Archived News - Methodist
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
The Rev Jenny Spouge made a welcome return to us for our October Cafe Service, when we had a lively and interesting discussion on healing and the importance of treating people holistically. On the third October Sunday, we were all moved by Melvyn Corby's sermon urging us to hold fast to the Word of God, the key to the spread of the Gospel. Our new minister, Nigel Bibbings, led the Communion Service on the fourth Sunday. The theme of his service was 'God's unconditional love which is available to all'. He urged us to stay on track and be faithful to God throughout our lives, reminding us that He will be faithful to us whether or not we are successful. As usual when there is a fi fth Sunday in the month, we and the Edlesborough Methodist Church congregation joined our friends in the Salvation Army at their morning service.
It was a typically joyful occasion with a characteristically warm welcome and a very meaningful sermon on God's amazing grace.
The Saturday Cafe Community programme started again on the second Saturday in October and was a very pleasant event with a number of new visitors.
Date for your Diary:
Coffee Morning with Craft Stall, Saturday 3rd December 2016 10am – 12 noon
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our first June Sunday service Melvin Corby reminded us that in the week of Ascension Day we are remembering the departure of Christ and the arrival of the indwelling spirit. He used the metaphor of the trapeze artist to emphasise that, like the leaping acrobat, we can do nothing to affect our own salvation but must trust implicitly in the strength and care of God who 'catches' us and saves us from falling.
The following week, at our cafe worship we celebrated the birthday of the Church. Both children and adults were spell-bound as Steve Jones formed and lit a 'tissue' birthday cake that rose heavenwards as it burned; an analogy of the spiritual link between earth and heaven that was created at Pentecost.
On Sunday June 15th we joined our friends in Edlesborough to give a warm welcome to a much-loved former minister, Nicola Jones. The packed congregation enjoyed a characteristically challenging sermon and heard about her work with Christian families in Palestine. A delicious buffet lunch was served after the service.
Our monthly communion service was wellattended and led by Rev Nigel Wright who gave us a moving and thought-provoking sermon on forgiveness, an act we often find difficult to do ourselves but are constantly grateful that God does readily all the time.
Date for your diary: Harvest Festival on 28th September. The service will be taken by Hyacinth Taylor. Packaged and tinned goods may be brought on the day to add to our harvest display.
After the service we will be providing a 'thrift' lunch, i.e. soup and dessert, reflecting the situation of those in our society with very limited means. Donations will be welcomed and all received will be sent to the Dunstable Food Bank run by the Trussell Trust, to help the growing number of people who depend on their support. To book a place for your FREE meal, please contact Graham Carter (see Focus for his contact details)
Source: Focus, August/September 2014
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Congratulations to the children in our church family for their excellent rendition of the story of Noah at our Sunday School Anniversary. We are so lucky to have such a super group of youngsters who have great confi dence and love to perform and be involved in our services. Our special thanks to our Sunday School leaders, Helen, Paul and Mike, and to our young helpers Rona and Jackie for all their commitment to making Sunday School so very special for the children.
Our cooks are to take a break during July, August and September but promise to be back on Saturday October 12th with Cafe Community from 11am to 1pm serving lite bites and beverages.
Cafe Worship will continue on the 2nd Sunday of each month as normal. July 14th led by Rev. Andy Melvin and August 11th led by Rev. Jenny Spouge. Everyone is welcome.
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Cafe Community Lite Lunches will start again on SATURDAY OCTOBER 13th from 11-00 am until 1-00pm. We invite you to join us for a friendly and relaxing time for just a coffee or tea or a lite lunch which ever you prefer. Our charity for any donations we are given, at our Lunches in October and November will be given to FARM CRISIS NETWORK whose Chaplain is Rev. Coralie McCluskey from St Mary's Church E.B. There will also be a table of knitted garments available for sale in October that some of the ladies from our Chapel have kindly made.
Cafe Worship on Sunday October 14th will be led by Belinda Freeman.
Source: Focus, October 2012
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Saturday Cafe Community will start again on February 11th from 11-00 am until 1-00pm, when we offer you the opportunity to pop in and enjoy a cup of coffee, a light hot lunch, newspapers to look through and friends old and new to catch up with. We have an Activity Area available so all ages are welcome, if you are free come along and join us, we can promise you a warm welcome. The Charity we are supporting for the next 3 months will be Luton Women's Aid Centre.
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our next Cafe Community will be held on Saturday December 10th from 11-00 am until 1-00 pm . The Charity to be supported will be Amnesty International in this their 50th Anniversary Year. The Theme will be "Do Human Rights Help Heal Human Wrongs?"
Some of our ladies have been busy making special handmade gifts for Christmas. These will be on sale at our December Cafe Community and all proceeds from the Craft Stall will be for our Chapel Maintenance Fund. What better way could there be to get the Christmas Shopping done than to do it locally, in friendly surroundings, with a coffee and a hot snack available.
During January we will not be holding Cafe Community but we will be having our Sunday Cafe Worship Service. We will recommence our Cafe Community on Saturday February 11th 2012 when our Charity to be supported will be Luton Womens Aid Centre. This will also be our Charity for both March 10th and April 14th Cafe Communities.
We do extend a warm welome to you to come along and relax, leaf through the newspaper and chat with friends old and new, enjoy a cup of real coffee and stay for a light hot lunch if you have time, that is Cafe Community.
Source: Focus, December 2011
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Cafe Community is back on Saturday October 8th from 11am until 1 pm. A warm welcome awaits you - so come along and meet up with friends old and new and enjoy a "lite" lunch or, if time is short, a cup of real coffee and a homemade biscuit.
During the October Cafe Community and the November one on the 12th we shall also have a Craft and Christmas Gifts Stall available. This proved to be very popular last year, an opportunity to purchase those special gifts. See you there!
Source: Focus, October 2011
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Garden Party was a great success despite the odd shower. Our thanks to all the folk who came along and supported us and to everyone who helped in any way, beforehand, during and after the event. A special thank you to James and Jane McFarland for the loan of their beautiful home and garden and for organising the day. The proceeds from the day have been sent to Help for Heroes.
As August is particularly busy in our Circuit this year we have some changes to our normal Service Plan as follows:
- Sunday August 7th at 10-30am we will have a Songs of Praise, organised by our Chapel members.
- Sunday August 14th at 10-30am we will join Edlesborough Methodist Chapel for a
- United Service with Communion.
- Sunday August 21st at 10-30am we will hold a United Service in our Chapel.
- Sunday August 28th at 10-30am we are invited to join Trinity Methodist Church in Leighton Buzzard for a United Service.
Our Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday September 25th at 10-30 am and be led by Mr Steve Jones and the members of our Sunday School. Following coffee after our Service we shall be serving our Harvest Lunch. To book a lunch please contact Graham Carter.
CAFE COMMUNITY will be starting again after our summer break on SATURDAY OCTOBER 8th from 11-00am until 1-00pm.
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Someone asked what happens at Cafe Community so I thought I should try to explain.
What to expect at Cafe Community.
A warm welcome to our Church.
A table host who will take your order for drinks and light bites.
A selection of Teas, Filter coffee - Black or Frothy, Cakes and Biscuits.
Light Bites - Jacket Potatoes with Cheese or Tuna Mayo. Sandwiches - Bacon, lettuce and Tomato.
A chance to chill out and look through the Newspapers.
An Activities table where the children are welcome to join in, while you keep your eye on them.
An opportunity for discussion with the folk around the table on the monthly " Chat Menu " topic.
"Chat Menu" for Saturday May 7th.
Theme : SAMARITANS.
Starter : What comes to your mind when you think about Samaritans?
Main (dis) Course : What examples have you of self or others being like a Samaritan?
Dessert : How might the world be different if the spirit of Samaritans spread?
Our next Cafe Community will be on Saturday May 7th from 11-00 am until 1-00 pm, you are assured of a special welcome.
This years Sunday School Anniversary will be held on Sunday May 22nd at 10-30 am and will be led by Mrs Jacqueline Stamp and members of our Sunday School.
Cafe Worship will continue on Sundays during the Summer but Cafe Community will take a break on Saturdays after May.
Date for your Diary; Saturday June 18th from 12.noon GARDEN PARTY at Chestnut Lodge. Leighton Rd. Gt. Billington. to raise funds for Help for Heroes.
There will be Ploughman's Lunches, Games and Stalls, Fun for all.
Source: Focus, May 2011
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our next Cafe Community will be held on Saturday March 12th from 11-00 am until 1-00pm. We invite you to join us for coffee, a hot snack and a chat with friends. All donations given will be shared between HELP THE HEROES and our CHURCH MAINTENANCE FUND. All ages are welcome.
Source: Focus, March 2011
Eaton Bray Methodist Chapel
Our Cafe Community in October was a great success at the new time of 11-00am until 1-00pm and the Light Bites Menu was very popular. We invite you to join us, relax, meet with friends old and new, enjoy coffee and biscuits or a jacket potato or a B.L.T. for a light lunch if you prefer.
Any donations from our November Cafe Community will be shared between Dementia UK, a Charity whose nurses, called Admiral Nurses, provide specialist support for any carer or sufferer of Dementia, and our Chapel Maintenance Fund.
There will also be a CRAFT STALL in our Chapel on Saturday 13th November and Saturday 11th December from 10-30am until 1-00pm with lots of excellent gifts for Christmas. An opportunity to shop locally, without the crowds and purchase those special Handmade gifts that seem so much more personal, with of course a welcome coffee or light bite at the end.
CAFE COMMUNITY
Saturday NOVEMBER 13th and Saturday DECEMBER 11th
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS
Source: Focus, November 2010
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our May Cafe Community was enjoyed by both our regulars and new friends. The “Cafe” was abuzz with laughter, music and friendly chatter. The newspapers were in great demand as folk looked at the varying reports on our Hung Parliament. There was even a fun topical Quiz on politics to muse over whilst enjoying coffee, a selection of teas, homemade biscuits,cakes and freshly made B.L.T.'s and sandwiches. The next Cafe Community will be held on SATURDAY JUNE 12th from 10-30am to 12-30pm and we extend a warm welcome to you to come and see what it is all about.
We are going to have a break after the June Cafe Community for the summer but watch out in Focus for the Autumn details.
Source: Focus, June 2010
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
After many months of consideration we have decided to make a few changes to our Worship pattern. Over the next 6 months we are are to try the following format.
- 1st Sunday in each month will be a Traditional Service.
- 2nd Saturday in April will be Cafe Community and the 2nd Sunday in each month Cafe Style Worship.
- 3rd Sunday in each month will be a Communion Service.
- 4th Sunday in each month will be an All Age Worship Service. This Informal morning will include our “Chapel Music Group” and Children's Activities. An enjoyable time for all.
- 5th Sunday in each month where applicable will be our United Service.
We do hope that this may appeal to the Community and promise that a warm welcome awaits. All Services start at 10.30 am.
Next Cafe Community Saturday April 10th 10-30am to 12-30pm.
Source: Focus, April 2010
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
A reminder that our Christmas Lunches will be served on Saturday December 5th and tickets are available from Graham Carter , 01525 220742. The proceeds from the event will go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. There will be stalls offering Christmas cards & paper, gifts and coffee and tea from 12. noon until 2.0pm. So if you cannot make lunch do come along and do a little early festive shopping and support this very worthwhile cause.
Christmas Services:
Family Carol Service. Sunday 20th December at 10.30am.
Christmas Day Family Service at 10.30am led by Hyacinth Taylor.
January Lunches will be served on Saturday 9th from 12.noon until 1.30 pm. February Lunches on Saturday 13th.
Source: Focus, December 2009
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Harvest week-end was a very special time. The concert by the Pasque Harmony Choir on the Saturday evening was excellent and enjoyed by a capacity audience. Our thanks go to all the Choir for their wonderful singing and to Graham Carter and John Mead for organising such a memorable evening. All proceeds from the evening have been given to the Keech Cottage Children's Hospice.
The Harvest Festival next morning was a happy family service with a guest appearance by Gary the goat, who brought along a birthday cake to share with us. At the request of the preacher, Roger Owers , many of the congregation came along with something that was “special” to them. It was amazing the variety of items that folk had, pictures, pebbles, shells, flowers, bonsai and even a tortoise to name but a few. To complete our celebrations we all sat down to a very tasty Sunday Lunch following morning worship.
Our special thanks to Pearl and all the people who helped with the catering etc and all our village friends that supported us. What a wonderful week-end!
November Lunches will be served on Saturday 14th from 12 noon until 1-30pm and our charity to be supported will be the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. Do join us and support this local charity.
Our Christmas Lunches will be served on Saturday DECEMBER 5th in 2 sittings, the 1st at 12noon and the 2nd at 1.00pm. We offer a full Christmas lunch, Christmas pudding and coffee or tea for £7.50. Tickets will be available from the 1st of November from Graham Carter on 01525 220742 or at our November Lunches. The Charity to be supported at this event will be the East Anglian Air Ambulance. A warm welcome awaits.
Source: Focus, November 2009
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
We are to re-start our Lunches, after our summer break, on Saturday October 10th. Lunches are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month and are served between 12.noon and 1-30 pm. We offer a choice of hot main dishes + a selection of hot & cold desserts + tea or coffee for a cost of £6.
Proceeds are divided between local and national charities and Chapel funds. We look forward to seeing our regular supporters and any new friends who might like to join us. On Saturday October 10th our chosen charity will be the Tigers Club, an organisation that works with the street children in Kampala in Uganda.
Source: Focus, October 2009
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
On behalf of the 10 o'clock Club I have been asked to say a special thank you to the many village folk who supported their Coffee Morning when £180-00 was raised for their special charities.
Despite the changeable weather on the day, our Cream Teas were well supported and a cheque for £1000-00 has been sent to the Gaza Appeal. This was a real Fun event enjoyed by all ages; thanks go to Jane, James and Nikki McFarland for all their hard work and excellent organisation and to all the members who helped tirelessly before, during and afterwards.
Our Harvest Celebrations begin with a Special Charity Concert in our Chapel on Saturday 26th September at 7pm which will feature” Pasque Harmony”. The proceeds from the concert are to benefit The Keech Cottage Children's Hospice and tickets are available from Graham Carter on 01525 220742 at a cost of £6.00. This promises to be a very special evening and is an excellent way to support this Children's Hospice. A warm welcome awaits.
The Harvest Festival Family Service will be on Sunday 27th September at 10.30am. Once again all tins and dried gifts will be given to Crombie House in Leighton Buzzard and donations given for the fresh produce. Following the success of last year we are to have a Harvest Lunch at 12.30pm on the Sunday and tickets will be available from Graham Carter on 01525 220742 from the 1st of September.
Source: Focus, August/September 2009
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
A reminder that our Sunday School Anniversary will be celebrated on Sunday May 10th at 10.30 am with a Family Service led by Ann Pape with our young people.
The following Saturday, May 16th our "Ten o' clock club" are holding a Coffee Morning from 10.00am until 12.00 noon in our School-room.There will be Cakes, Brica-Brac and Fancy Goods on sale and the proceeds are to be shared between Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and the Baby Scanner for the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, the groups current project.
Please join us for our CREAM TEAS on Saturday June 6th in Great Billington. We can promise lots of fun for all the family, in beautiful surroundings, lots of stalls and scrumptious cream teas and plenty of car parking. All funds raised are for GAZA.
Source: Focus, May 2009
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
A reminder that our monthly lunches will resume on Saturday October 13th and our Charity to be supported will be the Keech Cottage Childrens Hospice.
Our lunches are served from 12.00 noon until 1.30 pm on the 2nd Saturday of the month. We normally offer a choice of three hot dishes for main course and a selection of hot and cold desserts followed by tea or coffee. This is an opportunity to meet with friends old and new and also support various local and national charities. A warm welcome awaits.
November lunches will be on the 10th and our December ones on the 1st when we offer you the chance to do a little Christmas shopping and enjoy a full Christmas Lunch.
Source: Focus, October 2007
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Christmas Lunches and Bazaar were a great success. Thank you to everyone who supported us and our very special thanks go to all the organizers and helpers beforehand and on the day. A cheque for £500 has been sent to the "Special Appeal for the Iain Rennie Hospice at home and the balance to Chapel funds.
Once again our Carol Service was one of the highlights of our year. The Sunday School presented a play entitled "The Real Christmas" which was written by one of our young people Alex. Set in "Scroogeville" it told of a grumpy shopkeeper who overcharged all the customers and threw one out because he was odd and different. This particular customer didn't know what Christmas was about and hadn't heard of Jesus. Upset because he was not liked he stole other peoples presents but he was tracked down by an angry mob. In the midst of all the angry shouting a child taught them all the meaning of Christmas with this message:
Christmas is Gods love
For people on earth
The day that we celebrate
Jesus' Birth.
The play then ended with the traditional Nativity scene. Thank you and congratulations to all the Sunday School members and staff.
February Lunches will be served on the 10th from 12 noon until 1.30 pm and the charity to be supported will be Northall Age Concern.
March Lunches will be on the 10th from 12 noon and the charity on this occasion will be the Bethany Trust.
A warm welcome awaits you to join us at our lunches.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY; FRIDAY 4th of MAY. We are delighted to announce that Mr Len Rawle will be paying a return visit to our Chapel to entertain us with an evening of light music on his Yamaha Concert Organ. Once again this will be a joint promotion between Northall Age Concern and our Chapel with shared proceeds.
Source: Focus, February 2007
MP's bid to save marriage
South West Beds MP Andrew Selous will be in Eaton Bray on Friday evening delivering a talk about a local trust that aims to strengthen marriages and family relationships.
He'll be talking about the South Bedfordshire Community Family Trust, a voluntary group that he was involved in setting up.
Mr Selous said: "As a rough rule of thumb, I find that in my constituency surgeries about three or four of every constituency cases brought to me have relationship breakdown as the cause, whether the issue brought to me is about benefits, the Child Support Agency, housing or health.
"There is increasing evidence from around the UK and other parts of the world that programmes to help support and equip people to make a success of their marriages and family relationships are beginning to have an impact.
Mr Selous' talk will be to Eaton Bray Churches Together at 7.30pm at Eaton Bray Methodist Church.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 17 January 2007
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our November Lunches will be served on Saturday 11th from 12.00 noon until 1.30 pm. A warm welcome awaits friends old and new.
On Saturday December 2nd we are holding our Christmas Lunches and Bazaar. As usual there will be two sittings and they will be bookable in advance. Lunch tickets will be on sale from Graham Carter at our November Lunches. A variety of Festive Stalls will offer an opportunity for you to do Christmas Shopping without queues and the hustle and bustle in local towns. Do join us.
Source: Focus, November 2006
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
When Bill suffered his stroke we all hoped that his setback would be temporary, and indeed we rejoiced when later he felt well enough to come to the occasional service or Saturday Lunch, but sadly his recovery was not to continue. Over the years Bill had played such an important and active role in our Chapel's life and having a stroke must have been both devastating and frustrating in the extreme.
Bill was a splendid and inspiring preacher and many will remember his Sermons and "After Supper" speeches for their down to earth approach to life and wry humour. Although Bill was always laughing and joking, making merry quips, the life and soul of the party, he was solid as a rock in his faith and a fount of good and wise advice when needed. He was utterly reliable, an ideal Senior Steward and a very good friend to everyone at Chapel. We know that Jean and the family have had a most worrying time and pray that knowing her Church Family at Eaton Bray offer our love and support will comfort and help her.
A reminder that our Lunches will resume on Saturday 14th October at 12.00 noon and that we extend a warm welcome to you to join us.
Source: Focus, October 2006
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
A special thank you to everyone who helped to run and those who came along and supported our Garden Party and lunches in June. A cheque for £500 has been sent to the Bible Society - Four Homes of Mercy and the balance given to our Chapel maintenance fund. We are especially grateful to Jane, James and Nikki Mcfarland for organising and running the event in their beautiful home and gardens.
During June the Ladies of the Bright Hour held a week of celebrations to acknowledge the closure of their group. The Thursday meeting was led by our minister the Rev. Peter Dudeney and the ladies and their special guests then reminisced over a scrumptious afternoon tea. The following Sunday a special service was led by Mrs Joan Gregory with the help of the Bright Hour members. Thank you Kitty and all the ladies for the special times they have shared with us all.
A reminder that there will be a Pilgrimage around the Churches in the new Chiltern Downs Circuit on Saturday August 12th from 10.00am culminating with a picnic tea and a service at Edlesborough Chapel, contact either chapel for details.
Our Harvest Supper will be held on Saturday September 23rd . Please contact Chapel members for tickets and information.
Harvest Festival service will be on Sunday September 24th at 10.30 am. This will be a Family Service lead by Mr Bob Harris with the help of members of the Sunday School.
Monthly lunches will resume on Saturday October 14th at 12.00 noon until 1.30 pm, everyone will receive a warm and friendly welcome and a tasty meal.
We were very sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend Mrs Alice Patrick. She was a loyal member of our congregation and attended chapel as often as her health allowed. As with anyone in their late nineties, her health began to fail, but her mind continued to be as active as ever. Alice always had a ready smile of greeting and loved to know your news, taking a genuine interest in hearing about what you had been up to. Although small in stature she will leave a large gap at chapel and will be remembered with great affection by us all.
We extend our condolences to her family in their loss.
Source: Focus, August 2006
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
During the summer months our cooks and helpers are to take a well earned break. Our next Lunches will be served on Saturday October 14th from 12.00noon until 1.30pm. We look forward to seeing old friends again and hope new ones will join us.
Many will know that from September there will be changes to our local Methodist Circuits. We at Eaton Bray along with Edlesborough and Leighton Buzzard Churches are to join with the Dunstable and Area Churches to become the Chiltern Downs Circuit. On Saturday August 12th from 10.00am we are invited to go on a Pilgrimage and see the Churches in the new circuit. Eaton Bray Chapel will be open from 3.00pm until 5.00pm and we invite you to pop in and take a look around. The day will end with a picnic tea and a service at 6.00pm at Edlesborough Chapel. For further information please contact Jane McFarland or other Chapel members.
Source: Focus, July 2006
The Vicar's Letter, February 1964
My dear People,
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 12th, and we are planning to do two things this year. First, instead of the traditional mid-week services in church it is planned to hold meetings at 7.30 p.m. each Wednesday from February 19th in the Vicarage for prayers and discussion of vital Christian topics, beginning with listening to a short programme on sound radio.
Then on Sunday evenings, beginning on February 16th, I hope to arrange a special course with material provided by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. We would begin with shortened Evensong in church at 6 p.m. and then go over to the National School for the remainder of the programme, which would include film strips, recordings and materials for discussion. The title of the course is Raise the Cross. Its principle subject is Apartheid and its results for our fellow Christians in South Africa. Its aim is to bring a fuller understanding of what is involved in committing ourselves to Jesus Christ.
Lenten resolutions ought to be such as will help us to love and serve God and our fellow men better. One of the best things to give up is the selfish use of our spare time. I suggest to all Church people that they might consider these three:-
1 and 2. To go to Holy Communion and Evensong every Sunday in Lent.
3. To attend the discussion meetings each Wednesday at 7.30 p.m.
The purpose of Lenten resolutions is not to strengthen our willpower but to deepen our communion and fellowship with Christ and to enter into His sufferings. He did so much for us. Can we not do a little more to show our love for him?
Annie Bleaney, who died in hospital on January 12th, was one who loved her Master with true loyalty and devotion. Many will miss her. But we must never regret the dying of those whose faith in Christ assures them of everlasting joy and bliss with Him the other side of death.
Even the most assured of believers is liable at times to moments of doubt and depression. But our job is to hang on faithfully and to assert: "Yea, though He slay me, yet will I put my trust in Him."
God bless you all.
Your friend and Vicar,
PETER GRAHAM.
Source: Parish Magazine, February 1964, Page 4
The Vicar's Letter, January 1964
My dear people,
The week ending January 25th is set apart as a week of prayer for Christian Unity. And this year we are bound to be thinking particularly about the possibility of union between the Church of England and the Methodist Church, for we in the parishes and circuits have to declare our minds this year on the scheme put forward by the 12 Anglican and eight Methodist representatives who signed the report on the conversations between the two Churches which have been going on for the last seven years.
My own view is that there is such a lot that we still have to learn about our own beliefs and practices as well as those of our fellow Christians that we shall not be ready to give a properly considered opinion this year. On the other hand I know that we must do our best and give all the time we can to studying the problems and seeking to understand each other. The matter is of great urgency.
I have spent a lot of time studying the Report and in spite of the difficulties I believe we should go forward towards union on the basis laid down in it. The great obstacle is the Minority Report signed by four of the Methodist representatives. These four clearly represent a large body of Methodists; and it would seem very unlikely that people sharing their views would be happy to go through with the proposed scheme of union.
What then is likely to happen in 1965 when the Convocations of the Church of England and the Methodist Conference have to make their decisions? In the Convocations there would be an overwhelming vote in favour of going ahead providing the Methodist Conference found itself in the same position. But I would expect to see a large part of the Methodist Conference voting against the scheme. The Church of England would certainly not desire union with the Methodist Church is such union meant a split in Methodism. It would be far better to wait some years in the hope that further study and discussion might lead to agreement.
However we have to face the fact that the split in Methodism might take place if the scheme is rejected. Many members might join the C. of E. And this would be a tragedy. For the C. of E. needs reforming; and union with the Methodist Church would bring many reforms with it. We don't want to swallow the Methodists. They'd give us indigestion. We want union with them and with union reform.
A happy New Year to you all.
Your friend and Vicar,
PETER GRAHAM.
Source: Parish Magazine, January 1964, Page 4