Words from Bede Circuit

Dear All,

Tomorrow I have an appointment at the Dentists. It is my regular six monthly check up -but I always get very nervous and am relieved when it is all done with. Hopefully no work will have to be done.

During this month I will be completing my tour of the circuit churches looking at the Circuit Review. Then the work will begin on trying to bring everything together as we look ahead for future ministry and staffing for the circuit. I hope in this process it hasn’t felt like going to the dentist! But as I hope my dental appointment won’t require more work, this circuit review will bring about changes to how we work. 

For some the outcome has been to look at ceasing to meet, for some to look at new mission opportunities, for some to look at ways to working together with another church.

I want to say thank you to those who have met, and those who still have to meet. I have found it very helpful meeting with you.

Proposals will be presented at the Circuit Meeting in March and hopefully this will instigate a circuit discussion, as we discern the calling of God.

Amidst all of this we have meetings to discuss the `God in Love Unites Us’ report and three meetings have been agreed to look at this. This will hopefully help in decisions each Church council has to make regarding marriage. 

Monday January 31st St Andrews Church, Washington 2.00pm

Wednesday 2nd February Wesley Memorial Church 7.00pm

Tuesday 8th February West Harton 7.00pm

If you have a question to ask these can be submitted to me before the meeting and the questions can be asked anonymously.

As we go into this new year, with all the uncertainties of Covid, of decisions that lay before us, we do so knowing that God is with us. 

Last week I led two Covenant services and we were reminded within this service of the covenant God has made with his people. A covenant based upon Gods unconditional love. We are invited to respond and to promise to live no longer for ourselves but for God. 

All of what we are trying to do is to live for God and to seek his way and I pray that as this year unfolds we keep that as our focus and desire.

Rev Jane Carter On behalf of the Bede Circuit Staff Team

Morning Prayers on Wednesday at 10am via Zoom, contact your minister for log in details.