Church News – February 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters
Tis the season to be poorly. Bugs of various flavours and strengths are flying around leaving many of us feeling weak and vulnerable. This week, the bug hit our house. It started on Thursday with Annette and it gradually worked its way around us with both myself and Charlotte being ill on Monday. As I lay in bed on Thursday evening, I thought about what to pray. I had so much on my mind I didn’t know where to start. There’s the global crisis of bizarre and divisive leadership valuing power over doing what is right. There are people I know who are ill. There are people who have asked for prayer for various other issues their facing. It all can feel a bit much. But isn’t that the point of prayer?
Sometimes, while in prayer, I’ll stop myself and say, “Lord I’m sorry, my mind is all over the place and so is this prayer.” Then I’m reminded, God knows already what I want to say, what I need to say and, crucially, what I need to hear. “It’s ok, I understand” came the response. I then, rather than used long poetic language or anything fancy, just listed what was on my mind and as is often the case, I drifted to sleep mid prayer.
We often get so worried about whether our prayer is good enough, worthy enough or even holy enough. But when talking about prayer Jesus tells us that we shouldn’t worry about the words we use or how we say then.
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’ Matthew 6:5-8
Whatever you’re going through, however hard things are to put into words, take it to the Lord in prayer. The Lord knows you, the Lord loves you, and the Lord wants to hear from you. I hope and pray that whatever hard times you’re facing that they pass and that you know you need never face them alone.
God bless, James
NEWS
Afternoon Tea Dance: This event is happening early in the month, on Monday 2nd February to be exact. The Dementia Warrior Group and the Mums and Tots Group have joined forces to raise money for our Moravian Churches in Jamaica and surrounding areas that were devastated by Hurricane Melissa. We would love you to support this event by coming to church on 2nd at 1.45 p.m. We will be charging £3.50 per person and you will be guaranteed a lovely time and something to eat and drink. If you can’t come in person, then we will accept your donations. Thank you.
Lent Bible Study: Our minister, Br James will be running another Zoom meeting for Lent, this time using the film “Wicked” as its theme. Meetings will be on Monday evenings at 7.30 p.m. each Monday from 23rd February to 23rd March. Please contact Br James if you wish to be added to the Zoom link.
Please note our Tearfund Service on 15th February, when we will be collecting donations to this very worthy cause.
The Gathered Stream
This new Online Church Community Event is being launched this month. The Gathered Stream is a place for people who want a connection to our Moravian church but no longer live nearby one of our churches. We are aiming out focus on the diaspora of the church but we’re aware that there may be people who you know who have moved away from your congregations that would welcome a chance to join us. We’re thinking of people who have moved away because of work or family commitments but also young people who are now attending university or have moved away for other reasons.
We will be starting on the 3rd February and then meeting every Tuesday evening from 7:30pm- 8:30pm. We’re beginning with a welcome meeting and time of fellowship then we will be using the Our Moravian Treasures bible study as a way to explore our faith and heritage. There will also be monthly online worship.
Below is a poster giving Zoom details, but if anyone has any questions then please send them to James Woolford.
WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH:
| SUNDAY | 1st | MORNING WORSHIP WITH LOVEFEAST led by Sr Gillian Taylor | 11 am |
| Monday | 2nd | Afternoon Tea (see above for details) | 1.45 – 3.45pm |
| Wednesday | 4th | M.W.A. Meeting in Schoolroom | 1.15 pm |
| SUNDAY | 8th | MORNING WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION led by Br James | 11 am |
| Monday | 9th | Church Committee on Zoom | 7.30 pm |
| SUNDAY | 15th | TEARFUND SERVICE led by Sr Sue Selby | 11am |
| SUNDAY | 22nd | PARADE SERVICE led by Br James | 11 am |
THE GIFT
Saved by grace lest any should boast
Such is His gift obtained at great cost,
God’s Son was given to set men free,
Redemption made ours as He hung on the tree.
In wonder the angels saw Him go
From the glories of heaven to our world below,
This earth once fair now corrupt from the fall
Fellowship broken and lost to all.
Brought back with a price that we could not pay
The taint of our sin by His blood washed away,
Reconciled to the Father, all this we have gained
Salvation His gift if we call on His Name.
By Megan Carter
