Skip to main content

Message from the Ministry Team

Dear friends,

At St Andrew's the other Sunday evening, we spent some time thinking about the letter from Revd Dr Roger Walton, sent on the inauguration of the new Yorkshire West Methodist District for reading in all our churches.

The letter explains about the new District (formed by the coming together of 13 circuits from the former Leeds and West Yorkshire districts), and reflects on Acts 2:45-47, a snapshot of life in the early church following Pentecost.

As we reflected, we realised we are not so dissimilar from the situation of the early church. Indeed here we were reading together an epistle from a church leader, albeit Roger rather than St Paul, and letting it speak into our common life. The Epistle to Yorkshire West.

-->

We realised we are a minority group, in a society of many tongues, religions, understandings (and misunderstandings). A society where power is in the hands of the few, with many groups marginalised. The terrible fire at Grenfell Tower has illustrated well the world we live in.  The Christian Church is not at the centre of things, as it was a century and a half ago. Rather, we too are on the edge.

So what should we do?  Look at Acts 2:  Worship together - remind each other of God's love and ways, celebrate God's call. Break bread, not just in church, but in homes - make every meal an opportunity for thanks, learning, generosity.  Share all things in common - no space for selfishness amongst God's people.  And expect the Lord to be making himself known to others - be ready to play our part in sharing God's love and working for God's justice.

I'll finish with part of Roger's prayer: 'Pour out your Spirit on us, that our worship may be joy-filled; that our witness may be brave and bold; that our lives, our works and our words may speak of your love.'
-->

Yours,
Rev Nick

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

For such times as these! - A good news story from Windhill!

For such times as these! (Esther 14:14) On June 1st James Stannet (from e:merge , a Christian Youth organisation) began his youth work for Christchurch LEP in Windhill. He says, "Well! June has been a really busy but very productive month. On Wednesday, in the park, numbers are climbing week by week, now averaging 25. Good partnerships have been made with local organisations. this has been a blessing: enabling us to deliver varied sport activities and build good relationships.' 'The Hope Revolution, youth event, based at Christchurch LEP was a massive hit. A BIG Thank you is expressed to the Church for the support, encouragement and prayers. 200 people attended the Fun Day. Despite the rainy weather, 100 young people took part in local projects: two house clear-ups, school garden project (Windhill Primary) and running the Fun Day. 10 Christian Organisations working together resulting in several families requesting Christian children's activities.' ...

Called to Preach? A Taster Session

Called to Preach? A Taster Session for the Local Preacher Training Course in West Yorkshire and Surrounding Areas starting this Autumn will be held on Saturday 4 th October at  Trinity Methodist Church Duckett Street, Skipton, BD23 2EJ from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm (Drinks available from 10 am) The course is a District alternative to Faith and Worship, it is user friendly, well supported and assessed by worship portfolios. Some people feel sure of their 'call to preach' but for others the first steps are very tentative. It is a process of discernment that is shared by the Church. This day will provide an opportunity to look at the course outline, ask questions and hear from participants on the current course. More details from Revd Richard Atkinson, Core Tutor telephone: 01756 793522 or Liz Whitfield, Course Administrator West Yorkshire District

Circuit Talents Challenge

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money ..." Matthew 25:14-30 Why don't you take up the Circuit Talents Challenge by taking a £5 note and making it grow for the Circuit? More details ...