Cornwall Methodist District

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BACK TO BASICS WITH 2 FORGOTTEN ‘R’s Never have the opportunities been so great for people to study and learn as arguably exist today. There are courses and workshops on a plethora of subjects that are usually open to all regardless of age, with some even free to attend! You may recall one recent electioneering Prime Minister explaining his priorities as, ‘education, education and education’. There is certainly no shortage of evidence to support the notion that better education provides the passport to more employment opportunities. From 2013, for example, nursing is set to become a degree-only profession, while schoolteachers’ unions continue to press for teaching to become the sole preserve of graduates.

While recognising the financial motivation for some professions wishing to become all graduate organizations, I feel sad that such moves are taking place. Do we really want nurses to devote their time solely to medical procedures and to leave all the patient’s personal hygiene and welfare tasks to be done by minimally trained health- care assistants? Do we honestly think that only teachers with degrees can relate well to children and handle pupil misbehaviour effectively? I am far from convinced!

There is no doubt that knowledge and academic qualifications are valuable. They may help people to secure employment in the area of their choice, can build up a person’s self-confidence and provide opportunities that would otherwise have been impossible. I am furthermore quite sure that God wants us to make the most of the gifts and skills that we have got [Matt. 25: 14-29]. Yet paper qualifications say very little about the person that we are in terms of personal qualities and emotional strengths and weaknesses. I’ve yet to read of an adult education course being held on honesty, kindness, reliability, loyalty or TLC (Tender Loving Care). I’ve not yet heard of certificates being awarded for graciousness, self-control, humility or friendship. Are not just such personal qualities of infinitely more value to society’s well-being and to God, than a string of graduation ceremonies however?

Despite all the educational courses offered nationwide and all the increased opportunities to learn that modern technology has provided, I don’t see much evidence of a greater stability in families or more contentment in society generally. Indeed the levels of unwanted teenage pregnancies, divorce, domestic violence, alcohol-related diseases, reported self-harming and loneliness are alarmingly high. Somehow society seems to have lost its way, in spite of all the education being done.

When education experts speak about ‘Back to Basics’, they are usually referring to a greater curriculum emphasis on the ‘3 Rs’ (reading, writing and ’rithmatic). But there are ‘2 Rs’ that appear to be increasingly sidelined in our school time-tables: Christian teaching about religion and relationships. The once obligatory daily assembly/ act of worship seems to have now vanished from most schools. But how much better society might be if more teaching was available and guidance given to young and old alike about the long-term benefits of Christian values. In the meantime, may we at least do all that we can to promote those Christ-like qualities that St. Paul so concisely listed for his friends in Galatia: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control’ [Galatians 5: 22].

God Bless - Your Minister and Friend - Martyn.

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Callington Town

Monday Bible Study 10.30 am - 11.30am

Friday morning there is a prayer meeting

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This group has been meeting regularly for almost 25 years. It began with a small group of new Christians wishing to explore the Bible and to learn how to apply the teaching into their every day lives. This study is only open during the school term, recessing for the school holidays.

At 10.00am with a short Communion Service at this time, on the the first Friday of each month. The format is very

relaxed, consisting usually of a Bible reading, leading to a brief discussion, followed by a time of open prayer. You are as welcome to come and say nothing as to come and participate actively - so why not give it a try? Then stay for coffee, biscuits and a chat!

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Tuesday Bible Study 7.30pm - 9.00 pm

A house group founded during the Seed Time mission at Callington in 2003. Meeting once a fortnight this is a lively group with discussions, debates and of course a prayer time to conclude. Any one interested in joining us would be most welcome.

1 Corinthians Ch 10: verse 13

"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." From the Good News Bible

Tuesday Evenings 7.30pm at Tamar Valley

at 7.30pm a Bible Study group meets at the Tamar Valley Church

If you require further information please phone Martyn Smith 01579 383274

Wednesdays

He is our Rock

1 Peter Ch 5: verse 7"Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." Good News Bible

Proverbs Ch 3: verses 19- 20

The Lord created the earth by His wisdom; by His knowledge he set the sky in place.His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the cloud to give rain to the earth. From the Good News Bible "...there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God...(part of Romans Chapter 8 verse 39 from The Good News Bible)

01579 383274

Martyn Smith

There is also a monthly (usually second Wednesday of the month) morning Circuit Bible Study/Fellowship which meets in the minister's home.

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