Methodist
The Methodist Church in the Isle of Man
Notes of Circuit Meeting held by zoom
Thursday 18th June 2020 7.30 pm.
Revd Richard Hall welcomed everyone to the meeting, and Revd Bryan Yardy led the opening devotions. He read John 2: 13 – 22 and reflected on the significance of the temple, the church not being built of bricks and mortar, but of living stones and on the new ways of being church that had been experienced during lockdown without the constraints of buildings. He introduced hymn StF 409 “Let us build a house where love can dwell” and concluded with prayers from the Methodist Prayer Handbook
Present were: Revd Richard Hall, Eddie Teare, (Circuit Steward), Revd Andy Fishburne, Revd Richard Hooton, Christine Sugden, (Ramsey), Claire Quayle, (Bride), Paul Craine, (Trinity), David Holmes, (Trinity), Revd David Shirtliff, David Graham, (Union Mills), Eileen Mellows, (Onchan), Evelyn Bevan, (Baldrine),Fiona Cracknell, (Laxey), Gareth Moore, (Circuit Steward), Harvey Garton, (Circuit Steward), Hollie Johnston, (Promenade), Pat Godby, (Baldrine), Pat Costain, (Circuit Steward), Jane Foxon, (Port Erin), Jennifer Corrin, (The Cooil), Joy Stephens, (Castletown), Julia Gilbert, (Colby), Karen Elliot, (Peel), Keith Watterson, (Abbeylands), Kelly Haynes, (The Howe), Linda Eccles, (Lay worker), Rita Norrey, (Lay worker), Mike Simm, (Agneash), Revd. Chris Belfield, Panda Dooley, (Lay worker), Paul Craker, (Glen Maye), Phyllis Jackson, (Circuit Steward), Revd. Bryan Yardy, Rosemary Cooil, (Port St. Mary), Henry Gorry, (Sulby), Simon Young, (Ballagarey). Sue Young, (Ballagarey), Margaret Kennaugh, (St. John’s), Shirley Harper, (Kirk Michael), Lily Chapman, (Castletown), John Binns, (Secretary).
Apologies were received from: Revd. Rebecca Ingrouille
1. Reopening our church.
Revd Richard Hall introduced the paper circulated in advance of the meeting, and included advice about flushing water systems and the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
There were no questions.
2. Finance & Property.
Eddie Teare introduced and explained the proposed budget.
Revd. David Shirtliff raised concerns about discrepancies that result from the formula being out of date, quoting as an example the difference between Castletown and Colby where the latter is now the larger congregation but the former has the higher assessment.
Eddie went on to outline the detail of district budget, explaining the continuing provision for Manor Ark where the premises will be shared with SUMT.
He also addressed the arrangements of the change of the bank accounts to Lloyds.
Sulby. The Mission Policy in connection with the building scheme was introduced. New sources of funding from the Connexion are being explored. No objections were raised to them pursuing this
3. Invitation committee.
The Circuit Invitation Committee will meet immediately after Conference to consider the re-invitation of Revds Steve and Rebecca Ingrouille. The committee will comprise one representative from each church, Circuit Stewards and Staff. A report will be brought back to the September Synod.
4. New Minister for the South.
Pat Costain explained that Sean Turner is not able to arrive before August 18th. She is regularly in touch by email.
Revd Steve Ingrouille queried how the move would work under the current constraints, and on what basis he would move to the island. It was confirmed that he will have Key Worker status. Concern was expressed that quarantine will take him up to start of his ministry, and that it will be necessary to be sensitive about an appropriate time for his induction. It is not anticipated that he will be able to be planned to take services before October. Pat Costain and Revd Richard Hall will remain regularly in touch and make plans as appropriate.
5. Leaders of Worship and Local Preachers update.
Revd David Shirtliff reported that Caroline Salmon was the first person on the island to complete the new format worship and preaching course, and that a final trial service needed to be organised, with a final interview at the September Leaders of Worship and Local Preachers’ meeting, followed by a Service of Accreditation on an appropriate date.
The Leaders of Worship and Local Preachers’ meeting scheduled for Tuesday 16th June had not taken place, but it was anticipated that a date would be found to meet in early July.
David informed the meeting that Geoff Colllier is stepping down as a Local Preacher and Local Preachers’ secretary after a number of years service to become a Worship Leader in Ramsey. Thanks and appreciation were expressed for all his work in both capacities. A new secretary will be appointed subject to the agreement of Leaders of Worship and Local Preachers’ meeting.
David was thanked for his work with Local Preachers and Worship Leaders over a number of years.
Thanks were also expressed to those who had contributed to worship during lockdown
Revd Richard Hall confirmed that David remains a Methodist Minister and will appear on the plan with a different status, and will still be a member of the Circuit Meeting and Synod.
6. Sierra Leone update.
Paul Craine reported that the HIV Centre, whilst structurally complete, had not yet opened. He explained that Sierra Leone is heavily locked down and communication is poor. A 12 month state of emergency has been declared. There had been 1270 recorded cases to date with over 50 deaths. Prayers were requested for the church there.
The Post Conference visit of the President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone will not be able to take place.
7. District Chair appointment update.
It was reported that the nomination process had had to be put on hold because of travel restrictions, but it was hoped that progress could be made by September.
8. Farewells and Welcomes.
Tribute was paid to the work of Revd. David Shirtliff and Revd. Chris Belfield over the years.
The work that Ben Hulme had done, notably with the MMAST resources for children, was recognised and it was noted that Sunday 28th June would be opportunity to say farewell to him and Ruth.
Other matters
Concerns about the financial situation at Castletown was reiterated.
There was a willingness to learn from the experiences of lockdown and to continue to build on successes. Online/postal communication would be continued. Around 300 people had been identified who could not receive electronic communications and they had been appreciative of postal contact.
It was noted that Port St. Mary had purchased a router to facilitate a link with the projection technology there to enable online services to be viewed.
Revd Richard and Annette Hooton were congratulated on their imminent 50th wedding anniversary.
Revd. Richard Hall led closing prayers.
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