Churches Together Baptist church Well this seems strange, writing a piece for this magazine knowing there won’t be a normal one printed! But we just wanted to say hi to you all at this difficult time. As we go through lockdown the Baptist church, like many others, has had to think on its feet so to speak, getting something out there and on-line for you and others seeking, plus ourselves. You can find us on our web-page – https://www.melbourn-baptist.org.uk/events.php On our Face Book page and on YouTube. Our first week on-line some verses of scripture were read out, followed by an explanation of those verses; thank you Laurie for that. In closing our time “together” Stuart said the Grace. By Easter Sunday 12th April one or two more of our people had offered to help from home. Those “whizz kids” made a great difference: we could now see singular people take their turn as part of the service. It is certainly a new way of doing/being church together. Our Minister Stuart Clarke’s details are on our church notice board, should you wish to speak to him about anything, please do so, after all he is – Still working for Jesus !!!!!
Melbourn United Reformed Church Church Lunch We held our last annual church lunch on Sunday 15th March after morning worship. The service was led by
Rev’d Derek Newton which was his last service with us as he retires from preaching in the wider community. We thanked Derek for all the services he had led over many years and were pleased that Derek and Hazel joined us for the church lunch. It was a fitting way to say goodbye. We enjoyed a three course Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Beryl and Barry Monk had organised these lunches for many years and we gave them a card and bouquet of flowers to say thank you for all they had done over the years. The lunch was a lovely social occasion spending time together as little did we know that would be our final gathering for a while; a couple of days later the elders had to take the decision to suspend all church services and social activities because of the coronavirus.
World Day of Prayer Our ecumenical service was held in All Saints on Friday 6th March, and turned out to be our last ecumenical worship for a while as we all socially distance ourselves. The Christian women of Zimbabwe took the theme ‘Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk’. The service was based on the account in John’s gospel of Jesus’s meeting with a sick man by the Pool of Bethesda, with the focus on healing, reconciliation, love and peace. We enjoyed refreshments and a social time after the service. The collection amounted to £122 and goes to give grants to projects run by Christian charities around the world.
Easter Easter is a special time for Christians when we remember the sacrifice our saviour Jesus made for us by his death on the cross. We celebrate his resurrection on the third day when he gave us the hope of eternal life. Although continued on page 50 melbournmagazine@gmail.com
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