As the motorcade slowly winds through the city, thousands pack the sidewalks hoping to catch a glimpse. Marching bands with great fanfare announce the arrival. And protective agents scan the crowd and run alongside the limousine. Pomp, ceremony, protocol - modern symbols of position and evidences of importance – herald the arrival of a head of state. Whether they are leaders by birth or election. We honour and respect them.
The Jews were waiting for a Messiah who had been promised by prophets. They thought he was a military leader who would rescue them from the Roman oppression and establish a new kingdom. They overlooked many prophesies that had also spoken of this king as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. Jesus shows his humility by riding into Jerusalem on a young donkey. As we journey together in Lent, let us give up something and also offer something for enhancing the great commission.
We will be having two sessions on ‘God in love unites us’, mainly focusing on same sex marriage in preparation for our Council’s vote on this subject. These sessions will be held on the 20th of April at 2pm and 7.30pm and on the 11th of May at 2pm and 7.30pm. May we all attend.
EVERY MONDAY: 7.00 pm – Food Cycles have re-started their community meals in the Foyer. Numbers are limited to 20 at present.
SUNDAY MARCH 27 – We welcome the Knanaya (Indian) Church for their first monthly service at 1.30 pm (more details overleaf).
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
14th April – 7.00 pm: Maundy Thursday Communion
15th April – 2.30 pm: Good Friday service
17th April – 11.00 am: Easter Day Communion
EACH THURSDAY: 7.00 pm – Lent course on Zoom
JUNE NEAL With great sadness we announce the passing of June Neal who was a popular member of the Wesley Guild for many years and regularly worshipped at Longbridge. May her soul rest in peace.
CHRISTIAN LITERATURE Elisabeth has re-instated the table for Christian literature in the Foyer. Please take items you would like to read.
DISASTER EMERGENCY COMMITTEE APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
There will be a plate at the back of church for your donations today (27th March) and next week.
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
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.
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.
CHURCH COUNCIL
At the recent Church Council, it was agreed that important decisions should be conveyed to the congregation. As an experiment, this is being done via this notice sheet. Please tell your representatives if this is helpful and whether you need more information.
‘God in love unites us’ – Rev Phil Hoar will lead two afternoon/evening sessions on 20th April and 11th May for anyone to come and discuss the relevance of scripture to this matter.
Bibles being purchased for readers that will match the lectern Bible and the screen
Creating a reverent atmosphere at start/end of services – are new arrangements helpful?
Do we continue with the Thursday Zoom Fellowship or go back to house groups?
To progress with Eco-Church, there is a questionnaire to be completed available from Martin Burke.
Supporting Families – more information from Hazel.
Church deficit of £14,000 this year due to expenditure on Foyer roof.
Disposable cups would be available for refreshments after church if requested.
COVID – continue with masks, sanitizer and social distancing for the time being.
Knanaya (Indian) Church is part of the Syrian orthodox tradition. Some 45 families from a wide area meet on the 4th Sunday of the month.
General Church Meeting will be part of the morning service on 8th May. Would you like to be a Church Steward or a congregation representative?
ALL NOTICES FOR THE NEXT SHEET (SUNDAYS, 10 AND 17 APRIL) SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REMI OLATUNBOSUN OR SENT TO info@longbridgemethodistchurc.org BY WEDNESDAY EVENING, 6 APRIL.
1654/8 Bristol Road South Rednal Birmingham B45 9TY