Smithy Bridge Methodist Church

Christmas and New Year ’24/’25

“On the Move”                                                                                              

Bridging 2024 and 2025 with God’s mercy on a journey of Hope and Faith as we celebrate the birth of “our guiding Light: The Light of the World”.[1]  

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ; our Lord and Savior.

Entering the period of Christmas and the New Year’s Eve is definitely the most reflective time of the year about God’s mercy and faithfulness, considering the fact that it is not given to everybody, as we all know and have witness it in one way or the other. Nothing indeed would be taken for granted if at this point of time, we can all breathe, we have enough to eat, we have enough clothes to wear and a warm place to live in.

Inspired by 22^nd World Methodist Conference theme: “On the Move”, I have been reflecting on God’s Mercy that goes beyond what we can see, touch, feel and smell. As we enter this Christmas season, bridging 2024 and 2025, we reflect on Jesus’s words according to John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life,” Paul wrote about this accurately in Galatians 2:20: It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Christ is our only true guiding light, and He is on the mission without borders, he has no homeland other than heaven (Philippians 3:20). The mission of every true Christian is to shine God’s light where there is darkness in this world. God’s light is lighting in our journey of hope and faith. As we haven’t arrived yet, we are called to follow Him by being on the move. The painful truth about being on the move is that there are things we definitely need to leave behind so that we can embrace new hopes, aspirations, directions, insights, opportunities, visions and challenges. We are also to travel well as we journey with those who wander, holding fast to what we believe with open arms without compromising our conviction.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we end 2024 and begin 2025, let us inspire, encourage and challenge one another to be on the move. May God bless our words and actions, in our families, friends and communities during this Christmas and throughout this coming new year as we continue to be the light for this dark world until we arrive at His final destination.  

Let me take this opportunity to wish you Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Yours in his service, Deacon Marcianne Uwimana.

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[1] Lesse Svensson, the President of the Uniting Church in Sweden, 22^nd World Methodist Conference, Sweden, August 2024.

 

John Wesley’s letter to a Methodist Society member: “You have one business on earth – to save souls. Give yourself wholly to this.”; “As far as we are able with God’s help: We will speak of the love of God. We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus. We will share our Faith with others.”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”[1]

Recently while walking around the Church Hall at St Andrew’s, I came across these words from the Rainbows and Brownies Rules: “Respect each other, forgiveness and friendship, trust and share with each other, make sure everyone is safe, show kindness, being helpful, include everyone, etc…”[2] Later on, I read from an article by Stephanie Dietrich (2022), about the United Nations Goals which seek to support a global development which ends ‘poverty in all its forms and everywhere, leaving no one behind’ by 2030.”[3] Surely  God is at work in so many different ways in our local, national and international communities through  charitable activities, initiatives, projects, governments, institutions, and organisations.

If that is the case, then, what do faith-based institutions, charities, organisations and groups have to offer that non-faith organisations are not offering? Christians around the world are called to point all people, leaving no one behind, to Jesus: The Life, the Truth and the Way by speaking of Him. Our Methodist Way of Life on Evangelism says: “As far as we are able with God’s help: We will speak of the love of God. We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus. We will share our Faith with others.”[4] We are all called to share our faith in a way that gives the other person the opportunity to partake or not, and perhaps also for the other persons to share their own experiences. In John Wesley’s letter to a person in the Methodist Society, he wrote: “you have one business on earth – to save souls. Give yourself wholly to this.”[5] This is still every Christian’s mission today.

However, while we share our faith in Jesus Christ with wisdom, gentleness, kindness, integrity and respect, we will not please everyone, nor will everyone appreciate our courage, passion, resilience, and commitment. In fact, some will be offended by mentioning the name of Jesus in any conversation with them. This is a challenge for every Christian; as it causes fear, resentment and mutes our calling and commitment to speaking of Jesus. I want to encourage you as I encourage myself to reflect on the words from Matthew 10:24 “a disciple is not above His teacher, nor a servant above his master.”[6] Jesus didn’t please everyone; the first disciples didn’t please everyone, no matter how careful we try, we cannot please everyone either. However, with God’s help through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be faithful and never stop sharing our faith no matter what comes our way. As John Wesley’s letter says, we have one business on earth – to gently point everyone to the one who saves every soul that seeks him wholeheartedly. We are to give ourselves wholly to this.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our minds and spirits. Amen.

Yours in his service, Deacon Marcianne Uwimana.

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[1] Ephesians 1:2 (NIVUK).

[2] St Andrews’ Rainbows, and Brownies rules Poster.

[3] Haugen, H.M. et al. (eds) (2022) Developing Just and Inclusive Communities: Challenges for Diakonia, Christian Social Practice & Social Work. S.l.: REGNUM BOOKS INT’L

[4] Methodist Way of Life: Evangelism

[5] ‘One Business on Earth’ | UMC Young People

[6] Matthew 10:24 (NIVUK)

“Is the Holy Spirit still active today as it was on the day of Pentecost?”

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Recently, my Christian friend asked me, “Is the Holy Spirit still active today as it was on the day of Pentecost?” My confident answer was “YES.” My friend said but “HOW and WHY?”

These are the few thoughts I shared with her: after the resurrection, Jesus Christ spent forty days delivering the key message to all believers, speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, then he was taken up. Before Ascension, Jesus set a tone in order to guide the Christians’ life, and highlighted the purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit: “ … But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part on the earth” (Acts 1:8). We all know that this promise came to the truth on the day of Pentecost, ten days after Jesus’ ascension. The power from the Holy Spirit is not limited to strength beyond the ordinary, it also involves courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The first disciples (and all today’s followers) of Jesus Christ would need and receive all these gifts to fulfil God’s mission. However, it is all about in which perspective we consider the work of Holy Spirit.

By faith, we are not to limit our understanding of the Holy Spirit as it goes far beyond what we can imagine. For instance, Acts 3:6-7, says: “Then Peter said, silver and gold I do not have; but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up: and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” The Holy Spirit’s work is huge, wide and goes far beyond what we see with our eyes and touch with our hands. Also, “In the name of Jesus Christ” means by authority of Jesus Christ. As the first apostles were doing this healing through the Holy Spirit’s power, it is still the same today.

By the Holy Spirit, the Gospel was to be preached geographically from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria and finally to the whole world. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Samaria, spread to the mixed race in Samaria and finally be offered to the Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. Therefore, God’s Gospel has not reached its final destination if someone from one of the groups using our church, our families, our workplace, our schools, and our diverse communities where we live has not heard about Jesus Christ.

Friends, we are to contribute in some way to the ever-widening circle of God’s love for all and we can’t do it on our own, except through and by the power of Holy Spirit who continuously comes upon us and gives us different gifts, talents, abilities, confidence, boldness, courage, insight, grace, and more wisdom to better serve God’s people. Then, after sharing thoughts with my friend, I could confidently, say: “YES” the Holy Spirit is still active the same way it was on the day of Pentecost. He/she never changes, and he/she is never defeated.

May the power of the Holy Spirit continuously work through and in each one of us for God’s glory. Amen. Yours in his service,

Probationer Minister, Deacon Marcianne Uwimana

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ; our Lord and Saviour. Certainly, dates on the calendar have worked in our favour, as the Easter season is bridging the two significant months regarding our faith. The month of March ending with Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ our Saviour, brings a triumphant end to death, darkness and fear. On the other hand, the month of April emerges with Easter Monday, a day for each one of us to individually and deeply be reflecting about our own ‘’take away’’ from the events of Holy Week, setting a tone and strong ground for the days to come.

From the Holy Week reflections, we surely know that Jesus Christ gave his ‘today’ for our ‘tomorrow’, signalling that from death’s darkness, life’s hope blooms, strengthening our faith.

Recently, I was reminded that when David faced Goliath, he didn’t talk about how dangerous Goliath was, rather He talked about how great God is. We are encouraged to not talk of fear, instead we are to talk of faith and carrying Jesus’ resurrection in our daily actions. Our faith doesn’t rest in the wisdom of men, but in the POWER of God who resurrected Jesus Christ from the death to life in its true meaning.

From all that, we learn that we are all torchbearers and spokespeople of the faith in this world, from the day we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. We are to inspire those around us, giving hope to the hopeless to reinforce their faith, ‘’for we are to God, the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing’’ (2 Corinthians 2:15). The blood of Jesus still works it never loses its power!

Learning and practicing our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, begins and finishes our days with thoughts of gratitude. Those first and final moments set the tone for the many minutes that fall in between. Living these principles in our daily life, helping others to come and surrender to Christ, is a constant call to bring Him into our way of life. We are the light to those around us, if and when our actions and words create a legacy that inspires, encourages, enables, and empowers others to dream more, learn more, and strengthen their faith, then in return they make will more disciples for Jesus.

May God bless our actions and words this April as we continue to make disciples for His glory in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Yours in his service,

Probationer Deacon Marcianne Uwimana.

^“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

During this Lent Season, I have been reflecting on the ministry of Jesus, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to ultimately give his life as a ransom for the salvation of all. How does this relate to our Methodist Church diaconal ministry?

Deacons are men and women who have been called by God to serve in many different ways; from offering a lifetime commitment and a willingness to serve where needed, to bridging the gap between the church and the world. The diaconal ministry has been described as ‘standing in the doorway of the church’ keeping the door open both ways.

A Deacons ministry intentionally overlaps with the ministries of others as part of God’s bigger picture of activity and presence in the world. This helps deacons to develop the ability to practice different types of Leaderships, while seeking to model, inspire, empower, and encourage others in the servant ministry of Christ. In some cases, deacons might lead from the front, other times from behind or alongside. From washing someone feet or serving as the head cook to taking out the rubbish as a waiter; every position in a successful kitchen is attended graciously and valued in God’s eyes. Deacons aim to collaborate, cooperate, and comprise accordingly. The most important lesson that I have noticed and learned about the Diaconal ministry is that it does not take pride in any form of competition, because this does not allow for time or space to learn, listen, affirm, or challenge where it is necessary.

I recently read some profoundly powerful words on the “Leadership Matters” blog from our President of the Methodist Conference, words that I will reflect on for a long time. She said that “Jesus spent some time with his disciples, his team, listening to their questions, affirming them in their calling but also challenging them to be and do more than they ever thought possible. He ate with them, set them an example, and forgave their mistakes.” It is essential we too follow in the path of Jesus Christ in making our loving and caring presence known in our communities.

May the Holy Spirit of the Living God help and guide us in our mission of making disciples and spending time together through the servanthood ministry.

“Why do some people believe that life is a journey?”

Dear Sisters and brothers with whom I share the same faith, peace be with you all in the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

It has been a great joy and privilege for me to participate in our local schools, particularly
contributing to their school assemblies and religious education. During my most recent visit to
the school, as a Christian, I was given a question to talk about: “Why do some people believe
that life is a journey?” On my way home, I was asking the same question: “why do Christians
believe that the life of faith is a journey?”

For Christians, the Bible refers to the life of faith as a “journey”, because it is a transformational
process into Christ’s image from one degree of glory to another. It continues throughout our
earthly life and grows closer to who God created us to be in the first place. This journey simply
focuses on the process of getting there, not the arrival. The focus is on the process, not any
perfection.

For the first disciples, it was a journey they started when Jesus called them to follow him, and
prior to His Ascension, He set them a mission: “…go and make disciples of all
nations…”(Matthew28:19), He also told them that, in His Father’s house there are many
dwelling-places, that he was going to prepare a place for all who will follow Him; that He will
come again and will take you to himself, so that “where He is, there they may be also.” (John
14:1-3), Jesus is the only way to the Father, because there are no works or deeds or actions
that can save us. The good news is that although this faith journey is full of ups and downs,
full of changes, transitions, challenges, and adventures, we are not alone. God is with us to
the end. There are also spiritual companions on the way, and sometimes the most unexpected
or unwelcome companion can draw us nearer to God or point us to Jesus Christ our Lord and
Saviour.

The Lent season is a time through which we remember the end of most significant earthly
journey story in Christian history. Jesus Christ left heaven, came to earth for our sake, lived
among us, died on the cross and rose again, so that we can live in and with Him. During this
Lent season, Jesus invites us to journey with Him into family relationships, friendships, work,
neighbourhoods, the persecuted church, and the broken world around us. The question is,
whom are you going to invite to journey with you this Lent? As a companion in this faith journey,
whom are you going to draw near or point to our Lord and Saviour this Lent season?
It is my prayer that our commitment and ultimate goal this lent season may be of pointing
others to Christ through companionship, words of invitation, actions, prayers, songs of praise
and fellowship, in the name of God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Yours in His service,
Probationer minister, Deacon Marcianne Uwimana

Greetings in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

It has been 13 months since I joined you all in your individual and collective ministries within the Littleborough and Rochdale Circuit, working closely with Moorhouse, Smithy Bridge and Syke Methodist churches as a Probationer Deacon Minister.

As a probationer, I often find myself reading both the circuit profile and probation handbook, and while reading our probation handbook, I found some encouraging words which I want to share with you because they not only reflect my journey of discernment, but they also reflect some of the church and faith journeys: “The journey through probation may not always be comfortable either for probationers or for those around them. It is a time of adjustment not merely to a new role but to a new way of being a time of heart-searching and questioning, of exploration and discovery. It is a time when expectations are challenged, and frustrations encountered as the Church and probationers undertake discernment together. At a time of rapid change in the Church and society, these tensions become all the more apparent. And yet it is a time of great joy.”

It has been a great joy and privilege for me to journey with you over the last 13 months. I would like to express my gratitude to you all for your contributions to my continued learning and development as I respond to God’s call to ordained ministry in the Methodist Church. Your continuous acceptance, recognition, affirmation, support, and prayers are immensely appreciated as I continue to develop my accountability to God almighty and to you all. Through you, I feel held in God’s hands as we discern and seek God’s will together, in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Probationer Deacon Minister,

Marcianne Uwimana.

From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun, I will stand on every promise of your Word. Words of
power, strong to save, that will never pass away, I will stand on every promise of your Word. For your
covenant is sure and on this I am secure: I can stand on every promise of your Word.”

Stuart Townend, ‘Every Promise’

Dear Friends,

The Methodist Diaconal Order Rule of life encourages all deacons to “be attentive to our wellbeing, recognise when we need help and accept support and encouragement from others…”* It is in this spirit that I recently met with another Deacon, and we had a short but deeply meaningful time of fellowship. At the end of our meeting, she shared a photo with me, a photo that she’d received from her son. Our reflection of this image reminded us of the hymn; “From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun…”

This song has been in my heart, soul, mind, and mouth since then. The words of the hymn have challenged me to look within myself and evaluate my relationship with God’s word, while asking: “Do I know all of the promises of God’s Word, and how can I make sure to stand on them daily?” Perhaps, God’s promises and how to firmly stand on them would be a topic for the Bible Study exploration and reflection over the next few months. Dear Church, can you help? Do we need a Bible Study!

In my July-August Letter, I prophetically suggested that we plan an afternoon of specific prayers once every Quarter around the three churches, and I asked if anyone would like to help or participate in and contribute to the planning for it to kindly get in touch. I give glory to God almighty; the Holy Spirit has spoken to Mrs Karen Kerr, and this her story as it was shared with me: “Whilst I was at church worshipping our Lord God almighty, I felt God had put a message in my heart: ‘People are sick, and they need healing, the people of this church need healing. I spoke to many people after the service, and it was apparent that many were indeed suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I went home wondering what we can do as a church to stop the suffering, raise the spirits and have peace and joy. I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Chron 7:14: ‘If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.’ Somehow, we all need a holistic healing.

Jesus came that we may all have life and have it in abundance. I feel that Jesus portrayed healing not simply as a sign that the kingdom was coming, but as an essential element in the kingdom. In other words, the kingdom of God, in part, consists of deliverance through prayers and supplication. I was clearly given the words from James 5:14-15: ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.’ I believe that we as a body of Christ should provide this healing service, as we pray for the restoration of good health, joy, peace, and love in hearts, souls, and minds,” in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

And all people say: Amen. If you feel God speaking to you about how to participate and contribute to the planning/organising of the healing services, please get in touch with me.

Yours in His service,
Probationer Deacon Marcianne Uwimana