The end of an era

How the time has flown since we arrived here in Newark in July 2017. God has blessed us over the last 6 years meeting so many lovely people across our four Churches, Balderton, North End, Collingham & Long Bennington. We will always be thankful that we were stationed in the Newark & Southwell Circuit. So much so that we have decided to begin retirement here in Balderton.

We are grateful to the Circuit, for providing us with a lovely home and we feel very much part of the community.  We will be moving to Kirton Close during August, we seem to be overwhelmed with boxes, books, bric-a-brac, etc. Where will we put it all? Well, put it this way we are on first name terms with the guys at the recycling centre and the volunteers in local charity shops.

Wesley Centre

 Its such a blessing to see how the Wesley Centre is now almost ready to move into. It’s been a long haul to get to this stage but we know when God has a plan he will bring it to fruition if we stay focussed on his guidance. He gave us a vision to build on the work already in place in Balderton Methodist Church where everyone comes together to share fellowship and activities with the local community.

Wonderful smell

When we came to look at the Churches in Nov 2016 we walked into The Hall on a Saturday morning to the wonderful smell of food cooking and were taken aback at the amount of people enjoying a hearty breakfast. The first people we met were Mark, Lucy & Grace serving toast. We chatted with Terry looking very efficient wearing his white coat, and we could see & hear the camaraderie in the kitchen efficiently preparing everything. Yes, Balderton big breakfast continues to thrive. It’s  the place to be the 2nd Saturday every month.

 So, it’s not Goodbye, we are still around. Cathy will still be very much involved in the family work and is looking forward to being able to have more space to develop new activities for young families. We hope to spend some time in the café to sit and chat to people and of course drink lots of coffee. Peter will become a SUPERNUMERARY!! I thought this was an Extra Tooth! But since I looked it up in the dictionary there are other definitions.

Our Ministry is to come alongside people and get involved where we can. We have witnessed a lot of changes over the last 6 years: through the sad times when we have lost so many church members,  and shared the grief with their friends and families; through lock down when we were so restricted and unable to meet together physically; through the happy times, baptisms weddings bringing in new members, fun days, and so much more. Our God is a great big God and he has so much more to give. So as we move into a new era at Balderton Methodist Church keep focussed through prayer and thanksgiving and count your blessings. I remember my Sunday School Days in the 50s/60s. It’s the message I regularly give to others.  Click the link

Peter & Cathy     

It’s not goodbye but au revoir

As you know Peter retires at the end of August. When he ‘sits down’ he will have been with us for six years. During his ministry with us Peter, along with Cathy, has been instrumental in discerning God’s vision for our church. Five years later we now have the Wesley Centre and an opportunity to engage in outreach.

Peter is a strong believer in the power of prayer. He has encouraged the church to follow in that way. He has established the prayer session before the service on a Sunday – for our vision to be fulfilled it needs to go hand-in-hand with prayer. Through the power of prayer we have been provided for during the period of the redevelopment.

Peter sees that a growing church along with prayer is focussed on growing  and deepening people’s faith. Hence, Peter has set up our monthly Bible group.

When COVID visited us and we had to close the church for a while. Peter readily took up the challenge of worshipping online. Something that at the time was new to us all – nevertheless, Peter embraced the idea of reaching people in their homes. This continues alongside our in-church services. We now have around 40 attending in church and another 40-50 online.

Peter is a very sincere and deeply religious man and has been a very generous giver for which we are extremely thankful. It is now time for Peter to retire and find the time to do those things that he and Cathy have wanted to do. Not least Peter will have more time for Sheffield Wednesday

We wish Peter and Cathy a long and happy retirement.

Having said that, Peter will continue to preach across the Circuit and will put in at least 10 hours of voluntary work with us. Cathy will continue to be our family Worker. We wish them well and every success in these roles.