One Voice - in partnership with Northampton Methodist Church & Methodist Church Northampton District

How blessed we are to have chats with Rev'd Andrew, Rev'd Sue and Emma Lowe.Andrew has just come back from a trip to Trichy in Southern India. He describes it as " an assault of the senses " and explains how it takes him back to early Ministry and just how vibrant it is at Bishop Heber College where he and other members of the party stayed. Find out why he went and what he learned.Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? Emma and some of her fellow worshippers from Loughborough are about to go on one. At 18 miles, it takes in the intriguing story of Saint Morrell. St Morrell's Round is a circular pilgrimage of about 18 miles which is inspired by the medieval pilgrimages made to St Morrell's Chapel on the hillside near Hallaton. The pilgrimage does not claim to follow any previous route but instead visits sites where you can still see things that pilgrim travellers would have seen in the 14th Century.Emma lays out that story and their hopes.And what would an episode be without a Dollop of Joy??!!That joy is delivered, well, joyously by Rev'd Sue Jacobs.

Caroline has just returned from the ChurchWorks Summit, where one of the subjects was supporting young people.This is very dear to her heart, as Caroline works in Cornerstone Methodist Church , Kettering Methodist Church and Burton Latimer Methodist Church as a Church & Community Chaplain. She is spearheading the Here4U hub at the Cornerstone on Wednesdays.Caroline is involved in children's and youth work, which includes assemblies, prayer spaces and lunchtime clubs in local Primary and Secondary Schools on Kingswood and the neighbouring estate Hazel Leys.She also runs, along with volunteers, a weekly youth club that meets at Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre.Through the podcast, you'll get to meet her and hear the dedication of this work and the immense good it brings.It's the second and concluding part of the conversation with District Chair Rev'd Dr Sonia Hicks - how can the Mission Team walk alongside you? Have a listen and find out.We also finish the chat with Rev'd Dr Samantha Gillard of the Northampton Circuit. It's a conversation laced with candour and gives you a really clear picture of what it's like to be a Minister in 2026.

The podcast is blessed with so many wonderful guests and so many key themes.Our Chair, Rev'd Dr Sonia Hicks is back with us, to chat about her time in post so far. It's the first part of a two part conversation and in this part, you'll find out :- her leadership style- how strong Jamaican role models have guided her- why she's a cheerleader for MethodistsYou may remember hearing Leslie Newton in a previous episode. He wrote " Revive Us Again " and has just finished the companion book " Church Unbound ". Please do have a listen to what Leslie has to say and how we can explore a freer "mixed ecology" church.His book is available here.Rev'd Dr Samantha Gillard is a Minister in the Northampton Circuit and was ordained just under a year ago. One Voice is joined by Samantha to discover her journey into ministry and hear about her approach to leading worship.Please note that the second part of our conversation with Samantha will be in next month's episode.There's also a chance to hear about the joyous and life-affirming work going on at Rose Hill Methodist Church in Oxford.

It's an episode bursting with it. Joy that is!Adam Noble from Witney Community Meal is with us to talk about their weekly meal with those in the community who come from all walks of life and benefit from this touching gesture.Adam was recently at No 10 Downing Street at a special reception; he reflects on that and how much of Jesus' social action was centred around food.Joy has certainly permeated Freeman Memorial Methodist Church in the Milton Keynes Circuit. They've just attained the Eco Church Bronze Award and you'll hear from Helen from A Rocha UK, who are behind the award.Rev'd Sue Jacobs is a big fan of finding joy and the Covenant service is a great source of it for her and those who attend her services. Thankfully, she's bringing some of that inherent joy to our feature " Dollops of Joy ".We'll also let you know about some of the wonderful events around the District.

It was only last month at St Andrew's church in Northampton that the ReNew event set itself the task of " rediscovering hope ", so it seemed a great idea to further explore hope in the context of the podcast.Someone who led a very powerful session at ReNew was Olive Ruvimbo Ruzvidzo and she is one of our guests.Olive brings a wealth of professional and faith-based experience to her role with Methodist Women in Britain. With a background in Business Management, Marketing, and Public Relations from her work in both Zimbabwe and the UK, she understands the power of strategy and connection.A dedicated Local Preacher accredited in 2022, She is an active voice within her church and the wider Methodist community. She represents her church at Circuit meetings and has been elected to represent her District at Conference for four consecutive years. Her commitment to social justice has led her to Parliament, where she has represented the Methodist Church, discussing the vital link between faith and politics with MPs.We're also joined by Vicky Summers from Harlestone Players, the force of nature behind Alice's Adventures in Pantoland, which will raise much needed funds for Maggie's Centre. Listen out for how you can book your tickets !Our third guest is Ann Atkin, who explains why you should wear clothes " suitable for a farmyard " when attending the carol service in Astcote. There'll be mulled wine, mince pies and no shortage of singing!

As Anna puts it " Coming here (Steeds Farm in Faringdon) is like stepping into a parable....it's a meditative experience."Having just marked its 5th birthday, Exploring Faith in Nature is a delightfully unique gathering amidst the picture postcard setting of a farm in Faringdon, Oxon.Tracey and Anna came up with the idea and they're on the podcast to tell you their story and that of those who immerse themselves in the beauty of God's world. This is pioneering the the Nth degree!Kingsthorpe Community Church are ( like many others ) in the throes of planning their Christmas Fayre and we're so pleased that Catherine Bruce has let us in on some of those planning secrets and what people can expect from it.And who doesn't like some joy, especially when it comes in generous dollops?! Rev'd Sue Jacobs is here for a joyous update; you have to listen as it's always thought provoking and funny!

Three compelling conversations, three subjects underpinned by faith and Methodism.Rev'd Kim is with us to give you a great overview of Gifted and how it fits into your church once we start to approach Christmas. Her explanation will be really helpful and there's always the District website, where you can read more and download all the relevant documents.Please do remember there are some small grants available; we want you to be encouraged and try something new." Reflected in Nature, Finding God in the created world " is a brand new book by Claire Daniel and is illustrated by Jamie Poole and we're talking about it in this podcast. Discover all about its aims and how Claire was inspired to write it and of course you'll hear about Jamie and the way he created the beautiful artwork.How many times do you base a chat on something that happened 300 years ago? Well that's what we're doing in this episode. Have a listen to Rev'd Richard Atkinson , who speaks with great insight about John Wesley's visit to Fleet Marston in 1725 and speculates on what Wesley would say to us today.

He's been known as " The Maestro " for a long time and he tinkles the ivories for us right at the top of this episode. Lincoln Noel will be entertaining Methodists at the forthcoming 100th anniversary celebrations - it promises to be a glorious occasion!Rev'd David Speirs is on hand to put some more detail on this set of celebrations, the importance of its pioneering history and how it sits with Our Story, Our Song and the new Connexional year." The Dollop of Joy " feature is launched by Rev'd Sue Jacobs and as Sue still has to pinch herself that she's going God's work in West Oxfordshire, she's here to impart her joys and yours.Melvina Brown continues to co ordinate some great work in Overstone and she's with us to talk about this Summer's highlights and what it means to have a new gazebo.

The FEAST creative mindfulness group meets every month in Wellingborough Methodist Church. A project introduced by Rev'd Kim Shorley and supported by people like Wendy ( who leads the group ), they use Bible passages as the inspiration and catalyst for some stunning artwork.Wendy and Melissa tell the story of the group, their experiences and the kinds of outcomes and friendships that have been formed there.Rev'd Sue Jacobs is a Probationer Presbyter in the West Oxfordshire circuit and we're very glad to have her as a guest on the podcast to talk about the rewards, challenges and out and out joy in her role. She certainly conveys what she calls "dollops of joy".We've also news of a meal and entertainment at Park Avenue Methodist Church and a nod to the upcoming Greenbelt Festival.

One person thankful for their new role and a group of people being thanked for their part in community cohesion.Matt Forsyth is now Vice President of the Methodist Conference and in this episode tells us about his view of the role, how he aims to fulfil what it requires and where the hope and optimism lie.It's a two part conversation and sat right in the middle are a collection of wonderful stories from New Parks Methodist Church in Leicester. Men's Sheds is a voluntary charity group that aims to create a safe space for the community to allow people to refurbish tools, do some gardening or work on their own projects. Or just a place to meet others and socialise.They have supported those with depression and suicidal thoughts and helped turn lives around; to bring direction and meaning.They were one of the groups thanked at the " One Big Thankyou " event hosted by the church and what a lovely occasion it was. A celebration of a truly diverse and caring community, it honoured so much wonderful work and volunteering and One Voice takes up the story, starting with Justin Moulder.Make sure you listen out too for a couple of important events coming up this month ( July ) and support them if you can.

Trinity Methodist Church, Oadby was the place where Spring Synod converged in May and it asked " Where is the love? "One of the key talking points and illustrations of lived experiences centred around being single in the church. How are those without a spouse or partner treated and in what ways can we make them feel more included, more welcome? You can sample a little of the presentation by Rev'd Miriam Moul.The Christian Literature Festival in Great Missenden is almost at hand and we're proud to be able to speak to Jonny from St Andrews bookshop about this stimulating event.Do try and get there if you can.The Rev'd Nathan Falla of Rugby Methodist Church Centre is also with us as he reads a special prayer he wrote for Pride Month.

It was 4 years ago that the Methodist Conference adopted the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity.It's an initiative that affirms our commitment to the rich diversity of people within the Methodist Church and ( amongst other things )  a profound change in the culture, practices and attitudes of the Methodist Church so that all Methodists are able to be full participants in the Church's life.Janet and Regina from the JDS Group, who are also members of the Rugby Methodist Church Centre are our main guests on the podcast.Please do have a look here for information and resources. The Group would love you to join them in their key work.We'll also meet Paul, who works at Cafe Emm once a week. It's based within Emmanuel Church and has such a lovely, community led ethos.Hear his story.

Every single story, every conversation signals a new start.Kingsthorpe Methodist and Kingsthorpe Baptist Church are now formally and inextricably linked. Their LEP is fully up and running and they marked it with a memorable and joyous celebration service in the middle of March. The podcast aims to bring you some of the views and experiences from that service.We talk about characters, tradition, friendships and cake ( of course! )The fabulous layworkers event ReNew came round again and One Voice was there to reflect what went on at St Andrew's church. Listen to Rev'd Dr Sonia Hicks and Abi Jarvis, who had some interactive and deep rooted lessons about the journey of one's faith.Eco Church is doubtless something you'll be familiar with and Jo Godfrey from Wesley Memorial church in Oxford stops by to talk about their gold award and how they set about it.

It's a moment that not so long ago seemed far off. Kingsthorpe Methodist and Baptist Churches are about to celebrate their local ecumenical partnership ( LEP ). Rev'd David Speirs talks to the podcast about the impending celebration service and what the path to this point has been like.Spectrum are a really interesting organisation and Rob Hufton belongs to it and is behind a conference that will be held in Northamptonshire. " Wounded Wisdom " is totally unique and Rob talks to One Voice about the motivations behind the conference and what you'll experience.Plus we catch up with Wilhelmina Tan, who is covering Naomi's role as Digital Enabler for Northampton District. You'll hear about the training she's running and how the church can get fresh eyes on what it's doing.

The Hope Centre in Northampton has just held their annual sleep out and thanks to Kyra Williams, the first hand accounts of those who took part are featured in this episode.Queensgrove Methodist Church was a past host for their winter night shelter, so it's great to hear more about Hope's ongoing work and how it supports those without a home.Meanwhile in Overstone, a new wave of discipleship is about to launch. Mel Brown tells us about the ideas, enthusiasm and commitment that's needed to make this yet another success story in that area.It may be February, but panto season isn't over. Not a bit of it! Victoria Summers is with the podcast to talk about Aladinn : The True Story and how you can see it at St Andrew's church in Duston. How does she find the time to write, direct and perform in it???

Leading the Northampton District with her energy and wisdom is the ( relatively ) new Chair, Rev'd Sonia Hicks. Steeped in Methodisim, which has taken her around the globe, Sonia is such an open and effusive person. She has a huge amount of experience, which includes being a past President of Conference. Here she talks about her story, what she's learned and how she views her tenure as Chair of the District.

Helen Stephens is from A Rocha UK, the organisation behind Eco Church. She's here to set out their christian conservation work, what drew her to be such a champion of the environment and how YOUR church can support and cherish the planet. Hear too from Ann Atkin over in Astcote in Northamptonshire - the chapel she attends recently reached it's 150th birthday and Ann is keen to tell its story and how her family are inexorably linked to it. Given that we started off with a mystery - it's only right that we solve it and right near the end of the episode, not only will there be a resolution, but her work in the community will be brought bang up to date.

It was a weekday in unassuming Whittlesey in Peterborough. At the Leaders Lunch in the local Methodist church, one American gentleman spoke words of defiance and implacability. " I didn't sign on to watch the KIngdom of God wither away ", was the first thing Paul Nixon said to this podcast. He's an author and ordained Minister and was there to talk about the ideas and actions in his book " I refuse to lead a dying church. " Paul means business, as you'll find out. The Torch Trust do some inspired, heart warming and vital work. Supporting worshippers with sight loss and other sight based challenges is their main purpose. They do that and so much more and we're really pleased to speak with their Chief Exec Sarah Dawkins. You may recall some months ago that we covered the forming of a new LEP ( Local Ecumenical Partnership ) between Kingsthorpe Methodist Church and Kingsthorpe Baptist Church - well, we have an update. Kingsthorpe Community Church, as they're now known, have just held a Coming Together day. Catherine Bruce is with us to explain how it was done and what the outcomes were.

....and so much more! The District's Mission Team Leader, Matt Forsyth takes the road to Oxford and shines a light on the wonderful work of the Rose Hill Community Cupboard. Matt's the person to get in touch with about grants - his email is [email protected] Sue Padington gives a lovely account of her worship and crafting at King Richard Court in Northampton and what her imminent plans are. Plus there's the story of 3Gen from the Youth President Bea Hulme. If you need an upbeat story of innovative mission and fellowship, this is the one. We'll also let you in on the details of an upcoming jumble sale and the first ever administrator's day within the District.

Holy Habits is described thus: "....a way of life for those exploring or already actively living out the call of Jesus to ‘follow me’. It is a way of life for all ages and cultures; a way of life based on Luke’s portrait of the community of followers of Jesus that we see in Acts 2:42–47; a way of life that nurtures whole-life, missional discipleship; a way of life that, when lived faithfully day by day and fruitfully both personally and collectively, encourages others to join the adventure of following Jesus." ( credit - Holy Habits website ) In this episode, Andrew Roberts, it's author explains how he approached the writing and why it was important to him. You'll also hear how one circuit is implementing the course - Rev'd David Spiers and Jenny Brooks join us for a chat. Plus there's a wonderfully inspiring look back at the Connexional year by Matt Forsyth of the District Mission Team.

Naomi is part of the Mission Team as the Digital Enabler and we're really glad to hear that she'll be coming on the podcast now and again to let you know about the positive outcomes, ideas and plans for the district. Dine and Divine is an ongoing success in Northampton and we're joined by Penny Clark to tell the story of how it runs and the buzz they're creating in a local pub! One Voice also hears from Rev'd Richard Hardy, Director of The Entheos Trust - I think you'll be really interested to discover their raison d'être.

Mission Team Leader Matt Forsyth summarises conference so far and reports from Leeds. Also attending is Holly Adams and she's speaking at the next ReNew event in Northamptonshire on 23rd July. She has an amazing approach to the kinds of conversations that the church needs to be having. You'll also be astonished at the breadth of national events attended by the Methodist Church. There's also an insider's look at the annual fundraiser held by the Leeson household for Christian Aid. We speak to one of the stallholders and a young person who was waiting on tables in the pouring rain!

Sienna, who works for JPIT and is an intern within the Houses of Parliament describes the way she sees how Jesus engaged with people. Radical is perhaps a word you haven't thought of, but her explanation will get you thinking. We're so pleased to have Sienna as a guest - it was one of our listeners who read her blog on Emily Davison the suffragette - she'll also tell you more about this dynamic and incredible woman. Also in this episode : 7th Northampton Boys Brigade recently turned 100 years old and Steve Dickinson and Brian Thorpe are on hand to tell that story and what it means to generations of young men. Matt Forsyth guides you through the rededication of Hinton Church - there are conversations with Cate Vokes and Rev'd Phil Robinson.

It promises to be a very special weekend. The 4th and 5th May is the 145 year anniversary of Queensgrove Methodist Church in Northampton and there are wonderful events planned. Steward and Trustee Charmaine Voyce shows us around the church, talks about her lifelong links to it and explains how Zimbabwean vibrancy will play its part in their wonderful celebrations. You'll also be able to hear the second part of our conversation with Head of Mission Jude Levermore from the ReNew event, which was held at St Andrew's church in Duston. Speaking of St Andrew's, we've news of when they're marking 50 years of the current building and the timings around it. Lois Leeson is planning a Christian Aid day, which involves tea, coffee, cake, Indian food and her usual huge plant sale - she's on the podcast inviting you to be there.

It happens every three months and helps to reinvigorate, refresh and revitalise. ReNew is put on by the Northampton District and during Holy Week, one of these regular gatherings was laid on at St Andrew's Church in Duston. Methodist Church Head of Mission Jude Levermore was there to talk about her role and participate in a podcast first - "One Voice Live"! You can hear the first part of that ReNew conversation with Jude in this month's episode. Also The latest news on the Kingsthorpe LEP between the Methodist and Baptist churches is brought to you by Trevor Clarke and Catherine Bruce and our last conversation is based around something incredibly innovative! Amy Scott Robinson is running a retreat at one of the Retreat Association's venues around the concept of prayerful poetry. Listen in and find out all about it.

Naomi Ensor is the new Digital Enabler for the District and has invigorating torrents of thought for how churches can get the most from their online social presence. If you've questions around social media, Facebook groups and how to create artwork that leaves a mark, Naomi is more than able and happy to help. Hear all about Naomi and this brilliant role. This episode is also a chance to catch up with how church life in Kingsthorpe is evolving. These are epoch making times and the Methodist and Baptist church are in the process of forming an LEP. But what will be the name? Listen to Catherine Bruce explain the process and if you qualify to vote, you can email yours to [email protected]

Can you even begin to conceive what homelessness is like? To have no safety, warmth, routine or humanity. The Hope Centre is in its 50th year and over the course of this winter, Queensgrove Methodist Church has become a temporary night shelter for those who seek the support of this wonderful organisation. It's fascinating to hear how Louise and her colleagues break the cycle of despair and crisis. From the Mission Team, you'll hear from Rev'd Kim Shorley, who is the FEAST enabler. Let's unpick the meaning of FEAST and how it can bring a sustainble vibrancy to church life. There's also some news from Pam Kirkland - did you know that wonderful faith conversations can begin in the pub?!

He's never been afraid to identify the unedifying presence of antisemitism. A return to circuit ministry means Rev'd Bruce Thompson has the opportunity to examine some of the more unsavoury views he has encountered over his time with the church. The forthcoming District Study Day is being led by Bruce and is titled " Preaching with Sensitivity in Lent and Easter " - Being aware of anti-Jewish Bias. You can hear a two part conversation with Bruce in this episode. Details of the day and how to attend can be found here. Mel Brown, the Overstone Pioneer Community Chaplain sends us a really animated and joyous report on all the successes she and her peers are having there - you can't fail but to be drawn in by her enthusiasm! And what's it like to be both a treasurer and trustee in the Methodist church? Keith Brooks tells his story.

Three Christmas stories from where you are. Conversation, opinion and experiences of Methodism are in abundance, as you hear about the following : Our man out there in the District, Matt Forsyth spends some time with Nigel Pimlott at the recent ReNew event. Find out how Nigel reflects on his role and what he thinks will embolden Methodist churches in the future. Catherine Jones and Pam Kirkland of Kingsthorpe Methodist Church have just enjoyed great success with the Nativity they organised with some of the young people from King's Kids. (You might even hear some of the dramatic and vibrant performances). Our final destination is Upper Wreake, where we meet local lay pastor Janet Norburn who shares some wonderful stories ( quite often around food! ) and an infectious enthusiasm. We've also news on the Xmas appeal being run by the established and highly respected Hope Centre in Northampton. Please help if you can.

Wherever you were, I'm sure you fell silent. You may well have attended a service of Remembrance. The village of Harpole in Northamptonshire was one of many places that felt the loss so deeply, so keenly. 47 never returned from World War One. It was event that changed so much and society's change was the church's change. Could a village chapel ever recover from this epoch making conflict? We meet Mary Burt to chart the life and times of Methodism in Harpole and her role in it. On his district wide travels again is Matt Forsyth and this month, he meets up with Holly Adams to reflect over the Restore Hope event in Amersham. To find out more about more about Mission Planning, do visit the new District website - https://www.northamptonmethodistdistrict.org.uk/ For help in Mission planning, do contact the Mission Team Leader on [email protected] You'll also meet Rev Calvin Cheung, who is steeped in the Chinese church; hear him speak of his experiences and the hope he holds for the future.

Cafe Emm in the Weston Favell centre in Northampton is a truly philanthropic place. With a direct link to Emmanuel Church, it feels like an extended family to its customers. Their latest project is a weekly event called " Singing for the Soul " and happens every Tuesday. Anna and Scott tell the story. One of the great pleasures of this podcast is to return to previous guests when they have a new or updated story to tell. The Rev Leslie Newton returns to talk about his new book, which was born out of his sabbatical. You'll hear an extract from it and a detailed chat about what the book holds. Our third story is one with foundations in Cameroon. Two members of the Presbyterian Church spent some time recently in the Northampton District and they tell us what life and faith is like there and how their twinning with Northampton helps their inspirational work back home. We've also got some what's ons and District Mission Enabler Matt Forsyth explains Out of the Ordinary, of which more details can be found here : https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/advent-and-christmas-resources/

We started out as a podcast for the Northampton Methodist Church and now our wings have spread! Thanks to the Methodist Church Northampton District, we're now reaching out to another 18 circuits. With the help of District Mission Enabler Matt Forsyth, we're going to be telling so many more stories, relaying events and reflecting the places you worship in. In this first episode of the new format, Matt sends a report from the recent ReNew event in Sileby. It's great to hear all the passion, vigour and mission. Reverend David Spiers also joins us to talk about the year anniversary of Northampton Methodist Church. There are some fantastic initiatives and success stories and David explains the highs and the challenges. Our final guest is dancer and dance teacher Emily Yong, who is part of Springs Dance Company - she's on hand to tell the story of their touring production and what it can do for your church. It is an amazing piece and has a wonderful track record.

It's been 3 years since we started One Voice. Back in 2020, the podcast set out an intention to tell all kinds of stories from all types of voices and now is the time to capitalise on that. Northampton Methodist District is joining us from September and bringing with it a further 19 circuits. Think of all the fascinating and listenable stories that means; our aim is to capture those insights and experiences. Matt Forsyth, the District Mission Enabler is with us to talk about this big move. Clare Clarke works for the Northampton Saints Foundation and they've been putting on a wonderful resource called The Memory Cafe. Hear her explain the ethos behind the project, its benefits and some breaking news that will bring even more good news with it. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who has a story to tell, please email [email protected]

Rev'd Francis is on the verge of taking up his next role as Minister in North London and here he gives his reflections and recollections to the podcast. Which British cuisine has always been a challenge for him and his family and what message does he leave for the circuit? Lois has held a couple of Christian Aid fundraisers in the last month and what a success they've been! Coffee, tea, cakes, plants and raffles have all helped raise a fantastic sum and in this episode you'll hear just how much has come in. There's also a quick word on Gift Aid from Martin and our time honoured dip into Coffee Time Chat with Pam Kirkland.

The Rev'd Helen Cameron takes you behind the scenes of the King's coronation. In her role as Moderator of the Free Churches Group, Helen was part of the blessing ceremony and also attended rehearsals beforehand. The podcast is in the privileged position of hearing her account of the day and what it meant to be part of this once in a lifetime event. It's a remarkable and unique insight. Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, that great partner of Kingsthorpe Methodist Church will soon celebrate it's two hundredth year. To mark this, there'll be a special exhibition at the church put together by Catherine Bruce and her peers. Catherine is a guest of One Voice and explains what she uncovered on a visit to the County Records office. She tells a fascinating story of "dissent" and determination from a different time. There is of course the monthly Coffee Time Chat and Pam Kirkland guides you through.

What if there were places were you could get away from it all, be quietly contemplative and deepen your relationship with God? The Retreat Association is just such a place and harks right back to the Desert Fathers, where silence and stillness is at the heart of ones existence. Their Executive Director, Alison MacTier is one of our guests this month. Pam Kirkland dips into the realms of Coffee Time Chat once again and uncovers a remarkably selfless story of four decades given over to the church and the community. If you want to know where to go for a Pentecost service, we have the details and there's also a look at this month's District Eco Tips, to deepen our connection to Mother Nature. You can also hear all about something in Northamptonshire that sees 10,000 people descend on a village with Methodist connections.

David Heatherington is the co founder and emeritus curator of the Weardale Museum, an attraction closely tied to High House Chapel. The chapel was visited 13 times by John Wesley and when it needed urgent restoration work, David had the brilliant idea of depicting methodist stories and history in a unique new tapestry. Spend some time with David, who retells this delightful story of innovation, creativity and perseverance. The podcast also hears from Lisa Smith, a trustee of Baby Basics. Lisa tells One Voice about their ethos, some of the situations they've helped to assuage and how you can help. There's also our monthly dose of coffee time chat. Pam hand picks a couple of the many high spots from the monthly round up of people's news.

Reverend Graham Thompson and Anthony Boateng are the President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference and have just been spending some time in Northamptonshire. Find out what it's shown them, how it has affected them and hear their responses to some of your questions. We cover scripture, church buildings, President and Vice President rapport and how they've picked up each other's interests. There's our regular dip into Coffee Time Chat - Pam has two lots of good news. And Sheila Howard talks through the concept of a prayer chain, how beneficial it is and how it gets set up.

Paul Northup is Festival Director for Greenbelt, which is about to mark its 50th birthday and we're really pleased get Paul to share his story with the podcast. You'll hear his account of his first ever festival, what it did to him and how he and his team build on the success of 49 previous years! Pam Kirkland ( amongst many other things ) curates Coffee Time Chat, the regular church newsletter and every month, she'll pick a highlight from it. This time, it's a celebration of Street Pastors and the newly commissioned Bola.  A life of love and compassion is how Bola characterises the work of the Street Pastors and we're so pleased to be able to hear of her wisdom, passion and humanity. We're also keen to help Steve Dickinson promote his tea and cake open house on 16th Feb for the DEC Turkey and Syria eathquake appeal. Please support if you can.

Holly Adams on why the British GP Weekend at Silverstone is the perfect event to spread the word of God. Pam Kirkland takes us through the life cycle of Coffee Time Chat and the creativity behind it. And There's something lively going on at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church on a Monday - Carol Baldwin tells the story.

A walk through the There Is Room conference held on 7th December 2022 at Thornborough chapel and the way the church engages with its lay workers. Speakers included Helen Cameron, Steve Mann, Matt Forsyth and Melvina Brown. Have you expanded your tent? How do you bear God? Expect some big questions and invigorating thought.

There is Room. That's the name of the conference for Northampton District Lay Workers and we're fortunate enough to have Mission Enabler Matt Forsyth give out the essential details of this event on the podcast. Secure your place here.  Community Outreach doesn't get more vital than the warm space being run by Alan, Hilary and colleagues at Park Avenue. John spent some time with them to get a feel for how it will run, why they felt the need to get involved and what they hope to achieve. The national website for an overview of this project is here. How frequently in life and faith do you find that the path is unclear and discovering how best to use your skills and qualities is far from apparent? Well Alison Ransome is on this episode to talk through the idea of vocation and discernment. What is your "why"?

Local preachers are at the very heart of the Methodist Church.  The unordained are highly prized and woven into the very fabric of what John and Charles Wesley stood for. Socially important and helping to drive spiritual revival, we've two perspectives from two very accomplished local preachers on the podcast. Jenny Brooks is based in Northamptonshire and here she relays her personal experiences of the role, what approach she takes to leading worship and what constitutes a successful service. Anthony Boateng is Vice President of Methodist Conference and he's also a local preacher.  " It was the most rewarding training I'd ever done. " is how he characterises his own spiritual journey. Listen to Anthony talk about the value of this vocation and how the wider church can flourish.

You take up a new stationing and then within a short space of time are invited to become Acting Superintendent. This has been the case for the Rev David Spiers, so we thought it would be interesting to hear how he approaches the role, what it is teaching him and the various sources of guidance and support he is blessed with. With so much change in the air, how does the church remain a constant, yet embrace positive and helpful change? Also Dr Mark K Olson is a regular contributor to the Methodists Online group in Facebook and is a scholar of all things John Wesley. He's also written books and has some of the most detailed resources when it comes to Wesley. Direct from California, you'll hear Mark discussing the tensions John had with his brother Charles, why he developed the beliefs he did and how Methodism can grow further into the role of being a "voice for the voiceless".

Northamptonshire is quite rightly seen as the saviour of The Greenbelt Festival. It's a festival of arts, faith and justice held annually in England since 1974. Greenbelt has grown out of an evangelical Christian music festival, with an audience of 1,500 young people into its current form, a more inclusive festival attended at its peak around 2010 by around 20,000, including Christians and those from other faiths. Someone who has seen more festivals than most is the BBC's Martin Heath and I'm pleased to say that he's on hand to talk about his experiences and memories of it. The podcast stays in the great outdoors for our other conversation - hear about the coffee "extravaganzas" held by Lois Leeson and family in her garden. If you haven't been part of one, you're missing out.

Where do you stand on Facebook? Love it or loathe it, the network has become a way in which faith can be discussed, spread, questioned and celebrated. Mark Stennett is one of the team behind the group Methodists Online. It's a really popular group, with 6,000 members. There are serious debates on there, virtual coffee mornings and a regular dash of humour. Have a listen to him talking about the way Facebook has been a force for good in Methodism. Also Who isn't familiar with the principles and themes in Chariots of Fire? Well you might have seen the film, but how well do you know the wider story of its' key figure?

Rev'd Romeo Pedro has been such a force for good; change, comfort and to so many, he has been a friend. This September (2022) it's time for him to seek new challenges and a new home in Sheffield. This is the episode for an outpouring of the difference he's made, the big questions that so frequently are unanswerable and how feels about the reality of not being able to lay down long term roots. We're also ready to educate when it comes to everything from South Yorkshire dialect to the Namibian bri ! Another equally peripatetic group of people are the immensely committed and inspired Sportsreach - founded in 1997 by Graham Stamford, they do some amazing and transformative work in schools all around the world.  How does sport bring us closer to Jesus? Listen to one of the co directors Sue Marsden and all will be revealed. You can also hear a unique recap of the most recent coffee morning for Christian Aid - we have a report from one of the "waiters".

It's been 2 years since the methodist church of Northampton started this podcast. In that time, there's been such a rich depth of guests and talking points. Celebrate with us and revisit some of the wonderful contributors who've told their story to One Voice. We're really pleased to that the second half of the episode is given over to Michael Wadsworth from the Learning Network. Michael talks so eloquently about the unordained and how they're vital to the work of the church. It'd be great if you could leave us a review on the podcast app you use - we'd love to hear your feedback and guest suggestions.

David Hallam is a television critic for The Methodist Recorder. For his weekly column, David sits through all manner of entertainment, documentary, reality and drama shows. But can any of it do harm? Can the programmes broadcast into out homes have the effect that Mary Whitehouse warned against? It's a very revealing listen, in which he talks about the challenges to his own faith and taste and what the medium tells us about society and culture. He also speaks about the tone and style he adopts for the column and why it's vital to be opinionated. In our customarily global approach, our second guest is the Brazilian Minister Rev Dr Paulo Bessa, now of the Stoke Newington Circuit. It's a revealing conversation that walks us through the health of methodism in his home country to the challenges faced by the church in London. Human Rights, racism and mental health issues are some of the issues Paulo sees in his community - keep listening and you'll see how he approaches his fascinating and challenging role.

Fill in the blanks. Love is...... Not as easy as you think is it? It's a discussion being stimulated by Mission Enabler Matt Forsyth and his colleagues and they're extremely eager to hear your definitions. Have a listen to Matt talking about his role and personal pathway to faith. Also Imagine an upbringing bereft of what most people would classify as normality. A childhood characterised by neglect, malnutrition and abuse. This was childhood for the remarkable Jeanette Walsh. Hers is the ultimate story of resilience and defiance. Placed in a children's home at the age of 6, the experience left such an imprint on her heart that Jeanette went back at the age of 20 to work in one such home. She wanted to help. She wanted to improve lives. Not content with collecting and distributing presents for looked after children and disadvantaged families, Jeanette now has 5,000 Easter eggs in her sights. Can you donate? The third guest this month is James Blackhall. James is the layworker based at Birstall and Rothley, having been based in the Leicester North Circuit since 2016. With a love of political activism, coffee and cake, James has some telling things to say about acceptance and the way we treat others.