United Stockport Circuit (Manchester and Stockport District)

A Message from the Superintendent Minister            December 9th 2020

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Dear Friends,

As I write, the signs of Christmas are emerging, although truth be told, the lights and decorations did start to appear somewhat earlier this year as people grasped at the chance to introduce some much needed joy and frivolity into life. There is also of course the relentless Christmas marketing machine which we might think is somewhat hopeful in the face of the current economic uncertainty and what we have been told will be the worst recession in history! Perhaps, just perhaps, a more cautious approach to spending this year will allow people to focus on the story behind the festival and the meanings contained within that story. In all sorts of way, across the Circuit, we are trying to tap into the heart of the Christmas story, which leads us towards an understanding of pain and poverty and exclusion, rather than spending and overeating. Several churches in the United Stockport Circuit are part of programmes to address the reality of holiday hunger, offering food to local schools which they will redistribute to families of children who attend those schools.  Many of you, through your churches, will be continuing to support food banks and toy collection projects to ensure that those who will be struggling financially at the moment can create at least a little bit of the Christmas Day atmosphere that so many of us take for granted. Many of our churches will, in one way or another be ensuring that our elderly and vulnerable members and friends receive a phone call or a greeting of some kind, although visiting is of course still very difficult, even with the relaxed rules for a few days over Christmas. 

Of course, this is often a time of year with mixed feelings. It is a time when we are supposed to feel excited and happy and full of anticipation, Christmas gifts, family gatherings, New Year resolutions and so on. But of course, it is often a time of deep sadness – poverty, loneliness, unemployment and bereavement become all the harder to bear in the face of what we imagine is everyone else’s happiness. Perhaps that is why it is at Christmas time that the Church’s call to hospitality and service becomes all the more important. To be a community – in whatever ways we can this year -  of warmth and welcome, to be the ones who tell the Greatest Story with love and clarity and  fun - these are privileges in which we can all share, lifting our own hearts and those of others. I am pleased that the Coronavirus will not stop us celebrating, in church, online and outside. As you take a look at our busy Circuit schedule you will see the life that is continuing to flow throughout our body. Join us for ‘Drive-In Carols’ at the Hazel Grove Park and Ride on Saturday 19^th December - bring family and friends along to sing some of the great Christmas songs of our Church tradition (yes, you will be allowed to sing!)  and hear the story of the birth of Christ, because no matter how many times you hear it, there is always something new to discover. Then join us for our online Zoom Christingle on Christmas Eve – both of these events are great ways of witnessing to the love of Christ in our local area, and we hope will attract and engage with people who we have not met before. On Christmas Day, some of our churches will be holding live worship services, but if you cannot make one of those then there will be a specially recorded Christmas Day service, led by all the ministers, which you can watch at any time on Christmas Day.

Details  of how to access all these events can be found on the circuit website www.stockportciruit.org.uk or call your minister.

If you love the Christmas season then take the opportunity to share some of that love; if you dread it, find company and solace in the embrace of a Christian community, in prayer and in the service of God. Either way, be a part of ensuring that the message which is at the heart of Christmas still lives on: in simplicity God comes into the world, one who lives and breathes peace, and who calls us, no matter who we are, to follow in that way.

May I take this opportunity to personally wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year! My next letter will be during the week commencing 4^th January. Thanks for those early Christmas greetings which I have already received, and in anticipation of those which I’m sure will follow! I also include thanks for all the good wishes and prayers for my mother, who some of you will know is very seriously ill at the moment. Whether you celebrate the season with family, friends or on your own, may you experience the love and peace of the Christ Child.

And please remember as always, as we continue to live with lockdown measures:

In this time of isolation and separation may we feel the unity of God’s spirit in the bonds of peace and love which connect us to one another.

• When we feel lonely let us know that in Christ we are never alone.
• When we feel isolated may we be reminded that within the worldwide Body of Christ we are always connected.
• When we need a hug help us to feel the warmth of God’s embrace
• When we are compelled to keep our distance, may we be drawn close to each other within the Spirit of Companionship that flows from God and which moves through and between each one of us.

With love and blessings in this special season,

Rev Cathy.

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NOTICES

Worship

See your local church notices for details of ‘live’ worship in your church, but for the time being we are continuing our Circuit wide Zoom service at 3pm on Sundays.

Sunday 12^th December and Sunday 19^th December

See Services for full login details.