Covid-19 

Dear Friends,
I hope that you are all keeping safe and well and that you are enjoying this spell of Sunshine.
We continue to plan for the reopening of our Church in early September for Sunday worship, but recognise that things will be a little different and not everyone may yet feel confident to attend. We have a socially distanced planning event next week where we will look at the practical measures we need to take to ensure we are all safe, and we will also complete our risk assessment which needs Church and Circuit approval before our services can resume. Please hold our planning in your thoughts and prayers.
I appreciate that the current time feels uncertain for many people with a variety of fears and worries, these may be about family, friends, employment, finance, health or other matters.  Worry is a common emotion but hopefully for most of the time we are  able to keep it under control. Sometimes however our fear is very real and can become consuming so that is challenges  our usual  thoughts and can take over our lives. Fear is alarming but in the bible we have a few small words that can help – “Do not be afraid” These words are so important that they are repeated many times, but did you know they are repeated 365 times  - one for every day!
In our New Testament reading this week (Matthew 14  22-36) we read about the fear of the disciples when they believe they are seeing  a ghost approach them as they are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They have drifted off course, are exhausted and subject to a storm.  The figure appeared to walk on the water. Jesus quickly announces to them “Take courage, It is I, Do not be afraid” and with this Peter asks the Lord if he should come into the water. As Peter enters the water due to the wind and waves he begins to sink and  asks the Lord to save him. At this point Jesus hold out his hand and saves him. As He reaches for him Jesus replies “You of little faith, why did you doubt ?”  When Peter and Jesus climbed back into the boat the other disciples worship him saying “Truly you are the Son of God”
As we reflect on this reading it reminds us that sometimes were are fearful and afraid and events of life can take us off course. Sometimes we are tired and weary, but Jesus always comes to us through the storms to hold our hand. The Lord may not come at the time we think he should, but He knows when we need him most. In the reading Jesus shows that despite the difficulties faced by his faithful disciples, He in fact was only a few small steps away. The story reminds us that even His own disciples did not recognise Him when fearful. Sadly they were not looking for him as they were so focused on their fears and looking after themselves. Had they been waiting in faith, they would have recognised him instantly. Jesus commanded the winds and waves and they obeyed and this leads the disciples to recognise Him as the Son of God. Whilst some comment that walking on water is an impossible feat, the reading demonstrates that with true faith all things are possible. The Lord is with us always so we can be confident every day and remind ourselves “Do not be afraid”
 Please do continue if you are able to pray at 6.00pm each evening and join with others from our Church so that we can unite in the power of prayer.
 
Please pray for those on our prayer list.  
Barry, Linda and family.
Ashley, Debbie and family.
Frank & Barbara
Margaret W
Jane
Ken & Pat
Rev Alec
Don
Margaret B
Alan
Doreen
Pat
Danni
Beaulah
Alan & Heather
Linda and family
Pauline, Jay, Maria & Eddie
Brenda
Pam
Carol, Dave & Logan
If you would like to join the Sunday Morning Service by Zoom at 11am
Join Zoom Meeting – just click on the link (from 10.45am) and you’ll be placed in a waiting area until the host lets you in. This is a safeguarding measure.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4775422768?pwd=ZDB3UXhyZmtJVFhqNXlLbEZhd3gvZz09
or just click here.
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768
Password: 909013
Dial by your location
0203 481 5240
0203 901 7895
0131 460 1196
0203 051 2874
0203 481 5237
If you are dialling into the services instead of joining them via Zoom online – please use one of the phone numbers shown above and enter the same Meeting ID and Password as above.
You are also very welcome to join a telephone act of worship each Sunday at 10am 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 #
You can find reflections and biblical stories on our Circuit YouTube channel including new material added weekly from Rev Linda, Rev Jeff and others at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBhbVptj0forVkUfmmsvd_w
or just click here. You can also find at this location a recording of the Circuit Farewell Service last Sunday for the Rev Ian Coates.
Please continue to stay safe and know that you are surrounded by the love and prayers of your Church family.
With every blessing
Ian