Weekly Update
Dear <<First Name>>,
One of the encouragements I have had this last week and a bit has been the weather. The sun has shone, there has been little rain and it has provided ample opportunity to get out in the garden to continue work that was started in the autumn and is long overdue. While removing some overgrown shrubs I even found a tree that I didn't even know we had! Hopefully now that it is able to get more light it will be in a better position to grow successfully. Although there is still a very long way to go, small accomplishments have been made, each of which help to provide a sense of achievement and of ground gained. With supermarkets introducing new ways of shopping and with the Summer Olympics and Wimbledon being postponed or even cancelled, it is becoming clear that we are in this new way of life for the long haul. Just like the garden, there is potentially a long way to go before we come through this current crisis. But there are blessings along the way. Be it a tree that has been found, new buds starting to grow, or colourful flowers starting to bloom, there are signs of hope and of new life. As we approach Easter we are reminded that Jesus arrived amongst his people riding on a donkey. They cheered him on, waving palm branches and singing. The scene is not a million miles from a modern open-top parade of a winning football team as they are cheered on by their adoring fans. But in the darkness that no doubt Jesus faced as he thought ahead to the week to come, his arrival into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday was a source of hope. It was a small blessing in a time of anguish. It was the flower in bloom providing a sense of joy and encouragement. As we approach the days ahead may we too be encouraged to look for, and find, those small blessings that bring us joy and hope. In doing so may we see that God's son Jesus is shining his light on the world and providing his blessings, no matter how small they may be.
Each week our aim is to continue to look for those blessings as we gather online to worship our heavenly Father and his son Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Using the blessing of modern technology we aim to do this in two ways...
The first is to livestream worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. This is via our YouTube channel, the links for which are below. During this time there will be sung worship, intercessory prayers and a short reflection. If you are joining us it would be great if you could log in to YouTube and add your greetings to the chat. That way, everyone can see who has gathered for this shared time together. However, please do remember that this is a public platform.
Alongside the livestream, the second way we can meet is via Zoom, both before the livestream for prayer, as well as afterwards for a time of general sharing and chatting with one another. Using Zoom we are able to see and hear each other at the same time, giving us a greater sense of connectedness.
But even though we are able to use these wonderful resources we remain conscious that not everyone within our fellowship is able to. If you are able to, please remember to pick up the phone or send a text massage to those who otherwise might feel more isolated and alone at this time.
Until we meet again and with every blessing,
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YouTube
The church YouTube channel now has links to a selection of additional channels managed by some of our partners. These include; Baptists Together, BMS World Mission, North West Baptist Association and Southport Schools Workers Trust. These are available under the Channels menu option. The Playlists menu option contains videos which you may also find encouraging.
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Church Prayer Points
- For schools and their staff as they remain open over the Easter Holiday to provide for the children of key workers.
- For those recovering from operations, for swift healing, and for those who are awaiting procedures that the wait will not be long.
- Give thanks for our emergency services and key workers and that God will watch over them and protect them.
If you have a prayer request, please let Dan know for this email list and Mary know for the telephone chain.
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Faith Toolbox
There are loads of resources out there to help connect with faith as well as each other. If you have come across any that you would like to share, please get in touch so they can be included in future emails.
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Scam Warning
Sadly in this time of anxiety and difficulty there are those that would seek to take advantage of peoples kindness. This no doubt causes much distress to those affected and may even lead to unnecessary personal hardship. Greenbank High School and Linaker Primary School, and no doubt others too, have sent out letters warning of these potential scams which include the sale of personal safety equipment and donations for cures and treatments. THESE ARE SCAMS. To explain more there are leaflets are available on our website using the buttons below. Please take extra care and be vigilant at this time. Please make others who may not receive emails aware of this too.
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The Scarisbrick New Road Top 40
Alastair & Kathryn would like to know if you've got a favourite hymn or chorus. If so, then why not let them know and they'll try to record it for you and upload it to the church YouTube page. They will be here for ongoing encouragement as well as for the Livestreams on Sundays.
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