November is the month when Irish Methodists are asked to contribute to the church's home mission fund, and each year the home mission department circulates information about activities.
In fact, the department prefers to do very little work on its own but to base activity in local churches. It would rather fund local initiatives in mission than itself take initiatives in parallel.
One of the principles of Methodist home mission is that it is the church in witness, not a separate organisation.
This year the report is highlighting an initiative in Co Clare. For nearly a century there has been a small Methodist building in Kilkee, in recent years used for worship in the summer when the resort welcomes many visitors.
The members of Christ Church, Limerick, the joint Methodist and Presbyterian church in that city, have been making contact with interested people in Clare, and plans are being formulated for more regular use of the building in the future.
In Dundonald, to the southeast of Belfast, and in north Dublin the department has been giving support to projects designed to meet the needs of children and young people. The programme involves social activities, sports facilities and pastoral support.
In each case, though based on Methodist premises, the project is backed by the other churches in the area.
A centre in north Belfast provides help for young people facing the problems of drugs and violence and other issues involved with finding a meaningful role in society.
The Historymakers Project has brought together a wide range of churches and church-related organisations in Northern Ireland. A launching event has been held in each of the 10 council areas. The project is designed to demonstrate the relevance of Christian faith to the modern teenager.
More than 70,000 copies of a "teen-friendly" edition of St John's Gospel have been distributed, and the programme will continue with special events throughout Northern Ireland during the coming months.
The church at Carnalea, Co Down, has appointed a fulltime youth pastor. He is Mr Gareth Mills, who began work in September. The members of the church have been convinced for some time of the need for this specialised ministry in the area, and the appointment of Mr Mills marks an important step forward in their life and witness.
The president of the church, the Rev Kenneth Todd, will preach tomorrow in the churches at Newry and Bessbrook.
On Thursday, November 2nd, he will attend the choir festival at Portadown. On Sunday, November 5th, he will be in Donegal preaching at the churches in Donegal town and Ballintra. On November 10th he will visit Glenburn church for its anniversary.
The Glenburn church was opened in 1950, and the golden jubilee is being marked by special services at which former ministers are preaching. The event on November 10th attended by Mr Todd will be a dinner for past and present members and friends. There will be a children's party on November 11th.
The charity Christmas card fairs at Sutton church, Dublin, will take place on the Friday mornings of November 10th, 17th and 24th.