Church Family News
20th-26th Jan
Dear friends
When my life goes down a bumpy road, I can be guilty of thinking perhaps God isn't as good and in control as he ought to be. And it's tempting to think the book of Esther merely meets my assurance in wanting a comfier life . But wonderfully and far more significantly for the majority of Christians throughout history and in the world today, Esther reminds us God is acting as saviour and Lord even in the face of serious persecution for our shared faith. We need only look back to Christ's cross, empty tomb and final words "it is finished" (John 19v30) to know that despite appearances, God gloriously wins.
Let's pray we keep walking life's road with Him, inviting many others to turn, live and join us on the way!
With His love
Adam
p.s. lovely to see many of you yesterday and enjoy meeting newcomers, with apologies for the technical hitch for those relying on the livestream.
Prayers
MONDAY
Give thanks for the latest instalment of Esther and ask that we as a church might grow in our confidence and trust in the God Esther confidently trusts in.
TUESDAY
Pray for our world leaders the day after the Inauguration of the new president of the USA - may it be a season of gospel growth and multiplication around the world, in ways not seen or envisaged.
WEDNESDAY
Pray for our Life Groups, that all would feel encouraged to keep walking with the Lord. If you attend and have noticed someone's unable to, or not been around, pray for them and if appropriate encourage them along.
THURSDAY
Pray for Open Doors and their support of our brothers and sisters worldwide who face persecution and risk of death for following Jesus. Pray for their courage, wisdom, fear of the Lord and thank Him for their example.
FRIDAY
Give thanks for the Big Youth Weekend, with 11 Christ Church youth and two leaders joining other local churches. Pray for superb fun, games, (sleep?!) and clear, faithful and well applied Bible teaching.
SATURDAY
Pray for the Investing in Marriage morning at St. Helen's. Give thanks for those glad to open the Bible and their life experience to encourage the engaged and married to honour the Lord with his gift of marriage in their lives.
SUNDAY
Pray for Abraham and our final instalment in the book of Esther - that we might grow in faith and godliness from all we've heard - fearing the Lord above all others.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
INVESTING IN MARRIAGE MORNING
St. Helen's church is running an investing in marriage morning this Saturday 25th January 9.30am-1pm and have kindly extended the invitation to us. These events are a great chance for couples to hear God's word together and apply it into their marriages.
Childcare is provided. You can sign up by clicking here.
WEEKEND AWAY
Christ Church is heading into the countryside (but only 40minutes drive away!) to stay at Gilwell Park for the weekend 4-6 April 2025. We'll have a guest speaker doing some talks for us and there will be lots of time for fun, food and hanging out. Children will have a programme of activities and all accommodation and meals are provided. Click here to book your place today.
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP EVENINGS
Our next fellowship evenings will be:
Women: Thursday 6th February
Men: Thursday 13th February
Food, time together and discussion.
Sign up to follow.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
CHILD OF GOD - FORREST FRANK & JONATHAN POKLUDA
Going out on a limb here...
The joy of several teenagers in the house means our 'washing up playlist' is..... eclectic!
Mr Frank won't be everyone's cup of tea, but all will hopefully delight in the truths taught in the clip from a Pokluda sermon about being an adopted child of God.
Click for Apple Music or Spotify.
