Cheddington Methodist Church

Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee   tel no:  01525 240083

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

A daring hope!

At our recent Representative Synod, the new District Chair, Reverend Dr Sonia Hicks asked us to share our joys and challenges.  Responding to the latter one of the circuits voiced, “Building up hope so that we can move forward.” These days it seems hard to be hopeful with so many sad incidences happening here in our beautiful country and around the world. Of the three great Christian gifts spoken of by the Apostle Paul, the most neglected is ‘hope’. We hear much in the Church about faith and love, but hope seems to be the poor relation, seldom getting much of a mention. Yet what would life be without hope.  I don’t mean hope in the sense of wishful thinking – that is simply an illusion – nor in the sense of hoping against hope. No, the hope God gives us is a confidence in the future based upon our present experience of his love. We do not know the precise details of what the future holds, yet we have the assurance that God is at work in our lives, and that one day his purpose will be fulfilled - the glories awaiting the people of God. There will be rejoicing, gladness, blossoming, and shouts of Joy.  Prominent in Isaiah is the transformation of nature – the people will see the glory of their God reflected in the restoration of nature, and the highway along which God leads his people home to Zion.  His people see his glory, the visible sign of his accompanying presence, as in the Exodus of old. They will experience a sense of renewal, as he assures them that their salvation includes a salvation from their enemies and restoration. Then eyes long blind will see, deaf ears will be opened, the lame will leap and the dumb sing for Yahweh’s crippled people will be whole again. Before them will be the highway of the new Exodus through a desert now flowing with streams. The restoration and redemption of which the prophet speaks will culminate in that day when Jesus comes to restore the present earth to himself. What we do is stimulated by the hope of a better future, a better tomorrow.  There is a mystery behind faith that is stimulated by hope.  We show kindness and generosity because we hope.  

Today the kingdom we expect may be different.  Yet we look forward to the day when God’s purpose will be fulfilled, when his will shall be done and his kingdom come on earth, but when will that be?  Do we have the courage to keep on hoping, even when everything around us seems to undermine belief?

Noreen

SERVICES FOR  2024

 We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.

"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES

For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:   

OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
This is an opportunity for all to meet/socialise each Friday morning and have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit/cake.  Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.

MEN’S GROUP:  This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon.  Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.

The Singalong Café will be held on Tuesday 8 October 2.30 –4.30 pm at the Methodist Chapel. It will be led by Karen, Cathy and Trevor who are all accomplished musicians. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone.  Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers. 

BOOKS and JIGSAWS:  We now have a small collection of Books and Jigsaws for buying or borrowing;  if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated.  Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you.  The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon.  If you have books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.

WARM SPACES:  This will continue on Fridays for all those who would like to meet together from 12 noon to 2.30 pm for a soup lunch.  Donations of  tins of soup or bread, tea/coffee or biscuits can be dropped off  at the Chapel on Fridays from 10.30 am.  This is a Churches Together initiative in conjunction with the Parish Council to whom we are most grateful for their financial support.  All enquiries to Cathy Craft email: 

LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.

Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available.   For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham,  Tel. 660205 or email .