Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
The short dark days of Advent are with us. As part of my daily devotions, I’m busy reading a book “Travelling Light” by Daniel O’Leary. Although I bought it some years ago, I have finally got round to reading it! There are 31 chapters, one for each day, followed by a praxis for each day, offering an opportunity to be still and reflect. It is working well for me, providing me some space amongst the busyness of life and ministry, especially in these Covid times, to reflect upon my relationship with God that lies at the centre of who and what I am. It is evident as I talk with people that we are all feeling the strain of continuing Covid restrictions upon our lives and freedoms. The other day these words about dealing with negative thoughts seemed to jump off the page at me:
“I begin by choosing to move my attention from clamouring thoughts to positive perspectives by noticing, for instance, all the small miracles that I continually take for granted. I don’t have to look far. They are crowding around me and within me. For a start, the sun has risen again. And better still, so have I! I am in the middle of this experience called life. It has its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. But it IS life. And I’m living it to the best of my ability. And it is marvellous and wonderful. There are people who really love me. There is a world that, in spite of all its wars and sins, is still the most beautiful place in which to live. And a whole new day, full of all kinds of possibilities, is waiting for me to live it and to love it. Already the focus of my attention has shifted and the first step to reshaping my mood and my day has begun. And already, too, this is the experience of grace, the work of the Holy Spirit, a taste of redemption, a glimpse of the abundant life…”
One of my favourite Advent hymns is “There’s a light upon the mountains”, and particularly the words,
“There’s a hush of expectation and a quiet in the air; and the breath of God is moving in the fervent breath of prayer…” (STF 188)
The message of Advent has never seemed as relevant as it does this year. 2020 has been one like no other! Yet, we have Advent HOPE of the Light that continues to shine in the darkness of this world and, as Daniel O’Leary has written, “… in the middle of this experience called life. It has its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. But it IS life…”
So, during Advent, I am especially making time to be thankful as well as listening out for that “HUSH OF EXPECTATION”! Even greater than the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells, “tis the triumph-song of Jesus, of our King, Immanuel!”
CAROLS ON THE DOORSTEP Newcastle Methodist District working with Premier Radio have launched “Carols on the Doorstep”, an initiative that has spread across the country. On Sunday 20th December at 5:30pm the whole country has the chance to join in. You are encouraged to invite your neighbours to join in using whatever means are safely available to you. If you have internet access, more details plus invitations can be found at www.carolsonthedoorstep.co.uk or on Facebook @NewcastleUponTyneMethodistDistrict. Why not make your own invitations or poster to display in your street? Be creative!
On the day, you will need to have a radio at hand. That can be a DAB radio, Freeview on your TV (725) or the Premier Radio phone app. Premier Radio will play 3 or 4 carols for everyone to sing along to. This is a good chance to dust off that festive jumper or your most festive headwear if you like. It will be family-friendly so children are welcome to bring something to shake or rattle along too.
Some of our churches will be reopening for Sunday services but Sunday worship will continue on Zoom at 10.30am.
Monday evenings Zoom Bible studies at 7.00pm and Thursdays at 10.30am.
Wednesday prayers on Zoom at 10.00am.
Why-pay services by telephone and a Sunday worship sheet are also available.
Please contact the Senior Church Steward (Brenda Wallace) for more details: wesleymemchurch.pr@gmail.com
With good wishes and prayers on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.
Revd Deborah Wainwright