Covid-19 

Dear Friends
Another week has passed as we move towards the Spring. This week again has seen a continued reduction nationally in the number of people with Coronavirus so we face the coming weeks with cautious optimism. Many scientists suspect we may now be passing the peak of the second wave of the virus and hopefully with the continued role out of the vaccinations more people will become protected and we can bring the virus under control. Whilst the number of new cases are reducing, hospitals remain very busy and nationally many people remain acutely ill with Coronavirus. We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers all those throughout the world who are affected by the virus, their families and friends and all those who are delivering physical, social, spiritual or emotional care for them. Sadly this week Captain Sir Tom Moore died from the virus at the magnificent age of 100 years. Over the last year his story of determination and hope has touched the lives of many and his fundraising and support for the NHS has been astounding. We remember him with gratitude and affection and hold him and his family in our thoughts and prayers as preparations are made for his funeral.
It is many months since many of you will have had the opportunity to chat with and meet your Church friends. Our events team are planning an opportunity for you to join with all your Church friends for a morning of friendship and fun using Zoom. You will be able to sit in the comfort of your own home with refreshments as you join our virtual Church Coffee morning. This will be held on Saturday 13 February 2020 from 10.30am – 11.30am.
The log in details are below and I am sure it will be an enjoyable experience – do join if you can.
Topic: Trentham Coffee Morning and fun
Time: Feb 13, 2021 10:30 AM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4775422768
or just click here.
 Meeting ID: 477 542 2768
Dial by your location
0203 481 5237 United Kingdom
0203 481 5240 United Kingdom
Followed by...
Meeting ID: 477 542 2768 #
This week our reading again continues the story in Mark Chapter 1 v29-39. Last week we followed the story of Jesus teaching in the Capernaum synagogue and healing a man with an unclean spirit. In our reading this week Jesus moves to the house of one of his newly called disciples Simon. Here he finds Simon’s mother in law who is very unwell with a fever. Again Jesus heals her and the news quickly spreads and people come in large numbers searching for healing. Marks describes the healings in detail but also focuses on the action of healing and importance for both the person involved and the wider development and growth of the kingdom.  After this very busy day Jesus moves to a quiet place for prayer and reflection and to spend time with God his father. When Simon and others join him, Jesus is clear that his mission needs to move out of Capernaum to other local towns and to wider regions so his message can be further shared.
The short reading can be broken into four scenes, the visit to Simons house and the healing of his mother in law, the healing of many other people who were sick or possessed with demons, Jesus moving for quiet prayer and reflection with his father and finally the movement to other locations to spread the message. Simons house was perhaps close to the Synagogue, it is here that we learn that Simon a newly called disciple has a wider family, and that his mother is law is very ill. Simon immediately shares this news with Jesus perhaps hopeful for his help and support. Jesus does not say a word he only places his hand out and holds the hand of Simon’s mother in law. He then lifts her up and she is immediately healed. A clear act of compassion using an outstretched hand. As she recovers she immediately becomes busy and starts to serve them. Perhaps she becomes one of the first deacons by offering pastoral care and support to others. In this gesture Jesus shows his ability to serve and we are reminded of this later in the gospel in Mark 10. Here Jesus tells his disciples “whoever wishes to become great amongst you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”
As the Sabbath draws to a close the news travels fast and a flock of people make their way to the house asking for healing. Mark’s account moves us from the healing of a single person in a public place, to a single act of healing in a private place. But this house then becomes a public space and Jesus heals many people. The account describes how Jesus orders out demons but heals with the gentle power of touch. After this the next morning whilst it is still dark Jesus moves to a deserted place to pray. The darkness would have been disabling with no lights, wild animals and no way to contact others. This is one of few accounts of Jesus being alone for prayer, these moments of private prayer all share one common element – darkness. This darkness associated with his periods of solitude is the darkness where he questions God his father, where he faces fear and where Jesus submits to his Father’s will. We too are sometimes in periods of darkness and often this is when God and our fears meet. This is where we can find purpose and learn to trust God’s will.
When Simon and his friends find him, they perhaps expect another day of healing in the locality. Jesus has a different plan and tells them to leave their home town of Capernaum to travel with him to preach and share the message widely. They had to make a choice to leave the comfort of their family and friends and move to the unknown. This is a choice we face each day. Those in Capernaum had perhaps missed the point. They came in large numbers for the miracles but failed to hear the message to repent and turn away from old ways and believe in the Good News of the kingdom.
 Jesus did not go out looking for people to heal, people came to him seeking his healing touch and asking for help. Some did repent and follow and their lives were changed. Others responded with gratitude and devotion. The disciples learned that to follow Jesus that had to move and take action, to move from their comfort zone. In the same way we need to be called to action to show others the difference made by the love of the Lord. Showing the love of Christ to others in touch, compassion and care turns that love into action and in this way we can share the news widely.

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
The service this week is the admission service for Local Preachers Jo Powell and Lee Thomas.
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
0203 481 5240
0203 901 7895
0131 460 1196
0203 051 2874
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
Ralph
Val
Joyce
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 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