Dear friends in Christ,
It is with great pleasure that I forward to you an act of worship for you to use tomorrow. A copy to read/print is attached or you can join me in a recording I made at Rothwell Meth. Church by following:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp6ihFcaypo&list=PLuxEuCS161Y5w0Lw-z3wwfa6UrI-ubirS&index=1
Please will you pray for me, and the congregation gathering at Central as we celebrate Holy Communion for the first time since early Lent. This will be an emotional time. Leading Holy Communion is one of the humblest yet joyous duty of any minister. I have missed this more than anything during the continuing pandemic. Also, this is the last day that Maureen Ownsworth, Kate Horrix, and Phillip Rice will have a dispensation to share in this ministry. We give thanks for their dedication and service.
For the past year it has been my privilege to lead this Circuit. So much has happened in these twelve months. Most of it unforeseen or unplanned. Covid-19 has certainly challenged our usual modes of worship and mission. Thank you for your faithfulness, grace, patience, generosity, and kindness. I feel very blessed to be with you. You certainly offer encouragement and peace.
From 1st September, Rev. Noel Nhariswa technically takes pastoral charge at Burton Latimer, Cottingham and Central. He is still in Zimbabwe awaiting a Visa in order that he can book flights. We hope he will arrive during early September, and commence his ministry on 1st October. We have messaged/emailed/spoken with each other daily for some time. He longs to here with us. The feeling is mutual. In the meantime, I continue to have oversight of all of the Circuit Churches and shared oversight at St Giles Church.
Fiona will continue as Circuit Administrator and Lay Pastoral Worker for a few more weeks until Noel is settled and we can discern the best way forward.
Thank you for the many offer for toys and games for Anopaishe and Isheanesu.
We held a Junior Church Picnic earlier this day in Wicksteed Park. Not the warmest or driest of afternoons. Yet a time for renewal of fellowship. Our thanks are given to Caroline Barratt for organising the event. We plan to run virtual Messy Church style events for all children (of any age) in this Circuit, and hope soon that the Uniform Groups will be able to commence to meet.
So, I wish you a 'Happy New (Methodist) Year'. Let us hope and pray that we continue to feel the presence of God amongst us leading and guiding, comforting and encouraging.
Andrew
Rev. Andrew Farrington l Superintendent Minister
Kettering & Corby Circuit 23/19 :
Burton Latimer, Central – Kettering, Cornerstone – Corby, Cottingham, Desborough – St Giles LEP, Rothwell | The Methodist Church
+44 (0)7985 308637
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp6ihFcaypo&list=PLuxEuCS161Y5w0Lw-z3wwfa6UrI-ubirS&index=1
Registered Charity no. 1135378