News and Coming Up

Today (20^th) is our Harvest Festival led by the Reverend Mandy Briggs. We normally collect gifts of food, both fresh and tinned/ packeted, to pass on to the Bristol Methodist Centre. However, this year this will not be possible. If you would like to make a financial donation instead, a plate will be available on the day. If you would like to donate but cannot be at the service, you can send a cheque to Peter, made payable to Kingswood Methodist Church. Or you can donate via the internet, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/harvestfestival2020

Although the Centre is not currently able to welcome onto the premises the people they serve, they are providing food and other items by way of a door service.

If you are coming to the service please let Peter know, by telephone or email, so that he can reserve you a seat. His details are at the end of this Newsletter.

Mandy will be talking about All We Can on Sunday morning here is a link to their website should you wish to find out more: allwecan.org.uk

Ideally everyone should wear a mask the whole time they are in the building. However, it is recognised that, for a few people, for varying reasons, this is difficult, if not impossible. For such people it will be acceptable for them to wear a mask just when entering and leaving the premises. Whilst the service is running, they may remove the mask. Please let us know this when booking.

Shoe Box Appeal - Liz will again be in the car park after the service today with shoe boxes and leaflets in case anyone needs one. If you are unable to attend Church but would like a box, please let Liz know and she will drop one round to you. Please note that filled boxes cannot be left in the Church this year and should be given to Liz by 10^th November. You don't need to wait until November to let her have them.

Our next service is on Sunday 4^th October and will be led by the Chair of the District, the Reverend Jonathan Pye. Seat bookings can be made from Friday 25^th September.

The fact that we are now open for worship should not be taken as an indication that other groups can start meeting again: this is most definitely NOT the case. Other than for worship, anyone who wants to enter the premises must contact Helen Shears first. 

If you cannot get to church but would still like to make your offertory, there are a number of ways of doing this. One way is to send Peter a cheque, made payable to Kingswood Methodist Church (the bank will not accept just KMC). Another way is to set up a monthly direct debit, Peter can provide the details. A 3^rd way is to ask Peter to call on you and collect your envelopes – he can then also deliver your new ones.

Lectionary for 20^th to 26^th September. Jonah 3.10-4.11; Psalm 145.1-8; Philippians 1.21-30; Matthew 20.1-16. I don’t know what to choose. Paul explains his personal struggles to the Philippians. He says that their struggles are like his. He wants to appear encouraging and commends them for their approach to life in the faith. Explore: knowing and choosing your path, and sticking to it when it is difficult.

It has been announced that it will not be possible to hold ‘Carols and Steam/ this year.

A Harvest Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the many ways in which you provide for us: Food, family, friendship, housing, health, happiness, And ways to use our time and talents. We lift to you too the ways in which we remain in need of these things. God of generosity, may your kingdom come. We pray for people in our community and beyond who are facing unemployment, ill-health, isolation or money worries at this time, and especially for those who are unable to afford enough to eat. We pray for supportive relationships, practical provision and real hope. God of compassion, may your kingdom come. Thank you that you call us to play our part, working with you and with others to bring about change. We pray for political decision-makers and leaders: Give them courage and insight to develop policies and systems that support the flourishing of all, so that even in challenging times, no-one goes hungry and everyone has dignity. God of justice, may your kingdom come. Thank you for those who are serving and caring for others, in churches, in charities, and public services, in our neighbourhoods, in our homes, and in many other contexts. Would you please give them strength, rest and perseverance. As they work to support others, we ask that they too would receive all they need to thrive. God of love, may your kingdom come. Amen

A Newsletter will be produced as usual for next Sunday (27^th). The deadline is 10pm Thursday 24^th.

.Our Preachers for the next 3 months are:

20^th Sept – Rev Mandy Briggs (Harvest Festival)

4^th Oct – Rev Jonathan Pye, Chair of the District (Ladies Circle Anniversary/ Holy Communion)

18^th Oct – Rev P. J. Jackson (on the theme of Black History month)

8^th Nov – Forward Maisokwadzo (Remembrance Sunday)

22^nd Nov – Rev P. J. Jackson (Holy Communion)

The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.