Thought for the Fortnight from Stephen
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a serving and worshipping Christian church in the heart of Emsworth,
working closely with other churches and with the local community
Revd Stephen Wright Revd Bill Stillwell
tel: 023 9226 7381 tel: 023 9248 0150
e-mail: minister@emsworthmethodistchurch.org
website: www.emsworthmethodistchurch.org
Registered Charity No 1127747
Newsletter 27 March 2021
2021
Thought for the Fortnight from Stephen
‘A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.’ That was how Winston
Churchill described Russia in 1939. It’s a good description of humanity in
general. The pandemic has revealed it so, in all its glory and shame.
Over the last months we have heard extraordinary stories of sacrifice,
courage and love. In many ways, Captain Tom epitomised this spirit. At
100 years of age, doing extraordinary things for the good of others. On the
other hand, there are stories of a much more depressing nature.
Everything from wilful disregard of guidelines and laws, to the hoarding of
food, to folks deliberately sharing fake news on social media. I’m sure any
aliens looking on would be confounded by all this contradictory behaviour.
Christians, on the other hand, ought not to be. After all, we have long
publicised our species’ moral shortcomings. We have perhaps been less
keen on applauding acts of selflessness – unless they come with a
Christian tag. But there is nothing in our faith which should make us
surprised by virtue in unusual places. Wherever there is goodness,
kindness and truth we should properly celebrate it.
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And yet, in the end, we are compelled to recognise that all are in need of
God’s grace and mercy – even those who are the best of us. In one way,
shape or form, we are all flawed. In this life, there is only this type of
human being.
Even so, at Easter we remember that as Christ was raised from the dead,
his purpose was to raise us up to a new kind of life. To allow the risen
Christ into our hearts opens up the possibility of transformation (if not
perfection).
As we journey into the Easter season (and we hope into new freedoms)
may God touch our lives afresh, so that, each in our own way, we may be
part of the of the good news of this pandemic and its aftermath.
Stephen
Sunday Worship
Our church will remain closed for worship while we are being advised
to stay at home. We plan to continue combining with other
congregations from time to time and feel part of the wider church
community. Our thanks go to those who are facilitating worship
through their technical expertise.
Sunday 28 March at 10.00am Palm Sunday
Worship via Zoom led by Revd David Rice; we will be linked with
Haslemere Methodist Church.
Sunday 4 April at 10.00am Easter Celebration
Worship via Zoom led by Revd Bill Stillwell.
Sunday 11 April at 10.00am we plan to link with the service at
Midhurst led by Revd Andrew de Ville.
Sunday 18 April at 10.00am
Worship via Zoom led by Revd Stephen Wright
Sunday 25 April at 10.00am
Worship via Zoom led by Revd Claire Simpson
If you would like to join in by telephone, please ask Peter
or email newssheet@emsworthmethodistchurch.org
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THE ROAD TO EASTER
Holy Week through the eyes of those who were there.
A journey from hope to despair, to fulfilment and joy.
Daily instalments from Palm Sunday 28th March - Easter Sunday 4th April
HPP – Telling the Stories of Jesus
www.havantpassionplay.org.uk
Following the success of 'A Living Advent Calendar', and
once more under the expert of direction of James Burke-
Dunsmore, HPP will be presenting a brief film each day of
Holy Week on social media.
'The Road to Easter' tells the story of Jesus from the
perspective of people involved in it from Palm Sunday to
Easter Day and will give us the opportunity to reflect on
what it all means for them, or simply to get to know the
story better.
Methodist Easter Celebration CD
The service includes Easter hymns, readings and a
reflection from the President of the Conference.
You can download the CD if you follow this link
https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/worship/lent-and-easter/easter-
celebration-cd-2021/
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Holy Week and Easter
Good Friday Prayer Walk
Instead of the usual large group Walk of Witness, this year there is
something you can do on your own or with a partner or friend, at any time
of the day, as a prayerful reflection on the Easter Story.
The route starts at the Catholic Church in New Brighton Road and works its
way around from church to church. Outside each church there will be a
large cross and a reflection on part of the Easter story.
Suggested Route
1. Ss.Thomas Catholic Church - Jesus is condemned to death
New Brighton Road, Emsworth, PO10 7QP
2. St James' Church of England Church - Jesus carries his cross
Church Path, Emsworth, PO10 7DP
3. Waterside United Reformed Church - Jesus meets his mother
Bath Road, Emsworth, PO10 7EP
4. Emsworth Baptist Church - Jesus is crucified
North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7BY
5. Emsworth Methodist Church - Jesus dies
The Square, Emsworth, PO10 7AQ
For more information visit:
http://www.emsworthchristians.com/prayerwalk.html
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Easter Cross -
a place of remembering and of hope
An Easter Cross will be in the centre of Emsworth in St. Peter's Square
over the whole Easter weekend.
On Good Friday the cross will be a place where we can remember all
those we love who have died over the last year. If you would like a name
to be remembered, a small wooden cross can be added with the name -
just let us know.
Please send the name you wish to remember to
parishofficewwe@gmail.com or telephone 07579
798010.
It would help to title any email 'Easter Cross'.
On Easter Sunday, as a symbol of our hope, the
Cross will be covered in flowers and bursting with
new life. Please come and visit it.
Something for families and children –
please spread the word!
Join our Family Easter Trail through Emsworth during Holy Week
From Palm Sunday 28th March until Easter Sunday 4th April, follow the
Easter Trail at one of two different locations in Emsworth:
- Emsworth Town Centre or Hampshire Farm Meadows -
Find ten egg signs, crack the code, complete the challenges, and hear
about the true meaning of Easter.
If you can crack the code, you can collect a prize!
The Trail is COVID safe and within the prevailing
rules for outdoor activities.
Have fun!
For more information visit:
https://www.emsworthchristians.com/eastertrail.html
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A Little Bit of Lent: Disciples On The Way
Each week on Zoom, Revd Stephen Wright is offering a chance for
conversation and a short devotional time, plus perhaps a related piece of
music. It's subtitled 'Disciples on the Way', as each week we look at one
follower of Jesus and their flaws, and how they might have overcome
them.
This Lent get-together provides a chance for people to ‘meet’ online mid-
week, as we are missing our usual contacts.
The meetings are at 12.30pm on Wednesdays, when we have
traditionally held our Lent midweek communion services.
Please use the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/95058325496?pwd=WkpHU3JXY0tmRjBBZVpFbUpMNVJ
mZz09
Meeting ID: 950 5832 5496
Passcode: 414261
Returning to Church
There will come a time when we will be back in church for worship,
but this will of course depend on how the situation continues to
develop nationally, and the availability of people to lead our
worship.
The Leadership Team and Church Council agreed that we should fit
in with the government's current timescale for re-introducing indoor
activities. If this timescale is delivered, then we hope to hold our
first service back on church premises on Sunday 23rd May.
By this time, we should be able to have doors and windows open to
create a well-ventilated space, and social distancing will still be in
place.
This is our Church Anniversary Sunday, so it could be a
wonderful celebration! Bill will be leading this service.
Dot
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An excerpt from ‘People called Methodists’
by John Vickers
John has kindly given us permission to publish another gem from
his recent book – thank you, John.
‘Gipsy’ Smith (1860–1947) was a very popular preacher in
spite of his lack of schooling. In his own words….
‘My first books were the Bible, an English Dictionary, and
Professor Eadie’s Biblical Dictionary... These three mighty volumes
– for they were mighty to me – I used to carry about under my
arm. My sisters and brothers laughed at me, but I did not mind. “I
am going to read them some day,” I said, “and to preach too.”
‘I lost no opportunity of self-improvement and was always asking
questions. I still believe in continually asking questions. If I came
across anything I did not understand, I asked what it meant – I
did not mind. If I heard a new word I used to flee to my
dictionary. I always kept it beside me when I read or tried to read.
‘Then I began to practise preaching. One Sunday I entered a
turnip-field and preached most eloquently to the turnips. I had a
very large and most attentive congregation. Not one of them
made an attempt to move away....’
The Church Office phone number and email address are not in
use at the moment. If you need to contact anyone urgently for
pastoral or safeguarding reasons, please use the ministers’ contact
details shown on the front page of this newsletter.
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Prayer Prompts
You are invited to use the suggestions listed below in your
prayer times.
A PRAYER FOR HOLY WEEK
Dear Jesus, help me to stop the busyness of my mind and set aside time this
week, and in my imagination:
walk with you towards Jerusalem, singing Hosanna; feasting with you and the
disciples at the last Supper; feeling humble as you ‘wash’ my feet, allowing the
‘grime’ of life and sin, washed away.
Help me to stay by your side, share your loneliness and grief in the Garden of
Gethsemane.
Give me courage to walk with you in Jerusalem and then share the weight of
your Cross; and then to silently stay at the foot of the Cross, reflecting on why
you died for me.
Only then, Jesus, can I truly share in the glory, joy and hope of Easter.
May God the Father and the Holy Spirit enable me to do this for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
PRAY FOR:
The sick and lonely, in hospital or at home; those suffering after-effects of
Covid.
Friends known to us: we name them before God ……………
Those unable to visit loved ones in hospital; families split or not in contact.
Local shops and businesses; plans for Emsworth Surgery to move location.
GIVE THANKS:
For the springtime sunshine and warmth; the beauty of the blue sky and
clouds; small things that bring us joy, the song of a robin, daffodils, blossom
on trees;
The Covid vaccinations to keep us safe; the work of scientists and doctors.
For all NHS Staff and key workers; volunteers. The people who care for us.
We have a small Prayer Chain working within the church. If you or
anyone you know is in need of prayer, please do contact Chris Walters
on 01243 379254 or email c.walters5@homecall.co.uk
Please send contributions for the next fortnightly newsletter to
notices@emsworthmethodistchurch.org or
newssheet@emsworthmethodistchurch.org
by Saturday 3 April
Good news is especially welcome!
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