Phil Thompson’s song – Here’s my worship, receive my worship.
When you hear those lines, you picture yourself swaying to the music, hands lifted high, eyes closed.
Well, I was actually chanting this song, not singing it. It kept me going, it had to. The kitchen was a mess, the laundry hill kept growing, and deadlines were piling up at work. Being a full-time working mum of 2, I was close to losing it.
I hadn’t had a me-time in months, and the dark circles on my face were starting to look like they were expanding their territory to my brain.
In reality I was scrubbing a dirty pan, but in my mind I was stomping my feet, raising dust and waving my fist at heaven… when will this end.
And suddenly, I felt a voice knock some sanity into my brain. “Here’s your worship.”
God gave me an important responsibility. To be a wife, a mum, a sister, a friend, a colleague. All these versions of me, pouring myself out to others, that was my service to God.
Does it make it easier? Well no… these things still need someone (me) to do them. But it made me realise that whatever I am doing should be as unto God. Without grumbling. Without counting the cost.
And it is not me wasting away, it is me living in the purpose God has for me.
The Bible talks about offering yourself as a living sacrifice. It is choosing to show up when you have nothing left. It is washing the pan when you’d rather cry into it. It is being present for everyone else when no one is particularly present for you. It costs something. It costs you.
And yet, that is precisely what makes it worship.
Not the song. Not the raised hands. Not the goosebumps in the sanctuary.
The pan. The laundry. The Tuesday. The showing up.
Here’s my worship. Receive my worship.
Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (New International Version)
– Toni Falade
Good Friday Service
Friday 3rd April | 10:00am | Church
This is a time for us to join with St James to remember all that Jesus accomplished on the cross. There will be songs, readings, monologues from Gareth and Morag, and time to be actively involved in stations. These will include activities for children, so come as families.
Alpha Course
Starts 21st April | 7:30pm | The Vine
We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore faith, ask questions, and share their point of view.
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone’s welcome. Here’s a promo video to give you a flavour.
“It was not what I was expecting at all. There was much more debate and open discussion and the videos answered most of my questions about the Christian faith; in fact, the arguments were really compelling! There was a lot of diversity in the people who shared their stories too.” – (Alpha participant at Salford Elim Church)
We’ll have our next chance for you to explore the big questions of life and faith in a friendly and non-judgemental atmosphere starting on Tuesday 21st April, 7:30pm-9:00pm at The Vine Community Hub. There’ll be weekly sessions to discuss questions such as ‘Is there more to life than this?’, ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘How can I have faith?’
If you have friends, colleagues or family who don’t yet know Jesus, why not ask them if they’d like to try Alpha – who knows where a simple invitation might lead?
Sign up here to let us know you’re planning on coming, and we’ll send you all the information you need to join us for Alpha.
Sunday Evening Service: Exhale
Sunday 26th April | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Church
This is a regular service led by the young adults but open to all. Come and worship with us.
Baptisms & Lunch Together
Sunday 3rd May | 11:30am | Church
On Sunday 3rd May we will be having a baptismal service. If you haven’t been baptised yet, but you know this is the next step you need to take please see one of the leaders. We would love to help you begin and continue your Christian life in this way.
After the service, we will have a Bring and Share Lunch together. Please plan to be with us, bring some food along and let us celebrate our salvation! During lunch, we will have our Annual Meeting, where we will give you some feedback on the activities of the last year.
Breathe Young Adults Weekend Away
Friday 17th April – Sunday 19th April | Criccieth
Our Young Adults will be heading to the Welsh seaside town, Criccieth, to grow in faith, build deeper friendships, and have plenty of fun together. Across the weekend, there will be space for worship, teaching, and meaningful conversation, as well as time to relax, explore, and enjoy being together.
Please keep them in your prayers.
New Opportunities To Engage!
During April, May, June and July we are providing a range of opportunities to get involved and make new connections across church.
Book Group – Online – Tuesday evening once a month.
Film Group – Online – Tuesday evening once a month.
Spiritual Practices – Online and in person – 2nd and 4th Thursday evening.
Holy Spirit course – In person: weekly on Fridays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm, beginning on the 10th April till 22nd May. Also running weekly on Mondays, 7:30pm-9pm, beginning on the 25th May till 6th July.
Connect Group – Meet with a small group monthly for a meal.
Please speak with any of the leaders for more information.
Looking Ahead
SAVE THE DATE: Church Away Day
Saturday 20th June | Barnstondale Centre, CH61 1BX
Our Annual Church Day Away is on Saturday, the 20th of June. It will be at the activity centre in Ellesmere Port again – please put the date in your calendar so you can be with us.
