Chandlers Ford Methodist Church

Minister's Letter - June 2013
Rev Peter Cornick
We were blessed by the visit of Bishop Andrew and Bishop Etim from the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Yes – they have Methodist Bishops there! After attending a conference at Cliff College, Circuits across the UK offered Nigerian Bishops hospitality. Andrew and Etim enjoyed B&B; with Gill and John Bronsdon whilst in Chandler’s Ford. The aim of the visit was to show the Bishops mission in the British church and see a few sights. Street Pastors explained the challenges facing young people; David Wrighton introduced industrial and commercial opportunities for chaplaincy in Southampton; the two Bishops enjoyed the Fryern Funtasia with the Church visible in an ‘ecumenical tent’, and by providing music and catering. Andrew and Etim were challenged by the secular culture in Britain, but learnt how the church acts throughout the community, offering the gospel through service and prayer. Tours of Winchester Cathedral and HMS Victory, and being treated to a ‘traditional’ Friday night curry by a men’s group, were just some of the highlights! Nigerian Methodist services begin by the preacher declaring: ‘Worthy is the lamb!’ The congregation reply, ‘Alleluia!’ Bishop Andrew invited our congregation to respond – eventually, the ‘Alleluia’ was loud enough! At ‘Church with Choices’, the Bishops ‘tasted’ all six groups exploring ‘Praise and Worship’ through discussion, music and poetry. They were impressed by the leadership of young people, tried their hand at a brass instrument and understood the mission strategy of finding new ways to engage people in worship. On Sunday evening, the Bishops found the lively discussion at YPF inspiring. Andrew and Etim were touched by the generous hospitality shown by the church. I know they will take that spirit of Christian welcome back to Nigeria. If you had a word or showed a kindness, you welcomed two brothers in the name of Jesus.

Minister's Letter - June 2013

Rev Peter Cornick

We were blessed by the visit of Bishop Andrew and Bishop Etim from the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Yes – they have Methodist Bishops there! After attending a conference at Cliff College, Circuits across the UK offered Nigerian Bishops hospitality. Andrew and Etim enjoyed B&B; with Gill and John Bronsdon whilst in Chandler’s Ford.

The aim of the visit was to show the Bishops mission in the British church and see a few sights. Street Pastors explained the challenges facing young people; David Wrighton introduced industrial and commercial opportunities for chaplaincy in Southampton; the two Bishops enjoyed the Fryern Funtasia with the Church visible in an ‘ecumenical tent’, and by providing music and catering. Andrew and Etim were challenged by the secular culture in Britain, but learnt how the church acts throughout the community, offering the gospel through service and prayer. Tours of Winchester Cathedral and HMS Victory, and being treated to a ‘traditional’ Friday night curry by a men’s group, were just some of the highlights!

Nigerian Methodist services begin by the preacher declaring: ‘Worthy is the lamb!’ The congregation reply, ‘Alleluia!’ Bishop Andrew invited our congregation to respond – eventually, the ‘Alleluia’ was loud enough! At ‘Church with Choices’, the Bishops ‘tasted’ all six groups exploring ‘Praise and Worship’ through discussion, music and poetry. They were impressed by the leadership of young people, tried their hand at a brass instrument and understood the mission strategy of finding new ways to engage people in worship. On Sunday evening, the Bishops found the lively discussion at YPF inspiring.

Andrew and Etim were touched by the generous hospitality shown by the church. I know they will take that spirit of Christian welcome back to Nigeria. If you had a word or showed a kindness, you welcomed two brothers in the name of Jesus.