As Anna puts it " Coming here (Steeds Farm in Faringdon) is like stepping into a parable....it's a meditative experience."
Having just marked its 5th birthday, Exploring Faith in Nature is a delightfully unique gathering amidst the picture postcard setting of a farm in Faringdon, Oxon.
Tracey and Anna came up with the idea and they're on the podcast to tell you their story and that of those who immerse themselves in the beauty of God's world. This is pioneering the the Nth degree!
Kingsthorpe Community Church are ( like many others ) in the throes of planning their Christmas Fayre and we're so pleased that Catherine Bruce has let us in on some of those planning secrets and what people can expect from it.
And who doesn't like some joy, especially when it comes in generous dollops?! Rev'd Sue Jacobs is here for a joyous update; you have to listen as it's always thought provoking and funny!
Three compelling conversations, three subjects underpinned by faith and Methodism.
Rev'd Kim is with us to give you a great overview of Gifted and how it fits into your church once we start to approach Christmas. Her explanation will be really helpful and there's always the District website, where you can read more and download all the relevant documents.
Please do remember there are some small grants available; we want you to be encouraged and try something new.
" Reflected in Nature, Finding God in the created world " is a brand new book by Claire Daniel and is illustrated by Jamie Poole and we're talking about it in this podcast. Discover all about its aims and how Claire was inspired to write it and of course you'll hear about Jamie and the way he created the beautiful artwork.
How many times do you base a chat on something that happened 300 years ago? Well that's what we're doing in this episode. Have a listen to Rev'd Richard Atkinson , who speaks with great insight about John Wesley's visit to Fleet Marston in 1725 and speculates on what Wesley would say to us today.
He's been known as " The Maestro " for a long time and he tinkles the ivories for us right at the top of this episode. Lincoln Noel will be entertaining Methodists at the forthcoming 100th anniversary celebrations - it promises to be a glorious occasion!
Rev'd David Speirs is on hand to put some more detail on this set of celebrations, the importance of its pioneering history and how it sits with Our Story, Our Song and the new Connexional year.
" The Dollop of Joy " feature is launched by Rev'd Sue Jacobs and as Sue still has to pinch herself that she's going God's work in West Oxfordshire, she's here to impart her joys and yours.
Melvina Brown continues to co ordinate some great work in Overstone and she's with us to talk about this Summer's highlights and what it means to have a new gazebo.
The FEAST creative mindfulness group meets every month in Wellingborough Methodist Church. A project introduced by Rev'd Kim Shorley and supported by people like Wendy ( who leads the group ), they use Bible passages as the inspiration and catalyst for some stunning artwork.
Wendy and Melissa tell the story of the group, their experiences and the kinds of outcomes and friendships that have been formed there.
Rev'd Sue Jacobs is a Probationer Presbyter in the West Oxfordshire circuit and we're very glad to have her as a guest on the podcast to talk about the rewards, challenges and out and out joy in her role. She certainly conveys what she calls "dollops of joy".
We've also news of a meal and entertainment at Park Avenue Methodist Church and a nod to the upcoming Greenbelt Festival.
One person thankful for their new role and a group of people being thanked for their part in community cohesion.
Matt Forsyth is now Vice President of the Methodist Conference and in this episode tells us about his view of the role, how he aims to fulfil what it requires and where the hope and optimism lie.
It's a two part conversation and sat right in the middle are a collection of wonderful stories from New Parks Methodist Church in Leicester.
Men's Sheds is a voluntary charity group that aims to create a safe space for the community to allow people to refurbish tools, do some gardening or work on their own projects. Or just a place to meet others and socialise.
They have supported those with depression and suicidal thoughts and helped turn lives around; to bring direction and meaning.
They were one of the groups thanked at the " One Big Thankyou " event hosted by the church and what a lovely occasion it was. A celebration of a truly diverse and caring community, it honoured so much wonderful work and volunteering and One Voice takes up the story, starting with Justin Moulder.
Make sure you listen out too for a couple of important events coming up this month ( July ) and support them if you can.
Trinity Methodist Church, Oadby was the place where Spring Synod converged in May and it asked " Where is the love? "
One of the key talking points and illustrations of lived experiences centred around being single in the church. How are those without a spouse or partner treated and in what ways can we make them feel more included, more welcome? You can sample a little of the presentation by Rev'd Miriam Moul.
The Christian Literature Festival in Great Missenden is almost at hand and we're proud to be able to speak to Jonny from St Andrews bookshop about this stimulating event.
Do try and get there if you can.
The Rev'd Nathan Falla of Rugby Methodist Church Centre is also with us as he reads a special prayer he wrote for Pride Month.
It was 4 years ago that the Methodist Conference adopted the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity.
It's an initiative that affirms our commitment to the rich diversity of people within the Methodist Church and ( amongst other things ) a profound change in the culture, practices and attitudes of the Methodist Church so that all Methodists are able to be full participants in the Church's life.
Janet and Regina from the JDS Group, who are also members of the Rugby Methodist Church Centre are our main guests on the podcast.
Please do have a look here for information and resources.
The Group would love you to join them in their key work.
We'll also meet Paul, who works at Cafe Emm once a week. It's based within Emmanuel Church and has such a lovely, community led ethos.
Hear his story.
Every single story, every conversation signals a new start.
Kingsthorpe Methodist and Kingsthorpe Baptist Church are now formally and inextricably linked. Their LEP is fully up and running and they marked it with a memorable and joyous celebration service in the middle of March. The podcast aims to bring you some of the views and experiences from that service.
We talk about characters, tradition, friendships and cake ( of course! )
The fabulous layworkers event ReNew came round again and One Voice was there to reflect what went on at St Andrew's church. Listen to Rev'd Dr Sonia Hicks and Abi Jarvis, who had some interactive and deep rooted lessons about the journey of one's faith.
Eco Church is doubtless something you'll be familiar with and Jo Godfrey from Wesley Memorial church in Oxford stops by to talk about their gold award and how they set about it.
It's a moment that not so long ago seemed far off. Kingsthorpe Methodist and Baptist Churches are about to celebrate their local ecumenical partnership ( LEP ). Rev'd David Spiers talks to the podcast about the impending celebration service and what the path to this point has been like.
Spectrum are a really interesting organisation and Rob Hufton belongs to it and is behind a conference that will be held in Northamptonshire. " Wounded Wisdom " is totally unique and Rob talks to One Voice about the motivations behind the conference and what you'll experience.
Plus we catch up with Wilhelmina Tan, who is covering Naomi's role as Digital Enabler for Northampton District. You'll hear about the training she's running and how the church can get fresh eyes on what it's doing.
The Hope Centre in Northampton has just held their annual sleep out and thanks to Kyra Williams, the first hand accounts of those who took part are featured in this episode.
Queensgrove Methodist Church was a past host for their winter night shelter, so it's great to hear more about Hope's ongoing work and how it supports those without a home.
Meanwhile in Overstone, a new wave of discipleship is about to launch. Mel Brown tells us about the ideas, enthusiasm and commitment that's needed to make this yet another success story in that area.
It may be February, but panto season isn't over. Not a bit of it! Victoria Summers is with the podcast to talk about Aladinn : The True Story and how you can see it at St Andrew's church in Duston. How does she find the time to write, direct and perform in it???
Leading the Northampton District with her energy and wisdom is the ( relatively ) new Chair, Rev'd Sonia Hicks.
Steeped in Methodisim, which has taken her around the globe, Sonia is such an open and effusive person.
She has a huge amount of experience, which includes being a past President of Conference.
Here she talks about her story, what she's learned and how she views her tenure as Chair of the District.
Helen Stephens is from A Rocha UK, the organisation behind Eco Church. She's here to set out their christian conservation work, what drew her to be such a champion of the environment and how YOUR church can support and cherish the planet.
Hear too from Ann Atkin over in Astcote in Northamptonshire - the chapel she attends recently reached it's 150th birthday and Ann is keen to tell its story and how her family are inexorably linked to it.
Given that we started off with a mystery - it's only right that we solve it and right near the end of the episode, not only will there be a resolution, but her work in the community will be brought bang up to date.
It was a weekday in unassuming Whittlesey in Peterborough. At the Leaders Lunch in the local Methodist church, one American gentleman spoke words of defiance and implacability.
" I didn't sign on to watch the KIngdom of God wither away ", was the first thing Paul Nixon said to this podcast. He's an author and ordained Minister and was there to talk about the ideas and actions in his book " I refuse to lead a dying church. " Paul means business, as you'll find out.
The Torch Trust do some inspired, heart warming and vital work. Supporting worshippers with sight loss and other sight based challenges is their main purpose. They do that and so much more and we're really pleased to speak with their Chief Exec Sarah Dawkins.
You may recall some months ago that we covered the forming of a new LEP ( Local Ecumenical Partnership ) between Kingsthorpe Methodist Church and Kingsthorpe Baptist Church - well, we have an update. Kingsthorpe Community Church, as they're now known, have just held a Coming Together day. Catherine Bruce is with us to explain how it was done and what the outcomes were.
....and so much more! The District's Mission Team Leader, Matt Forsyth takes the road to Oxford and shines a light on the wonderful work of the Rose Hill Community Cupboard. Matt's the person to get in touch with about grants - his email is matt.forsyth@northamptonmethodistdistrict.org.uk
Sue Padington gives a lovely account of her worship and crafting at King Richard Court in Northampton and what her imminent plans are.
Plus there's the story of 3Gen from the Youth President Bea Hulme. If you need an upbeat story of innovative mission and fellowship, this is the one.
We'll also let you in on the details of an upcoming jumble sale and the first ever administrator's day within the District.
Holy Habits is described thus:
"....a way of life for those exploring or already actively living out the call of Jesus to ‘follow me’. It is a way of life for all ages and cultures; a way of life based on Luke’s portrait of the community of followers of Jesus that we see in Acts 2:42–47; a way of life that nurtures whole-life, missional discipleship; a way of life that, when lived faithfully day by day and fruitfully both personally and collectively, encourages others to join the adventure of following Jesus." ( credit - Holy Habits website )
In this episode, Andrew Roberts, it's author explains how he approached the writing and why it was important to him. You'll also hear how one circuit is implementing the course - Rev'd David Spiers and Jenny Brooks join us for a chat.
Plus there's a wonderfully inspiring look back at the Connexional year by Matt Forsyth of the District Mission Team.
Naomi is part of the Mission Team as the Digital Enabler and we're really glad to hear that she'll be coming on the podcast now and again to let you know about the positive outcomes, ideas and plans for the district.
Dine and Divine is an ongoing success in Northampton and we're joined by Penny Clark to tell the story of how it runs and the buzz they're creating in a local pub!
One Voice also hears from Rev'd Richard Hardy, Director of The Entheos Trust - I think you'll be really interested to discover their raison d'être.
Mission Team Leader Matt Forsyth summarises conference so far and reports from Leeds.
Also attending is Holly Adams and she's speaking at the next ReNew event in Northamptonshire on 23rd July.
She has an amazing approach to the kinds of conversations that the church needs to be having. You'll also be astonished at the breadth of national events attended by the Methodist Church.
There's also an insider's look at the annual fundraiser held by the Leeson household for Christian Aid. We speak to one of the stallholders and a young person who was waiting on tables in the pouring rain!
Sienna, who works for JPIT and is an intern within the Houses of Parliament describes the way she sees how Jesus engaged with people. Radical is perhaps a word you haven't thought of, but her explanation will get you thinking.
We're so pleased to have Sienna as a guest - it was one of our listeners who read her blog on Emily Davison the suffragette - she'll also tell you more about this dynamic and incredible woman.
Also in this episode :
7th Northampton Boys Brigade recently turned 100 years old and Steve Dickinson and Brian Thorpe are on hand to tell that story and what it means to generations of young men.
Matt Forsyth guides you through the rededication of Hinton Church - there are conversations with Cate Vokes and Rev'd Phil Robinson.
It promises to be a very special weekend.
The 4th and 5th May is the 145 year anniversary of Queensgrove Methodist Church in Northampton and there are wonderful events planned.
Steward and Trustee Charmaine Voyce shows us around the church, talks about her lifelong links to it and explains how Zimbabwean vibrancy will play its part in their wonderful celebrations.
You'll also be able to hear the second part of our conversation with Head of Mission Jude Levermore from the ReNew event, which was held at St Andrew's church in Duston.
Speaking of St Andrew's, we've news of when they're marking 50 years of the current building and the timings around it.
Lois Leeson is planning a Christian Aid day, which involves tea, coffee, cake, Indian food and her usual huge plant sale - she's on the podcast inviting you to be there.
It happens every three months and helps to reinvigorate, refresh and revitalise.
ReNew is put on by the Northampton District and during Holy Week, one of these regular gatherings was laid on at St Andrew's Church in Duston.
Methodist Church Head of Mission Jude Levermore was there to talk about her role and participate in a podcast first - "One Voice Live"!
You can hear the first part of that ReNew conversation with Jude in this month's episode.
Also
The latest news on the Kingsthorpe LEP between the Methodist and Baptist churches is brought to you by Trevor Clarke and Catherine Bruce and our last conversation is based around something incredibly innovative!
Amy Scott Robinson is running a retreat at one of the Retreat Association's venues around the concept of prayerful poetry.
Listen in and find out all about it.