- 1 Stanley Road
- Teddington
- TW11 8TP
020 8973 1880
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News and Notes
iMessage from Rev David Innes:
The Methodist connexion issued a statement yesterday afternoon on the current situation.
I am sad to report that the statement recommends: That we should suspend worship until government advice changes; That we consider having times when churches are open for private prayer, but with precautions for physical distancing;
That baptisms don’t take place in public worship; That funerals may still take place, but only for limited numbers attending; That other church-run community events should be suspended.
With the statement, another worship-at-home sheet was issued which can be found attached/enclosed. I’m also hoping that our Local Preachers and Worship Leaders Fellowship may be able to make some homegrown services available for everyone to use at home.
Lettings may continue to run, but at their own risk.
During this time, we need to continue to look out for one another. It is recommended that this is best done by phone. Please remember each other in your prayers as well as those in the health service and the scientific community as they rise to this difficult challenge.
We will also face financial challenges and encourage all of our members and friends to continue with their very generous giving and perhaps even consider whether they might be able to give a little more to help get through this unprecedented period.
News & Notes The next edition will be 29th March. Items should reach Sarah Waine at newsandnotes@teddingtonmethodistchurch.org.uk or by noon on 25th March. If you would like to receive News & Notes by e-mail, please let Sarah know.
General Information & News
Prayer requests If you have someone you would like prayers for, and would like the details to appear in News and Notes, please contact Sarah (details above).
Church Flowers The flowers last Sunday were given to David and Dorothy Innes, and Mary Otway Sitch. We hope Dorothy and Mary are now feeling better.
Churches Together in Teddington: Please pray for St Michael’s Church
Circuit Prayers: Please pray for Sunbury Methodist Church and Sport Fellowship. Please pray for the East Anglia District. Please also pray for Luxembourg – Catholic by tradition and culture, but few actively practice their faith. Pray that they may encounter and be transformed by the living Christ. More of the Bible needs to be translated into the local language. Foreign workers show little interest in spiritual things.
Jars of Change Once again we will be raising money in support of WaterAid by taking part in the Jars of Change Lent Appeal. If you would like to collect loose change in a jar please speak to Denise who will be able to supply you with a special label, and a jar if you need it. The jars will be collected in on Easter Sunday. Or as soon as possible after Easter. Many thanks
Sad News We are very sad to report the death of Margaret Mortimer, who died peacefully at home. Please remember in your prayers, Robert, Helen and Andrew and their families, at this very sad time.
Her funeral will be on Friday 27th March. During the coronavirus pandemic the numbers of those attending funerals is restricted so the funeral service will be attended by family and a few local close friends. Once the restrictions are lifted, they hope to have a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Margaret's life but that may not be until the autumn.
An email about this service will be sent when the restrictions are lifted and arrangements can be made.
Robert says that he feels uplifted by the kindness and support shown by so many, a touching tribute itself to Margaret and her care for others. In Christian love, he sends best wishes and every blessing.
Useful links for internet users:
Methodist Church Service sheets:
Wesley's Chapel & Leysian Mission 11am Sunday Services
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA?
Recorded Services from Methodist Central Hall
https://www.youtube.com/user/MCHWevents?
Lent Liturgy
Week Four - Whip
The prophecy of Isaiah chapter 53 verses 1 and 4
Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
We sing verses 1 and 4 of hymn 290
Who would ever have believed it?
Who could ever have conceived it?
Who dared trace God's hand behind it
when a servant came among us?
Yet it was the pain and torment
we deserved which he accepted,
while we reckoned his afflictions
must have come by heaven's instruction.
The congregation remain standing as a whip is brought down the aisle and placed prominently at the front of the church, and for the prayer and Bible verse.
Lord Jesus, your death was costly. We are now your body on earth. Help us to live for you. Amen.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6 v.19-20)
News and Notes 22.03.20