A Letter from Rev Linda 

Dear friends
On Wednesday we stood on our doorstep to join the applause in memory and celebration of the life of Captain Sir Tom Moore.  He has had an amazing impact on this nation over the last year - lifting our spirits in this challenging time and leaving us with a message of hope, ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’.
In our lectionary reading this week, Mark 1:29-39, we see the impact that Jesus had as his ministry began: he affected the lives of his followers and their families; he attracted crowds because of his teaching and healing; he brings hope and light into a time of struggle; he shows God in person to the human race.  What is even more wonderful is to realise that Jesus Christ still has an impact on us today.  He brings light and hope into times of struggle and is God with us every step we take.  I truly believe that he uses people, like Captain Sir Tom, as we see God’s love reflected through the action and words of others.  Some may know this is God in us, some may not realise but the Holy Spirit is quietly at work. 
Today, I also bring a message to us all from the Rev Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference and Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, after the number of deaths went over 100,000:
“We know that many millions of people across the country have taken refuge in prayer during the pandemic. We join with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in their call to set aside time each evening at 6.00pm to pray. There is a very great need amongst us to be able to lament the horrific loss of life and to find solace and hope during these dark days. Our prayer is that each of you will know that God is with us, sustaining us through our grief.”
February is also the LGBT+ History Month in our Methodist Calendar.  There are prayers and information on the Methodist Website, https://www.methodist.org.uk/.../lgbtplus-history-month  
Let us pray together for an inclusive world that celebrates the worth and equality of all people, let us pray for an inclusive world that recognises the love of God which already includes and values all.
 
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 Rev 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