Did you watch the Eurovision Song Contest ‘special’ last weekend? The two-hour programme, which had been put together by the Eurovision team, called ‘Shine a Light’, showcased 30 seconds of music from each of this year’s individual country’s songs and then the artists, who should each have sung their songs in the competition, gave a personal message. There were also interviews with artists who had won in the past, including Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA. Firstly, what was so noticeable was seeing the deserted streets of cities and towns across the world, especially many of the tourist attractions, which even at night-time would normally be full of people, now empty. Secondly, the message from those artists, regardless of age, was one of love, unity, and the desire that as we all come out of this pandemic, the peoples of the world should set aside their differences and become more united in love with, and for, each other. ‘BEING It seems that each one of these individuals, whether of faith or no faith, were reflecting the words of Jesus in John 13 verse 34 which CHURCH’ says ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’. The programme was concluded with all the artists, who should have performed this year, singing a Boston Spa and Clifford combined recording of ‘Love Shine a Methodist Churches Light’, the Eurovision Song Winner from 1997, which happened to be the UK entry that year (the last year that the ISSUE 10: 24th May 2020 UK won), when it was sung by Katrina and The Waves. As we move through and hopefully out of this season of pandemic it would be an incredible outcome if the words of Jesus about CONTACTS shining our light, those words portrayed in that song, did indeed become the anthem not just for us, not for just this country, but PHONE: for every corner of the world. For as the second verse says: - Rev. Steve and Sue: 01937 842156 Brothers and sisters in every little part, Donald: 07966 289937 Let our love shine a light in every corner of our hearts, Love shine a light in every corner of the world, EMAIL: Let the love light carry let the love light carry. [email protected] Light up the magic for every boy and girl [email protected] Let our love shine a light in every corner of the world And we're all gonna shine a light together, all shine a light to light the way. Brothers and sisters in every little part, let our love shine a light in every corner of our hearts. Songwriters: KIMBERLEY REW © BMG Rights Management Follow us on Facebook Steve, Sue and Donald Ways to Worship Together as Church: Offline: Attached is a short service, continuing the theme of Christ’s Ascension - this will be shared by many of us on Sunday, at our normal Service time – please join us, to feel part of something larger. On BBC 1: Sunday 11:45am – ‘Sunday Service’ a Service from Bangor Cathedral and, at 1:15pm - ‘Songs of Praise’ - Katherine Jenkins sharing stories of faith from our island communities. Prayer Cards: Every Sunday and Wednesday, at 7:00 pm, we remember to place a lit candle in the window and use the Prayer Cards, for a quiet moment with God, including prayers for those groups who would normally meet in the Church rooms over the coming week. Please also remember those of our immediate Church family, who we know are coping with loss of a loved one or their own health problems. Dial-a-Sermon: A short new reflection every week – give it a try! ‘Great 50 days’: Our District Chair (Leslie Newton) shares his thoughts on God’s way of loving and he sets out some really challenging (and fun) possible responses – check out the notes! Online: We hope you enjoyed the Ascension Day Service – if you missed it, it’s not too late, you can find it on the Boston Spa Church website and each individual Church’s Facebook pages. There will be a new Circuit Service for Pentecost – next week (31st May). Now available on our Facebook and websites: Storytime for toddlers (and over 60s): ‘Willbee the bumblebee” Tea-Time Church at Home: for young (and not so young) families on the theme of ‘Love one another’ Don’t Stew and Fester: don’t forget that if you want to catch up with friends over virtual coffee, via Tele Conference, the next session is on: Wednesday 27th May at 3:00pm Sunday Morning Coffee: A chance to use Zoom to catch up on news and discuss aspects of the Sunday service – was there a hymn or prayer that was meaningful? Has it triggered any ideas you’d like to share? Note: Both of these sessions are available to anyone with a PC, laptop, tablet or even smart phone. If you’d like to give it a try but are nervous of how to do it – contact Donald and you can have a trial run. Remembrances: We’ve had a lovely note from Heather, the daughter of Marion Sealy-Lewis, who now lives in Watford but receives this Newsletter. Marion remembers Boston Spa as a little girl, in particular the time when all the Sunday School children were given bricks to build a model Church, which was then lit up. She also has a vivid memory of a picture of Jesus surrounded by children – does that ring a bell with anyone? (It was some time ago – but I’m too much of a gentleman to say how long – Ed.) Marion - we’re delighted that you’re enjoying staying in touch and hope that you feel part of our extended Church family! ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ is a global prayer movement, that invites Christians around the world (and yes, that includes Boston Spa, Clifford and Collingham!) to pray from Ascension to Pentecost. Since it’s launch in 2016, Christians from 172 countries and 65 denominations have taken part in praying for friends and family to come to faith in Jesus Christ. The days between Ascension and Pentecost have always been full of expectation and anticipation, as the disciples waited for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Whilst they waited, they devoted themselves constantly to prayer (Acts 1:14). So we are called to set these days apart for prayer and for each of us to pray for 5 people we know to come to know the love of Christ. Could be family, a friend, a neighbour, someone you see out walking, someone from a club you belong to, even someone you see on TV. (Those of us who shared the ‘Talking Jesus’ sessions at Boston Spa will recognise the challenge). To help us with this, a Prayer Journal is enclosed for all those receiving by post, with reflections, prayers and suggested actions. For those who can access online, (speak to Donald if you need a hard copy): https://www.thykingdomcome.global/sites/default/files/2020- 04/TKC_PrayerJournal2020_Methodist_DOWNLOAD.pdf There are also prayer sheets specifically for children: https://www.bostonspamethodistchurch.org.uk/content/pages/documents/1589880879.pdf To all Boston Spa Methodist Church members. Have you learnt a new skill or talent? Due to the current situation, we will be unable to meet Andrew Marshall for our Annual Church Meeting on Sunday 14th June. was challenged However, there are items that must be discussed, and by Heather voted upon, before the commencement of the new Shipman and ‘Church’ year, on 1st September. Donald to prepare a meal This is, therefore, official notice of my proposal to hold for Hilary – and a virtual Annual Church Meeting around the weekend here’s the proof, th th of 13 /14 June 2020. This will take the form of the Cottage Pie and usual notifications, reports etc., but will either be a Bread and emailed, or posted, as appropriate, along with the Butter Pudding – regular newsletter. Voting ‘slips’ will be included which looks scrummy! can be either returned by email or post (an S.A.E will be provided), by a specified date. So – how about you? Have you learned new IT skills, or taken up If you have any items that you want to be included in new hobbies, learned a language, or had to help the ‘meeting’, please contact me by Saturday 30th with children or grandchildren’s home schooling? May; however, please note that due the nature of this meeting, there will not be opportunity for discussion, Please share – send a photo or a short note on or for a vote, on this occasion. any new skills and we’ll include it in a future If you have any questions regarding this, please feel edition. Thank you! free to contact me on: 01937 842156 or [email protected] Stay safe - remember we love you and, more importantly, Jesus loves you! Steve, Sue and Donald .