Reflections on Connexion

As September arrives, I think of it as the beginning of the Connexional year for Methodists, remembering Ministers and Deacons moving to new Appointments (Stations), making new relationships and working in collaboration with community to share the love of God wherever they are.

I always work though the Covenant Prayer, reminding myself that there are no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ but our commitment is entire and our faith pervades our whole life.

This September will be no different and I will also be sure in the knowledge that ‘The best of all is that God is with us!’

In 1989, I was nominated and designated to be vice President of the Conference in 1990: a whole set of preparations swung into operation with the President designate, Rev’d Dr Donald English. It was very daunting for me but he was doing it all for the second time around and was generous with help and advice.

There were all kinds of decisions to be made – themes, content, diary times and itineraries and we agreed that we would travel together to try and emphasise the duality of the roles. It was a steep learning curve for me and I needed to acquaint myself with the work of all the ‘Divisions’ of our beloved Methodist Church. The initial busy year was a foretaste of two more packed years!

As Donald and I travelled round the Connexion, my eyes were opened to the huge diversity of a Broad Church and the way in which respect, love and dignity are so important for all the human race. On Sundays, I chose to accompany children in Sunday Schools and affirm their dedicated teachers while the remaining congregation had a sermon from Donald!

In between the visits, there were the Board meetings and Methodist Council and all that those things entail as well, as the difficult tasks of ensuring that the Practice and Discipline was dealt with properly through things that arose and had to be administered.
In the third year, the work continued with Divisional Boards and Methodist Council and following up invitations that arose from visits the previous year and, as things progressed, I found myself involved in so many aspects of our Methodist way of life. Misson Alongside the Poor, NCH, World Methodist Council, Churches together in Britain and Ireland, the Arthur Rank Centre, and Restructuring… several of those commitments continuing over many years.

The photograph I’ve chosen to share with you also contains those words, ‘The best of all is that God is with us’ – the quote of John Wesley on his deathbed. The photograph is of my VP badge – a replica, which was presented as I completed that year of office and handed the original, much bigger, ‘gong’ to the next VP. The badge had been worn by VP’s from 1943 and this continued until 1994 when, sadly, it was stolen and so a different symbol was sought. The badge contains the Wesley family herald as well as those words.

The Church has moved on since 1990, and the expectations of the Office Holders now is very different with huge changes and developments in technology. Now all staffed in one building in London and most information on the Methodist Website, we are reminded of our covenant and commitment as a connexion as we hear of the work being done in our name in this country and way beyond!

There is a weekly invaluable newsletter on the Methodist Church website – all you need to do is join the subscribers and very quickly the message is there that your involvement matters! We are all members of the Connexion and every sign of help and encouragement counts!

Finally… perhaps I can just add that being a VP is not just for a year… the work / calling goes on in many forms forever! Please remember the Conference Office Staff who work unstintingly to hold us all together in the Connexion.

Happy New Year!

Rosemary Wass
Local Preacher