Skip to main content

Message from the Ministry Team

Image
By

-->
Dear friends,

The end of June saw me on a retreat at the Briery in Ilkley. It was led by Father Daniel O'Leary and the title was "The Religious Mind or the Broken Heart". Daniel was focusing on how we can observe our religious rituals to the limit, and feel we have got it right, or we can  accept our brokenness and our need of God's continued help in our lives. It's one thing to look at the Pharisees and say they got it wrong, but we too need to make sure we are not letting self-reliance, and a sense of self-righteousness, creep in.

We find it hard to simply accept God's gifts to us. We tend to want to do something to earn them, or to prove that we've changed. To go on accepting makes us feel dependent, yet that is what we are, and so it is best to humbly acknowledge that we are, instead of trying to earn our way. When we can simply accept, we can let go of the burden of trying to please, and begin to learn to be ourselves. That is what God wants of us, to be the best we can be. God does not want me to be another John Wesley, another Julian of Norwich or even another Pope Francis. He wants me to be the best Christine that I can be, to discover my gifts and use them to serve him and others, and in serving to grow in who I am, so that my service fulfils me as well as those around me. 

So I would like to invite you to the Circuit Quiet Day on Saturday 19 August at Northcliffe. Come to be refreshed, to talk to God and to listen to God, and to allow God to reassure you of his love which is poured out upon you. Come and receive without pressure to give, to do, to perform.

It's a chance to hear God and have enough space to let his words settle in, and to enjoy his love, that asks nothing of you but that you come as yourself and be who you are. Such meetings can change our lives, if we come with open hearts. Will you?

With love

Christine
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank

By
An article in the March Link stated that, after April, the foodbank operated by the Light Church will limit its service to postcodes which extend into the centre of Bradford.  However, there is a food bank which provides food bags for the whole of the Bradford district and surrounding areas. The following is an account of this bank; I am indebted to Keith Thomson, a member of the committee, for this information. Bradford Metropolitan Food Bank is the original food bank in Bradford. It opened in 2004, as an extension of the Curry Project for rough sleepers, started by Lashman Singh. It provides food bags for the whole of the Bradford district and collects food from the same area. It is non-sectarian, supporting people of all faiths and none, and the volunteers are from all sections of the diverse Bradford community. The main committee, the original seven and up to fifty volunteers are just that. We are all volunteers and no-one is paid. We never see the people and families that...
Post a Comment
Read more

Thornton Pantomime (Oh, No it wasn’t!)

By
Thornton Methodist Church produced a Pantomime which was given on two nights (Friday 6th & Saturday 7 th December). The Pantomime was ‘Red Riding Hood and the Magic Wood’ which was written by Sharon Pilkington. All the cast were from our Church and both shows were well attended. It was a modern version of the traditional story which had lots of audience participation and finished with a happy ending. Both the cast and the audiences had a very good time and it was great to have so many people from the village attending along with their children. Very good work by all the cast and the backroom staff too. We are already looking forward to next year’s production Geoff B, Thornton
Post a Comment
Read more

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

By
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...
Post a Comment
Read more