© Bramford Road Methodist Church 2012                                                                                      Last Update 30/1/12

My Dear Friends
I hope you all had a very good Christmas and I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. By the time you read this we will be well into the New Year and, although it may not seem like it, the days are slowly but gradually lengthening – the light is returning. As we celebrate not only the return of the light, but also Christ’s coming again into our lives and the promise of all that is to happen in the New Year we can truly celebrate the new light and life all around us!
How will you respond to Jesus the light of the world? Will you let your light shine as you find new ways to share your gifts and graces with our congregations and the community? Will you study the Scriptures in order to learn and grow spiritually? Will you challenge yourself to be involved in at least one new ministry opportunity to serve and to connect with those who need to see Christ’s light shine through you?
At Bramford Road our Leadership Team have been asking these sort of questions because, by asking questions, we can try to find ways in which we can deepen our relationship with God. We have, for instance, been looking forward to Easter and the possibility of holding Lent courses by which we can learn more of what it may mean to follow Christ. The Wednesday evening Bible Study group will, from the 22nd February, start their Lent Course to which anyone would be warmly welcomed. Wednesday evening may not be suitable for everyone so would anyone else like a Lent Course at any other time? Would a morning or afternoon suit you better? I am very happy to run one so there is a list in the Entrance Foyer for you to indicate preferred days and times. Similarly, others may prefer a quiet-day of reflection in Lent – maybe midweek or Saturday? Again, if interested please indicate your preferred days on the notice in the foyer.
We are again blessed with the gifts of new light, new birth and a new year. Here is what Jesus says about what to do with those gifts: “You are the light of the world ……..let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 – 16, NRSV). So as we continue this new year, the question for 2012 is, what is God inviting you to be and to do in freely offered service to Him? Maybe it’s helping in some role in the church or community; how about helping with the “wheelchair-push” helping other people to attend worship either here at Bramford Road or at the hospital? There are so many ways we can help people to do what we take for granted – freely worshipping the God who gives freely of the Godhead. If there is some way in which you would like to give some of your time back to God please do not hesitate to contact me.

I pray for God’s blessing on you all,
                                                                 Ian