Dear Friends
With the coming of Autumn, we find ourselves once more in the glorious season of Harvest. It is good and right to thank God for all his good gifts to us. This year we will celebrate a number of Harvest Festival Services in a limited way as follows:
- Sunday 4th October – 11am @ Trinity and 4pm @ Kirton in the garden (weather permitting).
- Sunday 18th October @ Seaton Road Methodist Church.
- As well as this harvest celebration, we will be welcoming three new members to the Seaton Road church family; David Mowles and Denise & Emily Rudderford.
This year all our Harvest Gifts will be going to our local charity, BASIC, helping many local families who are struggling to make ends meet.
On the same morning (18th Oct) at Trinity, our service will focus on “The Samaritans Purse” Shoe Box appeal. Our thanks to Anna Porter who has done a fantastic job in coordinating our efforts for this year.
A reminder that Seaton Road continue to offer a Morning Prayer Service every Thursday with a set act of Worship from 10.30 until 11am.
As a Mission Area we have just completed a four week “Zoom Bible Study” on the book of James led by myself. Mike Peck now will be offering a weekly Bible Study on the lectionary readings each Monday at 10.30am.
On Sunday 25th October we have our annual Walton Parish Nursing Celebration Service. You will be aware of Seaton Road’s long-term commitment to this work. A video will be made and it will be available for viewing from Sunday 25th October, on YouTube or via the following websites. www.seatonroad.org.uk www.waltonpn.org.uk www.mrbcfelixstowe.org.uk www.waltonandtrimley.org.uk.
Later this week myself and four stewards from each of our Felixstowe Churches will be meeting with Rev’d Derek Grimshaw our Superintendent to discuss further the implications of Stationing. As you know I am due to retire next summer and it is important that the Mission Area Churches have cover in place. Please pray for the best possible outcome of this meeting for all concerned.
At our Church Councils we will be looking at how we see the structure of the Felixstowe Mission area developing over the coming months in the light of the pandemic and reduced staff levels. Jill Tempest has given much thoughtful and prayerful consideration of this issues in the document I attach. I am very keen to hear all of your voices regarding the future witness of the Methodist Church in this area.
We are living through times of radical change which are not easy for anyone. A top priority for us as Christians is to live the Gospel, care pastorally for one another and the wider community as best we can and to do all we can to protect our planet.
The Methodist Church has laid before us this year via Synod – a challenge to be proactive in our care of the planet. On Saturday 10th October starting at 10am the Christian Environmental support group A ROCHA will be holding an online conference, just Google – A Rocha Conference – if you are interested in taking part. I will be reporting back from this conference.
Working closely with Dawn Bone our Lay Employee we plan to offer children a Christian fun bag which can be collected from the table outside Trinity Church on Tuesday 27th October, during the October School half term. I am grateful to the stewards who have offered to be part of this project.
Now, looking ahead to November.
On the first Sunday in November, which is November 1st this year, we would traditionally hold a Remembering Service at Trinity at 6pm. I am currently working with Luke, the Manager at Farthings Funeral Service, who always assist with this and we are hoping to offer a service that will take a different format due to the current Covid-19 situation. Those who have lost loved ones will still be able to come to Trinity but a designated time slot will be made available for small groups (rule of 6 will apply) to light a candle, quietly reflect and then take home a prayer booklet and flowers. The session will run from 6pm until 7.30pm to accommodate all who might like to come. If you would like to light a candle in memory of a loved one please do ring me or email me and we can arrange a slot for you.
On Saturday 7th November an opportunity will be provided for the recently bereaved to come and place a pre-made poppy in the garden at Kirton Chapel and attach a label with the name of a loved one. This event will run from 10am -12 noon. Please see poster attached.
On Remembrance Sunday 8th November we will commence worship at 10.45am at Trinity and there will also be a 4pm Service at Kirton Chapel.
In next month’s November mailing, full details will be given concerning this year’s Ecumenical Advent Course.
A Prayer
In this season of Harvest surrounded by all the glory of creation, we give thanks to almighty God for all his good gifts.
May we be generous with our time money and resources.
May we never forget that every blessing we have comes from the Lord.
Amen.
Rev’d Diane
1st Oct 2020
