What's on? Next Messy Church:  Sunday 8th June 2025 

Services    Toddler group

BIBLE MONTH 2025 opens a Gospel of Superabundance!  

 For most of us, at some time or other in our lives, we let go of some things or someone or some place that have been very precious to us. I wonder if ‘letting go’ has been done reluctantly or tearfully?  or with almost unseemly haste or joy? or with a mix of feelings?
Sometimes, letting go brings ‘more’! perhaps in the form of richer, deeper gifts? unexpected experiences and friendships?    
I wonder, given previous experiences, how we might respond if asked to 'let go' again and again?

Jesus’ disciples let go of their previous lives to follow Jesus; they let go of Jesus' presence at the Crucifixion; they let go of their earthly mentor at Jesus' ascension home to God.  Yet, this third time, they let go with JOY! For them, letting go of their trusted friend brought a new relationship with Jesus - one in which there is Superabundant Life-Light and a new source of HOPE (for us all!).

In the Methodist Tradition, June is a month dedicated to celebrating the scriptures.  In Bible Month, there are opportunities to explore one particular book of the Bible in a little more depth. This year’s focus is St John’s Gospel.  Here are a few of the opening verses of this Gospel in the very traditional words of the King James’ translation. 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by God; and without God was not any thing made that was made. In God was life; and the life was the light .  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.....  And of God's fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ".

These words show the ways  in which  St John’s Gospel is one of superabundant Love, truth and life in Jesus Christ – a framework as to how we are to understand Jesus and our part in history and reality. John gives the essentials of a Christian world view. This is what gave the disciples joy, gratitude and hope when Jesus left them on earth!

There are daily reading guides and a weekly study guide with supporting videos and conversations. These will be the foundation for our worship over June and Tuesday lunches. For more details, please see the notices in the main entrance hallway or contact the church administrator.