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Methodist Organisation |
| The Vice President The following article has been written by Ruth Pickles of Biddulph Methodist Church, who was elected by The Methodist Conference to be Vice President for 2011-12. First, it’s important to say that the Vice-President never becomes the President, because the VP is the senior representative lay person (but occasionally a Deacon) and the President is the senior representative Presbyter (what we at the level of individual churches call our 'minister’). Each year, members of the annual Methodist Conference (which is the supreme Governing body in Methodism) elect their leaders to preside at (‘chair’) the next Conference and then serve the Church for the subsequent twelve months. The designated President with whom I will serve is the Rev. Leo Osborn, (Chair of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Methodist District). Together we are making plans for our special year. Here is what is expected of the President and Vice-President At the Methodist Conference: ● to share in overseeing arrangements for Conference worship, and take part in the Sunday worship and the Conference Holy Communion ● to address the Conference on a major topic ● to take an appropriate part in an ordination service ● to share in welcoming official visitors: civic dignitaries, ecumenical guests and representatives from overseas ● To chair the business sessions of the Conference Throughout the year: ● to be a public voice of the Methodist Church on issues of concern ● to be a senior representative of the Church in relations with other churches ● to represent the Methodist Church on public occasions ● to encourage Methodist people locally and nationally in their worship, mission and service What can I look forward to? Lots of interesting visits! I was present in Westminster Abbey for the historic visit of Pope Benedict, and I have an invitation (with my husband, David) to a Royal garden party at Buckingham Palace. We are fortunate to be visiting South Africa later this year to attend the World Methodist Council, and to visit some projects jointly run by Action for Children with a local partner. Then we will visit Kenya on behalf of MRDF (Methodist Relief and Development Fund) to see some farming projects, where established farmers share their expertise with new farmers. There will be visits to several districts within the British Methodist Church, including the Shetland Islands, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Much more is in store! I will be leading worship, running workshops and visiting places of learning across the country. (My theme for the year is ‘Learning as disciples of Jesus'.) It is a great honour and privilege, but also very demanding, so your prayers will be very much appreciated as Leo and I prepare, and then undertake, our special year. Ruth Pickles |