Swanick Conference 2011

The Methodists in World Mission Conference was once again held this year in the beautiful setting of The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick,  Derbyshire, from 3^rd -5^th June. 

The Theme:  "Caribbean Encounter."  

Phylis and Elizabeth enjoying the "Carribean Encounter" at this year's Swanick Conference

Elizabeth and I would like to thank the Belfast District for giving us the opportunity to go and experience the hospitality and challenges that this weekend always offers.

We travelled by bus from East Midlands Airport but were a little apprehensive when aboard as to whether it was in fact taking us in the direction we wished to go!  A little old lady, overhearing our conversation assured us we were ok as she too was going to the weekend. She was an ex-missionary who had served in Africa and India as a teacher for the whole of her working life!  A blessing indeed to meet her!

After settling to our rooms and enjoying an evening meal, the Friday night allowed for a gentle getting to know each other.  Evie Vernon (a Jamaician) and Principal of Selly Oak College for Mission Studies (S.O.C.M.S.) led a short devotional entitled:  "We are one family."  She then suggested we all either go to bed early or chat with whom we wished!!

We did a little chatting and retired early!

Saturday after morning prayers and breakfast we had the first of the two weekend Bible Studies.  The story of the Samaritan Woman at the well was read and three participants (one from Lesotho and two from Kenya) gave us illustrations on how Jesus can provide "living water" from an African perspective!

The Keynote address was then given by Rev. Dr. George Mulrain, President of M.C.C.A.   It was entitled: MISSION AND SPIRIT RELIGIONS.                               

He had served in Haiti and had encountered a vaudou (voodoo) priest who was also a biochemist!

He challenged us:  What can we learn from spirit religions in relation to our worship and application of outreach?

Can spirit religions assist in our theological understanding?

Yes - they engender a profound respect for nature and an attitude conducive to eco-justice and the integrity of creation.

Can spirit religions give us insights as to how we might be more creative in worship?

Yes - not just the heart and head but the entire body is employed,

ensuring that worship is a celebration in which the five senses are put to good use.

Art, dance and drama can also help if used sensitively.

Can spirit religions show us how to be more effective in Mission and Outreach?

Yes - They can show us how to bridge the gap between what one does in church and what happens in the ‘outside' world.

They can help us to look at issues of liberation and justice and speak the language that the masses understand.

He concluded:

• God continues to give revelations of Himself in many and varied ways.
• Spiritual and material worlds may interact with each other.
• We should be more creative liturgically.
• Investigate the Spirit concept (within the Godhead -Three in One).
• Affirm the spiritual authority of women.
• Address liberation, justice and other issues.
• Look at bush medicine (herbal remedies) in a Christian context - used for good rather than evil.

Elizabeth found this Keynote Address most helpful as she has had experience of possessed people and could identify with some of the issues mentioned.

The afternoon offered seven workshops, with a choice of two.

I opted for (1) ‘Sharing Mission in the Spanish speaking Caribbean' led by Rev. Tom Quenet, a fluent Spanish speaker and Area Secretary at Mission House for the Caribbean and the Americas and (2) Rev. Les and Mrs Alison Judd

sharing of their 2 years before retirement spent ministering on an island in the South Caribbean. (They are now involved in helping at a Retreat Centre in Dorset Green Pastures.)

Elizabeth's choices were 1) the Judds and 2) Helen de Vane from Christian Aid on ‘Life and Debt.'

Other possibilities were: Rev. Marcus Torchon : Haiti Re-construction;  Rev Canon Dr. Gideon B. Byamugisha : H.I.V. and Aids; Annett Brown: Exploitative Tourism; Habib Nader: Experience Exchange Programme.

The evening meal was followed by a "Caribbean Carnival!"

We had been asked to bring musical instruments, poems, games and dress appropriate to a carnival atmosphere.

Many participated (including ourselves) and it was a fun evening at its best!!

On Sunday morning we had the second Bible Study - The Good Samaritan - where again we had sharing from brothers and sisters from overseas.

We were reminded of John Wesley's advice: "do all the good you can, to all the people you can, by all the means you can, for as long as you can!"

Before lunch and departures we had Morning Worship and Communion in the Chapel. Dr. Anthony Reddie, a prominent ((black) academic lay theologian spoke on Matt 19 and the Rich Young Ruler.  As part of his delivery he commented that ‘Christians identify with the poor - but side with the rich!'

It was good to renew friendships with some ladies from Methodist Women in Britain whom we had met at the World Federation area seminar in Glasgow in 2009 and Elizabeth would meet again at the World Fed Assembly in Johannesburg in August.

Next year the Conference will focus on the Continent of Africa.

Elizabeth McWatters and Phyllis McElhinney