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
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays

9.30 am 12.45 pm,

1.15 pm - 9.30 pm
9.30 am - 4.30 pm,
5.00 pm - 9.30 pm
9.30 am 12.45 pm,
1.15 pm - 9.30 pm
9.30 am - 4.30 pm,
5.00 pm - 9.30 pm
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.

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Psalm 22: 23-31
Romans 4: 13-25
Mark 8: 31-38

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

Exodus 20: 1-17

Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2: 13-22

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

Numbers 21: 4-9

Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2: 1-10
John 3: 14-21

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

Jeremiah 31: 31-34

Psalm 51:1-12
Hebrews 5: 5-10
John 12: 20-33

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

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 1st. 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 80th 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

CAKE STALL 22nd MARCH

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

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
10th March
17th March
24th March

David Easton
Alan Rothwell
Exeter Lions Group
Devon Freewheelers

31st March
7th April

Steve Ward
No meeting (Easter week)

The Role of Churches Together

Joint meeting at the Mint with Sidwell Street &
St Thomas joining us
Holy Week Communion in the Church

MINT WALKING GROUP

The next two walks will take place on:
March 28th 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 18thMarch 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 16th 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

Prayer Stars..

..from the
All Age
Christmas Worship
New Years Party

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 what a wicked Queen!

Can we help you?

Such little sweeties!

Oh no! A talking mirror!

They cant but you can count on us!

What we need is core strength!

This wont harm me will it?

Oh yes it will!

What have they got us doing this year?

Synchronised at last!

And they all lived happily ever after!

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 (countertenor). 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 27th 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 clearthinking 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

Dates for your Diary

MARCH 2015
Sun 1st
10.30am
6.30pm
Fri 6th
Sat 7th
Sun 8th
Wed 11th
Sat 14th
Sun 15th
Wed 18th
Sun 22nd

11.00pm
7.30pm
11am
4pm
10.30am
6.30pm
7.30pm
7.00pm
7.00pm
7.30pm
10.30am
6.30pm
7.00pm
10.30am
6.30pm

Sat 28th
Sun 29th

7.30pm
7.30pm
10.30am
6.30pm

APRIL 2015
Thur 2nd
6.00pm
rd
Fri 3
10.00am
2.30pm
th
Sun 5
10.30am
6.30pm
th
Tues 7
7.30
th
Sun 12
10.30am
6.30pm
th
Sun 19
10.30am
6.30pm
th
Sun 26
10.30am
6.30pm
th
Mon 27
7.30pm

Morning Worship with Communion led by Rev Steve Ward

United Service for City Centre Chaplaincy at the Mint
Womens World Day of Prayer Service at St Stephens
Womens World Day of Prayer Service at St.Thomas Baptist Church
Wheres the Justice? Regional Conference of The Iona Community
S.W.England at the Mint
Morning Worship led by Dr Alan McIlveen
Evening Worship led by Rev Paul Collings
W@M Tia de Nora: Music and End of Life
YMCA Sponsored Sleepover
St.Matthew Passion Exeter Cathedral
Concert at Temple Methodist Church, Budleigh Salterton
Morning Worship led by Rev Graham Thompson
Evening Worship/Holy Communion led by Rev Norman Wallwork
Mint Film Club - Wadjda
Passion Sunday Sung Communion -Rev Steve Ward & the Mint Choir
Caf Church led by Rev Steve Ward
Mint Walk
Northcott Theatre Nursing Lives
St John Passion Exeter Cathedral
Palm Sunday Worship led by Rev David Easton
United Service at Sidwell Street Performance of Thimans
Last Supper

Diary

Agape Meal at South Street Baptist Church

Cathedral Service followed by Walk of Witness
Exminster Methodist Church Good Friday Service
Easter Day Service led by Rev Steve Ward
United Service at Sidwell Street
Northcott Theatre The Business of Murder
Morning Worship led by Mrs Margaret Cole
Evening Worship
Morning Worship led by Mary Hext
Evening Worship and Communion led by Rev David Easton
Family Service led by Rev Steve Ward
Caf Church led by Rev Steve Ward
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

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
Press Officer
Sunday Notices

(www.themint.org.uk)
Angela White (873948)
Maureen Coleman (01626 853117) Irene Jarvis (421790)
Abigail Mureva 07590264502)
mint notices@googlemail.com
Forward Magazine Editor
Maureen Coleman forward.mint.exeter@gmail.com

THE MINT
Fore Street
Exeter
EX4 3AT
www.the mint.org.uk
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
Crche (0 2 years)
Primary (3-6 years)
Juniors (7-11 years)
Evolve (12+ years)
Brownies (Thursday)
Baptismal Roll
House Groups
Countess Wear Group (Thursday monthly)
Dunsford House Group (Friday fortnightly)
F.I.S.H (alternate Wednesdays 7.45pm)
Oriole House Group (2nd Friday of month)
Ubi House Group (fortnightly)

Bronwen Lea (435204)

Sue Finch (874710)
Abigail Hardiman (0774 599 2224)
Bronwen Lea (435204)
Steven Hardiman (07786 563436)
Katherine Trengrave (436856)
Sarah Gleave (881747)

Viv Davies (01392 431628)

Ken Kite (439408)
Steven Hardiman (07786 563436)
Stephen Lea (435204)