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Previous letters from our Minister

Dear Friends, 

'Sabbatical – hopes and dreams!' 

As you will probably be aware by now, on May 8th. I start a three month Sabbatical. A Sabbatical is basically a period of study leave, awarded at the end of ten years service and then every seven years thereafter, which gives the opportunity for Ministers to get inside a chosen subject in a way they do not normally have time to and recharge the creative batteries, and also to have some time away from the
busy-ness of Circuit life and have a real break. We are also encouraged to have a 'practical' project or two, perhaps to keep us earthed in reality! 

I have only taken one Sabbatical before, and remember approaching it with some trepidation. I wasn't sure how I would feel being separated from my role as a Minister and my friends in the churches for three months, and wasn't really convinced I needed the break. I also couldn't help wondering if all the upheaval for the Circuit and the extra work for my colleagues was really going to be worthwhile. I came back three months later aware that I had indeed needed the break, well rested, with a book started about John Wesley and a whole host of jobs at home sorted. With that positive experience to look back on I am therefore approaching this one in a rather more positive frame of mind, especially as there hasn't been much time for personal stuff in the last two years since adding Central Hall to my list of churches! 

My pious hopes of finishing my book when I came back to Circuit life were wildly optimistic, so I hope to blow the dust off it and continue writing now I have the time. I also hope to start work on some bible studies and perhaps on Christian healing. As to the practical aspect, I have a car that needs attention, and hope to dig some foundations for a kitchen and garage at the house in Rushall to which we intend to retire some day. Oh yes, I also promised Peter I would do a job or two for him, and Paula keeps saying things about jobs around the home and the putting up of some shelves but selective deafness is a brilliant thing………..One begins to wonder if 13 weeks is enough…

During the Sabbatical, the pastoral needs of Central Hall, Aldridge, Daw End and Coalpool will be looked after by Rev. Ray Goode, who is on Walsall 416424, our Lay Pastoral Worker Linda Brown on Walsall 623926 and Rev. Samuel Uwimana on 0121 505 6126. Please ring them should the need arise. As for me, I look forward to being with you again in August, when we will be getting ready to welcome two new Ministers to the Circuit – Rev. Bev. Boden who is coming to Aldridge and Rev. Colin Gardner who will taking over Darlaston and Moxley. 

As we approach Pentecost, may God’s peace and blessing touch our lives as it touched those first disciples so long ago. 

Every blessing,
John Davies

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Dear Friends, 

'At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light.' 

The debates about just what makes for 'proper' church music and 'proper' worship is not a new one. When I was a child one of the elderly local preachers in our Circuit who had been converted in a Revival campaign mistrusted the old Methodist Hymn Book which he called mildly a 'dead book' and brought with him instead copies of Sankey's Sacred Sings & Solos. And so it was that I learned hymns like 'There is power in the blood' and 'When peace like a river' . We boys enjoyed him coming for we knew we were going to have a enthusiastic time and some chorus type hymns, which we loved. One of my favourites was 'At the cross-where I first saw the light.' 

I realised later on that for years I sang those words with little realisation of their meaning – that without the cross, all Christianity would have been was a body of teaching which would have been impossible for men and women to follow, because we are not capable of living as God desires in our own strength. For the cross is the key to Christianity. Years ago now, Rev. Peter Marshall wrote, 'Christianity has a cross at the very heart of it. Leave out Calvary, and Christianity dwindles to a weak and empty cult - to a system of impossible ethics.' 

Because of the cross, through Jesus' death and resurrection we have fellowship with Him through the Spirit, and because he has returned to His Father where He reigns in glory and we also have the hope of eternal life. Not only that but after His return to His Father He 'poured out the Holy Spirit' which means that we have the power to live as He wants us to. All beginning with His death and resurrection, dying a criminal's death. 

As Christians we glory in an empty cross and an empty tomb. This Easter may the reality of the Resurrection be a source of blessing to us, and inspire our witness to the wider community around us.

Every blessing,
John Davies

• 
  I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
  Or to defend his cause;
  Maintain the honour of his word,
  Tthe glory of his cross.
  
  Refrain:
  At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
  And the burden of my heart rolled away,
  It was there by faith I received my sight,
  And now I am happy all the day! 
  
  Isaac Watts (chorus by Ira Sankey) 

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Dear Friends

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. ~Paul Sweeney

Some visitors to the manse went into the study the other day and the man looked around him openmouthed. I wondered what was troubling him. “Blimey!” he said eventually, “Haven’t you got a lot of books!” It is not an original comment - removers normally say it several times every time we move house – sometimes with great expression and not a few expletives. Indeed, my books normally cost me a few bacon sandwiches and a large tip each time we move! 

So, yes, I do have a lot of books. Some are childhood favourites. Then there are the theological ones, the church histories, the British histories, Methodist histories. And of course the car manuals. And the thrillers. And the hymnbooks and the books about hymns. And so on. They seem to breed, like coathangers left in a dark corner. Some - like J.B Phillips' New Testament and Rieu's translation of the gospels and Skevington Wood's life of John Wesley literally changed my life. And so it follows that I have difficulty throwing books out; recently I did manage to get rid of twenty to make room for some new ones – but it was hard, very hard going indeed. A good book is a friend for life, and when I go into homes with few books or even none at all, I end up wondering quietly how the occupants can cope with the lack of mental stimulation. 

I have therefore been very interested in the discussions which have come out of the debates on the Local Government cuts regarding the place of books in our society. On the one hand there are those who reckon that with the internet and T.V. (not to mention electronic notepads) the days of books are numbered . Certainly the average library has become a multimedia experience with cds on offer and the internet available.

But I suspect that books will not become redundant just yet – at least not until we are into thought transference in another few generations! For you can pick a book up and put it down for weeks, months or years and just take it up again, they are relatively cheap to produce, compact and transportable. But to get the most out of books – and any form of learning – the habit of reading must be encouraged early on and reinforced. . 
Because of my belief in the value of reading, I have thrown my not inconsiderable weight behind the campaign to support our libraries, and get the Council to rethink the proposed cuts in expenditure. Far more than simply a place to obtain books and cds, the average library often has special events such as author visits as well as hosting reading groups for all ages and computer taster courses, all aimed at encouraging people to develop skills and confidence . 
I was therefore very pleased to hear that the Council has no plans this year to shut up to six Branch libraries, despite rumours to the contrary. However, the battle isn't over yet – the budget under consideration will be phased in over three years, and it is still possible that 'underperforming' libraries will still go, especially with cuts hoped for in the region of £673,874. It is hoped to launch a Friends of Walsall Libraries group to support the Library Service locally and enable as many people as possible to experience the wonderful world of books and make the most of the opportunities offered for self advancement - watch this space. 

Every blessing, 
John Davies

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Dear Friends, 

Help stop the cuts.

One of the first acts of the new Government was an £81bn. deficit reduction programme which the Local Government Association has called 'the toughest in living memory'.

What is worse, the revised allocations have been made in such a way that hit poorer Boroughs far harder than better off ones. Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham (where I lived before I went to College), Liverpool, St. Helens, South Tyneside all face reductions of up to 8.9% next year, whereas leafier Boroughs such as West Sussex, Wokingham, Buckinghamshire and Richmond upon Thames all face cuts of just 1% or less. Meanwhile the Defence budget has an overspend of £45,000,000,000 (over half the amount Councils are looking for nationally) whilst we have aircraft carriers but no hope of suitable planes for a decade.

Walsall Council has already made strenuous attempts to balance its budget in recent years and therefore the cuts in services here are more modest than some - the Council Cabinet proposed cuts in services of over £6m., with more to follow next year - that's between 2 and 3% of current expenditure.

Nevertheless, in Walsall the proposals will affect the poor disproportionately. Meals and Wheels, 'restructuring' of the Library service with the closure of up to six Branch Libraries and a massive reduction in staff, Leisure Centres, & the Museum service are all affected. It is hoped to run fewer libraries with a largely volunteer staff - apart from the big question of where the volunteers will come from, and whether it is right to treat paid staff in this cavalier fashion, the closure of the Branch libraries is likely to affect poor areas most because people are less likely to have transport to get to major centres, and kids are less likely to have a suitable environment to work at home. Darlaston Market will go also - another blow for a beleaguered community.

We are hardly a poor nation. We live in the seventh (some say eighth) richest countryy in the world, and yet we are saying that we cannot adequately make provisions to feed our elderly, or encourage self development amongst the young. To many such as myself who were partly self educated the libraries were a haven of learning, peace and tranquillity, where we were encouraged to put our feet on the career ladder and make something of ourselves. Now, many libraries no longer stock the range of reference books they once did and modern textbooks are getting harder to find - further cuts to the service will only make things worse and rob a future generation of the chance for self development.

Christianity and social justice can and should go hand in hand. Churches Together in Walsall has launched a petition asking for the proposed local cuts to be reviewed, and there is also a sheet of bullet points for those wishing to write to dignitaries about this. Copies have been sent to all Circuit churches, and I have spares if needed. Can you get petitions back to me (as Deputy Convenor of Churches Together) by February 12th. so that they can be with the Council in time for their meeting on the 24th. Feb. Many thanks.

Every blessing,
John Davies

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Dear Friends

'And a happy New year ?!"

I must admit, I find the human tendency to believe that each New Year will necessarily be better than the one which has just finished to be rather touching, and possibly a little over-optimistic.

After all, why should the New Year be any better than the old one? Is newer always better? Personally, the older I get the more I quail when I see the legend 'new, improved' on something. It tends to mean that something I have got rather used to has changed without warning and frequently without much point. I recently spent a fruitless quarter hour searching the supermarket for washing liquid, only to find that the size and colour of both the bottle and label had completely changed. What was emblazoned on the outside? You have guessed it. 'New, improved'. As Scrooge put it, 'Bah! Humbug!' My shirts aren't any the better for it, 'New, improved' or not!

On the other hand, I have to admit some new things are a great improvement on the old versions. Each new computer I have had has been far more useful than its predecessor, as has each replacement car - though where the cars are concerned in every case the electrics of the new one have taken a bit of fathoming - but then, that's just the penalty of being a home mechanic!

And as far as the New Year goes, a lot of the symbolism has to do with paganism, so one can say it's all a bit suspect anyway.

So, at the threshold of a New Year let's put newness into a biblical context.
On the one hand we worship a God who is unchangeable and unchanging, who existed before all that now exists, who will be there when all creation is no more. There is distinct merit on the eternal and unchanging. On the other, God says to us 'behold I make all things new' (Is. 43 verse 19) and in Jesus promises a fresh start - a clean slate - to all who confess their sins and put their trust in Him. And the Bible teaches that Christians share in a new Covenant - a new agreement - with God, founded on His grace and Christ's offering of Himself for our sakes.

So when viewed from a Christian standpoint there is some virtue in newness after all! And of course the New Year offers us an opportunity to take stock of the year that has gone and to ask for God's grace to support and strengthen us in the year that is to come, which is always spiritually helpful.

So, in the end, and despite my slight misgivings, , a happy - and blessed - New Year to you all!

John Davies

'The best of all is - God is with us'                  John Wesley

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Dear Friends,

Christmas message – the forgotten victims

As I write we have just been remembering the victims of both World Wars, and other conflicts since, including the growing number dead and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and it is right that we should do so. But there are other victims of the war against terror, especially those who have helped the British or American forces. 

Particularly sad is the plight of Iraqi Christians. 

No-one knows for sure how the gospel took root in the area that once was Mesopotamia. Tradition has it that the apostle Thomas preached the gospel in the region before going to India. At that time the area had a high percentage of Jews, descendants of the ones who had not returned to their homeland after the exile, and it seems that the gospel spread there quite quickly and without the persecution that it faced in areas covered by the Roman Empire. Certainly by the third century there were high percentages of Christians, many continuing to speak Aramaic , the language of the bible. Many are Chaldeans – who still speak Aramaic today – others are Assyrians, another generic name straight out of the pages of the Old Testament. 

With the spread of Islam more than a thousand years ago Christianity in the area diminished, but nevertheless by the Gulf War in 1991 there were still about one million Christians left. Now, according to one report, there are perhaps just two or three hundred thousand, and the numbers are still falling as people continue to leave their homeland. Those who remain face great hostility from their Moslem neighbours; their churches have been bombed, priests shot and church leaders kidnapped and executed, including Archbishop Paulos Rahh in 2008. Now on the 12th. November there has been a further bomb blast at the Our Lady of Deliverance ‘Syeddat Al Najat’ church with a death toll of nearly 60. 

Often in these articles I highlight a cause; there are letters we can write, or pressure we can bring on some politician or other. There is just one charity that I can find which specifically supports the beleaguered church in Iraq Icin – their website is at - http://www.icin.org.uk/   If you do look at the site, please also consider doing as they ask and writing to your M.P. drawing attention to their plight. Most of all, remember all who suffer through war this Christmas in your prayers. 

At Christmas we remember that our Lord came into a divided world, to an oppressed people, with soldiers of occupation everywhere. It therefore seems an appropriate time to remember our fellow Christians who suffer greatly in this day and age. 

Despite all, have a happy and blessed Christmas – may the peace and blessing of the of the Christ Child rest upon us and upon those we love

Every blessing 
John Davies

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Dear Friends,

Bonfire of the benefits. 

I was recently – again – in the Black Country Museum and was both amazed and appalled afresh by the lot of the industrial poor in the late 19th. and early 20th. centuries – as well as being impressed afresh by their guts and tenacity. Their tales need to be told. My father’s father was a miner from the age of twelve (actually a little earlier, unofficially), starting as a chucker back in a 15” seam, and when miners were laid off during the Depression was given two shillings per week (10p) for each child (4s. in all) to support his family. Before however this could be applied for all surplus furniture had to be sold. It was demeaning, and rather than take it any longer than necessary he took a job in a pit known to be dangerous and narrowly escaped with his life following an accident underground. Several mates were killed – he was uninjured but went white overnight. My grandparents were proud people who saved all they could and lived a modest existence. As far as I am aware they never claimed anything again until the old age Pension. 

From experiences such as these arose the Labour cry – ‘From each according to his ability – to each according to his need.’ Fair enough – but it presupposes that people are willing to work, will strive for themselves, and will not be greedy. It presupposes pride, and an unwillingness to be supported by ‘the State’ more than necessary. I was therefore somewhat staggered at the public response to the proposed overhaul to the benefit system, which soaks up more than the entire income tax contribution of the U.K, and in particular restricting child benefit. In a time when we are only just coming out of recession, to award it only to those earning less than £44,000 per head seems more than fair, especially when others in far greater need are struggling; nevertheless there has been an outcry from those earning much more than this, including one amazing communication from a mother who says that without this the riding lessons, piano lessons and other such extras enjoyed by her offspring are now in question! 

It cannot be right that those who are in the upper income bracket in this country should be subsidized by those in a lower one! Somehow we need to get back to a situation where benefits are better policed, are awarded purely according to need and are not regarded as a universal right regardless of income level. But to do this will take job creation, an issue which successive Governments have failed to tackle. In particular we need bread and butter jobs, which will not happen until British Governments support industry the way in which our continental EU partners do. The French, for example, would not have a car industry without substantial public funds having been invested over the years – we by contrast hardly have a car industry of our own at all now. Without job creation – ‘nuts on bolts’ jobs not service sector jobs – I am convinced we will never be able to free people from the benefits trap and give those who are long term unemployed the sense of fulfilment and pride that comes from a paypacket. Please remember the Government and all political leaders and leaders within society in your prayers – I am convinced they need them. 

Every blessing 
John Davies

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Dear Friends,

Harvest, evolution, creation and all that!

I don’t know how many of you are as fascinated as I am that in an age of supposed religious indifference so much press coverage this Summer has been devoted to two subjects which might be thought only of real concern to the Christian minority – the visit of the Pope, which has caused great interest from Catholics and non Catholics alike, and the ongoing debate between science and religion. 

I can never see why there should be a conflict between science and religion, or between evolutionists and Christians, though I can see that it makes good copy for journalists, especially in the silly season when our politicians are on holiday! 

As I write many churches are preparing for harvest festivals, and it is incredible how our world view has changed since the Psalmist first wrote about God’s creativity in Ps.104 – all of it sounding as if God physically moulds and shapes all creation like a builder, or an engineer. ‘He stretches out the heavens like a tent – he set the earth on its foundations – it can never be moved’ (vv 2b & 5). To our understanding this is primitive language indeed, though poetical. But to me, the fact that we now know some of the building blocks of creation, understand something of evolution, and know that that the earth is placed in a limitless universe which is many millions not merely thousands of years old should all give us more reason to worship a creator God – not less.

If we are spiritual beings with a God given rational, scientific brain , then surely the more we understand about the nature of the created order, the more we should then understand God and His purposes for mankind – and be given cause to praise Him.

As to the debate between creationists and evolutionists, I am quite happy to accept a big bang theory, and that the earth slowly evolved over many millions of years, but I do not see that that is in any way in conflict with Genesis, especially as the order of creation in Genesis is exactly the same as most scientist think it should be. Whether created in an instant or evolved over millions of years, the crucial thing is that God is behind the process. Even the arguments about the length of time taken over creation become of less significance as science begins to unravel the meaning of time and discover that far from being fixed and predictable, to the contrary it is flexible and impermanent! 

I do not know if there will ever be any real rapprochement between science and religion – at least between those on the extreme right of both disciplines. What I do know is that however much we understand, and whether scientists or theologians, there is always a certain part of us which must say with Isaac Watts ‘Where reason fails with all her powers, there faith prevails and love adores’. 

Every blessing 
John Davies

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Dear Friends,

Staffing changes from 2011

As many of you will have heard by now, the Circuit has been recently considering how to best to use our Circuit Staff from 2011, the date Rev. Samuel Uwimana and Rev. Ray Goode leave us. For many years the Circuit has had three Ministers - a Probationer (i.e. trainee), normally looking after Darlaston, Moxley, Bentley and Kings Hill, a more experienced Minister at Central Hall, Caldmore and Pleck, and myself as Superintendent at Aldridge, Daw End and Coalpool, though this pattern of oversight has changed in the last few years since Samuel came; he was given Moxley, Caldmore and Pleck due to his training needs whilst Dave Bonny had a new section of Central Hall, Darlaston and Bentley. I added Kings Hill to my own section, which sadly has since closed; the members transferred to Moxley. 

In 2009 Rev. Dave Bonny left us and as we were unable to get a replacement. Minister Ray Goode (who had just retired to the Circuit) kindly agreed to look after Darlaston and Bentley on a temporary basis until 2011 whilst I took on Central Hall as well as my own patch of Aldridge, Daw End and Coalpool. Due to the workload, the Circuit appointed a Lay Worker, Linda Brown, to assist me, initially for two years, with a job description that centred on pastoral work within the section as well as trying to break new ground within ‘my’ section of the Circuit, especially at Central Hall, which it was felt had untapped potential for growth and development. 

In April the Circuit Finance and General Purposes Meeting proposed that due to falling numbers within the Circuit for financial reasons we should seek to reduce staff from 2011, to two and a half Ministers or equivalent, which was reluctantly approved. 

At our July Circuit Meeting we considered the best way of facing this challenge. It was agreed that Linda’s appointment had been so successful it should be continued for a further three years, and that we should have two full time Ministers or equivalent as well.. Due to the difficulty of attracting ministers to the Circuit – and to what would now be an enlarged five-church section – the Circuit Meeting agreed that from 2011 we should instead appoint two part timers, one a Probationer with two churches and one more experienced Supernumerary Minister with three. It was further agreed that the oversight should be:- Superintendent (me) at Central Hall, Coalpool, Daw End and Caldmore, the Supernumerary Minister at Darlaston, Moxley and Bentley, and the Probationer at Aldridge and Pleck. All of this needs to be confirmed by Methodist Conference in June 2011. 

There are many reasons behind this decision, not least that it balances the maturity and experience of a Supernumerary Minister with the enthusiasm and fresh insight of a Probationer, (not that Supernumeraries can’t be enthusiastic or Probationers mature!!) and allows me to make use of my own London Missions background trying to continue building up and developing the work at Central Hall at the heart of the Walsall Borough. It also enables us to return to having sections which make some sort of geographical sense, which we had been asked to do if we could. I am aware that many people will have questions about all this – please ask me or one of the Circuit Stewards and we will do our best! 

Every blessing 
John Davies

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Why the Methodist Church should remain a separate denomination. 

On February 11th. 2010 Rev. Dr. David Gamble, President of the Methodist Conference, addressed the Church of England Synod about Anglican Methodist Unity in these words- 

We are prepared to go out of existence not because we are declining or failing in mission, but for the sake of mission. In other words we are prepared to be changed and even to cease having a separate existence as a Church if that will serve the needs of the Kingdom.”

This prompted a letter from me to the Methodist Recorder, eventually published in March, in which I said that we should continue to be a separate Denomination because there was something distinctive about our witness which would be lost if we became part of a greater church by uniting with the Anglicans. Since that was published I have had many messages - mainly ones of support - and I have been asked if I would comment further. I do so willingly but the more I look at it the more I realise that there is more than one month's worth here, so I ask you to bear with me. 

The Methodist Church has always had an ambivalent relationship with the Church of England - hardly surprising when one considers that John and Charles Wesley founded a group of religious societies which after their deaths became a separate Church yet they themselves remained priests in the Church of England for the rest of their lives. Since Methodist Union in 1932 when the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist Churches got together there has been in some quarters a growing feeling that perhaps it was time for Methodism to become a society within the Church of England, and this lay behind the unity schemes which dominated our relationships in the 1960's and 1970's. As a son of the Church of Wales (and therefore a baptised Anglican) I have some sympathy for this but I am now increasingly convinced that this is not the right move to make and more would be lost than would be gained. 

In particular we differ on the subjects of ordination, ministry and the place of women within the ministry of the church. The recent disagreement over whether Rev. Lord Griffiths, one of our foremost Methodist Ministers, should be allowed to be 'conditionally ordained' within the Church of England illustrates the point that we see ordination differently - and it is still the case that many in the Church of England do not see Methodist ordination as valid. On our side, we still hold proudly to the 'priesthood of all believers' and give a far greater place - and say - to the laity in our church government and administration than the C of E tends to, and a far greater place to lay ministry. Put simply, unlike many high Anglicans, whilst we believe that some are called to be separated for the work of God through the Presbyteral ministry we do not believe that God needs them to be the bridge through which he administers his grace. We believe that God can use and speak through all. 

Then there is the whole issue of women in ministry. Methodism has for over 30 years accepted that the call of women to the Presbyterial Ministry as being as valid as that of men. We have no flying bishops, nor any need of them. In particular, whilst in modern Anglicanism it is seemingly impossible without being a theological liberal - those church leaders in favour of women's ministry in the C of E are almost always in favour of homosexuality for example - in Methodism, one can be in favour of women's ministry and yet be a either a conservative or a liberal in terms of your theology which seems to me to be far more healthy - truly liberal in fact! (cont. next time) 

The argument from history. 

The argument is often made nowadays that as John Wesley was an Anglican Priest who wished nothing other than that the Methodist movement should remain a class within the Church of England, this wish should be binding on a current generation of Methodists. However, this does not give due weight to the pressures which were in Methodism even in Wesley's lifetime to separate, nor does it show much awareness of the nature of the Church of England at the time, or of John and Charles Wesleys' Nonconformist, indeed, Puritan ancestry. Let's start there. 

Whilst John and Charles' parents were Anglicans, both came from prominent Nonconformist families having their roots in the Puritan movement of the century before , and much of their upbringing with its emphasis on discipline, rigorous self examination, abstemiousness and hard work can be seen to have been influenced by this. John himself read widely and included Puritan authors in his reading, and once the Methodist movement got under way he drew on Puritan authors for such things as the love feast and the Covenant service. Indeed, at times the early Methodist movement seemed to have more in common with the Pentecostal movement than with modern Anglicanism, with an active and powerful lay ministry, prayer meetings which often went on all night, great emphasis on personal holiness and biblical literalism, not to mention people falling over under the influence of the Spirit in Methodist meetings. It is no coincidence that many early Pentecostals were once Methodists, including the famous healer Smith Wigglesworth, as was General Booth, who left Wesleyan Methodism to found the Salvation Army when he felt that the Methodist Church of his day was not ministering appropriately to those who lived and died in the urban slums. 

Also, the Church of England of the 18th. century was a very different animal to the church we have now - far more 'low church' in its style of worship - very much closer to that which is now found in Presbyterian and Congregationalist Churches. It was not until the 1830's that the Tractarian movement got under way, seeing its inspiration as the pre Reformation Roman Catholic church, and gave us the current common distinctions between 'High' and 'Low' Anglicanism. Worship in a High Anglican church today would seem very alien to anyone from the 18c. - and just because John Wesley may not have wished Methodism to be separate from the Church if his day, it does not follow that he would wish the same thing now. 

It was the strange amalgamation of Tory Anglicanism, Puritanism (both the quiet and gentle sort which gave rise to Quakerism and the noisy sort of which the Pentecostals are the closest we have now), mixed up with a bit of benevolent paternalism which made 18c and 19c. Methodism what it was, and to just tamely become part of the Established Church seems to say that all of that is simply of historical interest, whereas I think that having a denomination which draws on all those sources is something unique and worth preserving; apart from which I feel there is a religious balance in Methodism there which saves us from some of the excesses of other denominations. 

In the Victorian era and up to the end of the inter war years, Methodism was regarded by all as a unique and truly Nonconformist denomination, to be ranked with Baptists, Congregationalists etc, and was often seen as having a valuable role in being a bridge church between the other Nonconformist churches and the Church of England.. Let us again assume this role, but with a renewed confidence in ourselves as a separate denomination and an awareness of our unique heritage. 

Every blessing
John Davies

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Dear Friends

       Methodist Church Haiti Appeal
I have been asked to update everybody about the response to the Methodist Churches appeal for Haiti. I am pleased to say that appeals by the the Methodist Church World Mission Fund and MRDF have so far raised more than £400,000, and are supporting the emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation work being carried out by our own Methodist Church in Haiti. Our own Circuit has already raised the best part of a thousand pounds. It is hoped that as well as giving the offering collected at the end of January, our churches where they can will continue to give through coffee mornings etc. The need will be long term, though the attention of the media will soon switch elsewhere.

Methodists are one of the largest churches in the Caribbean. Revd George Mulrain, President of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, had this to say recently "Our contribution to Haiti does not wait until a disaster strikes. It is ongoing. Various agencies and organizations are contributing to relief in Haiti, which is commendable. But soon the dust will settle and the media folk will turn to another "breaking news story" as the saga of Haiti recedes into the background. Not so with us as Methodists. We are there to stay, because, our motive is not to make the news headlines. The love of Christ constrains us and we stay."

The Revd Tom Quenet, Methodist Partnership Coordinator for the Americas and the Caribbean, is planning to visit Haiti later this month. "The figures that the Methodist Church in Haiti has sent represent a massive loss of the church's infrastructure to serve the men, women and children of Haiti," he said. "The destruction of schools mean that the effects of the earthquake will be felt by many generations into the future, the loss of clinics means that lives will be shortened for lack of health care, the destruction of child care facilities will mean that children and young people will become vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The overwhelmingly generous response of the Methodist people means that not only are people receiving water, food and shelter in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, but also the Haitian church will be best ready to respond in alleviating the long term consequences."

Although these days we are used to working ecumenically , and through non religious organisations such as Christian Aid, there is still something to be said for supporting aid efforts channelled through our own denomination where we can, especially to somewhere like Haiti where so much of the educational and charitable work is carried out by the Christian church.

People can donate via the Methodist Church by visiting ww.justgiving.com/Methodist-Church­Haiti-Appeal, or sending a cheque payable to the World Mission Fund to Dave Bennett, Fundraising Coordinator, at Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW 1 5JR. Postal donations should be labelled `Haiti Appeal'. For further information visit www.methodist.org.uk or contact Revd Tom Quenet on 020 7467 5160.
All quotes are from the Methodist Church Website

Every blessing
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

Looking in and looking out.......

A man that looks on glass on it may stay his eye;
Or, if he pleaseth, through it pass, and then the heavens espy.              H P 803 George Herbert 

‘And Peter turned to the other disciples and said...’Verily, we need a water cooler’. James responded, ‘....and matching filing cabinets’. Thomas chimed in, ‘That’s not much good without matching desks’. ‘Great!’ said Judas (the nice one, not the other one) ‘But then there will have to be waste paper baskets. You can’t have a properly run church without all the administrative apparatus in hand. And how about a telephone answering machine? And those leather chairs that recline when you pull a handle’ At this the Master entered. ‘What are you talking about? ‘, he asked. ‘Water coolers!’ said Peter, getting in first. ‘Answering machines. And desks. And filing cabinets,’ said John, more quietly, for he had a feeling he knew what would happen next. ‘And waste paper baskets!’ said Judas Two, excited, for after all they had been his idea. 

‘Oh dear. How long have I been with you?’, said the Master, wearily. ‘It is a faithless generation that longeth for matching filing cabinets. As for you, go and preach the kingdom of God – oh, and cancel the office supplies order. Unless the church is first built up there will be no time for administration’ 
(quoted with permission from ‘and then the Master said......’) 

On reading the various Conference reports in the Methodist Recorder and the reports on the General Synod of the Church of England in the Times, I can’t help being quietly amazed on just how much time, and energy and hot air has been spent on administration and internal organisation. Impassioned debates about the closing of Wesley College (sad, as an ex Wesley man, but inevitable given that so much of our training has been moved elsewhere), debates about the new hymn book – of interest, but hardly earth shattering news - the need to cut the size of the connexional team to match diminishing resources, personnel files to be established for ministers and deacons (this would worry me but I suspect mine will be misfiled), caring for places of worship etc. So Conference went on. 

There was indeed action urged about Israel and Palestinian relationships, and various churches overseas in the Congo, Fiji and Korea but otherwise so much of the business seems to have been internal. As for the General Synod of the C of E,, it seems so far to be wrapped up in the whole business of women bishops and gay clergy – two issues which are not of concern to Methodists as we rightly decided some years ago that woman and men could both have a full ministry and status within the church, and that gays could be ordained as long as they were celibate, which is implicit by our stated viewpoint that we believe in ‘fidelity within marriage and chastity outside it’. Meanwhile, as the churches debate their internal organisation the Methodist Recorder asks ‘Where have the missing generation(s) gone’ . Anyone see the connection? 

Every blessing 
John Davies

‘You have nothing to do but save souls. .Therefore spend and be spent in this work.’       John Wesley

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

On theology and greenhouses.......

Some years ago I attempted to establish a vegetable garden. It was a dismal failure – the ground was waterlogged (on the site of an old pond I am told), it was too sheltered by trees – our own and our neighbours’ - and it was on the ‘blue clay’ part of the garden – hard work! I could have raised the level by bringing soil in which would have sorted the drainage but which would have done nothing about the trees, or the slugs and snails which thrive in that part of the garden, so I grassed it over and gave in. 

Recently though I have been tempted to have a go again, especially when considering the cost of soft fruit and tomatoes, and decided to buy a greenhouse, and start another vegetable plot, this time near the house, on good ground, away from the trees. It came, of course, from ebay – everything in our house seems to come from ebay these days, from cars to printer cartridges! There was good news and bad news – the good news was it came from Aldridge, was already dismantled, had all of its glass, and seemingly all of its fixings, and some trestles for the inside; however, it did not have any instructions, which was the bad news. 

So Paula and I pieced bits together, scratched our heads, looked at other peoples until something clicked and up it went, on a brick base – where did the bricks come from? Ebay, again, 300 for 99p.! In the end, I broke two pieces of glass, cut my thumb and improved my bricklaying, which can’t be bad. 

So why am I telling you all this?

Because when we thought about it it seemed to Paula and me that there is a sense in which we have not just been erecting a greenhouse but enacting a parable – living out a sermon illustration – several, in fact. 

In the first place, before we do something – for ourselves or for God – we must count the cost.

After this we prepare the ground, and put the work in.

There is often too an act of faith with any project - in this case buying a greenhouse and erecting it without no instructions showed faith, both in the vendor, that the greenhouse was complete, and in my own DIY skills that eventually all these bits of aluminium would transform into something useful! 

In the church too we sometimes need to step out in faith if we feel God wants us to do something, and by the same process – looking at the need, counting the cost, preparing the ground, putting the work in, that we might reap the benefit. And with churches, as with vegetable gardens, the end result is up to God.

Every blessing 
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends, 

Building Vision

Several of us from the Circuit recently spent a very stimulating day at 'Building Vision', at Handsworth, a day organised jointly by the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury and Birmingham Districts to help us all to dream dreams and explore our mission. 

The workshops were many and varied - Action for Children, Palestine, mapping the way forward, children and worship, drama, puppets, climate change. Methodist Relief & Development Fund, family friendly church, Christian Aid and so on. The main problem was choosing between them as we could only attend three. 

In the end I plumped for Palestine, the Bible Study and Building a Community Church. The session on Palestine was illuminating, though depressing - it was some time since I had been to anything which gave details of life on the West Bank, and things seem to just keep getting worse, with attitudes hardening on either side. No wonder there is such deep hatred that suicide bombers can now recruit so easily. There are those in Israel who oppose the measures taken by their Government on humanitarian grounds but they are few and far between. A pity. 

The bible study, on Gideon, was excellent, and it was lovely to sit at someone else's feet for a change! The session on Building a Community Church turned out to be a presentation about the Wednesbury Circuit and the vast amount of community work done in the name of the church at both Woods and Central. All food for thought. Those who went from this Circuit chose a wide range of seminars between us and we were all agreed we had had a stimulating and enjoyable time. 

On Saturday 12th. June we will be having our own 'Home Grown' Vision Day here in the Walsall Circuit, at Central Hall between 9.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The day will cost £2.50 but a good buffet lunch will be provided.* It will give opportunity to think about new ways of is being 'church' for those around us, to dream dreams, share our own experiences, listen to the experiences of others and share resources. It is being organised by Mrs. Louisa Haynes, and to book please ring her on 01922 459875, or email FXVDWalsall@hotmail.co.uk . Please come if you can, and encourage others to attend - it promises to be a useful and thought-provoking day. 

Every blessing, 

John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends

Was it only 50 years ago when……?

This year we celebrate the 50th. Anniversary of our Church at Daw End - we have had some memorable events so far, with more to come, including our Flower Festival in June - more of that next time.

This month we have a Christian Aid Concert on 11th. May at 7.30 - please try and attend, it’s a lot of fun, pure homegrown amateur entertainment and all for Charity - last year we raised around £500 for the world's poor, which was marvellous - help us beat it this year! 

Also on the second Sunday of each month we are trying a new form of evening service, relaxed, with discussion and modern worship, with a theme - 'What Jesus means to me' - led by various preachers from around the Circuit - this month it is my turn! Please come if you can - we start at 6.30 with refreshments and then start worshipping about 7.00 p.m. 

As a child of the 50's and 60's I was interested to look up what happened in 1960's and rather amazed that even with my memory I remembered a lot of it! Here goes…… 

The Soviets shoot down a U.S. U-2 spy plane and capture the pilot, Capt. Gary Powers. The USA admits spying on the Soviet Union. 

Israelis Kidnap Adolph Eichman from Argentina to Jerusalem to stand trial.

John F. Kennedy wins the US presidential election over Vice President Richard Nixon. 

Sir Francis Chichester arrives in New York aboard Gypsy Moth 11 - he has made a record solo Atlantic crossing in 40 days 

Aluminum Cans used for the first time 

The MOT Test is introduced in Britain 

Dr Kazuo Hashimoto Invents the Ansafone sold in the USA as a Automatic Telephone Answering Machine 

A Japanese company introduces the first felt-tip pen - hands up those who thought they'd been around longer? 

The average British house cost £2530. Now there's food for thought!

Xerox introduces the first production paper copier machine. 

As to the Church Calendar, on 24th. May Methodism celebrates Aldersgate Day , which was the day on which our founder John Wesley felt his heart ‘strangely warmed’ by the Holy Spirit – the event which therefore marks the effective start of the Methodist movement. On May 30th, we celebrate Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit fell upon the early church and equipped them for mission. May we also feel the Holy Spirit drawing us close to God, and blessing, renewing and equipping us. 

Every blessing
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

'Bah Humbug?'      Not me! 

Apparently another bishop has got into trouble over the singing of Christmas carols. I can see where he is coming from, I suppose. After all, it is common for clergy to get 'carol weary' at Christmas! If, like me, you have more than one church, by Christmas you can sing the well known carols many times each year, and it is easy to forget that members of a particular congregation have not travelled round as you have, or had the opportunity to sing them so often! 

In the same way, it is a great temptation to criticise the secularization of Christmas, but there again I think we can go too far. Instead, let's go back to first principles. Rather than ban Santa, far better to be able to explain to our children and grandchildren the legend of St. Nicholas, and to emphasise kindness and giving to those who have not, and explain about God's greatest Gift; rather than get precious about the details of the Christmas event, we should use it as an opportunity to share our faith gently with those who for once in the year are often quite ready to listen; rather than ban the excess that so many enjoy, let's keep our own celebrations within bounds as a quiet witness but enjoy the time and space to be together and enjoy peace, light, celebration and the chance to suspend the hum-drum activities of our normal existence for a while. 

The same applies to New Year. I don’t know about you, but I get very nostalgic about New Year. It ties in, I suppose, with my childhood memories. We would have a roast beef dinner, and then watch TV together as a family, something we rarely did due to the demands of running the farm; Andy Stewart’s ‘White Heather Club’ was always a favourite, and I knew the words to ‘Donald, where’s your trousers?’ off by heart, though my Scottish accent was not always appreciated. According to my wife, it still isn't! Half a thimbleful of sherry would come my way - a great treat - and then at midnight we would listen to listen to Big Ben strike, chink our glasses (an old Celtic tradition which has come over into England, signifying friendship) and we would sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ together. And then off to bed, for the cows would still need milking in the morning, as ever. 

In later years, I have happy memories of Watchnight services in my first Circuit. Watchnight services are a particularly Methodist thing to do. They began as a time of praise and worship on the last day of the year, and a time of reflection and prayer, asking God's forgiveness for the failings of the past and His blessing on the future. In most places now these sadly have been discontinued due to rowdy behaviour from those celebrating Hogmany, but it still seems appropriate to ask God's blessing as we approach a New Year. 

The ancients used to celebrate New Year because of the optimistic belief that the New Year will be better than the old. As Christians if we celebrate at New Year let us do so with a better basis for our optimism; knowing that our hope and confidence are not vested in Governments, financial markets, or on other human beings who can all fail us, but in God Himself who is always with us and does not let us go. Because God is with us, in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, Emmanuel, we truly have something to celebrate at Christmas and New Year and the whole year through!! 

May God bless you all this coming year. 
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends

A Happy Christmas……. 

But what exactly does happiness consist of? I ask the question simply because recently I have had similar conversations with three or four people, who have all said at some stage 'I'll be alright if I could only win the lottery'. One added, 'The hope of it keeps me going'. 

On one level I can see where some are coming from - especially those struggljng to stay afloat financially. Personal debt is at an all time high; jobs, especially long term careers with some security, are increasingly hard to find, and many people are juggling bank accounts each month to such an extent that their life just centres round not increasing their debt - they have long since given up hope of paying it all back. Debt to this extent is corrosive and destructive, and I can understand anyone who hopes for a big win so as to have some security. We all need some stability in our lives. 

I suppose I am more concerned with those whose dreams centre round a large pile of cash who already have jobs, homes, and a fair measure of security. Will winning a vast amount really change anything? For some it means a permanent holiday - personally there is only so much sun I can take, and I need routine and involvement with others before I can be really happy. For others it means the chance of limitless possessions; one lottery winner vowed recently 'I'll have a car for every day of the week' and now has seven. Yet once you have bought the fine house and the seven cars, then what? There are so many accounts of those whose relationships have failed, and who have ended up far less happy because they don't know how to handle their sudden good fortune, can't cope with being on a permanent holiday or can't cope with having their loved ones around them all the time. As one £2.1m. winner said recently, having blown the lot, 'I'm glad it' s all gone and I can get back to normal'. 

The bible says that true happiness consists of coming to know God, and developing our relationship with Him. . An old hymn said 'I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold'. which I suppose sums it up for me. If God really is our Creator, and our Father, then for me it has always seemed obvious that until we have found out why He made us - or allowed us to exist - and we have found His purposes for our lives, then our lives are always going to lack that certain extra something that makes life worth living, and indeed all our possessions and the other things of this earth worth having. 

This Christmas, if you want to know more about God's purposes for your life, and the difference that knowing Jesus can make, why not come to one of our services and find out more? You will be made very welcome. . 

Every blessing,
John Davies

'Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!' 

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

At Synod we were asked to agree the amalgamation of several. Circuits to form one new Welsh Marches Circuit, running from Oswestry through areas like Llanymynech, Presteigne (Llanandras), Leominster, and Ludlow, and continuing below Hereford to the Cwm and Kingstone Circuit, which is near Abergavenny. It will make one vast Circuit over a hundred miles long, and will work in new ways; instead of the traditional Circuit structure which would mean a vast amount of travel, Churches will band together in clusters for mutual support whereas 'Circuit' events and meetings will be kept to a minimum. Strangely, I have roots in two different parts of the new Circuit, having worshipped in my formative years within the Cwm and Kingstone Circuit and then served as a Minister at Cleobury Mortimer before coming here to Walsall.

Historically the structures of Methodism have always been better suited to medium sized or large congregations, not least because as a denomination unlike the Anglicans we have never been able to subsidise the running costs of individual congregations. Nevertheless, compared to other nonconformist denominations such as the URC or the Baptists we have a significant number of small churches in rural areas which we have only been able to sustain by having a Circuit system which enables a Minister (and the cost of a Minister) to be spread over a wide area. The challenge now is how to sustain that witness when the normal Circuit structure is too inflexible and expensive to be appropriate.

The new Circuit doubtless will face its challenges and teething troubles, but the idea has much going for it; running up the Marches as it does the whole Circuit will have a shared heritage and history, mutual concerns and challenges; also, rural people although parochial are used to travelling fair distances at times when necessary - when we were in the South Shropshire Circuit we well remember my uncle John, who lived near Monmouth, travelling up to Hereford to get a part reconditioned for the tractor and then 'dropping in' on us in Cleobury Mortimer (unannounced) for a cup of tea on the off chance that we were in!

At Harvest time we often remember the plight of those in the developing world, those who do not have a fair share of the world's resources, those who struggle for rights which we take for granted, those who strive against poverty and injustice; as well as all this, let us this year make a point of remembering those in our rural churches and Circuits who face many of the problems which we do in the towns and often have other problems of their own to face as well.

Praise God for the harvest of farm and of field, Praise God for the people who gather their yield, The long hours of labour, the skills of a team, The patience of science, the power of machine

Praise God for the harvest of conflict and love, For leaders and peoples who struggle and serve To conquer oppression, earth's plenty increase, And gather God's harvest of justice and peace

Every blessing,

John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

As you may have heard by now, in September Rev. Dave Bonny leaves us to take up a post as Chaplain to Woodhouse Grove School in Yorkshire. We will all be very sorry to see him go, although we know that the new post is very well suited to his talents. 

The Circuit has been looking since last September for a new minister to look after his section of the Circuit, comprising Central Hall (Walsall), Darlaston and Bentley churches, but have been ultimately unsuccessful, although the Connexional Stationing Committee and the Chair of the District have done their utmost to help us. The Methodist Church nationwide is nearly fifty ministers short this year, which does not help our situation. 

Therefore it is intended that from 1st. September for a period of two years I will be taking on Central Hall in addition to my current section of Aldridge, Daw End, Coalpool and Kings' Hill. Meanwhile, Bentley and Darlaston will be looked after part time by Rev. Ray Goode, one of our Supernumerary (i.e. retired) Ministers. Ray was a Minister in this Circuit for many years and indeed was Superintendent Minister when I first came here 15 years ago. Rev. David Barker - our other Supernumerary Minister - will also be helping out where he can. We are most grateful to them both for their willingness to assist in this way. The section of the Circuit covered by Rev. Samuel Uwimana - Moxley, Pleck and Caldmore - will remain unchanged. 

It is also intended to look for a Lay Worker to work part time to help with Sunday Services, pastoral visiting, fellowship meetings etc. within my new section of five churches and thus make the workload manageable - we are currently about to advertise nationally for this position. This appointment would be very suitable for experienced preachers who have perhaps taken early retirement and who want to serve the church in a paid capacity or else those who have already got some experience as a preacher and who are now considering full time ministry and want to test out their calling. 

At the end of two years we would then seek to re-enter the stationing process and find a suitable minister. 

The next two years are obviously going to be a demanding time on us all, but nevertheless we hope that they will prove to be fruitful ones.

Every blessing, 

John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

May in the Christian Calendar marks Pentecost – the Sunday when we celebrate the Holy Spirit equipping the early church for mission to the whole world, God’s power directly enabling the witness of those early Christians as never before, helping them to speak and teach and work for Christ, and in the process changing what had been a small Jewish sect into a worldwide movement made up largely of non – Jews, Gentiles. 

For Methodists it is doubly appropriate in May to look back to our roots; not only as a part of the Christian church, but also as a Christian denomination – our founders John Wesley and his brother Charles were converted in May 1738, and the first Chapel, or Preaching House – the ‘New Room’ in Bristol – was opened in May 1739 (what a momentous year that must have been!), and so one way and another it is a month with a lot of significance for us. Even now, on May 24th, Aldersgate Day, many Methodist Circuits still hold a service of celebration to mark Wesley’s conversion.

As a people we Methodists are often quite good at looking back. We have a rich heritage, and not only do we have our historic roots in a particular century and set of social circumstances but because John Wesley and his teaching is so central to our belief and practice it is natural for us to look up to him, even to venerate him to a certain extent. Sometimes this looking back can take a rather strange form – one often wonders what non Christians and for that matter other Christians make of the Methodist habit of dressing someone up in a wig and 18th. Century clerical clothing and parading them round on a horse whenever we have something to celebrate, such as the opening of a new church for example. 

But at its best when we Methodists look at Wesley we find inspiration; Wesley once wrote “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn!”, and anyone studying Wesley’s writings cannot help but to be struck by his sheer passion; his passion for those around him to know the love of God for themselves, his passion for improving peoples education, health and well being, his passion for social justice. His was a personality which could not be half committed to anything. His was a commitment to God which was total, complete, and absolute, and in that sense well worth imitating. 

It is important to know where we have been but nevertheless it is more important to be focussed on the present. Whilst Wesley himself was a learned man and had a good knowledge of history he lived completely in the present, and with an eye to the future. We must do the same. The past can be a comforting place but we cannot live there – rather, we are called to live in the present and to meet the needs of the age in which we now are, and that means wholeheartedly seeking God’s guidance and power this Pentecost as we seek to move forward into the future. . 

Towards the end of his life, John Wesley wrote. “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.”

May God help us to be true to both the message of Pentecost and the evangelical heritage of the Wesleys.

Every blessing, 

John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

Have you come across the phrase ‘Quantitative Easing’ yet? It takes its place amongst a lexicon of phrases like ‘Extraordinary rendition’ and ‘Collateral damage’ which seem to mean exactly what their authors intend but which seem a bit obscure to those not in the know.

Technically all have specific meaning. ‘Collateral damage’ means unintentional damage to something as a result of action taken to destroy something else – it was used by the Americans of ‘friendly fire’ incidents (itself a somewhat strange phrase) in WW2 and has since entered the language. ‘Extraordinary rendition’ seems to mean the special transfer of something – in this case terrorists - to imprisonment or torture in countries other than their own. Both of these seem to originate with the American Intelligence services. As for ‘Quantitative Easing’ , it means ‘easing the amounts’, or in plain language increasing the supply, in this case of money into the economy, to try and re-inflate it. The phrase seems to have started in American Banking circles and transferred over to our own.

In Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll puts these words into the mouth of Humpty Dumpty: 'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less.' It seems that the movers and shakers in our society treat language in much the same way – whilst anyone can understand much of the Magna Carta despite its great age, or the Gettysburg address, many modern social documents are obscure, to say the least

In Matthew chapter five, in the ‘Beatitudes’ Jesus starts off by stating some Christian truths and then goes on to offer specific advice. In every case he goes far beyond the standards by which most people of the day would be living. And he tells them not to swear elaborate oaths, indeed, not to swear oaths at all, but to Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Matt. 5 vv 37.

As a people we are meant to be plain speakers, known for our honesty and transparent dealing with others. We are not meant to dress things up, or prevaricate, or hide behind things. And we are meant to deal with others in a straightforward way also because this is the way God deals with us.

As St. Paul says to the church at Corinth ‘The Son of God, Jesus Christ….was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. In Him it has always been ‘Yes’. For no matter how many promises God has made they are ‘Yes’ in Christ’. (2 Cor.1 v 19,20) Not only does Christ display God’s nature plainly and without prevarication, but also in Himself fulfils all God’s promises about saving mankind.

On that first Good Friday, in case any of those present escaped the significance of the Cross, or the One who was upon it, Pilate had a sign erected - ‘The King of the Jews’ - and fixed to it so the message was pain for all to see. And as we approach Easter in our own generation so Good Friday forces us and all humanity to come to terms with a cross on which God’s Son is hanging, a visible and plain sign of His love and forgiveness towards us and all people, and His willingness to suffer for our sakes and redeem the human race.

At Easter, through the cross, we see God’s love made plain before us – not easy to understand, but nevertheless plainly stated. May we by our words, actions and lifestyles make God’s love and grace equally plain to others, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

A Happy Easter to you,

John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends

Straining gnats and yet swallowing camels.

I was horrified recently to read that a Social Services department had uprooted two children from the care of their grandparents to be looked after by two gay men, despite that fact that apparently the girl concerned had a fear of strange men. Apparently the reason given was that the Council was concerned that given the age and health of the grandparents there was concern that the children would not be properly looked after, and the reason for placing the children with two homosexual men was that the Council concerned was 'committed to diversity'. So, for that matter, was a major supermarket recently when it banned personal jewellery except for that worn on religious grounds. However, crosses and crucifixes seemingly do not count as it is not obligatory for Christians to wear them.

Within the last year committed Christians have been refused permission to adopt because of their faith - though this decision was later rescinded - and people who are obese (he says with some feeling!!). have also been refused. Apparently society's commitment to diversity does not automatically extend to those who are Christian, and large.

Now we have the case of a nurse being suspended for offering to pray with a patient. There are several sides to this one. The nurse in question had previously been admonished for distributing prayer cards; she may therefore see herself as evangelizing. It is a question of what is appropriate in the situation. It isn't perhaps correct for a nurse to offer to pray unless she is absolutely sure she is speaking to someone who will not be offended - indeed. even though I enter people's homes as a Minister, I do not myself offer to pray unless I feel sure the offer will be acceptable and not threatening.

But, having said all of that, it does worry me how often it is Christians - as opposed to those of other faiths - who are hauled over the coals for exercising their faith in society. This is particularly true on the grounds of morality. Although we should not look down on those who to us may lead immoral lives - the correct Christian response is that of sympathy, we are called to hate the sin and yet love the sinner - we are getting to the point where one cannot in any way comment on anyone’s sexual or moral choices - or even make our own choices - without being found guilty of a lack of political correctness. Therefore landlords have been in trouble for refusing homosexuals permission to sleep in a double bed, and Christian employers have been fined for refusing to take on staff who are gay.

Whilst zealots - fanatics - are always unattractive, and we are meant to love people into the Kingdom rather than to condemn their lifestyles. nevertheless we are heading for a situation in this country where as Christians we will not be able to make any public comment at all but will be forced to exercise our faith entirely behind closed doors. I haven't got any easy answers for this. but let us pray for Nurse Petrie and all like her who find themselves harshly dealt because of their faith - and let us pray also for a truly level playing field in which we - along with all faiths in this country - are treated with genuine fairness and impartiality.

Every blessing
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

‘There most certainly is a God so…'

‘Currently Londoners are being treated to the sight of London buses adorned with the slogan “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life” and posters stating “That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet”. These are the brainchild of an atheist who was annoyed at a Christian advertising campaign - which did not make its way to the Midlands - which stated ‘Jesus said’ and then directed people to a website promising eternal damnation to all who reject Him as Lord.

Interestingly, the word ‘probably' was added in case the statement offended Christians. Richard Dawkins apparently said he would have preferred the word ‘certainly’. In fact most Christian organisations have welcomed the campaign as it stimulated conversation about God and the nature of things!

There are all sorts of sides to this. Frankly, if I could think for a second that God did not exist that would not save me from worrying but start me worrying. How did all things come into being? Why are we here - and what for? Are we to go through life alone and then fade out, forgotten for ever, having bloomed and then been cut down? Why should not believing in God save us from worry? As to enjoying life, I have enjoyed life far more since becoming a Christian than ever I did before it. When I first committed myself to Christ I admit I thought of it as a total sacrifice of my previous life, and that I would lose so much I everything I enjoyed. I knew without being told I would no longer be able to go out on boozy nights with my mates - not that I did very often - or chase women with no idea of commitment etc. That there would be constraints on my life. But the knowledge of the love of God compensated for all that. I married a lovely Christian woman, and have known the fellowship of God with me through thick and thin. So, as for enjoy your life, I have proved to my own satisfaction that life is only really enjoyable with God.

But it has to be a personal discovery. It is said that when John Bunyan was a young man he went through a time of great bewilderment about religion, and the claims of Christianity to be supreme, saying ‘Each man thinketh his own religion rightest’
But when he felt the presence and love of God for Himself, discovered the peace of God, he ran round the study shouting ‘Now I know! Now I know!'.

Our job as Christians is to tell people that that personal discovery of God is possible, that His love can be found, and experienced and felt, and that with God life seems more enjoyable, more worth living - and goes on forever, and past death. But it matters how we get the message across. I am not sure we do that job best by telling people about a lake of fire when they want to find out more about what Christianity can offer!

May God help us to share the good new of His love with those around us, and may we be a positive witness within our community.

Every blessing
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

A New Year's Resolution ?

The story is told of a man who wandered into a church one day. He had never been in one before, and walked around marveling at the stained glass and beautiful furnishings, enjoying the peace and tranquility, the spiritual feel. 'What is this building? It's so peaceful' he asked another man. 'It's a church', came the reply. 'It is where we come to worship God. He sent His Son to tell us that He loves us, and that if we accept His love and live in the power of His Spirit, then we can know His companionship day by day, and one day can live with Him in heaven'. 'Wow!' said the visitor 'That is incredible! Tell you what - you had better keep all that to yourself or the place will be packed out!' It's only a joke - and a rather old one - but there is truth in it.

When I first came in the ministry in 1982, I could reply on the fact that most people I came across - even those who were 'anti' Christianity - had some basic awareness of what the Christian message was which they were rejecting. Increasingly these days I find even amongst the older generation that that is not the case, and yet very often I also find that there is a beneficial side to this marginalisation - it seems to me that people are often open, willing to discuss spiritual matters as never before in my lifetime. They are curious as to what we believe, and what goes on within our walls, and they are pleasantly surprised when they come into church for a significant occasion such as a wedding, baptism, special Sunday or a funeral and find warmth, welcome and friendship.
So to me this increasing openness and curiosity posed - and poses - questions like:­

How are we to be salt and light in the world, as Jesus put it - adding flavour to life for others, and giving them illumination about God? How do we share God's love in practical ways as a church and as individuals?

And also there were - and are - some more personal ones for me as an individual: ­Am I open enough about my faith with others? Upfront enough? Do I seize opportunities (NOT manufacture them) to share my faith? Is my lifestyle a good witness?

So a few months ago I decided to be a bit more open about the love of God and what that means to me - and a bit more open in standing on my principles as a Christian as well - and I waited to see what would happen. And, amazingly I have found that in general this approach is accepted and welcomed - and it has led to many interesting conversations. Now I am the first to admit that it is easier for me than most, partly because I spend so much of my time with people from the wider community and partly just because of the dog collar. It is such an advantage being a marked man! But I am sure that there are all sorts of things we can do to be a bit more upfront about our faith if we think about it: - how about wearing a cross in your lapel or adding a fish to the boot of the car, or inviting the neighbours for coffee and getting to know them or just not being quite so embarrassed to use the phrase 'speaking as a Christian' - letting others know what we stand for when the occasion arises.

And undoubtedly the best witness is still a life transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven John 5 v14.

Every blessing - and a happy New Year!
John Davies

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Rev John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

Over the last few months we have nudged into recession. Credit is drying up, banks are collapsing right left and centre, businesses are folding, jobs are being lost. What, one might ask, is the point of celebrating Christmas in the midst of all this chaos?

Simply this.

Despite all the chaos and uncertainty, we can nevertheless find happiness and fulfilment in the knowledge that God loves us. Moreover, to say that is not escapism; as Christians we can go further than this and say that without knowing God and discovering His love we can never be truly happy however stable and settled our lives are, and without his help we can never really get our lives in order whatever the economic circumstances are.

Jesus came into a world 2000 years ago in which things were hard and lives were cheap. In the chaos of a Roman occupation the message of the angels came to a subject and downtrodden people in Judea 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to mankind' It was displayed loud and clear, sung by not just one but hosts of angels. And in that simple sentence, Peace and goodwill towards mankind, we learn God loves us and is concerned for our well-being. This must have seemed an incredible thing to those who first heard it - God was not simply their creator and judge but loved them! When he reached adulthood the teaching of Jesus was to spell this out - God is to be thought of first and foremost as our Heavenly Father, who invites us into a relationship with Him and is delighted when we acknowledge Him and come to know His love for ourselves.

So this Christmas let us rejoice that God loves us and let us ask Him to help us get our lives and priorities in order. And if we do not already know His love, let us resolve to begin a relationship with Him, start to try and know Him better.

And why not start that process off by coming to church on Christmas Day and worshipping Him?. - it's a friendly and informal service and you will be made very welcome!

Happy Christmas!!

John Davies

John Davies.

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Rev, John Davies writes

Dear Friends,

From the Methodist Conference to the Lambeth Conference ........

I don't know how many people have been following - or trying to follow - the events of the Lambeth Conference. It is of interest, if only because of what it is not doing - it is not allowing full and frank discussion about the issues that threaten to divide the Anglican communion, especially the appointment of practising homosexuals to the Ministry of the Church. Instead, there have been opportunities for people to share their beliefs and feelings, workshop style, but no real dialogue. Meanwhile, many bishops have stayed away on grounds of conscience, especially from Africa and South America. The constant wavering on this issue, and the decision to admit women priests as bishops, have meanwhile caused the dialogue with the Catholic church to grow cold, indeed, positively icy.

To a Methodist - or at least this particular Methodist - all of this seems rather strange. In the first place, I sense we place a higher importance on collegiality and accountability in our denomination - it would be impossible for the strange situation of Rev. Gene Richardson to happen in our own church as he would be on a disciplinary charge.

As to women in the Ministry, John Wesley allowed women to help and support in the work of the church in ways unheard of in other denominations, we have had women Local Preachers and Deaconesses (now Deacons, who can be male or female) for generations and we have now been ordaining women as Ministers since the 70's - then women were 4% of those coming forward for ordination, now women arte well over 50%. And in our practical way it was decided from the outset that if women could be ordained to the Presbyteral Ministry there was no reason why they should not hold high office - only one of our Presidents - Kathleen Richardson - has so far been a woman, but it made an important statement about the irrelevance of gender to the Lords work.

But to me perhaps the strangest thing of all is the constant coupling in Anglican thinking of the issue of homosexuality with the ministry of women. One can manage to be a conservative evangelical in Methodism and against allowing practising homosexuals into the Ministry and yet still be in favour of the ministry of women. There is no need for anyone to be a liberal theologically to embrace women's ministry - unless one is an Anglican, it seems.

Surely, the two issues are - or should be - completely separate. There is no biblical grounds in favour of homosexuality, it is always implicitly or explicitly condemned. Yet there are good biblical grounds in support of the ministry of women, not least that Jesus actively accepted the ministry of women - cf. Luke 8 verses 2 and 3- and apart from the numbers of women greeted by name in the New Testament and the women who had churches meeting in their houses, there is even a mention of a woman being a disciple in Acts where the feminine use of the word is used. In a world where women-like children in the UK in a previous generation-were expected to be seen and not heard, this was nothing short of revolutionary, and surely would shape the Churches thinking about the place of women today.
As the Church of England continues to debate let us pray for the continuing unity of the whole Anglican Communion throughout the world, that a common understanding of biblical truth be found and adopted as a way forward, so that once again the most significant thing about Anglicanism is it's mission in the name of Jesus - not it's own ministry.

Every blessing.

John Davies.

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Rev John Davies writes….. 

Dear Friends,

Methodist Conference 2008 

On the 6th. July Paula and I went with several others from the Circuit to see Rev. Samuel Uwimana received into Full Connexion as a Methodist Minister (this simply means seen as being fully in association with British Methodism). Samuel had already been ordained in Africa but has still had to go through a period of Probation and training and so that he could be formally received into British Methodism. 

I went thinking I knew what to expect. After all, I had been to two previous Conferences, and had gone up just a few years ago now to Edinburgh to be sponsoring Minister at Mark Sherman’s ordination, as well as going to the last Conference at Wolverhampton on an informal basis as an observer when time allowed. As a rule I tend to find the business too drawn out and the worship far too stuffy, wordy and tedious. I had no reason to expect anything else this time. 

In the event I was very pleasantly surprised. These days Conference is far shorter than it used to be and Ministers and Deacons are received into Full Connexion within the main Conference Sunday Service, and then Ordination services take place later on in the day. The worship was upbeat and reverential, the messages challenging, and although we sung some traditional hymns we also sang appropriate worship songs – indeed, I have been singing ‘Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart’ around the house ever since! There was a Zimbabwean singing group, and the collection went to the Methodist church in Zimbabwe to help them buy a truck to distribute aid. 

One was aware of other changes too. The service now makes full use of a data projector and was available on the World Wide Web – so was much of Conference. Whereas one used to have to wait for the Methodist Recorder to come out, one could look at business on the computer as it unfolded which was very interesting. 

I think what struck me most was that as a denomination we seem over the last few years to have rediscovered a sense of mission and purpose, and come to the collective realisation that God has not finished with us yet as a separate denomination, but still has something left for us to do. For years – indeed, since the sixties – we have been obsessed with statistics and especially the ones pointing out that we have an elderly membership and are in numerical decline. These things are undoubtedly so – yet not all of our congregations are dwindling, it isn’t the full picture and even where congregations are declining there is still great commitment, sacrifice and personal devotion, and it is good to see these things increasingly acknowledged . Perhaps the other thing which impresses me most about modern Methodism is the increasing emphasis on mission and evangelism, the conviction that all that we do has to be centred around God, focussed on Jesus and enabled by His Holy Spirit if it is to bear fruit. 

Those with computers may find it interesting to have a look at the Methodist Website, which has a Conference section. http://www.methodist.org.uk/

May God bless Samuel and his family as he continues his Ministry here, and continue to bless His Methodist people as he continues to lead us on. 

John Davies

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