Bishop's Stortford Circuit Review

North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

Report May 2015 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

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of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Contents

Contents 3 1. Introduction 6 2. Reflections and Recommendations 9 2.1. Methodist Mission Statement and the role of Circuits within Methodism 9 The Role of the Circuit...... 11 Healthy Circuit...... 11 2.2. General Comments 12 1. Worship...... 16 2. Learning...... 21 3. Caring...... 22 4. Service...... 23 5. Evangelism – witnessing to God’s presence and action...... 24 2.2.1. Conclusion and General Circuit Recommendations: 25 2.3. Individual Church Reflections Overview 30 2.4. Wootton New Life Methodist Church 31 2.5. Wixams 35 2.6. Wilstead 36 2.7. Willington 39 2.8. Upper Caldecote Methodist Church 43 2.9. St Marks, Bedford 47 2.10. Stewartby 54 2.11. Shefford 55 2.12. Sharnbrook 62 2.13. Sandy 65 2.14. Putnoe Heights, Bedford 68 2.15. Priory, Bedford 72 2.16. Park Road, Bedford 78 2.17. Oakley 84 2.18. London Road, Bedford 88 2.19. Lidlington 92 2.20. Langford 93 2.21. Kempston West 96

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2.22. Kempston East 101 2.23. Henlow 105 2.24. Haynes 108 2.25. Flitwick 110 2.26. Cranfield 113 2.27. Clophill 117 2.28. Clapham 119 2.29. Howard Memorial Church – Cardington 122 2.30. Trinity, Biggleswade 126 2.31. Beeston 128 2.32. Ampthill 130 2.33. Conclusions 134

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1. Introduction

This report is a summary of the findings and reflections following on from the work that each of the churches, their Leadership Teams, the Leadership Mission Stream and the Local Preachers and Worship Leaders undertook as part of the review process.

Richard Armiger worked with the Stewards and staff within the Leadership Team in agreeing the approach that would be taken for the review. A number of questionnaires were used to gather information from local congregations, groups using church premises, ordained and lay staff working within the Circuit, Local Preachers and Worship Leaders. The questionnaires covered various aspects of church life under the headings or worship, learning, caring, service and evangelism. There were then also questionnaires for each of the church Leadership Teams to complete with regard to the local church its premises, finances and setting within the community. The overall approach for the review in many ways was focussing on the marks for a ‘healthy Circuit’, taking an holistic approach to Our Calling, with discipleship and mission at its heart. There were a number of questionnaires, each one focussing on a specific group of people within the life of the Circuit and churches within the Circuit. The information gathered locally was then analysed by the local church Leadership Teams and the Leadership Mission Stream. The analysis was then forwarded on to Richard Armiger to collate and produce the final report.

The process is outlined below with numbers referring to the week number from the start of the process:

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review The questionnaires that were used for members of the church congregations had five main sections. These sections were as follows: 1. Worship 2. Learning 3. Caring 4. Service 5. Evangelism

The questionnaires that were used for groups who use the church premises had three main sections. These sections were as follows: 1. Service 2. Caring 3. Worship

The local church information sheet covered areas of church such as: 1. Premises 2. Finances 3. Local situation 4. Working in partnership

In shaping the way the review was carried out we were concerned to ensure that everyone within the Circuit who wanted to make a contribution had the opportunity to do so. It is hoped that the use of the questionnaires enabled all those who wanted to contribute to the process to do so in a non-threatening way and that conversations also enabled people to contribute both directly and indirectly to the process.

The Worship Leader and Local Preacher questionnaires were sent to Richard Armiger for analysis. This analysis plus the relevant information from the local church leadership and Circuit leadership meetings/discussions/reflections was used in collating this final report.

Early on in the report is important to stress the amount of work that the members and leaders of the local churches and Circuit as a whole have contributed to the overall process. It is hoped that the experience of reflecting and answering the questionnaires will have triggered a number of conversations within the Circuit on possible opportunities for celebrating what is already happening, doing things differently or considering new opportunities for mission and service.

It needs to be emphasised that the concern of the review was primarily for the Circuit given the nature of a Circuit Review; however it has been important to understand the dynamics of the individual churches as well as the Circuit as a whole in order to fulfil this task. Many of the issues, suggested as recommendations to be addressed, are the responsibility of the Circuit and the recommendations are therefore directed to the Circuit as a whole, rather than to individual churches. That being said there are some action points that have been identified by the individual churches themselves, as they have reflected on their own questionnaires and context, and these should be followed up locally. The information that was produced at the local church and Circuit level by way of analysis and reflection of the individual questionnaire offers insights into the life and challenges facing individual congregations, some of which will be directly referred to within this report.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review The report is structured to refer to reflections on the individual churches in response to their local church information, analysis and feedback. In working through the process each of the local church Leadership Teams have spent time analysing their church congregation and group questionnaires as well as reflecting on their premises, finances and local situation. This should not be viewed as representing a full-scale review of each individual church. The aim of the process has been to get enough accurate information to respond to wider Circuit Review. I hope that in meeting together, analysing and reflecting on the information gathered at the individual church level that churches have had the opportunity to reflect on their life and mission and have formed a foundation for ongoing thought about their individual vision, mission and development of the local church presence.

The shape of this report reflects the primary concern with the Circuit as a whole. The report therefore starts with the general background to the Circuit and some suggestions for action points that the Circuit as a whole might take forward. The second half of the report then pulls together each of the individual church response sheets along with the local church leadership reflection on the priorities for their church. The Leadership Mission Stream and the individual church Leadership Teams should take the priorities and recommendations reflected in this report forward appropriately.

It also needs to be acknowledged that due to a number of unforeseen circumstances there has been a significant period of time that has passed from when work on the review first began in 2014 through to the collation of this final report. Within that time frame the churches and Circuit as a whole will have already made progress in a number of areas and this is to be commended. The written report therefore in some aspects will provide an opportunity for further reflection on the action that both churches and the whole Circuit have taken since the process started last year.

Final Review Report prepared by Richard Armiger

Learning & Development Coordinator (Church & Community), East of England, Discipleship & Ministries Learning Network

May 2015

2. Reflections and Recommendations

1. Methodist Mission Statement and the role of Circuits within Methodism

At the start of this report a brief reflection on the mission statement for the Methodist Church and the role of Circuits within Methodism may prove useful in putting the Review into context.

Priorities for the Methodist Church In partnership with others wherever possible, the Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority:

To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God's love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God's presence and action in the world and in the Church

As ways towards realising this priority, the Methodist Church will give particular attention to the following:  Underpinning everything we do with God-centred worship and prayer  Supporting community development and action for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor - in Britain and worldwide  Developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved  Encouraging fresh ways of being Church  Nurturing a culture in the Church which is people-centred and flexible

Worship in the Methodist Church is expressed in many ways. In worship the Church:  gives praise to God in Christ through the Spirit  opens itself to God's transforming love  receives and reflects on the gospel of God's ways in the world  offers itself to share in God's costly action in the world.

Methodism endorses many dimensions and methods of Christian mission. In particular it affirms that mission includes:  telling the good news of Jesus  calling people to faith in Jesus Christ and to Christian discipleship  caring for individual people and communities  sharing the task of education and social and spiritual development  struggling for a just world  being alongside the poor  becoming friends with people of different cultures and faiths  caring for the earth  building partnerships with other churches and other groups who share some of our mission aims.

The Role of the Circuit The Circuit is the basic structure of the Methodist Church, and is usually formed from local churches in a defined area. A number of Circuits make up a District. In this case North Bedfordshire Circuit is part of the Beds, Essex & Herts (BEH) District.

The responsibilities of the Circuit are exercised through the Circuit Meeting. Its task is to combine spiritual leadership with administrative efficiency to help the Circuit fulfil its purpose.

The purpose of the Circuit is to use effectively the resources of ministry, which include people, property and finance. It acts as the focal point for the fellowship of the local churches, looking after their pastoral care, training and evangelistic work.

Healthy Circuit A Healthy Circuit takes an holistic approach to Our Calling, with discipleship and mission at its heart. It seeks to enable, support and challenge churches as it endeavours to make the best use of available resources (people, property and finance), being both distinctively Methodist and appropriately ecumenical.

In this context, a healthy Circuit encourages worship through ...... encouraging prayer and worship in a variety of styles and settings, at a range of times and places, in the community and at home ... a well supported and well trained group of people who effectively share in worship and preaching ... the support and encouragement of the appropriate use of technology in worship

In this context, a healthy Circuit encourages learning and caring through ...... a well supported and cared for Circuit ministry team, working with churches to care for individuals and groups ... encouraging and resourcing small groups as safe places for learning and caring ... offering a programme of learning and development that responds to local need, focuses on discipleship and challenges people to hear and respond to God’s call in the church and in the world ... overseeing and supporting the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults ... ensuring all Circuit buildings (churches, manses and others) are fit for purpose

In this context, a healthy Circuit encourages service through ...... challenging churches to understand, reach out to and connect with local communities and networks ... ensuring that time and resources are used in ways that are consistent with mission aims

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review ... pursuing partnerships across faith groups and with other agencies in support of community development and action for justice

In this context, a healthy Circuit encourages evangelism through ...... developing confidence in evangelism and the sharing of the Christian faith as a vital and ever-present part of congregational life ... supporting faith sharing training, faith exploration courses and mission events ... resourcing and integrating the planting of new congregations and fresh expressions of church, aimed primarily at those who have no connection with existing church

In this context, a healthy Circuit encourages interconnection through ...... supporting a viable, mixed Circuit ministry team that makes the best use of each individual’s gifts and talents ... discerning, developing and deploying the gifts of every church member ... maximising opportunities for ecumenical working ... providing appropriate and assured budgets to support its work ... enhancing Circuit identity through good communication and recognising the value of being connected ... drawing from and connecting to district, connexion and the wider church

2. General Comments The North Bedfordshire Circuit is located on the north west of the District.

There are 29 Methodist Churches in the Circuit, and the Circuit employs a total of 10 full time staff, and one part time Circuit Finance Officer and one part time Circuit Administrator

Full time Circuit staff comprises 8 ordained Ministers (7 presbyters and 1 deacon) and 2 Circuit Children & Youth Workers. The current Children & Youth Workers are Rebecca Caird and Monica Cooper (at the time of the review information gathering Anna Price was the second worker.)

Alongside these staff there are 34 accredited active Local Preachers, with 6 preachers in training (On Trial), and 40 accredited Worship Leaders across the Circuit.

The churches within the Circuit fall into the following eight main sections:

 Trinity (Biggleswade) and Upper Caldecote The superintendent minister Rev Andrew Hollins is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Clapham, Oakley, Park Road, Sharnbrook Rev Gill Baalham is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Clophill, Cranfield, Flitwick, Haynes

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Rev Graham Claydon-Knights is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Kempston East, Kempston West, London Road (Bedford), Wilstead Rev Matt Fugill is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Beeston, Henlow, Langford, Sandy, Shefford Rev David Haseldine is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Anjulita Court (MHA, Bedford), St Marks / Putnoe Heights LEP, Wixams Link Deacon Jane Mills is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Ampthill, Bedford Prison, Lidlington, Marston Bedford Road, Marston Shelton, Stewartby, Wootton Rev Caroline Weaver is in pastoral charge of these churches.  Cardington (Howard Memorial), Priory (Bedford), Willington Rev Glayne Worgan is in pastoral charge of these churches.

As with many Methodist Circuits the Circuit has a great variety of Church fellowships, worship styles and outworking of their theology. The dynamics of Church membership vary in size, as well as geographic and social locations. The buildings also vary in their size, maintenance and suitability.

The Circuit’s Mission is described on the Circuit website as:

We will follow the Holy Spirit who is calling us to LOVE  God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength  one another, as Jesus loved his followers  all others, even enemies, as God does and be DISCIPLES OF JESUS  becoming like Christ  behaving like Christ  bringing others to meet and follow Christ working for GOD'S KINGDOM  that God's will be done  in the Church, and on Earth  for all, as it is in heaven…

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review The challenge for the Circuit is in discovering what it means to be a missionary people, the challenges that this provides and ways in which each of the churches can effectively reach out to communities in which they are planted.

There is a lot within the Circuit to be praised and the feedback that forms a large part of the review clearly highlights some exciting local initiatives as well as Circuit initiatives. There is a need to work on celebrating these successes and using them as building blocks for the future.

Many of the problems that the Circuit face, such as ageing congregations, not enough active lay people and a lack of young people are not specific to North Bedfordshire Circuit but rather shared across the BEH District and more widely the Methodist connexion. These issues point towards our urgent need to review and reshape to be a church for the changing culture in which we live. The challenge is to rekindle that desire to be a Church that speaks of and witnesses to a dynamic faith in Jesus Christ and relates that faith to the nature of the local communities in both spiritual and practical ways.

In common with many Methodist Circuits doing nothing is not an option. Or rather it is an option but this is likely to lead to further decline.

The time for action is now and needs to be grasped by all churches within the Circuit.

The Circuit is relatively new, as it was formed in September 2011, with Biggleswade, Bedford North and Ampthill & Flitwick Circuits merging to form the new Circuit. Whilst the comments about the size of the Circuit are acknowledged I would want to encourage further work in the area of Circuit identity and perhaps more importantly the sense of Circuit mission/vision that might help to further gel the Circuit and its churches. It is clear that the Circuit Stewards are a strong team and the staff team are strong with many gifted individuals. Continuing to work together on the priorities and actions following on from the Review could offer further opportunity for utilising the many gifts and talents across the Circuit and building a clearer sense of identity – sharing in a common goal and purpose.

From the responses that the churches within the Circuit have made it is clear that the premises are generally in good repair and condition. The ongoing building need is primarily for redecoration and routine maintenance. However it is clear that there are one or two churches where more extensive works are required / and / or planned to bring the buildings up to a good standard of repair, accessibility and usability.

Whilst at this stage, within the Circuit, there is no immediate question of viability of any of the churches, it is sensible to point out that there are some churches which will need to be given further urgent consideration in terms of their sustainability, potential and mission. The finances of a few of the churches are clearly being stretched almost to breaking point and concern has been raised through the responses of these churches in terms of their ability to be financially

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review viable in the short to medium term. However overall there is a clear need for the Circuit to operate at its best, sharing resources, ideas, creativity and a sense of God-driven, Circuit-wide mission and purpose. From the work that has already been undertaken as a result of the review conversations it is clear that there is an ongoing need for the Circuit to work on its shared understanding of what it means to be a discipleship movement shaped for mission so that greater emphasis can be place on resourcing that mission across the Circuit.

Prayer is of vital importance for all the churches in the Circuit however not all churches have expressed this as a real strength. There are clearly some churches where prayer is seen as more pivotal than others and there will need to be work across the Circuit to encourage this fervour for prayer. The churches within the Circuit that have a strong grounding in prayer both corporate and private seem to be the ones where there is a clearer sense of direction and focus.

There may be opportunities at a Circuit level to encourage every church in its corporate and private prayer life. This could be achieved by developing a Circuit wide preaching series or Circuit wide Bible Study programme. Those churches that have expressed this area as one of their real strengths could be encouraged to share their experiences with the rest of the Circuit.

The work of the Circuit Children and Youth Workers was mentioned by several churches in their responses and this work is clearly valued and recognised as an important part of the life of the Circuit. There is a need to really encourage this work at the Circuit level and to enable both Rebecca and Monica to grow the work that they are involved in and enable greater intergenerational participation within the life of the Circuit. The work that is currently happening with the young people around worship leading is particularly exciting. Work on finding ways of effectively communicating what is happening in relation to children and youth work across the Circuit needs to continue.

Communication was an area that was picked up through the review process. This was in relation to communication both within individual churches, between churches and within the Circuit as a whole. This is something that is common to many Circuits and should not be seen as specific to North Bedfordshire. This is an area that the Leadership Mission Stream could take on as an individual piece of work to assess what happens currently and what could be done to improve the effectiveness of communications across and within the Circuit. Is there an opportunity to hear from one or more of the churches at each Circuit Meeting to share their current joys and challenges so that there is a greater sense of belonging generated across the Circuit? The current Circuit website is kept up to date and has some good general information relating to the Circuit, the key contacts within the Circuit and the sections and churches within the Circuit. It might be that there is an opportunity to further develop the website as a ‘portal’ for Circuit wide communication. The website could also include a Circuit Prayer Diary to give a Circuit-wide focus which would be of value in terms of a year long prayer focus.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review It is clear from the responses that there are a number significant ‘new developments’ either already underway or planned within the Circuit. Wixams has already provided direct opportunities for ecumenical engagement in this area. Whilst it is acknowledged that there is currently the need to reflect on how this work might continue, develop or evolve, this work needs to be viewed as a priority within the Circuit. It will be worth spending time considering how these opportunities might be developed further and supported by the Circuit through local church / ecumenical involvement considering . One question in this area should be reflecting on whether the current church premises are in the best situation to serve these new communities and whether there is an opportunity to plant new churches and as part of that work to consider moving out of existing premises into new premises to enable this work to grow. This is a challenging option to consider but one which could be exciting, offering new opportunities for mission and growth. This could also be seen as an opportunity to engage with all of the local communities across the Circuit perhaps undertaking some form of mission audit that could then feed into ideas for both service and evangelism opportunities.

The following sections move away from the general comments and reflection to cover the other main parts of the questionnaires that were used during the review with corresponding reflections and comments relating to the information that has been provided from the churches and the Circuit as a whole.

1. Worship Worship is seen as being vital in terms of its significance in the life all of the churches across the Circuit. As with many Circuits within Methodism there is a wide variety of styles and formats for worship in the various churches across the Circuit.

As you might expect the information provided both by the local churches in reflecting on their worship and those involved in planning and leading worship, Local Preachers and Worship Leaders has shown some interesting aspects of the worship life of the Circuit that provide some opportunities for the Circuit as a whole.

It has been clear from the mix of church responses in this area that whilst there is generally a good mix of worship styles across the Circuit there is a desire for wide range of worship styles within the churches. From the responses given by Worship Leaders and Local Preachers there is clearly a wide range of worship styles that they feel they are able to offer within the Circuit and in some areas a reasonable correlation between styles that can be offered and styles that Worship Leaders and Local Preachers find themselves leading. However the chart below highlights that the predominant style of worship that they find they are leading is traditional worship. Whilst this in itself is not a great surprise and acknowledging that there may need to be some further work around understanding what is perceived by the labelling worship as traditional, it is clear that the Circuit could explore more opportunities for a wider range of worship styles which would meet the desires of the local churches and better fit with the preference of those leading worship. The following chart outlines the preference Page 15 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review of leaders of worship (Worship Leaders and Local Preachers) mapped against the styles that they find themselves predominantly leading.

drama formal relevant prayers visual traditional reflective … style of worship you quiet find yourself participative predominantly leading modern … style of worship you interactive feel most comfortable, image based and enjoy, leading hymns contemp song contemplative all-age

0 5 10 15 20 25

Another area highlighted through the questionnaires, and one that is common to many Circuits, is around the way in which the churches/Circuit could develop a greater collaboration between Worship Leaders and Local Preachers. This is an area that should be explored. How does the Circuit encourage the most effective use of Local Preachers and Worship Leaders alike?

When responding to the question ‘How well do you know the congregations you lead worship in?’ it was clear from the Local Preachers who responded that they generally feel that they know the congregations well. How well do you know the congregations you lead in worship? 12 10 8 6 How well do you know 4 the congregations you 2 lead in worship? Total 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Very Very poor good There were some responses however that showed that there is room for work in this area. It might be that there is further opportunity to explore grouping Local Preachers with ministers and Worship Leaders around sections or clusters of churches working as part of what might be called ‘ministry teams’ in providing worship, pastoral and spiritual oversight for those congregations. This could lead to a greater knowledge of the needs of the congregations enabling worship to be more relevant more often.

Another area that was highlighted within the Local Preacher questionnaires was in relation to preaching when children/young people are present. It is clear that there are a significant number of preachers who are confident in this area but there are also those who are less confident.

How good are you at preaching/talking to children and young people? 10 8 6 4 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Very Very poor good It might be that there is an opportunity at times of pairing preachers up, those who are more confident with those who are less confident, to work together on planning and leading all age worship providing in effect some in service training in this area.

At a Circuit-wide level those involved in leading worship are deemed to need more personal pastoral care and support in their work across the Circuit. Whilst it is clear that for some the level of support and care has been really good there are a significant number who expressed that this could in effect be better. The following chart shows this: How good is the circuit/church at caring for you as a preacher/worship leader? 15

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Very Very poor good This is something that could be reflected on at a Local Preachers and Worship Leaders meeting, looking at ways that there can be greater support through continued support and development for ministers, local preachers and worship leaders. Some Circuits have placed their local preachers and worship leaders into either pairs or triplets encouraging peer-to-peer support and development. If not already in place in the Circuit such an approach could be considered here. One way that this can often work best is to allocate time at each of the Local Preacher and Worship Leader meetings for the pairs/triplets to spend time together discussing how they can support and encourage each other. This could then also lead into opportunities for continued learning and development of Local Preachers and Worship Leaders – providing a duel benefit.

Following on from this aspect of worship in relation to learning opportunities - are there opportunities for the churches within the Circuit to learn from each other’s worship styles and formats? Perhaps taking things a little further could opportunities be made to visit other churches/denominations to experience a greater variety in worshipping styles. Given the range of worship, especially the café styles and contemporary styles of worship and the desire of the churches to have more informal worship opportunities is there scope to organise some home grown worship workshops to encourage and develop worship across the Circuit. Is there an opportunity to further develop this as a section approach or even Circuit-wide approach to worship with some churches effectively offering

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review particular worship styles so that across the section or the Circuit a wide range of worship opportunities might be provided?

Overall there was a good response in terms of the support that is given through worship to enable congregations to respond to those in need and also supporting what congregations do to help others. However as with most things there is scope for development in this area.

The last section that the worship questionnaires covered was that of ‘Evangelism’ and the questions asked where:  ‘How good is our worship at enabling people to talk of their faith?’  ‘How good is our worship at meeting the needs of new people?’

The responses were as follows:

6 Very good

5 How good is our worship at enabling people to talk about their faith? Total 4 How good is our worship at enabling people to talk 3 about their faith? WLs How good is our worship 2 at enabling people to talk about their faith? LPs 1 Very poor

0 5 10 15

6 Very good How good is our worship 5 at meeting the needs of new people Total 4 How good is our worship at meeting the needs of 3 new people WLs

2 How good is our worship at meeting the needs of 1 new people LPs Very poor

0 5 10 15 The charts above chow that there is a sense that worship is enabling people to talk of their faith with the number of responses in this area rated as 4 and above. However there are also a number of responses rating this area as a 3 or lower. When it comes to reflecting on whether worship is meeting the needs of new people the responses rated as a 3 or lower are greater. There is clearly an opportunity here to make this a focus for the Circuit as a whole. This is a key part of discipleship and enabling people to have that confidence in speaking and sharing with others is important. Our worship is one area that can provide the stimulus for this and so perhaps looking at a preaching series on this aspect of worship might be a useful opportunity for the Circuit. This is something that perhaps lends itself to less formal worship enabling people to share with each other in conversation about faith/life questions.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review There is also the need to consider the language we use in worship, it is very easy to use ‘jargon’ without explaining what we mean and this can alienate those new to church and sometimes those who have been in church for a long time. The welcome that new people receive is also vital here, whilst all churches declare themselves and warm and welcoming, there is at time the need to think through what that really means. It can be that we are warm and welcoming but perhaps just for those who are already in the fellowship. One of the resources that the Methodist church has produced in this area is ‘First Impressions Count’ and this is available to download from the Methodist Church website. First Impressions Count is a freely downloadable workshop designed to help churches reflect on the welcome that a visitor experiences when they first walk into a church. Designed for a 2 ½ hour training session, the workshop is divided into three sessions: creating a welcoming building, being a welcoming people, and welcoming through inclusion: http://www.methodist.org.uk/mission/welcome-and-invitation

Another aspect that was highlighted by some churches was the area of continuity/consistency in worship, both in terms of themes and quality of worship. Many Circuits are now exploring the possibilities for providing more consistency in preaching and worship leading. Sometimes this is through Preaching Series and sometimes by linking small groups of preachers/ministers with local churches to enable continuity in worship or maybe even tailored preaching themes for individual churches. This maybe something worth the Circuit exploring perhaps as a Circuit wide initiative. It may also be worth encouraging more people to join housegroups and to link the preaching series to the material that housegroups use. This would provide an opportunity for people to share their thoughts on the theme in an informal setting either leading up to the theme being preached on or after the theme has been preached.

How many of the churches within the Circuit have a worship consultation? How well attended are they and do they, where they exist provide a suitable opportunity for church members, worship leaders, local preachers, ministers to openly and honestly discuss the worship lives of the churches and how they might be developed and encouraged in their worship? Does this then feed back into the Local Preachers and Worship Leaders meetings?

One final aspect of worship for churches to consider is around alternative worship opportunities other than on Sundays. From the ‘Statistics for Mission’ reports there is a clear difference in the mix of people who are attending Sunday and midweek worship across the Circuit. The following chart shows the age profile for Sunday and midweek worship. The most recent data does not split adults into specific age groups so adults are shown as a single block.

Sunday Worship Weekday Worship Average attendance: 1352 Average attendance: 368

4% 5% 6% 22% Adult Adult 13thru19 45% 13thru19 5thru12 5thru12 21% 0thru4 0thru4 85% 12%

Midweek worship can enable greater variety of worship styles and within this section the whole aspect of what it means to provide ‘fresh expressions’ of church needs consideration. There are a number of activities across the Circuit that touch on this as fresh expressions but is there more that could be done in this area. The Circuit needs to be providing worship opportunities that are relevant to people where they are and which provide that life-changing message. Is there scope within the Circuit to look at putting a ‘fresh expressions’ group together to encourage and develop this work further?

Along with this there is the wider challenge that we face of the need to change the mindset that ‘church’ is only what happens on a Sunday to realising that for some ‘church’ may well be attending messy church or café church once a month midweek. Fresh expressions of church should not be seen as ‘feeders’ for what we currently think of as church, they can be church in their own right. Work in enabling those fresh expressions that exist within the Circuit to become ‘church’ for those that attend would be a valuable area to explore further.

2. Learning Across the Circuit there are already a range of opportunities for nurture and development with churches running House or Home Groups, Bible Study Groups, Discussion Groups etc. However not all churches have these groups at present and one possibility might be for the Circuit to encourage each of the churches within the Circuit to have at least one house/home group or Bible Study group. If there is a need to provide training for new leaders this could also be explored at a Circuit level. Perhaps there is scope to consider other options for encouraging members in their discipleship and growing them in their confidence to speak of their faith.

Alpha was mentioned as a potential need to encourage people in their exploration of Christianity; this could also be used for those already committed as Christians to re-affirm the basics of the faith.

There was some sense that at the local church level the vision for the church was not always clearly communicated. Is there an opportunity for the Circuit as a whole to encourage churches in discussing their vision and mission? This could be achieved through a number of local visioning days. It may also be something worth considering for the Leadership Mission Stream to organise for the Circuit as a whole.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review A number of the churches, whilst recognising the opportunities that are provided for learning, identified a need to strengthen and develop their spiritual growth and in particular faith in relation to daily living. This is an area, which could be considered ecumenically and/or Circuit-wide where possible. There are a growing number of Circuits who are now looking at pulling together the nurturing and learning opportunities that already exist into more structured approaches for encouraging individuals in their own discipleship. This can be anything from producing a programme of local events that link together in some way such as opportunities for training as stewards, Sunday School/Junior Church teachers, Worship Leaders and Local Preachers, Bible Studies, Prayer Groups etc. Some Circuits have established a 6-month series of events to encourage this important aspect of Christian growth. ‘After Sunday’ (www.aftersunday.org.uk) is an organisation providing resources to encourage and equip people in their daily work outside of the life of the church. This might provide some useful resources to broaden peoples understanding of what it means to be a disciple today. This could be a focus for the Circuit looking at various aspects of Discipleship through worship, small group study and other less formal opportunities.

3. Caring This is clearly seen as a real area of strength across the Circuit. There are clearly good pastoral support networks in place in many of the churches within the Circuit. From the reflections by the churches there are a few areas where consideration could perhaps be given to improve what is already working well in this area.

From the ‘Church Groups and Outreach Activities’ part of the ‘Statistics for Mission’ it is clear that the Circuit as a whole serves a wide range of people all with varying needs. It may prove helpful for the Circuit to consider strategies for both supporting and encouraging the work with each of these specific groups as part of the overall mission of the Circuit. The needs vary from group to group and so the caring and serving opportunities will vary also. A pdf download of this information for the BEH District can be obtained from the Methodist Church website: ‘Church Groups and Outreach Activities’.

For some of the churches there was a desire to review their pastoral support and to encourage more pastoral visitors. One possible option might be for those directly engaged in pastoral care to meet together from across the Circuit to share experiences and support each other in this work. It may worth considering using a resource such as ‘Encircled in Care’ that is available from Methodist Publishing to run a series of workshops across the Circuit. The resource covers areas such as:  Prayer in Pastoral Visiting  Connecting Care and Discipleship  Children, Young People and Pastoral Care  Across the Generations  Extended Communion

 Health, Healing and Wellbeing  Mental Health Issues  Loss and Bereavement  Domestic Abuse This would enable those already involved in this work to develop their existing knowledge and also provide an opportunity to encourage knew people to consider getting involved in pastoral care in their church.

4. Service Across the Circuit there is a wide range of ways in which the churches seek to serve their members and the wider community. This is also reflected in the chart above showing the range of people that the Circuit aims to serve.

There are a number of the churches that make extensive use of their premises for lettings for both internal and external groups. Clearly from the responses the links that exist between the external groups and the church community are good in places and could be strengthened in others. One suggestion would be to explore the options to develop more effective network of church companions with external organisations that could be encouraged across the Circuit. The ‘Chaplaincy Everywhere’ resources might prove valuable in exploring this area further: http://www.methodist.org.uk/mission/chaplaincy/the-chaplaincy- everywhere-course.

In some ways this area is perhaps more closely linked to the final area of evangelism as it is necessary for churches to understand their local communities in order to be serving them most effectively. Across the Circuit the ability of the churches to understand their local communities is varied with several churches saying that they need to do more work in this area.

This might be an area that is best explored at a Circuit level. Given the pooled resources of the Circuit is it possible that resources could be invested in enabling those churches that are struggling to get to grips with their local communities the opportunity to better understand the communities and their requirements? Perhaps the Circuit could consider encouraging each church to follow up on the review with some further work on a community or mission audit. Building on the information that the groups using the church premises have provided as part of the review and also looking at the demographics of the communities in which the churches are set. The Methodist Church webmap is a good source of information: http://www.methodist.org.uk/links/church-webmap-advanced- version. This links together the Statistics for Mission information that churches submits through the October count as well as other church, community and national information. Another source of more detailed local information is the government website: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk is a good source of local information in this area. It is also worth churches further reflecting on the work that their members are already actively engaged in within the local communities and seeing if this could lead to additional opportunities for serving the communities further.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Given the diverse needs of the communities that the churches within the Circuit serve this is an area that needs to be followed up at the local / section and individual level within churches however the Circuit as a whole can play its part in encouraging development in this area.

5. Evangelism – witnessing to God’s presence and action This was an area of the review that recognised some good work was being undertaken but highlighted a need for more work. This is a common area of development for many Circuits and one that can scare many of our congregations. The work of evangelism is varied and comes in many forms. For some it is direct and to the point, for others it comes through developing relationships and getting alongside people. This is why in many ways ‘service’ and ‘evangelism’ go hand in had. One thing is for sure if we are not confident in sharing our own faith stories through direct conversations or over time through relationships with others the kingdom is not going to increase. We are all called to take the Good News to the ends of the earth as part of the great commission and so we must take seriously this business of evangelism.

It might be helpful for the Circuit to consider developing a Circuit-wide evangelism strategy perhaps through an ‘evangelism group’ or ‘mission group’ to encourage and explore the options for local churches to develop their own evangelism/mission strategy. This also then links in with encouraging more ‘fresh expressions’ across the Circuit as a way of reaching out to those outside of the church.

Conclusion and General Circuit Recommendations: Much of the working out of this report will require person-power and it is appropriate to ensure that this is seen as a Circuit-wide initiative, whilst focusing on the individual strengths and specialities of the individual churches.

It will be important to establish a clear framework in which the work undertaken through the review can be taken forward across the Circuit.

The priorities for the recommendations should be assessed and agreed as a whole by the Leadership Mission Stream in consultation with the rest of the Circuit. The recommendations cover a wide range of areas and require a significant investment of resource by the Circuit, however if prioritised and worked through as a whole it is anticipated that they will: 1. Strengthen the role and identity of the Circuit and the churches within the Circuit. 2. Continue to encourage and develop the leadership (lay and ordained) within the Circuit. 3. Support, develop and grow the mission of the Circuit. 4. Continue thinking around the needs for ministerial support and how this is best achieved – recognising the value in both ordained and lay leadership within Circuit life.

Perhaps a starting point following on from the review will be for the Leadership Mission Stream to reflect on the work that has been undertaken through the review and to work on a coherent Circuit plan for both the vision and mission of the Circuit. Part of this work has already begun with the Leadership Teams reflections on the priorities for the coming months/years that are shown below but these should not be worked in isolation but rather as part of an overall strategy for the Circuit and its churches.

… over the next three months 1. Preaching: A general desire for lively, Bible-based, spirit-led, meaningful sermons. Some would appreciate greater input and choice in the planning of Local Preachers, i.e. not just for special services. All wish for greater variety of worship styles and types with modern and traditional elements. Ideas discussed include: i. Church Council (or Worship Consultation groups) tried and evaluated. ii. Theme preaching/worship series.

2. Pastoral Care: Needs to be more structured and formalised with appropriate training: i. Source appropriate training – perhaps making use of ‘Encircled in Care’ training resource.

3. Bible Study and Prayer Groups: Need to be formed, re-formed and/or encouraged in each church to Page 24 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review improve the level of fellowship and confidence in speaking of God. Possibly form a Prayer Chain

4. Personal Christian Development: Encourage and facilitate individual Christian growth developing a caring community. i. Discuss with congregations to advise on how they may best offer ‘time and talents’ along with prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

… over the next twelve months 1. Use of premises: Many churches mention the use of premises, speaking of refurbishment, pews being replaced by chairs, questions of future uses of the premises: i. Encourage churches to discuss ideas with all users so as to involve them in any development plans. ii. Encourage churches to invite user of the premises to church events. iii. Review building access for all users

2. Publicity: All churches encourages to: i. Explore more effective use of notice-boards (internal and external) ii. Explore use of village/town magazines where appropriate iii. Develop a church website as well as input to the Circuit website iv. Remember to provide printed information for those without internet access v. Decide on an annual charity to support

3. Youth Matters: i. Churches expressed a wish to examine (and be advised by existing Youth Workers) on how to attract new young members to regular church as well as special events. ii. Explore opportunities for more regular contact with Youth Workers

… over the next five years 1. Outreach: An outreach policy needs to be developed if the Methodist Church is to continue beyond its current life span of current membership. i. Possible mission visits by ‘Cliff College’ or similar organisations ii. Use mission statement

2. Circuit: It is clear from the documents that communication between Circuit, churches and congregations need to be improved. i. Encourage church reps to Circuit Meetings to explore effective ways of reporting back to their home churches.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review ii. Some see the link as formal, financial and admin only. iii. Some ask for more support from Circuit. iv. Others talk of extensive Circuit resources – what are these resources and are they widely known? v. Some ask for more resources. vi. Research to improve ecumenical work e.g. outdoor services, joint witness walks, services, events etc. vii. Plan outward looking activities

Reflections and Recommendations based on the review as a whole These recommendations should be considered in relation to the priorities and suggestions that the Leadership Mission Stream have already highlighted above and should help in enabling the priorities to be taken forward.

 Leadership Mission Stream to use the review as the basis for developing a Circuit Action Plan and making it appropriate to the individual churches.  Adopt/develop a Circuit strategy and spirituality for mission, which will grasp the nettles of the causes of the shrinking of the churches, and reverse them towards growth and new life.  Challenge each church in the Circuit to set an aim to increase its membership over the coming 12 months. Where congregations have adopted such an aim, numbers grow, prayer life increases, church ethos changes and real glory is given to God.  Encourage each church to have at least one new house/home group established within the next 12 months. Consider organising a training session for prospective new house/home group leaders. The resources ‘Walking with God’s People’ is an ideal option for training group leaders/facilitators and can be accessed: http://www.ertp.org.uk/index.php/about/ertp-annual-forum/annual- forum-2014/facilitator-training-materials  Leadership Mission Stream to continue to encourage the churches within the Circuit to develop stronger working links with each other. To be achieved in part by following through on the Circuit Action Plan.  As part of the ongoing work around the grouping of churches within sections in the Circuit - explore the opportunities for the churches within the sections to work more closely together so as to better share and develop their resources jointly. Within this consider the options for creating a single church council for a group of churches.  Review the staffing needs across the Circuit to consider both lay and ordained requirements for the future.  Work on ways of encouraging and supporting lay leadership across all ages. The new ‘Pioneer Pathway’ might offer possibilities for people to explore a call to pioneer ministry within the life of the Circuit. See the information on the Methodist Church website: http://www.methodist.org.uk/learning/methodist-pioneering-pathways

 Explore the options for Local Preachers to work more closely with local churches. Perhaps consider Local Preachers and Worship Leaders working with the ministers to form a ‘team ministry’ approach for groups of churches in relation to worship and pastoral care. This could strengthen the worship at local churches and enable a great continuity in worship.  Review the support and development opportunities that are in place for preachers and worship leaders. Is there scope to encourage pairs or triplets to share with each other by reflecting on each other’s worship leading / preaching?  Plan a preaching series within the Circuit – possible topics could be worship, spirituality, prayer, the Holy Spirit, mission etc.  Encourage those churches to establish Worship Consultation meetings if they do not already have them. This is a forum to reflect on and discuss ways in which the worship life of the local church might be improved. Encourage those churches with Worship Consultations to feed back their thoughts and reflections into the Local Preachers and Worship Leaders meetings.  Develop a new programme of prayer and Bible study for all the churches and every member in order to develop the spiritual life of the Circuit and its churches. This could be done by using a programme already produced or even better could be designed by the North Bedfordshire Circuit so as to focus on the particular needs that the churches and Circuit are facing.  Organise training in Pastoral Care – utilising ‘Encircled in Care’ resource which is produced by The Methodist Church.  Work with each church in the Circuit in understanding their local communities, the nature, the challenges, and the difference in cultures and how the churches can work towards meeting those challenges. This could be achieved by working with each church in turn over a given time period, producing a mission audit to work with, in extending the work and reach of the church. Utilising some of the material produced on ‘Mission Shaped Church’ or the book edited by David Clark ‘Reshaping the mission of Methodism’ (ISBN: 9781899147748) could provide valuable insights in this area.  Continue to encourage and develop the children, youth and families work within the Circuit – work on ways to develop intergenerational participation across the churches. Continuing to look at ways of growing young leaders, in worship and other areas of the life of the church will be an important part of this development. The CPAS resource, ‘Growing Leaders – Youth edition course’ might prove useful as part of this work: http://www.cpas.org.uk/church-resources/growing-leaders- suite/growing-leaders-youth-edition. As will encouraging involvement in 3Generate: http://www.3generate.org.uk/  Consider establishing some form of “fresh expressions” and or “evangelism” team/group to work across the Circuit in encouraging the churches to continue to explore and further develop new and innovative ways of being church and serving the community.

 Support and strengthen the ecumenical dialogue and partnerships across the Circuit, enabling the pooling of ideas, resources and mission on a Circuit-wide basis. It is clear that this is an area that varies significant across the Circuit and so may be an area to reflect further on as there are some areas of the Circuit that are highly populated with churches and there may be benefit from closer working relationships.  Work on improving communications across and within the Circuit. This may be achieved by considering the following:  Working with church reps to explore ways of effectively reporting back from Circuit Meeting.  Further develop the Circuit website and consider including: o A Circuit Prayer Diary which could also be circulated within the Circuit and ensure that all aspects of Circuit life are included on a regular basis each month. Encourage each church to include these in their own prayers each week as appropriate o Enhance developing a ‘resource’ section to the site so that Circuit resources/links to other resources can be shared across the Circuit  Continue to review the financial position of the Circuit and each of the churches in the Circuit in relation to its mission priorities.

With those churches where finances are struggling encourage each church in the following areas:  The congregation should be made aware of the current financial position and the level of giving that is required at the particular church  Consider introducing an annual Gift day Investigate further income from lettings where appropriate

3. Individual Church Reflections Overview The churches and the recommendations are listed in reverse alphabetical order using the names as they appear on the Circuit Plan. They are therefore not to be viewed as to be in order of importance or concern. The basis for this section has been the information that each church submitted through the review. The individual church sections therefore include information from the ‘Church Information Sheet’ and ‘Church Leadership Questionnaire’ sheet. The recommendations are those that were suggested by the local Church Leadership Teams and these support the work of the individual church as well as the whole Circuit. They should build on strengths and the sharing of resources, skills and experience to build up the whole people of God and their mission within the life of the Circuit.

4. Wootton New Life Methodist Church The church is situated to the southwest of Bedford on Cause End Road in Wootton.

It has a membership of 59 on average 38 people attending regular weekly worship. The main worship for the church is at 10.00 on Sundays with a monthly All Age Worship service.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Wootton New Life Church:

Congregation – Worship  Most people who responded to the questionnaire thought that worship at WNL was very good. Respondents liked the fact that worship was usually interactive and engaging and that people of all ages could be involved. It was noted that people like variety in styles of music with some people commenting that they enjoyed the mix of modern and more traditional.  On the whole preaching and teaching is seen as good but there were comments such as ‘the preacher should stick to the point’ and ‘sometimes I wonder what that was all about’ (in relation to the sermon) that give cause for concern.  Positive feedback was received following the recent Lent teaching series and a further series is planned in the run up to Advent & Christmas.  At WNL we recognise that we have a different approach to most of the Circuit in our style of worship and the involvement of worship leaders and find that most preachers are comfortable with this, indeed many comment that they really appreciate it. On occasion some preachers have been difficult to work with and resistant to working with us in this way. This causes a great deal of anxiety both before the service and often comments from members of the congregation afterwards.

Possible Action  Close liaison with the Circuit to ensure appropriate preachers are allocated to WNL.  Continue to have themed series’ and consider a more structured quarterly teaching plan using either the lectionary of other resources.  Continue with style of worship, introducing new songs and fresh ideas on a regular basis.

Congregation – Learning  All respondents responded positively in this area with some rating 6. The vision of WNL is clearly articulated and all of our activities are aligned to

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review the vision. As a small church we need to make sure that we focus on a number of things and do them well rather than do too many things.  Many people are part of a mid week small group and find that this is useful to encourage discussion and learning.  Respondents appreciated the opportunity to share and hear testimony during services – it is felt that this is a valuable way to learn and encourage each other.  Some respondents mentioned the use of Christian books and resources as a useful aid.

Possible Action  Encourage more people to join mid week small groups.  Proactively encourage people to read – possibly have a book club and read the same book together.  It has been some time since we ran an Alpha course and it is recognised that this would be beneficial for both existing members and potentially for those on the fringe.  Encourage evangelism, and provide teaching on evangelism.  Annual review of vision & strategy document at AGM. ‘Reiterate: Re position: Re communicate’

Congregation – Caring  Overall the response in this area was positive, particularly in caring for each other within the church.

Possible Action  Whilst we have a pastoral team this could be more consistent and proactive – an area for further review and discussion.  Also opportunities to reach those on the fringe of the church e.g. Rock/Rock on parents, Hubbub Youth Café.

Congregation – Service  Overall this was seen positively with everyone acknowledging the action that the church takes to support those in need – particular examples included food and other goods for Prebend Street Homeless Shelter and the fact that each year we donate 10% of our giving to charity.

Possible Action  It was suggested that we should have occasional services dedicated to specific charities – this is something that we will consider for the future.  We should also look for more ways to meet the specific needs of the local community.

Congregation – Evangelism  This area of the questionnaire had the most spread in responses with some being positive about being able to share about their faith and others less comfortable.

 Although scoring was still positive (4/5) most felt that the church could do more to make new disciples. Most would be happy to bring a non Christian friend to church.  All recognised that as a church we had taken part in several community events e.g. Love Wootton, The Open Air Service etc. And that The Hub and other activities encourage people to join.  We have regularly held special services where midweek group families have been invited e.g. ‘Chocolate Sunday’.

Possible Action  There was a strong view that we should reach out to the community more – this could simply be by inviting people to The Hub or other activities but further thought and discussion should be given to this – e.g. possible outreach ‘services’ – quarterly brunch style event open up to the local community.  An Alpha Course would also support this. More opportunities for Café Church, film nights with Christian introduction & informal discussion.

Circuit  Apart from youth work there were no specific comments about the Circuit.  The leadership team believe that the church tends to operate at a local level and although visiting preachers are from other Circuit churches for most people this is not a major aspect of church life at WNL.  The Circuit Youth Workers have provided great support to establish the Hubbub Youth Café and several young people have attended Circuit services or events such as Soul Survivor.  We appreciate the input and involvement of local preachers and, as mentioned earlier, on the whole local preachers add a valuable contribution to our church life as well as getting something for themselves out of their time at WNL.

Possible Action  Continue to work with Circuit Youth workers, grow our presence and impact at Wootton Upper School. Support Circuit Youth events.  Encourage youth workers to use our facilities as they have been remodelled and refurbished for these types of events (e.g. youth services, youth weekends).  Circuit should consider having “Centres of Excellence” – making best use of resources and gifting.  Work closely with the Circuit team to ensure appropriate preachers are allocated to WNL.

Church Group Questionnaires were not complete due to the time of year when the information was gathered.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months

 Continue to pray together as a church and encourage more individual and corporate prayer.  Continue to outreach to the community.  Bring the word of God through music and word.

. . . over the next twelve months  Make WNL central to village life by encouraging more to worship and join various groups.  Alpha Course  Pastoral care for church family and those in the church family prayer book  Identify specific areas of need in the village and review how we can support – reach our specifically to local areas e.g. Tithe Barn Road, Cause End Road, new developments – Berry Fields, Jubilee Gardens.  Review mission, vision & strategy

. . . over the next five years  Identify future lay leaders, build leadership team and enable all to use their talents and gifting to enable God’s kingdom to grow in Wootton and beyond.

General Reflections  The Circuit should consider how it is structured and organised – potentially grouping churches together more for joint services, discipleship/reaching groups and midweek activities. e.g. working in clusters. No one thinks twice about getting in the car and travelling a few miles to the supermarket so travelling to a cluster church could become the norm but still have the opportunity for mission and ministry in the local area.

 Ensure teaching and style of worship across the Circuit is relevant to today – to attract new Christians and younger Christians both our worship and style of worship need to become more relevant – there are plenty of large and growing churches in Bedfordshire – there teaching and style are much more up to date that many of our churches. If we fail to do this then eventually our aging congregation will disappear.

5. Wixams The church is an ecumenical church and is situated in the Munson Room of the Lakeview Village Hall in Brooklands Avenue, within the new Wixams development.

The church is a partnership of Baptist, Church of England, Methodist and United Reformed Church Christians; also working in association with the Roman Catholic Church where possible.

Weekly worship takes place at 10.30 on Sunday mornings at Lakeview village Hall; beginning with coffee and cake; with the service getting under way at 11.00.

As a new church in a new community, flexibility is at the heart of what we do, as we seek a pattern and style of worship that will have a broad appeal. But at its heart will be music and song; teaching and prayer together.

Our aim is to make our services accessible to committed believers and enquirers alike; and relaxed and family friendly, as we seek to respond to God's love for the world by modelling our lives on the teaching and example of Jesus.

As an ecumenical congregation we will draw on the best of our various denominational traditions, while not being unduly constrained by any; and always looking to fresh ways of expressing our faith that are relevant and meaningful in the 21st century.

Wixams has been part of a review that has been undertaken by Bedfordshire Ecumenical Committee and we await further developments.

6. Wilstead The church is situated south of Bedford just off of the A6 in the village of Wilstead on Cotton End Road. Wilstead is on the edge of the new Wixams housing development.

The church has a membership of 10 on average 9 people attending regular weekly worship. The main worship for the church is at 10.30 on Sundays.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Cubs  Coffee Pot  Scouts  Doctors Surgery  Brownies (Tuesday and  Mother & Toddlers Thursday (with nurse  Keep Fit too))  Dancing (children)  House Group  Karate (meeting in members  Mini Strikers (2-4 homes) years)

The current state of the church building is described as very good with painting of the external woodwork planned on the building.

The church has sufficient income levels to meet its current financial needs over the coming three years.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together. Though there are annual opportunities to share in the British Legion Remembrance Service and Carol service.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Wilstead Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  We offer worship suitable to our congregation.  We would appreciate a wider variety of preachers.  We have a desire for a fresh vision.  We would appreciate a greater sense of continuity.

Possible Action  To persevere as a church.  To continue to consider church growth.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Learning  The weekly Bible study is a much valued part of our church life.  Friendships have been encouraged.

Possible Action  To continue to develop existing support networks.

Congregation – Caring  Distance occasionally prevents pastoral care for some members.  The ‘jungle telegraph’ is excellent.

Possible Action  None specified

Congregation – Service  We are well engaged with the local community.  We Financially contribute to a variety of charities.  We support local parish events and village events.

Possible Action  Maintain our dedication to the local community.

Congregation – Evangelism  Our church members seek to publicise Christ through action and prayer.  We struggle as a church in making new disciples.  We do, however, strive to be a welcoming church.

Possible Action  We will continue to pray for our community.

Circuit  Outside of Sunday worship we do not feel supported by the Circuit.  Provision of ministerial care and provision of Sunday worship seems to be the most visible sign.

Possible Action  None specified.

Church Groups – Service  Groups feel well supported by the church.  They appreciate the facilities.

Possible Action  Generally appreciated, but would like to see ministerial presence at occasional events.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Church Groups – Caring  The groups appreciate the church’s flexibility and commitment.

Possible Action  Continued local church involvement.

Church Groups – Worship  Not much group involvement in worship, due to a lack of opportunity.

Possible Action  Consider possibility of uniformed services.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Continue to meet Sundays and at House Group  Welcome any visitors.  Willing to take advice and help for mission

. . . over the next twelve months  Continue to meet Sundays and at House Group  Welcome any visitors.  Willing to take advice and help for mission

. . . over the next five years  Continue to meet Sundays and at House Group  Welcome any visitors.  Willing to take advice and help for mission

General Reflections  The circuit is very large.  It is interesting to meet different local preachers.

7. Willington Willington Methodist church is situated on Station Road on the corner of Chapel Lane. Willington village is to the east of Bedford.

The church has a membership of 12 and an average weekly attendance at worship of 24. Weekly Sunday worship is at 10:30 am with Café Church held on the 1st Sunday of the month.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Quarterly prayer  Monday Lunch Club meetings held monthly  Kidzone every six  Coffee Morning held months monthly

Willington is part of the local Churches Together and gets involved in joint worship services.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Willington Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  There was a clear consensus that the building is fairly well suited for its purpose.  Less consensus on how well our services link to our daily lives and have relevance for those outside of the church.  Worship is good when modern styles are used with some traditional elements.  Worship is good when we have Churches Together services and activities.

Possible Action  Keep experimenting with new ideas.  Encourage more Churches Together and Circuit united services.  Encourage more congregation participation and attendance by young people.  Encourage Local Preachers to recognise that we appreciate Bible-based teaching.  Ask the Circuit to plan our own Local Preachers more often.

Congregation – Learning  A significant number have been helped by the church to grow as Christians and to link faith to everyday life.  Less consensus on the means and effectiveness of communicating the vision.  People grow by Bible study and prayer in small groups. Page 38 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

 Cliff College evangelists have been appreciated in the past.  Inspired Bible-based preaching is a positive.  Some recognised the need for greater personal challenge and commitment.

Possible Action  Ensure Bible study and prayer group opportunities continue and that some of these offer evening sessions. (Also include relevant discussions on important personal and global issues).  Encourage personal commitment as a goal.  Better access to resources, e.g. books, DVDs – both at a church level and a Circuit level?

Congregation – Caring  A wide range of responses on caring for the church members with special reference to a lack of structural pastoral system.  There was a huge range of responses re. those on the fringes.  Recognition of existing church support via prayer, cards, visits and other practical expressions in difficult times.  Small group discussions were valued for support and honesty.  Desire for more prayer-support, possibly via a prayer-chain.  There is a need for more out-reach to non-church folk.

Possible Action  Re-visit the idea of a formal pastoral care system.  Re-visit the setting-up of a prayer chain.

Congregation – Service  Our church is good at the process of renting out the building and has good relations with the users involved.  We are fairly positive about how we care for those outside of the church.  We are just satisfactory at supporting our members in their service to others.  We do well in serving others through community lunches, coffee mornings and supporting local, national and global charities.  We are well-grounded in our local community.  But we would like more time and money!!

Possible Action  There is a need for more effective information and communication on local, national and global issues.

Congregation – Evangelism  There was an average response to how well we share our faith.  Faith through actions shows a slightly higher response.  We’re not so good at making new disciples and there was a wide ranging response to how effectively we invite non-Christians to church.  Holiday clubs and ecumenical events are very positive in evangelism.  We need more training and encouragement.

 Visits from Cliff College students in the past were seen as effective.  Desire for a permanent Youth Leader for weekly activities.  We recognise the need for more personal commitment to evangelical events.

Possible Action  Ask the Circuit to investigate visits from Cliff College students.  Investigate more training on how to share the Good News.

Circuit  None of the replies specifically mentioned support received from the Circuit.  But did suggest the following ...

Possible Action  Relevant Bible-based worship from Local Preachers.  Regular Circuit services / prayer and praise services.  Regular Circuit gatherings / seminars for Bible teaching.  Opportunities to share experiences (e.g. running an effective pastoral system)  Training on evangelism.  Provision of resources / information to support our service in the community.  Holding evangelical events.

Church Groups – Service  Users of the premises are very satisfied with the hire facilities and their relationships with the church.  The church is seen as very flexible and supportive.

Possible Action  Users of the premises do not require any extra action.

Church Groups – Caring  Users see the church as very good in helping their clubs/societies and the people involved, when and as appropriate.  Church members are socially involved in a many of our hire groups and this enhances good relations.

Possible Action  Users of the premises do not require any extra action.

Church Groups – Worship  Users of the building showed a good response when they’ve been invited to join in worship.  Those who do attend are made very welcome.

Possible Action

 Some outside agencies would value more choice in the style and timing of worship and would encourage us to explore alternative forms of worship.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Set up a pastoral care system.  Set up a prayer chain.  Discuss with the Circuit how Local Preachers are planned.

. . . over the next twelve months  Continue with refurbishment project which is well in hand.  Look at how we communicate at local and Circuit level.  Discuss with the Circuit about training for and holding of evangelical events base on Bible-teaching.  Encourage and support Circuit services / prayer and praise services.

. . . over the next five years  Work to attract a younger demographic into church life.  Organise visits from Cliff College (or similar)  Ensure we continue to explore new styles of worship and to stay fresh and relevant.

8. Upper Caldecote Methodist Church The church is situated in Biggleswade Road on the corner of Ashby Drive in the village of Upper Caldecote. Upper Caldecote is situated to the north west of Biggleswade.

The church has a membership of 13 and an average weekly attendance at worship of 15. Weekly Sunday worship is at 10:30 am.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Youth Club  Coffee Morning  Friendship Club (Saturday)  Rainbow Guides  Women’s Institute  Cub Scouts  Northill Parish Council  Scouts  Bible Study Group  Yoga (Monday) (meeting in a home)  Yoga (Thursday)

The current state of the church building is described as being in a good state of repair and decoration with no major work currently planned.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together. Though the church holds services in conjunction with their Anglican friends but only for special services, e.g. candlelight carols, harvest festival etc.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Wilstead Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The vast majority of responses indicate that the church worship area is well suited to styles of worship following its recent refurbishment in 2013.  The majority see the service catering for, and being relevant to their daily Christian life.  Respondents expressed a broader view of worship relevance to those outside or on the fringes of the church.

Possible Action  Different styles of worship / the ability to accept and use new layouts.  Appropriate and relevance of preachers and their message.

 Occasional services for a group of churches to uplift and utilise resources.

Congregation – Learning  In general respondents felt that they were being helped to grow as a Christian and their faith linked to everyday life.

Possible Action  In holding Bible Study/Fellowship plus weekly Prayer Group and weekly Coffee Morning which are open to all we feel that action is being taken within the capabilities of our members.  The above groups are very visible in the community though these events bear fruit very slowly.  “We are part of the community. However our far reaching vision is to make the community more part of us.”

Congregation – Caring  All respondents replied very positively about the caring nature of the church, both at ministerial level and also into local pastoral care by church members.  The church remains very active in caring for those on the fringe and community members.

Possible Action  Expand size of pastoral team to increase its effectiveness.  This is dependent on the identification of willing volunteers.

Congregation – Service  Respondents unanimously indicated that the premises were readily available for the wider community use with many long standing bookings from community groups.  The church regularly invites the community groups to participate in a range of events.

Possible Action  Locally ‘needy’ residents are included in our prayer life and the list is updated by the prayer group being notified of the various needs.  The church community offers help to local folk in need of help and supports both local and national charities in times of disaster.

Congregation – Evangelism  Respondents indicated that their way of life demonstrated their Christian faith and would willingly bring a friend to church, depending on the preacher planned or type of worship.  However we recognise that we are not currently successful at making new disciples but this Is not for want of trying.

Possible Action  Consider what new initiatives can be considered to attract new attendees/members.

 With an elderly membership we have to be careful not to overstretch ourselves and would have to seek help from larger churches in the Circuit to, perhaps, facilitate our plans for the future.

Circuit  The North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit is very large and the resources, such as Youth Workers are in place but are sometimes difficult to access.  We realise that most churches are fire-fighting to stay afloat themselves but it would be good to receive more support from Circuit instead of carrying on with our attitude of self-sufficiency.

Church Groups – Service  Positive responses received from user groups re use of premises.  The church has been responsive to our Scout Group and other groups.  One comment was that their group and the church was a two way relationship that was only limited by the enthusiasm of parents to support organised church events.

Possible Action  No actions but keep an open ear and respond to any of the user’s needs.

Church Groups – Caring  The church has a very good relationship with the various groups and tries to support any events arranged by them.  The groups have indirect access to the church family and our minister to support any members or families in need of support

Possible Action  Again we need to listen and react as appropriate.

Church Groups – Worship  The church invites user groups to services celebrating special events in the Christian calendar and those which may appeal. However in many instances these invites are not accepted.  User group leaders can invite their members to attend an event but are very limited in their support due to family commitments and domestic timetables. Many are from broken homes and already have weekly/weekend timetables.

Possible Action  Keep on trying with the invitations.  Evaluate as and when we organize events.  Unfortunately we can’t please everyone.  Messy church, Café style, perhaps hold on a different day.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Have a look at what services we offer, can we look at other times other than Sunday.

. . . over the next twelve months  Have a look at what services we offer, can we look at other times other than Sunday.

. . . over the next five years  Evaluate how we are at that stage.

9. St Marks, Bedford

St Marks is situated on Calder Rise off Avon Drive.

It is an LEP with a membership of 151 with an average weekly attendance at worship of 70. Weekly Sunday worship is at 10:30 am with a fortnightly service held at 8.30am with an average attendance of 16.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including (the church diary provides a fuller list of regular events/activities):  Midweek Communion  Open House (drop in  ‘Housegroup’ for adults with  Storybox learning disabilities)  Chat and Play  Monthly care home (toddlers) service  Chat and Make  Monthly care home (toddlers) service  Messy Church

The church premises are described as fair, although very well used they are clean and regularly maintained. There is currently work planned to make improvements to Foyer and addition of a porch to protect entrance

The church has solar panels that provide income through the feed in tariff and a solar thermal system for our hot water.

As a partnership (with our sister church at Putnoe) we explored our mission and created a ‘Mission Action Plan’ as our Lenten activity in 2012. This is always on our agenda and the latest version, updated Pentecost 2014, was provided along with the review feedback analysis.

There is little space for further development, the only areas currently being developed are mainly 1 or 2 houses being added on the garden plot of existing properties. We are fortunate to have large green spaces locally, which are protected, and widely used by the community.

In the last 5 years we have gained ‘Woodlands park’ a development of around 240 homes with Anjulita Court, an MHA residential care home and Ladyslaude Court MHA ‘Independent living’ apartments plus a further residential Care home at Manton Heights. The housing came with few additional facilities but the addition of so many care facilities is largely positive, allowing our own frail elderly to remain in (or close to) their community support structures. Several of

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review our church members volunteer at the MHA facilities and the link is strengthened by our Methodist minister, who is also a chaplain there 15 hours per week.

The leadership team has recently become aware of an increasing Muslim population locally and has been exploring ways of offering fellowship and support, while both honouring the structures of our parent denominations and the personal convictions of our own diverse worshipping community.

Willington is not part of a local Churches Together however the fact we are an ecumenical congregation, embracing members from far more traditions than our official ‘parent denominations’, has largely negated the need for such events. The local Baptist Church (recently restyled All nations) runs the Bedford Food Bank, which we support and the deacon has a good relationship with the catholic Church, which support those MHA residents with a Roman catholic heritage. The Diocese of St Alban celebrates its centenary this year, our Vicar (Rev Charles Royden) is heavily involved in planning a summer celebration for this on August bank Holiday Monday locally, at Keysoe Equestrian Centre, we are encouraging all to get involved in this and our Messy Church team are running a Messy Marquee as part of it.

We share much of what we do with our sister church at Putnoe, examples include;  One pastoral team, enabling mutual support of members and allowing opportunities for support and training of our pastoral visitors.  Telecare, a telephone service run by volunteers providing vulnerable members and associates regular contact with the church and passing on to ministers any pastoral issues identified  Housegroups are offered across both congregations  Midweek worship; weekly united prayer Group at Putnoe and communion at St Marks.  Sunday Worship Pattern, the 8.30 communion alternates between the two (Putnoe on odd weeks and St Marks on even) and the main services are consecutive, allowing our ministry team to attend both. This also allows flexibility to our congregation, e.g. members of Putnoe who are going out will often attend St Marks, families from St Marks have had services of Baptism at Putnoe, as the service time allows guests time for travel!  Midweek activities, i.e. Storybox (at both churches), Messy Church (at St Marks) and Luncheon Club (at Putnoe), are open to, and draw volunteers from, both congregations.

All three of our ministers and our lay reader are all part of the Deanery Chapter and the Methodist minister is part of the circuit leadership team and both churches have representation on deanery synod as well as circuit meeting.

We have a preschool on site and police and local councillors hold surgeries on our premises.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for St. Marks Church:

Congregation – Worship  Of those who responded the majority seem happy with the content and pattern of our worship, there were, however, notable exceptions.  Some would appreciate a variety of musical styles, not always the organ, and find the set liturgy and format ‘boring’, whilst others value the format and familiarity, and say that liturgy helps them feel involved  The use of ‘jargon’ came up, along with the use of our service sheets, do we presume people know what we mean and where we are on the sheet?

Possible Action  It is hard to meet such conflicting needs, some value the familiarity and structure of our services, whilst others find it ‘inflexible’, ‘rigid’ and in one case ‘boring’. I am sure all congregations face similar problems, but we have the added dimension of different traditions, which often come with different expectations.  We could communicate better with visiting preachers to explain what to expect and to enable them to engage with the worship structure we are used to, whilst including opportunities to introduce new/different things.  We use the projector for hymn words, but use of this media could be developed to include more pictures, videos etc…

Congregation – Learning  The variety of sermon styles and those leading prayers of intercession allow people to relate in different ways.  Several commented that they appreciate when current affairs and world situations are addressed through both sermons and prayers.  The different times and locations of study groups across the partnership allows choice, though perhaps we don’t publicise them enough.

Possible Action  Could we set a challenge to our successful house group to consider splitting to provide a foundation for a new group that is required by some.

Congregation – Caring  We have a well organised group that sees to our pastoral care, and many appreciate this. Our ‘Telecare’ service is greatly appreciated and the organisation of home communion and the distribution of church flowers were also mentioned.  Most respondents said that we are a welcoming congregation  Several people commented that they have felt upheld by our prayer ministry, through the public Prayer board, the web site, distribution of church notice sheet by email, weekly prayer group (meets at Putnoe), weekly midweek communion and special service of prayer for Christian healing

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Possible Action  We could show our appreciation of our pastoral team more  We could publicise what we already do well, like ‘Telecare’ and the prayer board.

Congregation – Service  We are seen by most to be inclusive, through things like Messy Church and Open House  The building is well used by the community and is seen by most respondents to be a resource for this mission, not just a way of providing income.  Annual mission project and charity collections  Involvement in local voluntary organisations  Taxi service is provided for those struggling to attend church services

Possible Action  We need to share what we already do, and encourage our members to do the same, so that we can be seen to value people’s lives outside church and sometimes find ways that those gifts can be used in the life of the church.

Congregation – Evangelism  The building is well used by local community, though we as a church associate with some groups better than others.  Messy church has taken off better than we could have expected and has brought several families into the life of the church, especially through baptisms.

Possible Action  Look at how we relate to ‘centre users’, many use our building but have little contact with ‘church’.  The ‘face of the church’ to most people is actually our church centre manager and office volunteers rather than the leadership team.  Ensure that our ‘Mission Action Plan’ remains on the agenda of all our church meetings.

Circuit  In the move to the new circuit several links between circuit and Deanery have been lost; Circuit/Deanery Steering Group and the annual joint meeting of Local preachers and lay readers  Friends for life and belief  There can be a feeling that the circuit ‘does not understand us’, but we do not always understand the circuit either’  Some people are given the impression that our church does not get involved in circuit events, which is unfair as several members are in the circuit music group and choir.  The circuit provides a variety of local preachers and ministers to lead our worship, which is valued by most.  A circuit steward often attends our Church Council meeting

Possible Action  Our leadership team has identified that a letter needs to be produced to be sent to visiting preachers which clearly lays out our requirements and what flexibility there is within this.  We would like to ask the circuit to reconsider ways in which links with deanery and diocese could be re-vitalised.

Church Groups – Service  Premises are well kept and groups are welcomed and value this, but some would like to see more involvement in and publicity of their events.

Church Groups – Caring  Although most user groups have enjoyed opportunities to share with us, at least one group felt they have very little contact with the church, and some feel we do not publicise their group enough.

Possible Action  Look at how we relate to user groups  Publicise what the groups are doing more

Church Groups – Worship  Several felt this section was not relevant to their group  The uniformed organisations appreciate being invited to services

Possible Action  We only invite limited groups and only on special occasions, parade services and ‘messy’ services. We could invite them to more or ask in what way we can support them.  One of the ministers attends the preschool end of term concert, but wider invitations could be made

What do you see as your priorities … 1. To enable and empower the church and its people in the community through worship, mission and service as we go out into the community. 2. To enable and empower the community and its people in the church through wider community involvement and use of the church plant and buildings as they come into the church. 3. To be responsible stewards of God’s church and resources to ensure all our activities are properly financed, resourced, and empowered as engage with God in His transforming work of redeeming His people and all creation through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Goals are: 1. Enable spiritual growth through offering variety, depth and breadth in our teaching, preaching and worship and in the manner in which all people who touch our churches can encounter Jesus.

This includes not only our Sunday worship but activities such as Messy

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Church, Story Box, Open House; our community engagement in homes such as Anjulita Court, Highfield, Puttenhoe, William Harpur House; and the broader activities which take place in the church buildings. Introducing an evening service with various formats will be evaluated and expanded by December 2012.

In June 2014 our teaching, preaching and worship continues strongly across the Partnership. There has been an increase in the number of local preachers coming to the Partnership and this has changed the dynamic of our worship on some occasions. The possibility of an evening service was reviewed but no change to existing policy was deemed to be sensible or necessary. Maintaining a high quality of all elements of our worship is seen as extremely important by our congregations and season and topic specific service sheets which are appreciated are used frequently to assist our ordered worship.

2. To reflect God’s glory in society by our engagement in the community by ensuring we are maximizing the potential of the Partnership churches plan and buildings for community use, continually evaluating opportunities for further service and interaction on an ongoing basis.

Our engagement in the community remains strong in June 2014 with a number of new and expanded interactions started over the last 2 years. As the needs of society and our community change it is important to constantly evaluate how we are best able to use our all our plant and resources in a flexible manner to serve them and God.

3. To review and update our welcome areas and booklets to better reflect and communicate the work in which we are engaged, both to those people in our church and to our many visitors. As part of this revision process we will evaluate regular distribution of literature regarding the church and its activities across the Partnership churches community and catchment area and evaluate carefully the appropriateness of the use of social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter by September 2012.

The welcome areas and booklets have been updated and at St Mark’s the foyer the welcome areas has been expanded, with a further porch area to be constructed shortly. The printed material is always well received and in high demand. We have distributed literature regarding the church and its activities on a regular basis throughout the catchment area on several specific occasions such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas and this has been appreciated and has attracted newcomers to the church.

4. To continually strengthen our strong pastoral support to the older generation and to those who encounter the church through the occasional services such as baptism, weddings and funerals, and to the younger generation of parents and families through our regular activities. To maintain our focus on home and overseas mission support and to launch the annual autumn mission project in 2012.

This remains a key focus for the Partnership in 2014. The number of those wishing to engage with occasional services remains modest, in line with Anglican and Methodist norms. We have seen an increase in demand for Woodland interments and burials which are offered by the St Albans Woodland Burial Trust, with which the partnership has strong links and our pastoral care of the elderly continues including the provision of lunches and our well used ‘Telecare’ system of support. Messy church, Storybox and other young people’s activities continue to thrive and involve a wide range of ages for those supporting these activities. Each Harvest/Autumn we continue to hold a Mission project across the Partnership, specifically supporting the Bishop’s Ethiopian Harvest Appeal in 2013.

5. To further strengthen links between the churches and to encourage and give opportunity for everyone in the Partnership to develop and use their talents and in so doing ensure that all we engage in across the Partnership, both now and in the future, is properly resourced by a wide and diverse body of people who have much to offer God and all His creation as we engage in His redeeming, working together to expand His Kingdom. This will be reviewed by the Leadership teams on a bi-annual basis with recommendations being out to the church councils as appropriate.

In June 2014 the links between the Partnership churches remains strong and many are encouraged to use their various and diverse gifts as they are able and willing to do so. The Leadership teams constantly evaluate the needs of the church, our society and its people and reviews how we can use our resources to equip and support them. To reflect recent changes in the charity law we are currently drafting updated constitutions for both Putnoe and St Mark’s which will enable them to continue as flourishing bases for ecumenical worship, service and outreach.

General Reflections  The leadership team and circuit reps are aware of limitations due to size of circuit, so realise that we are unlikely to have more input and value what input we do get through the ‘plan’.  We would like to feel that people acknowledge that there are other denominations that some of our congregations interact with. The constant ‘St Marks is not interested in the circuit’ (even from some at Putnoe) can be wearing, especially as some of us are very involved through circuit meetings, the circuit choir and music group, Methodist charity collections and circuit groups such as MWIB and the Men’s lunch club (the latter valued by several who filled in questionnaires)

10. Stewartby

Stewartby United Church is situated on Park Crescent in Stewartby

Service times: Sunday 10:30 am

No information was received from the Circuit for Stewartby United Church.

11. Shefford Shefford is situated southwest of Biggleswade between the A1 and the A6. The church is located on Ampthill Road near to the town centre.

The church has a membership of 58 and on average 52 people attend regular weekly worship. The main worship for the church is at 9.30 on Sundays.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Kettlercise  AA and Alcoholics-  Campton Dance Anonymous  Street and Adult Tap  Thursday afternoon class fellowship  Caravan Club  Theatre School Committee  Singing Aloud  Parents and Toddlers  Shefford Town Band  Best Pre-School  Cell Groups (meeting  Weightwatchers in homes)  Pilates  Wednesday Prayer  Rainbows (2 groups) Group (meeting in  Brownies (2 groups) homes)  Guides  Friday Prayer Group  Rangers (meeting in homes)

The current state of the church building is described as good on the whole with some external painting required. The current central heating system is old and there is concern that it is wearing out. There are a number of areas of work that are either already underway or being planned:  Re-wiring in the church for radiant heaters (already underway)  Ongoing maintenance of the old central heating system  Data projection to be permanently installed  P.A. system and control units to be improved  Steps and ramp stone work and tarmac at Church Street entrance to be improved

The church has sufficient income levels to meet its current financial needs over the coming three years. There is the possibility of funds being available for Circuit projects but this is dependent upon lettings income.

The current Junior Church is currently small and there is concern over its future.

There are new houses being built in various locations around the town. Working with Churches Together a number of welcome leaflets have been delivered to the new homes. It is recognised that the new houses will lead to an increase in population within the town. As with many small towns there is concern over the

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review fact that the shops in the High Street are struggling and the impact that this has on the wider community.

The church is part of a local Churches Together and along with the welcome leaflets mentioned above there are a number of ways that the churches work together including:  Healing & Wholeness Services are held quarterly  Travel around all the churches to increase links between people in the congregations and everyone’s prayer life. Various other worship events are shared involving Churches Together and other organisations. However numbers involved tend to rely on a relatively few people.

The church also supports the ‘Need Project’ – a local foodbank which is run by Stotfold Baptist church.

In terms of links with other groups and agencies in the town the church is involved in school assemblies (with other ecumenical leaders), teas at Gala (with the council), Remembrance Town Square service (with the British Legion and other groups) and carol singing in the town square (with the town Christmas Lights Committee and others).

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Shefford Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The fact that worship is varied is largely appreciated as is the music and singing.  Preaching is well received when it is linked to up to date experiences and is, therefore, seen as relevant.  The service when guides, brownies and their families were present was much appreciated.  The digital projection is seen as something that needs improving e.g. having a drop down screen.  The pews are considered a barrier to consistent use of a variety of styles of worship such as cafe style.  Pews are considered uncomfortable and daunting to those on the fringe of the Church community.  There was some concern that whole circuit worship events with an invited high profile preacher are not as frequent as they used to be.  A small minority feel modern approaches to worship e.g. digital projection, action songs ... are unhelpful.

Possible Action  Revisit options and costings for a permanent screen and projector.  Encourage more people to share their gifts and talents in worship (lead prayers, organises a drama, bring a meditation or offer to train as a Worship Leader) particularly in Las.

 Continue to explore different forms of worship such as Cafe style and Messy Church following the Mothering Sunday service led by Rebecca Caird, possibly the Sunday after Christmas Day; another AA family Guiding Service.  Investigate the possibility of replacing pews with chairs.  Reflect on the needs of the Church community and, in light of that, explore the idea of having a themed set of services.

Congregation – Learning  The opportunities to learn through Bible study, discussion, sharing books and experiences through the cell groups, Lent Bible studies, Thursday Fellowship and Churches Together groups are appreciated.  People also appreciate sharing experiences in news time in the services and over tea and coffee after services.  There was some concern that the mid week groups might be seen as "cliques".

Possible Action  Explore ways of being better at opening up mid week groups to all.  Explore the possibility of away days and retreats.  Explore ways of being better at communicating events elsewhere in the circuit e.g. Belief courses.  Revamp notice boards and make more information (flyers, leaflets ... ) available about events and causes (MHA, Action for Children, Christian Aid, Tearfund, Traidcraft, Open Doors .... ).

Congregation – Caring  In the main people have felt supported and cared for. In fact, there is some feeling that we are good at this.  Care provided through prayer in Church intercessions, in the prayer and cell groups and just from friends in the Church community is appreciated.  Continuing care from the unofficial pastoral visitors is also appreciated.  The Healing and Wholeness services organised by the Churches Together in Shefford are considered very helpful.

Possible Action  Re-establish Pastoral system with new Pastoral Secretary, heading up a Care Team with Care Team leaders.  Continue "Fifth Thursday Socials" (an idea proposed by the cell group leaders) and cell group socials.  Complete document of seasonal tasks.  Explore the future of coffee mornings.  Link up with other Churches in the circuit to share experiences and ways of caring.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Service  The premises are extremely well used during the week so there are potentially strong links with the community as represented by all the different groups that use Church facilities. However, these links are not exploited to the full.  We are active in supporting a variety of people nearby and further away e.g. for Zelyn Academy Nairobi, collect for the Need Project (foodbank), Fairtrade Church, support for Traidcraftl Tearfund, donations to MHA and Action for Children.  Individuals are participating in local initiatives that support vulnerable people e.g. Shefford Good Neighbour Group and lunch club.

Possible Action  Change from supporting the Zelyn Academy, as that was approved for a year, focus on a local or UK charity this time. As a first step ideas are needed along with information about the charity.  Other ways of serving can be investigated such as Toilet Twinning.  Continue supporting the Need Project (food bank) and donating to MHA and Action for Children.  Explore ways of improving links with user groups e.g. invite them to have a presence at coffee mornings.  Provide a wider range and more accessible information about causes that need support. This needs to include more information from the circuit about the work of JMA and MRDF.

Congregation – Evangelism  There were mixed views on how well we share our faith as individuals and there was a feeling that it’s difficult to judge the impact.  There was a strong feeling that we are not good at bringing people to the point of commitment and that the process of nurturing people into Church membership has not had sufficient emphasis.  There were very positive comments about the Guiding and Brownie family service and the Christingle services which bring in good numbers of people who are not regular attendees at Shefford Methodist.  Other good opportunities to witness to the community are the Good Friday Walk of Witness with the Churches Together and coffee mornings.

Possible Action  Another AA Guiding Family Service is planned for October 2014;  Invitations to special services e.g. Carol service, Christingle, Christmas Day, Easter AA, Harvest delivered personally including to businesses;  Continue to develop the relationship with the groups that use the church premises to more than just that of landlord by inviting them to events and services.  Improve support and participation in Churches Together initiatives.  Link with the circuit for resources on basic Christian beliefs and discipleship.  Explore ways of encouraging people to talk about faith things after services.

Circuit  It provides a diverse and good pool of preachers.  Whole circuit worship events have been appreciated.  The Circuit website and monthly bulletin are useful for circulating information.  Workshops at Summer Circuit meetings have been useful for disseminating information and ideas.  The circuit youth leaders have provided good support and encouragement as well as organising youth events which have been much appreciated.  It enables effective safeguarding training to take place and has also provided a pastoral visitors' course.

Possible Action  Publicise the use of the circuit website to the congregation in the weekly news letter.  Request the circuit service stream to facilitate links with other Churches to share experiences of ways of caring.  Approach the circuit service stream for more information from the circuit about the work of JMA and MRDF.  Approach the circuit evangelism stream for more ideas about how to approach evangelism and for resources on basic Christian beliefs and discipleship.

Church Groups – Service  We serve others well through enabling a wide range of user groups to use the premises.  The facilities are good and groups have all they need for the running of their group.  User groups feel supported and welcomed.  The opportunity to make prayer requests that are included in Church prayer times is appreciated.  Also appreciated are the hard work and support of the caretakers, church treasurer and property

Possible Action  Suggest User Group meeting with management committee to discuss links between groups and with the church community.  Individual invitations to user groups for involvement in coffee mornings.

Church Groups – Caring  Groups feel cared for, listened to and responded to.  Again the work of the caretakers and property steward in responding to the needs of the groups is much appreciated.  User groups appreciate support from the church community for one off activities.  Access to and use of the photocopier is much valued.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Possible Action  Organise for some groups a termly or annual visit from someone in the church community to discuss their activities and any needs they have.

Church Groups – Worship  The Guiding and Brownie groups enjoyed the All Age family guiding service and value being able to use the church for their Thinking Day service.  The All Age service was pitched at the right level, although it would help to have more songs the young people know.  Apart from the Guides and Brownies, the crossover between the user groups and involvement in worship is very limited.

Possible Action  Place more emphasis on individual invitations to user groups to special services e.g. Christmas services.  Link in with other clergy in Shefford and schools to identify hymns I songs they use and know.  Explore ways of involving more user groups in worship e.g. the Choir, Town band. All approaches to musical groups must be done after discussion with Julie Fisher, the organist.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Widen the scope of activities for the Fifth Thursday Socials.  Approach the different user groups and invite them to have some involvement in coffee mornings.  Establish the Care Team for pastoral care of the Church community.

. . . over the next twelve months  Explore the specific Church vision for SMC over the next 5 years.  Carry out the research and costings for a permanent screen and projector.  Research the types of Church chairs that could replace the pews.  Explore how the Church area without the pews can be put to greater use and play a part in blurring boundaries between the Church community and the user groups e.g. providing a place of quiet reflection and prayer that is accessible during the week.

. . . over the next five years  Provide a flexible worship area for a variety of styles of worship.  Blur the lines between the Church community and the user groups.  Have a 'flexible, "ad hoc" approach to Junior Church on Sunday.  Have explored other ways and times of "doing Church" other than Sunday morning services.  Have explored any possibilities of the need for a drop in cafe I mingling space for people in the community e.g. Mums with small children.

 Have explored how the Church space can be refigured to be more flexible for use during the week.

12. Sharnbrook Sharnbrook Methodist Church is situated on Park Lane. Sharnbrook village is located 9 miles north of Bedford, just off the A6 and to the north of the River Great Ouse where it meets the brook that gives the village its name.

The church has a membership of 24. Sunday worship is held weekly at 10.30am with an average attendance of 20.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Church Fellowship  Local History Group (monthly, meeting in (quarterly) members homes)  Dance Group (weekly)  Open the Book plan  Piccolo’s Music Group (weekly) (weekly)  Carers Group  New Beginnings (monthly) (Fortnightly)  Ouse Valley singers  Coffee Morning (weekly) (monthly)  WI (monthly)  Breakfasts (six  Lunch Club (monthly monthly)  Learning for Pleasure (weekly)

The current state of the church building is described as good with no current work planned on the building.

There are currently no new housing developments planned and the age profile of the community is likely to show progressively older people – partly because of the above, and the fact that many younger people cannot afford to buy houses here.

The church is an active member of Churches Together. Through this they are able to offer integrated community service; to celebrate shared faith and to build meaningful relationships in the local community – Christian or other. Churches Together also offers a place of interdenominational support and mutual encouragement.

It is noted that the number of response to the questionnaires was low and therefore the following reflections are based on responses from a small number of people:

of 137 Congregation – Worship  Sharnbrook’s worship life is uplifted when challenging, thought- provoking, themed preaching is delivered. It is preferred in a mostly traditional style from an experienced and regular preaching team. Contemporary worship is helpful to some of our congregation.  Our worship is suited to those who attend but is not thought to be relevant to those outside the church.

Possible Action  Explore ways to make these thoughts known to the Leadership Mission Stream and to plan local preachers.  There may be an opportunity to offer worship leaders.

Congregation – Learning  In the absence of any discussion / study groups many people learn and grow in their faith through Sunday services particularly when they are challenged through coherent and integrated worship.  Learning is not seen as a primary need or capability.

Possible Action  The stewards are prepared to be more focussed in the preparation of Local Arrangement services.

Congregation – Caring  Sharnbrook is perceived as a very caring church. In general people feel cared for within the church often when others have been less responsive. There may a need for a more formalised care structure for some people.

Possible Action  Explore the option for a more formal spiritual and pastoral care arrangement for some members.

Congregation – Service  Sharnbrook is regarded as a very serving church. We are involved in arrange of initiatives that give ownership and motivation to the congregation - fundraising for charities at home and abroad, promoting social justice, supporting food banks. We also supply a local need for transport to church services and activities  We might serve better if we were aware of successful initiatives across the circuit by pooling ideas.

Possible Action  We should continue to provide the services as we currently do and encourage the circuit to make available information about other outreach that we could support. In response we must ensure that we access any information provided. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Evangelism  We do not see ourselves as a very evangelising church or good at making new disciples but we have shared the Good News when we have welcomed a wider circle, particularly vulnerable people, the elderly & fragile, without expectation or demands.  We have welcomed village groups into the church who then see the leaflets on the notice boards. We chat with visitors.  We would share better if we were more confident / had some training. We might share better if we were less traditional.  The circuit could help by providing notice board resources and examples of good practice.

Possible Action  We might evangelise better if we felt we had a better skill set through training.

Circuit  Sharnbrook benefits from and appreciates of local preachers who lead our worship. They enjoy the more traditional service style frequently provided. Within the expanded circuit we feel we would benefit from a more focussed team that knew our congregation and could therefore minister to it better.

Possible Action  We would like more information to be available to enable us to expand our areas of service and to support new ventures.

There were no responses received from the Church Group questionnaires.

13. Sandy Sandy is situated to the east of Bedford and north of Biggleswade just off the A1. The church is located in St. Neots Road.

The church has a membership of 30 and on average 28 people attend regular weekly worship. The main worship for the church is at 10.30 on Sundays.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Craft Club (meets  Games Night (meets monthly) monthly)  Sandcastles Mums  Coffee Morning (monthly) and Toddlers  Prayer Group (monthly  Thursday Fellowship meets in homes)  Girls Brigade

The current state of the church building is described as good. There are a number of areas of work that are either already underway or being planned:  General maintenance – painting of windows ongoing  Permission has been granted to replace the pews with chairs due to be undertaken in September 2014  Upgrade to the sound system (autumn 2014)

There are approximately 100 new houses being built at present. These are a mixture of social housing and a few larger properties. At present there are no plans to explore mission opportunities with these new homes. However there is a plan to do a leaflet drop detailing what the church can offer.

The church is part of a local Churches Together and there are a number of ways that the churches work together including:  United services  Good Friday Walk of Witness  Lent lunches  Projects such as ‘Open the Book’, ‘Easter Trail’ and ‘Need Project’

Other activities with churches in the area include joining with the Baptist church for Christmas Day worship; St Swithun’s parish church join with the church for the Church Anniversary and the church is invited to the St Swithun’s Patronal Festival.

There are also links with the local Girls Brigade.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Sandy Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  People generally feel worship is relevant but would like to see a greater range of styles of worship.

Possible Action  Explore different styles of worship that will be possible once the chairs have replaced the pews, e.g. Cafe worship.

Congregation – Learning  Responses were mixed, possibly reflecting a broad range of backgrounds, but generally people felt that the church was helping individuals with their Christian growth.  The church is seen to be a welcoming church and encourages new people to get involved.

Possible Action  Make our Mission Statement more prominent, e.g. poster, noticeboard, bottom of emails and on other forms of correspondence.  Consider re-starting the Bible study group.

Congregation – Caring  There was a much greater consensus of opinion that our church is a caring community.

Possible Action  Rev Richard Barrett has offered to do some pastoral work in Sandy next year (this year now). This should alleviate some of the concerns expressed in the questionnaire responses.

Congregation – Service  Many people in the church appear to be unaware of how we help those in need. This may be due to us spreading our efforts too widely, i.e. a lack of focus.

Possible Action  Introduce an annual charity for the church to support, e.g. the Need Project run through Churches Together.

Congregation – Evangelism  Generally people feel we are good at sharing our faith.

Possible Action  Advertise what we have to offer to people moving into the Sandy community.

 Explore how to better support new people coming to church.  Introduce ‘Back to Church Sunday’.

Circuit  The Circuit has a wealth of resources but Sandy Methodist is not fully making use of these. For example: o Worship – use a peripatetic team of musicians to give alternative styles o Circuit Services – these could be more family oriented. o Learning – joint events under local minister, e.g. Bible study, Worship Leader. o Caring/Service/Evangelism – Youth Workers need to come out to churches rather than expect the young people going to them for Circuit level events. ‘Help me to be less scared’ said one young person.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Pastoral Care – over the past couple of years Sandy have lost several members or had recent significant changes in their lives. We need to make the most of the opportunity Revd. Richard Barrett is giving us.

. . . over the next twelve months  Explore new ways of using the premises in light of the pews being replaced with chairs.

. . . over the next five years  Explore how to improve our outreach to the community and make better use of the Circuit resources.

General Reflections We have recently adopted a mission statement for the church: ‘We are a caring community of Christians sharing God’s love with each other and our neighbours.’ In completing this review it has helped us see this as a true reflection of what we do.

of 137 14. Putnoe Heights, Bedford Putnoe Heights is siutated on the north east side of Bedford. The church is an LEP and has a total membership of 154 which is made up of 58 Methodist, 75 Anglican, 8 joint members and 13 others. Average attendance at weekly worship, which is held at 11.00 each Sunday is 80.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Luncheon Club  Club 2000  Storybox  Bedford Borough  Tuesday Club Council (various)  Friends for Life  Bedford  Disability Trust Embroiderers  Brownies  Keep fit  Badminton  GFC Wriggle and  Bedford Art Society Jiggles  Bedford U3A  Pre-school  Karate  Putnoe Bridge Group  Bedford Folk Dance  3 Shires Driving Group  Yoga (relaxation)  Candlewicking  Mike’s Line Dancing

The premises as whole are described as being in a very good state of repair with no fundamental work planned on the premises. There is some planned redecoration required along with the fitting of a handrail in order to comply with risk assessment requirements. The quinquenial was due in August 2014.

The church finances are currently seen as enabling the church to meet its financial requirements for the next 5 years.

There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area, there is an ageing population and the area was an area for post-war development meaning that there is no further room for expansion.

The church’s long standing LEP (35 years) with St Mark’s, North Brickhill, is fundamental to church life. Worship, newsletter and ministers are all shared in what is described as a complex relationship.

The church participates in Bedford Churches Together events.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Putnoe Heights Church: North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

Congregation – Worship  Average score from tick boxes on questionnaire 75%  The younger members would prefer modernisation of the worship style  The mature members welcome the familiarity of a known and regular style of service.  The 26-45 age group are dissatisfied with the worship style ..  Several comments expressing appreciation of the input from members e.g., intercessions and readings and occasional presentations by the children.

Possible Action  Leadership team will discuss the findings but the majority of our congregation are in the older age group and are generally happy with worship.

Congregation – Learning  Average score 69%  Appreciation expressed of the Advent and Lent courses and several people commented that we need more of these organised Christian education events. E.g. more housegroups, bible study and talks and ad hoc get togethers to, say, watch and discuss a film.  We lack arrangements for people to pray for each other e.g. prayer triplets.

Possible Action  We would hope to improve our provision of faith learning opportunities for members.

Congregation – Caring  Average score 77%  Most felt the church met their care needs.  Some disquiet about our pastoral visiting system.  Non attendance for some weeks had not been picked up in one instance and this had caused hurt.  Knowing who is in need of care was felt to be important and mentioning people by name in intercessions was appreciated as an aid to this.

Possible Action  Sharing information about people is a difficult area because of confidentiality.  We continue to steer a careful course on this.

Congregation – Service  Average score 80%  General approval of our responses to local appeals, Christian Aid, missions projects.

 Particular mention of our annual autumn appeal project.

Possible Action  Keep appeals in front of people. Dedicated notice board for missions.  Reminder to nominate a local charity and an overseas charity on alternate years for the autumn appeal.

Congregation – Evangelism  Average score 63%  Answers were diverse, from "this church is close-knit and does not welcome new people, to "a warm welcome is always offered". Perceptions vary.  Comments that we have a low profile and lack of visibility in the local community.

Possible Action  We have invested in a new notice board. We are not located in a central, visible position.  We continue to strive to provide services to young families.  We are pleased to have welcomed some new people in recent months.

Circuit  We find the circuit difficult to engage with.  The website, though good, is not accessed generally by most of our members.  Because we have worshippers from diverse ecumenical backgrounds, many are unfamiliar with both our Methodist and Anglican parent bodies.  It has to be said that circuit events are not well supported by our members.

Possible Action  We would like the circuit to address these concerns.

Church Groups – Service  Generally the groups are pleased with the facilities and the service offered.  A valid point was that many groups use the facilities in the evening when there are no church representatives present so there is no natural interaction.

Possible Action  Finding ways to meet with and engage with user groups.

Church Groups – Caring  Groups using are not expecting any caring input from the church.  Helpful disabled facilities were mentioned.

Possible Action

 None mentioned.

Church Groups – Worship  This question was not answered by anyone. One marked it "not applicable".

Possible Action  We did feel we should try to build bridges with our user groups.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Compile action plan.  Share some of these findings with the congregation .

. . . over the next twelve months  Increase membership  Improve local visibility  Invite people to come to worship  Find ways to get alongside user groups.

. . . over the next five years  We have calculated that we may have serious financial difficulties in five year's time. This is a priority.

General Reflections We note that, of the questionnaires we distributed, only one third came back. We believe some of the questions were difficult for people to answer.

of 137 15. Priory, Bedford Priory Methodist Church is situated on Newnham Avenue to the east of the town centre in Bedford.

The church has a membership of 207. There are a number of regular worship services with attendance as follows:

 10.00 – Methodist Worship – 70-90  10.00am – Contemporary – 15-20  10.00am – There is a combined worship once a month  6.30pm – 15  6.00pm – Circuit Youth Service – 30

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Boy’s Brigade  Pilates  Rainbows, Brownies,  Breathe Easy Guides and Rangers  Bedford 50 Social  A:19 Youth Group  Flag  Create and Relax  Waterwise  Wednesday Worship  Trinity Music Exams  Craft Club  Age UK  Messy Church  Birthday Parties  Tuesday Fellowship  Services for local  Spurgeons Contact schools Centre  NHS Open Meetings  Torch Trust  Craft Days / Fairs  Friday Lunches  Housegroups –  Rainbow Playgroup Agape, Vyne,  Opus 18 Choir Wendover (meeting  Line Dancing in homes  Camera Club  Beds Historical  Railway Club Records Society

The premises as whole are described as being in a good state of repair and well maintained with no fundamental work planned on the premises. There is some ongoing maintenance required along with the potential replacement of th elights in the main hall.

The church finances are currently seen as enabling the church to meets its financial commitments for the next 5 years. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Priory is a large church and it is recognised that others in the Circuit might assume that we have ample resources but we do face challenges in meeting the needs of a diverse congregation with a large proportion of people over 65 and we, like other churches, struggle to find people to take on the major roles in the life of the church.

There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area. It is also noted that Priory serves local people but the congregation gathers from a large area including villages outside of Bedford – the whole of the Bedford Borough.

There are no major changes foreseen however there is a large population growth on the edges of Bedford and some potential development of hi-tech industry if the rail line to Oxford is reopened and links to Cambridge improve – both of which are planned to happen at some point.

The church is part of Churches Together and has an active covenant with St. Mary’s (Church of England) and Holy Cross (Roman Catholic) and meet with them and two local evangelical churches. There are also shared Lent Groups and other services with St. Mary’s and Holy Cross – a relatively small proportion of the congregation are involved in these.

Within the section there are occasional joint services / teas and the three churches in the section do preliminary plan making together with our minister.

Alongside the Churches Together links and the covenant mentioned above Priory also work with Christ Church (Church of England) and Russell Park (Baptist) to provide family activities in the local park, linked to local council led events. There are also joint Holiday Clubs.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Priory Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  We are a very diverse congregation with often contradictory preferences.  People value worship which is God-centred and where there is a clear theme.  There is concern about our music.  People value live music which is well played.  Many value all-age worship and the involvement of the children.  Messy Services are liked by many but unpopular with some.  People look for good sermons (however they define that) and worship which is relevant.  There is support for worship that is biblically based, encourages us to think and applies to everyday life.  There are strong feelings on either side about the current offer of Methodist and Contemporary worship.

Possible Action  We need to open a conversation, in a sensitive manner, around Methodist/Contemporary worship, actively seeking help to provide worship to satisfy the conflicting needs of the present congregation but also that is attractive to those outside of the church.  We need to seek new musicians and encourage them.  We could look for ways to influence the congregations’ attitudes to worship – some recognised that our own individual approach to and preparation for worship is as important as what the leader does.

Congregation – Learning  Those who belong to Housegroups and take courses really value them for learning and fellowship – but this is a relatively small proportion of our congregation.  Small group discussions in worship are also valued.  Many people see the sermons as their source of learning.  Some feel they learn by serving the church or through reading.  There is some desire to see more encouragement for Bible reading and study and for prayer in groups.  People feel they learn best when they are encouraged and involved but not overloaded.  Relevance and challenge are important factors in learning.

Possible Action  Explore what prevents people from joining Housegroups and courses and find creative ways to encourage them.  Identify possible Housegroup leaders and members.  Respond to the desire that Bible study be encouraged and continue to encourage prayer groups.

Congregation – Caring  The responses confirm the belief that Priory cares very well for its members.  There is a good pastoral system and a great deal of informal caring goes on and is appreciated.  Several people commented that Priory is accepting and cares for them better than other friends.  People value visits and being prayed for.  Some concern was expressed about how well we care for those on the fringe.  The church offers a good welcome to newcomers.  There is some concern that the work of pastoral links is not consistent and a desire to see a wider involvement in that work.

Possible Action  Find ways of encouraging greater involvement in the pastoral links system.

 Explore ways of including those on the fringe in our caring more consistently.

Congregation – Service  Generally people feel that Priory is good at supporting charities, both local and international – this is done as a church and through individuals.  There were many references to our support of appeals and our annual project.  People identify our pastoral work as an important part of our service to others.  There is some concern about how we identify where the real need lies.  Some would like more information and guidance, although others feel too many needs are presented.  There was some desire to take risks and to listen to God, but also recognition that many are limited in what they can offer because of age and a lack of time.

Possible Action  No obvious actions suggested.

Congregation – Evangelism  The average scores on the direct questions in this section were slightly lower than in other sections, suggesting that Priory is less comfortable / confident with this aspect.  People are aware of the value of our ecumenical projects, messy church, and work with local schools.  The value of a range of special services which involve those on the fringe or outside the church was also emphasised.  There was a feeling that preaching is important for encouraging us and is not always relevant at present.  There is a desire for guidance on how to share the gospel, some lack of confidence in our faith and a feeling that there is a lack of enthusiasm about faith and evangelism.

Possible Action  Look at ways of publicising Messy Church more effectively.  Could the Circuit help us to enthuse the congregation about evangelism, e.g. by planning evangelistic preachers?

Circuit  The Circuit is often seen as being remote.  People do identify areas where they would value more support o in better matching different preachers and different kinds of worship o in offering training in pastoral work and sharing good practice o in offering support to those doing similar work across the Circuit (Children, pastoral etc)

 The Circuit is seen as a source of resources to support evangelism and offer guidance on service needs.  There is a desire for more Circuit affirmation of what is being done and more support to encourage Local Preachers and Worship Leaders.

Possible Action  To continue to explain what the Circuit does, share information and encourage attendance at Circuit events.

Church Groups – Service  Both internal and external groups appreciate the cooperation that they experience.  They especially like it when we become involved, either in terms of individual help or financial support.  However some groups would like more interest to be shown in them by the church by supporting their events.  Overall a positive response to the relationship that they have with us.

Possible Action  We need to consider making the membership more aware of the wide range of groups that meet on and use our premises.  Look at ways of encouraging members to show an interest in and where appropriate support some of the group’s events.  Consider re-introducing an annual meeting where all the groups are invited to hear about each other’s work and raise any common issues they have with the church.

Church Groups – Caring  Groups find us welcoming and appreciate it when the minister is able to visit them.  They like it when we are able to accommodate any changes they require and when we show concern for them.  None of the external groups commented on how we could care for them better and there was no one repeated comment from any of the internal groups.

Possible Action  Continue to keep our ‘eyes and ears’ open for any concerns expressed by the groups in order that we can address them immediately and continue to show a caring ministry to them.

Church Groups – Worship  Internal groups like to be involved in worship provided it is relevant and uplifting – especially that which involves young people e.g. Messy Church.  They want a positive attitude to surround worship rather than a critical one.  They want people to be more receptive and accepting.

 That more live music and more people being involved would be more beneficial.

Possible Action  Consider how more groups could be invited and encouraged to take part in local arrangements and other services.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Initiate the conversation around Methodist / Contemporary worship.

. . . over the next twelve months  Recruitment to key posts.  Expand Housegroups and widen participation in courses.

. . . over the next five years  Establish a sustainable congregation and ensure financial security.

of 137 16. Park Road, Bedford Park Road Methodist Church is situated on Park Road West on the corner of Beaconsfield Street north of Bedford town centre.

The church has a membership of 30. Attendance at the regular worship 11.00 Sunday worship service is 24.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Open Coffee Morning  Elim Church (Friday (weekly) evening, Saturday  Silverliners Club afternoon and (monthly) Sunday afternoon)  Wesley Guild (weekly)  AA/CA (weekly)  Outreach – at  Martial Arts Group Hannover Court (weekly) (monthly), Charter  Community Choir House (monthly) and (weekly) Manton Heights (bi- monthly)

The premises as whole are described as well maintained. There is some ongoing maintenance required which includes:  Work on the raised felt on the flat roof  Replacement of four polycarbonate roof lights on the flat roof  Gable end of church, work on coping stones, repointing, x3 felt layers, plywood layer – to create non-permeable layer to stop ingress of water.

The church finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years. There is also the possibility of funds being available for supporting Circuit projects or developments – depending upon the amounts considered.

The church is aware that the make-up and demographics of the local area are changing and that it needs to be aware of this and to respond to this challenge. With an ageing congregation we recognise the need to attract, and retain, younger people.

As the nearest Methodist church to the centre of Bedford we see the opportunity to develop our links to the town centre chaplaincy.

Church volunteers are stretched, with limited time and capacity to take on any additional duties, restricting ability to develop more outreach. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area given its location close to the town centre. However there are a number of challenges that the church sees in relation to the local community over the next ten years:  Car parking restrictions, rolling out from town centre, create lack of available parking for church goers and those attending groups and activities held at the church.  Change of housing mix in Pilgrim Housing Association blocks of flats, opposite the church. It is no longer warden controlled but is still housing vulnerable people. As it no longer has a remit to house older people together it has meant several of our congregation have moved to residential care homes as they found their environment there deteriorated and they felt less secure.  Increase in social isolation of tenants in the flats and of single, older people in the community, with increased depression and mental health problems, provides opportunities for outreach.  New local supermarket coming to Tavistock Street, Sainsbury Local.  Need to better understand demographics, deprivation and social make- up of the local area to assess the local needs, explore opportunities and develop initiatives and appropriate outreach.

The church is not directly part of Churches Together but does have some links with St. Martins (Church of England), sharing in social activities.

The section comprises 4 churches – ourselves, Clapham, Oakley, Sharnbrook. We work together on activities such as Lent course, home groups, bible study. We still contribute to old section newsletter, Pprawn, with Priory and Willington, promoting events and sharing news. Members support lunch club and coffee mornings at Willington.

Park Road also provides support to Kings Arms Church who provide a night shelter in Clarendon Street. Food contributions collected at our church and delivered weekly to the night shelter.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Park Road Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Our worship meets the needs of most of our regular attendees, but not all.  We know we cannot afford to be complacent and must move with the times to be relevant.  Some favour the traditional approach/hymns, others welcome change, variety and lively services.  We are aware that there are people to whom our worship is less relevant, either those who attend  activities and choose to not to worship at all or those who worship elsewhere. Page 80 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

 We know there are people who cannot fully interact with our worship, those with learning difficulties or the hard of hearing.  We feel we need to attract, and retain, younger people.

Possible Action  Church attendees to be asked whether they would like an earlier start time.  Explore options to make our layout more flexible, to create more multi- use space and have seats with arms, to assist those with mobility problems or wheelchair users.  Invite the Circuit youth workers to discuss options to draw younger people into our church.

Congregation – Learning  Most learning in our church is provided by sermons.  There is interest in house groups, Bible study and prayer meetings.  Pastoral care could be widened to encompass helping people grow as Christians.

Possible Action  Explore interest in and demand for house groups, Bible study and prayer meetings.  Thank local preachers for the time and effort put into sermons and services.  Improve/increase information available of interest to people.

Congregation – Caring  Our contacts are really pleased with the support they get in times of need, particularly 1:1 help given.  Our coffee mornings work well in creating social time to get to know each other better, to know needs.  Outreach work is good, and growing as new opportunities occur.

Possible Action  Continue to be responsive to new opportunities as they arise.  Develop our knowledge of local services that can support people.  Signpost people to services that can support them.  Provide people with information to help them.

Congregation – Service  Our church is good at supporting people in need, in our church and in our community.  Our church fundraises for our members going on missions abroad.  The church raises a lot of money through its annual charity fundraising.  The church is well used by local groups, who receive an excellent induction about the premises.  The church is beginning special coffee mornings in support of national charity initiatives, Macmillan.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Possible Action  We should improve information about what we do to users attending as part of groups, publicising our activities, increasing leaflets and posters, and using notice boards better.  We should send personal letters to groups using our premises, inviting them to special events/services.  Our members are interested in receiving more information about the results of their giving, and we should publicise feedback and outcomes that more around the church.  Increasing our local services knowledge, information and resources would help signpost people better.  Better knowledge of disability and mental health issues would help us be more inclusive.

Congregation – Evangelism  We are pleased that people think highly of us in respect of the welcome we give and friendship offered.  We do well in our mission, reaching older people in local residential care and nursing homes.  What we have done so far in the community to reach new people hasn’t worked too well.  We should explore new ways of reaching people in the community and drawing them into church life

Possible Action  Carry on doing our outreach work.  Consider new ways to reach people and promoting ourselves.  Better publicise ourselves e.g. Community listings & notice boards at library, supermarkets etc.  Better use the circuit website and develop our information on that.  Develop our own website.  Talk to IT leads to explore possibilities.

Circuit  Generally, the church feels it is supported by the circuit adequately, recognising its limited resources.  We are well supported in the provision of ministers and preachers.  We welcome the variety of preachers we get but feel we should give some constructive feedback.

Possible Action  Give constructive feedback on local preachers, through the proper channels, particularly where there is a perceived issue or concern.  Make circuit information available to those with no internet access – diary, events.  Request training on pertinent and appropriate issues is coordinated at circuit level, and available to all.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Church Groups – Service  A positive response, we seem to meet needs well.  We have a good track record of accepting new groups and increasing community use.

Possible Action  We should publicise our events/activities more.  We should personalise invites to groups using us, and their members, to our events and worship.

Church Groups – Caring  We care well for people, particularly those not attending church and on the fringes.

Possible Action  Consider visiting groups once or twice a year and extending the arm of friendship.

Church Groups – Worship  Many attending groups at the church choose to attend their own church, or none at all.

Possible Action  Send personal invites to major services e.g. Harvest, Christmas, Easter and Lent programme.  Be more inclusive and accessible, aware of differing needs – hearing and sight loss, learning disability, infirm, homeless.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Use notice boards better – increase awareness of activities.  Increase number of posters, internally and externally, to promote ourselves.  Send personal letters to groups inviting them to our activities and worship.  Contact - circuit youth workers (attracting younger people) & IT experts (developing website).  Participate in developing section plans to provide Bible study, fellowship.  Print circuit information for those with no internet access.  Review church page and information for visiting preachers and add groups i.e. Guild.  Start programme of visits to groups using church premises.

. . . over the next twelve months  Consider/consult to timing of Sunday service and act on any decision.  Develop presence on circuit website.  Develop own website with links to circuit website.  Consider possibilities of a prayer chain.

 Consider how to progress discussions on demographics and deprivation

. . . over the next five years  Consider flexibility of church building and seating, to increase flexibility of space, accessibility for infirm, and community use.  Begin discussions on demographics, elderly, university students, housing mix, deprivation, ethnic and cultural diversity, deprivation, child poverty and consider implications

of 137 17. Oakley Oakley is situated to the north-west of Bedford off of the A6. Oakley Methodist Church is situated on High Street at the corner of Chapel Pound at the northern end of the village.

The church has a membership of 33. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 10.30am and has an average attendance of 25.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Amigos – social group  Coffee Mornings -  Footprints children’s playgroup group  Coffee Mornings -  Messy Church (held church at St Mary’s Church)  Prayer group (various  Gardening Club houses)  Pre-school Playgroup  Fellowship group (various houses)

The premises as whole are described as being in a good state of repair. There is major extension work planned to:  Improve facilities for Pre-school Playgroup  Improve entrance facilities, with a small meeting area  Imrove toilet facilities

The church finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years.

There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area or major changes anticipated.

The church is part of Churches Together and shares in a number of joint activities including:  Monthly joint services  Joint witness of both churches  Joint social events – Amigo  Joint children’s activities

With the other churches in the section there are joint activities being developed including Sunday evening fellowship.

There are links with the Pre-school Playgroup that use the church premises during the week. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Oakley Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The congregation is open to more modern styles of worship.  Encouragement to build on this in the future.

Possible Action  Continue to work on more modern services.  More information needed on church’s worship resources book – to include congregation in services, move away from ‘hymn sandwich’.

Congregation – Learning  Encourage people to go to housegroups / Bible study groups.  We could do more.

Possible Action  Organise section Bible study groups following same themes.  Make them more attractive to members.  Investigate possibility of a church website.

Congregation – Caring  Responses show this area as quite good but could do better.

Possible Action  Ensure people know who their pastoral visitor is.  Make contact with non-members.  Improve communications.

Congregation – Service  We serve others through our charitable work and use of our premises by other groups.

Possible Action  Ensure there are good communications between all the groups.

Congregation – Evangelism  Room for improvement, we are sharing already and need to build on this.

Possible Action  Improve publicity of events.  Involve fringe members in events.  ‘Brand awareness’ on posters.  Church website.  Wider availability of monthly newsletter.

Circuit

 Possible Action  Circuit to provide more online resources.  Provide training courses in generating church growth and pastoral care.

Church Groups – Service  We serve others well.

Possible Action  Ensure good communications are maintained.  Invite group members to services and events.

Church Groups – Caring  Responses show we do this reasonably well.

Possible Action  Ensure communication remains good.

Church Groups – Worship  We are moving in the right direction – more informality e.g. Cafe Worship style.

Possible Action  Continue to develop informal worship and look for more opportunities.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Update the church worship leaflet.  Investigate a church website – check other church websites.  Ensure congregation know who their pastoral visitor is.  Provide personally addressed newsletters to Footprints and Playgroup parents.

. . . over the next twelve months  Instigate section Bible study groups  Create church website.  Create ‘Oakley Methodist Church’ logo and posters – recognisable ‘brand’.  Ensure groups using the premises are invited to services and events – e.g. Harvest Festival, Christmas Worship.

. . . over the next five years  Make use of new extension to improve facilities and encourage more people to join in our worship and allow us to offer more to the local community.

General Reflections  We still need to work hard to make the larger Circuit work together.  We have enjoyed the new preachers the larger Circuit has provided.

of 137 18. London Road, Bedford London Road Methodist Church is situated on London Road on the corner of Barford Avenue. It is near to the town centre.

The church has a membership of 16. There are a number of regular acts of worship with attendance as follows: 10.30am – (not when an afternoon service) – 11 2.30pm – monthly (not started at time of gathering information for the review) 6.30pm – (excluding 3rd Sunday and not when an afternoon service) – 10

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Ladies Fellowship  Dance club (sometimes offsite)  Jolly Tots  Coffee morning  Churches Together  Youth club  Boys / Girls Brigade (sometimes offsite) (started Sept 2014)

The premises as whole are described as reasonable but requiring some maintenance work. The external redecoration is well overdue.

There is a problem with heating the church because of some draughty windows. The central heating system is operative but very old and replacement will probably be necessary in the near future.

Work that is currently planned or underway includes attention to brickwork (pointing) and external decoration including the main gate.

The church finances are of concern and not sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years. The church is unable to meet the cost of property maintenance without the help of external grants.

There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area given its location close to the town centre. However there are a number of challenges that the church sees in relation to the local community over the next ten years:  The neighbourhood is well built up around so extra housing is unlikely unless existing school sites are redeveloped.  The ward in which the church is located is recognised as one of the most needy in the the town.  There has been an increase in Eastern European residents in recent years.  The church’s Youth Club and Jolly Tots reach families where there is a range of family backgrounds. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

The church is part of Churches Together and acts as host for a number of meetings. Members participate in quarterly prayer meetings and lent courses (which are held every 2 years out of 3).

The church has signed a declaration of intent with St. Michael and All Angels (the local Anglican church) with which it jointly runs the Youth Club and Coffee Morning on London Road’s premises. There are regular joint services.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for London Road Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Generally people are quite satisfied with the worship life of the church and feel comfortable with participating in services.

Possible Action  We need to maintain a balance between modern and older hymns and worship songs.  We should consider ways in which we could go deeper into the treasures of the Bible.  We should explore all opportunities to grow the size of our congregation.

Congregation – Learning  The general response seems to be ‘could do better’.

Possible Action  Consideration should be given to running an alpha course and other ways of learning.

Congregation – Caring  Generally people are ‘quite satisfied’.

Possible Action  The church should try to make it known that it cares and can offer a ‘listening ear’.

Congregation – Service  Most people are quite satisfied although several thought that this aspect of the church’s life needed improving.

Possible Action  We should always be aware of the fact that our housebound members and those in homes are still part of our family.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Evangelism  A great range of opinions as to how well the church does in this aspect. Six out of nine respondents answered 1-3 for ‘How good is your church at making new disciples?’

Possible Action  We need to act on the premise that greater knowledge of the scriptures leads to greater confidence in sharing the good news.

Circuit  An opinion was expressed that the Circuit is ‘trapped in red tape’ and ‘grows in formalism and less in relevance’.

Possible Action  The Circuit needs to free up the ministers time so that they can spend more time in their churches.  The Circuit needs to be a resource centre to guide the churches.

Church Groups – Service  Generally satisfactory.

Possible Action  Several responses stated that more visits from the minister would be welcome.

Church Groups – Caring  Generally satisfactory.

Possible Action  Continue to maintain and encourage close links.

Church Groups – Worship  Generally satisfactory

Possible Action  Encourage participation in services and church life.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Continue to welcome and be sensitive to the need of new members of the congregation.

. . . over the next twelve months  Explore new ways of learning together, e.g. Alpha course, Bible studies.

. . . over the next five years  To make new disciples and build up the worship life of the church.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review General Reflections Following the formation of the Circuit from the three former Circuits it has been a blessing to meet new people and preachers.

of 137 19. Lidlington Lidlington Church is situated on Church Street in Lidlington.

Sunday worship is held at 10.45am.

No information was received from the Circuit for Lidlington Church. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

20. Langford Langford Methodist Church is situated to the south of Biggleswade and the church is located on High Street in the village.

The church has a membership of 27. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 10.45am except for the last Sunday in the month when it is held at 9.30am. The average attendance is 21.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Sunday Club  Bible Study  Sisterhood  Praise and Pray  Coffee Morning  Owlets Pre-school  Prayer Group  Womens Institute

The premises as whole are described stating that the structure of the church is showing its age (150+ years). The heating is adequate except in extreme weather conditions. There are constant leaks and tiles needing repair. The internal decoration of the church is bad due to damp problems.

Work that is currently planned or underway include the fact that the whole roof will need replacing shortly. Repairs to the Schoolroom roof took place over the summer of 2014.

The church current finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years. However it is noted that we only have enough money for running costs and emergency repairs. We cannot improve the state of our building. Money we receive from the Owlets just about covers the extra costs to the chapel, but there is nowhere else for the Pre-school group to meet in the village. We have to do a lot of fundraising to keep the books balanced.

There are currently no known housing developments planned within the area or foreseeable chages in the local community over the next ten years.

The church is part of Churches Together and works together very happily with the Anglicans on special occasions and in things like Christian Aid Week and Remembrance Sunday.

There is a joint children’s holiday activity that is run with Henlow Methodist Church.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Langford Methodist Church:

of 137 Congregation – Worship  The approach to worship could be modernised with PowerPoint etc.  A desire for freer forms of worship with more congregational participation.

Possible Action  Look at our resources for PowerPoint.  Get a roving (radio) microphone.

Congregation – Learning  Small groups are important – prayer and Bible study.  Preaching needs to be clear and relevant.  Important to be open to the Holy Spirit.  The social aspect is important too.

Possible Action  Try to encourage younger families to come.

Congregation – Caring  From the responses the overall feeling is that caring is done very well, but there is the sense that more could be done.

Possible Action  Prayer to understand needs and watch out for people who might feel out of things.

Congregation – Service  The church serves the local needs through prayer and practical help, and also supports those further afield.  We are handicapped by having no car park, but respond to requests to use the premises (e.g. children’s parties etc.)

Possible Action  Could advertise the premises more.

Congregation – Evangelism  Evangelisation through our individual lives and through activities both inside and outside the church involving non practising Christians.  Through welcoming people to our social activities.

Possible Action  Go on a course helping us to share our faith, held during the daytime (not just evenings).

Circuit  This analysis does not refer to what the Circuit is doing for us. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

Possible Action  Try to support Circuit events as best we can, although many are reluctant to travel.

Church Groups – Service  We are ready to respond to any need or request.

Possible Action  Carry on as we are.

Church Groups – Caring  As above. We are a caring community but not complacent.

Possible Action  Carry on the same, but be aware of people who have needs which are hidden.

Church Groups – Worship  We are open and welcoming at all times.  Also open to more informal ways of worship, but lack younger peoples enthusiasm.

Possible Action  Carry on as we are but encourage more participation.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  No changes.

. . . over the next twelve months  Try and get improved multi-media facilities.

. . . over the next five years  If we do not get an influx of (younger) people the church will not be able to function.

General Reflections  We appreciate everything Andrew and his team have done over the amalgamation of the 3 Circuits, but we still feel it is too big, but understand why it had to happen.

21. Kempston West Kempston West Methodist Church is situated on High Street in Kempston southwest of Bedford.

The church has a membership of 22. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 10.30am with an average attendance of 36.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Playgroup  Fellowship Group  Kempston Town Band  Girls Brigade  Bedford Brass  Coffee Mornings  Little Angels Toddlers (monthly)  Knit and Natter  Messy Church (quarterly)

The premises as whole are described as all in good repair and decoration, having recently had the latest quinquennial report. There are only some minor works required.

The church current finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years.

There are two large estates which are under contruction over the next two years prviding a mix of private houseing and social housing. The developments are approximately ½ mile from the church. The church is delivering ‘welcome leaflets’ to all new houses within the first six months after their completion.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together however the church joins in the Good Friday procession and shares in a weekly fellowship group meeting.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Kempston West Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Generally members felt worship was good (5) they like;- o Choosing the preachers they know or trying new ones. o Modern varied services occasionally i.e. keyboard, group, interactive and casual. o Hymn tunes they know. o Prefer joyful, uplifting and animated preachers. o Any alternative to the Methodist 'sandwich'.

Possible Action  The Church tried to choose/invite its own preachers but was stopped from doing this as it caused difficulties with the Circuit plan.  The Church will ensure that they choose the preferred preachers for their special services at least.

Congregation – Caring  Members felt there were good opportunities to learn within the Church (5);- o There were activities for all ages and abilities ( no men's' group) from Little Angels toddler group to any age for fellowship and craft. o Girls Brigade also involved members and gave them the chance to meet family and girls. o Some felt they learned from fellow members.

Possible Action  That there may be scope for the Circuit to provide 'learning' opportunities.

Congregation – Caring  Members felt the caring side of Church was good to very good (5-6);- o Support had been given to members during sickness, bereavement, divorce and job loss. o Each member considered themselves a family member of the Church. o The Church operated a buddy scheme where each member was responsible for another by prayer and pastoral visiting. o Some members felt that the Minister should do visiting the sick and those unable to come to Church.

Possible Action  To ask the Minister to re-consider the practice of visiting the sick etc.  To express to the Minister that caring should come from the top i.e. The Circuit who can appear to be demanding and impersonal when it corresponds with Churches as it tends to liaise by e-mail.

Congregation – Service  Members felt the serving side of the Church was good to very good (5- 6);- o The church is situated in a recognised socially deprived area so it tries to cater/provide opportunity for the local residents to get involved. o The church premises are let out at low cost to enable as many of the local people to use the premises. o Coffee mornings were held to raise funds for Christian Aid when members were no longer able to collect house to house.

o The Craft group knit and make items for charities. o Some members stated that more could be done if money and members was available.

Possible Action  The church has recently asked the Circuit to arrange for suitable preachers over 3 months who are experienced in teaching about growth of the Church.

Congregation – Evangelism  Members felt the Church was good (5);- o Members invite other non-church groups to events i.e. Messy Church, coffee mornings, etc. o Members have organised special services like toy service or crib service to engage the playgroup and Girls Brigade members. o The Church welcomes baptisms and weddings of local non-church going people. o Each person entering the Church is welcomed and treated as a member of the Church family. o The Church welcome leaflet is delivered to all new houses in our vicinity.

Possible Action  That the Church leadership team should continue to try and engage those already attached to the Church with more casual uplifting services with a preacher of their choosing.

Circuit  Members felt that there was very little or no support for the Church from the Circuit. The Circuit seemed more interested in finance than the Church members.  Some felt that all that came from Circuit was demands for administration and statistics and extra work for those few members already working hard.  The Circuit seemed to accept the closure and sale of Churches rather than retaining them for other purposes within the Circuit as Messy Centre, etc ..  That the Circuit could be more pro-active with mission particularly, giving ideas for growth, up to date training for local preachers and get to know the Church.

Possible Action  Very little can be done - Kempston West will attend meetings and voice our concerns when appropriate.

Church Groups – Service  Groups felt the service given was good to very good (5-6);- o Church members are involved in some of the groups helping with refreshments, taking groups. Page 99 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

o Church has provided additional storage for the groups, helped with grant applications, enabling them to have as many sessions as possible. o Stewards keep in touch with the groups for health & safety purposes, maintenance and general promotion of the groups concerned.

Possible Action  Stewards will continue to liaise with the groups and ask them if the Church can help them more.

Church Groups – Caring  Groups felt the caring side of the church was good (5) o One group felt it was not the role of the Church to get involved in this way (playgroup). o Others said members support them at events e.g. coffee mornings and displays, by prayer for the leaders. o Another group would like to expand to include other denominations.

Possible Action  Stewards will discuss at the next stewards meeting; refreshments for parents bringing children to groups; asking the groups if church members can attend a meeting so they can put a face to a name; involving them in future events e.g. flower festival etc.

Church Groups – Worship  The responses varied according to age-groups but were generally good (5) Groups felt;- o That services when young people are present e.g. Brigades could be age related i.e. hymns/choruses and a service they can understand.

Possible Action  Members have been concerned for some time regarding the poor attendance at Church services but are unable to do anything but invite for special occasions those preachers who are more appropriate (when Circuit allows us).

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Stewards will consult the members on the elements of the questionnaire by talking to them, praying with the and respecting what time and talents they have to offer.  Kempston West members believe in tackling any issue by prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit before making any decisions.

. . . over the next twelve months Page 100 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

 Stewards will consult the members on the elements of the questionnaire by talking to them, praying with the and respecting what time and talents they have to offer.  Kempston West members believe in tackling any issue by prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit before making any decisions.

. . . over the next five years  Stewards will consult the members on the elements of the questionnaire by talking to them, praying with the and respecting what time and talents they have to offer.  Kempston West members believe in tackling any issue by prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit before making any decisions.

General Reflections The Church Leadership team felt  That more time and notice should have been given regarding the questionnaire.  Some information was on the Annual Returns so why did it need repeating.  The questionnaire was in too smaller print and some members did not understand the questions.  The time limit of 2 weeks was far too short to distribute, receive back and collate the answers.  Again, no thought has been given to those doing the work - I as Senior Steward have taken over 4 hours alone to do it with a small church like ours.

of 137 22. Kempston East Kempston East Methodist Church is situated on Bedford Road in Kempston southwest of Bedford.

The church has a membership of 117. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 10.30am with an average attendance of 101 and there is a monthly service at 6pm.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Wesley Guild  Bedford Brass  Boys Brigade  Indian Dance  Parents & Toddlers  Housegroups  WI (meeting in homes)  Film Fellowship  Slimming World  Midweek Communion  Watercolour  Lunch Club  Yoga  U3A Art Class  Fund 4 Young People

The premises as whole are described as well maintained and in very good order. There is no current work planned for the church premises.

There is a new housing development west of Kempston with 1000+ houses plus a new school opening in September 2014.

There are also plans for the extension of hte western by-pass.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together however the church joins in the Good Friday service at the Church of Transfiguration followed by the walk of witness to Saxon Centre. There is also the annual service of Remembrance at Kempston East followed by a parade to the war memorial.

The are discussions underway to swap pulpits with the vicar at the local Church of England church.

The church also gets involved with other groups and organisations such as the town council, British Legion, youth organisations, police, fire and ambulance services, local care homes, lower schools (with the Open the Book teams and use of the church at Christmas) and middle schools for services and displays. Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Kempston East Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The majority of our congregation are happy with our style and content of worship.  The worship group give added enjoyment to our services as they are always informative and entertaining.  The balance of prayers and readings is good and the mixture of old and new hymns is becoming more acceptable.  Our style of worship has encompassed Jazz Praise, Outdoor Service and cafe style worship.

Possible Action  To encourage more types of worship and more emphasis on prayer.  Most of the members would like to see more of their minister but recognise we have to share.

Congregation – Caring  Bible study groups, Alpha Course and mid-week communion have all been good sources of learning.  Wesley Guild also contributes with devotions and lectures.

Possible Action  Another ‘Alpha’ style course.  More study groups to read other sources than the Bible.

Congregation – Caring  Our church is very good at caring for our members and all those we come into contact with.  Our pastoral visitors are greatly appreciated and our church family, Prayer Book and the Prayer Team are very important to us all.  We look out for each other.

Possible Action  It has been suggested that we set up a prayer chain and visit lapsed attendees to see if they need assistance spiritually or physically.

Congregation – Service  Our church is very good at encouraging local groups to use our premises.  We have an excellent booking secretary and many willing volunteers.  We support Food Bank, Bedford Concern for the Homeless and Rootless (BeChaR), Christian Aid, JMA, Water Aid and give regular donations to local charities from our charity fund. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

Possible Action  Better contact with local agencies, i.e. social services and also other churches in our area.

Congregation – Evangelism  We welcome new people to our services and any social events.  We are involved with ‘Open the Book’ in lower schools and have a Christian Club in a middle school.  We encourage families by providing good facilities for small children and always pleased to see them for baptism.  We have had two outdoor services one with a lively guitar group.

Possible Action  We need to spread our net wider, and spend more time on outreach services away from the church, i.e. park, pub, garden.  More social events like our day out to Hunstanton where we can bring a non-churchgoer and show them that being a Christian can be very fulfilling.

Circuit  Our church does not feel well supported by the Circuit, it’s a mythical creature to a lot of the members.  It is only the minister and the stewards who appreciate the amount of work that is done.

Possible Action  Make yourself known by putting on more Circuit activities especially training days or workshops.

Church Groups – Service  Good communication, always pleasant and helpful.  Supportive of volunteers and equipment.

Possible Action  To discuss and share issues that come up during the use of these halls, taking into consideration the age of some of the group members.

Church Groups – Caring  Rooms are always clean and tidy and heated in the winter.  Volunteers are always on hand to talk with the people using the premises.  Church members always respect the privacy of outside clubs using the church halls.

Possible Action  The minister would be very welcome at group meetings.

Church Groups – Worship  Would like to be invites to more special services.  Always enjoy Easter/Christmas  Facilities for children and babies excellent.

Possible Action  To make sure that all the groups that use our premises are invited to take part in Sunday worship.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Reflect on the comments and criticisms in this questionnaire to see if we can start addressing these areas of concern.

. . . over the next twelve months  Implement any changes that arise from our overview on the above.  To be a more inclusive church.

. . . over the next five years  To make sure that we continue to move forward both spiritually and socially.

23. Henlow Henlow Methodist Church is situated on High Street in Henlow south of Biggleswade and west of Shefford.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Prayer Group  Callanetics (members homes)  Coffee mornings  Henlow Pre-school  Dance classes

The premises as whole are described as in good condition and well maintained. Repairs are quickly dealt with. The church is always warm in the colder months. There is a car park. There is no additional work planned on the premises at present.

The church current finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years assuming that the rental income continues and the Circuit share is adjusted accordingly.

There are about 29 houses of various types and completion was expected at the end of 2014. The church is considering a welcome pack to be delivered to each house.

There is a new community centre in the process of being built. This could mean there is a possibility of losing the Pre-school who currently use the church premises – and the subsequent loss of income.

The church is part of a local Churches Together and joins up with the local Church of England church isn sharing worship together regularly. They also produce, and distribute around the local villages, a Christmas card with the Christmas services and events detailed on it. There are joint Lent groups too.

The church present ‘Open the Book’ to the local Church of England school in the village. The team consists of members from the Methodist church and the local Church of England church.

The churc also shares in services with Langford Methodist church and run a joint half-term holiday club.

of 137 Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Henlow Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Jesus is the centre of our worship and should be preached simply and to the point.  It’s important to have a good choice of hymns both modern and traditional.  Drama is good in worship as more people are able to participate.

Possible Action  Communicate the above to the Local Preachers Meeting.

Congregation – Learning  We need stronger Circuit Leadership and ideas and suggestions needed to be acted upon.

Congregation – Caring  We are a caring church.  Visiting and giving support to those who go through difficult times.  We get positive responses through prayer.

Possible Action  We feel that there should be training made available on pastoral visiting and bereavement counselling.

Congregation – Service  We support many charities both local and missions and respond well to local and national appeals as and when needed.

Possible Action  To continue more of the same.

Congregation – Evangelism  We realise that we don’t evangelise very well and don’t share Jesus as much as we would like.

Possible Action  We are doing the best we can with our limited numbers.

Circuit  Apart from providing Ministers/Local Preachers for our services for which we do appreciate this. We feel that this is the only support we get.

Possible Action North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

 It would be good to have regular Circuit services.  Special services with the president.  Have discussions with the Circuit Leadership Team.

Church Groups – Service  We will continue to hold coffee mornings on a regular basis and the money raised will go to various charities.  We are a user friendly church with modern premises and we are fortunate to have a car park.

Church Groups – Caring  We care for others giving support in prayer, inviting them to the prayer group.  We are good at pastoral visiting.

Possible Action  Training in pastoral visiting and bereavement counselling would be good for us and we would feel better equipped when offering support to those who need it.

Church Groups – Worship  We are not very good at inviting groups who use our premises to our services.

Possible Action  We should visit the groups more and let them know they have our support.  Ask them to special services e.g. Harvest, Christmas, Easter etc.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  To focus on the community and groups that use our premises.

. . . over the next twelve months  To review the above and to be part of community projects.

. . . over the next five years  To continue reviewing how we can support our congregations better and share the good news of Jesus Christ with those in our community and offer our prayers for those in need.

24. Haynes Haynes Methodist Church is situated on Silver End Road in Haynes south of Bedford and west of Biggleswade.

The church has a membership of 7. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 6.00pm with an average attendance of 12. The church holds regular coffee mornings.

The premises are described as in very good condition considering the age of the building. There is no additional work planned on the premises at present.

There are no known housing developments planned in the area.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together but does join together for Christmas events.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Haynes Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  People enjoy Sunday services and particularly enjoy special services i.e. baptism, Christmas, harvest and Wesley songs of praise.  Traditional hymns are much appreciated by the current congregation, however we realise that our age range is limited and older and it would be good if we had some younger people for example we had a Sunday School.  Our current age group is 62-84 years of age.

Possible Action  Open to adaptation as the congregation mix changes.

Congregation – Learning  People are appreciating the preaching because it helps them grow as Christians.  People appreciate talking to each other after the service and sharing concerns.  Some people miss fellowship meetings that were once held in the week.

Possible Action  Consider class or fellowship meetings in the week.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Caring  People feel well cared for, especially in times of trouble when prayers are offered.

Congregation – Service  People think that we are good at serving others, especially at coffee morning, Food Bank and charity collections.

Possible Action  To continue coffee mornings and to continue listening for local needs and problems.

Congregation – Evangelism  Some people are happy to share their faith but others lack confidence.  Taking part in community events i.e. the Christmas bazaar and special services arranged to invite people in.

Possible Action  Continue to take part in community events and encourage people to be confident in the faith.

Circuit  Makes our services public on the internet and could do more.  Churches with a few numbers of willing workers find themselves expected to attend lots of meetings plus lots of paperwork and responsibility.

Possible Action  Keep meetings concise.  Minutes for meetings should arrive on time.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Consider restarting fellowship meetings.  Continue to serve the local people with our coffee mornings.  Make Methodism clearer to the congregation.

. . . over the next twelve months  Keep serving our Lord.

. . . over the next five years  To keep the doors of our church open to all.

General Reflections  Since the Circuit has got bigger we feel very remote.

25. Flitwick Flitwick Methodist Church is situated on Chapel Road in Flitwick south of Bedford between the M1 and A6.

The church has a membership of 52. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 11.00am with an average attendance of 56 and at 6.00pm with attendance between 17-36.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Messy Church  Women’s breakfast  Guild  Menes breakfast  Women’s Pleasant  Luncheon club Hour  Art Club  Girls brigade  Craft club  Boys brigade  Flitwick Singers  Wednesday Bible  Baby comes too study (meeting in  Downs syndrome homes) society youth club  Thursday prayer fellowship (meeting in homes)

The premises as whole are described as in Good repair apart from a persistent leak in flat roof! The kitchen is well fitted but looking tired and the fridge needs replacing. Work needs to be undertaken to mend the leaking roof.

The church current finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years however this is ‘with some cajoling, reserves and lots of prayer’.

There is new housing planned approximately 20 minutes walk from the church on leisure centre land. There is also the possibility of planned station and town centre development. There is the newly opened Center Parks and the redeveloped leisure centre.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Flitwick Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The majority of respondents feel the church building and church life is suited to 21 Century. However, the majority of people do not feel worship is relevant to those on the fringes or outside the church.

 There is a feeling that services address our daily lives Worship is good when it is interesting, lively, and interactive, relates to bible passage and is meaningful to our lives.

Possible Action  Keep variety of styles in worship.  Use a variety of modern approaches.  Continue joint services with Ampthill.  More use of worship band and continue meaningful songs.  Undertake more themed series of worship.

Congregation – Learning  Opportunities are offered though meeting other Christians, taking part in bible study/small groups, thought provoking worship.  Majority of people feel there is some opportunity to grow as a Christian however, more could be developed and offered.

Possible Action  Offer more opportunity for structured bible exploration- perhaps use Compass material.  Link Sunday and Monday worship/congregations.  Review vision of the church.

Congregation – Caring  Generally felt that the church was very caring and welcoming.  Some concern that there may be people on the fringes who do not experience the same level of caring and perhaps some of the discussion should be about what support people actually need.

Possible Action  Pastoral training.  Keep visiting those on the fringes.  Link caring and support with small groups.

Congregation – Service  Good use of rooms in church and very supportive of local, national and internationally fund raising.  Not as linked in with local areas of need and giving service whilst there are some groups where support is offered e.g. Baby comes too, Luncheon Club, Brigades

Possible Action  Involve the groups who use the church in other church activities.

Congregation – Evangelism  Lots of examples of activities, inviting people in to building, visiting people in local group houses etc.

Possible Action

 Produce an activity leaflet.  Carnival stand and float next year.  Do coffee in village hall on market day every month.  Outdoor service/walk.

Circuit  Do more of or start…………………………….. o Continue circuit focus with youth involvement o Circuit retreat o Encourage local preachers to be more dynamic, try more modern types of worship o Organise peer review /personal development for local preachers o Pastoral care training o Sharing ideas and resources o Circuit could do more joint services in the morning

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Plan/prescribe a greater variety of worship types/styles.  Present results to church council for greater discussion and development of a vision.  Continue with joint services with Ampthill.  Invite groups using church to attend special services e.g. parade/café church, Christmas.

. . . over the next twelve months  Plan a float/stall at Flitwick carnival.  Find ways to combine/share Sunday and Monday worship congregations.  Source pastoral training.  Investigate possibility of doing coffee in village hall for market day.  Consider thematic series of worship.  Consider setting up another small group- Compass focus.  Develop plan to visit all groups using church premises.

. . . over the next five years  Regular scheduling of coffee at village hall.  Plan an outdoor service/walk.  Explore options for joint service ecumenically?  More outward looking activities.

General Reflections  Do not stop youth work.

of 137 26. Cranfield Cranfield Methodist Church is situated on High Street in Cranfield south west of Bedford.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Keep Fit  Brownies  Crafters  Quavers (toddler  WI group)  Art Group  Acom Playgroup Cafe  Children’s parties

The premises as whole are described as in pretty good order. The tasks identified in the last quinquennial report have been completed. Work to address the damp to the rear of the premises was undertaken in August 2014. Decoration of the premises will be undertaken over the coming months.

The church has recently received a sizeable bequest. However until any needs within our own church have been identified and addressed, no recommendations for supporting Circuit projects can be made to the Managing Trustees.

There is a housing development at Flitt Leys with mixed housing – social and private purchase. The developer is awaiting planning permission on the two other sites on the edge of the village – one for 20 homes and one for 199 homes. All sites are within a mile radius of the church.

There have been a number of ecumenical meetings attended by clergy and lay representatives from the local churches to explore possible opportunities in these areas of new development.

The church is not part of a local Churches Together. However there are a number of opprtunities to share in worship and other activities. Maundy Thursday supper held at the Methodist church, Good Friday worship held at the parish church, Pentecost open air service on the village green, Christmas lunch and Crib service at the Methodist church and Christmas Eve communion at the parish church. Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Cranfield Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Congregation appreciate a varied service format with preacher leading worship from personal experience, gospel led and thought provoking.  Use of contemporary language in prayers and Bible readings and a variety of media.

Possible Action  To plan for more ecumenical services.  Using local arrangements to be experimental and encourage other members of the congregation to use their talents.  Ensure relevance of worship to all, whether regular attendees or casual visitors.

Congregation – Learning  Congregation value the opportunity to share Bible studies in home groups or courses.  Use of church library to further knowledge.

Possible Action  Regular Bible study with an experienced lead.  Opportunity to attend an Alpha course or similar.

Congregation – Caring  Our church is welcoming and supportive when necessary.  Personal problems are shared and practical help given if needed.  Prayer book is used to name those in need.  Confidentiality is maintained.

Possible Action  Focus on outreach to encourage more members.  More pastoral visiting.  Attending a course to give more ideas for ways to support.

Congregation – Service  The membership feel that the church has a good service ethic.  We provide a comfortable venue for outside groups.  We invite people outside the church to share celebrations and food.

Possible Action  The opportunities to provide more church-led activities for the village with support from our members. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Evangelism  Although we have church events which encourage visitors we find that invitations are not taken up.  We regularly take an active part in ecumenical events, especially an annual Pentecost service, which takes place out of doors.

Possible Action  We are aware of the problem, and are currently reviewing our outreach to the village, to encourage people to join our fellowship.  Contact needs to be established with new students attending the university and maybe transport provided to attend services / fellowship groups.

Circuit  The opportunity for worship leader training and safeguarding training has proved valuable.  Ministerial support is good and greatly appreciated.  Regular communication by email keeps us informed.

Possible Action  What action can we take?  Circuit events on specific themes  Discussion groups and opportunities for prayer

Church Groups – Service  We appreciate the church being used by groups.  An interest is shown.  We provide a welcome and support when necessary.  Groups using the church appreciate their comfortable space and the considerations for their requirements, which are catered for when able.

Possible Action  More direct invitations to groups for special services e.g. Christmas, Easter, Harvest.

Church Groups – Caring  Some people using church premises have appreciated the opportunity to be included in prayers or received the Sunday flowers and messages of support.

Possible Action  Being inclusive in fellowship needs.  Pastoral visiting.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Church Groups – Worship  Invitations are extended, as is a warm welcome to anyone who accepts the invitation.

Possible Action  We need to think of the wider groups who use our church.  Encourage the Brownie group to attend a church parade or family service.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Outreach to encourage more people to use our church.  Consultation with the congregation, ministers and chaplain to the university about how this can be accomplished.  This process has already begun.  Questionnaire to be distributed to members and adherents to inform them where our needs lie and what as a diminishing, aging congregation we can achieve.

. . . over the next twelve months  Implement findings from our own church questionnaire.

. . . over the next five years  Keeping the church viable!

General Reflections We have appreciated the wider variety of preachers and preaching styles, which have resulted from the wider Circuit.

27. Clophill Clophill Methodist Church is situated on High Street in Clophill south of Bedford on the A6.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Tea and Chat  Local and General  Lunchers (bi-monthly) Elections  Messy Church  Concerts  Celtic Evening Prayers  General hire of premises

The premises as whole are described as generally good, but roof structure needs urgent attention.

The church current finances are only sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 1 year, subject to the costs for the roof repairs. Decline in numbers and the cost of maintenance and running costs make forecasting of future viability very difficult.

The church is part of a local Churches Together. However whilst there are still joint services and events this has become fragmented over the last few years.

There are occasional joint services with Flitwick Methodist Church (Good Friday) and bi-monthly lunches are held with St. Mary’s parish chruch, Clophill. The church also has pastoral involvement with St. Mary’s School, Clophill.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Clophill Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Enlightened preachers and varied services are appreciated.

Possible Action  To encourage the congregation to participate more.

Congregation – Learning  Encourage more participation in Bible studies.

Possible Action  Lack of numbers impacts on what we can encourage people to do.

Congregation – Caring  We have good pastoral care.

Congregation – Service  We are very involved in outreach and charity work for a small group.

Congregation – Evangelism  People like the special services we hold and coming to Tea and Chat and Messy Church.

Circuit  We see little or no involvement with the Circuit, nor they with us.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Ensure the fabric of the church can be maintained.

. . . over the next twelve months  Trying to maintain the status quo, with a view to improving congregation numbers.

. . . over the next five years  Try to grow.

General Reflections  The general opinion is that whilst a larger Circuit has enabled us to have a more varied selection of good preachers, the size and bureaucracy has not been helpful to churches with small congregations.

of 137 28. Clapham Clapham Methodist Church is situated in the main High Street in Clapham village which is situated off of the A6 and 2 miles north of Bedford.

The current membership is 44. There is a weekly Sunday service held at 10.00 which has an average attendance of 39. The church also holds a monthly early communion service at 08.15 which has an average attendance of 10.

There are a number of groups that use the church premises including:  Baby College  Coffee Morning  School for Seniors  Power Academy of Dance  Band Practice  Communion  Youth Club

The Church premises are described as being in a good state of repair with the requirement for ongoing standard maintenance to a schedule worked out by the Finance and Property Committee.

Clapham Methodist Church is an active member of Churches Together and through this has been able to develop shared work amongst families and young children. There are shared services with the other churches in the section (Park Rd, Sharnbrook and Oakley) as well as social events.

The church is involved in visiting schools through the ‘Open the Book’ initiative.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Clapham Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  Worship was helped by the use of creative music and also well-known hymns.  It was felt that biblical led learning which related spirituality to contemporary life should be included in our services. North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

 Interactivity was between preacher and congregation was generally felt to be desirable and All Age Worship should be compact and God focussed.

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Possible Action  Learn new hymns which are now often chosen in our services.  It was suggested that a combined section gathering to practice these would be beneficial (and also enjoyable as part of our worship).

Congregation – Learning  A preferable way of learning was by the setting up of small groups and hearing about the faith of other Christians.  The importance of teaching children was emphasised  Engaging more with contemporary issues should also be considered.

Possible Action  Small groups should be formed for Bible Study or other relevant issues.  It was suggested that a Lending Library of religious based books should be created to encourage personal study.

Congregation – Caring  It was important to take a personal interest in people and respond to specific needs.  Although we are considered to be a caring church, more people were needed if we were to extend our current caring and supportive work.

Possible Action  Continue as at present, but try to encourage more people to become pastoral carers.

Congregation – Service  Serving the community was an important factor in the life of the Church.  By using the premises for a number of functions attended by people from the village, as well as the church’s own Coffee Morning and Senior School enables us to reach out to many people not associated with the Church.

Possible Action  Try to involve the local community in our charitable events and projects (Food Bank, Gift Service etc.)

Congregation – Evangelism  This was evident in a number of ways, notably visits to schools, Youth Club, PowerPoint (children’s Summer Club) and Party in the Park (outdoor service and religious activities)

Possible Action  Investigate training support facilities for 9 -13 age group  Organise an Open Day to make us more visible to the Community

Circuit  Lack of feedback on this subject indicates that the Circuit support is not visible to majority of worshippers

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Possible Action  It was felt that we should be able to book specific preachers for special services.  The Circuit should communicate more efficiently regarding world issues and the availability of support groups and services.

Church Groups – Service  Group were satisfied with our facilities and answered positively on this subject.

Possible Action  No action required.

Church Groups – Caring  Premises were always ready and help has been excellent when needed.  Communication is clear.

Possible Action  Continue to provide clean and appropriate facilities.

Church Groups – Worship  No responses received.

Possible Action  Communicate with groups to encourage involvement in Church activities.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Arranging for an Open Day to encourage families to visit the church  Share information in the Village News about the church’s Charity events.  Set up Church Library

. . . over the next twelve months  Organise Bible Study groups within a Church or Section  Training for Youth Workers relating to young people aged 9 -13  Learning new hymns  A Section event  Look at developing Pastoral Leaders team

. . . over the next five years  Prepare for new ways to interact with the increased population of Clapham and local businesses.

General Reflections  Although Clapham Methodist Church feel part of a circuit that is perhaps too big, they are aware of the challenges it brings, and they appreciate the diversity of the preachers that are planned.

29.Howard Memorial Church – Cardington Howard Memorial Church is situated on Cople Road in Cardington. Cardington is situated off of the A421 south-east of Bedford.

The church has a membership of 10 (7 URC, 3 Methodist). Sunday worship is held at 10.30am (monthly) with an average attendance of 25 and at 6.00pm (normally the other 3 or 4 Sundays) with an average attendance of 13.

There are a number of events and activities at the church including:  Friday Fun Factory  (Summer ) Holiday  The Friday Experience Club  The Friday Experience  Bible Studies (in Xtra homes)  Coffee ‘n Chat  XTFEX (in homes)

The premises as whole are described as in a reasonable state of repair. The quinquennial inspection in 2013 drew attention to a few minor jobs that have since been attended to. There are a couple of exterior items still needing attention – Stone work at front, and a few slipped slates. Internally we need to be considering painting in the next five years. We have flexible seating, which meets the needs of the various user groups. There is one main hall, a vestry, kitchen, 2 toilets, 2 ground level stores and a loft space store. Main access is into a lobby area, from where one of the toilets is accessed. We have disabled (ramped) access via the door that leads in / out from the kitchen area.

Quotes and grants are being sought to arrest the decay of stonework at the front of the building. A few slipped slates need attention. Interior decorating is recommended within the next 5 years.

The church current finances are sufficient to meet the needs of the church over the next 3 years, provided levels of income are maintained, and expenses closely monitored.

The building is a URC property. We are in the process of ‘upgrading’ our Sharing agreement from the 1985 Shared Building Agreement, to a fully constituted LEP. Cardington is a rural community. Most of the properties in the village are part of the Southill Estate. We are a gathered worshipping community. None of our Sunday Congregation live within the village of Cardington.

About 1 mile away, but accessed from a different road, a large number of houses are being built on the edge of Shortstown. The new development is ‘branded’ as New Cardington. Several hundred homes are planned in several phrases. A variety of properties are included in the plans. The site is about 1 mile from our

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review building, although outside the village itself. We have talked about this with folks from St Mary’s – the Parish Church for some time. Churches Together in South Bedford have made provision to inform all moving in of the variety of Christian worship venues in the area. We have attempted to inform all who live in the new development of our forthcoming Holiday Club.

Little significant change is expected in the next 10 years. Most of the village is part of the Southill Estate, with a large proportion of the property being let. Few new houses are likely to be built in the village. Most of the village is designated a ‘conservation area’.

Most industry is outside the village envelope. Any new roads are unlikely. Being a small rural community, the main ‘leisure facility’ is the Kings Arms - a restaurant. It seems unlikely that any new retail facilities will be built in the village in the coming decade.

The church is part of a local Churches Together. However This has very little positive impact upon us. We normally support their events – Lent groups and two or three United Services per year.

We are a mixed URC / Methodist congregation in the process of becoming a formally constituted LEP. All our meetings are of a united / joint nature. We have co-operation with the local Parish Church for our annual Holiday Club, but efforts to forge closer links and co-operation in other ventures, have been resisted by (some at) the Parish Church.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Howard Memorial Church:

Congregation – Worship  It can vary, being very dependent on the preacher / person leading worship.  It is often better if visual aids are used.  ‘Good services’ often involve the congregation participating in interactive ways.  Take home crafts have proved very popular at All Age services.  Drama is appreciated.  Modern (up to date) music is often and integral part of a ‘good’ service.

Possible Action  Greater consultation between the church and the preacher.  More variety in delivery, encouraging interaction.

Congregation – Learning  Interaction helps learning.  Informal, interactive meetings often improve learning outcomes.  Listening to other people’s stories can help people to learn.

Possible Action  All Age Worship could take the form of a brunch with a topic for discussion.

Congregation – Caring  We have a fairly good historical track record of caring for each other.

Possible Action  We need to make sure that we keep up the caring for people that has happened in the past.

Congregation – Service  We support others through local and national charities.

Possible Action  Continue to be open to local needs.

Congregation – Evangelism  We try to reach out in a variety of ways, using the resources we have; e.g. Holiday Club. In addition to the children who come during the week, we invite parents / guardians to come on the last night. In recent years nearly all the parents have come along on the Friday night, leading to some good conversations.  Open Air joint service with the Parish Church – St Mary’s.  HowMAD (Howard [Memorial Church] Music Acting Drama) productions.

Possible Action  More of the same.

Circuit  Limited input from one of the Circuit Youth workers.  Currently most of the preachers for Sunday Services are provided by the Circuit.

Possible Action  Encourage the Circuit to invest in resources to help us in our mission. E.g. employ a full-time paid person, who would be committed to organising Circuit events relating to evangelism and learning.  When there are Circuit events, resources need to be provided for those who are visually impaired, and are unable to see projected images.

Church Groups – Service  We serve in a good variety of ways – Coffee ‘n Chat; Friday Clubs for lower, middle and upper school age ranges; HowMAD (Howard [Memorial Church] Music Acting Drama.

Possible Action  Continue the good work.

Church Groups – Caring  We are a listening church.

Possible Action  Explore ways of engaging with those who are part of Friday Clubs and / or Coffee ‘n Chat, getting to know them better, and learning of their (and their family’s) needs.

Church Groups – Worship  All clubs and activities held at Howard Memorial are church run.  Sunday worship is not relevant to many of those attending Friday Clubs; and some who come to Coffee ‘n Chat.

Possible Action  Informal worship which is relevant to the everyday life, for people of all ages, using multi-media.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Inviting young people in the area to the forth - coming Holiday Club.  Place an invite in Cardington Village Magazine (produced by ‘Friends of St Mary’s’ – the Parish Church).  Advertise Holiday Club in both Cople and Shortstown’s magazine – which are delivered to every home.  Display some posters in the villages.

. . . over the next twelve months  Reflect upon the information in this document, and the feed-back forms; and explore what we need to be doing / trying.

. . . over the next five years  Encourage the Circuit to provide more resources, and a paid full time worker to support evangelism, and working together

General Reflections  Not sure that Circuit identity is very strong.  Although part of the ‘Methodist Connexion’, support from the strong / larger / churches in the Circuit towards the smaller ‘outposts’ (to support them in their mission) doesn’t seem to be encouraged or happening.  Seem to be moving in the direction of ‘Independent Churches’ within a loose alliance.

30. Trinity, Biggleswade Trinity is situated on Shortmead Street near Trinity Close in Biggleswade.

The current membership is 69. There is a weekly Sunday service held at 10.30 which has an average attendance of 57. The church also holds an evening service at 6.00 pm on the 4th Sunday of the month and Holy Communion at 9.30 am on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

The majority of the congregation at Trinity are 60 plus.

Trinity does not have a Junior Church but does hold Messy Church on the 3rd Saturday of every month with 30 to 40 regular families attending and during the time it has been running we have had two Messy Church baptisms.

Only a few of our Sunday congregation meet with Messy Church families.

Our premises are let out every day of the week and it is sometimes difficult for Church meetings to be held at Church.

The majority of those who completed the questionnaire were concerned that the Circuit was too big and that it took a long time to get from one end of the Circuit to the other to attend events and as it was an aging congregation it was difficult for them as many have to rely on others for lifts.

Many were concerned for Rev Andrew Hollins as they felt it was a very difficult Circuit to lead because of the number of Churches there were and the distance between them. There felt that Andrew gives so much of his time and tries to get to all the Churches but is unable to attend them as much as he would like and this causes him concern because he likes to be there for everyone. The Congregation therefore felt that the Circuit should support him more.

In relation to what they would like to see in the future for the Circuit, the following were listed:

 Short Course that they could attend i.e. Circuit Bible Study, Circuit Prayer Group, visiting speakers like Neil Richardson, Rowan Williams etc.  More Circuit Services but in a Central location so that all from the Circuit could attend.  Sharing of ideas.  Circuit Fun Events i.e. Circuit Walk, Circuit Games afternoon/evening, Circuit holiday (weekend or week).  Possible Deputy Superintendent to help with Circuit load, although it was acknowledged that there is a Circuit Leadership Team to help.

Since being in the larger Circuit the Congregation have appreciated different Preachers coming to lead worship and bringing different gifts. Page 128 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review

There were a few who felt that they didn’t know the Circuit and didn’t know where the Churches were in the Circuit.

31. Beeston Beeston is situated on The Baulk in Beeston which is south of Sandy and just off of the A1.

The church has a membership of 23. Sunday worship is held at 10.30am with an average attendance of 20-25.

The premises as whole are described as in good repair in line with the latest quinquennial report.

The roofing on the cottage attached to the church needs work undertaken on it.

The church is part of a local Churches Together and the churches work together and organise various community events and the sharing of beliefs and traditions.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Beeston Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The majority of the congregation regard the worship as above average especially when involved and the young people are acknowledged.

Possible Action  Develop outreach to encourage young people to come to church.

Congregation – Learning  Learning opportunities are generally regarded to be good.  Some consider that the formation of a small group has gone some way to enhancing the opportunities.

Possible Action  We need to be aware of peoples’ needs and likewise they should feel confident to relate any requirements.

Congregation – Caring  This area is regarded as good by most people in that the church shows concern and follows up with prayer and home visiting.

Possible Action  An investigation into the forming of a small pastoral group.

Congregation – Service  Most feel the church serves and supports very well. Page 130 of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review Congregation – Evangelism  Most consider that our efforts through ‘Open the Book’ and regular newsletters delivered to the community through the ongoing outreach project take the message to the community.

Possible Action  We need to focus on spreading the word to the middle generation.

Circuit  The church is supported by the Circuit through the provision of training courses.

Possible Action  To request possibility of providing training for qualification in working with young people and opportunities to consider social and ethical issues.

What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Fund raising to update the kitchen facilities.

. . . over the next twelve months  Preparation for celebrations regarding 150th anniversary of the church and the 100th anniversary of the organ and associated events.

. . . over the next five years  Membership growth.  Exploration of different styles of worship e.g. Cafe Worship, Contemporary Worship, and Messy Church.

General Reflections  The Circuit could assist us further by providing equipment / material on loan.

32. Ampthill Ampthill Methodist Church is situated in Dunstable Street in Ampthill. As the church website states: ‘Visitors and newcomers to Ampthill would be hard put to miss this imposing church in Dunstable Street.’

The membership currently stands at 60. Weekly Sunday worship is held at 10.30am with an average attendance of 36 which includes 4 under 20 (information taken from 2013 statistics for mission).

There are a number of groups that use the church premises both church and non-church groups:  Yoga  Upper Room  Slimming World  Mens Supper Club  Chat In (over the winter  Prayer Meeting months)  Badminton  The Alzheimer Society  Ampthill Singers  Bible Study (in  Bowls Club homes)  Ladies Group  Friday Night  Sing and Sign Fellowship (in homes)

The overall state of the church premises is very good with some pointing work required at one end of the church.

The church finances show that the income requirements will be able to be met over the coming three years. However this is predicated on retaining the current level of income from letting of the premises.

There are some new housing developments planned of approximately 400 houses within ¼ mile of the church. These are identified as:  Saxon Grange  Swaffield Close  St Andrews Place, Church Street  Abbey Lane These new housing developments may offer some opportunities for mission but these, as yet, have not been explored.

Ampthill Methodist Church is an active member of Churches Together and shares in a number of joint local witness events each year. The church also links up with the Baptist Church at Christmas.

Ampthill Methodist Church joins with Flitwick Methodist Church for shared worship once a quarter and also for Ladies Breakfast.

Following the local analysis of the questionnaires used for the review the Church Leadership Team have made the following responses for Ampthill Methodist Church:

Congregation – Worship  The results from the questionnaires show that Worship in Ampthill Methodist Church scores highly.

Possible Action  Music group to be used more often as a way of encouraging young people to participate in worship  Ideally for the minister to attend monthly

Congregation – Learning  The responses from the questionnaires show that most of the congregation feel that worship is stimulating  Family Worship (FW2) is a new form of service aimed to help the young people in the church  Home groups are seen as an important part of enabling people to learn and grow in their faith

Possible Action  Request that the minister participate in a weekly activity

Congregation – Caring  The response from the questionnaires show that Ampthill Methodist Church is a caring church  There is a strong pastoral team at the church  Practical help is offered to people where possible  Prayer is an important part of caring for people

Possible Action  Extend pastoral visits to non-church members

Congregation – Service  The response to the questionnaires show that Ampthill Methodist Church scores highly in this area  Many external organisations use the building  Many charities are supported by the church

Possible Action  We need to communicate with the outside organisations who use the church premises as a means of encouraging more people to attend worship

of 137 Congregation – Evangelism  It is recognised that this is an area that requires some improvement  The church is an active member of Churches Together participating in: o Good Friday walk of witness o Pentecost in the Park o Christmas Day service o ‘Open the Book’  A number of schools use the church for key assemblies during the year

Possible Action  Deliver tracts to local community  Encourage more Bible study

Circuit  The results from the questionnaires show that the Circuit needs to lead by example, by increasing ministerial input  There is a feeling of little connection with the larger Circuit  It would be helpful if Circuit reps attended Church Council regularly  Questions were raised in relation to whether the church receives ‘Value for money’ in respect of the assessment

Possible Action  The above needs addressing by the Circuit

Church Groups – Service  The results from the questionnaires show that the hirers of the church premises appear to be pleased with the service that they receive

Possible Action  None identified by hirers

Church Groups – Caring  The results from the questionnaires show that the hirers are pleased with the care demonstrated by the church

Possible Action  None identified

Church Groups – Worship  Limited response to this area with only one response received

Possible Action  Noticeboard to be repositioned in the foyer of the church  Personal invitations to church events were suggested by the hirer North Bedfordshire Circuit Review What do you see as your priorities … … over the next three months  Move the noticeboard to the foyer so people can read of events in the church and find out about the activities taking place during the week  Music Group to participate in worship more often . . . over the next twelve months  Invitations to Special Sundays, i.e. Harvest, Easter, Christmas  Deliver tracts locally  Encourage Bible Study groups

. . . over the next five years  Strive to encourage young families and children

General Reflections There were only 17 questionnaires returned Comments made ‘over engineered’

33. Conclusions The review should not be viewed as the end of a process but rather as part of an ongoing process. It is essential that the time and energy put into the review process and reflecting on the life and mission of the churches within the Circuit is taken forward. In developing the life of the Circuit further it is anticipated that there will need to be a significant amount of follow on work from this report. Individual churches will already be following some of this work up, as a direct action from their individual reflections and likewise the Circuit will already be following up on ideas that have developed through the review process. In order for the review to trigger the most effective way forward it will be important for the Circuit as a whole to have coherent strategy for developing its mission.

This will most likely require a further period of reflection and prayer by the Leadership Mission Stream and further assessment of the priorities for the Circuit as a whole.

The churches within the Circuit and indeed the Leadership Mission Stream seem aware of the problems and challenges that they face. In order for the Circuit to grow and develop there is a real need to work as ‘Circuit’ that is collaboratively, sharing resources as appropriate, recognising, supporting and celebrating individual areas of specialisation. It will be important for the Circuit to invest its resources effectively maximising the opportunities for mission and growth.

Therefore the conclusion to the review would suggest that the first step following on from the presentation of the review report to the Circuit Meeting would be for the Leadership Mission Stream to work on producing a Circuit-wide Action Plan based on the work that has been undertaken through the review process itself.

To enable this to take place the Leadership Mission Stream may need to put time aside for a retreat, utilising the skills of an external facilitator. This could either be a single day or a weekend. The focus for the retreat could be around ‘Mission’. Additional areas for discussion might be:  What it means to be a Circuit for North Bedfordshire – what is the Circuits role and mission based on the reflections of this review?  The relationships between churches and the Circuit This should provide a real boost for the team as a whole and help everyone within the team to be strengthened and encouraged in the important role that they and the Leadership Mission Stream performs within the life of the Circuit. This could help in developing appropriate structures for the Circuit to engage in mission and for mission to happen on a Circuit-wide basis in both old and new areas and consider opportunities for:  Spiritual development.  Pastoral support of each other.

This would prove immensely useful by way of helping the Leadership Mission Stream to gel as a team and also to establish the priorities for the Circuit as a

of 137 North Bedfordshire Circuit Review whole and draw upon the real strengths and skills that already exist within the Leadership Team.

Alongside this the Leadership Mission Stream need to be working with the local churches in supporting them in their own action planning and development. There needs to be an emphasis on mission and growth within the Circuit as a whole.

Overall there is a lot to celebrate within the Circuit; however, moving forward, the option to ‘do nothing’ should not be allowed to be an option. The time for action is now, there needs to be a continued willingness and desire to grow, spiritually, in mission, ecumenically and in numbers, with the right focus and priorities all of these things are possible.

Working together developing some of the ideas that have already been highlighted and producing a prioritised Circuit 3 or 5 year plan and following up on the actions and reviewing the plan regularly should enable the Circuit and its churches to meet the needs of the local communities both now and in the future.

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