LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 2nd July 2023

The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6 v 23

A very warm welcome to you all especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and welcome to Rev Amy Walters chaplain to the forces who is leading worship with us for the first time.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for the family of Nahel M who was shot in Nanterre, France. Pray for peace.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Gathering to discuss the future of our church here on Wednesday 12th July at 2pm. If you have not already seen the letter sent out by Rev Chris Preece there are further copies on the entrance table.

Farewell Service for Rev Joe Adams will be held at Wimpole Road Methodist Church on Sunday 16th July. Light refreshments from 5pm. Service begins at 6pm.

Welcome Service for Rev Hannah Chun will also be at Wimpole Road Methodist Church and this will be on Friday 1st September. Service begins at 7:30pm followed by light refreshments.

Please note there is limited car parking at Wimpole Road and we should consider car sharing for those going to these services. Both services will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend.

Mersea Island Anniversary Concert and Social Evening on Friday 21st July from 7pm to 9pm with “Serendipity” Jazz Trio. Numbers are limited so please call John or Ann on 386841 to confirm. Donations to church funds.

Gathering for Contemporary Worship – Listening to the Living Word. Sunday 30th July at the Ark Methodist Church at 6:30pm.

Colchester Methodist Circuit will be at The Free Family Fun Festival in Lower Castle Park on Saturday 23rd September 11am – 4.00pm.
In our gazebos we will be inviting children to paint panels that will be assembled to make a giant picture of the ‘Feeding of the 5000’ and bringing our ball in the bucket game and prayer graffiti board as on previous occasions 2016-19. Whilst there you will also be able to enjoy live music; the dog show; the food zone with BBQ & tea tent; the mind, body & spirit zone and much more. If you are able to give an hour or two of your time to assist with the activities and promote Colchester Methodist Circuit to those who visit please inform Rev Paul Howes on 07979 333233.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Thursday 6th July
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Wednesday 12th July
2pm – Gathering to discuss the future of our church

Thursday 13th July
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 16th July
10:30am – Holy Communion led by Rev Paul Howes

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

The Methodist Church
Colchester Methodist Circuit
Superintendent Minister: Rev Chris Preece
Email: chris.preece
Phone: 01206 545253

Dear Friends,

I hope that everyone is well. I am writing to invite you to a gathering to consider the possible ways forward for Lexden Methodist Church on Wednesday 12th July 2023 at 2pm to be held at the Church.

The Circuit continues to be in a period of change and transition. We look forward to welcoming Rev. Hannah Chun to the Circuit in September after Rev. Joe Adams has moved to a Circuit closer to his family. Hannah will bring her own unique set of gifts, skills and talents to the Circuit and the churches with which she will be working. We look forward to all that she has to offer.

At the same time, I’m aware that Lexden as a congregation having not been finding things easy. As is the case with many churches across the Connexion, conversations about who takes on what role, or a feeling of vulnerability which is continuing since the pandemic, are not uncommon. There are many churches still finding their way. Equally, as a Circuit we are making a focus on how we ‘serve the present age’ and this gathering will form part of that conversation too.

Our lives of faith and witness are centred on God. Jesus walks alongside us in the whole of our lives whether we are at church, chatting with neighbours, doing the shopping or whatever it might be. The Holy Spirit prompts us and helps us to discern God’s direction in all that we do. Whether in a difficult time, or a place of joy, God walks alongside us in Christ, and leads us on through the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of this meeting is to enable us to share thoughts, hopes, and feelings about the possible future direction for Lexden. It is a time for us to come together to discern what we believe God is saying to the church. It is also an opportunity to consider all aspects of church life and to begin to look forward ahead of Hannah joining the Circuit. It is not a decision-making meeting in that sense but an opportunity to be with one another, remember the love and joy of the past and to begin to look ahead. I encourage everyone to come, if possible.

If you’d like to chat ahead of the meeting, then please don’t hesitate to contact me. My details can be found at the top of this letter. I look forward to seeing you on 12th July.

God bless,

Rev. Chris Preece

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 18th June 2023

They were like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9 v 36

A very warm welcome to you all especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and welcome to Rev Dr Marion Cole who is leading worship with us for the first time.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for the people and students of Nottingham.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Farewell Service for Rev Joe Adams will be held at Wimpole Road Methodist Church on Sunday 16th July. Light refreshments from 5pm. Service begins at 6pm.

Welcome Service for Rev Hannah Chun will also be at Wimpole Road Methodist Church and this will be on Friday 1st September. Service begins at 7:30pm followed by light refreshments.

Please note there is limited car parking at Wimpole Road and we should consider car sharing for those going to these services. Both services will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Friendly Tea Club is temporarily on hold.

Thursday 22nd June
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Thursday 29th June
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 2nd July
10:30am – Worship led by Rev Amy Walters

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 4th June 2023

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1 v 1

A very warm welcome to you all especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Rev Joe Adams who is leading our worship with Holy Communion this morning. This is Joe’s last service with us and we wish him well as he continues his mission elsewhere.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please remember Roz in your prayers.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Farewell Service for Rev Joe Adams will be held at Wimpole Road Methodist Church on Sunday 16th July. Light refreshments from 5pm. Service begins at 6pm.

Welcome Service for Rev Hannah Chun will also be at Wimpole Road Methodist Church and this will be on Friday 1st September. Service begins at 7:30pm followed by light refreshments.

Please note there is limited car parking at Wimpole Road and we should consider car sharing for those going to these services. Both services will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend.

Community 360 have a range of services to help enable social action to improve people’s quality of life. See the poster on the notice board or give them a call on 01206 505250. They are also looking for volunteers for their befriending scheme.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Friendly Tea Club is temporarily on hold.

Thursday 8th June
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Thursday 15th June
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 18th June
10:30am – Worship led by Rev Dr Marion Cole

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 21st May 2023

“If you love me, you will obey what I Command.”. John 14 v 15

We offer you a very warm welcome especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Rev Paul Howes who is leading our worship with Holy Communion this morning.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for Peter and his wife Rosemary who is undergoing an operation this week.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

BBC Songs of Praise will be visiting Colchester on Saturday 10th June at Castle Park Bandstand from 13:30 to 16:30pm. Tickets are available free of charge by emailing SOPcongregations or by phone 07734 030 888.

Christian Retreat at Assington Hall, Sudbury on Saturday 24th June. Leaflets available on the table in the vestibule.

Finance Officer – there is a vacancy in the Colchester and Tendring Methodist Circuit for a part-time finance officer. If you know anyone who would be interested, please see the details on the notice board.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Friendly Tea Club is temporarily on hold.

Thursday 25th May
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Thursday 1st June
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 4th June
10:30am – Holy Communion led by Rev Joe Adams

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 7th May 2023

I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill. Psalms 2 v 6

A very warm welcome to you especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Peter Howard who is leading our worship this morning assisted by Alan Beesley.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please keep the royal family in your prayers.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Weekly Offering – as mentioned last week we are returning to the idea of having the collection plate just inside the door so that people can leave their offerings as they enter and then the tray can be brought forward for blessing as part of the service.

Midweek Prayer Time will recommence this Thursday. We praise God for the continuing recovery of Alan.

Finance Officer – there is a vacancy in the Colchester and Tendring Methodist Circuit for a part-time finance officer. If you know anyone who would be interested, please see the details on the notice board.

Quiz night at The Ark – supporting Christian Aid on Friday 19th May commencing 7:30pm. Teams of 6. Please bring your own nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

Friendly Tea Club is temporarily on hold.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Thursday 11th May
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Thursday 18th May
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 21st May
10:30am – Holy Communion led by Rev Paul Howes

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 30th April 2023
Easter Offering Service

The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as a citizen among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself. Leviticus 19:34

A very warm welcome to you especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Viv Wilcox who is leading our worship this morning.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for the people in Sudan and pray for peace.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Weekly Offering – it was suggested we return to the idea of have the collection plate just inside the door so that people can leave their offerings as they enter and then the tray can be brought forward for blessing as part of the service.

Alan Beesley would like to thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, cards and kind thoughts while he is recuperating following his recent stay in hospital.

Finance Officer – there is a vacancy in the Colchester and Tendring Methodist Circuit for a part-time finance officer. If you know anyone who would be interested, please see the details on the notice board.

The Ark is holding a Coronation Celebration on Sunday 7th May and would like to invite friends from around the Circuit to join them. Lunch will be an informal "bring and share" event, but hot and cold drinks will be provided. They would be delighted to welcome anyone who would like to share with them.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

Midweek Prayer Time and Friendly Tea Club are temporarily on hold while Alan is convalescing.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Next Sunday Service 7th May
10:30am – Local Arrangement led by Peter Howard

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 16th April 2023

“Peace be with you.” John 20 v 19

We offer you a very warm welcome especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Ron Firmin who is leading our worship this morning.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please keep Alan Beesley in your prayers following his recent stay in hospital.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Easter Offering envelopes – please can these be returned today. Thank you to everyone who has brought theirs in.

The Annual Church Meeting will now take place on Wednesday 26th April at 2:15pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

On 23rd April the government is doing a test alert as part of the new Emergency Alert system. Mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert.
If anyone has a secret mobile phone hidden from an abusive partner, remember to switch it off or put it in airplane mode. The alert will say:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there is a life threatening emergency nearby.” E.g. severe flooding.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards. We are very grateful to Clive Carrington for fixing the recording system for us.

Midweek Prayer Time and Friendly Tea Club are temporarily on hold while Alan is convalescing.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Wednesday 26th April
2:15pm – Annual Church Meeting

Next Sunday Service 30th April
10:30am – Easter Offering Service

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 2nd April 2023
Palm Sunday

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21 v 9

A very warm welcome to you all especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Rev Joe Adams who is leading our worship with Holy Communion this morning.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for Laurie Berris who is in hospital.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

Maundy Thursday – Rev Chris Preece is leading a service with Holy Communion here at 9:30am on Thursday 6th April. This will be a short service and it would be nice if as many people as possible could attend. We will not be holding a service on Easter Sunday.

Easter Offering envelopes – please can these be returned Sunday 16th April.

Christians in Stanway –
Good Friday Walk of Witness. Meet outside the Princess Charlotte at 12noon. Walk with hymns and drama will proceed to M&S and Sainsbury’s.
Easter Sunrise Service with Holy Communion 6.15am by the Lake off Robin Crescent CO3 8WR, followed by breakfast at St Andrew’s Hall Church Lane.

The Annual Church Meeting will now take place on Wednesday 26th April at 2:15pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards. We are very grateful to Clive Carrington for fixing the recording system for us.

Midweek Prayer Time – every Thursday from 9:30am. A short service of prayer and reflection. Everyone welcome.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Tuesday 4th April
2-4pm – Friendly Tea Club

Thursday 6th April
Maundy Thursday
9:30am – Holy Communion led by Rev Chris Preece

Tuesday 11th April
2-4pm – Friendly Tea Club

Thursday 13th April
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 16th April
10:30am – Worship led by Ron Firmin

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.

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LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH

Notices for Week Commencing 19th March 2023
Mothering Sunday

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19 v 25

We offer you a very warm welcome especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and to Sally Crafer who is leading our worship this morning.

PRAYER

Prayer Requests – Please pray for all mothers everywhere in the world, especially those mothers who will not be with their children today.

Please pray for our Ministers Rev Joe Adams and Rev Chris Preece.

Continue to pray for all others who are in any way troubled, lonely, unwell or bereaved and anyone else who needs our prayers.

NOTICES

A very big thank you to Janet Smith for the flowers today.

This Lent we are collecting money for WaterAid. Please bring in your ‘jars of change’ by April 16th. Please see the poster on the notice board for more details.

The Annual Church Meeting will take place on Wednesday 22nd March at 2:15pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Maundy Thursday – Rev Chris Preece is leading a service with Holy Communion here at 9:30am on Thursday 6th April. It would be nice if as many people as possible could attend. We will not be holding a service on Easter Sunday.

Sunday Services on DVD – If you, or anyone you know, would like a copy of our Sunday morning service on DVD please speak with Geoff or one of the stewards.

Midweek Prayer Time – every Thursday from 9:30am. A short service of prayer and reflection. Everyone welcome.

DIARY OF SERVICES AND EVENTS

Tuesday 21st March
2-4pm – Friendly Tea Club

Wednesday 22nd March
2:15pm – Annual Church Meeting

Thursday 23rd March
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Tuesday 28th March
2-4pm – Friendly Tea Club

Thursday 30th March
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time

Next Sunday Service 2nd April
Palm Sunday
10:30am – Holy Communion led by Rev Joe Adams

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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Rev Joe Adams on 07985417000 or Alan Beesley on 766604.