Congratulations to Brian Kite for receiving the Belle Tutaev National Lifetime Achievement for his hard work at Jelly Babies for over 30 years. May God continue to use Brian in serving our community and church.
Synod votes on District Merger Proposal
Last Saturday, 20th April, the Synods of both the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and the Birmingham Districts confirmed their support for the formation of a new combined West Midlands District from 1st September 2025. The voting figures were 81% and 94% in favour respectively. These results, together with the voting figures from the Circuits, will go forward in a process which will result in a recommendation to be voted upon by the Methodist Conference in June. However, given the amount of work needing to be done to prepare a good foundation for the new District, the Joint Districts' Task Group will now work on the basis that the Conference will also agree to a merger. We pray that the Spirit will bind us one to another so that we may travel the road ahead together and in love.
We pray for our members and friends who are not feeling well. May those who lost their loved ones find comfort in the Lord.
Today is vocation Sunday and I want to end with this prayer from our Connexional office –
Jesus Christ, our brother, our friend. Love of God incarnate, love of God walking with us, love of God talking with us. Personification of love, in the presence of your friends, knowing that you were going to make the ultimate sacrifice of love in giving your life, knowing that you were returning to your Father, you handed on your mission of love. You asked them, and us, to reveal you to others, to show that we belong to you. You prayed that you would be revealed through the actions of people who followed you: Not preaching in moral superiority, not in judgement, not in condemning others nor even in acts of piety and holiness. Simply through our love. Holy Spirit within us, in and through our love you reveal Jesus, reveal the Father. As people made in the image of God, we are called to love as Christ loved; seeing the image of God in others and revealing God in the world. We pray that your love may be shown in the world, Lord, and that we may take up our calling to be there, showing the love of Christ to all, loving the way that Jesus loved. God of love, love around us, who created us in love, through love and for love, to receive your Spirit, to follow your Son and to serve the world in love. You have a plan, a mission, and a calling for each of us. Direct our lives, loving God we pray, that through your love creation may be restored to you.
On Sunday 12 May, this will be part of our motning service. We will hear about some of our church activities and consider any matters you wish to raise. We will elect the Church Stewards and your representatives to the Church Council for the coming year.
WORKING PARTY
On Saturday 11 May from 10.00 am we would appreciate your help with cleaning, painting and minor repair jobs around the church. Your help can save us a lot of money!
MEMORIAL BOOK – This will be updated soon, so if you wish to have a form for a name to be entered, or you want more information, please speak to Elisabeth Osborn as soon as possible. The memorial book is kept in the Foyer and the pages are turned throughout the year.
For one of these positions you must be a church member and ask another member to nominate you. Forms for this are on the trolley and should be handed to a Church Steward as soon as possible.
LYNNE GUTTRIDGE our Coffee Pot Manager will be leaving shortly. If you or anyone you know is interested in this job, please tell Philip. The work is 8 hours per week over 2 days and involves cooking for the Day Centre and ladies’ lunch.
VACANT POSITIONS – Thank you to those who have signed up to volunteer for vacant positions in the church. We hope you have made contact with the appropriate coordinators.
There are still more people needed so please see the board in the Foyer and sign up if you can help.
3 GENERATE
Some of our young people with their leaders will be going to the NEC Birmingham for this event from 4 to 6 October. Could you be a volunteer? There are roles to suit all skills. Please see Hazel for more details.
ZOOM FELLOWSHIP
Next meeting is on Thursday 16 May at 7.00 pm. To join please see under Sunday Worship.
JUNIOR MISSION FOR ALL
Please hand any surplus Christmas presents to Janet Sly to sell in the next JMA sale. Thank you.
PENS
We still have plenty of Longbridge soft-tip pens for sale at £1.50 each. Please see Philip to purchase them.
This adult group has just moved to us. Join the fun for a two-hour session each Tuesday evening. Come along at 6.30 pm or get more details from Bernie (07745934595).
BETEL
This is a Christian charity for men and women affected by homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and long-term unemployment. To help their work you can:
Make a donation of furniture – for collection ring 0121-663-1565
Ask for help with gardening/landscaping – ring 0121-594-0645
ALL NOTICES FOR THE NEXT SHEET (SUNDAYS, 19 MAY AND 26 MAY) SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REMI OLATUNBOSUN OR SENT TO info@longbridgemethodistchurch.org BY WEDNESDAY EVENING, 15 MAY.
1654/8 Bristol Road South Rednal Birmingham B45 9TY