Joan’s Jottings for 20th May

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Thy Kingdom Come begins tomorrow. Full details are on the circuit website. There are several things to download: the prayer journal, the phone app, and a family adventure.  I have spare printed copies of the prayer journal if you would like one of those. Rev. Andrew Sankey’s video Bible Study is available there too, plus an Ascension Day reflection from Rev. Diane Smith. New things will be added to this page daily for the next 11 days. Who are you going to pray for? Let us Light Up Suffolk in prayer. 

Sunday 31st May is Pentecost. I love celebrating Pentecost Sunday! So … as we cannot be together in person, will you please send me a photograph of yourself wearing something red or orange or yellow – get creative! Bonus points if you can print out and be holding the attached flame – there’s two versions, one for you to colour and the other already coloured in.  I will then use these pictures in our service for that day. Deadline: Wednesday 27th May.

I am sure you have heard about the debates in the USA about opening churches before their state rules allow them to be opened. Please rest assured that the United Methodist Church (and other US mainline churches) will not open until it is safe to do so in their states. The same is true of the Methodist Church in Britain. I was heartened this week by this video created by Memphis Faith leaders standing together.

Mike Parker recorded a video message from Mary Haggar from Museum Street last week. You can view it on the Museum Street website. Scroll down the page until you see the text that says: “Mary has a message …” Her thank you is really for all those of you who have made phone calls and written to those who are isolated without computers.

As well as having long hair or a bad haircut, many people in this time have put on weight. The jokes abound, but I would like to remind you that he number on the scale will not tell you: How kind you are, How smart and talented you are, How much you are loved.

I am keeping you in my prayers. May God’s peace be with you all,
In Christ
–Pastor Joan  

Rev. Joan Pell

Joan’s Jottings are written to the churches at Museum Street, Landseer Road and Chantry where Joan is the minister, and shared here for all to read.

Click here for previous Joan’s Jottings.