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NOTTINGHAM & DERBY DISTRICT –
METHODIST CONFERENCE 2008 – Reports from representatives of the District who attended
World Church
The Conference this year reflected in very specific ways that the British Methodist Church is very much part of the worldwide Methodist Movement. The rainbow fabric which was draped round the central cross and other rainbow banners were a visual reminder of this throughout Conference
World Church visitors from 24 of our partner churches were welcomed by the President and Vice President at the opening celebrations. Gifts from some of the poorest churches were presented to the President and Vice President.
The situation in Zimbabwe was very much in the thoughts and prayers of Conference. The offering at the morning service was earmarked for Zimbabwe, in particular for a lorry for the Methodist Church Zimbabwe to help with the transportation of aid. The giving of £9,000 in this one service reflected the theme of hospitality and generosity of the President’s address.
Each morning prayers were led by groups of World Church representatives and we stood and faced different points of the compass to pray for different areas of the world. Throughout Conference songs and prayers in a variety of languages were used.
The Methodist Church in The Gambia will receive full autonomy on Wesley Day, May 24th 2009. This was agreed at the Methodist Missionary Society AMG, where we also heard moving stories about hospitality in difficult situations related to us. The Youth Conference encouraged the whole church to pray for Burma and action on the global food crisis was urged.
To sum up our commitment to the World Church the following resolution was passed.
1.Conference acknowledges and welcomes the grace gift of our World Church Partners and seeks to express our profound gratitude to our sisters and brothers in Christ for their continued love and support for the British Methodist Connexion;
2. Conference resolves to take this God-given opportunity to ensure that our interconnection with the world-wide family of Methodists is adequately-resourced, appropriately-supported and well-managed.
3.Conference invites the Secretary for external relationships to report on progress on these issues over the coming Connexional year to the Methodist Council and to the Methodist Conference 2009 and where necessary to bring proposals for refinement or review of existing processes in the light of 1 and 2 above.
Frances Hopwood
July 2008
CONNEXIONAL TEAM FOCUS
The connexional team was formed in 1996 and has been reconfigured to commence its new role from 1 September 2008
Team focus has been taking place for three years and has been very detailed in its recommendations.
All the new services are based around.” Our Calling and Priorities for the Methodist Church”.
The key areas of the reconfigured team which will help the circuits and churches in their outreach include:
• have a human face
• be a reliable source of good advice
• work with simplified connexional processes for giving consent to property schemes and for grant-making
• facilitate grants for creative mission projects
• move forward valuable partnerships, ecumenically and around the globe
• reduce the costs charged to the Assessment
Space does not permit much more detail here but examples are for:
• New developments with our World Church Partners
• Pioneering Ministries for lay and ordained
• Grant support officers
Information on the new services will be in the circuits soon.
The report to conference is available in full in the Methodist Church web-site, www.methodist.org.uk
If I can help please give me a call. But use the HUMAN FACE HELP DESK 020 7486 5502
Rev Tony Pick (Conference rep)
Stationing Review Group
The Stationing Review Group set up in 2006, has consulted widely, sought feed back from a workshop at Conference 2007 and at the 2008 Conference its report was received and its 38 recommendations were either adopted and/or referred to the Methodist Council and Stationing Committee to bring plans for implementation to the 2009 Conference or where practical to proceed to earlier implementation.
The main thrust of the report deals with the perceived shortfall of presbyters available for stationing; the future of itinerancy; stationing procedures; identifying and developing potential for lay and ordained leadership and partnership; district/circuit structures; ecumenical co-operation; ministry in rural areas and the process for the appointment of Chairs.
Conference was reminded that for much of the above there is no single simple solution and there will be difficult challenges and changes ahead for each circuit and district.
The report reminds us of the emphasis of ‘Called to Love and Praise’ that Methodism continues strongly to affirm the ministry of the whole people of God.
Questions asked included; Who is God calling? Followed by a recommendation that the Methodist people reflect on ‘what ordained ministers are called to do’, to enable them to be released for these things, and in order overtly to recognise and encourage the calling of lay people in many expressions of ministry.
The report affirms the whole ‘Mapping the Way Forward’ initiative and recommended that new ways of being circuit be explored.
Conference, through a Notice of Motion asked that a fresh piece of work on our distinctive understanding of Lay Ministry be undertaken.
Stirring up the Spark of Grace: Connexional Training Strategies
This report on Connexional Training Strategies emphasised the ongoing need for life long learning for both ordained and lay. This means ‘clustering resources regionally in a connexional and ecumenical context’, as well as a flexible approach to boundaries in order to make best use of scarce resources.
The report expands the concepts of ‘Extending Discipleship and Exploring Vocation’ (EDEV)-this is not a reconfigured candidating procedure but an opportunity for everyone to reflect, develop and learn.
It speaks of the setting up of Training Forums and Networks and the proposed use of Training Officers who will closer integrate training for ordained ministry and lay office so that there is learning for the whole church.
Regional Training Partnerships will enable learning alongside our ecumenical partners. The report also spells out the transition from the Training and Development scheme (TDO) to the new way forward involving Training Officers (TO) and District Development Enablers (DDE).
There is also mention of Continuing Development in Ministry (CDIM) including Sabbaticals, the pilot Annual Development Review (ADR), and training for Superintendents and Lay Workers.
A new course of training for Worship Leaders has been written and will be available on the Methodist website as well as in printed form.
The Local Preachers’ Office in co-operation with the London Districts is piloting a programme that delivers the content of Faith and Worship, and study skills during four residential weekends and weekly tutorials. The course is aimed at those who will benefit from additional learning support.
Alongside this initiative, two institutions have had foundation level degree courses validated as alternatives to Faith and Worship, against the Methodist Council’s training specifications for Local Preachers.
Elaine Robinson
The Covenant between the Church of England and the Methodist Church
It is five years since the Covenant between the Church of England and the Methodist Church was signed. We discussed the new report, “Embracing the Covenant” which had been produced jointly by our two churches. Progress has been slow towards the goal of full visible unity, and our divisions are a barrier to mission, since those outside the church find our disagreements incomprehensible. We are encouraged to continue patiently working together at every opportunity and level, increasing in understanding and dismantling barriers. The report contained research on our different administrative structures and theological interpretations. Relating to the differences over episcopacy (bishops) it was suggested that a way forward might be for the President of Conference to become Bishop and start the process in the Methodist Church – but that will require much more discussion. Whilst we were in Conference the Church of England, meeting in York, voted to admit women bishops. Whilst welcoming this momentous decision, Conference recognized the pain and tension this would cause in our sister church. We were reminded of Christ’s passion for unity among his followers. When we meet differences the temptation is to reject, or to absorb, to blend or coldly tolerate. What is needed is a dynamic mutual enrichment – a harmony of our diversity. Christ prayed that we should be one, even as he and the father are one, so that we can display his glory.
Viv Gray
With Integrity and Skill
This report received by Conference is commended to the Methodist people, particularly pastoral committees, circuit staff and leadership team meetings. It concerns local pastoral policies with particular reference to confidentiality. The salient points of this detailed report are:
1. Confidentiality in worship. The report recommends that intercessory prayer in public worship should always have the permission of named persons.
2. Formal pastoral relationships where the pastoral worker is representing the church should be supported by structured supervision.
3. Standing Orders already expressly provide that there is a duty of confidentiality in discipline matters, stationing and local pastoral committees.
4. Information about data protection
5. Information about confidentiality in record keeping including the use of technology.
6. The document “Guidelines for Good Practice in Confidentiality and Pastoral Care” constitutes a summary of the whole report and will be in the guidance section of CPD and on the Methodist Church web site.
Frances Hopwood
July 2008
Women’s Network
Good news!!.
Women’s Network has been assured that they will be Connexionally supported for the next two years. In this time they will be given appropriate administration support in Methodist Church House.
The Connexional president will continue; Districts, Circuits and Churches will continue as before in their meetings and organisation
The two year support will give Women’s Network the time and resources to plan how their work will continue and what their priorities are to be.
Women’s Network will continue to support women in Methodism and in all manner of worldwide projects.
Good news.
Ann Blakey
<Youth Participation Strategy – item 21 on the agenda
A detailed account of the principles of active participation by young people in the structure of the Methodist Church, was outlined at a hearing during Conference. The Steering Group initiated by the 2007 Conference, examined in depth the proposals and the mechanisms for integration into to new Connexion structure. It recommended the creation of a role for young people called Youth Enablers, to be appointed at local circuit level, to carry out bespoke, targetted projects that would involve active work with and for young people. It was suggested that the projects of work will be part of a rolling plan from the regional/connexional initiatives and managed by the Regional Participation Workers. The full structure and details are available from the reports of Conference.
These 32 Youth Enablers will be employed on a part time basis (9 -15 hours) for a period of one year, to allow for other work/study commitments. They will be supervised and mentored by the new Regional Participation Workers. They would be employees of the Connexion. Funding will be the responsibility of districts with local additional hours being negotiated at circuit level.
Sue Nickson
Other things coming soon.
• From September the Superintendent will be the person to receive formal complaints, and she / he will then process the complaint in the either to a District Reconciliation or else to a Connexional Complaints Officer.
It is hoped that proper mediation will enable more complaints to be resolved.
• Conference has requested that “Embracing the Covenant” – and its recommendations be studied as widely as possible with responses sent to Assistant Secretary of Conference by 31.12.09
• 38 recommendations of Stationing review Group have been adopted. These will b discussed with Superintendents and Circuit Stewards in the first instance enabling their wider implications will be shared to all.
• Challenge to all to end discrimination and bias of any kind Equalities and Diversity report
• Challenge to think seriously how we approach such issues as abortion; embryo screening; saviour siblings etc. Created in God’s Image.
Conference had so much in its agenda that inevitably there was not time to discuss everything in detail. There was much good stuff – not everyone will be interested in everything – but there is something in its deliberations for all. Watch out for more
Wes Blakey
METHODIST CONFERENCE 2008 – Reports from representatives of the District who attended
World Church
The Conference this year reflected in very specific ways that the British Methodist Church is very much part of the worldwide Methodist Movement. The rainbow fabric which was draped round the central cross and other rainbow banners were a visual reminder of this throughout Conference
World Church visitors from 24 of our partner churches were welcomed by the President and Vice President at the opening celebrations. Gifts from some of the poorest churches were presented to the President and Vice President.
The situation in Zimbabwe was very much in the thoughts and prayers of Conference. The offering at the morning service was earmarked for Zimbabwe, in particular for a lorry for the Methodist Church Zimbabwe to help with the transportation of aid. The giving of £9,000 in this one service reflected the theme of hospitality and generosity of the President’s address.
Each morning prayers were led by groups of World Church representatives and we stood and faced different points of the compass to pray for different areas of the world. Throughout Conference songs and prayers in a variety of languages were used.
The Methodist Church in The Gambia will receive full autonomy on Wesley Day, May 24th 2009. This was agreed at the Methodist Missionary Society AMG, where we also heard moving stories about hospitality in difficult situations related to us. The Youth Conference encouraged the whole church to pray for Burma and action on the global food crisis was urged.
To sum up our commitment to the World Church the following resolution was passed.
1.Conference acknowledges and welcomes the grace gift of our World Church Partners and seeks to express our profound gratitude to our sisters and brothers in Christ for their continued love and support for the British Methodist Connexion;
2. Conference resolves to take this God-given opportunity to ensure that our interconnection with the world-wide family of Methodists is adequately-resourced, appropriately-supported and well-managed.
3.Conference invites the Secretary for external relationships to report on progress on these issues over the coming Connexional year to the Methodist Council and to the Methodist Conference 2009 and where necessary to bring proposals for refinement or review of existing processes in the light of 1 and 2 above.
Frances Hopwood
July 2008
CONNEXIONAL TEAM FOCUS
The connexional team was formed in 1996 and has been reconfigured to commence its new role from 1 September 2008
Team focus has been taking place for three years and has been very detailed in its recommendations.
All the new services are based around.” Our Calling and Priorities for the Methodist Church”.
The key areas of the reconfigured team which will help the circuits and churches in their outreach include:
• have a human face
• be a reliable source of good advice
• work with simplified connexional processes for giving consent to property schemes and for grant-making
• facilitate grants for creative mission projects
• reduce the costs charged to the Assessment
Space does not permit much more detail here but examples are for:
• New developments with our World Church Partners
• Pioneering Ministries for lay and ordained
• Grant support officers
Information on the new services will be in the circuits soon.
The report to conference is available in full in the Methodist Church web-site, www.methodist.org.uk
Rev Tony Pick (Conference rep)
Stationing Review Group
The Stationing Review Group set up in 2006, has consulted widely, sought feed back from a workshop at Conference 2007 and at the 2008 Conference its report was received and its 38 recommendations were either adopted and/or referred to the Methodist Council and Stationing Committee to bring plans for implementation to the 2009 Conference or where practical to proceed to earlier implementation.
The main thrust of the report deals with the perceived shortfall of presbyters available for stationing; the future of itinerancy; stationing procedures; identifying and developing potential for lay and ordained leadership and partnership; district/circuit structures; ecumenical co-operation; ministry in rural areas and the process for the appointment of Chairs.
Conference was reminded that for much of the above there is no single simple solution and there will be difficult challenges and changes ahead for each circuit and district.
The report reminds us of the emphasis of ‘Called to Love and Praise’ that Methodism continues strongly to affirm the ministry of the whole people of God.
Questions asked included; Who is God calling? Followed by a recommendation that the Methodist people reflect on ‘what ordained ministers are called to do’, to enable them to be released for these things, and in order overtly to recognise and encourage the calling of lay people in many expressions of ministry.
The report affirms the whole ‘Mapping the Way Forward’ initiative and recommended that new ways of being circuit be explored.
Conference, through a Notice of Motion asked that a fresh piece of work on our distinctive understanding of Lay Ministry be undertaken.
Stirring up the Spark of Grace: Connexional Training Strategies
This report on Connexional Training Strategies emphasised the ongoing need for life long learning for both ordained and lay. This means ‘clustering resources regionally in a connexional and ecumenical context’, as well as a flexible approach to boundaries in order to make best use of scarce resources.
The report expands the concepts of ‘Extending Discipleship and Exploring Vocation’ (EDEV)-this is not a reconfigured candidating procedure but an opportunity for everyone to reflect, develop and learn.
It speaks of the setting up of Training Forums and Networks and the proposed use of Training Officers who will closer integrate training for ordained ministry and lay office so that there is learning for the whole church.
Regional Training Partnerships will enable learning alongside our ecumenical partners. The report also spells out the transition from the Training and Development scheme (TDO) to the new way forward involving Training Officers (TO) and District Development Enablers (DDE).
There is also mention of Continuing Development in Ministry (CDIM) including Sabbaticals, the pilot Annual Development Review (ADR), and training for Superintendents and Lay Workers.
A new course of training for Worship Leaders has been written and will be available on the Methodist website as well as in printed form.
The Local Preachers’ Office in co-operation with the London Districts is piloting a programme that delivers the content of Faith and Worship, and study skills during four residential weekends and weekly tutorials. The course is aimed at those who will benefit from additional learning support.
Alongside this initiative, two institutions have had foundation level degree courses validated as alternatives to Faith and Worship, against the Methodist Council’s training specifications for Local Preachers.
Elaine Robinson
The Covenant between the Church of England and the Methodist Church
It is five years since the Covenant between the Church of England and the Methodist Church was signed. We discussed the new report, “Embracing the Covenant” which had been produced jointly by our two churches. Progress has been slow towards the goal of full visible unity, and our divisions are a barrier to mission, since those outside the church find our disagreements incomprehensible. We are encouraged to continue patiently working together at every opportunity and level, increasing in understanding and dismantling barriers. The report contained research on our different administrative structures and theological interpretations. Relating to the differences over episcopacy (bishops) it was suggested that a way forward might be for the President of Conference to become Bishop and start the process in the Methodist Church – but that will require much more discussion. Whilst we were in Conference the Church of England, meeting in York, voted to admit women bishops. Whilst welcoming this momentous decision, Conference recognized the pain and tension this would cause in our sister church. We were reminded of Christ’s passion for unity among his followers. When we meet differences the temptation is to reject, or to absorb, to blend or coldly tolerate. What is needed is a dynamic mutual enrichment – a harmony of our diversity. Christ prayed that we should be one, even as he and the father are one, so that we can display his glory.
This report received by Conference is commended to the Methodist people, particularly pastoral committees, circuit staff and leadership team meetings. It concerns local pastoral policies with particular reference to confidentiality. The salient points of this detailed report are:
1. Confidentiality in worship. The report recommends that intercessory prayer in public worship should always have the permission of named persons.
2. Formal pastoral relationships where the pastoral worker is representing the church should be supported by structured supervision.
3. Standing Orders already expressly provide that there is a duty of confidentiality in discipline matters, stationing and local pastoral committees.
4. Information about data protection
5. Information about confidentiality in record keeping including the use of technology.
6. The document “Guidelines for Good Practice in Confidentiality and Pastoral Care” constitutes a summary of the whole report and will be in the guidance section of CPD and on the Methodist Church web site.
Frances Hopwood
July 2008
Women’s Network
Good news!!.
Women’s Network has been assured that they will be Connexionally supported for the next two years. In this time they will be given appropriate administration support in Methodist Church House.
The Connexional president will continue; Districts, Circuits and Churches will continue as before in their meetings and organisation
The two year support will give Women’s Network the time and resources to plan how their work will continue and what their priorities are to be.
Women’s Network will continue to support women in Methodism and in all manner of worldwide projects.
Good news.
Ann Blakey
<Youth Participation Strategy – item 21 on the agenda
A detailed account of the principles of active participation by young people in the structure of the Methodist Church, was outlined at a hearing during Conference. The Steering Group initiated by the 2007 Conference, examined in depth the proposals and the mechanisms for integration into to new Connexion structure. It recommended the creation of a role for young people called Youth Enablers, to be appointed at local circuit level, to carry out bespoke, targetted projects that would involve active work with and for young people. It was suggested that the projects of work will be part of a rolling plan from the regional/connexional initiatives and managed by the Regional Participation Workers. The full structure and details are available from the reports of Conference.
These 32 Youth Enablers will be employed on a part time basis (9 -15 hours) for a period of one year, to allow for other work/study commitments. They will be supervised and mentored by the new Regional Participation Workers. They would be employees of the Connexion. Funding will be the responsibility of districts with local additional hours being negotiated at circuit level.
Sue Nickson
Other things coming soon.
• From September the Superintendent will be the person to receive formal complaints, and she / he will then process the complaint in the either to a District Reconciliation or else to a Connexional Complaints Officer.
It is hoped that proper mediation will enable more complaints to be resolved.
• Conference has requested that “Embracing the Covenant” – and its recommendations be studied as widely as possible with responses sent to Assistant Secretary of Conference by 31.12.09
• 38 recommendations of Stationing review Group have been adopted. These will b discussed with Superintendents and Circuit Stewards in the first instance enabling their wider implications will be shared to all.
• Challenge to all to end discrimination and bias of any kind Equalities and Diversity report
• Challenge to think seriously how we approach such issues as abortion; embryo screening; saviour siblings etc. Created in God’s Image.
Conference had so much in its agenda that inevitably there was not time to discuss everything in detail. There was much good stuff – not everyone will be interested in everything – but there is something in its deliberations for all. Watch out for more
Wes Blakey