The England Exchange

This month, my family and I will fly to the United Kingdom with fear and trepidation. Yes, we will 
be taking one week vacation, and I’m sure will love every minute of it, but after that, we will 
also be in ministry to the people of Lutterworth, Ruby/ Deventry Parish in Middle England. My 
understanding is that we will be at different churches each Sunday Morning at 10:30 and again at 
another church at 6:30pm. The British Methodist Church calls these large charges (12 churches) 
circuits, where a few other Elders and Staff persons rotate in leadership and preaching. Obviously, 
I have a lot to learn about English Society and the British Methodist Church.

Already, I have learned about Visas, Passports, the British Consulate, Skype and how bad my web cam
really is. I have also learned about British Methodism and received care from the World Methodist 
Folk in America and Britain, from Rev. John and Mary Anderson and received welcome and concern from 
our host family in England.

The kicker of this whole process for you all is that I will not be the only one on this venture. 
Red Bank UMC will be blessed, experiencing some international flavor, as you receive a British 
Methodist pastor in my absence, the Rev. John Anderson and his wife Mary. During his time here, he 
will have four host families to take him out to eat and visit with him. A reception of welcome is 
tentatively planned for Saturday, July 24 at 4pm. Rev. John and I will each be preaching on Sundays, 
visiting those in need, getting to know the people of the parish and visiting church functions 
whenever possible.

Of course, we at RBUMC will also have some back up pastors on call in case of a death or tragedy as 
well as lay leadership employed to help facilitate this experience in worship. Meg and I want to 
thank each of you for your graciousness in allowing your pastor to experience this venture and for 
your hospitality to the Andersons on their visit. Please pray for me and our family as we hope to 
take some SC to England and of course carry with us the Gospel of Jesus Christ to England and share 
it wherever possible. We will be updating you through emails and Facebook.

                      Joy and Peace to you ~ Rev. Tommy Wilkes III

P.S. A Note about the July Fundraiser and Concert - As you know part of the Exchange Program through 
the World Methodist Council requires a payment from the American Hosts to the English Pastors coming 
over to America because of the difference in compensation between our two countries and systems. 
Rev. Anderson and Mary believe that the financial burden for this exchange is harder for our family 
of five than for theirs. With this being said, Rev. Anderson asked that we not provide the required 
$900 to him for the exchange. This is a very gracious act of kindness for our family and church and 
thereby takes care of the need for a fundraiser to supplement this extra expense of John's travel. 
So, we will not be having a fundraiser meal for England or a Concert in July. We will normal FFM as 
previously scheduled. Thanks Barb for your willingness to help us with the previous plans and for 
covering the FFM in the change.

                     Joy and Peace ~ Rev. Tommy Wilkes

~ Your Hospitality Ministry Team is very excited about the arrival of the visiting pastor, Rev. John 
Anderson, from England. The ministry team would like to show him what real southern hospitality looks 
like by hosting a reception to honor their arrival. The reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 
2010 at 4:00pm and everyone is invited. We, the Hospitality Ministry team, invite you to help by 
providing your favorite southern treat (cookies, bar cookies, brownies, a special family recipe, a 
favorite summertime drink etc.). whatever you would like to prepare. Eddie and Jenny Fox will be 
coordinating the event & will welcome your favorite treat to help make the reception a success. Please 
contact Jenny or Eddie at 957-3485, so the ministry team will have an idea of quantities and 
varieties." ~ The Hospitality Ministry Team