A Letter from Rev Linda
Dear friends,
‘Best of all is God is with us’ – this is the theme for the Methodist year set by our new President and Vice President of Conference, Rev Richard Teal and Mrs Carolyn Lawrence. These were some of the last words spoken by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. They are encouraging words as we reflect on the effects that Covid-19 has had on society, as we begin to prepare to return to our church buildings and as life returns to some sort of normality. The first two verses of the hymn by Andrew Pratt say,
Best of all is God is with us, God will hold and never fail.
Keep that truth when storms are raging, God remains though faith is frail.
Best of all is God is with us, life goes on and needs are met,
God is strongest in our weakness. Love renews, will not forget.
(Singing the Faith 610)
The Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) and Church Stewards met on Zoom last week to discuss what needs to be in place for churches to reopen. The decision to do so falls to the Church Councils and some are in a situation where they can safely reopen with particular steps put in place, eg social distancing, sanitizing etc, and all covered by a Risk Assessment. Some churches are not in a place to yet do this due to size of worship space and numbers in the congregation. Your Church Stewards will be in touch as soon as buildings are ready to reopen but safety of our members is the priority so it may not be until September time. Zoom and WhyPay Services will therefore continue so as to ensure worship is available for those who are not able to gather in their buildings or those who need to continue to shield. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you prepare to reopen in the future.
At the beginning of August we will say ‘farewell’, to Rev Ian Coates, as he leaves the Circuit to ‘sit down’ (Methodist speak for ‘retire’). There will be an outdoor Farewell Service for restricted numbers, so invite only, at Broadway on 2 August. We will be setting up a live link on You Tube so that those with internet access will be able to join in at home – more details to follow. We thank Ian for his ministry in this place and wish him well as he begins this new journey in his life.
At the beginning of September we will welcome Rev Pam Roberts into the Circuit. Pam’s Welcome Service will be on 3 September at 7.00pm – more details to follow later. Please hold both Ian and Pam in your prayers.
The new Link for our Sunday Circuit Zoom Service at 11.00am is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4775422768?pwd=ZDB3UXhyZmtJVFhqNXlLbEZhd3gvZz09
or just click here.
Or Dial one of the following:
0203 481 5237; 0203 481 5240; 0203 901 7895 ; 0131 460 1196 ; 0203 051 2874
Followed by Meeting ID: 477 542 2768 #
Then Passcode: 909013
The WhyPay Services are continuing as before.
Barry and I have found the words, ‘Best of all is God is with us’, very helpful over the last three weeks. Thank you for your messages and cards. We have felt very supported, loved and held in prayer. Barry is doing well at his present time and awaiting to begin treatment.
Love and God bless
From Rev Linda
Email: revlindcat@gmail.com Tel no: 01782 848699
Glenn, Admin Email: office@stokesouthmethodist.org.uk Tel no:01782 847489