District News
Farewell to our Co-Chair, Rev'd Novette Headley (July 2026)
On Saturday 25th July, we celebrated and said thank you to our District Co-Chair, Rev’d Novette Headley, for all of her work with and across the District.
We had a reflection from Rev'd Sonia Hicks, music from the Coventry and Nuneaton Circuit and Rev'd Novette shared stories and memories of her ministry with Rev'd Rachel Deigh during the service.
It was wonderful to come together to share memories, celebrate all that Novette has contributed to the life of the West Midlands District and wish her every blessing for the next chapter.
A farewell message from Novette:
“O Thou who camest from above,
The pure celestial fire to impart,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
On the mean altar of my heart!”
‘Singing the Faith’ 564: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
As I approach the change of pace in ministry, ‘sitting down’ as a Supernumerary Minister, the plea expressed in this hymn still rings true for me – that God would kindle the flame of sacred love in my heart.
I can only give thanks to God for God’s grace and mercy towards me over these 34 years of Methodist ministry, and indeed years before then as a lay member, being involved in my home church in the Elmdon Circuit.
Over the years, God has encouraged me in His ministry, with His guidance and leading, to work alongside some wonderful lay people and ordained colleagues in the Methodist Church, and ecumenically with other churches, both here in the UK and abroad. That ‘celestial fire’ has been the source of shared worship in the churches where I have served. We’ve studied scripture together, offered hospitality and practical support to the wider community, and explored missional outreach together. I have been amazed by the willingness of people who have given themselves in service to the church, and who shared in the pastoral care of one another. Team-work has been essential to me for any accomplishment.
As I transition to the next phase of ministry, I am looking forward to continued learning as a disciple of Jesus – and having more space to think, sing and dance! My encouragement to us all, is to stay rooted in the love of God – to remember the Beatitudes of Christ – and be inspired by the fruit-filled breath of God’s Spirit in all that we hope to be, and to do, in Jesus’ name.
Bloom – West Midlands District Festival, 4 July 2026
On Saturday 4 July 2026, the West Midlands District hosted Bloom, a one day festival which invited people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a day of faith, fun and community.
The day began with a performance from the Bilston Zimbabwean Fellowship Choir on our outdoor Innovation Stage, while over 230 festivalgoers soaked up the atmosphere on the festival green, tried their hand at various crafts and began their ‘Way of Life Wander’ around the festival site.
Soon the day was in full swing with a variety of workshops on offer in the Workshop Hall, and performances from the One Voice and St John’s Parkfield’s worship bands on the main stage. Penn Puppets provided entertainment with a number of performances and the Hope Exhibition gave everyone a chance to reflect throughout the day. Our headline musical performance from David Benjamin Blower was a big hit, and Phil Summers’ storytelling had everyone entranced.
In our Eco Spirituality zone the teams from Peckwood Forest Space and The Greenhouse led acts of worship and an Iona-style ‘Wee Sing’ to feed our souls, and Street Banquet and Wolves Waste Not fed our bellies with delicious curries and hot dogs.
The day concluded with sharing Holy Communion before being sent out with the words:
Go into the Festival Green.
Go into your churches.
Go into your communities.
Tell the story of Jesus.
And in all things, live as people rooted in God's love and growing in God's grace.
Amen!