Covid-19 

Dear Friends
Again another week has passed as we continue in a national lockdown. This hopefully means we move closer to better times ahead and we certainly move closer towards longer and brighter days as we prepare for Spring and signs of new life. January is often a difficult month with the weather and the post-Christmas blues but we recognise that this year it is challenging for many people who continue to face isolation or loneliness associated with the Coronavirus restrictions. I am sure many of us are hoping and praying for a return to some normality and an opportunity to return to the things we may have previously taken for granted, including time with our family and friends.
 
The last few days have been difficult for the community in Trentham as many have been helping the Police to search for Janetta, a vulnerable missing person from the local area. Unfortunately  we believe she has now been found deceased outdoors close to home. This is a very sad situation and please hold in prayer Janetta and her family at this time. Such tragic situations remind us of the vulnerability of many and the value of support and friendship in times of difficulty and distress.
 
I know that a number of our Church family and friends are currently experiencing challenging times with personal or close family illness. In such times we remember that God is with us and we can be confident in his care, love and protection. Please know that you are held in our thoughts and prayers and your many Church friends walk with you during your difficulties.
 
This week our Gospel reading again comes from John Chapter 1 and continues from v43-51 as we continue the story of Jesus as he calls Philip and Nathanael to be disciples and follow him. Jesus decides to head for Galilee and at this point John tells us that “Jesus found Philip”. It is interesting that Philip did not find Christ but Christ found Philip. This is an important truth that we don’t find Christ, he finds us. The Bible is full of examples of God seeking out his people. Paul writes in Ephesians Chapter 1 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world” This suggest that even our own faith is actually not our decision. When Jesus finds Philip he issues a single command “Follow me” without question Philip leaves everything and immediately follows Christ. Philip recognises the importance of the call, he seeks out Nathanael his brother to tell him about Jesus. Immediately Philip becomes a disciple, he follows Jesus but tells others about this as a true evangelist. Jesus had not met Nathanael before, yet they spoke as friends. Nathanael is curious to understand how Jesus knows him. Jesus responds that he had seen Nathanael sitting under a fig tree, suggesting that he was a man of prayer who was devoted to God. Despite the odd discussion with a stranger Nathanael does not turn away but stays with Jesus.
 
 The message then is to be a follower of Jesus you need to be found by him and secondly to tell others about him. Nathanael however is not very complimentary about Jesus when he asks “Can anything good come out of Nazareth” Philip was in fact met with a cynical response from his brother. This reminds us that sometimes when we tell others about Jesus we are met with rudeness or apathy and this can affect our self-confidence. Philip is not drawn into a debate, his response is simple, “Come and see” Being a disciple means not losing confidence when the message is not always welcome. As Christians, we know that peace and blessing can only be derived from our relationship with Jesus. The simple passage based on the calling of Philip and Nathanael is a true story of discipleship. Jesus says to Nathanael that if we follow God we will see heaven opened. The short reading provides a powerful message which impacts on us all “Follow me” and “Come and see”
 
You can join with friends from the Church and Circuit by joining the weekly Zoom Service at 11.30am each Sunday morning (by either computer or telephone) using the links below.
Topic: Sunday Service 11.30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4775422768
or just click here.
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768 (No password is required)
Dial by your location
0203 481 5237 United Kingdom
0203 481 5240 United Kingdom
0203 901 7895 United Kingdom
0131 460 1196 United Kingdom
0203 051 2874 United Kingdom
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768
We also have a telephone service each week using WhyPay at 10.00am on Sunday morning.
If you wish to join this the number is 0333 0110 946 and the Room Number is 47927697# and the Pin is 1145#
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 also pray for those on our prayer list.  
Ashley, Debbie and family
Frank, Sandra, Rosemary and families
Ralph and family
Val and family
Lorraine and family
Pat
Paul, Moira and family
Ken and Pat
Chris and Diane
Malcolm, Anne and family
Arthur
Eileen and Carl
Rev Alex
Don
Margaret B
Alan
Doreen
Jean
Beaulah
Alan and Heather
Linda and family
Pam
Carol, Dave and Logan
Janet, Steve and family
Les, Olga and family
Roy and Thelma
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