Covid-19
Dear Friends
I hope you are all keeping safe and well as we continue to isolate and physically distance to prevent the further transmission of Coronavirus. Despite all the difficulties the measures we are all taking are making a difference and we can see daily glimmers of hope as the numbers of new infections start to reduce. Sadly over 30,000 people in the UK have lost their lives to the virus and we pray for them and their families during this difficult time.
This week I am sure many of you will have marked in your own way the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. Whilst the weather was glorious the restrictions prevented many of the planned national celebrations. I am sure you will have had the opportunity to watch some events on television or listen on radio and join in the national two minute silence to remember the many who gave their lives for our freedom. Whilst sadly we could not join together to mark the occasion, I hope that you received your Church card and tea bag and were able to join together virtually on Friday with your Church friends. Many thanks to Karen and the Events teams for organising this.
Richard and Maureen Shaw contacted me to say they had enjoyed their tea and scones, complete with best china on their “Upper Terrace” in the Garden and were thinking of you all. Maureen also reflected that she wished she had the opportunity to learn more from her Dad about his efforts in the War, but like many he did not talk about his efforts and believed he was “only doing his bit” So many people played their part during the Wars, may we continue to be grateful for their efforts and sacrifice and remember them and their families at this important time.
Yesterday evening, as I walked around Trentham it was a pleasure to see balloons, bunting and many families in their front gardens joining in the celebrations and thanks to mark the occasion. Surprisingly as I was walking the sound of singing was evident and one local resident in military uniform had taken to the streets complete with backing track and microphone to join people together in song. In the emotive speech from Her Majesty The Queen she was able to connect the isolation of the War with the isolation affecting many at the moment but she was able to point out that “our streets are not empty – they are filled with Love”. For us we can know the human Love of our family and friends but also know the Love of the Lord which is with us always.
During the week you will have received a booklet “Jesus Loves All” which is a prayer journal produced by the Methodist Church. This journal is part of a global wave of prayer through a worldwide prayer movement called ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ which invites us to pray daily from Ascension to Pentecost. It was launched in 2016 by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and now Christians from 172 countries and 65 denominations take part in praying for friends and family to come to faith in Jesus Christ. The days between Ascension and Pentecost have always been full of expectation and anticipation. As the Lord Jesus ascended, he promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to enable the disciples to be witnesses. This year during the eleven day prayer journey from 21st May to 31st May we have an opportunity to join together using the booklet and to remind ourselves and others that Jesus Loves All. During this time of isolation and restrictions that Love is more important than ever and we have a real opportunity to share that Love with others. The prayer journal reminds us in many ways of the power and grace of Love and asks us to think what a different place the world would be if we loved each other. The Bible (1 John 4.7) provides the framework “Beloved , let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”
As you pray this week please pray for those on our Prayer list – whilst you may not know them all personally they are known and loved by God.
Frank & Barbara
Ken & Pat
Rev Alec
Don
Margaret
Ruth
Alan
Doreen
Pat
Danni
Beaulah
With this message, as always, you will find a short act of worship that you can use to guide your thoughts and prayers and stay connected with the wider Methodist church. You are also very welcome to join either a telephone or internet act of worship each Sunday. If you want to join the telephone Church service you can do so at 10.00am by calling the number below and using the codes as shown.
Dial: 0333 0110 946
When asked enter the
Room number: 47927697 #
When asked enter the
Guest PIN: 1145 #
If you are able why not join the on line zoom service at 11.00am where you will have the opportunity to join with many friends from Trentham and from across the Circuit.
The link for this is
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82447305265?pwd=QU5UVUlLMnRyaXk2UzA2Vk5Ld1IvUT09
or simply click here
Meeting ID: 824 4730 5265
Password: 038802
Instead of joining this via Zoom you can also call into this service at 11.00am using one of the numbers below – the meeting ID and Password is the same as for the zoom on line service as shown above. Dial one of these numbers:
0203 051 2874
0203 481 5237
0203 481 5240
0131 460 1196
You can find reflections and biblical stories on our circuit you tube channel including new material added weekly from Rev Linda at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBhbVptj0forVkUfmmsvd_w
or just click here to go there.
I hope these resources are helpful to you.
Please continue to stay safe and know that you are surrounded by the love and prayers of your Church family.
With every blessing
Ian