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The Methodist Church

Meet Reverend Ruth Jackson, our school Methodist minister.

What inspired you to become a minister?

As a Christian I have always wanted to do what God has called be to do. In response to that call, I became a Methodist Minister. I have been a minster for 36 years and I enjoy what I do.

What does being a Christian mean to you personally?

To be a Christian is what I am. It defines me and inspires the way I live my life. I have a relationship with God who is at the heart of my life. I enjoy speaking to God through prayer and learning about my faith through reading the Bible. I am continually developing my understanding of faith in the light of my life experiences and my Christian values influence the way I live my life.

What is your favourite Bible story, and why?                                                                       

I have a lot of favourite Bible passages, but I do like the one involving Zaccheaus, who hid in a tree to get a good view of Jesus and despite not wanting to be noticed Jesus not only stopped, but spoke to him and invited himself to Zaccheaus home for tea. This was a turning point in the life and behaviour of Zaccheaus, as after the conversation he changed his attitude and became a better person. Jesus showed him love and respect, where previously because of his job as a Tax Collector he was not liked. After meeting Jesus, he became a better person and was treated better by those around him. This story shows us that Jesus loves us and sees the best in us and when we meet Jesus our lives can change.

What is your role in the church and community?                                                            

As a Methodist Minister I work for The Methodist Church as a Superintendent Minister across Rochdale and Littleborough. It involves leading worship in different Methodist churches and making links with the different communities. I perform Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. As Chaplain and Governor at Stansfield Hall I represent the Methodist partnership in our school, working closely with my Anglican colleagues. I visit the school each week and among other things take assembly and offer support to the school community.

What happens during a typical Sunday service?                                                                  

It is a time for Christians to meet together for fellowship and worship which includes Hymns/Songs, Prayers, Bible Readings, a reflection on the readings, known as a Sermon and sometimes Holy Communion. Usually after the service we have some refreshments.

How does the church help people in need?                                                                  

There are so many ways that the church helps people in need. We offer warm safe spaces; places for people in the community to meet; food banks and meals for those in need; donations to community causes including Springhill Hospice.

How can young people get more involved in church activities?                                         

By visiting a local church and seeing what is going on. Also, checking our social media or speaking to me.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a minister?                                                        

It’s being able to be there for people, journeying with them through life’s joys and sorrows and sharing my Christian faith.

What’s the hardest part of your job?                                                                          

That’s an interesting question. I think dealing with challenging people.

Have you ever had a funny moment in church?                                                                 

Yes, lots of funny moments, including someone bringing a dog up to receive a blessing during Holy Communion.

What’s your favourite hymn or worship song?

I have so many favourite ones that it difficult to choose one, but ‘Love Divine’ written by Charles Wesley is one of them.

What do you do in your free time?                                                                                      

I like to spend time reading and gardening. 

Our school sits within the Rochdale and Littleborough Methodist Circuit which is part of the North West England Methodist District. The district consists of 10 churches, as well as a number of community outreach projects,

Greenhill Methodist Church (which is the closest to the school), Dearnley Methodist Church and Smithy Bridge Methodist Church are 3 of the 10 Methodist Churches in the circuit that are located in Littleborough

You can find out more information about the Rochdale and Littleborough Methodist Circuit by clicking here.