Dear Friends,
Yesterday in Washington a young woman, Amanda Gorman, stood up and addressed the new President and Vice-President of the United States of America, the crowd and the world. In her words:
“...a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother
can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one"
Her words resounded thoughtfully in that place which had been the sight of so much upheaval, violence and grief, where flags fluttered to represent those who could not be present and people held in their memories those who had died through COVID or violence, prejudice or poverty. She began by asking:
"When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
And ended:
"The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it”
The whole poem is an amazing call to arms, to create a world of justice and love. At its centre she said:
"But one thing is certain:
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy
and change our children's birthright”
Please don’t stick with my patchwork of quotes from a voice that deserves to be heard speaking in full. Please listen to the full poem, read it for yourself, allow it to resonate and allow yourself to respond. You can click here to hear her on the BBC website, or click here to read the full poem.
Bible Studies: Thursdays at 2.00pm and 8.00pm Uppity Women of the Bible
Do come along and join us for a look at some of the characters we don’t often consider and how their stories might inspire us and lead us further into God’s life and love. As always I’m sure there will be deep thought, inspiration, laughter and care.
Lent Studies A Methodist Way of Life
We will be running discussions on the Methodist Way of Life through Lent which will also be linked to our Sunday worship. They are likely to be offered on 4 occasions each week for you to choose which suits you best: Monday morning, Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon and evening. We hope that as many people as possible will join us.
Time to Talk
I’ll be around in my zoom room on Tuesday 26th January and Tuesday 9th February from 11.30-12.30 for anyone who wants to drop in for a chat. Anyone's welcome whether you’re coming for company or have something specific you need to talk to me about. There’s a waiting room, so if you’re held there it may be because someone’s talking about something confidential.
Do you have an old laptop or tablet?
If you have a laptop or tablet which you no longer need, it may help a child link with their online lessons at school. Please contact me and I will put you in touch with a school which might be able to use it.
My prayers are with you all.
May you know God’s peace, God’s strength and God’s love,
May you see God’s light and be light for all
Rachel
Rev Rachel Bending
Superintendent Minister
Ealing Trinity Methodist Circuit