Circuit News | Wirral Methodist Circuit

Dave’s Triple Challenge

by Pete Wildman | Jun 24, 2017 | Circuit News

Each year, around the time of my birthday, I endeavour to raise some money for different charities and over the years many people have supported me and enabled me to raise money for a number of good causes.

This year I decided to set myself a Triple Challenge (a kind of mini-triathlon) to be completed within 7 days:

The Wirral Bikeathon – cycling 28 miles around different areas of the Wirral
A swim of 100 lengths in a 25 metre pool (previous best – 75 lengths)
The Wirral Coastal Walk – a 15 mile journey from Seacombe Ferry to Thurstaston Country Park

I am delighted to let you know that this weekend I completed the final challenge, the Coastal Walk in a time of 4 hours, 45 minutes in very hot temperatures. Despite beforehand having thought this might be the easiest challenge, the walk turned out to be the biggest test. My wife Anne and Brenda Brown from Woodchurch also completed the 15 miles.

The swim, which I thought would be the hardest challenge went surprisingly well, considering I have little style in the water.

Alternating between breaststroke and backstroke allowed me to complete 105 consecutive lengths (1.3 miles) in a time of 1 hour 55 minutes and I was delighted to break my personal best by a full 30 lengths.

The Bikeathon began in Arrowe Park, I rode with Richard, Rachel’s husband, we journeyed out to Irby, Caldy, West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols before returning to Arrowe Park via Saughall Massie and Greasby. Then it was off on our second 14 mile loop, heading to Irby Village, Heswall and the Chester High Road, before turning for Thornton Hough, Brimstage, Storeton, Landican and finally Arrowe Park for a final time. Our time for completing 28 miles was 2.5 hours and we had good weather with a fair breeze, just back in time for a chat and photo with Olympic cyclist and Wirral resident Chris Boardman. A great day out!!

The three good causes I decided to support this year were St. John’s Hospice, Wirral, Woodchurch Methodist Church (Shoebox Appeal) and Bloodwise, supporting people suffering from blood cancers (leukaemia and lymphoma).

We have heard a lot of bad news recently and I just thought you might like to hear a bit of good news, if anyone would like to make a donation to any of the 3 causes, it can be sent to myself at Woodchurch Methodist Church, Pemberton Road, Woodchurch, Wirral, CH49 8JL. Gift Aid can be added where needed, but please do not feel under any pressure to contribute!! Please feel free to share the news within your Church(es). I thank God for giving me the strength and determination to complete these challenges (especially the walk!!).

David Smith, Church and Centre Co-ordinator at Woodchurch

Christmas Angels

by Pete Wildman | Jun 6, 2017 | Circuit News

Did you hear about the ‘Yarn Bombing’ of Christmas Angels?

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Toasty Church at Bromborough

by Pete Wildman | May 19, 2017 | Circuit News

Back in 2011 Toasty Ted – aided and abetted by Rev Marcus Torchon, Deacon Ruth Lackenby and Emma Sofayo – started Toasty Church: monthly worship for children aged 7 and under (and their slightly older siblings), and their parents or other carers. Worship was held on the first Saturday of each month and was based on a ‘Messy Church’ model.

The good news is that it’s still going strong over five years on, with anything from 12 to 38 people (children and adults) worshipping together every month (and eating vast quantities of TOAST).

We have been asked if it’s really worship – after all, it happens on a Saturday, and it involves fun, and running around, and chatting, and eating TOAST, and we don’t sing hymns. Our answer is yes: this is worship. We gather in God’s presence; every family joins in a prayer as they arrive; everyone is engaged in fun learning activities – crafts, games, puzzles and more reflective activities, all suited to the age of the children – finding out about Bible stories, about Jesus, about Christian festivals, and about our relationship with God and with other people.

Before we get to the TOAST we spend a quieter time together: hearing a story, sharing our experiences and our concerns, and bringing these to God in prayer. Marcus, Ruth and Emma have moved on, but Toasty Ted (and now his helper Tilly Ted), aided and abetted by a team of leaders and helpers, still welcomes us all – children, parents, foster carers, grandparents and occasional adult visitors, to come to worship and learn together.

Since Toasty started, over 70 children have come to church on a Saturday morning. Some are visitors who only come once or twice: some have come every month for several years (we’ve had regulars up to 10 years old). Some even started coming before they were born! All are made welcome, and we believe that all are blessed and bless others by their presence.

Toasty Church meets at Bromborough Methodist Church from 10.30 to 11.45am on the first Saturday of each month (except August). If you want more information, please contact Veronica (0151-328-1761) or Andrew (0151-334-0057).

Hope Journey at Bromborough

by Pete Wildman | May 19, 2017 | Circuit News

Bromborough Methodist Church is working with children from Reaburn, Mendell and Woodslee Primary Schools. This is a summary of the work January to December 2016.

We offered the Hope Journey Epiphany event to all 3 schools. 124 Year 1 children and more than 21 adults witnessed a very exciting presentation of the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. 12 church members and friends worked with the Hope Journey team. Drinks and biscuits were provided for the children and all the children left with a card Wise Man to lead them back to school and safely home. Each group (9 groups) took home their map of their journey with stars of their gifts for Jesus written or drawn on them.

During Lent the church offers Journey to the Cross and Beyond for Year 5 pupils. The 153 children and 18 school adults met Mary and the Roman Soldier. They also experienced Palm Sunday and being at the Last Supper. Other workshops were “The Coventry Cross” and “Live Life, Love Lent”. After drinks and biscuits, they did a craft, making a paper cross. Prayers and the giving out of Palm crosses and Easter Cards finished the session. As at Christmas, helpers had lunch together. There were 24 church members and friends helping.

In the summer term we offered Journeying with Old Testament Characters (Year 4 children), which was originally requested by the schools to support their curriculum. After discussing “journeys” they go to meet Moses, Joseph, Noah and Esther and come to realise that God is the driver in all their lives. Two schools could attend which meant 60 children and 8 adults came with 12 church members and friends to provide and support the workshops.

The Good Samaritan (Hope Journey Parables) is offered in each of the schools to F2 children (Foundation Second Year) during the summer term. Because of the age of the children we visit the schools, working with 130 children and their staff. 21 adults provided the workshops including some of the Hope Journey team. The presentation involves telling the story supported by a power point, puppet theatre and role play punctuated by three different craft activities.

During Advent we offer Journey to Bethlehem to Y2 pupils. The children have the opportunity to meet Mary (with baby Jesus), Joseph, the Angel Gabriel, a wise man, a shepherd and the inn keeper. Each session involves a ten minute slot of talking through their part in the story of Christmas and then questions are invited from the children. We then offer a craft activity; this year it was an easy-to-assemble Christmas card of the nativity story. Drinks and a biscuit were followed by a retelling of the Christmas Story. Finally each of the characters they met light “their” Advent candle and we have a time of prayer. The children are also given an invitation to the Christmas services, particularly the Crib Service, and the adults were given a church Christmas card. In all 155 children attended the three half day events along with about 15 school adults. A total of 23 church members and friends worked together at church to produce a highly successful day. Lunch was provided for all helpers, raising money for Action for Children.