Minister's Message 

Dear friends
It is good to be back with you all after my Sabbatical.  The theme for my sabbatical was Story and the aim: to find more biblical and contemporary stories to convey to congregations, school assemblies and fellowship groups.  I enjoy sharing stories and believe it is a good way of conveying a message.
Here is a glimpse of what I have been doing:
My brother lives in New Zealand and so February was spent on the North Island.  We travelled around but spent a lot of time catching up with Andrew, Cath and the family.  I find the history of New Zealand fascinating with two cultures, the Maori people and Europeans, finding ways to live together in harmony.  
On our return I began writing up newly discovered stories.  I also began to study the book of Esther and have written a monologue about her.  In April I went on a Creative Writing course at Lee Abbey in Devon which I found very helpful and encouraging.  As I travel the Circuit I will find opportunity to share some of the stories I have discovered and written.  
At the end of April I began a British Sign Language Course which I go to on a Tuesday evening – something I have wanted to do for a long time. 
I have returned from my Sabbatical feeling refreshed and ready for my continued Ministry.  On my first Sunday back the gospel reading was from John 21: Jesus makes the disciples breakfast on the beach, he recommissions Peter to feed and care for his sheep and then calls him again to ‘follow me’. 
Even when we have been followers for many years we still need to hear Jesus’ call, ‘follow me’.   My sabbatical was an opportunity to pause and listen again to the call of Jesus.  I encourage each of you to find time to pause and listen to the call as we travel from Ascension to Pentecost and through the summer months.  Over this time we are asked to join with Churches across the country to pause and pray, ‘Thy Kingdom Come’. You can download ‘Nine Days of Prayer: I hear you differently’ at www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/prayer/thy-kingdom-come/thy-kingdom-come-resources/.   Also our Bible Month this year will be held through July and preachers will speak on Colossians.  Bible Studies will take place at the West End (in June) and at Broadway (in July) – see your Notice Sheets for details.
Love and God bless from Rev Linda