The Vale of Stour Preaching Plan for the March to May 2026 quarter
can be found on the Preaching Plans page here.
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New Superintendent for the Vale of Stour Circuit
We are delighted to welcome Rev Jem Hawkins and his wife Wendy, who has joined us as our new Superintendent Minister. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter and look forward to sharing in his ministry among us. Rev Jem now has a page on this site where you can read all about him.
Wesley Methodist Church has now been sold and has new owners. We give thanks for its life and witness over many years, and for all who worshipped faithfully within its walls. We wish all former members well and are pleased that many have transferred to other churches, in particular Amblecote Wordsley. We are grateful to Mike Sykes, Circuit Property Steward for his hard work throughout the sale process.
Visit of the President of Conference
The President of Conference, Revd Richard Andrew, is coming to our District on Saturday 9th of May, at Trinity Methodist Church, Kidderminster, DY10 2JL, when he will be joining with us for 'Our Story, Our Song: Growing your Calling in Worship", a day designed to encourage, equip and inspire everyone involved in worship across our churches. We would like you to help ensure that individuals are given the opportunity to come along to this exciting and inspiring event by sharing publicity for the day with the churches in your circuit and adding details to any social media that you may cover. We appreciate that you will be busy, but this is an important event as we establish ourselves in the new West Midlands District. A poster is attached here.
New Church Idea
Luke Denley, the Mission and New Communities Enabler, would like to invite you to an open meeting to discuss a New Church idea for the Circuit. The vision for this church would be an Intergenerational church, meeting every week, and catering for people of all ages. This is an exciting opportunity to do church differently. Creating a church community that makes and grows new disciples of Jesus Christ, a church where all can come together regardless of age and access a service suitable for all who attend.
I would like to invite you to attend one of two meeting dates (you don't have to come to both). The first meeting will be on Wednesday 6th May at 7pm and the second on Saturday 13th June at 10:30am, both meetings taking place at Brierley Hill Methodist Church. Each meeting will be the same, but I want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. This new church seeks to be Invitational, Inclusive, Incarnational, Intentional, Innovative, and Inspirational.
Luke
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Circuit Services
Circuit Pentecost Praise - Kinver Methodist Church - Sunday 24th May - 6pm.
Circuit Farewell Service for Rev Michael and Anita Payne and Rev Christine Watson – Sunday 12th July at 6pm at Stourbridge Methodist Church (New Road). A tea will be served from 4pm. Parking available on Argus Fire Car Park on the corner of Worcester Street.
Circuit Holy Communion
A Service of Holy Communion will be held on Sunday 26th April at 6pm, at Brierley Hill Methodist Church, led by Rev Michael Payne. All are welcome.
Thanks For The Memories - Music and Singing for our Wellbeing
The circuit is delighted to continue Monthly afternoon singing of favourite songs from the past and from the musicals. This will be at Amblecote Wordsley, the next event being on Sunday 26th April, with tea from 3:30pm and singing from 4-5pm. All are welcome - see attached poster.
Beetle Drive
There will be a Beetle Drive held at Stourbridge Methodist Church (Gig Mill) on Saturday 2nd May at 7pm, with an opportunity to Bring and Share Food. A poster is here, and tickets are £3.
'Anchored' Kinver Youth Group
Kinver Methodist Church have begun a new Youth Group – "Anchored" – for secondary school aged young people. Friday evenings, from 5:30pm - 7pm – See the attached flyer.
Eden Toddler Group at Stourbridge Methodist Church (Gig Mill)
Stourbridge Methodist Church (Gig Mill) - all Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Guardians, you are all welcome to pop in with babies and toddlers to the Eden Toddler group ! The group is held weekly on Fridays, from 9:30am to 11:30am.
We look forward to welcoming you. A poster is here.
Foodbank Collections
Amblecote Wordsley Methodist Church are now holding Foodbank Collections – Tuesdays from 1:30pm till 4pm.
Activities at The United Church Lye
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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.
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Third Tuesday - Discussion Group 7-8pm (very informal, Bible based) contact Revd Chris on 07708 750142
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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.
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.
Full Text 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 Jem and the Team