Site Search

LOGIN REGISTER SEARCH

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Tuesday 24th December 2024

	‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us – to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.’
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High Readings: Psalm 84 Isaiah 40:1-9 Luke 1:67-79 1 Peter 1:3-12	We see in this beautiful, heartfelt response of Zechariah a contrast to his silent submission to God. Here singing a song of celebration at the birth of his son, Zechariah speaks of external wrongs being righted and also the inner nature of God’s saving love. “The knowledge of salvation, forgiveness of sins (v77), light (v78) and guidance and peace (v79)” point to the inward transformation. This saving grace is for all—for those who have gone before (v72) and the future “all our days”. It is for Zechariah and his son John the Baptist “a prophet of the most high” who precedes “the Lord.” Emmanuel. God with us. Lead us like Zechariah to a response of joy to receive the humility of the hope we find in Christ.
Prayer	We shout and sing for you have come to us Angels dance as creation bows to the Lord of all. God bring us Christ’s peace Christ’s light Christ’s love Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/122c673d-1e78-4be1-a456-c95532d00b4f.mp4

Monday 23rd December 2024

	My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, just as he promised our ancestors.’ Luke 1:46-55
“My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” Readings: Psalm 96 Isaiah 9:6-7 Luke 1:46-55 Colossians 1:15-20	No gentle lullaby of an expectant mother, this revolutionary anthem that shouts for God’s reign speaks of justice and mercy. This song expresses her joyful response to God’s visitation and the mighty promise to what he is doing in and through her. The overriding theme in Mary's song is that God remembers the humble and scatters the proud. It seems strange perhaps to our minds that on the occasion of the forthcoming incarnation of God into the world, Mary's song does not focus more broadly on the salvation in Christ that was to come for all people, and rather instead focuses on the injustices that God would right through this incredible event. In recognising this though, we acknowledge our own limited understanding of what God was doing in Christ. His coming was no event simply to be received in private, spiritual devotion - but one which would shake the 'powers that be' - and establish once and for all that God remembers the humble. Jesus, learned this lullaby well and he travelled from his birth place to preach the coming reign of God. Now it is handed to us that we would carry the tune into our communities and into the world, joining in with the chorus of others who have gone before and who will follow in singing for God’s reign of justice and mercy.
Prayer	Lord Jesus light of the world Born in David’s city of Bethlehem Born in a stable that we may have a mansion Born like David to be a King that we may be heirs Be born in our hearts Be King of our lives today. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/6d9a8241-9381-44bc-8946-74fd491054df.mp4

Sunday 22nd December 2024

	In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there. 1 Samuel 1:24-28
My heart feels Readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 1 Samuel 2:1-8 Magnificat (copy at the end of the booklet)	Humility is often seen as being weak rather than being that of servanthood. The Magnificat canticle are words similar to the words Hannah used in the reading from 1 Samuel. Both have given birth or are pregnant with a child who can change the world and help put humanity back on the right track Though one could get puffed up at the opportunity these women were presented with we know they would not have been chosen if God didn’t know they would remain humble, with only gratitude for being called to serve. Gratitude is such a blessing and a hard virtue to find among us today. But, this is the virtue easily seen in both women today. I feel grateful for the reminder of how powerful a persistent prayer life can be. For Hannah, praying initially for herself to escape the scorn of being barren, resolves to give over the child to God if she could be granted the gift of childbearing. Her prayer is answered and Samuel is God’s response. Mary’s piety and her response when asked to bear the “Saviour of the world” are well known. Having humility after being around Jesus all his life would be understandable, but the truth is she was humble before she said yes to bearing him in her womb, when she talked about being the “handmaid of the LORD”. So, I am reminded to trust God always, to not stop praying, and that humility is a very attractive quality in a person. Thank you, Mary and Hannah for showing us the way today. The world is still full of troubles and in need of a Saviour and for the depth of joy you shared.
Prayer	Source of all that is light and life, truth and peace, I have hope because your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I remember those who feel lowly and insignificant, who feel empty and abandoned. May peace and hope bring justice, comfort and freedom. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/b724de87-0c79-49dc-aabe-90e6e270cc22.mp4

Saturday 21st December 2024

	The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. Isaiah 7:10-14
Ask for a sign Readings: Psalm 34 Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Matthew 16:1-4	Ask for a sign—be blessed! The events of the past year for you may have been mixed, some events may be known to others, some deeply personal and hidden as you relive the blessed and difficult moments of the last year. Isaiah reminds us in this Advent season that we don’t need to ask for signs of God’s care but to recognize the signs which are around us and in our midst. As we contemplate the last year and seek God let us also contemplate the blessings which abound- not in our “stuff” or the advertising of this season that we witness but in each other and the people we serve. The Psalm and the starkness of December call us to turn our eyes on those who call blessings from us in our daily activities - those from whom we too receive our blessings. Sometimes the veil gets very thin at times of the year between here and hereafter, this is such a time. When we look backward and forward to those in our lives who have in the past and continue to show us what is necessary. In the Annunciation, God once more reminds us of our one precious life, the one Jesus has entered and redeemed, the one that extends the presence of Jesus in time through all of humanity. He is present in all we do, in all we extend a blessing to.
Prayer	Maranatha” (Come, Lord Jesus! Come!). Abide in me, dwell with me, as I continue my journey through this Advent season by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes that I might see you, my ears that I might hear you, my heart, home, church and life that I might welcome you, the Word made Flesh, until at last all your good purposes for me are completely fulfilled. O, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel. Amen.
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/b73032b4-103e-46e3-bdd5-63997d52bca6.mp4

Friday 20th December 2024

	Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. (God with us). Matthew 1:18-23
Immanuel— God with us Readings: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Isaiah 8:10 Matthew 1:18-25 Romans 1:1-7	This Advent reading from Matthew’s gospel provides for us a mixture of emotions from the fear of Joseph’s betrayal (perhaps we can identify with that) to a point where his feelings are met and overcome by the birth of a Saviour. Joseph’s choices seem to be negative. There is a dilemma and for a period of a time there are hard choices. Divorce her publicly, divorce her quietly, either way he still has to do it. Or does he? “Do nothing” never seemed to be an option but it always is an option. There seemed no way forward. No possible solution that could lead to a redemptive solution. Only pain. It never occurred to him that Mary’s unbelievable story might be God’s truth. It never initially occurred to Joseph that the only thing lacking was his embrace of the truth—and that the situation would be transformed. What do we do when we face a situation in which our only choices appear to be negative? What could we do? I feel for Joseph—may we be open to the God whose truth is transforming—may we be open to see the bigger picture and may we wait upon God as we struggle to grasp the situation in our lives and those whom we know whose lives are filled with the “not yet” situations. For in these situations “God is with us”.
Prayer	God of strength and comfort, I need your courage. You offer to make firm the knees that are weak, and there are many weak through war and conflict. Give me strength where I am weak and help to redeem even the most difficult situations. Thank you for the hope of healing I have in you. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/b8a0abf3-d6e3-494f-ab78-7586c146048c.mp4

Thursday 19th December 2024

	In your relationships with one another, have the same mind-set as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11
He made Himself nothing Readings: Psalm 27 Lamentations 3:25-26 John 1: 1-14 Philippians 2:1-11	"When peaceful silence lay over all, and night had run half of her swift course, your all-powerful word, O Lord, leaped down from Heaven, from the royal throne." (Wisdom Chapter 18). It is when the rush is over, 'the busy world is hushed' as Newman put it, that the awesome silence of the Godhead descends upon our earth. How we forget this. We forge ahead with a sheer determination to remember the season yet neglect our souls as the “safe lodging of God’s mercy”. Beautiful words written by the Blessed John Henry Newman and here we have a point of intersection with only the breath of two animals (though last year at sticky crib the children did feel there may have been many more animals including a squirrel!) to warm the bitterly cold night. We experience in the silence of the night collision of eternity with our world—in this place the meeting of God and man. In this intersection which we call incarnation we find the opening of endless possibilities. The incarnate king and begotten Son choosing to make His home with us enables a broken world to respond. How will it? In humility? In joyful obedience? In submission? In awe and wonder?
Prayer	Thank you, Lord, for knowing me better than I know myself, and for letting me know myself better than others know me. Help me to grow in grace, faith and discipleship. Holy God I consider the things of my life that I keep hidden from others. Show me how I may lay down the obstacles of life that prevent me from drawing closer to you. Incarnate God as your word collides with mine help my world collide with others that I may be reconciled with the reality of other people’s joys and sorrows. Teach me how to live and love for you Holy God. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/96b46419-ab31-4d26-b085-7b689839e4f1.mp4

Wednesday 18th December 2024

	For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:7-12
“I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish” Readings: Psalm 139 Jeremiah 31:18-26 Luke 15 Philemon 1	The lost parables in Luke 15 are familiar stories to us and can provide us with a helpful insight to these verses in Jeremiah. Jeremiah 31:18-20 tells of Ephraim (as a son) - the Northern kingdom of Israel which turns away from God and God’s ways. Eventually they acknowledge shame, repent and plead to return to God. Can you see the connection to the story of the prodigal? —the one who wanders off only to find that he needs to come home. V21-22 addresses the same theme through an unfaithful daughter. She absconds from her betrothed prior to her marriage yet finds her way back unaccompanied. In other words of her own free choice . God’s people come to their senses and return to Palestine– back home. What of you? What of others we long for who are lost? Finding their way back home to God as sons and daughters. We have turned away, absconded, “come home”…. that you dear friend, the lost, may be found and ‘rest in God, only he can save’ (Psalm 62:1). There is no need to follow a star just follow the Son.
Prayer	I lift my heart up to you, Lord, to thank you for the blessings you shower on me each day. For those who are lost can be found and I pray for those I know who wander from you. You are the 'joy of my soul.' I know that in your great love, I am held and protected by you. I pray and listen to the good news you send; I ask and feel the healing. I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul. Help me to prepare my heart to be open and able to receive your immense love. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/5cffb19f-ea42-4c1f-bd2f-2ef011476542.mp4

Tuesday 17th December 2024

	Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11
Imitating Christ Readings: Psalm 145 Isaiah 47 Luke 5: 1-11 1 Thessalonians 2:13-end	There is a Chinese proverb which runs “tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.” It is rightly said that Christianity is shown not only taught. Who teaches grace without the action to prove it? St. Paul speaks of Christian discipleship as imitation. We imitate that which we find attractive and in doing so replicate it. Those in Thessalonica, to whom Paul writes, have shared in the suffering of Christ and have missed Paul’s presence which in return has grieved him. There is great warmth in the letter that Paul writes yet there is also a note of divine judgment. Paul sees a life untransformed by the love of God as ultimately self-destructive. Advent invites us to take stock of our spiritual priorities (perhaps a spiritual MOT is called for?) to allow ourselves again to be attracted to the person of Jesus that we may grow in patience, generosity and compassion towards others and then follow, leaving self behind, and imitate Christ.
Prayer	Oh, God-With-Us, For so long you have promised forgiveness, peace, salvation. Now in my heart, I am filled with joy because of your coming. Thank you for your promises and for the way I can trust in you. I feel a new freedom in my life and a courage I have not known before. My I echo your very character in my life to show your love in beautiful life giving ways. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/31f221c7-0def-47b9-99ad-e68ab8f4f206.mp4

Monday 16th December 2024

	When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’
Do you Love Me? Readings Psalm 63 John 21:15-19 1 Corinthians 13 1 John 4:7-9	It is possible for the statement “God is Love” to be reversed to “Love is God” and for it still to be true. There is a very old hymn “Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est’ which means “where charity and love are. God is there.” If love is around, then God is around. You may remember a few years ago a group of atheists got together to pay for advertisements to go on the side of a couple of hundred London buses which proclaimed “There’s probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life”, it made me smile as adding the word probably gives them at least an option to change their minds. For myself, if love doesn’t exist that is when I would start worrying. Love and kindness were evident before Jesus was born—we see that in Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah and in many others too. The great good that the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would bring is the certain knowledge that God is love, and God is unconditional forgiveness and that this is for all expressed in complete and expressive humility. Jesus the expression and fulfilment of God’s love. Unconditional, unlimited, unending, unmerited and unfailing love given for you.
Prayer	Lord give me the faith, to recognise Christ as my Saviour, my Lord and my Friend. May this be the prayer of my heart, my whole being, not just my lips. Thank you, that you offer healing of body, mind and spirit, through your victory on the cross, and that one day I will wholly praise, in heaven, for all eternity. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/341c9821-80e4-4709-8471-84a8feb4f044.mp4

Sunday 15th December 2024 - Advent 3

	The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, Isaiah 61:1-2 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Anointed Me To Proclaim Readings: Psalm 32 Isaiah 61:1-2 Luke 4:14-23 Philippians 4:4-7	When Jesus stands in the synagogue, picks up the scroll and begins to read, little did the hearers of that day fully know what was about to happen. The familiar passage from Isaiah is read from chapter 61. verses 1 and 2. In Advent we are faced once more with this dream which appeared to end on Calvary, but in reality carried on through time and space to us. Jesus envisaged a world where the light of Christ would overcome the darkness of sin and ignorance, where no one would be left out, ignored, forgotten or unhealed. Where there would be a special time of blessing, when debts would be written off, rifts healed, old scores forgiven and families would live in peace. Not for one year of course, as the Jewish law proclaimed, but for always. We are carriers of that dream, and Advent is the time to look at it again. St. Teresa's prayer "Christ has no hands but ours..." becomes a reality - we are offered the chance to reach out to heal, to forgive, to reconcile, to place love at the heart of the Church and the world, as St. Theresa put it. This third Sunday of Advent, Philippians 4:4-7 is read. Known as “Gaudete Sunday”, “Gaudete” meaning “rejoice”. We remind ourselves again of the hope of Christ’s return. Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth, yours are the feet by which He is to go about doing good and yours are the hands by which He is to bless us now. St Teresa of Avila
Prayer	Loving God, growing within my heart is a deepening awareness and gratitude of your love for me; Like the sun which rises each morning to remind me of the blessings of each new day I am reminded of your presence. Thank you for these weeks of prayer. In the spirit of the waiting season, bless all that is to come and make me ready to receive you. Come, Lord Jesus! Come! Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/b0250d95-3aab-4871-adf6-dc19d08621c0.mp4

Saturday 14th December 2024

	“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realised he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people.’ Luke 1:21-25
A time to be silent and a time to speak Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Psalm 62 Luke 1:21-25 Titus 3:4-8	Silence can speak a thousand words. Speechlessness can have such eloquence as we find in this encounter with Zechariah. Emerging from the sanctuary where he met with the Archangel Gabriel, he is confronted by a congregation who await a blessing. Unable to verbalise a blessing his inability to utter a word this benediction is momentous—for the good news is proclaimed without a sentence being uttered. At this time of year we remember the singing of Hallelujahs and Gloria’s of the angels . But what are we to make of this reading? Are there times in our lives when silence is the most appropriate response? Silence that can testify to the goodness and glory of God. Elizabeth’s thankful response is one of retreating for a period of seclusion. It is a time of quiet thankfulness - what a beautiful response. Elizabeth’s verbal response echoes Rachel’s discovery that she is carrying Joseph in Genesis 30:23 in that God has taken her disgrace away. (Childlessness being seen in those days as an interpretation of God’s dis-favour). The Lord has done this for her and will do so much more. Praise be to God.
Prayer	I pray for those who find silence deafening and long for an answer to prayer in the most audible way. Thank you God that you are not silent or remote from my plea. May I hear the whisper of your voice as I become more aware of your presence in my life. From the humbleness of my life, help me to grow to hear your words that will change the world around me. O come O Come Emmanuel. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/7c2636b6-b028-4758-9975-cf3d8a38d0a7.mp4

Friday 13th December 2024

	A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash round his waist. Isaiah 11:1-5
Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding Readings: Psalm 72 Isaiah 11:1-5 Luke 10:21-24 1 John 2:1-17	The light that Isaiah speaks about: the light that breaks the yoke, the bar, and the rod of the oppressor; the light that penetrates and punctuates the darkness ; the light that comes in the form of a child of peace: yes, God, more of this light, please. The texts are handed to us from our Jewish forebears, for some this “Old Testament” can stand on its own. These words do not take on a new meaning for those of us who are people of Christ only and our own interpretation. Isaiah offers powerful words for those in darkness in any time and in any place. Isaiah is preparing us to hear the astonishing story of who has come in the person of Christ. He reminds us that the longing for light is an ancient human longing and assures us that in the presence of the darkness of this world—be it friendly darkness or devastating - God is present, working to help us know God more clearly and to live together with deeper compassion, justice, and peace. May the light that we celebrate help us to see, to widen our vision to all the ways that God shows up in darkness and in the day.
Prayer	Lord Jesus Christ, I welcome you— In weakness, to find courage, In penitence, to find a new beginning, In uncertainty, to find the next step, In darkness, to find a way, In loneliness, to find companionship. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/84602e30-7171-4e3f-bf5e-e750e83c2e6d.mp4

Thursday 12th December 2024

	Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.’ Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’ The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said. He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:21-28
Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me Readings: Psalm 37 Isaiah 32 Matthew 15:21-28 Revelation 21:1-6	“And her daughter was healed instantly.“ Jesus having fed the multitude and rescued Peter had a vast crowd descend on him. Of course who wouldn’t do all they could for those they love. They carried them, shouldering the burden of another’s pain, weeping and longing for a difference. Desperate, they came in their thousands. He tries to again retreat and along comes a woman. We can empathise with her—she is a foreigner, a gentile and her daughter is in turmoil. She approaches Jesus as her only ground of hope - do you know that feeling? She attempts to get his attention—shouting, begging, kneeling for mercy and those around felt uncomfortable and want rid of her. Jesus is an honoured guest and they want to show him courtesy. She didn’t want courtesy she wanted help—she was desperate and in spite of the humiliating response from Jesus she receives her hearts desire. We could be impatient with the disciples, recoil from the words of Jesus, saddened and horrified for the woman and it could disturb us. Yet we could take a breath like Jesus did, have a moment of silence hang in the air as he did between himself and the Canaanite woman. For there in the midst is an invitation, an invitation to faith, which the woman accepted—will you?
Prayer	God in whom I live and move and have my being, come teach me that you have made us your own. You are not far from each of us, show yourself to all who search for you. That as you reveal yourself to us in Love we may reveal that Love to others. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/793ee588-5d35-48c5-a655-efe4bb0b28d4.mp4

Wednesday 11th December 2024

	As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. Matthew 17:9-12
The Son of Man is going to suffer Readings: Psalm 121 Isaiah 52:1-15 Matthew 17:9-12 1 Corinthians 15:1-10	One birth changed history, One birth changed our destiny, Thou shall call him Jesus. Why is it so hard for us to recognise God and His works even when we are right in their midst? This question for the ages surely must have crossed the mind of Jesus many times during His earthly ministry. In today’s Gospel He states, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already, and they did not recognise him.” How history repeats itself. And yet He found Himself face to face with unbelief and cynicism while teaching in the synagogue in His home town: “‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas...?’ And they took offense at Him” (Matthew 13:55-57). Anna and Simeon had a prediction many years earlier that some would receive him and others would turn away. What will you do? Will your heart receive him more this year? Will you open your life more this year? Will that hidden part be open? Or remain closed? Will this be the moment? This be the time that Christ has longed for? This is the carpenter’s son—this is the Lord. This is Jesus. This is God.
Prayer	Holy God, This year may I open more to the prompting of your Spirit to shine in the dark places of my heart that I keep hidden from the ones I love most. Those secret places that you know about. The yearnings and longings I have that I can only dream about. I open my heart to you—be gentle I pray for my heart and the hearts of others are fragile. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/aee7d461-c785-4ffc-9622-aaedfe4c5249.mp4

Tuesday 10th December 2024

	‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary.” Isaiah 40:25-29
Readings: Psalm 20 Isaiah 40:25-31 Matthew 11:28-30 Hebrews 12:1-3	Our readings from Isaiah and Matthew’s gospel offer us a promise—a promise of rest to the weary. To those burdened, exhausted and tired. Seek respite with God. Take time out—you don’t have to cut yourself off from the season’s busyness to find rest. You can grasp moments of quiet meditation when you find them. How about when you get the Christmas card, rather than just placing in on the mantle, door or string, take a moment to thank God for the sender and remember them in prayer. In doing so you have stopped just for a moment. Whilst the kettle boils, be still and be with God—precious moments in a noisy, colourful and vibrant season. For some the colour, the noise, the vibrancy is too much—they long to escape from the hype to the reality of life and weariness can take over. Weariness is enveloping and controlling - it is costly for our lives and is demanding. God knows - God understands—God gives rest - God enables—God lifts—God loves and God redeems. May your soul find rest in him.
Prayer	God of Strength, I need your courage, strength and peace. Only you know how frightened I so often am. And you do offer me rest. I can't do this on my own no matter how often I think I can. Give me the humility to ask for your help and an open heart to accept your healing and love in my life. Help me to rest, abide and remain in your presence—Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/8af0cf83-5e12-4df0-a32e-8f9f2296d032.mp4

Monday 9th December 2024

He withdrew by boat privately	When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed those who were ill. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so that they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. And he told the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Matthew 14:13– 19
Readings: Psalm 36 Isaiah 30:19-end Matthew 14:13-20 2 Corinthians 12	The crowds were getting bigger, the ministry more public , mounting pressure, demands and greater miracles. (Maybe you know the feeling when more people arrive on your doorstep longing to be fed at Christmas and the turkey wont stretch that far). As it all grows—as the crowds grow bigger and the canvas of ministry increases with every footstep what does Jesus do? Jesus takes time out. Jesus stills himself and his soul and re-focuses his gaze on his Father. He does this just before reminding Peter, whose attempt to walk on water does not go to plan , to keep his gaze on God. He reminds Peter, based entirely on knowing it for Himself, that he needs to remain and abide in God. Jesus speaks from experience. He withdraws when he hears the news of his cousin John the Baptist’s death—he finds that solitary place to be alone, to grieve and to offer all he has to God. The more public the ministry, the more we do, the more we need to have times of withdrawal and solitude. Solitude—a word we tend not to like—we may visualise solitude as confinement, isolation, complete aloneness—it can have negative connotations. But this solitude is a deliberate act of retreating of allowing God to move in us so that we may then reach out and have compassion. For here in this space there is God.
Prayer	Surprising God May I, this season, again join in the adventure of seeking the Christ child. May I again offer myself to you, offering all I have been, all I am and all that is to come. Praise you almighty God—for you are the same yesterday, today and forever. In you I trust. In the silence and moment of isolation and complete oneness with you may I find you in hope and completeness. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/8a761fce-d5c3-4c47-b677-f5976cdc995d.mp4

Sunday 8th December - Advent 2

Make straight the way for the Lord	Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No. ’Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.” John 1:19-23
Readings: Psalm 85 Isaiah 11:1-10 Matthew 3:1-12 John 1:19-34	John the Baptist would get the work done. He never let anything come in the way of what he believed God wanted him to do. Uncompromising? Tough? Serious? No holds barred? A loner? Probably and possibly all of these things, but John has been captured by his calling. He would prepare the way for John believed in preparation. "Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight!" he shouted and you could not ignore him. John wanted the people to prepare and to repent. Repent of what? We can ask ourselves the same question. Well, for a start, our self-centredness, our cluttering up our lives with non-essentials, our forgetfulness of the need to pray. Advent is a time of mercy, of forgiveness, of peace. "I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace..." (Psalm 85) and the response is: "Let us see O Lord your mercy, and give us your saving help!" Well, how can we expect mercy when we refuse to give it to others? Let us try to make this Advent special by ridding ourselves of the things that make us and others unhappy. That's what John meant by preparing the way of the Lord. Why put it off?
Prayer	Loving God. As I continue this Advent season, open my eyes to see in new ways the delight and wonder of your love. In the darkness help me to see the promise of light and peace. In the cry of the hungry help me see the possibility of a world where all are fed. In my own yearnings and weakness help me to see the hope of Christ. And in the eager anticipation of the coming of Jesus, may I embrace the dawn of a new heaven and a new earth. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/2d7a0fa7-f538-4482-984e-f89c8aea5856.mp4

Saturday 7th December 2024

Approach God with Freedom	I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:1-21
Readings: Genesis 49:2,8-10 Psalm 18 Matthew 1:1-17 Ephesians 3:1-21	Do you know your family history? What do you know about other family members? How far back can you go in your thoughts? Every time a genealogy appears in scripture, it’s meant to tell us something important about the person at the end of the line, the ultimate member, in this case, Jesus. Genealogies point to character, but they also speak of something deeper. To know one’s roots is to be able to live in connection to the past as well as the present. In the ancient world connection with one’s ancestors is incredibly important because they were fascinated with beginnings. Through his genealogy, Jesus embraces all those people who came before him. He is the product of all these souls, whoever they may be. Their struggles tell us something about what Jesus himself will face. Jesus’ genealogy is complex and when examined closely reveals a comprehensive list of people whose lives are scarred because they have sinned and scarred because they have also been offended against. What of Jeconiah? or Eliakim? these names lead through exile, turbulent times, heartache and each name in the genealogy has meaning because each is part of the story and now we are part of this story. From what comes as rootedness now becomes openness as we are linked with a Jewish history that now leads us into the world—”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”
Prayer	Lord, as I look at my past forgive me for not moving forward in my faith. Inspire me to live in such a way that my choices each day and my commitment to live in a positive way may transform the negative into something positive, and the ordinariness of daily life into something extraordinary. Amen.
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/6b2f798c-e380-4999-a626-69902fbd5b3b.mp4

Friday 6th December 2024

	That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:1-7
Walk in the light Readings: Psalm 119:105-112 Isaiah 9:2-3 Matthew 5:13-16 1 John 1:1-10	Many years ago I paid a price for not looking in the shoe cabinet too closely when getting a pair of shoes out and spent the rest of the days with my right foot crossed behind my leg. The reason; one black shoe and one dark blue. Similar styles are indistinguishable in the dark. I dared not bring it to people’s attention. Having light to live by is important when you have places to go. God knew his people needed light to live by. The law was a light for the people - ’a lamp to their feet and a light for their path’ (Psalm 119:105) and Israel needed an even greater light, as they stumbled through history to live out God’s purposes for them as nation. Even the illumination of Moses’ law became dim. Despite the best efforts of prophets and priests they struggled being the people of God. The light was also for the Gentiles—the incessant light of the love of God is indiscriminate—God’s intention was clear; the covenant relationship with Him was to be harmonised—all can be brought into a relationship with him—all brought into light.
Prayer	Jesus, I long for your coming. The promise of new light and life is before me, give me the faith to believe in your presence this day. Give me the promise and assurance of salvation with no more shame, only the light and saving grace of your love. May your peace come to my life and may it be evident in my relationships and daily living. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/c07594a8-d50a-496c-a78b-85aceacc2da5.mp4

Thursday 5th December 2024

	In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:5-7 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Luke 1:11-14
They were childless Readings: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a Psalm 71 Luke 1: 5-18 Philippians 3:1-14	There is a beautiful song called “When the dream never dies” which portrays the longing of Elizabeth. We know so little about her life before Luke 1:5, the contours of her relationship with God, how she aged into her longing and lived with the pain of constant desire. We know so little about how her sorrow shaped her. I am grateful that the first central acting human figures of Advent are courageous women who participate with God's giving to humankind. Advent reminds us that the work of God begins in the most mundane corners of life, where our deepest insecurities and most vulnerable desires are laid bare. God honours the seemingly rote business of domesticity, and chooses to visit us when our guard is presumably most down, in the commonplace of our homes. I ponder if the invitation of Advent is again that God desires to inhabit us, to make a home within our home, to have a certain space within us which God’s self can let down God’s guard and show us the vulnerability of a God who would chose to dwell in us. Could Advent be the season when we clear out space for God to move in and linger around us. Where our dreams could be met, our sorrows and longings met and joys encountered.
Prayer	Patient, life giving God, through your grace that dawned upon humankind enable me to open my life to you so that you may dwell in me. That I may abide and remain with you forever. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/dea15acc-b6a2-4f3e-8649-5ad278313b2b.mp4

Wednesday 4th December 2024

	Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. Thessalonians 5:1-6
The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night Readings: Jeremiah 30:18-24 Amos 5:18 Mark 13:32-37 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11	Are we nearly there yet! Is it almost time? How many more sleeps? It isn’t just impatient children restrained in the back seat of cars with copious amounts of sweets and a DVD playing who seek an end to their journey. The end is of course ambiguous—simply labelling a conclusion, but it is used to signify the end, a goal and a purpose. We all seek an end to something. Pain, frustration, waiting. What do you long for an end to? In both the Old and New Testament the pious hoped for the coming of the “day of the Lord” and the deliverance that only God could and would bring. That freedom they longed for—the prophets foretold and also warned Israel to be careful what they hoped for. This promised “last thing” was to be also a time of judgement on God’s enemies. Amos 5:18 reminding us of days of ‘darkness not light’ for whilst its precise timing is not known, except by the Father (Mark 13:32) , it will be daunting and unexpected and it will bring light and hope. Be prepared, be on your guard for the time will come—that we do know.
Prayer	Lord God I praise you for creating me and restoring me through Jesus. Word becoming flesh, Word indwelling Word transforming, Word restoring Word challenging, Word healing Word sharing my weakness and making me whole Word here now—O Come Emmanuel. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/06b80e29-d3f0-458e-852b-6233c0547c2a.mp4

Tuesday 3rd December 2024

	God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Isaiah 26:1-7
An ever present help in trouble Readings: Psalm 46 Isaiah 26:1-6 Matthew 7:21,24-27 Romans 15:4-13	"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake." --Victor Hugo Advent is about waiting. In a sense, it is a four-week course on patience. That's a good thing, in that patience means having endurance under difficult circumstances. And, if being patient is about persevering in the face of delay, well, who wouldn't be in favour of that and want it? Even more importantly, patience often means having the capacity -- when provoked -- not to act simply out of annoyance or anger, but to act out of compassion. Now, perhaps we are more students than practitioners of patience, constantly learning and honing our skills. Perhaps we know a lot about patience - we live it and see it in others. With patience, we exhibit forbearance under strain, especially when challenging difficulties end up becoming longer-term and we become desperate. In our constant waiting and longing may we know Christ who will come as Saviour and Redeemer.
Prayer	Come thou long expected Jesus into the parts of my life hidden to others. Come into the barren and hurting places. Come into the dry places that need refreshing by the outpouring of your love. When I lack love and compassion, change me. When I am impatient and frustrated, deliver me. When I fail to see the goodness, help me to focus on you, the author and perfector of my faith. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/f370e3f8-69e1-4f88-b21e-f9fcca7583e6.mp4

Monday 2nd December 2024

	Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:7-10
Be Patient then and stand firm Readings: Psalm 130 Isaiah 35:1-10 Matthew 12:15-21 James 5:7-10	Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops—at all. (Emily Dickinson , 1934) This definition of hope captures what many of us have difficulty defining. Hope is not blind optimism, nor arrogant certainty or wishful thinking . Hope is the knowledge that in spite of all the difficulties we face in this world God would not desert us. Hope gives strength to seek peace, demand justice and to envision the world as God intended it to be. Hope is knowing that God stepped in and continues to do so through you and me in the power of the Holy Spirit; even this day hope is in you.
Prayer	Comforting God, I pray for all experiencing darkness and we pray that your light may shine on their pathway and in their hearts, that they may know that even in difficult times you walk alongside them. For those who struggle finding hope this day, may hope find them. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/1fb7d43a-3381-44d2-92f5-592dda31b875.mp4

Sunday 1st December 2024 - Advent 1

	In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:2-5
Let us walk in the light of the Lord Readings: Psalm 146: 5-10 Isaiah 2:1-5 Matthew 24:36-44 Romans 13:11-14	What do you hope for? This is a big question at a time of year when hopes are centred around material possessions. In the hoping, there is God. In the longing, there is God. In the hurt, there is God. In the unfulfilled promise of the year, there is God. In the people we miss, there is God. Could Isaiah actually have some idea that God would not only dwell with His people, but that all the nations of the world would come and yield their weapons of war to Him in surrender? It doesn’t stop there either. What happens to the weapons of war? They are redeemed into tools for ploughing and cultivating. What was once used for violence will now be taken and used to encourage growth and health and maturity with visions of loving relationships. Instead of fighting, the nations will now be seeking to tend to and lovingly care for all of God’s creation in order to honour Him and bring great glory to His Name. So friends, let us not be afraid to plough and to plant, for we shall reap in joy! O come all you faithful, come to rejoice and adore, come and know God.
Prayer	Source of all that is light and life, truth and peace, I have hope because your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I remember those torn apart by fear, hatred, abuse, bitterness and scars of the past. May that same peace and hope bring justice, comfort and freedom. Amen
Song	https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/media.3486.hubb.church/6383d8d4-b215-4aa6-a400-0e2f6241c260.mp4

Advent Calendar December 2024

Trafford Methodist Circuit - O Come Let Us Adore Him

Login

Planning your Visit