Easter Offering Service

Easter Offering Service

Hosted by St Andrew’s Methodist Church – Sunday 14th June 2026

Readings and prayers by ladies throughout the Circuit.

Reading  – Jeremiah held captive in the pit - On the eve of the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is put in a dark and dank underground cistern, from which he wouldn’t ever be expected to get out after warning the people God was going to hand over the city to the Babylonians. He is freed through the courage of Ebed-Melech, a foreigner, who dares to speak out for justice. He might have felt he was a lone voice but, as the story develops, we see that many people come out to help him. It is interesting to note that Ebed-Melech is a Cushite – a person from a place we nowadays call Ethiopia, it is interesting that the ‘hero’ of this story is both a servant and also a foreigner. He holds the king to a higher standard. What courage that must have taken.

Jeremiah 38:1-14    (taken from the Easter Offering Service material)

Guest preacher – Mr Tim Baker – a Local Preacher and employee of All We Can. Tim gave us a history of his childhood being the son of missionaries – he grew up on the islands of St Vincent and Grenada.  This shaped his life of service.

Tim spoke about how in Luke, Jesus was upsetting applecart by socialising with outcasts.  Could we dare to be the same?  Giving a couple of examples of missional work around the world, one of which:-

Sarah, a woman in Uganda, began an education programme in a nation affected by poverty, violence against young girls, and harmful gender attitudes. Despite great opposition, she spoke out for girls who had been ostracised after experiencing abuse. Today, her programme supports women and girls by offering education, training, and work opportunities. This challenges us to ask: is social justice at the heart of our churches as we share good news with the poor and help release the oppressed?

Tim questioned – as a church, can we bring hope through our everyday choices — where we shop, how we bank, and how we recognise our impact on the wider world? If we begin with justice and peace, we may also find comfort. Can we keep alive a message of love, hope, justice, and peace?

Representatives from churches in the Circuit who attended the service came up to bring their Easter Offering.

After the service, cake and tea was served and the fellowship was shared with each of the Circuit Churches who attended.

The Easter Offering made over £1800.00 for Mission.  Thank you for your kindness and support of Missional Work around the UK and the world.