supervision - 28th Nov 1.30-4.30pm

Would you like your supervisees to get even more out of the Supervision process? Click here to learn more.

A CPD event for Reflective Supervisors in the Methodist Church. Click here to book.

Adult Mental Health Aware training.

A half-day training course and will be delivered online on Monday 13th November 2023, 9.30am-1.30pm.

This introductory course raises awareness of mental health. During the course you will learn:

• What mental health is and how to challenge stigma
• An introduction to some common mental health issues
• Confidence to support someone who may be experiencing mental ill health
• Ways to look after your own mental health and support wellbeing

Usually the course costs £125 +VAT, however if you are connected to the Methodist Church, this course has been subsidised to £25 (none refundable). For more information and to book your place, click here.

Church Planting Intensive, 3 to 5 November (Cliff College):

Is God calling you to pioneer a new Christian community? Click here to book your place and find out more information.

Online coaching course begins Weds 1st November 2023:

Do you enjoy helping others develop and reach their potential? Are you a good listener, but keen to develop your active listening skills? Have you noticed how great questions open up a conversation? Then you may have the potential to be a great coach. Email coaching@methodistchurch.org.uk to find out more.

Social Justice and Schools – Tuesday 28th November at 7:00pm

As a justice-seeking church, what does it mean to engage with schools that need and want us most? We'll be joined by Claire Procter, a headteacher, who will share with us some of the ways schools and churches can partner in serving those at the margins. For further information and to book a place click here.

Rural and Rooted – Thursday 16th November at 7:30pm

How might being a church without a building look in your community? Join Andy Fishburne, Sarah Hulme & guests, as we discover together how to be church in a rural community without a building. To book your place click here.

Annual membership ticket

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The membership ticket helps to serve as a reminder of the commitments we each undertake as members of the Methodist Church.

Finding Nana

For as long as she can remember, Nana’s house has always been Ellie’s special place.

But now Mum says Nana needs to move… into a Care Home.

Ellie needs answers. Will Nana like it? Why does she have to go? And… what is a Care Home anyway?

Finding Nana is a beautifully illustrated, fictional story following Ellie and Jack as they discover what happens when Nana moves into a very special Care Home.

Visiting new places to see familiar people can sometimes be a bit scary.

But Finding Nana offers a heartfelt and honest story about loss, being real about your fears and the triumph of love when finding a special someone in a strange place.