News & Events Archive

A message to volunteers and customers from Second Church Charity Shop 

28th October 2024

ICMC Harvest Services 2024

Caledonian Road 13^th October
Islington Central  20^th October
Archway               27^th October
Camden Town      27^th October

September 2024

Superintendent’s Circuit Letter

This Week's Notices
Click here for more (opens in new window).

A response from the Methodist Church about the violent disorder.
Click here for more (opens in new window).

Archway Methodist Church continues to host a Warm Space twice each week (subject to Volunteer availability).
Click here for more (opens in new window).

June 2024

On Sunday 9th June, the Dreams & Realities exhibition held the launch of it’s display in London, at Camden Town Methodist Church, with a hope-filled afternoon of art, music and poetry. 
Click here for more (opens in new window).

Church communities, including Methodists, are joining forces ahead of the General Election to call for an end to poverty. 
Click here for more (opens in new window).

March 2024

Archway Methodist Church extended their Warm Spaces invitation and is open between 11am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All are welcome!

December 2023

Archway Methodist Church invites you to Warm Spaces open between 11am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5th December to 28th March 2024. All are welcome!

November 2020

HORIZON is a news sheet for the Islington and Camden Methodist Church Mission Circuit.  This is our third newsletter of 2020, and we pray that the circuit continues to know God’s blessing during difficult times.

The Covid 19 impact on the circuit remains difficult.  Since the last newsletter, all our buildings are again closed for corporate worship.  I am sure people feel even more detached from church as they remember it, finding it hard to be positive about tomorrow.  We are all feeling some sort of strain, but God has a plan, and we have a part to play in that as Disciples of Christ.

ARCHWAY

Now closed again, including the studio for the ‘Jeremiah’ community project and the You-tube recording studio with the Camden Hope and Anchor group.  However, we continue to offer art-based reflections through The Bite Size Bible.  This can be found on e-mail direct, social media’s Face-Book pages, and the circuit website. If you have no electronic form of access, then contact a steward for your local church and we will arrange to print a copy and send it in the post.

CALEDONIAN ROAD

The ‘Cally’ church family continue to share together via a What’s App Group, telephone calls and e-mails.  The school’s ministry remains, again with the emphasis on supporting local families who are most in need. 

THE ‘EPWORTH’

The Wesley at Euston remains unavailable at present.

CAMDEN TOWN

We remain in the hands of legal deliberations over the leases we need to agree and sign before any real development works commences. 

ISLINGTON CENTRAL

Again, IC remains in the same grip of uncertainty as the rest of the circuit.  However, a reminder that all are welcome to their Sunday morning phone-in prayer meeting at 11.30am.

CIRCUIT FUTURE

Whatever your local church, and however you view the circuit’s future, despite the havoc Covid has reeked, certain things need to be faced.  First, no matter how much we value the past traditions of the Methodist Church - or our own affinity with how things used to be, unavoidable changes are ahead.  Mainly in how to manage the circuit’s worship/mission, its property/finance, and how ministerial cover will be arranged as from 2022.  Regards the latter, the fact is that the circuit will lose both Tim and I by September 2022.  Meaning that the current circuit leadership along with local church councils, need to collaborate in managing next year’s circuit profiling, alongside Jongi, the current Chair of District.  To be attractional to at least one new minister, regardless of circuit shape and form, is priority.  The circuit will have to begin this process around May next year.  This is a process that neither Tim or I can be involved in, as we are both outgoing and must not influence this in any way.  So, we have six months ahead of focused prayer and positive planning to agree a circuit strategy.  There will be more on this in the coming two weeks.

In Christ and in Prayer,

Tim and David.

September & October 2020

HORIZON is a news sheet for the Islington and Camden Methodist Church Mission Circuit.  This is our second newsletter of 2020, and we pray that the circuit continues to know God’s blessing during the difficult times we now know.  We are reminded of the verse we included in the last newsletter in February.    

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, plans to give you a future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11,). 

The Covid 19 impact on the circuit has been difficult and many people may feel detached from what is the present situation.  Below is a summery of where we currently are as a circuit.

ARCHWAY

Archway is the only church we have reopened following the implementation of a very robust risk assessment.  However, with further restrictions in place and more uncertainty and chaos always around the next corner, we cannot predict how the next few weeks and months will develop.  Archway provides an 11am service where all are welcome. However, if the number gets close to the 50 people we can accommodate, we may well need to consider running more than one service in the week.  This apart, if further lockdowns appear and strong recommendations for a further period of closure materialize, we will need to consider our position again. 

Six groups have returned to use the building, again in line with robust risk assessments.  The Second Chance charity shop is open and interviews for a new Deputy manager are to take place on Thursday 29^th October.  This is for the vacancy created by the departure of Helen Lunn, whom God has called to be a family worker on a neighbouring circuit.  We wish Helen every blessing in her new role.       

The ‘Jeremiah’ community project is on hold.  In the meantime, we are offering art-based reflections through The Bite Size Bible.  This can be found on e-mail direct, social media’s Face-Book pages, and the circuit website.  If you have an e-mail address and have not received any of the previous ones on Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, contact Rev. David direct on hollingsworthd100@yahoo.co.uk.  If you have no electronic form of access, then contact a steward for your local church and we will arrange to print a copy and send it in the post.  The other Archway news is that we have moved one of our Camden projects into the building until we can return to facilities in Camden Town.  Our collaboration with the Hope and Anchor community from Camden is fast becoming a sort of Local Ecumenical Project.  We now have a recording studio set up in Archway and are recording praise worship as You-Tube videos.

CALEDONIAN ROAD

The building remains closed, but conversations are being had with regards to when and how to commence the process of re-opening.  In the meantime, the ‘Cally’ church family continue to share together via a What’s App Group, telephone calls and e-mails.  There are also conversations taking place about this year’s night shelter in collaboration with the Pillion Trust.  However, like every Methodist Church, until the local society via its managing trustees (Church Council) implements a robust risk assessment and are confident that they can manage the situation, things remain within a waiting place.  The school’s ministry remains, but in ways not reliant on the Rev. David’s physical presence.  Instead, the emphasis is in supporting local families who have suffered greatly due to the Covid crisis.  Mainly to help provided shoes and winter coats for a return to school, along with food vouchers to help feed children during school holidays.  There has been a clear generosity of spirit shown by many from our circuit by way of donations and pledges.  We are in the process of arranging an alcohol and tobacco restricted food and children’s clothing voucher system with Morrison’s local supermarket  As positive as this is, the School has problems, with redundancy notices now being served on Teaching Assistants in particular.  Rev. David is in constant touch with the school family support worker and the head, resuming electronic versions (Zoom) of assembly after half term.  Cally is also supporting the work of the Whitechapel mission by way of a Harvest inspired financial donation.

THE ‘EPWORTH’

The plans for the Chaplaincy Everywhere Centre courses are on hold and meeting at the Wesley at Euston is not currently possible due to levels of restrictions placed upon the hospitality sector.

CAMDEN TOWN

Like everything, the new development at Camden has been hit hard by the Covid crisis.  The building work has been delayed by about 3 months, but with the amount of preparatory work that can be carried out, the expected opening of the new centre remains scheduled for December 2021.  The current complexity is the negotiating of a series of leases.  The ministers are looking at this and the superintendent – as representing the circuit in how they are finalized, is dealing with the solicitors involved. 

Basically, the Methodist Council are now managing trustees of the Plender Street Building, The Methodist International Centres(Wesley Hotels/apartments) in Euston, Rome, Leeds and eventually Camden), will hold a head lease between themselves and the Methodist Council - as managing trustees of the building at Plender Street.  In turn, a sublease between Methodist International centres and managing trustees of the Camden Town society, needs to be agreed and signed.  In addition, TMCP (The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes) are party to some aspect of all leases.  It is a legal minefield that is set within a Covid minefield.  We continue a slow and steady progress.  Best of all, God is with us all - for everyone concerned at Plender Street(with building ownership, commercial operations, and with worship and missional outreach opportunities), form part of the Methodist Church as a whole.  One might be forgiven for thinking it ought to be much simpler. 

ISLINGTON CENTRAL

Islington Central remains somewhat like ‘Cally’, IC are talking about the future and how the building might be used for a broader purpose in God’s mission to the world, with much to discuss and much to pray about.  The promised outline to these discussions remains vague as Covid brings further delays to any realistic opportunities.  We are in the process of much needed clearance from the building.  A high volume of unwanted items has accumulated over the years.  Once cleared, we will be able to see the value to the space available in a much better light for future missional purposes.  IC continue to offer a Sunday morning conference call prayer service, and if meeting at Archway is not for you, you would be most welcome to join in the IC service.  Close by to both Cally and IC, is the Ringcross Centre.  This is also operated by the Pillion Trust and the circuit works in unison with the foodbank here. 

CIRCUIT FUTURE

Whatever our local church, and however we view the circuit’s future, certain things need to be prayed over.  First, no matter how much we value the past traditions of the Methodist Church - or our own affinity with how things used to be, it is likely that things will need to change dramatically if the Methodist Church is to serve God and surrounding communities in a Covid world.  With this thought goes a responsibility in how we manage ourselves and our resources.  It may become a necessity to combine a decreasing membership into one society with an elected Church Council that is responsible for the circuit sites other than Archway.  We have talked about this before, as a multi sited church model , but despite it being met with a mixture of positivity and negativity, we have to seriously consider this if we are to remain a circuit with its property, money, and people all committed to a Jesus centred mission and worship purpose.  We continue to trust in the Lord.

In Christ and in Prayer,

Tim and David.

January & February 2020

As this is our first newsletter of 2020, we pray that the circuit will be blessed during the coming year, bringing a real sense of hope for the future.  We can trust God in the year ahead, for he has good plans for our future:

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, plans to give you a future and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11,). 

Talking of Jeremiah, the following church updates are as follows: - 

ARCHWAY

Our new circuit development based at Archway, has been the opening of a creative arts studio space.  This initiative is in conjunction with the art ministry of the Rev. Rick Stott.  Ric is an ordained Methodist minister who has developed different forms of spiritual exploration by encouraging Christ inspired communities to form through the sharing of creative arts.  Ric has now relocated from Sheffield to London and has based his ministry at Archway.  

As a response to Tim, David and Ric’s willingness to further explore this as a model of what it means to be church – with Archway’s prayerful support, a new community is being developed.

The ‘Jeremiah’ community is what might be described as a different expression of church based at Archway.  This is a project that seeks to build community in Christ through the creative arts in ways yet to unfold. To answer a recent question, it is not a project committed to forming a gathering that reflects established patterns of 'Church' worship. The question was: Will it be like a 'normal' Sunday service with some art included? This model of church may be completely unrecognisable to the traditional eye.

The inspiration is taken from Jeremiah 18. The invitation to be creative in the space at Archway Methodist Church is made by Christ, and the wheel of opportunity is where we place ourselves to allow God's hands of Grace to surround us - forming us into a better spiritual shape. 

So, within the following times, come as who you are. Be welcomed, be valued, be equal and be loved in the name of Christ……all are welcome.

StudioTimes: - 

Monday        14.00 - 17.00
Tuesday       11.00 - 14.00
Wednesday  14.00 - 17.00

CALEDONIAN ROAD

The night shelter is now in full swing with a number of young people already having come through our system and been helped to move on in a far more positive frame of mind than when they were first referred to us.  Other than that, we are talking about the future at Cally, about property and potential.  

Like so many local Methodist churches, it is often hard to predict what might happen as things change through time and consequence.  But we all have potential for the next phase of whatever God calls us to do as who we are.  Potential we must do our best to fulfil.  

In this light, Cally continues to offer what it does whilst asking questions about how it might develop the building.  

Our school mural is all but finished and a grand unveiling is planned for March with the local press and some very special ‘guests’ in attendance.  

THE ‘EPWORTH’

The plans for the Chaplaincy Everywhere Centre mentioned in the last newsletter are moving towards the first training courses being rolled out in April or May.  These Methodist designed courses are for those who might feel that they can give some time on a regular basis as local chaplains in contexts such as Euston Station.  Dates for the first course will be announced shortly.

CAMDEN TOWN

The new development at Camden has now gone through the stages required to start the physical work.  Overall responsibility has passed over to those who are responsible for the completion of the development.  

The firm of Morgan Sindall has been awarded the contract and we should see much more activity very soon.

ISLINGTON CENTRAL

Like ‘Cally’, IC are talking about the future and how the building might be used for a broader purpose in God’s mission to the world.  Much to discuss and much to pray about.  

The next newsletter will offer an outline of these discussions as part of the possible reshaping of the circuit.  Till then, be blessed and be positive about what God has in store for us in 2020.

November & December 2019

HORIZON is a news sheet for the Islington and Camden Methodist Church Mission Circuit.  The aim is to produce it every two months.  Its purpose is to give regular updates on the life of the circuit.  With five ‘church’ locations on the circuit, each has an opportunity to serve God in their wider communities.  As this is our first newsletter, it might be a good to share our mission statement.  The Islington and Camden Mission circuit has adopted the following as its core value:

 “Our mission statement is based on being called to love and serve”.

                          “We love because God first loved us”.  1 John 4:19

The Islington and Camden Mission Circuit is committed to living out a life of unconditional and generous Love as followers of Jesus Christ.  We seek to serve others in ways that reflect God’s generous Spirit and its mission to the world.  Not only from within the Methodist Church, but as part of the whole Church of Christ.  We proclaim the Gospel of Christ through a call to be:

Unconditional and generous with our message. 
Meaning that sharing the Gospel is not seen as being confined to long established patterns of church. But viewed as equally effective through the widest possible range of different ‘Expressions’ of what it might mean to be ‘Church’ in today’s world.  This may mean radical change from what might be understood as inherited or preferred tradition, but not anything that seeks to replace Christ as centre.  

Unconditional and generous with our time. 
Ensuring that whenever and wherever possible, we give all the time we can to worship God and support one another in that with love and mutual respect.  We commit to our wider communities, taking the time to go amongst them and share something of the saving Grace of Jesus, exactly where they are.

Unconditional and generous with our resources. 
Our buildings, money and lives are a toolbox for mission.  When we hold back more than we should, we restrict the flow of God’s generosity.  In our giving, decisions and visions, we will seek to always place the mission of God, (as prioritising the spiritual and practical needs of others) at their centre.  

Unconditional and generous with our Love. 

This circuit commits to express love in ways that model God’s unconditional love for this world – revealed through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The circuit also commits to express this love whilst holding a deep respect for human difference and for different faiths.    

A reminder of our five mission centres as we approach the end of 2019.

ARCHWAY

Archway originated as the Methodist Central Hall Model.  A sizable building, it houses a variety of uses and dominates the immediate skyline.  Its position and potential are obvious and although part of the circuit, Archway requires a far more local oversight than the rest of the circuit.  The reason is chiefly because the spiritual and pastoral needs of the current worshipping community co-exist alongside considerable levels of property management, lease arrangements and landlord/tenant situations.  A new development at Archway will be the opening of a creative arts studio space in early 2020.  This initiative is in conjunction with the art ministry of the Rev. Rick Stott.  There will be much more about this the January/February copy of Horizon - but please pray for this new possibility.

CALEDONIAN ROAD

‘Cally’ continues to support an established Sunday morning worshipping community.  In addition, ‘Cally’ works in partnership with the homeless charity: The Pillion Trust.  At the beginning of December, ‘Cally’ begins its 11^th year of providing much needed practical support for the care of a a specific group of homeless young people.  Whilst the work is confidential, we hope to feature a more detailed report in December’s Horizon.  ‘Cally’s other main development is its increased relationship with the Hungerford School.  Assemblies are offered every Thursday now and several groups are booked to visit the church next month in the run up to Christmas.  Another feature of our growing relationship with Pupils, Staff and Families is the community art project currently underway.  Here are the first images.

THE ‘EPWORTH’

Based in the Wesley Hotel at Euston, this was originally intended to be a temporary worship space for the Camden Town society whilst the new Camden project is developed.  Very quickly it was realised that this could become a permanent place of worship and have the possibility in the future as a Methodist Chaplaincy centre for Euston Station.  In view of this, this mission centre in the making, is now regarded as a circuit church plant.  Since Easter Sunday 2019, we have established worship on a Sunday, and a Thursday evening community choir outreach.  The plans for the Chaplaincy Everywhere Centre are now part of the overall circuit development plan - more of that in the next issue.

CAMDEN TOWN

The new development at Camden will soon be underway after a long process to get to this point.  Exciting times ahead as the circuit prepares for a new Christian and hospitality centre in the heart of Camden.  Horizon will share as much as possible, as the development unfolds.  But for now, a glimpse into the future.

ISLINGTON CENTRAL

Home to an established Sunday morning worshipping community, IC also hosts several other Christian gatherings.  IC is working hard to establish deeper and more collaborative relationships with other Christians who use the building, whilst developing a more rigorous process for managing the premises.  As a result, a new vision is emerging at IC and we have every reason to be very positive about the future.  With ongoing commitment to a wider vision of mission, IC now carries its own unique opportunity as part of the circuit vision that will be made much clearer in the new year. 

Other matters to report on for November and December:

All our events and services for Advent and Christmas will be advertised in the usual way.  On the plan, the circuit website and via the circuit cards that will be produced and distributed.  We have so much to be positive about and look forward to as well as deal with and manage.  In prayer and in person, we need to commit to one another again the season of goodwill and remember our primary aim….to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Click >HERE< for details of our Christmas Services.

We do hope that this newsletter will prove to be informative and helpful as we journey on together in Faith, Hope and Love…….not forgetting Joy!

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Christmas time.

Tim and David.

Second Chance

Continued Support for Charities 
Posted 15 May 2019

All the money that Second Chance makes is given away to charity. For the year 2017/18 they gave away £45,550; almost doubling the amount that was given away last year.

This is where the money was sent: - 

To international charities a total of £9,550 to: All We Can, Freedom from Torture, Ghana Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Charity, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Ships, Methodist Fund for World Mission, Mzilikazi Methodist Project, Open Doors UK, ORBIS, ROPE, Send a Cow and Smile Train.

To national charities they gave a total of £13,000 to: Action for Children, Amelia Trust, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Manna Society, Methodist Fund for Property, Methodist Homes, Methodist LWPT, Methodist Ministers' Housing Society and Auxiliary Fund,  Methodist Mission in Britain Fund, Premier Radio, Prison Fellowship,  The Salvation Army, Sisters of Mercy, Treloar Trust, UCB Radio.

To local charities they gave a total of £23,000 to: 7th Tufnell Park Brownies and Guides, The Winter Shelter at Caledonian Road Methodist Church, Castlehaven Community Associaton, CARIS, Centre 404, Haven House, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Islington MIND, Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, the North London Hospice, Pillion Trust, SSt Gabriel's RC Holloway, St John's Hospice,  Sunnyside Community Gardens, Trussel Trust/Islington Food Bank, West London Mission - Drop-In, UHFC Drop in and Women Together (Recovery Group).

Welcome to Revd David Hollingsworth

Posted 12 September 2018

There was a warm reception for the Revd David Hollingsworth on 29 August at a service to welcome him to the Islington and Camden Circuit with members from all four of our churches present.

David will have pastoral responsibility for our churches at Caledonian Road and Camden Town.

Second Chance
Increased donations to supported charities
Posted 15 May 2018

All the money that Second Chance makes is given away to charity. For the year 2016/17 they gave away £67,300; almost doubling the amount that was given away last year.

This is where the money was sent: - 

To international charities they gave a total of £12,80 to: All We Can, Freedom from Torture, Ghana Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Charity, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Ships, Methodist Fund for World Mission, Open Doors UK, ORBIS, Refugee Support, ROPE, Send a Cow and Smile Train.

To national charities they gave a total of £16,500 to: Action for Children, Amelia Trust, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Manna Society, Methodist Fund for Property, Methodist Homes, Methodist LWPT, Methodist Ministers' Housing Society and Auxiliary Fund,  Methodist Mission in Britain Fund, Premier Radio, Prison Fellowship,  The Salvation Army, Sisters of Mercy, Treloar Trust, UCB Radio.

To local charities they gave a total of £38,000 to: 7th Tufnell Park Brownies and Guides, The Winter Shelter at Caledonian Road Methodist Church, Castlehaven Community Associaton, CARIS, Centre 404, Haven House, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Islington MIND, Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, the North London Hospice, Pillion Trust, St John's Hospice,  Sunnyside Community Gardens, Trussel Trust/Islington Food Bank, West London Mission - Drop-In, UHFC Drop in and Women Together (Recovery Group).

New Nativity Figures Blessed at Archway
Posted 19 December 2017

At the morning service at Archway Methodist Church Revd. Tim Bradshaw blessed the new nativity figures. Each of the figures had been taken home and dressed by members of the church and brought back for dedication. The unique figures have pride of place in the Communion area over the Christmas period to focus our thoughts on the story of the birth of Jesus, his incarnation.

'...our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man.' 

Charles Wesley (1707-88)

Second Chance

They've given even more of your money away
Posted 24 May 2017

All the money that Second Chance makes is given away to charity. For the year 2015/16 they gave away £61,500; almost doubling the amount that was given away last year.

This is where the money was sent: - 

To international charities they gave a total of £14,500 to: All We Can, Christian Aid, Freedom from Torture, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Ships, Methodist Fund for World Mission, Open Doors UK, ORBIS, ROPE, Send a Cow and Smile Train.

To national charities they gave a total of £18,500 to: Action for Children, Amelia Trust, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Manna Society, Methodist Fund for Property, Methodist Homes, Methodist LWPT, Methodist Ministers' Housing Society and Auxiliary Fund,  Methodist Mission in Britain Fund, Premier Radio, Prison Fellowship,  The Salvation Army, Sisters of Mercy, Treloar Trust, UCB Radio.

To local charities they gave a total of £28,500 to: 7th Tufnell Park Brownies and Guides, The Winter Shelter at Caledonian Road Methodist Church, CARIS, Centre 404, Haven House, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Islington MIND, Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, the North London Hospice, Pillion Trust, St John's Hospice,  Sunnyside Community Gardens, Trussel Trust/Islington Food Bank, and UHFC Drop in.

Thank you for your continuing support and generosity.

Eastertide Around the Circuit
Posted 18 April 2017

Easter is the most significant festival in the Christian calendar. The period of Lent is a preparation of seven and a half weeks that culminates in Good Friday, where we mark the sacrifice that Jesus made of himself for our salvation, and Easter, when we celebrate his resurrection; the overthrow of the power death.

The Circuit Eastertide services began on Maundy Thursday with a United Circuit Service at Islington Central Methodist Church led by Revds. Tim Bradshaw and Michael Simpson.

On Good Friday there were morning services at Archway, Camden Town and Caledonian Road. Many of the Archway members stayed on to the churches together service organised by the Upper Holloway Fellowship of Churches. Those who were able, made their way to Upper Holloway Baptist Church for the walk of witness up Holloway Road and back to Archway for the open air worship. 

For the first time, this was held in the new square that was formerly part of the gyratory system, opened up just the day before. Upper Holloway Fellowship of Churches were the first group to utilise the new space.

In the cool Spring sunshine, members of the participant churches worshiped together in prayer and song; hearing again the Passion narrative amid the bustle of the city. Revd. Steve Clarke from St Andrew's, Whitehall Park gave the address, recalling the significance of the cross as a symbol of salvation, love and reconciliation for the world today. 

After the service, those gathered repaired to the Octagon in Archway Central Hall to share refreshments, fellowship and conversation. This year, the Hot Cross Buns were kindly donated by the local Co-op supermarket.

Easter Sunday morning was celebrated in exuberant style across the circuit with the joyful acclamation 'Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!' Each of our ministers took two services to ensure that Holy Communion could be celebrated in all our churches and were joined by Revd Dr Janet Murry who led worship at Camden Town.

Thine be the glory risen conquering Son,
endless is the victory thou o'er death has one.

Welcome to Revd Michael Simpson

Posted 12 October 2016

There was a warm reception for the Revd Michael Simpson on 31 August at a service to welcome him to the Islington and Camden Circuit with members from all four of our churches present.

Leading the service were the District Chair, Revd Nigel Cowgill, and the Circuit Superintendent, Revd Tim Bradshaw.

Michael will have pastoral responsibility for our churches at Caledonian Road and Camden Town.

Second Chance
They've given more of your money away
Posted 26 July 2016

All the money that Second Chance makes is given away to charity. For the year 2014/15 they gave away £33,000; an increase on the amount that was given away last year.

This is where the money was sent: - 

To international charities they gave a total of £7,000 to: All We Can, Freedom from Torture, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Ships, Methodist Fund for World Mission, Open Doors UK, ORBIS, ROPE, Send a Cow and Smile Train.

To national charities they gave a total of £13,500 to: Action for Children, Amelia Trust, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Manna Society, Methodist Fund for Property, Methodist Homes, Methodist LWPT, Methodist Ministers' Housing Society and Auxiliary Fund,  Methodist Mission in Britain Fund, Premier Radio, Prison Fellowship,  The Salvation Army, Sisters of Mercy, Treloar Trust, UCB Radio.

To local charities they gave a total of £12,500 to: 7th Tufnell Park Brownies and Guides, The Winter Shelter at Caledonian Road Methodist Church, CARIS, Centre 404, Freightliners Farm, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Islington MIND, Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, the North London Hospice, Pillion Trust, St John's Hospice,  Sunnyside Community Gardens, Trussel Trust/Islington Food Bank, and UHFC Drop in.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Second Chance
They've given your money away
Posted 30 June 2015

All the money that Second Chance makes is given away to charity. For the year 2013/14 they gave away £24,000. Where does the money go?

Because they are an independent charity shop, owned by Archway Methodist Church, they decide where all of our profit goes. Their overheads are not huge, and they are able to support a lot of great work all over the world, but most importantly, in the community where the shop is sited, in Islington.

Wherever possible, they offer support to those who need it most. This often means small charities for whom fundraising is particularly hard in the current economic climate, as well as larger charities who carry out vital work.

Without their customers, none of this would be possible. They need your donations and your custom so that they can continue and expand the work. This is where the money went: -

To international charities they gave a total of £6,500 to: All We Can, Freedom from Torture, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Ships, Methodist Fund for World Mission, Open Doors UK, ORBIS, ROPE, Send a Cow and Smile Train.

To national charities they gave a total of £9,000 to: Action for Children, Amelia Trust, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Manna Society, Methodist Fund for Property, Methodist Homes, Methodist LWPT, Methodist Ministers' Housing Society and Auxiliary Fund,  Methodist Mission in Britain Fund, Premier Radio, Prison Fellowship,  Sisters of Mercy, Treloar Trust, UCB Radio.

To local charities they gave a total of £8,500 to: 7th Tufnell Park Brownies and Guides, CARIS, Freightliners Farm, Highbury Grove Crisis Project, Holloway Neighbourhood Group, Islington MIND, Islington Street Pastors, Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, the North London Hospice, Pillion Trust, St Mary Magdalene Centre for Refugees and Asylum Seekers,  Sunnyside Community Gardens, Trussel Trust/Islington Food Bank, and UHFC Drop in.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Farewell to Revd Paul Weary and Family
A service of farewell for Paul and Mary Ann - Celebrating faithful ministry
Posted on 1 August, 2014

On 23rd July members and friends gathered at Archway Methodist Church to bid a fond farewell to the Reverend Paul Weary and his wife Mary Ann. After 9 years' service as our Superintendent Minister, and Minister for Archway and Islington Central, Paul leaves us to continue his ministry in Walworth Methodist Church.

The service was a real celebration of Paul's ministry to date. The Revd. Dr. Stuart Jordan led the service and his address, "Partners in Ministry" was based on Scripture passages taken from 1 Corinthians 3.5-11 and John 4.19-26. He spoke about partnership in ministry, drawing two main points from the readings. 

The first was that, as Christians, we are all partners in God's service. From the beginning, Paul's calling to ministry, has been a call to partnership. As his namesake St Paul puts it "only God gives the growth" (1 Corinthians 3.8) "we are God's servants, working together" (v9). Aptly, the church was filled with people who know or have worked with Paul from both inside and outside the Circuit - testimony of the partnerships Paul has made during his time here.

The second point related to the Gospel passage from John., in which we learn that "God is spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth" (John 4.24).  As Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, "the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem" (v21). From this we learn another aspect of partnership in ministry - it doesn't matter where we worship but how we worship because "true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him". Again, this was beautifully illustrated by the congregation present at this celebration of ministry. There were people representing different ecumenical backgrounds, organisations, cultures and traditions.

The congregation, Paul and Mary Ann had the opportunity to bless each other with a litany of leaving. There were sung tributes to Paul and Mary Ann from the Archway choir and Sheena Narto. Ecumenical and circuit representativs paid their tributes and present gifts.

Paul, accompanied by Gary Williams on piano, had the last 'word' with his swansong. He ended with his own humorous adaptation of Elvis Presley's 'Always on my mind.' 

The service was followed by a wonderful spread of food and refreshment!

Paul and Mary Ann, Nathaniel and Sophie were wished well in their new venture and we pary that the Good Lord continues to guide them in all they do.

Paschal Triduum around the Circuit
Posted on 25 April, 2014

Over the years our circuit has developed particular traditions around the Paschal Triduum (the ‘Three Days’ from Maundy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday). The circuit Maundy Thursday service at Islington began with a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by Holy Communion. The service came to a dramatic close with bible readings telling the story of Jesus’ arrest and trial. These were read in the manner of tenebrae, with the gradual extinguishing of candles until the church was left in darkness. 

On Good Friday there were morning services at Archway and Caledonian Road, the latter led by Revd Dr Stuart Jordan, Chair of the London District. Many of the Archway members stayed on to the ecumenical service organised by the Upper Holloway Fellowship of Churches. The more able bodied made their way to Upper Holloway Baptist Church for the walk of witness up Holloway Road. Those less mobile waited for the arrival of the walkers at Archway Mall (a grandiose name for the rather bleak pedestrianised area next to the Post Office) for the open air worship. 

This year the sermon was delivered by our Easter Sunday morning was celebrated in exuberant style across the circuit with the joyful singing of ‘Christ the Lord is risen today’. Evening worship was in a quieter key, as we met for café worship at Caledonian Road and explored together the theme of the Emmaus Road.  superintendent minister, Revd Paul Weary on the theme ‘What makes Good Friday good?’. One of our younger members, Sheena Marfo, was one of the singers in the music group that accompanied the worship.

Come risen Lord, as you came to your two disciples at Emmaus, and meet us in the opening of the scriptures and the breaking of bread.

Jesus who was crucified…has been raised! Alleluia!