Christmas 2021
Letter from Rev Graham Morgan, Superintendent Minister
As 2021 draws to a close, I look back on a year that has been difficult and different in so many ways. We began in lockdown and continued to reach out to one another via telephone calls, messages through the post, electronic communications, including Zoom business meetings and online services. I give thanks to everyone that rose to the challenge of those difficult days and kept the message and the business of the church alive.
Easter Day was the day in which many of our churches reopened their doors for worship though some people were cautious about rushing back through the doors.
As the year has progressed and people have been ‘jabbed’ and ‘double jabbed’ church life has begun to resemble some kind of normality though with some notable differences.
I look around and observe some of those differences; In some churches there is no longer a vestry prayer with the preacher, rather the preacher is welcomed at the beginning of the service and a prayer offered, not only for the preacher, but for the whole congregation.
The offering is made as people enter, or leave the church, meaning that the offering plates are not passed around the church which often caught unsuspecting visitors by surprise and sometimes was the cause of embarrassment.
Holy Communion is taken in our seats and all eat and drink together.
I note that, apart from special occasions, there are no evening services on a Sunday but I also note that some churches, that previously held evening services, are thinking imaginatively about worship being offered mid-week.
Some of those changes have become the ‘new norm’ and there is a reluctance to go back to the way that things were because the way that things are now are working so well.
Amidst the changes, we still worship the one who changes not. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
This causes me to look forward as we approach a new year. If the last year or so has taught us anything, it has surely taught us that the unexpected can happen and ultimately, the message of Advent is look out because one day, Jesus will return to this world of ours. Whatever 2022 brings, and some churches need to have difficult conversations and have difficult decisions to make, let us (look up) “fix our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2
As 2022 draws near I pray that you have a happy and blessed Christmas. Let us look ahead with confidence knowing that our God has gone before us, walks with us and has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us.
With Christian love and prayers, Graham

You are invited to join the Sewing Bee sessions which take place in term times on Tuesdays 1.15 – 3.15pm at Gallows Close (see poster attached). The group is joining the Big Stitch 2022 and more information about this project is also attached. Go to https://bigideasbythesea.com or contact Emma & Diane at sowingbee13@gmail.com

This takes place on Saturday 11^th December 11am – 3pm. It includes stalls, food and the Cayton Calypso Steel Band. All Welcome. The service is on Sunday 11^th December at 10.30am and is followed by coffee and mince pies. All welcome.

Carol singing will take place on Saturday 11th December at the Memorial Gardens Filey 10.30 to 11.30 accompanied by members of the Salvation Army Band. All are welcome.

In response to questions relating to guidance regarding the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and the absence of connexional advice, the circuit recommends that we encourage people to use sanitiser when entering the church, to wear masks whilst moving around the church and to continue to respect one another’s space.

Advent Candle Reflections from North Yorkshire Coast Methodist Circuit by Julie Fairweather

Filey Fishermen’s Choir Sing-along-Carols Concert

At Irton Garden Centre on Wednesday 8^th December at 7pm. All Welcome

A warm invitation to a morning of Advent Reflections on Thursday December 2nd at Filey Methodist Church. 

Coffee and cake from 10am till 10-30 when a short time of worship and reflection begins. All very welcome.

Please note this event, including the carol singing, was cancelled on Thursday 25th. November, due to anticipated named storm scheduled to hit the area on Saturday 27th. Apologies to all.

Members of Hawsker Methodist Church are delighted to announce the return of ‘Tea on the Green’ on Tuesday 26^th October.

Tea, coffee and delicious home-made cakes will be served in the Sunday School room at the chapel between 2.00 and 4.00, and it is hoped that friends old and new will come along to enjoy the food and a chat.

There is no charge, but any donations will be used to help us buy new pew runners, samples of which can be tried out!