Good News! 

GOOD NEWS STORIES FOR THIS WEEK - 4th July 2020
The Methodist Church, Stoke-on-Trent South Circuit
Collected by: Hil Hands (Local preacher)
Dear friends,
How have we taken opportunities to come close to God over the last week? Out in the wonderful world of nature? Online collective worship or shared WhyPay conference call? Private prayer and bible study? Or perhaps through music?
Last night I was one of 229 who were blessed to listen, via YouTube, to Philippa Hanna in concert from Swallownest Baptist Church, S. Yorkshire. Phil and I were married at this church 32 years ago. At concerts, Philippa openly shares her ups and downs in faith, including her teenage battle with anxiety and depression which eventually forced her out of full-time education. ‘That was the darkest time imaginable,’ she shares, ‘I thought I’d never live a normal life.’ Thanks to her heart being moved at a Godfrey Birtill concert in 2004, Philippa found what she describes as her ‘life-changing faith’ and set about sharing her journey in both literary and music form. During the concert, which lasted for an hour, there was a constant stream of messages from those in the virtual congregation: some giving thanks to God for answered prayer, some asking for prayer for loved ones and some chatting online with one another in response to the testimony and music which Philippa shared. There was a great sense of fellowship, even across the miles!
Our God is a Great Big God, and He holds us in His hands!
Even when these Lockdown days seem never-ending. Even when we feel our faith waiver between flames of fire and hardly glowing embers. Even when the tears flow in laughter or heartbreak.
Hang on in there – His hand reaches out – take it.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
If you have good news, please let me know: email - hands.hilary@yahoo.com Please send news to me by Friday 10th July, ready for next weekend
 
From Stuart
Ashley had a poor week last week but today (Wednesday) we have had some more positive news.  There are two areas of concern in addition to the pancreas.  Firstly, he is still in a lot of pain from his back and stomach and secondly, because they believe half of his pancreas has died, this is causing his blood sugars to spike so he is on 1 long lasting dose per day of insulin and 3 other doses during the day.  Remarkably, for most of these he is doing his own injections.  They thought the stomach pain was due to the pancreas not creating enzymes so in the last couple of days, they have been adding enzymes to his feeds.  He has also had a slight problem with fluid on his lungs.
This morning, Deb messaged me to say that the doctor has seen him this morning and is happy because his stomach feels much better as do his lungs and the dietician is pleased that the enzymes they are adding seem to be working.  He has also been for a long walk with the physios this morning.
Also, Deb's boss at work has sent her a really encouraging message to tell her not to worry about work so that has taken a bit of pressure away from her.  She has just renewed her sick note for another two months.
Having spent a month not being able to go and visit, last Sunday they did allow me to change over with Deb and sit in with him for 3 hours (even gave me the tea Deb had ordered) so she was able to have a break at long last and went to see one of her close friends.
So we are feeling fairly upbeat.  We realise there is still a long way to go but prayer is being answered. Thanks to our amazing and Almighty God.  Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers - it means an awful lot to us.
God bless,  Stuart
 
From Hil at Forsbrook
We had a blessed day with our grandson, Elijah, who came to visit this week. Elijah is now 9lb15oz and doing so well. His Mum and Dad are part of a support group with other parents who have/have had babies in the neonatal wards. It is amazing to hear how the love and care these little ones receive enables them to thrive. Thank God for new life!
Thank you, Lord, for your reckless love that heals the brokenness within us, gives us the strength to live another day and forgives us our sins.
Help us to live out your reckless love, so that through the power of the Holy Spirit we will be able to love you, love our neighbours and forgive other people.
We receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and surrender our lives to the power of the Holy Spirit to be used for your glory alone. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
(Jasmine Yeboah, Youth President, British Methodist Conference, 2018/2019)
 
We can use our fingers to pray for everyone:
Little finger – for children and grandchildren
Ring finger – for relationships within communities across the UK, particularly as pubs, cafes and other venues begin to open again.
Middle finger – for all Church leaders, as they guide our way through easement of Lockdown rules.
First finger - for all those returning to work, with new guidelines in place to help with safety for all.
Thumb – for ourselves, that we act lovingly upon that nudge from the Spirit.