March 2005
Dear Friends,
Here we are a quarter of the way
through the New Year! We send our
greetings from a rather chilly London. Our earlier mild weather has given way to
cold winds and even a little snow just to remind us that winter has not gone yet!
At Methodist Central Hall we are
still in the middle of the building works but are now beginning to look towards
the end when we will be able to go back to the refurbished Great Hall and the
rest of the renewed building.
Despite the limitations of the
building, church activities have gone on in the rooms and Chapel that are still
available during the week as well as the Sunday services. We have had a visit from the Vice-President
of the Methodist Conference, Sister Myrtle Poxton who preached at both services
before an evening candlelight procession to Westminster Cathedral. Two weeks ago Rev. Captain Patrick Aldred one
of the Methodist chaplains to the forces came to preach on Home Mission
Sunday. As he is at present out with the
army in Basra, Iraq the army flew him back for
the weekend to fulfill this long standing appointment. He spoke movingly from his experience and
with great conviction and hope. He was
seen after the morning service surrounded by children with whom he was having
fascinating conversations and answering questions. In the evening he spoke about values using a
bundle of Iraqi banknotes as illustration.
Easter is early this year so we
are already looking forward to it. There
are lent groups running on 3 nights during the week. We have our Lenten cross made from the trunks
of two Christmas trees in place. Each
Sunday one more symbol of the passion is added to the base of it, and on Easter
Sunday it will be decorated with flowers bought by the congregation.
On Maundy Thursday there is a
communion service in the chapel at 7pm.
On Good Friday the 10.30am service will be led by our Chairman, Rev.
John Swarbrick. This will be followed by
hot cross buns and coffee before the 11.45am start of the Procession of Witness
up Victoria Street to Westminster Cathedral and back to Westminster Abbey. Do come and join us if you are planning to be
in London
On May 8th Rev. Dr.
Peter Graves our previous Superintendent Minister returns to preach at both
services.
We look forward to seeing any of
you who are in London. Thank you for your support and prayers for
our mission in London. Our warmest greetings to you all.
Daphne Horder
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