Sorry Readers ! The Editor clicked 'send' a little too quickly this morning, leaving out some important items. The upside is that you get more to read on this wet Saturday morning ! 

You can ignore the earlier 'Contact' and immerse yourselves in this one now instead.

Normal service may be resumed next week.

Message from Annie

Recently, I had a church member ask me following a worship service, “how are you always so joyful?” I responded with a big smile and said, “I’m not!” Just like you, I go through the ups and downs of life, stress, and struggle with what is going on in the world. I also personally wrestle with anxiety, and sometimes depression. And yet, for my whole life people have commented on how I am always smiling, and that I have this light within me that always shines. I have also wondered how this could be so, because even when I am not feeling happy or positive, still this joy I exude around others seems to persist. What is going on?

A few weeks ago during my own prayer time, I had an “aha!” moment (some might call it an epiphany). I finally realized that my joy is not always coming from me and my own circumstances…but is the deep indwelling joy that Paul speaks of in his letter to the Philippians, as well as the abiding joy mentioned in other parts of Scripture. It is the joy of Christ that cannot help but shine, despite my own fleeting feelings, because it is meant to be shared with others. It is the love of God made real through me, and even sometimes in spite of me. Wow!

Beginning 14th June and going through 5th July, you are invited to experience and learn about that kind of joy in Paul’s letter to the Philippians as we celebrate Bible Month! Over 4 weeks we will be focusing on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians in Sunday morning worship. This letter shows us that joy is not the absence of difficulty but the presence of Christ in every circumstance.

Across four weeks, you’ll discover:

• 14th June: Joy that endures – Paul’s call to rejoice, even in hardship, rooted in confidence in God’s goodness.

• 21st June: Christ-like humility – the famous “Christ hymn” in chapter 2, showing Jesus’ self-giving love as our model.

• 28th June: Pressing on in faith – discipleship as a lifelong journey of growth and perseverance.

• 5th July Grace and peace – learning contentment and generosity in every circumstance.

Want to go deeper? You can further study Philippians in these easy ways:

• 30-Day Reading Guide and Devotional: Hard copies are available for free in the vestibule, or click here to download a PDF version

• Journaling Kit: click here to learn more

I hope you will find Bible Month meaningful as we read through Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, and that you find the deep abiding joy that is promised through Christ.

Blessings,

Revd. Annie

Church Flowers

This week's Church flowers have very kindly been provided by Edith Pratt, in memory of Roger Pratt.

Judith & Marjorie say thank you very much for remembering their birthdays and helping them in various ways to celebrate.

Local Arrangements

To date, as far as I am aware, no-one has offered to take on the next LA service which is on the 28^th June. If arrangements are in hand, could you please let me know as ensuring services are in place are part of my remit as Senior Worship Steward.

The service falls toward the end of Bible Month and there are plenty of resources available to help put a service together. Myself or Annie has the link.

The Title for week 3 is Pressing on in Faith – discipleship as a lifelong journey of growth and perseverance.

Blessings

Pauline

You're all invited to a Wedding !

Suzanne Bottomley & Steven Rudley invite you to attend their wedding ceremony to be held here at YMC on Sunday 21st June at 3pm. A full Church would provide a wonderful witness to their big day !

Action For Children - a big THANK YOU !

Grateful thanks to the 11 box holders and 7 individuals and the Tuesday Fellowship Group who gave generous donations for ACTION FOR CHILDREN (the Methodist Church's own Charity) this year. I have just sent off a cheque for £677.20, which is a wonderful amount (and £87.38 more than last year's total.)

Please keep up the good work everyone so that vulnerable children and their families can continue to be supported.

Marjorie Emsley (Action For Children Representative).

Birthdays & Anniversaries in June

On the 13^th Eve Woodhead celebrates her birthday, and on the 16^th Chris Holmes is a birthday girl. A week later, Susan Barker & Gillian Greenwood celebrate their birthdays. It would be indiscreet to say which birthday, but I'm sure we all remember their joint 70^th last year. 

Anniversaries in June begin early on with Sue & Roy Dixon celebrating on the 6^th, and congratulations to Sandra & Phil Farman who celebrate on the 25th.

(Very early notice that Audrey Thompson has her birthday on the 7^th July)

Thank You !

Thank you to Rev Cayte Norman for using Christian Aid as the theme for worship last Sunday - and to everyone who made a contribution to help the work of Christian Aid. 

Donations amounted to £226.50, which is a lovely sum. Included in this total are gift-aided donations amounting to £122.50, which means that Christian Aid will receive an extra 25% (just over £30) at no cost to those who were able to Gift Aid their contributions.

MHA Service ... and Cake Stall !!

A quick reminder (especially for the bakers) that this  Sunday 7^th June has been designated as our MHA support service and will be led by Roberta Topham who is the chaplain for MHA locally, and ....

... Pam is organising the cake stall again this year, after coffee on the day. We have some excellent bakers around (no names mentioned) so delicious creations are possible and will be gratefully received for sale with proceeds going to further MHA work.

Beta Bible Study Group

The BETA Bible study group will meet on Tuesday Evening 9th June at 7.30pm in the Hall or Vestibule, depending on which area is free.

Another 'thank you'!

Thank you to everyone for helping to raise £96.13 for the Mission work. The New Mission magazine is available in the vestibule.

Rev Annie's Contact Info

Mobile txt/call: 07475 467023
Email: annie.baker-streevy@methodist.org.uk
Sabbath/Day Off: Fridays

Please note that Annie will NOT be using the manse landline number. If you need to reach her, please text or call her mobile number. She will not answer this number on her Sabbath, but you can leave a voice message and she will get back to you promptly if it is an emergency.

Keep up to date with circuit information by clicking here to read  "The Lookout" . 

We are now connected !

WiFi is available in the Sanctuary, Vestibule and Hardwick Hall. You should select 'YMC WiFi' for the Network, and the password is 'YMC2024!!'.