Deadline & publication dates The theme for the next edition will be Worship and it will be published for the Circuit Meeting on Thursday 5th February. The deadline for copy will be Monday 12th January. Members and Churches are encouraged to contribute. Please send all material to Julia at the Circuit Office (emails preferred).

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Quick Quiz Now, to see how much you remember, see how long it takes you to fit the name of each of our chapels in the grid.

East Lincs

Link

The magazine of the East Lincolnshire Methodist Circuit

Autumn 2014

to the East Lincs Link, the brand new magazine of the new East Lincolnshire Circuit. This being a first edition our theme is ‘Getting to know you’. Here you will find information about all of our 23

churches, our Ministers and our various ministries. This being the first edition it will hold its value—not because it is the first but because, being the first, it will contain a new vision, a vision of a new Circuit with a desire to reach out in a new way in the name of Jesus Christ. Here you will learn something of who we are, what we do but most importantly of what we want to do together. Our DNA has collaboration written right through it. Our ministry team is made up of both ordained and lay ministers. Our Superintendent is Rev David Newlove. David was ordained in 1997 and has been the Superintendent of the old Louth Circuit for 14 years. Growing up on a farm in East Yorkshire David understands the value of rural communities. As Deputy Chair of the Lincolnshire District and Vice Chair of CTAL (Churches Together in All Lincolnshire) he has a wider focus to his ministry and a greater opportunity to link in to the developing themes of the Church. He has a passion for the Church as a vibrant and visible expression of the kingdom of God—something we see glimpses of but could get a lot closer to. For time off and hobbies David includes spending time with family (more precious with two daughters away at University), creating things in his garage, cinema and cooking. Rev Phil Greetham In past decades whenever Methodist ministers wanted to move to another appointment they had to submit 50 words about themselves. I get FIVE times that much, so that is luxury!

the children in our service, and, of course, we enjoy a coffee and chat afterwards too. The village school uses the chapel for festival services and celebrations too. Our building was modernised in 2000 and we have served hundreds of meals from our kitchen – Scores of onlookers had a hearty breakfast waiting to cheer on the Olympic flame in 2012! We enjoy music and are a base for the Withern Singers who join us for their annual charity concerts and often add to our own events and cel-ebrations. The trustees host the Outreach Post office, which now uses our small hall for two afternoons each week providing another im-portant link with the community. From Helen Packman Our Circuit Safeguarding Representative On the 16th September this year I was asked to go to London to a Conference with the theme “The Contribution Faith Can Make To Safeguarding World-wide” I stayed in Muswell Hill and on the morning of the Conference I boarded public transport that would take me to Oxford Street .That was an experience in itself with parents & carers accompanying children to the right stop for their schools or nurseries. I eventually found the venue, The Salvation Hall, looking small from the outside but like” Dr Who’s tardis,” huge inside. Following a welcoming coffee we took our seats. The Bishop of London was the first speaker and he spoke openly and honestly about past cases within the Church. Questions from the floor followed. He did not shy away from any of them and this set the tone for the day. 2 speakers were in politics, both very different, one being new to the House of Commons, an experienced So-cial Worker. Others came from different denominations all with examples of the safeguarding cases they had encountered. I met many people from all over the country and abroad during our breaks and we all shared the passion of safeguarding within our communities. Safeguarding is not all about sexual abuse. There are so many types of abuse, financial, bullying, emotional, and one speaker brought to us the challenge of spiritual abuse. This provoked much discussion, but because people were so open, I felt great progress had been made in enabling survivors to reveal their stories. As Churches we need to ensure that our premises and people are safe, as we seek to serve our Lord. That those known to us, within the church family, or in our communities, in care homes or hospitals are valued and listened to. In the East Lincolnshire Circuit we have a Safeguarding Contact in every Church and Society. We need to celebrate that. If you feel you can help by working alongside the Circuit Representative and would like to know more please call Helen. Details in the Circuit Directory.

To encourage the goodwill and involvement of the wider community, foster community spirit and encourage civic pride, foster co-operation and joint initiatives between local residents and public services.

One of the things we've done is put together a website that, among other things, puts together in one place details about local services - such as transport, doctors surgeries. We also detail the clubs and activities we lay on in the Village Hall. You can find us at http://www.mywinthorpe.co.uk/ Why not take a look? Activities each week: Tuesday; knitter n natter 1-3pm Wednesday; lunch club 12-3pm £3.50 for a main meal , dessert and a drink. 6-8pm youth club 50p Thursday; art group for budding artists 10-12 Coming soon; silver surfers for those wishing to improve their knowledge of computers - Mondays 10-12 start date to be announced shortly . New volunteers always welcome Please contact Jodi on 07738997000 or email jodibrad80@hotmail.com Withern Established as a Wesleyan Methodist Congregation in 1811 the Withern Methodists moved into their new Chapel building in 1875 and have never stopped working as an important part of village society. We might be smaller in numbers than we were when the village had two chapels but we are a hard working team, very active in the community and strongly supported by the village and further afield too. We have members of our congregation who live in Withern, Gayton le Marsh, Swaby , Woodthorpe and Thoresthorpe! – so the word is spreading! We still have a Sunday school – one of a few in the East Lincolnshire Circuit and our regular activities include a Study Group, a weekly Craft club and a social or charity event most months – and we love eating together! We meet for Sunday Worship at 10.30am and often include

I was born in Cleethorpes, and in my 20s I attended Laceby Road Methodist Church in Grimsby, becoming a local preacher in 1984. In 1986 the church paid for me to attend Cliff College in Derbyshire for a year. t was there that I met Glenda, who, before my time was finished there, had accepted my proposal of marriage. We married in 1988. In 1991 I attended Lincoln Theological College, and our daughter, Helen was born. I began my presbyteral ministry in 1993. I have few claims to fame, but I was the first Methodist minster to have web pages on the Internet, back in 1995. I still have web pages which reflect my hobbies and interests. If you want to know what the weather is doing on Maltby le Marsh, what I did in the USA in 2000, or what I objects I have seen with my telescope, then you can find them all at www.greetham.me.uk Over the decades I have acquired an interest in my family tree. Most of my Greetham relatives have lived in a circle just 40 miles across in the last 500 years, centred a little way south of Cleethorpes. In fact I am one of few members of my family ever to have left the area. Even I have come back! All blessings, Phil Mr Keith Locke Who am I? Sounds like something from Le Miserables, I am not Jean Valjean but…. I guess I had better introduce myself to those who are north of the old border. Hello, I am Keith Locke the Pastoral and Development worker within the Southern Cluster based in good old Skeggie. I am married to Pam who is a retired Nurse and is now actively involved with Parish nursing in Burgh le Marsh. We have a daughter Amy and she and her family live in Nantwich. Amy’s husband Wesley is the son of a Methodist Minister who served as an RAF Chaplain. They have two boys, Oliver and Samuel. Our son, Tom, lives in Painswick, Gloustershire, and who recently married Alison. As I write this they are on their honeymoon. Tom is a special effect technician who blows things up for a living. Pam and I hail from Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire where we still have our have our house which we let out through Cottage 4 you. (bookings are still being taken). My father was in the RAF and as a

family moved around quite a bit. I attended 14 different schools. Dad finished his time at RAF Lyneham, hence the Wiltshire connection. I am actually a Sussex lad from Rye. Before going to Wesley College in Bristol in 2002, I worked for thirty years in various manufacturing / sales management roles for two international companies based in the Swindon area. One of these companies manufactures fibre optic cables which are installed onto power lines so if you catch me appearing to look into space I can assure you that I am really looking at earth wires on pylons. Sad isn’t it! After finishing the Foundation course in Bristol and being unsuccessful in candidating, Pam and I moved to Spalding where I was the Children and Family Lay Worker. This is where I really got involved in school’s work and had regular contact with eight schools, one of which was for children with special needs. I was also involved with the circuit Youth Fellowship and that is where the Ned Flanders (Simpsons) connection comes from. (See my facebook page). It was here that I took on the Chaplaincy for two ATC squadrons (2430 Holbeach and 1405 Spalding) where I hold the honorary rank of Squadron Leader. I held these chaplaincies for seven years. My appointment finished in 2009 and we moved to Wainfleet where I became the Pastoral and Development Worker. This involved being a Governor at Magdalen Primary School which this year become an Academy under the Lincoln Dioceses. These are indeed challenging times. I am also their Chaplain too. Chaplaincy theme seems to run through my ministry which is ironic really because when I first candidated, I was asked where my calling lay and I said chaplaincy to which I received a strange look. Earlier this year, I was asked to stay for an extra two years to help cover the southern end of the circuit. This was and still is real privilege and one which I really feel called to. In Church life things have opened up for me and there is a real push to develop Chaplaincy Everywhere in our District. There has been some debate recently in the Methodist Recorder as to the future of Methodism and responses indicated that we need to reinforce our presence in our communities by having some form of ‘chaplaincy’ in the places in which we live, work and worship. We can all make a big difference in our communities in the smallest ways. Sometimes it is just a smile with a good morning and how are you today? Surprising how a few simple words of kindness can break

small Chapel can seat 35-40. There is ample parking at the rear, street parking at the front, and free parking in the Market Place a minutes walk away. Regular worship takes place in the small Chapel (previously the “Parlour”) where we have a small but active congregation. Special Services and Festivals are held in the large Chapel. We use Hymns and Psalms, Mission Praise, and the NIV (Anglicised) Bible. There is an Organ and a piano in both chapels, along with access to a Digital Hymnal. Our mission is to be more involved with the local community whilst still maintaining that the building is a working Church, complete with visible symbols of our faith on display. Various parts of the building are used during the week for fellowship meetings; such as Phoenix Group, Girls Friendly Society, Craft fellowship, Bible Fellowship, weekend coffee and chat/lunches, and summer concerts. There are also community-based activities, such as an Art Class, Flower Arranging Class, Youth Club, Country Market, and various other local community group meetings. Winthorpe Community Partnership Hello, I've been tasked with writing this article for you, from the Committee of the Winthorpe Community Partnership. We represent the local community here in Winthorpe Our mission statement (why we're here):

To promote all or any of the purposes for the benefit of the Winthorpe Community and Surrounding area, which now or hereinafter may be deemed by law to be charita-ble, and in particular the advancement of education, the fur-therance of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sick-ness.

To improve Winthorpe and the surrounding area for the benefit of its inhabitants.

To support individuals and groups taking action to improve life in Winthorpe and surrounding area through their own efforts or through influence on or collaboration with other bodies.

here all that time and before, when the old Chapel was in the corner of our grass paddock, hence the name of our farm. In the Spring we have lots of daffodils flowering around the Chapel and Joe our youngest member keeps the grass cut and tidy. Trusthorpe Trusthorpe Methodist Church is situated mid-way between Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe. We are a small but active Church and have recently had a new kitchen installed and our facilities brought up to date. Our Sunday service is in the evening at 6:00pm and is quite well attended. We have a Songs of Praise on the first Sunday of each month. Various activities occur during the week, including a ‘Knit & Natter’ group on Tuesdays 2.4pm knitting items for charity including Fishermans’ Mission at Immingham, Babies in Africa, blanket squares for bereaved mothers etc. We also have a singing group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in each month from 6:30-7:30pm followed by a keyboard/organ group until 8:30pm. Currently we have a flower arranging group on Monday afternoons 2-4pm led by Mrs Joan Walters. We have a very active coffee morning on the first Wednesday of each month where we also serve lunches, currently comprising of a choice of home made soups, jacket potatoes and desserts, which are very popular. We have a series of other activities during the year when we continue to try to attract our local community, including a Christmas Wreath Weekend on the 6th & 7th December (food will be served here too), Open Weekend in May and Flower Festival in August. We are a very friendly, warm Church and give a warm welcome to all our visitors. We look forward to seeing you. Wainfleet Welcome to Wainfleet, the southernmost Methodist Church in the Circuit! Situated just off the Market Place on St John’s Street, our large Chapel, which has recently been refurbished, can seat 150+ downstairs, with more room upstairs in the gallery, and our

down barriers. One of my key strategy areas is working with schools and encouraging people to become involved. Our schools are crying out for help and contacts. There are huge opportunities to help schools perhaps as Governors, helping with reading or craft activities or by holding your local school in your prayers. Let them know you are praying for them. I believe that chaplaincy is about supporting people where they are both inside and outside of our church communities. Jesus mixed with all people and gave them hope in their times of need. We also need to be sharing and showing the good news of the Gospel to all people too. It seems that Chaplaincy has become part of my DNA and to this end I have become a volunteer Chaplain at the Pilgrim Hospital and with Skegness Police. It is my intention to get round the circuit to meet as many of you good folks as possible, so until then, goodbye for now. With every best blessing, Keith Locke (Ned) Rev Ivor Haythorne

Leaving grammar school at 16, I went into industry where I was a printing type engraver. At 17, I joined my sister in the local Methodist Church choir because I was keen on singing; indeed, I then had ambitions to be a singer. However, at 19, I joined the RAF, and discovered that God had other ideas! Under the ministry of a wonderful RAF chaplain, I became a Christian; and, in the next six months, I had two calls; one, to become a teacher, and two, to become a local preacher. When I was demobbed from the RAF, I went to

college to train as a teacher and, ten months after demob, I was on 'Full Plan' as a local preacher. I had a happy teaching career but, in the late 60s, I felt a call to the ministry and that was fulfilled in 1971. However, God's timing was different from mine: I continued to teach, and it wasn't until 1985 that the call to full time ministry came. I came into Lincolnshire and was ordained on September 9

th of that year (a

real 'Cloud 9' experience!) as a Congregational minister. I continued to minister until I officially retired in 1999 and then, shortly afterwards, Alison and I moved to Mablethorpe and joined the Methodist Church

there. Soon afterwards Cecil came to the Circuit as Superintendent and, one day I asked if there was any way I could become more useful in the Circuit. Though I'd been preaching on the Methodist plan for a long time, I couldn't, of course, celebrate Holy Communion. Cecil seemed to think it was a good idea and said I should transfer to the Methodist ministry – and with that plan, I was quite happy! So, to cut a long story short, that's what happened. I went to Conference in Wolverhampton the following year, and 'the deed was done'! And I have to say that, without any doubt, the happiest years of my ministry have been those since I became a Methodist minister. And, as they say, the rest is history. Well, not quite yet: I am hoping there are still a few more miles on the clock. Mr Malcolm Coates (Alford’s Lay Pastor) Malcolm is the Pastoral Support Worker at our Church in Alford. He was appointed in November 2013 and his post has just been extended until November 2016. Malcolm is originally from Leyburn in North Yorkshire although his parents are of good West Yorkshire stock originating in Bradford. Since those early days he have travelled around various parts of the country taking in the South East, South West Co Durham and Lancashire (though as a Yorkshire man he tries not to mention this). His journey to Lincolnshire was due to his wife being appointed as a probationer minister in the Wolds Trent Circuit. Malcolm’s only claim to fame in Lincolnshire is that he watched England win the World Cup in Scunthorpe in 1966. About all he does Malcolm says: I am a Local Preacher and have been for a number of years, a cricket fan (Yorkshire). Since arriving in Lincolnshire I have started to fly radio controlled helicopters and larger model radio controlled planes on a field in Middle Rasen. My role in Alford is a part time role all day Tuesdays and Thursdays to support the pastoral carers in the church, also the activities of the church in the area of which there are a number, working with colleagues across the denominations and to build/increase our church relationships within the community.

holiday makers and visitors, providing worship and fellowship of many types. We are proud of our stained glass window which survived our roof fire in 2012. Our 10.30am Sunday morning worship often incorporates audio/visual presentations. Our 10.15am Tuesday mid-week short service followed by coffee and

a chat is always popular, as are our Saturday morning ‘coffee mornings’, often followed by lunch in the summer months. We welcome the Scripture Union Beach Mission at the beginning of August, and our well established “Monday Night is Music Night” from June until August mostly fills the Church. We embrace other activities such as Bible Study and support our local “Churches Together”. We look forward to welcoming you into our fellowship. Theddlethorpe The Theddlethorpe chapel closed and was sold in 2004 with the society becoming a class of Louth. Good relationships with the Anglicans meant we were soon offered their warm hospitality and we have held a Methodist Service at St Helen’s every month since. This helps maintain a regular pattern of worship in the village. It also means that there is a great variety in worship styles with a monthly Communion, evening prayer and sometimes Matins as well as a Methodist service. Thorpe Fen Dykes Our Chapel is in a very sparsely populated, rural area. We have a varied age group, from 13 years to 80 plus. We usually have a congregation of 10 for an ordinary Sunday and at specials can sometimes have as many as 50. Through the year we support McMillan

Cancer Research (September Coffee Morning). For a number of years we have had the Circuit Rogation Service, the Wainfleet Young Farmers have also had their carol service here (no plans as yet for this year). The Chapel was opened in May 1923 and there have been Banham’s worshipping

Saltfleetby St Peter’s We have been an LEP for 40 years (established 1974). Rev David

Lambert was the C/E Rural Dean and the instigator. One church used now (Anglican - St Peter's) as 2 could not be afforded. Regular attendance of approx. 12. Services are held every Sunday at 11 am (alternating Anglican/Methodist led services) followed by coffee. We hold a

popular coffee and cake morning + a chat every 1st Wednesday from 10am. We have also just started up a free Art Class every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month10am-12 noon. Phone Stuart Jameson on 01507 338222 for further info.

Skegness Having altered and modernized our worship area last year, we at Skegness believe we are now a long way on to meeting our Mission Statement of achieving growth in membership, activities and outreach and that our worship centre is correctly situated and adequate for our re-quirements. Apart from Sunday Worship, we run weekly morning prayers, a Bible study group, Wednesday fellowship, Thursday leisure afternoon and Friday coffee mornings. Our church halls are used extensively by the local community where we offer meeting rooms and cooking facilities. With Keith Locke now resident in the Skegness manse, we feel supported again in our mission. Exciting times in Skegness. To find out more of where we are,what we have done and what we are doing, visit our website at www.skegnessmethodists.homestead.com Sutton On Sea At the centre of Sutton-on-Sea, we welcome the local community,

I look forward to meeting you all as you come to Alford and sample the excellent hospitality we offer here. Please join Alford Methodist Church on facebook. Mrs Julia Gibson (Circuit Administrator) Hello everyone, I am Julia Gibson, the Circuit Administrator for the East Lincolnshire 17/6 Circuit. I began working for the new Circuit on 1

st September 2014, so have been in this role

for only 2 months now. I work on Tuesdays at Alford Methodist Church, and have been made most welcome by all I have met there. Tuesday mornings are very lively and busy with the coffee morning and 10.15 am service in the Guild Room there. I always try to pop down for a cuppa to meet people, pass on post and messages, and save people climbing up to the office (up a rather steep flight of steps). I have had many visitors already on a Tuesday as people realise that I am there at that time and can come in for post/copying/meetings/etc. It all seems to work very well. On Wednesdays I am to be found at Louth Methodist Church which is also a very busy and thriving place in the morning and until about 1.30pm as Open House and Morning Prayers operate then. Likewise it is a good time to be working there as I can pass on post/messages and meet up with David and many of the other people who are involved in Church and other groups within the church and those around the Circuit who pop in for refreshments. On Thursdays I am usually at Louth Methodist Church or working from home, and I now work 7 hours on a Friday for the Discipleship Ministries Learning Network (DMLN) for the East Region (Lincolnshire and Grimsby District, Northamptonshire District, and Nottingham and Derby District) under the leadership of Jane Bingham. Now for a little bit about me! I am originally from the North East of England, as is my husband of 29 years, Derek, but have lived in Louth for more years now than I did in Durham. We have 2 children. Alison, the eldest, has just started working for Interserve in Glasgow on a huge new recycling project after gaining her degree in Civil and Structural Engineering. Andrew, who is 2 years younger, is in his final year

studying Financial Services Management at Manchester Met. Uni and also works 2 days a week in Preston in a Wealth Management firm. Derek and I enjoy marshalling at Cadwell Park for motorcycle racing, hiking, cycling (we have a tandem), and swimming. Derek works at Ultimate Packaging, a company which prints packaging for foods, as a consultant. So, I look forward to meeting many more of you as I continue to work in this role and try to put names to faces. Please introduce yourself when you see me at meetings/events. Editorial team for our quarterly newsletter. We would like to form a small team of people - perhaps four or so - who could help to develop this newsletter along with the circuit staff. It would help to develop ideas and themes for future issues, encourage friends from around the circuit to share what they are doing, prepare articles ready for inclusion and contribute to publication. We hope that the newsletter may become a vital tool in bringing us closer together as a circuit enabling us to share together in the work entrusted to us by God. If you think you would like to help in this way then please get in touch with Nick Adams, Circuit Steward, or any of the Circuit Leadership Team. An Outward View The new East Lincolnshire Circuit covers the Marsh, Outmarsh and the coast. It stretches from Marshchapel in the north to Wainfleet in the south. It includes 24 places of worship, and is presently served by two full-time presbyters. Considerably smaller than the original East Lincolnshire Circuit which spread from the Humber to the Welland, it included Langham Row just east of Mumby. In the 18th century this was the home of George Robinson and his family of nineteen children. Once the largest congregation in rural Lincolnshire, an octagonal chapel was built, and extended, next to his granary. A century later the Louth Circuit claimed to be the largest in Lincolnshire, with its famous Aggregate which followed the formation of the Free Methodist church. With the growth of seaside resorts, Skegness built a fine semi-Gothic church, but the circuit meeting was held in Mumby. Alford started in a large workshop, Saltfleetby St Peter

Our outreach to the local community is mainly through Churches Together to which we are highly committed and activities have included Family Fun Days, an outdoor Passion Play, a refurbishment project for needy families, a Children’s Easter Club and supporting our local food bank.

Marshchapel We are a small but dedicated group and our aim, as well as keeping the chapel open for worship, is to serve the community with the different events we hold. Pop-In every Tuesday at 12 noon, is well supported. The first Thursday of each month

is Café Thursday. The third Thursday of each month is an afternoon social gathering from 2-4pm.Our film club ‘Feel Good Films’ is held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 2pm with refreshments served during the interval. Everyone is welcome to any or all of these events. Saltfleet Welcome to Saltfleet Church. You will find us opposite the New Inn where you may park. (There is limited space outside the Church for dropping off those with mobility problems). Our service is held every Sunday at 6pm. However on the second Sunday of the month we start with tea at 5.30pm as we have Café Church. A healing service is held on the third Sunday of alternate months, when you are invited for healing for yourself or others. We hold a service in the church garden at 3pm on Good Friday and at 6pm on the last Sunday of July when the Louth Riverhead band play. Tuesdays from 10am-12md you are invited to join us at our weekly Pop-in for tea, coffee and a delicious selection of homemade cakes. We do also have special events such as

Pancake Day, Super Soup lunch etc. On Wednesdays from1pm-4pm we hold a Craft and Chat Group. Bring along a craft or hobby or learn a new one. You are also welcome to just come for a Cuppa and a chat. A warm welcome always await you so if you are in the area do call in.

service or try the alternative Inspire on Friday evenings. During the week there is a group for every taste – Ladies Group or Women's Fellowship, Music Makers for pre-schools, Table Tennis, Darby and Joan, Brownies and Rainbows or a Brass Band practice. On Wednesdays we are Open House for drinks and light refreshments, a chance to chat and a monthly stall selling all manner of goodies. The Nichols Youth Project on the corner, is doing amazing work providing a drop in centre for young people. Pastoral care is very important to us. We currently have 206 members and another 164 non members. A well organised pastoral role ensures that everyone has a pastoral visitor to share the ups and downs of life. Inevitably, the maintenance of a large set of premises, is an ongoing problem. The worship area has been modernised to provide a comfortable multi-purpose hall. We hope to be able to bring the ancillary rooms up to the same standard in the near future – funds permitting. Mablethorpe St Peter’s Methodist Church has a fairly lively congregation even

though we are getting on a bit ( our youngest member is in his forties!) and we aim to give a warm welcome to people of all ages. We are a pretty noisy lot as most folk enjoy a chat and a laugh but we have organised some very meaningful silent prayer vigils over the years and prayer is a central part of our church life. Everyone is welcome to join us at our weekly prayer group on Mondays

at 11am.or at our Open Bible study on Tuesdays at 2.30pm. If you are in Mablethorpe on a Wednesday morning, do drop in for tea/coffee and a chat. Our coffee morning is well supported by members of the church and the community and there is an optional short service in the Church at 10.30 am. On Thursdays at 9.30 am we have the Young at Heart Club where you can play table tennis, snooker or various board games or you can simply enjoy the company and chat over a cup of tea or coffee. A Friendship Group meets for lunch in a local restaurant once a month and these meetings are very popular.

built a new Primative Chapel, Wainfleet developed a fine choir and had discussions on politics, and Muckton Bottom chapel changed from Wesleyan to Free. Today population patterns have changed, as has the availability of presbyters. No longer do preachers receive ‘a rough handling’ at Wainfleet, or Louth be regarded as ‘one of the wickedest places’. The year 1932, that of Methodist union, is past history to most, and the Methodist Church has a strong role to play in these days of Churches Together. And let us not forget the role of Sunday Schools for the ‘labouring poor’, now Junior Church or Daybreak, and the work of Nichols in Louth. Forms of worship change, for example Breakfast Church at Grimoldby. The five-hymn sandwich, once the staple fare, changes as Fresh Expressions are tried. Ministry for Mission is now the battle-cry. The coastline is changing and sea defence is critical. The population is increasing for the retired. They pose a new challenge to which we must respond. No longer can we hide in our chapels on Sundays. Mission requires us to get out. There is lots going on, as a glance at our list of activities shows, but there is much to be done. The new East Lincolnshire Circuit provides a fresh stimulus. We must rise to the challenge if Methodism is to survive, and spread.

David Robinson OBE Around the Churches Addlethorpe & Ingoldmells Addlethorpe is a small rural community backing onto Ingoldmells; it has a pub (The Kings Head), an Anglican Church (St Nicholas), a Golf course and a restaurant (Poplar Farm). Our official membership totals 10, ages ranging from 20 to 87. When Ingoldmells Chapel closed down the members merged with Addlethorpe and so we also have two regular summer visitors who come to Ingoldmells for a few months each year, as well as a regular local adherent. The original chapel building was built in July 1836 and rebuilt by the then members in the 1960’s, onto the Schoolroom, which was built in 1956.

Three of our members run the Addlethorpe Puppet Family, a mission outreach which takes the Gospel message into assemblies at Ingoldmells Primary School, as well as private engagements around the area. Mary, Karen, Sarah and the puppets also take the starring role at our Christmas Carols. On Thursdays we hold a ‘knit and natter’ group from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and have been knitting jumpers for Oxfam to distribute in Ethiopia. It is hoped that in the coming months, under the leadership of Rev Ivor Haythorne, who is our Minister for this year and next, we will again try to establish a Bible Study group. To celebrate the new Circuit we have recently commissioned a brand new notice board, which is in the process of being completed as I write this article! Alford

Our church building is the former "Schoolroom" at the rear of the old Victorian Chapel, which we had to sell when faced with massive restoration bills after "listing" in more ways than one! We went through the dark shadow, and emerged stronger, livelier and with more fellowship. Having to sit closer together, and having

looked closure in the eye, the future could only get better. Our Worship is evolving too with some services taking a 'cafe' style; others more conventional. Sunday Services are held each week at 10.30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. After service refreshments are served. Weekly Coffee Mornings and Short Services: Tuesdays 9.30 - 11.30a.m. (Service at 10.30 a.m. - leaders as arranged). A warm welcome to all. Leisure Afternoon: Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm - jigsaws, scrabble, games and fellowship. Monthly Lunches: Usually on the second Thursday of each month. Please book by the previous Tuesday - list on noticeboard in Church. Ladies' Group (Second Monday of the month, at 7.30 p.m.) Spring Bank Holiday and August Bank Holiday weekends: Pop in for coffee or tea, homemade cake or a ploughman's lunch available at the following times: Saturday and Monday: 10am to 4.30pm, Sunday: 1.30 to 4.30pm.

continues with wonderful fellowship, the Sprit just flows and flows. We have now started a study group and also support an existing ecumenical group. Several years ago I was asked when would the new people who attend Breakfast Church come to chapel? I answered, they may never, for some this new style of church is their church not a hook to reel them in on, but a church they can call their own, where they don’t have to worry where they sit, what they do or what they say. They come to Breakfast Church and T-church to share God’s blessings and share God’s love and to enrich all our lives. Huttoft & Mumby Sadly due to structural damage Huttoft Chapel has had to close. However, the heart of the chapel continues to beat and services are being held in Huttoft Village Hall the first and third Sunday of the month. The first Sunday is a morning service at 10:45am, and the third Sunday is a 'Tea at Three' service aiming to be a little less formal. We share a united service with St Margaret’s Church alternate months at the church. Members of the chapel welcome visitors to join our services and support our fundraising activities. Pauline Stubbs Louth When locating Louth Methodist Church, the instruc-tions are usually – the Chapel opposite Laking's the butchers. On arriving you will find an enormous set of buildings which have stood there in various forms since the early 19

th century. However if you venture

inside you will find a 21st century welcome to a host

of activities for all ages. Worship, of course, in a variety of styles - Traditional, Daybreak for the young and young at heart, Worship for all, a quiet Sunday evening

Grimoldby Breakfast and T-church Since the turn of the new century, many of our village churches and chapels have been under threat due to so few people attending church whilst costs have continued to escalate. As a steward at Grimoldby Methodist Chapel I was becoming increasingly alarmed with the accelerated decline of our own congregation and with regular average attendances of six being the norm, I felt we needed to change our patterns of worship to encourage new and younger membership.

Along with Deryck and Barbara Hand I attended the Lincolnshire Conference on fresh expressions, which was a platform for new and exciting styles of worship being piloted around the country. We came away visibly refreshed but it would be another six months before breakfast church would be launched. In between

there was lot of quiet contemplation and prayer, and then Deryck, Barbara, Margaret, my wife, and myself began to hold a series of meetings to develop our ideas on our new style of church. Breakfast Church is held on the third Sunday of the month in Grimoldby Village Hall. We begin with serving breakfast which can include bacon butties, sausage sandwiches, toast, croissants fruit etc and is followed by all age worship, which will last between 40 to 60 minutes. Having chosen a theme for the morning’s worship, using either the lectionary or seasonal or religious festivals, we plan activities accordingly which could include a quiz, a game, craftwork, a sketch etc, interspersed with upbeat songs, and the appropriate Bible message. Involvement of everyone is key, whether it is via discussion, ice-breakers, games, or during prayer time. We take a simple idea of a prayer tree and adapt to fit each service, whether it is writing prayers on leaves, or flags, or triangles, placing prayer requests on maps, or crosses etc, but we encourage creativity and imagination. Two years ago after the decision had been taken to close Grimoldby Chapel, we set up t-church, which now meets at tea-time the first Sunday of the month. It starts with a bring and share tea and

Community Groups Alford Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet on Monday evenings, Alford Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meet on Tuesday evenings, Alford Girls' Brigade meets on Friday evenings - for times please check with the leaders. The Society of Friends (Quakers) meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month for their worship and contemplation. at 10.30 a.m. in the Guild Room. Alvingham The Methodist Church in Alvingham is an old style Methodist Chapel, built in 1836 and is well supported in the local and wider community. Membership has grown in the last 5 years’' and worship draws about 20 at the regular 10.30am Sunday service. Our worship and congregation are traditional and very welcoming, with refreshments and fellowship following every service. We seek to share the love of Christ and sing his praise in good Methodist fashion. Every 2nd Sunday in the month we join with our Anglican friends, alternating between Church and Chapel with special joint services in the Village Hall in July and December celebrating summer and Christmas. On the second Tuesday morning of each month 10 to 12am we have a ‘Pop in’ for tea and chat which is well supported with all donations going to chosen charities. £400 has been donated in this way already this year. If you visit us you will find us in the middle of the village which is 3 miles east of Louth and is not a development village so is a relatively quiet place. Authorpe

We are a small friendly Chapel which consists mainly of a gathered congregation. Services are held once a month led by various Ministers or Local Preachers. We are only serviced by electric so the lack of mains water and drainage reduces the possibility of holding certain events there. The WI use the schoolroom once a month for their meetings (Ruby has to carry the water

down to the Chapel to assuage their thirst). Apart from this we do what we can and offer a warm welcome if you pop by.

Burgh le Marsh Greetings from friends at Burgh le Marsh where our church is situated in the centre of the town. We have a recent new extension to form the Wesley Room where numerous church and community activities are held. We have a lively Leisure Afternoon on Tuesday where various activities including crafts, board games and jigsaws take place. From 10am - 12noon on Thursday we have our weekly Coffee Morning and there is an opportunity to attend the short service of about 15 mins at 10.45am held in the church. During the year we have several fund raising activities both for the church and local and national charities such as Children in Need and Marie Curie Cancer Care. We have close ecumenical links with our friends at the Anglican and Baptist churches with 5 United Services during the year. Several members live in the nearby village of Orby and a monthly United Service is held in the Parish Church at 4pm alternating between Evensong and a Methodist Service. We look forward to getting to know you and welcome you to any of our activities. Chapel St Leonards

Chapel St Leonards Methodist is a small friendly church in St Leonards Drive. We have a Bible fellowship meeting which meets fortnightly on Thursdays. We have a Coffee morning on the first Saturday of each month, where we also sell cakes. We are happy to meet anyone new

Conisholme Methodist Chapel Situated on the edge of a small village between Grainthorpe and North Somercotes. Our Sunday service is held every week at 6.00pm, except between November and February when its at 4.00pm. Once a month we have 'Tea Church', where we join in a fellowship tea. This gives a chance to chat and enjoy a light meal together. Initially aimed at those who regularly eat alone, it is now a firm favourite with everyone. During the winter months we have two fellowship groups. 'Christian Endeavour' is held on Tuesday evenings at 7.15pm. We have a varied selection of speakers and light refreshments are served at the end of the meeting. This group is open to everyone. The other group, ' Marsh

Ladies Fellowship ', meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 2.15pm, and as the title suggest is for ladies only. Again, a variety of guest speakers and refreshments. Both these groups are Christian based, they take place in the school room in a relaxed

atmosphere, and we have quite a number of people come along who do not do regular church. Beginning in January 2015, we are starting a new social group, called 'Community Friendship Group'. It will be on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, 2.00pm to 4.00pm. We aim to have a variety of social interaction activities and will be open for every one. Tea and cake will be available. Do come along and visit us. You can be assured of a warm, friendly, Christian welcome. Grainthorpe Our Chapel stands at the centre of the village on the coast road from Mablethorpe to Cleethorpes. It is one of the few remaining Chapels with a balcony (still used for events and funerals) and Schoolroom (which serves as a village Post Office once a week—we have a monthly coffee morning at the same time). Two people who moved to the village forty years ago remember their first Sunday morning service. Long serving Local Preacher Herbert Bartholomew, gave them “a ‘earty welcome” and it is the same today. The congregation has been strengthened recently by members from North Somercotes and Fulstow who have sadly seen their Chapels close; but this has resulted in a strong sense of fellowship. Sunday morning worship at 10:30am has seen new faces in the pulpit after the recent joining of the two Circuits and this has been welcomed. We are fortunate to have two organists—we have Hymns & Psalms and Mission Praise—and a cuppa after the service helps the togetherness. The Chapel has been renovated over the recent decades and comfortable chairs replaced pews. A modern pulpit still has central place. Fellowship meetings on Monday at 7:15pm with a variety of speakers.

“To serve the present age, our calling to fulfil” (Charles Wesley).