At the end of January Rachel and I went to Launde Abbey for the annual Northampton District Retreat. I took advantage of the fact that we didn't need to be there until tea time on the Monday to fit in a longer bike ride, so my very circuitous route to Launde was just over 100 miles.

This year the retreat was led by Stella Bristow, a former Vice
President of the Methodist Church. She helped us look at our journeys of discipleship & spirituality through using the cycle of the seasons as inspiration. Stella is always very creative in her use of focal
point displays, music, poetry and scripture and is very gentle.

The prayer focus Stella created

However, she is also very challenging as she encouraged us to consider our own lives and experiences in the light of the cycle of the seasons.

Every Thursday afternoon we have Explorers at St Peter's School in Belgrave.  During the Autumn term about a dozen children were coming along each week for an hour of crafts, drama and Bible stories.  We decided that on the final Thursday before Christmas we would invite parents to come for a short Christingle worship time.  So on December 15th, along with about 12 children, we had several of their parents join us.

The churches of Leicester North Circuit took part in a combined service for Palm Sunday at Harrison Road Methodist Church. The service was conducted by Rev Rachel Parkinson with support from Rev David Warnock. The music group Laudate from Birstall led some of the hymns and the gospel reading was read by Brian Cottam. Prayers of intercession were led by members of Rothley Methodist Church. Beverley Sweetman sang a solo accompanied by Jean Porter both from Harrison Road. A sketch 'Dangerous Donkey' was presented by Christine Daye and Sue Greasley from Claremont Street.

Christine and Sue in the Donkey Sketch Rev Rachel Parkinson & friend

As part of the service a carved wooden plaque depicting The Triumphal Entry was presented to the circuit by David and Joy Bark which had been given to them on their visit to Cameroon in November last year. The plaque was sent as a token of thanks to the Leicester North Circuit for their kind assistance in providing a new roof for The Manse in Buea following the visit of Edward Sakwe and 12 members to Cameroon in November 2007.

Plaque Presentation Cameroon Plaque Manse roof

Whilst some may have looked wistfully back to the three course candlelit Circuit suppers of previous years (and very good they were too!) this year's pancake supper was lighter on its feet and was very ably supported by some of our young people from across the Circuit.  Dave's fiendishly difficult Lenten Quiz left many of us stumped but contributed to some lively conversation across a packed room.  £160 was raised so support the MRDF project in Mali that we are partnering.  Many thanks to all who helped to organised it, especially to Mary and the team at Birstall, and to Jan for the photos.