Jill Stephens BLOG

7th March

2010-03-10T06:30:00.001-08:00

A visit to Stapleton Road (Bristol) for their 143rd church anniversary. An exciting multicultural congregation. The service included prizes given to the Sunday School by a local councillor.

6th March

2010-03-10T06:29:00.001-08:00

Christian Ministries Committee (No picture!).

28th February

2010-03-10T06:26:00.002-08:00

A visit to Rhiwderin, a church which has exchange visits with Kingswood Church (visited last week). They have also called a new pastor. (Dave seen on the right.)

24th February

2010-03-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

A meeting of the mission network in Nottingham. (No picture!)

February 21st - Kingwood Congregational Church

2010-03-10T06:22:00.001-08:00

A visit to a church which has a very increased congregation due to lots of new arrivals! Currently Kingswood is about to call a new pastor.

Friday 19th February

2010-02-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

A stunning drive down from Inverness past the Lochs back to Gloucestershire.

Thursday 18th February

2010-02-22T10:08:00.001-08:00

A drive to to Avoch Congregational Church (pronounced "Och!")with Malcolm Muir (chair of Congregational Federation in Scotland) to discuss future ministry there - a warm and welcoming church which is concerned to choose the right style of ministry.

16th Feb (continued)

2010-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Kittybrewster Church meets at the Powis community centre which includes Annie's cafe, dance and football sessions, and so much more.

Charlie, one of the people taking the local training course

15th - 16th February

2010-02-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Meeting, listening and learning about the Aberdeen churches and enjoying warm hospitality.

The "ecumenical" development at Cove and the need for an extension at their children's work.
The ministry at Potterton and Balmedie, Danestone and Woodside, which include so many children's activities.

Sunday Evening

2010-02-22T09:48:00.001-08:00

I drove north to Peterhead to bring greetings to the church there and to hear about exciting developments - new members and a Sunday School of twenty-seven, and a thriving cafe lunch club. Here Minister James McMillan enjoys after church fellowship.

Sunday 14th February

2010-02-22T09:43:00.001-08:00

I took part in the service in Perth Congregational Church after being welcomed by the Provost of Perth and Kinross Council John Hulbert.

An unexpected reunion with ex-members of Sandford Congregational Church (Devon) now living in Scotland.

Scottish visit Friday 12th February - 19th February

2010-02-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday 13th

A chance to hear how the Scottish area works as I attended their council meeting in Perth. It was interesting to see how they divided into Mission, Ministry, Finance, and children's work groups, and then resumed to report back.

Evening

I enjoyed high tea with office bearers and members from the Perth Congregational Church, and Minister Gordon Campbell.

February 8th

2010-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Dominican Republic (One Respe) team met at the Christian Aid office in London. It was great to meet up (together with Michael Heaney and Sandra Turner) and formulate plans for the forthcoming months to share our message with the Federation.
Please get in touch if you would like us to speak at your church.

February 7th

2010-02-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Visit to Chulmleigh (no photo again) Congregational Church.
A chance to worship in a church which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
The Church meets at 4pm - the Methodists use this building in the morning and often join the Congregational Church in the afternoon. The service is always followed by tea so it was food to share with the Chulmleigh folk.

January 31st

2010-02-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Visit to Narborough Congregational Church (sorry no photo).
An exciting and vibrant church with a dedicated team ministry which is working well.
Great to see a number of children and young families and to hear about new initiates particularly amongst children and in schools.

Tuesday 26th & Wednesday 27th January

2010-01-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas comes late to Sandford Congregational Church with a party for the children on Tuesday and one for the older folk on the Wednesday.

24th Jan - afternoon

2010-01-29T10:01:00.001-08:00

In the afternoon a visit to Newton Burgoland Congregational Church (Catherine Booton's other church). A small but enthusiastic congregation in a beautiful little building.

Sunday 24th of January

2010-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

A visit to Ashby-de-la-Zouch to take the morning service. Afterwards Robert (Catherine Booton's husband) with willing helpers cooked a delicious meal for thirty six people.

Tuesday, 12 January

2010-01-19T09:41:00.000-08:00

Having spent over a week with Prospery Raymond (Christian Aid's regional manager for Haiti)during my recent visit to the Dominican Republic, it is only too easy to imagine the desperation that will now drive even more Haitians into the DR. Those already there face the additional anguish of not knowing anything about the fate of their loved ones and the pain of their suffering. Onè Respe needs urgent resources if it is to have a significant impact within this unfolding human tragedy. Prospery himself (see photo) is safe although the Christian Aid office in Port-au-Prince has been destroyed.

Sunday, 3 January 2010

2010-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

Travelled on icy roads to take a 4 p.m. service at Dowlais (Merthyr Tydfil) Congregational Church, where a number of people braved the elements to join in worship. After a quick cup of tea, drove across the valleys to Pontypool - Emmaus Church (barely arriving on time) to take the 6 p.m. service followed by communion.

Sunday 6th December 2009

2009-12-09T09:38:00.001-08:00

The organist Peter Osborne and Minister Ian Jones preparing for worship.

After spending time at the Christmas Gofrit camp in Newcastle-Under-Lyme I went to Driffield Congregational Church on the Sunday Morning to take the morning service. After an enjoyable church lunch there was time to relax before the evening ecumenical prayer fellowship service. It was good to see the churches coming together to pray.

A photo of Minister Ian Jones taking a photo.

Sunday, 29th November 2009

2009-12-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

A visit to North Wales to Coedpoeth, to our only Federation Church there. An advent service and a chance to share a little of the Dominican Republic story. This church is struggling to stay open and would value your prayers for the future. It was lovely to see a full church for this occasion.

Tuesday 24th November 2009

2009-12-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

After arriving safely back from the Dominican Republic, on Monday 23rd November, I then went to London to take part in the Christian Aid A.G.M. which took place at Lambeth Palace.

Sunday, 22 November 2009

2009-11-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Our trip to the Dominican Republic comes to an end. Yesterday morning Prospery returned to Haiti and after dinner in the evening we said goodbye to Sophie. The two of them had organised and led a superb programme which has left us all with lasting memories and much to ponder. Yesterday morning was given over to a review and debriefing with the seven of us and Sophie. Today we have time for buying a few last gifts before flying out this evening.

In the picture with Jill are Catherine from Onè Respe and Prospery.

Friday, 20 November 2009

2009-11-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

We went out early this morning to see the opening of the border between Haiti and the DR. At Dajabon a river forms the border but it is not very deep so that people can easily walk across and we saw a few people evade the border authorities. When the border opened, many people flooded across from Haiti to buy and sell in the bi-national market in Dajabon. Our friends the monitors from Solidaridad Frontaleza were on hand to look out for any human rights violations by the border authorities. They took us through the market which spreads through many of the streets of Dajabon. We walked through the parts selling second hand clothes and shoes, with a few fruit and vegetables. This was quite a crush and a bit hazardous due to the motorbikes pushing through the mêlée.

Our bus trip back to Santo Domingo proved eventful to say the least. Prospery was refused entrance because, though he had a visa in his passport, he did not have a required stamp. While he and Sophie rushed off to the immigration office, our bus set off. Thank goodness for mobile phones by which we were able to follow their progress and to hear eventually that they were on a following bus. Our bus, meanwhile, passed through innumerable checkpoints, at the first of which two men, presumably Haitians, were discovered in the luggage compartment. Another man was twice hauled off and twice bribed his way back on again. It was 11pm before Prospery was reunited with the rest of us at our Santo Domingo hotel
And so ended our visits to the Christian Aid partners. Now our thoughts turn to the task of spreading the word through the Congregational Churches.

Thurs 19 November

2009-11-20T09:14:00.001-08:00

In the morning we moved on by a rather bumpy bus ride to Dajabon on the border with Haiti. After lunch we visited the office of Solidaridad Fronteriza, a Jesuit agency which works on issues related to migrants and local people on both sides of the border. Tomorrow we are to see the work of their monitors who record and report on human rights abuses at the border and in the binational markets where Haitians come to sell goods. We also heard how SF takes up 15-20 cases a month of abuse, beating and theft of goods by border officials in the courts on behalf of those on the receiving end. Like all the organisations we have seen they support the rights of migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent, as well as Dominicans in general.

All the group are well and learning so much each day. Please continue to keep us in your hearts during these last days as we work to consolidate what we have seen and heard.

Wed 18 November

2009-11-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Today we travelled to Santiago and spent the rest of the day with Onè Respé. The two highlights were having lunch with Catuxo and Natacha who founded OR and the evening worship. Catuxo told us the history of how OR came about and it was very inspiring. We also enjoyed delicious local food. At the end of our visit we presented a CF candle – there was a slight irony in this as one of the activities of OR is a workshop which makes candles.

We visited two community schools (see picture) during the day and in the evening we returned to one of these for an act of worship. This was notable for its lively and participatory worship which was led by several women. During the service many of the congregation commented on the reading from Luke’s gospel – the story of Zachaeus – and shared blessings they had received during the week. A man leaning in through the window shared his blessing with the congregation. We joined in the Lord’s Prayer and the Prayer of St Francis. We brought greetings from the Congregational Churches in the UK.

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

2009-11-19T09:41:00.001-08:00

Today we saw rural poverty in a remote area of eastern DR. We visited Batey Juan Sanchez - a batey is the place where the workers and families of a former sugar plantation live. The land which previously grew sugarcane is all around but is unused except for a few grazing cattle and the people of the batey have no access to it. We went with MUDHA, the Movement of Dominico-Haitian Women, though when we reached the meeting hall there were more men than women. One of them explained that it is easier for the women to get work, mainly as maids for rich Dominicans, and so the men are left looking after the family.
These people of the batey told us how the work of MUDHA had benefited them, particularly in areas of HIV and STD prevention, general health, and helping with ID papers. They reported the changing attitudes in the community and exampled the fact that young people are willing to be recognised as spreading information about HIV. MUDHA also provides people with vouchers which they can redeem at clinics run by another NGO, Pro-Familias, thus ensuring that they get early diagnosis and treatment, not only for HIV but for various cancers and other conditions.
It was very heartening to hear the personal testimonies of people from the community, men, women and young people.

Mon 16th.

2009-11-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

We are waiting for the minibus to arrive to take us to visit Centro Montalvo who are funded by CA to work on social policy issues and budget monitoring in the DR. It works with Community Based Organisations, networks and local government with the aim of achieving economic justice. P.m. we will visit One Respe working in Haina.

Please continue to pray for us - Geoff, Pippa (CA), Richard, Karen, Philip, Patrick, Jill (CF). N.B. DR is 4 hours behind the UK.

Our first visit was to the Centro Montalvo. Established by the Jesuits, its focus is on poverty and social policy and on Social Development. DR spends a smaller proportion of its national budget on health, education, housing, water and sanitation than almost any country in Latin America. With support from Christian Aid the Centre monitors the process of setting the budget with concern for greater participation by civil society groups, timeliness and, of course, allocation to social aspects. It has mobilised various groups to bring pressure on government, including university students and schoolchildren through a campaign called, in Spanish, “Where’s my money?” Local people are beginning to understand that they will not get improvement in local services if it is not in the budget.
They have had some success in getting more civil society participation in budget making and in putting pressure on politicians. More time has been gained for consultation before the budget is approved and some increased allocation has been made.
After a quick lunch we hurried on to the town of Haina to the west of Santo Domingo. Here Onè Respé works in a marginalized community of poor Dominicans, Haitians and Dominico-Haitians living on government land next to a power station. Here they are working to combat discrimination and racism as well as domestic and community violence and HIV. They provide help with education and health, particularly reproductive health. With the aid of Community Promoters, volunteers from within the community, they work through groups – women, young people and men. They run community schools. All of these involve mixed participation by Dominicans, Haitians and Dominico-Haitians. They have seen some success in terms of reduced domestic violence, obtaining identification papers, gaining better access to health services and children’s education.
In walking through the community we were struck by the poverty but also by the smiles of welcome. Karen soon had a group of young schoolgirls in tow, proudly clutching postcards of Ashby de la Zouch. Most houses lack sanitation, running water and electricity. Water must be bought from tankers. Rosa, one of the promoters took us to see her house. Built of concrete blocks it was a step up from the many flimsy wooden houses. Onè Respé has helped build some better houses.
We were humbled by the welcome were received from people with so little and by the courage of those who work in such difficult situations, often having to confront discrimination and violence. Our two visits highlighted how CA is supporting the fight against poverty at both the national and the grassroots level.

Nov 15th.

2009-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

We met up early on Sun morning and after breakfast we had a chance to hear from Sophie what our itinerary will be; also at first hand the challenges of the DR and Haiti. We heard about the work of the CA partners and what projects we will be visiting. After church we had a chance to explore the old city of Santo Domingo but are now awaiting impatiently for Monday to arrive to start the reason for our visit.

Nov 14th.

2009-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

We arrived safely but tired in Santo Domingo on Saturday evening after a long flight. The heat hit us as we left the airport after being met by Sophie (Dominican Republic CA) and Prospery (Haiti CA).

9th November

2009-11-12T12:38:00.001-08:00

The Bishop of London unveils a plaque to Dietrich Bonhoeffer the German martyr who was executed in 1945, aged 39.

8th November - evening

2009-11-12T12:34:00.001-08:00

Evening service at Emmaus Chapel, Pontypool - how encouraging to receive six people into membership. Pray for that little fellowship as they begin new initiatives including a new Sunday School.

8th November - afternoon

2009-11-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

No camera!

A lovely Remembrance Service taken by Paul Stephens (no relation) the talented young organist who played and led the service.

8th November

2009-11-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Berkeley Union Church - Remembrance Service.

Friday 6th November - Sunday 8th November

2009-11-12T12:24:00.001-08:00

Gofrit Leaders' training weekend which included looking at the new Growing Disciples material.

1st November

2009-11-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

Union Chapel - what an amazing place! I never thought I would have the chance to preach here. I was very interested not only in the Arts project but also that after the service there would be a 150 homeless people sitting down for a meal in the building.

31st October

2009-11-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry no camera but I was at an important meeting of the leaders of CF Youth and Gofrit.

25 Ocotober Musselburgh Congregational Church

2009-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I went east to Edinburgh and then took the service at Musselburgh. A warm welcoming church who are now looking for a new minister as the previous minister has just retired after 42 years of ministry. We enjoyed a church lunch together.

20th October - 25th October - Scotland

2009-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

During the week I spoke to the Tuesday Evening ladies group and Thursday Afternoon ladies group at Knightswood, and introduced belleplates (a type of hand bell).

There was also a chance during the week to see the work of the church and its community involvement. I was even present at their council meeting to really find out how the church operated. The minister Alan Gibbon spent much of his valuable time with me to make a very worthwhile visit.

The Scripture Union Group which Alan takes in the local primary school.

An informal meeting of local congregational ministers.

18th October - Camarthen

2009-10-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Friends from Haverford West Congregational Church joined the Camarthen Congregational Church for the morning service. It was a chance for me to meet their minister Rev. Elwyn John and to chat to Rev. Chris Gilham about the Welsh Churches.

17th October - Bow Congregational Church

2009-10-26T13:56:00.001-07:00

The Ordination Service for Colin Smallacombe was an inspiring occasion. The Reverend Dr Richard Cleeves as a representative of the training board carried out the ordination.

Greta White the Secretary of the South West Congregational Churches welcomed Colin.

14 October - Ide

2009-10-26T13:49:00.001-07:00

A meeting over coffee with the members of the Ide Congregational Church when a useful conversation about all types of Congregational Federation matters took place.
Later we had lunch together in a pretty Devon pub. A worthwhile visit.

Sunday 11th October - continued

2009-10-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

A chance to see the house church at Uppingham and chat to Peter and Trish Damen and hear about their plans.

Sunday 11th October

2009-10-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

A harvest service at Oakham with a choir taking part, tea followed. A beautiful little church in the middle of the town with so much potential.

9th - 11th October

2009-10-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Big Church Weekend at Hothorpe Hall was enjoyed by 60+ people.

Two of the teenagers showed some of the skills learnt from Steve the Juggler

The story telling group took part in the final worship

Tuesday 6th October

2009-10-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wickwar Congregational Church ladies joined the Kingswood (Wotton) ladies bright hour. A lovely tea was enjoyed by all.

Sunday 4th October - Hawkeridge

2009-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Tea with the Church at Hawkeridge followed by a service. The little group there are working hard to put in water and toilets but are very enthusiastic and positive.

27th September part 2

2009-10-02T04:28:00.001-07:00

Back to Church Sunday and a chance for Sandford Congregational Church to show off their new refurbished building, and welcome five new people to the service.

27th September part 1

2009-10-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

Harvest festival at Southam Congregational Church, which also included a parade service. It was good to see a full church.

26th September

2009-10-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

Mission & Society Committee (I forgot my camera!)

20th September

2009-10-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

A wonderful and inspiring service when Helen Deane was ordained at the Signing Church in Scarborough. The Church gave her a Bible to mark the occasion.

19th September

2009-10-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Christian Ministries Committee

17th September

2009-10-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

A meeting of the group visiting One Respe in the Dominican Republic. We met at the Christian Aid office. Please pray for Geoff, Pippa, Karen, Patrick, Philip, Richard, and Jill as we prepare to go out to the D.R. in November. Have a look at the latest information about the Congregational Federation Appeal.

Tuesday 15th September

2009-09-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

In order to promote Back to Church Sunday, we decorated a double decker 'bus, and drove it around several churches in the area. Not only were we able to meet the members and supporters of the churches, but we caused quite a stir driving along the M5 and through various towns.

Our first stop was at Cheltenham Highbury Congregational Church, where the toddlers group meeting at the church that morning boarded the 'bus and sang 'the wheels on the bus go round and round' and posed for this photo with members of the Church.

Our second stop was at Cam 3C Community Church in Gloucestershire, where the 'bus was invaded once more, and one local resident drove past us a few times wondering whether we were up to no good before coming to chat to us - it turns out he knew John, the driver and owner of the 'bus.

The Back to Church Sunday bus made its final stop at Taunton North Street Congregational Church. As the church is in the centre of the town, we were able to take to the pavement outside the church to invite passers-by back to church. The local paper came to take a photograph of the 'bus and members of the church, all of which should help remind people of Back to Church Sunday, which takes place this year on Sunday 27th September.

Sunday 13th September

2009-09-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I led the morning service at Hay Mills when many of the folk from the residential home next door joined us.

Sunday afternoon. A chance to experience a church set in the heart of the Asian community. Ladypool Road Congregational Church in Birmingham had an informal worship time and then I told them about some of my presidential experiences so far. In turn I heard about some of the projects there including the successful shop which serves a number of needs. It was quite an experience as it was currently the Islamic month of Ramadan and many crowds thronged the streets.

Saturday 12th September

2009-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hay Mills D.C.F (Disabled Christian Fellowship) had a meeting with the theme of the lost sheep.

Jim Simpson the Pastor at Hay Mills Congregational Church discusses with two helpers the morning meeting which included drama singing crafts Bible reading and a short talk. A new venture and a lovely ministry.

Wednesday 9th September

2009-09-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

A trip to Corfe Castle, in Dorset, to take an afternoon meeting at the Congregational Church. A chance to meet new and old friends over tea and enjoy fellowship.

Weekend September 5th/6th

2009-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

A very exciting weekend for the folk at King Street Congregational Church Newcastle Under Lyme as they celebrate 150 years of the present building. On Saturday the church was open to view records of the church's history and look at a lovely display of wedding dresses worn over the years. They were thrilled with the numbers who dropped in.

Hilary, the church secretary, talks to one of the many people who made this weekend possible.

On Sunday I led the morning's worship when a beautiful banner was dedicated. It had been made by a group of ladies from the church depicting 'Revelation' to balance one already in place on the other side of the church of 'Genesis'.

On Sunday evening there was a wonderful songs of praise when we sang favourite hymns chosen by individuals who explained why they had chosen them. Many people who had had associations with the church joined in this celebration. I am sure there will be a fuller account in The Congregationalist!

A Day in Ipswich - August 30th

2009-09-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

Hatfield Road Congregational Church

Jenny Haggar serves coffee to the Congregation after the service. We were joined by the Congregation from St Clement's Church and other local people. Remember Jenny on her ordination day Saturday October 10th.

Gillian Lester Brown (Minister of St Clement's) and Jenny on the steps of her church.

In the afternoon I was warmly and graciously welcomed at the service of the Worship Jesus Ministries who share the Hatfield Road building. Lively worship included dance and Bishop Art blowing the shofar. I spoke for almost the allotted 45 minutes!

12th-16th August Gofrit Camp at Haverford West

2009-08-24T03:00:00.001-07:00

One of the days was spent at the CWM conference Window on the World.

Helping out with litter picking around the church and community.

Enthusiasm and fun.

More litter picking!

9th August

2009-08-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

A visit to Manchester to the church at Walkden to take their morning service. They are wondering about the future as they miss Sandra and John Turner who have now moved to Dorset.

2nd August to the 8th August

2009-08-10T03:20:00.001-07:00

A quick visit to the Churches of Christ in Malawi to see whether we can continue our partnership with them. I saw what some of our donations have achieved and also the work of people like David Kinchen.

Lots of listening and talking

And eating and drinking!

August 1st and 2nd

2009-08-10T03:17:00.001-07:00

I spent the weekend at the Stambourne Congregational Church where after a fund-raising activity for Samaritans Purse on Saturday I welcomed a new member into church membership at the Sunday morning service. What an encouraging moment!

26th July

2009-08-10T03:14:00.001-07:00

The open door of the Beer Congregational Church, Devon. Always open for visitors to come in and appreciate the little fishing village church.
I took the service on the Sunday morning and later on shared pictures of my presidential year so far.

Sunday 19th July

2009-07-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

Barry Osborne talking to some of his members at Yelvertoft after the morning service.

Later Barry and I took the evening service at Market Harborough.

Saturday 18th July

2009-07-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Talking about my job as Church support worker at Yelvertoft - having been joined by others from local churches

July 14th

2009-07-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cawsand's weekly coffee shop - The local policeman knows it is a good place to meet villagers.

July 12th evening

2009-07-23T07:36:00.001-07:00

The two Cornish Congregational Churches meet and discuss Tregony's refurbishment after the evening service.

July 11th

2009-07-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

The night before they hosted a 'bangers and beans' evening for family and friends.

July 12th

2009-07-23T07:28:00.001-07:00

6 youngsters from Cawsand celebrate a very important weekend.
One became a full church member and two became junior members.
One was baptised and two declared their faith in God.
They called their service C2G (Closer to God).

Thursday 9th July

2009-07-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

Members of Haverfordwest Congregational Church meet for a quiet day to learn and reflect at the Ffald-y-Brenin Christian Retreat Centre set in the glorious countryside of Pembrokeshire.

Everyone joins in an ice breaking exercise

The Reverend Chris Gilham looks on.

Tuesday 30th June

2009-06-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

2 days in London. VERY HOT. The Big Conversation - a dialogue on Peace Making and conflict with a panel of experts debated the role of faith in peace making.
Speakers included Lord David Trimble, Canon Andrew White (Vicar of Baghdad) and Paul Boateng. Reception and dinner in the evening in Westminster Central Hall.

Monday 29th June

2009-06-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

Stalbridge CC has been served very well in the last 2 years by local preachers - many of whom are accredited Methodist preachers. It was a chance to say thank you to them - with a short service followed by some wonderful refreshments!

Sat June 27th

2009-06-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

On a very hot day in Oxford, attending a Commemoration Service at Mansfield College Chapel - celebrating and honouring 123 years of Theological Education and Training for ordained ministry. (Which has now come to an end). Richard Cleaves read the Gospel Reading.

Wednesday June 24th

2009-06-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Way Village, Devon
A meeting of one of our most rural Churches - a little Church reaching out into their community with great vision. (At one time at looked as if this Church might close - please pray for them).

Sunday 21st June

2009-06-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Baptism at Dowlais Congregational Church. The family and friends joined the Church for the happy occasion.

Baby plus headless parents and godfather (Photography is not one of my gifts).

Saturday 20th June

2009-06-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

A privilege to chair the induction service for William Gayden as Mission Leader at Kingswood (Bristol) Congregation Church.

William with deacons together with Barbara Bridges who gave the address.

Stalbridge and Longney

2009-06-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

31st May - Pentecost. I took the anniversary service at Stalbridge, Dorset which included remembering the year that has gone but also asking the Holy Spirit for the year ahead. (Next year will be the 140th Anniversary of the present building but the church was there at least 150 years before).

On the same day I journeyed on to Longney, Gloucestershire to enjoy another service which included communion.

N.B At Longney 14th June 3pm Martin Evans with the choir from Highbury
21st June the Jigsaw Choir , why not support these occasions if you can if you are in the area?

2009-06-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Friday 5th June

Whit walk at Uppermill - a tremendous experience.

The Chapel gathers

Marching through the town - joining up with all the other churches.

Gathering on the field with over 2000 people for an ecumenical service

Taking part - reading from Corinthians .

A bring and share lunch.
Being with the church in the evening as they open up as an 'alcohol free zone' as the famous brass band competition takes place - a really important outreach activity and hearing about their vision for the future

Sunday 7th June

Taking service with communion at Uppermill.

Sunday afternoon 'dropping' in to a service at Brierley Green, Buxworth taken by Brian Grist

Tea to follow a very warm welcome.

A new disabled toilet (They are very proud of it)

Monday 8th June

A day at Chinley with Edmonde - time to talk and visit the toddler group.

Dorothy is an important part of the group. Hearing about the success of 'Messy Church' and future plans for the hall.

Monday evening

Just being with Charlesworth Church at their Church meeting - again not only hearing about the day to day running of the church but also about hopes and visions.

Tuesday 9th

A day at Golborne with David and Edith Isaacs to see their soft play area.

Lovely to hear it all started when a small church saw that it was something they could do as a outreach activity. A busy happy day with mothers (and grandfather) enjoying the facility.

Church ladies supplying refreshments and lunches!

The day finished with the North West Executive meeting at Walkden.

Wednesday 10th.

After a quick visit to Chinley - made my way back down the M6!

June 13th

Meeting of Congregational Federation Ltd in Nottingham.

June 14th

A chance to travel three miles up the road to North Nibley for their evening service. They took advantage of a visiting minister to lead their communion service!

Paul Stephens who was playing at Harrogate leads with the Congregation.

Dulverton

2009-06-01T04:19:00.001-07:00

On 24th May - one of the hottest days of the year I went to the beautiful village of Dulverton on the edge of Exmoor. My service at the Congregational Church included my presidential address with ministers Basil and Elizabeth being very convincing "interrupters".

A very appetising Church lunch followed with a chance to meet a very welcoming and warm fellowship more informally

I just had time for a quick visit so see Elaine Marsh, now 93, and one time minister at Chulmleigh Congregational Church (a friend of Elsie Chamberlain's)

Later in the afternoon we joined the Anglicans for a Rogationtide visit to a local farm, the home of the Thomas-Everard family. We asked God's blessing on the different parts of the farm and on the farming community. We also learned a great deal about all the problems facing farmers at this time.

17th of May Trudoxhill

2009-06-01T04:16:00.000-07:00

The Good Companye from Dorset entertains in Trudoxhill, Somerset with a wonderful selection of sacred music. Led by Francesca Murray the group is accompanied by well known pianist Elaine Korman
and includes an opera singer, Pietro, who has sung at Covent Garden.
More about Trudoxhill Congregational church later.

What's happening in Harden?

2009-05-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

I asked Liz Maitland, Minister at Harden, about the church. Liz gave me a leaflet about church activities, which I've copied below. She also told me about their celebration weekend flower festival which they're holding on the 13th & 14th June. There are 23 flower displays, put together by local organisations and businesses as well as the groups which use the church. Coffees and lunches on the Saturday, from 10 to 4, quiet meditation on Sunday morning, then an anniversary/ordination service at 3pm. If you're in the area, please do go along and support them.
Jill

Harden Regular Activities:
Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30-11:30
We enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a mixture of modern and more traditional styles of worship. The first part of the service particularly seeks to include the children.

All ages are invited to celebrate the Lord’s Supper during the morning service on the first Sunday of each month.

Junior Church
The children who attend church stay in the service for the first twenty minutes or so then go to the lounge where they enjoy Bible based activities suitable for their age. These include games, crafts, stories, drama, music and prayer time.

All Age Worship
On the third Sunday of each month, both adults and children stay in church to worship together. These services often include activities, quizzes, drama and modern songs to help present the message of God. Not just aimed at children, these services seek to bring something fresh and challenging to everyone.

Church Lunches
After some All Age Services many of the congregation stay and have a cooked lunch together in the lounge. This is a good time to catch up with news and chat with friends.

Pilots—Sundays 18:00-19:00 (Term Time)
Pilots is a group for children aged 7 to 12. Their activities include games, crafts, drama and projects.

The Ark—Sundays 19:30-21:00 (Term Time)
This is a discussion based group for teenagers. The young people like to talk about issues that affect them and explore the Bible together. They regularly plan and lead services as well as organising charity events. This is all done over cups of tea and lots of biscuits!

Bible Study
These sessions are Bible based discussions which tackle a wide range of topics. The members of the group take it in turns to host the discussions and aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions. Sometimes they even manage to find answers to them!

Prayer Circle
The prayer circle is made up of a number of the congregation who are dedicated to praying for those in need. Requests are received from many sources and for all sorts of situations. Requests are passed round the group to ensure the power of prayer is maximised.

Monday Club
Held on the first Monday of each month, this is evening’s entertainment, usually with a speaker or someone demonstrating an interesting skill. It is informal and there is no need to join, but just turn up when the subject is of interest. Look out for posters around the village to see what’s coming up next.

Photos of Harden

2009-05-15T23:16:00.001-07:00

Four more photos of our visit to Harden, taken by my brother Roger

Harden visit

2009-05-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

The day after the May Assembly, I travelled over to Harden in West Yorkshire, where Gofrit were in mid camp, to join in the morning service. And I wasn't the only one - past (and future) Presidents of the Federation were in abundance!

Jill

Harrogate

2009-05-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

What an encouraging day for all of us.

Thank you to everyone who put a comment on the 'talent' board. We will be collating them and publishing a general overview on this blog soon.

Please continue to invite me to your churches. Pre-Christmas, most Sundays are already booked but I am more than happy to come mid-week and join in your weekly activities.

And do put your comments on this blog so the rest of the Congregational world can hear them.

Jill

2009-04-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dear friends
When I was asked to write a “president elect profile”, I wrote: - For the past ten years I have worked as the church support worker for the South West area. I have been privileged to sit with many churches and respond to their concerns and aspirations. Many of our Federation churches need and deserve encouragement and help. I would love to have the chance to be that encourager and enabler, and use a presidential year to visit as many churches as possible – offering practical help and suggestions.
Perhaps a visit might enable some churches to reconnect with their communities? Experience has convinced me that there are positive ways forward for all our churches. Please give me the opportunity as your president in 2009, to be that envisioner. “Without vision the people perish”.
I have been given your vote of confidence and am now ready to put my pledge into action. I am unable to do this, however unless I received an invitation from your church. I would love to meet with as many of you as possible attend a church meeting, a children’s group or any other church grouping or maybe take a service. However just sitting over a cup of coffee and having the opportunity to talk about your fears, problems, hopes and dreams would be such a privilege. Please give me that opportunity – I would love to meet YOU and YOUR CHURCH.