shadow

Uncategorised

Update on services in our church buildings

Posted on: by:

Due to the high number of Covid-19 cases still being recorded locally, it has been decided to continue the pause in services being held in our parish church buildings for the time being.

Online services will however still take place and continue to be available both on YouTube and Zoom. Links to these online services and any news as to when the church buildings might reopen will be posted on the website and social media sites.

Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.

MCT Prayers 1st February

Posted on: by:

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

Online Service of Holy Communion for Candlemas – Sun 31 Jan 2021 – 10:30am

Posted on: by:

Sadly, our church buildings remain closed. You can however join us online as we celebrate the feast of Candlemas – the presentation of Christ in the temple – 40 days after his birth!

Rev’d John Dracup leads a Service of Holy Communion for the Parish of #Meltham and beyond! – Sun 31st January – 10:30am.
https://youtu.be/GBm1xYwPdaM

As usual it can be viewed at any convenient time after this.

Care & share – Moors for the future talk – tonight 8pm

Posted on: by:

This week we have a visitor from the Peak District National Park Authority who is going to talk about the future of the moors.

Every-one is welcome 8pm-9pm 26th Jan.

Topic: care & share

Time: Jan 26, 2021 08:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below at 8pm tonight:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88024968565?pwd=SHF0WTlQQTI2UUt6NVRhREN6bmZqQT09

Meeting ID: 880 2496 8565

Passcode: 971865

MCT PRAYERS week 25th JANUARY

Posted on: by:

HELLO  EVERYONE

PAUSE & PRAY

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

For more than a year, the world has been passing through a Gethsemane of sickness and sorrow.

The name ‘Gethsemane’ means ‘oil press’ – a place where olives are gathered to be crushed.  Take a moment to imagine the scene in Gethsemane watch Jesus crushed by the sorrow of the world.  Am I waiting and watching with Him, or have I fallen asleep?

REFLECT

Today, I ask to wait with You, Lord, on behalf of grieving nations, tired doctors, exhausted nurses and other frontline workers. “Comfort those who mourn. Give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. May they soar on wings like eagles; may they run and not grow weary; may they walk and not grow faint.”  (Isaiah 40:1, 29, 31)

I reflect on a moment in the Gospel story where Jesus himself mourns…

‘Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will Matthew 26:36-39

‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ Jesus says, to most of his disciples. But he takes Peter, James and John with him and says, ‘Stay here and keep watch with me.’

ASK

Am I close enough to Jesus to hear his invitation to watch with Him?

What sorrow might He be asking me to share?

Could I watch and pray with Him for an hour today?

YIELDING

Lord, I yield to Your invitation to watch with You, to share in Your grieving, to wait patiently with You, to mourn for the hurt of Your wounded world, and not to hide from the pain of those I meet.

Not my will, but Yours be done.

Yielding Promise

And now, as I prepare to take this time of prayer into the coming day, I echo Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, ‘The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

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.                                                                  

KEEP SAFE -=KEEP PRAYING 

Peter

MCT PRAYERS week 18th JANUARY 2021

Posted on: by:

Hello Everyone

This Week’s Prayers are once again in the shape of LECTIO 365, a National & International Aid which exists to help us pray in groups or as individuals. The aim is that our prayers, wherever we are, at whatever time we pray, are being prayed to our Father in heaven 24-7 every day of the year.

Together, each day we pray (P.R.A.Y) – ‘P’: PAUSING to be still. ‘R’: REJOICING with a Psalm and REFLECTING on a scripture. ‘A’: ASKING God to help us and others and ‘Y’: YEILDING to His will n our lives, come what may.

SO, WE TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER

PAUSE

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.   (Pause and pray)

Prayer of Approach

Loving Father, I still my soul now and remember that You are here with me, you are here in me, You are here for me. Lord Jesus, I worship You. Holy Spirit, I welcome You.

REJOICE and REFLECT

Rejoice and Reflect Psalm 10 v 17

Lord you know the thoughts of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

ASK

To help us in our prayers this week we have three prayers written by Nick Fawcett “For Such a Time as This”.

When faith is shaken by the crisis that has come upon us Why, Lord?

Why have you let this happen, this dreadful virus descend upon us?

Yes, I realise that the whole business, in the final analysis, is not down by you, but can’t you do something, anything, to offer a helping hand?

Why do you seem simply to sit back, unmoved, unconcerned?

Don’t you care?

Aren’t our prayers reaching you?

That’s not fair, I know that, for you’ve made the world in such a way that you cannot simply intervene when it suits you; your hands instead being tied by the laws you have set in place.

Yet I’m asking you, I’m pleading with you, look kindly upon us, and reach out to our aching world, ministering your love and binding up its wounds.    Amen.

For those selflessly supporting others, and those who think only of themselves.

In this time of crisis, Lord, you call us to pull together, as families, as friends, as communities.

Thank you for those who are leading the way in doing that: relatives helping loved ones, neighbours helping neighbours, support groups reaching out to strangers, individuals responding to the plight of the vulnerable.

Thank you especially today for the efforts of shops and supermarkets to do likewise, setting aside shopping times and delivery slots for those most at risk.

Forgive the heartlessness, the greed, the selfishness, that looks only after number one and cares nothing for anyone else. Challenge and shame such behaviour and prosper the efforts of all who are seeking to show compassion, concern, and care to those least able to help themselves.

We are all in this together.  Prompt each and every one of us to realise that.    Amen.

Trust that God is with us, however much it may seem otherwise.

Lord, it’s hard to glimpse your presence even at the best of times, and now, with this disease causing such havoc among us, it’s harder than ever, our prayers appearing to go unanswered, your face seemingly turned away from us. Yet it is at such a time as this, more than ever, that we need to keep faith you are with us.

Though we feel abandoned, we are not.

Though we feel alone, we are not.

Though we feel forgotten, we are not.

Though we feel hopeless, we are not.

Though we feel left high and dry, we are not.

Draw close to us, Lord, and envelop us in your love.

Draw near and help us to recognise that you are by our side. Amen.

YIELD

Yielding prayer

Lord I yield to your invitation to watch with you, to share in your grieving, to wait patiently with you, to mourn for the hurt of Your wounded world, and not to hide from the pain of those we meet.

Not my will, but yours be done.

Yielding Promise

And now, as I prepare to take this time of prayer into the day, I echo Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, ‘The God of all comfort…. Comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ’ 2 Cor 1 v3-5

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.

KEEP SAFE – KEEP PRAYING    

Peter