January Light Mission Initiative
It’s been a tough time for many with Covid 19.
And January can often be challenging anyway.
January Light is a response from the Methodist Church in East Anglia and Bedfordshire, Essex & Hertfordshire.
Reaching out to our communities.
Sharing friendship and hope.
A little bit of January Light.
A message from the District Chairs…
“I would like to encourage all the churches and circuits around the East Anglia District to use the opportunity of January Light to express something of the light, hope and kindness of God to the people in our communities – particularly in such a difficult period of time when we have all suffered because of the world-wide pandemic. There are a number of simple things we could all do to express our common hope.”
“I am delighted to support January Light and encourage churches in Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire to get involved. In dark times, the people of God are called to reflect the Light of Christ through daily discipleship so that it shines strongly and brightly, bringing hope and comfort. January Light suggests simple and practical ways in which Methodists can help to dispel the darkness caused by anxiety and isolation.”
How you can get involved
#januarylight21
It’s a pick-and-mix approach. Have a look at the ideas below and see which you’d like to do.
Click the pictures for more info.
Share and connect across the Districts with the hashtag #januarylight21
Social Media
Daily posts – videos and images – for you to use on your Church’s social media.
Postcards
Postcards for Church members to share once a week in January.
Six for Sixty
Online or socially distanced meet-ups for up to six people for an hour of coffee, cake and chat.
Light Windows
Just like we did with rainbows in lockdown, but this time the theme is light. Click for some great examples.
Light Service
Make one of your services in January geared towards new people and look at the theme of light.
January Candles
Open your church one afternoon for private prayer and candle lighting.
Signposting
Be active in sharing and pointing people towards help if they’re struggling.
January Chaplains
Appoint a January chaplain for your town.
Light In Your Town
Get local schools & businesses involved.
Creative Prayer
Perhaps the most important aspect… take the opportunity to pray for your community. Get creative.
What next?
You’re invited to the Launch worship service!
Tuesday 5th January, 6.30pm
- We had a big meeting in November of nearly 70 people who are working on the ground in their churches to do a January Light initiative.
- Now we’re inviting them and all the members of their churches to a big Zoom launch service.
- Come along Tuesday 5th January, 6.30pm to a Zoom service with Rev Julian Pursehouse (East Anglia District Chair), Dr Yasmin Finch (East Anglia District Mission Enabler), Rev Sharon Thraves (EA Evangelism Group Co-ordinator) and Angela Brydon (BEH Discipleship Enabler).
- To get the zoom link email Yasmin – yrfinch@gmail.com
Want to get involved but busy with Christmas?
Why not plan something for the final week of January and give yourself some time to prepare?
Why?
January can be tough for many people struggling with their mental health. Maybe we know that feeling well. This year we’re coming together to…
- Support our communities
- Reach out
- Help people through the January blues
- Shine God’s love on January
Be the light.
Things which combat depression…
Gratitude
Focus on what you have
Friendship
Connect
Kindness
Reach out
Exercise
Move your body
January Light 