Dear Friends
Well, it has certainly been an eventful week.
We are currently juggling quite a few things around so do remember to check in to our facebook page or the website regularly for updates.
A little word
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. …But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4.1,7-9
These words of St Paul popped into my head. His lot was much harder than anything we know, but they convey the way I know some of you are feeling. Buildings can be fixed is a phrase I have used quite a lot this week, but I don’t say that to diminish the hurt (and anger) some are feeling. Even though it is just a building it is one full of memories and significance.
We are going to have a lot of inconvenience and disruption over the coming months, but we are not going to give up, because the Church is us, wherever we meet, and we are still here, and so is God!
Some of you may have seen the local newspaper reports. The statement I gave them was ignored so I’ll repeat it here.
In the early hours of Monday morning a fire started outside Christ Church Pitsmoor. The fire spread to the building and has caused damage to part of the building and roof. There is also smoke damage throughout, as a result the building will be out of action until it can be assessed.
We are extremely grateful to the person who called in the fire and the swift and brilliant job the fire service did. Whilst we are saddened by this event, no-one was hurt, and it could have been so much worse. The building can be fixed, it is serious but not catastrophic.
The church is so much more than a building – it is people. We will continue to meet and try our best to be good news to our community.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks that whilst damaged, Christ Church is not destroyed, and no-one was hurt.
- For the Fire Service who take risks every day to protect people and property.
- For our nation, having its own turbulent week.
Services
Sunday at 10am. Five Marks – Transform #2
This week’s reading is: Matthew 5. 1-16
A shorter gathering with Holy Communion in the Church Yard as a visible demonstration that we are still here. You might want to bring something to sit on. If it is going to be too difficult for you then join with one of our other local congregations. We will do the same next Sunday (17/7). By then we will hopefully have an alternative venue sorted out.
Sunday at 7pm.
No reflective services in July.
10am on Thursday
Holy Communion will relocate to Pitsmoor Methodist Church (corner of Christ Church Road and Burngreave Rd) followed by Lunch Club at the usual time.
Keeping up
Things will be changing fast, and we need to be flexible. If you can, check in with our website and facebook regularly. Let those who don’t, know what is going on.
Maureen is the main point of contact for info in the next few weeks. office@pitsmoor.church, 07765 232789.
The church building (including the Welcome Centre) is closed and must not be accessed without permission.
Church Yard Nurture – Friday 15 July
Join us to keep our church yard good for people and nature, Fridays 10.00 – 12.00, short prayer at the end.
Earlier news
Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.