Circuit Communication Page
25/07/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
As the end of the school year and much business in the life of the circuit rolls on we had a very blessed Circuit Meeting just over a week ago. At it’s heart we prayed for Lawrence Lane as a church and fellowship as they seek to work out their future together and with the support of the circuit and their minister Rev Helen. We heard exciting updates from Claire about our Children & Families work and Rev Helen on the partnership we are forming with the Brierley Hill Project - a local Christian Charity. Rev Josephine updated us on the circuit Alpha programmes she is leading and reminded us that more vaccination centres are still needed.
Since then we have successfully been able to make the plan for September to November and enjoyed our first gathering of local preachers and worship leaders in a long time. It was such a blessing to be together and we marked 40 years of preaching by Margaret Bradley.
Beware of Scammers Taking Advantage of Christian Generosity
I am sad to say that I have heard twice within one week of local christians being subject to attempted scams. Sometimes, because God calls us to be generous it can also lead us to be vulnerable. I have been asked to warn you about:
a) A mobile phone text scam where you receive a text ’supposedly from your minister or church leader, asking you to buy Amazon or similar vouchers to support their ministry on a particular day. Please know that none of our team would ever ask you to spend your personal money in this manner.
b) A gentleman appears at church (the most recent 40 to 50 years old brown wavy hair, wearing glasses with brown plastic frames, about 5ft 8inches and quite well built) - claiming he needs petrol money to complete an important journey.
Tech Support for OnLine Services
We continue to ask for people to come forward to be trained to support our online services which we want to embed as part of future circuit life. Please speak to me or Michele Combes (michele.combes@ntlworld.com) about this should you be interested. She can provide full training and hand-holding in the early days!
Michael’s Sabbatical and Re-Invitation Consultation
Please pray for Michael and Anita as Michael’s sabbatical comes to and end and he returns to church and circuit life. He rejoins us right in the midst of the re-invitation process so we remember both Michael, his Churches and the Circuit Invitation Committee as they listen and reflect together.
Staff Availability
Unfortunately the complexities of Covid mean that a number of staff holidays have been postponed or delayed. Next week almost the whole team will be out… BUT we are grateful for the following cover:
- Week of Monday 26th: Rev Chris Watson / Martyn Filsak
- Week of August 2nd: Rev Michael Payne, Rev Chris Watson, Martyn Filsak
- 9th of August Onwards I will be back in circuit for the rest of the summer.
----------------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen. God bless you all.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 25th July
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Chris Watson – live broadcast from United Lye
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen. God bless you all.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 25th July
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Chris Watson – live broadcast from United Lye
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
##From Monday 14th June##
Working from the Circuit Office - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday -01384 442718
Working from home - Thursday/Friday - 07712 332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
18/07/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Despite Covid and its legacy it has been a joy to see what creativity has come out of this difficult journey. For example, I have been hugely impressed by the determination of many folk to connect to what we have been doing / offering across the circuit. We begin to see that we will never be free of Covid, but now we begin the job of learning to live safely with it. Many folk have contacted me asking what happens after July 19th? Looking at the advice both from the government and the Methodist Church, the emphasis is now moving towards personal responsibility, for ourselves but also for the sake of those we meet. Each church will respond differently, but the general consensus is that church councils need to review their risk assessments and agree, particularly in terms of worship, how the church community will gather…
A number of churches are considering moving to the governments '1m plus’ with some of the following advice from the connexion:
- Appropriate use of face coverings.
- Good ventilation to properties or considering meeting outdoors.
- Encouraging frequent hand washing and keeping sanitiser out for people to use.
- Encouraging people to stay at home if they are unwell.
- Considering individual risks: such as clinical vulnerabilities, illness and vaccination status.
- Retaining retiring offering or online giving rather than ‘passing the offering plate’.
- Deter handshaking and hugging and find other ways to share ‘the Peace’.
- Encourage the continued use of personal, not shared items, such as books.
On this basis I encourage all Church Councils to talk / share emails and establish a new safe worship plan. Once again things will change and it’s sad that we will still not be quite back to where we want to be.
Meanwhile we pray for those people and nations where the vaccine roll-out is slow and many are still at risk.
Weekly Full Text Service
This is a gentle reminder that we produce and attach a full text service every week for two reasons. One is so that it can be passed on to those at home who may not have access to a computer. This keeps friends and neighbours and the housebound connected with church life and worship.
We also produce this full text service because many of our churches now have regular Local Arrangements - so all stewards and worship leaders please note that this material is available to you, fresh every week,to copy and give out at any LA so that by using the voices of those who are present you can bring together an act of worship.
CIRCUIT ALPHA PROGRAMME
Rev Josephine says, please pray for:
The planning of an Alpha weekend in Autumn
Equipping the 7 good practices in leadership/ leading Alpha
We are also offering a course on enabling leadership in discipleship through Alpha.
Please continue pray for us and all participants.
For any church that may want to explore Alpha, please join one of our current groups and experienced Alpha first.. "They who wish to lead, must first learn to follow.”
------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 18th July
- at 6.30pm led by Martyn Filsak
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
##From Monday 14th June##
Working from the Circuit Office - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday -01384 442718
Working from home - Thursday/Friday - 07712 332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
10/07/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Another busy week in the life of the church. Please continue to pray for our churches and leadership teams as we try to negotiate the ever-changing regulations and also for those who may not have attended church in a long time - that they may feel safe and able to come back once restrictions are removed. We also pray for the energy and bravery to be creative in our churches as we hope to reopen our doors fully over the summer and re-start what it means to be church.
God in Love Unites Us
Last week the Methodist conference voted on the report on same sex marriage - God in Love unites us. This is such an important moment in the life of the church, so I have written a separate letter to the whole circuit exploring this and which is accompanied by a letter from our president and vice president. When you receive this letter, I urge you to read it prayerfully and if you do not receive it, please contact Elaine in the circuit office for a copy. The circuit staff are always available for you to talk to.
Weekly Full Text Service
This is a gentle reminder that we produce and attach a full text service every week for two reasons. One is so that it can be passed on to those at home who may not have access to a computer. This keeps friends and neighbours and the housebound connected with church life and worship.
We also produce this full text service because many of our churches now have regular Local Arrangements - so all stewards and worship leaders please note that this material is available to you, fresh every week, to copy and give out at any LA so that by using the voices of those who are present you can bring together an act of worship.
Online services
We are working hard to find ways to enable this to continue beyond the summer as part of circuit life. However, in order to support this, we are really need some more people who would be prepared to train for some of the technical roles involved in delivering these services and would then be available approximately once a month to execute those roles! If you feel called to this, please contact Michele Combes: michele.combes@ntlworld.com
Action for Children Sunday - 11th July
God in Love Unites Us
Last week the Methodist conference voted on the report on same sex marriage - God in Love unites us. This is such an important moment in the life of the church, so I have written a separate letter to the whole circuit exploring this and which is accompanied by a letter from our president and vice president. When you receive this letter, I urge you to read it prayerfully and if you do not receive it, please contact Elaine in the circuit office for a copy. The circuit staff are always available for you to talk to.
Weekly Full Text Service
This is a gentle reminder that we produce and attach a full text service every week for two reasons. One is so that it can be passed on to those at home who may not have access to a computer. This keeps friends and neighbours and the housebound connected with church life and worship.
We also produce this full text service because many of our churches now have regular Local Arrangements - so all stewards and worship leaders please note that this material is available to you, fresh every week, to copy and give out at any LA so that by using the voices of those who are present you can bring together an act of worship.
Online services
We are working hard to find ways to enable this to continue beyond the summer as part of circuit life. However, in order to support this, we are really need some more people who would be prepared to train for some of the technical roles involved in delivering these services and would then be available approximately once a month to execute those roles! If you feel called to this, please contact Michele Combes: michele.combes@
Action for Children Sunday - 11th July
This year's Action for Children Sunday is on 11 July in 2021, but you can hold your service whenever you like. Resources in English and Welsh have been produced around the theme: "Peace within, peace around". They include activities that can be adapted for use in streamed or home worship. Go to their website for more information… Please support if you can.
CIRCUIT ALPHA PROGRAMME
Rev Josephine says, please pray for:
The planning of an Alpha weekend in Autumn
Please continue pray for us and all participants.
For any church that may want to explore Alpha, please join one of our current groups and experience Alpha first.. "They who wish to lead, must first learn to follow.”
----------------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 11th July
- at 6.30pm led by Martin Rider
CIRCUIT ALPHA PROGRAMME
Rev Josephine says, please pray for:
The planning of an Alpha weekend in Autumn
Equipping the 7 good practices in leadership and leading of Alpha
We are also offering a course on enabling leadership in discipleship through Alpha.Please continue pray for us and all participants.
For any church that may want to explore Alpha, please join one of our current groups and experience Alpha first.. "They who wish to lead, must first learn to follow.”
------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 11th July
- at 6.30pm led by Martin Rider
02/07/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Today I have the privilege of conducting a safe spaced renewal of wedding vows. The first time in ages that I have been surrounded by flowers, colour, children, photographs and the joy of recommitment. What a blessing.
As the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us: in every time there is a season for joy and for sorrow, for tears and for laughter.
With that joy we recall that many of us will also have lost someone, or will be close to a family that has lost someone during this past 18months. Covid may not have been the cause in every case but the experience of not being able to be with loved ones in hospitals and care homes, of shortened funerals, no church services, difficulties in holding memorials or thanksgivings, has been hard for many.
So it is that we mark this week the passing of Mike Pearson on 23 June, Local preacher for over 50 years, former circuit steward and servant of the Stour Vale Circuit in many areas - not to single him out, but to recognise his passing as a symbol of this difficult time. Mike’s funeral will be at 11, on 20th July at Wesley and then Stourbridge Crematorium 12.20pm.
We pray too for his wife Christine and the care home who look after her and we remember all those who mourn at this time. If you wish to send cards or letters of condolence details of Mike’s family can be obtained from Rev Josephine.
Circuit Office - Reminder
Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the Circuit Office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
CIRCUIT ALPHA PROGRAMME
Rev Josephine says, please pray for:
- The planning of a potential Alpha weekend in Autumn
- Equipping the 7 good practices in leadership/ leading Alpha
- We are offering a course on enabling leadership in discipleship through Alpha with a 2nd and 3rd training session available where each group has at least 2 persons who are intentionally seeking to be equipped as future Alpha leaders.
- Please continue pray for us and all participants.
Merry Hill Chaplaincy team
If anyone is interested in being a street pastor there are opportunities at Merry Hill. Please contact Josephine.
----------------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 4th July
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Helen Croft
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
If anyone is interested in being a street pastor there are opportunities at Merry Hill. Please contact Josephine.
------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 4th July
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Helen Croft
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
##From Monday 14th June##
Working from the Circuit Office - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday -01384 442718
Working from home - Thursday/Friday - 07712 332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
25/06/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
The government road map has once again changed and we must continue to juggle changes, even cancellations or postponements to plans we had around emerging from the restrictions. I find myself reminded of Israel’s journey in the wilderness, and how often when things became difficult they forgot what mighty works God had done for them in the exodus from Egypt. So I encourage myself, and all of us, to remember what great things God has done for us in bringing us this far, in being present through the loss and the complexity of it all. We give thanks that God promises us, as he promised Moses that “my presence will go with you and I will give you rest”.
Rev Josephine’s Ordination
We rejoiced last Saturday, online and in person at Marlborough Square Methodist, to see Rev Josephine fully ordained into the Methodist church. Please continue to pray for her and her future ministry.
Circuit Office - Reminder
Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the Circuit Office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
CIRCUIT ALPHA PROGRAMME
Rev Josephine says, please pray for:
- The planning of a potential Alpha weekend in Autumn
- Equipping the 7 good practices in leadership/ leading Alpha
- We are offering a course on enabling leadership in discipleship through Alpha with a 2nd and 3rd training session available where each group has at least 2 persons who are intentionally seeking to be equipped as future Alpha leaders.
- Please continue pray for us and all participatants.
For any church that may want to explore Alpha, please join one of our current groups and experienced Alpha first.. "They who wish to lead, must first learn to follow.”
Merry Hill Chaplaincy team
If anyone is interested in being a street pastor there are opportunities at Merry Hill. Please contact Josephine.
----------------------------------------
------------------------------
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 27th June
- at 6.30pm led by Andy Haynes
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Alan Combes
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 27th June
- at 6.30pm led by Andy Haynes
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
##From Monday 14th June##
Working from the Circuit Office - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday -01384 442718
Working from home - Thursday/Friday - 07712 332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
The Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit is committed to ensuring the security and protection of any personal information that we may receive from you and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection. If you have any questions related to our GDPR compliance, please contact our Circuit Office on 01384 442718
...
--
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Government Roadmap
Many of us will probably be disappointed that the government’s roadmap of opening up society further has been delayed until 19 July (with a review in two weeks) as many of us were looking forward to singing the praises of God in our worship services but we recognise the difficult decision that was made as we see the number of cases of the Delta variant of Covid plus hospital admissions increasing both in our area and the country but we continue to go forward in hope and expectant prayer.
Methodist Conference
Both the presbyterial and representative sessions of conference are due to meet between 23 June - 1 July in Birmingham. We hold all those who will be there representing us in prayer before and during this time as they make decisions on the way the Methodist church goes forward and shares the good news of Jesus Christ. Alan reports from the Supers Conference…
That the Methodist Church will be providing resources and funding in the coming years to support what it is calling ’New Places for New People’ - building on the idea of creating new communities of faith planted within our existing buildings. We will also be looking at ‘Church on the Margins’. So there are lots of exciting things to look forward to.
Rev Josephine’s Ordination - Saturday 19th June, 3pm at Marlborough Square Methodist.
Sadly, physical attendance at this event is still restricted but we have now obtained the weblink for the livestream of this service.
Marlborough Square Methodist Church Coalville: https://youtu.be/IysQDmsoq3I
Please make a note of the date and time and support Josephine in prayer and on-line.
Circuit Office - Reminder
Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the Circuit Office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Helen Croft
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 20th June
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Helen Croft & Claire Biggs - you might want to prepare some instrument that you can shake
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
Rev Josephine’s Ordination - Saturday 19th June, 3pm at Marlborough Square Methodist.
Sadly, physical attendance at this event is still restricted but we have now obtained the weblink for the livestream of this service.
Marlborough Square Methodist Church Coalville: https://youtu.be/
Please make a note of the date and time and support Josephine in prayer and on-line.
Circuit Office - Reminder
Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the Circuit Office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
Rev Helen Croft
--------------
ONLINE Service for Sunday 20th June
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Helen Croft & Claire Biggs - you might want to prepare some instrument that you can shake
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
##From Monday 14th June##
Working from the Circuit Office - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday -01384 442718
Working from home - Thursday/Friday - 07712 332075
13/06/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Rev Josephine’s Ordination - Saturday 19th June, 3pm at Marlborough Square Methodist.
Sadly, physical attendance at this event is still restricted but we have now obtained the weblink for the livestream of this service.
Sadly, physical attendance at this event is still restricted but we have now obtained the weblink for the livestream of this service.
Marlborough Square Methodist Church Coalville: https://youtu.be/IysQDmsoq3I
Please make a note of the date and time and support Josephine in prayer and on-line.
Circuit Office
Great news - the Circuit Office will be back at New Road from Monday! Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
FoodBank Collection
We have been asked by Amblecote Wordsley to note a change of day for their monthly June foodbank collection due to a funeral taking place. The next collection will be on Tuesday 15th June 2-4pm.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others…
Finally - please note that Rev Alan will be away from the 11th, returning to the circuit on Saturday the 19th.
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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.
Great news - the Circuit Office will be back at New Road from Monday! Elaine and Claire will be working Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday from the office and then Thursday and Friday from home until the vaccination centre has finished their stint at New Road. They will not be able to receive visitors to the office unless by appointment so that we can maintain a Covid safe environment.
FoodBank Collection
We have been asked by Amblecote Wordsley to note a change of day for their monthly June foodbank collection due to a funeral taking place. The next collection will be on Tuesday 15th June 2-4pm.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
- Tuesdays at 7pm
- Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
- Fridays at 1.30pm
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others…
Finally - please note that Rev Alan will be away from the 11th, returning to the circuit on Saturday the 19th.
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend and 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 do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 13th June
- at 6.30pm led by Martyn Filsak
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 13th June
- at 6.30pm led by Martyn Filsak
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
I am still working from home and can be contacted on 07712332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
06/06/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Gradually, tentatively and with many uncertainties we journey forward in hope that restrictions may continue to be eased and we may, one day gather and sing again…
It is with this hope in mind that we invite you to set aside the afternoon of Sunday 5th September when we hope to coordinate a circuit tea and thanksgiving service which will provide an opportunity for us to even meet in person some of the folk we may have made friends with online over this past 15 months. Details to follow…
Meanwhile, I believe we are called to pray for all those who have lost loved ones, or jobs, or have missed key life moments during this pandemic. We remember so many who have not have been able to be with their family members or mourn as they would have wished. I know that a number of churches across the circuit are planning to offer memorial services to the local community. We pray that the church may play its part in enabling people to lament and to cry out to God in their anguish and frustration. Indeed, the Psalms remind us that God is big enough to hear our complaint and yet still love us more deeply than we could possibly imagine.
FoodBank Collection
We have been asked by Amblecote Wordsley to note a change of day for their monthly June foodbank collection due to a funeral taking place. The next collection will be on Tuesday 15th June 2-4pm.
Rev Josephine’s Ordination - Saturday 19th June, 3pm at Marlborough Square Methodist.
We have been asked by Amblecote Wordsley to note a change of day for their monthly June foodbank collection due to a funeral taking place. The next collection will be on Tuesday 15th June 2-4pm.
Rev Josephine’s Ordination - Saturday 19th June, 3pm at Marlborough Square Methodist.
Sadly, physical attendance at this event is still restricted but Elaine is chasing for details of the live streaming of this important day. Please watch out for this and support Rev Josephine from your homes.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others…
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
- Tuesdays at 7pm
- Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
- Fridays at 1.30pm
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others…
Finally - please note that Rev Alan will be away next week at the national superintendents conference and then away with his family, returning to the circuit on Saturday the 19th.
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 6th June
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Josephine Soon
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.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 6th June
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Josephine Soon
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.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
I am still working from home and can be contacted on 07712332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
30/05/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Churches are open – alleluia! How exciting to see our churches opening up again despite ongoing restrictions. Please check with your church to see about booking and Covid arrangements…
Please note that both Rev Josephine and Rev Helen are away from today and through next week.
Rev Josephine’s Testimony Service was brilliant and inspiring… if you didn’t catch it is available here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
Tuesdays at 7pm
Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
Fridays at 1.30pm
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others...
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 30th May
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Peter Bradley
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.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others...
Below are the details of our online evening service this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 30th May
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Peter Bradley
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.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2). The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
I am still working from home and can be contacted on 07712332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
23/05/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
Churches are open – alleluia! Please check with your church to see about booking and Covid arrangements… we give thanks to stewards and ministers across the circuit who are supporting our safe return to worship.
We also attach the circuit annual plan for the year 2021-22. Could stewards and church council secretaries make a note of key dates so as to avoid local meetings clashing with circuit meetings. Thank you...
Circuit Action for Children
Over many years the circuit has done tremendous fundraising for Action for Children, coordinated at the centre by Olwyn Dimmock. She has decided it is time to step down from this role and we would like to publicly thank her for her dedication to such an important cause.
So we need a new circuit AfC coordinator. If you feel called to this role, please contact Rev Alan.
Rev Josephine’s Testimony Service
The district has asked the Vale of Stour to be the on-line host of the annual district testimony service for ministers soon to be ordained. So our very own Rev Josephine will feature in a service led by the Rev Rachel Parkinson - our district chair - that will be live-streamed from United Lye using our very own CTC team and Vale of Stour Platform.
THIS Saturday 22 May at 6pm in VoSWorship. Just follow the normal link:
https://church.valeofstour.org.uk/vosworship
Pentecost - Leaving Lockdown: the Services and Resources from this DVD will be posted up on the Circuit Website – on the Player.
This Sunday - May 23rd alongside open churches there will be an online morning pre-recorded Pentecost service on VOSWorship at 10.30 with guest preacher Rev Rachel Parkinson. This will be the last morning online service on VOSWorship for the time being. There will continue to be evening services every Sunday at 6.30pm on VOSWorship and these services will remain available until the following Sunday evening.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
https://church.valeofstour.
Pentecost - Leaving Lockdown: the Services and Resources from this DVD will be posted up on the Circuit Website – on the Player.
This Sunday - May 23rd alongside open churches there will be an online morning pre-recorded Pentecost service on VOSWorship at 10.30 with guest preacher Rev Rachel Parkinson. This will be the last morning online service on VOSWorship for the time being. There will continue to be evening services every Sunday at 6.30pm on VOSWorship and these services will remain available until the following Sunday evening.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
- Tuesdays at 7pm
- Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
- Fridays at 1.30pm
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others...
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 23rd May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Chris Watson & Rev Rachel Parkinson
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Alan Combes
For anyone unable to access online services w Dear Sisters and Brothers
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 23rd May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Chris Watson & Rev Rachel Parkinson
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Alan Combes
For anyone unable to access online services w Dear Sisters and Brothers
Churches are open – alleluia! Please check with your church to see about booking and Covid arrangements… we give thanks to stewards and ministers across the circuit who are supporting our safe return to worship.
We also attach the circuit annual plan for the year 2021-22. Could stewards and church council secretaries make a note of key dates so as to avoid local meetings clashing with circuit meetings. Thank you...
Circuit Action for Children
Over many years the circuit has done tremendous fundraising for Action for Children, coordinated at the centre by Olwyn Dimmock. She has decided it is time to step down from this role and we would like to publicly thank her for her dedication to such an important cause.
So we need a new circuit AfC coordinator. If you feel called to this role, please contact Rev Alan.
Rev Josephine’s Testimony Service
The district has asked the Vale of Stour to be the on-line host of the annual district testimony service for ministers soon to be ordained. So our very own Rev Josephine will feature in a service led by the Rev Rachel Parkinson - our district chair - that will be live-streamed from United Lye using our very own CTC team and Vale of Stour Platform.
THIS Saturday 22 May at 6pm in VoSWorship. Just follow the normal link:
https://church.valeofstour.org.uk/vosworship
Pentecost - Leaving Lockdown: the Services and Resources from this DVD will be posted up on the Circuit Website – on the Player.
This Sunday - May 23rd alongside open churches there will be an online morning pre-recorded Pentecost service on VOSWorship at 10.30 with guest preacher Rev Rachel Parkinson. This will be the last morning online service on VOSWorship for the time being. There will continue to be evening services every Sunday at 6.30pm on VOSWorship and these services will remain available until the following Sunday evening.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
https://church.valeofstour.
Pentecost - Leaving Lockdown: the Services and Resources from this DVD will be posted up on the Circuit Website – on the Player.
This Sunday - May 23rd alongside open churches there will be an online morning pre-recorded Pentecost service on VOSWorship at 10.30 with guest preacher Rev Rachel Parkinson. This will be the last morning online service on VOSWorship for the time being. There will continue to be evening services every Sunday at 6.30pm on VOSWorship and these services will remain available until the following Sunday evening.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
- Tuesdays at 7pm
- Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
- Fridays at 1.30pm
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
josephine.soon@methodist.org
PLUS Alpha Course Leaders Training
Contact Josephine and go for it! We are all called to disciple others...
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 23rd May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Chris Watson & Rev Rachel Parkinson
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Alan Combes
For anyone unable to access online services we attach a full text version of the morning service for you to use at home.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 23rd May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Chris Watson & Rev Rachel Parkinson
- at 6.30pm led by Rev Alan Combes
For anyone unable to access online services we attach a full text version of the morning service for you to use at home.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
e attach a full text version of the morning service for you to use at home.
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2).
The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
———————————————————————————
The most recent Live stream service can always be found here:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sunday evenings will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1 or Coffeeroom2).
The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
All previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
I am still working from home and can be contacted on 07712332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
014/05/2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
It’s Ascension - the day we once again recognise and rejoice in the divinity of Jesus alongside his humanity and a signpost towards the tremendous events of Pentecost. So please find attached a Pentecost letter to the circuit from me. I hope you are blessed by it.
Meanwhile...
Rev Josephine’s Testimony Service - Saturday 22 May at 6pm in VoSWorship
We are excited to announce that the district has asked the Vale of Stour to be the on-line host of the annual district testimony service for ministers soon to be ordained. So our very own Rev Josephine will feature in a service led by the Rev Rachel Parkinson - our district chair - that will be live-streamed from United Lye using our very own CTC team and Vale of Stour Platform.
So please support Rev Josephine by bookmarking this date and time. You just need to follow the normal link to VoSWorship:
The Preaching Plan
This was issued last week. It was not easy to create and all churches have Local Arrangements, but we will continue to provide weekly full text services that stewards / worship leaders can use when no preacher is planned. We give thanks to God for sustaining us and we pray that all churches may reopen safely.
Pentecost - Leaving Lockdown - DVD Project – all gone!!
With incredible hard work from everyone involved our Ascension and Pentecost services plus other materials were recorded and created as a DVD. 150 were ordered and already 144 have been requested and delivered out to folk across the circuit. Online access to these materials can be found here:
Also note that the Services and Resources from this DVD will be posted up on the Circuit Website – on the Player.
Thursday 13th May: Ascension Day Service (led by Rev Helen Croft) will be available from 5pm.
https://www.valeofstour.org.
May 23rd – there will be an online morning pre-recorded Pentecost service on VOSWorship at 10.30. This will be the last morning online service on VOSWorship for the time being. There will continue to be evening services every Sunday at 6.30pm on VOSWorship and these services will remain available until the following Sunday evening.
Rev Josephine is encouraging us in our Circuit Day-to-Day fellowship
She is following the Methodist principle of encouraging small group discipleship where we can invite friends.
Alpha Online
- Tuesdays at 7pm
- Thursdays at 8.30 for anyone but especially parents of younger children
- Fridays at 1.30pm
Please contact Revd Josephine Soon for full details and and to register:
josephine.soon@methodist.org
Rev Josephine says:
Together we pray for a common desire to grow stronger in our faith
What can I give and offer?
Who can I invite?
Who do you think needs to know God in Jesus today?
Please pray for them (1-2 people) and invite them to Alpha.
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 16th May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Andrew Roberts
- at 6.30pm led by Martin Rider
For anyone unable to access online services we attach a full text version of the morning service for you to use at home.
God bless you all and stay safe.
Rev Alan Combes and the team
———————————————————————————
Here’s the Online Sunday Services LINK
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
Services on Sundays will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1, Coffeeroom2 or Coffeeroom3).
The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
BOTH Live stream services AND the most recent Recorded service can always be found here:
https://church.valeofstour.org.uk/vosworship
OR
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/live/vosworship
AND all previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.uk/virtual-church/player
josephine.soon@methodist.org
Rev Josephine says:
Together we pray for a common desire to grow stronger in our faith
What can I give and offer?
Who can I invite?
Who do you think needs to know God in Jesus today?
Please pray for them (1-2 people) and invite them to Alpha.
Below are the details of our online services this coming weekend. We do hope to see you afterwards for coffee and a chat using the links at the top of the service screen.
God bless you all
Rev Alan
--------------
ONLINE Services for Sunday 16th May
- at 10.30am led by Rev Andrew Roberts
- at 6.30pm led by Martin Rider
For anyone unable to access online services we attach a full text version of the morning service for you to use at home.
God bless you all and stay safe.
Rev Alan Combes and the team
———————————————————————————
Here’s the Online Sunday Services LINK
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Services on Sundays will be followed by coffee and chat in our virtual Coffee Rooms (Coffeeroom1, Coffeeroom2 or Coffeeroom3).
The links for these are at the top of the VoSWorship window, above the video of the service.
BOTH Live stream services AND the most recent Recorded service can always be found here:
https://church.valeofstour.
OR
https://www.valeofstour.org.
AND all previous live-streamed and recorded services can be found on the Circuit Website Virtual Player:
https://www.valeofstour.org.
Elaine Panchal
Circuit Administrator
I am still working from home and can be contacted on 07712332075
Vale of Stour Methodist Circuit Office
New Road Methodist Church
New Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1PA
Tel: 01384 442718 www.valeofstour.org.uk
