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Published for the Churches of the Bramhall and Wythenshawe Methodist Circuit

June 2020

Dave Warnock writes…

‘This is certainly the strangest time to be writing for the Circuit Newsletter with the ongoing debates about what should be open and when and what we should be allowed to do. Maybe things will be clearer by the time you read this. The Circuit and our Churches look very different now to any other time in the past and we don’t know when or if they will return to some form of “normality”. Within all of this mess there are some new certainties to be navigated. First, it now seems impossible that we will not provide online worship, even after our Church buildings are open. We are going to need to make challenging decisions about how we achieve that, how we balance our resources. However, our experience is that we are welcoming people to online worship who have not been to worship in a Church building recently or perhaps ever. Second, even when we are able to worship in the Church buildings it is going to be a very long time before it feels like a return to normality. Sadly, touch is likely to be very limited until/if a vaccine has been widely taken. Also, singing (particularly indoors) turns out to be a very high risk activity with some terrible stories of the virus spreading through choir practices before this was understood. So now we approach our second major Christian Festival since our Church buildings closed. We approach it with a growing understanding of the inequalities COVID-19 has already exaggerated. The cost has been so much higher for those already in poverty, for those with pre-existing health conditions, for BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) members of our communities (for reasons that are not yet fully understood), for those suffering domestic abuse and especially for those living in

residential care. We already know that there are already trauma issues and more are expected. In the light of all this what does Christian faith and especially what does Pentecost have to say?

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First, from John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” In the darkness we have seen the power of love, the way that neighbours and communities have responded to support each other. Of course it hasn’t been perfect and tragically there are some who have been missed. But compared to what was expected, compared to the fears, there has been an amazing change in our communal life. Methodists might want to attribute this to “Prevenient Grace” (or divine grace [undeserved love] that

precedes human decision. In other words, God shows love before we recognise God, and that love enables us to respond).

Second, there is hope. The source of Christian Hope described by Brother Roger, founder of Taizé, as being “ in God, a God who simply loves us and can do nothing else, a God who never stops seeking us." Again we can see this hope of a different future all around us in the changes people are working for, in the way nature is responding to reduced pollution, in what people see as acceptable for the future. We see it everywhere from the responses to our online worship, to the renewed determination to properly recognise keyworkers, to challenge injustice that describes a nurse from another country as unskilled, to factories switching from arms manufacture to ventilators and PPE and so many more.

Third, there are the gifts God has always showered on people, gifts we have often not recognised or celebrated. From the school science staffs producing PPE, to the home sewers producing gowns and masks for carers, for the difference a kind carer can make – so visible when family can’t visit, to those finding new skills to use technology to teach, to inspire, to encourage. We have so often talked about the different members of the body of Christ, their different contributions – but the change in our understanding of whose gifts, talents, work, care really keeps the country going should make us look at that with new eyes.

Life under lockdown has been terrible for so many, we still have to mourn the loss of so many but thanks be to God the darkness has not and will not triumph. Thanks be to God we still have a real hope for the future. Thanks be to God we see people and the gifts the Spirit has given them differently.

As John Wesley said at his own death “The best of all is, God is with us.”

Dave Warnock

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be

dismayed, for I am your God. I will

strengthen you and help you; I will uphold

you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah

41:10

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Rev Katy Thomas shares some of the fears and joys of starting online video Sunday services for

her churches in Wilmslow, Styal and Handforth.

OPENING THE DOORS ‘Back in early March, Rev Kathleen Loughlin and her husband Chris asked if we would like help in producing an online Video Sunday Service. They have both worked professionally in film production and editing so it was a gift not to turn down. Asked what our first priority was, we said it was to hold the three Churches of Wilmslow, Styal and Handforth together and provide a form of worship that we could all share in. I confess to being anxious about it. I had only just learnt to take a selfie and had never videoed anything let alone myself preaching! The audio recordings of our services at Wilmslow have also been password protected and I was keen that we would do the same thing with the videos – the idea of putting something out there that anyone could watch was very scary! However, Chris Loughlin suggested that this was an opportunity to open wide the doors of the Church and so we decided to be brave and have a go! Inviting someone along to Church is one of the hardest things we can do. What if they say no? But being able to offer online worship has led to people having the confidence to email the service to friends, family neighbours – both locally and around the world! My weekly news

magazine reported this week that 24% of adults say that they have watched or listened to a religious service since lockdown started. Among people aged 18-34 that number rose to 34%. Of those who tuned in, 5% had never been to a Church service before! It seems that people are wanting something to sustain

them spiritually at this difficult time. If you have an online service in your Church, who could you send the link to? Perhaps simply say, ‘this is my Church service which I’m enjoying… thought you might like to see what it’s like…’?

Even though we can’t be together at this time, there is still an incredibly special sense in coming together on Sunday mornings, both with those watching online and those using the paper version, all creating space to worship at the same time. I visually imagine each Church and everyone normally there as well as picturing people in their homes and there is a real feeling of closeness – together in Spirit. Another joy of online worship is being able to go to lots of different places! I’ve really enjoyed joining in the other services around our Circuit. Last Sunday I also worshipped with friends and family in Kendal, Newcastle and Glasgow! Where might you go and worship this Sunday?!’

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Rev Philip Peacock and Linda Rayner update us on the news from Cheadle Hulme.

Zoom Worship ‘Cheadle Hulme’s ‘gathered’ Sunday worship has been done through video-conferencing (Zoom). At the moment, this is taking place at 10.30am every Sunday. Different people have been leading these services with others taking part doing Bible readings and prayers. If you would be interested in joining in these services, please email Rev’d Philip Peacock and let him know. For those who have not been able to participate in the Zoom services, resources for worship have been sent out each week via email and post. By using these alone or within a household, people have been able to feel connected to what the rest of the church family are doing.

Tuesday Reflective Worship has been continuing in a different way. The people who usually meet at church on Tuesday evening for decided that they would continue to 'meet' by following their usual pattern at home on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Material for this has been sent out via the church office. (If you want to receive this to join in, please email or phone Cheadle Hulme’s Church Office – chmc145@hotmail.com).

Praying "Together" Although we are not able to meet at present, our monthly Prayer Mornings are continuing on the second Saturday of each month. Prayer requests are being sent out by email, or paper copy, so that we can all still join in prayer. Prayer updates are sent too between ‘meetings’.

Chelwood Foodbank Collections During Lent, some members of the church were following the 40acts challenge, which is about being generous each day. We started with the Litter Pick and aimed to mark the end of Lent by collecting Easter Eggs for Chelwood Foodbank. A box for Easter Eggs was planned to be in the church for two Sundays before Easter. Then it all changed, and we couldn’t gather for worship on those two Sundays. So it was agreed that I should park in the carpark and open the car boot for people to drop-off their eggs (and any other donations).

The idea caught-on and now we are taking two BIG carloads of donations every week. The foodbank lets us know of any specific needs on top of the usual food and toiletries. The collections are advertised on social media – across a wide range of local community pages. Church members and people who have no other connections with the church are incredibly generous. The need for foodbanks has increased by a huge amount since lockdown as people who had jobs are furloughed or laid off. To lose 20% of income is too much for many families, yet to ask for help from a Foodbank means people are at rock bottom and every scrap of self-esteem has gone. As a church, Cheadle Hulme Methodists have come out of the building and are working to coordinate response to this need in our area. This is faith in action and a way to share our faith by ‘seeing what is happening and joining in’. The challenge now is for us to stay in contact with the local people as we come out of lockdown and ensure that donations to Chelwood are sufficient to cover the needs.’

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Rev Louise Gough shares tales from the lockdown at Trinity Cheadle.

‘When Trinity Toddlers had its last Monday morning session on the premises, just before lockdown, when everything felt uncertain and no-one knew what lay ahead, I never dreamed it would be so long until our doors would open again. I felt very sad once I realised that our fabulous group would have to cease. I needn’t have worried. Stuart and Becky immediately launched a Trinity Toddlers Live Singalong on the Toddler Facebook page and on Zoom. From their separate homes, Becky and Stuart (with excellent behind the scenes help from Julian) coordinate a wonderful weekly musical extravaganza, complete with a range of puppets and props (including sausages, rockets, stars, a little-finger-eating fish, and the entire livestock of Old MacDonald’s farm) – and the results are always entertaining and occasionally hilarious. It’s great to see the toddlers joining in on Zoom, and all the appreciative comments on the Facebook page. I’m so thrilled that the group has stayed together in this way, and pretty sure that TV careers presenting to children have been missed. Well done Stuart, Becky and Julian!

Trinity’s Foodbank, which is part of Stockport Foodbank and the Trussell Trust, has continued to open on Friday mornings with the help of new volunteers from the community (many of our regular team have had to shield), all following very carefully managed procedures. A lot of local people are aware of this area of the church’s work and have kindly made donations of food.

I feel very proud that Trinity has responded to present challenges so positively – and also proud of the many Trinity members who are now (after a few ‘interesting’ moments, shall we say) Zooming like professionals at the weekly “All round to the manse” coffee mornings

and Evening Prayer. Those at home and without internet are contacted regularly by telephone and receive worship resources each week by post. Small simple things, no doubt replicated in our circuit and churches around the UK, but we have proved that we can indeed change!

I look forward to see how the church’s mission grows, adapts and develops in the future, not just at Trinity, but everywhere.’

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Bramhall Methodist Church has also been adjusting to lockdown conditions ...

‘Our Executive Committee has been meeting weekly on a Monday teatime, and we have now had seven meetings.

The first emphasis was on supporting our congregation through pastoral care and worship once lockdown was established. The pattern of Sunday and Thursday worship via YouTube services with a phone-in option has been well-received and sending out the emails regularly served a useful purpose in the updating of our church and GDPR databases. Children’s online activities have also been welcomed and have expanded our contacts. Pastoral Visitors, Philip, Richard and Clare are phoning people regularly to stay in touch and discuss particular needs.

A strong outward focus on local needs was seen as a priority.

• Donations of £1000 were made to both Hope Central (Colshaw) and Wythenshawe foodbanks from the church, and individual donations are facilitated through the church.

• Communion collections for IJM and Open Arms Malawi have taken place, and methods of giving to Christian Aid highlighted.

• The Thrift Shop nominated charity donations have been made.

• Discussions are ongoing with The Mill as to our level of support, given the reduction in their operations.

Contact has been made with a local charity working to provide food for children who may otherwise go without. They are currently working with Fareshare and we are keeping a watching brief to see if assistance is needed later on.

Financial matters are regularly discussed, and spending monitored. Congregational giving is ongoing, with more people giving direct into the church bank account or by cheque. Property matters are also kept under review. The equipment for streaming services in the future has been installed in Church.

Once the initial way of coping with the lockdown was established, our attention has turned to Bounce Back, planning for a phased return to full use of the church buildings and all the associated restrictions.

We end the meetings with prayer requests from each of us individually which Philip pulls together for us, bringing our group discussions and individual concerns before God.’

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Mary Hanlon updates us on events at Heald Green Methodist Church before, during

and after Coronavirus.

‘At the start of 2020, life at our church was getting back to normal following the Christmas holidays. Sunday Club was back to teach our young people the joy of Christianity and was very well attended. This is one of the groups run by members of our congregation, and Cath Charlett is also involved in Toddler Group on Tuesday mornings. This is open to all mums, dads

and grandparents in Heald Green, regardless of any faith or none. We have diversity in plenty – Jews, Muslims and Christians from several different nationalities all interacting and helping each other. Tuesday afternoon, on alternate weeks, is

Tuesday’s People and this also attracts people from all over Heald Green. Thursday morning is Table Tennis morning. Originally set up by Ron Caseley as a “Geriatrics’ Youth Club” to keep us fit, it now has a number of regulars, some of whom are not part of our church. We pay £1 each and all the money goes to various charities, including Christian Aid. We also host uniformed groups, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Beavers etc. There are lots of other community-led groups as well—a martial arts group, an art class, slimming club and armchair keep-fit. The TLO Orchestra rehearses every Wednesday, our church choir practises on Thursday evenings and HGMC Pre-school is also held on the premises. We are a vibrant community, supporting Churches Together and charities such as Action for Children, MHA and All We Can. Rev. Dave Warnock has set up a Thursday morning service and a contemporary Sunday evening worship in addition to our 10-30am service on Sunday. A highlight of March was hosting of Women’s World Day of Prayer for all the churches in Heald Green. Co-ordinated by Jenny Smith, it involved readers and participants from each of the churches.

Then Coronavirus struck and all of the above activity ceased. What did not cease, however, was our determination to keep our church bonds going by e-mail, courtesy of Dave , Sarah and Cassie, telephone and the very occasional meeting on the street, with an ensuing conversation on either side of the street! One of our traditions is that we erect a cross outside church and on Easter Sunday we dress it with spring flowers during the service. This year we still erected the cross but decorated it at our own convenience, always being mindful of social distancing. The result was spectacular! An explosion of colour bringing the message of Easter was there for all to see. It has been described

as a “Beacon of Hope” by several Heald Green residents. We have decided to continue placing fresh flowers on it until Pentecost. Who knows what may happen as a result of this?

That is where we are now, 24th April 2020, and we have to look to the future. We will need to be patient, hope and pray that the people we know and their families, will come through this safely. But there is no doubt that we will rebound in good time, and will welcome once again everyone who uses our premises and interacts with our church family on a day-to-day basis. We are ready and waiting to play our role in the lives of Heald Green residents once again.’

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Greg Davies shares the news from Brownley Green Methodist Church with us …

‘These are strange days indeed, not in my recollection has Brownley Green, the Gym and Music rooms been closed for more than 2 consecutive days! We had just begun work on developing the Peace Garden. Mums Mart had their tickets purchased for Nairobi and were all but packed. The bands in the music room was rehearsing for the summer festivals. We had ordered the shelving and the fridge freezers for the launch of our community grocer. And then the radio announced that the government had decided to close public meeting places and all public gatherings in excess of two people. That was Friday 20th March - the date firmly stuck in my mind and the radio announcer said, "hotels, restaurants, cafes, community centres..... Churches and Gymnasiums!" What!!?? Churches and Gymnasiums???

There was genuine emotion as the evening crew came in - no one actually believing we would be closing - how wrong we all where! Wow! That was ten long weeks ago. From then we have turned our attention to keeping our Churches' presence alight in the middle of Benchill, regularly lighting candles at the main entrance and at the foot of the outdoor cross. Harnessing the power of solar energy, we fitted the outside cross with a lighting system which means our Church Cross is now illuminated through out the night for all to see. A true beacon of hope in these dark times.

Instead of Sunday Services, lifting weights, dancing and making music, our attentions are now turned to putting together food parcels, keeping open channels of neighbourly communication and keeping up local moral for individuals and families. We have partnered with Aldi Supermarket, picking up food on a daily basis. We also pick up from Tesco, M&S, Lidl, Home Sense Stores and BP Garages - we even emptied local pubs of their crisps, snacks and nuts followed by a donation of 100's of Easter Eggs that were delivered to local families. We are making 10 -15 food parcels per day and delivering to people who can't or

are reluctant to venture out - the food is obviously important but the caring and the brief conversations (all with due diligence of-course) is vital at this time. The phone conversations are also well received - a 'Do you want Tea and Coffee, Bread, Butter, apples and grapes'

conversation can mean 15 minutes on the phone, talking about everything from grandchildren to the great weather! We have a number of local drop off points where local people can pick up necessary food parcels for themselves or drop off for others.

We are receiving daily updates from David, Sarah and Cassie and a weekly Zoom Church Service is available online for all, complete with singing. We move on in faith and look forward to the day when worship can return to Brownley Green and all other local churches.’

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News from the Wythenshawe team...

Saturday 16th May saw the launch of the #LoveWythenshawe love challenge. The #LoveChallenge has come out as a response to the Methodist Churches Love Yourself and Love Your Neighbour campaign and a new challenge will be sent out on Social Media every Saturday and Wednesday. Get ready for some fun and loads of social sharing! The goal of the challenges is to provide a bit of fun and to reach people beyond those involved in Wythenshawe

Methodist churches in the past. These challenges encourage us to think about ourselves, our neighbours and our God. We are asking that people share and like and tell people about our challenges, so that we can see what everyone's responses are. Please join in........

CAP: Christians Against Poverty. Wythenshawe Debt Centre We were all ready to share exciting news about the Wythenshawe Debt Centre just as the whole country went into COVID-19 lockdown. Then of course everything changed.

However, now we are pleased that things are starting to change, especially as one of the impacts of the virus is to massively increase the debt crisis for so many. Manchester Airport is one of the largest local employers and too many families have been hit very hard.

Our position is that we had just appointed Cassie Jennings (who you will know as one of the part-time Lay Pastors in Wythenshawe) as our Debt Centre Manager and that has been approved by CAP. But then the training had to be put on hold. CAP are now preparing to do the training this summer, we don't have exact dates yet. Hopefully then we will be ready to get started in a physically distanced way before too long. More information through the Churches as soon as we have it.

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Sarah Hooks shares on the importance of community ...

Hello Friends! It would be wonderful to be able to see you all, and can I reiterate again my gratitude for the ways that you have supported me. The messages I have received regarding candidating have been so special to me, thank you. It has been interesting learning new ways to be a worshipping community during lockdown, but I have had another journey of discovery these past few months. Some of you will know that I act as the head coach of a running club. A club which, like our churches, was used to gathering together multiple times during the week. Perhaps you have seen runners out and about, using their allotted exercise time to keep up their training, perhaps you know people who have taken up the opportunity to start running too. It may seem that little changed for us pavement pounders. But, like most things at this time, the adjustments have been plenty and many of them difficult. For

many of my runners this has been a struggle; races cancelled, track training suspended, no opportunity to run with friends, as well as gyms and other training facilities being shut. Many have found it extremely difficult to get themselves outside as they normally would. So myself and the rest of the club have been trying to find ways we can still encourage one another and

support one another's well-being.

Apparently the best way to do that is by me looking foolish in as many ways as feasibly possible. I have been up trees, TikTok'ing, dressed- up and challenged in a variety of crazy stunts the videos of which are released on Sundays. Tuesdays we have FB live warm-ups at 6pm, which was the usual time to be at the track. Thursdays have seen lots of "throw-back' photos and people posting their own adventures during lock-down. Saturday mornings we have a post "not park-run" zoom to chat and touch base (running beforehand is optional). We are throwing our first zoom social evening this week too! Trying to give people some regularity, as well as different ways to connect to combat the isolation that many are feeling. We as a club have supported Mind for some time, and promoting mental health awareness is a key focus for us, that certainly doesn't change in lockdown. Perhaps there are communities where you too are continuing to offer support? We may not be gathering as before, yet community has never been so key, so too our pastoral care for those within our reach and the unique contribution that we can make as disciples of Christ.’

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Emma Coe, Family and Outreach Worker at Wilmslow and St Mary’s, writes...

‘I was born in Zambia to British parents (a teacher and nurse) and had a very

happy childhood mostly spent outdoors, quite a bit of it climbing trees! I was

christened Catholic and my first school was a convent school. Due to the

unstable political situation we moved to North Manchester when I was 7, to

live near family. I can't say that I really had a personal faith at this time, I just

attended family christenings, weddings and the occasional funeral.

I was quite academic and, due to my love of Science, I went on to study Chemistry at Birmingham

University. There I met my future husband Ben, who was on the same course. Ben, the son of a C of E

vicar, asked if I would go to church with him and for 3 years, we attended an evangelical C of E Church.

One Easter in a service, a visiting preacher challenged anyone who had been 'sitting on the fence' about

their faith to study the Easter story in depth for themselves, and to decide if it was the truth or not. I

thought, actually he has a point, so I did as he suggested and gave my life to Christ. I was confirmed into

the Church of England and we attended a marriage course there. We married in 1990 near Bath, by

Ben's father. Shortly after that we moved to North Carolina for 3 years where we carried out

postdoctoral studies. We attended a non-denominational Bible Church that had 3 morning services with

about 500 attendees at each! Our home group became like family and we had a wonderful 3 years

working hard, but also having the opportunity to travel and visit 30 of the 50 States.

We returned to England to academic posts at Manchester University in the Chemistry Department and I

subsequently changed careers to Curriculum development and student support. We started attending

an Elim Pentecostal Church in Chorlton and I enjoyed being part of a home group again and helping our

friends run a youth group. After a few years we moved to Cheadle Hulme. I took a career break to have

our 2 boys Gideon and Gamaliel, now 19 and 16 respectively. When the boys were small I started

attending the toddler group at Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, where we found a warm welcome,

and eventually we started attending Sunday services there. I became Cradle Roll secretary and helped

the 3 Ministers with 96 baptisms! I helped with the Young Church, Toddler group and Messy Church and

when I returned to work, it was to cover the role of Children and Family Worker at Wilmslow Methodist

Church whilst Judith Parr was on maternity leave. We also worked as a job share on her return until I

took up a similar role at Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church. After working with children in different jobs

for a number of years, I found myself back at WMC (and then also at St. Mary's, Handforth) and can

hardly believe I have just passed my 3rd work anniversary since my return! I have been blessed working

with great Circuit colleagues, wonderful volunteers and lovely families.

??? Q&A ???

What was your best holiday ever? We have been visiting the lovely Lake District in the last few years.

What is your favourite thing to do in your ‘free time’? I love knitting and have just learnt to crochet, and also love reading, puzzles/quizzes and board games.

What is your favourite book or verse in the Bible? One of my favourite bible passages is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where Paul talks about how we are all part of one body and how we are all equally valued. My other favourite passage is John 8:1-11, where the Pharisees try to trick Jesus, but Jesus sees through them and shows great compassion, grace and forgiveness.

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Staying connected during Lockdown? ‘At the start of the year, no one could have predicted that by Easter all our church buildings would be 'mothballed' and we would be challenged in so many ways to keep safe and yet somehow manage to stay connected. Once we realised that the lockdown would be anything from weeks to months, new ways of 'being church' were explored. Those of us who might be best described as 'technically challenged' suddenly found a new enthusiasm for our gadgets and gizmos and had a lot of learning to do.

I’m sure many of us by now have become familiar with this logo or heard the word Zoom. Just as the word Hoover became synonymous with getting dust off our carpets, Zoom is now a word we associate with keeping in touch online. Phrases like, “See you on Zoom” or “Are we Zooming tonight?” have suddenly entered our everyday language. It’s been amazing just how many

people, of all age-groups, have been engaging with Zoom, as well as other social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to name but a few. When Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989, he imagined his invention as an open platform that would allow everyone, everywhere to share information and collaborate across the world. But, sadly, there are often those intent on using good ideas for darker purposes and the web is not exception. However, how wonderful that ministers and laypeople alike have risen to the challenge of delivering the Good News of the Gospel through online platforms, such as Zoom, Facebook and YouTube and therefore helping to share life and light. Churches all over are engaging in this fresh expression of being church, enabling those we have yet to meet in person, to step over that virtual threshold into our church communities. What an opportunity Sir Tim’s invention has given for us to out into the whole world, despite us being stuck inside!

As well as getting to grips with YouTube services, we have been using WhatsApp for Bible study, Facebook for Tiddlywinks and Zoom for all sorts: Baby Massage; Coffee gatherings; Craft & Chatter (more Chatter than Craft) and this week restarting the

Mindfulness Oasis groups and Mindful Church (3rd Sunday in the month). As I write this, I am fully aware that there are some who do not have computers or mobile devices or prefer not to engage with IT and computer

technology. However, if you do get an invitation to Zoom, WhatsApp or anything else, and you have the technology, do have a try. I have spoken to several first-timer Zoomers and encouraged them to have a go by setting up a 1 to 1 meeting whilst we try all the features. It’s not as difficult as you think and it’s lovely to see the smile and surprise when someone suddenly gets connected and we meet on the screen! God bless and ‘stay alert’ ’.

Chris Goddard and Emma Coe (WMC)

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Circuit Prayer Requests.

We pray for those most affected by the Coronavirus, for those who have lost jobs, for those who are struggling with mental health problems and family breakdowns and for those who are ill and are fighting the virus, both in hospitals and in care homes.

We pray for protection for all those whose work takes them beyond their homes and out into the community.

We give thanks for the generosity of people responding to Foodbank needs and we pray for the further building of relationships between Foodbank Collection Teams and those who come along to donate.

We pray for each of the churches within our Circuit, for the Circuit staff and the ministry they

are doing and we give thanks for opportunities for connecting with those who are not

currently part of faith communities.

“I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1

Prayer for Home – Written by Rev Leslie Newton.

God of love, in these strange ‘stay at home’ days we rejoice in your eternal promise

that you will bring us home to a place that’s safe and free from fear.

But we know that in these days too many homes will not feel safe

and will be bearing all too much fear.

So, gracious God, we pray for our homes

and for homes everywhere….

Bring calmness to anxious hearts peacefulness to angry minds

kindness within strained relationships forgiveness for yesterday’s mistakes

patience for today’s shortcomings hopefulness for tomorrow’s yet-to-be.

And space enough, within our walls,

to flourish and to grow in unanticipated ways.

All this we ask, in the name of Jesus

who blessed us by making his home amongst us, full of grace and truth.

Amen.

(Reprinted with permission from Rev Newton)

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Take Time

Together

Take Time Together provides a calm, compassionate space combining Mindfulness meditation with the early Christian tradition of imagining yourself in one of the stories of Jesus. No religious background or knowledge is required, just a willingness to enter into the spirit of the story. Following the meditation, if you wish to stay, you’re invited to make yourself a cuppa and chat about the story and your experience (no commitment - attend as often as you like). Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church Every 2nd & 4th Monday 8.00pm, plus 1st Fridays 2.00pm, online via Zoom To receive the Zoom link, email chmc145@hotmail.com

Bramhall Methodist Church Every Tuesday evenings at 7:45pm (until 8:30pm) online via Zoom at this link: https://bmeths.link/TakeTimeZoom. All Zoom users welcome. Room will be open from 7:30pm.

Sarah Hooks has been accepted by the Connexional Candidates Committee for training as a Methodist

Minister. Congratulations Sarah!

We pray God’s guidance and presence with you on this

journey and continue to lift you up in our prayers.

United Estates Wythenshawe have launched a Crowdfunding campaign to support the Foodbank operation.

More details can be found at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/uew-food-parcel-appeal

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Invest in your spiritual development.

The Ultimate Book Club. ‘Our next meeting will be a virtual Ultimate Book Club video recording coming out for 7th June and can be accessed on http://www.bramhallmethodists.org.uk. The speaker will be Rev Simon Sutcliffe, Learning and Development Officer in the North West and Manchester Region for the Methodist Church. He will speak on the short letter of Jude. Jude highlights the dangers of false teaching. Although it is only 25 verses it is packed with

references to the Old Testament and will take some unpacking.’ Mary Langton

Virtually Keswick Convention

This summer, there will be an exciting, new five-day online event called ‘Virtually Keswick Convention’. The virtual Convention will run from Monday 27th to Friday 31st July and will focus on the theme of Hope. It will feature teaching, worship and seminars for adults, youth and children. All the sessions will be held online and everyone is welcome to join.

Christopher Ash, Writer-in-Residence at Tyndale House in Cambridge, will be the Bible Reader and he will be speaking on ‘Hope in Jesus’ from the Psalms. More details of the programme will be published on the Keswick Ministries website in coming weeks.

Bible Month resources

Bible Month Magazine 2020: Ruth This provides guides to Ruth, adapted for a 4 week preaching programme, small group work and all age engagement. The contributors include Dr Rachel Starr with Gail Adcock, Rev Dr Jasmine Devadason, Charlotte Hendy, Claire Knight and Jo Swinney. To order your hard copies and download your PDF copy of Bible Month go to https://www.preachweb.org/biblemonth.

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Notices from the Circuit Office. Please note: If you include your personal contact details in your article then it will be assumed that you are giving consent for these to be included in the paper copy of the magazine, which will be in the public domain.

Did you know we also have a Circuit Facebook page?

You can find a whole lot of Circuit news, events and photos on Facebook by ‘Liking’ the Circuit page entitled ‘Bramhall & Wythenshawe Methodist Circuit’.

A Virtual MHA Sunday Service

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16)

This year MHA Sunday Service will be online on YouTube at 3pm on Sunday 14 June.

The theme for 2020 is kindness, inspired by the book of Ruth, and it will be a service of remembrance, focusing on the kindness shown by our colleagues and remembering those who have been lost within the MHA family and the many other thousands worldwide who have been affected by the Coronavirus. The service will feature hymns, prayers and readings from MHA and special guest speakers and there will be an option to donate online and to digitally apply Gift Aid.

Wilmslow Wells for Africa: Gardens Day Saturday June 27th

‘The opportunity to see some lovely gardens in the area and to raise funds for our charity, has not disappeared because of COVID 19. It is intended that by the above date there will be a Virtual Gardens Tour on Youtube and also on our website (wilmslowwells.org).This will consist of at least 12 short films of gardens which would have been open this year. Gardeners will share stories

about their gardens, highlighting some aspect of their recent progress or a favourite corner. A donation can then be made if you wish. Because of these extraordinary circumstances it is also an opportunity for many who normally could not come to Gardens Day to actually join in. Would you help us by telling your friends, both here and elsewhere, about this special day? Thank you.’ Jenny Gibbs (Chair of WWfA)

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Many people are finding ‘A Methodist Way of Life’ really helpful in this current situation. It highlights the calling of the Methodist Church and challenges us to respond to God’s love in Christ and to then live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The Methodist Way of Life commitment below is taken from www.methodistchurch.org.uk/MWoL and can be downloaded from this website address.

A Methodist Way of Life

As far as we are able, with God’s help:

Worship

• We will pray daily.

• We will worship with others regularly.

• We will look and listen for God in Scripture, and the world.

Learning and Caring

• We will care for ourselves and those around us.

• We will learn more about our faith.

• We will practise hospitality and generosity.

Service

• We will help people in our communities and beyond.

• We will care for creation and all God’s gifts.

• We will challenge injustice.

Evangelism

• We will speak of the love of God.

• We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus.

• We will share our faith with others.

May we be a blessing within and beyond God’s Church, for the transformation of the world.

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Roots

During the pandemic ROOTS is offering free resources to use at home every week on the ROOTS website. See www.rootsontheweb.com/

A Virtual Church Choir

The National Methodist Choir want to provide all singers from all denominations, and all corners of the globe, an

opportunity to come together and worship God with our voices. See www.nmcgb.org/ for details of how to get involved.

Phoneline

A FREE phone service to hear prayers and news from the Methodist Church has been launched.

Listen to a prayer: 0808 281 2514

Listen to news: 0808 281 2478

Content is updated weekly on Thursday evening.

Online services

Methodist Central Hall Westminster Sundays 11.00 www.youtube.com/mchwevents Wesley's Chapel London who will live-stream from the chapel (the Minister lives on the premises) Sundays 11am www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Swan Bank Methodist Church in Burslem, this worship will be studio based – with strict distancing rules being followed Sundays 10:30 www.youtube.com/user/SwanBank and www.facebook.com/swanbank/

Postcards from Chapel in the Fields

Daily online postcards are available from The Chapel in the Fields. They can be sent by email or WhatsApp and they are available on the Chapel Website and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thechapelinthefields/ chapelinthefields.org.uk