Eco-Survey
Thank you to those who completed the Survey. We have had 26 replies submitted, and maybe another 12 have been taken home and considered, but not returned, knowing how many we placed on the table. Before we analyse the submissions we can ponder the numbers who have responded - 26 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.
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.
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
John F. Kennedy
The Summer Edition of "The Leader" (June 2024— August 2024) is available -go to Church Publications on the left and scroll down.
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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18 Jul 24
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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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