It’s said that change is the only constant. In truth, I don’t like change. or at least, I don’t like change when it’s not been my choice, or when it disturbs the delicate balance of my life.
This past 18 months has all been about change, and none of it has been easy. And the change continues. Now all the lockdown restrictions have been lifted I’ve found myself feeling a bit out of my depth. The ‘covid’ boundaries have always felt a little woolly, but now even more so as regulations become ‘advice’. Last weekend Chris and I joined some friends at a BBQ. Folk that I’ve not seen for ages came up and hugged me. Of course I wanted a hug, but I felt conflicted. Was this safe? Was it OK? I’m a hugger, so in general I’ve always followed the lead of those around me. If they want a hug I give one, but if their body language shows that a hug wouldn’t be welcome then I keep my distance. But after 18 months of hardly hugging anyone, how do I feel now? What is safe for me? How have I changed in all this?
This weekend we are raising money for Lunch positive with a cake stall. We are right next to the Lunch Positive tent so there should be lots of ‘safe space’ behind the stall for us. If you’d like to come and offer a hand then you’d be more than welcome. If you just want to stop by then it’d be lovely to see you. If you want a hug then please check that the other person is OK with that first. I know that perhaps they always used to be ‘huggy’, but things have changed, and they may have changed too. And if you don’t want a hug, or to be hugged, then it would just be lovely to see you.
August 8th is our first in-person service for nearly 18 months. That’s wonderful – and scary. How do we make it as safe as possible for every one? How do we ensure that it’s also available live on-line for everyone who enjoys worshipping with us from home? And how will the church look moving forward? There’s been so much change we have no idea how everything will work through, especially with a new worship space too. All we can do is pray, and do our best to make sure everyone is both comfortable and safe.
And where is God in all this? I’ve asked that question more than a few times over the last few months. A few scriptures came to mind and helped me to navigate the changes. I thought you might find them useful too.
Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Isaiah 43:18-19: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, yes, I know that although so many things have changed; But, God hasn’t changed, Jesus hasn’t changed, the presence of the Spirit is the same. I understand that if we allow God space in our lives then God is at the centre of it all – and has things in hand. And I know I shouldn’t be anxious, but some days I am, and like many others I would really enjoy a little of that ‘peace’ Jesus promises. But, from experience, I know that it’s probably not going to come in good measure until we are together – whether we hug or not. And I can’t wait!
With love
Michael x
You can email me at pastor@thevillagemcc.org.
Community Prayers.
We lift Heidi as she waits for her diagnosis. We lift Robert as he continues to receive treatment. We ask for healing for Tony P as he continues to talk with health professionals, and Simon, as he copes with his cancer treatments. Wendy and Sarah for their healing. For Charlie, as he plans a return home; and Stephen as he supports his husband. We pray for our board, especially those of us whose mental health is not good.
We ask that healing be in the hearts of all those who have lost ones in the floods throughout both Europe and India, and hope for those still missing. On Monday alone 430 migrants made the dangerous channel crossing to the UK, all risking their lives to be here with their families and loved ones. We pray they may receive sanctuary.
Lord, please be with us all, and please remember all those we may not have mentioned but who you know need your touch. Amen.
If you would like to add a prayer to the newsletter then please email me at pastor@thevillagemcc.org. – Michael x
Sunday Service
The word this evening is the repeat of a message that Rev. Michael gave some time ago.
The scripture reading is from James 5:13-18.
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest.
These are the words to join in with during the service.
Community prayer
Holy One, whose home is heaven, we praise your sacred name. May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us when we cause harm, just as we forgive those who have harmed us. Let us not fall into temptation, but save us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Communion
One: God is with you –
ALL: AND ALSO WITH YOU
One: Let us open our hearts –
ALL: WE OPEN THEM TO GOD
One: Let us give God thanks and praise –
ALL: IT IS A GOOD AND JOYFUL THING TO DO.
One: Let us join together in the mystery of our faith.
ALL: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Blessing
Let us send one another into the week with a blessing as we proclaim together that………
………we are people of God, called to do justice and walk humbly with God. We are the body of Christ; of many sexualities and gender identities, diversity at work in love and action. We are Christ’s hands and feet in the world. We seek to be honest, transparent, and true to our call. Just as Jesus has claimed us, may the Holy Spirit lead us, and God bless us, one and all, forever more, Amen
Seek ye first
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God,
And God’s righteousness.
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
hallelujah, Hallelu, Hallelujah
We cannot live by bread alone,
But by every word.
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Hallelu, hallelujah.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
hallelujah, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Ask and it shall be given unto you.
Seek and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
hallelujah, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Karen Lafferty 1972 Maranatha! Music
Yahweh we love you
Yahweh we love you
We worship and adore you
Glorify your name through all the earth.
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
through all the earth.
Jesus we love you
We worship and adore you
Glorify your name through all the earth
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
through all the earth.
Spirit we love you
we worship and adore you
Glorify your name through all the earth.
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
Glorify your name
through all the earth.
Donna Adkins 1976
** Last call – Please help feed the bears! **
Not long now. The event is on Saturday July 24th in Dorset Gardens. Have you thought about what home made cakes, biscuits, and yummy’s you’d like to bring? (Not chocolate or anything else that melts easily please).Everybody can make something. Rice crispy bars are rice crispies, marshmallows, maybe a little butter. Yum!!
I know you all make fabulous desserts, and this is a great way to safely meet the bears. Do come along and volunteer on the stall awhile, and/or make your favourite desserts to sell. We will be in our small pagoda, behind a table, socially distancing, being as safe as we can be, and having lots of fun.
There are stalls from Lunch Positive, Aidys Soap Shack, Mike Thorn (artist), The Ledward Center, an ice cream van, Jared Orlin (artist), The Rainbow Hub, Out to Swim, The Classic Car Club, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, the Actually Chorus, Blags, Sussex Beacon, Marshall and Peta’s crafty corner, Mind Out, THT, and more to be confirmed, so it’s going to be lots of fun. There’s also a stage with performers, a bar, and a merchandise stall for the Brighton Bear Weekend itself.
There’s no pride this year. This event is a real step forward so I really do need your help please. This is our first outing in such a long time.
Love Michael xx
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Keeping up to date with MCC Internationally
Do you receive emails from the MCC denomination? There are updates on the way churches around the world are meeting this crisis, along with prayers, support, and much much more. If you would like check out what newsletters are available then please email:
Sarah Barber is our Lay Delegate, and a link with the denomination. Please contact her at the church email address if you would like to know more about how The ‘Village’ MCC fits into the International Church
Pasto
ral Care Team – 07476 667353
Pastoral care continues. Call or text the church mobile and leave a message, and someone will get back to you. When the pandemic first broke we tried to reach out to everybody at least once a month. As time has gone on we have reduced our pastoral care calls to those who have either requested them or are at high risk. Of course we don’t want to miss anybody out so if you would like to connect then please let us know
Would you like to give a gift to aid the work of the Village MCC?
Giving to The Village MCC.
‘The Village MCC’ is self-financing, we do not receive any central funding. If you would like to support the work we do, there are a number of ways to do so.
Regular giving:
If you would like to set up a regular monthly Payment to The “Village’ Church, which is the best way for us to budget for our work, Please email the treasurer at; thevillagemcc@outlook.com, you will then be sent the details of how to do this.
Single donation
If you wish to make a single donation You can send a direct payment from your bank account using the following details From the UK:
• Lloyds Bank
• sort code 77-91-29.
• account number 40361660.
• account name The Village MCC.
• Please use the reference ‘Collection’ •
Please also email the Treasurer at thevillagemcc@outlook.com to let them know to expect a payment. • There is also a donate button on the Church Website at thevillagemcc.org if bank transfer is not possible. If you do not have access to the internet, you can still make a donation with your debit card. Please email the Treasurer at; thevillagemcc@outlook.com to arrange a phone call to make this payment.