Bridge's Blog

Happy Leap Year!

2012-02-29T08:42:00.001Z

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

2012-01-01T23:53:00.003Z

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

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000Z

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!

2011-12-20T15:51:00.001Z

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

2011-11-30T23:46:00.001Z

'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

2011-11-26T23:46:00.001Z

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?

2011-11-25T11:21:00.001Z

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

2011-11-11T08:31:00.001Z

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!

2011-11-04T10:45:00.001Z

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

2011-10-09T09:26:00.001+01:00

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!

2011-09-01T22:32:00.003+01:00

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

2011-07-03T15:34:00.002+01:00

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

2011-07-01T10:25:00.001+01:00

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!

2011-06-19T23:51:00.002+01:00

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

2011-06-12T08:40:00.005+01:00

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

2011-06-09T09:30:00.001+01:00

Travelling the road less travelled

2011-06-08T14:44:00.001+01:00

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!

2011-05-29T09:45:00.001+01:00

Rebecca Samuel & Stephen Samuel

'The Big Day' - Rebecca marries Stephen!

2011-05-27T07:44:00.000+01:00

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!

2011-05-14T21:19:00.001+01:00

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!

2011-04-02T07:13:00.000+01:00

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

2011-03-11T06:18:00.001Z

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

2011-03-01T18:33:00.001Z

"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

2011-02-08T05:14:00.003Z

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

2011-01-22T13:34:00.001Z

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

2011-01-06T15:41:00.003Z

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

2010-12-25T06:27:00.001Z

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

2010-12-05T19:58:00.002Z

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?

2010-12-01T09:25:00.001Z

"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?

2010-11-05T08:33:00.001Z

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?

2010-10-01T09:24:00.001+01:00

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

2010-09-21T18:00:00.002+01:00

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?

2010-09-03T10:24:00.001+01:00

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

2010-08-20T12:36:00.001+01:00

"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

2010-07-30T13:48:00.002+01:00

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

2010-07-30T12:12:00.000+01:00

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

Half-year Accounts

2010-06-30T18:15:00.001+01:00

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

2010-05-01T04:35:00.000+01:00

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

2010-04-06T16:09:00.001+01:00

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

2010-04-03T05:24:00.001+01:00

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

2010-03-04T23:39:00.001Z

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

2010-02-25T18:45:00.001Z

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!

2010-01-07T16:43:00.002Z

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?

2009-12-22T12:56:00.001Z

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

2009-11-05T08:49:00.000Z

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!

Degrees of Glory

2009-07-24T14:23:00.003+01:00

It is always good to see your child do something good. My wife and I recently went to see our daughter's graduation. She got an honours degree from the University of Surrey. Well done Bec! It made me think about the honours in glory that will be preferred on faithful Christians when we go to heaven. On earth it appears slow progress as we face the reality of our human failings and do not feel very Christ-like, but we are being transformed as 'we are being changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another' (2 Corinthians 3:18 RSV). The key is to behold the Lord's glory and allow the Spirit to freely move in our lives. Jesus says to those who are his disciples (students), 'a student is not above his teacher....it is enough for the student to be like his teacher.' (Matthew 10:24). It is a tall order to follow in Christ's footsteps but as we learn from Him, He leads us onwards and upwards to be like Him. It is the Father's pleasure.

Having a Mayor!

2009-05-29T08:56:00.000+01:00

The Big Church Day Out in Sussex had a big surprise! The Mayor of Worthing turned up! Politicians aren't exactly the flavour of the month at the moment. But he was was up for being prayed for by the 14,000 people who were there on the 24th May. What was more amazing, he was also up for being supported by the crowd - literally! If ever there was an acted parable of how we should support our politicians, this was it...Crowd surfing on his back! The apostle Paul in writing to Timothy said this: 'I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority...' (1 Timothy 2:1,2). Pray up people!

Heavens Above!

2009-04-18T16:48:00.002+01:00

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. Psalm 19: 1-6

The Cross Has Said It All

2009-04-08T09:15:00.001+01:00

It does not seem a year since the Winchester Passion. Thousands flocked to the city to see a Passion Play enacted through the streets of Winchester. With images relayed on big screens, the big picture of Jesus on the cross was there for all to see. In Matt Redman's song 'The Cross Has Said It All', Redman writes, "I can't deny what You have shown, the cross speaks of a God of love, there displayed for all to see." But of course many deny this, refute this, reject this. And it is hard to reconcile a God of love with suffering in the world. With around 250 killed and many more injured during the earthquake in Italy this week, the stark suffering seems to fly in the face of a God of love. I could appeal that the scientist who sent warnings was ignored, I could present some other argument. But words fail me. Somehow, as I look at Jesus on the cross with a crown of thorns stuck in His head, I see an act of love that draws from me a reaction of faith and hope, which is only reinforced by the resurrection. Can I ask you to survey the wondrous cross this Easter and look to see what it is saying to you?

Pressing On

2009-04-04T11:05:00.001+01:00

Tizz is nearing the finish line on his bike trek from Southampton to Minehead for this year's Spring Harvest. Despite being sick last night he will soon complete the 70 odd miles to get there having left yesterday morning for a hard, at times strenuous journey. Saddlesore too!

But for the goal set before him (and he is raising funds for youthwork) Tizz is pressing on.

The apostle Paul in the New Testament writes: 'Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.' Whether we be bikers, bloggers, bankers, beauticians, bakers, or whoever we are, God is calling us to see a bigger picture in life.

Can your hear Him?

It's Spring Again, It's Spring Again!

2009-03-21T21:38:00.001Z

Spring is back again, and so is Bridgey. After a short period away with 'Blogger's Block', I was inspired this week with the arrival of a lorry load of water at church. Adam had brought his ale! And he was down to fill the baptistry for tomorrow - so Becky would be dunked in springs of water! A fresh start for a new life in Christ as she is baptized. The daffodils bursting through in their golden glory at the front of the church remind us of the glorious new life that the empty cross speaks of: Hope springs eternal. And it is all to bring us back to enjoy the Eden experience of being in a right relationship with God. Don't miss it again this Easter...

Lights!

2008-12-24T18:27:00.001Z

It's Christmas Eve! When our daughters were small, on Christmas Eve we used to take a car ride around to see the lights displayed on peoples' houses. I as their father, got a little carried away by squeaking in an Orville the duck kind of voice : "Lights!", every time I saw Christmas lights displayed. Very childish, I know. On travelling back home from travels during Christmas time the girls would look around to see the lights. It was all part of the fascination of Christmas. Of course the sleighing Santas and snowmen far outweighed the Nativity scenes we saw. As we journey into Christmas Day through the night befalling, I pray that Christian believers would be as lights in the world, shining the Light of the world brightly all around.

Remember

2008-11-11T09:12:00.001Z

November is a month for remembering. We've had Guy Fawkes' night - 'remember, remember the 5th of November', although I doubt if there were many warming their hands round bonfires remembering that the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament just over 400 years ago was foiled! Interestingly, as far as politics in concerned, the 5th of November 2008 will go down in history as a day to remember in that Barack Obama became the first black person to be elected to the White House and be the next president of the United States of America. Many hope that he will be a man for peace on the earth. But today, the 11th of November, we remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country. The 11th being the day that ninety years ago signalled the end of what is called 'The Great War'. There have been many wars and conflicts since. We remember the sacrifices made - lost lives, lost limbs - because their sacrifice delivered many from evil. When we remember, we as Christians can't help but remember the sacrifice that took place at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago, It is a hard to fathom but the Bible declares that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself : The Crucified God.

The cross speaks of both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of reconciliation : God and humankind; human with fellow human. Let's remember that too today and pray it be so.

Ten, Ten

2008-10-10T12:14:00.002+01:00

So, it's 'ten, ten' today: the tenth day of the tenth month. That reminded me of my old college motto at Spurgeon's : 'et teneo, et teneor' which means 'I hold and am held'. It was a phrase adopted by the great nineteenth century preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon as a guiding principle throughout his life. In these uncertain times when our faith and finances can be shaken, it is good to remind ourselves of the fact that God holds us even when we feel we are losing our grip. God's grip of grace remains constant. Of course this may seem a very pious phrase full of heavenly language but of no earthly use when the mortgage payments needs to be met. In the Bible there is another 'ten, ten' worth noting. Jesus said in John 10:10: 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' Ten out of ten full. Ten times ten full. 100%. It may sound like a cliche to those who are in need. Jesus has always been about meeting the spiritual and practical needs of people. It is a paradox that through the Good Shepherd's death, Christian believers have life. And as we hold on to God, He holds onto us. Hold tight, held tight.

Harvest Hope

2008-09-30T21:22:00.001+01:00

What hope is there? Banks are going bankrupt, shares are falling, house sales are stalling, living costs are rising. At autumntime the Church celebrates Harvest. Yes, celebrates! We have a lot to be thankful for. We thank God so much, for so much. We have food on the table, clothes on our back, and a roof over our heads. In a world that seems just to revolve around pounds and pence, bricks and mortar, the Christian Church declares that there is something more to life: faith, hope, and love. This is the foundation of Christianity. Even though the financial system of the western world is shaking, Christians affirm: 'In God we trust'.

Summer has ended, school begins...

2008-09-03T17:50:00.001+01:00

So the holidays are over. The beaches are empty. The rain saw to that during most of August seemingly, with the Met Office now being re-named 'the Wet Office'! So, it's back to work, back to uni, back to school. Indeed it may be the start. Sometimes, getting back to normal (whatever 'normal' is) can carry with it the feeling of 'anti-climax'. A little bit of anxiety creeps in. Reality hits home. There are changes afoot. The kids need new pairs of shoes together with other bits and pieces for school. A new school year starts and for some this may mean a new school or a new class or going away to university. We pray for every schoolchild, every student, every parent, every carer, every teacher within our remit in Waltham Chase. May 'the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face towards you and give you peace.' (Numbers 6:24-26).

Chase Away!

2008-08-01T11:55:00.001+01:00

So August is here and it's raining! Holiday time. Whether we are at home or away from home, our goal is to be pleasing to the Lord! (An International Standard Version text from 2 Corinthians seriously misapplied, I know, but even when it's raining it's better not to winge about the weather!) Seriously, holiday is derived from 'holy day'. And so there is a sense of the 'holy' and sacred in the R&R. We need rest from our labours. With all the talk of 'credit crunch' and tightening financial belts, comes the pressure to forego a holiday. But it is a false economy. There can be treasure in simplicity. So, even if you are going a short distance to your holiday destination or maybe staying at home, do take a holiday - and be blessed! Pack up your troubles in your old bag or suitcase. Stick them in your boot, or better still boot them away. Chase away the weariness and those burdens. Easier said than done. But Jesus said: 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' (The Gospel according to Matthew 11:28).

Swallows & Psalms

2008-07-10T21:10:00.001+01:00

It was a very interesting time at Quob last Sunday. The stables in Durley held an open day in which the Christian theme of 'Hope' was heavily promoted. My contribution was doing Psalm readings and I was able to read the first 63 in a dramatic way to bypassers from my spot in stable 6. Some folk stood and listened. Some came in and remarked how appropriate to them the passage was I read. It was only after I had finished my stint that I was made aware of the pictured attraction next to me in stable 5 : five baby swallows in a nest! And then how Psalm 84:3,4 spoke to me: 'Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising You.'

Glimpses of Heaven

2008-07-02T16:48:00.001+01:00

Since around the middle of May, church is like never before. Of course, I've only been here ten months, so I am sure there have been times past when folk can recount God moving in a new way. Through many and various channels God's Spirit is moving in renewal and revival. We are seeing glimpses of heaven as the kingdom of heaven breaks into our lives. Words fail to express the 'atmosphere of heaven' we are currently breathing in - so you better come and see for yourself!....

Sticky Wicket

2008-06-14T16:57:00.001+01:00

Cricket is changing. It's a game that has its origins in the late seventeenth century and is as old as Methodism. The Hambledon Cricket Club was founded in the 1760s but the Hambledon parish team was already playing first class matches in 1756. For the next 20 years until the formation of the MCC and the opening of Lord's in 1787, Hambledon was the game's greatest club and its focal point, hence it is affectionately known as the 'cradle of cricket'. But the legendary 'Silver' Billy Beldham might be aghast at what has happened to this game. Twenty-twenty cricket is now popular. A quickfire game that lasts for less than three hours. Coloured clothing rather than the traditional whites, a white ball instead of the cherry red, black sightscreens instead of white, and floodlights now adorn the modern game. I am sure these are a few thorny issues discussed amongst the cricketing fraternal down at the Rose Bowl. But the game is developing, mixing the traditional with the new. And this is a picture for the church. Jesus is making all things new. Renewal is an essential element of the Spirit's work. Maybe there's a lesson for us all here : Not to be stuck on a sticky wicket. But to move with the Spirit and the times...

Wet, Wet, Wet

2008-05-26T11:49:00.001+01:00

So, it another Rank Holiday! I meant rank! It's pouring down with rain, and must rate as the worst bank holiday ever! The water is overflowing and creeping up to the church basement door. Water is inconvenient. It gets everywhere. Sometimes its uncontrollable. It got me dwelling on the song 'Rain Down'. Maybe on this wet, wet, wet bank holiday you might reflect on these words too, having switched on your computer this fine day. Did I say, fine?! After all, it's raining outside...

RAIN DOWN

Delirious?

Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy

Feels like the winds are gonna change

Beneath my feet, the earth is ready

I know it's time for heaven's rain, it's gonna rain, again

'Cause it's living water we desire

To floods our hearts with holy fire

Rain down, all around the world we're singing

Rain down, can you hear the earth is singing?

Rain down, my heart is dry but I'm still singing

Rain down, rain it down on me

Back to the start, my heart is heavy

Feels like its time, to dream again

I hear Your voice, and yes I'm ready

To dance upon this barren land

Hope in my hands

Do not shut, do not shut, do not shut the heavens

But open up, open up, open up our hearts

Give me strength to CROSS the water

Keep my heart upon Your altar

Give me strength to cross this water

Keep my feet, don't let me falter

Rain down...

Question: Are we singing in the rain?

Up for the Cup!

2008-05-19T11:33:00.001+01:00

So, it's Pompey's Cup! The trophy was awarded, the medals received. The pomp of Wembley had all the ingredients of religious fervour : hymns and songs (eg 'Abide With Me'), prayers (eg 'Play up Pompey' or was that 'Pray up Pompey'?!), banners and flags, marks of allegiance. Will we be up for the Cup? Christians believe that there will also be a Final Day. A day of judgment. One when those who lose their lives for Jesus' sake will be winners. When our cup will overflow. The FA Challenge Cup was won my Portsmouth and we saints congratulate them (if not Saints fans!). The challenge FA (For All) is to show similar passion to play our part for team Jesus (the church) and pray the price to serve our community. Our reward is a journey to heaven. 'I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 3:14). Will you?

Time

2008-05-09T13:13:00.001+01:00

Vote Love

2008-04-30T07:47:00.002+01:00

On my travels in Winchester I spotted this poster for LOVE in a front window of a house. Please be assured that this is not a subliminal message from me to direct your vote tomorrow in the Local Government Elections. One thing for sure is that we need to pray as to how we should vote and for whoever gets elected. It strikes me that with polling day being on May Day, this nation certainly needs help! Credit crunch, rising cost of living, teachers striking, petrol panic, and terrorism threats all affect us. If only we could mark our cross next to Christ on the ballot paper! But we can pray: 'Lord, may your Kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' And we can put our cross to love as God is Love: Vote Love!

Saints Alive!

2008-04-29T16:29:00.001+01:00

The trapdoor is still open! Perched precariously over the prescipice of relegation, the Saints produced a stunning performance to hold champions elect West Brom to a draw last night (28 April 2008).

On my prayer walk last Saturday, I came across the sight that my photograph records: The neatly laid out scarf and the St. George sticker on the back of the VW. Now, I know that George was a saint (though history does not assure us of who he was!), and we've just marked St. George's Day, but I can affirm that there is only one focus for a true trust in life : God. And no amount of superstitious nonsense will save Southampton FC. Only Jesus brings salvation, and so we saints in the Lord testify: In God we trust!

Write From The Heart

2008-04-26T07:23:00.001+01:00

Dearly beloved,

I am calling the church to prayer in the next week with a focus on Friday. Can you come to any of the five spaces we have for prayer : Tuesday at 6.30am; Wednesday at 2pm; Thursday at 7.30pm: Saturday at 8am (with a men's prayer meeting on 3 May at 9am); Sunday at 9.15am? Could you come on Friday for a half-night of prayer in the church between 8pm and midnight?

Why am I calling for prayer? Some weeks ago I was struck by something said by the person leading a Sunday evening 'Soaking' service. It was one of my co-Lay Leaders. He drew our attention to Jesus' instruction to His disciples just before He ascended to His Father: 'Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.' (Luke 24:49). In Acts 1:14 we find that they all joined together constantly in prayer and the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost. This year the 1st of May is Ascension Day : A time in the church calendar where we mark that Jesus was taken up into heaven in order that we might have help by His Spirit outpoured on earth. May Day is truly a cry for help! I need help in my function as a Lay Worker in the church. I'm not ordained, I'm not a great intellectual, I'm not an expert, I'm not the fittest, I'm not superman. I'm a man called by God to pastor people and pray for people. I need help from God. I need help from my church. On Friday, the day after May Day, I'm asking that we as a church wait on God. Ask for His help. There are many needs within the fellowship and within our village communities. We need to be clothed with power from on high.

I believe God has envisioned me as to how we should pray during this half-night of prayer: simple, silent, soaking in His presence. Waiting on Him. Whether it be for fifteen minutes, half an hour or longer, please come. Maybe the time will be more of a symbolic joining together as we will come at different times. If you're out that evening, come for short time on your way back home: the church will be open for prayer until midnight. If you're away, set aside a time to pray and so join with us in the Spirit. No agenda, apart from what God lays on your heart to lay before Him. In my picture above you will see people waiting on God. At the time they were hearing these words in song: 'On my knees is where I need to be, before your throne.' I took the picture this year during a worship time as I was struck by the number of women in the frame. It's interesting that Luke in Acts 1:14 remarks about the women joining the apostles in prayer. Thank God for the women of God who pray! More men please. More women. More prayers. Please hear my call: it's write from the heart.

Free Street

2008-04-22T13:01:00.002+01:00

It was an interesting Sunday just gone. More than interesting. In the evening, Darren saw my photo of Free Street taken in Bishop's Waltham. He said that it's closed at the moment! Road works or should it be street works. Tizz and I chuckled as to how on earth can Free Street be closed? It got me thinking as to how un-free and easy our Sunday morning service was : sound difficulties and audio visual problems besetting our start. We couldn't hear the speakers or see the words on the songs to begin with. The enemy of our souls does not want people to be free. Jesus want us to be free as Grace preached from John 8:36: 'If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'. No blocked streets. Freedom. Freed to live as God intended. Freed from sin, Satan, and death. Liberating stuff. Jesus offers us to walk on 'Free Street' today. It's a long and narrow road (I nearly said 'winding'!) but it leads to life. Free Street is always open to those who believe and desire to journey on it...

Weather the Weather, Whether Whatever

2008-04-16T16:16:00.002+01:00

They say a week is a long time in politics (no further mention with local elections just around the corner!). Well, it was a long week with the local weather last week. The first Sunday in April saw snow, a week later on Saturday we were in spring with rainbow weather on the Sunday. Was that why Roger French brought us that word about Noah's faith? Anyway it got me thinking. The British do talk about the weather rather a lot and must have been in overdrive with all the snow that fell on that Sunday in Spring! It's the same with our Christian lives. We have different seasons for our souls. Last weekend I was struggling with my back and hard placed to the see the point of it all. All adversity is relative and I know that far worse befalls people. However for me it wasn't until yesterday that I read a beautiful turn of phrase which changed my perspective in Habakkuk 3:17-19:
'Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.'

So whether it be snowfall or sunshine or whatever, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
May the LORD bless you.

Rat Attack in Church!

2008-04-11T13:03:00.005+01:00

The scourge of breakfast television in the eighties, Roland Rat, made a surprise comeback at Waltham Chase Methodist Church on the first Sunday in April. Members of the congregation were asking what was more shocking : snow in spring that morning or Roland Rat's declaration that he had "top billing in the church"?! Roland was boastful, proud, rude, and he suffered a great fall, but thankfully was caught by someone in the congregation. He later apologized for being rude after hearing a talk from Niki Freemantle about the importance of a hand being in a glove for it to be alive, and about G:love from the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.

Surely, a case of G:love (God's love) needed in all even in Glove puppets!

Heavens a dove

2008-03-29T21:46:00.001Z

It’s great to score a goal! And we’ve seen some extravagant celebrations on our television screens as footballers get excited over putting the ball in the back of the net. Here, in a park game between two church teams we see one player euphorically signalling a dove to his team-mates in marking his goal-scoring feat. We read in the Bible, that God got excited over His Son as He willingly took on His goal to save human beings. In the gospel of Matthew 3:16 it reads: ‘As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, with him I am well pleased.” ‘
God is very pleased with us when we willingly do His will!

Words worth one picture of golden glory

2008-03-19T21:45:00.002Z

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Fully armed with Gods's armour and amour

2008-03-12T21:43:00.000Z

The church at Waltham Chase is moving onwards, upwards, and outwards. Our vision and mission to love God with everything and love everybody is a very challenging statement. Sometimes it can only be seen as a statement of intent. But Jesus' commandments are utterly essential to the spiritual life of the church here and we aspire to live by them. We seek to be an all-inclusive family from the oldest to the youngest - if you live in Waltham Chase, why not drop by to look in on us sometime.
Recently we had a visiting minister from Kent engage all ages in the church with a lively presentation relating to the armour of God as described in Ephesians 6 - he came kitted out to Roman boot as the picture below shows! How we need to fully protected by the armour of God!
This year being designated as 'Hope '08', we are engaged in declaring the hope of glory we have in Christ, in a variety of ways.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Greater Love

2008-02-22T21:43:00.002Z

Hope Lodged!

2008-01-23T21:41:00.000Z

There is a nationwide initiative across Church denominations to see local churches engaging with their communities in a year of mission under the banner of ‘Hope 08’ (www.hope08.com). Borne out of a vision given to The Message, Soul Survivor, and Youth For Christ, the aim is bring the hope of Jesus into our villages, towns and cities through many and various ways.

I believe the house groups are the way the church at Waltham Chase is to be mobilised for mission as the Lord leads us out into the village with His Good News in 2008. House groups are the living cells for church health and growth : Modelling ‘little churches’ as with the example of the early church in Act 2:42-47 with teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer and praise being essential features. Seeing signs and wonders, meeting people’s needs, people around were saved. I would like each house group to operate in their own way matching their particular composition and location. Each individual can be part of ‘the Lord’s Neighbourhood Watch’ in looking out for their neighbour and looking after them. Of course this is all theory and depends on time available balanced against family, work and church commitments, but we are embarking on a journey of creative mission for 2008 led by the Spirit.
Each house group leader has a resources book to prepare and plan for local initiatives led by the Spirit as the group pray to play their part. The study ‘The Heart of Connecting’ which house groups have just commenced is a means to an end : outworking the love of God in practical and demonstrable ways.

Hope

2007-12-25T21:38:00.003Z

Changed Priorities Ahead

2007-11-17T21:36:00.000Z

Let Go and Let God

2007-10-21T21:34:00.001+01:00

Crossing Over

2007-10-13T21:30:00.000+01:00

It was a Saturday morning quite like any other, with perhaps the exception that England were due to play both football and rugby internationals that day. But on going up to the 8am prayer meeting I believe I was led to suggest that we should go out of the building onto the crossroads where Forest Road intersects Winchester Road. Grace volunteered to accompany me whilst the other pair of prayer partners prayed in the church. As we came out of the church I noticed the hedge in the shape of the cross. I felt we should take the power of the cross down to the crossroads. On praying around the crossroads, we then covered the area where the police had cordoned off two houses due to a serious incident on 10 October. It was then that I noticed a six inch strip of white plastic in a bush and I just knew that on turning it over it would read ‘CROSS’. It did and I felt the Lord impress upon me on the Sunday that not only did it signify the cross was in the crossroads, but there was significance in the name of one of the dwellings which had the word ‘Mizpah’ on it. Jane had told us that ‘Mizpah’ meant ‘watchtower’. Mizpah in Genesis 31 was the place that marked a pact between Laban and Jacob that neither would go past to the other side to harm the other. That Sunday morning I spoke on the story of ‘The Good Samaritan’ who crossed to the other side to help his neighbour. I believe our ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ should be watching out for and looking out to love our neighbours as ourselves.