Happy Leap Year! Nicky Gumbel, the pioneer of the Alpha Course, encourages us all to stay in the Word - the Bible - to keep going.  Rick Warren has written that 'reading the Bible generates life, it produces change, it heals hurts, it builds character, it transforms circumstances, it imparts joy, it overcomes adversity, it defeats temptation, it infuses hope, it releases power, it cleanses the mind'.  1.  Keep delighting and meditating on God's words Psalm 1:1-3 'Blessed is the one    who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take    or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,    and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,    which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither –    whatever they do prospers' (Psalm 1:1–3) 2.  Keep focused on Jesus as you read John 5:39 'You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.  These are the very Scriptures that testify about me' (John 5:39). 3. Keep putting God's word into practice Deuteronomy 4:1-2 'Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you.  Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.  Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you' (Deuteronomy 4:1–2).

Olympic Leap Of Faith

In his autobiography, 'The Man Who Could Fly', Bob Beamon paints a bleak picture of his childhood. His elder brother Andrew was brain-damaged at birth by the kicking his mother received from his father when she was pregnant and Bob was repeatedly beaten himself, following the death of his mother, before his first birthday. Later he became a member of a street gang and witnessed a friend being stabbed to death. He took up athletics while at reform school and entered the Junior Olympics in New York in 1962 when he was 15. He leapt 7.34 metres (24 feet 1 inch) to win the long jump. "That gold medal was as important to me as the one in Mexico City," he wrote. "It proved to me that I might come through with something worthwhile in my life." Between 1935 and 1968, the world long jump record increased exactly 22cm (eight and one-half inches). Coming into the 1968 Olympics, the world record was 8.39m - 27 feet, 4¾ inches - shared by American Ralph Boston and Soviet Igor Ter-Ovanesyan. In six seconds, that all changed. Bob Beamon, a 22-year-old New York native, had barely qualified for the Olympic long jump finals after fouling in two of his qualifying runs. The following day, on the 18th October 1968, in the finals, Beamon took off down the runway in the thin air of Mexico City. After exactly 19 loping strides, he hit the board perfectly, stretched out with his legs and flew through the air like no one ever had, hitting the sand in the pit below—8.90m - 29 feet, 2½ inches from take-off. He had leapt out of the pit, and had done something special. Not only was he the first long jumper in history to reach 28 feet. He also became the first to reach 29 feet. He shattered the world record by an unbelievable 21¾ inches. The record lasted almost 23 years until 1991 when American Mike Powell jumped 8.95m - 29 feet 4½ inches - at the World Championships in Tokyo. Advice from Bob Beamon : "Staying focused and motivated are the keys to any situation." As we move into this Olympic Year 2012 - a Leap Year - I am minded to read again from the New Testament - Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 : 'Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.' Staying focussed in faith is key to approaching life in 2012. Living in faith pleases God.

Blue Christmas

Elvis sang 'Blue Christmas' : "I'll have a blue Christmas without you..." Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues in the northern hemisphere, or seasonal depression is treated with light therapies amongst others. The shortening hours of light affect some people. Yesterday was the shortest day of the year as we draw nearer to Christmas - with all its twinkling lights, the star over the stable in the Christmas story. This is an extract from the book 'Sacred Rhythms' by Christine Sine: "For many people, the pre-Christmas season is the hardest time of the year - and not just because they overindulge. Often the cultural atmosphere of the season is totally out of synch with the rhythm of our bodies and our spirits. The short days of winter make us want to slow down and join the animals in hibernation. This is the season when we remember loved ones who have died and grieve our separation from them. During this season we are most vulnerable to loneliness and despair, particularly if we are struggling with divorce or broken family relationships. Depression is at its height, made more acute by the contrasting images of merrymaking around us. Since there is no time to grieve, no time to refocus, and no time to experience that much-needed healing a season of reflection can bring, our lives suffer. One church in Ottawa holds a "Blue Christmas service" which acknowledges the pressures that people feel. This service is far more authentic reflection of how many of us experience this season and is much more in keeping with its spiritual meaning." So, we have passed the shortest day in the northern hemisphere : The winter solstice. The days will get lighter as we head for springtime and summer. I am going to head in the direction of Jesus, who is the true Light of the World. It will be a blue Christmas without Christ. Let Christ shine His light on you and in you today, as well as during the Christmas season into the New Year 2012.

Christmas Day Is Coming!

Christmas Day Is Coming! We've had carol services here at Chase on Sunday 18th December @ 10.30am and 6.30pm. In the morning on the 18th we had a guest appearance with members of the school choir from St John's Primary School singing in the service.  Alison Moss spoke from the gospel writer Luke's account with the shepherds in mind, preceded by an impacting drama mime from Rachel Turner. Lasting about an hour each and both served with mince pies the services went down a treat as well as the mince pies!  The evening service was candlelit and had impressive drama pieces featuring Lynnette Coombes and Sam Lobb.  They had to be seen to be believed! I'll never sing 'My Jesus' without thinking of Sam somehow!  Then Tizz, our intrepid youth worker, spoke about 'God Moving Into The Neighbourhood' based on the first chapter of John's Gospel. The young people's band struck up the carols and songs old & new with appropriate gusto spearheaded by the highly talented Rachel Best who is just a little older. All in all the Christmas services rocked with the Rock of Ages the reason for the season.   We also have a service lasting around 45 minutes on Christmas Day itself led by our Superintendent Minister, the Revd David Moss.   Happy CHRISTmas!

Effective Groove

'Effective Groove' - A Fund Raising Gig For People In Need. 'For One Night Only' Olu Rowe got together a highly talented bunch of musicians and singers to give up their time and create a few grooves 'n' tunes for a fund raising gig on Wednesday 30th November 7.30 pm at Chase. 'Effective Groove' consisted of a six-piece band and five singers who covered Soul, Motown, and Dance songs. All the musicians  donated their time for free. All the money raised will be donated to causes supported by our church abroad. An audience of around sixty were treated to a brilliant night. Thanks to Olu and 'Effective Groove'.

Kind Of Funny

We had a comedy and supper night with award winning comedian Andy Kind (see www.andykind.co.uk) Described by The Scotsman as 'Terrific', and by BBC online as 'A future star', Andy has been featured on BBC1, ITV, Channel 4 and national radio. In addition, he has been asked to support the likes of Tim Vine and Milton Jones on their national tours. Andy engaged his audience with a stunning and spontaneous routine which was obviously not a routine! Tickets were £10 and included drinks and supper (Jacket potato with salad and choice of filling - chicken curry/vegetarian chilli/tuna mayonnaise/cheese and baked beans). We had ice creams in the interval for a quid. Profits will go to Becky's XLP fund - a youth charity http://www.xlp.org.uk As a footnote, Church & Community worker Steve Bridge opened the show to warm the audience up as they were cold. He was kind of funny.

Totally Weird Or Totally Wired?

Technology!  Totally Weird Or Totally Wired?   They have their first mobile phone at the age of 7 and by the time they are teenagers, half of all their written communication will be by text message. They spend more time online than watching TV and seven out of ten have their own website or social networking profile. They are as likely to upload their own videos as download music and they spend up to three hours a day talking in internet chat-rooms and instant messaging. This is where young people 'live' in 2011, a new digital world that is changing what it means to be a teenager in Britain today. This is just the beginning. However, this world is weird to many of us who are responsible for safeguarding and caring for young people. Totally weird for some of us (lol)!  How can parents, churches and youth workers not only understand what is happening, but also change the way we work with young people to take account of it? Last night (24th November) Chris Curtis and Matt Summerfield from Urban Saints presented a high-quality, interactive, enjoyable, challenging, 'Totally Wired' evening event which explored some of these key questions:     What should parents and youth workers know about the digital world?     How are young people spending their time online?     What impact are online social networking sites having on young people?     How will mobiles and the internet develop over the next few years?     How can we help young people to stay safe online?     How can Christian youth and children's work adapt to the online world?   Are you 'Totally Wired'?

11.11.11

11.11.11  The numbers could look like war graves all in a line. Nearly a hundred years ago brave men were fighting in what is known as the 'Great War'.  Armistice Day, also known as 'Remembrance Day', is on 11 November and commemorates the armistice signed at Compiegne in France for the cessation of hostilities between the Allies of World War 1 and Germany, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. I have been to the place at Compiegne, just outside Paris where the historic meeting took place. My daughter Jo has been to the Somme and visited the special memorial site for one of the War's bloodiest battles. It is calculated that around three million men were involved in the fighting during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 alone; some 1,200,000 were killed, wounded or missing in action. The horrors of war are incalculable. Remembrance is mixed : The pride and the pain felt as the loss of all who have died in wars and conflicts involving British, Irish & Commonwealth forces as well as civilians during these last 97 years is remembered. In the world of football, England play Spain in a 'friendly' this Saturday (12 November). The FA, England's football authority, would have liked a poppy sewn into players' white shirts in remembrance of the fallen. The world governing body of football, FIFA, has banned this and even instructed the referee not to play the game if England do not obey the edict. FIFA eventually allowed poppies on black armbands to be worn in memory of the fallen. Regardless of such political prohibition - poppies or no poppies - we will remember them.

Fire works!

Fireworks! I almost thought Guy Fawkes had come early last night - well at 4am this morning on the 4th! Thunder and lightning! Wow! The earth moved! Crash, bang, wallop! Loud! Yes! Louder! I sometimes think Christians need a wake up call! We so easily slip into the old routine. Maybe God wants to wake up His Church to be fired up with Holy Spirit. Charisma - the renewing work of the Spirit never allows the Christian to settle for the routine. I want to see the works of God in our churches. Fire works!  Come, Holy Spirit!

9.10.11

9.10.11   If we were to count our blessings today how many would there be? We have the breath we take, food, shelter, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. recurring!  A lot of the world has a little. At harvest we should thank God so much for so much. Give thanks today and give to those who do not have as much as we have.

Turn The Bloomin' Light On!

Flowers need light to grow and bloom. Fruit needs light to grow and flourish. Faith needs light to grow and produce. Jesus is the Light, the True Light. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Economides with the Truth

Andy Economides was with us this Sunday morning, 3rd July 2011. Following an excellent family service considering 'Time' at 10am, Andy brought God's word in a 'Worship & Word' service preaching on Psalm 23. OK, there is a play on words with 'Economides with the Truth', but Andy preaches about God's economy which is BIG! If you want to know more read Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd. For more about Andy Economides see http://www.soteriatrust.org.uk/pages/andy_economides.html

Lighthouse Keepers

On Wednesday 22nd June 2011 I had a prayer time with a brother. I had never prayed in the room where we met. In it there was a stunning photograph of a lighthouse. I attach the image for your viewing. See the Lighthouse Keeper in the picture. I was very stuck with it and felt led to pray along the lines of our being founded on the Rock in the midst of storms. So, I was struck by Andrew Baguley's sermon last Sunday.   Arising out of Andrew's Sunday sermon, can we personally and in House Groups develop the theme...   To be a Lighthouse Keeper, Andrew believes that, in these days, there are three things that we must ensure we do:-   1. Be a lighthouse builder A common feature of lighthouses is that they are built on rock, particularly those sited off land. The rock has to be solid and strong. Also the lighthouse in such a position is sited within the water and the storms but above the level of the worst storms. We had a word from Pauline Bridge in the worship calling us to look to Jesus, followed by a Scripture from Jo Turner from Revelation 3 about Jesus standing at the door of believers and wanting to come in and fellowship with us.  Andrew exhorted us to keep your feet upon the rock and your eyes on Jesus.     2. Be a lighthouse presence   Andrew believes that Jesus made it clear that as disciples we are to let our light shine through what we do – in Matthew 5:16 he calls them 'good works'. He is sure Jesus refers only to those things that Father has prepared in advance to do – being what Jesus did, and possibly even greater things………….When we are peacemakers and witnesses (Mark 16) and we fulfil the great commission (Matt 28) then it seems to Andrew that we are a 'lighthouse presence'. The light of Jesus is in us and shines through us. It is not just about our characters but about the character of Jesus at work through us by the Spirit.     3. Be a lighthouse light   Andrew encouraged us that in the midst of the storms - to stand firm, trust in God and also in Jesus. Know that He is our shield and defender, a strong tower and our protector. As society, culture and personal liberty fail and come under increasing immoral and unethical pressure, we are to look only to Jesus. Let our light shine before man. Live a life of holiness, pursue righteousness, seek the Lord while He may be found. Live a kingdom lifestyle, be clothed in Christ. Keep the commandments and praise God in all circumstances. Live as a child of the light.   God is calling Lighthouse Keepers. Are you one? Will you do what it takes to be one?   All it takes is to come to the one who is the Light of the World (John 8:12).   Meditate, pray and apply these as the Spirit leads...

Our Father!

On Sunday 19th June we had an hour long family service for Father's Day. Tizz, our youth worker, spoke on 'Our Father! Can faith help us here?' As we believe fatherhood is important, especially as 'absent fathers' and 'justice for fathers' are current issues, we sought to underline its importance with a service having a mixture of hymns, modern worship songs, games for children, drama, prayers, an inspiring message on 'Our Father' around the Lord's Prayer from father of two, Tizz, and a surprise give away at the end of the service for dads and lads - Yorkie bars - but not for girls! (They get daffodils on Mother's Day!).

The Cost of Pentecostal Fire

One of my mission friends Fouad Kahwagi said this yesterday : "No church planting movement has ever been observed yet where extraordinary prayer was not a key ingredient". This is a personal observation, as is mine here. I am in a church where people want 'revival' and I am sure some are praying hard for it. But how many will it take? How many will pray the price? I don't know. I look at my own life and ask, 'do I pray enough?' Fire is often associated with Pentecost - with what seemed to be tongues of fire that rested on the disciples in the upper room nearly 2000 years ago after Jesus had ascended into heaven. Fire spreads as we know only too well this week after the heath fires in Dorset. Stephen Jeffreys was a great British evangelist and older brother to the eloquent George Jeffreys. Converted during the Welsh Revival that began in 1904, Stephen began his ministry at Cwmtwrch near Swansea in 1912. A further visit that year in December extended to a seven-week mission reaping 130 converts from the small village. Thus began a dramatic ministry as a full-time itinerant evangelist which reaped thousands of souls and was confirmed by signs and wonders wherever he went. Scores of young men caught the heavenly breeze and began to pioneer new works for God during this time of visitation. Outstanding miracles of healing occurred and a constant flow of converts were won to Christ. "One of the most far-reaching effects of his ministry was the way he seemed to trigger off so many others to follow suit, and the whole character of the British Pentecostal Movement changed." (Donald Gee). May the heavenly breeze take the fire of the Holy Spirit and bring salvation more and more to the churches in the Meon Valley. But will we pray for the wind to blow?

Pray

Travelling the road less travelled

I met Colin at our church in Hampshire today. He paid a visit whilst our Toddler group was in church and our ladies treated him kindly. I came up to church and met him. We had a good chat and he twice refused my offer to buy him lunch! He spoke very highly of a Baptist pastor called Simon in Devon, and his wife. He had two books with him, one on scientist John Harrison (Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time) by Dava Sobel and the other a compendium 'Philosophy As It Is'. He sang a few lines of Bob Dylan to me! He gave his account of how he came to be on the road six years ago and how the pastor and his wife played a part in helping him in Exeter I think it was. He allowed me to take a photograph of him as I was a photographer before I came here. He was glad to be on the road as it saved him from the demon drink - all after he was set upon and near beaten to death. You never know who you might meet next.

God bless the happy couple!

Rebecca Samuel & Stephen Samuel

'The Big Day' - Rebecca marries Stephen!

So this is it! Stephen marries my daughter Rebecca. May they be blessed on their wedding day. A threefold cord is not easily broken.

Cricket, lovely cricket!

Cricket, lovely cricket! Sunday 15th May 2011 Sunday 15th May 2011 Cricket v Shedfield CC at Shedfield Rec @ 2pm sees our annual challenge match in the community with Shedfield Cricket Club. This year it is an early season game arranged for Sunday 15th May - after lunch at their ground on the Shedfield rec. The WCMC team is : Adam Hughes (captain), John Sendell (Adam's uncle), Ben Hughes, Tom Halliday, Tizz, Steve Bridge, Mike Gibson, Sean Beech, Phil Thwaites, Mark Chester, Matthew Jennings. Come along and support the lads - and please bring some cakes for tea!

Life Springs Eternal! Hope Springs Eternal!

The daffodils die and rise every year - hardy perennials - with a golden glow. Springing to life in spring. The heads looking like trumpets as they announce spring is here. As Easter approaches we are reminded of the glorious rising of the Son of God, Jesus, to bring us to life. May the Church that bears His name, faithfully reflect this victorious Easter message. Life springs eternal! Hope springs eternal!

The Caleb Prayer

O High King of Heaven, have mercy on our Land, revive Your Church, send the Holy Spirit for the sake of the children, may Your Kingdom come to our Nation. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen.

March for Jesus

"Make way, make way for the King of Kings! Make way, make way for the King of Kings!" I remember singing those words on the streets of London. 'March For Jesus' was Graham Kendrick's initiative to get the church on the streets proclaiming the gospel and praying for our communities. Jesus is alive. The call is still there for churches to be heralding the coming of the King : 'Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!'  We pray 'Thy Kingdom come' in the Lord's prayer. As we see the world in varying degrees of turmoil, our prayers are needed.

Our G-d has always been a G-d of Miracles

Our G-d has always been a G-d of Miracles Good news from Canon Andrew White ('The Vicar of Baghdad') : I am pleased to say that since our fatwa was issued from the High Council of Religious Leaders in Iraq attacks against Christians have stopped. We are no longer getting the daily reports of the Christians massacred and their homes being ransacked. The Christians of Iraq are again safe.

codelife

The guys at CVM (Christian Vision for Men) have envisioned a rule of life for men that helps them to stay gripped and focussed on living a full-on, uncompromised Jesus-centred life, in company with others. Men are reporting this to be life-changing. See www.codelife.org . The code for life is: 1. Jesus is my Captain, Brother, Rescuer and Friend; 2. I owe everything to Him. I will do anything for Him; 3. I will unashamedly make Him known through my actions and words; 4. I will not cheat in anything, personal or professional; 5. I will look away from the gutter, but be prepared to pull people out of it; 6. I will keep my body fit and free from any addictions; 7. I will put the welfare of those closest to me before my own welfare; 8. I will treat all men and women as brothers and sisters; 9. I will lead as He would lead. I will honour my leaders provided this also honours Him. I will follow Him in company with my sisters and brothers; 10. I will use my strength to protect the weak and stand against the abuse of power; 11. I will protect the world that God has made; 12. If I fail I will not give up. He never gives up on me. So, that's codelife. It's time for a new kind of man... So help us God! (Psalm 12 v.1).

Walk ta11

As we move into the New Year we can walk ta11 in '11. In the message from Alan Murphy at Chase last Sunday we were encouraged not to think of ourselves as being small in our own eyes (1 Samuel 15:17). God's power is bigger than we think! A Nigerian friend sent me this New Year message: To those that I shared 2010 with, to those that shared in my happiness, to those that brought smiles, love and help to my face and heart; to those that lent a helping hand when I was weak, thank you all. To those that I offended, I am DEEPLY SORRY, and to those that offended me, I sincerely forgive! To those that I made promises but never kept, I'll MAKE IT UP, to all my friends who are reading this message, you were an important part of me in 2010. I say GOD BLESS YOU, and thank you for being there for me, come and let's make it greater again in 2011, a very unique year and year of divine Elevation. A year full of ELEVEation and uniqueness. This year you will be uniquely elevated in everything you do, even beyond your own imagination. What a great message to be sent! So, walk ta11 - Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Daze

Have you got everything? The turkey, the stuffing, the crackers, the wine, the pressies. The right turkey, the right stuffing, the right wine (red, rose, white?), the right pressies? It's Christmas Day and I'm all in a daze! I'm one cracker short of a Christmas! I'd got four, we've got five coming for Christmas dinner! No, I don't want a cream cracker! Jacob is welcome to keep them! Julie has got a spare cracker! Thank-you Julie! Have I got everything? When all is said and done, I have. How much do I really need to enjoy Christmas? I thank God so much, for so much. Have I got the Christ in Christmas? In CHRISTmas? O come, O come Immanuel ('God with us')...into all of our Christmas Days.

Alpha Adventure

Ten people braved the elements to attend the Alpha course sessions on the Holy Spirit at Holy Trinity Brompton yesterday. At the end of the day I was thinking of doing a blog with the title 'Alpha Adventure' to link in with Advent - get it, Advent-ure, terrible pun, I know, when the speaker started to talk about what an adventure the Christian journey is! Advent means arrival. At Christmas we think of the coming Christ in His birth. Jesus came that we may start again in life. To find the meaning of life. A new life. A new journey. As the Methodist hymnwriter Charles Wesley puts it in his carol 'Hark the herald' : " Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." Jesus in the Bible is called 'the Alpha and the Omega' - the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, representing that Jesus is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Many people have received Christ - been born again - through the Christmas Advent and the Alpha course to name just two ways. If you haven't started a Christian journey - you don't know what you are missing! Wise men still seek Jesus! And so do wise women!

Do We Know It's Christmas?

"It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid. At Christmas time we let in light and we banish shade..." These are the opening lines of the Band Aid song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'   The question I ask is : Do we know it's Christmas? What is Christmas? For many it is 'Winterval' - an interval between one year and the next. A time to eat, drink, and be merry. For some, the Christ is removed from 'Christmas' and replaced by 'X' to read 'Xmas' : the 'X' standing for whatever the 'X' factor is that lights up the season. At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - God's Son who came to be the Saviour of the world - and we can personally know Him. The true light that gives light to every person was coming into the world. Do we know it's Christmas? Do you know it's CHRISTmas?

Cross about Guy Fawkes?

So here we are again on the eve of letting off a few fireworks again. Who was this guy, Fawkes, anyway? I know that a lot of people get cross about firework night. Disturbing the peace, upsetting babies and pets, and costing a near fortune to fire off a few rockets! It always seems ironic that we celebrate in such an explosive and incendiary way, an event in history that had as its intent the blowing up of Parliament. At a time when governments are being questioned here and across the pond in the USA, I am sure that there would be some who would say that we could do away with government. I'd be a rich man if I was given a tenner for every time I've heard my mum say "they're all the same" when referring to politicians of every party. We live in challenging times economically, morally, and socially. Every five years we mark our cross on a ballot paper (or not!) and expect things to change. Nearly 2000 years ago a cross in Jerusalem marked the ground for real radical change. A change in the condition of the human heart. The cross is about Jesus Christ. Jesus was executed on a cross alongside transgressors. Isn't it strange that many in the UK celebrate the execution of a criminal (Guy Fawkes in 1606) which saved Parliament, and do not acknowledge the Christ who was crucified to save humankind? Because of the cross, God is not cross with us, our sins are crossed out, and we can cross from death to life - but we have to repent and believe to receive the gift of eternal life. Now that message is explosive! To believe, or not to believe, that is the question.

What's It All About, Alpha?

What's it all about, Alpha?  The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith - see www.alpha.org  It's relaxed, low key, friendly, and fun. It's a place where people can come and ask questions, delve into issues and look for answers together. What is the meaning of life? Now, that is a BIG question! Can we find out? Here at the church we start a ten week course with a meal at 7pm on Wednesday 6th October, thereafter on Wednesday evenings until the conclusion of the course on 8th December 2010.  For any questions please e-mail me : steve@chasemethodist.org

Church Weekend Away : Up Not Down, By The River

The church swapped its Hampshire base for the riverside in Oxfordshire for a weekend away in September. The serenity of the river Thames with swans gliding gracefully up and down England's major waterway was a sight to behold. The theme of the uplifting weekend was 'Fishers of Men' with challenging and inspiring instruction to the church to be natural in sharing the gospel in our spheres of involvement in our family and neighbourhood. May the serenity of Christ be seen in His Church.

What's It All About Alpha?

What's it all about Alpha?  The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith - see www.alpha.org  It's relaxed, low key, friendly, and fun. It's a place where people can come and ask questions, delve into issues and look for answers together. What is the meaning of life? Now, that is a BIG question! Can we find out? Here at the church we have an Alpha Supper on Saturday 25th September 2010 at 7.30pm. You can come to share a meal and hear a short talk on Christianity. It's free. You will be very welcome. If you would like to come please let me know by the 20th September - please e-mail me : steve@chasemethodist.org

Making the main thing, the main thing

"Making the main thing, the main thing", was a quote from a recent preacher to our church at Chase. He was talking about the gospel : the good news of Jesus Christ being the main thing. I sometimes think churches make the news a bit bad. It's too easy to give out a tract, but not attract. To appeal to come, but not be very appealing. To try and win some to Christ, but not be very winsome. We've got to become well in welcoming people to Jesus and His Church. I sometimes think the church can put a smile up on a hedge but be very closed and unwelcoming. The gospel is for everyone - whether we've been part of a church for a few weeks or fifty years. The gospel is inclusive, not exclusive. The gospel has to be real and relevant to all. A healthy church is a growing church. Time for a health check-up, church?....

St Agnes Dei

Twelve men good and true (only by the grace of God) from Hampshire went to St Agnes in Cornwall last weekend (23-25 July) on a mission. We might have thought we were going like lambs to the slaughter as we went with a little trepidation for the purpose of sharing the good news about Jesus to the people there. We were not experts - like the twelve disciples of Jesus we were learning on the job. For most of us it was the first time of doing such a thing. So what is the good news? Taking the latin term Agnus Dei (or Agnes Dei), which means Lamb of God, the good news is that Jesus Christ became the perfect offering for sin when He died on the cross two thousand years ago atoning for the sins of humanity. Atoning is not your commonal garden word - it means that God and man were made at one because of the cross. Because of the cross, God is not cross with us, our sins are crossed out, and we can cross from death to life. In a family, if a child does something wrong he or she normally says sorry to the father or mother and promises not to do it again. All is forgiven. God is our father in heaven. Will you say sorry, turn to Him today and receive Christ into your life to live through you?

Men on a Mission

Men from Hampshire on a mission in St Agnes Cornwall 23-25 July 2010

Half-year Accounts

Half a year has gone. Time to take stock. Stop. Look. Listen. I've had an appraisal today. Time to listen. Time to talk. Things needed to be heard. All part of a journey through a year. I remember the importance of listening from my Acorn Listening courses that I have been on in the last couple of years. Sometimes it is hard to listen. We have a whole gamut of noises in our ears - with the competing voices of the needs to attend to matters of family, finance, work and rest that make up our day. What has been profitable? What has been on the debit side? Some things we may be at loss to understand why they have happened to us so far this year. So how can we account for our year so far? God is interested. Make no mistake about that. He walked where we walk - in a different way at a different time, but God identifies with our humanity because He made us and in Jesus lived amongst us as man. Are we open to hear what He has to say to us? He wants to speak into our lives. Listen. We can count on Him to make our next half-year count.

May day, Mayday, May-day

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! HELP! International distress signal. Who remembers Tony Hancock's 'The Radio Ham'? If you don't, check it out! A classic of vintage British comedy. Who remembers the song 'Help!' by The Beatles? "Help, I need some somebody, help not just anybody, help, you know I need someone, help!" I love the Peter Sellers rendition. Again, check it out if you don't know what I'm on about! Google Google, Ask Jeeves, view YouTube - all can help! Anyway, today is May day. Not a time today for demonstrations of either anarchy or eccentricity unless you're into that sort of thing. No, you are too busy facing the troubles of life to be part of that. Maybe you are in distress : Having a tough time. You feel down. You're not so self-assured as in your younger days, You feel insecure. you want to get your feet back on the ground. You need help. Why not check out Jesus? He is only a pray away. May Jesus be real and relevant to you. On this first of May...check out www.rejesus.co.uk

General Election - Make The Cross Count

The General Election has been called today. Come and hear the prospective candidates for the Meon Valley parliamentary constituency at Waltham Chase Methodist Church, Curdridge Lane, Waltham Chase on Tuesday 20th April at 7.30pm. Questions in advance to bridge.s@talk21.com or post to : Election Questions, Waltham Chase Methodist Church, Curdridge Lane, Waltham Chase, Southampton, SO32 2LD. Make the cross count!

The Universal Cross

The image of the core of the nearby spiral galaxy M51, taken with the wide field planetary camera (in PC mode) on NASA's Hubbel Space Telescope, shows a striking dark 'X' silhouetted across the galaxy's nucleus. Awesome! The cross is universal. Everyone who sees the cross for the work of God to bring humans to a knowledge of Himself has been made at one with God thanks to Jesus. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

March Forth

I've always found Graham Kendrick's song below inspiring. Maybe we've got too comfortable, too cosy, and have lost sight of mission in our churches. Jesus told His followers to GO and be good news in our communities. Isn't it interesting that the word GO is in God, Gospel, Good News? Could it be time to march forth in new and creative ways to communicate Good News?    We'll walk the land With hearts on fire And every step will be a prayer Hope is rising New day dawning Sound of singing Fills the air   Two thousand years And still the flame Is burning bright Across the land Hearts are waiting Longing, aching For awakening once again.

I Wanna Be Your Man

The final words of a prayer by vicar Eric Delve 'I want to be your man' have remained with me this week. They reminded me of King David being a man after God's heart, warts 'n'all, faults 'n' all. They also reminded me of the Rolling Stones classic 'I wanna be your man' addressed to some girl. I couldn't help but sing it rephrased to God. After a great mens' day out in Southampton with Eric Delve sharing his passion for Christ, I have certainly been stirred to reaffirm my declaration to God : 'I want to be your man'. The song by the Stones is interesting, in that it was written by Lennon & McCartney. That the Beatles would give one of their songs to their big rivals of the Sixties is a wonder. Maybe there is a challenge there for men not to hold on to things. True Christianity reflects God's giving away of Himself. On this day my Dad would have been 85. He died just over five years ago after a long struggle with cancer. He was a hero to me for a number of reasons: He took me to my first football match. He passed on to me his interest in photography. He took on the Christian faith in later life that I witnessed to him. He humbled himself and apologised to me after we had had a big fall-out and accepted my apologies when I failed in some way or other. He died the death of a hero for me because he never complained about the suffering he endured. That's my father. My Father in heaven draws a response of greater thanks as He gave us His Son who died an agonising death on the cross to give us life and life eternal. Yes, God, I wanna be your man.

'Owdy Snow!

With one of the worst puns to go with a picture ever seen, I greet you with a 'Happy New Year'. So, what is going to make it happy one : A new Audi? At the moment you'll be likely to have to leave it at the side of a road stuck in the snow. I'm told this is the worst snow in Southampton for decades. When I see snow I'm always reminded of God's appeal to people in Isaiah 1: 'Come now let us reason together, though your sins are as scarlet (sic maybe a bloody mess) they shall be as white as snow.' I want to be clean and live a life that is clear before a holy God: Short accounts of where I miss the mark forgiven and cleansed. In the New Testament it says that 'God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us'. New year, new you? Come to God to be forgiven and washed as white as snow...

Have You Got A Light?

So this is Christmas, what have you done? Have you posted all your Christmas cards yet? You can't blame the post if you haven't mailed them yet! Have you bought all those presents? Have you got your shopping in? Have you got the turkey? Have you done a 'Delia' and sorted out out your Christmas fayre fit for a king? Have you prepared the Christmas pudding? Have you baked the minced pies? Have you got a light? No, not for the fags, you've given them up! No, a light for Christmas. Before you think this is all sentimental twee, think on: When you look up into a midwinter night sky you see lights. Loads of lights : stars, planets, the moon in an awesome display of creation. Jesus - the Son - said he is the Light of the World. A light to your way. A light into your life. And if you let Him in He will lighten your load too. Not just all the stuff around Christmas (and maybe we should live simply in order to simply live), but the other stuff too : The inner stuff...our spirit. Jesus wants to be the spark to a flame in our lives. Will He find room in the 'in' of your life this Christmas and through into a new year?

King Lifting

I credit Mike Kirby with the photographs to accompany this word of encouragement. Taken in Waltham Chase, I believe the pictures illustrate that the Lord wants to lift you up today. He wants to lift your burdens. He wants to give you a faith lift which will show on your faces! King Jesus said : 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). Go to Jesus in prayer. He never fails. Of course, sometimes we need the human touch through the body of Christ - that is the church - and although at times we fail, we are to be burden bearers in body ministry (or church and community service) and so build up the church and one another. The apostle Paul writes: 'Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ' (Galatians 6:2). What is the law of Christ? It is to love God with everything, and love your fellow man or woman as yourself. King lifting indeed!