Welcome to The Methodist Way of Life
This is the first “stopping off” point in the journey of A Methodist Way of Life, where the theme will be “Prayer.”
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In the “How to” guide, I will explain everything you need to know:
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How to plan A Methodist Way of Life into your Autumn program
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What resources are available for ministers, local preachers and worship leaders
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How to customise the resources for your specific situation​​
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The resources have been designed with an eye for flexibility across various situations around the circuit. Quite deliberately, they can be tailored and adapted. However, this means that people will need to plan. For this reason, the resources are being made available in mid-July, even though the materials will be used from September to the end of November.
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If there is anything else you need to know, then you are welcome to email me at paulwalker71@me.com.
Meanwhile, enjoy exploring the resources and materials, and I pray that you will find them helpful as we dig deeper into prayer over the next few months.
First, download your "START HERE" Guide
Week 1: WHAT IS PRAYER?
Week 2: HOW DID JESUS PRAY?
Week 3: IS THERE A "RIGHT" WAY TO PRAY?
Week 4: DOES GOD HEAR MY PRAYER?
Week 5: WHY DOESN'T GOD ANSWER?
Week 6: DOES PRAYER CHANGE ANYTHING?
Week 7: HOW DOES FAITH AFFECT PRAYER?
Week 8: WHAT IF I FEEL I CAN'T PRAY?
Week 9: HOW DOES FORGIVENESS RELATE TO PRAYER?
Week 10: HOW DO I KEEP MY PRAYER LIFE FRESH?
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES RESOURCES part 1
NEW CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES RESOURCES part 2
How can I connect and find out more?
Use the buttons below
Click on this button to be taken to the sign up page to receive a fortnightly MWoL Update email packed with news, updates and helpful resources.
Here is the special Facebook Group dedicated to the Cleveland and Danby MWoL initiative.
Join for discussions, ideas, encouragement,
Video content, inspiration and explainers about this exciting project.
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There's not much there right now, but it will grow and develop over time...
Introducing The Methodist Way of Life
The Bible is packed with incredible journeys—The Exodus, The Exile, The return to Jerusalem, and Paul's exciting missionary trips. And we often talk about journeys as a picture of our faith today.
We say stuff like, "God has shown me so much about trusting him through different situations on the journey." We talk about God being with us during tough times, and we might reflect on how "I've learned a lot in my faith journey since my dad passed away."
These phrases help us think of faith as a journey. When we say "journey," we see faith as a lifelong process—not just a destination.
When my kids were little, we tried to make the journey part of the holiday from when we started packing. Partly, it was an attempt to stop the constant question, “Are we nearly there yet….”
It didn’t always work—but it often made the journey itself fun!
It’s just the same with our faith in Jesus. We’re not simply marking time before eternity; we are living an adventure—growing closer to who we are meant to be.
So, when we use the word "journey," we're all about growth. It’s a journey with changes, transitions, challenges, and adventures.
When I think of my life with Christ as a journey, suddenly, I'm open to surprises. I'm ready for unexpected moments where I can connect with God. Challenges and changes? Bring 'em on! The journey mindset helps me embrace the unknown and welcome whatever comes my way.
What if there was a way to explore my faith as a journey? Welcome to The Methodist Way of Life
Let’s have a quick recap of the 12 "stopping-off" points along the way.
Pray: We pray daily
Worship: We worship with others regularly
Notice: We notice God in the Bible and the world
Challenge: We challenge injustice
Flourish: We care for creation and all God’s gifts
Service: We help people in our communities and beyond
Tell: We tell of the love of God
Live: We live in a way that draws people to God
Share: We share our faith
Care: We care for ourselves and those around us
Learn: We learn more about our faith
Open: We practice hospitality and generosity
The Cleveland and Danby Circuit has asked me to work with the Circuit Leadership Team to promote and provide resources for The Methodist Way of Life across our circuit.
This is not a quick fix—the journey will take several years as we want to dig deep and take our time to explore meaningfully. Remember—it’s not about getting to the destination; the journey itself will be lots of fun!
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Here are a few words of introduction for those who haven’t met me yet. I’m a recently retired minister living in Guisborough. I’ll give a chunk of time every week to resource and encourage us in The Methodist Way of Life journey.
I am a member of Guisborough Methodist Church, together with my wife, Sandy—a local preacher. I was an ordained Anglican minister for almost four decades, and the local Methodist circuit has commissioned me to take this role of encouraging and facilitating MWoL in the Cleveland and Danby Circuit. In this ministry, I will be working with the Circuit Leadership Team, overseen by the Superintendent Minister, Richard Sharples.
Are you ready to jump on board and start the journey?
Paul Walker
(Circuit MWoL Facilitator)
