Singing the faith

After a passionate debate the Conference directed that there should be further work on a new authorised hymn collection. The Conference made it clear that the new collection will not replace Hymns & Psalms but rather stand alongside it - assuming next year’s Conference approves the selection - as part of an authorised tradition. In a celebration of song for the twenty-first century it will feature both hymns from the Methodist heritage and contemporary songs, and will be produced both as a book and as a data-projectable text. Work will also be done on an electronic rolling resource and a website.

Where to find out more?

This leaflet only covers a few of the

highlights of the Conference. You can find out more at the Conference website www.methodistconference.org.uk, where you can also download this leaflet for use in church magazines.

More information about Bible Fresh will soon be available on the website www.biblefresh.com

You can read the report Hope in God’s Future on the Methodist Church website www.methodistchurch.org.uk and printed copies of the report and study guide will be available for pre-order in August.

The Methodist Recorder’s comprehensive Conference Digest can be ordered from www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/mrconf.htm or by ringing 020 7251 8414.

Give thanks in all things

Conference highlights

2009The opening of the Conference 2009

©Methodist Recorder: Paul Harrington

The Coventry Zimbabwean fellowship drumming their way

through the offertory at the Conference Sunday morning woship

© Methodist Recorder: Paul Harrington

Methodist Publishing: 01733 235962 • www.methodistpublishing.org.uk • Help Desk: 020 7486 5502 © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 2009 Design and Production: Methodist Publishing

Worship and whole-life discipleship

The Representative Session of the Conference opened with worship and welcomed guests from the World Church, interfaith, ecumenical and civic groups. The first item of business was the induction of the new president and vice president; the Revd David Gamble and Dr Richard Vautrey. The Conference also formally received into ministry all the new deacons and presbyters, with ordination services taking place at various churches on the Sunday.

The General Secretary, Martyn Atkins, gave a report, based on a “wide-ranging conversation across the Connexion”. He told the Conference that nurturing and strengthening “whole-life discipleship” is a key priority for the Church and this

will increasingly shape his work, the work of the Connexional team and the wider Church.

How does your church help you deepen you discipleship?

A fresh look at the Bible

A campaign to encourage people to take another look at the Bible was endorsed by the Conference. The initiative, called Bible Fresh, will bring together 40 ecumenical groups in 2011, which is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. The umbrella group, under the auspices of the Bible Society and Evangelical Alliance, will produce study resources and the Conference encourages churches and circuits to make the most of these.

Could your church plan to make the most of this future focus on the Bible?

Climate change and the challenge to live our lives as world-changing disciples

A hard-hitting report called Hope in God’s Future – Discipleship in the Context of

Climate Change has been recommended to the Church for reflection and action. The report argues the theological basis for action on climate change and has been approved by the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union as well as the Methodists.

Sections 1- 4 of the report have been adopted as a draft Statement and there will be a thorough consultation before it is brought back to the Conference for approval. Details of this process will be available on the Methodist Church website. A beautiful printed version of the report will be available in September.

What can we do now to reduce our carbon footprint in relation to church buildings and personal lifestyle?

Our young people - disciples in training

The Youth Participation Strategy (YPS) adopted at the Conference last year is gathering momentum and young people are making a difference. Eight young people have been appointed as District Youth Enablers (DYE) and have worked with Connexional colleagues to develop the YPS, the new Youth Assembly and Breakout.

Youth Conference gave the Conference a powerful reminder that young people will be lost to the Church if adults fail to show God’s love to children and young people now. All ministers and circuits have been sent copies of a YPS promotional DVD and are encouraged to use it.

In what ways can your church enable young people to have more of a voice?

Extreme political parties and Methodist membership

Following the recent European Elections and the seats gained by the BNP, the Conference passed a Notice of Motion affirming that racism is a denial of the gospel and openness to all people, regardless of nationality, is at the heart of Methodist identity.

A working group will be set up to determine the processes necessary to make sure that members of political parties which promote racism understand that this is inconsistent with being members of the Church, or speaking on its behalf.

Especially in the run-up to a general election how can we challenge intolerance and prejudice and show our local communities what the gospel really means?

The President of Conference Revd David Gamble delivers his address.

© Methodist Recorder: Paul Harrington

Singing the faith

After a passionate debate the Conference directed that there should be further work on a new authorised hymn collection. The Conference made it clear that the new collection will not replace Hymns & Psalms but rather stand alongside it - assuming next year’s Conference approves the selection - as part of an authorised tradition. In a celebration of song for the twenty-first century it will feature both hymns from the Methodist heritage and contemporary songs, and will be produced both as a book and as a data-projectable text. Work will also be done on an electronic rolling resource and a website.

Where to find out more?

This leaflet only covers a few of the

highlights of the Conference. You can find out more at the Conference website www.methodistconference.org.uk, where you can also download this leaflet for use in church magazines.

More information about Bible Fresh will soon be available on the website www.biblefresh.com

You can read the report Hope in God’s Future on the Methodist Church website www.methodistchurch.org.uk and printed copies of the report and study guide will be available for pre-order in August.

The Methodist Recorder’s comprehensive Conference Digest can be ordered from www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/mrconf.htm or by ringing 020 7251 8414.

Give thanks in all things

Conference highlights

2009The opening of the Conference 2009

©Methodist Recorder: Paul Harrington

The Coventry Zimbabwean fellowship drumming their way

through the offertory at the Conference Sunday morning woship

© Methodist Recorder: Paul Harrington

Methodist Publishing: 01733 235962 • www.methodistpublishing.org.uk • Help Desk: 020 7486 5502 © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 2009 Design and Production: Methodist Publishing