Greetings to you all,
However stoical we are being about this experience of lockdown, we are all conscious of loss and in particular, in our context, the loss of gathering together to share in worship word and sacrament. I found these prayers from an American Lutheran pastor -
“I do not know when we can gather together again in worship, Lord.
So, for now I just ask that:
When I sing along in my kitchen to each song on Stevie Wonder’s Songs in The Key of Life Album, that it be counted as praise.
And that when I read the news and my heart tightens in my chest, may it be counted as a Kyrie.
And that when my eyes brighten in a smile behind my mask as I thank the cashier may it be counted as passing the peace.
And that when I water my plants and wash my dishes and take a shower may it be counted as remembering my baptism.
And that when the tears come and my shoulders shake and my breathing falters, may it be counted as prayer.
And that when I stumble upon a Tabitha Brown video and hear her grace and love of you may it be counted as a hearing a homily.
And that as I sit at that table in my apartment, and eat one more homemade meal, slowly, joyfully, with nothing else demanding my time or attention, may it be counted as communion.
Amen.”
I was particularly struck by the references to baptism and communion. I’ve had to postpone a couple of baptisms and we have not shared communion since mid March but nevertheless the signs of baptism - our new life in Christ, and Holy Communion - our deep fellowship with Christ and each other, do continue. And perhaps as we approach Pentecost , we can reflect on where we have discovered the gifts of the Spirit supporting us in these times.
Stevie Wonder may not be your thing – replace him with Carole King or Schubert; Tabitha Brown writes worship songs - go for your favourite hymn and remember that God is present in all aspects of our life.
Here are the events and resources to know about this week -
Oakwood Church events - please join us when you can for our regular services and gatherings on Zoom: the Eee Baa Gumm Cafe on Wednesday fom 13.30, morning prayer on Thursday from 09.00, and worship on Sunday from 10.15. The meeting ID (724 766 6207) and password (316316) stay the same. This Sunday, 31 May the Zoom worship will be led by Catherine Frieze.
Men's meeting at your house (rather than the White House) - the monthly men's meeting 'at the pub' will gather via Zoom from 20.30 on Thursday 28 May. David Donaldson is hosting on Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/297032373 or Meeting ID: 297 032 373 (no password required). More of an 'Ay, arr, what' tha an 'Eee, Baa, Gum'
YouTube Service 16.00 Sunday - the Leeds North and East Methodists YouTube channel will broadcast a live Pentecost service on Sunday 31 May at 16.00 which will then also be available to watch afterwards. There will be a Zoom chat meeting following the live service. George will be preaching at this Pentecost celebration.
The Leeds Blessing - a few weeks ago we passed on the call for musicians and singers to take part in a joint churches project to pray a blessing for Leeds. Thank you to the Oakwood people who represented us - here is the video for you to pray along with and pass on.
Oakwood Online Art Gallery - we have created a Virtual Gallery on the church website's Art Group page for Art Group members, and anyone else who has made art work during the present emergency, to share their work. Please email a decent photo (ideally square-on if the work is two dimensional painting or drawing) or a scan to David Donaldson at useful.donaldson@gmail.com. And please, everyone, do visit and appreciate the artwork.
Thy Kingdom Come - a reminder that the national call to prayer continues through to Sunday. Please be praying for five people to know Jesus in new ways and have a look at the resources to help on the TKC website. If any of you have enjoyed the Digital Family Prayer Adventure Map, plesae get in touch with George as Missional Generation are looking for feedback to help them understand the way people have been using it.
Roots resources for children - if you have children at home these resources can help you to help them to learn about Christian faith. The focus this week is Pentecost and how we can all learn together about the Holy Spirit.
With love and prayers as ever, George, Kathryn and Debbie
27 May 2020
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