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Crossgates Methodist Church - Minister's message September 2009
Reads the latest message from Crossgates Methodist Church Minister Reverend Francesca Rhys.
* Click here for latest news in Cross Gates, Colton, Temple Newsam and Whitkirk.
Dear Friends,
September is a time for new beginnings in lots of different ways. Children and grandchildren are moving up to a new class or school (sometimes at Junior Church as well). All being well, several young people from the congregation (Laura, Rachel, Onai, Dananai) will be starting at college or university. Fellowship and uniformed groups will resume their activities with their committed leaders perhaps wondering, "can I cope with yet another year of this!?" and the participants happily meeting up with friends and stimulus again. In the church calendar, we're looking forward to both Back to Church Sunday with its national theme, Come as you are, on 20th September and also to preparations for harvest Sunday on 27th September. Remember to give some prayerful thought to whom you could invite along to these important services, and take away a colourful invitation from the Galilee. The church itself is decked out in its new sound system, its screen/projector and recorded hymnal accompaniment, for when we are unable to find an organist or pianist to play at a service.
September also has echoes of sadness and loss, as we regret the passing of summer. It's harder for new beginnings to take place unless we also are able to let go of what has passed. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) Many of you are all too well aware of that challenge in adjusting to life without the same presence of formerly loved ones, whether that be through death, separation, or loss of different kinds.
The Toddlers Praise group has had the courage to close its doors, in order to help contribute energies towards the now thriving Tots and Guest group Meeting on a Monday afternoon. It is thanks to the brave closing of Stanks chapel, that Cross Gates has been enabled to install state-of-the-art technology, to be in a position to speak to the generations that take for granted this technology as part of life.
After twenty years' service at Cross Gates and over fifty years in the circuit, our organist Granville and his wife Jean are travelling like Abraham and Sarah to the promised land of…Wales! Our deepfelt love, thanks and prayers go with them.
Finally, our circuit is welcoming a part-time new member of staff – Deacon Vicky Atkins, who will be providing a listening and organising presence at the Meeting Point Caf at 409 Harehills Lane. Meet her at the 6.00-pm circuit service on 6th September at Christchurch, Halton. Speak to the stewards or someone with a car if you need a lift there. Then, turn up again on 13th September to a circuit service at Scholes to hear from Revd Elizabeth Clark, our Leeds District's rural life officer, who will help us understand the challenges faced by the local farming community. There's something to look forward to every Sunday in September! See you there.
Revd Fran
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Friday 18 May 2012
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