Covenant Service (10:30am)

At the start of the new year Methodists make a distinctive resolution.

The covenant service, often celebrated on the first Sunday of the year, is at the heart of Methodists’ devotion and discipleship, and their dedication in working for social justice. In the service the Church joyfully celebrates God’s gracious offer to Israel that “I will be their God and they shall be my people”.

This offer is then extended beyond Israel to all women and men in Jesus Christ, who also provides the supreme example of what it is to live in such a relationship with God.

That relationship primarily involves the corporate life of the community of God’s people (i.e. Israel; the Body of Christ). It is concerned with individuals within that group.

What God offers is a loving relationship. The Covenant is not a contract in which God and human beings agree to provide particular goods and services for each other! It is not something that we have to do to create a relationship with God. God has freely and graciously already made it possible. The service is a gift not a demand! And God will give you the grace to do it all. You are not alone! All are welcome.

This morning’s Worship is led by Rev Andrew Robinson & the service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

As it is the first Sunday of the month, everyone is also invited to make a donation to our Food Bank – thank you.

Our Communion Steward is Joyce Binns.

Today our organist is Helen Weighell.

The readers are Dorothy Mair & Rosemary Lincoln.

The welcome on the door is from Ellen Brown & Rosemary Lincoln.

The flowers are a gift from Irene Gallagher.

Coffee is served at the end of the service by Pauline Dale & Dorothy Townson.