A Letter from Rev Linda 

Stoke on Trent South Circuit 05/11/2020
Dear friends
I promised that we would keep you updated with any changes that take place across our Circuit. As of Thursday 5 November, we returned into our second Lockdown so all our churches are now again closed for Worship, as per Government guidelines.  This has happened suddenly but is necessary as the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise.  My prayer across all this time has been that we stay connected and spiritually fed.  This prayer has been answered as each church has maintained an act of worship through WhyPay or Zoom and provided pastoral care through phone calls, letters or cards and help when needed.  We will be continuing worship and pastoral care in this way for the foreseeable future.  Thank you to all who have ensured we stay connected.  We especially thank God who is faithful and always with us. 
The Services will be as follows:
WhyPay Conference Telephone Calls:
  9.30am: Sandford Hill Conference Phone Call – contact Jeff Short or Joyce Mack for details
10.00am: Longton Central Hall – contact Jeff Short or Alan Nickisson for details
10.00am: West End and Trentham – contact Linda Catlow or Maureen Prophet for details
10.00am: Blythe Bridge &Forsbrook and Lightwood – contact Chris Thompson or Katrina Rogers for details
10.30 am: Broadway – contact Sue Howie or Gill Rawlinson for details
10.30 am: Fenton Park/Temple St – contact Jeff Short or Glenn Parkes for details
 6.30 pm: Longton Central Hall – contact Jeff Short or Alan Nickisson for details 
Zoom Video Conference Call:
11.30 am: Circuit Service, ALL INVITED – a link will be circulated each week or contact Linda Catlow or Glenn Parkes for details.
The updated Plan  for Trentham and West End Churches is as follows:
All services start at 10.00am
Sunday 01 November Catlow
Sunday 08 November Catlow
Sunday 15 November Prophett
Sunday 22 November Riguerre
Sunday 29 November Catlow

Our President of Conference, Rev Richard Teal has sent a message to all the Methodist People:
Dear Friends
We are all devastated by the expected introduction of a second national lockdown in England as well as the ongoing restrictions imposed in Scotland and the firebreak that our sisters and brothers in Wales have been living under for the past couple of weeks. Scientific advice is being heeded to bring down the rising rate of the virus and its possible consequences. The introduction of the lockdown from Thursday in England may be necessary but its consequences will also be far reaching.  There will undoubtedly be a serious setback for the economy, and people who are struggling financially and in numerous other ways will be greatly affected. It could prove to be a tipping point for many people. The poor and the vulnerable have and will continue to be hit the hardest. There is a feeling of hopelessness for many people.
Our National Health Service staff and other keyworkers are already tired through the outstanding service they have given to us all, particularly during these past few months and this second lockdown will be especially difficult for them. They need our continued support, encouragement and prayers.
Governments, all those in political life plus medical and scientific advisers are having to make very hard decisions on our behalf which, in a number of places, are far from popular. Whilst they rightly need our scrutiny, they also need our support, encouragement and prayers, that their decisions will help people’s well-being.
One of our Methodist Presbyters commented to me recently that during this period she was trying to develop what she calls a ‘sacrament of kindness’. I like that phrase very much. In the concerns of the moment we all need in our living to develop to each other a ‘sacrament of kindness’. So much seems to be against this idea but it is something every single one of us could develop in our attitudes to ourselves, to other people and indeed the communities we serve.
Finally, as I write as the President of the Conference, I would be denying my role if I did not specifically mention something of our Faith. Bishop Leslie Newbiggin… was once asked whether, as he looked to the future, was he optimistic or pessimistic?  His reply was simple and straight forward, ‘I am‘ he said, ‘neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!’.  Therein lies our hope. The God who is with us in the worst of situations, even when the flame of hope seems very weak. Such is our faith and hope in the risen Christ. Not a hope which ignores the shadows of suffering, but a hope strong and secure in the assurance that love is at the heart of all things, that the eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. The best of all is, God is with us.

A Prayer by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Let nothing disturb or dismay us, O God, for all things are passing and you alone are unchanging. All things are wrought in patience, O God, and those who possess you lack nothing. Our sufficiency, O God, is in you alone, now and always. Amen

https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/a-message-from-the-president-of-the-conference-about-the-second-national-lockdown-in-england/
or click here.
We will ensure you are kept up to date with any changes to services and events. 
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 CLT (Circuit Leadership Team)
Rev Linda:    Email: revlindcat@gmail.com  Tel: 01782 848699
Circuit Administrator, Glenn: office@stokesouthmethodist.org.uk  Tel: 01782 847489