Comments on: An Island Parish Finally Talks to the Methodists http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/ Thoughts from, and the lives of a Canadian and a Brit living in Southern England. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:01:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Mariel http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26782 Mariel Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:39:16 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26782 It simply is not against the law. He is not being fired. He had fulfilled a contract, having been intivited for a set number of years. You can then request to stay longer and the commitee then decides yes or no. It is not a sign of dislike or pettiness if they say no. Furthermore he still has a job, it is not a firing situation at all. Simply moving to a new place to continue his job. The church expects ministers to move around, the idea is not become stagnant or stuck in the traditions of one minister. It also means you share around some of the best ministers rather than one church keeping them to themselves. :) It simply is not against the law. He is not being fired. He had fulfilled a contract, having been intivited for a set number of years. You can then request to stay longer and the commitee then decides yes or no. It is not a sign of dislike or pettiness if they say no.
Furthermore he still has a job, it is not a firing situation at all. Simply moving to a new place to continue his job.

The church expects ministers to move around, the idea is not become stagnant or stuck in the traditions of one minister.

It also means you share around some of the best ministers rather than one church keeping them to themselves. :)

]]> By: Observer http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26545 Observer Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:38:05 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26545 Most ministers, as in David's case, do not stay more than 7 years.There is often no single reason why a minister may not exceptionally stay for more than 7, but a combination of factors makes it time for a change. How does Mr Stevenson know he was not given reasons - if you remember on David on camera said that he doubted whether he would be invited to stay on. In many walks of life people while working for the same employer move about. There's nothing illegal about that. How does Mr Stevenson know that the vote did not represent the majority wish? Most ministers, as in David's case, do not stay more than 7 years.There is often no single reason why a minister may not exceptionally stay for more than 7, but a combination of factors makes it time for a change. How does Mr Stevenson know he was not given reasons – if you remember on David on camera said that he doubted whether he would be invited to stay on. In many walks of life people while working for the same employer move about. There's nothing illegal about that. How does Mr Stevenson know that the vote did not represent the majority wish?

]]> By: Nix http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26544 Nix Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:08:32 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26544 I'm not sure why people are posting about employment laws since David Easton wasn't dismissed, he was merely transferred, as is the case for many Methodist ministers each year, not to mention all manner of employees in many industries. It's not against the law. As other posters have said, Methodist ministry is intended to be itinerant and he had been in post for many years. So no "explanation" needed - as a Methodist minister he would be aware of how the system works. BTW I am no Methodist and have no axe to grind, I just decided to educate myself about how it works. I'm not sure why people are posting about employment laws since David Easton wasn't dismissed, he was merely transferred, as is the case for many Methodist ministers each year, not to mention all manner of employees in many industries. It's not against the law.

As other posters have said, Methodist ministry is intended to be itinerant and he had been in post for many years. So no "explanation" needed – as a Methodist minister he would be aware of how the system works. BTW I am no Methodist and have no axe to grind, I just decided to educate myself about how it works.

]]> By: ALAN STEVENSON http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26532 ALAN STEVENSON Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:19:42 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26532 MAYBE IT IS THE SYSTEM BUT THERE IS THE COMMOM COURTESY OF BEING TOLD WHY THIS DECISION WAS TAKEN. DAVID IS ENTITLED TO AN EXPLANATION, WHAT DID HE DO THAT UPSET THE POWERFUL MINORITY. THE SYSTEM IS STILL CONTRARY TO THE LAW. MAYBE IT IS THE SYSTEM BUT THERE IS THE COMMOM COURTESY OF BEING TOLD WHY THIS DECISION WAS TAKEN. DAVID IS ENTITLED TO AN EXPLANATION, WHAT DID HE DO THAT UPSET THE POWERFUL MINORITY. THE SYSTEM IS STILL CONTRARY TO THE LAW.

]]> By: Observer http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26505 Observer Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:23:10 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26505 This TV programme did not and could not tell us the full story of any of the characters it features. What was happening the other 99.99....% of the time when the cameras were not recording? All the characters are romanticised or portrayed in a favourable and sympathetic light. Did we see anyone lose their rag, or get things horribly wrong - no of course not. Most of the filming was done on sunny days in Spring and Summer. What about their lives during the remaining two thirds of the year when island life can be an isolated, wet, misty and lonely existence? This TV programme did not and could not tell us the full story of any of the characters it features. What was happening the other 99.99….% of the time when the cameras were not recording? All the characters are romanticised or portrayed in a favourable and sympathetic light. Did we see anyone lose their rag, or get things horribly wrong – no of course not. Most of the filming was done on sunny days in Spring and Summer. What about their lives during the remaining two thirds of the year when island life can be an isolated, wet, misty and lonely existence?

]]> By: David Easton – Why Did He Have to Go? | Exigency In Specie http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26500 David Easton – Why Did He Have to Go? | Exigency In Specie Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:08:08 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26500 [...] Parsons on An Island Parish Finally Talks to the MethodistsCarol on An Island Parish Finally Talks to the MethodistsObserver on a big drama out of it. He did [...] [...] Parsons on An Island Parish Finally Talks to the MethodistsCarol on An Island Parish Finally Talks to the MethodistsObserver on a big drama out of it. He did [...]

]]> By: Alan Parsons http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26498 Alan Parsons Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:22:10 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26498 One should not take a TV program like this as an accurate record of what happens. Programs are edited to make them more interesting and quite often present a very un-balanced view of events. Things are changed for greater effect if the programme makers think they can get away with it. I noticed that a photograph of a 19th century fisherman that was included to give context was in fact taken around Whitby - I have it in a book. I wonder how many more inaccuracies have been allowed to achieve what the programme makers wanted. One should not take a TV program like this as an accurate record of what happens. Programs are edited to make them more interesting and quite often present a very un-balanced view of events. Things are changed for greater effect if the programme makers think they can get away with it. I noticed that a photograph of a 19th century fisherman that was included to give context was in fact taken around Whitby – I have it in a book. I wonder how many more inaccuracies have been allowed to achieve what the programme makers wanted.

]]> By: Carol http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26496 Carol Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:38:18 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26496 I am not a minister, but I do know that the minister is often obedient to what the church wants; therefore civil employment laws don't really come into it. They will go with grace, prayer and silence, even if it feels terribly unfair or it is inexplicable. It is no good trying to preach to a body of people who have hardened their hearts to a minister, no matter how much he is loved by others in the community. It is those with the hardened hearts who need to hear The Word mostly. Therefore they really do need a new minister more than they themselves know they do. The church doesn't work like other organisations, a call for a new minister exposes the content of everyone's heart, mind and soul. The salvation of souls is still high on the agenda and the church is responding to this. I know it seems a little odd to an outsider, and to those of a congregation who love a minister. However, it's in everyone's best interests to have those with the hardened hearts ministered to. Those who know Christ and understand that it is about Him first and foremost also know that they will get another minister reading from the same book., even though they will be sad. Their faith will be sustained through ministry to one another until the new minister takes up their position. God has plans for the departing minister and often such oustings are the catalyst for these plans coming into effect. If this intrigues you and you want to know more about God's mysterious ways, the way to salvation or even to visit a local Christian church with the view to joining (perhaps to become the person making decisions eventually) do just go, everyone is welcome CofE, Methodist, baptist, URC etc..... <a href="http://www.findachurch.co.uk/home/home.php" target="_blank">http://www.findachurch.co.uk/home/home.php</a> If you don't meet love there stay and take love there through your love of The Lord Jesus Christ. God bless I am not a minister, but I do know that the minister is often obedient to what the church wants; therefore civil employment laws don't really come into it. They will go with grace, prayer and silence, even if it feels terribly unfair or it is inexplicable. It is no good trying to preach to a body of people who have hardened their hearts to a minister, no matter how much he is loved by others in the community. It is those with the hardened hearts who need to hear The Word mostly. Therefore they really do need a new minister more than they themselves know they do. The church doesn't work like other organisations, a call for a new minister exposes the content of everyone's heart, mind and soul. The salvation of souls is still high on the agenda and the church is responding to this. I know it seems a little odd to an outsider, and to those of a congregation who love a minister. However, it's in everyone's best interests to have those with the hardened hearts ministered to. Those who know Christ and understand that it is about Him first and foremost also know that they will get another minister reading from the same book., even though they will be sad. Their faith will be sustained through ministry to one another until the new minister takes up their position.

God has plans for the departing minister and often such oustings are the catalyst for these plans coming into effect.

If this intrigues you and you want to know more about God's mysterious ways, the way to salvation or even to visit a local Christian church with the view to joining (perhaps to become the person making decisions eventually) do just go, everyone is welcome CofE, Methodist, baptist, URC etc…..
http://www.findachurch.co.uk/home/home.php

If you don't meet love there stay and take love there through your love of The Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless

]]> By: Observer http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26491 Observer Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:23:35 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26491 When will people on this thread understand that David, in common with thousands of Methodist ministers is itinerant - that is they are contractually required to move about? Mr Stevenson and others just don't 'get it'. They can't simply stay in one post for as long as they choose. Normally they stay 5 years in one place and sometimes they are voted on for another 2 years as David was. Sometimes exceptionally a post is extended after 7 years - but usually by then either the church leaders want someone with different strengths to take them in a new direction, or the minister wants a change. David was one of hundreds of ministers who moved on in this way last year, after 7 years, plenty of them reluctantly. It is a great pity that this system was not explained on camera by Steve Wild the Methodist head of Cornwall - but perhaps he did and was edited out to help the story line and make a big drama out of it. He did not make up the rules and I'm sure that David would be horrified to read how Steve has been referred to in these columns. Steve was for years a very popular local minister in Cornwall is a thoroughly decent man. When will people on this thread understand that David, in common with thousands of Methodist ministers is itinerant – that is they are contractually required to move about? Mr Stevenson and others just don’t ‘get it’. They can’t simply stay in one post for as long as they choose. Normally they stay 5 years in one place and sometimes they are voted on for another 2 years as David was. Sometimes exceptionally a post is extended after 7 years – but usually by then either the church leaders want someone with different strengths to take them in a new direction, or the minister wants a change. David was one of hundreds of ministers who moved on in this way last year, after 7 years, plenty of them reluctantly. It is a great pity that this system was not explained on camera by Steve Wild the Methodist head of Cornwall – but perhaps he did and was edited out to help the story line and make a big drama out of it. He did not make up the rules and I’m sure that David would be horrified to read how Steve has been referred to in these columns. Steve was for years a very popular local minister in Cornwall is a thoroughly decent man.

]]> By: Observer http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/comment-page-1/#comment-26490 Observer Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:10:42 +0000 http://peat.me.uk/2008/03/22/an-island-parish-finally-talks-to-the-methodists/#comment-26490 The previous correspondents don't seem to understand that Methodist ministers have to move on quite regularly - its called itinerancy. This normally happens after 5 years. Sometimes they are voted an extra two years. Exceptionally if there are special reasons they can be voted for a further extension. That doesn't happen very often because usually either the minister or his churches may want a change. David had his five years plus two years and hundreds of Methodist ministers move on each year in the same way that he did. Why should he be an exception and why the torrent of abuse towards Steve Wild, the Methodist head of Cornwall? He didn't invent the system. Undoubtedly he would have explained it on camera but has probably been edited out, for a good story line. Those on this thread for whom David is a goodie and Steve is a baddie should go back to watching Coronation Street. I think David would be appalled to see some of the abuse above directed at Steve who for many years was a popular local minister in Cornwall. The previous correspondents don't seem to understand that Methodist ministers have to move on quite regularly – its called itinerancy. This normally happens after 5 years. Sometimes they are voted an extra two years. Exceptionally if there are special reasons they can be voted for a further extension. That doesn't happen very often because usually either the minister or his churches may want a change. David had his five years plus two years and hundreds of Methodist ministers move on each year in the same way that he did. Why should he be an exception and why the torrent of abuse towards Steve Wild, the Methodist head of Cornwall? He didn't invent the system. Undoubtedly he would have explained it on camera but has probably been edited out, for a good story line. Those on this thread for whom David is a goodie and Steve is a baddie should go back to watching Coronation Street. I think David would be appalled to see some of the abuse above directed at Steve who for many years was a popular local minister in Cornwall.

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