As we enter the New Year with a mixture of feelings; joy, and anticipation but also fear and uncertainty, we in the Blackheath and Crystal Palace circuit are drawn to the words of the Methodist Covenant service. May these beautiful words remind us all that our lives are ultimately in God’s hands and that by his grace, we travel forward in trust and faith:

I am no longer my own but yours. Your will not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do, and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me, and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace.

Your will be done, when I am valued, and when I and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessed God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen. (MWB p 288 – 9)

The people of the Blackheath and Crystal Palace Circuit ask your prayers:

• For the successful stationing of a Presbyteral Probationer in our circuit this year. May a positive match bring joy and enrichment both to Probationer and to the churches of Burnt Ash, Hither Green and Sunfields.

• That the development project to repair major structural damage at Forest Hill might begin soon and that the congregation is able to relocate Sunday worship and its weekday activities with minimal disruption.

• That the churches of our circuit know the comforting presence of God’s Holy Spirit throughout the Covid epidemic. That the ministry of our churches both online and in person may continue to grow and flourish.