The sun comes up it's a new day dawning - it's time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me - let me be singing when the evening comes. This wonderful worship song by British songwriter Matt Redman is a real inspiration, especially as we celebrate the Easter season. It can be found on YouTube too: Amen. Let's keep singing, let's keep praising our God! Patricia Barnard
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Morning Worship for Easter Sunday, Sunday 12th April, will be streamed online and lead by our Minister, the Reverend Andrew Emison. The service will start at 10am. It can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/t95wj9n One of the first places in the world to welcome in significant events, most notably perhaps New Year's Day, is Sydney, Australia. And Easter is no different. Wesley Mission in Sydney, which operates out of 200 centres and has a staff of over 2,000 people, normally holds their Easter events at landmarks such as Sydney Opera House. This year, however, like many churches, they are broadcasting their services online. Their Superintendent Minister and CEO, The Rev'd. Keith Garner, who is originally from Stockport, UK, and previously served as a Methodist Minister in Bolton and Llandudno, has said this: "The location changes, but the message doesn’t. We thank God that in a time where gatherings are not permitted this clear Christian message will reach people isolated in their homes through TV broadcast, simulcast on radio and streaming via our website and social media. Australians have suffered devastating summer bushfires that made headlines around the world. Our prayer is, amongst all of the challenges we continue to face, that 2020 may be the year that more people will be receptive to the message of hope we find in Easter." You might be interested to stream their Easter Sunday sunrise live broadcast 9pm today (Saturday) UK time at wesleymission.org.au or watch and join in the conversation on Wesley Mission’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Frodsham Methodist Church Webmaster Today, Friday 10th April, will see a special North Cheshire Circuit streamed worship service. Today’s message is for Good Friday.
Please come and join us from 2.00pm at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWjwZIruIE2Xe8IUUrtfag Why not subscribe to the channel too while you're there! Simon Kelly As this Holy Week draws to a close we come to Good Friday. In other circumstances, Christians from all the churches in Frodsham would be joining together today to carry a cross to the top of Frodsham Hill, where it would be tied to the railings and remain as the focal point for joyous early morning worship on Easter Day. Not so this year, with the restrictions imposed upon us all by the coronavirus crisis. So what do we do? Do we rejoice in the Palm Sunday service streamed by Rev'd. Andrew Emison, and look forward to the one on Easter Day, and gloss over the whole messy, difficult Good Friday story? Or do we pause, and think about what happened to Jesus on that fateful day and try to discern what it tells us about our human condition? Difficult theological theories about atonement don’t necessarily help. But in the actions of Jesus and those around him in that fateful 24 hours we see much that chimes with our human experience and speaks to us in the dark times we are going through now. We see the worst of human nature: those in authority plotting against an innocent man they saw as a threat to the status quo; betrayal by a friend, Judas; fear and cowardice from disciples who ran for their lives; ultimate disloyalty from Peter, who to save his own skin denied even knowing Jesus; weakness and abnegation of responsibility from the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate; the fickleness of the crowd, whipped up to change sides in their allegiance; the cruelty of soldiers who stripped Jesus naked and ridiculed him; the lust for material possessions as soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ cloak as he died on the cross. But we also see the best: women openly weeping in sorrow; Simon of Cyrene, press-ganged into helping by carrying the cross, but doing so uncomplainingly; Pilate’s wife’s intervention with her husband on behalf of Jesus; his mother, the disciple John and the other women who stayed with him loyally to the bitter end, despite their grief and despair; the contrition of the second criminal on the cross; the generosity of Joseph of Arimathea in offering his own tomb for the body, and the compassion of Nicodemus in coming to help him. And then of course, we see the obedience of Jesus to what he knew to be his Father’s will, his acceptance of all that was done to him, his dignity in court, his uncomplaining suffering at the hands of the soldiers, even his humanity as he feels abandoned by God - and most of all we see the great depths of his self- sacrifice on our behalf. We see echoes of so many of these things today in people’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. We see thoughtlessness, selfishness and greed; we see anger, recrimination and complaint. But we also see great kindness, neighbourliness, gratitude, dedication, loyalty, compassion and self-sacrifice. All human life, as they say, is there. So on this most solemn of all days in the Christian calendar, imagine in your mind’s eye that cross tied to the railings on Frodsham Hill. Reflect on the events of 2000 years ago, and on the crisis we find ourselves in today. And then prepare to imagine joining in the rejoicing on the hill on Easter Day, when we see how Jesus triumphed over evil and death, how the despair of the cross was transformed into glorious resurrection, and how that speaks of hope for us all. When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss. And pour contempt on all my pride. Were the whole realm of nature mine That were an offering far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Isaac Watts (Singing the Faith 287) Elizabeth Holmes Here is that hymn, sung at King's College, Cambridge: This evening, Thursday 9th April, will see the third of the North Cheshire Circuit's streamed weeknight worship services. This week's message is for Maundy Thursday.
Please come and join us from 7:00pm at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWjwZIruIE2Xe8IUUrtfag Why not subscribe to the channel too while you're there! Simon Kelly Throw the towel in? This might be a strange title for a reflection about the day we know as Maundy Thursday. So what is this day all about anyway? In England and Wales, we may know it as the day the Queen hands out ‘Maundy money’ equivalent in pence to the number of years she has lived. Apparently it is not important enough to be a bank holiday, but is still a day that recalls events significant for the Christian faith. It is the day the Church remembers the Last Supper that Jesus had with his friends, a meal that is recounted every time Holy Communion is celebrated. It is the day the Church remembers Jesus washing the feet of friends—and some Christians still practice this today. It also remembers the night Jesus and his friends went to the Mount of Olives to pray; the night Jesus is betrayed by one of his own friends, Judas; the night Jesus is arrested by the authorities; and, the night even his best friend, Peter, denies knowing him. On this night most of all, Jesus is a man alone. The friends whose feet he had just washed betrayed and denied him. Rejected by his countrymen, accused of crimes he did not commit. Blindfolded, mocked and beaten by the men sent to arrest him. Feeling, at times, even abandoned by God. Jesus is all alone, and we can certainly see why he might think everything and everyone one is against him. And for many of us right now, this COVID-19 situation must feel the same. There is a huge amount of uncertainty and worry. People are losing their jobs. Businesses are collapsing, from high street giants to small family businesses. People are not able to visit family and friends or do their regular volunteering. There are worries our entire economy may not survive this crisis. Our savings decimated. Worst of all, people have lost their loved ones. There is a knowledge that things will never quite be the same again. And we would be forgiven for thinking we too are helpless. There is nothing we can do about this. And indeed certainly it is not our fault. So how do we respond to this situation? What does this story of the night before Jesus’s death on a cross have to say to us? What can we learn from Jesus’ response? Well, Jesus remains a man who seems to be in control, and his emotions are under control. When everything is seemingly against him, we believe he is actually the only one in control of events, shaping what is to come. He prays earnestly ('not my will but yours be done') and then goes quietly with those sent to arrest him. Later, in John 18:19-23, we read: Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.’ When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ Earlier on that same evening, just after Jesus has washed and towelled dry the feet of his friends, he tells them, in John 13:14–17: So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. So, when things seemingly out of our control are against us, is it too much to suggest that we should try to be like Christ was that night? Should we throw the towel in? Or stay calm and persevere as best we can, in the knowledge that God is in control? At this time of crisis, we know who to rely on. We live beneath his shadow and in the cloud of His protecting love, as Charles Wesley puts it in the hymn below. And we are reminded in Ephesians 5:1-2: Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Amen. Captain of Israel's host, and guide of all who seek the land above, beneath your shadow we abide, the cloud of your protecting love; our strength, your grace; our rule, your word: our end, the glory of the Lord. By your unerring Spirit led, we shall not in the desert stray; we shall not full direction need, nor miss our providential way; as far from danger as from fear while love, almighty love, is near. Charles Wesley (Singing the Faith 459) Matthew Here is that hymn, sung by the Ghana Young Chorale: No, not the Two Ronnies Sketch! But here is a video from a few years back also about four candles that some of our members have been really inspired by lately. Suggested by Andrea Ellams One of our Local Preachers in the North Cheshire Circuit of the Methodist Church, Professor David Clough, who is also Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of Chester, shares his reflections on the current COVID-19 pandemic and our response as believers. This was recorded live during a service at Wesley Methodist Church, Chester, held recently via Zoom. Andrew Ellams To support faith at home during Holy Week, the Methodist Church in Britain have put together a number of resources. The Children, Youth and Family team of the Methodist Church in Britain has curated and created a whole suite of resources here. These include a series of activities for families to do together at home throughout the week and a brand new journalling resource A Holy Week Journey for young people. This can also be found below. There are also resources available online for worship as a wider Church during Holy Week and Easter, including service sheets for worship at home and a poster to print and place in your home windows. Frodsham Methodist Church Webmaster Morning Worship for Palm Sunday, Sunday 5th April, will be streamed online and lead by our Minister, the Reverend Andrew Emison. The service will start at 10am. It can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/t95wj9n Each Sunday morning, BBC Radio 4 broadcasts worship from a church somewhere around the UK. Last Sunday this was a service for Passion Sunday with Methodist theologian Associate Professor Edgardo Colon-Emeric who is Director of the Center for Reconciliation at Duke University in the US and the Rev'd. Canon Dr. Jennifer Smith, Superintendent Minister of Wesley's Chapel, London.
The service reflected theologically on the current world situation in the context of Passion Sunday and the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Oscar Romero. Maybe this is a good time for reconciliation in our own lives? If we have not already, we can use this opportunity to reconnect with someone we had a disagreement with or phone a friend who we have not spoken to for at least a month. Let's keep in touch with the people who are important to us and support each other in these challenging times. For those who are interested, the Radio 4 service can be found on the BBC website here for 28 days after it was broadcast, and this is also where future broadcasts of Sunday Worship may also be found. Frodsham Methodist Church Webmaster I have been constantly amazed over the past couple of weeks of how individuals are using their time and talents in new and created ways to help and support others. From the post man who is dressing up in different costumes each day to cheer up the residents on his round to Jan who lives in Frodsham who is leading a dance in the streets for her neighbours. Both have responded to the need of others.
As Christians, we believe that it is God’s desire to imagine more than ourselves, to look beyond ourselves and the immediate in order to let all life flourish. This often clashes with the growing ideology in our culture of exceptionalism, entitlement, privilege , building solely our own self-confidence, physical self-improvement and self-congratulation. In turn, our social economic organisation and abuse of the ecosystem is out of sync with God. In the book we are reading in our life group, Barbara Glasson writes, ‘In the earliest Hebrew creation stories Yahweh makes himself a clay model of a man and breaths on it to give it life. It is the supreme confidence, this translation of forms, the capacity to recognise in one thing the potential of another and the willingness to let this potential realise itself, is the stamp of creativity and the birth right that Yahweh gives to all humans.’ As our rhythm of life has changed over the past couple of weeks, I find myself hoping that this might be a time for us all to reflect on and imagine a world where everyone takes their part in holding fast to that which is good, a constant love of their neighbours, a striving for justice and peace in all humanity and for all of creation to feel held in the loving attention by our God of grace. One of my favourite A Cappella Christian singers is a guy called David Wesley (do check him out on YouTube!). He sings a song called shoulders and at a time when things are not as we would imagine in this world, I have found the imagery and words in this song particularly comforting. Hope they are of some comfort to you as well. When confusion’s my companion When despair holds me to ransom I will feel no fear, I know that you are near. When I’m caught deep in the valley With chaos for my company I’ll find my comfort here I know that you are near My help comes from you You’re right here pulling me through You carry my weakness My sickness My brokenness all on your shoulders. My help comes from you You are my rescue I don’t have to see to believe that You’re lifting me up on your shoulders. Naomi Emison This evening, Thursday 2nd April, will see the second of the North Cheshire Circuit's streamed weeknight worship services. This week's message is from The Rev'd. Jo Brown.
Please come and join us from 7:30pm at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWjwZIruIE2Xe8IUUrtfag Why not subscribe to the channel too while you're there! Simon Kelly What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! And what a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! I heard this hymn, written by Joseph M. Scriven, an Irish poet, being sung during several services that were broadcast last Sunday. It was written in 1855, but how appropriate for the times that we are living through today: Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! There is a video on YouTube of this hymn being sung on Songs of Praise:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cscMcqHquuY Patricia Barnard As Rev’d. Andrew Emison reminded us all during this week’s online service, Sunday 29th March was Passion Sunday, an opportunity to pause and to remember the way of the cross taken by Jesus as he begins his final journey to Jerusalem. An Order of Service, which includes links to songs and prayers, along with some words of reflection is available below. Please feel free to use this as you choose as you prepare for the coming days of this Easter period. Andrew Ellams |
ReflectionsThe reflections here are written by members of our congregation.
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