Green Sheet – 14th March 2021

Cheshire South Circuit – Audlem Mission Area

www.audlemmethodistchurch.org.uk

(Minister: Rev Robin Fox. Tel: 01270 812820 email: minister@audlemmethodistchurch.org.uk)
Newsletter for Audlem, Hankelow & Hatherton Methodist Churches
For the week commencing 14th March 2021

Dear friends

Mothering Sunday is a joyous day for many, and a difficult day for many others. It's also probably one of the most mis-understood dates of the Christian calendar.
Mothering Sunday falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent, and it was a chance to have a short break from the Lenten disciplines. I recognise that what I'm about to say goes back to a former age, but it was when people working in the service industry could return to their homes and their mother church. That is where the name of the Sunday comes from, in itself it's not so much about being a mother, or even being female, as the role of the mother church.

That said, I am writing this on International Women's Day, and thinking ahead to Sunday, I am reminded that it is a chance to explore the lives of some of the Biblical heroines of the faith, celebrate the talents of female hymn-writers and composers and so much more.

Mothering Sunday last year was the first Sunday since the Methodist Church recommended that church services be suspended, and in a YouTube reflection which I recorded from behind the closed doors of the Methodist Church in Flint, I said that it was a strange day when the mother church had to protect her children by asking them to stay away and keep their distance. A strange day, yes, and what a strange year it's been since. Yet even in the strange timers she faced, Mother Julian of Norwich had the courage and the faith to say "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well". That's not to say that the Christian life offers no problems, but that there is something, or rather Someone greater than the problems we face. Mother Julian knew that full well.

As lockdown continues and we are still unable to meet in person, may we have the faith of Julian, the boldness of Deborah, Miriam and many others and look forward to the day – hopefully not too far away – when we can return to worshipping in the mother church.

With love in Jesus
Robin

Audlem Methodist Church – Easter Sunday April 4th 2021 at 11-30am. We are happy to announce that a service will be held in our church on Easter Morning.

Ø Mike Valentine will lead the service
Ø Numbers are limited to accommodate social distancing so booking a place is essential.
Ø Please book your place by midday on Friday 2nd April.
Ø To book, contact Fran Hughes either by email to moose_t@btinternet.com or phone 01270 812038.
Please note:
Masks are to be worn in the church at all times. Sanitisers will be used.
There will be no hymn singing.
After the service (duration approx 40mins) people must leave – no coffee/chat.
Social distancing maintained throughout.

The zoom service will still be available commencing at 10-30am.

Future opening for Sunday services will be reviewed over the next few weeks.

Church Notecards: The notecards, designed by Sarah Parton, have sold well so far with over half of them sold. If you would like to buy some contact Julia on 01270 811761 or 07950 774997 to order. Price £5 for 1 pack or £9 for 2 packs. All proceeds to church funds.

"I have been in many places in my life but I've never been in Cahoots.
Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there.
I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends and family. I live close so it's a short drive.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump,
and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense!
It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart!
At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not.
People keep telling me I'm in Denial but I'm positive I've never been there before!
So far, I haven't been in Continent, but my travel agent says it is on the list.''
Thanks to Doris Tucker (NMC) and her daughter Gill

Lockdown Advice

Everyone, please be careful because being locked down at home is driving some people crazy!
I have been talking about this with the microwave and toaster, who agreed things are getting bad,
but I said nothing to my washing machine, because she puts a different spin on everything.
I certainly couldn't share it with the fridge, who has been acting cold and distant.
In the end the iron straightened me out: she said the situation isn't all that pressing
and all the wrinkles will soon be ironed out.
The vacuum, however, was very unsympathetic – told me to just suck it up.
But the fan was optimistic and gave me hope that it will all blow over soon.
The toilet looked a bit flushed but said nothing,
While the front door said I was becoming unhinged and the door knob told me to get a grip.
You can guess what the curtains told me: "Pull yourself together!". I am sure we will survive.

The sun is alone too, but it still shines.

Nantwich Food Festival Volunteers
are holding a
Spring 'Drop Off & Go' Collection
to support Nantwich Food Bank
Saturday 27th March, 10am – 1pm
Brine Leas School, Audlem Road

Needed:
Long-life milk & fruit juice;
tinned meats, fish, vegetables, fruit;
instant coffee,
washing powder, cleaning sprays (no bleach);
shampoo, conditioner, deodorants (men's and women's)
Unable to accept:
Dairy; fresh Meat, Fish, Fruit or Vegetables; opened packets of nappies or baby formula.
No clothing.
All items in date, please.
We have police permission.

The next newsletter will be Sunday 28 March.
Please send any items for the newsletter to Janet Furber email: r.furber@btinternet.com or telephone 01270 811598 by 5pm on Fridays.

The Methodist Church free phone service for news and prayer. The news option looks around the Connection at what's happening and the prayer line is a prayer from particular Methodists.
Listen to a prayer: 0808 281 2514
Listen to news: 0808 281 2478 Content is updated weekly on Thursday evening.