Mirian Thurlow writes

It has been a week of sunshine so far and whether you love it and spend as much time as possible soaking it in, or you prefer to seek out a nice shady spot it seems that summer has truly arrived in time for the holidays!

But it has also been a strange week as restrictions were lifted on Monday, in what some called ‘freedom day’ and others have labelled the start of an experiment. However, rather than bringing certainty as we might have hoped it has brought a lot of uncertainty. Some of us are excited about being able to see more of our friends and families, but some of us are apprehensive and worried about the consequences of lifting all restrictions.

As was mentioned on Sunday, for the time being as a network we are keeping the precautions we had in place because we want to ensure our church spaces continue to be safe spaces where people feel they can come and join in with what’s going on. So, we are asking those who do come on site to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Unfortunately singing will still be only for those joining online from home, but as we wait and see we hope it won’t be too long before we are able to sing together again.

But with schools breaking up this week and holiday season getting well and truly underway there are lots of exciting opportunities to join in with the network over the next couple of weeks and months. Summer is always a good chance to slightly change some of our usual patterns of meeting and worship God together in different and creative ways. So do look out as we send out details of various summer events across the network and even on the beach!

I have been here at CCBN for almost a month now and looking back over the past few weeks there have been so many situations where I can clearly see God’s hand has been at work, in both big and small things in my life. And as I have been reflecting on this I came across Acts 26:22: ‘God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike’. God walks with us and helps us in all places and all situations no matter whether they feel big or small, and in all things we can testify to his goodness. I want to encourage you to look out over the next couple of days for the ways God is with you and helping you in the small and great alike,

Many Blessings,

Miriam

Oli Preston writes

‘Freedom Day’ is nearly here - government legal restrictions for controlling the spread of COVID19 will mostly end on Monday. But the freedom from legal rules and restrictions comes with responsibility. Official spokespeople and other commentators are clear that the pandemic is far from over, but we are moving into a new phase of trying to live with this new virus. The responsibility for acting reasonably and responsibly is now shifting to us as individuals, businesses and groups, rather than blanket rules. We are continuing to work through what this means for us as a network, and I’m sure each of us is working this through in our personal, family and work lives too. The summer season (hopefully with better weather!) gives us opportunities to enjoy some freedoms safely by creatively using outdoor spaces - for gathering, socialising, even singing together again… But we know that we will still need to be cautious about how we act, especially at larger gatherings, and particularly indoors.

As we reflect and plan for how we will act in the coming weeks and months I am reminded of Philippians 2: 'Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.’ We have known for a long time that wearing masks is mainly about protecting other people - my mask protects you and your mask protects me. None of us like wearing masks, but we do so to show care and consideration for others - putting their interests above our own. Philippians 2 encourages us to think in this way - to have the same mind as we see in Christ Jesus (verse 5). This doesn’t answer specific questions for us, or give us a set of clear rules to follow, but it does define the attitude that we are called to have as we process this as disciples of Jesus.

As we work this through together we will need to communicate well: sharing our thoughts and feelings, and listening well to one another. We will need a good dose of grace (and patience!). And we will need to continue approaching this as disciples of Jesus - seeking His mind and His way as we navigate difficult and uncertain times. God bless you!

Coronavirus Guidance for CCBN July 6th 2021

As restrictions are lifted, we must find a way to function safely and responsibly as a church of churches given that Coronavirus continues to be a threat to health. We recommend strongly that all those who are part of CCBN take advantage of the opportunity to receive the vaccination and any boosters available. Until the 19th July we will continue to comply across all churches and ministry areas with the current guidance that we are all used to. 

We will await specific guidance from our denominational leaders to help us form the right policies going forward.  

What we are clear about is that for the foreseeable future hands, face, space and air will still be important in certain circumstances.  

We will continue to provide hand sanitiser and encourage it’s use.  

We will position chairs to allow for space and ensure that our buildings are always ventilated as a matter of course.  

We will be expecting everyone to respect the personal space of others and to ask for permission before getting close to another person.  

We will continue with online ways of connecting - we have discovered there is great value in a variety of ways to worship Jesus and grow as disciples.  

We will also encourage a thoughtfulness in the use of face coverings. Chris Witty, in the Downing Street press conference, was asked in regard to lifting of all restrictions “under what circumstances would you wear a mask?” 

His answer?  

✅ when indoors, crowded and close proximity 

✅ if required by a competent authority 

✅ if someone was uncomfortable if I didn’t wear one - “as a matter of common courtesy”. 

More information to come. Thanks for your patience and support – it is good that we can expect to be able to lift our voices in worship together very soon. 

Rev Mark Carey 

Church Wardens: Keith Gibbons -  Emma Miles - Chaz Walker - Penny Clarke 

Mark Carey writes

God guides us. He’s more than really good at this – he is the best. Do you need some help to find direction, to make a decision? God can help. The Bible is one of the main areas that helps us find the way forward – we often describe the Bible as ‘God’s Word’ - the separate books that make up the whole Bible are God-breathed and inspired by Him. Also, of course, God reveals his word in other ways by the power of the Holy Spirit - for instance we often get an sense of an ‘impression’ that then, as we pray, listen and look at the Bible gives us guidance for the way ahead or for a particular situation. I do want to encourage you to be especially aware of God’s word - and to trust in Him - you can take him at his word. 

As Anne Graham-Lotz said:

It is His Word that gives me;

Encouragement in my despair

   Comfort in my isolation 

       Strength in my weakness 

           Light in my darkness

               Dignity in my humiliation 

            Joy in my tears

         Peace in my turmoil

      Purpose in my struggles

    Protection in my battles

  Wisdom in my decisions

Other news

Plans are developing for what the Autumn patterns of worship will look like. We remain cautiously hopeful that restrictions will be lifted significantly however, our experience over the last 16 months tell us that we have to remain adaptable and alert. Over the summer we will keeping the current patterns of gathering with some adjustments such as the United Breaks Out weekend at the beginning of August and then near the end of August gathering in the Christ Church gardens for celebration, baptisms, games & food.

Some changes are coming for Martongate Community Church as Ken & Maureen step down from leadership and a leadership team begins to explore ‘what next’ - please pray.

Also do pray for Angie & Andy Watts and the wider family as they mourn the loss of Doug Williamson. Many of you will have known Doug - we are thankful that he is with the Lord forever. 

Mark Carey writes

I’ve just recorded a short video to go up on our YouTube channel – in it I reflect a little on how we are doing some reconnecting and adjusting into a time of restrictions lifting and more freedom of movement. I talk about Lazarus – have a look at John 11 – the bit that always amuses me is imagining Lazarus waddling out of the tomb after Jesus has called from him to come out. Waddling? Well his hands and his feet were wrapped with strips of linen – he had a cloth around his face – all he’s going to do is waddle around! It is a great illustration for us at this time – maybe we are all a bit like Lazarus – emerging from a tomb-like level of restrictions, still restricted as we come out into the daylight. Jesus says to those nearby “take off the grave clothes and let him go” – maybe this period of time is going to be about having those grave clothes taken off – taking hold of the freedom that comes with knowing and following Jesus.

• Do pray for Miriam Thurlow as she prepares for her ordination as Deacon on York Minster on Saturday 26th June.

• Over a long weekend 29th July to 3rd August we are thinking about livestreaming New Wine: United Breaks Out in Christ Church. Watch out for more information on how you can join in coming soon.

• If you have been thinking about being baptized please contact the church office – we are likely to have an opportunity for full immersion baptisms on Sunday 22nd August.

• Remember – do think about where you might serve – there are many opportunities beginning to open up – in the café, amongst the Admin Team, with Children and families and lots more areas.

Mark Carey Writes

This week volunteering and serving has come to my attention. Maybe it is because I get the privilege to talk to lots of people who are serving in different ways - and certainly because it has been raised during prayer times.

I’ve watched people getting alongside vulnerable and broken people - just like Jesus would.

I’ve seen others rolling up their sleeves and doing practical things to ensure that our environment is safe and welcoming for others - just like Jesus would.

I’ve witnessed people sharing faith and encouraging words with others - just like Jesus would.

I’ve watched as people have deliberately chosen to lay down their own comfort and convenience for the sake of others - just like Jesus would.

I’ve observed people functioning from a kingdom combination of duty and joy - just like Jesus would.

Dallas Willard said that discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you. That’s what I see and what I look for. As a church of churches we are committed to live the gospel - good news- of Jesus by serving the health and well-being of our communities. I see so many elements of this and it makes my heart glad.

Reminders and Requests

• The team working from the Key Centre is primarily volunteers please only contact them via office@ccbn.org.uk or 01262 404100 - do not use Facebook messenger or other means.

• We could do with increasing our volunteer team in certain key areas - if you have administrative gifts there are some important areas you could be involved in.

• We want to increase our Safeguarding team - to support work across the whole network.

• Please pray for those who are preparing to get married - it’s wonderful that the first marriage is this Saturday 12th June between John Allanach and Holly Sherwood.

Rev. Mark Carey. Christ Church Bridlington Network.

Mark Carey writes

My Dad has been writing the second volume of his autobiography and I was reading the first chapter the other day. He talks about how he experienced, like many others of his age, a very interrupted education. He has vivid memories of three evacuations during the blitz because of how dangerous things had become – this was not great for anyone’s development and education and yet he reflects on it being something that if anything made him more thirsty to learn. The restrictions of that time did not stop God speaking into my Dad’s life and calling him to greater things. God can do a lot with a little, he can take a poor East End boy and bring him to a place where he can share faith beyond anything that could have been imagined. I like what David Carr once said - “Blaming on your past or your present will rob you of your future”. God is very interested in our future – we could look back on these coronavirus years as ones that have interrupted and disrupted, ruined our lives and made everything worse. But no – for those who follow Jesus our mindset is different – God is endlessly redemptive, he restores our lives through Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. That which has been lost, changed, broken, disrupted, affected by the circumstances of this pandemic or any other circumstances in our lives is not beyond God’s great ability to restore.

Regarding next steps – we are keeping a close eye on the government guidance and anticipate more lifting of restrictions that will adjust the way we do things. In the meantime, we are continuing to gather in ways that have become familiar. In the run up to September watch out for some communication about the patterns and plans for a new season. Do keep looking at the updates on YouTube and the website.

Network News Update

Oli Writes

I hope you have enjoyed some of the new freedoms this week - I certainly have! It is a very exciting time as we carefully move out of lockdown and into a new normal, in our Network and society in general.

So much has happened since March 2020. We have had to deal with big changes, and have had to live with continuous change and uncertainty. There has been grief, loss and anxiety. But we have also learned a lot of new things, and have adapted and responded really well - finding new ways to worship and live as disciples of Jesus. And now things are changing again…

The book of Acts is the story of the church emerging - from the confusion and thrill of the resurrection of Jesus, still carrying some grief and uncertainty, but captured by hope and filled with the new life of the Holy Spirit. There was no blueprint, much was worked out on the way, and we can see many examples of how the growing community of disciples were discerning God’s will and way together. The plural of disciple is church, and we hear God most clearly when we listen together. If you have not yet completed the ‘Reimagine’ questions that have been sent out then please do make some time for this - we would love to hear from as many people as possible.

When Peter spoke to the crowds at Pentecost he quoted the prophet Joel, saying:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Acts 2)

May you be filled again with the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost together this weekend. And as we are filled, let’s listen together for the voice of the Spirit, and dare to dream dreams of what God will do in our time to Rebuild, Restore and Renew: our lives, our network, our town.

Mark Carey writes:

There is a lot to be thankful for. Around us confidence is returning as things open up once again. People are taking up the offer of the vaccine and the protective factor this gives is beneficial for all. The next ‘junction’ on the Government roadmap will produce more positive changes - we will be able to have more personal contact in groups of six and hospitality venues.

I’m glad to say that the cafe at Christ Church will open from Monday 17th May - 10am to 12noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Call in for good coffee, tea and cake - it’s a great venue for meeting friends.

Every Thursday at 10am there will be a service of Holy Communion in Christ Church. In-person worship gatherings across the network are beginning to meet again. There is lots of activity in so many different ways. Do keep an eye on Facebook, email and the website for information.

We are looking forward to Miriam Thurlow joining us as curate at the end of June. She will be moving to Bridlington in early June so please pray for her on this new adventure. I know Oli Preston is enjoying actually meeting people having started his role during restrictions and lockdown - many of us are experiencing re-connection- but Oli is still making new connections! Do keep praying for Oli (& Emma Miles) as they continue to develop Multiply.

For all of us whether it’s new connection or reconnecting let’s pray for and expect guidance from God - He is good at this!

Rev. Mark Carey Team Leader Christ Church Bridlington Network

Polite Notice

This is a gentle reminder: as we re-open our buildings and gather together more, please remember, and remind your congregations, to follow the guidelines of HANDS-FACE-SPACE until further notice.

Mark Carey writes:

This period of time is being described as the ‘recovery time’. To me it appears that we are at the beginning of it. The next few months we will be continue with the patterns established to take us through successive lockdowns and restrictions and whilst beginning to lift our eyes to the new thing. Gradually we are seeing in-person gatherings beginning again and a return of confidence in being in the company of others – lets help each other in this by keeping to the guidelines, taking up the offer of vaccines for the sake of others, and being gracious because everyone is handling this time differently. 

I’ve often been reminded recently of Frodo Baggins speaking of his return from great adventures and a life transforming time – “Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same, for I shall not be the same." 

As we return to familiar territory and relationships lets remind ourselves that it will not be the same because each one of us has experienced change in some way or other. Things will not be the same.

We may well find ourselves wanting things to be what they once were, we undoubtedly will feel sorrow for what has been lost, we absolutely must renew our trust in the Lord – he is the one who will guide us. He will do a new thing.

Thursday Morning Communion

Every Thursday morning - starting on Thursday 13th May – Ascension Day – in Christ Church at 10am

Come and share in communion.

Healing On The Screens

There will be no Healing On The Screens on Saturday 29th May.

All other Saturdays will be running as normal.

Christ Church Community Cafe

We are pleased to say that the church cafe is reopening on 17th May. To begin with it will be open for drinks, cakes, teacakes etc between 10-12 Mon Tues Thurs Fri

We hope to increase these hours as we go along.

We would encourage you (when the weather is nice) to take drinks into our lovely gardens. Just ask for a takeaway drink when you order.

We have to comply with Covid instructions so bear with us as we work with those. If you could stay seated during your visit that would be helpful.

Please support us as we reopen so that we can move forwards developing the cafe. We are non profit making & all staff are volunteers, so all profit made is invested back into the cafe

Oli's May Day Squat Challenge - Toilet Twinning FUNdraiser

One of the things we hope to do as part of our Eco Church journey is to “twin” all of the toilets and taps across the Christ Church Network. We have already twinned 9 loos, but there are more to go! Could you sponsor our team for this event, or take part yourself? Find out more about how clean, safe toilets and water supplies can transform people’s lives at www.toilettwinning.org If you would like to donate to this goal then you can give online at www.ccbn.org.uk/donate

Christ Church Community Cafe Update.

We are pleased to say the cafe will reopen on May 17th. We are opening mornings to begin with 10-12. Mon Tues Thurs Fri.

We are serving drinks, cakes, toasted teacakes etc for the time being.

Please bear with us as we have to work to quite extensive Covid rules, so there will be limited space inside but you are welcome to take a drink out to the garden too to enjoy. This will be in a paper (biodegrable!) cup due to the fact we have to minimise footfall in the cafe.

To protect you & staff we aren’t at this stage able to use your own refill cups but will as soon as things become safer.

Thank you to the volunteers who serve in this area of work. We have exciting plans for the future but to start with we just want to provide a space for people to meet friends & family

Rev'd Mark Carey writes....

I found myself in a crowd today for the first time in over a year. It felt strange and made me feel slightly insecure. I was surprised by my reaction – but maybe I shouldn’t be. Our gradual emergence from a pandemic will not straightforward and we will feel a mixture of feelings and responses. Maybe this is why I’ve been constantly reminded of the Stephen Covey quote “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing”. Amongst all the distractions, preoccupying thoughts, fears and emotional responses the first disciples found themselves reoriented to the main thing by the resurrected Jesus. For followers of Jesus the main thing is always Jesus - keeping focussed on him is vital at this time.

I’m encouraging leaders and team members across the network to register for and participate in the morning I am hosting with Andy Hall and Rob Parker on Saturday 24th April. Called Emergence: what is God saying? It is an opportunity to have a reflective process as we seek to emerge with fresh vision and eyes fixed on Jesus. To book your place email office@ccbn.org.uk and nearer the time you will receive the zoom link.

We are very sad to hear of the death of Lesley Gaines. Lesley brought her warm and caring personality to bear in lots of our lives and will be greatly missed by her family, church family and friends. More news to follow of the date and time of the funeral service.

We welcome a new church warden, Penny Clarke, for Christ Church to serve alongside Keith Gibbons. I’m pleased that Chaz Walker and Emma Miles are serving for a further year as Wardens of Bessingby.

Thank you to all who are serving in official and unofficial ways across the Network.

Easter 2021

This Easter is a little different from last year. Do you remember? We were completely locked down – only able to go out for up to an hour for exercise and shop for essentials.

This year we are still restricted but to a much lesser extent. We are, however, tired of the constant uncertainties of restrictions, of careful behaviour around others and really missing the person-to-person contact that is so important to human beings.

So in this time of restrictions lifting but not gone, of being tired of the pandemic and desiring the things we are missing. In this time of small steps of emerging from the worst of a pandemic can I encourage you to REMEMBER.

REMEMBER how far you have come and what you have learned. REMEMBER the help you have received from God and others that has got you so far. REMEMBER that the resurrection of Jesus means that the worst thing is never the last thing – Jesus in his resurrection power will be leading us through this next season.

Happy Easter! Jesus is Risen!

Time To Talk Team

This past year has been a very long and stressful time leaving many of us, feeling confused, anxious and overwhelmed.

For some of us this year may also have highlighted long standing issues.

Having someone to talk to often helps.

We would like to offer you a safe, confidential space to be listened to, giving you time to express the things that are concerning you.

At the moment this would be arranged on (a one off basis ) using Zoom or by a telephone call.

In the first instance please contact the Church Office by telephone or e-mail, and one of the team will contact you to arrange the details.

CCBN Network Office : - 01262 404100

CCBN Network Office E-mail : - office@ccbn.org.uk