Moston Methodist Church

Minister – Rev Sharon Read

POSTED ON: 27 March 2020

Letter from our minister 27/03/2020

Dear Friends,

What a long 10 days it has been – we have been in self-isolation and I know that some of you have been doing the same as well as taking those decisions to social distance. It’s hard going, but in all this we have found new ways of communicating with each other which I hope continue once this is all over. I hope you have found space to sit, pray, feast on God’s word and reflect on all that’s going on. I hear you have found comfort in watching services on TV, listening on the radio and finding people to follow and pray along with on social media. I have found Liz’s prayers every day via social media and the website to have spoken words I have sometimes struggled to find myself. One thing I know for sure – in the ups and downs of each day – God is our constant and is our rock, our refuge and a source of help.

We have Good News that the world needs now more than ever. In the midst of worldwide panic and fear, our hope is in Jesus who is with us, a light in the darkness. We want The Light of the World to shine brighter than all of that, so that people hear the Truth of the Gospel and experience the presence of Jesus who brings hope, love and peace. Every day at 9am my family and I gather to pray together and I invite you to do the same with us. Light a candle, listen to a favourite hymn or song – we are loving instrumental music while we pray and Lucy & I love to listen to My lighthouse rather loudly. Here’s a link to youtube: https://youtu.be/lFBZJGSgyVQ

‘I will trust the promise that you will carry me to safe to shore’……let’s continue to pray for one another, check in with each other (don’t sit and wonder about someone – give them a call or drop them a text. Need a contact number please contact your Pastoral Secretary and we can co-ordinate that) and keep our eyes on Jesus.

A Prayer by the President of the Conference:

Loving God
If we are ill, strengthen us
If we are tired, fortify our spirits
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders!
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace
Help us always to hold fast to the good and see the good in others.
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust, these days and all days. Amen

I was reading a past colleagues blog today which really spoke to me and I offer it to you to read:http://clairenfish.blogspot.com/2020/03/in-storm.html?m=1

Can I point you again to our circuit websitewww.manchestermethodists.org.ukand across our circuit social media on Facebook and twitter. If you use social media then please follow and share/retweet as much as possible. There are worship resources and prayers to help us through this time of uncertainty. Updates from The Methodist Church connexionally is available here: www.methodist.org.uk

Advise at the moment is that we stop taking risks and stay home and stay safe – this letter will continue to go out to those on email, but please can you continue to check in on those who do not have internet access.

However you are feeling and the choices you are making today – you are not alone. We have an amazing God who loves each and everyone of us and is our rock and refuge during these days.

With love and prayers

Sharon

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