Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends
As the build up towards my ordination intensifies, I found myself last week at my final week of teaching at the Queens Theological Foundation. This was a strange experience having the prospect of the new life which is yet to come after ordination held in tension with that of being a probationer minister and still effectively a student at queens.
The final weeks study and essays which are to follow were on the theme of church history.
The Church has a rich history which started in a blaze of glory at Pentecost and still continues to be written today.
During this time, the history of the Church has not always been something with which we look on with pride. At times we have been quick to judge others, to exclude or to discriminate. We have not always sought to resolve difference instead looking to pick fault. Some of those who have been leaders within our Church have chosen to act inappropriately or to do things which have led to criminal prosecution.
Despite these things, the Church has also been at its best when it is open to God moving in and through it. It has done many good things like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked. Standing up for those on the margins and holding those in power to account.
Many agencies could claim to have done similar good things with good people doing good things.
However, what makes the Church unique is the transformational power of the love of God. Open to all, embracing all and shown to all.
So, what will the church be known for in the Bede Circuit? What will the history books say about us as we the current custodians of the Methodist faith in this place seek to respond to those around us with the love of God?
May we be collectively and individually be open to the Holy Spirit moving amongst us. May we be prepared to go where we are led. May we know beyond question that we are loved by God, and may we not just be good people doing good things, but more importantly be known as the people of God, enthused by the love of God, empowered by the love of God, as we share the good news of Jesus, not just with our own, but with those who need it most whoever and wherever that may be.
As the church, we are called to go and make disciples and that time my friends is now.
Circuit News and Information
Rev Matt Sheard will be ordained at Coventry Methodist Central Hall on Sunday 27th June. Unfortunately, numbers of people attending will be limited but the service will be live streamed, and we will pass on details once we have them. Please keep Matt in your prayers as he prepares for this important moment in his “time”. Also, for Rev Huw Sperring who is taking sabbatical leave until the end of August; that this time will be refreshing for him and his family.
During June, the time of Zoom services will change to 6.00pm, then, during July and August there will be NO Zoom services during holiday time, but we hope they will resume in some form in September.
A new series of Zoom Bible studies continue on Mondays at 7pm and Thursdays at 10.30am led by Ian Stimpson our Evangelism Enabler on Faith sharing. Wednesday prayers at 10am continue as well on Zoom.
There are Why-pay Sunday services and service sheets for use at home.
For more information, please contact your pastoral visitor or minister.
With good wishes and prayers
Revd Matt Sheard on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.