Skip to main content

Bitter Sweet? Memorable!

Image
By

What a wonderful Circuit Service we had at St Andrew’s on Sunday 20 July!
The church was almost full and every church was represented. All our presbyters took part in the service, which lasted for almost 2 hours! Who can believe that? No-one noticed that it was any longer than a usual service. It was one we shall remember for a long time.

Rev Nick described the occasion as ‘bitter sweet’. We were bidding farewell to Revs Ian and Sarah (“parting is such sweet sorrow” – the Bard), yet we celebrated their ministry and gave thanks to God for their involvement in the life and mission of the circuit over what has been a difficult time. Ian has contributed such a lot, that it is hard to think he arrived in Bradford only 5 years ago. In contrast, Sarah arrived as a probationer minister 17 years ago, and when she leaves us, she will continue to minister in the city (in Bradford South circuit). We have all been blessed by their gifts and graces, and it was right to thank God for sending them to Bradford.

A cause for celebration at the service was the recognition of Kim Attenborough as a fully-accredited local preacher. Kim has not found the studies required to qualify as a preacher easy, and the process has taken several years. However, during that time she has blessed all of the churches in the circuit by the gifted, imaginative and warm way she has led worship. We all rejoice with Kim and Mike that she has now gained official status for her calling, which we and she have never doubted. Bradford North circuit is fortunate indeed to have Kim in our team of local preachers, and we do thank God.

Oh, that we had more services which were so well-attended and uplifting!

Well, we have a chance to reach the heights again in just 5 weeks! On Monday 1 September, a service of welcome for our new minister, Rev Christine Crabtree, will take place at Northcliffe Church at 7.30 pm. The preacher will be the Chair of West Yorkshire Methodist District, Rev Dr Roger Walton. Come and join us! Make Christine and her new husband Stephen feel really welcome. Let’s give God the glory together!

Martin
Senior Circuit Steward

 Order of Service

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Christmas Day Worship 2021

By
Today is the day - Christmas! The central candle is lit. The waiting is over. The child is born. As we celebrate the Feast and Holy-Day of Christmas, with the Psalmist (Ps. 98:4-6) we proclaim: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn – shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Prayer Let us pray: Generous God, even as we praise you for the good news of today, and seek to shout for joy at the coming of the Christ-child, we acknowledge Mary’s mix of pain and joy, both today and in the days to come. As we do so, we face our own emotions on this difficult and delightful day, and ask your help to live it well. Amen. Carol You might like to sing, or reflect on the words of Geoffrey Ainger’s hymn at StF 193/H&P 95, Born in the night, Mary’s child, a long way from your home; coming in need, Mary’s child, born in a borro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Virtual Worship - Christmas worship

By
  Welcome Welcome to this service for Christmas Time.  We hope that this act of worship will help you to celebrate the good news of Christmas. Call to worship I bring you Good News of great joy, for a Saviour has been born to you.  For unto us a child is born, a son is given, Alleluia. Carol Prayer Gift giving God, how mighty you are.  How wondrous the gift you have given.  Foretold and promised now born among us How blessed we are.  Born to redeem us, to rescue and keep us.  How blessed we are. Born to transform and to take us to glory. How blessed we are. Born out of love, born to give love  How blessed we are. O God incarnate gow blessed we are by your extraordinary being. God gives to us His son and to those who seek it, forgiveness of their sins Go and share the gift, show the love and know the peace that God gives  Amen. Prayer of confession Generous, overwhelming God In the excitement and joy of this day We take a moment to reflect and...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pastoral Letter - 9 December 2021

By
Dear friends We have been through a lot together over this last 18 months since the pandemic first started, as households, as communities and as the people of the church. At times we have struggled, but we have also recognised the support we can offer one another in times of adversity. When things have been far from normal, we have adapted in new ways to continue the life and mission of the church. In the face of great hurt and great need, we have found the value of faith and hope. Since the summer we have seen signs of hope in the re-opening of buildings and the re-starting of some of our church and community groups. However, recent news of a new variant of the virus has once again raised the level of concern. Clearly, the pandemic is not yet over. Consequently, as I am sure you are already aware, the government has decided that there is a need for greater restrictions to be in place once again - see detailed guidance  dated 8th December. In the light of this, the Methodist Church...
Post a Comment
Read more