Mike

Thursday 14th March 2024

Dear Friends

I once met a member of the Royal Protection Group and wondered what it was like to have that level of responsibility, alongside the privilege it must have been to be part of the daily routine of various members of the Royal Family. I didn't get much in the way of answers - I guess it had something to do with the Official Secrets Act!!
As David cries to the Lord in prayer in Psalm 61 he asks God to provide 2 "sentries" to walk alongside him day by day - "appoint your love and faithfulness to protect [me]." (v7) 
What comfort and strength this is! Back in Psalm 57 this love is described as reaching to the heavens and this faithfulness reaches to the skies. Great love and great faithfulness for sure.
There's nothing secret about this protection - it's a promise for us to experience. Make David's request your own today.
At Family Church on Sunday morning we continue in our series "Extracts from Exodus''. We have reached Mount Sinai and the giving of the 10 Commandments - so please read Ch19 -20 in preparation and pray that we would be listening carefully to God's voice especially given this is a passage we may have read many times before. Pray or Mike as he speaks from God's Word.
Junior Church will be taking place too - please pray for the children and teachers.
On Sunday evening we will gather for communion at 6pm. Do join us to celebrate and participate in this means of grace. We will be looking at Hebrews 3:1-6 again; we only covered v1 last week!
Our House Groups will meet during the week to encourage one another and study God's word - please get along to a group if you can. If getting out in an evening is a challenge there is always the zoom group that you can access from your sofa! Please speak to Howard if you want more details about that group. 
Tots takes place on Monday at 9:30 and 11:00 - pray for the team and all those who come along
Uncover is on Wednesday at 7:45 - we are starting a new series in Luke's gospel so again, please pray for the young people and the team. 
Next Saturday (23rd March) we have our next LEGO CLUB. It was brilliant to have so many people with us last month so please pray they return - and more come along too. We could do with a few more helpers - mainly to sit and chat with our visitors - so please drop in if you can. You'll be encouraged I'm sure.
A reminder to those who are church members that our next meeting is Tuesday 26th March at 8pm - details have been sent out via email.
Please pray for Fiona K as she and her family mourn the loss of Norma. The funeral takes place at Walton Crematorium on 26th March at 11:20 and any who are able to go along are welcome. 
Please continue to pray for Vera and Fiona B as they recover from their operations.
Pray for June as she prepares for her surgery on Wednesday 20th March .
Please pray for Mike as he takes Easter Services every day next week. 

Looking a little further ahead - we will gather on Good Friday morning at 10:30 to share communion together. And then on Easter Sunday (when the clocks go forward!!) we will have an overtly evangelistic all age celebration; so please be praying about who you can invite along. 
Men - please sign up for the Men and Motors event on 8th April (bring a friend); there's still a few spaces left.
If you need any practical support or would like to chat with the elders about anything please get in touch with Andy or Mike.
Until next time ...
In Christ Alone
Mike