Introducing Ian!

Ian Makinson is our new Discipleship Ministry leader. He brings great experience from his life as a team Pastor in Fleetwood. Here is a snippet of his story: I used to be a long haired Beatle type! Looking back to my conversion, I am so grateful to God for the youth-centred Bible studies I attended, which were initially led by a dedicated C.E. Christian gentleman (Sadly, I have forgotten his name; he died shortly after our first meeting). A godly man, Richard Parnaby, who was from the Plymouth Brethren took up the torch. We had precious times as we met weekly and were treated to verse-by-verse explanations of the Bible, as well as trays of biscuits and cups of tea served by his wife! Over the many years since, small groups - 'bands of brothers' if you will - have added great blessings to my life as we grew spiritually. Lifelong friendships and a strong sense of identity and belonging were keys to this. Continental mission adventures among multi-national teams of young people on Operation Mobilisation eventually moved us into 33 years of pastoral ministry at a Pentecostal church in Fleetwood. Much of that time I had overall responsibility for home groups. Since my retirement, my wife Gill and I have found ourselves engulfed in your welcome here at Fulwood FMC. We feel very much at home, especially relishing our membership in a very special home group. The Spiritual Leadership Team recently invited me to share responsibility for overseeing Discipleship and especially home groups at FFMC. This filled me with a mixture of joy and dependency on God at the challenge. This ministry is a privilege and we ask for your prayers as we build relationships and work with the Home Group leaders. Ian Makinson

Printout
March 2014

OneLine News
Congratulations to Heather and David Hamblin on becoming grandparents for the first time with the birth of Elizabeth (Beth) Joyce Hawke on 22nd February to parents Louise and Dave. Please join us at the Society Meeting on 5th March to praise God for his goodness to us in 2013 and to hear and pray about the vision for 2014. Jonathan Veira visits Fulwood FMC on 15th March - Mens Breakfast in the morning and a concert in the evening - come and hear his story. Involved or interested in City ministry? Come along to the Serving our City lunch on 16th March. Inviting all young people to the next Big Night Out - 21st March - the speaker is James Aladiran on Jesus Prayer for Unity.

Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one is watching.

Living Values
How does anything hold together? How are muscles and tendons glued to bones to create the tension which helps us stand up? How does an aeroplane or ship hold together when it is battered by storms? The answer is integrity, or more accurately, structural integrity. Our integrity holds us together in every area of life, from our work, to our relationships, our finances and our leisure. When individuals have integrity, the whole church can hold together more effectively. Integrity is one of our values, like grace, truth and love. Integrity means to live an honest, open life that truly reflects our faith in Christ. Titus 2 v 7 - 8: In everything set an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech We will be genuine, real and truthful. We will be honest, straightforward and speak with clarity and gentleness. We will have a pure attitude towards everyone; in all things to be generous, kind and honouring. This is integrity. Pastor Andrew Gardner

Suzys Story
The first time I entered Fulwood Free Methodist Church was to go to the first ever Bump and Baby Club on a Tuesday afternoon in September 2011. My friend, Alex Milner, had told me about it before I started maternity leave and the invitation was stuck on my fridge for about a month. Everyone I met was so friendly and warm and the general consensus seemed to be that I was quite brave to go to a new place with such a tiny six-week old baby (Lishka was born at 35 weeks). It quickly became one of my favourite groups and as we made friends we watched our babies grow together. After a year we graduated from Bump and Baby to Toddlers, where I got talking to Steve Fairhurst one week about church. I had attended as a child but hadn't been for many years. Something he said resonated with me so I went to the next Sunday service with my family. Ian Higginbotham was speaking and the music band was really impressive! That was almost a year ago and since then we have had another baby. You've probably seen Emi asleep in the wrap during the Sunday family service! We still go to Toddlers on a Tuesday. My personal challenge for this year is to read the Bible (I've found an app to help me keep on top of it!) as I feel like there is a lot more to learn. I look forward to Sunday mornings, being able to sing such wonderful songs, hearing inspiring words and having a cup of tea afterwards with friends. One week we might even manage to arrive on or before 10am! The friendliness and community spirit shown by the members of FFMC is really something that once you experience you want to be a part of, and I am thankful that we are able to. Suzy Hayler

Sheila Etherington writes from Rwanda

Kibogora hospital continues to grow and its impact on the community is positive. Partnerships between the hospital and local churches are being developed and church members participate in caring for patients who are abandoned or who just need a listening ear. Our chaplains work daily to meet the spiritual needs of staff, patients and their families and it is encouraging to see the chaplaincy and social affairs departments working closely together in some areas, ensuring that the needs of patients are met. Today I was asked to see a boy of 11 whod been given a date for his surgery but his mother had brought him a week early. They live a five hour walk away so there was consternation how he could make it home and come back next week as his legs are painful because he has serious orthopaedic problems that need correcting. The mother has other children and needed to get back to them and to arrange for someone to care for the family while she looks after her son once he has had his operation. Together with one of our social affairs workers we were able to assure the mother that he could stay and be cared for in the paediatric ward. Later I saw our chaplain talking to the boy, who was obviously a little nervous about being here alone, and assuring him that he could go and chat to him if he felt worried about anything. The next day the boy was smiling and colouring, keeping close to the occupational therapy worker. These sorts of situations are the norm in Rwandan health care and it is encouraging to see our hospital staff making a difference. Major construction plans occupy part of my time; we hope that a new paediatric ward will be built in 2014 and a new maternity ward in 2015. Please pray that funding for both of these will be released on time. Sheila would like to thank you all for your continuing support and care.

Family Ministries say: We love to welcome new people like Suzy to our events, so keep inviting your friends and neighbours to Bump and Baby, Toddlers, Dads n Toddlers, Parenting groups and our special events.