BEING CHURCH – Newsletter 38 December 6th, 2020 SECOND SUNDAY IN WESTBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH Registered Charity # 1133833

Website: www.westboroughmethodistchurch.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01723 506926 Minister: Revd Graham Morgan

Sunday Worship at Westborough

Our church building is re-opening! There will be services held from THIS SUNDAY - 6th December at 10.30am. We look forward to welcoming you back! MORNING WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION led by Revd Graham Morgan If you are not yet ready or able to return to worship within the church building please be assured that the circuit online service will continue to be each week just as it has been over the last months, the Vine at Home will still be available and the Newsletter will continue as long as needed.

This newsletter is to keep us all in touch and to share information and any other items that may be useful or uplifting. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME to the church office by Wednesday afternoon.

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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK (December 6th, 2020)

God of light, shining strongly, focused on the deep darkness of despair, flooding the inky blackness of isolation, blazing bright on the dark night of sin, piercing the shade of the pains of injustice, bathing the world with a sun of renewal, we eagerly wait for the coming of as a dawn of healing and of hope and of judgement.

Lord, let the light of Your presence burst in on our worship, making our ordinary offering burn with the brilliance of Your Spirit’s inspiration.

In the name of the Light of the World, we pray. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS (Please send any requests for next week by Thursday)

HELEN

BEN and family

EILEEN ANN and family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to anyone celebrating at this time.

BRIAN (7th )

JOHN (7th )

FACEBOOK PAGE Maria is updating our Facebook page regularly with songs/hymns and if you would like one added please contact her via the church email [email protected]

If you have any remembrances, thanksgivings or celebrations that you wish to share please let the Church Office know (Contact details on front page)

OR any contributions – Photos, anecdotes, memories, recipes, poems etc.

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Advent candle song by Mark Earey (Tune: ANGEL VOICES ‘Angel voices ever singing…’)

ADVENT 2—THE PROPHETS

Jesus said, ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets: I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.’

Amen. Come soon, Lord Jesus!

The second candle is lit and this response is used

Jesus is the light of the world.

A light no darkness can ever put out.

We sing:

Advent candles tell their story, as we watch and pray, longing for the Day of Glory, ’Come, Lord, soon,’ we say. Pain and sorrow, tears and sadness, changed for gladness, on that Day.

Prophet voices loudly crying, making pathways clear; glimpsing glory, self-denying, calling all to hear. Through their message - challenged, shaken - hearts awaken: God is near!

SERVICES Planned at Westborough for DECEMBER

6th G.Morgan (HC), 13th Qunibi 20th G.Morgan (Carol Service) 2.30pm 23rd Holy Communion – Eve 11.30pm 27th Brown

The Circuit Plan is being produced on a monthly basis only – if you require the full document please contact the Church Office.

ADVENT REFLECTION A Reflection for the second Sunday in Advent, exploring stories of how God’s people have been working for justice and peace this year and how we see the God of Justice working for hope in our current world prepared by the Joint Public issues team. Can be viewed online at Week-2.pdf (jointpublicissues.org.uk) If you require a hard copy please contact Lesley.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE As part of the Methodist Church #God is With Us campaign a full Christmas service has been prepared and is available to access/ download here. CDs of the service can also be obtained free of charge. Christmas service download (methodist.org.uk) 3

WESTBOROUGH CHURCH SERVICES - GUIDELINES

It looks a little different and there are lots of new signs in place and some regulations that you must follow. There will be stewards to guide you through the new set up and maintain the stringent new hygiene regimes – please follow their advice. You should feel safe and comfortable in worship.

th Sunday 6 December at 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION led by Revd Graham Morgan. 1. ENTRY. Please use the right hand side FRONT ENTRANCE door if you are able. Please leave the ramp entry for those who need to use it. Doors will not be open before 10am.

2. FACE MASK. Put on your face mask before entering the building. Keep it on until you leave the building after the service – unless you are medically exempt. (Face masks do not need to be worn whilst preaching or reading).

3. SANITISER. Please use the hand sanitiser straight away – it is at both entrances.

4. TRACK & TRACE. You MUST sign the track and trace list or use the QR code on your phone. This is a legal requirement.

5. WORSHIP AREA. You will be directed to go straight up to the worship area via the right side steps. All of the service will be on the screen. It is advised that it should be 30-45 minutes in length. You may not sing. Offertory plates are available at the top of the steps – it will be brought forward during the first hymn.

6. DISTANCING. Stay 2 metres apart from each other or each ‘bubble’. You will see that some chairs have been removed and some rows of the tip-up seats are not available to sit on. Please leave THREE EMPTY SEATS between individuals or ‘bubbles’.

7. HOLY COMMUNION. The elements will be prepared using strict hygiene guidelines. Wafers are being used. They will be brought to you AT YOUR SEAT by stewards wearing masks and gloves.

8. END OF SERVICE. Please check that you have taken everything with you. Please queue 2 metres apart to leave by the left side steps. Leave the building by the left side front doors as soon as possible.

9. TOILETS. Only 2 people to be in the cloakrooms at any time – or 1 in the accessible toilets.

IF YOU FEEL ILL STAY HOME If you don’t feel well or have symptoms of Covid-19 please stay at home.

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RETURNING TO CHURCH, SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2020

It is good to be meeting once again at Westborough but we must not be complacent. I have had several phone calls and emails from members of our church showing their concern over several matters and we must try and address these. Firstly, I would like to say that I think we have overall done a good job in adhering to the rules and regulations. The first issue is that sometimes there is a bottle neck at the sanitising station when we enter the building, with people talking to each other. We have put an extra sanitising station in to keep people moving. Also, people seem to be stopping at the top of the stairs and talking and not moving on. Can we remember that we are only supposed to be in church for as short a time as possible and so most people come as late as they can as requested, so need to get to their seat. Also, when we leave, again some people are congregating in the Coffee Lounge by the exit and sitting in the new comfy chairs we have. To alleviate this and to keep people moving and leaving the building as quickly as they can we have removed these seats.

I know that as Methodist people, what we do best is talking! So please do not be offended when you are asked to move on, it is for all of our safety and wellbeing.

Neil (Senior Church Steward)

ALL WE CAN

I hope that many of you were able to enjoy the Big Sing and the Extraordinary Christmas Nativity last Sunday, 29th. November followed by the Extraordinary Christmas Party.

The Extraordinary catalogue is still available and if you would like a copy, please make contact.

The first update has been received from Butagaya, Uganda, the community that we are journeying alongside this connexional year in love, solidarity and support, learning more about how our precious regular gifts help to transform lives.

All We Can is doing tremendous work at this time with a special Coronavirus Appeal alongside its latest project “Change begins with a Bicycle”. Thanks to those who contribute in any way. Your continued support during these difficult times will be greatly appreciated. Build Back Better is the aim and the challenge. The use of the Methodist Prayer Handbook is commended.

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CAN YOU HELP? – The Vine at Home A number of you have been in touch asking how you can financially support the work we do here at Twelvebaskets. The first thing we would ask it that you pray for us. Our aim has always been to work with creatives to discover new ways to resource the church . This year we have all had to listen deeply to God and learn new ways. So as we enter 2021, as we look at how to produce and distribute more resources, your prayers would be most appreciated.

To help us financially the best way is either to take out a subscription to The Worship Cloud or to give a donation to The Vine at Home. We are committed to producing The Vine at Home until the end of May 2021, but we are keen to provide this resource for much longer. We are still short of this years total, so can you help?

Can you make a donation, however small, that will help us pay for this resource? Below are links to allow you to do this.We would like to say a Big Thank You to all of you who have donated already. Your donations, messages of support and prayers mean a lot to us.

Click here to make a £6 Donation Click here to make a £10 Donation

Click here to make a £25 Donation Click here to make a £50 Donation

Click here to make a £100 Donation

To donate a different amount over £50.00 please contact [email protected] for payment details.

God Bless Wayne and the Twelvebaskets Team.

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WORSHIP FROM HOME

WEEKLY CIRCUIT SERVICE: These services can be accessed each week via the South Cliff channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWbxG6b8fSphBbPQFMYJWpw

THE VINE AT HOME

The Vine at Home is attached to this Newsletter each week. An ideal resource to use for worship at home, knowing that many others from Westborough and also from around our Circuit and District will be sharing in the same worship. You can still watch the Big Church Sing at Home service here. Don't forget that The Vine at Home is live-streamed every Sunday Morning at 10.30am on Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth and Lympstone Methodist Churches Facebook page. Click here.

ALL WE CAN Every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.17pm, All We Can is sharing positive and uplifting content on the theme of ‘Colossians 1:17 – All Things Hold Together’ https://www.facebook.com/allwecanuk

Queen Street offers its weekly service here http://queenstreet.org.uk/worship

“North Yorkshire Coast Methodists” is a circuit YouTube channel which is gathering together all of the video sermons / reflections / meditations by Staff, Supernumeraries and Local Preachers.

You can find it at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTKCXtvW2GwJHyX3VFyijeA

Television BBC 1 Sunday Worship – the second Sunday of advent at 11.00am Songs of Praise at 1.15pm this week.

Radio Premier Radio Radio 4: Sunday Worship at 8.10am Something Understood at 23.30 A short weekday service at 9.45am on LongWave not FM UCB radio is also a rich resource for worship https://www.ucb.co.uk/ . This can be found alphabetically via a DAB radio or online following the link above. If you require the full ‘Worship at home’ document please contact Maria (Church Office email)

CIRCUIT SUNDAY SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON CD (AUDIO) AND DVD (VIDEO) If you are one of those who isn’t able to access the services electronically and would appreciate the opportunity to listen to some of these services on CD or DVD, please contact Graham or Emma via email or telephone and they will ensure that you receive some CDs or DVDs in the post. With grateful thanks to Hilary at South Cliff who prepares these.

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CIRCUIT NOTICES

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

MISSION TO SEAFARERS – KNITTING HATS (If you would like a pattern please contact Lesley) Please consider making a hat for Filey RNLI or The Whitby Mission & Seafarers Centre. Hats are used all year round. Finished hats can be dropped off with Emma, at the manse or contact [email protected] Please hand over any finished hats by December 15th Goods will be quarantined when delivered to their final destination. Thank you. Emma

PRAYER REQUEST A member of our community who works within our NHS has suggested that prayers for energy and safety would be extremely helpful at this time.

#GODISWITHUS CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN 2020 The Methodist Church has launched the above campaign. It has a wide range of items and resources and includes 2 posters attached for church use. The link to the campaign is #GodIsWithUs Christmas Campaign 2020 - Yorkshire North & East Methodist District (yorkshirenemethodist.org)

MESSY CHURCH AT HOME The Children’s Society and Messy Church have combined to provide a leaflet on etc to use at home. If you would like a copy contact Lesley.

ADVENT RESOURCES A Free Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Printables + Christmas Ornaments has been made available from The FaithGateway. It can be downloaded from: Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Printables for Christmas — FaithGateway The same source has also made available other devotional advent resources.

THE METHODIST PODCAST EPISODE 44 IS NOW AVAILABLE It contains an interview with musician and producer Matt Beckingham https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/podcasts/the-methodist-podcast-episode-44/

CIRCUIT OFFICE, NOTICES AND WORSHIP SHEETS It is currently planned that the Notice and Worship sheets due to be issued on 17th/18th December will include information about Christmas services and links for Sunday 27th December and Sunday 3rd January. The next notices and worshipping from home sheets will be issued on Thursday/Friday 7th/8th January. The Circuit office will be closed from 2pm 23rd December and re- open on Tuesday 5th January. Emails will not be monitored over this time.

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ADVENT STUDY 2020 This is an invitation for you to attend a three part Advent Stu dy led by myself. Please note each session is complete in itself.

Study 1 ‘Immanuel’ Thursday 3rd December, 6.00pm (Zoom) Wednesday 9th December 2.00pm (Zoom) Holy Communion @ Westborough 10.30am

Study 2 ‘Illumination’ Thursday 10th December 6.00pm (Zoom) Wednesday 16th December 2.00pm (Zoom) Holy Communion @ Westborough 10.30am

Study 3 ‘Instruction’ Thursday 17th December, 6.00pm (Zoom) Wednesday 23rd December 2.00pm (Zoom) Holy Communion @ Westborough 10.30am

Both bible studies will now be over zoom. If you wish to take part send a request for an invitation via email to [email protected] and I will send you a link.

Graham (Rev Graham Morgan)

ADVENT MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION AND STUDY GROUP

On Wednesdays, 9th., 16th. and 23rd. December there will be Holy Communion at 10.30 a.m. The Celebrants will be the Reverends Graham Morgan and Pam. Ward. These will be followed, each week, by an Advent Study at 2.00 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact Graham for a Zoom invitation. Please book the dates in your diary and come and share as we prepare for Christmas

READERS If you are available to read at any service during December, please let Colin Adamson know. Face coverings will not need to be worn whilst reading.

“The mission of Westborough Methodist Church is to offer the love of God, and to share our Christian faith, by meeting the needs of all people through pastoral care and service.”

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A selection of CONCERTS from around the country you might wish join in with this year from home

(Some of these concerts require you to register before the concert)

Carol Concert by Marie Curie Monday 7th December 7pm Carols in the City at home, will be streamed online on Monday 7 December at 7pm. Start the Christmas season off in style with a virtual evening of festivities and help raise funds to support the work of Marie Curie Nurses. Registration required. Carols in the City at home (mariecurie.org.uk)

A Starry Night from Lambeth Palace Tuesday 15 December at 7.30pm Included in the world class line up are the English National Opera Choir, the Male London Welsh Rugby Choir, world renowned clarinettist Emma Johnson MBE, soprano singer Alexandra Kennedy as well as Classical Brit Award nominees Classical Reflection. There will also be sketches from the superb artistic group Chimes for Children. Pre-registration required. LiveStream Access Ticket is free or can add a donation if you wish A Starry Night from Lambeth Palace Tickets, Tue 15 Dec 2020 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

Virtual Carols by The Alzheimer's Society Thursday 17th December at 6.30pm To help boost the spirits of the nation, the Alzheimer's Society is hosting a wonderful evening of virtual festivities on Thursday 17th December at 18:30pm. While it's free to watch online, any donation is appreciated. Pre-registration required Expect Christmas songs the whole family will love, plus a performance by musician and composer Paul Harvey. Virtual Carols at Christmas | Alzheimer's Society

Carols on the Doorstep – Sunday 20th December 5.30pm Community Opportunity. An opportunity to invite your neighbours to join in in partnership with Premier Radio to tune in and sing some carols on your doorsteps. Wear your Christmas Jumper and bring something to rattle or ring perhaps.

Festival of – Thursday 24th December 3pm A traditional celebration of Christmas with the annual Carol Service from King’s College, Cambridge. Broadcast on Radio 4 at 3pm. A version of this is also usually televised – more info to follow when timings announced.

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Joan & Christine send Christmas greetings to all their friends at Westborough. Sorry not to be seeing everyone in person but we wish you all a healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

2ND SCARBOROUGH (WESTBOROUGH) GUIDES

We had a great meeting on zoom last week, making a ‘socktopus’ (an octopus made from an old sock) and various Christmas crafts. At the time of writing we are hoping to meet back in person from next week, we are just waiting for permission from our local commissioner.

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6-12 December 2020 Live your faith Read, pray, reflect and live your faith this week

This week’s Bible readings Isaiah 40.1-11 • Psalm 85.1-2,8-13 • 2 Peter 3.8-15a • Mark 1.1-8

What happens in the wilderness..

Notes on the Gospel reading Questions • Mark starts his Gospel with the line: ‘the for reflection beginning of the good news of Jesus’, but we don’t meet Jesus straight away. We meet John ▶ Why do you think Mark the Baptist who is a messenger, just like began his Gospel with

Isaiah. Both are offering messages of hope. John the Baptist?

• John is in the wilderness – a word that ▶ If you want to tell suggests somewhere hard, barren and empty, someone about Jesus,

a tough place to live. But it is also free from the where would you begin?

distractions of everyday life – a space to get ▶ How would you ready to meet Jesus. This is the kind of space summarise the gospel we should aim to create through our Advent in one sentence preparations.

A prayer for others • Movement is also important in this passage. We pray… John appears in the wilderness and people from For those lost in valleys: the Judean countryside and Jerusalem go to may they be lifted up. meet him. At Advent, there is call for us to move

as well, from the people we once were towards For those stuck in the heights: being followers of Jesus. may they be helped down. For those in barren places: • The movement away from the Temple in may they find shelter. Jerusalem to the wilderness relates to John For those in rough places: saying that real repentance will happen out in may they hear eternal words. the wilderness – a reminder that if we really

want to be changed, we can’t settle for safe For those seeking forgiveness: rituals. Rather, we must take a risk and be may they find it.

vulnerable. For those seeking apology: may they hear it.

Preconstruction survey For those waiting for a long time: may they find patience in your patience.

Reflecting on the journey from ‘here and For those waiting for renewal: may there be springs of growth. now’ to the fullness of the ‘kingdom of Amen. God’, and noting things that need to be A personal prayer knocked down or built up for the kingdom to be built up, make a planning chart – or God of timelessness, you speak of eternity and the things that do not fade. In all the busyness of my week, the importance of add to last week’s timeline, if you made one – of some achievable small things, may I find time for the things that will last for practical steps that you might take over ever, especially loving-kindness. Call me deeper into small the coming year. A household could do moments where I can find the light of love in unexpected places. Because you are always to be found in unexpected places. Amen. this as a group activity. Live your faith

FREE worship at home resources, Recalling Jesus’ time in the wilderness, find/make time this week including up-to-the-minute reflection on (ideally, about an hour) to disconnect from the world (e.g. turn off your this week’s Bible reading, available at: phone; sit quietly or go for a walk alone). Try not to think too much; www.rootsontheweb.com just listen for God.

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2020 www.rootsontheweb.com 12

#GOD IS WITH US We are encouraged to display this poster in our windows.

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