Words from Bede Circuit

Dear Friends

`Zoom’- I grew up knowing this as a lollipop shaped like a rocket.

Or `Zoom’ – the title of a song by Fat Larry’s band

Now `Zoom’ is meaning something very different – one way we are communicating with each other through video calling. Obviously only for those who have internet access and a computer.

Every week members of the circuit meet to worship, to pray. We use this method for meeting as a staff team weekly. I meet with the superintendents and Chair of District weekly. This week I have attended a training course to enable me to be let loose to be a supervisor for my ordained colleagues, which is now a requirement for all ordained ministers. The Circuit Leadership Team are going to meeting monthly to discuss the work of our circuit.

And yet I am aware that whilst this is a good way to communicate it doesn’t include everyone. Many have fed back to the ministers that they appreciate the written letter and worship resources which are sent weekly and that is good to hear. But of course nothing replaces meeting together face to face, -

Below is the latest statement from the Secretary of the Methodist Church ( written on May 12th). I include this so that everyone hopefully will get to read it. Obviously it is necessary for us all to follow the government advice and the advice from our Connexional Team.

A statement from the Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Conference:

“Methodists have missed being able to gather for worship in church buildings over the last two months and look forward to the resumption of public worship when it is safe for this to happen.

"The Church’s commitment to the pastoral care of its members and others has been at the forefront of our response and will continue to be. During the lockdown many congregations have shared in internet based services, usually broadcast from manses, following strict social distancing rules, and many people have continued to worship in their homes. Church communities have been creative in preparing worship materials and nationally we have a dedicated phone line for those who are not connected to the internet.

"The increased number of broadcast services on radio and television has helped to mitigate some of the sense of deprivation that people feel from a loss of fellowship. We would hope that those programmes continue to be scheduled as not all will be able to attend public worship even when all restrictions have been lifted.

"We recognise the paramount importance of the safety of members of the public and understand that any change to the current restrictions must be made with care.”

Throughout this time it is important to remember the most important aspect of our faith and that is that we , you, I are children of God. Honoured, precious, loved, cherished.

Isaiah 43 v4-5 `You are precious in my sight’, ` Honoured’ `I love you.’ ` Do not fear.’

I pray that these words would speak to each one of us in our different situations.

For those who can access Zoom the codes for Sunday worship and morning prayer are: You can access the service https://zoom.us/download. The meeting ID is 95979435144 and the Password 321257. Then every Wednesday you can join us for Morning Prayer again on Zoom starting at 10am.The ID 99912067989 and the password 564776.

For those who meet at home and use the worship resources, may you know you are not alone but meeting in Spirit with many others.

Together we are the Church, we are the people of God.

Blessings to you all

Jane

Jane Carter, Superintendent Minister

on behalf of the circuit staff team