News/Reports
The Alderney and Sark Committee of the
Channel Islands District, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey Methodist
Circuit, are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Karen Le
Mouton B.Ed., M.Ed., as the Methodist Church’s new lay pastor in Sark.
Mrs
Le Mouton comes from Jersey and presently serves as Head of Pupil
Support for the States of Jersey Education Service, which oversees the
States’ care for children with special needs. As well as being a very
experienced teacher, Mrs Le Mouton is also a Local Preacher in the
Methodist Church.
Chair of the District and Superintendent of
the Bailiwick of Guernsey Methodist Circuit, the Rev David Hinchliffe,
which includes the chapel in Sark, said that he was delighted that Mrs
Le Mouton had accepted the appointment. “She will bring lots of
experience and many gifts of caring not only to the Methodist
congregation, but to the whole community in Sark. She also brings lots
of energy and enthusiasm to her work. We look forward to all that is
ahead!”
Mrs Le Mouton commenced her duties in early February 2011.
Copy of Report to District Synod April 2011
David Hollingsworth left in August 2010 and until mid January there was no resident pastor until Karen Le Mouton was appointed. Members of the congregation have led 'Fellowship' Services since October when it was not possible for a visiting preacher to travel to Sark and return in a day. These Services have been varied in nature and have continued to build on David's legacy and interest in the creative aspects of worship. It is much to the congregation's credit that they have maintained their membership through this interim period.
Worshipping Life
The church has jointly worshipped with St Peter's Church on several occasions (Remembrance Sunday; Christmas Carol Services; Pet Service; Womens' World Day of Prayer) and these have been well attended.
Since Karen has arrived the weekly Sunday Service has become an All Age Service where the children are present for the whole Service but have their own focussed activities to do for part of the Service. The results of these activities are then shared with the congregation towards the end of the Service. It is good to see various members of the congregation participating with the children in various Services.
There is still full participation from the congregation in terms of sharing the Bible readings, participating in dramatised events, playing music and joining in action songs with the children. Printed Orders of Service have allowed for responsive participation throughout the Service as well as providing a thought or prayer for the week ahead.
There has been much discussion about the use of technology in worship and the possible use of it for other activities within the children's ministry. This area of development is currently being explored by two of the congregation.
Church Groups
Weekly prayer meetings continue to be held on Tuesdays at the home of the Senior Steward and this continues to be a strong ecumenical group.
The weekly Praise Group is again ecumenical, and has continued to meet on Tuesday evenings; occasionally it has been on a Friday to allow Karen to attend. This is an ideal time to introduce new worship songs and sing traditional 'favourites', as well as sharing how godis working in each others' lives.
Monthly Fellowship Lunches have continued and been very well attended with plenty of willing helpers to prepare, cook, serve and clear up! This is an ideal opportunity to bring along people on the fringe of church life.
Youth & Family Ministry
The youth and children's activites run by David ceased when he left so there are currently no activites. However, the links that had been made with the school enabled Karen to take whole school assemblies on a fortnightly basis.
The school are keen to develop spiritual and curriculum links with the Chapel. This has been demonstrated by the classes visiting the Passion Stations displayed in the Chapel during Lent. Written guides were produced for differing age groups with reflective activities suggested. A range of translations were also available for members of the community to access.
Karen has shared ideas for children's and youth ministry including a Lunchtime Story Club, Godly Play and Open Book. These are currently being considered by the church and once CRB checks have taken place will be able to be started.
A meeting with the school is also being arranged to discuss parenting courses.
Community
Pastoral care and visiting is offered to the community as a whole and relationships are slowly being forged after being in the post for 8 weeks. Links with the Medical Centre have resulted in pastoral care and visiting for three families.
Karen has also been working with the nursery in order to support and train the staff in Special Needs. The Education Committee has also established a link with Karen and she has supported them with other issues.
The Chapel has enabled and supported two young men to be able to carry out their Community Service in Sark. Links have been made with the local Police Constable and the Probation Service in Guernsey. This will be an on-going opportunity available to the Probation Service, should it be needed in the future.
The church premises are being booked to be used by visiting groups to Sark, an area of ministry in itself.
Sark Methodist Virtual Church continues to maintain a presence in the world of cyberspace with David having handed over the virtual reins to Karen! It is anticipated that this will be updated weekly with a thought, reflection or discussion point (once Karen has mastered the art of being an 'administrator'!)
Fresh Expressions
The church council will shortly be discussing whether it is possible and appropriate to continue the well received Jeremiah Project which ran last year, along with the weekly Carriage Services in the summer. Both these projects were funded by the Circuit. Discussions have taken place with the congregation and with the Anglican Church about the possibility of starting up Messy Church. This is still in the early stages of consideration and planning. Following the refurbishment of the Manse, the first booking for a retreat has been made for May. David's parting vision for Sark Methodist Church will be prayerfully explored and considered in the coming months with the congregation.
On a final note, William the Church cat, in the absence of someone living in the Manse has moved in with two of the congregation who live nearby! Karen has yet to meet him . . . . . .
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© 2008 The Bailiwick of Guernsey Custodian Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes