One Voice - in partnership with Northampton Methodist Church & Methodist Church Northampton District

You probably wouldn't expect to listen to a podcast from the Methodist Church and hear about Humanism. That's exactly what we're going to explore in one of this month's conversations. Rachael Duggan used to be a Christian and by her own admission " wasn't a very good one ". This is the story of how she realised where she felt most at home ideologically. Even though her beliefs and principles are most probably different to yours, we think it's a fascinating listen.

Also this month : 

Surendra Malhotra is the Chair of the Northampton Inter Faith Forum and their work is a prime example of collaboration and selflessness. If you were previously unaware of their work and aims, this will bring you right up to speed.

How do you think you would feel if you were undocumented? That all certainty was removed from your life and in the eyes of society, you were no one? Imagine an existence that meant you feared authority; one where you struggle to trust anyone for fear of being returned to the place you're persecuted.

This can be reality for those displaced from African countries. 

The Rev Charity Nzegwu is a Minister with Royston Methodist Churches in the Cambridge Circuit and moving from Zimbabwe, she took up a great interest and empathy with this latter day diaspora. It's an incredibly revealing conversation, in which shocking truths are heard and real world anecdotes come out of what it's like to try and resettle half way around the world and a long, long way from home.

It's a wake up call that's particularly prescient given October is Black History Month.

Our second story comes from Rev David Speirs. David has recently moved from Hull to Northampton and was one of the key organisers of something called Re:Uniform, a brilliant initiative to redistribute school uniforms in Hull for free. 

With some clear and ambitious plans, David talks about his background and bringing a renewed zest to Northamptonshire.

There are all sorts of ways we can occupy the places that offer wonder and experimentation. Nigel Pimlott from the Learning Network thinks it's about " digging deep wells into the unknown " and challenging what leadership truly means. Nigel has some robust and really well thought out ideas on what it should take to lead the Methodist Church in 2021 and beyond and joins us in this episode.

Tim Baker from All We Can is another one of our guests and he's here to reflect on the story of how Rev Romeo Pedro saw himself empowered by the work of the organisation 7,000 miles away in Namibia. To help someone realise their potential and place in the world is arguably the greatest gift of all and Tim sets out their work with great eloquence.

Poetry is the catalyst for our final conversation and it's with the latest winner of The Bardic Picnic, Kezzabelle Ambler. It's a wonderful and funny chat around the catharsis that creative writing can lead to. She must be good - Tolkien apparently approves of her work !

The desire to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty sits at the very heart of Christian Aid's mission. To champion those who live in some of the most difficult circumstances at the very margins of society is what they do 365 days a year. Martin Gage from the organisation is one of two guests this month and you'll hear some previously undisclosed stories about the way they combat terrible hardship and injustice.

Multi talented is one of many ways you could describe Northamptonshire based John Bowman. He's at the coal face of the work done in schools both here and abroad by Notivate. A jazz musician and an evangelist for the powers of music in young people, John talks to us about their educational and therapeutic programmes.

Do we offer costly hospitality? 

The Reverend Sam McBratney of Dignity and Worth believes we have an obligation to open ourselves up to themes and subjects that cause us to question our own deeply held ideals. To move outside of our comfort zone and challenge long standing beliefs is a destination that should beckon us all. In light of the news that post conference, the Methodist Church is now the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, Sam tells the story of his principles and those of the organisation he represents.

Growing up in what many of us will have deemed " The Troubles " in Northern Ireland, Sam has seen division, hate and resentment take hold and he's also witnessed the long and frequently painful process of reconciliation. Listen to our conversation as we pick over the idea of dissent and its place in otherwise polite conversation.

Our other guest has dynamo like qualities. Four years ago, Meg Neilam set up Golden Years in Wellingborough, Northants for the part of our community her late Nan always called " recycled teenagers ". In truth, you've probably never heard a story like it. It's remarkable.

It'd be great if you could have a go at The Mystery Minister game; direct your answers to [email protected]

Who could it possibly be?

One Voice is frequently a glorious celebration of some of the best traits we have within us. In this episode, you'll hear of new chapters, defiance, resilience and belief. 

Deacon Richard Beckett is about to "sit down" and so reflects upon his experiences ( which may involve some admissions about stunt kites ! ) which are many and varied and include the Young Leaders Scheme.

Chair of the District Helen Cameron has achieved some brilliant things; she's just been named Moderator elect of the Free Churches Group and the Free Church President elect of Churches Together in England and she's going to tell us something about those roles.

We'll also have conversations with a member of Kingsthorpe Baptist Church and find out how it has been to worship alongside members of the Kingsthorpe Methodist Church (warning : a very vocal baby may be heard in this chat ! )

The Reverend Lynita Conradie is someone who has been blind since birth. If ever there has been a story about resilience and the conquering of adversity, this is it. Lynita talks about her life and work as a Human Rights lawyer and how she preaches on domestic abuse.

There's also up to date information on the Greenbelt Festival.

And who can forget the Mystery Minister quiz?!

" It was like a bomb had gone off " is the expression the Rev'd Richard Coles uses to describe the impact of his partner's death. The Reverend David Coles died in 2019 and in April of 2021, Richard's book " The Madness Of Grief " was published. It charts the sometimes combative nature of their relationship as alcohol addiction took hold of David and the trials that any type of addiction can bring. Hear Richard talk about seeing bereavement through the prism of his faith and how he questions his own virtue and security. It's such a candid conversation and bears themes that echo with so many of us at the loss of a loved one.

You'll also meet Lydia Barratt from the Young Leader's Scheme; she explains to the podcast what eco districts and eco churches are and how we need to strive to be kinder to the world and become more sustainable.

We also chat to the Reverend Phil Snelson, who is about to move on through the process of stationing. Phil discusses its origins, what it asks of individuals and families and his key recollections from 13 years in Northamptonshire.

There's also a chance to emulate Rev'd Kim Shorley and correctly identify the Mystery Voice.

We're now in double figures ! The podcast has reached 10 episodes and there are some really great things for you to listen to and get involved with.

Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference has some witty and well observed things to say about his weekly online broadcasts that he does with Vice President Carolyn Lawrence. He also talks movingly about what it meant to be part of a near all day service in Kenya.

Toni is one of the inspiring and driven young people on the Young Leaders Scheme and she'll be talking about the great work that's be going on at Towcester Road church. If anyone can give them a great new website, Toni can !

Our third guest has been around faith and worship broadcasting since the early 2000s - Martin Heath presents the Sunday breakfast programme on BBC Radio Northampton. Hear him chat about the programme's aims, what he's learned along the way and why the 24 / 7 cafe at the Greenbelt festival is so vital. 

We've also important news about the Weston Favell Centre Foodbank and worship at the Pastures.

Not only that, but the podcast is running it's own version of Martin's " Impastor " game. 

Once you've worked out the answer, please email [email protected] - answer in the next episode!

Imagine this.

A world free of nuclear weapons. It's a cause that Steve Hucklesby and countless churches and worshippers believe fervently in. In this episode, you'll hear Steve talk about the ways in which the campaign works and why success is vital.

Jayne Louise Bassett is a counsellor with a private practice and someone who works with Manna House Counselling to facilitate online courses like the one we're chatting about in this month's episode. How can you combat stress and nurture a sense of resilience ? Jayne is so good at helping us identify when we need a little help; she even covers questions of faith and spirituality in her courses.

Well, we're certainly covering a good deal of ground in the podcast and you're going to meet the Pioneer Community Chaplain for Overstone. It's well worth walking in Mel's shoes and she shows the way for how the church can "get out there" and make its welcome felt.