LEXDEN METHODIST CHURCH
Notices for Week Commencing 30th July 2023
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3 v 11
We offer you all a very warm welcome especially if you are a visitor and to those who will be watching the DVD during the week and we hope you enjoy our Songs of Praise this morning.
PRAYER
Prayer Requests – Please pray for the children of Yemen and all children affected by war. Pray for peace.
Please pray for our Superintendent Minister – 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
Our superintendent minister – Rev Chris Preece writes a pastoral letter every month for the churches for which she has direct oversight. With Joe’s departure she has included us in her list. Please see copy below.
Gathering for Contemporary Worship – Listening to the Living Word. Sunday 30th July at the Ark Methodist Church at 6:30pm. This is a circuit event and everyone is invited.
Laurie Berris will be celebrating his birthday in New Copford Place on 11th August meeting at 3pm for a birthday tea. Please add your names to the list in the foyer or message Mel on 07760 221306 to liaise with Hannah for catering numbers.
The Welcome Service for Rev Hannah Chun will be at Wimpole Road Methodist Church on Friday 1st September at 7:30pm with light refreshments afterwards.
Because Alan Beesley has recently been diagnosed with Diabetes his daughter Helen is once again walking a million steps (500 miles) to raise money for diabetes research. Thank you to everyone who has donated.
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 3rd August
9:30am – Midweek Prayer Time
Next Sunday Service 6th August
10:30am – Local Arrangement led by Alan Beesley
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If you need prayer or help in any way please contact your pastoral visitor or you can call Alan Beesley on 766604.
August 2023
Dear Friends,
When we talk about stepping out with courage, it is often to attempt something new. Whilst I’m sure that there are those who have been parachuting, on a zip wire or abseiling these are things which would take a huge amount of courage for others. At the same time, preparing to move to a new school, or to take on a new experience in some way also takes courage.
We often use the word in a different context when we talk of encouraging. The word encourage comes from the old French word encoragier which means to strengthen or hearten. We can see the links with courage here very easily. We don’t need to look far to find Bible passages which are encouraging. For example, in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 we read, ‘Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.’ There are many other passages that can strengthen or hearten us in some way.
Jesus built up his disciples by coming alongside them, in the conversations they had and the actions they took. He built community and fellowship with others through his encouragement of them. Today, we are encouraged by God working through the Holy Spirit and we can find peace, hope and joy in ways that come only from God. At the same time, God works through others and the Holy Spirit prompts us in this.
I have been greatly encouraged during this year in the way that people have come together, supporting, and caring for one another in a variety of circumstances. I have also felt it personally at various points during the year and offer you my heartfelt thanks. It has been a time where we have navigated the changes that we have faced and been strengthened through this. We are called to love God and to love each other. This is the outworking of our love for God in the way we respond to the love shown to us by God, who first loved us.
The Holy Spirit acts as a great encourager by prompting us into something new, equipping us with the skills and the people that are needed. We continue to discern how God is calling us as individuals and churches to be at the heart of the communities we serve. As we do this, we should continue to come before God in prayer and share with one another where we believe God is leading. We will be encouraged by one another as we share, and we will see God at work in a way that shares the love of Christ through the Holy Spirit, and it will undoubtedly lead to some exciting places. We may need courage to take the step out that is needed but we do it alongside one another.
During August, when maybe the ‘normal’ routines are not quite as ‘normal,’ we can perhaps take some time to look back over the last year and reflect on where we have seen God at work. What are the little signs that come together to paint a new picture? How might these encourage us, and others, as we look ahead? Be encouraged in all we have done, and all that God is, and will do, in the future.
God bless,
Chris
Lexden Methodist Church 