The Methodist Conference began its annual meeting yesterday in Stranmillis University College in Belfast. During the day the ministers dealt with matters affecting their ministry: the admission of new ministers, ministerial training, discipline and efficiency, and retirement. Yesterday evening the new president of the Methodist Church, the Rev Kenneth Todd, was installed in a service at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.
The Representative Session of the conference begins today and continues until next Tuesday. The session comprises equal numbers of ministers and lay people. Interested members of the public may observe the proceedings.
This evening there will be a Youth Night in Stranmillis University College with a varied programme. The main feature, "State Your Case", will present the Christian faith as it is experienced in practice.
For some years the church has set aside four or five young people as a Team on Mission (TOM). They visit circuits and other groups throughout the year doing whatever mission work the local ministers and church leaders ask them to do. In the course of the evening, thanks will be expressed to last year's TOM, and a new TOM will be commissioned.
The church's Youth President will also be commissioned for a two-year term of office. He is Mr Raymond Ruttle of Adare, Co Limerick, who is at present studying in the Church of Ireland College of Education with a view to becoming a primary school teacher. During his term of office he will represent the young people of Irish Methodism at international youth gatherings, and will visit youth groups throughout Ireland.
Tomorrow morning the customary practice of asking ministers attending the conference to preach in the city's churches has been abandoned in favour of a united Conference Morning Service, in the Waterfront Hall. All Methodists and their friends in the city are invited. During worship the new president, the Rev Kenneth Todd, will deliver the Conference Sermon.
In the evening four new ministers will be ordained in a service in the Fisherwick Church. They are the Rev John Alderdice, Dr Peter Mercer, Mr Gary Millar and Mr John Wonnacott. They have completed terms of probation in the Banbridge and Donacloney, Newtownabbey Mission, Glastry and Portaferry, and Enniskillen circuits respectively. The Ordination Charge will be given by the British Conference president, the Rev Stuart J. Burgess.
At lunchtime on Monday, in Stranmillis, the annual meeting of the Wesley Historical Society will take place, to which new members will be welcome. The society acts as custodian of the Methodist Church archives and other memorabilia, and facilitates the study of the church's history.
On Monday evening the final public meeting of the conference will be devoted to the church's mission at home and overseas. The theme will be "Releasing People and Resources for Mission". The principal speaker will be Mr William Swires of the Methodist Stewardship Organisation. During the meeting, the Rev Clifford and Mrs Ruth Taylor will be commissioned.
This year the Methodist church in Kilkenny celebrates the 250th anniversary of John Wesley's first visit to the city. Next Thursday the Rev Dudley Levistone Cooney will lecture on "John Wesley and his People". This lecture will be given in Rothe House, Kilkenny, at 8 p.m. A Service of Thanksgiving in the church on Friday evening will be addressed by the Rev Kenneth Todd.
On Saturday afternoon there will be a guided tour of the city of places associated with Wesley and other historic buildings.
Next Saturday the Christian Endeavour holiday home, Clar Ellagh at Kilkee in Co Clare, will begin a painting week. The coastline and surrounding countryside offer many subjects for those who paint, or would like to paint in watercolours, oils or any other medium.