Skip to main content

What have you been getting up to?

12 months into the pandemic, I have been looking back on the things I have done during the year and been surprised at the range of activities which lockdown has brought on:

Walking: 

My wife and I have walked on streets of Bradford which we had not walked on for more than 50 years! Averaging 2 miles per day, and missing very few days, we must have walked further than from Land’s End to John O’Groats (603 miles)!


Jigsaw puzzles: 

Friends have loaned us puzzles, usually 1,000 pieces. This is one of the hardest ones I borrowed.

Crossword puzzles: 

I have a book of Daily Telegraph puzzles, and I generally complete one per day. Good for the brain!

Restoring furniture:

During the beautiful weather around April – June 2020, I sanded and stained 6 dining chairs which we bought from Ebay. The garden was the ideal place to do this dusty job, and get a sun tan at the same time.

Zoom meetings: 

These were a new experience for most of us! It has been good to share in regular Bible study with two groups: one in the circuit and the other St Andrew’s and Bolton. Circuit Meeting, Church Council and Church Leadership Team have been made possible by this means.

Monthly cash-counting: 

Whilst services have not been held, fellow steward, Roger Butterfield and I have met monthly to count up regular offerings which church members have given to us directly. We have banked over £16,800 altogether, which has helped to keep the church accounts in the black.

Facetime with our families: 

We regularly have video calls with our family in USA. But it has been a novelty and a blessing to Facetime with Eccleshill!

Worshipping at home: 

We have regularly worshipped with Radio Leeds, Bradford North Circuit (YouTube) and Central Hall, Westminster.

What have you been doing that is different from usual? 
Martin B, St Andrew’s

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...

Holiday at Home 2016

July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...