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Richard's Message:

As I potter around the Circuit it would be so easy to be weighed down by talk of numbers, level of assessment, lack of people to hold certain roles and I know these concerns are real.
Instead, I would much prefer that these weekly offerings allow us to focus on the positives and build our awareness of where our God is at work. We all need to hear of where the new have arrived and helped transform, where faith has been deepened, where music has touched, where the Gospel is being lived out or a reminder of where God has touched in the past which then informs our present.
What stories can our people share?
It would be great if Pete Honeyball, who collates these weekly offerings, was inundated with suggestions of who to ask or even better with a piece of proper good news.
There is so much good news happening in our church which too often we do not share.
So, a few signs of good news in our midst:

  • An ecumenical Christianity Explored course.
  • New people arriving and staying in some of our churches.
  • Times when the church acts through lunches, coffee mornings and such, and brings love and hope into lives.
  • Where the church speaks for justice.
  • Rooms full of excitement at Messy Church or toddler group.
  • Any time faith is discussed.
  • Where worship touches, where words inspire, where prayer is shared, where meaning is discerned, where tears or laughter are shared.
  • Where we know Christ in our midst.


What good news is there that it would do your family in the Circuit good to hear?
Could you pen a few words to share with others?
Blessings
Richard


Previous 'Good News' reports are now archived and will be kept for 12 months.
see January February March April May June
July August September October November December

This Sunday, 17 March, Stewkley is the focus for our Circuit Prayers.

Dear All
We share in Margaret's journey from South Yorkshire to Stewkley and hear of some of the decisions that she was faced with along the way. We never know how the decisions we make will affect our later lives, but the choice of a Methodist College and sharing fellowship with other students must have provided a solid foundation for life. Please remember the work at Stewkley in your prayers this week, and pray for all those who support us in those important early formative years.

Pete

Margaret writes:

A journey

I was born and brought up in South Yorkshire, known then as the West Riding of Yorkshire. There was a strong Methodist tradition on my father's side and so the church played a large part in my upbringing. I used to go out to support my brother when he was starting out as a lay preacher.
One of the early decisions I had to make was whether to go to university or not, and I decided that I wanted to be a teacher and to go to teacher training college would be the better choice, against the advice of the head teacher! You could be a teacher then without obtaining a degree. I decided that I wanted to go to Westminster College, one of only two Methodist colleges in the country, the other being Southlands in London. My A level Geography teacher was really thrilled as I was the only pupil he had taught who had chosen to go there. He had been to Westminster himself when it was based in London. The interview was successful and so I started teacher training in 1970.

Living in Oxford, overlooking the dreaming spires was a delight, so different from the industrial surroundings of Rotherham and Sheffield. There was a chapel in the heart of the campus where services were held every morning and evening: it was great to be with like minded students. I didn't make many morning services, but regularly attended the short evening services before going to formal evening meal, (no jeans allowed!). I had teaching practices in Northampton, Banbury and a small village outside Witney.
I really enjoyed my time at Westminster and it made a great impression on my life, through good and through difficult times. My whole teaching career was spent in Buckinghamshire and 50 years later I was awarded a degree!!

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#This Sunday, 10 March, Princes Risborough is the focus of our Circuit Prayers.

Dear All

We join Barbara as she shares her journey with us. Barbara shows us how our lives are influenced by so many different events and how they all add up to complete the picture. 'Church' is about so much more than just 'church'. There are so many different ingredients thrown into the mix that even if we do not realise they are there, they still have an amazing impact on our journey's outcome. As you read Barbara's story, imagine how it relates to your own experiences and give thanks to God for the rich variety that we share together.

Pete

Barbara writes:

In my view life is a roller coaster – with the crossbar on the passenger seat our belief and trust in God!!
When we moved to Risboro' in 1965 we had no idea the impact Princes Risborough Methodist Church would have on our lives. Was it a good decision? Certainly! 59 years has seen many changes yet PRMC has remained steadfast. It's true to say that we are a faithful and happy group.

We have SALT, Worship Group, WOW Group, Tuesday Fellowship, Prayer Circle and Games Mornings, with the occasional Café Church. The Men's group is clearly adventurous as my spies tell me they enjoy Men's Breakfasts and trips to events such as Ice Hockey matches, but as onlookers, not competitors... They even organise Coffee Mornings for us all. By contrast we ladies are more sedate, with Coffee Mornings at a Garden Centre. Wayhey the chaps!

I often look around our congregation and remember all those who have come and gone. All playing their part in the life of our Church and am grateful to them. Each individual teaches us something and undoubtedly adds to our personal and Church growth. This also holds true for our present congregation.
On reflection, our Church has brought great joy, comfort and support, plus a bit of cleaning and catering of course. It's great to be part of this family. I accept that we need to be serious about our faith and show respect to the values and teaching but nevertheless it's so important to show the world and our neighbours that our faith brings joy and laughter. Surely that is a wonderful testament to the power of God.
To quote Virginia Woolf – 'The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark.'

Barbara Oates

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On Sunday 25th February the focus of our Circuit Prayers was on Haddenham

Dear All
We share in Mary and Malcolm's journeys. It is a constant source of amazement that no matter how often and far we may move, we invariably find that we do indeed live in a small world and so often we end up back where we started. Please remember in your prayers this Sunday, those who move around, especially those whose move is for reasons beyond their control, or who are forced to move by circumstance, and pray that wherever they end up, they may be welcomed by those who offer the love of God and a friendly, caring fellowship.
Pete

Mary writes:

At a chance meeting in Thame in 1954, with Rev FJ White, he said ''Aye lass, you don't come from round here''. He was born in Rotherham and I came from Sheffield so he recognised my Yorkshire accent. I then joined Thame Methodist Church and he told me he had a son who worked in north London who came home at weekends. We met and the rest is history. Sadly, father-in-law died in 1959, having been Superintendent Minister of the Thame and Watlington Methodist Circuit for 12 years.
We married in 1961 and moved from London to Hertfordshire and then to Haddenham in 1968. With our children, we attended Thame Methodist Church again and after they had flown the nest we joined Haddenham Methodist Church, which we walk to, and enjoy.
Malcolm was born in Liverpool, then the family moved to Burnley and to Thame in 1946. He attended Lord Williams's Grammar School.

Mary White
Malcolm continues:
In January, we were delighted to welcome the President Elect, Rev Helen Cameron to take our service. The service was excellent and she stayed afterwards and chatted to everyone. When did Haddenham last welcome a future President of the Conference?
The average age of the congregation has fallen in recent times as we have three families with young children who regularly attend.
Our new minister, Rev Heegon Moon takes a keen interest in our Church. He frequently attends the Tuesday coffee morning, chats to people and even assists with the washing up!
The Church is well used for local events and the fortnightly ''Small World'' group, run by Church members is well supported.
We feel that God has guided us in helping us in trying to help others in need and those less fortunate than us. Churches together in Haddenham has strengthened bonds between the other churches in the village.

Malcolm White

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#Sunday, 18th February

Dear All

Something slightly different this week; a short reflection on the theme of some recent sermons:

One of the main themes recently has been revealing the light of the world. As Jesus travelled steadily onward to Jerusalem, he spent time teaching his disciples, preparing and equipping them to carry on his mission when he would no longer be with them. Jesus wanted the message of his Father's love, the gospel, to be proclaimed to all people. He wanted his followers to be evangelists and to spread that good news throughout the world.

The Methodist Church views all its members as evangelists, each one of us. You and I all have a mission to spread the good news to all those that we meet on a daily basis. If you look at the way Jesus spread the good news in the gospel accounts, you will see that he used many different ways to get his message across; he revealed the scriptures to some, told stories to others, healed some, and fed even more. Jesus did not just quote God to people, he gave of himself in ways that were appropriate and meaningful for those he was ministering to.
So, this week, the task is not only to pray for all those people you meet every day, but also to go further and offer them the good news through a smile, a handshake, a hug (where appropriate) and a kind word. Just stand alongside people and behave as a friend! Reflect the love of Christ!
Because that is what Jesus would do!


Pete

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Sunday, 11 February, Cuddington was the focus of our Circuit Prayers.

Dear All
We join Colin, who for many years has been a faithful Local Preacher and mainstay of Cuddington Methodist Church. Colin tells us how he came to the Lord and what inspires him in his ministry to so many people over so many years. We give thanks for Colin and the many like him who labour unceasingly to ensure we can all share in the wonder of the gospel.
Pete

Colin writes:-
When I was 17 years old and part of the Towcester Road Methodist Church and a Sunday School Teacher, I attended a Sunday School Teachers' Training weekend at Chislehurst in Kent. It was over the Easter weekend that year.
On the Saturday evening a group of students read portions from Dorothy L Sayers' book "A man born to be King". During the readings the students read different parts of the Easter Narrative from the balcony above. We couldn't see them but could clearly hear the words.
Suddenly I could see a vision of Jesus being crucified. I wanted to try and help Him in His agony, but He turned and looked at me.
I heard Him say "I must do this for YOU".
I knew at this point that He had to give His life for me and all Mankind. Then I realised the enormity of His sacrifice and that I had to accept His sacrifice for me and I must give my life over to Him.
My life changed completely from that moment as I gave my life to Him. I was so thankful for all that Jesus did for me. This is an experience I will never forget and it is still as vivid as when I was a 17 year old teenager.
It was the beginning of my walk with Jesus when the Bible became a handbook as I soaked up the reality of the words that are Truth for us to live by.
I am so grateful to those students who pointed me to the Cross and my salvation.

He Lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today,
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart,
You ask me how I know He lives,
He lives within my heart.

Colin Watts

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Sunday, 4 February, the focus of our Circuit Prayers turned to Chinnor

Dear All
This week we share the view from behind the organ. Marjorie tells us how she experiences the presence of God through her joy of music. We are so blessed with the rich variety of music that we enjoy in worship, and throughout our daily lives. Please remember in your prayers this week, those who share their talent for making music with us every Sunday. They are such a blessing to us all.
Pete

Marjorie writes:

'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord' – Psalm 100.
I play the organ at Chinnor Methodist Church. I was introduced to this church by my then future in-laws who lived in Chinnor. My late husband, Brian and I were married here in 1994 and I even played the organ during part of the ceremony, so this church is very special to me. It wasn't long before I was invited to play for a Sunday service which I was very pleased to do.
God is present with me through music and certain pieces bring Him very close. Who could fail to be moved by Edgar Bainton's beautiful setting of words from Revelation, 'And I saw a new heaven' and surely God has had a hand in the amazing works of Bach, Mozart, Schubert etc. He is everywhere in music for me.
Brought up as an Anglican, I came to know and love hymns and psalms so well through my parents who took me to church as a small child. I still remember the first organ I ever played was in that church. I was six years old.
So, now in my eighties, 30 years after coming to Chinnor, I'm still playing for services. 'Praise the Lord with the sound of the trumpet, harp, stringed instruments and organ' – Psalm 150. Will I still be playing here in my nineties? Will I make it? Who knows? God does.

Marjorie

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On Sunday, 28 January, the focus of our Circuit Prayers was on Cheddington.

Dear All
We join Cathy as she explains where she finds God's presence around her even in the middle of the darkest days of winter. Please remember all those for whom the winter is a time of darkness and loneliness and pray that they may see and feel the love and presence of God surrounding and supporting them.
Pete

Cathy writes:

As I type this it's Tuesday 16th January and it's minus something outside and as cold as we can expect in January.
The cold reminds me of that much loved carol (which we probably won't sing again until the end of the year) 'In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone'. So where do I find 1 Corinthians 13 Faith, Hope and Love in the midst of the January problems that we face each year e.g. staying warm and the cost of heating, leaden skies etc?
I find FAITH in the comment of one of our oldest members – 'When I come here, (Cheddington Chapel) I feel that I'm coming home to my Christian family' and in the life of our youngest member who brings her family along, all of whom we cherish in addition to all the other young children who worship with us.
I find HOPE in the lambs tail catkins on a winter's day walk and despite the ground being as 'hard as iron', the snowdrops manage to appear each year to bring us great delight – not forgetting the aconites, hellebores and the splash of colour from the winter jasmine – the wonders of nature. Not forgetting a young 5 year old who is learning to read and would like to read at Messy Church and a service and who also wants to be baptised.
I find LOVE in all our members as we care for each other, and who love to serve and share that love with all those who cross our doorstep either for Toddlers, Coffee morning, Singalong, Lunch groups etc. The LOVE that is poured out on us in great abundance from our Lord who gave His life for us. The same LOVE which unites us as a circuit, district etc.
So, in the bleak midwinter when many of us spend more time indoors than at other times of the year, which can give us a little more time to pause, reflect, despite our busy lives I think again of verse 4 of that carol:-
'What can I give Him, poor as I am? .........
Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart.'

Blessings to you all from Cheddington.
Cathy

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Sunday, 21 January, the focus of our Circuit Prayers was on Aylesbury

Dear All
We share in the story of Derek and hear how he has been 'looked after' throughout his ministry. Peter G has supplied some background and then Derek's family continue. I am sure that we are all 'looked after' in our journeys of faith, I am also sure that some of us cause our Guardian Angels a lot more work than others!
Pete

Peter G writes:

I don't believe you have ever had a 'Good News from the Circuit' written by a Guardian Angel. Well you have now!

Our church steward, Derek Adams on reaching 80, vowed to trek the coast of Britain before he was 85 and in the process, fund-raise for the RNLI, BHF and Cancer Research. Now 81, and after five completed legs, he is half way there, having trekked the whole east coast of England and Scotland up to the Orkneys and Shetlands, all the south coast and the west coast from Land's End to Cardiff. He hopes to start the sixth leg sometime this spring.
Here, Derek's Guardian Angel gives a fascinating account of his spiritual adventures.
(Note that Wikipedia says that tipi is an alternative spelling to teepee.)
Peter

Sue writes:

Encounters with Faith.

Guardian Angel. No 23697477

My journey as Protection Officer CPO to Derek William Adams. BA. FRGS.

Within a year of Derek's birth I had a portend of what was to come. I had to deflect a stick of bombs away from the Anderson Shelter in which the family were taking cover. The blast from the bombs shattered the windows and blew the back step off, but the Adams family were safe and Derek and I began our journey together.
In his eighth year my charge joined two life enhancing Organisations, The Scouts, as a Wolf Cub, and the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs. The Scouts helped to equip him for survival and enjoying life in The Great Outdoors, amid the wonders of nature and the security of God's Kingdom.
The Methodist Church nurtured his spirituality, pointing him along the correct path. One influential episode enjoyed with the Youth Club was taking part in an International Youth Camp, in North Wales. This was his first experience of interacting with people from different ethnic groups and cultures. This inspired both his love of travel, meeting new people and living in the Great Outdoors.
Two early influencers I introduced to Derek's life were a Quaker Preacher, with whom he shared a train carriage, and a very long, probing conversation on a journey to Wales, and fellow Northamptonian, Stanley Seamark, also a Quaker Preacher. These friendships and many deep conversations were the catalyst for Derek's involvement with the grass roots of the CND movement, the latter resulting in many arrests, one of which involved being locked in a cell with Bertrand Russell and three Bishops. Bertrand Russell commented to him that "there are times when even our wisest men will be incarcerated for their beliefs. At this moment you are in the right place."
In his late teens/early twenties Derek kept me busy, trekking around Europe and the Middle East, living with people of different religions; Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh. I enjoyed listening to his many conversations and comparisons of the roots of different religions/sects.
He was impressed by the similarity between different religions, particularly that between Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.
Still fresh in his memory (and mine), is an evening spent snowed in, with a Scottish friend, and two shepherds, on the col between the twin summits of Mt Ararat, and a Christmas Eve spent with Syrian shepherds.
Then, in 1990, my charge was invited to join a Commemorative Trek, joining 360 Native Americans to retrace the 180-mile trail to Wounded Knee, where a similar number of their forebears had been massacred 100 years previously. Derek spent two nights, atop Bear Bute in blizzard conditions, prior to joining his friends, ridding himself of all his European norms and thoughts, with the Chinook winds dropping the temperature to minus 81 verified by the USA Meteorological Office, your freezer should be set at minus 18 as a comparison.
The weeks of trekking that followed were very spiritual and despite extreme cold no one complained. Living in Tipis, this band of Christian souls celebrated Christmas Day with a joyous meal of Buffalo, antelope and prairie dog!
The prayers said at the start and ending of each day confirmed to each participant the Lord's blessing and the fact that each was at the right place, with the right companions, doing the right thing.
Now in his 80's and still testing me with his travels, Derek is aware that I am with him on his journey, and that he will never be alone.

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Sunday, 14 January, the focus of our Circuit Prayers was on all our Preachers

Dear All

We focus on all who lead our services each week. This week we hear how God has supported and confirmed Lynda's journey of faith. I like the way Lynda casually glosses over the fact that she has been a Local Preacher for over fifty years, what commitment and a wonderful achievement. Thank you to all our Preachers, young and mature, and as Lynda says – 'There is always room for more!' Please support our preachers in your prayers this Sunday.
Pete

Lynda writes:
I was quite surprised when I received my 50 year Preaching certificate last year. I felt it was but a short time since I had been travelling on a bus home in a really bad storm and it was then that I believe I felt it was time to follow the path that God seemed to have planned for me.
I had not passed my driving test then and transport to the villages was sketchy. This was the last bus that night. I did feel a bit frightened as the wind and rain buffeted the bus about. We had to go a different route due to the storm but it was as we left our normal route that I saw a poster in the bus. It was from John 14 v 6 "I am the the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." I became calmer in myself as I thought about the words, and I realised I had never seen a text on display in a bus before. Was this a special message for me? We certainly got to our destination safely that night and the text stayed with me.
I had started my training as a Local Preacher and later as it came time to preach my trial sermon this was the text I chose. For me God has always been the way. In good times and sad times. I have worked within the church in many roles and tried to bring our Lord into my working life. Our family have always encouraged me, as have the wonderful people I have met along the way.
Today going to the chapels in the northern part of our circuit is a blessing. Local Preaching is not for everyone but we could do with a few more. Yes it takes time to prepare services but you can help others to find their way to the Father through his love, through his Son, and through the words that we have in the Bible of how he died for us all. There are many blessings to being a Local Preacher.
Perhaps you can consider if it is what God is calling you to do. We can all serve in different ways and finding the right path for you is the right path for God too.

With loveLynda Hart

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Sunday, 7 January, the focus of our Circuit Prayers was on Fairtrade.

Dear All
Gone are the days when Fairtrade was just a new, novel idea. It has become an integral part of our Christian ethos, and our faith requires that we consider the needs of others in every sphere of activity that we engage in. Rod shares below, his thoughts on how the principles of Fairtrade and the practice of his faith, dovetail into practical awareness and concern for those around him. Please remember these principles and consider the effect on others whenever you have a choice to make.
Pete


Rod writes:

This contribution was pulled together in Advent while spending a trip away to spend time with family. Thus I have at least two reasons to be anticipating Good News. One allows a long awaited (and so missed) physical meeting with a son, his wife and two grandchildren. The second invites me to remember the Birth of God's son. Each bring to the fore the message of love and sharing something special.
I was introduced to the words of the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians many a year ago. I have read it and heard it many a time since at weddings and services. Its reference to Faith and Hope, but with a priority on Love, have long provided a backdrop for what I do (or at least try to), how I cope with the ups and downs and why I feel that it is important to see all around me, both the animate and inanimate, as being of concern to me.

I've spoken before of my history and principles that drive my involvement in Fairtrade.
The drivers include a recognition of the comparative benefits and privileges I have, as well as factors that have been in play in my life, many of which have been outside my control.

My life's fellow travellers have, in the main, been good. This has been highlighted by others I have met who have been less fortunate in their birthplace and their life setting.
I have faith in the notion that Fairtrade works, hope that it will make a difference, backed by the calling to love, which we are seemingly asked to employ without definition or the limitations that we see acted out or mooted in many World events.
I'm of the view that, if the example of, and setting for giving and receiving as shown in Jesus could be extended into the everyday, there is potential for increasing the feeling of fairness and contentment in the life of more of our fellow travellers.

May the happiness of your New Year be added to by other's actions towards you and yours towards others.

Rod

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