Heworth Methodist Church

Pastoral Messages

We believe
That justice is how love looks in public
That hope is a song in a weary voice
That stumbling is not falling
Together we can be the change we long to see

We believe
That peace is the apology of the strong to the weak
That faith is being sure of what we hope for
That we all come from the creator
Trailing wisps of glory

We believe
That if we have eyes to see
That if we have ears to hear
That when we least expect it, hope bursts into life
Stable walls echoing to a baby’s first cry.

 Hope doesnt disappointLiving under Roman occupation, Mary and Joseph had travelled for over a week to get to Bethlehem from Nazareth.  There was limited hospitality for them in the busy town, but a ‘stable-place sufficed’. Whilst there, they quietly welcomed a lot of unexpected visitors and offered hospitality at the cradle of their new born child.  

Like York, Bethlehem is a place where tourists are welcomed – they are an important source of income and tourism offers many employment opportunities in both cities.  Over the last 14 months there have scarcely been any tourists or international volunteers in Bethlehem –  no work for tour guides or hospitality businesses, no income, few travel permits, ever higher  prices for scare food and other resources. What would York be like without tourists?

Glorious God, you are the Light in our darkness, the joy in our sorrow, the hope in our difficult times. 
Be with those who are busy today bringing renewed hope, support and love to communities where there is hunger, pain and fear. 

Prince of Peace,  King of all, 
Be with those who are busy today seeking peaceful solutions in so many places where there is conflict, oppression and injustice 

Lord God, 'risen with healing in your wings',
Be with those people for whom Christmas is not an easy time whether alone or with others, empty seats and churning memories  
Hold them close with the comfort of your loving presence – remind us all that you never leave us alone.

Let us gather strength from the angels within and around us who continue the work of Christmas to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild our world, to bring justice and peace and HOPE!

 

Page last updated: Friday 27th December 2024 9:44 PM
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