March Newsletter
Dear friends
How are you?
What is God saying to you during this precious time of the year as we journey through Lent towards Holy Week, recognising all that it holds for us and all who believe the words of Jesus to Martha as quoted in my last letter – John 11:25-27 [NIV]: ‘Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” ‘
On our Lenten journey I wonder whether, like me, you benefit from visual opportunities for inspiration and encouragement. Last Wednesday I was with other church leaders at Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre and enjoyed the privilege of taking some photographs in the grounds of the centre. I hope that the photos below might be useful to you on your Lenten journey as you stop, look, ponder and wonder. What is God saying to you? Take time to pray and be mindful of our texts and of our Mission Statement for this year.
Please continue to invite family members and other people with whom you are in contact to our services for all ages and events. Our Mission Statement prompts us every day that we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Immediate important dates:
Sunday 6th April following morning worship – our next litter pick in the area near to the church. This litter pick is part of the Great British Spring Clean. Children to be accompanied by parent/adult carer.
Sunday 13th April. Palm Sunday service at 11 am.
Thursday 17th April. Maundy Thursday service with Holy Communion at 7 pm.
Friday 18th April. Good Friday service at 10 am. Following our service in church we can
join the North Gillingham churches walk of witness starting at the Library end of the high
street at 11.45 am. We will walk from there to gather for a time of worship in Smith square.
Saturday 19th April 10.30 am to 12 noon. Easter Saturday event on church premises – Easter egg hunt for children, craft activity, the Easter story, hot cross buns. All children must be accompanied by parent/adult carer throughout the morning. Thank you for the continuing gifts of small wrapped Easter eggs for the Easter egg hunt.
Easter Sunday 20th April. Our service at 11 am will include Holy Communion, thatching of Cross with flowers and singing of an Easter hymn on the forecourt as we gather round the Cross at the end of the service in church. Please bring a few flowers to go on the Cross if you would like to.
Friday 25th April – Interactive Christian puppet ministry including craft and tea. 4.30 to 5.45 pm. Sunday 11th May Bring and share lunch following morning worship to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Sunday 18th May. Church Meeting following morning worship.
Sunday 8th June at 6.30 pm. North Gillingham churches unite for a service for Pentecost at Gillingham Baptist church in Green Street. Preacher – Chris Gill.
Saturday 14th June. Our annual outing to the sea. Further details after Easter.
The deadline for giving pens, pencils and pencil cases for children supported by Starfish Malawi is Sunday 27th April. Thank you for your donations. Thank you too for your anticipated support of the coffee morning being organised by Fiona on April 30th from 10 am to 12 noon for Embrace the Middle East – Gaza.
I often hear it said – how do people cope without faith in Jesus Christ? May our prayer be that locally and across the world the message of everlasting hope will continue to be the answer to those who seek and find – because of Jesus. On Easter Sunday we will thank God and shout Christ is risen! Alleluia! God bless you all at Easter and always. My thanks to you all for your ongoing prayers and support as my arm continues to heal. Pam