Covid-19 

Dear Friends
Another week has passed and we have certainly seen some colder weather but so far managed to avoid further snow. Again this week the number of new cases of Coronavirus continues to gradually fall and we remain cautiously optimistic that this wave of the virus is starting to come under control. Sadly this is not the case in many other parts of the world where the virus remains active and the number of new infections continue. We continue to hold in prayer all those affected by Coronavirus, their families and friends and all who are working hard to provide care and support. We are also grateful for the many researchers and scientists who are working round the clock to develop new vaccines and finding innovative solutions to help reduce transmission. Hopefully in the coming months the situation will improve and we will find ways to meet together again.
I hope that many of you were able to join the virtual Coffee Morning this week and to chat with your Church friends and enjoy the fun and fellowship. Special thanks as always to the ladies of the Events Committee for their organisation and skill in arranging this and I am sure many more exciting events are being planned.
Sadly this week Val Hodgkinson has died in hospital after a period of illness. Please hold Kevin, Nicky, Nigel and families in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time. For many years Val was a dedicated helper of the Sunday School and loved spending time with the children and supporting their activities. She has continued to actively support the Church and we are grateful for her friendship, fellowship and faith. May she Rest in Peace in the love of her Lord.
Pat Hargreaves continues to receive care in the Douglas McMillan Hospice but is becoming more unwell. She sends her love and thanks to her many Church friends for their prayers, messages and ongoing support. Please continue to hold Pat in your thoughts and prayers.
Our reading this week continues from the Gospel of Mark and moves to Chapter 9 v2-9 where we focus on the transfiguration. This is often a difficult reading and can be challenging to interpret and understand if we take it literally. The story of the transfiguration is located almost exactly at the mid-point of the Gospel of Mark. Along with Peter’s confession the transfiguration is the turning point of Jesus’ ministry. Until now, Jesus had been teaching and healing but from this point he begins his journey to Jerusalem, where he will sadly die. The story occurs after an arduous trek up a mountain and took place on the seventh day, with Jesus, Peter, James and John. It is here that Jesus was changed or transformed into another form in front of them. His clothing became glistening and Elijah and Moses appeared to them and they were talking to Jesus. Here Peter suggests making three tents or tabernacles for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. A cloud came and overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud said “This is my beloved Son, Listen to him” but then suddenly Moses and Elijah were no longer present. As they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
As we examine the account many people have spent time trying to understand what it means and have in many ways missed the importance of the message. The transfiguration is a revealing of the glory of the Lord. The heavenly voice addresses the witnesses and this provides a promise that Jesus can and will be noticed.  Mary Gordon a Christian writer describes the story as “Jesus insists upon being seen” which means the transfiguration is a celebration of the visible. Because the Transfiguration is so unusual and difficult to comprehend it is easy to approach it with reverence and awe. But God views this differently as an opportunity to declare love for his Son. God is taking delight in his beloved Son and is interacting with those present to show his love. At this event Peter, James and John are in privileged company and find themselves on holy ground. Jesus is joined by two distinguished and ancient prophets and here he shares his moment with those who had already shared close communion with God.
The bright light of the Transfiguration affirms life, a light that shines ahead into Lent. The light reminds us that God is here and seeking a relationship with us and is the source of life. It reminds us that Jesus is God’s son and can be trusted and we like the disciples should listen to him.  The story reassures Jesus’ core disciples. Jesus’ predictions of betrayal, death and resurrection are to be trusted. The struggles yet to come for Jesus should not diminish confidence in his promises or predictions of resurrection. As Jesus in transfigured Peter, James and John catch a glimpse of his reality as Son of Man, God’s chosen messenger. The transfiguration with its focus on light shines out to us a beacon of hope. It reaffirms Jesus’ identity, reveals his glory, and calls the disciples to listen to him. It validates that in spite of his announcement that he will suffer and die, Jesus is the messiah – the Son of God. It leads us towards Lent in Hope and is a powerful reminder to listen to the word of Jesus, perhaps then we can also be transformed ?
 
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
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
Joyce
Lorraine and family
Paul, Moira and family
Ken and Pat
Chris and Dianne
Malcolm, Anne and family
Arthur
Eileen and Carl
Rev Alex
Don
Margaret B
Alan
Doreen
Jean
Beaulah
Alan and Heather
Linda and family
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