Deacon Joan Cole was the Guest Speaker at the two District Days, the first held at Helston Methodist Church, and the second at Lanivet Methodist Church. “Sitting by the Well” was the theme, based on the story of the Samaritan woman, recorded in John’s Gospel chapter 4. The first session was “Jesus is Waiting”. Deacon Joan reminded us that we too can encounter Jesus in unexpected places. He wants us to listen to Him and give Him our full attention. Jesus gave the Samaritan woman LIFE – what she most needed. He wants to refresh and renew us along our Christian journey.
The second session was “Help me to Listen”. Bookmarks were distributed showing prompts for spending time with God when we sit down with our Bibles. The key words to focus on are Relax, Recall, Rehearse, Retain, Rejoice, Realign and Release. We were encouraged to take time to sit at the well listening to God and cultivating our relationship with Him as we ponder and explore the Scriptures.
The final session was “Reviving the Soul” – being refreshed by God’s Word. Deacon Joan gave each of us a Bible verse. We were invited to find a quiet space in the church where we had the opportunity to reflect on how our particular verse spoke to us. A time of sharing followed; it was wonderful to hear how Bible verses distributed randomly seemed especially significant for the readers. We were then invited to recall favourite verses of Scripture which we had committed to memory . We felt so blessed as Deacon Joan challenged, encouraged and inspired us to spend precious time with God focusing on the Scriptures.
Each District Day concluded with Worship and Holy Communion. At Helston this was conducted by Revd Danny Reed, the Minister of the Church, and Revd Steve Wild, Chair of the Cornwall District. The following day at Lanivet the Worship and Communion were shared by Revd Sally Long, Minister of the Bodmin Padstow and Wadebridge Circuit and Revd Steve Wild. Collections were taken for the President’s charity “Farming Community Network”, which provides support when farmers and their families are experiencing difficult times. Following the closing prayers a Cream Tea was enjoyed by all.
Report by Jill Nute
[Pictured from the left:
District President Mrs Jenny Skinnard, Deacon Joan Cole, Revd Steve Wild, Revd Danny Reed]
