Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all well.
During August I will celebrate my birthday- or certainly will try to. Growing up as a child arranging birthday parties for me were always difficult. One year I remember sending invitations to my friends at the end of the school term. On the day no one turned up- they had all forgotten. I was heartbroken. All those soggy sandwiches, jellies, crisps and cakes. Those of you with August birthdays may relate to this.
Speaking of birthdays and anniversaries- it is now one year that I have been with you here in the Bede Circuit. How time flies. Little did I or any of us would know half of that year would be in lockdown. We have had to work together as `circuit’, as `church’, as the people of God, in new and challenging ways. Society, communities have been seen working together. But behind the scenes there has been increases in the numbers of families using foodbanks, domestic violence has increased, mental health issues are rising, and the list goes on. Businesses have had to close, some have been able to re-invent how they work and keep the business going. We also have been distanced from family and friends. It has been a strange time and continues to be so.
One of the joys for me has been and continues to be is the Wednesday morning prayer meeting. Within our prayer meeting this morning I read the set bible reading for the day. John 11: v 45-57. This is headed `The plot to kill Jesus.’ As I read this one of the questions asked by the Pharisees spoke to me. `What are we to do?’. Is this a question we are asking about returning to our church buildings? Is this a question we should also be asking about the ministry to which we are called? How should we be serving God? Is God wanting to use us to do something different? Do we need to let go of some things to then be able to take up something new? `What are to do”. Or even dare we ask `What am I to do?’
The Methodist Church is producing a new `Mission Planning Workbook’. This is to help us consider our mission as church as we plan to re-open. Once we are able to the Leadership Team within the circuit still plan to have conversations with each church community as we seek where God is inviting us, leading us.
The words written in Isaiah 43:18-19 say` Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?’ What do these words say to us today?
As we listen to God together, please pray for wisdom, guidance, strength, courage that we may move forward following the calling of God.
Zoom Bible studies are taking a short break this week but Sunday worship at 10.30am, Wednesday Morning prayer at 10am will continue on Zoom. There are other services on Why Pay Telephone Conference and please do use the Sunday service sheet as we continue (for now) to worship at home. Please contact the Senior Church Steward (Brenda Wallace) for more details: wesleymemchurch.pr@gmail.com
Please continue to look after and pray for each other.
Every blessing
Revd Jane Carter, on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.