A Reflection by Alan:
‘The New Methodist Year’ by Alan (Crowle) Hymn: ‘And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviours blood. Died He for me, who caused His pain. For me, who Him to death pursued. Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
The New Methodist Year: We Methodist Christians have two ‘New Years’. This one, starting in September (and echoing the educational year), marks a new annual cycle of Church events and celebrations. This new year can pass by almost unnoticed, or be seen merely as the beginning of a well-rutted routine, now largely missing any sense of purpose or passion.
We consider how ‘the year of our Lord’ might be lived out by those who desire to be better disciples of Jesus Christ. We are challenged as Methodists to seek to bring one person to faith in Christ over the year. So, what are we going to volunteer for this year? How are we going to make a difference, to transform the world, if only our little bit of it, for good and for God, this year?
We want to respond to God’s faithfulness, we want to support those things that deepen discipleship and expand our partnering in the mission of God in the world. But as with everything else, this needs resources.
The Methodist Way of Life is a way of living. It is how we try to live our lives in response to God’s love, made known to us in Jesus. The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
As far as we are able, with God’s help we will worship regularly, pray daily and listen for God in Scripture, and the world. As we are learning we will care for ourselves and those around us. We will learn more about our faith and we will practise hospitality and generosity. We will help people in our communities and beyond. We will look after for creation and all God’s gifts. We will challenge injustice and we will speak of the love of God. We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus and we will share our faith with others.
We are a church that exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care.
We are a church which is adapting in a changing world.
We are a church that is part of a larger connected community, the Methodist Connexion.
We are a church of young and old.
We are a church that takes worship seriously.
We are a church where there is room for doubt and questions.
We are a church that exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice.
We are a church that is yearning to serve it’s community.
We are a church where welcome is important.
We are a church where the welcome is for everyone.
We are a church that exists to make more followers of Jesus Christ.
We are a church with challenges.
We are a church with opportunities.
We are a church that exists to increase awareness of God’s presence and and to celebrate God’s love.
Hymn: Come, let us anew our journey pursue, Roll round with the Methodist year, and never stand still till the Master appear. His adorable will let us gladly fulfil, and our talents improve by the patience of hope and the labour of love.
Bible Readings:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19). For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). In his heart a person plans their course, but the Lord determines their steps (Proverbs16:9). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). A prayer for the new Methodist year: God of love, God for all, your purposes are more beautiful than we can possibly imagine. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us let go of all that holds us back. Open our lives and our churches to new seasons of humility and faith, of change and growth. Shake us up with the Good News of Jesus and show us the way. Lord, we come to you in adoration for all that you have done for us over our lives.
We pray for a new beginning to help us to bring our churches into the coming year, which will encompass everyone. We pray for all of our Churches and all who work lovingly to bring your message to all those around them. We pray that we can all have open minds and hearts for your love and the ability to spread that love throughout the world. Amen
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Luke 12:27-28)