Welcome to Glengormley Methodist Church
Part of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Main Council information from a meeting held on 9th January.
Introduction
It has been the desire of the church to keep our entire congregation informed and involved about the work of the church. The Council meet 5 times each year to discuss and agree the way ahead for our church in Glengormley.
This report is an attempt to give a little insight to the matters currently under consideration and the main points addressed at the last Council meeting. It is always our prayer that we will be led by the Holy Spirit in all of our decision-making as we seek His way forward for us as a church family.
Finance
Mr John Kennedy retired as Treasurer after two years service. He reported that the main bank account for the running costs of the church was in very good health having a closing balance of £50 725 and the church surplus from 2007 was £11 876. The leaders decided that they would wait to decide on what should be done regarding this surplus until they receive the Clearing our Vision (CoV) Action Plan.
Council received budget requests from each action team and decided that they would also wait for the CoV report before agreeing to allocate significant amounts of money to teams. They did approve an interim budget of £1000 per team to facilitate current activities and will revisit this matter at their March meeting.
Sound
It was agreed that there needs to be a rota established to cover all services and that the Finance Team should liaise with the Praise Group to determine any equipment needs.
Vision Team
This team presented a report to the Council summarising this initiative to date. Council approved the Mission Statement and Core Values that were determined as a result of the feedback from the groups and a small number of written responses.
Youth Team
This team presented a variety of outreach initiatives that they are continuing to consider in greater depth and will report on these at the next meeting. It was also agreed that donations from the general youth fund be made to assist both Catherine Gilmore on a mission trip to India and also some young members who are going on mission to the USA with the Youth Choir this summer.
Training and Action Team
This group reported on arrangements for the Leaders’ Day Away to be held in January. They also informed the meeting of the Network Gifts Discovery course that has been planned for 3 evenings in February.
Media Team
This is a new team created to co-ordinate communication throughout the church and into the community. It was agreed that they could purchase an MP3 recorder to enable recordings of services to be put on to the web site. This team will also have responsibility for the CD/tape ministry and church magazine. Council agreed that a free CD could be produced and distributed with the autumn magazine. This would include a selection of music from different groups and individuals throughout the church and possibly also have a little message from our Minister.
Finance and Property Team
This team reported on a number of items that they had been involved with over recent months e.g. repainting the outside of the church, replacement of fascia boards and guttering with PVC alternatives, minor alterations to facilitate improved wheelchair access throughout the church etc.
They also reported that a Manse inspection had taken place and there were a number of items requiring attention. Some of these will require quotations which will be reported on at the next Council meeting.
This team are currently having plans created to replace the roof on the Main Hall with a pitched roof as there have been a number of problems with this area. Further decisions will need to be taken at subsequent meetings; however, at this stage Council approved having plans drawn and initial planning approval being sought as this can be a long process.
Introduction
It has been the desire of the church to keep our entire congregation informed and involved about the work of the church. The Council meet 5 times each year to discuss and agree the way ahead for our church in Glengormley.
This report is an attempt to give a little insight to the matters currently under consideration and the main points addressed at the last Council meeting. It is always our prayer that we will be led by the Holy Spirit in all of our decision-making as we seek His way forward for us as a church family.
Finance
Mr John Kennedy retired as Treasurer after two years service. He reported that the main bank account for the running costs of the church was in very good health having a closing balance of £50 725 and the church surplus from 2007 was £11 876. The leaders decided that they would wait to decide on what should be done regarding this surplus until they receive the Clearing our Vision (CoV) Action Plan.
Council received budget requests from each action team and decided that they would also wait for the CoV report before agreeing to allocate significant amounts of money to teams. They did approve an interim budget of £1000 per team to facilitate current activities and will revisit this matter at their March meeting.
Sound
It was agreed that there needs to be a rota established to cover all services and that the Finance Team should liaise with the Praise Group to determine any equipment needs.
Vision Team
This team presented a report to the Council summarising this initiative to date. Council approved the Mission Statement and Core Values that were determined as a result of the feedback from the groups and a small number of written responses.
Youth Team
This team presented a variety of outreach initiatives that they are continuing to consider in greater depth and will report on these at the next meeting. It was also agreed that donations from the general youth fund be made to assist both Catherine Gilmore on a mission trip to India and also some young members who are going on mission to the USA with the Youth Choir this summer.
Training and Action Team
This group reported on arrangements for the Leaders’ Day Away to be held in January. They also informed the meeting of the Network Gifts Discovery course that has been planned for 3 evenings in February.
Media Team
This is a new team created to co-ordinate communication throughout the church and into the community. It was agreed that they could purchase an MP3 recorder to enable recordings of services to be put on to the web site. This team will also have responsibility for the CD/tape ministry and church magazine. Council agreed that a free CD could be produced and distributed with the autumn magazine. This would include a selection of music from different groups and individuals throughout the church and possibly also have a little message from our Minister.
Finance and Property Team
This team reported on a number of items that they had been involved with over recent months e.g. repainting the outside of the church, replacement of fascia boards and guttering with PVC alternatives, minor alterations to facilitate improved wheelchair access throughout the church etc.
They also reported that a Manse inspection had taken place and there were a number of items requiring attention. Some of these will require quotations which will be reported on at the next Council meeting.
This team are currently having plans created to replace the roof on the Main Hall with a pitched roof as there have been a number of problems with this area. Further decisions will need to be taken at subsequent meetings; however, at this stage Council approved having plans drawn and initial planning approval being sought as this can be a long process.
The Marriage Course is a marriage enrichment course run over eight weeks providing the opportunity and focus for couples to spend quality time together discussing a different topic each night: Building Strong Foundations, Communication, Resolving Conflict, The Power of Forgiveness, Parents and In-laws, Good Sex and Love in Action.
For previous courses in Glengormley Methodist, the chapel has been transformed into an intimate restaurant with couples sitting at their own table for two – candlelit of course! - and the evening always began with a two-course meal. Following this there was a video presentation relating to the topic being discussed and afterwards there were some activities for the couples to complete. All discussion is completely private and there is no opportunity for group discussion.
One of the biggest difficulties we have had to face is the perception that the course is for marriages in trouble. This is not the case; it is primarily a course to help couples make their marriage even more fulfilling regardless of their starting point.
Here are some of the comments from those who have completed previous courses:
“Thank you for providing this course – it was lovely. I looked forward to it each week. Very well organised - friendly warm atmosphere. I hope other couples get as much as I got out of it.”
“Very worthwhile course, would strongly recommend it to all married couples.”
“Did not initially want to come on course cause I knew we had a good relationship, but now I would recommend it to any of my friends as even if you don’t learn anything (doubtful) it is quality time spent together talking.*****”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Really useful to take time out to do it. Very positive feelings about the whole thing despite reservations beforehand.”
As the course is an investment in each marriage represented there is a charge of £50 to cover food and other expenses. This works out around £6.25 per couple per night! We do have bursaries available for anyone who thinks that the cost would be a difficulty. If you would like more information or would be interested in attending a course then please speak to Karen or Stephen Orr (028 90847032) or email them via the church web site.
For previous courses in Glengormley Methodist, the chapel has been transformed into an intimate restaurant with couples sitting at their own table for two – candlelit of course! - and the evening always began with a two-course meal. Following this there was a video presentation relating to the topic being discussed and afterwards there were some activities for the couples to complete. All discussion is completely private and there is no opportunity for group discussion.
One of the biggest difficulties we have had to face is the perception that the course is for marriages in trouble. This is not the case; it is primarily a course to help couples make their marriage even more fulfilling regardless of their starting point.
Here are some of the comments from those who have completed previous courses:
“Thank you for providing this course – it was lovely. I looked forward to it each week. Very well organised - friendly warm atmosphere. I hope other couples get as much as I got out of it.”
“Very worthwhile course, would strongly recommend it to all married couples.”
“Did not initially want to come on course cause I knew we had a good relationship, but now I would recommend it to any of my friends as even if you don’t learn anything (doubtful) it is quality time spent together talking.*****”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Really useful to take time out to do it. Very positive feelings about the whole thing despite reservations beforehand.”
As the course is an investment in each marriage represented there is a charge of £50 to cover food and other expenses. This works out around £6.25 per couple per night! We do have bursaries available for anyone who thinks that the cost would be a difficulty. If you would like more information or would be interested in attending a course then please speak to Karen or Stephen Orr (028 90847032) or email them via the church web site.
At the Leaders’ Day Away in January I was asked to comment on what I feel is important for our leaders to remember as they carry out their role within Glengormley Methodist Church. What follows is not intended to be a prescriptive list or a biblical study on the role of leaders. It is however, a few thoughts that God placed in my mind to share on a practical level about our character and conduct as leaders. This is something that we all should strive to achieve but in reality not many of us could say that we have ‘arrived’!
Commitment
a. It is important that we are firstly committed to God, sensitive to His leading and not afraid to do or say what we believe He is saying to us, as long as it is in accordance with Scripture, spoken in love and done in a gracious manner.
b. We should be an example to others - people of good repute. Integrity, honesty, a desire to care for the needs of those in our charge and consistency in our walk with God are characteristics that should be evident in us as leaders. We must be a good witness to all.
c. We should be people who are dependable and reliable. It is important to do what we say we will do and fulfil the role we feel God has called us to and that we have committed to do e.g. attend meetings, carry out duties. No one is expected to be at everything but if there are particular things that we have agreed to do then we must be faithful in carrying them out.
d. It is important that we have people who are passionate about the role they have undertaken (round pegs in round holes) because then they will be committed to this area and have a desire to see God develop it further.
Confidentiality
As leaders we must be able to be trustworthy. We are all told things at times in confidence and it is vital that we do not break that trust otherwise we can cause deep hurt or damage to others and make situations needlessly difficult for all involved. It takes a lot of courage and trust for people to share very personal things with us and it will undermine both our personal witness and the witness of our ministry/organisation if we divulge this sensitive information. The only exceptions that I would suggest would be if the information concerned a child protection matter or an illegal activity in which case it would be appropriate to discuss with the Minister how such matters should be addressed.
A Servant Heart
As leaders we are to be servants to those in our care. We should aim to build others up, helping them to develop in their faith and encouraging them to find their area of service and identify their giftings. Philippians 2 talks about the need to put our own desires down and instead seek to encourage and build others up.
Pride
This is a big danger for all of us. A humble attitude is required as an arrogant spirit and demeanour can cause such hindrance to the work of God in both our own life and in the lives of others. We must constantly recognise the Source of our strength and success. Once we feel that things are happening as a result of something that we have done or achieved then we run the very real risk of leaving God in the background as we push ourselves forward (intentionally or not).Those in more prestigious /visible roles can be very susceptible to this very subtle danger. Ephesians 4 emphasises how we all need to work as a team and value each other as being just as important – we are all vital parts of the body.
Empowering Others
It is essential that we recognise the giftings that others have and encourage them to become involved in God’s service. As leaders we have a co-ordinating role as well as a participative role. We lead by example and as a church we must provide the support, training and encouragement from the wider church family so that no one feels left to cope on their own.
Our Core Values
Through ‘Clearing our Vision’ we have recently agreed the core values that we believe should characterise our church:
It is important that we as leaders adhere to and actively remind others about these core values. This will help us to keep our church moving on the path that we feel God is leading us along. It is easy to go off on a tangent doing something that is very honourable and worthy but perhaps not the right thing for us as a church at a particular point in time. What can then happen is that very quickly everything becomes diluted and people experience ‘burnt out’. It is important that every organisation and group associated with our church are regularly reminded to reflect on how their group is linking in to these core values.
Commitment
a. It is important that we are firstly committed to God, sensitive to His leading and not afraid to do or say what we believe He is saying to us, as long as it is in accordance with Scripture, spoken in love and done in a gracious manner.
b. We should be an example to others - people of good repute. Integrity, honesty, a desire to care for the needs of those in our charge and consistency in our walk with God are characteristics that should be evident in us as leaders. We must be a good witness to all.
c. We should be people who are dependable and reliable. It is important to do what we say we will do and fulfil the role we feel God has called us to and that we have committed to do e.g. attend meetings, carry out duties. No one is expected to be at everything but if there are particular things that we have agreed to do then we must be faithful in carrying them out.
d. It is important that we have people who are passionate about the role they have undertaken (round pegs in round holes) because then they will be committed to this area and have a desire to see God develop it further.
Confidentiality
As leaders we must be able to be trustworthy. We are all told things at times in confidence and it is vital that we do not break that trust otherwise we can cause deep hurt or damage to others and make situations needlessly difficult for all involved. It takes a lot of courage and trust for people to share very personal things with us and it will undermine both our personal witness and the witness of our ministry/organisation if we divulge this sensitive information. The only exceptions that I would suggest would be if the information concerned a child protection matter or an illegal activity in which case it would be appropriate to discuss with the Minister how such matters should be addressed.
A Servant Heart
As leaders we are to be servants to those in our care. We should aim to build others up, helping them to develop in their faith and encouraging them to find their area of service and identify their giftings. Philippians 2 talks about the need to put our own desires down and instead seek to encourage and build others up.
Pride
This is a big danger for all of us. A humble attitude is required as an arrogant spirit and demeanour can cause such hindrance to the work of God in both our own life and in the lives of others. We must constantly recognise the Source of our strength and success. Once we feel that things are happening as a result of something that we have done or achieved then we run the very real risk of leaving God in the background as we push ourselves forward (intentionally or not).Those in more prestigious /visible roles can be very susceptible to this very subtle danger. Ephesians 4 emphasises how we all need to work as a team and value each other as being just as important – we are all vital parts of the body.
Empowering Others
It is essential that we recognise the giftings that others have and encourage them to become involved in God’s service. As leaders we have a co-ordinating role as well as a participative role. We lead by example and as a church we must provide the support, training and encouragement from the wider church family so that no one feels left to cope on their own.
Our Core Values
Through ‘Clearing our Vision’ we have recently agreed the core values that we believe should characterise our church:
- Love – an overarching value
- Dependence on God
- Growing Continually into Christ-likeness
- Unity
- Enabling Leadership
- Actively Reaching the Lost in Love
It is important that we as leaders adhere to and actively remind others about these core values. This will help us to keep our church moving on the path that we feel God is leading us along. It is easy to go off on a tangent doing something that is very honourable and worthy but perhaps not the right thing for us as a church at a particular point in time. What can then happen is that very quickly everything becomes diluted and people experience ‘burnt out’. It is important that every organisation and group associated with our church are regularly reminded to reflect on how their group is linking in to these core values.
Yabba: Abortion and Cloning Law Changes - Threat to Christian Values
January 26th, 2008. By Martyn Nesbitt
Passion for Life Tour – Now is the time to draw the line
At the minute, in the UK, there is a debate going on about the effects of abortion on women, society and embryos. There are currently proposals being passed through the House of Lords and the Commons which would change the current laws on abortion and other aspects of the regulations regarding human/animal hybrid embryos and cloning.
Several Christian organisations, All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, Christian Medical Fellowship, CARE and Right to Life, have collaborated to organise a series of public meetings to ensure that Christians are fully informed about the proposed changes to the law in the UK and to enable people to have their say on these matters before the new HFEA Bill passes through parliament.
There will be a meeting held in Belfast on Thursday 31 January (details below). Please come along to the event.
Passion for Life Tour – Now is the time to draw the line
- Speakers: Lord Alton, Nola Leach of CARE and senior local figures.
- Date: Thursday 31 January – 7.30pm
- Venue: The Spires Centre, Wellington Street, Belfast
- Admission: Free
For more information on this event please see:
CMF Website
All Parliamentary Pro-Life Group
A quote from Oswald Chambers got me thinking recently. He wrote “Life is more tragic than orderly”. It was the more bit that I wondered about.
Then my thoughts went to Psalm 90. As a well known sign in East Belfast says “Sam’s your man” – for me it must be Psalm is your man when it comes to reflecting on all of life’s various experiences and emotions. Psalm 90 reflects on our brief journey through this fallen world. Part of it is sometimes read at funerals. It sets our brief earthly journey in the context of God's eternal life span.
Then just near the end comes a request for an equal number of glad and sad days, an equal number of good and bad years. Perhaps we do get a 50/50 quota. Perhaps for some it is “more tragic“. Perhaps for some “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Psalm 16: 6.
The important lesson for all for us, including every believer, is that suffering is part of life here on earth. Let us accept that and under God allow it to make us better and not bitter (a phrase I found helpful in Every Day with Jesus by the late Rev. Selwyn Hughes).
Our Lord Jesus Christ experienced deep suffering even to the point of separation from his Father God. We cannot expect any different in this world, except that in Christ we will never be separated from God. By his wounds we are healed Isaiah 53: 5.
Then my thoughts went to Psalm 90. As a well known sign in East Belfast says “Sam’s your man” – for me it must be Psalm is your man when it comes to reflecting on all of life’s various experiences and emotions. Psalm 90 reflects on our brief journey through this fallen world. Part of it is sometimes read at funerals. It sets our brief earthly journey in the context of God's eternal life span.
Then just near the end comes a request for an equal number of glad and sad days, an equal number of good and bad years. Perhaps we do get a 50/50 quota. Perhaps for some it is “more tragic“. Perhaps for some “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Psalm 16: 6.
The important lesson for all for us, including every believer, is that suffering is part of life here on earth. Let us accept that and under God allow it to make us better and not bitter (a phrase I found helpful in Every Day with Jesus by the late Rev. Selwyn Hughes).
Our Lord Jesus Christ experienced deep suffering even to the point of separation from his Father God. We cannot expect any different in this world, except that in Christ we will never be separated from God. By his wounds we are healed Isaiah 53: 5.
To be completely honest I'm not too concerned about my carbon footprint. I don't find myself biting my nails as I worry how much energy my light bulbs are consuming. Global warming might not even be too bad; who could be against a warmer climate for Northern Ireland? In this respect the more CO2 we pump in to the atmosphere the better!
It has become very fashionable recently to consider the environment: research in to renewable energy is costing tax payers a lot of money, industry in the U.K. is being put through carbon audits and now it is up to you: to use bio-active fuel in your car; to buy low-energy light bulbs that can't actually light a room; to start a hydroponic farm in your utility room; to collect rain water to wash yourself and while your at it sink a ground source heat pump in the back garden that'll heat your house albeit not as effectively as burning oil. The list goes on...
But perhaps we shouldn't be to hasty, have we forgotten our proverbial pinch of salt? Now I have heard some Christians say that this is a matter of incalculable importance, that going green isn't just a great idea but that there is a biblical mandate for caring for the world. Some groups in America have even taken to asking the question: What would Jesus drive? Of course the answer is obvious: Jesus wouldn't drive he would take the bus...
So in the muggy haze of carbon offsetting and energy audits what is the correct response as a Christian? I'm not entirely sure, but there is an argument that doesn't get voiced that often and it goes something like this:
This world wasn't meant to last forever, like a vapour in the wind it is dissipating, running down like a tired clock. It is therefore futile to try and make the world a home forever. The suspicion is that underneath the guise of renewable energy, there is a longing for eternal energy sources, there aren't any: the sun will one day cease to burn, the winds will fade and the earth's tides will be still. That day we will all see, that no matter how hard we have tried to sustain the environment; the environment was never going to be eternal...
But what do you think? Please feel free to comment below.
4 comments »
Well our churches' free lunch outreach has been remodelled to fit the icy cold January weather. Gone are the sandwiches and yoghurt, replaced by a lovely pot of steaming stew!
This Saturday the 26th of January we will be taking to the streets to give the people of Glengormley something to warm them...
So make your way down to the church for 9.30am to help out. We intend to hit the streets at 11.30. We will be giving out 300 pots of stew so your help will be greatly appreciated. And as always the craic will be ninety!
Hope to see you there!
Following Clearing our Vision we have been made aware that our church fellowship members desire to discover more about who God has made us to be as individuals and how our unique contribution can impact others.
As a team we are excited to inform you of the Network Course. This has been adapted from the original course created by Bill Hybels form Willow Creek Community Church in USA. Evangelical Ministries will be facilitating this award winning course over 3 nights in our church sanctuary. This will take place on:
Wednesday 20 February
Thursday 28 February
Friday 7 March
Each meeting will commence at 7.15pm with refreshments and should conclude by 9.30pm.
Most of us know we should serve God. Most of want to serve. But a lot of us are not sure just where and how we can best serve. The Network Course will help us to discover our individual gifts and God-given passion for serving in the body of Christ taking account of our own personalities. Even if you feel confident of your specific giftings this course should act as a confirmation and perhaps even surprise you with other gifts you have not yet discovered.
We hope that you will come along. There will only be a small financial outlay of £6.50 for each participant for the course manual. Let us know if you need financial assistance. You can signup in the church vestibule or email contact@glengormleymethodist.com to let us know you are coming.
The Church needs you. Not because it needs people to fill positions within the organisation but because you are an important and integral part of the body of Christ. You have a significant contribution to make. You have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world.
Training & Action Team
As a team we are excited to inform you of the Network Course. This has been adapted from the original course created by Bill Hybels form Willow Creek Community Church in USA. Evangelical Ministries will be facilitating this award winning course over 3 nights in our church sanctuary. This will take place on:
Wednesday 20 February
Thursday 28 February
Friday 7 March
Each meeting will commence at 7.15pm with refreshments and should conclude by 9.30pm.
Most of us know we should serve God. Most of want to serve. But a lot of us are not sure just where and how we can best serve. The Network Course will help us to discover our individual gifts and God-given passion for serving in the body of Christ taking account of our own personalities. Even if you feel confident of your specific giftings this course should act as a confirmation and perhaps even surprise you with other gifts you have not yet discovered.
We hope that you will come along. There will only be a small financial outlay of £6.50 for each participant for the course manual. Let us know if you need financial assistance. You can signup in the church vestibule or email contact@glengormleymethodist.com to let us know you are coming.
The Church needs you. Not because it needs people to fill positions within the organisation but because you are an important and integral part of the body of Christ. You have a significant contribution to make. You have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world.
Training & Action Team
Maybe you’re between school and college, or you’re waiting on resit time to come
around... You might be on a gap year, or considering a break from your current job...
Maybe you’re not sure where God wants to use you - you’ve always wanted to pursue the creative arts field but were too afraid to commit years of your life to test the water...
Or perhaps you know exactly where you need to be, but just don’t want to take forever to get there!
From 12 February - 8 May 2008 you can experience 12 weeks (NOTE: The course runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, daytimes only) of intensive learning and input at the CFC School Of Worship - it could be just what you’re looking for! Robin Mark will lead a committed first class team of high calibre, experienced and professional presenters delivering a practical and challenging course of study.
Download the application form for more details.
Maybe you’re not sure where God wants to use you - you’ve always wanted to pursue the creative arts field but were too afraid to commit years of your life to test the water...
Or perhaps you know exactly where you need to be, but just don’t want to take forever to get there!
From 12 February - 8 May 2008 you can experience 12 weeks (NOTE: The course runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, daytimes only) of intensive learning and input at the CFC School Of Worship - it could be just what you’re looking for! Robin Mark will lead a committed first class team of high calibre, experienced and professional presenters delivering a practical and challenging course of study.
Download the application form for more details.
It crossed my mind recently that a large number of people from Glengormley Methodist are taking trips to far off lands. We had Martin and Albert heading to Personally I intend to avoid any green controversy by only having one holiday this year. As a good Methodist I'll head to Castlewellan holiday week in August. I'll make my way there by bicycle, sleep in a tent and only eat the finest locally produced food – this isn’t just
Joking aside, perhaps it's time for the church to consider a bit of carbon offsetting? Perhaps plant a tree or two? Put solar panels on the roof of the church? Invest in a carbon offsetting scheme? Try to promote car sharing or encourage people to walk to church? (It would take me a long time to walk from Ballyclare though).
Am I doing my bit? Do I even care or think it’s an issue? I'm not sure how much my lifestyle has changed. I’m not sure how much Glengormley Methodist has changed. Perhaps I still think it's not an issue worth considering. Time will tell...
Glengormley Methodist Church wishes to encourage members to seek God’s direction in their lives and to be suitably equipped to apply gifts and skills to bring ‘glory to Him’.
The Church Council has approved and supports the work of its Training and Action team in awarding Training Bursaries (£150 max.per person) to those who have identified courses, programmes of study or comprehensive information systems which can help in meeting needs. These Bursaries are to be seen as additional rather than alternatives to regular or ongoing training courses.
All applications will be judged on Criteria of:
i. Match with Church Vision Statement & Core Values;
ii. Strength of Personal Commitment for Application;
iii. Meeting needs of sectors across Church Community.
Awards will be made solely at the discretion of the Training & Action team.
If you would like to apply you can download the GMC Training Bursary Form 2008. Once completed give it to any member of the Training and Action team, any of the church leaders or email it to contact@glengormleymethodist.com.
If you have any questions you can email us, chat to the team or for general questions post them below.
The Church Council has approved and supports the work of its Training and Action team in awarding Training Bursaries (£150 max.per person) to those who have identified courses, programmes of study or comprehensive information systems which can help in meeting needs. These Bursaries are to be seen as additional rather than alternatives to regular or ongoing training courses.
All applications will be judged on Criteria of:
i. Match with Church Vision Statement & Core Values;
ii. Strength of Personal Commitment for Application;
iii. Meeting needs of sectors across Church Community.
Awards will be made solely at the discretion of the Training & Action team.
If you would like to apply you can download the GMC Training Bursary Form 2008. Once completed give it to any member of the Training and Action team, any of the church leaders or email it to contact@glengormleymethodist.com.
If you have any questions you can email us, chat to the team or for general questions post them below.
During February the Methodist Church seeks to draw our attention towards Overseas Mission with the aim of encouraging churches to focus on the themes of mission and the world church.
Many churches will organise special services or events with guest speakers to share about God's work across the world. But for many the highlight will be attending one of the three annual mission conferences run by MMSI.
For us in the Methodist Church in Northern Ireland the annual conference is Global Vision. Global Vision is a day where Methodists, and others from different denominations, meet together for a day of fellowship, sharing, learning about God's work in the world and praying for those directly involved in the mission work of the Methodist Church. This is a day for all the family and so there is a crèche and full programmes for children and young people.
This year Global Vision has a theme of Boldness in Adversity. The conference has a keynote speaker during the main meeting and a number of seminars with the opportunity to hear about mission work around the world.
This year's keynote speaker is Samson Makhado, he grew up in poverty in South Africa. He began training as a witch doctor but became a Christian and his son was murdered during the apartheid era. Samson has been active in education for almost 40 years and works closely with Alan McIlhenny (Mission Partner) in the Children at Risk programme.
Seminars being given at GV08 include a look at the churches and mission in China, Zimbabwe, Ibiza, the Balkins and Eastern Europe. Also themes of how to pray for the world, development work in Afghanistan and Palestine, bringing up our children with a world view and a discussion on the shape of the Methodist church and mission in Ireland for the future. The Nixon Family (Mission Partners) will lead a seminar on their work.
This is a great opportunity for us to join with others in learning about God's work in the entire world, to better inform us of how we can support those involved in mission work and even how we can become involved in mission ourselves.
So make sure you plan to attend: February 16th 2008; Lismore Comprehensive School, Craigavon and don't forget to register and book for your seminars.
For more information you can download the Global Vision Leaflet and Booking Form.
Many churches will organise special services or events with guest speakers to share about God's work across the world. But for many the highlight will be attending one of the three annual mission conferences run by MMSI.
For us in the Methodist Church in Northern Ireland the annual conference is Global Vision. Global Vision is a day where Methodists, and others from different denominations, meet together for a day of fellowship, sharing, learning about God's work in the world and praying for those directly involved in the mission work of the Methodist Church. This is a day for all the family and so there is a crèche and full programmes for children and young people.
This year Global Vision has a theme of Boldness in Adversity. The conference has a keynote speaker during the main meeting and a number of seminars with the opportunity to hear about mission work around the world.
This year's keynote speaker is Samson Makhado, he grew up in poverty in South Africa. He began training as a witch doctor but became a Christian and his son was murdered during the apartheid era. Samson has been active in education for almost 40 years and works closely with Alan McIlhenny (Mission Partner) in the Children at Risk programme.
Seminars being given at GV08 include a look at the churches and mission in China, Zimbabwe, Ibiza, the Balkins and Eastern Europe. Also themes of how to pray for the world, development work in Afghanistan and Palestine, bringing up our children with a world view and a discussion on the shape of the Methodist church and mission in Ireland for the future. The Nixon Family (Mission Partners) will lead a seminar on their work.
This is a great opportunity for us to join with others in learning about God's work in the entire world, to better inform us of how we can support those involved in mission work and even how we can become involved in mission ourselves.
So make sure you plan to attend: February 16th 2008; Lismore Comprehensive School, Craigavon and don't forget to register and book for your seminars.
For more information you can download the Global Vision Leaflet and Booking Form.