Sermons in February and March
We will be preaching our way through the book of Colossians – looking at how Paul’s letter can help us grow together and grow in mission. If you want to read along with us, you might find Tom Wright’s little commentary helpful. It is: Paul for Everyone:
The Prison Letters – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon (New Testament for Everyone). If you need help to order one talk to Neil.
- 11 Feb: A Church Shaped by Faith Hope Love (Col 1:1-7)
- 18 Feb: A Church of Fruitfulness (Col 1:8-14)
- 25 Feb: A Church Shaped by Jesus (Col 1:15-23)
- 4 Mar: A Church That’s Worth the effort (Col 1:24-2:5)
- 11 Mar: A Church that lives Guilt-Free (Col 2:6-23)
- 18 Mar: A Church that lives Love-Filled (Col 3:1-17)
- 25 Mar: A Church that lives Grace-Shaped (Col 3:18-4:6)
Prayer Focus
We have begun the year with a focus on prayer, as a part of that we want to develop a team of people willing to pray for one another at the end of services and first Sunday’s of the month. On the first Sunday of each month (starting in March) at 10:30 we want to offer a special time and space for people who want to be prayed for personally. There will be the option to pop in for 5 to 10 minutes or a space to stay and pray for longer. People would be available to pray for you if you want or you can use the time and space to pause, pray and reflect by yourself. This will take place in the church while the all age service is happening in the back hall.
If you would like to join the prayer team there will be a meeting on Sunday 4th February (after church) Please let Natalie know if you would like to be a part of that team.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Care Through Counselling
Judith is a professional counsellor who offers some time to church members who may feel stuck with or in situation and would benefit from some help working through or considering their options. If you think some structured sessions and conversations would be support to you please speak to Judith or Natalie.
Theology Thursdays will be changing to Wondering Wednesdays!
Every term we have some sessions together that allow us space to explore things in greater depth, to have discussions, to learn with and from each other. There will be two evenings in February all about prophecy. They will be on Wednesday 21 and 28 Feb at 7.30pm in The Vine.
In the first we will look at what the Bible has to say about prophecy and in the second we will put it all into practise. Prophecy is the gift that God gives that enables us to see things around us really clearly and also gives us the ability to know how God wants us to respond. These are workshops for people who want to be used by God in new ways, ways that will help other people and cause the church to grow stronger.
Small Groups Have Started
We are really pleased to have started a couple of small groups in January.
Small groups provide an opportunity for people to meet during the week. A gathering where people can grow together, get to know one another better, growing in faith, friendship and understanding as we listen and learn from one another.
- Glynn & Alex host a group at their home which meets fortnightly on a Wednesday
- Jay & Martha host a group at their home which meets weekly on Tuesdays
Spaces are limited so people have signed up to commit to a group. There are still spaces in Jay & Martha’s group so please let them know or speak to Natalie if you would like to join them.
We are hoping to start another group after Easter which will be a topical study group, more details to follow.
If you would like to host a small group or lead an interest group it would be great to hear what’s on your heart.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
(Matthew 18:20)
Gifts Given
We all have gifts and can be a gift to one another. Your presence and your prayers, the gifts and the comments that you share all help to shape and challenge us as a church. We’d love to hear more from you about your thoughts and ideas. One of ways that you can do this is by filling in the sheet given out at the annual meeting (please do hand it in if you completed it). You can also have a follow on chat with Neil, Ian, Natalie or a member of the Governing body if that would be helpful.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
(1 Peter 4:10)
Voices o’ th’ Vine
The ‘Voices O’ Th’ Vine’ choir dates are as follows:
- 8th February
- 22nd February
It’s 8-9.30pm at The Vine Café. We will be singing a mixture of popular songs in a relaxed, fun environment. We’ve started the year with The Beatles, Primal Scream and Travis. Come along and enjoy yourself!
