Welcome to Clifford Methodist Church. Based in a small chapel at the heart of Clifford, we're a group of worshipping Christians who meet at 10:30am every Sunday morning through the year. We're a pretty friendly bunch and you're most welcome to come and join us. There are various activities through the week - check the calendar for details.
From Our Minister - February 2012
The New Year got off to an encouraging start with a visit to the Tadcaster Circuit from the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd. Leo Osborn. Boston Spa Methodist Church hosted the evening service of Holy Communion. The President gave the address, and District Chair, Revd. Stephen Burgess presided at Communion. The offering of the evening went to support the President’s chosen charity, the Methodist Relief and Development Fund. It was a joyful service, with great music, thanks to Nick Farnell on the organ, and Jackie Faulkner who led a fabulous choir who came together for the occasion. Thanks are also due, as usual to the team of helpers who were doing more of everything on such an occasion.
It is always wonderful to recognise that Christ’s body is much bigger than we realise. We are sometimes so comfortable in the churches that we attend that we can forget that we are part of something much much more. The President reminded us that there are seventy million Methodists across the globe. And it is heartening to think that that figure is still a fraction of all the Christians who in spite of our different ways of worshipping and our different theologies, still find unity in Jesus Christ.
He was also an encouraging voice for change and growth, telling us of a church who could no longer support their building and who developed a ministry in an Asda supermarket – first a crèche, then a mini-service then a regular time of worship as demand for the ministry increased. Yes, demand! People are still looking for ways to worship God in ways that are relevant for them! A church for whom the outlook appeared bleak was reborn through a new vision and a will to serve God. It reminded me of Paul’s second letter to Timothy “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline”. May this be a year when we recapture the vision God has set before us, and respond to his call to follow where he may lead – even if the path is a little scary and unfamiliar!
Blessings. Susan
