Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
Last weekend was certainly an inspirational weekend, firstly with the Grand Slam Ladies Final in which Emma Raducunu and Leylah Fernandes went head-to-head in a stunning and exhilarating match. Both girls serving as wonderful ambassadors for their respective countries. What talent……yet it was more than talent it was an innate gift possessed by both girls who did not leave it at that but were prepared to put in hours of practise to reach their goal. Then on Sunday our famous Great North Run, very different this year, but at least it took place and so many different people, some experts, some well practised and many participating for the fun of it but all contributing to a wonderful atmosphere, while at the same time raising vast sums of money for their favourite charity.
Whether one is participating because one wants to reach a high level of expertise or merely for the fun of it (???) both require a high level of discipline and that demands regular application, hard work and considerable practise over the years. For some, who took part in the Great North Run, there will be feelings of stiffness and soreness this morning, some illusions would be slowly stripped away as the once eager participants came face to face with reality.
The Christian life is not dissimilar, there are rules to follow in order to build up a foundation but that alone does not allow growth and development, discipline and sheer hard grind comes in. In Paul’s letter to the Hebrew’s we are reminded ‘to strip of anything that holds us back……….and to run with patience the particular race that God has set before us’ (Hebrews12:1), in Corinthians he assures us that all the runners run the race, though only one wins the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24,25). Training and resolution are essential for anything that is worth doing yet there is still more. A talented person can experience periods in which they are devoid of inspiration. We can’t measure it or explain it but when such inspiration occurs it needs to be recognised and accepted with gladness….the Holy Spirit at work within us. Whether motivating the budding athlete or sportsperson or filling the life of the Christian with joy it is the Holy Spirit who transforms the mundane into something inspiring, who changes the dead letter of the law into something immensely liberating.
Whatever our role, let us ask God for the discipline to persevere and the release of the Spirit within us to turn the ordinary into something really dynamic. We are not isolated individuals, the Spirit is with us and God’s hand is in our hand.
Peace be with you and as we begin a new church year may you feel the Holy Spirit inspiring and guiding you. Shalom,
Judith Oldroyd on behalf of Bede Methodist Circuit
Forthcoming Events
Circuit Service on Wednesday 22nd September at 7 pm via Zoom to celebrate Rev. Matt’s recent ordination and to welcome Revd. Paul and Judith into the circuit
Bible Studies resume again on Thursday 23rd September at 7pm. We will study Mark’s Gospel as part of Bible Month.
Please contact your minister or church steward for login details.