elfairs Methodist hurch Newsletter · Reference your name All your details are completely confidential to me alone. Obviously, the sooner you can do this, the better it will be for

Issue 179 April 2020

Minister:

Pastor Steve Mayo

1 Oakview Close Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 4JN Tel: 01702 483827

E-mail: [email protected]

Editor:

Mrs. Sue Spaull

Tel: 01702 521344

E-mail: [email protected]

Inside this issue:

B e l f a i r s M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h W h e r e o l d f r i e n d s m e e t a n d s t ra n g e r s f e e l a t h o m e

N e w s l e t t e r

Thought for the month

The Cross A symbol of my faith That strengthens me each day As I by God’s grace Walk the narrow way. You see God’s own Son He gave His life for me And took my debt of sin To a place called Calvary.

www.belfairsmethodistchurch.org.uk

Ministers letter Sunday Services April Other dates for April Letters Page Future events Regular weekly meetings

Our mission is to provide an open, welcoming and accepting, living place of Christian worship and service

in our community, in which we seek to serve and follow Jesus Christ.

How things can change in a month! This time last month Coronavirus was something other countries were dealing with but now, we find ourselves right in the middle of a virus outbreak and in unprecedented times. Everyday new statements are coming out from the government and medical experts and the changes can be difficult to keep up with let alone implement! But amongst all this change the book of Malachi reminds us of one thing that does not change; our God. For it says in Malachi 3:6; ‘I the Lord do not change.’ [NIV] And our God will never change. He existed before time began, and He will exist long after time, as we know it, ceases to be. He existed before the Coronavirus, and He’ll exist long after the Coronavirus has disappeared. And the same applies for God’s Son, Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says; ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ [NIV] And from that statement comes a wonderful hymn written by Sidney Edward Cox (1887-1975).

He's the same today as yesterday, My great unchanging friend;

He's the same today as yesterday, Just the same unto the end.

By his mighty power he holds me, In his arms of love enfolds me;

He's the same today as yesterday, My great unchanging friend.

…………………../2

- 2 - What a reassuring truth that is, that no matter what the future holds, we can rest in the fact that our God, will never change! He holds us now, and He will hold us in the future! So, yes, things change in life, and yes, sometimes quicker than we can keep up. There are no constants in this world apart from God. People let us down, job security comes and goes, buildings and monuments are built and then gradually fade away over time, and even viruses come and go, but one thing remains unchanged; God. If you are finding the changes in your life difficult to handle or to understand at this time, then cling to something that doesn’t change. A God who loves and cares for you whatever the circumstances and whatever the situation. Cling to the rock which cannot move. And always remember; ‘I the LORD do not change.’ If over the next few weeks, you need any help or just want a chat, please phone me and I will be happy to talk and I will arrange for you to be assisted as best I can. Please remember, the Church is not confined by bricks and mortar, even though we are not physically meeting together at the present, we are still the Church and we are still here for you. Please stay safe. Every blessing,

Pastor Steve

Tel: 01702 483827 Email: [email protected]

LEADERS DURING THE VIRUS: JOKE

Macron, Boris, Trump, Pope Francis and a 10-year-old-girl (Mary) were on a plane. There were only 4 parachutes for the five of them. The plane was going to crash… and they were short of a parachute.

They agreed that Macron should go first… “I have to sort out the corona virus in France urgently”… Off he went

Boris was next, “”I am the smartest man in England! I cannot die!”… Off he went

Trump was next, “I need to keep America great… and sort out this corona virus.” Off he went.

With one parachute left, Pope Francis turned to the little girl and said, “Mary, you take it. I have lived a good life. You are young, with the whole of your life ahead of you. You take it , Mary.”

Mary replied, “It’s OK, Father… there are 2 parachutes left. The smartest man in England took my school bag!

5th 11.00 a.m.

12th 11.00 a.m.

19th 9.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m.

26th 11.00 a.m.

AT THE TIME OF PRINT ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO CORONOVIRUS.

Please look at the website for up to date information or speak to your pastoral visitor who will be kept up to date with the life of Belfairs.

Other April dates for your diary

AT THE TIME OF PRINT

ALL ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS AND ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO CORONOVIRUS.

Please look at the website for up to date information of speak to the group leader .

Sunday Services for April 2020

Letters Page/Church family news

Thank you for the daffodils and card, not sure who left them on my step, but please send our thank you’s for the very thoughtful gesture in these difficult times. Ann and John Kendall We send our thanks to Anthea and Jan who became the Mothering Sunday ‘angels’ and delivered bunches of daffodils and cards to ladies of the church. For a lot of people Mothering Sunday was not what it would usually have been and seeing these yellow flowers brightened the day and brought a ray of sunshine into this very difficult time. Ed.

Peter and Margaret would like to thank all their friends at Belfairs for their cards and best wishes for Peter’s 90th birthday and our 65th Wedding Anniversary. We were both over-whelmed. On my actual birthday we went out for a surprise meal with family and friends and on our Wedding Anniversary we had a quiet day at home together. Thank you for all the love and care that has been shown to us over the years - Belfairs is really our home. We take this opportunity to thank Susan, Michael, Annetta and Stephen for making the day so special. Love to all Peter and Margaret Tomlin

to

Alice Clarke Who celebrates her

21st birthday on 8th April

It is my intention to keep the newsletter going during this difficult time. It will be available on line and I also hope to be able to get copies to some people. Obviously any future articles will need to be emailed to me or alternatively posted to Belfairs Methodist Church, Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea,

Essex SS9 4NG and please mark the envelope ‘Newsletter’. Stay well and keep safe Sue Spaull

Please remember you are free to put your prayer concerns on the board at the back of the church. They will be printed on the weekly notice sheet for two months and then removed though you may put them back if the need continues. Please add your name and date to the request on the white cards which are by the board. The church is always open on Saturday Mornings during 11.00 a.m. to 12 noon while the coffee mornings are in progress and you are invited to spend time there in quiet prayer or reflection. An up to date list of the family and friends of Belfairs who need our prayers will appear on the weekly Notice sheet.

Coronavirus at Belfairs As you are all most probably aware, under the guidance of The Methodist Church, it is with regret that all meetings and organisations at Belfairs have been suspended and that also includes Sunday services, until further notice. We know that many of you will understand the decisions that have been made and we hope that you will continue to take good care of yourselves until we are able to come together again. I know that Pastoral leaders are all keeping in touch with their members and we encourage you all to keep in contact with each other, either by dropping someone an e-mail or give them a call on the telephone, it will help us all keep going from day to day . As a church, we will endeavour to keep everyone up to date with any change to circumstances, but in the meantime, let’s keep each other in our prayers and remember that God is with us all the time. God bless Mike Spaull Senior Church Steward

10 o’clock club Anniversary

Thanks to all who supported our Anniversary service on the 15th March (which happened to turn out as one of our last services at Belfairs before Coronavirus restrictions came into force). The young people and staff had spent a few weeks before the Anniversary preparing ‘Ben’ (our soldier) and all his other items of armour for the service. We are very grateful to ‘Crossways’ for supplying the artwork in a format where we were able to create an almost life size soldier for our theme, ‘Put on the armour of God’. Phil came up with the theme a few months ago and having bounced ideas around between us finished with our splendid Anniversary service, full of great songs, prayers and thoughts. A special thanks as always to the young people for their hard work in getting all this ready and also to the staff for their continued guidance to the youngsters during preparation. We all look forward to returning as and when regulations allow us to but in the meantime, i hope that you all will keep the armour of God strong in your lives until we meet again. God bless Mike Spaull 10 o’clock club superintendent

Coronavirus and the financial impact on Belfairs

As I write this, we are coming up to our first cancelled Sunday service. No one knows how long we

will be closed for which means that our income will be, almost, non-existent. Not only will there be

no income from the Sunday service collections but also, we have no money coming in from our

lettings. The only plus side will be lower than usually Gas & Electricity bills.

As a Methodist Church, the first call on our money is the Circuit assessment. This money is used to

pay our Ministers and pay for the manses in which they live.

Could I please ask EVERYONE to consider setting up a bank standing order, to make a regular

financial contribution to Belfairs? Some people already do this, and I would ask those to look at

what they can afford to give and increase if possible.

To set up a standing order either contact your bank by writing to them, or popping in if you’re not in

self-isolation or, if you have online banking, you can set up a standing order via the website or

app. I’m not sure, in the current circumstances, whether your bank would accept instructions over

the phone but it’s worth a try.

The details you need are: -

Beneficiary Belfairs Methodist Church

Beneficiary Sort Code 40-28-11 HSBC

Beneficiary account no: 50149209

Reference your name

All your details are completely confidential to me alone.

Obviously, the sooner you can do this, the better it will be for Belfairs.

If you have any queries, please contact me.

Keep safe & healthy

Tina Gowers

Treasurer

07713179111 [email protected]

Westerley Care Home, Westcliff are looking to find people to come and play the piano or to take daily prayers service at 10:15am. Please contact Jayne Gardner on 01702 349209 if interested. In light of the coronavirus and the vulnerability of the elderly and ill however, it is advisable that we limit the number of visitors to care homes at this time, so any potential volunteers may wish to delay their offers until the future.

“Sam Monaghan is off on his bike again, this time cycling 375 miles from Surrey to Leeds over 5 days, to raise money for Methodist Homes MHA.

The funds will help pay for the chaplains in each of their 90 homes; music therapy across the 66 homes they run for those with dementia; and to support MHA’s community services helping those who are lonely find friendship and fun.

Sam will be leading a team of 10 riders, though clearly not out in front, over the weekend of MHA Sunday on 14 June 2020.

He and more particularly MHA would really appreciate your support. Please give donations via:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sam-monaghan-mha

Many thanks Sam”

A.C.T.I.O.N. Afternoon Club on Thursday In Our Neighbourhood

This year was kick started with a musical afternoon with the Ladybird Singers. Unfortunately we were a bit low in attendance and so was the Singing group. However, what they lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm and provided the members with a wonderful varied repertoire enjoyed by all. In February the members were treated to an afternoon of fun and laughter whilst listening to Maureen Frampton’s interpretation of Poetry by Pam Ayres. The use of props and expressions made the poetry truly hilarious. In between the poetry Rita Hart played songs from popular shows on the piano. We are very grateful to both ladies. Neeltje Charles – 01268 558756

A.C.T.I.O.N. is now suspended until further notice.

Previously Planned Future events at Belfairs: Plant Sale May Fayre - 2nd May 11.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. VE Day Coffee Morning - 8th May 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon Christian Aid Big Brekkie & Coffee morning - 16th May 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon At this present time these events have been suspended but we will try and keeo you up to date should the situation change.

BELFAIRS METHODIST CHURCH Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

REGULAR WEEKLY MEETINGS - ALL MEETINGS SUSPENDED UNTIL

FURTHER NOTICE

SUNDAY SERVICES 11.00 a.m. (6.30 p.m. as announced)

9.00 a.m. Early morning communion followed by breakfast (3rd Sunday as announced) 10 O’clock Club 10.00 a.m. (except 3rd Sunday Parade Service)

MONDAY 5.30 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys

6.30 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Junior Section 7.30 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Company Section

TUESDAY 2.00 p.m. Indoor Bowls Club

7.00 p.m. Junior Badminton Club 8.00 p.m. Badminton Club

WEDNESDAY 10.00 a.m. Parent & Toddlers

5.30 p.m. Girls’ Brigade Explorers 6.30 p.m. Girls’ Brigade Juniors 6.30 p.m. Girls’ Brigade Seniors & Brigaders

THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY 10.00 a.m. ‘Open House’ Coffee Morning

MONTHLY MEETINGS Sunday Monthly Lunch 1.00 p.m. 2nd Sunday (Oct—June) Men’s Supper Club 7.30 p.m. 1st Thursday (Oct—May) Thirsty For?? 7.00 p.m. 2nd Thursday A.C.T.I.O.N 2.00 p .m. 4th Thursday House Groups 7.30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday ) Please speak to ‘Seekers’ Discussion Group 2.00 p.m. 3rd Wednesday ) Stewards for ) more details.

May Newsletter Deadline: Articles are welcomed at any time, but the deadline for last minute items is 19th April 2020. Articles can be e-mailed to [email protected] or posted (see previous article on letters page/family news). Thank you