I guess when you're 870 miles above the earth - and maybe 870 miles from the issues, concerns and people you usually have to navigate! - life may appear something close to perfect. 

The reality - even for Mr Isaacman - is that the Earth will never be perfect. Principally because he, like the rest of us, lives on it. Truth is, the Earth - and our lives on it - are best described as the Prime Minister described the NHS today - "broken".

The great hope of the gospel is that Jesus Christ didn't stay "far distant" but rather came near to the broken with the offer of restoration; he came as the Great Physician to heal the spiritually sick; he came to seek and to save that which was lost. He died that we might have life; he completed the work he was sent to do on our behalf. And all the billions spent in the space race or on the NHS pale into insignificance compared to the inestimable price of the precious blood of Christ. The great promise of the gospel is that all those who repent of their sin and turn in faith to receive Christ as Saviour and Lord are assured that one day they will see - and live in - the ultimately perfect New Heavens and New Earth. That should fill us with an inexpressible and glorious joy in Jesus - and put a smile on our faces that knocks Mr Isaacman's into next week! 

At Family Church on Sunday we will move a little further into The Prayer of Prayers as we look at John 17:6-19. Our focus will be on the way the word of God works in our lives and how we should respond to it. Please pray for Mike as he speaks - and for one another as we listen and apply the Lord's voice to our lives individually and as a church community.

Please pray for the children and teachers in Junior Church too - pray for more families to join us on Sundays. 

On Sunday evening at 6pm we meet to share communion together. Please come along as we remember and rejoice in the death, resurrection and return of Christ. 

Our House Groups continue to look at the Book of Proverbs - the study sheet is attached below. 

Tots is on Monday morning. Please pray for a few more families to come along. Quite a few of our "regulars" moved on to nursery/preschool in September so we have plenty of space at the moment. 

Uncover returns on Wednesday evening at 7:45pm after the summer break. Pray for Alex and Keri as they head up this work, and the rest of the team; and of course pray for the young people - and for more to come along as we advertise in the local schools and community.

Let's continue to uphold our brothers and sisters in need of God's special grace at this time. It was great to see Vera at the House Group on Tuesday - let's remember to thank the Lord for answered prayers as well!

Please continue to pray for the leadership of the church - those serving in the various ministry areas and the elders.  

Next week, Mike has assemblies at Stockton Heath Primary (Monday afternoon) and St Bert's ( Tuesday morning) and he would appreciate your prayers for those opportunities. 

If you require any more information or you would like to meet up with any of the elders for prayer and encouragement, please get in touch with Andy, Matt or Mike.

Until next time ...

In Christ Alone

Mike