A Message from Rev Linda 

Dear friends
“Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God.  Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks.  Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said.”
Isaiah 40:3-5 (The Message)
We have stepped into Advent and so the preparation for Christmas has begun.  It is going to be different this year, but we can still prepare and celebrate.  On Facebook I have enjoyed seeing photos of Christmas Trees being decorated, cakes and puddings made ready, outdoor lights shining in the dark.  We may feel as if we are walking in darkness at this time, but God is still with us and continues to encourage us to make the road ready.  Let us show that God’s light continues to shine as we reflect the love of Christ through our words and actions.
Usually we would be inviting our communities to join us in our Christmas worship. We can still do this even though most of us are meeting online and numbers are restricted in churches due to social distancing.  Why not invite your neighbour to a WhyPay Service or a Nativity or Carol Service on Zoom or to the Carols on the Doorstep?  People are looking for hope and a light to brighten their day so let us be the carriers of God’s light to them. 
 
At this time of year we tend to encourage our people to donate to charities through our Offerings over the Christmas Services.  Please consider donating to two Methodist Charities over the Christmas season:
* We are partnered as a Circuit with All We Can’s project ‘Partner Church’ and this year have supported a community in Butagaya, Uganda.  You can donate to our page on the following link: https://www.allwecan.org.uk/stokesouthcircuit/ or just click here.
* On Saturday 12 December we are holding a Zoom Coffee Morning in aid of Action for Children and encourage you to give through their Secret Santa page: https://secretsanta.actionforchildren.org.uk/ or just click here.
These are just two of many charities that need our support at this time.  They all work on our behalf to make a difference and bring light to people in need in our world. Please continue to pray and give thanks for the work they do. 
 
OUR CHURCHES
Lockdown ended on Wednesday 2 December but Stoke-on-Trent entered Tier Three due to continued high numbers of Covid-19 cases and hospital admittances rising.
* The following Churches have chosen to keep their church buildings closed but continue to worship on WhyPay or Zoom: Broadway, Forsbrook + Blythe Bridge, Lightwood, Sandford Hill, Temple Street, Trentham, West End.
* The following churches have chosen to reopen: Longton Central Hall (for their morning service) and Fenton Park.
Please be aware that if you choose to go into the Church for worship, to follow the government rules as set out on the Gov.UK page.  In Tier 3: ‘You must not meet with friends and family indoors in any setting, including a place of worship, unless they are part of your household or support bubble. People must not mingle indoors with anyone they do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. You must also not meet with people outside of your household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues. Therefore, you cannot chat outside after a service. This is against the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400. Whilst engaging in an activity in the place of worship or surrounding grounds, all parties should adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times …This means people should be two metres apart or more than one metre apart as well as taking extra steps to stay safe … wearing face coverings so as to reduce the risk of transmission. Based on public health advice, if worship takes place inside, the congregation should not participate in any activity that can create aerosols, including singing, shouting and chanting. This follows the advice generally for the Performing Arts. If worship takes place outdoors, the congregation may join in with singing, and should follow the principles set out in performing arts guidance. This includes ensuring that congregation members follow social distancing.
A new Plan for December is being sent to the Stewards and Local Preachers.
Please stay safe. 
PRAYERS
We are hearing each week of church family who have the virus and we hold them in prayer.  We have learned that Terry Salt has lost his fight for life and we give thanks for his life and pray for Loraine and the family, including the church family at Lightwood.  We continue to pray for Sandra and Jim of Longton Central Hall. 
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)