Luke's letter  - March 2020

Dear friends,

I remember in the aftermath of September 11^th in 2001 feeling that we were living through “strange times”. After the shocking news 18 ½ years ago, the churches I had pastoral charge of gathered to pray. We prayed for peace, healing and a sense of calm.

Here we are in March 2020 living through “strange times” although we are not able to gather for prayer, we are able to pray, keep in contact with God and keep in contact with each other. We are able to keep in contact with God through personal devotions. To help with that the Methodist Church is producing a weekly service sheet for us to follow on a Sunday when we would normally be at Linacre. Vivienne and I are also producing a weekly short act of worship which can be emailed to you. In terms of keeping in touch with each other please do remember to call each other by telephone or letter or card (if you are able to get out to the post box) or text or email. This letter will be a weekly publication as well. If you wish to receive the Methodist Church worship sheet or this letter by post or email or the act of worship by email to contact either myself or Bernard (on 07913 909137 or admlivnc@gmail.com). Both Bernard and I are now based at home. I can be contacted on 01942 665654 or 07376248147 or luke.smith@methodist.org.uk. I am practicing “social distancing” largely because Vivienne is in the “vulnerable” category as most of our congregation are.  

This has been a “strange” week. On Sunday I preached in Hull, I was with a congregation I used to be the minister of. The church is due to cease to meet in July, but in the light of the current situation I was described as “probably the last preacher we will have”. On Monday I prepared for a talk at the Salvation Army as part of the series of Lent talks for Churches Together. As I drove into Litherland I listened to the Prime Minister giving the first of his daily press conferences where he explained the steps that had to be taken to avoid further spread of Covid 19. In the evening I spoke (there were 3 Linacre friends there) and it was decided that my talk would be the last one. On Tuesday I sent round a preliminary email around the circuit explaining that we would not be meeting for worship for the foreseeable future. I then travelled to Linacre and had conversations with key people about how we try to offer some sort of support to the most vulnerable in our community. On Tuesday afternoon I compiled a letter to go round the circuit following government and Methodist Church advice which was emailed out (if you haven’t received it please do get in touch with Bernard ho will email or post it to you). On Wednesday I spent a lot of the day explaining to people my understanding of some of the practicalities of the situation we find ourselves in. Also recording the first of my little services (again if you haven’t received it please do contact either Bernard or I, I’m afraid this can only be sent via email). On Thursday I wrote this letter and recorded the recording for Sunday.

I think I also need to mention that Radio 4 and BBC local radio are broadcasting services on Sunday mornings.  

How has your week been? Feel free to get in touch with me, although I am based at home I’m still “working” and am available for conversations or if you want someone to pray with. Do remember the Prayer Chain is still operating.

At Linacre the food bank is still operating (On Monday and Tuesday I helped 9 people who needed food), the Place of Welcome on a Thursday has become a “grab and go” type meeting with food from Greggs being handed out. I understand Reach is also offering some level of support for men. Although the majority of our activities are not taking place (including worship) we still have financial commitments. If you are able, could I ask you to put aside any financial gifts you normally give on a Sunday so that they can be made when we re-start worship (alternatively please get in touch with Jean Barnes who will be able to explain how your giving can continue on a regular basis).

In your prayers could I ask that you remember the following:

Those working on our building, people who have lost their jobs or had their wages cut, foodbank beneficiaries, the lonely and isolated, those suffering with the symptoms of Covid 19 and those many many people who are putting their health at risk to serve others.

Finally, I offer a prayer written by the President of the Conference:

Loving God

If we are ill, strengthen us

If we are tired

Fortify our spirits

If we are anxious

Help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.

Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders!

Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves

Fix our eyes on your story

And our hearts on your grace

Help us always to hold fast to the good and see the good in others.

And remember there is just one world, one hope,

One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.

In Jesus we make our prayer,

The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,

In whom we trust, these days and all days. Amen

 

God Bless you,

Luke

 

 

Welcome to the Linacre web site, Linacre Methodist Mission is a Grade II Listed Building that has stood at the heart of this neighbourhood, known locally as Linacre, for over 100 years and has long been the hub for both community and social functions in this corner of Litherland, as well as offering God’s love and the challenge of the Gospel to the local community.

Our Mission Statement

As a church family and as followers of Jesus, we are called to love and worship God and to further our care for each other and to serve the community. We seek to raise awareness of world issues and actively work for peace and justice and the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable.

 

As a faith community our calling is to respond to the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love in action, encouraging people to accept the challenge of living the Christian way of life. We would help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care and accepting each other’s differences, be a good neighbour to people in need, challenging injustice in our community.