93-487: The Ponteland Observer was a weekly newspaper that circulated in the village of Ponteland in Northumberland in north-east England , and later the southern part of the borough of Castle Morpeth as well as some of the north-western suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne , from 1 October 1982 until 9 January 1986. It was originally owned by Ponteland Observer Ltd, a company belonging to Michael Sharman, its first editor, who
186-614: A Wesleyan chapel. In 1867, an Anglican sister church to St Mary's opened in Milbourne, one of Ponteland's wards. In 1884, a Catholic church was established at St Matthews, now part of the Hexham and Newcastle Catholic diocese. In the twentieth century, a United Reformed Church opened in Darras Hall. In the 13th century, Ponteland narrowly escaped conflict when the Treaty of Newcastle (1244) ensured
279-508: A prisoner-of-war camp in the Second World War . The camp was designated number 69 of several hundred camps across Britain and held Italian and German prisoners of war. Reflecting the post-war growth of the village, Ponteland High School opened in 1972. The affluent housing estate of Darras Hall is a popular choice for many of North East England 's wealthy residents and many people associated with Newcastle United Football Club live in
372-428: A 'message,' followed by an invitation to commitment", the latter of which took the form altar call —a practice that a remains "a vital part" of worship. A number of Methodist congregations devote a portion of their Sunday evening service and mid-week Wednesday evening prayer meeting to having congregants share their prayer requests, in addition to hearing personal testimonies about their faith and experiences in living
465-414: A community based station. The town is served by these local newspapers, Hexham Courant and Northumberland Gazette . Ponteland's retail and commercial amenities concentrate around the village's main street, the nearby industrial estate, and Broadway, a small commercial zone serving Darras Hall. The former headquarters for Northumbria Police , now the location of a communications and training complex,
558-438: A holy life. They were accustomed to receiving Communion every week, fasting regularly, abstaining from most forms of amusement and luxury, and frequently visiting the sick and the poor and prisoners. The fellowship were branded as "Methodist" by their fellow students because of the way they used "rule" and "method" to go about their religious affairs. John, who was leader of the club, took the attempted mockery and turned it into
651-400: A key feature of early Methodism. Growth in numbers and increasing hostility impressed upon the revival converts a deep sense of their corporate identity. Three teachings that Methodists saw as the foundation of Christian faith were: Wesley's organisational skills soon established him as the primary leader of the movement. Whitefield was a Calvinist, whereas Wesley was an outspoken opponent of
744-673: A largely Christian population, with 7,774 Christians (71.2%). This is followed by those of no religion, at 1,920 or 17.6% of the population. Ponteland residents are particularly active in commercial and financial services in northern England, southern Scotland, and the wider European Union . The parish benefits from its proximity to Newcastle Airport , which is the tenth busiest in the United Kingdom and operates frequent flights to London Heathrow , several European capitals, and North America. Ponteland residents are more likely than Northumbrians to be managers, directors and senior officials or in
837-458: A last minute peace between Scottish and English forces. The treaty bears the name of Ponteland's nearest city but was actually signed in the village. During the 14th century, Ponteland was less fortunate. Scottish forces destroyed part of Ponteland Castle, as prelude to the Battle of Otterburn in 1388, twenty miles (thirty kilometres) northwest of Ponteland. Taking advantage of English distractions in
930-501: A methodology termed the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral". Wesley's Quadrilateral is referred to in Methodism as "our theological guidelines" and is taught to its ministers (clergy) in seminary as the primary approach to interpreting Scripture and gaining guidance for moral questions and dilemmas faced in daily living. Traditionally, Methodists declare the Bible ( Old and New Testaments ) to be
1023-661: A middle school at this time, converting to an academy. Ponteland High School sought planning permission for a new school building in order to house the increased pupil intake at years 7 and 8. This was due to be completed in September 2020. Ponteland Community Middle School then converted to a Primary school in September 2020. There are now four Primary schools in Ponteland: Ponteland Primary School, Darras Hall Primary School, Richard Coates Church of England Primary School and Ponteland Community Primary School. There
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#17328555378741116-405: A part of the early evangelical movement, Wesleyan theology took root and spread through this channel. Martin V. Clarke, who documented the history of Methodist hymnody, states: Theologically and doctrinally, the content of the hymns has traditionally been a primary vehicle for expressing Methodism's emphasis on salvation for all, social holiness, and personal commitment, while particular hymns and
1209-623: A person backslides but later decides to return to God, he or she must repent for sins and be entirely sanctified again (the Arminian doctrine of conditional security ). Methodists hold that sacraments are sacred acts of divine institution. Methodism has inherited its liturgy from Anglicanism , although Wesleyan theology tends to have a stronger "sacramental emphasis" than that held by evangelical Anglicans . In common with most Protestants, Methodists recognize two sacraments as being instituted by Christ: Baptism and Holy Communion (also called
1302-581: A revised version of the Book of Common Prayer called The Sunday Service of the Methodists; With Other Occasional Services (1784). Today, the primary liturgical books of the United Methodist Church are The United Methodist Hymnal and The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992). Congregations employ its liturgy and rituals as optional resources, but their use is not mandatory. These books contain
1395-452: A similar experience a few days previously. Considering this a pivotal moment, Daniel L. Burnett writes: "The significance of [John] Wesley's Aldersgate Experience is monumental ... Without it the names of Wesley and Methodism would likely be nothing more than obscure footnotes in the pages of church history." The Wesley brothers immediately began to preach salvation by faith to individuals and groups, in houses, in religious societies , and in
1488-711: A substantial part of Ponteland's railway connections have been resurrected as part of the Tyne & Wear Metro system to serve Newcastle Airport . Reflecting its rural surroundings, Ponteland has several country walks. These concentrate around Ponteland Park and include a walk from the Diamond Inn to Kirkley and from Medburn to the Highlander Inn. Ponteland has five public houses: The Seven Stars, The Blackbird, The Badger, The Diamond Inn and The Pont Tap. Methodist Christianity • Protestantism Methodism , also called
1581-536: A title of honour . In 1735, at the invitation of the founder of the Georgia Colony , General James Oglethorpe , both John and Charles Wesley set out for America to be ministers to the colonists and missionaries to the Native Americans. Unsuccessful in their work, the brothers returned to England conscious of their lack of genuine Christian faith. They looked for help from Peter Boehler and other members of
1674-471: A traditional worship practice of Methodism that are often held in churches, as well as at camp meetings , brush arbor revivals , and tent revivals . Traditionally, Methodist connexions descending from the tradition of the Methodist Episcopal Church have a probationary period of six months before an individual is admitted into church membership as a full member of a congregation. Given
1767-446: Is a town and civil parish in Northumberland , England. It is 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Newcastle upon Tyne . Built on marshland near St Mary's Church and the old bridge, most marshland has now been drained to make way for housing. In the industrial era, the settlement expanded with the development of Darras Hall . Parts of Ponteland have some of North-East England 's most expensive houses; being just outside Newcastle, near
1860-451: Is also ultimately derived from Wesley's Sunday Service . A unique feature of American Methodism has been the observance of the season of Kingdomtide , encompassing the last 13 weeks before Advent, thus dividing the long season after Pentecost into two segments. During Kingdomtide, Methodist liturgy has traditionally emphasized charitable work and alleviating the suffering of the poor. A second distinctive liturgical feature of Methodism
1953-586: Is just north of Ponteland. Ponteland railway station was once served by the Ponteland Railway branch line of the North Eastern Railway (later part of the London & North Eastern Railway ) from Newcastle , including a short spur to Darras Hall . Plans to electrify the line were abandoned in 1907, however, and the spur line lost passenger services in 1929 when volume fell below expectations. However,
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#17328555378742046-462: Is notable for a ruined pele tower , its bridge, and its four churches: St Mary's (Church of England), St Matthew's (Roman Catholic), Ponteland Methodist Church and Ponteland United Reformed Church. St Mary's churchyard includes the Grade II listed 18th-century tombstones of Matthew Forster and William Turnbull. Ponteland previously boasted a small castle or tower house, which was largely destroyed by
2139-510: Is one Secondary school, Ponteland Community High School, which educates pupils aged 11–18. Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC North East and Cumbria and ITV Tyne Tees . Television signals are received from the Pontop Pike TV transmitter. Local radio stations are BBC Radio Newcastle , Capital North East , Heart North East , Smooth North East , Hits Radio North East , Greatest Hits Radio North East and Koast Radio,
2232-858: Is still used, with minor modification, in the order of service: Christ has many services to be done. Some are easy, others are difficult. Some bring honour, others bring reproach. Some are suitable to our natural inclinations and temporal interests, others are contrary to both ... Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthens us. ...I am no longer my own but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you or laid aside for you, exalted for you or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. As John Wesley advocated outdoor evangelism, revival services are
2325-400: Is studied by Methodists for his interpretation of church practice and doctrine. At its heart, the theology of John Wesley stressed the life of Christian holiness : to love God with all one's heart, mind, soul and strength and to love one's neighbour as oneself . One popular expression of Methodist doctrine is in the hymns of Charles Wesley. Since enthusiastic congregational singing was
2418-503: Is the Word of God revealed "so far as it is necessary for our salvation." Early Methodism was known for its "almost monastic rigors, its living by rule, [and] its canonical hours of prayer". It inherited from its Anglican patrimony the practice of reciting the Daily Office , which Methodist Christians were expected to pray . The first prayer book of Methodism, The Sunday Service of
2511-534: Is the use of Covenant Services . Although practice varies between national churches, most Methodist churches annually follow the call of John Wesley for a renewal of their covenant with God. It is common for each congregation to use the Covenant Renewal liturgy during the watchnight service in the night of New Year's Eve , though in Britain, these are often on the first Sunday of the year. Wesley's covenant prayer
2604-707: The Morpeth Herald " - meaning that the Observer was effectively an edition of the Herald , with the front page and some interior pages changed. This arrangement ended formally from the 6 September 1984 edition, but in fact much copy continued to be shared with the Herald , and occasionally with other Tweeddale Press titles, especially the Alnwick Advertiser . At the end of 1985 the Tweeddale Press Group decided that
2697-689: The Articles of Religion , John Wesley's abridgment of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England that excised its Calvinist features. Some Methodist denominations also publish catechisms , which concisely summarise Christian doctrine . Methodists generally accept the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed as declarations of shared Christian faith. Methodism affirms the traditional Christian belief in
2790-634: The Church of England in the 18th century and became a separate denomination after Wesley's death. The movement spread throughout the British Empire , the United States and beyond because of vigorous missionary work , and today has about 80 million adherents worldwide. Wesleyan theology , which is upheld by the Methodist denominations , focuses on sanctification and the transforming effect of faith on
2883-675: The Courant early in 1984, but in May that year he was found dead in his office shortly before his plans to launch a sister title to the Observer in Gosforth could be brought to fruition; a verdict of suicide was reached. The newspaper was bought by the Tweeddale Press Group , based in Berwick upon Tweed , with effect from 18 May 1984. From 5 July 1984 it became a broadsheet newspaper "incorporated with
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2976-541: The Free Methodist Church (emphasis added in italics), which uses the wording of John Wesley: Justified persons, while they do not outwardly commit sin , are nevertheless conscious of sin still remaining in the heart. They feel a natural tendency to evil, a proneness to depart from God, and cleave to the things of earth. Those that are sanctified wholly are saved from all inward sin-from evil thoughts and evil tempers. No wrong temper, none contrary to love remains in
3069-675: The Friday fast . Early Methodists were drawn from all levels of society, including the aristocracy, but the Methodist preachers took the message to labourers and criminals who tended to be left outside organized religion at that time. In Britain, the Methodist Church had a major effect in the early decades of the developing working class (1760–1820). In the United States, it became the religion of many slaves, who later formed black churches in
3162-640: The Holiness movement . In America, the United Methodist Church and Free Methodist Church , as well as the Primitive Methodist Church and Wesleyan Methodist Church , have a wide variety of forms of worship, ranging from high church to low church in liturgical usage. When the Methodists in America were separated from the Church of England because of the American Revolution, John Wesley provided
3255-578: The Hundred Years’ War with France, 1337–1453, this battle saw a decisive defeat for English forces and the expansion of Scottish influence in Ponteland's Middle Ages experience. While Ponteland Castle was never rebuilt as a military stronghold, it transformed into a public house . Known as The Blackbird, this still serves the Ponteland community, nearly seven hundred years after the destruction of its original purpose. Parts of Darras Hall were used as
3348-523: The Jacobite rising of 1745 , where Scottish armies advanced into England to further claims to the English throne. During this incursion, Charles Edward Stuart, popularly Bonnie Prince Charlie , reputedly bathed at a Ponteland public house. Marking this occasion, the house is still called The Highlander. One of the oldest houses, or farms at the time, in the Darras Hall area is Little Callerton House. The Old Mill,
3441-475: The Lord's Day (Sunday) with a morning service of worship , along with an evening service of worship (with the evening service being aimed at seekers and focusing on "singing, prayer, and preaching"); the holding of a midweek prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings has been customary. 18th-century Methodist church services were characterized by the following pattern: "preliminaries (e.g., singing, prayers, testimonies), to
3534-443: The Methodist denomination and congregation. Methodist worship distinctiveness includes the observance of the quarterly lovefeast , the watchnight service on New Year's Eve, as well as altar calls in which people are invited to experience the new birth and entire sanctification. Its emphasis on growing in grace after the new birth (and after being entirely sanctified) led to the creation of class meetings for encouragement in
3627-507: The Methodist movement , is a Protestant Christian tradition whose origins, doctrine and practice derive from the life and teachings of John Wesley . George Whitefield and John's brother Charles Wesley were also significant early leaders in the movement. They were named Methodists for "the methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith". Methodism originated as a revival movement within Anglicanism with roots in
3720-532: The Moravian Church . At a Moravian service in Aldersgate on 24 May 1738, John experienced what has come to be called his evangelical conversion, when he felt his "heart strangely warmed". He records in his journal: "I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death." Charles had reported
3813-551: The Norman period in the twelfth century and is still an active church. Ponteland has parish registries dating from 1602 and has been recorded in Bishops transcripts as an important place of religion since 1762. Christian worship in Ponteland has expanded to other denominations in recent centuries. The Ponteland Methodist Church opened in 1841. An 1848 review appreciated Ponteland also hosted places of worship for Scottish Presbyterians and
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3906-713: The North Sea . The river-name Pont itself comes from Brittonic * pant 'valley'. Kirkley is thought to originate in the Brittonic word whose modern Welsh form is cruc 'hill', compounded with the Old English word hlæw , also meaning 'hill'. There has been nearly a thousand years of Christian worship in Ponteland. This traditionally concentrated around St Mary's the Virgin, the prominent Church of England church near Ponteland's village green. St Mary's traces its first construction to
3999-599: The Observer , with a circulation of just 1200, would never be viable, and decided to close the newspaper and its Ponteland office; the last edition was published on 9 January 1986, after which it was amalgamated with the Morpeth Herald , which until April 2021 still retained "incorporating the Ponteland Observer " on its masthead, despite subsequent changes of editor and ownership. Ponteland Ponteland ( / p ɒ n ˈ t iː l ən d / pon- TEE -lənd )
4092-507: The Social Gospel , are put into practice by the establishment of hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens, and schools to follow Christ's command to spread the gospel and serve all people. Methodists are historically known for their adherence to the doctrine of nonconformity to the world , reflected by their traditional standards of a commitment to sobriety, prohibition of gambling, regular attendance at class meetings, and weekly observance of
4185-588: The primary authority , but Methodists also look to Christian tradition , including the historic creeds . Most Methodists teach that Jesus Christ , the Son of God , died for all of humanity and that salvation is achievable for all. This is the Arminian doctrine, as opposed to the Calvinist position that God has pre-ordained the salvation of a select group of people. However, Whitefield and several other early leaders of
4278-462: The saving work of Jesus Christ is for all people ( unlimited atonement ) but effective only to those who respond and believe, in accordance with the Reformation principles of sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone). John Wesley taught four key points fundamental to Methodism: After the first work of grace (the new birth), Methodist soteriology emphasizes the importance of
4371-500: The triune Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as well as the orthodox understanding of the person of Jesus Christ as God incarnate who is both fully divine and fully human . Methodism also emphasizes doctrines that indicate the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen the faith of believers and to transform their personal lives. Methodism is broadly evangelical in doctrine and is characterized by Wesleyan theology; John Wesley
4464-541: The Christian life. After listening to various members of the congregation voice their prayer requests, congregants may kneel for intercessory prayer . The Lovefeast , traditionally practiced quarterly, was another practice that characterized early Methodism as John Wesley taught that it was an apostolic ordinance . Worship, hymnology, devotional and liturgical practices in Methodism were also influenced by Lutheran Pietism and, in turn, Methodist worship became influential in
4557-420: The Christian life. Methodism is known for its rich musical tradition, and Charles Wesley was instrumental in writing much of the hymnody of Methodism. In addition to evangelism , Methodism is known for its charity , as well as support for the sick, the poor, and the afflicted through works of mercy that "flow from the love of God and neighbor" evidenced in the entirely sanctified believer. These ideals,
4650-542: The Church of England; Wesley remained a cleric of the Established Church and insisted that Methodists attend their local parish church as well as Methodist meetings because only an ordained minister could perform the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Faced with growing evangelistic and pastoral responsibilities, Wesley and Whitefield appointed lay preachers and leaders. Methodist preachers focused particularly on evangelising people who had been "neglected" by
4743-646: The Lord's Supper). Most Methodist churches practice infant baptism , in anticipation of a response to be made later ( confirmation ), as well as baptism of believing adults . The Catechism for the Use of the People Called Methodists states that, "[in Holy Communion] Jesus Christ is present with his worshipping people and gives himself to them as their Lord and Saviour." In the United Methodist Church,
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#17328555378744836-646: The Methodist message", with Francis Asbury stating that they were "our harvest seasons". Henry Boehm reported that at a camp meeting in Dover in 1805, 1100 persons received the New Birth and 600 believers were entirely sanctified . Around the time of John Swanel Inskip 's leadership of the National Camp Meeting Association for the Promotion of Christian Holiness in the mid to latter 1800s, 80 percent of
4929-544: The Methodist tradition. The Methodist revival began in England with a group of men, including John Wesley (1703–1791) and his younger brother Charles (1707–1788), as a movement within the Church of England in the 18th century. The Wesley brothers founded the " Holy Club " at the University of Oxford , where John was a fellow and later a lecturer at Lincoln College . The club met weekly and they systematically set about living
5022-536: The Methodists in the world. In light of this, Methodists traditionally promote the motto "Holiness unto the Lord". The influence of Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon on the Church of England was a factor in the founding of the Free Church of England in 1844. At the time of Wesley's death, there were over 500 Methodist preachers in British colonies and the United States. Total membership of the Methodist societies in Britain
5115-641: The Methodists with other occasional Services thus included the canonical hours of both Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer; these services were observed everyday in early Christianity , though on the Lord's Day , worship included the Eucharist. Later Methodist liturgical books, such as the Methodist Worship Book (1999) provide for Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer to be prayed daily; the United Methodist Church encourages its communicants to pray
5208-633: The Scottish army under the Earl of Douglas , the day before the 1388 Battle of Otterburn . The remains were incorporated into the building now occupied by the Blackbird Inn, which is rumoured to contain an old tunnel connecting it to St Mary's Church across the road. The tunnel was supposedly bricked up behind the fireplace in The Tunnel Room. A plaque outside The Blackbird records: Ponteland first appeared in
5301-591: The Wesley brothers in what was rapidly becoming a national crusade. Whitefield, who had been a fellow student of the Wesleys and prominent member of the Holy Club at Oxford, became well known for his unorthodox, itinerant ministry, in which he was dedicated to open-air preaching – reaching crowds of thousands. A key step in the development of John Wesley's ministry was, like Whitefield, to preach in fields, collieries, and churchyards to those who did not regularly attend parish church services. Accordingly, many Methodist converts were those disconnected from
5394-436: The airport and on the edge of rural countryside. The civil parish includes the old village of Ponteland, the Darras Hall estate, and the villages of Kirkley , Medburn , Milbourne and Prestwick . The name Ponteland , first attested in 1256, means "island in the Pont" or "agricultural land by the Pont", after the River Pont which flows from west to east and joins the River Blyth further downstream, before flowing into
5487-524: The attacks against them. Initially, the Methodists merely sought reform within the Church of England ( Anglicanism ), but the movement gradually departed from that Church . George Whitefield's preference for extemporaneous prayer rather than the fixed forms of prayer in the Book of Common Prayer , in addition to his insistence on the necessity of the new birth, set him at odds with Anglican clergy. As Methodist societies multiplied, and elements of an ecclesiastical system were, one after another, adopted,
5580-429: The believer holy and empowers him/her with power to wholly serve God. John Wesley explained, "entire sanctification, or Christian perfection, is neither more nor less than pure love; love expelling sin, and governing both the heart and life of a child of God. The Refiner's fire purges out all that is contrary to love." Methodist churches teach that apostasy can occur through a loss of faith or through sinning . If
5673-454: The breach between John Wesley and the Church of England gradually widened. In 1784, Wesley responded to the shortage of priests in the American colonies due to the American Revolutionary War by ordaining preachers for America with the power to administer the sacraments . Wesley's actions precipitated the split between American Methodists and the Church of England (which held that only bishops could ordain people to ministry). With regard to
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#17328555378745766-560: The canonical hours as "one of the essential practices" of being a disciple of Jesus. Some Methodist religious orders publish the Daily Office to be used for that community, for example, The Book of Offices and Services of The Order of Saint Luke contains the canonical hours to be prayed traditionally at seven fixed prayer times : Lauds (6 am), Terce (9 am), Sext (12 pm), None (3 pm), Vespers (6 pm), Compline (9 pm) and Vigil (12 am). Some Methodist congregations offer daily Morning Prayer. With respect to public worship, Methodism
5859-412: The character of a Christian . Distinguishing doctrines include the new birth , assurance , imparted righteousness , and obedience to God manifested in performing works of piety . John Wesley held that entire sanctification was "the grand depositum," or foundational doctrine, of the Methodist faith, and its propagation was the reason God brought Methodists into existence. Scripture is considered
5952-509: The communal act of participating in hymn singing have been key elements in the spiritual lives of Methodists. Wesleyan Methodists identify with the Arminian conception of free will , as opposed to the theological determinism of absolute predestination . Methodism teaches that salvation is initiated when one chooses to respond to God, who draws the individual near to him (the Wesleyan doctrine of prevenient grace ), thus teaching synergism . Methodists interpret Scripture as teaching that
6045-612: The doctrine of predestination . Wesley argued (against Calvinist doctrine) that Christians could enjoy a second blessing – entire sanctification ( Christian perfection ) in this life: loving God and their neighbours, meekness and lowliness of heart and abstaining from all appearance of evil. These differences put strains on the alliance between Whitefield and Wesley, with Wesley becoming hostile toward Whitefield in what had been previously close relations. Whitefield consistently begged Wesley not to let theological differences sever their friendship, and, in time, their friendship
6138-400: The established Church of England. Wesley and his assistant preachers organized the new converts into Methodist societies. These societies were divided into groups called classes – intimate meetings where individuals were encouraged to confess their sins to one another and to build up each other. They also took part in love feasts which allowed for the sharing of testimony ,
6231-412: The explanation of how Christ's presence is made manifest in the elements (bread and wine) is described as a "Holy Mystery". Methodist churches generally recognize sacraments to be a means of grace . John Wesley held that God also imparted grace by other established means such as public and private prayer , Scripture reading, study and preaching , public worship , and fasting ; these constitute
6324-463: The faith." John Wesley taught that the keeping of the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments , as well as engaging in the works of piety and the works of mercy , were "indispensable for our sanctification". In its categorization of sin, Methodist doctrine distinguishes between (1) "sin, properly so called" and (2) "involuntary transgression of a divine law, known or unknown"; the former category includes voluntary transgression against God, while
6417-569: The few churches which had not closed their doors to evangelical preachers. John Wesley came under the influence of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609). Arminius had rejected the Calvinist teaching that God had pre-ordained an elect number of people to eternal bliss while others perished eternally. Conversely, George Whitefield (1714–1770), Howell Harris (1714–1773), and Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon (1707–1791) were notable for being Calvinistic Methodists . Returning from his mission in Georgia, George Whitefield joined
6510-421: The heart has been thoroughly transformed to desire only God's perfect will. Wesley then addresses “sin by infirmities.” Since infirmities involve no “concurrence of (the) will,” such deviations, whether in thought, word, or deed, are not “properly” sin. He therefore concludes that those born of God do not commit sin, having been saved from “all their sins” (II.2, 7). This is reflected in the Articles of Religion of
6603-692: The house where Alan Shearer used to live, and various other dwellings in the area belonged to Little Callerton House, which is approximately 450 years old. On the edge of the estate at High Callerton, Rebellion House is a 16th-century bastle , altered and extended in the 17th century. Ponteland parish is home to 10,921 people or 3% of the Northumberland population of 316,000. Significantly more Ponteland residents live in detached housing versus Northumberland county overall; 65% of Ponteland parish residents are detached home residents versus 25% of Northumbrians. Ponteland also has significantly more ethnic minorities than Northumberland on average. Ponteland has
6696-438: The liturgies of the church that are generally derived from Wesley's Sunday Service and from the 20th-century liturgical renewal movement . The British Methodist Church is less ordered, or less liturgical, in worship. It makes use of the Methodist Worship Book (similar to the Church of England's Common Worship ), containing set services and rubrics for the celebration of other rites , such as marriage. The Worship Book
6789-667: The membership of the North Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South professed being entirely sanctified. All need to be saved . All may be saved . All may know themselves saved . All may be saved to the uttermost . Catechism for the Use of the People Called Methodists . Many Methodist bodies, such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church , base their doctrinal standards on
6882-624: The movement were considered Calvinistic Methodists and held to the Calvinist position. The movement has a wide variety of forms of worship , ranging from high church to low church in liturgical usage, in addition to tent revivals and camp meetings held at certain times of the year. Denominations that descend from the British Methodist tradition are generally less ritualistic, while worship in American Methodism varies depending on
6975-545: The movement, even wrote that it was "the natural Tendency of their Behaviour, in Voice and Gesture and horrid Expressions, to make People mad". In one of his prints, William Hogarth likewise attacked Methodists as "enthusiasts" full of " Credulity, Superstition, and Fanaticism ". Other attacks against the Methodists were physically violent – Wesley was nearly murdered by a mob at Wednesbury in 1743. The Methodists responded vigorously to their critics and thrived despite
7068-576: The national history in the 13th century, when the feuds between the Kings of England and Scotland were in full spate. The signing of a peace treaty between Henry III of England and Alexander of Scotland took place on the knoll of the marshes where the Blackbird stands today. The castle on this site was destroyed in 1388 during the Scottish retreat from Newcastle. To the north of Ponteland is another public house with links to Scotland. This marks an occasion during
7161-555: The only divinely inspired Scripture and the primary source of authority for Christians. The historic Methodist understanding of Scripture is based on the superstructure of Wesleyan covenant theology . Methodists also make use of tradition , drawing primarily from the teachings of the Church Fathers , as a secondary source of authority. Tradition may serve as a lens through which Scripture is interpreted. Theological discourse for Methodists almost always makes use of Scripture read inside
7254-425: The parish including Alan Shearer , Peter Beardsley , Steven Taylor , George Hall, Phil Barton and Terry McDermott . In 2005, Darras Hall received considerable media attention when a convicted rapist moved to the estate, after purchasing a house with his National Lottery winnings. In the early 21st century, an expanding Ponteland and the adjoining Darras Hall was home to approximately 11,000 people. Ponteland
7347-481: The position of Methodism within Christendom , "John Wesley once noted that what God had achieved in the development of Methodism was no mere human endeavor but the work of God. As such it would be preserved by God so long as history remained." Calling it "the grand depositum" of the Methodist faith, Wesley specifically taught that the propagation of the doctrine of entire sanctification was the reason that God raised up
7440-601: The professions or associate professions. Ponteland has 58% such individuals versus 38% in Northumberland overall. In September 2017, the three-tier education system in Ponteland changed to a two-tier system, despite the many benefits of three-tier system that parents campaigned to keep. The two existing First Schools converted to Primary Schools, along with Richard Coates Church of England Middle School which retained its older year groups until they had completed their year 8 education. Ponteland Community Middle School remained as
7533-512: The pursuit of holiness in salvation, a concept best summarized in a quote by Methodist evangelist Phoebe Palmer who stated that "justification would have ended with me had I refused to be holy." Thus, for Methodists, "true faith ... cannot subsist without works." Methodism, inclusive of the holiness movement , thus teaches that "justification [is made] conditional on obedience and progress in sanctification ", emphasizing "a deep reliance upon Christ not only in coming to faith, but in remaining in
7626-471: The second category includes infirmities (such as "immaturity, ignorance, physical handicaps, forgetfulness, lack of discernment, and poor communication skills"). Wesley explains that those born of God do not sin habitually since to do so means that sin still reigns, which is a mark of an unbeliever. Neither does the Christian sin willfully since the believer's will is now set on living for Christ. He further claims that believers do not sin by desire because
7719-535: The soul. All their thoughts, words, and actions are governed by pure love. Entire sanctification takes place subsequently to justification, and is the work of God wrought instantaneously upon the consecrated, believing soul. After a soul is cleansed from all sin, it is then fully prepared to grow in grace" ( Discipline , "Articles of Religion," ch. i, § 1, p. 23). Methodists also believe in the second work of grace – Christian perfection, also known as entire sanctification, which removes original sin , makes
7812-429: The vulnerable, extending the role of mothering beyond physical care. Women were encouraged to testify their faith. However, the centrality of women's role sharply diminished after 1790 as Methodist churches became more structured and more male-dominated. The Wesleyan Education Committee, which existed from 1838 to 1902, has documented the Methodist Church's involvement in the education of children. At first, most effort
7905-490: The wide attendance at Methodist revival meetings , many people started to attend Methodist services of worship regularly, though they had not yet committed to membership. When they made that commitment, becoming a probationer was the first step and during this period, probationers "receive additional instruction and provide evidence of the seriousness of their faith and willingness to abide by church discipline before being accepted into full membership." In addition to this, to be
7998-576: The wider theological tradition of Christianity. John Wesley contended that a part of the theological method would involve experiential faith. In other words, truth would be vivified in personal experience of Christians (overall, not individually), if it were really truth. And every doctrine must be able to be defended rationally. He did not divorce faith from reason . By reason, one asks questions of faith and seeks to understand God's action and will. Tradition, experience and reason, however, were subject always to Scripture, Wesley argued, because only there
8091-477: The works of piety. Wesley considered means of grace to be "outward signs, words, or actions ... to be the ordinary channels whereby [God] might convey to men, preventing [i.e., preparing], justifying or sanctifying grace." Specifically Methodist means, such as the class meetings , provided his chief examples for these prudential means of grace. American Methodist theologian Albert Outler , in assessing John Wesley's own practices of theological reflection, proposes
8184-417: Was almost exclusively that of "services of the word", i.e. preaching services, with Holy Communion being observed infrequently. John Wesley's influence meant that, in Methodism, the two practices were combined, a situation which remains characteristic of the tradition. Methodism has heavily emphasized "offerings of extempore and spontaneous prayer". Historically, Methodist churches have devoutly observed
8277-540: Was at the same time editor of the Hexham Courant owned by Cumbrian Newspapers Ltd. Unlike other paid-for weeklies in Northumberland it was a tabloid and was not part of a larger newspaper group. At that time the only weekly newspaper to pay attention to Ponteland was the 'Ponteland edition' of the Alnwick-based Northumberland Gazette . A circulation of 2000 was claimed by the time Sharman left
8370-554: Was endowed by the Wesley brothers with worship characterised by a twofold practice: the ritual liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer on the one hand and the non-ritualistic preaching service on the other. This twofold practice became distinctive of Methodism because worship in the Church of England was based, by law, solely on the Book of Common Prayer and worship in the Nonconformist churches
8463-694: Was placed in creating Sunday Schools. Still, in 1836 the British Methodist Conference gave its blessing to the creation of "Weekday schools". Methodism spread throughout the British Empire and, mostly through Whitefield's preaching during what historians call the First Great Awakening , in colonial America. However, after Whitefield's death in 1770, American Methodism entered a more lasting Wesleyan and Arminian development phase. Revival services and camp meetings were used "for spreading
8556-406: Was recorded as 56,000 in 1791, rising to 360,000 in 1836 and 1,463,000 by the national census of 1851. Early Methodism experienced a radical and spiritual phase that allowed women authority in church leadership . The role of the woman preacher emerged from the sense that the home should be a place of community care and should foster personal growth. Methodist women formed a community that cared for
8649-492: Was restored, though this was seen by many of Whitefield's followers to be a doctrinal compromise. Many clergy in the established church feared that new doctrines promulgated by the Methodists, such as the necessity of a new birth for salvation – the first work of grace, of justification by faith and of the constant and sustained action of the Holy Spirit upon the believer's soul, would produce ill effects upon weak minds. Theophilus Evans , an early critic of
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