Words from Bede Circuit

Dear Friends

I write this letter following a staff meeting on Zoom where I read the words of Psalm 121.

“I lift my eyes to the hills”.

The image it gives is one of God’s wonderful creation - valleys, hills, blue skies, sheep grazing in the fields. But reading a little on these words they had a different meaning in the ancient world. Then the hills were seen as places of danger, places of uncertainty to any traveller. There was no path or guide and thieves could be hidden away waiting to pounce.

These words then were used as a prayer for travellers asking God for protection on a potentially dangerous and uncertain journey.

This made me wonder about our journeys back to church and back to life without restrictions. How we need to know the presence of God, his guidance and protection as we enter into this uncertain time. There are of course no paths or guides laid as this is the first time we have travelled in this way. Through conversations with people, I think it is a journey we travel carefully and gradually. A journey where we continue to communicate and discern which is the best way forward. The Methodist Church has offered guidelines to help us in this time.

On another subject relating to journey, I am pleased to inform you that Andrew and I have moved into the new manse in Hebburn. Our address is 27, Chaffinch Drive Hebburn NE31 1BF. Landline 0191 422 3306. We are now south of the river. Thank you to Lynn and Claire -circuit stewards for all the work they have done. We hope to have an open day for the circuit to come and share in fellowship once we are free from boxes-but we are happy to welcome visitors.

And another journey- I ask you to remember Neil and Alison Maynard as they embark on a journey from Bede Circuit to Grantham and vale of Belvoir Circuit. We pray God’s blessing upon them and I remind you we will be having a circuit leaving service at Felling on August 1st at 4.00pm. We will be singing but ask people to continue wearing masks.

So whatever journey you are embarking on- holiday, visiting a neighbour, returning to church buildings, shopping, may you be aware of God walking with you, and you can confidently say like the psalmist,

`My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.’

During the summer we will continue to meet in prayer on Wednesday mornings at 10.00am. For more information, please contact your pastoral visitor or minister.

With good wishes and prayers

Revd Jane Carter on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.