Skip to main content

Bitter Sweet? Memorable!


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

Popular posts from this blog

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V  (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...

May message from the Ministry Team

Dear friends One of the ‘deep wells’ that replenishes my spirituality is the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ which is an ancient method for praying with the Bible. It literally means ‘divine reading’, or ‘reading in a godly kind of way’. We rush about so much these days and practising the discipline of a slower reading of the Bible to allow it to speak to us is an integral aspect of Lectio Divina. If you want to try it yourself, read slowly a short passage of text that you have decided upon in advance, letting your awareness rest in turn upon each word. As you read, be alert for any particular word or phrase that draws your attention in a special way. Then meditate on this word or phrase, allowing it to engage you fully. Does the word connect with some aspect of your own experience? As you hold this in your heart, let yourself become aware of any answering words, images, or memories that arise in you. Then finally respond through prayer to the word you have heard, simply and directl...