The month of April is full of significant events in the story of Salvation. We begin with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On their way from Jericho, Jesus and the disciples neared Bethphage, on the slope of the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. Two disciples went into the village, as Jesus had told them to bring back a donkey and its colt, an unmistakable sign of his Kingship. This fulfils prophesy (Zachariah 9:9 NIV) which reveals Jesus coming to us with righteousness, victory and humility. He even washed his disciples’ feet as a sign of humility. I encourage you to look at the seven last words of Jesus on the cross and try to understand them deeply. These statements or words of Jesus on the cross have been treasured by all who have followed as Lord. They demonstrate both his humanity and divinity. They capture the last moments of all that Jesus went through to gain our forgiveness. May this Easter season help you to value Jesus’ sacrifice for you and me and may it help you to humble yourself before God and mankind.
EVERY MONDAY: 7.00 pm – Food Cycles have re-started their community meals in the Foyer. Numbers are no longer limited.
KNANAYA CHURCH – We welcome members of the Knanaya (Indian) Church again on 10th, 13th, 15th and 16th April for their Easter celebrations.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES AT LONGBRIDGE
14th April – 7.00 pm: Maundy Thursday Communion
15th April – 2.30 pm: Good Friday service
17th April – 11.00 am: Easter Day Communion
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN B45
There will be a Fellowship Meal at the Beacon Church in Whetty Lane, Rubery on Tuesday April12th at 7pm. Please tell Evelyn Jones if you would like to attend
There will be a Walk of Witness in Rubery on Good Friday, beginning at Our Lady's RC church at 10.30am and finishing at St Chads C of E church at 12 noon. All welcome
There will be a Sunrise service on the Beacon Hill on Easter Sunday morning at 6am. All welcome.
MONDAY 25 APRIL: 2.30 pm Church and Community Group meets at church. If you would like to join the group, please see Hazel.
GENERAL CHURCH MEETING: SUNDAY 8TH MAY
We need more people to offer to be Church Stewards and Congregation Representatives on the Church Council. If you want to know more about these roles, please speak to one of the Stewards.
All existing Stewards and Representatives must be nominated if they wish to continue. Nomination forms are now available on the trolley and should be handed to a Steward by Sunday 1st May.
A reminder that only Church Council members will have a vote on same-sex marriage at our church.
CHRISTIAN LITERATURE Elisabeth has re-instated the table for Christian literature in the Foyer. Please take items you would like to read. There is a spare Methodist Prayer Handbook if you would like it – please ask Elisabeth.
DISASTER EMERGENCY COMMITTEE APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
Thank you for your donations. We sent £217.00 which was raised.
COFFEE POT MANAGER Sara is leaving shortly after 2 years with us. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this job, please speak to Barbara Walker or Philip Osborn
OFFERINGS
The average for March was £677, so we are on target at the moment.
Sets of offering envelopes commencing 3rd April are available from Philip Osborn if you would like to give in cash. This helps to keep your giving regular and confidential and tax payers can Gift Aid their offerings.
For those who wish to give by bank transfer, the church account details are: Sort Code is 403807, account no 51375369, Bank HSBC. Thank you.
BENEVOLENT FUND
The amount given in March was £16.00.
EASTER OFFERING
This collection for Mission Funds is organised by Methodist Women in Britain. Envelopes are available on chairs and on the trolley for your offering.
GOD’S HEART FOR LONGBRIDGE (GHfL) have been offered an amazing opportunity for interacting with people from the community by opening ‘Our Gallery’ as a ‘pop-up shop’ in Longbridge town centre for a period of 6 weeks. Permission has been given to use the premises of the former Thomas Cook Travel Agency next to Specsavers on the High Street from March 22nd to April 30th on Tuesdays to Saturdays, opening hours: 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
It is hoped that Chaplains, church leaders, members of our congregations, as well as friends who support this initiative will be willing to volunteer in the shop and help in a variety of roles. If you feel able and would like to be involved as a volunteer please see Hazel Atwell.
AID FOR CHAD AND PERU
Thanks for allowing Lyn Stanton to sell Peruvian gifts at Longbridge on behalf of the above charity. The amount raised is £89.50 and the total raised in the local area is £1,101.00 – a magnificent sum.
ALL NOTICES FOR THE NEXT SHEET (SUNDAYS, 24 APRIL AND 1 MAY) SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REMI OLATUNBOSUN OR SENT TO info@longbridgemethodistchurc.org BY WEDNESDAY EVENING, 27 APRIL.
1654/8 Bristol Road South Rednal Birmingham B45 9TY