THE MAGAZINE OF THE LISBURN AND DROMORE METHODIST CIRCUIT

Camerason theready atBroomhedge!

TheLight

Castlewellan Holiday Week 2013Rev David Turtle & Ivan Barr

Impressions of ConferenceLindsay Easson & Paul Good

The Message of Conference 2013Rev Brian Anderson

Focus on AfricaTanzania - Kenya - Uganda - Nigeria

The editor talks to Laura NelsonOn the staff of Biblica Europe

Issue 202: S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Contents:02Broomhedge & Magheragall

03Impressions of Conference 2013

05Space Academy at Trinity

06Prospects Lisburn Ministry Group

07Joanne McConnell in Uganda

08Clare Jones at Capernwray

09Reflections on Tanzania

11The editor talks to Laura Nelson

13Marimanti School for the Deaf

14The Message of Conference 2013

17Register

18Reflections on Castlewellan

Send material to: thelight@seymourstreet.orgIf you have material or photos for the next edition ofThe Light please send them to the address above orgive them to your church representative by Sunday3rd November 2013

Contact Information:

Rev Brian Anderson9266230307736715602anderson662@btinternet.com

Shirley Carrington - 92607881shirley.carrington@talk21.com

DAMASK Youth OfficerPeter Waugh - 07731487873pete@damasklisburn.org

www.seymourstreet.org

Rev David Turtle 92621282David.turtle@irishmethodist.org

www.trinitylisburn.com

Rev Colin Gracey- 92693929c_a_gracie@hotmail.com

Billy Bryson - 97532147www.priesthill-zion-methodist.com

Rev Peter Mercer- 90826920peter.mercer@irishmethodist.org

Rev Edmund Mawhinney - 92617433edmund.mawhinney@irishmethodist.org

Dromore & Priesthill

Front cover: Rev David Turtle headingdownhill fast at Castlewellan

Magheragall and Broomhedge

Sep 2013 02

Lost lamb bleats atMagheragall!Sunday 18 May was a special day for MagheragallMethodist. It was the occasion of the SundaySchool anniversary service, with guest speakerMrs Shirley Carrington from Seymour Street.Shirley is well known in the district for herenthusiastic and novel approaches to services, butshe excelled herself on this occasion when, as anexample for her theme ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’,she brought a lamb (Martha) into the church. It wasa great sight to see Shirley running up and downthe aisle, feed-bottle in hand, being activelypursued by the lamb, illustrating the psalmperfectly. The children, of course, were delightedwith Martha and had a great time petting andstroking her.The small Sunday School also contributed with awell-thought-out sketch on the Feeding of the FiveThousand, with each member of the congregationbeing presented with a shortbread fish. The serviceconcluded with a bread and soup lunch for about80 in the church hail. It was a service that will longbe remembered.

BroomhedgePhotography ClubBroomhedge Methodist Church recently started aPhotography Club to try to encourage those whohave digital cameras, but have not really come toterms with all the features available to them, bothat the time of taking a picture and in the editingafterwards. The initial session, which was alsoattended by members from other churches on the

Circuit, looked at the basics of operating a digitalcamera and the principles of editing. Andrew Boyesexplained such things as depth of field, apertures,composition and how to carry out simple editing.Peter Mercer showed a series of photographs froma recent photographic competition in the MethodistNewsletter and asked the audience to score them,in an attempt to illustrate what made a good picture.The next session was a practical one, an afternoonouting to Hillsborough, where members tookphotographs to be brought back for the next sessionsome weeks later, when they were examined andedited. There has been considerable interest in thesubject and it is hoped to recommence in theautumn.

Cameras at the ready

Getting the perfect photo

The professional in actionShirley andthe lost sheep

It was obvious the 2013 MethodistConference was going to be different. Itwas not just that it was going to be led forthe first time by a woman President, buteven before Conference the delegatesacross the country were called to meet inDistricts and think and pray about how theMethodist Church in Ireland should be 'A peopleinvited to follow', the Conference was extendedby one day so that there would be sufficient timeto listen for God's voice as well as conduct theofficial business of the Church, and additionalyouth and adult representatives were invited.

If your only experience of Conference has beento browse a copy of the'Conference Minutes' you,like us, would have beenexpecting Conference to bea rather dry gathering whenthe great and good of theMethodist Church make pronoun-cements and decisions based on lengthy reportsprepared and submitted by a wide range ofcommittees. After all, decisions do have to betaken about money the stationing of ministers

and the administration of the Church, and viewsexpressed as to how the church responds to theills of society.

However from the start of the 2013 Conferencethings were done differently. There was a clearcall from the President for Conference to listen,pray, reflect, discuss and humbly search ourGod's leading - to be prepared ‘to get our feet

wet’ as we step out in faith.Three keynote speakers ledour thoughts atConference, Dr PhilMeadows from CliffCollege, Pete Greig, one

of the founders of the 24/7 prayermovement, and Kate Marshall, Executive Coachin the Arrow Christian Leadership Programme,They took us through a progression from ourMethodist roots and heritage challenging ourpassion, spirituality, discipleship and mission,through to how we listen to God's voice todayand how we respond to change as we listen andfollow God's leading to new areas of mission andlife.

In each session there were opportunities todiscuss in smaller groups and respond in variousways, and as the Conference progressed wewere called to focus in on the situations in ourDistricts, Circuits and Societies. Having thoughtabout what we felt were the issues holding backour spiritual life and mission we were asked tosuggest what are the key questions that eachChurch needs to address. These sessions,together with the praise led by Ross Harte andthe Soul Purpose Band, really set the tone ofConference, that it was not so much aboutadministrative business, but about doing'Business with God'. Delegates got the messageloud and clear from the President and theleadership of the church - this is the time to stepout in faith, to seek a new direction under God

03 Sep 2013

Impressions of the MethodistConferenceLindsay Easson & Paul GoodLisburn & Dromore representatives

Carrickfergus Methodist Church

The President in action

Things were done

differently this year!

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

for the Methodist Church in Ireland,and like Joshua and the People ofIsrael, to step out in faith across theRiver Jordan.

The BusinessIn this year's Conference theConversation on the Work of God'came first - and not last - anotherbreak with tradition! As the reports ofthe various church bodies, theMethodist MissionarySociety(Ireland), ChurchDevelopment Board, Home MissionDepartment and the GeneralCommittee unfolded it was clear thatwhile many challenges face the Church there arealso many encouraging developments. Forexample, in Dublin the presence of foreignnationals is leading to new links with theMethodist Church in Korea, and theRev Wesley Campbell is to goto Uganda to serve as amission partner and theChurch Development Boardis supporting a new SurfProject with a ministry to thesurfing community in theWest of Ireland. Following heryear as President Rev Heather Morris is to beappointed Secretary of the Home MissionsDepartment.

Perhaps the most heated debate of Conferencewas whether the Methodist Missions should beallowed to receive Lottery Funding for some oftheir Social Care programmes as agreed by theConference 2012. That decision was reversed.While time was given to key reports, much of theBusiness of Conference in receiving the reportsand agreeing the recommendations from many

of the church bodies was taken 'en bloc' andagreed without discussion. This included IMAYCthe Methodist City Missions, Inter ChurchRelations, Communications, MWI, Ministry ofHealing and a number of others. For the first

time this year these and all the Reports toConference can be found on

the Methodistwebsite www.irishmethodist.org.

During the meal timesand coffee breaksdelegates couldbrowse through the

stalls set up by various charities andsupport organisations and make newacquaintances amongst the delegates fromacross Ireland.

Getting our Feet WetIn contrast with previous conferences this yearthere was a real feeling of expectancy, and anopenness to God's leading. While at the end ofConference you could not claim there was a clearvision of a new way forward, there was a feelingthat the Methodist Church in Ireland is finding anew confidence that is has a message that theworld needs to hear today and that it is startingto step out in faith, following in Jesus footstepsand ready to 'get its feet wet' like the children ofIsrael.

Throughout conference people had time foreach other - to listen to, debate with, empathisewith, encourage and pray together. If we couldtake this simple premise back to each of oursocieties, circuits and districts, we could be apowerful force for good, a wonderful source ofencouragement and a superb example of peoplegetting our feet wet - right where we are!

Sep 2013 04

‘Soul Purpose’ leading the praise

Discussion session

There was anopenness to God’sleading

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

10... 9... 8...God is great,7... 6... 5...He's alive,4... 3... 2... 1...He's the King of everyone,He's the mighty, mighty Lord of all......BLAST OFF!!

... and so began each night of the Trinity SpaceAcademy Holiday Bible Club.

From 17th to 21st June, around 50 childrencame from Trinity church, from our youthorganisations and from the local area, attractedby the colourful Space Academy leaflet whichthey received through their letterbox or weregiven at school.

In the Space Academy we heardsome 'space facts' from Elmo and hisastronaut friend each night such as'astronauts wash in space with a wetwipe.' Parachute games were a firmfavourite with the younger children,while the older ones particularlyenjoyed throwing newspaper balls atthe opposition at a furious rate!

Each night the 'blast-off' openingwas followed by lots of lively praisesongs with some seriously aerobicactions, which left most of the

leaders languishing hopelessly behind the beat!The Bible stories related the exciting exploits ofDaniel and his three friends in Babylon; andthrough these the children learned that Godloves them, is with them and wants them to trustHim and follow Him.

We had several very keenly contested teamquizzes based on the Bible talks. All thechildren really enjoyed the craft each nightbased on the Bible story, from jewelled crownsto fiery furnaces.

The memory verse for the week was unfurledfrom a 20 foot long scroll, a little each night, untilthe children knew it off by heart: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and leannot on your own understanding. In all your wayssubmit to the Lord and he will make your pathsstraight.' Proverbs 3: 5-6.

The Space Academy ended with the parentscoming along to hear the songs, memory verseand final Bible talk, followed by a familybarbeque to round off the night.

It is our prayer that each child who came to theSpace Academy will have gained somethingwhich takes them further along, or even begins,their journey with God.

Space Academy at Trinity

05 Sep 2013

On Sunday morning 21st April the praisein Trinity reached new heights as thecongregation was swelled by membersof the Lisburn Prospects Ministry Group(previously known as the CausewayGroup). The group is affiliated toProspects, a Christian charity enablingadults with learning disabilities, andmeets every Monday evening in Trinity'sbuildings for worship and Bible teaching.On this particular Sunday the group wasleading morning worship in Trinity.There was lively praise with musicians andsoloists from the group. The Bible reading onthe healing of the lame man by Peter and John(Acts 3: 1-10) came from the Easy to Read Biblewhich the group uses. This translation isespecially for use by people with learningdisabilities. The speaker, Dr Paul Coulter,illustrated his talk with a storyboard and pots ofpaint to reveal words and messages as his talkprogressed. Two of the group members spoke,both of whom clearly enjoy their Monday eveningmeetings, followed by one of the volunteers whodescribed the meetings as the highlight of hisweek.It was good for everyone to be reminded, throughthis service, that our churches should bewelcoming to all and that everyone has a part toplay and gifts to bring to its life and witness.

Prospects & TrinityProspects is a UK Christian charitable group,founded in the mid-1970s, whose aim is tosupport adults with learning disabilities and to

enable them to 'live life to the full.' It seeks toprovide distinct Christian support within thecontext of good and regulatory practice.Prospects is one of several organisationsworking to support people with learningdisabilities which uses the facilities at Trinitythrough our TCI (Trinity Community Initiatives)organisation. The local office is based in Trinityand the Ministry group (one of thirteen inNorthern Ireland) meets weekly in Trinity. It isour ethos that the resources we have in ourchurch buildings should be available for use bygroups skilled to meet specific needs in thecommunity.The Lisburn Group started in 1992 and now in2013 around 50 people meet together weekly forvital Christian fellowship. Some group membershave been part of the group since the verybeginning, while some have only joined this year.The Monday evening meetings take place fromthe end of September until the end of May andare full of lively worship, Bible teaching, prayingfor each other's needs and plenty of friendship

and support. The meetings end, ofcourse, with a cuppa at the coffee dock.At Christmas the Lisburn Group hostsa special Celebration for family andfriends and this is a very special time offellowship.Lisburn Prospects Ministry Group is ledby a faithful team of volunteer leadersand helpers from various churchesincluding Trinity and Seymour St. Theteam is always keen to welcome newmembers and volunteers. If you wouldlike to find out more information you canget in touch with Debbie Davidson on028 92602026 or visit the Prospectswebsite, www.prospects.org.uk.

Prospects Lisburn Ministry Groupleads at Trinity

Sep 2013 06

When the opportunity to go to Uganda came aboutduring my gap year, it was something that I couldn't turndown. Along with three friends I headed out to Ugandafor 10 weeks and it was an experience that haschanged me forever. We went to Dwelling Places, aChristian charity that is situated outside Kampala. Theywork with street children and high risk slum families byrescuing, rehabilitating and resettling the children.During our time there they had around 25 kids at thehome, but they work with over 400 children andfamilies.My work in UgandaMy typical day would consist of walking to work fromour guest house and hearing 'Muzungu' shouted at usfrom the all local children which means white person.We started every day off with staff devotions in whichwe had worship, testimonies and we all took our turnsat giving a sermon. During my time at Dwelling PlacesI was placed in the school where I worked everymorning. They have a small school at the transitionalrehabilitation home (TRH) where they can teach thechildren who are coming from the streets, basic mathsand English to get them up to the level of the mainschools. I was in the class where the children werestraight from the streets and due to their little amountof English, it was tough to get them to listen,concentrate and do their work as this was so far fromwhat they had grown up with and been used topreviously. We would teach the children maths andEnglish, play games and sing songs. After lunch wewould take the children for devotions where it was soencouraging to see the spirit of God living through themas the children loved serving such an amazing Lord.All of the kids have had such hard and difficult pasts,as they have been abused or abandoned by theirfamilies yet they all worship God with such love andadoration and are so thankful for all that they have.After devotions we would play games with the childrenand just spend time with them and remind them thatthey are loved.An answer to prayerBefore going to Dwelling Places I held a coffee morningin which everyone at Magheragall Methodist was sosupportive and I raised a brilliant £2,300 for DwellingPlaces. The day before we arrived some of the childrenwho were resettled back in the community had beentold by their schools not to come back after the holidays,as Dwelling Places were so in debt with their fees.Everyone at Dwelling Places was praying hard that theywould be able to clear these debts, so when we arrivedthe next day and surprised them with this money, wereally did come as an answered prayer! Everyone was

so overjoyed and thankful that they could continue tosend the children to school. It made all the effort of thecoffee morning so worthwhile!The story of BashirAll of these incredible children have had a huge impacton me and their testimonies are heart breaking, but forme one of these children stands out from the rest.Bashir who is 6 years old is now my sponsor child.Bashir's mother left their family, so his father remarried.Bashir's step mother started to abuse him so he hadenough and took to the streets to try and find hismother. He heard that Kampala, the main city, was theplace that he needed to be. So Bashir begged forenough money to pay for a lift on the back of a carrottruck for the 150 mile journey from his home town ofMbale to Kampala. When Bashir reached Kampala hehad nowhere to go, so he ended up living on the streetsof Kampala for 5 months, aged just 6! During my timethere, Bashir got rescued and brought to DwellingPlaces. Bashir was exactly what you imagine a streetchild to look like, he was wearing dirty torn clothes, hewas filthy and he smelled. But none of that matteredbecause we all knew that he was the Lord's child andhe was welcomed in as the newest member to theDwelling Place's family. The change in this terrified littleboy in only a matter of hours was incredible; all heneeded was some love and attention. When we arrivedat work the next day, Bashir was running round with theother children, so happy with the most beautiful bigsmile.A life changing experienceThe experiences I had during my time in Uganda wereamazing and I have learnt so much and grown with theLord. Everyone at Dwelling Places was so welcomingand really appreciative of the work we did. Thesechildren have stolen my heart and I cannot wait to goback to Uganda and work with them again.

07 Sep 2013

The story so far…Hi, my name's Claire…for those of you who don'tknow me, I've been going to Seymour Streetsince 1993 when my family moved to Lisburn.After finishing my pharmacy degree at Queen'sUniversity, I moved to Glasgow for a trainingyear. While there, I started to hear God's call onmy life to the overseas mission field. I applied todo a gap year with Mission Africa (Qua IboeFellowship) and worked for a year in Nigeria. Iventured out in 2009 with my friend Lynda, whois a nurse, and together we worked in HolleyMemorial Hospital in Nigeria's Kogi State. Duringthis year we did staff training, outreach clinics,school work and children's clubs. It was quite aculture shock to get used to living and workingin Nigeria…on my first day I found a chickenhiding under my desk in my office! One greatdifference is that the gospel can be brought intoeverything and it was a common sight to seestaff, patients and relatives praying together onthe wards.

Looking for the right CollegeThe year away was a fantastic experience and Ifelt strongly that God was calling me back toserve Him in Nigeria. When I came home I wentto work on the Isle of Man for two years andduring this time, God began preparing me for the

next step…Bible College! I knew that furthertraining in Bible school was required in order tobe accepted by a mission organisation, but everycollege I looked into didn't work out. I heardabout Capernwray Hall from a friend who was apast student and it didn't take long before I knewit was the school for me. In September 2012, Isaid goodbye to the Isle of Man, packed up mycar and headed across the Irish Sea toLancashire. When I arrived at Capernwray, it wasnearly as big a culture shock as going to Nigeria.Not only were most of the students muchyounger, but also British students were definitelyin the minority! Over two-thirds of the studentswere from North America, with the rest beingfrom countries all over the world. During the pastyear I received excellent teaching, made lifelongfriends from around the world and saw myrelationship with God grow and deepen.

New opportunity and future plansAt the end of the year I was given an excitingopportunity to come back to Capernwray to workas part of the pastoral care team, disciplining andmentoring the female students. I am very excitedabout how God will use this year as He preparesme for the future. At the same time, I am stillmaking plans to head back to Nigeria when myyear at Capernwray is finished. I would reallyappreciate prayer for the coming year working atthe Bible School, and for my preparations toeventually go back to Nigeria.

Claire JonesSep 2013 08

On 27th July we travelled to Dodoma inTanzania as part of a work and witness teamwith the charity Kids4school. We worked in 6schools teaching about creation and engagingwith the children through a variety of activities.We also spent some time sorting through anddistributing clothes, stationary and toiletrieswhich had previously been sent to Tanzania in acontainer by people from Northern Ireland.

MichaelaFrom spending time in Tanzania I feel I havebrought back many of what I hope will be lifechanging lessons. Life in Tanzania is much morebasic and it reminded me we take much of whatwe have for granted. We saw children who had

to walk to water holes to get the family water forwashing. Each time I turn on my water tap whichhas clean safe water these images come backto me. It is hard to see children in thesesituations when they don't have running water orfood. These people are always so full of joy nomatter how hard things are they still smile and

are so thankful for all they do have. I feel thereare certain aspects of their lives particularly thatsimplicity that we need to adopt into our lives.My time in Tanzania has ultimately left me feelingvery blessed and thankful for all I have and allthe blessing God has given me.

ChristinaHaving been in Africa before, I knew a little ofwhat to expect. I knew I would see real poverty

and yet it still shocked me. I don'tthink I could ever become used toseeing people with no food, dirty tornclothes, small one-roomed housesand certainly ever be able to see it as"normal". On one occasion we gaveout clothes at a Church we visited.What struck me was that the clotheswe were giving out were discarded bythose at home, things they no longerwanted to wear. However, theTanzanians had so little, and were sograteful for anything they received.The main lesson I have learned is tobe more appreciative of everything.The people in Tanzania live in suchpoverty yet are full of joy. They findcontentment in every situation and Inever heard one person complainwhich really humbled me. I will try to

adopt this attitude, finding joy in life and everysituation.

GillianAfter visiting Tanzania last year I wanted to returnand spend more time in this beautiful country withits lovely people. On my first trip I had been

09 Sep 2013

Gillian Colligan, Christina Colliganand Michaela Johnston

shocked by the simplicity of peoples' lives andyet incredibly humbled by their contentment. Amemory that I have from this trip is arriving at theschools and finding the children working inovercrowded classrooms with few desks andeven fewer resources. With the help of aninterpreter our team arrived each day and theatmosphere was transformed. We told the storyof creation in school assemblies, sang songs andperformed dramas. These are activities thechildren are not used to and they became soanimated and happy. We stayed all day paintingnails, painting wall murals, making bracelets,

playing football, playing skipping games,hopscotch and german jumps, blowing bubbles,giving out clothes, balloons and sweets. To seethese children just being children and having funwas priceless. It is easy to feel disheartened attimes by the enormity of all the things we wishwe could change. We didn't move mountains butwe spent time with them and came awaybelieving we had done what we could and feltcontent with that.

Sep 2013 10

HugoDuncan’sCOUNTRY SHOWwith supporting artists

Damask Community Outreach in Associationwith David Hull Promotions

Laura is Executive Secretary to theDirector of BIBLICA Europe, StephenCaveLaura was brought up in East Belfast where herparents were members of BloomfieldPresbyterian Church, and attended Ashfield GirlsSchool. Although she made a Christiancommitment in her teens her faith went throughups and downs for some years. It was throughthe faithfulness of Christian friends andcolleagues that she developed a real assurancein her faith that shines through today in all shedoes. Laura joined Seymour Street after shemarried James Nelson in September 2011 - andis a leader in the BB Anchor Boys.During a gap year after school she worked brieflyfor Christians in Sport and enjoyed theexperience. Following this she took up a post asPersonal Secretary and administrator in theEvangelical Alliance working for Steve Caves.Having now discovered a role she reallyenjoyed, Laura decided to study Public Relationsat the University of Ulster and continued workingpart time for the Evangelical Alliance.In the meantime Biblica, formerly theInternational Bible Society, was looking for aDirector for its new European Division and'head-hunted' Steve Caves, Laura's boss. WhenSteve took on that role he asked Laura to move

with him andcontinue her workas his executiveassistant (andgeneral factotum!).Laura accepted thechallenge and after4 ½ years with theEvangelical Allianceshe has beenworking for 2 ½years for Biblica(Europe) based inBelfast.

BiblicaBiblica's core role isBible translating andpublishing, and itsmission is to see livestransformed throughGod's Word. Biblicaholds the rights to theNew InternationalVersion (NIV) which is

the world's most trusted and most read Englishversion, and similar translations in the world'smajor languages. Biblica operates across theworld in seven regions and its European Divisionis based in Belfast where there is a staff of 6.Supplementing its core role Biblica alsopromotes Bible Engagement though promotingelectronic access to the Bible - mobile phone andtablet apps, speech versions, special editions ofthe Scriptures - through leadership training,community Bible experiences and youth projects.With such a small staff based in Belfast Laurahas to turn her hand to many roles, from takingMinutes and booking flights, to organising theprinting of special editions of the Scriptures. Oneof the most exciting was the printing of 600,000copies of the New Testament Queen's JubileeEdition. Biblica was able to make contact withthe Royal Household, and the Queen not onlyendorsed it, but had an 8 page section includedabout herself, her faith, and why she would likepeople to have access to God's Word! Morerecently another special edition was prepared for

The editor talks to …Laura Nelson

11 Sep 2013

the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast.

Community Bible ExperienceIn today's society many people know practicallynothing about the Bible and have never read it.An recent exciting Biblica project is theCommunity Bible Experience for which aspecially edited version of the Bible has beenprepared which reads more like a novel that atraditional Bible. The verse numbers andchapters have been removed and the passages

of Scripture combined in a simple narrative sothat it can be read in context.With Laura's enthusiasm a Community BibleExperience group has been meeting in SeymourStreet since Christmas and has completedreading through the New Testament. The groupmeets on a Sunday morning at the same time asSunday School so that parents leaving childrenoff for Sunday School can attend. Members readabout 10 pages per day of the narrative versionof the Bible and then when they meet theydiscuss the answers to a series of straightforwardquestions such as, 'What have I learned aboutJesus?', 'What have I learned about myself?'.This is very different from a traditional BibleStudy, it is more like a book club! Typicalcomments from members are - 'I didn't think theBible could be that easy to read!', 'It makes theBible really come alive', 'I really enjoyed it'.The Seymour Street group will be restarting inOctober when it will be reading through the nextBible section, the Books of the Covenant.

Activate The Damask youth programme isdeveloping rapidly under the leadership of PeteWaugh who was appointed as Damask Youth Workerin June with grant aid from Tear Fund. During 6 weeksover the summer there has been a sports skills programme in the evenings which has attracted upto 30 young people from the locality. Seymour Street young people have helped lead this programmeand ensure its success. The assistance of Lisburn City Council sports coaches and Salt Ministrieswas appreciated and there was also a partnership with the Lisburn Fellowship Church.

Drop-in Plans are now in place to run an ‘After Schools’ programme every Wednesday andThursday from 3.30 – 5.30 in Seymour Street Methodist Halls. The after schools drop-in is foranyone in years 8 – 14. The first day of the drop-in will be Wednesday 11th September and we willbe running during term time. There will be a variety of things to do such as play computer games,sports, craft workshops, a coffee bar and a homework area. We would love to see you come to thedrop-in!Engage Youth Nights Launching on Friday October 4th, Engage Youth Nights are interactivecreative arts and sports based nights for young people. All young people in years 8-11 are welcometo come along and get involved. We will be running different workshops every Friday night involvingDJ’s, graffiti artists, Hip-Hop Dancers, professional sports coaches and loads more. There will alsobe occasional trips and time to hang out in the coffee bar at Seymour Street Methodist Halls.

DAMASK youthprogramme isActivated

Sep 2013 12

13 Sep 2013

Helen Moorehead, from Portadown, NorthernIreland, went to Kenya in 2006 to teach at theMeru School for the Deaf which is funded bythe Methodist Church in America After a yearshe felt that there were other areas where therewere no facilities for the deaf and so she movedto Marimanti, in the Tharaka district, which hasa very high incidence of deafness amongstchildren.

Over the last seven years Helen has developeda new School for the Deaf which now has eightclassrooms, dormitories, an administration blockand a Church along with other facilities. Startingwith only 4 pupils and the building of oneclassroom in 2007 Helen received financialsupport from Christians in Northern Ireland whoknew of, and were praying for, her work. It isan amazing story of faith in action, anddetermination to give the deaf children of thearea opportunities in life which up to now havebeen denied them.

The children in Helen's school range in age fromsix to 13. Tharaka is a very traditional areawhere deafness is seen as a bad omen, anddeaf children are usually either hidden away orsent out to take goats grazing. Thanks to Helen's

school, these children now have other optionsopen to them.

"My biggest hope is that the children will come toknow and love Christ," says Helen. Helen hasseen the first generation of children grow upthrough the school and the numbers attendingthe school steadily increase. The Kenyagovernment has recognised the high standardwhich have been set at the Marimanti School forthe Deaf by Helen and have agreed to fund theposts of Head Teacher and the the other staff.

Nevertheless the School will need ongoingsupport from Northern Ireland and so, now thatHelen has returned to Northern Ireland she is

setting up a Trust Fund which will support the school.

There is so much more to Helen story - so make sureyou are there on 15th September to hear her foryourself!

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear to story of..

Marimanti School for the deafHelen Moorehead who recently return from Kenya after eight yearsserving with the Methodist Missionary Society will tell the story of how shestarted and developed the Marimanti School for the Deaf.

Sunday 15th September 7pm. Ballynahinch Methodist Church

The first pupils and the first classroom

A recent picture of Helen with senior pupils

Seymour Street was pleased to be able towelcome mission partner Pat Jamison when shewas home on furlough in the summer fromBangladesh.

Picture the scene with me, or rather let'slive it together. You are a Priest, one of the mainreligious persons in the nation and you arecarrying the Ark of the Covenant, it feels good to

have such aposition. You,with others, areleading a crowdof excited yetuncertain people.Joshua has toldyou to lead andfor the people tofall in behind. Itis time to leaveEgypt behindwith its slaveryand oppression,but ahead is theGreat River

Jordan, flowing at its greatest height and beyondthat is the land you have been promised. Youbegin to think you are going to be between a rockand a hard place? No way back, the way aheadblocked. But Joshua said "Consecrateyourselves tomorrow the Lord will do amazingthings through you." Through me!!!You lead, the river comes closer and closer, thetorrent of water flows, the noise is deafening, butyou walk on like a pirate about to reach the endof the plank. Then, just as you reach the water,as your toes get wet, the water upstream stopsflowing, as does the downstream flow. Youcannot believe what is happening. The wet underyour toe is replaced by dry, liquid is replaced bystones Your faith in God has been wonderfullyrewarded, the courage of believing God can do

it amazing things through you, has beenrewarded as you and your people have beensaved. What a God.This is the theme and challenge of PresidentHeather Morris to all Methodists and theirchurches this year, Will we have the courage andfaith to step out into some unknown for the sakeof extending the Kingdom.

Conference 2013 was a "Getting our Feet WetExperience". Very different to any that had gonebefore. How was it?The main differences were in emphasis andexpectations. It remained the place of decisionmaking for the Methodist Church e.g. thepermission to apply for Lottery monies inparticular circumstances was overturned- but westructured it in such a way that inspiration,

Sep 2013 14

Conference 2013 was a "Gettingour Feet Wet Experience"

Brian leading a Session

listening and teaching could beincluded. Under the title "APEOPLE INVITED TOFOLLOW" it looked somethinglike this:

A PEOPLE-What in our Methodist heritagethat is relevant to today? PhilMeadows, a lecturer of onWesley, lead us to think aboutwhat were the Spiritualpassions that fuelled the revivalthat gave birth to Methodism.He revisited John Wesley'sthoughts on moving from aForm of Religion to a power ofGodliness. He pointed to theWesleyan view on growth through "rejoicingalways, praying without ceasing and in all thingsgiving thanks. That we can be a people who are"everyday disciples." How do we move fromDoing Church to re-igniting the "Power ofReligious Faith?"

INVITED -God is an inviting God- sometimes it is to comeand at other times to go, but do we give him timeto speak. Pete Grieg from 24.7 prayermovement, helped prepares us to listen to GOD.He spoke about Samuel learning to hear Godrather than thinking it was a human voice. Hedrew our attention to God speaking to the youngperson and not the Priest; that His voice washeard as a normal voice- not the big boomingnoise; and that God kept on calling.We then spent a significant time listening to God,and many many Methodist people wrote up,painted, and drew what they heard God saying.Many words and pictures were produced but twomajor themes emerged- God was calling us to anew form of Leadership and seeking to re-ignite

Discipleship among us- I will comeback to this in a moment.

FOLLOW -If we are going to be real aboutfollowing Jesus, how do we moveto take what is great aboutMethodism in areas of Leadershipand Discipleship, how do we makethat Change. Kate Marshall - atrained church consultant amongother things- looked at the ‘c’ wordCHANGE. If we are hearing a newthing how is it implemented?Overall it was amazing what Goddid at this Conference. I was soprivileged to help shape the

"Following" day, and being at the front directingpeople for prayer, watching 2s and 3s breakinginto their prayers were they sat, it was clear Godwas moving in people and that was humbling andinspiring.We then held discussions in Districts to tease

these themes out more, and you will hear morein due course.

Leadership and DiscipleshipBut I would like to share a few thoughts onLeadership and Discipleship from the exampleof Moses.In Numbers 11, during the national saga of Israelduring the wilderness years - as they wanderedhuge demands were on Moses. Although hisshoulders were broad he found it too much, sohe complained to God for help. God respondedand said "get the 70 registered elders togetherat the tent of meeting and I will come down andtalk with you there.” And God did what he saidhe would do, came down in a pillar, and liftedsome the spirit off Moses and gave it to the 70,and they prophesied.

15 Sep 2013

The Down District Representatives

Dr Phil Meadows

Problem solved - Moses was helped- the 70 wereinvolved and all was neat and tidy. The helpcame from the right people, at the proper place,in the proper way, great order- perfect.

However, that is not the whole story- Joshua,noticed that two of the 70 elders. Eldad andMedad, were prophesying even although theynot gone with the others to the Tent of Meeting.“Well”, thought Joshua " Moses must tell themto stop - get some order back!” But Mosesresponded “Nonsense, are you jealous for mysake? Would that all the LORD’S People wereprophets and that the LORD would put his spiriton them!"Moses laid propriety aside. He set the order inits place and gave the Spirit right of way. TheBible confirms that God's Spirit is available to allhis people, as the Prophet Joel said – “sons anddaughters - male and female - free and slave”shall all prophecy and see visions, affirmed byPeter in New Testament in Acts 2”

How does your Church make its decisions, howare you guided. Does it largely come from thetop and we look to the minister to have the ideas-which can be the latest religious fad based on aprogramme devised by some mega church inAmerica- or does it come from serious leadershiplistening to God, searching for his directionthrough prayer and fasting.

What if we took time as the local congregationto Listen to God? Really listen, not saying“here's my idea God, now you bless it!”. What ifwe included our young people in the listening,with all their naivety and idealism. Then havinglistened, record the stirring in a churchprogramme that is built, based on listening,sifting and progressing!Linked to a collective spiritual form of leadershipis an encouragement for Methodists to recapturewhat Rev Heather Morris says is being "on Firewith the Love for God, each other and the world".In our tradition a part of Methodist Genius is theclass system, a group of Christians coming

together for Prayer, Bible Study and a place forsafe sharing, and not what we know it as today. I play golf about 4 times in the summer withBryan, Jim and Ian. We go way back to myteenage years in Cregagh; we have shared manymoments in life together, church and family onesin particular. We are good friends; it is that typeof relationship that as soon as we meet it is as ifwe were with each other the day before. At 16thTee at Carnalea, a conversation began on howour Friendship needed to return to a deeperspiritual level, so now we are going to meet oncea month to read the bible, prayer and sharetogether. It is what Mr Wesley would call a band.Yes of course I could do other things with theFriday night, but the 4th October is in my diaryand I will be the stronger for the time. Yes I will

Sep 2013 16

Would that all the LORD’SPeople were prophets

How does your Church makedecisions?

A Discipleship that Renews theChurch.

Some things change, but not theimposing Platform organisation!

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

Delegates write and draw on the‘walls’ with their vision of what the

Lord is saying to Conference

Photo: Rev Bert Montgomery

Seymour StreetBAPTISMSHarry Leonard, son of John and Donna TwinemCody Phillip John, son of Phillip and Mandy Carswell

WEDDINGSDavid Campbell and Becky IrwinDaniel Anderson and Lynsey AndersonEmmanuel Branney and Nadine AndersonAndrew Wilson and Caroline GilmoreStephen Pierce and Holly Anderson

DEATHSMrs Ruby Huddleson, 7 Harmony Fold

TrinityDEATHMr George Leatham, 12 Beechdene Gardens

DromoreDEATHMrs Rhoda Ringland, August 8th

From the registers..

17 Sep 2013

attend the bible study, have my quiet times butthe real difference is the place of honesty. Whenasked how it is going, I can speak knowing myfriends will be there, have my permission tochallenge what I say and be prayerful. I suspectthat some of our House groups lack that placeof honesty? For me it has been important enough

to leave some good things to do what I believeis the God Thing.Could we gather together a mixture of housegroups and/ or bands to keep the flames of faithburning?Could we arrange that in our churches smallbands of Christians would come together,weekly, fortnightly to share Christian experiencetogether to aid our warmed hearts? Folks weneed to get off this merry-go-round of runningthe church and start seeking the power of Godinto our daily lives and to fuel our souls byspending time with Jesus and our Christianfriends.The constant message from Conference said"we can't go back" I have taken that to mean that

actually we do need to go back as we moveforward. That God has spoken and we have asense that he is calling us back to be passionateabout him, and think again about the model ofleadership we use. I lay a challenge to eachMethodist on CIRCUIT to put your copy of"The Light" down, stop and begin to pray."Lord renew in me the joy of my Salvation,create in me a clean heart, and show torejoice always, pray without ceasing and togive thanks in all things," then stay there andListen for GodThere are many Good things to be done, but thewisdom of the disciple is to find the God thingand to do that.

Reflections on Conference.

Sep 2013 18

CastlewellanHoliday Week hasbecome one of theevents which havebecome ‘unmissable’ inour family’s annualcalendar. The childrenand youth programmes,and the opportunity tomeet and spend time withfriends old and new, createan enthusiasm for the week whichmeans there is no danger of us passing theearly-bird booking discount deadline – we haveplenty of reminders! This year’s ‘Castlewellan’had the added benefit of great weather which alladded up to a fantastic week.

The adult programme had as the main speakerAndy McCourt who, under the theme of‘Unstoppable’, shared some foundationalprinciples of how the church should moveforward. I was only there for a few mornings asI travelled back and forth to Lisburn, but foundthat those I was present for were reallychallenging and inspiring. Other speakers andseminars also brought helpful insights on thevarious evenings during the week. While theadult sessions were taking place, the amazingyouth and children’s team taught andentertained the young people each morning andevening.

However, Castlewellan is not just aboutprogrammes, teaching and wonderful worship;there is also a culture of relaxation and fun whichpermeates the wide range of ages who attend.While each afternoon is free time, the open dayon Wednesday is one of the highlights of the

week and many activities including thelegendary Castlewellan waterslide were presentthis year. In the absence of any otherparticipating clergy from the Lisburn andDromore circuit, I took an early lead in thisprestigious competition of speed, skill andstrategy, but sadly watched the trophy besnatched away only a few minutes later. Maybenext year!

As has been the case overthe past number of years,our family have returnedfrom Castlewellan onceagain looking forward tonext year. It is a week offriendship, fellowship andfun with a culture andatmosphere all its own –a week we wouldrecommend to anyone.David Turtle

Somethoughts aboutCastlewellan...This was our fifth year at the CastlewellanHoliday Week. Every time we've been it's beena different experience. This year the theme wastitled “Unstoppable”. The teaching was all aboutthe church and the “fantastic four” from Acts2v42. These are the apostles teaching,fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. Itwas good to be reminded about thesefundamentals and that the purpose of the churchis to reach out as an unstoppable force workingwith God in the world. We were challenged aswe compared our own experience and practiseto that of the early Christians. Every day in allage worship we were encouraged to put on the

Castlewellan Holiday Week 2013The thoughts of David Turtle & Ivan Bar

armour of God.In different funways welearned theserious pointthat God equipsus when hecalls us.

The kids

programme wasthemed “JuniorHeroes”. Our boysenjoyed meeting upwith friends fromprevious years andmaking some newfriends too. The Youth and Children'steam were great with the kids. The boysreally looked up to their leaders andloved going to their club time. Theylearned about children in the bible suchas Samuel and David.

Afternoons were free for relaxation or taking partin some of the planned activities. This year theweather was fantastic. Highlights for our familywere canoeing and archery. A (plastic) duck huntand a walk with Forestry Service Rangerslooking for bugs and butterflies. Wednesday was

“open day” and lots of fun activities were laid on,not least the famous Castlewellan Water Slide.Here we had the annual curious display of manyof our Methodist Ministers (including our ownDavid Turtle) competing for the distance cup.This year even the President Heather Morrisgave it a go and raised some money for MMSIin the process.

We keep going back to Castlewellan becausewe enjoy meeting and sharing with other

Christians (not allMethodists!) fromall over Ireland.The times ofteaching andworship arechallenging andi n s p i r a t i o n a l .F e l l o w s h i pgroups andseminars give anopportunity to

discuss real issues with others. Thekids love their programme and arealready talking about next year! All thisset against the beautiful backdrop ofCastlewellan with it's lake, castle andforest. We stayed in the castle andwere very well fed! The kids alsoenjoyed the Maud's Ice Cream parlourin the Castle cellar.

Castlewellan Holiday Week is trulysomething unique and special. We're very gladwe found it and hope many more can come andexperience it for themselves. We know youwould enjoy it too!Ivan Barr

Castlewellan Holiday Week 2013 continued……