Dear friends
I recently read in the book ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May, that robins don’t migrate in winter unlike many other UK birds, that their bright plumage stands out even on the greyest days and they sing all the way through the darkest months. Occasionally other birds will sing in winter but its often to ward off other predators, but robins sing because they can, even though its far too early to attract a female robin in Spring, its as if they are ‘practicing for happier times’. They sing for now and they sing for what is to come.
Psalm 59 by David is entitled in my bible: “For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.” David sings of his enemies being close, but he also sings……”But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (psalm 59:16)
In Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas sing in their prison chains before the prison chains came loose and the prison doors flew open. And Jesus sang with his friends before going to the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:26)
Sometimes we sing and we don’t know why. Sometimes we sing and it doesn’t seem to ‘fit’ with what happening around us.
Like the robin, it stands out in a sea of grey. Like the robin, we sing because we can. Like the robin, our song has lots of different notes, tones and variations. And sometimes it’s a song of promise, for happier times to come.
Maybe it’s a good reminder in wintertime that we each have a song. The song connects with who we are. How do we encourage others in their song?
This week some of us have been at the fresh streams leadership conference. John has written a short article for the website here Fresh Streams 2024 – discipleship in theory and in the real world – Moortown Baptist Church
The theme was discipleship. To continue the song analogy, you could say it was about recognising the songs being sung in the land now, singing alongside others even in the darkest times and encouraging others with a song of hope… with a lot of practical steps along the way. If you want to catch any of the main sessions they are free on youtube at the Fresh Streams Youtube channel, at this link (106) Fresh Streams – YouTube. This years conference is called Discipleship in a Divergent world.
Thank you to all those involved in leading and facilitating activities this week, from lunchclub to Beacon, from bible groups to crafts. We also thank those who supported, either behind the scenes and on the day, the funeral for Ralph on Friday. Do keep Tricia and her family in your prayers.
Reminder of future dates…
Sunday 21st January – 11am service in church and online with communion. Following on the story from the visit of the wise men in Matthew 2.
Sunday 21st January 7-8pm rock solid for youth
Monday 22nd January – Beacon café and warm welcome space 10-12
Tuesday 23rd January – Stepping stones for under 5’s and their carers/parents 10-11.30pm
Tuesday afternoon – house group in church
Tuesday 23rd January 3pm – missions group in church – talk to Roger Robson
Tuesday 23rd January 7.30pm Deacons meeting and Shelley
Wednesday 24th January – lunch club – see Rachel Beedle
Wednesday 24th January – Wednesday worship at 1.30pm in church. More info here on the website Wednesday Worship… following on from Lunch Club and in numbers growing rapidly – Moortown Baptist Church
Wednesday 24th January – bible study in church at 7.30pm see Ruth and Andy Berry
Thursday 25th January – craft group and warm welcome space 2-4pm
Friday 26th January – bible study in church. Talk to Robert or Carol Owen
Friday 26th January – housegroup – talk to Hilary/Jonathan Darling or Steve/Helen Olejnik
Sunday 27th January – service in church at 11am and online on our youtube channel.
Next cafe church is Sunday 4th February
There will be a pastoral team meet up after church with lunch on Sunday 11th February. More details to come.
Next whole church meeting is Tuesday 27th February.
“I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit searches:…” (Psalm 77:6)
See you soon
Shelley
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church