Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
Happy New year to you all.
I write this letter on the Feast of the Epiphany, as we recall the visit of the wise men who travelled to Bethlehem to see Jesus. This account is only recorded in Matthew’s gospel. ( Chapter 2:1-12). We know that they came to see Jesus, guided by a star, and that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Last Sunday I preached on the Zoom service and we focused on this familiar passage. I spoke about the journey the wise men travelled. The journey would have been a long journey. They didn’t know how it would end and who they would meet on the way. They wouldn’t have known the dangers they were to encounter.
It is in the darkness, the time of night where the Wise men are led. This then made me ask – how can we too be led by God at this time?
In Isaiah 45 v 3 we can read `I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.’
Throughout the scriptures God is often seen in the darkness. In the story of Jacob he wrestled with God in the night. The Ark of Covenant which was known as the place where God dwells was a box. A box of darkness. In the gospel’s angels appeared to shepherds at night. Jesus often went to pray in the dark. The fishermen went to fish at night and encountered Jesus. Nicodemus met Jesus at night. When Jesus was crucified the skies went into darkness
There are many references to Darkness and Light. Jesus himself said `I am the Light of the World.’
Although light is around us do we see light more powerfully when we are in the dark?
During this time of lockdown, it may feel like darkness surrounding us, but the one certainty we have as the people of God, is Christ, The Light of the World. How we need to seek this light at this time.
One of the decisions I have had to make is to suspend the preaching plan during this time of Lockdown. With this letter is a letter from our Chair of District for you to read. I urge all churches in our circuit to follow the advice.
We do pray for the day when we can come back together. We pray for the day when all will have received vaccines and that we can be safe once more. But in the meantime we are and continue to be the people of God serving one another and our communities, praying, seeking, searching, offering our gifts to the Christ child.
Sunday worship continues on Zoom at 10.30am , Zoom Bible studies are on Monday evenings at 7.00 pm and Thursday mornings at 10.30am, Zoom Wednesday Morning prayers are at 10am.
Whypay services 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 Jane Carter
The Methodist Church Newcastle upon Tyne District
5 January 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers
In the light of the Prime Minister’s announcement last night, and in the face of the science that is supporting the actions taken across the UK in response to the new variant of the coronavirus, the District Policy Committee (DPC) would strongly advise all Methodist Managing Trustees in the Newcastle upon Tyne District to hear the following view of the DPC.
Although the Government's guidance on the website allows church buildings to remain open for worship, the science and SAGE’s advice is to reduce as much as possible all public gatherings to stop the spread of this new Covid variant. Therefore given the advice to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives, the DPC feels it would be most sensible for the time being that we do not gather to worship in our buildings. Though the scientists are still researching the evidence, early indications are that this new strain is 70% more infectious and 30% more likely to cause serious illness. Therefore the DPC feels it would be irresponsible not to take this matter with the utmost seriousness and encourages Managing Trustees to close all church buildings for all church activities including worship and lettings except for those which are essential activities e.g. Foodbanks, Early Years Provision and Formal Support Groups during this time of national lockdown.
The members of DPC, the District Leadership Team and the District Supers would want to encourage everyone reading this or connected with the Methodist Church to be active in their prayers and to help in whatever way possible to offer pastoral support to one another through these increasingly difficult days. This is not the news we wanted to enter the New Year with but nevertheless, we are to watch over one-another in the love of Christ, who gave himself for us. Therefore may no selfish ambition that would endanger the lives of others be at the heart of any of our decisions.
We thank God that a scheme for vaccination has begun and pray that this is a speedy and effective work which brings significant change for us all to return to life in all its fullness. We give thanks that best of all God is with us. May the Holy Spirit surround, fill and equip you in all your work, witness and worship of Christ our Saviour. To the glory of God.
Chair: Rev Stephen J Lindridge