Welcome to the St Mark's Blog
Friday, 26 December 2014
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Sermon from Sunday 21st December Now Available for Download
Sunday 21st December 2014
6.30 pm service : Carols by Candlelight
Open the present?
Rev Jon Phillips
Friday, 5 December 2014
Hennie’s Advent/Christmas Blog for 2014
Advent is essentially a season of patient waiting – a discipline that perhaps does not come naturally to us as we live in an ever speeding society and environment of immediacy, consumerism, and self-gratification. I want it now, I need it now, I will have it now!Derived from a Latin root, Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Lasting only four weeks, it is season of waiting, but a waiting with a quiet and joyful expectancy. A time of preparation for the birth of God’s son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at Christmas; and a looking forward for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. As St. Mark’s prepares for her Christingle Service this Sunday, 7th December; and having just returned from Messy Church’s Christmas special (over 70 people present – praise God) – we are all too well aware that the season of Advent is overtaken by the Christmas season of festivities and celebrations. So, as in the past, can I encourage all those who are taking the time to read this blog, also find some time during Advent to embrace the season of waiting and reflecting?
I think Advent is a good time to reflect back on the year, a spiritual audit if you like, and ask ourselves how we are doing as disciples of Christ? Make some time to think what it means to be a mature disciple of Christ, and ponder on what we have heard from Jesus recently as we have listened to His teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. What spiritual disciplines do we need to grow in, and up in? How is our prayer life, as individuals, and corporately as the Body of Christ? Are we taking the responsibility of feeding ourselves during the week with the Word of God, or just relying for someone else to feed us on a Sunday? Where has God called us to be salt and light during the week, and are people recognising Christ in us? Are we sacrificially giving of our time, gifts, skills, and money to help build God’s kingdom here on earth, as it is in heaven? Advent is a very good time to think about these things, as we wait patiently for the birth of Christ, this Christmas time – and celebrate His birth coming amongst us as a human being - Immanuel God with us.
Some of you will know that I have recently been up to Scotland to celebrate my stepfather’s 90th birthday. We are a large family and it was a feat in itself to get his children, grandchildren, great grandson, and spouses all together (41 in all)! Since then I have been reflecting what a very special weekend it was for him, and one he has waited for patiently, having walked through many dark valleys of pain and anguish, and up many mountain tops experiencing the panoramic grace of God throughout his long life.
Henri Nouwen says, ‘Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory, because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone, ‘thank you for being you’. Celebrating a birthday is exalting life and being glad for it. On a birthday we do not say, ‘thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.’ No we say: ‘thank you for being born and being among us’. During Advent we wait patiently in anticipation for Jesus’ birth, when ‘The Word (Jesus) became flesh and blood, and moved into our neighbourhood’ (The Message John 1). The Christmas Season is when we give thanks that Jesus was born, God with us, and came amongst us. And every Sunday when we celebrate someone’s birthday we are giving thanks that they were born, and are now amongst us!
2014 has been another exciting year for St. Mark’s and God has blessed us mightily in so many different ways as we continue to strive to put our Vision into practice, ‘Loving God and making His love known’; and we have witnessed his kingdom breaking into people’s lives, into the life of our local community, city, and further afield. As we seek His will and way for 2015 I do believe we are being called to be a church of ‘healing, wholeness, and holiness’; and in the past year we have seen members of our family of St. Mark’s receive some miraculous healing both in body, mind and spirit!
We do have two major projects before us in 2015, both of which will need our constant prayer and discernment.
They are ‘enlarging the site of our tent, letting the curtains of our habitations be stretched out’, as we begin to have pastoral oversight of St. Peter’s at the Cross, Chester, next year; and as we think about the need to expand the church centre site at St. Mark’s to enable us to continue to grow spiritually and numerically. Isaiah 54 verses 1- 3, I passionately believe have been given to us as a Church with regard to our ministry both at St. Mark’s, and now at St. Peter’s as we move forward into 2015. With regard to the development of St. Mark’s site God gave me the scripture from 1 Chronicles 28. v 20/21. Please do take time to look it up, read it, and pray with it.
So as we wait, watch, and reflect this Advent season, I pray that we may all be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to empower and equip us to share God’s love with others, and to have the courage to ask just one person – each one reach one – to one of our many Christmas services, there is a service for everyone, and for every age. Also why not use Advent to pray for one person whom you might invite to the Alpha course starting on Wed January 28th, another opportunity for ‘each one to reach one’!
May you all have a blessed and joyful month – full of hope – as we wait and watch in anticipation of great celebrations at Christmas – the birth of Jesus - born and now living amongst us!Hennie
Monday, 1 December 2014
Sermons from Sunday 30th November Now Available for Download
Sunday 30th November 2014
11 am service : Advent Sunday
Mark 13:24 - end
Rev Simon Chesters
6.30 pm service :
God is calling us... a church of Healing, Wholeness and Holiness
Acts 2 : 43 - 47
Rev Hennie Johnston
Friday, 28 November 2014
This week's Talk 30th November 2014: Advent Sunday Mark 13: 24 - end
Some questions to think about
1) What do you think God wants for Christmas? (to put it another way, what are the things you most think God wants to be put right in this world?)
2) What does the idea of Jesus coming again mean to you?
3) Jesus talks about being prepared and staying awake – what do you think that might mean for us in living out the Christian life?
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Sermon from Sunday 23rd November Now Available for Download
Sunday 23rd November
‘The choice is ours, life or death?’
Matthew 7 : 21 - 29
11am : Rev Wendy Steadman
Friday, 21 November 2014
This week's Talk 23rd November 2014: ‘What difference does it make?’ Matthew 7. 21 - 29
Some questions to think about
1) How do these two warnings ( v.21 and v.26-27 ) affect how we live out our faith day to day?
2) What difference does our study of the Sermon on the Mount make to the way we plan to celebrate Advent and Christmas this year?
3) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Monday, 17 November 2014
Sermons from Sunday 16th November Now Available for Download
Sunday 16th November 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘Putting it into Practice’
Matthew 7 : 13 - 20
Rev Hennie Johnston
To view the clip shown at the beginning of this mornings sermon, click the link below..
6.30pm Series: This is our God!
'God is faithful'
Psalm 57
Rev Hennie Johnston
To view the Video/DVDs Shown during this service please click on the link below...
Indiana Jones - leap of faith...
Friday, 14 November 2014
This week's Talk Questions 16th November 2014: The Choice we make produces the fruit we bear Matthew 7. 13 - 20
1) Jesus describes just two ways. What are the 4 characteristics of each; and to what extend have you found what Jesus says here to be true in your own experience?
2) In what way are the false prophets deceptive? And how does Jesus instruct his disciples to tell the difference between true and false?
3) What good fruit can people see in our own lives, and in the life of the Church at St. Mark's?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
2) In what way are the false prophets deceptive? And how does Jesus instruct his disciples to tell the difference between true and false?
3) What good fruit can people see in our own lives, and in the life of the Church at St. Mark's?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Monday, 10 November 2014
Sermons from Sunday 09th November Now Available for Download
Sunday 09th November 2014
11am : Remembrance Sunday
Matthew 7 : 1 - 12
Rev Simon Chesters
6.30pm : 'God is Jealous'
Zechariah 1 : 12-17
Rev Simon Chesters
Friday, 7 November 2014
This week's Talk 9th November 2014: Remembrance Sunday Matthew 7: 1 - 12
Some questions to think about
1)
As we remember 100 years since the start of the
First World War, what might this passage have to say to us?
2)
Jesus talks about us judging others’ faults while
ignoring our own (which might be a lot bigger than theirs). How can we become
more aware of the things that need sorting out in our own lives?
3)
Jesus urges us to ask, seek and knock in trust
that God is a good and generous parent. What do you think God might want us as
individuals and as a church to be asking Him for?
4)
How can the
Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Thursday, 30 October 2014
This week's Talk 2nd November 2014: The Heart of the Matter (do not worry) Matthew 6: 25 - 34
Some questions to think about
1. How
do you feel when Jesus says do not worry?
2. Do you feel guilty when you fail not to worry?
3. What “things” do you really need?
4. How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these
challenges of Jesus' teaching?
2. Do you feel guilty when you fail not to worry?
3. What “things” do you really need?
4. How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these
challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Sunday, 26 October 2014
Sermon from Sunday 26th October Now Available for Download
Sunday 26th October 2014
11am : CAP Sunday
‘Break The Silence’
Matthew 22 : 34 - 40
11am Guest Speaker : Shirley Bowen
To view the Video/DVD Shown during this service please click on the link below...
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND WATCHING THIS SHORT VIDEO
Monday, 20 October 2014
Sermon from Sunday 19th October Now Available for Download
Sunday 19th October 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘Where is our Security?’
Matthew 6 : 19 - 24
11am Rev Jon Phillips
Sadly the recording of the 6.30 sermon was of insufficient quality to put up for listening.
That is the RECORDING not the SERMON!
SORRY EVERYONE!
That is the RECORDING not the SERMON!
SORRY EVERYONE!
Thursday, 16 October 2014
This week's Talk 19th October 2014: Where is our security? Matthew 6: 19 - 24
This week's Talk 19th October 2014:
Where is our security?
Matthew 6: 19 - 24
Some questions to think about
1) Where is your security?
2) Why is money such an important
topic in the New Testament?
3) How can we keep a generous ‘eye’
and be shrewd with our finance
at the same time?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of
Jesus' teaching?
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
The Clergy October Blog
Pioneer
Curates Blog!
I was asked recently – what is a Pioneer Curate and what is Fresh
Expressions – two very good questions! So, I thought I would aim to try and
clarify this through my blog!
Sooooooo, in a nut shell:
The background:
The Church of England is looking to ordain missionaries to England
and the Western world. They are doing this as the Western world is largely
seeing decreasing numbers attending their traditional church services on Sunday
mornings.
Fresh Expressions … Of Church?
The term Fresh Expressions of Church was coined in the 2004 church
report: Mission Shaped Church. It stands for ways of ‘doing and being church’ that
reach out to those who are not and will not be attending church in the near
future. It means doing church in a fresh way. (Not implying that other ways are
stale) It’s hope is to remove barriers for the many who have come to struggle
even beginning to comprehend what we do on a Sunday morning let alone engage
with it. It is different from a missionary outreach as it aims to become a
‘mature’ expression of church with baptisms, communion and all the other things
that make a mature church. *
Pioneer Curate/Vicar/Minister
A Pioneer … is someone ordained by their denomination (this is an
ecumenical movement) to seek out ways of planting Fresh Expressions of Church.
There is clearly a spectrum of Pioneers, some of which are more focussed on
working with church as it stands and doing more traditional mission, to those
who want to go and do crazy whacky things, and some of whom are happy doing
both …
This is where I come in: I am of the breed that loves church the
way it is but sees the potential for it existing in many different shapes. My
particular interest is in planting churches in theatres – which I have talked
about before, will talk about more and enjoy doing every Tuesday night!
This is why my chosen path of training was to embrace the offer of
doing 50% pioneer training and 50% inherited ministry – I love them both and am
very excited and seeing both being blessed by God.
NB:
As Bishop Peter wisely pointed out recently, that all
Priests/Vicars/Curates are going to need to be pioneers in certain elements in
the future. It is equally true that most Pioneers will also need to have some
element of embracing and understanding more traditional ministry. How that
works out in the detail is being wrestled with even as I type!
As many of you have also become aware, as term has begun, an
exciting proposition has been put to St Mark’s to work with another church in
the city centre. Hennie has been asked to become Priest-in-charge of this
potential new parish taking a small amount of her time to care for this
fledgling venture.
The hope is that there would also be a pioneering element to this
work and that part of my training will include getting involved in this city
centre ministry. The detail of this has yet to be fully processed but we have
been told that if this project goes through St Mark’s would also have another
curate this coming June.
So, as you can see, there are exciting things a foot in the Church
of England and God is doing great things to see people come to know him and
join his Church. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated in this time.
Yours in Him,
Revd. Jonathan Phillips
* There is a lot of debate on this but a very good summary can be
found on the Fresh Expressions of Church website!
Monday, 13 October 2014
Sermon from Sunday 12th October Now Available for Download
Sunday 5th October 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘The Call to Prayer and Fast’
Matthew 6 : 1 - 18
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
Friday, 10 October 2014
This week's Talk 12th October 2014: The Call to Fast and Prayer Matthew 6: 1 - 18
This week's Talk 12th October 2014:
The Call to Fast and Prayer
Matthew 6: 1 - 18
Some questions to think about
1) How do you feel, knowing
that God sees all that we do, or do not do, in secret, whether in our giving,
prayer life, or spiritual disciplines?
2) 'And whenever you fast'.......... (Ch.6 v 16) How might we apply fasting in our lives, and why?
3) Concerning our giving, prayer and fasting is about drawing near in an intimate relationship with our Father. It has been said that God has many children, but few friends. How may we become better friends with our Father?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
2) 'And whenever you fast'.......... (Ch.6 v 16) How might we apply fasting in our lives, and why?
3) Concerning our giving, prayer and fasting is about drawing near in an intimate relationship with our Father. It has been said that God has many children, but few friends. How may we become better friends with our Father?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Monday, 6 October 2014
Sermon from Sunday 5th October Now Available for Download
Sunday 5th October 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘Extraordinary Generosity’
Matthew 5 : 33 - 48
11am Rev Jon Phillips
To view the video referred to in Jon's talk, click on the following link...
Thursday, 2 October 2014
This week's Talk 5th October 2014: Extraordinary Generosity Matthew 5: 33 - 48
This week's Talk 5th October 2014:
Extraordinary Generosity
Matthew 5: 33 - 48
Some questions to think about
"Let your word be
'yes, yes' or 'No, No”
How does this
challenge us in our current society?
2 “If anyone strikes you
in the right cheek, turn the other also”
Do we have any present
day examples of how this can be lived out?
3 “Love your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you”
God's way is costly
but surely this is the way of peace? Discuss.
4 How can the Holy Spirit transform us
through these challenges of
Jesus'
teaching?
Monday, 29 September 2014
Sermon from Sunday 28th September Now Available for Download
Sunday 28th September 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘Sacrosanct Relationship’
Matthew 5 : 21 - 32
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
Friday, 26 September 2014
This week's Talk Questions 28th Sept 2014: Sacrosanct Relationships Matthew 5: 21 - 32
This
week's Talk 28th Sept 2014:
Sacrosanct Relationships
Matthew 5: 21 - 32
Some questions to think about
1) Have you ever
been aware of holding a grudge against a fellow Christian? If so how did you
deal with it?
2) If these grudges are left unresolved how does it affect a) your personal relationship with God and b) the Body of Christ, the Church?
3) Looking at Ch. 5 verses 27-30 how would you interpret what Jesus is saying? What actions could you take in response?
2) If these grudges are left unresolved how does it affect a) your personal relationship with God and b) the Body of Christ, the Church?
3) Looking at Ch. 5 verses 27-30 how would you interpret what Jesus is saying? What actions could you take in response?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us
through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Sermon from Sunday 21st September Now Available for Download
Sunday 21st September 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘New Creation, New Life’
Matthew 5 : 13 - 20
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
Friday, 19 September 2014
This week's Talk 21st Sept 2014: New Creation, New Life Matthew 5: 13 - 20
This
week's Talk 21st Sept 2014:
New Creation, New Life
Matthew 5: 13 - 20
1)
What are the images of salt and light intended to communicate about life as a
follower of Jesus?
2) In what ways do you, both as individuals and as members of St. Mark's, behave as the 'salt of the earth’? What things make Christians less 'salty'?
Think of
practical ways in which you could have a greater effect on society?
3) In what ways are you, both as individuals and as members of St. Mark's, the 'light of the world? What things prevent the light from being seen?
Think of
practical ways in which you could 'shine' more brightly?
4) How can the Holy Spirit transform us through these challenges of Jesus' teaching?
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Sermons from Sunday 14th September Now Available for Download
Sunday 14th September 2014
11am Series: Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘A Countercultural Life’
Matthew 5 : 1 - 12
11am Rev Jon Phillips
6.30pm Series: This is our God!
God is Love (compassionate)
Luke 15 : 11 - 32
Heather Carty
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Hennie’s Blog September 2014
Hennie’s
Blog September 2014
Welcome back
to St. Mark’s after the summer break. I hope and pray that you all, from the
youngest to the eldest, have had some time, to step back from the busy world we
live in, and been able to find refreshment, relaxation and restoration, however
that has manifested in your personal, and family life.
At the
beginning of August I always think this is the month to clear up my study; find
time to reflect, pray, read, and have space for spiritual growth, healing and
transformation in my own personal life.
Why then does August suddenly seem the shortest month of the year! My study is still not as tidy as it should
be. I have not had as much time as I would have desired for to reflect, pray,
and read, but I do still feel that I am
reaping the fruit from engaging in the 30 Day Ignatius spiritual exercises
where there was plenty of time for spiritual growth, healing, and I hope some
transformation – they are not called spiritual exercises for nothing! It has
been hard work, and for that, in a paradoxical way, I praise God!
The two
books I did manage to read were ‘Courageous Leadership’ by Bill Hybels (a
re-read), which has been challenging, and helpful. Two Chapters which caught my
attention this time round were entitled ‘A Leader’s Prayer – God, mold and
shape me to my full leadership potential’, and ‘The Leader’s Pathway, looking
at the different ways leaders walk with God. Just as different leaders have
many different personalities and combinations of gifts, so they have many
different spiritual pathways. Bill Hybels signposts the reader to another book
called ,’Sacred Pathways’, by Gary
Thomas, which I have just ordered, and am looking forward to going deeper into
this area. It may well be something that
as a church we could reflect on during Lent 2015?
The other
book is called ‘Stretched for Greater
Glory’ – what to expect from the Spiritual Exercises’ by George Aschenbrenner,
S.J. A very different book from
‘Courageous Leadership’, but dovetailing into one’s spiritual pathways –
choosing and loving always for God’s glory, and in one’s daily life, gratefully
serving God in all things.
During
August at St. Mark’s in our joint All Age services we celebrated God’s generous
provision, trustworthiness, love, different gifts, and even acknowledged that
one can celebrate that following Jesus isn’t always easy! The feedback I have
received from others is that this August truly has been a celebration, with the
family of St. Mark’s really engaging with the teaching, and enjoying fellowship
with one another. Last Sunday 31st August some of us enjoyed food
and friendship together in Westminster Park, and the sun shone down upon us! It
was a good opportunity to meet others, and a wonderful time was had by those of
every age as they played numerous different games. I gather some were still enjoying themselves
gone 6pm! Another summer celebration was
most definitely Sandiley Camp, and the testimonies of the young people have
been extremely powerful. Thank you to all who were involved in making Camp
happen, those who helped on it, and to every young person who went – God
touched you, and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work powerfully
in your lives.
As we now
begin to look towards the Autumn we move into a new season, and changes occur,
shorter days, and change of colours; and so we too should be looking forward to
change. Change in our own lives, in the life of St. Mark’s, and we pray for
change in many parts of the world today – God continually moves and transforms!
As part of our on-going change and
transformation we will be looking at Jesus’ teaching – his sermon on the mount,
this autumn, as we continue to grow up in our discipleship becoming a church of
worshipping, serving, growing and transforming disciples. Another resource to help us to grow in our
discipleship will be the Pilgrim Course which I am also excited about and will
be starting on 8th October – look in September ReMarks for more
information.
Lastly, can
I encourage you all to join us for our Joint service on Sunday 21st
September at 10 am where we have the opportunity to celebrate our diverse
ministries and re-affirm our Christian faith.
I shall also be sharing with you what I feel God is calling of us as a
church at St. Mark’s as we move into this new season of worship, discipleship,
evangelism and mission.
September
blessings,
Hennie
Monday, 8 September 2014
Sermon from Sunday 7th September Now Available for Download
Sunday 7th September 2014
Discipleship - Growing Up Part Two!
‘The Call to Follow’
Matthew 4 : 18 - 22
11am Nikki Smith
Thursday, 4 September 2014
This week's Talk 7th Sept 2014: The Call to Follow Matthew 4: 18 - 22
This
week's Talk 7th Sept 2014:
The Call to Follow
Matthew 4: 18 - 22
What did Jesus ask of the people
in this story?
What do you think we should be giving
up?
What do you think Jesus is asking you
to give up?
Monday, 1 September 2014
Sermon from Sunday 31st August Now Available for Download
Sunday 31st August 2014
Celebrations!
'To celebrate that following Jesus isn’t always easy'
Matthew 16 : 21 - 28
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
The Curate's Blog August 2014
The Curate's Blog
'To blog or not to blog, that is the question' *
This previous term has been a series of questions about what it
is to live - to really live. This is the question that Hamlet was faced with in
a time of great trial - is it worth being alive when things seem impossible to
overcome? ** Simon Peter's relationship with Jesus has been challenging us with
this question all term - not just, 'Is it worth being alive, but is it worth
being REALLY alive - really living with Jesus!' We are promised as Jesus'
disciples to have life and life in ABUNDANCE! But, *** this abundance is not
'vended' out to us to make us spoilt like an overweight house pet with too many
snacks **** but is given to us with opportunity and equipping like an Olympic
athlete!
This season of summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the sun and
eat of the fruits of spring. It is important to live in the season you are in
so that you are ready to begin the next season. If we plough on through all our
seasons as if they are all spring, all autumn, winter or summer - we will not
only miss the amazing fruits of each season but we will struggle to be ready
for the season to come. So, this Summer we CELEBRATE! Our theme for our August
services is to CELEBRATE the goodness of God, the love of God and the cost of
what it is to be God's disciple. It is important that we change pace over the
summer as it is part of preparing for our next season. Changing pace in our
culture is very difficult, but as we head into our harvest term of deepening in
our discipleship, aiming to become a church of Healing, Wholeness and Holiness, it is important
that we do.
This last month has been a pleasure at St Mark's with many things
to be thankful for. The young people have had a smorgasbord of great things
ranging from sleeping out under the stars with Slum Survivor, to doing mission
with Engage in Blacon, to going to Sandiley and spending time with our God,
meeting with Him, learning from Him and getting fired up by His Holy Spirit!
We also had the opportunity to play a significant role in the
Lache Funday blessing our community. We opened our doors to the community for
August 4th joining our nation in a day of Remembrance and have had hundreds of
people through our building being blessed by our love of God and willingness to
reach out with His provision.
We also saw the end of term where numerous projects came to their
academic year end. For me, coming to the end of our Adult Theatre Workshop on
Tuesday nights was significant. We have been meeting every Tuesday rehearsing,
praying and socialising for a year. We have put on a play. We have had new
people join. It has been a blessed year. We also saw our first term of our
Family Circus Workshop on Wednesdays, haveing its end of term BBQ
(coincidentally joined with GAPs end of term water fight :) ) and our 20-30 who
have been coming all term have been deeply blessed and are looking forward to
next term where we start again. The hope and vision of church being down in
fresh ways in the community is being blessed by our God - very exciting.
This month has also seen a number of sad things which have rocked
our world. Wars which seem to not have an end in sight, dreadful occurrences of
many suffering and dying. In our community, the loss of loved ones where Summer
may actually increase that pain and loneliness. We hold all of these events in
tension with the blessings and provision that God pours out. As part of our
Celebrating this summer may we keep our hearts and eyes open for those around
us who need extra help and company in this season.
So - 'to live or not to live' is a question that we are
faced with and bring to God for that clear Yes to Living. God calls us to LIVE
- to truly LIVE in our communities, in our church congregation, in our social
circles, in our work places and schools! To LIVE is to LOVE - our God and our
neighbour. This August, can we take summer as God intended it to be: a time of
basking and getting ready for harvest and take a moment to reflect on the
blessings and hard times of this year and aim to Celebrate God's activity in
every step.
*
Hamlet Act 3 sc 1: kind of ...
** which for some of us is the apathy of every day life
*** and as I was
told by a great theologian, when it's God's but it's a big but,
**** thinking slightly embarrassedly about my own cat - as loved
as she is, she does not get enough exercise,
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Sermon from Sunday 10th August Now Available for Download
Sunday 10th August 2014
Celebrations!
'To celebrate God's trustworthiness'
Matthew 14 : 22 - 33
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Sermons from Sunday 20th July Now Available for Download
Sunday 20th July 2014
Simon Peter
'A Person Who Lived and Died for Christ'
Acts 2: 37-38
11am Rev Hennie Johnston
6.30pm Rev Jon Phillips
Sermon from Sunday 13th July Now Available for Download