Covid-19 

Dear Friends,
I hope that you are all keeping safe and well during this difficult time. Sadly we are back in another four weeks of national lockdown due to the increasing numbers of Coronavirus infections throughout the UK. This means that again we are not able to meet face to face at Church so we are back connected using other methods including the newsletter and telephone and zoom services. Coronavirus is sadly impacting on many people and some of you will know that Glenn and Jackie Parkes have been affected. I am pleased to say that Jackie is now back home from hospital and both are making progress.  Many people both locally and throughout the World are currently affected by  the virus in many ways be this physically, mentally, socially or financially. Please continue to pray for them and for the early development of an effective vaccine.
This Sunday we focus on remembering all those who have given their lives for us through war or conflict. Remembrance Sunday is a difficult time for many. It brings us face to face with the suffering and death experienced by millions during the first and second world wars – and the millions since, in wars and armed conflicts, all around the world. It is a time to remember all those involved in conflict and all civilians, from all sides. For neither acts of bravery or courage, nor grief or loss – belong to just one side, or nation. In 2009, a London newspaper reflected on the recent news that Harry Patch aged 111 and Henry Allingham aged 113 had died, the final British veterans of the First World War. Before turning 100, neither man spoke of their experiences but following gentle encouragement they spoke. Mr Allingham remarked quietly “War’s stupid. Nobody wins. You might as well talk first, you have to talk last anyway”
This Remembrance Sunday, an autumnal morning in London will once again be punctured by cannon fire, by the stirring rise and fall of Elgar’s Nimrod and the soothing voice of David Dimbleby. What will be missing, on this the centenary of the unveiling of the Cenotaph, will be the massed ranks of veterans, the splendour and solemnity of the massed bands and the crowds packed onto the pavements. This will be the national remembrance in the age of Covid. This will symbolise the fact that now everyone is making sacrifices to reduce the spread of the virus and this will make it more poignant – people will be more aware of what loss and separation mean at this time. Whilst we cannot attend such events this year we can all still play our part as we join the two minutes silence at 11.00am on our doorsteps. This will be a national symbol of recognition and respect for the fallen and perhaps one of the most powerful in our lives.
At the beginning of World War Two, every British soldier was given a copy of the New Testament with a message from King George VI in it. The message read:
“To all serving in my forces by sea or land, or in the air, and indeed, to all my people engaged in the defence of the Realm, I commend the reading of this book. For centuries the Bible has been a wholesome and strengthening influence of our national life, and it behoves us in these momentous days to turn with renewed faith to this Divine source of comfort and inspiration”
One of the Bible readings often used at Remembrance Services is from John Chapter 15 v9-14
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command”
As we think of the ultimate sacrifice by so many in giving their lives for our freedom, we focus today on the need for peace, calm and love throughout the World.
If we focus on the words of John and seek ways to share our love and kindness with others, we can make a huge difference. The Bible provides for us the comfort and inspiration for difficult times.
Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ may mean the sacrifice of our time, our comfort, our personal interests, plans and desires or our resources. It may mean the sacrifice of our pride, our wounded spirit or our forgiveness for those who may have caused us hurt. Love is not always easy but the bible passage reminds us to remain in the love of God and to share this love with others.
This Sunday as we remember and respect those who have given their lives let us turn our love into action and help create the peace, calm and comfort that the world needs by showing others the great love of God.
The Circuit will host weekly Sunday morning Zoom service which will be held at 11.30am.
The link for this is below and this will remain the same over the coming weeks.
If you don’t wish to join via computer you can phone into the service using one of the numbers below and entering the meeting ID and Passcode.
Topic:
Circuit Service
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4775422768?pwd=Ry95QkdxWHRyZm9hc2Y5ZnNJbjdDdz09
or just click here.
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768
Passcode: 154865
One tap mobile
+442034815237,,4775422768#,,,,,,0#,,154865# United Kingdom
+442034815240,,4775422768#,,,,,,0#,,154865# United Kingdom
Dial by your location
+44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom
+44 203 481 5240 United Kingdom
+44 203 901 7895 United Kingdom
+44 131 460 1196 United Kingdom
+44 203 051 2874 United Kingdom
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768
Passcode: 154865
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
Ken & Pat
Malcolm, Anne and family
Arthur
Rev Alex
Don
Margaret B
Alan
Doreen
Pat
Danni
Beaulah
Alan & Heather
Linda and family
Pam
Carol, Dave & Logan
Janet, Steve and family
Les, Olga and family
Roy
Charles
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.
Please continue to stay safe and know that you are surrounded by the love and prayers of your Church family.
With every blessing
Ian
PS You may wish to visit Trentham Remembers 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRRg-Wix4bg
or just click here.