Guiseley Methodist Church Notices:  10th January 2021

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Dear friends
When I led the Covenant service in Bramhope last Sunday, I expected to be doing the same in Guiseley this Sunday but – as happened so often last year – things have changed very fast. The country has entered a new lockdown and, although churches are permitted to continue to worship in church, a consensus has been reached within our Circuit that it’s not wise to do so. Tim Perkins, our Superintendent minister, explains the decision to cancel church services in January in the attached pastoral letter.
Those of us who have enjoyed meeting together for worship during September, October and December will be disappointed about this but I hope you can also see it as a positive move. With the new variant Covid-19 there has been an alarming rise in infections and, sadly, deaths. We have been asked to keep our social contacts to a minimum. Continuing with services would create a real dilemma for many preachers, stewards, organists and members of the congregation. The Circuit decision, which will be reviewed for February, is a small contribution to reducing the spread of infection. We’re giving up something we value for a short time in order to benefit our community.
With no services in church, we’re going to try having a Zoom service every Sunday morning at 10.30am with the chance to chat afterwards. I know this won’t suit everyone but, if you’ve not tried a Zoom service yet, I warmly invite you to give it a go. If you have online access, you simply click on this link

                                        ^{https://zoom.us/j/98639722958}

or you can join on any phone (landline or mobile) by dialling 0131 460 1196 and entering the meeting ID 986 3972 2958 followed by # twice. N.B. If you pay per call, it’s a national call. Those joining online can hear and see one another; those joining by phone can hear all the prayers, readings, talk and songs and join in the chat afterwards. The Zoom link will be the same every week.
The services will be recorded and made available to watch later. A small picture of you may feature briefly but only the speakers will be heard. The recordings will be available via a circulated link; they will not be accessible to the general public.
I’ll be leading the service this Sunday 10th January at 10.30am and we’ll say the Covenant Prayer printed below. Whether or not you can join the service, say the prayer at home. It reminds us that the Christian journey is not always easy but also that we’re not alone and that this is the best possible path to follow.
If you need help with anything, do contact me, Rosemary or anyone from church.
                                                                   Roger.
Guiseley Methodist Church
7th January 2021

COVENANT PRAYER

I am no longer my own but yours.

Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
  wherever you may place me,
  in all that I do
       and in all that I may endure;
  when there is work for me
       and when there is none;
  when I am troubled
       and when I am at peace.

Your will be done
  when I am valued
       and when I am disregarded;
  when I find fulfilment
       and when it is lacking;
  when I have all things,
       and when I have nothing.

I willingly offer
all I have and am
  to serve you,
  as and where you choose.
Glorious and blessèd God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
  you are mine and I am yours.
  May it be so for ever.
  Let this covenant now made on earth
  be fulfilled in heaven.  Amen.

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Please contact the Pastoral Secretary (details below) if you wish to be added to the mailing list of worship material and videos.

   You can access all the videos by searching on YouTube for ‘Guiseley Methodist Church’.

GUISELEY METHODIST CHURCH MAILING
Rev Roger Smith (Minister) roger.smith@methodist.org.uk    01943 874735
Mrs Rosemary Williams (Pastoral Secretary) rawilliams1942@outlook.com   01943 871048

If you’d like to keep using online worship material, go to the Circuit website or search  YouTube for ‘Guiseley Methodist Church’ and you’ll find all the videos recorded over the past months.  You might like to re-watch one or see one you missed.  I know some people are doing this and finding it helpful.

Roger