Welcome
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Welcome to the Community page of our website.
Here we have information regarding our activities across the circuit and the local community.
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From Raithby to South Africa – and back again.
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Ten members, including Superintendent Minister the Rev. Michél Hansrod, of Church Street Methodist Church, Somerset West, South Africa, have recently made a pilgrimage, tracing their heritage, visiting sites connected with John Wesley in London, Bristol and Lincolnshire and then on to Germany before returning home.
For them the focal point of their journey, as they celebrate their 175th Church anniversary, was a special service of thanksgiving held in Wesley’s Chapel, Raithby-by-Spilsby, Lincolnshire on Sunday, 6th September, led by the Revd. Dr. Jonathan Hustler, Superintendent Minster of the Mid-Lincolnshire Circuit.
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| This historic Chapel (unusual in the fact that it belongs not to Methodism but to the owner of Raithby Hall) was built in 1779, by the then squire of Raithby, Robert Carr Brackenbury, over the stables in the grounds of his new home, for the use of his friend, John Wesley, who dedicated the Chapel on 5th July of that year. Brackenbury was a great supporter and fellow worker of Wesley, notably in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Portland. After his death his philanthropic work was continued by his widow Sarah. In particular she supported the work of the Rev.. Barnabas Shaw, the first Methodist Missionary in South Africa where she helped fund the foundation of two Methodist Mission Stations – at Raithby and Somerset West – formerly Brackenbury Valley.
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| During the service Rev. Hansrod spoke most movingly of his congregation’s gratitude for the generosity of Mrs Brackenbury and the pioneering work of Barnabas Shaw, a vociferous opponent of slavery who, in spite of opposition, not only provided the opportunity for worship and education but also let out small allotments of land to be cultivated by the newly emancipated slaves. It was sobering to be informed that some of our congregation were descendents of those early slave.
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| In an exchange of gifts between the two churches Rev. Hansrod presented Wesley’s Chapel with a large candle bearing the inscription: ‘This candle symbolizing the Light of Christ is similar to the one lit each Sunday during the past year at Church Street Methodist Church, Somerset West, South Africa, to mark the 175th anniversary of Methodist Work and Witness. It is presented to Raithby Hall Methodist Church as a symbol of our relationship through the benevolence of Mrs. Brackenbury who kindly donated money to Rev. Barnabas Shaw for the purchase of the land on which the Somerset West Mission stands.’
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| It was a great privilege to share in thanksgiving and celebration as we pledged that this will mark the beginning of a special relationship between churches so many miles apart yet having a common foundation and a firm resolve to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Cross Circuit Challenge
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The Cross Circuit Challenge began when there was a need to raise money to help fund a Lay Worker in the Horncastle and Bardney Circuit. The first event was a sponsored cycle ride or walk across the circuit from the churches to Bardney. The "Cross Circuit Challenge" was the name given to this event and the title became the name for all the events, which followed. Activities the committee have organised range from Safari Suppers, Treasure Hunts, Barbecues and Quiz Nights to Songs of Praise. A Youth and Children's worker, Mrs Donna Needham, has been appointed and the Cross Circuit Challenge will help support her.
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Photographs of recent circuit events
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Extra Circuit Project
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Each year we aim to raise money and awareness for a project from outside the circuit
This year we are supporting the Methodist Church in Somerset West South Africa and their work with Zimbabwean refugees.
Please click below for more details
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