A Message from Rev Linda 

Dear friends
When I last wrote, at the beginning of September, I spoke of how we were slowly reopening churches and returning to a new normal.  Unfortunately I spoke too soon!  The ‘second wave’ of Covid19 is definitely upon us and churches are beginning to close once again.  We are seeing the effects on our own church family this time – even our Circuit Leadership Team has been hit as Glenn’s family have suffered with the virus.  Our prayers are with all those who have caught the virus and with their family and friends.
 Over the last weeks I have found the Methodist Word in Time Bible Study helpful and especially the following words:
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together [including on Zoom and WhyPay] … but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
I am aware of the anxiety as we move through this second wave.  It is so important that we stay connected and keep one another safe.  Across the Methodist Connexion some churches have chosen to close, some remain open and some continue virtually on Zoom, WhyPay or on other Social Media sites.  These are all valid ways of staying connected, of meeting together.  It is in staying connected that we are able to encourage one another and to show the love and goodness of God.  Let us together do as the Hebrew writer says and hold on ‘to the hope we profess’ knowing that God is faithful.  I have heard of many acts of love and good deeds across our Circuit over the last months and have also benefitted from them in person.  Thank you so much for the messages and gifts of love, support and prayer over this time.  It is so good to return to work after my sudden back operation seven weeks ago.  I can testify that we have felt held in prayer and the love of God has strengthened us. 
Thank you, also, for all the work the Circuit and Church leadership teams are doing to ensure our congregations are safe but also remain connected.  The Plan for November is 'attached' – due to changing circumstances we will send the December plan later in the month.  At present the following churches are closed but worshipping on either WhyPay or Zoom: Blythe Bridge &Forsbrook, Lightwood, Broadway, Temple Street, Sandford Hill and the evenings at Longton Central Hall. The Circuit Zoom Service is now moving from Thursday back to Sunday at 11.30am and the link will be emailed round - it will remain the same each week.
We will be having a Circuit Advent Bible Study on Zoom on a Thursday at 7.00pm.  Please book in your diaries the following dates: 26 November, 3 December, 10 December and 17 December. 
We will ensure you are kept up to date with any changes to services and events. 
If anyone has any questions or just needs to talk please contact your Minister or one of the Church or Circuit Leadership Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 
God bless from Linda
On behalf of the CLT (Circuit Leadership Team)
 Rev Linda:    Email: revlindcat@gmail.com  Tel: 01782 848699
Circuit Administrator, Glenn: office@stokesouthmethodist.org.uk  Tel: 01782 847489