Archive of News Items -- Page 4

	Congleton Methodist Circuit The Shape Of Things to Come	The Circuit Weekend at Willersley Castle
[For some background to this article, see the item in the magazine on Methodism facing a time of radical change.] The Circuit Leadership Team went away for a day recently to discuss the shape of the Circuit and how it might develop. Last time we went away we identified a number of things that concerned or intrigued us: • The number of churches in Congleton • The need to adapt to the cultural changes of the last 10 years • The shortage of Methodist Ministers • The restricted availability of many Local Preachers • The general wisdom that new ventures tend to create new interest and open new doors • The challenge for all churches to explore potential partnerships (ecumenically or in the Circuit) recognising that the two largest churches in the Circuit are themselves the products of earlier partnership. It is unlikely that we can retain the shape of the Circuit as it is, for ever. We would like to encourage all the churches in the Circuit to discuss the questions listed below and begin to pray, plan and decide how the shape of the Circuit should evolve. Everyone in the circuit is invited to consider the questions and attend a meeting: one in each of our churches. Questions For Discussion 1. What are our strengths and weaknesses? – What is distinctive about our life and witness? 2. What are our hopes and fears? 3. What particular challenges do we face? – Are there any tough realities to face? – Are there any partnerships with other churches that might be worth exploring? – How shall we make new Christians? 4. Therefore, how should we respond?		The circuit weekend was a splendid and enjoyable occasion. We took the theme of "streams of living water" which was largely inspired by the setting. Willersley Castle was the erstwhile home of Sir Richard Arkwright, one of the key figures in the industrial revolution. Water was needed to power his nearby mills (through dams, ponds, aqueducts and rivers) and to transport goods (by canal). There was a good deal of laughter, and the relaxed atmosphere encouraged an easy sharing of faith. There was exercise through swimming and walking, even competitions in table-tennis, bowls and snooker. The food was excellent and the hotel was superb. Above all, we enjoyed some wonderful fellowship.
		*'Pirates of Penzance' a Resounding Success* Trinity Amateur Operatic Society (http://www.danesidetheatre.co.uk/socs.html#trinity) presented Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance at Congleton's Daneside Theatre. The orchestra, chorus, costumes and scenery were splendid and the leading singers outstanding. They received even greater reviews than usual from both audiences and local press. And to cap it all, the cast voted the show one of the happiest and most enjoyable to be in, for years.

Trinity Fashion Show exceeds all expectations The evening raised a fantastic total of £577 from tickets, raffle and refreshments. The fashion company involved were so pleased that they said they would like to return, but with a wider selection of fashions and sizes. Another visit has been planned. Once the models had paraded on the catwalk for people to see and feel the garments, the prices and available sizes were announced and then the garments could be tried on by whoever put up their hands first! (Though, if people wanted to return items they could do so at the end.) Even for those who did not buy anything it was an education, with lots of laughter and a really nice atmosphere.	'Guided Missiles' Hit Blackpool! Trinity's Boys Brigade Gymnastics Squad visited Blackpool Tower to perform in the Annual North West Display, showcasing the best of talent in a varied programme presented by Boys Brigade Companies in the North West of England. Congleton are invited annually to take part and supply the thrills to a combined audience of 1000 over two performances Gymnastics was once a staple Boys Brigade activity but a general lack of instructors and dedicated boys means that Congleton is one of the few Companies in the country that can still turn out a demonstration display. Long hours of practice over a three month period by the twelve-strong squad, most of whom were under 12, were repaid on the day with a sparkling performance which drew gasps of surprise, cheering and prolonged applause for two brave performances. The instructors were worried as ever that preparations had not produced the finished article but were delighted at the way the lads rose to the challenge on the day. The compère dubbed the squad the 'Guided Missiles' and they lived up to it! To vault in various ways over a box higher than yourself takes nerve, skill and confidence and Trinity can be proud of these youngsters who will improve even more in the future.

	IRAN www.christian-aid.org.uk/
An earthquake struck the Iranian city of Bam in December 2003. Christian Aid monitored the situation and felt confident that both the Iranian Government and the Iranian Red Crescent were working successfully to meet people's needs in the initial aftermath. The response of the Department of International Development was also very appropriate. It provided immediate assistance in the form of search and rescue teams, tents and aircraft. Christian Aid have not been approached for funding. In the light of this, they have decided not to launch an emergency appeal. Instead, they will be contributing to the ACT (Action by Churches Together) appeal.
Pupils at Lecy Mehri school	AFGHANISTAN www.christian-aid.org.uk/
After more than two decades of war, from the Soviet invasion in 1978 to the US-led bombing in 2001, the world is left with the challenge of rebuilding Afghanistan. Following the defeat of the Taliban regime, Hamid Karzai's interim government is seeking support from the international community. The main challenges are therefore to improve security, develop economic activity and build civil society. Christian Aid has been working in Afghanistan, in the western city of Herat, since 1994. It works with six partner organisations on both emergency preparedness and long-term development programmes. Christian Aid's supporters donated more than £4 million through the Afghanistan Appeal. This enabled Christian Aid partner organisations to distribute food and other relief items to thousands of families, mainly in the provinces of Herat and Farah, and in the particularly poor and remote areas of Ghor and Badghis.

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