Newsletter Aug 15th 2021

Dear Friends,
We were delighted and privileged to be able to take two weeks holiday first in Cornwall and then in Devon.
As you can imagine the scenery was amazing as always and the sight of wildflowers, the sea and Godrevy lighthouse in the distance was magnificent.

We also had the opportunity to visit the beautiful beach at Porthcurno before attending our first ever show at the outdoor Minack Theatre where as the sun set (well ok – it began to rain!) we watched a curious version of 'A Winter's Tale'.

Following 'The Great Storm' of that week which occurred overnight, a cliff top walk looking down on the crashing waves just had to be done – this turned out to be on the site where Poldark was filmed with ancient tin mines running deep below the surface of the cliff and out to sea.

It is good to return home, refreshed and renewed after time away.

I was reading: 'The Bible strongly encourages rest and relaxation. The verb "rest" is defined by Merriam-Webster as "to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength." Merriam-Webster also defines "relaxation" as "the state of being free from tension and anxiety."

In the story of creation, we read:
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so, on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (Genesis 2.2)
We note that Jesus spent time away from the crowds and went into the hills to pray and be refreshed. He was also seen on many occasions enjoying being the guest at a wedding or present at a feast with friends.

So often our lives become full of activity, or our minds become stressed through anxiety. Whilst we may not all be able to go away to be refreshed, perhaps we can find time to be kind to ourselves or enjoy a treat. As Christians we may also find our source of peace is found in God.

I found the following prayer helpful:

Jesus, I am stressed. Help me to accept your invitation to come empty and receive the rest I need.
Help me to willingly release my fear, my worries, my agenda, and my to-do list. Ease the tension and replenish my body. Silence the voices of doubt and speak Your words of truth. Remove the heaviness of my day and pour out abundantly into my life.
Fill me with Your peace, joy, and love. Fill me until the overwhelm is consumed by Your grace, and my life reflects the beauty of resting in You. Amen. (Sarah Forgrave – Inspirational Author)

Jesus said:
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

News Updates...
Tuesday Coffee Mornings are back and up and running at Alton Methodist Church.
Come along between 10 and 12noon and enjoy the company and a means of refreshment.
It was great to see so many people popping in this week and thanks to Judy and Christine for running it.

A New Venture!
Angela, Liz and other kind helpers are starting a brand-new parent and toddler group called 'Stay and Play' on Wednesday mornings from September in the church between 10 and 12noon. Do look out for fliers and pass the news on!

Willow Court Devotional Services are back – a short service led by either Philip or Rev Gordon Randall will begin once more on the first Thursday of the month at 10.30am at Willow Court.

Plans for Messy Church
We are hoping to restart Messy Church on the first Saturday of the month from October 2nd 10-12noon. If you are able to help the team to begin to make plans for this, please let Philip know of your interest or availability. It may be welcoming families on the door, helping with refreshments, overseeing a craft or being in the background helping to cut out crafts ready for the children during the week before.

Boys Brigade Parents Evening
What a great evening we had at the end of July as the BB leaders and boys welcomed parents to the Church for an evening of games, drama sketches and awards. See the September Monthly Newsletter for the full story in due course!

Sunday Worship
It is great to welcome so many of you back!
You no longer have to book; masks are personal choice, and we can now sing! You can even meet for coffee afterwards. For those of you yet to return to worship we do miss you and look forward to seeing you soon!

This Sunday's worship is led by Rev Philip Simpkins (Holy Communion) at 10am.

Hants Surrey Border Circuit services can continue to be found at www.altonmethodist.org.uk.