Covid-19
A Meditation: Hope burst through … by Linda J Catlow
Hope burst through the door, light flooded through the window
He greeted her in the garden, He met them in the room
He walked and talked with them on the road
He broke bread with them and made breakfast on the beach. He was alive
Hope burst through the door, light flooded through the window
He greets us in the garden, He meets us in the room
He walks and talks with us on the road
He comes to us in the breaking of bread and the eating of a meal. He is alive
Hope bursts through the door, light floods through the window
He turns the impossible into the possible
He comforts us in our sorrow and brings us into joy
He helps us in our despair and shows us there is hope.
He turns the fear of death Into the joy of eternal life with him who declares
‘I am God and I am alive’
Hope bursts through the door, light floods through the window. He is alive.
Dear friends
We continue to live through this strange time of social distancing and staying safe at home because of the Coronavirus: Covid 19. It can feel a lonely time because of being physically separated from those we normally see regularly and those we love. I am thankful for the phone and the internet because it has provided the opportunity to stay connected. At this time in our lives we need to hold onto those moments when we glimpse the light flooding through. I listened to our Prime Minister’s birthday message to Captain Tom, now Honorary Colonel, this morning. I was encouraged to hear Mr Johnson say, ‘There is a tradition, going back some years … where the Prime Minister will take a moment each day, to thank someone for their service to others, by recognising them as a point of light’ – and he referred to Colonel Tom. I do not think anyone would argue with this because we have seen this amazing man make a huge difference to the NHS by raising an incredible £31million and bringing light into a dark situation.
As people of God, we believe that Jesus is the light of the world and nothing will put that light out. I am encouraged (again), as Christ’s light is reflected through actions and words of love, in this difficult time. Thank you to all those who have been a ‘point of light’. There are many feeling blessed by telephone calls or messages received via various media, including mail, which have brought light into the dark. Thank you to all our essential workers and volunteers who continue to provide us with our needs – you are a ‘point of light’. Also, we give thanks for the charities that continue to reach out with Christ’s light into our developing world. We especially hold in our prayers:
Christian Aid Week which begins on the 10th May and will happen in a virtual way so check out their website – christianaid.org.uk – and consider how you can support them this year.
All We Can: we became an All We Can Partner Circuit this Church year and are supporting communities in Ethiopia.
Tim Baker, good friend of the Circuit and a Manager at All We Can, has emailed us this week with the following information:
Every day at 1.17pm, All We Can is sharing positive and uplifting content on the theme of ‘Colossians 1:17 – All Things Hold Together’ – a series of encouraging broadcasts that you can watch and join in with from the comfort of your home. You can catch them every day on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/allwecanuk
Secondly, you might have seen that we have launched our Coronavirus appeal in conjunction with the Methodist church as their official relief and development charity. Details can be found here:
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/give/current-appeals/emergencycoronavirusappeal/
I would encourage you to share this with those in your churches if you can. The support you can give will make a significant difference at this time.
We continue with the Circuit Sunday Conference Phone/Video Call Worship over the forthcoming weeks. Here are the times of worship:
WhyPay Conference Telephone Calls:
09.30am: Sandford Hill Conference Phone Call – contact Jeff Short/Glenn Parkes for details
10.00am: Longton Central Hall – contact Jeff Short or Glenn Parkes for details
10.00am: West End and Trentham – contact Linda Catlow or Maureen Prophet for details
10.00am: Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook & Lightwood – contact Ian Coates or Katrina Rogers for details
10.30 am: Broadway – contact Ian Coates or Gill Rawlinson for details
Zoom Video Conference Call:
11.00am: Circuit Service, ALL INVITED – a link will be circulated each week or contact Linda Catlow or Glenn Parkes for details.
One day we will be able to safely gather again in our church buildings to worship God. In the meantime, let us continue sharing the unconditional love and light of Christ by words and actions. Let us continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers:
- all those who are ill with Covid 19 or whose loved ones have died
- all those in the NHS and other essential services who are ensuring our needs are met.
If anyone has any questions or just needs to talk please contact your Minister or one of the Church or Circuit Leadership Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God bless from Linda
on behalf of the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT)