FORWARD

Magazine

MARCH

2015

EXETER UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY

The Mint is the University Methodist Chaplaincy Church, and we offer a special welcome to

all University staff and students. Please join us for Sunday worship at 10.30 a.m.

For more information, including details of the MethAng student society on a Monday evening, please follow the Student tab on the top bar of the Mint website www.themint.org.uk

MINT OPENING HOURS

The Mint is open for nearly 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday,as well as for worship on a

Sunday and at various other times over the weekend. Our Reception Desk will normally be

staffed and the building open for callers during the following hours:

Mondays 9.30 am 12.45 pm, 1.15 pm - 9.30 pm

Tuesdays 9.30 am - 4.30 pm, 5.00 pm - 9.30 pm

Wednesdays 9.30 am 12.45 pm, 1.15 pm - 9.30 pm

Thursdays 9.30 am - 4.30 pm, 5.00 pm - 9.30 pm

Fridays 9.30 am 12.45 pm, 1.15 pm - 6.00 pm, (or 9.30 if required)

Our Church Administrators staff the Reception Desk for 44 hours per week, but

we rely on a team of helpers to cover the remaining hours. Please let us know if

you would like to know more about joining the Reception Team.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

March is here and we are in the middle of Lent. This period of 40

days reflects the time Jesus spent in the desert after his baptism.

He was physically and mentally tested as he faced the reality that

the time had come to complete his ministry on Earth. His role is

summed up in Mark 1:14-15

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!

The word that most people struggle with in our modern world is Repent. It has echoes of pulpit thumping; of street preachers, exhorting sinners to repent before the world ends. The Latin comes from poenitre to feel regret, alteration. But the Greek word is and it means to change one's mind for the better, heartily to amend with reference to our past

behaviour. Perhaps a better phrase for the 21st Century reader might be Get real!

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This

often quoted phrase (probably mis-attributed to Albert Einstein), is nonetheless relevant.

Jesus is asking us to re-evaluate our priorities. We cannot continue to do the same thing and

expect the world to change. We need to Get real!

So what will it mean for you to Get real? Repenting means facing change in ourselves.

Are there things you do that need to change?

Are there activities that might change your life for the better, but you are putting off?

Have you looked at what is going on around you, and thought I could do that, but not had the courage to say so?

Lent is a time for reflection, and we are called to do something positive with the results. We

are given the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our saviour. The least we can do is

spend the next few weeks trying to see what that means for each of us.

May God bless you and keep you,

Steve, your Minister

WORSHIP AT THE MINT FOR MARCH 2015

(with Lectionary readings)

SUNDAY 1ST

March 2015

10.30 a.m. Morning Worship with Communion

led by Rev Steve Ward

[United Service with the Korean congregation] 6.30 p.m. United Commissioning Service for City Centre Chaplaincy

SUNDAY 8th

March 2015 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship led by Dr Alan McIlveen 10.30 a.m. Korean Worship

led by Rev Sungil Han 6.30 p.m. Evening Worship

led by Rev Paul Collings

SUNDAY 15th

March 2015 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship led by Rev Graham Thompson

[United Service with the Korean congregation] 6.30 p.m. Evening Worship and Holy Communion

led by Rev Norman Wallwork

SUNDAY 22nd

March 2015 10.30 a.m. Sung Communion for Passion Sunday

led by Rev Steve Ward and the Mint Choir 10.30 a.m Korean Worship led by Rev Sungil Han 6.30 p.m Caf Church led by Rev Steve Ward

SUNDAY 29TH

March 2015 10.30 a.m. Palm Sunday

Morning Worship led by Rev David Easton 10.30 a.m Korean Worship led by Rev Sungil Han 6.30 p.m. United Service at Sidwell Street

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Psalm 22: 23-31

Romans 4: 13-25

Mark 8: 31-38

Exodus 20: 1-17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2: 13-22

Numbers 21: 4-9

Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22

Ephesians 2: 1-10

John 3: 14-21

Jeremiah 31: 31-34

Psalm 51:1-12

Hebrews 5: 5-10

John 12: 20-33

Mark 11: 1-11

Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29

Welcome to

Val Cassidy

Bryan Koo , Germaine Tan, and their friends Bryan and William from Singapore

Marlene Kallass staying in Exeter for a few months and studying at Isca

Tom Errington who has returned to England and hopes that his family will be able to join him soon

It has also been lovely to welcome back people whilst on visits to Exeter and to meet some new faces

Congratulations to

George Larkinsons brother Andrew on his engagement to Jenny.

Alison Thompson who is now the administrative secretary of the Pastoral committee

Ki Young KOO (), Lea Kim-Philpot (), Euijeong LIM (), and Jihye CHEON () who will be baptised and received into membership on 1st March and Richard Philpot who will be received into membership.

Ajin LIM (), Duhu HAN (), Yena & Teeuw Philpot and Ara NOH () who will all be baptized on 1st March

Hyunte SHIN (), Min Kyoung KIM (), Kook Hwan NOH (), Jin Young JUNG (), Younhee KANG ()and Minha LEE () who are all Presbyterians and will become joint members here at the Mint on March 1

st. Also to Jae

Min SHIM () who will be a joint member with the Holiness Church. Nathanael Minja on his joint membership with Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania

(ELCT) under the Eastern and Coastal Zone Diocese- Mwenge Parish, Dar es salaam,

Tanzania.

Also Congratulations to Esme Richardson on her 80th birthday in January and to Jack Priestley on his 80

th Birthday in February.

On the move

We were sad to say goodbye to Tae Hyeong Kim and wish him well as he settles back in Korea

Yang Ernest who has returned to New Zealand

Best wishes to those who have moved within Exeter including Derek Laming

Sickness We pray for those who have been unwell recently including:

Lindsay Hirst recovering slowly following an operation in January

Ann Pyne feeling much stronger now

Ken Kite gradually recovering following his pneumonia and now following his broken hip

Lorna West recuperating at home

Derek Boobier who is still unwell in hospital

Ian Judd recovering steadily after his operation in Plymouth

Gemma Jackson who, having been seriously ill, has now returned home

We remember others who have been unwell including Mint members, their family and friends.)

Monica Gore (Michelle Boobiers mother), Tim and his wife friends of Barry Hargrave, Jane Hood (Georges mother), Enid Hopkins brother, Claire Marshall (Stella Gillards granddaughter), Joan Mistry (Ruth Boobiers Aunt), Hayley Pollard (Pam Manleys friend), Gill Swinburns Aunt, David Smith (Ann Beer's brother-in-law), and Samantha Wright (Mary Adams daughter). We remember those who are housebound or who do not find it easy to get out,

includingJoyce Barriball, Stella Broadbent, Muriel Fildes, Nancy Harper, Hazel Hill, Win

Hooper, Enid Hopkins, Peter Kennedy, June Kirkman, Hazel & Rodney Maliphant, Brian

Miller, Margaret Motley, Derek Norton, Joan Pankhurst and Jean Potter.

Other Prayer Concerns

We pray for all those in our hospitals and care centres. Please remember in prayer a number

of other friends who are facing a variety of troubles including the death of loved ones,

forthcoming hospital tests and treatment, future surgery and also those seeking employment.

Deaths We give thanks for the lives of those who have died, and entrust them to Gods loving

care. We think of those who mourn including:

The family of Rollie Tolman on her death at the age of 101 at the end of December 2014

Sally, Pippa Barters sister on the death of Sallys husband.

Ray Sanders and family on the death of Ellen a circuit steward and loyal member of Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The family and friends on the death of Kathleen Bate (widow of Rev Kenneth Bate)

The family and friends on the death of Rev Sam Connolly (Supernumerary minister at Ottery St. Mary)

The family and friends of Daphne, Andrew Bells Aunt

This information was compiled on 22nd

February

Do you have Church Family News to share in the next copy of Forward

a need for prayer, a cause for concern, or news of former members?

If so please contact Sue Cordery (437796),

Steve Ward (275070) or Sungil Han

Other News of friends of the Mint

We have heard news from one of Joan Pankhursts sons that his mother (who used to attend the Mint and Exminster churches) has severe dementia and struggles to recognize visitors.

She is being cared for in a residential Home in Exeter and we continue to remember her on

our prayer list once a month. Emma True who was a student with us and volunteer receptionist is busy with acting work

and auditions. Ben Chester Cheong who was a student from Singapore and was confirmed at the Mint in

Feb 2013 graduated last summer and received a first in the LLB and is now studying for a

Masters at Cambridge. Annette Setterfield would like to thank everyone for their prayers, good wishes and support

through a very difficult time. Its been a miracle of medical science and prayer.

Wednesday Prayer Group

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, With thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which

transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4 vs.6-7 We meet every Wednesday in the Martin Luther King Room from 10am-10.30. We follow a

short liturgy and then concentrate on intercessory prayer. We pray for events and people in

our world, our country, our city and our Church. There is no pressure to say prayers aloud

and much of the prayer time is silent.Everyone is welcome. Maureen Stoolman

Wednesday Bible Study

A Bible study group will be starting at The Mint on Wednesdays

from 11am-12 noon. We will be studying the book of James.

The first meeting will be on Wednesday 15th April. All are welcome.

Please contact Steve Ward if you would like more information.

Open every 4th Sunday Worship, and tackle real issues from a Christian viewpoint

Next time March 22nd

our theme will be

Think, Pray, Vote (6pm for Coffee and cakes)

WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The annual Womens' World Day of Prayer service will be held

at 11.00 a.m. at St Stephens Church in the High Street, on

Friday 6th March. Refreshments will be served from 10.15. The service this year has been compiled by the women of the

Bahamas so there will be a tropical feel to the morning! I would

urge as many of our congregation as possible (of both sexes) to

attend this ecumenical service, joining with worshippers all over

the world in prayer, song and reflection. There will be a similar evening service at St Thomas Baptist Church, Dorset Avenue, at 7.30

for those who can't manage to get to St Stephens in the morning. Angela White

January had us all puzzling over Quiz questions, February brought the fun

of the Pantomime and in March we will be able to tickle our taste bud

with cake. I will be having the Cake Stall on Sunday 22 March after

morning service. Can I ask all the wonderful cooks at the Mint to provide cakes, biscuits, crumbles, tarts and

not forgetting marmalade as I know many of you will have been making jars of it during the

last few weeks. So hoping you will all be able to help us get rid of the last bit of the

Redevelopment Fund debt by supplying and/or buying on 22nd March. Margaret Farrow

ACTION FOR CHILDREN It is that time of year again!

Action for children boxes are due to be collected and emptied during March. Would holders of boxes please put them in the box provided in reception on a

Sunday or give them to Jane Jarvis or to one of the stewards. The administrators are happy

to accept them during the week. If holders of boxes would prefer to give a cheque rather than

give their box to be emptied, this is perfectly acceptable; cheques should be made payable to

Action for Children and handed to Jane, a steward or an administrator. Many thanks. Jane Jarvis (01392 876415)

MINT CAR PARKING PERMITS FOR 2015

Would anyone wishing to have a Car Parking Permit for this year, please complete an

application form (from the Reception or the Link Corridor) and enclose your cheque and

envelope with your name on it and hand it into Reception for the issue of a permit. We will

then leave your permit in your pigeonhole for collection. Thanks for your co-operation over

this. Amanda and Karen

CAKE STALL 22nd

MARCH

TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP

We give a warm welcome to any ladies and gentlemen wishing to

join any of our meetings on Tuesday afternoons starting at 2.30pm.

We meet in the Wesley Room and begin with a hymn and prayer

and then hand over to our speaker. We finish with a cup of tea

about 3.30 p.m.

Our programme is as follows:-

3rd March David Easton

10th March Alan Rothwell The Role of Churches Together

17th March Exeter Lions Group

24th March Devon Freewheelers Joint meeting at the Mint with Sidwell Street &

St Thomas joining us

31st March Steve Ward Holy Week Communion in the Church

7th

April No meeting (Easter week)

MINT WALKING GROUP The next two walks will take place on: March 28

th walk led by Mike Pillidge

April 25th - to be arranged

For further information please see the Service Sheets two weeks

prior to the walk dates.

If you enjoy walking, joining a Mint Walk is a good way to get to know people and of course

it is an excellent way to engage in healthy exercise! Most of the walks are between 4 and 5

miles in length and do not usually involve too many long climbs!

New members are more than welcome, so why not give it a try?

NORTHCOTT THEATRE GROUP.

March 28th Nursing Lives

I have had two tickets returned for this heart warming wartime show. If you have not seen

these amazing puppets before you should not miss this opportunity. May 27th The History Boys

I still have one ticket left but there are more on reserve for this award winning Alan Bennett

masterpiece. Janet Robb

W@M Wednesdays at the Mint

Wednesday 11 March. 7.30 p.m, Wesley Room.

Tia de Nora: Music and End of Life

Music is unlike anything else in the ways in which it engages with

human experience and reaches into the human spirit. It can express

emotions in unique ways, provide a way of easing distress and assist

in processes of recall; it can also be a recreation.

What, then, can music do to help at end of life? The talk will consider music's role in relation

to pain management, social connection and shared meaning, recreation, caring, grieving and

loss.

Tia DeNora is Professor of Sociology at Exeter University. Her research is mostly in musical

areas, especially music in social life. In recent years she has focused on music and wellbeing. All welcome. Further information from David Horn (01626 852815; 07517430777;

dhorn87506@aol.com).

Mint Film Club Wednesday 18th

March 2015

Wadjda (2012) Saudi Arabia dir Haifaa Al- Mansour

This remarkable film is the first film by a female Director in a strict

Islamist country with no cinemas! It tells a simple story of an eleven

year old girl Wadjda - a free spirit who wants to own a green bicycle so that she can race and beat a friendly neighbours son. To raise the money, she must win a Koran recital competition.

We learn something of the Saudi culture, the position of women,

the education of girls and how people work through constraints and

tensions in a country which looks modern but feels far from it. A light supper is available - if pre-booked by Monday morning 16

th March sit down at

6pm!

Call Alan on 01395 274106 or email danda08@talktalk.net

Looking ahead..

ALDERSGATE SUNDAY MAY 24TH - WESLEY DAY

KEEP THE DATE FREE After the morning service, there will be a Bring and Share lunch followed by the unveiling

and dedication of the new Information Panel by the Rev. John Carne, followed by a short

talk, exhibition of Wesleyana and Mint history, tea and cake! More details to follow.

Janet Robb

WANTED AT GABRIEL HOUSE AND ST PETROCKS I have recently visited both Gabriel House and St Petrock's. The following are the most

wanted items for each place. Gabriel House :- plates, mugs, cutlery (no big knives), some casserole dishes and sheets and

duvet covers. All these will be used when clients move on to small flats. No blankets and

duvets please. St Petrock's :- sleeping bags, blankets, rucksacks, and men's boots and sturdy shoes. No bed

linen, pillows or duvets please. There is a further list in Reception. Thank you, Viv Davies.

YMCA EXETER SLEEP EASY SATURDAY 14TH

MARCH

The annual YMCA Exeter Sleep Easy, now in its 5th year, provides the opportunity to raise

awareness about the plight of homeless young people as well as helping us to raise vital

funds to continue our work in supporting the most vulnerable 16-29 year olds. The event

involves asking people to be sponsored to sleep out under the stars for one night,

experiencing a small snapshot into the difficulties that not having a secure, safe, warm home

can bring while knowing that they are helping YMCA Exeter to provide safe and supported

housing for young people across Exeter and the surrounding region. Sleep Easy 2015 will

run on Saturday 14th March from 7pm-7am and will include a busking competition, a talk

from a resident, a shelter building competition and the presentation of a film about the work

of YMCA Exeter. There is a group rate discount for the event and any group fundraising

that The Mint Methodist Church could do would make such a difference to the YMCA work.

Joy Taylor Fundraising and Community Relations Manager for YMCA Exeter

Picture from the 2014 sponsored event

which raised more than 20,000

THINKING DAY

On 22nd February it was Thinking Day. For Girl Guiding,

Thinking Day is one of the most important days of the year.

It is when members of Girl Guiding (which includes Brownies)

all around the world do activities and take time out to think

about other members of our organisation across the world.

Falling on the date of both Lord and Lady Baden Powells birthdays, we remember them also and are grateful for them

as founders. For Thinking Day this year Girl Guiding Exeter took over the Odeon for the day. Our

Brownies joined Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from around the city who came together to

remember what Girl Guiding means to us as well as watching a film (the cinema was

exclusively open to us only, which made it feel very special to the Brownies). On top of the Cinema trip, the pack had a meeting dedicated to Thinking Day, so that they

could learn more about what it means to be a Brownie and discuss the meaning of Thinking

Day. Aside from Thinking Day, there is a lot of exciting things going on this term. We are

working on the Artist Badge, with many activities involving drawing, patterns and colours.

We have also been learning about the Chinese New Year and found out that we are now in

the Year of the Sheep and that Red is a lucky colour for the Chinese. Katherine (Brown Owl) & Josie (Barn Owl)

YOUNG CHURCH NEWS

New Years Party

Prayer Stars..

..from the All Age

Christmas Worship

PANTO REFLECTIONS

from a member of the cast

Like most local pantomimes, the ones at the Mint have a long tradition of letting people well

known to the audience do things that do not tally with their usual behaviour. That is half the

fun. But knowing the person behind the act doesnt seem to stop people enjoying it who dont know all the cast - and in some cases dont know any of them. This year we were delighted by the number of non-Mint people who came. Not only were there groups from other churches, but there were many in the audiences with no church connections. What they

saw, we hope, was not just an entertaining evening out, but a community with a collective

spirit.

They will also have noticed that the cast included a wide range of ages in fact, we calculate that seven decades cover the span from youngest to oldest (no names mentioned, but both

represent families with longstanding Mint connections). Over the past few years, the cast has

also been blessed by the addition of talented new arrivals who were sure the regulars wont mind us saying this! have breathed new life into the panto, and are also doing so in our church. Whether they attend the Mint or not, newer members of our cast have often said

how much they value the way the panto has offered them the opportunity to get to know

people better and to feel a part of our Mint family.

We cant finish without mentioning the young cast we are so proud of. We saw children grow and grow in confidence, due very much to the caring and loving attention given to

them by our older children, and the cementing of friendships in ways that are not always

possible in an hour a week on Sunday mornings.

If you would like a CD of the Saturday night performance then please add your name to the

list on the Reception Desk. We are also considering producing a CD of the PowerPoints

used in the last four pantomimes - The flying fairies, Aladdins travels, Cinderellas Rolls Royce journey and this years Synchronised 7s assault course. Please let us know also if you would like one of these. The CDs will cost 1 each and profits will go to

reducing the Redevelopment Debt.

The next two pages of photographs provide a flavour of this years extravaganza.

Oh no! A talking mirror!

They cant but you can count on us!

Oh what a wicked Queen!

Can we help you?

Such little sweeties! What we need is core strength!

This wont harm me will it? Oh yes it will!

What have they got us doing this year?

And they all lived happily ever after!

Synchronised at last!

No. 26 in our Questionnaire Series is Ruth Jordan

I came to Exeter in 1974 following a posting in the police force. I was looking for a large church where you didnt get pounced on straight away. Gradually the Mint drew me in and over the

years I have done most things other then anything musical.

I remain grateful to the many previous Ministers and friends

that have helped me on my journey.

What is your favourite hymn and why?

This is the easiest question to answer. It is Jesus calls us oer the tumult. It has to be the version in the Methodist Hymn Book. I remember singing this in my small home chapel overlooking the harbour when the maroons went off for the lifeboat. All

the men rushed to the boat and the rest of us watched the boat leave the safety of the harbour.

What is your favourite book and why?

Books are very important to me. I would have to pick my very old and tatty poetry book

What piece of music is special to you?

I love folk rock but also two modern pieces Strabat Mater by Karl Jenkins and Spiegel im

Spiegel by Arvo Part are beautiful classic pieces to come.

If you could go back in time where would you go and why?

I have always had a soft spot for Mary, Queen of Scots. A very talented woman who just

couldnt pick men! I often wonder if Queen Elizabeth knew she actually had signed the death warrant for Mary

Which living person do you most admire?

Any public figure who is ready to admit that they have problems. Alistair Campbell who was

so open in his battles with the bottle and depression can only help others to confront their

own demons.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Getting easily irritated

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

The person at a meeting who always feels they have to say something, when they would be

better if they just kept quiet.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

No matter how bad things are at present youll eventually get through to the other side.

How would you like to be remembered?

Hopefully someone who said yes more than no. If I said no it was after considering

carefully.

Pause for thought

A MEDITATION FOR LENT

Would I have answered when you called,

Come follow, follow me!? Would I at once have left behind

both work and family?

Or would the old, familiar round

have held me by its claim

and kept the spark within my heart

from bursting into flame?

Would I have followed where you led

through ancient Galilee,

on roads unknown, by ways untried,

beyond security?

Or would I soon have hurried back

where home and comfort drew,

where truth you taught would not disturb

the ordered world I knew?

Would I have matched my steps with yours

when crowds cried, Crucify!, when on a rocky hill I saw a cross

against the sky?

Or would I too have slipped away

and left you there alone,

a dying king with crown of thorns

upon a terrible throne?

O Christ, I cannot search my heart

through all its tangled ways,

nor can I with a certain mind

my steadfastness appraise.

I only pray that when you call,

Come follow, follow me!, youll give me strength beyond my own to follow faithfully.

Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr (1923-2007)1997 GIA Publications Inc.Chicago

EXETER CHAMBER CHOIR WITH DEVON BAROQUE

J.S. Bach - St Matthew Passion at Exeter Cathedral

7.00pm on the 14th March. Tickets from 9 - 25 can be obtained from Exeter Phoenix Box

Office or contact Bronwen Lea.

TEMPLE METHODIST CHURCH, BUDLEIGH

14th March at 7.30pm - Concert by the Budleigh Male Voice Choir in aid of Bett Sahour

Partnership (Palestinian School) Tickets: 7.50 from Bronwen Lea

EASTER WITH EXETER FESTIVAL CHORUS IN THE CATHEDRAL

What better way to celebrate Easter than with one of the glorious Passions of J.S.Bach? Our

offering this year is the lesser known St John Passion, sung in German, which brings to life

the humanity of the passion story, combining unflinching rawness with moments of great

intimacy.

We're joined by that fine Baroque ensemble, Music For Awhile, led by Maggie Faultless,

and by soloists David Webb, (Evangelist/tenor arias), Benedict Nelson, (Pilate/bass arias),

Julian Rippon, (Christus), Katherine Manley (soprano) and Rupert Enticknap (counter-

tenor). Our Conductor is Nigel Perrin.

We hope you can join us: Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm, at Exeter Cathedral.

Tickets: 15 to 30 reserved, 10 and 20 unreserved,

available online: www.exeterfestivalchorus.org.uk (no Booking Fees)

by phone TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (Booking Fee 1.50)

in person or by phone Exeter Tickets, Dixs Field, Exeter 01392 665 885 01392 665 885

THIMANS LAST SUPPER There will be a performance of Thiman's Last Supper at Sidwell Street Methodist Church on

29th March (Palm Sunday) at the evening service. This is a united service with the Mint.

Rehearsals start on Friday 6th March and Wensleigh Palmer would be delighted to welcome

anyone who would like to join in singing this work. If you need to contact him for further

details, his email address is: musicunlimited.exeter@virgin.net

Methodist Homes for the Aged

News of Moreton at Exmouth

reported by Dorothy Worthington

You may have heard rather negative reports in the media that Moreton is closing next month

to be replaced by apartments. As the Mints representative who has been visiting Moreton on a regular basis, I received a letter from the Regional Director based at Head Office and sent

on 30th

January. It explained the reasons for the closure and goes some way in responding to

the misleading media report and other misunderstandings.

MHA has been providing accommodation and care for people at Moreton since 1953. Unfortunately the current building is now out of date and the current configuration doesnt meet the level of good housing provision that we would wish. Consequently we have been

looking at the feasibility and opportunities for redeveloping the Moreton site.

MHA has worked hard to consider the best option for the future of the home, placing great emphasis on the need to make the best decision for residents and staff for the long term. Only

very recently have we been in a position to agree the form that the redevelopment will take.

It is with deepest regret that the only viable option for us to provide quality care, support and accommodation is for Moreton to close by 27

th March 2015 and be replaced by a new

service.

MHA regrets the upheaval that this unavoidable decision will cause to all involved in Moreton but we are certain that this is the right way forward. The re-development of

Moreton will enable MHA to fulfil its mission, to provide high quality care, support and

accommodation to the older people of Exmouth into the future. Karen Slater Regional Director This decision has been a real shock to many people and of course great personal sadness to

those closely connected to Moreton. May I thank all those splendid people at the Mint who have supported Moreton over the

years and have helped to raise funds with collections and concerts, during the time of my

involvement with Moreton. Although my personal connection is very sadly no more, there will still be MHA Sunday when your donations to the work of MHA across the whole country, will be much valued. It

is planned to reopen Moreton in about 3 years time in its changed format so then the Mint

members can resume their connection with the Exmouth Home. For those who would like further information about the closure, MHAs Chief Executive has produced a hand out of Questions and Answers. Some copies are available in the Mint

Reception Area or speak to me for clarifications. Again heartfelt thanks for all your support Dorothy Worthington

On February 17th the House of Bishops released a 126 paragraph long letter which does not

offer support to any political party, but seeks to encourage Anglicans to think how best to

use their vote in the General Election on 7 May. The letter has come in for some criticism,

namely that it is not the business of the Church to interfere in politics.

Christianity however has a lot to say about politics. Jesus taught about the issues and

everyday choices facing ordinary people and those in power. As Christians we cannot ignore

the challenges facing society today, and we need to engage fully with democratic processes

and decision-making. By participating in elections, Christians can make their feelings

known, and can impact positively on the political landscape.

The Methodist Church, which has never shied away from involvement in social issues, is

part of The Joint Public Issues Team which combines the expertise of the Baptist Union, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church in the area of public issues, enabling

the three Churches to work together in living out the gospel of Christ in the Church and in

wider society. The aim is to promote equality and justice by influencing those in power and

by energising and supporting local congregations.

The website (www.jointpublicissues.org.uk) contains a wealth of material useful for

discussion and worship including the following responsive prayer from the Baptist Union of

Great Britain. The prayer is based on Luke 4: 18-19, Jesus manifesto and it addresses the issues facing us as we consider how we will cast our votes at the forthcoming General

Election

God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus manifesto to bring Good News to the poor. We pray for our country as we approach this General Election. We ask that we will be aware

of your presence at the ballot box, as we cast our votes. We pray that you will raise up clear-

thinking political leaders, people of stature, realism and compassion, whose care is for the

poor and disadvantaged, the homeless and the sick.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth

God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus manifesto to set the captive free. We pray for a spirit of generosity as this country goes to the polls, at a time when the earths precious resources are so unevenly distributed. We long for a world in which parents no longer have

to watch their children dying from starvation or from polluted drinking water, or from the

absence of medical care.

We pray that you will raise up politicians whose care is the support of international

development, and who will work to cancel the national debts of the poorest countries, and

release vital financial resources for education and healthcare.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth

God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus manifesto to recover sight for the blind. We pray that you will protect our nation from extremist politics which engender hatred and

division. We thank you for the rich diversity of cultures amongst the electorate, and their

links with home countries around the globe. Open our hearts and minds to share the

hospitality of the God of love, as we work to overcome all forms of prejudice and

discrimination. We pray that you will raise up politicians whose care is to quench unjust

discrimination and to build inclusive communities.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth

God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus manifesto to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lords favour. May we be a part of the yeast which leavens the transformation of our society. We pray for a government which is committed to the welfare

and human dignity of all people who live in this country, and we offer to you our individual

voting capacity, and our lives.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth

We bring our prayers in the name of the Risen Jesus Christ.

Amen

Still on the subject of elections

The CTaX General Election Hustings Meeting will be held in the Cathedral on Monday 27th

April from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The Dean has kindly agreed to chair the proceedings. As at previous General Elections, although the Meeting is being organised on behalf of the

citys Churches and Christian Fellowships, it will be an open, public meeting. It is hoped that all Prospective Parliamentary Candidates for the Exeter Constituency will be able to

attend. To ensure a spread of topics and a balance to the evenings discussion, questions will be invited beforehand and it is hoped that, the questioner will be able to be there to present it in

person. Details of how to submit questions will be arranged nearer the time and information

will be available in the April edition of Forward .

The Iona Community

South West England

Cornwall Devon Somerset Dorset,

Wiltshire Bath Bristol Gloucestershire

Where's the Justice? A regional conference open to all

Saturday 7th March 2015 11.00am to 4.00pm

The Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT

It is clear from the Bible that people are to look and work for justice in society: the justice

that is God's concern for the disadvantaged, the powerless and the poor. What should we be

looking for and doing as we approach a General Election?

This day conference is for Members, Associates and Friends of the Iona Community, and

anyone else who is concerned to try to live out their Christian faith in their politics as well as

their prayers, their work as well as their worship.

The day will include:

an introduction and overview of the justice issues in the South West from Martyn Goss, Director of Church and Society in the Diocese of Exeter

a reflection on these from Prof Tim Gorringe, Emeritus Professor of Theological Studies at the University of Exeter

small group explorations of the different issues

news of the Iona Community in South West England and worldwide

music and worship in the Iona Community style

shared lunch and an opportunity to meet other people in the Iona movement

Contributions towards expenses are invited: suggestion 7.50.

Booking is not essential but would be helpful. Please bring something for lunch to share with

others. Coffee provided from 10.30am.

For more information and to book contact:

David Osborne at drosborne2@btinternet.com or 01963 351275

Charity of the month..

In October 1960 a young barrister got on the London Underground, opened his paper and

read a short article about a couple of students in Portugal who had been imprisoned for seven

years after raising their glasses in a toast to freedom. Sounds uneventful, but this was to

become one of the most significant moments in the global movement for human rights. That

barrister was called Peter Benenson, and his outrage at the imprisonment of the two men led

to the birth of Amnesty International. Now, over 50 years and a Nobel Peace Prize later, it

continues to campaign for justice where ever it has been denied. Amnesty International has a precise mandate, detailed in an international statute. The main

focus of its campaigning is to:

free all prisoners of conscience. These are people detained anywhere for their beliefs or because of their ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, economic

status, birth or other status -- who have not used or advocated violence;

ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners;

end extrajudicial executions and "disappearances". Amnesty International also opposes abuses by opposition groups, including hostage taking,

torture and killings of prisoners and other deliberate and arbitrary killings.

At its heart Amnesty International is about people: men, women and children, from

whatever walk of life, taking a stand in their own way - wherever there are human

rights concerns.

People like Jabbar Salavan a young activist in Azerbaijan who was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after calling for

peaceful protests against the government. People like Ben a student at De Montfort University. In 2011 Ben joined thousands of others in writing to the

Azerbaijan authorities to demand Jabbars release. It worked. Jabbar was freed by Presidential pardon that December, nearly

two years earlier than intended.

People like Jenni Williams. Ten years ago she co-founded

Women of Zimbabwe Arise, an organisation that campaigns

for social justice. Since then, Jenni and other members of

WOZA have been threatened and severely beaten by police.

They are frequently arrested and have been charged with

everything from kidnapping and theft to criminal nuisance.Despite all of this, they have never stopped fighting for what they believe in.

People like Jo, a shop assistant from Manchester and all the other thousands who have taken

the time to write messages of support to WOZA members, and appeal to the authorities on

their behalf. The power of these actions has led Jenni Williams to call Amnesty her big sister. People like Donatella, Amnestys Syria researcher who has repeatedly braved the dangers in the country to collect

evidence of war crimes driven by her commitment to gather independent information and bring those responsible to justice. And people like Gary, a business analyst from Belfast who

donated alongside hundreds of others to help Amnesty raise over

12,000 in support of its work on S. Together they

ensured that Amnesty is not only able to send Donatella and her

colleagues to research the situation on the ground, but also help build hope for a future Syria

free from human rights abuses by offering a training programme to peaceful Syrian activists. If you would like to know more about the work of Amnesty go to www.amnesty.org.uk

In the Reception area at the Mint there is a display entitled What Christians Believe'. Based on the display at the St Pancras Church it attempts to give an overview of basic

Christian beliefs. The question, of course, is whether any display can portray the huge

variety of beliefs held by the countless denominations and groups which call themselves

Christian. Over the next few issues of Forward we will be highlighting some of the

Christian denominations that are present in our own city of Exeter, hopefully enlarging our

own understanding of their Christian beliefs. We begin with the group of Christians called

The Society of Friends , more commonly known as ..

QUAKERS

Quaker unity as a worshipping and witnessing community is based on shared experience and

shared practice, and not on shared forms of words or beliefs. Quakers experience divine

presence, power and guidance in their worship and in their daily lives. Whilst they would not

all use the same words to describe this guiding presence, by following it they find unity with

each other and strength to act for justice, peace and truth. They believe that the Light of

Christ is present and active in the world and available to every person, guiding and

transforming them. Quaker faith springs from a deeply held belief in living lives according to their spiritual

experience. Some of the spiritual insights, which Quakers call their testimonies, stem from

deep experience and have been a part of Quaker faith for many years. These testimonies:

flow from an inner conviction and challenge normal ways of living

exist in spiritually led actions rather than rigid, written forms

are governed by continuing spiritual experience and are not imposed in any way

require them to search for ways in which they can live them out for themselves. Quakers try to live according to the deepest truth they know, which they believe comes from

God. This means speaking the truth to all, including people in positions of power. Integrity is

the guiding principle they set for themselves and expect in public life.

Quakers recognise the equal worth and unique nature of every person. This means working

to change the systems that cause injustice and hinder true community. It also means working

with people who are suffering from injustice, such as prisoners and asylum-seekers. Quakers are concerned about the excesses and unfairness of the consumer society and the

unsustainable use of natural resources. They try to live simply and to give space for the

things that really matter: the people around them, the natural world, their experience of God. Quakers are perhaps best known for their peace testimony. This arises from their conviction

that love is at the heart of existence and all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. Their

way of life must therefore reflect this. The peace testimony has led Quakers to refuse

military service and to become involved in a variety of peace activities. These range from

practical work in areas affected by violent conflict to the development of alternatives to

violence at all levels from the personal to the international. Quakers meet together for worship in local meetings which are inclusive and open to all.

A Quaker meeting creates a space of gathered stillness where they come together to listen to

the promptings of truth and love in their hearts, which they understand as rising from God.

Most meetings last for about an hour, and are based on silence: a silence of waiting and

listening. The silence is different from the silence of solitary meditation, as the listening and

waiting in a Quaker meeting is a shared experience in which worshippers seek to experience

God for themselves. The seating is usually arranged in a circle or a square to help people be

aware of one another and conscious of the fact that they are worshipping together as equals.

There are no priests or ministers. The silence may be broken if someone present feels called

to say something which will deepen and enrich the worship. Anyone is free to speak, pray or

read aloud if they feel strongly led to do so. This breaks the silence for the moment but does

not interrupt it. In the quietness of the meeting, they can become aware of a deep and

powerful spirit of love and truth, transcending ordinary, day-to-day experiences. This sense

of direct contact with the divine is at the heart of the Quaker way of worship and nourishes

Quakers in the rest of their daily lives. Throughout their history Quakers have maintained a testimony to a corporate life which does

not depend on outward sacraments. It is their experience that the reality of God's presence is

not restricted to any particular sacramental form, and that it may be fully known in worship

that retains none of the traditional elements that are central to the life of many churches.

They believe that their meetings for worship, when properly held, give them an experience

which matches both the exaltation and the symbolism of the eucharist. For Quakers the

whole of life is sacramental, every place, person and action potentially being an experience

to bring them into the presence of God. However valid and life-giving outward sacraments

are for others, they are not, in the Quaker experience, necessary for the operation of God's

grace.

The information in this article has been obtained from Quakers in Britain at: www.quaker.org.uk

MARCH 2015

Sun 1st 10.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship with Communion led by Rev Steve Ward

United Service for City Centre Chaplaincy at the Mint

Fri 6th 11.00pm

7.30pm

Womens World Day of Prayer Service at St Stephens Womens World Day of Prayer Service at St.Thomas Baptist Church

Sat 7th

11am 4pm

Wheres the Justice? Regional Conference of The Iona Community S.W.England at the Mint

Sun 8th 10.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship led by Dr Alan McIlveen

Evening Worship led by Rev Paul Collings

Wed 11th 7.30pm W@M Tia de Nora: Music and End of Life

Sat 14th 7.00pm

7.00pm

7.30pm

YMCA Sponsored Sleepover

St.Matthew Passion Exeter Cathedral Concert at Temple Methodist Church, Budleigh Salterton

Sun 15th

10.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship led by Rev Graham Thompson

Evening Worship/Holy Communion led by Rev Norman Wallwork

Wed 18th 7.00pm Mint Film Club - Wadjda

Sun 22nd

10.30am

6.30pm

Passion Sunday Sung Communion -Rev Steve Ward & the Mint Choir

Caf Church led by Rev Steve Ward

Sat 28th

7.30pm

7.30pm

Mint Walk

Northcott Theatre Nursing Lives St John Passion Exeter Cathedral

Sun 29th

10.30am

6.30pm

Palm Sunday Worship led by Rev David Easton

United Service at Sidwell Street Performance of Thimans Last Supper

APRIL 2015

Thur 2nd

6.00pm Agape Meal at South Street Baptist Church

Fri 3rd

10.00am

2.30pm

Cathedral Service followed by Walk of Witness

Exminster Methodist Church Good Friday Service

Sun 5th 10.30am

6.30pm

Easter Day Service led by Rev Steve Ward

United Service at Sidwell Street

Tues 7th

7.30 Northcott Theatre The Business of Murder

Sun 12th

10.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship led by Mrs Margaret Cole

Evening Worship

Sun 19th 10.30am

6.30pm

Morning Worship led by Mary Hext

Evening Worship and Communion led by Rev David Easton

Sun 26th 10.30am

6.30pm

Family Service led by Rev Steve Ward

Caf Church led by Rev Steve Ward

Mon 27th

7.30pm General Election Hustings Meeting at the Cathedral

Please send all contributions for the APRIL Forward to:

forward.mint.exeter@gmail.com by Wednesday 19th

March 2015

Dates for your Diary

Diary

Weekday Groups

Korean Fellowship Mi Kyoung Lee (421144)

MethAng Students (Mon 8pm) Vicky Brammall vb259@exeter.ac.uk

W@M (Wednesdays at the Mint) David Horn (01626 852815)

Tuesday Fellowship (Tues at 2.30) Sue Cordery (437796)

Wednesday Coffee (weekly 10.30 12 noon) Margaret Bullock (256851) & Sunday Morning Coffee

Northcott Theatre Group Janet Robb (873283)

Film Group Alan Worthington (01395 274106)

Drama Gill Horn (01626 852815)

Knitting Group Debbie Judd (422789) & Bryony Gilbert (851360)

Outreach

Mission & Service Coordinating Group Amanda Hough (438234)

& Angela White (873948)

Christians Together Across Exeter Bud Wendover (881493)

Lunch Club (Mon 12.30pm) Barbara Pillidge (202284)

Exeter Interfaith and Belief Group Viv Davies (431628)

Gabriel House Viv Davies (431628)

Christian Aid Alice Trenear-Harvey (668760)

World Church Peter Cordery (437796)

Traidcraft Annette Setterfield (759489)

Janice Bore Heath (259699)

Home Missions Pam Manley (660104)

Action for Children Jane Jarvis (876415) Margaret Andrews (433393)

Methodist Homes Dorothy Worthington (01395 274106)

Exeter Foodbank(Tues/Thurs afternoons) Joy Dunne (07818226524)

Finance and Property

Finance & Property Coordinating Group Tim Davies (433427)

Ian Black (278720), Peter Coleman (01626 853117)

Church Treasurer Martin Myhill (881452)

Gift Aid Andrew Green (01884 855340)

Envelope Scheme Ruth Jordan (256717)

Room Bookings Amanda Hough and Karen Williams (279786)

Publicity

Mint Web Site (www.themint.org.uk)

Press Officer Angela White (873948)

Sunday Notices Maureen Coleman (01626 853117) Irene Jarvis (421790)

Abigail Mureva 07590264502)

mint notices@googlemail.com

Forward Magazine Editor Maureen Coleman forward.mint.exeter@gmail.com

Minister: Rev Steve Ward, MSc (275070) steve.ward@methodist.org.uk

Korean Minister Sungil Han (0796 181 3123) korean@themint.org.uk

Church Centre Administrators Amanda Hough and Karen Williams

(279786) admin@themint.org.uk

Church Stewards (Senior Steward) Bronwen Lea (435204)

Church Council Secretary John Draisey (434217)

Pastoral Team Coordinator Sue Cordery (437796)

Church Life Coordinating Group Bud Wendover (881493)

Social Activities/Fundraising Maureen Coleman (01626 853117)

Safeguarding Coordinator Peter Coleman (01626 853117)

Safeguarding Phoneline Helen Beardsall (432081), Katherine Kirkman (460702)

Stephen Lea (435204)

Worship and Music Worship Consultation Group Peter Coleman (01626 853117)

Communion Stewards Angela White (873948)

Door Stewards Andrew & Lyn Green (01884 855340)

Audio-Visual Team David Horn (01626 852815)

Local Preachers Secretary Ken Kite (439408)

Lesson Readers Peter Coleman (01626 853117)

Flower Arrangers Margaret Farrow (879773)

Choir (Thursday and Friday) and Organ Richard Taverner (881261)

Taize Music Group Trevor Jones (210492)

RD&E Hospital Services Lizzie St George (274857)

Young People

Young Church (Sunday a.m.):

Link with Church Council Bronwen Lea (435204)

Crche (0 2 years) Sue Finch (874710) Primary (3-6 years) Abigail Hardiman (0774 599 2224)

Juniors (7-11 years) Bronwen Lea (435204)

Evolve (12+ years) Steven Hardiman (07786 563436)

Brownies (Thursday) Katherine Trengrave (436856)

Baptismal Roll Sarah Gleave (881747)

House Groups

Countess Wear Group (Thursday monthly) Viv Davies (01392 431628)

Dunsford House Group (Friday fortnightly) Ken Kite (439408)

F.I.S.H (alternate Wednesdays 7.45pm) Steven Hardiman (07786 563436)

Oriole House Group (2nd

Friday of month) Stephen Lea (435204)

Ubi House Group (fortnightly)

THE MINT

Fore Street

Exeter

EX4 3AT

www.the mint.org.uk