Hello Everyone

SIT WALK STAND

Recently reading Pauls letter to the Ephesians reminded me of one of Watchman Nee’s books Sit, Walk, Stand.

Read many years ago, now sitting comfortably on one of our bookshelves. It made quite an impact at the time of first reading.

Watchman Nee, Ni Tuosheng, or Nee T’o-sheng, was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher who worked in China during the 20th century.  In his book, Sit,Walk,Stand, he sub-divides the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians as you see in the title.

SIT – “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ – raised Him from the dead , and made Him to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.  

God made Jesus to sit and made us to sit with Him. Christian life does not begin with walking, it begins with sitting. Though the Christian life begins with sitting, sitting is always followed by walking. Sitting describes our position with Christ in the heavenlies. Sitting is where we experience God working in us by His Holy Spirit.

WALK – Walking is the practical out-working of that heavenly position here on earth.  Christian experience begins with sitting and leads to walking, but it does not end simply with Sitting and Walking .  Every Christian must learn also to Stand.

STAND –  “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.”

Emboldening words from St Paul. They could be the words of a deeply respected army general to his beleaguered troops before they go into battle. This is a spiritual battle and St Paul is in no doubt whatsoever about the powers of evil that confront us.

How do you react to this conviction of his that there are spiritual forces of evil at work?  

Do you have any sense of this kind of struggle in your own life?

St. Paul urges us to put on the whole armour of God. What does your armour look like?  Does it fit well?

Can you imagine a scene where you are given, and then put on, the whole armour of God?

Is it a magnificent piece of shining equipment?  Or does it look altogether different?

How does it feel to be wearing it?

ADVENT READING

Isaiah 43 v 1-5a Israel’s Only Saviour

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters  I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
³ For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom,
⁴ Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you,
I will give people in   for you, nations in exchange for your life.
⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

ADVENT PRAYER

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, you make light to shine in the darkness. You guided the children of Israel and led them, after many trials and tribulations, to the Promised Land. As you called them you call us. We ask you to give us strength in our weakness, to dispel our fear of the unknown, to help us to know that we walk in your light and that  you are always near us, leading us to freedom as your children.    Amen

As you bring your thoughts to a close, speak to God as your great ally, who has overcome all evil.

Ask Him for whatever courage you might need to meet the challenges of today.

‘O my heart be wise when your enemies surround you. Keep praying; ask the Lord for help. For he is powerful. That is your weapon; do not lose it. Pray without ceasing, for the Lord is powerful.’  Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Keep Safe, Keep praying

Peter

Happy Christmas!
Welcome to the Christmas edition of the #Meltham parish magazine. This month we have included things to lift your spirits and enter into the festivities with lots of Christmas cheer! Due to ongoing Covid 19 a lot of the usual Christmas events have had to be cancelled and those already planned may have to be at the last minute. However it’s not all bad; we still will have the Christmas Day services and not forgetting Christmas Jumper Sunday!

A Christmas message for all Melthamers from our Mayor – Councillor Kate Buchanan and our Vicar – Rev’d John Dracup.

It’s the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Join us in church or online for a service of Holy Communion led by Rev’d Dennis Shields from St Bartholomew’s at 9:30am.

The link can be found here: https://youtu.be/Tr6tni7rZg0

Below is the link to the crib service on Sunday.

Don’t forget to bring nativity figures and a stable if you can.

Time: Dec 6, 2020 11:00am for a natter, 11.15am service starts

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84745992542?pwd=MVc5V3JXc2lSRGV0TjYyU2I1c3FyUT09

Meeting ID: 847 4599 2542

Passcode: 739158

Hello Everyone

We continue with the Senior Church Leaders Call to Prayer over the four weeks of Lockdown and we continue with the final set of prayers. 

PRAYER FOR WEEK 4 –  30^th November –6^th December

Week 4 

Loving God, your Son Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly;
pour out your blessing upon our nation;

where there is illness, bring your healing touch;
where there is fear, strengthen us with the knowledge of your presence;

where there is uncertainty, build us up in faith;

where there is dishonesty, lead us into truth,

where there is discord, may we know the harmony of your love;
this we ask in Jesus’ name.     Amen.

A PRAYER FOCUS FOR US TO USE EACH DAY

MONDAY  SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

We pray for all those involved in the shaping of young lives.   We give God thanks for the sacrifice and commitment of teachers and all those involved in serving children and young people in education.

TUESDAY  ELDERLY, ISOLATED ABD VULNERABLE

We echo God’s commitment to those most at risk of this virus by praying for those who are particularly vulnerable and isolated.   We pray for their deliverance protection and comfort.   We hold before God those who care for them – that they would be strengthened and encouraged in this work.

WEDNESDAY  BUSINESSES, THE WORKPLACE AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING

In this time of great challenge, we pray for the economic wellbeing of the country.   We remember before God those who face great uncertainty in their work.   We lift before God those who have lost their jobs and face an uncertain and difficult future.

THURSDAY  NHS AND OTHER KEY WORKERS

Our God is the great healer – and the agent used more than any other is the NHS.   Today we voice our gratitude for those who serve this country in the National Health Service and pray that God would prosper the work of their hands – that they would be encouraged in their continued work of sacrifice and care amongst  us.

FRIDAY  NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

We pray for those who are in positions of authority with responsibility for decision making at national and local level at this difficult time.   We ask that God would give great wisdom, deep commitment to all and right judgement.

SATURDAY  ALL WHO ARE GRIEVING AND ALL SUFFERING WITH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILL-HEALTH.

‘Lord the one you love is ill.’   John 11.v3

We bring to God all those who suffer in body, mind spirit or with grief.   We ask that in God’s great loving kindness they might know God’s sustaining presence amidst their pain.

SUNDAY  FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES

We lift to God those we hold in our hearts – praying for their healing. their well-being and their sense of hope.   We pray that even when loved ones cannot physically be together, they would not feel apart.  We ask for God’s help in our communicating, our connecting and our caring.

Each week during the season of Advent we will have a scripture to reflect on, followed with a Prayer.

SCRIPTURE READING     ISA 40:27-31

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known’? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not fail or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, and they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

PRAYER

Lord, I am poured out, I come to you for renewal.

Lord, I am weary, I come to you for refreshment,

Lord, I am worn, I come to you for restoration.

Lord, I am lost, and I come to you for guidance.

Lord, I am troubled, I come to you for peace.

Lord, I am lonely, I come to you for Love.

Come Lord,

Come revive me.

Come re-shape me.

Come, mould me in your image.

Re-cast me in the furnace of you love.              

Power Lines David Adam

Let us continue to pray for our community, the Crossroads Project and those we know who are struggling at this time with loneliness and the effects of the Virus.

We pray also for the METHODIST ADVENT CHRISTMAS CAMPAGN – GOD IS WITH US’

The campaign name, of course, comes from John Wesley’s purported words on his death bed:

‘the best of all is, God is with us’ and this reminds us that even in the times which feel most uncertain, we can be certain of God.

Who do you know who needs to hear this message over the coming months?

‘Keep praying; ask the Lord for help for he is powerful.

That is your weapon; do not lose it. Pray without ceasing, for the Lord is powerful.’     

KEEP SAFE – KEEP PRAYING   

Peter  

It’s the first Sunday of Advent. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Join Rev’d John as he takes us on a journey around the Parish of #Meltham for our joint online Parish Communion service. The service is scheduled for 10:30am but can be viewed any time afterwards.
https://youtu.be/wDna3ZyFr-8

Please come and do some Christmas shopping whilst supporting 3 charities. 

Mandy’s gift baskets, Caroline’s craft stall and lots of other gift sets and decorations will be raising funds for ‘Crisis’. 

The Meltham Shoebox project will have a stall and all the other items sold will support the Crossroads project.  There are lots of Christmas jumpers and sparkly clothes to bring some Christmas cheer!

Hello Everyone

We continue with the Senior church leaders Call to Prayer. We are in week 3 of Lock Down and we will continue with the set prayers. There is a new prayer for week three and we will be following the set focus prayers to be used each day.

PRAYER FOR WEEK 3 –  23^rd -29th

Lord Jesus Christ, in these dark and difficult days, we turn our hearts to you.

In ages past, you have delivered our nation from disaster.

Do it again, we pray.

Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders,

Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers.

Give comfort beyond human comfort to the elderly and all who grieve.

Lord Jesus Christ, in these dark and difficult days, turn your face towards us, have mercy upon us, and heal our land, we pray.
Amen.

A PRAYER FOCUS FOR US TO USE EACH DAY

MONDAY  SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

We pray for all those involved in the shaping of young lives.   We give God thanks for the sacrifice and commitment of teachers and all those involved in serving children and young people in education.

TUESDAY  ELDERLY, ISOLATED ABD VULNERABLE

We echo God’s commitment to those most at risk of this virus by praying for those who are particularly vulnerable and isolated.   We pray for their deliverance protection and comfort.   We hold before God those who care for them – that they would be strengthened and encouraged in this work.

WEDNESDAY  BUSINESSES, THE WORKPLACE AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING

In this time of great challenge, we pray for the economic wellbeing of the country.   We remember before God those who face great uncertainty in their work.   We lift before God those who have lost their jobs and face an uncertain and difficult future.

THURSDAY  NHS AND OTHER KEY WORKERS

Our God is the great healer – and the agent used more than any other is the NHS.   Today we voice our gratitude for those who serve this country in the National Health Service and pray that God would prosper the work of their hands – that they would be encouraged in their continued work of sacrifice and care amongst  us.

FRIDAY  NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

We pray for those who are in positions of authority with responsibility for decision making at national and local level at this difficult time.   We ask that God would give great wisdom, deep commitment to all and right judgement.

SATURDAY  ALL WHO ARE GRIEVING AND ALL SUFFERING WITH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ILL-HEALTH.

‘Lord the one you love is ill.’   John 11.v3

We bring to God all those who suffer in body, mind spirit or with grief.   We ask that in God’s great loving kindness they might know God’s sustaining presence amidst their pain.

SUNDAY  FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES

We lift to God those we hold in our hearts – praying for their healing. their well-being and their sense of hope.   We pray that even when loved ones cannot physically be together, they would not feel apart.  We ask for God’s help in our communicating, our connecting and our caring

Next Sunday sees the beginning of the Church’s Calendar- Advent –  so we pray –

A PRAYER BEFORE ADVENT  from St Augustine of Hippo

Lord Jesus our Saviour, the One who is to come, we come to you now.

Our hearts are cold;  Lord, warm them by your selfless love.

Our hearts are sinful;  cleanse them with your precious blood.

Our hearts are weak;  strengthen them with Your joyous Spirit.

Our hearts are empty;  fill them with your divine presence.

Come, Emmanuel:  enter our lives, possess them always and only for yourself.

And let us give thanks for all the progress the scientists have been making in their search for a vaccine.   Let us continue to pray that God will continue to be at work in all the research  they are doing.  

KEEP SAFE – KEEP PRAYING

‘Keep praying; ask the Lord for help for he is powerful. That is your weapon; do not lose it. Pray without ceasing, for the Lord is powerful.’     

Peter  

Today in #Meltham we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King which is also the name of our joint Parish of 4 churches which also includes Helme, Meltham Mills and Wilshaw.

Normally we would meet together at Christ Church, Helme to celebrate this our special Patronal Festival which marks the end of the Church year and reminds us that Christ is our Lord and glorified King.

Join us for a special online service of celebration led by Rev’d John Dracup at 10:30am. The link can be found here:
https://youtu.be/c4rB0rZfuiE

In years gone by, this day would also be called ‘Stir up Sunday’ because of the Post Communion collect – this would also be a reminder to start baking your Christmas cakes and pudding!

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,
may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.