Donations to LWPT that don ’ t cost a penny !
Catharine Hughes
Catharine grew up in Yorkshire and became a Christian during a Rob Frost mission . She has a degree in Maths and Psychology , and qualified as a Chartered Accountant . Her husband ’ s research took them and their two children to Lusaka , Zambia , which delayed her accreditation as a Methodist local preacher by four years but gave her plenty of practice , and stories for two books . She is now completing her second of three years ’ part-time training for presbyteral ministry . In her spare time she enjoys playing the cello , watching cricket and winning at board games , but not all at once .
She attends Mobberley Methodist Church , her ‘ link ’ church while she is in ministerial training . Her ‘ home ’ church remains Poynton Methodist Church , where her family also worship .
Why did you enter Sermon of the Year ?
Preaching has been a core part of my ministry for many years . I have considered entering Sermon of the Year in the past , viewing it as a personal challenge : this year both time to write and spiritual inspiration coincided . I was particularly gripped by the theme of ‘ Cross the Divide ’, to think about what divides us from God and how the cross has mended that rift between us . I am keen to make bible stories zing with relevance for people today .
Philip Sudworth
Philip is a member of Standish Methodist Church and became a Methodist local preacher in the Wigan circuit in December , 2017 .
Having retired from the education service , he is kept busy by voluntary work . In 2019 , he was recognised as the local Volunteer of the Year . His monthly series of articles , Pew by the Door , appeared in the Methodist Recorder over the 2004 / 2005 church year .
Peter ’ s had articles on faith published in eight countries .
His grandchildren have given him renewed insights into awe and wonder , love and trust . Frequent challenging questions remind him that those who think they have all the answers haven ’ t yet found half the questions .
Why did you enter sermon of the Year ?
I entered Sermon of the Year , because I am passionate about the theme . I am convinced that the church must be inclusive and accept those who are on different faith journeys . We have so much to learn from each other .
The church must also come alongside those outside the church who are in social , emotional or spiritual need . We have to earn the right to share our faith , and it is remarkable too how much those we help can teach us .
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