Weekly News 14th August 2016/ A Long Time Coming

A LONG TIME COMING! This week Max Whitlock achieved something extraordinary: he won a bronze medal. Now you might be thinking, “yeah, that is impressive, but why mention him rather than one of our Gold medallists?” Well, Max achieved his medal in All-round gymnastics. The last time we did that we were on home turf, and that was 108 years ago! You could see the pressure in his eyes as the final athletes were still scoring.

David Boudia and Steele Johnson are the Synchronised 10m Platform 2016 silver medallists. They were asked afterwards how it felt to be medallists at Rio, with all the pressure following London 2012. David replied, (and Steele later echoed), “There's been an enormous amount of pressure. I've felt it, and it's just an identity crisis. When my mind is on this [diving], and I'm thinking I'm defined by this, then my mind goes crazy. But we both know that our identity is in Christ, and we're just thankful for this opportunity to be able to dive in front of Brazil and for the United States. It's been an absolutely thrilling moment for us.”

Paul gave some similar advice to Timothy (4:7b-10):

“Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.”

So, when the pressure hits, try to remember: Your identity is in Christ.

Click here to download   Weekly News 14th August 2016

Weekly News 7th August 2016/ Christ & Culture

CHRIST AND CULTURE  I’ve been thinking a lot recently about culture and its place in our faith.

Sometimes we say “culture” to mean “High Culture”, such as Opera or Art Galleries, but really culture is just the things we do and think.

Culture is a tricky beast because although it’s easy to see it in others when they are so different to us (E.g. The Armish), it can be nearly impossible to see it in ourselves. Why are we fascinated by the weather? Why is reading the paper over someone’s shoulder rude? Why do we find inequality foul, and yet still pay women less? Why do we deify scientists, and idolise popstars?

All our thoughts and actions are learnt from our culture. Nothing is safe. Even our language shapes how we think and reflects something of our culture too. Since it is so pervasive it begs the question: How do Christian’s respond to our culture? And that includes, church culture too!

Is culture a gift of God, or a corruption of God’s original plan? Does culture shape how we view God, or does it get in the way? Are our ethics simply cultural preferences, or is there some eternal feature? Is it even possible to have a faith free from cultural influence?

So what do you think? How do you think that our culture and our faith inter-relate? And how can we tell the difference between culture and Christianity?

Want to think about this more? I recommend the seminal book “Christ and Culture” by Richard Niebuhr. It’s a brilliant and thought provoking read.

Click here to download   Weekly News 7th August 2016

Weekly News 31st July 2016/ 24 hr Worship-a-thon

24hr Worship-a-thon Life can be really busy. I know, it’s a bit of a cliché and a huge understatement, but bear with me! If you’re anything like me, whenever you see another church event your first thought might be ‘How am I going to fit that in?’ However, here are a few reasons I’d like to suggest this is worth making time for:

1. You can come for a little bit or a lot. You don’t need to stay for all the 24hrs! Come whenever you can. At the start, at the end, or even 3am!
2. It’s a chance in our busy schedules to set some time aside to meet with God, to praise him and pray for those things that are on your heart.
3. It’s a chance to get involved with the worship team. Feel you might want to sing, or play an instrument as part of our worship, then this is the perfect opportunity to start. We also need people to read the bible and prepare some intercessions.
4. To support the building of an orphanage, associated with one of our mission partners, Kruper. Have a think about what you are able to give. And get creative: Maybe what you’d normally spend a week on coffee?

Noon Saturday 6 August to noon Sunday 7 August.

Speak to Stu Carey or Jonny Faint if you’re interested in getting involved.

Click here to download   Weekly News 31st July 2016

Weekly News 24th July 2016/ Serving Opportunities Follow-Up

SERVING OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW-UP I am aware that we haven’t yet detailed to the church the response that flowed out of our 21 day period of prayer, and what that might mean for us going forward.

There have been some movements even in the last few days with some of the gaps in our mid-week youth groups. Consequently, we are now asking whether people, who might not have been minded to take on a leadership role, might consider offering to lend a hand as a helper for a year for Cru2 (7-11 yr olds). Cru2 runs on a Tuesday night from 6:15-7:30pm, and could do with a couple of extra people to support the existing team. If you are think you might be able to assist, let Jon know.

More widely, we will outline the response we received to ‘Serving Opportunities’ after the Summer exodus, as well as set out some intentions for sharpening our vision.

Click here to download    Weekly News 24th July 2016

Weekly News 17th July 2016/ Welcome to the Goodman Family

WELCOME TO THE GOODMAN FAMILY We extend a really warm welcome to Katie & Chris, as they join with their family and friends to give thanks for their daughter Edith. It’s a natural thing to feel gratitude for the arrival of a child, but there is something special about expressing that thanks in public.

So, it’s great to have you with us today, and we hope that this will be a morning that you can look back on with much fondness.

We offer a Thanksgiving Service as an alternative to a baptism for different reasons. Some people wish to leave the possibility of baptism open, so that their child can make their own decision about it when they are old enough to weigh it for themselves. Others are clear that they wish to give thanks to God, but feel they are not yet in a place where they can make the full-blown promises of Christianity that are part of the baptism service. If you want to find out more yourself, don’t hesitate to ask one of our leaders.

Click here to download   Weekly News 17th July 2016

Weekly News 10th July 2016 - Pimms & Afternoon Tea

PIMMS & AFTERNOON TEA Whilst originally billed as a BBQ, we’re breaking with the pattern of past years and the Wardy garden party is going to take the form of the quintessentially English Summer afternoon tea.

We’ll provide the Pimms and/or a cuppa, but if that’s not your tipple, come with what you fancy. Food wise, it’s a ‘bring and share’ occasion, so we are asking people to come with anything fitting for afternoon tea - cake, savoury bits sandwiches (no need to cut off crusts), etc. You might also want to come armed with a garden chair if you want to guarantee a seat.

Proceedings will start at 3:30pm running till the evening. Come and go as you please, and feel free to bring any friends and family you may have in tow.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Click here to download   Weekly News 10th July 2016

24 HOUR WORSHIP FLYER

Weekly News 3rd July 2016/ Opportunity for Baptism

OPPORTUNITY FOR BAPTISM In the Autumn, we will be hiring a baptism pool and celebrating the wonderful spectacle and event that is full-immersion baptism.

At least three of our young people have already indicated that they wish to declare their commitment to Christ in this way. The offer is open to anyone of any age. If you have been exploring Christianity in the recent past and feel ready to put down this marker of faith, or for whatever reason it’s a step you have always postponed, then come and have a chat about the possibility.

Jesus commissioned his followers to ‘make disciples, baptizing them…’ (Matthew 28:19) and the early church embraced that practice. From those early days, baptism has been a normative part of becoming a Christian and it’s why we like to give people the opportunity. It’s a special moment for those being baptized and a special moment for those witnessing.

Click here to download   Weekly News 3rd July 2016

Weekly News 26th June 2016/ EU Referendum

EU REFERENDUM Receiving the results of the vote on Friday morning, I was surprised by how keenly I felt the tremors of the UK’s decision. Judging by the reactions being spewed out on Social Media, I wasn’t the only one. As we wade into uncertain waters, here are some words from our Archbishops which may be helpful,

“The vote…means that now we must all reimagine both what it means to be the UK in an interdependent world and what values and virtues shape and guide our relationships with others…we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world. We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us as neighbours, friends and work colleagues come from overseas and some will feel a deep sense of insecurity. We must respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one.”

Or if you prefer something a bit simpler, one of the few facebook posts I appreciated was a friend’s change of cover photo to a shot of a piece of paper listing the fruit of the spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Generosity, Faithfulness and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law.

Click here to download   Weekly News 26th June 2016

Weekly News 19th June 2016/ How's The Prayer Going?

HOW’S THE PRAYER GOING? We’re two weeks in to the 21 day invitation to commit our church’s current position to God in daily prayer.

If you’re like me, you may well be flagging a little and need some encouragement. In Luke 18:1, we hear that ‘Jesus told his disciples a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit’.

Take the time to read the parable Jesus shares. We are given a reminder that there is much power in persevering prayer.

It also helps to come together corporately to spur each other on in the cause, so there will be a prayer meeting tonight at 6:30pm at SJ’s to do just that. We’re also encouraging Homegroups to apportion some of their time together this week to pray around the matters outlined in the ‘Serving Opportunities’ handout.

Click here to download   Weekly News 19th June 2016

Weekly News 12th June 2016/ SJ's Official Opening

SJ’s OFFICIAL OPENING We’re marking the opening of SJ’s on Saturday 2 July, 1:30-4:30pm.

We’re publicizing the opening in the community in the next couple of weeks. The emphasis is on local businesses and neighbours having an opportunity to find out more about the place, and as many of the church family have already seen SJs, we’re encouraging you to come along with friends who haven’t yet had the opportunity to have a nose inside.

We’re after some volunteers on the day to help with setting up, clearing away as well assistance with service during the opening. If you can help out, please contact Anna Seabrook or Heather Showell.

We’ll aim for an official ‘cutting of the ribbon’ at around 2:00pm, if you want to be present for that moment.

Click here to download   Weekly News 12th June 2016

Weekly News 5th June 2016 - Praying in the Bible

PRAYING IN THE BIBLE In our 10 am service today there will be reference to several passages of scripture. They all relate to prayer.

Here they are, so that we may refer to them ourselves during the week, think about them quietly or even discuss them at Home Groups. The point is that throughout the Bible, and especially for us in the early church, there is constant evidence of people praying when they wanted things changed.

Acts 1: 12-14...when the disciples had been left alone after the ascension.

Acts 1: 23-24...when they were choosing a successor for Judas

Acts 4:29-31...when Peter and John had been told to stop preaching

Acts 6:6           ...when they appointed seven deacons

Acts 16: 25-26...when Paul and Silas were in prison

Acts 13: 2-3...before they commissioned Saul (Paul) and Barnabas for mission

And finally, compare Psalm 22:2 with Psalm 98:1

Click here to download   Weekly News 5th June 2016

Serving Opportunities

Please read this booklet after listening to the introduction and talk available under 'Sermons'. Serving Opportunities

Weekly News 29th May 2016/ Receive to Live Prophetically

RECEIVE TO LIVE PROPHETICALLY… As we continue with our Prophetic Living series it worth reminding ourselves of the simple but powerful reality that the gifts of the Holy Spirit come from a loving Father who delights in bestowing treasures on his children.

For those who tragically had a negative, even abusive experience of fatherhood, you may find comfort in the truth that Jesus never said God is like your Dad. Rather, he taught that God is like no other father that we’ve ever known.

He’s a good, good Father.

Resting in his fatherhood doesn’t always come naturally to us, but the Spirit wants to work in us, enabling us to cry ‘Abba’ and receive from God. In turn, we are pulled into the Father’s work, as we use His gifts to bless others and build up His family.

Click here to download   Weekly News 29th May 2016

Weekly News 22nd May 2016/ Summer Action

SUMMER ACTION Contrary to meteorological indications, Summer is fast approaching. Here are a few of the things in the pipeline for the early part of July which you might want to tap into the diary:

Saturday 2 July – Official SJ’s Opening

We had a trial period to iron out teething problems and finish off building details, but this is the actual launch of SJ’s to the public. We’ll be publicizing to the community in advance and the SJ’s team will need all hands on deck to ready the place to open.

Friday 8 July to Sunday 10 July – Spree

A camping weekend for 8-15 year olds at Ardingly. A weekend full of a host of activities, music, BBQs, some great Christian teaching, a lot of sugar and very little sleep. We’ll be taking a crowd as usual, speak to Julie Lancaster, Dawn Tickner or Penny Seabrook for further details.

Sunday 17 July – Wardy Summer BBQ

The usual open house invitation to anyone who wants to come for a relaxed drink and bite to eat after the 10am service. More details to follow later.

Click here to download   Weekly News 22nd May 2016

Weekly News 15th May 2016/ Date for the Diary 5th June

DATE FOR THE DIARY  5th JUNE  Normally our first Sunday of the month would be a Family Service at our 10am gathering. We’re changing this for 5 June. We will meet for ‘Morning Worship’ and Sunday Club will be running.

Why the change?

There are some important things that we want to share with the church about our current position and encourage us all to commit them to prayer in a concentrated way.

Don’t worry there are no scandals, resignations, or shocks in store, but we would like as many people as possible to be there, so we can engage together in some of the challenges facing us moving forward. If you could put this one in the diary in bold that would be great.

Thank you, Jon.

Click here to download   Weekly News 15th May 2016

Weekly News 8th May 2016/ Thy Kingdom Come...

THY KINGDOM COME… The Archbishop’s of Canterbury and York have recently written to every parish in the country inviting them to put out a call to prayer in this week running up to Pentecost.

We are invited to focus our prayers towards:

• All Christians deepening their relationship with Christ;
• For all of us to have greater confidence to share the Gospel;
• For our nation to respond to the call of Jesus Christ to follow Him as disciples, to live out the Gospel and seek God’s kingdom daily.

If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to visit www.thykingdom.co.uk in which we are invited to join together in praying for the evangelization of the nation.

Let’s commit together to praying for these great things every day in the coming week.

Click here to download   Weekly News 8th May 2016

Weekly News 1st May 2016/ Ascension Day

ASCENSION DAY This week marks ‘Ascension Day’, or as many evangelicals know it ‘Thursday’. It doesn’t feature significantly in our tradition and this isn’t a rallying cry to have a special day to commemorate Christ’s ascent into heaven. However, you could do worse than spend some time this week dwelling on the significance of the ascension in our understanding of God. Here are just a few things you might want to ponder and give thanks for:

• Jesus’ ascension establishes his Kingdom. The bible pictures Jesus as arriving in heaven and sitting down at the Father’s right hand – his rule has begun.
• Christ’s ascension ensures we have an advocate with the Father, pleading our case– our own prayer partner in heaven.
• Christ’s flesh in heaven is a guarantee that ours will be there too someday, not a disembodied soul, but real resurrected bodies in God’s presence;
• Jesus’ departure heralds the arrival of the Helper – God’s Spirit. Happy Ascension Day one and all.

Click here to download   Weekly News 1st May 2016

Weekly News 24th April 2016/ Slavic Visit

SLAVIC VISIT Today we’ll hear testimony from Milly Johnson about the way God revealed Himself to her, as well as some of the work to which she has been drawn since becoming a Christian.

It won’t be any great surprise to discover that Link to Hope forms part of her story of God’s goodness. One of the people connected with that organization is Slavic, a pastor from Moldova. It doesn’t quite seem possible that it was over 2 years since Slavic’s last visit, but we’re pleased to confirm that he’s coming over for another trip and will be joining us in May.

Slavic is going to preach at our 10am service on the 8 May, so ring that Sunday in your diary. There will also be a more informal opportunity to soak up some of his passion on Monday 9 May @ 8pm at Holmshaw Farm, together with some tea and cake.

If you would like to come along, please let Milly know so she has an idea on numbers.

Click here to download   Weekly News 24th April 2016

Weekly News 17th April 2016/ APCM Update

APCM UPDATE For those of you receiving the News Sheet electronically, don’t forget we have our annual meeting after the 10:00am service this Sunday.

We’ll aim to start at about 11:30am.

We will be working on the assumption that people have read the reports in advance to streamline the meeting. You can find the reports themselves on our website under the ‘News & Events’ section. We experienced some delay in receiving the financial reports back from the Independent Examiner, but they will also be posted on the website (there will be some hard copies to hand at church) and our Treasurer, Christine Blackburn, will produce an easier-to-digest summary for us at the APCM.

If any questions crop up as you read through the reports, you can raise them at the meeting itself, or send them to Jon (jjhward@btinternet.com) in advance. If you get them to him by 8pm Saturday evening, he will ensure they are addressed at the meeting.

Click here to download   Weekly News 17th April 2016

Weekly News 10th April/ APCM - Next Week

APCM - NEXT WEEK We will be holding the church equivalent of our AGM next Sunday after the 10:00am service.

Everyone is welcome to attend, but you have to be on the electoral roll in order to vote on any matters, or stand for any of the roles we have publicized. There remains space for new PCC members and it’s not too late to throw your hat into the ring. Equally, Jonathan Tickner would love to hear from anyone who might contemplate helping out on the Welcome Team.

This year’s reports, last year’s minutes and the accounts will be going up on the website this Monday. We are encouraging people to access them electronically to save paper, but a few hard copies have been printed off for those who don’t have access to a computer.

We appreciate that not everyone feels comfortable standing up and posing a question in front of the whole church. Therefore, if you have a question you can raise it in advance by emailing it to Jon and he will ensure that it is read out and responded to at the meeting.

Click here to download   Weekly News 10th April 2016