Author Archive
Posted on March 7, 2010 - by Tim L
Lent 3 - Light and wisdom
A Commission for Mission
(On the occasion of the commissioning of Joy Hatfield as Youth worker at the Bridge)
“…..We began as a discipleship movement within the wider Church, a society of people seeking holiness and engaging in worship and mission. In Wesley’s time and through succeeding generations we have continually adapted to circumstances to fulfil that calling as effectively as possible. It is still Our Calling today. And mission has never been more needed than it is now….”
“….We live in a world where people need to hear the word of God in a language they can understand, where they need to see the love of God through people like us and experience it as good news for themselves. We live in a world where not enough people are being attracted and formed into disciples of Jesus Christ, responding to the promptings of the Spirit….”
“….It is our DNA as a people to be a group of disciples who are committed to glorifying God in worship, to holiness and to being obedient and active in mission….”
It is to that ends that this group of people here have searched for God and his enabling Spirit. Our desire, our vision is to make and grow more Disciples of Jesus Christ.
To that end we have laboured; over funding applications, over prayer, over seeking God’s face, There have been days of fast, days of prayer, hard talking, questioning and we have got to this point. We have not arrived by any means. But this is a new chapter on the journey.
We have raised over £150 000 in grant monies.
To that end we now have half time youthworker.
Vision becomes reality.
The Spirit breathes life.
God is faithful to those who follow him.
The Bridge is affirmed in what it does and how it does it.
(Tim asks Barbara and Joy to come forward)
The work to which Joy is appointed is particularly concerned with youth work here at the Bridge and within the local community. She is called to work with young people in a Bridge like way.
Joy, we rejoice that you are now to exercise this ministry within the life and mission of the Bridge. In your work you will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Barbara: Do you believe that you are called by God to serve as a Lay Worker in this Circuit?
Joy: I do.
Barbara: Will you accept the discipline of the Church, and work with us in its mission and ministry?
Joy: With God’s help I will.
Barbara: Will you be faithful in walking with Jesus Christ in your life 24/7?
Joy: With God’s help I will.
Then Barbara said:
Let us pray.
Faithful God, we thank you that Joy has offered herself as a Lay Worker in your Church. Uphold her by your love and enable her by your Spirit, that through her ministry your Church may be strengthened and your name may be glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tim invites Paul, Claire and Ruth to come forward and pray for Joy. Gifts are exchanged.
The Commissioning comes to and end
Turn to a neighbour and discuss the following;
Who has been a leading light for you?
Who has guided you?
Who has been a source of wisdom?
What came into existence was Life,
and the Life was Light to live by.
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;
the darkness couldn’t put it out.There once was a man, his name John,
sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light.
He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in.
John was not himself the Light;
he was there to show the way to the Light.
The Life-Light was the real thing:
Every person entering Life
he brings into Light.
He was in the world,
the world was there through him,
and yet the world didn’t even notice.John 1 : 4 - 10 (The Message)
I am not sure if some you will remember when the eclipse happened in the summer of 1999 in this country. Do you know what I remember the most about that? It was the cold, I remember thinking apart from the fact that is was dark, but it was how cold it went so quickly in the middle of the day. I remember too the birds singing, it was a strange event.
This week we have some wonderful sunny days which have been most welcome after the cold winter. Some of you might say we have had a proper winter! I remember driving the car during the week and looking at the thermometer on the car dash and noticed it had reached double figures for the first time in what seemed like ages. The prescience of the sun can put a spring in our steps and a smile on our faces. We look for signs of spring. Some will even spend a few minutes just soaking up the rays of the sun, the warmth, the brightness,
Why is it that we have street lights?
They were first used in Greek and Romans times as way of providing security to the population. Moseley Street in Newcastle upon Tyne was the first street to be light with electric lights in this country. I am not sure how much that says about Moseley Street or Newcastle upon Tyne
Nowadays we have ’security lighting’ on our houses to deter burglars. Streets that are lit well are safer and more secure.
Have you ever been to one of those restaurants that has created mood lighting. I always think they do it so you cannot see exactly what it is that you are eating. It begs the question what do they have to hide?
Why is it that back alleys are places that we fear to go?
The start of John’s gospel which we read at the beginning is all about light. In the Message version we have the Light talked about as Life-Light. It was there at the creation of the world and everyone who enters into Life he brings into the Light.
When did you last just sit and bathe in the Light of the world? When did you last just sit and be warmed by the creator of the sun?
The writer of Psalm 18 says these words.
You have turned on my light! The Lord my God has made my darkness turn to light.
Psalm 18 : 28 (The Living Bible)
I think he knew how to sit and bathe in the light, and I not talking about the sun. I think he knew what it was to have God in his life bringing light, dispelling darkness.
There are times when sitting in the light can be painful for us. It might be something which we shy away from because it is too bright, or too hard. We are afraid of what the light might show up, our own imperfections, the diet on which we feed ourselves, our selfishness, the sin that leads us into darkness and away from the light.
Is that you sometimes? Do you shy away? Do you hide yourself?
If you do I would just like to remind you of the security that can come from being in the light.
Followers of Jesus are also called to be light ourselves. Read what is says in Matthew’s Gospel
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Matthew 5 : 14 - 16 (The Message)
It’s not easy shining, standing out from the crowd, being noticed. We might find it easier to wear a bucket and go around anonymous and in darkness. We are called to share the light with others so that they might find security, safety and life in a relationship with the Light of the World.
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Tim L
Commission for Mission
You are welcome to join us on Sunday 7th March for a special presentation to “commission for mission”, Joy Hatfield, our Youth worker. Joy started work in January but it is important for us recognise her specific task, gifts and skills but more importantly to ask God to bless her and the work she will be doing.
All are welcome at 5.10 pm at Hastings High school, Burbage.
Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Tim L
Venture FX
The Methodist Church has always taken seriously the need to make the good news of Jesus Christ known to all people and especially those who don’t easily connect with the church. The Pioneering Ministries Scheme is a bold and exciting initiative to reach young adults with no Christian heritage. Over the next five years it is planned to identify 20 people with the gifts to pioneer new Christian communities among people of this age group, and 20 locations where this can happen.
The scheme is named venture FX to reflect its objective, which is to establish fresh expressions of church in new places and in new ways within a culture of holy risk-taking. The scheme is intended to complement the grass roots development of fresh expressions throughout the church and will add a strategic dimension to what is already happening, by focusing on this age-group and by releasing those who are identified as having pioneering gifts to devote their energy and vision to this task.
For more information go to VentureFX
and if you like blogs go the VentureFX blog (complete with link to the Bridge’s website)
Posted on February 28, 2010 - by Tim L
Lent 2 - Nourishment
We’re continuing our theme of being on a journey and what are the things that count as travel essentials? Many of us would say that in life we are on a journey, we’re not always sure where it is heading but the optimistic amongst us usually hope it’s the right direction.
Here at the Bridge we try to think through being equipped for that journey - what are the things that we need? Last week we focussed on direction and knowing where we are going.
This week we’re focussing on nourishment or as Wikipedia sets out the provision, to cells and organism, of food to support life
If you’re heading off on a journey do you stop to think about or where you will eat during the day? Or does it just occur to you later in the day that maybe you need to eat?
Every day we can make choices that help ensure we get healthy nourishment for our journey. But we don’t always make the right choices we often choose things that will give us a short boost or rush of energy. Some foods fill you up to start with but quickly leave you feeling hungry.
There are six major classes of nutrients in food that we need to eat in the right balance so that we can stay healthy. They are:
Carbohydrates - bread/pasta/potatoes
Fats - cheese/milk/butter
Minerals - zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium = cereals
Protein - meat, cheese
Vitamin - Vit C - oranges, Vit D - fish, Vit A liver/carrots
Water - the tap!
Its often easier though to take the quick fix, we’re hungry and in a rush. Let’s just look which is the healthier and which would you choose?
OJ or Coke
Brown or white bread
Fruit or French Fancy
Baked beans or Pot Noodle
Our bible reading today happens after Jesus has fed the five thousand with just bread and fish. In one way we can think of it as a poor meal not one we could get excited about, but it’s certainly a lot healthier than some of the food we eat today. God wants us to take care of the bodies that he has given us, he wants us to be healthy and full of energy but we have to join in and help too.
Let’s talk about it to God about the temptations and challenges that food can often bring to our lives.
Youtube clip go and watch You are what you eat
I used to watch this quite regularly, it used to make me stop and think about just how much food I consumed in a week. Just stop for a minute and think about what have you eaten today.
25When they found him back across the sea, they said, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26Jesus answered, “You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs-and for free.
27″Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last.”
28To that they said, “Well, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?”
29Jesus said, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.”
30They waffled: “Why don’t you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what’s going on? When we see what’s up, we’ll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. 31Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32Jesus responded, “The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. 33The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world.”
34They jumped at that: “Master, give us this bread, now and forever!”
35Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.
John 6:25-35 (The Message)
We’ve spent a lot of this evening focussing on food and how we keep our bodies nourished for the daily task of living. But its important that we don’t just focus us in on whether we have a healthy diet. Jesus’ words in the book of John’s talk about him being the Bread of Life but what does that actually mean?
As I said earlier this conversation between Jesus and the people has taken place after the feeding of the five thousand. These are a people for whom the daily grind of putting food on the table is hard work. If the crop fails or the fishing trip is unsuccessful then they go hungry. For Jesus to say to them I am the Bread of Life is like a large supermarket moving into their town with no cashiers or checkouts to pay at. If Jesus can provide them with everlasting bread - long life bread, then they need never go hungry again.
In the world we live that’s not necessarily such a great deal is it? OK we might like the fact that Jesus is offering us food for free, that would save us a huge amount of money and that in its turn might save us heartache about earning a living or the state of our pension. But we don’t tend to go short of food, even if we don’t eat the right kind of food, I’m not sure that many of us in this room go hungry. So if jesus was trying to get this message across to us today what he being saying “I am the what? Of life. Just think for a minute if you wanted an easier life what could Jesus tempt you with…..
Better health, fitter bodies, more money, promotion, an interesting job, a new partner, a better relationship with a family member or a friend, happy and successful children…
I am the £ sign of life,
I am the new job of life,
I am the bigger house of your life,
I am the size 12 of life.
I am the fixer of relationships
What would it be that Jesus could offer you that would have rushing to his side to find out more.
The problem here for us, just as it was for the people around the lake, is that we’d be getting excited about the wrong thing. We’d be rushing to Jesus’ side for the wrong thing. Long life bread, renewed health, more money, more fulfilling work, the future of our children.
Jesus understands this now just as he says to the people then
You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs-and for free.
This is real, Jesus understands the things that motivate us and inspire us. But he still sets out the challenge. Has come to come offer an easier way of life, to solve all of our problems, to give us a happy life. That’s not a journey of friendship and companionship. That’s an unhealthy sugar daddy relationship where we always beholden to him for the things we want out of life.
Jesus throws out a stiffer challenge “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.”
To go back to the food analogy we get to make the choice. We can regularly choose the quick fix, the French fancy, the chocolate bar, the packet of crisps but then we shouldn’t be surprised if we are lacking in energy, under the weather and overweight which is not the way that God created these wonderful, heavenly bodies to be. Not fulfilling the potential that God has designed into our physical bodies.
Nourishment is not just meeting our physical needs, its also our emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs. Regardless of our nationality, language, or individual tastes. As we need food, so do we need emotional nourishment: love, kindness, appreciation, and support from others. We need intellectual stimulation and we need spiritual resources.
Be aware of what it is that would draw you to Jesus, more food, more money, successful or happy children, improved health and then think about the choices you make -
Are they poor quality economy choices that keep you alive but little else, choices that are fine while they last but they soon fade. The choices we make in life we need to make with Jesus at our side, we need to be able to hear what he is saying, to listen the small quiet voice which often prompts us but which we ignore. Our journey in life needs the kind of nourishment that is longer lasting and keeps us going through the ups and downs of life.
listen to what Jesus actually says
35Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.
When Jesus says to you I am the…. Of life - you fill in the blank.
He’s offering you opportunity to come to him - hungry as you are
What is Jesus to you? The I am the ….. of your life?? Ponder on it, talk to God about it during the week
Posted on February 26, 2010 - by Tim L
Robin Hood Tax
A tiny tax on bankers that would give billions to tackle poverty and climate change, here and abroad.
This tax on banks - not you or I - has the power to raise hundreds of billions every year. It could give a vital boost to the NHS, our schools, and the fight against child poverty in the UK - as well as tackling poverty and climate change around the world.
Not complicated. Just brilliant.
Go to to watch a great clip
How it works
The Robin Hood Tax is a tiny tax on bankers that would raise billions to tackle poverty and climate change, at home and abroad.
By taking an average of 0.05% from speculative banking transactions, hundreds of billions of pounds would be raised every year.
That’s easily enough to stop cuts in crucial public services in the UK, and to help fight global poverty and climate change.
Why now?
Because of the financial crisis, frontline services at home - like the NHS and our schools - are under fire.
At the same time, poor communities and the environment are being hit hard - as aid and green budgets are slashed by rich countries.
So it’s time for the people who caused this mess to pay to clean it up.
For more info go to
Posted on February 23, 2010 - by Tim L
Well worth a listen….
Bishop Graham Cray, the leader of Fresh Expressions, gives an very interesting podcast on the mission reality we face in the UK and some fascinating thoughts on lay leadership and discipleship.
Posted on February 21, 2010 - by Tim L
Lent 1 - Direction
If you make a journey what counts as travel essentials?
I dare say each one of us would answer in a different way. You might even have a list that you keep on a computer or on a piece of paper that you get out before you go on holiday. You might not be that organised and just gather it all together in the last half hour as it comes into your head.
What would you take on a journey with you?
Many of us would day we are on a journey, one that is more spiritual in nature, but it has some very earthy impact. What are the travel essentials for that journey?
What do you need to put in the rucksack to carry with you?
Discussion - Where are you?
There is a sort of map here on the screen for you to look at - Where are you? Where does it feel like you are at this season of your life?
Turn and talk to someone about where you are
“Follow the Yellow Brick Road. Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow, follow, follow, follow,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow the Yellow Brick, Follow the Yellow Brick,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”
Sang by Dorothy in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz.
Do you know where you going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you?
From the classic song by Diana Ross that was a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
“You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen.”
Bono in the clip you have just seen called Walk on. How can you pack for somewhere none of us have been to?
The recent TV series hit from the USA called Lost has featured a group who survived a plane crash on a desert island
Lostness, or a lack of direction is as old as what it is to be human.
Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you know what it is like to be lost?
Have you ever been completely lost?
Have you ever had the map in your hand but have still no idea where you are?
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”
Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?”
Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!”
John 14:1-7 (The Message)
Now we have to set the passage in it’s context. Jesus is in Jerusalem with his Disciples at the time of the biggest festival in the Jewish calendar - the Passover. Jesus has told the Disciples he is going to die, he has washed their feet as an act of service, he has told them of his betrayal and has now told them they will all desert him. The Disciples cannot follow the way he is going right now but the time will come when they will. Peter has said he will do anything for Jesus, even die for him.
Then, in the midst of all this bad news, all this gloom, all this turmoil Jesus asks them to trust him and in His Father.
Jesus knows where he is going but he also knows where the Disciples are going and there is plenty of room. Jesus will get things ready and he will be back for them. Trust me.
And then Thomas comes up with this wonderful question, “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way” Sound familiar, Sounds like lostness or a lack of direction. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way” A child to a parent, a passenger to a driver, a friend to another friend, a student to a teacher, anyone to God,
I am not sure where you put yourself on the jelly baby map. Maybe you are on a high, maybe in the depths, struggling to keep afloat, maybe you don’t know,
Jesus says to Thomas and the Disciples I am The Road, The Truth and The Life.
Jesus being The Road or the Way - Difficult concept to get you head around. Jesus says he is the way, but how does that work, what does that mean?
The way the truth and the life has often been used as a doctrinal statement of who is in and who is out, but what happens if this statement by Jesus is an invitation.
It is an invitation to walk. An invitation to walk with Jesus. It is when we walk with Jesus that we are on the Road, we are on the way.
Dorothy followed the yellow brick road with her companions, the way was yellow and easy to see. I think Bono might have been more right that it might possibly have first seemed.
“You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen.”
That does not make it easy unless you put in the context of joining with Jesus on the journey he is making.
If you are lost who do you trust for direction?
Try Jesus, join him on his Road, on his Way.
Posted on February 12, 2010 - by Tim L
Shrove Tuesday 16th Feb
Mmmm. What a great way to start the season of Lent
You are invited to a pancake evening, anytime between 16:30 - 20:00 on Tuesday 16th February at Darren & Helen Bishton’s, 56, Falconer’s Green,Burbage
Can I bring anything? Yes, please toppings for your pancakes
For more information, please contact Helen on (01455) 250468
Posted on February 12, 2010 - by Tim L
Badminton 19th Feb
Please note there will be note badminton during half term week - Friday 19th Feb.
Back to normal on 26th Feb. Thanks
Posted on February 10, 2010 - by Tim L
Quiet Day
HINCKLEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
LED BY REVD PAT OLIVENT-HAYES
(Superintendent Minister - North Norfolk Circuit)
Does God need to do a work IN US before He can do a work THROUGH US?
What does the Lord require of you?
‘O that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory’
SATURDAY 13 MARCH 10AM - 3PM
(Please bring a packed lunch)
at
NEWBOLD VERDON METHODIST CHURCH
ALL WELCOME!