Words from Bede circuit

Dear Friends,

Good to be able to share some good news……

At our staff meeting this week we welcomed back Ian Stimpson and Matt Barrick back from a time of furlough. It was good to see them on Zoom and we will be working with them to reintroduce them back into working.

Other news is that Bill Lee has agreed to become Circuit Property Steward and Angela Lishman has become a circuit steward. These appointments were made at the Circuit leadership Team meeting as they are acting on behalf of the circuit meeting during these times.

Other news is that Grace Place, our circuit project has reopened two days a week and this is wonderful.

Throughout the circuit each church is making decisions about when to reopen or whether or not to wait.

I think for me this time of lockdown has made me ask some big questions about our life as Church. What is important? What do we need to continue and what do we need to let go of? What new ways can we be church? What new ways can we worship? In what new ways can we serve our communities?

Within the Zoom Bible Study we are looking at a book called `Holy Habits’. What are the Holy Habits of Church? It is based on the passage Acts 2: 42-47. Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, Prayer, Giving, Service, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, Making More Disciples. As the early church practiced these elements the Church grew. All important aspects. All necessary. What is missing in the life of our churches? We hope these studies will help us to think about what is important as we begin to return to our buildings.

One thought I shared within the study this week was some work I was asked to do as part of a training course I attended on Mission. We were asked to write this passage from Acts in the negative. I wondered why but after writing it, I certainly was challenged to think about attitudes and practice in our churches today. This is what I wrote:

`They didn’t want to learn of the apostles teaching nor did they want to meet for fellowship, prayer, and in the breaking of bread. The people were filled with fear. They could not see God at work. The few people who did gather kept all their belongings to themselves. They made sure that had all the latest gadgets and possessions. They never noticed those who were in need. They spent as little time with one another as they could, wanting their own lives. They ate alone, and always grumbled to God about what was happening around them. Blaming him for it all. Each day the numbers of those who once did belong decreased in size.’

Please continue to engage with the Zoom Sunday services at 10.30am and the weekly Bible studies on Holy Habits series on Mondays 7.00pm and Thursday 10.30am. As well, there is the Sunday worship sheet , Wednesday prayer meeting and Whypay services. Please contact the Senior Church Steward (Brenda Wallace) for more details: wesleymemchurch.pr@gmail.com

If you need any help please contact your pastoral visitor or minister.

Stay safe and well.

With good wishes and prayers on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team. Revd Jane Carter

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