Bowdon Vale Methodist Church

29/04/2024

Service at Bowdon Vale Methodist Church 28 4 2024
This was a Communion Service – led by Reverend Jackie Bellfield
An inspiration in coping: Jackie B was delayed as she had been called to the bedside of member of the Circuit who had been admitted to the stroke unit at Salford Royal Hospital in the night. The service was all set up, Sarah and Gill used Jackie’s plan for a welcome and for prayers. We sang two hymns – and Jackie arrived in her regalia in time to deliver the sermon
Our hymns were:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty
All praise to our redeeming Lord
You are the vine: You Are The Vine; We Are The Branches (youtube.com)
(New to some of us)
Let us break bread together.
Readings were: John 15: 1-8 I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener
Acts 8: 26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Official
We were led through them in Jackie’s sermon. We learned about Pavarotti and his choice between training others, and becoming a great performer. We heard the wise advice he received – To choose one chair – or risk falling between the two
Philip is one of the least well recognised of the disciples – a quiet practical man – but effective in what he did – He had no doubts when asked to follow Jesus
Communion was shared – all the more meaningful with so many us experiencing ill-health or bereavement.
Communion continued in the school room, with refreshments which included home-made scones (Don), cake of various guises – and fruit – with coffee or tea.
All are welcome
Next week our service is led by Alan Marriott and will include Sankey and Moody hymns

22/04/2024

22/04/2024

Service at Bowdon Vale 21 4 2024
A cold morning, but dry. A dedicated gathering and we gave thanks for this time together:
Our readings for the day gave us the themes of sheep and The Good Shepherd
Readings: Psalm 23
1 John 3: 13 – 24
John 10: 7 – 21
And our hymns confirmed the peace, joy and certainty which comes to us from Jesus
Hymns: 20 Be still, for the presence of the Lord
367 When I was lost, you came and rescued me
337 There is a higher throne
736 In heavenly love abiding
We prayed for the condition of our world: so much conflict and killing, so much emphasis on self, so much fear amongst the weak and disadvantaged.
We embraced the messages: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Good Shepherd’ and ‘I am the gateway’. Powerful reassurance – given over centuries
We learn about love: laying down a life for others, following His plans and orders, loving God and loving each other, without discrimination, we are Children of Truth
Jesus laid down His life for us – we are freed – not by our own worth, but by his grace. As our shepherd leader – He teaches us.
May 13- 19th is an awareness week organised by Mental Health Charities to draw attention to the sickness of our time: People paralysed in suffering and feeling there is no way out. Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
The message from the Mental Health Foundation is to be mobile – move and exercise your body and brain. For us, this includes taking action informed by the teaching from David, from Jesus and from so many others who God uses to help us receive the message
The science tells us that movement gives us: better sleep, greater stamina, more energy, happier mood, less problems of being overweight, even lower blood cholesterol!
We can support the initiative of May 13th – 19th
And we continue with our regular meetings: Rev Jackie B is now correctly named on our noticeboards, a cartoon of sheep, provided by Paul Bennet, helps remind us of the stories of today – and next Sunday our service will be led by Jackie B. There will be Communion
All are welcome

21/04/2024

15/04/2024

Bowdon Vale Methodist Church – service 14 4 2024
Led by Kevin Jaquiss
A good attendance – those who could travel despite the marathon
Continuing celebrations of Easter
Readings: Acts 3: 12-19. Peter on performing miracles: ’Why does this surprise you?’ ‘Repent, then and return to God’
Luke 24: 36-48.Jesus himself stood among them and said to them: ‘Peace be with you.’ He ate broiled fish and showed them his hands
‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.’
We sang
All you who seek the Lord
Now the green blade rises
Christ is alive
We heard about Sam Wells, a theologian who observed that we (Christians) seem to find it more difficult to do joy than sorrow
The difficulties of being a celebrity – as were Jesus and Peter in those times
We heard about a life-long atheist lady who came to The Vine at Hale
And we drew attention to a further reading: 1 John 3: Now we are children of God. What we will be has not yet been made known
We listened to a song based on Psalm 62 (not the track which was played to us – but the same song) 18V ONE+™ Cordless 33cm Lawnmower & 23cm Grass Trimmer (1 x 5.0Ah) [60sec] (youtube.com)
We remembered Linda and Janet who have died recently and Alan B who is very poorly
We had time to think on and talk a while, with refreshments after the service: Scones by Don – fabulous and using a family recipe
All are welcome. Next week the stewards will lead the service

08/04/2024

Bowdon Vale Methodist Church Busy Sunday 7 4 2024
Service led quite wonderfully by Alan Marriott
Continuing the celebration of the risen Christ with readings from Ezekiel 17 (Dry Bones) and John 20 (Thomas and his doubts). Psalm 85 – Mercy and truth have met together, Righteousness and peace have kissed
Hymns:
Thine be the glory
The head that once was crowned with thorns
See what a morning
One day when heaven was filled with his praises One Day, Living He Loved Me, Glorious Day - YouTube
All heaven declares
I need thee every hour
And we had a time of fellowship with refreshments