PRAY FOR MISSION - GIVE TO MISSION - SUPPORT GOD’S MISSION

INSIDE mission 5 7

Views from abroad Welcome Liz Clutterbuck matters Issue 22 March 2007 2007 A REASON TO CELEBRATE

e have much to celebrate mission enablers working all over their mission strategy but do not in Methodism in 2007. Britain spreading the Good News quite know how to go about it. If WThis year is the 300th and training others to do the same. either of these scenarios applies to anniversary of Charles Wesley, 200 It’s our way of saying thank you and you, perhaps it’s time you spoke to a years of the Abolition of the Slave encouraging them in their mission District Mission Enabler. Trade Act, 75 years of the Methodist work. However that is not all. Included District Mission Enablers are trained officers who work on a district level Union, which formed The Methodist in this issue are book reviews, news challenging and encouraging churches Church in Great Britain (MCB) and from Mission Partners and around the on mission. We spoke to Susan Johnson, 100 years of The Methodist Prayer Connexion and finally we welcome a former Mission Education Coordinator, Handbook. Churches and other new addition to Mission Education; Liz now District Mission Enabler (DME), organisations within Britain and Cluttterbuck, our new Funds Adviser. Darlington District. This is an abridged around the world have organised It is an oft-repeated fact that while version of her insightful interview with many events to mark these occasions. many Christians would like to share Mission Matters. You can read the In line with the celebratory their faith they often feel ill-equipped interview in its entirety on the Mission theme, this issue of Mission Matters to do so. In the same way, some Education web pages of our website celebrates the faithful chaplains and churches sense the need to review www.methodist.org.uk.

Your job description seems to be rather 3. Training and working with circuit Letby to explore new initiatives and far-ranging but what exactly do you do? mission officers and lay workers to ways of working for churches, circuits encourage fresh expressions of being and the district. I also attend various I see myself as being a resource person church and to look to the wider district planning meetings. I am involved for the district. I have three distinct community as a way of engaging in with the District Partnership Link with areas of work: God’s mission. the Miathene Synod in Kenya. I’m 1. Working with churches, circuits and How does your role play out in day to currently trying to set up links between groups to encourage people to think day life? particular circuits in both countries. about their individual and corporate How do you inspire churches with mission as disciples of Jesus Christ; I can be found leading worship most your passion for mission? 2. Working Sundays round the district. I lead Vision with circuit Days for circuits, assist with circuit The primary way is by getting leadership teams reviews, speak at various groups, alongside people; helping them look to undertake meet with regional ecumenical mission at the things they do in their everyday circuit reviews officers and the District Mission lives and encouraging them to see and to assist with Development Team which includes; that those things can be seen as a part future vision and Training Development Officer (TDO) of God’s mission of love to his world. direction for the Mark Bagnall, and Regional Mission Mission, for me is participating in the Susan Johnson church; Development Officer (RMDO) Andrew work of God’s kingdom, bringing Mission Matters

healing, love, justice and hope. Many What are the main challenges you face friendly, the Cleveland and Danby people do such amazing things in in your role? Circuit has embarked on a series of supporting others but have not made worship experiences throughout the To change the mentality of; “My the connection to the work of God’s circuit. The plan is to hold events on church suits me. What’s wrong with mission. It is such a privilege to be able what we are doing?” five areas – Prayer, the Bible, Music, the to help people see that. I tell stories, To remove the feeling of guilt - “We Message and Fellowship. Each event is (encouraging others to tell their stories have failed because our churches are to be held in three parts of the circuit also) use images, and generally just ‘be’ not as full as we remember them to and at different times- e.g. afternoon, me. I see so many people living with be.” evening and weekends so that as many little hope or love that there is always Tell us some inspiring stories of as possible can come. They’re reaching something that can be done in our churches you’ve visited out to people who may not be familiar communities. with our traditional styles of worship Peterlee Methodist Church in the What is the overriding misconception in creative and stimulating ways so that Durham Coast and Peterlee Circuit has about mission that you come across in the life of the church and individuals been developing a Coffee House and your daily interactions with may be enriched. Film evening each week at 7.00pm on congregations? You mention one of the specific areas a Sunday for some months now. It has of your work as developing district, Mission is for the few who are drawn in new faces as people explore circuit and local mission strategies. specifically chosen; something done by how the issues of the day - as seen in What exactly does that mean and can others for people ‘overseas’. Mission a variety of films - are relevant to their you tell us some of the tools you use is raising money; mission is an event faith journeys. The coffee is great and to do this? done to you by someone else (Mission the conversations stimulating. weekend). I would say that mission is In response to a request from the In recent years the Methodist Church our primary calling as people who are circuit churches for help in making has been encouraged to see the circuit, called to be disciples of Jesus, 24/7. worship more family and stranger not the local church, as the body

Methodist Chaplains in Action in places where ideas that shape society environment there is a constant locally and globally are discussed. learning process as to what might Revd Nick Baker is the Methodist Describe a ‘normal’ day be unique in the gospel. Sharing the good news, offering hope, being Chaplain to the Universities in Leeds Ha! Normal days include: conversations a place where all are welcome, (University of Leeds and Leeds with students (Christian & non- offering opportunities for worship and Metropolitan University). He gave us Christian) regarding spiritual and encouraging students to share their a bird’s eye view of his role as spiritual pastoral matters, worship, teaching as faith with other students. adviser to students in Leeds. part of the Chaplaincy module (Life What do you think is your role as How long have you been a chaplain? Skills and Spirituality), meetings with chaplain to the universities? 9.5 years chaplaincy colleagues, Jewish student Did you feel a particular call to the Rabbi, members of staff, attending To build friendship and community, education sector? interfaith and Fairtrade meetings/events offer pastoral & spiritual support to and participating in ethics committees. staff and students, question values I was initially stationed in an What do you think are the primary and perspectives of the university from appointment that included a part- spiritual challenges facing students my Christian perspective (particularly time university chaplaincy (perhaps today? encouraging engagement with global because the college Principal could see issues) and allow the university to ask Trying to comprehend spirituality, something I couldn’t at that point). questions of my faith and Church. Also finding a set of values/beliefs to be a I’ve always felt to help develop an understanding of foundation for life, connecting studies it important faith/belief in the context of higher to life in today’s world, climate change that the Church education, to encourage partnership and trade justice. should engage working between universities and faith In a multi-faith environment such in education as it communities locally and globally and as a university, how do you present not only has a lot finally, to pray. My role is worked out the uniqueness of the gospel to the to learn but also as part of a team. Thus, for example, students? has something to we have a chaplain who focuses on Revd Nick Baker offer, especially By being me! In a multi-faith working with international students. 2 Mission Matters

that decided the strategy for mission. This means that the circuit needs to have a clear We also spoke to Revd Emmanuel Aggrey-Ogoe about his role as understanding of its current resources; in Chaplain to the Ghanaian Community. people, in finance and in its buildings, and How do you see your role emphasis on evangelism. They still to be able to see where future possibilities as Chaplain to the Ghanaian have weekly Bible studies, camp for development may lie; families, youths, Community? meetings and open-air services. and the elderly. There also needs to be There is more youth and children’s I see myself amongst others as a an awareness of community activity and involvement at the services. pastor, counsellor and educator; working ecumenically. Here in London, most churches helping people to understand their I often begin by using a SWOT (Strengths, have weekly Sunday services new environment and the laws Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and nothing in the week. Some that operate within it and, helping analysis (although I like to use the words, churches have some other weekly second and third generation British- strengths, challenges, opportunities and activities and people are free born Ghanaians to appreciate their timescale). I have conversations with local to seek and develop their own parents’ culture and understand churches who are able to provide feedback spirituality. Evangelism is not very their stand on some issues. and therefore have some ownership of the strong here in the British Church. What are the primary challenges process. However, the circuit leadership How do you see The Methodist you face in your role? teams - under the guidance of the Church in 15-20 years? superintendent – make the final decisions. Overcoming the perceptions of As long as Christ remains the The Priorities are a very helpful starting people who view chaplaincy as head of the Church and we point from which more local issues can be an attempt to segregate ourselves continue to pursue integration addressed. from the rest of the church and and an open door policy, the In your opinion, what is the primary helping the chaplaincy be of Church has a future. We need challenge that churches face in their benefit to non-Ghanaians. to be ready to help people learn evangelism and mission strategy? Tell us some inspiring stories of from our ways of doing things churches/congregations you’ve In the light of projected falling membership and also learn from their way of visited. numbers and of reduced ordained staff doing things. figures, leadership is one of the key I’ve visited a number of churches in We should also find ways of challenges. Team leadership and the use of the last six years. Some are mainly reaching out to the youth and paid lay workers to work alongside ordained English congregations while others children. In 15-20 years, the staff. Mission work has often developed may be described as international Church will not and should not due to the presence of a lay worker with congregations. Both congregations struggle with immigrants as most time to give to a particular project. The use have their own uniqueness of its membership will be second of or need of buildings is another major about them. However I see that and third generation immigrants. issue when thinking specifically about churches that have opened their What is mission to you? mission strategy. In evangelism it is a lack doors to newcomers - regardless To me, mission is two-dimensional. of confidence, and in knowing how to tell of where they come from - have I see myself as a missionary from the Christian story as well their own story the potential to grow. My recent the Ghana in a way that attracts others that is the visit to the Light House Methodist Church to the challenge. Church in Leyton is a measure of British Church We need permission to be creative and to how far the Methodist Church has and I also let go of structures and past expectations come in her journey of integration. see myself that bind behaviour, and prevent gifts and Their service was very inclusive and as an inland skills from being developed. everyone had a role to play. missionary. Any last words? What are the major differences in Like John It is a huge privilege to be working here in the ways that mission is perceived Wesley “the the North East with people whose warmth in the UK and in Ghana? world is my Revd Emmanuel and honesty is refreshing. I am confident The church in Ghana has an parish”. Aggrey-Ogoe that God is not finished with the Methodist Church, but that the Church that will emerge Interested in evangelism training and church planting? Contact Revd over the next ten years or so will be a Graham Horsley, Evangelism/Church Planting Secretary on 0207 467 Church that has evolved to be an expression 5243 or email [email protected] of the kingdom of God in the 21st century. 3 Mission Matters

Book: Africa Bible Commentary General Editor: Tokunboh Adeyemo Publisher: Zondervan ISBN: 13: 9780310264736 BOOKREVIEWS Book: Missionary What makes the Africa Bible Commentary unique and relevant is the fact that it Principles - and Practice has been written by African theologians who love the Lord and are committed to Author: Roland Allen the life of the church. In interpreting the biblical text, the authors have also been Publisher: The able to bring together Christian spirituality and the depth of their understanding Lutterworth Press of African culture and religion. The African Bible Commentary will also be useful (www.lutterworth.com) to Christians outside the African continent who want to enrich their own under- ISBN: 9780718891701 standing of the Bible by stepping outside their own culture and experience. he book analyses The Most Rev. Dr Robert K Aboagye-Mensah, Presiding Bishop, The Methodist Church, Ghana, February 2006. and scrutinises Tstandard missionary he Africa Bible Commentary Interwoven in the Commentary are principles. It also pinpoints (ABC) is the first Bible references to African proverbs that the differences between Tcommentary written by African serve to reinforce the Bible text being missionary work for the theologians to meet the needs of studied. Consider this commentary on sole reason to fill Africans. Speaking as an African, the leadership: churches, and Commentary does not disappoint. A Bemba proverb says, Umulilo to accomplish Major issues facing the continent ucingile abakalamba: ta oca [‘a the Great such as conflict, patriarchy and the fire protected by the elderly is not Commission role of women in African society are dangerous’]. Leadership can become given by Jesus tackled without being condescending dangerous unless it is ‘protected’, that Christ. or even worse, offering pat answers is, regulated by those with higher The author’s to difficult questions. Its linkages of authority, such as that enjoyed by the rather radical ancient Roman society to contemporary elders in an African community. approach African society will satisfy those with The Africa Bible Commentary is an to mission a reluctance to explore the Bible’s invaluable resource for individuals and in 1931 is relevance to Africans. church groups. still relevant to today’s mission activity. Allen reveals Resource: May I Call You Friend? It moves on to feature the case study the truth of the real motive of mission, Publisher: Methodist Publishing of a Yorkshire congregation that has and underlines the fact that it is only House (www.mph.org.uk) seen a dramatic emergence of a Farsi speaking congregation over the last through the Holy Spirit that the true May I Call You Friend? is a resource for four years, and ends with discussion command of Jesus can be fulfilled. individuals and groups. It was prepared points that are designed to explore our The book is very intense, and by the Inter-faith Relations Reference actions and experiences towards those although I found the paragraphs quite Group and the Evangelism Strategy who’ve converted. Each session ends long and sometimes difficult to take Group to make evangelism that little with a Bible study that links all the in, it will give anyone who reads it a bit easier. various sections together. more in-depth spiritual understanding The booklet is thoughtfully laid out The booklet is a thoughtful read. of the moral and motive of mission (the A5 format certainly helps) and It’s been written in such a way as in itself. It is a must-read for anyone written in accessible language. No to encourage Christians to explore interested in a true and radical dictionary tomes needed here! evangelising as a two-way process; approach to mission with or without a May I Call You Friend? is divided a dialogue. Individuals and church missionary zeal. into themed sessions which are divided groups will find this resource Personally, I like the book and into three sections; an introduction, invaluable. I certainly did. would like it to read it again to grasp case study and questions for discussion. May I Call You Friend? is available more concepts I might have missed. Thus, Session 1, themed Turning from Methodist Publishing House Elena Ciccotelli is Mission Points, started with an introduction on (www.mph.org.uk) priced £3.50. Order Education’s Administrative Assistant how turning points occur in the lives your copy by calling 01733 325002 of people who decide to follow Jesus. citing product code PA179. 4 Mission Matters

Views from Abroad

Tabo New Testament Dedication, Western Province,

s late as 1986, a missionary Over the course of the next 19 years, doctor recalls coming to a a spiritual transformation took place coloured Avillage to encourage the amongst the Tabo people. Having the bags parents to have their children and Bible in their own language served as made by babies immunized. The mothers came a catalyst for change. Today, there are Christians out of their simple homes to meet the active and growing churches in each of in Guatemala who have a connection medical team, but soon scooped up the Tabo villages, as well as four church to the Schlatter’s home church in their youngsters and went screaming plants they have made in the language the USA. There was much singing, off into the jungle convinced that group beyond. There are 16 trained dancing, marching, feasting and these strangers had come to work pastors and lay-pastors ministering to worshipping as God was given all sorcery on them. the Tabo people in their own language. the glory for completing the work he Early attempts to share the gospel And on 30 September, 2006, the 3,400 began so many years before. Join with with the Tabo had never borne speakers of the Tabo language received us in praising God for his goodness much fruit. In 1987, church leaders the New Testament, in its entirety, in and faithfulness to all people and all from the Gogodala language upriver two dialects simultaneously. generations. said not to waste time on the Tabo We were so pleased to be able to people, for they had already rejected travel to the Western Province to share John and Jenny Willetts are Mission Partners the gospel message. This was true in the dedication celebrations with our in Papa New Guinea. They are supported by in part, but it was also true that the friends – Bible translators Tim and Karen the Methodist Church Fund for World Mission. Tabo people had yet to hear God’s Schlatter and two of message of salvation in their own their children. They, language. At that time there was not along with their team a single church standing in any of the of Tabo co-translators ten Tabo villages. Not a single trained had spent the last 17 pastor from among their own people, years working hard and and not a verse of scripture translated making many sacrifices into either of the two main dialects. to complete these New A handful of baptized Tabo believers Testaments. It was our in three of the villages occasionally joy to see hundreds met for worship, but they used the of people receiving neighbouring Gogodala language, the Word of God in rather than their own which they felt their own language ashamed of. – presented in brightly 5 Mission Matters

The Delivery Room

t was delivery day at the America) meet with their future child each letter.” I asked if I could buy the orphanage. Every three weeks - and Nelli was convinced she had extra stamps from her but was told Ia new group of children aged found mine, when the little boy she I would have to go and stand in the from six months to four years arrive was with turned to stare at me as I queue again! When I got to the front at their new home. On the day walked past to give some attention to of the queue, the cashier said she did we visited there were already 124 three more babies on the other side not have that many stamps and that children in residence. Many of them of the room! I will simply say that I I would have to join the queue for had been born to alcoholic mothers have no intention of adopting a child another window. When I asked her and were severely physically disabled. on my own – but applications from what I was supposed to do if I got to All of them clearly lacked mental prospective Josephs will be carefully the front of that queue and they also and emotional stimulation. The staff considered! didn’t have enough stamps she agreed work 12-hour shifts and are each Please make sure you put the right to go to the delivery room and buy individually responsible for up to 15 amount of postage in your application them for me! (Why couldn’t I have children! This makes it impossible – or else you may find yourself in done that myself in the first place?!) for them to do much more than the delivery room sooner than you Needless to say, I was not pleased to keep each child fed and clean. We expect to be! I spent nearly an hour read in the paper a couple of days spent some time on this initial visit in the queue at the Post Office later that postage had increased in engaging with the children and staff waiting to buy the stamps for my price from December 1st – when I had and plan to return with the youth Christmas cards. I gave the cashier first attempted to post my cards on group at Christmas. We saw the room one of the envelopes to weigh and November 28th! I just hope that they where adopting parents (mainly from asked her to give me enough stamps will be delivered in time! for 80 identical letters. I then went I am currently working hard to try to the church office and spent an and deliver, on time, my translation hour sticking all these stamps onto of part of the Book of Discipline the envelopes with glue. Finally, (the United Methodist equivalent of I returned to the Post Office and CPD!). There is a team of us working dropped them into the postbox on translating this from English into – two or three at a time because the Russian. I was amused to discover that opening is so narrow! The following the Americans call this book “Bod” for evening, when I got to the church short – as that was the name of one office for the Church Council, there of my favourite children’s television was a slip in the mailbox saying programmes! “Here comes Bod!” has “Please come to the delivery therefore become the slogan of my room and collect your letters. days – but of course, in this time of They are being returned.” The Advent we have also started to sing next morning, I duly went to the “O come, o come Emmanuel” and delivery room and all my letters rejoice that “Here comes God!” in the - tied up in a bundle with brown child who was born to deliver us from string – were given back to me. death. “The postage has gone up,” said Nicola Vidamour is a Mission Partner in the woman. “You need to pay Russia. She is supported by The Methodist another two and a half rubles for Church Fund for World Mission.

6 Mission Matters

elcome Liz! W Liz Clutterbuck

iz Clutterbuck joined the Mission between mission and empire whilst Education team in January as studying for an MA in Imperial & LFunds Adviser. She comes to Commonwealth History. us having previously worked for the As Funds Adviser, Liz will be Church Mission Society (CMS) where responsible for improving awareness she promoted the work of Mission of the work supported by the Partners. This is her second job in the Methodist Church Funds in order Connexional Team, having worked to increase giving. This will involve briefly in the Children’s Section in updated and new resources, publicity 2005. Born in Tonga whilst her parents and the website. You can help by were serving as Mission Partners, Liz providing Mission Education with any has always been interested in mission stories you have about how the Funds and specialised in the relationship have supported you. Our Mission Event Rev Robert A. Bowen, Upper Calder was really good, giving a huge variety Circuit 27/08, told us about his in terms of spirituality and setting. How is your church mission event, the Walkers Weekend. These ranged from a graveyard with engaging in God’s The event wasn’t as successful as the Pennines as a backdrop, to high mission? he’d hoped but it hasn’t put him off on the hills themselves, and Wesley’s one bit. He talks about the church’s octagonal chapel at Heptonstall. We Email missioneducation@ learning experience and hopes for the touched on the glory of the creation, methodistchurch.org.uk or give future. the darker side of the valley (dark us a call on 020 7467 5116 and “The event – the Walkers Weekend satanic mills), and our Celtic heritage. we’ll publish your stories. - when it happened, was a huge Exciting possibilities for next year...! numerical flop! Only about 3 non- But we have learnt that: church people attended any part, and this was by accident. On reflection we • The publicity needed to be more feel the event was right, and is worth carefully targeted. doing again. • We needed a core of church We had several short reflections/ people to attend, thereby making it meditations in a variety of places and feel less threatening to non-church times, led by different people. This people, had more of them come! 7 Mission Matters

News & Events MA/PG Diploma Shared Lives, the DVD showing the work of the in Consultancy for Fund for World Mission in action is out now Mission and Ministry Shared Lives combines stories from Shared Lives can be run through a at York St John projects that work for justice and normal DVD player to view the film, University combat deprivation and poverty with but when run through a computer, stunning images captured by the World users can access a wide range of This is a two-year part-time, part Church Team on visits to their partner free resources, worship ideas and distance-learning course in which churches. information that can be printed off and the focus is the work context of each Stories featured on Shared Lives re-used. student. A substantial proportion of include that of Mission Additional content the three annual four-day residentials Partners Samantha and includes posters, a is given over to co-consultancies, Peter Taylor, who work link to the prayer examining issues chosen by the with disadvantaged handbook webpage students. The main learning modules Roma children and on: www.methodist. of missiology, organisational studies with youths in org.uk, Gift-Aid and consultancy theories are southern Bulgaria. forms and ‘Take Viewers can also find Up Your Cross’ – a then integrated into the student’s out about the Maua self-denial pack for own experience as a means of Methodist Hospital in Lent. There is also formulating a consultant model Kenya, which has a world- a interactive guide to that is consistent with personal renowned HIV/AIDS centre, further web-based material. theological convictions. The course providing food, education and out- The DVD is available free of charge will be particularly helpful to those patient care for AIDS orphans and those and can be obtained from Mission who: who care for them. The Methodist Education, Methodist Church House, Church sends medical mission partners, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 • Work with others formulating disability specialists and experienced 5JR. Email: missioneducation@ and implementing strategy exchange volunteers to support the methodistchurch.org.uk or telephone • Have oversight of others work of this life-changing project. 020 7467 5116. including work consultancy • Help and support church and community (including project) Overseas opportunities development Partner Churches around the world are Medical workers: Kenya always looking for people with profes- Teachers: Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Full information about the sional skills - both lay and ordained Nepal course is available at: www. - to serve with them in their mission. Development worker: Sierra Leone. theologyinthecommunity.org.uk These are some current requests: You can find out more about these or contact Revd Ian Johnson: ian. Ministers: Sierra Leone and Ghana opportunities by calling [email protected]. Theological tutors: Cameroon and 020 7467 5154 or emailing Tel: 01609 770853 the Pacific [email protected]

Further Information Who have been sent copies direct? 4 Please contact John Nutt, Mission Education Co-ordinator, District Mission Officers 4 Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR Circuit Mission Officers 4 Tel: 020 7467 5116 Fax: 020 7467 3763 Ministers and Deacons in pastoral charge 4 E-mail: [email protected] Mission Funds supporters Website: www.methodist.org.uk Who else in your church might find this useful? Members of your This newsletter is free. Further copies are available at £2.25 per 10 copies as a contribution towards the distribution cost local mission committee ...... from mph (see address below) Local Preachers ......

This is part of the Methodist Connexions, the Connexional Link pack provided for the Methodist Church in Britain. House group leaders ...... Methodist churches and others in linked ecumenical projects may freely copy this resource for their own use. Please write their names and get them to tick the box when © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes they have received or seen a copy.

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