Esther Burrage says a huge thank you to The Connexion and the Cheshunt Foundation for the money she received to enable her to take part in the Kyria Collab course: 

This time last year, my mother told me about an old friend of hers who is the CEO of a ministry called the Kyria Network. Aimed at supporting and teaching women in Christian leadership roles, the network spans across the UK, from Glasgow to Holy Island, from Northern Ireland to Devon, and aims to CHAMPION, EMPOWER and RELEASE women leaders into spheres of leadership. I said, “That’s nice, Mum,” and walked quickly away before she could sign me up for something else.

But then I went away on a week of volunteering as a leader at a holiday camp in Gloucester, run by CPAS (Christian Pastoral Aid Society). There, I supported the young people, aged 11-14, through the week to help give them a great holiday, and I also supported Pastor Steve with the thirty-minute bible focus that he gave at the end of each long day.

That week was easily one of the most stressful and exhausting weeks of my life, not helped by the bout of food-poisoning I got at the end of it. But through my recovery, I realised how much I had actually enjoyed – and been good at – being a leader. Some of the young people were genuinely curious to know more about what Pastor Steve was talking about, and I had been able to give them answers and lead them to a better understanding about God’s love. I realised that I wanted to learn more about being that sort of leader, one who doesn’t push or preach, but who is there with the skills and knowledge to guide the young people in their new journey for insight.

This time, when my mother reminded me about the Kyria Network, she told me about an annual, online course that they run called Collab, where about fifteen young, female leaders are supported in their journey to learn more and create connections with other like-minded women. I decided that I would apply and see what I could learn, and the Cheshunt Foundation helped cover the cost so that when I was accepted, I could say yes!

Each month, we met up on zoom: fifteen women leaders in Christian ministry of some sort, with our two amazing organisers, Amy and Odele, and a different key-note speaker for every session. We covered topics such as being prepared with what to share at the front of a room, navigating the obstacles for women in church leadership, what Jesus said about women leading in the Bible, and how we could enable other leaders to reach their full potential, and we sought after ours. The sessions held a ton of discussions in the dreaded zoom break-out rooms, testimonies and giving each other advice, and general teaching, learning and friendship.

The year culminated with a face-to-face meeting in London at King’s Cross Baptist Church on the 30th of August. We arrived slowly, some coming from the airport the night before or off 6am train journeys. But when we were all together in the hall, it was like we all already knew each other and were fast friends! It was the most wonderful atmosphere of friendship, encouragement and celebration. We had a session of worship, each stood up to talk about our leadership journeys through the year, Amy and Odele commissioned us to go out into the world with our new support network and knowledge, and we all came away with a slice of cake leftover from lunch.

When I stood up and shared my leadership journey, I spoke about that holiday camp I did last year and how it made me realise that I was interested in being a leader. I was then able to share about my experience doing it again this past summer, this time in charge of leading those Bible sessions at the end of each exhausting day. The response from the young people had been amazing, with our question box overflowing and the engagement levels through the roof! The overall leaders of the camp asked if I would consider attending their annual conference to become an overall leader myself after only two years of taking part, and I said yes!

I am so thankful for the Cheshunt Foundation for enabling me to be a part of the Kyria Collab this past year, and for setting me up with this new network of fellow women leaders. And if you know any young women who you think should be involved, send them over to the website to find out more about the next Collab: https://kyrianetwork.com/.

Esther Burrage

Ken Stone gave The Connexion a lifetime of service, both in the UK and Sierra Leone. He attended a number of our churches, including Westcott, Basingstoke and, for many years, Hailsham. In this time he also guided us as the Chair of the Trustees and Sierra Leone Mission (SLM). His first wife, Prudence, was the daughter of Quinton De’Ath, a Trustee and Connexion Pastor, and in more recent years he worshipped and led the work at Hailsham with Christine Stone. Ken sadly passed away on 5 June 2023, and has since been missed by many for his selfless caring and contribution.

Recently, Christine has unearthed and kindly passed on past articles written by Ken. He wrote the following article, Introducing Sierra Leone in 2010, which can still be appreciated today. 

Introducing Sierra Leone

For some 60 years I have collected books on Sierra Leone and I would like to share with you parts of a book entitled simply, “Sierra Leone”, hardback with 350 pages, published in 1924. The author, T.N. Goddard, sought to write a handbook for civil servants who then administered the country and for trading companies, historians, and people like ourselves who have a special interest . He intended to have printed regular updates, but I have not found record of any.

There are statistics in plenty, linked with summaries and even forecasts, and looking back 86 years later we find misjudgments and errors. One such is the mere 11 lines given to GEOLOGY.

“The Colony and Protectorate were subjected to a thorough survey in the years 1919-1921, but no minerals of workable value and quantity were discovered.” We know how, in recent times, massive deposits of diamonds have been discovered, and have been the cause of exploitation and the rebel wars, as well, it is said, of corruption today. Workable quantities of gold are still mined and large deposits of coal and iron ore are available as well as rutile.

CLIMATE and RAINFALL are given space, of course, and we learn from the figures that “Climate Change” is nothing new! Most readers will know that the climate is tropical with high humidity during the greater part of the year. The rainy season is May to October, and rainfall is highest on the coast and decreases gradually inland.

Careful records have been kept since 1882, and interestingly 1883 had very heavy rainfall of 204 inches. The book gives averages for 10 yearly periods, from which we see a marked decrease from 166 inches in 1882-1891 to 123 inches in 1912-1921. Apparently this decrease was common to the whole of West Africa. The current average is 175 inches annually, so higher than in the 19th century. Temperatures vary in a narrow range, from 86F (August) to 95F (March) maximum.

I have quoted these statistics because climate and rainfall have important effects on most activity in Sierra Leone, especially agriculture and transport. Areas of particular interest to us, such as church services and education are also influenced by the weather.

NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS. These have not changed much since 1924 in rural areas, so are of interest.

They comprise weaving, pottery, the manufacture of fibre nets and baskets, various kinds of furniture from the palm tree, iron and brass work, the forging of agricultural and sporting implements, leatherwork and ornaments.

The book says, “The woven products of the people, principally “country cloths” of great beauty of design and workmanship may be seen in every part of the country.

“ The whole process is one of hand manufacture: the women clean, spin and dye the cotton: the men weave and make up the cloth.

“As regards pottery, pots of all shapes and sizes are made without a potter’s wheel. The shaping of the vessels is done entirely by hand, the clay being rolled on a wet board or stone until it is ready for baking.

“Fishing lines and nets are manufactured by both men and women from various fibres, barks and leaves; they are of all shapes and sizes, and are coloured by the use of local vegetable dyes.“

Census Returns

A census was take in the Peninsular Area, including Freetown, in 1911, and again in 1921, and they show the memberships of the principal religions and denominations.

Church of England, 18,865 {1911) and 20,173 (1921)

Wesleyan Methodist,11,826 and 11,898

United Methodist, 3,689 and 3,243

Roman Catholic, 1,472 and 1,980

Lady Huntingdon’s Connexion, 1,805 and 1,179

United Brethren in Christ, 790 and 800

African Methodist, 480 and 541

Muslim, 11,451 and 16,611

Pagan, 24, 472 and 27, 800

The book comments on the decreasing numbers in the Connexion, and records its existence as a religious force in the Colony since its foundation in the 18th century. The Connexion performed better than some others, because between 1911 and 1921 ten churches disappeared: Congregationalists, Unitarians, Moravians, Salvation Army, Lutherans, United Free Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal, Esoteric Christians and Decker Church.

Kenneth B. Stone

 

A number of our Connexion churches offer Alpha courses for church members and local communities.

Alpha gives people a chance to explore the Christian faith in a friendly, relaxed environment, providing an opportunity to ask questions and talk about life's big issues.

A series of group conversations enable individuals to openly raise questions about God and the Christian faith, no matter what their background or beliefs are. 

Each week includes a short talk or video recording, which looks at different questions of faith. The Alpha episodes, which are about 30 minutes long, are designed to engage and inspire conversation.

This is followed by discussions in small groups, where thoughts and questions can be aired. It is an open and welcoming environment, which considers all opinions, and there is no pressure to say anything.

Find out more about the sessions on the Alpha website. 

Everyone is welcome!

 

 

Alpha at The Chapel, Mortimer West End - From 16 September

The Chapel, Mortimer West End, have joined forces with three other area churches to run multiple Alpha Courses in Mortimer and the adjacent village of Burghfield. On 16 September they will host an Alpha Taster event in the village hall entitled: The Stay Curious Party. They will serve a meal and then encourage participants to join one of many smaller Alpha groups provided at various times and days of the week. The Chapel will be holding a small Alpha group in a home that accommodates up to 14 people. If more people to sign up they will move it to the Chapel’s church building. Visit The Chapel website. Visit The Stay Curious Party website.

Our Connexion churches currently have two ministerial vacancies.

The locations of our 21 churches span from the South East and the Midlands to Manchester and St Ives in Cornwall. Each church has a distinctive personality, which adds to the interest and diversity of The Connexion as a whole. What they have in common is a desire to build a supportive, expanding, spirit led Christian network, which honours the legacy of the Countess of Huntingdon’s work in the 18th century.

Minister - Woodmancote Church

Woodmancote Church in Woodmancote, Cheltenham, is a small, welcoming and outward focused fellowship of Christians who are looking to grow!

The church feel that God is moving them into a fresh new season, which is hugely exciting for all, and as part of this, they are seeking a new Minister with energy and a passion for Christ to join them and help to take their ministry forward.

The new minister will join the current Leadership Team of three. A small stipend is available and all work expenses would be covered. The key aims are to:

- Preach the Word of God

- Pastor and equip Woodmancote's congregation

- Reach out to the 'unchurched'

If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to enquire further about this opportunity, please visit Woodmancote's website page for more details about the vacancy: woodmancotechurch.org.uk/recruitment

 

Pastor - St Stephen's Church

St Stephen’s Church in Middleton is seeking a new Pastor to lead the congregation and take the church into the future.

St Stephen’s is a small evangelical church with a long history of work and witness in the town. Its Christ centred congregation has a vision for ‘Reaching the Community for Jesus Christ’, and a heart for sharing God’s love and the message of the gospel in areas outside the church.

St Stephen's is situated in a residential area in one of the highest parts of Middleton, approximately six miles from Manchester City Centre. Historically the church was the ‘hub’ of the community with a very large congregation and thriving children’s ministry, but following major rebuilding in the region, connecting with the community, particularly in deprived areas, has been more difficult.

The Future

After 200 years of worship and witness at St. Stephen’s we believe God still has a plan and purpose for our fellowship, and He has work for us to do.

New Pastor

The pastor we are prayerfully seeking is one with vision, called by Him to lead, encourage, empower and equip us in fulfilling the plans and purposes God has for our fellowship and the community around St Stephen’s.

The position is part-time, up to 60% FTE, with a salary of £27,000 per annum pro-rata. A free three-bedroom Manse is also provided as part of the position, with council tax and water bills paid.

For more details and to apply, please click on the links below:

Full Job Description

Application Form

About St Stephen's Church

 

 

Wormley Free Church in Broxbourne is embarking on a significant church redevelopment project.

As a church, Wormley is committed to serving its local community with projects that meet local needs and provide opportunities to hear about Jesus and God’s love for us.

For some time the church has been running a foodbank, toddlers group, drop-in sessions, Alpha courses and Conversation Café, but increasingly these and other activities are becoming constrained due to lack of space and limited accessibility for those with restricted mobility.

In addition, the current appearance of the church building looks closed and unwelcoming

The plan is to redevelop the church to address these issues, and allow a more workable space to increase provision and enable more people to benefit. The redevelopment also creates an opportunity to freshen up the internal and external appearance, and improve its efficiency through installing new windows and solar panels.

The existing layout of Wormley is illustrated below, followed by the proposed new layout, which will greatly enhance the church's potential.

Current church layout

 

Proposed church layout

 

Wormley have received planning permission for the development plans, and they are currently undergoing a tender process to identify a preferred contractor for when the work starts in 2026. So far the church has managed to raise £54k from the congregation’s giving and The Connexion has also generously pledged additional funds to contribute to the costs. To raise the remainder, Wormley is approaching a number of grant making bodies and continuing to raise money internally.

For more details about the project, click on the link below:

Wormley Free Church - Redevelopment Project

 

The London to Brighton bike ride is an annual charity cycling event in the UK, covering approximately 54 miles (about 87 km) from Clapham Common in London to Brighton seafront. It’s organised by charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Research UK, among many others, raising funds through participants’ sponsorship. It is a non-competitive, charity-focused London-to-seaside bike ride that brings together thousands of cyclists for a good cause each summer.

Turners Hill Free Church enjoys being located directly on the road that cyclists take on their route. Each year, the church becomes an ‘unofficial stop’ where cyclists can take a break.

The church car park is transformed into an outdoor café, providing cakes, sweets, treats (which are baked mainly by the congregation), teas, coffees and much-needed water. The whole church gets involved, from serving the cyclists to chatting with them and learning their stories, and the church children stand and cheer with banners, handing out water to the cyclists as they come up the steep hill.

This year also included a prayer board for any prayer requests, which was very popular and started some good conversations as well as live singing of worship songs as cyclists rested.

Peter James, Pastor at Turners Hill, said, ‘The church has been doing this for many years. Many of the cyclists who enter each year will often stop specifically to visit, say hello, and enjoy some refreshments, thanking us for our generosity. It has been a great blessing for us as a church in our outreach’.

The Chapel, Mortimer West End, have been running a 12 week series looking at Women of the Bible.

Some of the women featured are familiar, whereas others may not even have been named.

But each has their story to tell.

Each week, regular Chapel and guest speakers have been examining this variety of biblical women to reveal hidden wisdom and encouragement from these often inspiring and enigmatic figures.

Women of the Bible Series

 

Sunday 15 June was the very fond farewell service to the much loved Pastor of Rosedale Community Church, Cheshunt: Rev Bethany Burrage. It was a day of mixed emotions: sadness to say goodbye to Bethany and her daughter Hannah, who will be moving with her, and at the same time, a celebration of all that she has achieved during her time at Rosedale. She has been a member for nearly 17 years and following ordination, she was appointed as the Minister nearly seven years ago.

Bethany established and led the Sunday School and youth work for 10 years; ran holiday Bible Clubs enjoyed by many local children; took the youth on camps and joined in all sorts of activities, including water fights! Bethany established the Warm Welcome nearly three years ago where members of the community enjoy friendship, activities and lunch. The numbers have gone from strength to strength and it has been described as a lifesaver by several people. She has run groups and courses, and spoken in local schools and at clubs for older people, as well as inspiring the church. She started a Walk for Wellbeing which has been a huge success for members of the congregation and the community and a Parent & Toddlers group which has been hugely popular. And all who attended will never forget last Christmas Day when Bethany and her daughters hosted Christmas dinner and an afternoon of entertainment at the church.

A number of people spoke in praise of Bethany‘s ministry and involvement in the community, mentioning the parts played by her four lovely daughters.

Our president, ex-president and two trustees of The Connexion expressed their thanks and good wishes, as well as various members of the congregation. The president changed hats as it were and also spoke as the UK Head of the Sierra Leone Mission, praising Bethany’s involvement, which has included two ministry trips to Sierra Leone, and greetings and thanks were received and read out from Magnus: the Bishop of Sierra Leone. Janet had travelled from Cornwall to be with us; Joe & Elizabeth from the Isle of Sheppey. Councillor Mark Mills Bishop spoke on behalf of Broxbourne Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, praising Bethany’s tireless work for the community and the very real differences she has made. Councillor Paul Seeby was also in attendance. All this was to a back drop of pictures taken over the years.

Bethany has led from the front, encouraging others to try new things and develop their gifts. She has supported both members of the church and people in the community with no connection to the church and has gone the extra mile on very many occasions.

At the conclusion of the service, Bethany passed on a literal baton (very appropriate for a runner: Bethany established Park Run in the area) to the new Pastor, Alex, who will be in post from September.

The service was followed by a delicious buffet and an opportunity to take the microphone to give thanks and express good wishes to Bethany and her daughters. We are losing someone very dear to us but wish her well as she returns to her roots and takes up the post of Pastor of West Auckland Vineyard Church in County Durham.

Lynn Sobczak

The Chapel, Mortimer West End, are running ‘The Grace Course’ from Freedom in Christ (FIC). The eight-week evening course began on Thursday 5 June and will include a day of ministry Saturday 19 July.

The course is led by Rob Davies, from Freedom in Christ UK.

Rob joined Freedom in Christ UK as their Deputy Director in September 2015 and took over from Steve Goss as Executive Director in September 2016.

He first encountered FIC through the Discipleship Course, which was being run by his local church just as Rob and his family were preparing to become missionaries to Uganda. In Uganda he was part of a Church Leadership team and helped adapt the teaching for the culture, as well as for children. He loves the freedom message and is excited at how it can have a huge impact in people's lives, irrespective of where they come from in the world, how old they are, or where they've been.

He particularly enjoys walking with UK-based Christians in leadership as they discover, and embrace Jesus' freedom for themselves, as well as developing resources to train and equip more Christians in leadership to make fruitful disciples, who are free from all that holds them back. 

Click on the image below to hear more about The Grace Course.

To find out more about The Chapel, Mortimer West End, visit their website: www.thechapel.org.uk

Whilst Simon Allaby is away on sabbatical, Short Thought will be running weekly recordings of stories from his book Under the Bonnet.

Simon wrote Under the Bonnet as a manual for helping us to find answers to life's malfunctions! 

The 'manual' includes 14 stories exploring what makes us tick and where to turn when things go wrong. The book was first published last year, and went on sale at £1 a copy in time for Father's Day. Simon says, 'The added bonus of Under the Bonnet is it can be used all year round, and it's not restricted to blokes!'

Click on the link to hear the first instalment: Short Thought: Speed Awareness

Simon's introduction to Under the Bonnet

We all remember our first car. Mine was a Datsun Sunny 120Y. The only problem was I had no idea what was going on under the bonnet or what to do when something went wrong. Fortunately, I discovered the Haynes Manual which told me all I would ever need to know.

Life is rather similar. We take it for granted when all is going well, but where to we turn when something breaks down? There is no Haynes Manual for life then. Or is there?

Many years ago, I discovered that the Bible has something to say about every aspect of what's going on under the bonnet of my life. I hope Under the Bonnet may help you to discover the same.