Meditations taking us through the journey of Holy Week are being posted everyday on the Irish Methodist website and their social media pages. Each day the Rev. Janet Unsworth will share and reflect on John’s Gospel. These can be found listed under HOLY WEEK MEDITATIONS “The Journey to the Cross” HERE

Monday’s Theme: “A Costly Gift”
Readings: Pslam 36:5-11, Isaiah 42:1-9, Hebrews 9:11-15, John 12:1-11

More about Holy Week meditations “The Journey to the Cross”:
John’s Gospel provides us with a detailed account of Jesus’ words and actions in the days leading up to the Crucifixion. As we journey towards the Cross again this Holy Week, we consider those words and actions, the effect they had on the people who encountered Jesus in those days, and what the Gospel has to teach us about our journey today. May this journey be one of encounter for us, as we gather together to worship the one who has shown us the Way.

Rev Janet Unsworth has been teaching New Testament studies to Edgehill students since 2003. Narrative critical approaches to the Gospel of John has been her particular area of research and she gained her PhD at Queen’s University Belfast. After secondary education at Methodist College, Janet studied Ancient and Modern History at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, before teaching History at a school in London. In 1993 she became the Children’s Work Co-ordinator for the Methodist Church in Ireland. Following theological studies and ministerial training at Edgehill, and ministry in Newry, Janet was appointed to the post of Director of Studies in Edgehill Theological College in 2009.  Janet was appointed Acting Principal in June 2017.

Janet is passionate about helping people to grow in their understanding of the Biblical text. Currently she is co-chair of the Johannine Literature Seminar of the British New Testament Society. As well as all things historical, Janet is enthusiastic about music. She is married to John and they have two children, Rebekah and Peter.

Welcome Saints, to this our third online Sunday Service of Worship. Just click on the window below to begin listening.  
Also listed below, to aid you in your worship, you will find the relevant NIV bible verses to follow.

This weeks lesson is based on the Lectionary reading is taken from Luke 19: 28-44

Luke 19:28-44

Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king

²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’

³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’

³⁴ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’

³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

³⁸ ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’^[a]

‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’

⁴⁰ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’

⁴¹ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognise the time of God’s coming to you.’

—-

Psalm 118:26

²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you.^[a]

Luke 2:14

¹⁴ ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’

John 11:48-50

⁴⁸ If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.’

⁴⁹ Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, ‘You know nothing at all! ⁵⁰ You do not realise that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.

John 12:9-11

⁹ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, ¹¹ for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Matthew 3:7-9

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptising, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 

Zechariah 9:9

The coming of Zion’s king

⁹ Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Luke 19:41-44

⁴¹ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognise the time of God’s coming to you.’

Matthew 7:13-14

The narrow and wide gates

¹³ ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

In these days when we can no longer gather and ‘be church’ in the traditional way, our Leaders from across this land have jointly called their denominations to unite tomorrow in our homes for an hour of prayer. You can read the joint Statement HERE

Between 3 -4pm on Palm Sunday 5th April we are asked to pray together for our health and social care services and those working on the frontline. A recognition of the vast array of jobs that are essential to the functioning of our society. Also to give thanks for the speed with which local communities, involving churches, community groups, charities, businesses and other local community leaders, who have mobilised in response in protection of the vulnerable.

These charities that provide much-needed support, also need donations, so please prayerfully consider giving online.

“In these days when we can no longer gather and ‘be church’ in the traditional way, the call to live out the Gospel as agents of God’s mercy and compassion through the sacrifices that we make to protect the vulnerable, and by finding new ways to be ‘Good Samaritans’ and good neighbours is as powerful as ever”.

So tomorrow between 3 and 4 pm, as we begin the journey through Holy Week towards Good Friday and Easter, lets stand alongside other denominations and Christian organisations, and battle this pandemic through the power of prayer!

Below find some guidance to help you as you pray:

“God loves the world and everyone in it. We pray for those who are sick, and those feeling fearful; we pray for those who have been bereaved and those who are isolated and alone. We pray for our healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, essential workers and all who continue to work on the frontline. We pray for, and with those in our communities, who are fearful about their employment and for those reaching out to provide food and shelter. We pray for our families and friends, neighbours and civic, business and political leaders for the inevitable challenges that will arise in the coming days. We also remember those across our world who are similarly suffering. We pray for those working hard to produce new treatments and vaccines.”

Mossley Methodist are delighted in sharing with you that our Youth Leader Elaine Gowdy has posted her inaugural video broadcast in the light of Covid19.

Through the medium of Facebook and the REFUGE PAGE, Elaines intension is to the reach out to her children and young people that attend Refuge and Youth Fellowship. In the video Elaine reminds her C&YP’s not to fret or worry, but to bring their concerns, at any time throughout their day, to God who cares for them. Elaine goes on to reassure that she and Simon are praying for each of them and hopes to find ways that they can interact.

We are all trying to find new ways to connect, and as Elaine admits, apologetically, this was way outside her comfort zone. So bless you sister and well done for opening the door to a whole new world of possibilities.

On a final note taken from the video message, Elaine reminds them “be safe by staying at home and keep washing your hands”.
…And that goes for you too!

Welcome Saints, to this our second online Sunday Service of Worship. Just click on the window below to begin listening.
Also listed below, to aid you in your worship, you will find the relevant NIV bible verses to follow.

This weeks lesson is based on the Lectionary reading Psalm 130

Psalm 130

A song of ascents.

¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
²     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
⁴ But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

Hebrews 8:12

¹² For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”^[a]

Leviticus 10:1-2

The Death of Nadab and Abihu

10 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. ² So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them,and they died before the Lord.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,^[a]Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Proverbs 9:10

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Last night a 8pm, I opened my front door and joined with the country in clapping in recognition for the unbelievable work our NHS are doing though this Covid19 crisis. I felt a real sense of community and pride as I listened to clapping, cheers and clanging from my neighbours in the surrounding streets.
We too can hold on to our sense of community within the Methodist Church. Below are some suggestions to help us.

Behind closed doors and in the safety of our homes, rather than being overwhelmed by the constant news reports, it’s important to be able to connect positively and engage with our fellow christians and our God.
The Methodist Church in Ireland (MCI) website have helpful resources to aid us. These resources can help us to continue in the knowledge that we are valued and cherished members of the greater Methodist community.

One such resource, published on our noticeboard last Saturday, was the ‘Sunday’ morning address brought to you by our President, Rev Sam McGuffin. The Methodist Church website has a dedicated page HERE with links from ministers throughout the island who have posted sermons and addresses using various online tools.
The ingenuity of Ministers must be applauded as they have stepped out of their comfort zones and used the likes of YouTube and Facebook to reach out to their congregations and beyond. Most notably, the ‘fearless’ Rev Darrin Thomson performed a live feed through his church facebook account! (users can view it HERE on the Thomas Street Methodist Facebook page).
Indeed if you missed it our own Rev Sam Campbell also successfully gave the first of his online sermons, and intends hosting a weekly bible study using ZOOM video conferencing! Details on this will be published over the weekend.

On the MCI website home page news section, (and this is great for anyone who doesn’t have a Twitter account) tweets are posted in a feed where you can read and follow links to updates as they happen. Find this HERE.

Finally anyone in Mossley who brings prayers of intersession to morning worship will have full knowledge of the Prayer Focus Diary. Why not DOWNLOAD it and join us in continuing to use it. These projects are only ‘on hold’ and will still need your prayers to get them back up and running again.
Also you can SIGN UP HERE to the daily Prayer Focus emails, where they have also included ‘Reflections For Lent’ reminding us that Easter is more relevant than ever.

Article by Church Website Editor

Greetings Saints. With our church and organisations suspended in the light of Covid19, I have asked the Media Team if we can try this new way of reaching out to you in your homes as you self isolate or social distance.
This feature may need to be tweaked in weeks to come as we settle into it, but my aim is that you find comfort and a continued sense of belonging to our church community at Mossley. It is also my intension to have updates posted from the greater Methodist Church in Ireland as they respond to the crisis.

Before I bring you my first ‘ever’ online sermon I would just like to say that If it is at all possible to spread the word about this new service, especially to anyone who is living alone, please do so. Maybe all it takes is a simple phone call directing them to this site mossleymethodist.com. Better still, tell them of how to become a FOLLOWER, allowing them to receive direct email updates (its easy, just click the bottom right FOLLOW tab and enter your email address). It’s surprising to me how members of our older church community have internet access and are au fait with technology …probably more so than I am.

Now let us begin.
I advise you to READ or LISTEN (click on preferred link) to access the reading or following on with your bibles read John 9 1-41. After which, click on the window below and comfortably sit back to listen.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update from the President of the Methodist Church

Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that we have suspended gatherings for worship in Methodist Churches across Ireland. We have made this difficult decision in light of the evolving government advice in both jurisdictions. Congregations are encouraged to seek creative ways to worship, even if not able to be in one place and to continue to serve those who are most vulnerable in their communities. We continue to pray for all affected by the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), particularly for those who are ill and grieving the loss of loved ones, our front-line health care workers, leaders in government and the Health Services and for businesses at this time. 

As a Church, we want to turn to God in this unique time. You will find on The Methodist Church in Ireland website we have created guidelines and resources which we hope will equip congregations across Ireland to remain connected and together as much as possible.  CLICK HERE
President Sam McGuffin

One such online resource, available now but intended for service on 22nd March, will be an online video service given by The President Sam McGuffin. This will continue for every Sunday allowing congregations to ‘gather’ for church in our homes.

Follow this direct link or watch below to hear a word of comfort and encouragement from President Sam McGuffin

Good morning reader.
With all the advice we are getting about Covid19, keeping a positive and healthy mind is right up there! We are being told that it’s good to add structure to your day, we all need a plan and keep a regular schedule especially if we are social distancing or self isolating.

As I’m sure you know some people are taking up new skills like learning the guitar that’s sat in the corner for years, trying their hand at baking, bird watching (if you have a nice garden), keep-fit or using online access through youtube keep-fit or yoga. Some people have even decided to re-order that messy junk room.

So here is another suggestion. How long have we been telling ourselves “I must set aside time for God” … here’s that opportunity. Even if you find yourself working from home or home schooling , then all the more important to find a quiet place for YOU.

There are so many study guides out there. Our Daily Bread and Scripture Unions Word Live are but a few free online suggestions to help you come along side God each day, to pray and read scriptures from the bible.

You Version is another resource you can download to your smart phone or computer in the form of an app. This resource provides plans that can choose to span over a few days or weeks. You get to choose the topic and duration that suits your life experience. You also get a reminder and scripture emailed everyday. It’s very fluid and easy to follow, most of all, and this is why I’m suggesting it, they have compiled topic plans that relate to our response to Covid19. Plus you will even find under the products tab a bible app for kids.

So what are you waiting for … because Gods waiting for you!

Follow this CLICK to see just a few of the topics that intend to bring hope through Gods word into our lives at this fearful time.
Click HERE if you wish to download the You Version Bible App

This afternoon the Methodist Church in Ireland, with Government guidance, have recommended the suspension of all Methodist church services. Furthermore all congregational organisations and activities should also cease.

It is with great sadness and our social responsibility that the leadership of Mossley Methodist agree to comply with these measures. Sam and the leadership team would be very grateful if you would pass on to anyone you know, that as of today all groups and services will cease until further notice.

Sam expresses that although he will not be able to visit, he can provide pastoral care over the phone. If you need to contact him then please do not hesitate to ring him on his landline 028 9591 3219. Also he will be providing weekly sermons that will be posted for streaming playback on our website www.mossleymethodist.com. Any updates additions or changes we will do our best to actively post here.

In addition Methodist UK has posted helpful information with links to worship tools within the Methodist online community and can be found HERE

Please don’t feel alone at this time, if you need help ask for it, if you are self isolating and need a friendly voice then please reach out to us. We are Gods family and it’s our duty to look out for each other in these uncertain days. All you need do is ask. God bless and keep us all, Amen