The latest copy of the Cumbria District Newsletter can be downloaded here.
The advertisement for the salaried post of District Property secretary can be viewed here
To read the letter from Rev James Tebbutt, our District Chair, concerning the closure of our church buildings for public worship during lockdown, please click here.
The winter edition of the Methodist Women in Britain newsletter is available to download here
The President of Conference, Rev Richard Teal encourages all of us to develop a ‘sacrament of kindness’ in these troubling times. Read his letter to the church here.
There is also a letter from the President and Vice President to farmers and the wider agricultural community. It can be downloaded here.
Please feel free to share these letters with anyone who may appreciate them.
You can download a copy of the November newsletter here. Also a copy of the President’s letter to farmers and the wider agricultural community. Please feel free to share this letter with anyone you feel may appreciate it.
At our recent circuit meeting we spent time sharing good news from our individual churches. Please click here to download your copy.
The Welcome Service for Rev Melanie Greenall, our new Superintendent Minister, took place on Saturday 26th September. The service was live-streamed and is available to view via YouTube. Here is the link
Please click here to see a copy of the District newsletter.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Inclusive Church Implementation Group volunteer role then please email the Circuit Administrator who will be able to help kendal.circuit@gmail.com
From the Rev Melanie Greenall who is to be stationed in the circuit as our Superintendent minister from September.
Greetings from Lincolnshire, in these unprecedented times, when we’ve had to learn new ways of being church or maybe rediscover who we were called to be. I’m looking forward to being part of that ongoing exploration: as I write, restrictions have been eased so hopefully I will be with you as planned in September.
In my home church of Freckleton there’s a beautiful piece of wood carved by one of life’s saints which says “there are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met yet.” With that in mind I offer a few words of introduction.
Born a Tyke, I’ve spent most of my life in ‘missionary duty’ on the Lancashire coast, though I found a faith of my own training to be a pharmacist in my home city of Bradford. Many an adventure followed (ask me about barges some time!), not least Easter mission weeks.
Christened Congregational, in many ways I was born to be a Methodist as music is often how God speaks to me. Don’t ask me my favourite song though – you might be there all night! I also love films/theatre, nature and history and Dr Who /Star Trek and in time hope to get a dog as a companion.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Tamil Nadu seminary in India and studying at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, both of which challenged my faith, but that’s no bad thing, for as Jacob, wrestling with God, and Thomas, voicing doubts, found it can lead to intimate moments of divine presence.
On the road to Emmaus 2 travelers found Christ alongside. While we may not understand his words, if we’re prepared to continue the journey we’ll have our ‘breaking bread moment,’ an insight shared with me by a ministerial friend before I candidated.
For me worship is about creating that sacred space where the divine can be encountered and faith strengthened as we share stories of God’s grace in us.
Four years after being ordained, one of the best days of my life so far, I anticipate a new chapter with the usual mix of apprehension and excitement.May the Spirit continue to encourage and strengthen us all along our long and winding roads.
Grace and peace to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev Melanie Greenall
A copy of this letter can be downloaded here
Please click here to download a copy of the District newsletter for July