Thursday 26th January, 2012
   
                                                         Midweek Musings!
Dear Friends

Today the church marks the ministry of Timothy and Titus, who were both companions of St Paul, and at other times, recipients of letters from him. The need for spiritual companionship is just as relevant today – perhaps we can ask God if there are any younger Christians (in age, or in the period they have been followers of Jesus), that we might take under our wing and look to nurture and encourage. This past week, it’s been my privilege to spend time with some of the younger members of our fellowship as they are contemplating admission to communion and confirmation. – please pray for the discipleship of all those of whatever age who we will be joining with on Sunday 4th March @ 6.30 p.m. for a service of celebration with the Bishop of Middleton.

In the latest sermon looking in detail at our motto text, Helen Gatenby shared some thought concerning our call to hope – appropriate not least in the fact that apparently that Sunday fell between the supposed 2 most depressing Mondays in the year! Of course simply holding hope on it’s own is sadly overly optimistic, however we are charged to place our hope in Jesus. The observation was also made that in scripture, the Christian hope is particularly commended when in the midst of suffering. It was perhaps fitting that this message came in the midst of a communion service where prayer ministry was offered. Indeed it was also the occasion where our prayer team was re-commissioned, holding those present, before God, and praying for them as they seek to pray on our behalf for healing and wholeness. It has long been our belief that our building can play this holistic role within our immediate and wider community and not just on a 4th Sunday!, -  again please be encouraged to seek our Lord regarding the part we each might play in this.

Finally, a word of encouragement to us for the rest of the week, as first given to Timothy by Paul;
“And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you”
2 Timothy 1. 13 – 14
  God Bless   Simon