Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
We recently got down the box of Christmas decorations.
As I reached the big box down, something soft fell off the top of the box and hit me on my head.
I carried the box downstairs to find two excited children ready to decorate the manse and the Christmas tree within an inch of its life.
I went back upstairs to find what had hit me on the head. I was surprised to find that it was the baby Jesus from our knitted nativity set.
I then remembered, that as we were packing things away last year, Jacob, our son, had played with and entertained the baby Jesus whilst we were packing away the decorations.
By the time we had finished packing everything away, we had filled the box with tinsel, baubles, lights, stars etc. This meant there was no room for Jesus.
Sound familiar? There was no room at the Inn!
I picked up baby Jesus and gave him his rightful place back amongst our nativity set.
I wonder, what does this say to us about where we place Jesus this advent and Christmas time within our lives?
Will we have room in our hearts for the coming Christ child? or will there be no room at the inn?
This advent and Christmas time, may we get our hearts and lives ready as we are transformed by the coming Christ child, so that we can truly echo the words of that famous hymn “O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee”.
With good wishes and prayers on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.
Revd Matt Sheard
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 https://www.carolsonthedoorstep.co.uk/ or on the District Facebook page. 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 welcome to bring something to shake or rattle along too.
Some of our churches will be reopening for Sunday services but Sunday worship on Zoom at 10.30am will continue. There will be no services Sunday 27 December throughout the Circuit & District.
Monday evenings Zoom Bible studies at 7.00pm and Thursdays at 10.30am.
Wednesday prayers on Zoom at 10.00am.
Last bible study for this year is Thursday 17th December 2020. The studies will the re convene in the New Year.
Whypay 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
Other Why Pay and Zoom worship opportunities in the run up to Christmas
Zoom Services
Christingle Saturday 19th December 4pm
Visit Glebe Methodist Church website for details on how to build your traditional or not so traditional Christingle prior to the service. Bring your completed Christingle with you to the service.
Christmas Eve 24th December 6pm
A simple and reflective service of readings, meditations, and carols.
Christmas Day 25th December 10.30am
A short service of celebration. Fun for all!
Why-Pay Phone Services
Sunday 20th December at 3.00pm (Carol service)
Christmas Eve Meditation at 3.00pm
Christmas Day service at 9.45am