Issue No. 78: Summer 2007
Theme: God of the unexpected
Editors: Carol Hind and Diana Spence
Your Summer 2007 issue will look at how God acts through the unexpected, and why it is important for us not to be set in our ways, but open to fresh ways of meeting with God. The issue will include personal stories about how God has changed people's lives in unexpected ways and been with them through extraordinary events, a Bible study on how Jesus broke with tradition to show love to those in need and a look at some new and unusual ways of being church. As this is the Women's Network Birthday issue, this will be the focus for our worship pages, and we will also take a look at inspirational pioneering women throughout history and what is going on in Women's Network today.

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Issue No. 74: Summer 2006
Theme: Colours of Africa
Editors: Carol Hind and Christine Braithwaite
Colourful costumes, energetic dancing, harmonious and soul-stirring singing – these are all vibrant elements of African culture. It is the richness of this culture that Magnet 74 focuses upon, through its personal stories, meditation pages and worship. Readers are invited to consider where they stand with regard to our debate on whether Africa is a treasure, or a burden, or whether the very posing of such a question betrays an unflattering attitude. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to read about the preoccupations, passions, trials and testimonies of featured Africans. Most stories come directly from the nationals themselves. Whether special features, or regular articles, this issue of Magnet promises to be an educational and entertaining read. You will not be disappointed!

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Issue No. 70: Summer 2005
Theme: Health
Editors: Gail Sheppard, Christine Braithwaite and Shirley Whyte
The theme for this issue is mental, physical and spiritual health. We have a feature on healing from the healing and counselling centre in Marylebone, and a look at carers and the labour market – is it possible to care and work? Mental health, an issue not previously covered in Magnet, features and also men’s health as this is not a magazine just for women. Of course you will always find your regular articles, including prayer focus, Bible study, talking justice, taking action and the debate. Our worship centres around an outdoor picnic and links up with a healthy eating “things to do” page. Sounds good? Then join us for an issue packed full of healthy options.

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Issue No. 66: Summer 2004
Theme: Imagine a world
Editors: Gillian Collins and Christine Hickox
The summer edition of Magnet imagines a world in which everyone is of value and all viewpoints worthy of respect. We examine our use of language and imagery for God, accessibility and inclusiveness in church, racial justice, mediation in conflict situations and women’s concerns in Russia. Also included is a prayer focus on inter-faith relations, a practical feature about Godly Play and, of course, Magnet’s usual meditation pages and worship resources.

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Issue No. 62: Summer 2003
Theme: The Sea
Editors: Alison Brophy
In the summer issue of Magnet our theme is "The sea". We explore the everyday reality of life in a seaside holiday resort and examine some important environmental issues which concern us all. We will also hear about ships with a mission, voyages of discovery and island life, together with personal stories and meditations. Worship, Beyond time and tide, reflects the ebb and flow of life.

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Issue No. 58: Summer 2002
Theme: Hidden Women
Editors: Shirley Whyte and Lynne Ling
In the second year of the Women and Violence project of the Women's Network, the summer issue of Magnet focuses on various aspects of this sensitive issue. Through bible study and personal stories we also look at the notion of hidden women and explore the question "Who am I?". Worship material tackles the question Will you love the YOU you hide?

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Issue No. 54: Summer 2001
Theme: Freedom
Editors: Shirley Whyte and Alison Brophy
Freedom to laugh, to dance, to worship... freedom to explore the world through the internet... freedom from debt and injustice... the price that some people pay for freedom. The summer issue of Magnet explores the many facets of freedom with ideas for worship and a gospel meditation entitled Are you free? We hope you will be free to join us!

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Issue No. 50: Summer 2000
Theme: Belonging
Editor: Katharine Cheney
Knowing who we are, feeling at home, being in the right place: the summer 2000 issue of Magnet explores what it means to belong in the family, in society and in the church. We share the experience of an adopted person searching for identity and of young second-generation immigrants finding their place in another culture. We learn what it is like to be a refugee and some of the implications of joining a religious community. Worship resources include a service based on unity and Trinity (Patterns of Belonging, a bible study reflecting on change in our lives, pictures with meditations and book and music reviews.

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Issue No. 46: Summer 1999
Theme: It's not fair
Editor: Jean Smith
Everyone has a sense of what is fair. There should be justice, served by law, for all. Magnet presents stories and articles on just a few aspects of this huge, world-embracing theme. Doreen and Neville Lawrence struggled for six years to find out exactly what happened on the night their son Stephen was killed. Doreen speaks personally to Magnet readers. By examining the biblical roots of justice, Brian Brown shows us how God would have us treat one another. 'Whites Only' notices had gone when Carole Burgess returned to South Africa. Progress there may be slow, but hopeful new ventures have begun. We hear about the Jubilee 2000 campaign and how the Thames Valley Police are taking steps to 'Right Wrongs'. A prison chaplain tells of her experience and others talk about their visits to Ghana and Tanzania. A service entitled 'Dreams and Visions', inspired by Native American spirituality, is included. Pictures accompanying meditations provide a focus to reflect upon the theme.

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Issue No. 42: Summer 1998
Theme: Words are not enough
Editor: Kathryn Schofield
It's all too easy to deceive ourselves into thinking we have done something when we have merely discussed it: hence the theme of this issue – 'Words are not enough'. There are compelling, challenging stories from people whose lives have been transformed by their response to the Holy Spirit – and whose calling is to help change the lives of others for the better. We look at the 'encounters' that help to shape our faith and ask what we can do as individuals and as churches to ensure we have a growing faith. A bible study on Lydia, and words and picture pages that help us to reflect on what it means to see, love and follow God day by day (including a meditation on The Cartwheel), provide resources for use by groups and individuals.

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Issue No. 38: Summer 1997
Theme: Celebrate!
Editor: Margaret Nicholas
An anniversary issue to celebrate ten years of Magnet magazine and ten years of the Women's Network of the Methodist Church. Articles reflect how Women's Network has proved a catalyst for turning faith into action. In addition to news about projects and partners, connections around the world and work in Britain, there is a service of thanksgiving and rededication by Rev Jean Mayland, one of he first group of women to be ordained as priests in the Church of England. A bible study on Miriam and her Cushite sister-in-law, the regular feature of words and picture pages and thoughts from our readers about what Magnet has meant to them in its first ten years of existence bring the celebration to life.

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Issue No. 34: Summer 1996
Theme: Getting Across
Editor: Kathryn Schofield
This issue reflects the season of Pentecost, emphasizing the work of God the Holy Spirit as communicator and bridge-builder. We explore our relationships with God and each other with this in mind. Subjects of articles include a challenge to us to consider the possibilities of spiritual direction, worship in Cumbria that is reaching out to 'un-churched' young people, an experience of counselling, a house group's attempts to understand people of another faith, different people's stories about overcoming barriers to communicate with others and a reflection on the care needed to capture and use powerful photographic images. Worship material includes a service for Pentecost – "The Fire of Love" – a bible study on Hannah and a variety of words and picture pates that focus on Pentecost.

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Issue No. 30: Summer 1995
Theme: Let us break bread together
Editor: Patricia Hughes
This issue looks at hospitality. Our attention is drawn to the 'honoured guest' in every Christian life. We re encouraged to 'let strangers become friends'. We learn of someone granted asylum and of the painful uncertainties that all refugees face. We also touch on how being perceived to be 'different' isolates and raises barriers. Articles deal with life under an occupying power, the welcome existing for in-comers to an area and a family that opens up their lives to a new family from the Caribbean. Accounts of projects providing shelter for homeless people, a safe house for women and children and a variety of church-run food and fellowship clubs appear. Pictures and meditations enrich the main theme and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower and encourage us.

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Issue No. 26: Summer 1994
Theme: Being there ...
Editor: Patricia Hughes
God is at work in the world of everyday things. Contributors to this issue share their experiences, in helping acutely ill patients, in enabling 'second chance' students to try again and succeed. Emma Nicholson MP tells why she entered politics. Another contributor focuses on inclusive language in the Church and we are encouraged by Janet Morley of Christian Aid to 'pray with our eyes open'. A letter from Nigeria explains how an Empowerment Grant for Women is making a tremendous different and an article on retreats helps us to focus on the theme. Pictures and meditations in the centre pages provide a focus for Pentecost.

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Issue No. 22: Summer 1993
Theme: The best is yet to come
Editor: Mollie Locke
This issue celebrates the mid point of the Ecumenical Decade of the Churches in Solidarity with Women. The aims of the Decade were so wide-ranging that many found them a difficult focus. Magnet explores a few of the issues, takes a look at the United Reformed Church's movement set up for the Decade, Sharing People in Network. We ask Pauline Webb and Ruth Reavley to reflect on what the Decade means to them, and we interview Clare Short MP. Three women look back on memorable moments in their lives and we hear from women in South Africa, South Korea and Guatemala. We also learn of the work of Seva Sadan, a community centre for Asian people in Birmingham. Material for reflection is included, together with questions to consider individually or in a group. The central picture and meditation pages focus on community and equality.

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Issue No. 18: Summer 1992
Theme: Encountering God
Editor: Patricia Hughes
This issue draws upon the many threads that make up the varied and distinctive life patterns of women today. Articles include research into women's spiritual writings, how spiritual experience is bound up with the whole of life and a spiritual diet. Reflections by Julie Hulme dwell, honestly and realistically, on the fact that loving is hard, the oasis sometimes a mirage. Contributors share their perceptions of what God is like for them here and now. There are painful encounters and thankfulness for blessings. Exploration of difficult urban situations and finding God present, the importance of prayer life and music, and an opportunity to try circle dancing, are all included. Meditations and pictures on the theme are the focus of the colourful centre pages.

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Issue No. 14: Summer 1991
Theme: Identity - Who am I?
Editor: Tricia Graves
This issue considers 'identity' and asks us to consider whether we know ourselves as well as others know us. Read how two women married to ministers view the words 'and the two shall become one' and a very positive and thought-provoking article on being single. Feelings on bereavement are expressed, as is the sense of loss in regard to Alzheimer's disease. Challenges and new experiences often make us look anew at ourselves, and they can be, as one contributor suggests, decidedly uncomfortable. Prayers and readings focus on 'a journey of discovery', identity and 'a new creation'. Reflection pages develop the theme Who am I?

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Issue No. 11: Summer 1990
Theme: Getting somewhere
Editor: Lois Ainger
This issue, in Magnet's earlier format, asks you to consider what 'getting somewhere' means for the Christian. Is it related to achievement and the attainment of goals? Is there ever a time when we can say, 'now I have arrived. This is it', following which we can forever sit down and enjoy the landscape? Articles look at middle age and a renewed discovery of self, equipping the paralysed in Bangladesh, a minister's personal reflections about her 'Damascus Road' moment, an experience of agoraphobia, MP Hilary Armstrong on her life in politics, a contributor's visit to the Philippines and glimpses into a family with teenagers. Prayers and meditations reflect different aspects of the theme and content, including ‘Reflections on the place where you are born' and ‘The pilgrim en route'.

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Issue No. 8: Summer 1989
Theme: The time of your life
Editor: Lois Ainger
In this issue, we look at periods of life that are experienced as joyful or challenging, both in the UK and in Zimbabwe and Zambia. For some there are wisps of nostalgia or regret. Some have overcome long years of pain and deprivation to win through to a more settled time of contentment. The second part contains a cluster of features on or by the elderly. During a time span of several generations, changes in values and expectations are perceived. We look at retirement and the challenge to reappraise our priorities and preoccupations. We share in some of the sadness of old age and enjoy overhearing what children say about their grandparents. Centre pages of pictures and meditations reflect the times of rejoicing and that God is with us always, to the end of time (Matthew 28:20). Download A time to rejoice and God's moment is here.

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Issue No. 5: Summer 1988
Theme: Living life to the full
Editor: Lois Ainger
Here, Magnet deals with fulfilment. No approach can be extensive or wholly true, since it is never complete. What does a full life mean for many of our contributors, and how do they see it in the context of their life and faith? Some have moved towards a fuller experience of living, even when it meant a painful and slow emergence from restricting frameworks. Contributors also draw attention to the struggle for wholesome living, the global implications of neighbourly living, and we continue the fictional story of the Clarke family, through whom we explore what 'well-rounded' lives may mean in Britain's society of 1988. Images, meditations and prayers reflect the words of Jesus: 'I have come that you might have life - life in all its fullness.' (John 10:10)

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Issue No. 2: Summer 1987
Theme: In the image of God
Editor: Lois Ainger
This issue attempts to show God at work, an active and a loving God who transforms us into his likeness. Articles include a view of 'Jane Eyre' by Mary Taylor, the romantic ideal of family as an exploded myth, the situation of women in Jamaica, thoughts about a call girl agency featured on a BBC programme presented by Kilroy-Silk, life in Chile and in an independent Nigeria. The issue helps us to look at identity and our sense of belonging, life as a single person and as 'the model wife'. Tips on how to use the magazine for personal reflection, group work, discussion and action, make it a user-friendly edition (especially for the 1980s!).

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