Words from Bede Circuit

Dear Friends

Just like last year this Holy Week is going to be very different, previously churches across the circuit would be planning all manner of services and different occasions. There are traditions that happen, questions regarding having flowers in church during Lent, contrasting forms of Lenten liturgy. When entering ministry, I found Holy Week very different, in my local preaching days I had enjoyed the opportunity to lead a Good Friday service or an Easter Sunday but never in the same year. As a minister I have lead Maundy Thursday communion remembering that last meal together of the disciples a sombre reflective service followed by even greater intensity on Good Friday considering Jesus’ torment and anguish in addition to the great love of his sacrifice on the cross. Following this the exhilaration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday, that not even death can defeat Christ. Two contrasting emotions the tears of sadness as we look at the cross, the tears of joy when we look at the vacant tomb. The mountain top experience of the resurrection compared the valley depth of the crucifixion that mountain top experience of the more real because you have experienced the valley floor. On the corridor at Felling Methodist there is a rainbow painted, it is bold and colourful yes makes you think of Noah a new start, but it always reminds me of Holy Week. You see to get the brightest rainbow you need to have the rain but then you have to have the bright sunshine, you have to have both. In this Holy Week experience those two facets at this time the overwhelming grace of Christ works on the cross and the joy of the resurrection. In the coming days look for your rainbows, see the overwhelming sacrificial love of God for you but also the awesome resurrection power of God a combination that can never be defeated.

Zoom Bible studies are having a two week break over Holy Week and Easter but instead there will be services during Holy Week on Zoom. Maundy Thursday at 7.30pm, Good Friday 12 noon to 3pm on the hour every hour for 10-15 minutes, and then Easter Sunday at 10.30am. The log in is the same code for Sunday morning worship. Other services by Why Pay telephone conference will also be taking place. Your minister will provide details. Sunday worship continues on Zoom at 10.30am. Wednesday prayers at 10am continue as well on Zoom. There are Whypay Sunday services and service sheets for use at home.

For more information, please contact your pastoral visitor or minister.

With best wishes and prayers for a blessed Holy Week

Revd Neil Maynard, on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team