Dear friends
There’s been a lot going on at church this week including café church, Beacon café, The Queenshill Gardeners Community Day, Rachel’s Dementia friends training, lunch club visioning, craft group, prep for Easter, house groups and more. I know this doesn’t include all the many practical jobs behind them and vital prayers you are praying and support you are giving to each other known to only God. Our effectiveness isn’t connected to how busy we are (and if you are having a much needed break as some of you are or taking time out for whatever reason then we send you much love too) but its good to remember as a church family all the wonderful things that people are involved in.
Last week we were pleased to see 9 children sponsored with Compassion UK. If you are having a think and a pray or you missed it and want to know more then do get in touch with me. We don’t want it just to be something we ‘did’ but to hold these children in our prayers as they grow. Some people have said that they may want to sponsor with others at church in a group. Again if this is something you’d be interested in then lets talk. I know there are so many needs in our world today, but I’m reminded of a prayer I used to say at church,
“For yours Lord is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you and of your own do we give you” (from 1 Chronicles 29:11).
We give from what God has already given us and there is no guilt in God. So we ask for wisdom and pray ‘your Kingdom Come’ as we make a difference in this world in whatever way.
Do keep praying together for the people of Ukraine in whatever way you know how, for leaders, governments and for peace and healing and anyone who comes to mind… (Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that when we don’t know what to pray the Spirit helps us).
On Tuesday we welcomed over 30 people of all ages who live on the doorstep of our church building as we chatted and drew about resilience, watched a film about a Gangsta Gardener transforming the streets of his city and planted veg seeds for the Queenshill Estate. We had some great conversations about what is church, what are we growing and started some great conversations. People felt cared for and listened to and thanks to those who were ‘church’ on that day in their conversations, washing up and tidying…. a few families want to come back so do keep an eye out over the next week both for your friends but also for anyone new.
One person who came to café church last week for the first time wrote to the church website and asked me to pass this onto you…
“Hi, this is a message for Shelly but for the whole church to say how much my husband and I enjoyed worshipping with you last Sunday at the cafe church service… may God continue to bless you and guide you as you continue to seek His will and serve the community in which you are based. You are a blessing.”
It makes a difference, you all make a difference.
And so a reminder about Holy Week….
10th April…Palm Sunday Service with activities for our younger friends 11-12midday and on the MBC YouTube channel.
11th April…Easter Beacon…chat, chill and eat Easter treats…bring children if you need as its the holidays.
13th April…Reflection and readings for the night before Jesus died…in church, 8pm to 9pm.
14th April…Good Friday..9-11am drop in to reflect, pray, make a craft, make a card to give to others and hang on trees in the carpark (they include an encouraging Easter message from us), have a hot cross bun and a drink. 10-10.30 there will be an opportunity for all to come together and hear a reflection on what Jesus did for us on the cross.
16th April…Easter Sunday Celebration 11am-12midday and on YouTube…with communion…and some chocolate eggs… Hope to see many of you and those you bring… however you connect in
In Christ
Shelley