Words from Bede Circuit
Dear Friends,
In our house this week we have had a little bit of trepidation about the return to school. We are very fortunate that both children love school, however, whenever there has been a break the thought of returning to school always causes a sleepless night the night before. This usually provides two tired children to return to school but who ultimately love being back in school with their friends.
As we embark on this New Year, we often find ourselves thinking about the coming days months and weeks that will make up the year. Some commit to a newfound desire to have a more successful prayer life, others may well decide that this is the time to commit to reading their Bible more, others may decide to cut back on what they eat, take up more exercise or spend more time addressing the work life balance.
So, what about our circuit churches? Some maybe returning with trepidation of oh no here we go again, how are we going to manage to get through this month, whilst others may take a more optimistic approach looking forward to being back together and what the future holds.
Over this next year we have a number of weighty matters that will occupy the time of circuit staff, church members, church councils and circuit meeting. One of which is the God in love unites us report on marriage and good relating. Another will be what comes out of the collective life of our circuit following on from the completion of the circuit review with now just a few churches left to be visited.
These issues and countless others and when you add Covid into the mix may concern us, give us sleepless nights, or make us worry about the future of the Methodist Church, the circuit our own individual churches.
As we embark on this new year, I simply want to encourage you that God has this in hand. God works for good in all things. God is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and end, always has been around always will be around.
Marvin Gay once sang
“Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from you.”
This was the chorus in his hit love song ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough.’
These words really resonated for me at the start of the new year and reminded me that with God there is nothing that can separate us from God. There is no issue too big for us to face together and with God.
John 14: 27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
May we collectively seek God’s blessing, encouragement hope and peace as we embark together on this new year, as we look together at key issues, seek God at work in the world, and be the people of God sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ knowing that we are loved completely by God.
May God bless us this year we pray
Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Rev Matt Sheard on Behalf of Bede Circuit Staff Team