Hello Everyone
Today we have sad news to share – Eric Marsh a staunch member of the Baptist Church, a man who was involved in so many things in Meltham and a man who was know and loved by lots of people, died this last week. He will be missed by many and we think of his family and friends at this sad time.
CROSSROADS PROJECTS
Reading “The Crossroads Projects Annual General Report” it is heartening to see how much has been achieved by “Meltham Churches Working Together” through all the difficulties experienced during 2020. There was a complete transformation of the Shop and the moving of the Centre into the old Town Hall, made possible by hard work, energy, and commitment to the Project. Sue Priestley, Chair of Trustees, ended her Report with the words from the following two Psalms below.
‘PSALM 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – For many of the volunteers they have missed the fellowship, and friendship of meeting together.”
“PSALM 33:22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. – looking forwards to a brighter future.”
Around 25 years ago a very apt verse of scripture was chosen which fitted the location of the charity shop.
Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
In the report we are given a prophetic word from Scripture by Roger Furmeage – “He believes the future is bright for the Crossroads Project –Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The Food Bank has been a life saver for the many people it has helped. Debbie Still, Food Bank Leader and the helpers work closely with the Crossroads Shop and with those who offer Debt & Legal Advice (Chris Smith & Nigel Priestley) to provide support to those in need in our community. In her report Debbie chose a mantra from Matthew 25:37-40 New International Version.
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Debbie writes “My Prayer is that these verses will remain the guiding ethos of the food bank as they continue on their journey.”
When we look back over the years the Prayers of our churches in Meltham have been open and supportive of the Crossroads Project.
P.R.A.Y
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Take a moment to Pause being aware of God’s presence with you and Reflect on His greatness.
Reflect on all God has done through the Crossroads project and give thanks for this work.
ASK
Ask God to increase the Vision and Hope for the future of church, community, and nation alike through His Holy Spirit.
Ask God to work in your own life in new ways listening to His voice, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the
good way is, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
YIELD
Spend time with verses of scripture chosen by me from the first ten psalms of the Bible.
Think on their content – see if they are applicable to you at this time. You might read the psalms for yourself and see if other verses stand out.
Psalm 1 v 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 2 v 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
Psalm 3 v 3 &4 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 4v 1 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 5v 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice.
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 6 v 3&4 My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 7v7 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 8v3&4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind
that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Psalm 9 v 1&2 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart.
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 10 v 17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.
Closing Prayer
Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.
AN EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THE NATION FROM
The Most Revd & Rt Hon Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury and The Most Revd & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell Archbishop of York
‘As we reach the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, we invite everyone in our nation to pause as we reflect on the enormity of this pandemic. 100,000 isn’t just an abstract figure. Each number is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us. We also believe that each of these people was known to God and cherished by God. We write to you then in consolation, but also in encouragement, and ultimately in the hope of Jesus Christ. The God who comes to us in Jesus knew grief and suffering himself. On the cross, Jesus shares the weight of our sadness.
None of this is easy. Very many of us are experiencing isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and despondency like never before. Many people have lost their livelihoods. Our economy struggles. Also, the necessary restrictions we live with have also prevented us from being alongside loved ones as they died, or even at their graveside. All grief profoundly affects us, but this pandemic grief is so hard. Therefore, we need to support each other. We do this by following the guidelines. But we also do it by reaching out to each other with care and kindness. One thing we can all do is pray. We hope it is some consolation to know that the church prays for the life of our nation every day. Whether you are someone of faith, or not, we invite you to call on God in prayer. Starting on 1 February we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm each day. More than ever, this is a time when we need to love each other. Prayer is an expression of love.”
So, let us take up this invitation, setting aside time to pray each day
Let us remember the work in the NHS, the sick and all those bereaved.
Let us pray for the safety of all front-line workers.
Let us pray for our government the economy, the nation and the world as we battle with this pandemic.
KEEP SAFE, KEEP PRAYING
Peter
