July & August: Thoughts from Jane
Dear friends
It gives me great joy to be able to write the ministers letter this month.
As you will know Huw is on sabbatical which is a gift from the church to every minister. The sabbatical is taken every seven years. This is what is written on the Methodist Church website- `For Methodist presbyters and deacons, a sabbatical is a period of release from ordinary ministerial duties, in addition to normal holidays, for the purpose of pursuing an approved programme of study, research, work or experience. It is intended as a time for re-equipping, refreshment and renewal.’ Please continue to pray for Huw during this time.
Please be assured though that you aren’t abandoned. The ministerial staff team are all working together to cover any pastoral needs, or situations where a minister is required.
It is during this time that many of the churches in the circuit are gradually reopening and it is wonderful to be able to see people face to face once more. It is going to take time to re-adjust. For those who have used the weekly worship sheets these will continue to be made available.
At a recent staff meeting one of the ministers led our devotions. They read from the book `The Hungry Caterpillar”- a children’s favourite. We reflected on the caterpillar on how it made itself a cocoon, but in that process changed into a beautiful butterfly. We too may have felt cocooned during this time but how do we re-engage back into life?
How have we been transformed during this time? What have we learned? What has changed? We will all have gone through high and low points, sadness, joy, loss just to name some. But we know that what still remains true is that we are loved and are all children of God. Nothing will change that but as we live in that knowledge we will be changed.
One of the readings which means so much to me are the words of Isaiah- Ch 43 vv 2-5
`Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you.’
May these words be transformative to you as you re-emerge from lockdown.
Praying blessings upon you
Jane Carter
Superintendent Minister Bede Methodist Circuit