A Letter from Rev Linda 

Dear friends
In our Church Calendar we have now stepped into Lent.  On the first Sunday in Lent we were reminded of the account of Jesus in the wilderness/desert:   
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” … Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread….’” see Matthew 4:1-14.
 I enjoy listening to Desert Island Discs, the Radio 4 programme where a famous person is asked what they would take when castaway onto a Desert Island.  They are automatically given the Bible (or another appropriate religious book) and the Complete Works of Shakespeare.  They choose eight pieces of music, one book and one luxury item.  I smiled when hearing Desmond Tutu choose an ice cream maker with ingredients for Rum and Raisin Ice Cream, and Kylie Minogue, a family photo album.
 Jesus does not take anything into the desert.  He goes with the Holy Spirit, therefore, ready to fully rely on God.  It is when he is at his most vulnerable, after 40 days of fasting and being alone, that he is tempted.  Jesus holds firm to God and does not succumb to the temptation to rely on something else other than God. 
Some of you may feel as if you are in the desert, due to Covid-19 restrictions, and you may be tempted to break the rules because it has gone on for so long.  As we move through Lent, following Jesus towards the Cross, let us hold on firmly to Him knowing God is still with us and here to fully rely on.  Lent is a time for us to pause and reflect on where we are with Jesus.  We are encouraged this year to follow ‘A Methodist Way of Life’ and our Circuit Bible Study concentrates on this theme.  Let us find space to be still with God who comes to us in Jesus Christ and gives us the strength we need through the Holy Spirit to fully rely on God, especially at this challenging time. 
 Over this last week Church Councils have met on Zoom/WhyPay and it has become evident that churches in our Circuit are facing financial challenges.  Even though the church buildings are closed there are ongoing costs: the maintenance of buildings, utility bills and the Circuit Assessment all still need to be paid.  We are very grateful to those who continue to financially support their church at this time and have found ways of giving either weekly or monthly.  We are aware that others may be struggling to know how to give and therefore we have some suggestions: you may be holding onto your weekly envelopes hoping to bring them once the church is open – please can I urge you to write a cheque and post it to your treasurer or church steward with your envelope no. on the back; you may be familiar with internet banking so I would urge you to set up a standing order or transfer money into the Church bank account – please contact your treasurer or church steward to find out bank details. Please hold in prayer all our Church Treasurers and our Circuit Treasurer.  We thank them for the work they are doing on our behalf.   
 The Diary Dates 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 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