A Letter from Rev Linda 

Dear friends,
‘Are we nearly there yet?’, that familiar cry from the back seat of the car, when you go on a long journey with children – or maybe an adult!  The question is filled with a sense of impatient waiting, a wanting for this journey to be over and to arrive at the destination. 
‘Are we nearly there yet?’, a familiar cry today as we slowly travel out of lockdown and the restrictions are gently eased – but we are not there yet.  We still need to be cautious, stay safe and keep following the Government guidelines.  It is a long journey, for this week we mark a year since the first lockdown on 23 March.  We hold in our thoughts and prayers those who have gone through struggles, pain and sorrow, especially remembering this week the family of Joyce Mack, after she passed onto heaven.  Every journey holds ups and downs in the road but also hope and the knowledge that we will arrive at our destination.
‘Are we nearly there yet?’ - we are nearing the end of our Lent journey.  In a week’s time we will watch as Palm trees are waved and ‘Hosannas’ joyfully shouted as Jesus rides into Jerusalem.  The joy is mingled with sorrow for Jesus recognises that the hour has come and he says, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit … Now my heart is troubled – and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’?  No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.  Father, glorify your name!’  John 12:27-28
Jesus fully understands our struggles, pain and sorrow on the road of life.  Let us like him, even in our struggles, aim to bring glory to God who is with us as we journey.  Let us hold onto the hope Jesus brings and the promise of eternal life, our destination.
We have some changes taking place over this coming month.  Some of our Churches will be reopening their doors and the details are within the Diary Dates.  Please follow the guidance of your Church Stewards. Remember to wear your masks and keep a safe distance – ‘hands, face, space’.  Unfortunately you will still not be able to sing. The preaching Plan for April will be sent to our Local Preachers and Stewards.
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 Circuit Leadership Team (CLT)
Rev Linda:    Email: revlindcat@gmail.com  Tel: 01782 848699
Circuit Administrator, Glenn: office@stokesouthmethodist.org.uk  Tel: 01782 847489