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LPMA transforming to LWPT Celebration 9.10.2005
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Geoff and Ros Peedle, sitting with Margaret and Frank Pickles (click to enlarge) |
On October 8th, we had a wonderful time of fellowship as people from all round our Leeds District came to Ossett Kings Way Methodist / URC church for an afternoon of activities. We were very pleased to welcome LWPT friends also from the old West Yorkshire and York & Hull Districts. The whole occasion raised nearly £200 for the LWPT, as many people Gift Aided their donations.
At 4 pm we had our final LPMA business transacted in a brief, but very effective meeting. We read and approved the minutes of the final Leeds District Meeting held in March 2005 at Lidgett Park, when Revd. Dr. Neil Richardson spoke to us about the challenges he faced as President of the Methodist Conference, who in turn presented a challenge to the preachers to be relevant and effective. The meeting then discussed the way forward as a District. We are no longer bound to strict agendas, and so the idea that many different activities were now possible met with interest and enthusiasm. It was agreed that a steering group should plan activities in the future for the District to participate in, with John Witt as the Co-ordinator.
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Revd. Mike John and Rev. Kay Alberg (first 2 on left) meet with LWPT friends over the meal (click to enlarge) |
At 5 pm, 44 people had a very enjoyable hot meal, superbly prepared and set out by the catering people at the Kings Way Church. The food was excellent and very tasty, and as in the feeding of the 5,000, there was more than enough to go round! Revd. Kay Alberg, the URC minister, welcomed us most graciously and enthusiastically: she was pleased to be able to be a Friend of the LWPT! We were also given a very warm welcome by Revd. Mike John, the Superintendent Minister of the Ossett and Horbury Circuit.
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Revd. Mike John (Methodist Superintendent) and Rev. Kay Alberg (URC minister at Kings Way) (click to enlarge) |
Our evening was concluded by a fantastic service of joyful thanksgiving for all the LPMA had been able to achieve in its 156 years of service. As we celebrated our current position of being able to help all Local Preachers who needed help at home or with respite care and residential accommodation, we looked forward now to being able to widen our horizons to help more people in more ways – our new constitution is ecumenical - all Christian leaders of worship associated with our Methodist Church are able to receive advice and practical support for purposes of education as well as the day to day issues of living with reduced means. Ros Peedle, Trustee of LWPT, Senior Honorary Secretary and editor of Ichthus, gave us a most inspirational address as she asked us to put our trust in the new Trust. Her message was re-inforced by the Chairman of LPWT, Frank Pickles, who led our prayers of Intercession. Our service was given added significance as Beneficiaries, Local Preachers and Worship Leaders led different parts – especially when we shared the Sacrament of Holy Communion together, with our URC and Methodist Ministers officiating.
The LWPT continues to be able to help!
LWPT is continuing all the good work begun by LPMA. It is also able to be more flexible in the help offered to new requests for assistance from our Leaders of Worship and Local Preachers. We have already had enquiries from Ministers and Minister’s Widows – in Leeds the LWPT has made a huge difference to three families. One family needed Respite care for a Local Preacher recovering from a fall. He was so pleased with life at Westerley in Woodhall Spa that he is now living there permanently, bringing our Leeds Local Preachers now there to five. Another person desperately needed a new car, but could only raise about half of the amount needed. The LP necessitous fund and LWPT have made it possible for an inexpensive, but good quality car to be purchased from a Local Preacher who has garage. This vehicle has transformed the life of its new owner because it is comfortable, economical and reliable. Living in a country village, at last he is able to take appointments, and to attend his church services and weekly meetings under his own steam – even able now to offer lifts to others! The third family has been lifted from the uncertainty of illness and loss of income with a lump sum grant to the main bread winner. With the stress removed, she has recovered, and is now back at work full time, resuming her independence. LWPT is also continuing to help the previous beneficiaries and LP widows and widowers. Each beneficiary received a Christmas bonus of £100 out of a special fund set up at the request, and in memory of James Wilde, a former Local Preacher. Also every LP and Minister’s Widow / Widower received a card from our LWPT chairman, Frank Pickles.
The next LWPT event – the lunch on 4.3.2006
Our Local Preachers’ lunch, to which we traditionally invite our Local Preacher and Ministers Widows at no cost, will take place on Saturday 4th March, 12 noon for 12.30.
They have already all received a personal invitation from me at Christmas when I sent them a card. Our after-lunch speaker is Mrs. Lois Morton, the final LPMA President and new LWPT Advocate. This occasion promises to be one of great enjoyment, as well as a fascinating opportunity to hear of the experiences of a current President of an organisation which no longer exists! There will be an opportunity also of asking questions about how the LWPT is meeting the needs of all Leaders of Worship. Donations are requested to meet the £5.50 cost of the meal. Everyone who reads this is very welcome to attend. Please do come to share in our lunch if you can. Either write, email or phone me, or phone Janet Marchbank directly on 0113 277 1929 to book the number meals required, and state dietry requirements, giving your name, address and telephone if possible.
Mrs. Lois Morton visits Leeds a Second time!
Our LWPT Advocate, Mrs. Lois Morton from Penrith, is coming to Leeds on Sunday April 2nd. She is planned at Oxford Place in the morning, and it is coming to the Leeds NE circuit in the evening, which we hope will be United Circuit Service.
Local Preachers’ Sunday in 2006
The Leeds Mission will celebrate Local Preachers Sunday on 2nd April 2006. On Low Sunday, 23rd April, the Leeds North East Circuit is taking part in an exchange for Local Preachers’ Sunday with Headingley, Horsforth & Bramley, Pudsey & Farsley and Wakefield. The other circuits in our enlarged Leeds Group of Friends of the LWPT are the Leeds West, Leeds South, Morley, Dewsbury and Richmond Hill, who are using 21st May 2006. There are also visiting preachers from neighboring Circuits and Districts. Preachers on Local Preachers’ Sunday will be encouraged to urge our members in the congregation to pray for all our leaders of worship (Local Preachers, Deacons, Ministers and Worship Leaders and Ecumenical colleagues in L.E.P.’s) to consider if they themselves have a special call by God to participate in services, and to support the LWPT as it seeks to care for and support all involved from the moment they are called and begin to train through their whole vocation.
Useful literature still available
I have copies of 3 LPMA publications available for anyone who can use them – no charge but donations welcome!
John Witt, LWPT Trustee and Leeds Co-ordinator, 9.1.2006
Telephone 0113 269 3489 email john.witt@ntlworld.com
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