Category: St Michael’s Church

Throughout the pandemic we have produced pastoral/worship packs for around 80 -100 people who are either not in a life group or who don’t have online access. Each pack contains a letter from one of the leadership team. This time it’s the turn of Simon, and he has lots of news to share…

Greetings from St Michael’s Church! This message comes with my blessings and prayers as we head into the autumn season.

I have been reading this Bible verse; “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43 verse 19)

Despite the impact of the pandemic and the effects it has had, God is still doing a new thing. This verse suggests that it is God’s responsibility to do the new thing. We are simply called to perceive it and follow Him. Out of the wasteland, streams will flow. At our Newcomers Lunch recently, we welcomed 64 people! 48 of these were brand new to St Michael’s during lockdown. Jesus is alive and His Church is growing.

It has been so lovely to begin to reconnect as a Church community. The Over-65s Sunday afternoon tea on Sunday 3 October was a particular highlight. So delightful to connect together with old friends and meet new ones whilst enjoying a cream tea! Julie then led a wonderful service of Evensong in Church.

We have also restarted our midweek communion service in Church. The next service is Wednesday 20 October at 10am in the Church building. Please come and be my guest at this simple service. Vicky will be leading us.

Friday Film Club has also restarted. The next one is on Friday 22 October at 2pm in the church centre, a bargain at £2 with tea and biscuits are included.

Finally, we will be having a wonderful All Saints on Monday 1 November at 7.30pm in Church. This simple service enables those who have experienced the loss of someone they love, to give thanks and remember their loved ones before God. If you have been bereaved in the recent or distant past or maybe know someone who is still struggling with ‘loss’, why not invite them to come along? An invitation is included with this letter.

May the Lord make a ‘way’ in the wilderness for you.

 

God Bless

 

Recently, our family enjoyed a wonderful day at the ‘Hidden Valley’ in Cornwall. It’s a place full of puzzle trails and a maze to get lost in. As I watched our four grandchildren working things out with such enjoyment written on their faces, for a fleeting moment, I wished I could freeze them in that happy place and keep them from everything they will have to face up ahead.

Of course, in reality, time does not stand still, and we live in a world that is constantly changing. Most recently, all of us have gone through so many changes because of the Covid pandemic. We have all suffered in one way or another and we long for all restrictions to be lifted and life to become ‘normal’ again.

But as I pondered the future for my grandchildren during this lovely day out, I was reminded yet again by God that whatever changes around us, he never changes. He is the same as He was yesterday, as He is today, and as He will be tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). In a world of changing situations and changing people, God’s perfect character and nature will always be the same. He has a perfect love for each one of us. While change brings uncertainty and can be scary, remember God is not surprised by any of this. He will always remain in control. Biblical prophecies about the future remain unchanged and true. We can wholeheartedly trust Him through all the things that happen up ahead.

God is not like us; we change with the wind, but He never changes. He will fulfil his promises because He is the never-changing God. We have included some resources with this letter that we hope will give you a sense of encouragement and a reassurance that, while the world may change around us, God is the constant foundation we can hold on to.

May God bless each one of you and keep you in his love and care.

Julie Hobbs

Licensed Lay Minister and Pastoral Care Assistant

On Saturday 3 July Vicky Wicks is being ordained as priest! This is the next stage in her curacy, and we are so excited to share in this as church family.

In normal times, lots of people would be going to Bristol Cathedral for the service. However, to ensure appropriate distancing, and compliance with Covid-19 rules, numbers are strictly limited.

But the good news is, we can all still support Vicky. The service is being streamed live from Bristol Cathedral via youtube and also on the Bristol Cathedral Facebook page

Please note that the actual links will not be available until just before the service starts at 3.30pm on Saturday 3 July