The Leader - Autumn Edition 2024
The latest edition is available for you to read. Either CLICK HERE or go to "Church Publications" on the left and scroll down. Like all publications on this website the articles are easy to read in full screen as if you had a hard copy in front of you! Follow the simple instructions on the Church Publications page.
Editorial
May I direct you to the excellent article by Harry in the latest Leader - "The Invisible Pews". Our redevelopment required multiple grant applications that, in turn, demanded to know our ethos, hopes for the future and inclusivity. Grants were awarded because we reflected the values to which Harry refers. ALL the applications (successful and not so!) were written by an occupant of an "Invisible Pew". In the competitive grants environment we would have failed if we had not displayed enlightenment demanded by the process. In many ways we are making a difference, but theology remains the danger zone! Perhaps we could revel in the things we all agree on, especially if we are unable to discuss faith openly without being defensive? The article should at the very least cause us to think, or even better, cause us to speak out more. Ed.
"Many local churches are turning their prayerful reflection
into action through the Eco Church programme run by A Rocha. It has become much
more common today to pray in church for God’s creation and our own part in
addressing climate change. We have more opportunities in the annual church
calendar to reflect on creation such as World Environment Day in June. Some
churches have begun to mark the period of ‘Creationtide’ in September,
originally a festival of the Orthodox Christian church. Harvest Sunday falls
during this period."
Extract from "Climate Change and the Christian Faith".
Why not read all the article here (external website) and engage with our own efforts in this programme.
Messy Church 22 August 2024
Please go to Recent Events tab to the left for some pictures of this well attended and enjoyable day.
Songs of Praise recording of hymns and songs at St Michael and All Angels, Garton-on-the-Wolds.
Friday 6th September 5pm-9pm
To book your free tickets, please email singwithus@ctvc.co.uk and tell us how many tickets you require, your name/s, email and if any person is under 18. This email is monitored during office hours, and we will reply swiftly. Please note due to the capacity of the church the number of allocated tickets are limited.
Eco-Survey 2024
Thank you to those who completed the Survey. We have had 26 replies out of a membership of over 100.
The Rocha Gold Award, for which we strive, encourages as much participation in the eco-goals as possible, and support to do so. The Survey is part of that process.
Please CLICK HERE for the full analysis (download), or go to the ECO Church tab to the left to read it on this website. There is a copy on the Eco-Board too, in the Westgate entrance to the church.
SIX HOPES OF SOCIETY BY THE JOINT PUBLIC ISSUES TEAM
Go to Joint Public Issues Team website (external website) for more details
RE-action 2024
"Ultimate Questions Art" Workshop
DMC hosted RE-action 2024 for Driffield Junior School on 5 July 2024. For more pictures and a report please follow this link. Also, see "Recent Events" on the Main Menu to the left.
We are two years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We might refer to this as President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, firstly because leadership matters in every national context and secondly because Putin has amassed power around him providing him with unchallengeable authority.
Lament
The consequence has been hundreds of thousands of deaths among military forces across both nations and tens of thousands of deaths of civilians in Ukraine. The immediate Christian response has been one of lament. Regardless of the politics, when tens of thousands of people are killed, we cry out to God over the tragic loss of life. The cry goes out whether those killed are wearing uniform or are civilians, or whether they are our close neighbours or on the other side of the globe.
Justice
Quickly following lament comes the search for justice. The invasion was contrary to the most fundamental aspects of international law and precisely the type of conflict that the establishment of the United Nations after the Second World War sought to prevent. It is sobering that while two UN General Assembly resolutions have overwhelmingly condemned the invasion, there are far too many states who are reluctant to do so.
The situation in Ukraine
The conflict is currently at an uneasy stalemate on the ground. Over the past nine months, the frontline positions of both sides have moved little. A stalemate does not necessarily indicate a decrease in intensity of the fighting. Every week, many more soldiers and civilians are killed. The scale of loss in Ukraine and the long periods of military service required by troops is separating families and wearing down the whole of society in Ukraine. Yet the vast majority of Ukrainians feel that they have no alternative. If Russia succeeds in its aggression, how could they ever feel safe in the future?
The future
The future may be decided on the battlefield. It is a battlefield that increasingly relies on new technology and competence in the use of remote weapons and electronic warfare to gain an edge. There will come a point when Russian and Ukrainian parties will have to talk and work out a future that turns away from war. We pray that this day may come soon and that President Putin’s aggression is blunted.
The Joint Public Issues Team has provided briefing materials to support reflection on Ukraine and appropriate political and practical responses by the UK. We invite people to discuss the questions raised in this briefing either individually or in groups in your church. Across the world, the Church and its members are actively engaged in building peace, and in advocating for governments to intervene constructively when conflict breaks out.
Click on the link below for more:
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: a briefing and resource for reflection, discussion and action
Myanmar: Remembering a Forgotten Conflict
For the people of Myanmar, this marks three years of living under repressive military rule. Three years of civil war. Three years of civilians being targeted, injured and brutally killed. Three years of civilians being forced to flee their homes. Three years of churches and houses being burnt to the ground. Three years of severe economic hardship. After these three years, the future continues to look uncertain.
The mural in the Middle Street North car park is now complete:
It depicts the Wolds, Riverhead, the Wolds Way, farming and the historical connection the area has with the services. It certainly brightens up a dull gable end.
"The Methodist Church has set an aspirational target of becoming a net zero carbon emissions church by 2030. Many districts, circuits and churches have already begun to work towards net zero goals, an Eco District award, or other aims in caring for creation."
This is an introduction from the Methodist Church website, Action for Hope. It heralds a significant change in approach to fulfilling the Annual Return.
Being a Methodist Church Trustee is not just attending Church Council! If you are unsure of what is expected of you, take a look at the video
"Methodist Essential Trustees Guide"
This is on the external website of the Methodist Church in the UK.
Online Shopping
Easyfundraising is our partner for raising funds whilst you shop. With the shift to more online shopping and the tighter restrictions please remember to support us through Easyfundraising. If you have not registered yet click here to go direct to their website and Register to support DMC. Or go to our own page for a full explanation first (see the "Support DMC when you shop") tab to the left. If you nee advice or help get in touch.
Thanks to 30 supporters we have raised over £1000!
Follow these direct links for current information on the topics mentioned
The Four aims of Methodists
Methodism's activities, both alone and with ecumenical and secular partners, are based on four aims known as Our Calling:
· To increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love
· To help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care
· To be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice
· To make more followers of Jesus Christ.
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"Property plays a significant role in enabling a presence within communities. A Methodist building that is welcoming, eye-catching and that acts as a focal point for community engagement can speak powerfully of God’s love. Utilising a property either by redeveloping it for social purpose or incorporating a range of social uses into an existing building is as much a part of a mission plan as preaching, worship or community evangelism."
Property & Mission
New Strategic Guidance for the Use of Property in Mission
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