The post Making a Real Impact: The Partnership between Action for Children and The Methodist Church appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
]]>On Monday 12 June, representatives from Action for Children (AfC) and the Manchester and Stockport Methodist District gathered at Methodist Central Hall, Manchester to talk about the difference AfC is making in the local area.
Action for Children’s work strongly resonates with the values and mission of the Methodist Church and the Manchester and Stockport District values this partnership. The Methodist Church has a rich history of upholding social justice and the well-being of individuals and families, particularly those facing vulnerabilities. By supporting the work of Action for Children, the District is proud to actively participate in addressing the needs of vulnerable children, advocating for their rights, and providing tangible support and interventions.
Steve Oliver, District Advocate reflects ‘what a wonderful session…heart-rending and uplifting at the same time! I felt so privileged to hear of the real-life challenges being faced by children and their families today, and of the impact that the Action For Children services are having on their lives. There were so many examples of relief and hope being brought by the dedicated and caring professionals who work for this amazing charity. I’d certainly recommend similar sessions for District Advocates and Ministers in other Districts.’
Rev. Ian Rutherford, City Centre Minister at Central Hall Manchester, says ‘the breadth and significance of this work is astounding. We covered everything from Mother and Baby Units in prison to Multi Systemic Therapy, to Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Community Short Breaks for children with disabilities, and Fostering Services. It was wonderful to hear about everything that this important member of our Methodist Family is doing all over the UK. We need to support Action for Children at a national, regional, and local level.’
This partnership enables the Methodist Church to extend its impact and make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the North West of England.
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]]>The post BBC Radio Manchester Appearance appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
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]]>The post Podcast Series to Explore the True Cost of the Cost of Living Crisis appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
]]>Through candid conversations with a range of guests, “At What Cost” aims to delve deeper into the pervasive Cost of Living Crisis and the lasting impact it has on individuals and organisations. By shining a light on these issues and exploring them from different perspectives, we hope to raise continued awareness, foster a greater understanding, and demonstrate the Methodist Church’s relevance and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
“We are honoured to launch this new podcast series and engage with the community about the Cost of Living Crisis,” says Tori Allen, Manchester and Stockport Methodist’s co-host of the Series. “Hearing about the real, human toll that the crisis is having throughout our conversations been a deeply moving experience and has reinforced the importance of highlighting these accounts and advocating for change.”
“We knew more people were facing new or additional challenges, but hearing these accounts of the ways real people are struggling, and how much shame they feel about circumstances totally out of their control, was heart-breaking. It’s heartening to hear from organisations who are making a real difference in these people’s lives, and we’ve been inspired to pass that encouragement along” said Emily Smith, co-host from Leeds Sanctuary.
The Series features six conversations which will be released fortnightly on the Leeds Sanctuary website and through Soundcloud, Apple Music and Spotify. The first in the series will be available on Thursday 18 May.
The six conversations are on the topics of Theology, Community Cafes, Debt and Budgeting, Food Banks, Chronic Illness and Disability, and Homelessness. Guests include Revd Ian Rutherford of Central Hall Manchester; Anna Bland, Team Leader of Leeds Sanctuary; Rachael Bate of Stretford and Urmston Methodist Churches; Sam Price, a debt advisor with Christians Against Poverty, based in Leeds; Emma Greenough, Fundraising Manager for The Welcome Centre in Huddersfield; Laura Neale of YouBelong, an online Christian community; and Jacob Quagliozzi, Director for England of Housing Justice. Inspired by the stories we’ve heard, and the work of our guests and their organisations, we will also be suggesting actions that listeners can take in order to push for change at local and national level.
You can access the first “At What Cost” podcast here. For more information, please contact Tori Allen at [email protected] and Emily Smith at [email protected] . You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @leedssanctuary and @mandsmethodists.
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]]>The post New campaign launches to encourage conversation on adult social care appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
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In the Manchester and Stockport District’s Mission and Development Plan, one of the objectives is to ‘provide organizational support for the Methodist Church across the District’. We want to ‘promote professional, communal and ecumenical partnerships in support of our objectives’. A specific goal will be to make the most of relationships with partners with whom we have connections, such as Methodist Homes (MHA) as we promote action on social justice.
As Methodists, we have always held a concern for the poor, and a yearning for justice, very close to our hearts. We know that those who care for older people work incredibly hard, often for little recognition. Because older people are often held in very low regard in our society, so, those who support them and care for them, are similarly viewed. We can work together to speak out against ageism and to change public perceptions of what it means to work in the care of older people; to show that those who look after some of our most vulnerable citizens are skilled, dedicated people who deserve to be valued so much more than they are.
In the new year, MHA, the UK’s largest charitable care provider, is set to launch a new campaign to highlight the invaluable work of care workers to the public. We already have some great relationships between The Methodist Church and MHA across the District, working together to enable people to live later life well. And there’s always more that could be done. In our District there are 5 care homes (Avonleigh Gardens, Oldham; Handsworth, Altrincham; Laurel Court, Didsbury; The Willows, Knutsford; Woodlands, Poynton); 2 retirement living schemes (Adlington Houses in Urmston and Stockport) and an MHA Communities scheme in Macclesfield). What could you do to change the conversation around the care workforce? How can you support those who do this invaluable work?
This isn’t only about the MHA workforce; all who work in social care deserve better recognition for what they do. And that’s why MHA wants to change the way we think about care in this country. Will you get involved? Will you join with MHA to tell the real story of care? To find out more about the campaign, and how to join in, email [email protected]
Deacon John Brobbey, District Mission Enabler and Social Justice Officer
Abby Ogier, MHA Area Support Chaplain for Manchester & Stockport and Sheffield
Rev Kate Le Sueur, MHA Head of Chaplaincy – North
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]]>The post A message to COP27 appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
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We heard presentations from representatives of the major faith traditions on local and national initiatives as well as The Mayor of Greater Manchester on the outcomes of the recent Greater Manchester Green Summit. We reflected together on the asks being made of our Government and of world leaders by “Christian Aid” and “Operation Noah”.
In roundtable workshops we then answered the question “What do we want to say as Our Faith Our Planet to COP27?”. We agreed that we would send the fruit of our conversation to Alok Sharma as the current President of COP.
Following the event, I have sent the following to Alok Sharma on behalf of all at the Conference:
Our message to COP27 is “Be Brave”. Don’t stop short this time.
This is what we want to say to you and to COP27:
On Loss and Damage:
“The countries who are least responsible for the climate crisis are the ones who are suffering the most.”
“Those who have made the least impact on the climate are paying literally with their lives.”
“Listen to those most affected and address this now.”
“An international loss and damage fund is of upmost importance, and long overdue.”
We request that you do all you can to ensure the negotiations at COP27 produce an international finance mechanism for Loss and Damage. Loss and Damage gained some momentum at COP26 last year but it ultimately failed to establish any funding on loss and damage. Instead, it created the Glasgow Dialogue for discussion on Loss and Damage. A discussion forum is not enough in the face of the untold damage and irreversible losses that are happening today. The UK must take the opportunity of COP27 to push negotiations forward and make tangible commitments to the dedicated sources of international finance that are so desperately needed.
On Fossil Fuels:
We are looking for leadership in disinvestment from fossil fuels and not reinvesting.
What is actually going to change as a result of simply having conversations about the long-term position?
We need firm commitments and significant changes urgently.
On Collaboration:
It is encouraging to see how bigger groups are engaging and working together.
We need the bigger groups to work to influence the even bigger groups – individuals -> churches -> interfaith -> national -> global.
We need ambitious global goals and achievable local aims.
We want to press for more funding for local government initiatives to support local community collaborations.
It would be good to highlight success stories and the simple and cheap actions that everyone can do.
People are very reluctant to bear costs but so much of this comes down to money so the government must invest in what matters.
“There is no economy if the world burns!”
We need incentives to businesses to change their processes and working methods to effect change.
On Promises:
Countries must, with urgency, honour the promises they made in the Paris Agreement.
Promises need policing otherwise they’re pointless!
We remember that billions were promised in climate finance to countries of the global south.
We ask COP27 to hold to this promise and also to ask governments of former colonial powers to consider reparations for the legacies of slavery alongside this.
There needs to be more media focus and scrutiny between COP events not just during the conferences themselves to ensure promises are kept.
On Decision-Making:
The right people need to be at the policy and decision-making table – especially young, female and disadvantaged.
We want you to listen to and learn from indigenous peoples, remembering that 5% of the global population look after 80% of the earth’s biodiversity.
On Other Matters:
Do not allow “green growth” to gloss over the major issues.
Ban car adverts – take the smoking journey.
We ask governments of richer countries not to exploit what others have, for example by exporting toxic rubbish and filling the seas and air with pollution – and to introduce stricter penalties for this, and stricter legislation.
We honour the environmental activists currently in prison, all over the world, and ask and pray for their release.
Revd. Ian Rutherford, City Centre Minister
Methodist Central Hall Manchester
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]]>The post The Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, Palestine appeared first on Manchester and Stockport Methodist District.
]]>News from Manchester and Stockport – Methodist Women in Britain’s President’s Letter
Well, everyone I’m back from my long-awaited return to Palestine! I’m delighted to tell you that the inspiring Palestinian friends I made are still there and getting on with their lives despite many restrictions and difficulties. They say ‘We refuse to be enemies. We have hope and trust in God for peace here.’
The Four Homes of Mercy in Bethany, Palestine
My main purpose in returning was to finally visit the Four Homes of Mercy, which is my President’s Charity. Many of you have heard me talk about it and amazingly helped me to raise almost £1000 for them. Whilst I was asked to support the charity by Rev Angleena Keizer, the Methodist Minister in Jerusalem, and others who have been there I felt I needed to see for myself.
Chris with Rev Angleena Keizer outside the Four Homes of Mercy
On arrival, I was surprised at how close to Jerusalem it was, although now separated by the Israeli Wall. The charity’s director, Dr Ziyad, welcomed me and showed me around. My first impression was of cleanliness and hygiene with many smiles and waves to greet us. Dr Ziyad introduced me to staff as well as residents. Many of the residents were in wheelchairs with varying degrees of disability, but without exception all were laughing and pleased to see us. Some were enjoying watching TV together while others were in an activity room being helped by staff to throw balls into a net, thread beads to make necklaces or bracelets or even trying to play the piano, which I was told was a favourite activity for some! There was also a gym which they were taken into and could exercise under supervision. Dr Ziyad explained that many came from families who had no facilities to care for them and before they came to the Four Homes of Mercy, would just sit unable to enjoy any quality of life. There are 55 residents at the moment, mostly Muslims but some Christians. Dr Ziyad emphasised that more could be helped if he had the funds to employ more staff, although he did say he always tries to make room for anyone in need. The staff are carefully chosen and trained, with their families offered free health care at the Home.
Dr Zayid is a truly remarkable man. Once he retired, he became a Director of the Home and, in the ten months he has been there, he has also raised funds to start building a small hospital/clinic on the same site as the Home. This will not be just for the residents, but also for anyone living in the surrounding villages. Since the Israeli Wall was built, these villagers now have to travel a long way around to reach a hospital in Jerusalem. This new hospital to serve the community will truly be a Godsend. The hospital will charge a small fee as is the custom in Palestine/Israel, but the money will hopefully secure the future of the Four Homes of Mercy and may even make it independent of international funding.
I feel very privileged to have met some amazing people in Palestine. If you would like to know more, I would be delighted to come to your church/church groups to give you a PowerPoint Presentation. As always, you can contact me on 07975 503019 or email me at [email protected]
God bless
Chris Gregory
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Following a feature on BBC North West, Rev. Adrian Burdon tells us about Oldham Methodist Circuit’s response to the cost-of-living crisis. Read on to discover how you can both protest and deliver, in your local context.
“Many churches around the district are responding to the current cost-of-living crisis by opening their buildings as warm spaces for their community. The majority of these projects are the initiative of the local congregations seeking to offer help to their neighbours. The warm space which has been set up in Trinity Methodist Church, Royton, in the Oldham Circuit has an additional dynamic. In Oldham, the church is standing side-by-side with the Oldham Council to deliver a joint response to the crisis. The warm space operates on a full-time basis alongside the local library which is already operating from the church. The warm space is staffed jointly by Oldham Council staff and volunteers from across the Oldham Circuit. It operates as a community hub in the centre of Royton and represents a significant opportunity for the church to engage with the community. Various voluntary and statutory agencies are joining in the work by setting up help desks in the church to coincide with the opening hours of the library and warm space. Council advice and support agencies, benefits and pensions help, Age UK and CAB representatives can all be found within the space.
What the government has done so far in responding to the cost-of-living crisis is simply not enough to enable everyone to live. To say that people find themselves choosing to eat or heat makes a great soundbite – but the reality for some people is that they cannot afford to do either.
When people are drowning in the river it is important that we rescue them – but it is equally important that we go upriver to see who is pushing them into the river in the first place. Churches and other faith groups are in the exceptional position of being able to do that:
We can both protest and deliver.
We can be the voice of protest to the people in power and we can deliver care and assistance to the people in need.
The church has opened the door, we stand alongside our partners, and together we have made this a community space in which everyone can find a place to be warm, safe and welcome.”
Rev. Adrian Burdon
Superintendent of the Oldham Circuit
You can watch the cost-of-living feature on BBC North West here, which aired on Wednesday 26th October 2022.
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]]>The District Grants Committee had a successful meeting last week and were pleased to be able to set aside funding for new initiatives:
- A training grant for an individual to further their professional development
- A 3 year grant for a lay worker in the Altrincham Circuit
- A 3 year grant for a Children & Family worker for the Fallowfield and Whalley Range Churches
- A 3 year grant for a Community Development worker at Hope Church in Handforth
- A property grant for St. Mary’s Church in the Bramhall and Wythenshawe circuit
In addition, we were able to confirm continuation funding for the Knutsford Pastoral Worker.
The District Grants Committee has a considerable budget this year and can commit to longer term funding, which is often helpful for lay worker posts.
It is very interesting to see that this committee was able to consider such a wide range of lay worker posts, from administration, to work with children and families, to outreach development work.
We are hopeful that this might be a reflection that energy is returning to churches and circuits who could now be feeling more confident around recovery from the pandemic and are getting ready to support our primary purpose – to advance the mission of the Church in our District, Circuits and Churches.
PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINES FOR MAJOR APPLICATIONS ARE:
15th December 2022 (Committee meets 18th January 2023)
15th May 2023 (Committee meets 21st June 2023)
If you are considering a small training grant application, or an application for seed funding, then applications will be dealt with on a basis of funding available at any time throughout the year.
Please get in touch with Joan Ryan (District Grants Officer) by email at [email protected] if you have any questions or anything you’d like to discuss.
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]]>Action for Hope is the Methodist Church in Britain’s response to the climate emergency. Last year Conference declared that it “wholeheartedly agrees and affirms that the climate emergency is a crisis for God’s creation and a fundamental injustice” and we’ve now got a plan for what we should do about this. You can read the Connexional plan here.
In response, this September our Synod approved a District Action for Hope Policy (you can read the full document here) which builds on the ideas in the national plan. It has four major drives to:
- Speak truth to power in demanding climate action and justice
- Achieve net carbon zero by 2030 and support our members to do the same
- Increase positive environmental impact of our investments.
- Attain a gold Ecodistrict award by 2027.
We’ll only be able to get that gold award if 40% of our churches get an Ecochurch award, which is a big ask! So, we’re staging it by aiming for a bronze award (10% of churches) by the end of next year, and a silver award (20%) in 2025. We’re hoping to set up a support network so that we can share experiences and help each other. If you’d like to join, then please get in touch (email below).
Achieving net zero by 2030 will require fast action, and the District Climate Group is working on a detailed plan for this. We’re hoping to support any church to commission an energy audit which will tell them what they need to do to reduce energy consumption. We also hope to be able to make funds available to finance this (which will also lead to savings on gas and electricity bills). If any churches are interested in helping us pilot this, then (you guessed it!) please get in touch.
Climate change is an imposing challenge but if we all work together then we can make a difference.
Richard Baker
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As we step into the new Connexional year, we would like to thank you all for your patience and commitment to safeguarding training through what has been a challenging couple of years, and in supporting the development of a positive and strong safeguarding culture and the creation of safe spaces, where all can know the love of Christ Jesus.
Throughout this period we have been delivering different versions online and face to face so I’m sure you will be pleased to hear that there is now just one modified version which can be delivered either way.
So, what are some of the changes you will see?
The sessions now flow better, beginning with devotions before moving on to content.
The PowerPoint slides and other resources now feature the new Methodist safeguarding branding, and some of the images have been updated.
The 15 original case studies have been amended to better reflect our multicultural society and inclusion of same sex relationships.
The trainers notes make it easier to cover the slides, with a script for those who find this preferable and colour coding the mode of delivery.
So, what now?
- Get familiar with the new materials
- Print out any new resources you will need
- Get your circuit training box ready and make sure everyone knows where to find it
- Begin to plan the sessions and coordinate them across the circuit
- Try to ensure a mix of face to face and online sessions are available
- Why not buddy up with a nearby circuit and work together?
If you think you will have spare places on your sessions, let’s advertise them district-wide.
- For the M&S District, contact Tori at [email protected]
- For the B&R District, contact Jill/Heather at [email protected]
Remember to include your name, role(s)and church.
Please send all attendance forms to Angela at [email protected].
Finally, if you have any queries, or haven’t received the log-in details for the resources on the Connexional site yet, contact Helen Bolton, District Safeguarding Officer: [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone on 07498 800427.
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