MIDDLE RASEN Group SERVICES

During the Coronavirus emergency, there are no planned public services.

The Rev Heather Wilson invites you to contact Sarah Parking on sarah.parkin@methodist.org.uk
to join a local on-line Sunday Service of Worship (broadcaste live on-line from 4pm).

Rev'd Bryan Dixon's Sunday Reflections

A Message from Rev'd Bryan Dixon

Life has an annoying habit, of throwing us some unexpected sidewinder Missiles at times. Just when we think all is okay, or at least going alright, wham, an exocet missile holes us. What do you do when this kind of thing happens, when, through no fault of your own, life suddenly, dramatically changes? Coronavirus has done this to us, leaving many feeling nervous and fearful of the now, never mind the future.

Well, the bible has much to encourage at such times, but perhaps, one of the best bits to read [from my past experience anyway] is PSALM 91. Listen to what it says in a time of strife: Verse 1. 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.'

An art competition was run, which asked the artists to depict a calm peaceful scene. So in they came, paintings and pictures of still lakes, sunset meadows hued in gold, lazy, hazy barns and fields, but the winning picture was one that showed a mother bird, nesting in a tall tree bent over by a storming gale, with black moody skies and lightening flashes, calmly covering her baby chicks with her wings. This is how God will shelter us even in our fiercest storms. For the writer who wrote the psalm knew trouble and strife too and adds of God, that 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom l can trust.' Then in verse 3 he says, for, 'Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.'

This coronavirus is a deadly pestilence, but again the author adds, 'He [God] will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.' God can be and will be our shield in these trying times. Flaming arrows may be fired at us but our shield will stand up to the test. We can have peace and reassurance during these difficult times, for our writer then states, ' A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand even, but it will not come near you. For if you make the Most High your dwelling, refuge, he will command his angels to guard you in all your ways.' Yes, there are angels fighting on our side. But perhaps the best are the final three verses that read, ' Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and l will answer him in trouble, l will deliver him and honour him. With long life will l satisfy him and show him my salvation.' With long life, That's reassuring. This came to pass for the writer (and for me during my scare with ill health some time ago) and it will for us all during this time of pestilence and fear. So keep on trusting and hoping and loving thy neighbour. For better times are around the corner, and if we don't forget these times too quickly, hopefully a better community.

Please don't hesitate to ring me if you would like to share a worry or fear or request a prayer. All in confidence of course!

Dear God, above and all around, at this time of uncertainty, fear and anxiety, give us the courage to face the future with extra strength and fortitude. Help us to make you our shield and rampart. And please protect our loved ones, relatives, friends and neighbours. Especially watch over the elderly and vulnerable. Comfort the afflicted and those who grieve. And help us to continue to be generous with our time and care. May this virus lead us, as a nation and individually, to be more compassionate as well more grateful for all that we have and enjoy. Amen

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MID WEEK SERVICES EVERY WEEK

Middle Rasen Parish Church 10am every Wednesday Morning BCP, HC or Morning Prayer

When the Mid Week Service resumes, please do feel free to come and join us as we are a friendly small group. If you would like more information or a visit from the Rector please ring him on 01673-842759. Bryan Dixon
All services are suspended until further notice

All services are suspended until further notice

Mid Week Communion Services

You may, or may not be aware, that each Wednesday morning in St Peter & St Paul's Church we have a quiet communion service, which is informal, short, with no hymns and some space for reflection and peace. We usually follow it with coffee at the rectory where we enjoy a good chat. From January 9th this service will start at 10am and not 9.30am. Please do feel free to come and join us as we are a friendly small group. If you would like more information or a visit from the Rector please ring him on 01673-842759. Bryan Dixon