Links


Latest News from the Methodist Church
https://www.methodist.org.uk/

Latest News on Justice and Public Issues
https://jpit.uk/

Questions on the Christian Faith
https://www.christianity.org.uk/

 

A Pastoral Message on facing Changing the Church - YouTube link
courtesy of our District Chair, Rev Rachel Parkinson

Methodist Church centrally provided resources - to help nourish your spiritual life on a daily and weekly basis

A Green Recovery - a call from Methodist Faith Leaders 

Justice for all - take a look at the Church's perspective on Justice in the light of recent events across the world…

(Links updated Saturday 14th September)

Please click on any of the links below, to go to...

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Please be aware that some of the links on this page may take you to external sites, and although they have been checked,
the Vale of Stour Circuit is not responsible for their contents.

CIRCUIT NEWS

The Vale of Stour Preaching Plan for the September to November 2024 quarter
can be found on the Links / Preaching Plans page here.

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Dear Circuit Family

Last week saw the long awaited release of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, exploring the tragic events of June 2017.  I was in London ministry at the time and a colleague of mine - Rev Mike Long - was the Methodist minister in that area.  He said - way back in 2020 - that faith communities have long memories - we don't forget the important things of the past - we seek to learn from them and draw strength from them.

He went on to say: We commemorate and learn that God gives us strength and draws close to us that we might be a stronger and better community than we already are.  We hallow the memories of those who perished and we pray for those who remain. Saying to them: you are not forgotten because to God - every single life matters.

We are called to remain restless until truth and justice prevail and above all we pray that this inquiry will lead to real change that ensures this will never happen again…

We hold all those involved in our prayers:

Lord - in despair bring hope, in injury bring healing, in fear bring comfort,
in our helplessness be our strength, in your mercy hear our prayers. In Christ's name.
Amen

Meanwhile - in a busy couple of  weeks for the circuit, various technically minded folk helped in filming and editing the District Chair and the President of Conference at new Road, and many other special guests online,  in order to create an on-line service to mark the launch of Disability Awareness Week…. (Sept 15 on wards)  Our main partners were the Charity - Through the Roof - that exists to Transform lives through Jesus with disabled people.

PS - Correction: Last week I listed three churches that have the Eco Award - I'm afraid I missed out Brierley Hill who ALSO have their Bronze Award.  My humble apologies for that omission.  This means we now have four churches with Eco Awards so far !

Every blessing.

Rev Alan and the Circuit Team

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The latest Newsletter from Claire Biggs, our Childrens and Family Worker, is attached.

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Christian Aid Week Collections - Update

We have had an update on the Christian Aid collection from the Stourbridge Churches Together.  The total for 2024 is £7768.40. Last year's equivalent figure was £7095.61, so an encouraging increase for 2024.  This includes money collected from a number of the churches in our Circuit, including Amblecote Wordsley, Wesley...
 

Circuit Ramblers

The Vale Of Stour Circuit Ramblers are holding walks of an hour in length, once a month from August to December, on various Saturdays, as shown here.  Walks cost £1, with all proceeds donated to the Paul Ackrill Fund : "Helping young people fighting cancer".
Walk details from Margaret Stevens - 07986 566134
 

Headlight - Music and Singing for the Mind
All welcome at Amblecote Wordsley Methodist Church on Sunday 22nd September and Sunday 19th October at 3:30pm for Tea and Coffee, with communal singing and entertainment from 4-5pm.
 

Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning at Wollaston

Wollaston Methodist Church will be holding their annual coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday 28th September from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Home-made cakes on sale. All most welcome.
 

Dudley Wood Harvest Celebrations

Dudley Wood Methodist Church are holding their Harvest Celebrations on Saturday 28th September at 6:30 pm, featuring a Black Country Evening with David Bartley.  Tickets are £5, to include a Fish & Chip Supper, and are available from Pauline on 01384 561229.  More information is on this attached poster.
 

'Too Good to Throw Away'

Dudley Council is holding its fourth 'Too Good to Throw Away' event at Kingswinford Methodist Church on Tuesday 8th October from 10am - 3pm.  Dudley Council is asking residents with unwanted items to gift them to a community sharing scheme, where people will be able to donate unwanted household items that are in good working order, including curtains, bedding, cushions, kitchenware, small electrical items, clothes, food and unused toiletries. These items will then be shared between charitable organisations in the borough, including Provision House, which repurposes them for community use. We are also asking if people can donate Too Good to Throw Away children's winter coats, which will be used by the local family hubs, who support families across the Dudley Borough. Find out more at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/starting-over/ 
 

Action for Children Appeal

The AFC reps are planning to hold an Autumn coffee morning with gift stalls on Saturday 19th October.

We are on the lookout for donations of small tombola prizes and bottles for 2 of our stalls (obviously no alcohol) and cake makers nearer to the date.
If you can help with any of these requests, we would be very grateful. Please arrange drop off/collection through Claire Biggs (cafvos@outlook.com or 07542 062603)

Items can be dropped at New Road on a Thursday morning during the coffee morning 10-11.30 am (via Elaine or Claire) – I also hope to be at the circuit service on 7th July – thank you in advance for your support.

Claire and the AFC team
 

Tearfund's Big Quiz Night at New Road

We are thrilled to announce that Tearfund's Big Quiz Night is back and better than ever! Join us for an evening of fun, friends, and fantastic trivia, on Saturday, 19th October at 6pm at New Road Methodist Church Centre.
This is more than just a quiz--it's a chance to come together, challenge your mind, and support an incredible cause. Whether you're a trivia buff or just looking for a great night out, there's something for everyone.
All profits from the evening will go directly to Tearfund, helping to tackle poverty and injustice around the world. Your participation makes a real difference.
P.S. Don't forget to bring your thinking caps!
 

Paul Carr Organ Recital at New Road

Join us for an Afternoon of Organ Music at New Road Methodist Church Centre - Sunday 27th October - 4pm (see poster attached).  We are thrilled to announce our first organ recital at New Road, featuring the incredibly talented local organist, Paul Carr. Experience the majestic sounds of our Norman Bros & Beard organ in a captivating performance that will transport you through a journey of musical masterpieces. After the recital, we invite you to join us in the hall for a delightful cold buffet and drinks. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle, share your thoughts on the performance, and enjoy some delicious refreshments. Tickets: £6.00 (includes the buffet) available from Joy Fisher or Liam Hodgetts (liam@newroad.valeofstour.org.uk). For more information, check out www.paulcarr.co.uk and www.organrecitals.uk . We look forward to seeing you there!

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Amblecote Wordsley Methodist Church are now holding Foodbank Collections – Tuesdays from 1:30pm till 4pm.
 

Activities at Brierley Hill Methodist Church

Brierley Hill Methodist Church begin a weekly Men’s Fellowship Group, on Tuesdays from 2:00pm-3:30pm.  Initial activities are Chess, Dominoes, Local History or Current Affairs, Music, Poetry, Quizzes, Bible study and Bible meditation.  A leaflet is attached here with more information !  "All are welcome in this place."
 

Activities at Providence Methodist Church

Providence Fellowship Group extend a very warm welcome for anyone to come along and share time together, held on alternate Mondays from 10.30am till 12noon. There is normally a speaker. Refreshments are available. For more information please contact Judith Morris 01384 561020.

Providence Brunch Club will be restarting again in March 2024, weather permitting. See the attached poster for more details.
 

Activities at The United Church Lye

First Tuesday of the month - 2-3 pm Tuesday Club, informal gathering with different activities each month. Cost is £2 : contact Jacqueline Hill for details 0780 1030844 or Elizabeth Long 07928 808772.

Third Tuesday - Discussion Group 7-8pm (very informal, Bible based) contact Revd Chris on 07708 750142

The Luncheon Club now meets each Friday at 11am, 3 course meal plus friendship all for £5. Contact Margaret Mullett on 07904 514764.

Events are open to all.
 

Friday afternoon Fellowship and Bible Study at Wesley

This group has been running for a while now and new members are always welcome.

We meet weekly at 1.30pm at Wesley Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant, Quarry Bank.
There is informal fellowship over a beverage, time to pray together, and discussion of a Bible passage.
On 5th July we start a six-session course looking at Psalms 1 and 2 in detail, presented on video by Desi Maxwell of Xplorations Ministries. Desi is an engaging speaker who will help you see Scripture in a new light.

If you are free on Friday afternoons and have a desire to know the Bible better, then we look forward to seeing you.
Just turn up or contact Martyn Filsak for more information.

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VOS Virtual Platform - Please Make Use of the Circuit Online Meeting Space - It's free, funded by the circuit...

Alongside VoSWorship, the Circuit Platform has been undergoing an update thanks to the CTC team and I encourage churches to use this FREE resource - funded by the circuit for online gatherings such as Bible Study, Prayer, Games Nights etc.  It's a fantastic and easy to use environment and there are many folk already trained across the circuit who can open a room for you to host your event / meeting.
 

God bless you all and may you know the sustaining presence of God in your lives.
 

Rev Alan Combes

ONLINE Service

We are no longer providing a weekly pre-recorded circuit service.  However, for anyone unable to attend church or access online services; we attach a full text version of a service for you to use at home.

We also recommend any of the following for those of you still unable to get to church :
 

ONLINE Service Live-streamed from Kinver.

This will be the first video (on the left) under UPLOADS > PLAY ALL at the following site :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZnnIcxNLSP5VXyOGBeuxMA

The most recent online services are the other videos found on the same page.

The dates of all the Kinver services are shown beneath each video thumbnail.
 

Wesley's Chapel’s YouTube channel has a livestreamed service at 11am on Sundays and Morning Prayer services the rest of the week at 10am.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA
Again, this will be the first video (on the left) under HOME > Past live streams, and the most recent online services are the other videos found on the same page.

The dates of all the Wesley services are shown beneath each video thumbnail.
 

All previously archived live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player: 
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
 

Order of Service
For anyone unable to attend or watch any services in person, this week's full Order of Service is here.
 

Coffee and a Chat

If you are interested in online coffee on a Sunday, please talk to any of the circuit staff and let us know what time would work for you and we can look at a time that would suit the majority of people.

Thanks to all those working in the background.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue to pray for our communities, the church and ourselves.

God bless

Rev Alan and the Team


 

NEW LINKS

Ministers' and Preachers' Reflections, Sermons, and Orders of Service
~~updated~~

For earlier Worship Resources and Reflections, see the archive page here.