Dear sisters and brothers in Christ. Our prayers continue to give us comfort and hope during these times of trial. Those of us who have been at funerals will know that they are a shadow of what they would be because of the gathering restrictions, which at most crematoria are down to a mere handful of immediate family. Sadly, not even family can embrace other family members if they do not come from the same household. It is heart breaking to see. These experiences have got me thinking about the term ‘household’. It is not used that much as we fall back on the somewhat more restrictive term ‘family’ much more often. In these days, however, household is coming back into use recognising the different lock down situations folk are in. In New Testament Greek the term ‘oikos’ is used by St. Paul to illustrate the nature of what we might call ‘the family of God’ or the ‘family of the church’. For Paul it is an all-including term and goes way beyond the ties of blood and includes all those who share a sense of home together in some way. It includes family but also visitors and those who serve often as slaves. It also includes those from whom we are physically separated but that we still consider part of our household. This is an important illustration for these times and for our sharing as those who follow Christ.

We wanted to share the positive news that we are beginning to make plans for opening our church buildings again. It is our intention to do so as soon as possible. A small group is meeting already to consider what will be needed for this to happen and to work with Local Church Stewards to assess and plan for opening again in each individual context. Opening our buildings will no doubt come with a range of specific requirements to do so safely. It will be an interesting and testing time, but we look forward with hope for the days when we can gather again for worship and service to our communities.

No Local Church will re-open without the affirmation that all is safely in place to do so from the Superintendent, in conjunction with ordained colleagues in pastoral charge and the senior Church Steward/s at each church.

Dial – a – Prayer
The Methodist Church has launched a new telephone service.  If you would like to hear a prayers or current Methodist Church national news there are two freephone numbers, shown below,
            Listen to a prayer:       0808 281 2514
            Listen to news:            0808 281 2478

Sunday Worship
Birmingham District Live-streamed service 10:30 am    https://www.facebook.com/Birminghammethodistdistrict/live

South Warwickshire Circuit recorded service
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9E0b5XWCv-SB0co6kiL5AyIbMJ77Q_MN