We are pleased to announce that Rev Derek Grimshaw (currently Superintendent of the Ipswich Circuit) has accepted an invitation from our Circuit to become the Superintendent of Central Norfolk from 1st September next year. Derek will be having pastoral charge of the churches in the Dereham section whilst Rev Anne will be moving sideways to look after the Swaffham and Watton section.
21.11.23.
Our Circuit has a visit this weekend with a prospective Superintendent for our Circuit. Please pray for this, and for all involved in the continuing process as important decisions are made.
15.11.23.
We are asking our Circuit to pray for the stationing matching meeting that meets connexionally from 6th - 9th November. We have a special prayer on this website (under Resources/Prayer) which has been written by Aileen Fox and which we are asking people to pray, particularly on Monday.
The recording of the Big Sunday zoom service (livestreamed from Watton Methodist Church) can be found under Resources/Worship on this website. It includes a talk by our Chair of District on his own personal prayer journey.
5.11.23.
Our next 'Big Sunday' is on 29th October when the whole Circuit will be following the same material in our services. Contact us for the zoom link. Rev Julian Pursehouse, our Chair of District, will be joining us and the theme is 'Reflection, Meditation and Contemplation'. We have been taking a different prayer initiative each month during 2023 in line with the District's 'Pray 2-3' year of prayer.
16.10.23.
Our Circuit Meeting on 19th September rejoiced in many items of good news: over 250 visitors to the Wighton Heritage Centre since it opened; the 'Re-purposing Group' has begun thinking about Thursford and closing chapels in general; we are well ahead with EDI training; around 20 people so far have done the Fellowship Service Training; we are up to date on DBS checks for Local Preachers and Worship Leaders (after a big effort by staff and others); the Fakenham Manse has a buyer; Rocklands Cemetery has a grass cutter; Holt MC has permission to go ahead with its £1 million project; Sculthorpe windows are at last going to be done; we congratulated Sarah Rodgers on her commission for the local BBC prom in Gt Yarmouth (and broadcast on radio 3), Jonny Bell on having an article published in the Journal for Practical Theology and Aileen Fox on welcoming the Fakenham MP to Walsingham (during her participation in the sponsored Historic Churches Bike Ride). At the beginning of the meeting, Lew Pearson was able to join us on zoom from the Care Home where he is temporarily resident and we thanked him (lots of waving and applause!) for his hard work and commitment as Treasurer of the Circuit from 2019 until when he became ill last December. His daughter gave him our present - a compendium of games - on our behalf and Lew thanked us and told us that he is now able to get to church sometimes.
20.9.23.
September 9th/10th is the weekend of the Historic Churches Bike Ride - many of our circuit churches will be open and some of our folk will be cycling, walking or mobility scootering around churches in their area.
It is also the weekend of the national Heritage Open Days. Trinity MC in Dereham is open on Saturday with both Swaffham and Walsingham Methodist Churches opening on both Saturday and Sunday.
9.9.23.
Today sees the beginning of our prayer initiative for August - the posting of a flower a day (on Facebook) and 2 or 3 flowers on this website (see the latest Photo Album) as an aid to meditation and reflection.
1.8.23.
Access to the recording of our latest 'Big Sunday' zoom service can be found under the 'Worship' tab.
31.7.23.
Our next 'Big Sunday' is on 30th July when our theme will be the 'Lord's Prayer'.
28.6.23.
See our Facebook page for news of the new East Anglia Methodist Heritage Centre opening at Wighton on 17th June at 11 am.
16.6.23.
We are holding a 24/7 Prayer Day between 5 pm on Sunday 28th May and 5 pm on Monday 29th May in Walsingham Methodist Church. Please contact us if you would be willing to come and pray (with prayer stations) for an hour slot during this time.
16.5.23.
Our Circuit Churches will be following the Big Sunday material this coming Sunday. Contact us if you would like the link for the zoom service at 10.30 am. There will be a YouTube version as usual posted on the Watton Methodist Church website from Friday.
26.4.23.
Our next Big Sunday will be on 30th April and the theme will be based around Shepherds and Sheep - leading to Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
12.4.23.
Our Circuit has completed 160 editions of our Worship at Home sheet this coming Sunday, Easter Day. We began on the first Sunday of the first lockdown and we have completed the 3 year cycle that follows the Methodist Lectionary. We are going to continue the Worship Sheet in a shorter form from 16th April. Ministers and preachers will still write a weekly Circuit Message but the hymns will not be printed out, only the numbers given. The opening prayers will also follow a standardised form. People in all three of our sections are still using the Worship Sheet for their worship at home - if you, or anyone you know, is doing this and needs to be provided with a hymnbook, please let us know.
3.4.23.
We will be having mid-week Circuit zooms in April as follows:
Tuesday 4th April 7 pm - Rev Jacqui leads a 'Tuesday at 7' on Prayer.
Thursday 6th April 7 pm - Rev Jacqui leads a Maundy Thursday Communion online.
Tuesday 25th April 7 pm - Rev Jonny leads an online session on Ways of Praying.
and, an online opportunity to join in with an Easter service on Easter Day:
Sunday 9th April 6.30 pm - Revs Jacqui & Anne lead a Communion Service at Watton
22.3.23.
'The Link' Circuit magazine is now out and in the churches for distribution.
26.2.23.
For Lent this year, we are recommending one of two books on Prayer as well as posting a Classic Prayer each day on this website. See the information under the dedicated tab on the Homepage.
21.2.23.
The Big Sunday yesterday was particularly successful as each of the five members of Staff shared very personally about different elements of the Covenant liturgy. The recording of the live zoom service is available on this website under the Worship tab.
Our prayer activity for February will be to repeat something we did in January 2021 and that is to post a 60 second candle-lighting video on Facebook each evening at 6 pm. The idea is to pray for peace in our world and for any other personal or wider issues.
30.1.23.
Our next 'Big Sunday' is on 29th January. We will be following up January's Covenant Services by taking a closer look at the words of the covenant prayer and preamble.
5.1.23.
We are joining in with the District Year of Prayer initiative by doing something prayerfully creative each month of 2023. In January, we are praying through the prayers in the Methodist Prayer Handbook on a daily basis. If anyone would like to join in with the short zoom prayer times at 8.45 am each morning (except Sundays) please contact us for the zoom link.
2.1.23.
We have zoom services planned on Christmas Eve (so long as those leading them are well!) on the usual Circuit Worship link. A service from Trinity Dereham is being live-streamed in the morning at 10.45 and there is a zoom Christmas Eve communion hosted from home at 7 o'clock in the evening.
19.12.22.
The recording of the Big Sunday mentioned below can be accessed under the 'Worship' tab - scroll down past the Worship Sheet links. You may also like to know that Rev Jacqui is giving a talk on Howard Carter, Tutankhamun, and the Swaffham Mosaic Pyramid on Friday 25th November at 7 pm in Swaffham Methodist Church. There is no charge but donations are invited and there will be refreshments.
14.11.22.
Today is our fifth 'Big Sunday' when all our Circuit churches cover the same material which, this time, is based around the theme of Egypt. We are thinking about the role Egypt plays in the Bible, the centenary of the finding of Tutankhamu's tomb in Egypt by Howard Carter (Carter's family came from Swaffham), and COP27 which begins in Egypt next Sunday. Churches are meeting at their usual times and there is also a circuit zoom service at 10.30 am - text us on 07912379101 if you need the link.
30.10.22.
The prayer opportunities for our Prayer Day on the 22nd can be accessed under the 'Prayer' tab on this website.
20.10.22.
We are holding a Circuit Prayer Day on 22nd October. Further details coming very soon but, basically, we want as many people as possible to pray for our country and our world but, most particularly, for the way forward for our Circuit and its 24 churches.
6.10.22.
Churches across our Circuit remembered the Queen at their services today and gave thanks for her life and Christian faith and witness.
11.9.22.
The Methodist Church has published a statement and a prayer on the news of the death of the Queen. To access both go to the link here.
8.9.22.
Today is the first Sunday in the new Methodist year. Please pray for all new ministers meeting churches for the first time - and vice versa.
4.9.22.
Facebook post just published:
The Welcome Service for Rev Jonathan Bell (Jonny) was well attended yesterday evening with 40 - 50 people in Holt Methodist Church and 30 - 40 people online via zoom. Rev Julian Pursehouse (who gave a passionate sermon on hospitality) and Rev Andrew Maguire (Probationer's Secretary) represented the District and there were welcomes from ecumenical partners as well as a civic welcome from the Mayor of Holt. We look forward to the new Methodist year - which begins today - and to the ministry of our new staff team of 3 presbyters, 1 deacon and 1 lay pioneer.
1.9.22.
The Welcome Service for Rev Jonathan Bell is on Wednesday 31st August at 7 pm at Holt Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome. Jonny will have pastoral oversight of Holt, Wells-next-the-sea, Stibbard, Sculthorpe & Fakenham, Fulmodeston and Thursford Methodist Churches.
22.8.22.
Jen's Blog from Iona is now up and running - see dedicated tab on this website.
18.8.22.
Deacon Jen is travelling on her first leg of the journey to Iona today. She will be staying in Oban for the next two nights and arriving on the small island at the end of Mull on Wednesday afternoon - ready to begin eight weeks as the assistant Musician for the Iona Community. To find out more about the latter, go here.
15.8.22.
Rev Cliff and Christine were given a good send-off today at a special afternoon service in Holt. Rev Rosemary preached, church, circuit and ecumenical representatives paid tribute to Cliff's ministry over the last 5 years. We are very grateful to Rev Anne who organised the livestream via zoom which meant that around 20 people joined us online as well as over 60 in the church.
31.7.22.
The service mentioned in the previous post is now going to be live-streamed via zoom. Our usual link will be used - please contact us through this website if you need the link OR message on 07912379101.
28.7.22.
The farewell service for Rev Cliff Shanganya is on Sunday 31st July at 3 pm at Holt Methodist Church. All welcome to say goodbye to our friends Cliff and Christine as they move to a new ministerial appointment in Slough.
13.7.22.
Sam Parfitt's Blog as a Representative from Conference can still be read under the dedicated link on this website. Proceedings from Conference can still be watched again on the main Methodist website: www.methodist.org.uk.
6.7.22.
The President and Vice-President's addresses to Conference - given today - can be read at this link.
The opening session of the Methodist Conference is today with the Conference Service and ordination services tomorrow. Please pray for Rev Graham Thompson (our previous District Chair) who becomes President of Conference today, and for Anthony Boateng who becomes Vice-President. Please see the separate tab on this website for Sam Parfitt's Daily Blog - written just for us!
25.6.22.
At the Circuit Meeting on June 15th, it was announced that our Administrator, Mandy, is leaving the job at the end of August. We thanked her and presented her with a large arrangement of flowers. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in this interesting 12 hour a week job, please get in touch with us.
20.6.22.
The Summer Circuit Meeting is on Wednesday (15th) at Swaffham Methodist Church. Please pray for all involved.
13.6.22.
The Big Sunday was very successful with churches up and down the Circuit participating in various ways, as well as individuals joining in with zoom, watching the youtube recording and using the Worship at Home sheet at home. The zoom recording will be available shortly. There were also successful Jubilee events throughout the Circuit - please send us photos so that we can share them with everybody in an album on this website.
6.6.22.
Our next 'Big Sunday' is on 5th June - when all our Circuit churches will be using the same material which, this time, is based on the twin themes of Jubilee and the Holy Spirit.
22.5.22.
The day on Friday 6th with Rev Sonia - see below - was excellent. There are photos in the latest album on this website.
8.5.22.
We are looking forward to the visit of the President of the Methodist Conference (Rev Sonia Hicks) to pioneering projects in our Circuit on Friday. Please pray for the people involved at the Hive, Blakeney and at the heritage project at Walsingham.
2.5.22.
We pray many blessings on Rev Anne and her time of Sabbatical that begins this week. If anyone needs to consult a minister in her absence, please contact Rev Jacqui or send a message through this website.
19.4.22.
We have Circuit Worship at Home sheets available for both Maundy Thursday evening and for Good Friday, as well as Easter Day. These can all be accessed under our 'Worship' tab. There is a short online service (via zoom) on Thursday evening at 7 pm on our usual Worship link. This will include communion so participants should have something to eat and drink with them.
14.4.22.
As well as all the physical services and processions taking place on Good Friday and Easter Day, there will be Circuit zoom services (to include communion) on the evening of Maundy Thursday at 7 pm and at 8.30 am on Easter morning. Contact us for the zoom link.
6.4.22. updated 11.4.22.
Christian Aid, in conjunction with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, is organising a special day of prayer for Ukraine on Sunday April 3rd. There are further details, including prayers, at this link.
29.3.22.
It is 2 years tomorrow (23rd March) since the announcement, and implementation, of the first lockdown due to coronavirus. Here is a prayer from our recent Worship at Home sheet:
A prayer marking 2 years since the first lockdown:
Loving God, we think about the last 2 years of lockdowns, restrictions, and periods of isolation.
We reflect on the ways in which our lives have changed.
We remember those who have died of the virus and suffered in other ways.
We give thanks for the NHS, Social Care, Volunteers, Neighbourly support and action, and the Vaccination programme that has allowed us to return to some sort of normality.
We give thanks too for modern technology, for worship and meetings online, for worship on paper, for all the ways in which we have been enabled to continue as Christian communities and churches.
We pray for those throughout the world who continue to suffer because of covid-19 and for all those who work, in any way, to counter its spread and its effects.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
22.3.22.
The tab mentioned below now has a link to wider Methodist content about the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.
18.3.22.
Our 'War in Ukraine' tab has updated content and an updated link to wider Methodist resources.
14.3.22.
Please pray for the Preachers' and Worship Leaders' Meeting this evening and for the talk by guest speaker Alison Dalby on 'Life without Faith'.
8.3.22.
Look under the 'War in Ukraine' tab for prayers, recordings and ways to help.
7.3.22.
Look under the 'Worship' tab for how to re-live our Big Sunday on February 27th.
28.2.22.
This coming Sunday is our 3rd 'Big Sunday'. Churches and individuals around the Circuit will be using the same theme and material, with a youtube recording of the service and a live service on zoom at 10.30 am. Contact us for the link.
22.2.22.
Today we are celebrating the 100th edition of our Worship at Home sheet. We are very proud of being able to keep this up (regularity and quality!) since the beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020). To look at this special edition, click here.
13.2.22.
We wish our friend, Rev Rosemary Wakelin, a very Happy 90th Birthday today.
6.2.22.
The recording of the last in our January series of 'Tuesday at 7' zoom gatherings is now on this website under the 'Tuesday at 7' tab. On January 25th, Rev Jacqui gave an illustrated talk on her trip (3 years ago this March) to San Francisco and the state of Kansas.
29.1.22.
Rev Colin's funeral will be at Well's Methodist Church on Friday February 4th at 2.30 pm. The cremation will have been earlier in the day.
27.1.22.
We have been sad to learn of the death - on Saturday - of Rev Colin Garwood. Colin was a retired URC minister and a member of Wells Methodist Church. Please pray for his wife Pat and for their families and many friends.
24.1.22.
Our Tuesday at 7 gathering this evening is a Quiz hosted by Pippa Cook. All welcome - text 07912379101 for the link.
18.1.22.
Our prospective Probationer (to join us from September 1st) is visiting the Circuit this Saturday - please hold him, and everyone involved in the visit, in prayer.
12.1.22.
'Tuesday at 7' this week is an informal session on Luke's Gospel. Participants will be free to participate or just to listen to the contributions of others. This is open to everyone but will be particularly useful for preachers, worship leaders and any stewards who are having to lead Fellowship services.
10.1.22.
The Probationer Stationing process is taking place this week - we wait to see the result of any matches that have been made between a prospective Probationer minister and the Central Norfolk Circuit.
6.1.22.
The four Tuesday evenings in January are going to see the return of our popular online 'Tuesday at 7'! The first one on January 4th will be a sharing session on all things 'New'. Bring anything you would like to share OR just come along and listen to others.
2.1.21.
Christmas services are taking place in many of our churches on Friday and Saturday. For those that would like to participate in online services, there is the Christmas Eve Communion at 7 pm on Friday (led by Rev Anne) and the Circuit service on Boxing Day at 11.15 am (led by Rev Jacqui). Both these services will be using the usual Worship zoom link - please contact us if you haven't got it. There are also Worship at Home sheets for Christmas Day and Sunday 26th.
23.12.21.
A new event on our calendar has just been added. On Christmas Eve at 7 o'clock Rev Anne will lead an online Communion. If you would like to participate, use our usual Sunday morning worship link OR contact us to ask for the link. Have something to eat and drink with you to receive communion at home.
15.12.21.
The latest Methodist Church advice, based on the government instructions for covid restrictions, can be accessed here.
14.12.21.
Last year, Sam & Jacqui offered a 'Pre-Advent Advent Calendar'. This year we are going straight for Advent! Our Advent Calendar starts on December 1st on Facebook (animated graphics) and in the latest photo album on this website (static graphic). Follow the thoughts and suggestions each day...
20.11.21.
Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent and today is the first day of our suggested Advent readings from Luke chapters 1 & 2. There are 4 weeks of 6 days' short readings (with something to think about each day) - these can either be used from today for 24 days excluding the Sundays OR every day from Decemb er 1st. Access the readings from our dedicated tab on the Homepage.
29.11.21.
The Central Norfolk Circuit had its first online Communion yesterday evening as participants on zoom were invited to share elements at home with those in Beetley Chapel. Well done to Rev Jacqui who took the service and presided, and to Rev Anne who handled the technology! The Methodist Conference has given permission for online communion to be explored but they want feedback from those who try it out. Please give any comments or reflections to Jacqui.
22.11.21.
We will be praying each morning November 8th - 12th at 8.45 am (for 10 minutes) for the COP26 Conference and its outcomes. Contact us for the Link.
1.1..21.
Both the District Day of Prayer (for COP26) and the Big Sunday went very well with lots of people participating for both. The links for recordings of the former are under the Climate Change tab on this website and the youtube recording of the Big Sunday service can be accessed on the Watton Methodist website here.
1.11.21.
This coming week-end is a big one! The District Day of Prayer is on Saturday (see under Prayer tab) and our next Big Sunday is on Sunday. The material for the latter will be posted on the website shortly but, in the meantime, it has been sent to all stewards and worship leaders. The youtube version (thanks to Martin Neave) will be posted on the Watton Methodist website on Friday.
25.10.21.
On Saturday, we sent a message of support and assurance of prayer to Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh on Sea. A reply was received from the minister, Rev Clifford Newman, as follows:
Thank you for your prayers for the family and Church members as we come to terms with this terrible event.
We pray for God's grace to help us.
Rev Clifford Newman
18.10.21.
The poster giving details of the District Day of Prayer for the Climate Crisis on October 30th can be accessed here. It details the timings of the online opportunities and gives suggestions for prayer at home and out and about. However, please contact us for the zoom link because we don't want to put it on the internet.
14.10.21.
Our Superintendent, Rev Jacqui, was interviewed on Radio Norfolk's Sunday Breakfast Show this morning. To listen to the 6 minute conversation click here.
3.10.21.
During the month of October, we are praying through the daily prayers in the Methodist Prayer Handbook on zoom. Anyone is welcome to join us at 8.45 am for 10 minutes or so. Please contact us for the link. If you would like to listen/watch in catch-up, the recordings will appear each day under the 'Prayer' tab on this website.
2.10.21.
Our six week programme of preparation for COP26 (the UN's 26th 'Conference of Parties' on Climate Change) starts today. Please see the separate tab on this website.
26.9.21.
As part of our preparation for COP 26, we are hosting a zoom course on Tuesday evenings (7 - 8 pm) using the material prepared by York Courses entitled 'Caring for Creation'. If you would like a copy of the booklet (cost is £3.80) please order through our Superintendent or Administrator.
13.9.21.
News of our small programme of preparation for COP26 (international Climate Change Conference in Glasgow Nov 1st - 12th) can be read here.
3.9.21.
A prayer for 'Creationtide' (September 1st - October 4th) written, and recorded, by Rev Jacqui has been put on Methodist social media outlets. See, for example, the Methodist Church's Facebook page www.facebook.com/MethodistChurchinBritain - scroll down to September 1st.
2.9.21.
Watch this space for information about our Circuit's preparation for the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.
27.8.21.
There is an important statement on Afghanistan from the Methodist President and Vice-President on the Methodist Church website. The Vice-President, Barbara Easton, has written a special prayer which can be used personally and/or in church services.
24.8.21.
A national service on Climate Change will be live-streamed from Glasgow on Sunday September 5th at 4 pm. This event is supported by all denominations including the Methodist Church. To register, go to www.climatesunday.org or follow this link.
15.8.21.
Around 18 of us from 9 different churches enjoyed a sharing of poems and readings yesterday, on the theme of 'Summer'. Look under the 'Tuesday at 7' tab to catch-up with watching and listening.
11.8.21.
Our 'Tuesday at 7' is back for an occasional gathering this Tuesday (August 10th) - contact us for the zoom link. The theme is 'Summer'.
8.8.21.
The first Big Sunday went very well with many of our churches participating in creative ways. The link to watch the online zoom service is here.
27.7.21.
Our inaugural 'Big Sunday' is this week (25th)! The same worship material - on 'The Spirituality of Gardens' is being used across the Circuit. Representatives of churches (plus anyone who wants to come, of course) will be on an online act of worship via zoom (do contact us for the link) from 10.30 am (not 11.15 as we have been doing morning zooms). Some churches are joining the zoom in real time, others will be downloading the YouTube version (available before the weekend on the Watton Methodist Church website) and projecting this in their Chapels. Most churches will be following the material available on paper (and available on this site under the 'Publications' tab).
Hopefully, most people will have some sort of access to a selection of pictures (either online, on powerpoint, or in hard copy) from our Circuit Virtual Open Gardens. There will be a photo album on this website before Sunday.
21.7.21.
The Methodist guidelines on the new situation in England from Monday (easing of restrictions) can be accessed here.
18.7.21.
News of our Circuit Projects: The Hive Summer programme is underway - the bright and striking leaflet giving details can be read here. At Blakeney, the Community Garden now has planters and lots of plants waiting to go in them... Donations are still invited to help this community project along, go to the Just Giving page here. This coming Sunday will be the first time the new 'Garden Worship' is held.
12.7.21.
Congratulations to Beetley Methodist Church on their 150th Anniversary celebrations today. Our Chair of District, Rev Julian Pursehouse, was their guest preacher this morning. Also today, both Blakeney and Walsingham Methodist Churches began services again post-lockdown. Sculthorpe & Fakenham and Thursford also began worship again recently which means that we have 20 circuit churches re-opened for worship (with 3 more re-opening between now and September).
11.7.21.
We are again organising a virtual 'Open Gardens' this year and we are inviting photos from the gardens of anyone connected with any of our Circuit Methodist churches. The gardens don't have to be particularly beautiful or special! Send your photos to Deacon Jen (01760 720858) or ask her to visit your garden and photograph it. We will be using the display of pictures for our Big Sunday worship material on July 25th.
9.7.21.
Aileen Fox has written her last blog post (see tab on Home page) with a final reflection on the Methodist Conference 4 days after it ended.
5.7.21.
On the last morning of Conference, there is a service of Communion (in the hall) and spiritual Communion (online) from 9.15 am. This will be followed - after the mid-morning break - by an important discussion on the future of the church led by the Secretary of Conference, Rev Jonathan Hustler.
1.7.21.
Our Facebook post from Wednesday afternoon:
Today was a significant morning - the sub heading on the latest post on the Methodist website https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/conference-confirms-resolutions-on-marriage-and-relationships is 'An historic day for the church'. An over-riding message throughout the debate was the prayer and hope that people of 'contradictory convictions' would continue to live together in one Church. There was a recognition of deeply held views on both sides, and a holding of deeply felt emotions - also on both sides. The voting in favour of affirming cohabitation in relationships was passed by a substantial majority and the voting in favour of allowing same sex marriages in Methodist churches was 254 to 46.
30.6.21.
For news of all the proceedings in the Methodist Conference so far, see Aileen's Blog from the tab on our Home Page.
29.6.21.
The main business of the Representative session of the Methodist Conference begins today. Later this morning, the first of two sessions discussing the ongoing 'Marriage and Relationships' debate takes place with a follow-up session on Wednesday morning. Resolutions changing the definition of marriage in Methodist standing orders, allowing for same-sex marriages in church and affirming loving relationships expressed through co-habitation are all on the table. This afternoon there is a session resourced by the new President and Vice-President (Rev Sonia Hicks and Mrs Barbara Easton), the livestream of all the proceedings can be accessed through the link below.
Rev Sonia Hicks President 21/22 Mrs Barbara Easton Vice President 21/22
28.6.21.
26.6.21.
We are going to hold our virtual Open Gardens event again this year. Photos of personal gardens invited from June or July. Please send to Deacon Jen Woodfin by July 18th if possible. We are going to use them in our Big Sunday.
11.6.21.
Our online worship this coming Sunday is an encouragement to join in with the MHA Service at 4 pm. Pam Rhodes and others are leading this service. The youtube link can be accessed here.
10.6.21.
In recent years, spearheaded by the Anglican Church, the period of time between Ascension Day and Pentecost has been marked by a special time of prayer known as 'Thy Kingdom Come'. The Methodist Church has a video about this which can be accessed here. The facebook page of Walsingham Methodist Church has a short recording each day of a member of our circuit (and friend of Walsingham) of a daily prayer from the national material. The link is on this website's homepage.
17.5.21.
It is Christian Aid Week (10th - 16th). Please pray for the overseas aid and campaigning charity supported by most of the UK Christian denominations and support them if you can. This year's material on climate action and stories relating to climate change can be found at this link. Under publications on this website, you can find a paper quiz with 30 cryptic clues to solve.
10.5.21.
Our Circuit project at the Hive, Great Cressingham has a special week of mental health events this week. Please pray for the success of the week - the programme can be found here.
10.5.21.
A report of Edward Golding's online Confirmation which took place during our zoom circuit service in March has appeared in the Methodist Recorder.
'Tuesday at 7' this evening is a talk - with photos - entitled 'Labyrinths as spiritual pathways'. Rev Jacqui will talk about her 2019 Sabbatical Project.
27.4.21.
For our 'Tuesday at 7' this week, Rev Rosemary Wakelin is being interviewed about her life, faith and ministry. We expect it to be interesting!
17.4.21.
Our 'Tuesday at 7' this week is a sharing time of Easter or Spring poems (or short readings). Please contact us for the link if you would like to join us, reading a poem is optional!
12.4.21.
Many Circuit Churches are reopening on Easter Sunday. However, we still have a Worship at Home sheet available (under the Worship tab) and we are still holding zoom online services at 11.15 am and 6 pm.
2.4.21.
We have two further links to recordings of meaningful and helpful events. Firstly, our own 'Tuesday at 7' this week was a lovely evening of Lenten and Easter music with Sarah Rodgers and Geraldine Allen and can be heard at this link. Secondly, the District Global Encounter event which had very interesting input from a variety of live, and recorded, sources can be heard here.
26.3.21.
We were delighted to welcome Edward Golding into Church Membership and to confirm him online during our zoom worship on 21st March. If you would like to watch Edward's Confirmation on catch-up, it is 34 minutes into the recording at this link.
23.3.21.
The statement of the President and Vice-President of Conference marking the anniversary of the first lockdown can be accessed here.
21.3.21.
Next Sunday's morning zoom service is going to be a very special one. We welcome our Chair of District, Rev Julian Pursehouse, as our preacher AND the service includes an online Confirmation and Reception into membership. It is also the day of the census, a year since the 1st lockdown Sunday, and the first day of Spring! Do come and join us if you can - there is a new zoom link, please contact us for it if you don't receive it by email.
14.3.21.
Our preacher at the zoom service this morning, Sarah Friswell, is involved in an event on Saturday March 20th called 'Global Encounter'. The flyer can be downloaded here.
7.3.21.
The District Day of Prayer and Reflection is only 3 days away! The programme, and other details, can be found under the Prayer tab on this website.
3.3.21.
Many churches will be reopening in April in line with the government's easing of lockdown restrictions. We are beginning a discussion about whether to continue with Worship at Home sheets and zoom services and, if so, in what way? Please complete our questionaire about the Worship Sheets here.
28.2.21.
The recording of last week's 'Tuesday at 7' (interview with Rev Anne Richardson) can be accessed under our 'Lockdown Activities' tab. The get-together tomorrow evening (23rd) will be 'An Introduction to Taketime meditation' with Sam Parfitt. This is open to everybody - no need to be a specialist in meditation! Sam will tell us about the history and background of taketime and will also tell us about her own practice before giving us a meditation to try.
22.2.21.
The programme for the District Day of Prayer and Reflection on Saturday March 6th is now available and can be accessed here.
19.2.21.
This evening's 'Tuesday at 7' is an informal interview with Rev Anne Richardson about her life and work, and about her involvement with the Deaf Church.
16.2.21.
Lent activities are now on a handout that can be accessed under the 'Publications' tab. It includes news of a District 'Day of Prayer and Reflection' on Saturday March 6th, details coming later.
6.2.21.
We are planning groups and 'at home' activities for Lent, so watch this space...
4.2.21.
News of our second 'Tuesday at 7' and the third one this coming Tuesday (a Quiz this time) is under the 'Lockdown Activities' tab.
29.1.21.
Rev Cliff has produced a 'January Light' (District initiative) video with the young people of North Holkham. Watch it here.
20.1.21.
We had our first 'Tuesday at 7' get-together yesterday evening and it was a chance to 'meet' our Administrator, Mandy and our Lay Pioneer Minister, Sam. If you would like to look at the recording and hear something of Mandy and Sam's personal stories then go to this link.
20.1.21.
The livestreaming of the funeral yesterday went well and a recording of the proceedings on zoom is now available, here.To see the order of service, look under the tab dedicated to Liz Jolly on our homepage.
19.1.21.
The funeral of Rev Liz Jolly is tomorrow morning (January 18th 11 am). Only the close family are attending the physical service but we are providing a parallel service online. Please contact us for the zoom link. If the signal holds, we will be livestreaming the service. However, if this doesn't work, we will follow the service which has been prepared and issued in advance.
17.1.21.
Litcham Methodist Church have now decided to suspend services along with most of our other circuit churches. For the forseeable future, there will be online services on a Sunday (11.15 am and 6 pm) in addition to the Worship at Home Sheet which we have been producing since March 2020 and the recording of the Worship Sheet on the website of Watton Methodist Church. Please contact us for further details of any of these alternative ways to worship.
11.1.21.
Today sees the start of 'Sam & Jacqui's New Year Challenge' (see the latest Photo Album) as well as '60 at 6' : 60 seconds of a candle flame burning at 6 o'clock as part of the District's January Light campaign. To see the candle flame, look on Facebook or click on the link on the Homepage of this website.
11.1.21.
Most of our churches are suspending services during Lockdown 3 on the recomendation of the Circuit Leadership Team. This is to respect the restrictions and to keep all our preachers and congregations as safe as possible during this difficult period. We are continuing with online services on Sundays at 11.15 am and 6 pm. Contact us for the link or for this week's Worship at Home sheet.
Garvestone & Litcham are continuing with services for regular attendees. For further information please contact;
Garvestone - Andrew Durrant on 01362 858033
Litcham - Stephen Lynn on 01328 700978.
Toftwood are open for private prayer for local, regular attendees, between 10 & 11 am every Sunday.
2.1.21.
We can now show a photo of Liz's dog Holly on her bed in front of a fire in her new home. She is settled and happy.
2.1.21.
We were extremely saddened to learn of the death of Rev Elizabeth Jolly on Christmas Day. Liz's family have lived in our area of Norfolk for a long time and Liz herself retired here to be an active Supernumary until recent ill-health. To watch the online zoom service on Sunday 27th where a minute's silence was held for Liz at the beginning click here. We have started a stream on Facebook for tributes to Liz - to go straight there, click here.
28.12.20.
There are Christmas Day services in Holt and Toftwood (9.30 am), in Swaffham and Watton (10 am) and in Wells (11 am). PLEASE NOTE: Church services are allowed in Tier 4 - at the present time - and we will be letting people know of any change in current arrangements for January. In any case, we have planned a zoom service for Sunday December 27th at 11.15 am, please contact the mobile phone number given yesterday for the zoom link if you don't have it.
24.12.20.
There are Christmas Eve services in Trinity, Dereham and Watton (both 7 pm) and a Circuit Zoom service at 9 pm which includes a Methodist Love Feast (have something to eat and drink with you). For the link, contact 07912379101.
23.12.20.
Rev Cliff is hosting an online Memorial Service to remember loved ones - on Friday 18th at 7 pm. The other Circuit Staff are taking part. Contact us to ask for the link.
17.12.20.
Most of our circuit churches re-open, after the second lockdown, today.
6.12.20.
Our Advent 'virtual' Posada begins today - Advent Sunday - see the latest Photo Album for the journey of our travelling Mary & Joseph figures which will develop as Advent proceeds.
29.11.20.
The latest Methodist guidance on the government's 3 tiers can be found here.
27.11.20.
Lockdown 2 has had us offering a variety of opportunities for activity at home. We have had short morning prayers 3 days a week, online zoom services both morning and evening on Sundays, and - on the lighter side - 'Sam & Jacqui's Pre-Advent Advent Calendar' available on this website and on Facebook. Thoughts for the Day have continued on Facebook as well as our weekly Worship at Home sheet and a longer sermon offering most weeks. We will be seeing what restrictions continue into December and making decisions accordingly.
20.11.20.
See our photo albums for happenings in September - November. Photos from different churches always welcome!
18.11.20.
We had a good 1st lockdown service for the Circuit on Remembrance Sunday. Led by Rev Anne Richardson, the sermon was preached by Rev Rosemary Wakelin and other people also took part. There were 30 participants from at least 11 churches. The photos below are from Swaffham and Hingham churches - please send Jacqui or Mandy photos of poppies or similar from other circuit churches if they exist. Also shown is Sam Parfitt's 'take-away remembrance' for Blakeney. Rev Cliff Shanganya's latest video can be experienced at https://youtu.be/BiOsWPnyk2Y - his interpretation of the hymn 'Stand like the Brave' by Fanny Crosby.
Beetley, Watton and Saham Hills added.
8.11.20.
A handout detailing all the Worship and Prayer opportunities during Lockdown Two can be read under the 'Lockdown Activities' tab on this website. But, they are also listed under the 'Prayer' and 'Worship'. In addition, see 'Lockdown Activities' for a lighter side journey through the 20 days from Monday (with some more serious reflection along the way).
6.11.20.
We are currently thinking about what we might do during the lockdown mark 2 to assist people with worship, prayer, care, and things to do at church, section and circuit levels. Watch this space!
2.11.20.
We are beginning to distribute 'belonging cards' to everyone in the Central Norfolk Circuit. Each card has a unique piece of a rainbow jigsaw puzzle stuck to it. All the puzzle pieces are needed to make the whole so each one is important and valued! The cards will be coming out during October and November through your minister so don't worry if it takes time for yours to reach you.
12.10.20.
Our morning prayer times are going well. They are being recorded and can be accessed (via youtube) under the Prayer Tab on this website.
7.10.20.
Our month of short zoom prayer times between 8. 45 - 9 am begin today. Please contact 07912379101 if you would like the zoom link for the prayer Monday - Saturday when we are praying through the prayers in the Methodist Prayer Handbook.
1.10.20.
We have been sorry to learn of the death of one of our Circuit Local Preachers, Mr Peter Wright. Peter died suddenly at home on September 18th and we are holding his wife Elizabeth in our love and prayers.
24.9.20.
The District Synod took place via Zoom on Saturday. The Methodist Youth President, Phoebe Parkin, was welcomed and she spoke about 'Climate Change Activism' and the theme of the Methodist young people as 'God's World, Our Home'. If you want to know more, take a look at the 3Generate pages on the Methodist Church website which can be accessed here. An initiative called '3Generate365' has been launched which aims to help "children and young people to pray, listen, notice, discuss and explore how God may want them to be active as disciples in the world".
21.9.20.
Please pray for the Circuit Leadership Team meeting via zoom this afternoon - for the first time in this Connexional year. We welcome Rev Anne Richardson to the team, as we do Mrs Sam Parfitt (who becomes a member of Staff after a year as Rural Re-planter in Blakeney and Walsingham. Mrs Aileen Fox has taken over as Senior Circuit Steward from Mr John Hull (although he remains a CS).
14.9.20.
Around half of our 24 Circuit churches began worship again yesterday - safely and successfully. Many people attended, and although they were socially distanced and face-covered, worship was meaningful and 'community in presence' re-stablished.
7.9.20.
Rev Anne has been successfully welcomed to formal ministry in our Circuit! A pre-recorded version of the service that took place at 7 pm on Friday evening can be viewed at this link. The live zoom gathering was paralleled with a live zoom link for the Norfolk Christian Deaf community with which Anne is involved.
4.9.20.
The Welcome Service for Rev Anne Richardson will be on Friday 4th September at 7 pm via Zoom. The link will be made available on Tuesday the 1st. Anyone is welcome to join us on this special occasion.
25.8.20.
Around 75 - 80 people joined in the Zoom Service for Rev Betty's Farewell (53 devices) yesterday. Betty was given a good send-off with Cliff preaching the sermon (and tributes from the Circuit Stewards, Olwyn (Trinity), Jen (Messy Church at Toftwood), Liz (Wendling), and our Chair of District, Rev Julian Pursehouse. Betty spoke about each of her churches and, just before the final hymn, she received (at home in Bacton via her husband Mark) a cheque from the Circuit, a card with messages from lots of people across the Circuit, and a specially made cake.
17.8.20.
Our Month of Prayer continues as some big world issues continue to appear on our news, as the coronavirus situation continues to be a deep concern, and as we continue to think through how some churches can re-open safely in September.
10.8.20.
OUR MONTH OF PRAYER BEGAN THIS WEEK. If you would like to participate in a 'telephone prayer wheel' (receiving, and making, one telephone call each day), then please contact Deacon Jen or fill in the contact form on this website. The handout of suggestions for daily prayer (including a specific prayer for our world, for the fight against coronavirus, and for our circuit churches at this difficult time) can be downloaded here.
3.8.20.
If you would like to join in the Zoom Farewell Service for Rev Betty Trinder, please contact our Administrator Mandy, or fill in the 'contact' form on this website. We will then send you a link for the service which will be on Sunday August 16th at 10.30 am. Anyone who is connected with the Central Norfolk Methodist Circuit is very welcome.
31.7.20.
BREAKING NEWS: The circuit staff are suggesting that the month of August should be a month of prayer. Further details on this website in the near future.
28.7.20.
Yesterday's circuit staff telephone service was the last one (for the time being at any rate). Each of the Staff played a part and Rev Cliff preached the sermon on 'small things'. The link is https://youtu.be/Ae6gIxYFguY.
27.7.20.
Rev Cliff has spoken about the 'Yes, we can' song on the latest edition of the Connexional Methodist podcast which can be listened to here.
17.7.20.
8.7.20.
The 'Yes, we can' video (Yes, we can make this world a better place) can now be viewed here. A message against racism from our Chair of District, Rev Julian Pursehouse, is included.
5.7.20.
Rev Cliff is launching a video of his song 'Yes we can' this evening - on YouTube and Facebook. The song, sung by many different people of all genders, ages and nationalities, takes a stand against Racism. To watch and listen from 7.30 pm go to this link.
3.7.20.
The Methodist Conference has taken place online this week. The link to watch in catch-up is Conference Catch-Up.
29.6.20.
A Farewell Service for Rev Betty Trinder is being organised for the morning of August 16th. Details will be posted here shortly but the event is likely to involve a 'zoom' service and a printed version for people without the internet to follow at home.
29.6.20.
We have a virtual 'Open Gardens' event running for the month of June.
Please contact us if you would like to submit 3 or 4 photos of your garden.
17.6.20.
We have written to the 4 Members of Parliament covered by our Circuit to ask them to take up with the government the matter of Gift Aid in the pandemic time. You can read the letter here.
6.6.20.