Bradford North Circuit

Thackley Methodist Church 29 January 2-4pm  We all know someone with dementia, or perhaps we ourselves have a diagnosis. Let’s talk about it, and about how we can best help people in our churches to cope with what it means for them. Revd Gaynor Hammond , a Baptist minister who has presented workshops and written books on growing dementia-friendly churches, will come to Thackley Methodist Church on 29 January 2-4pm to lead a workshop. Come and share your experiences, ask your questions, find support. Please let Rev Christine Crabtree know you are coming, so we can be sure of making enough tea!

We’re starting a new Julian Meeting Monday 6th January 7.30pm at Bolton Methodist Church, Bolton Road (near the junction with Idle Road) Hear some music; listen to a reading; spend 30 minutes in silent reflection; share together over tea and coffee Meetings will be on the first Monday of each month For more information please contact Rev Christine Crabtree

December! Christmas! But what can be said about Christmas that has not been said 2,000 times before? It’s the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus – the impossible conception, the miracle of miracles that changed the world for ever. But then, perhaps the old things need saying again (and again, and again), for memories need jogging, minds refocusing, hearts rekindling. God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year, but it often doesn’t feel like that. The good news stales, and the much vaunted joy pales. So we need reminding. Jesus came and was cradled, but he did not stay there. He grew up, and spoke truth and hope, and lovingly mended broken lives. He showed what God was really like: a Heavenly Father. Then he did the impossible once more: he died and was raised to new life. And from there God’s great rescue goes on – through Christian believers of any kind, to reach and restore this whole world he created in the beginning. The Christmas tree grows to maturity. Th...