Looked at Mark 4 (also found in Matt 13), the parable of the sower and the seed and the different types of ground. Discussion ensued about the meanings that we might read into this story as believers. Are we the seed or the soil? Is this about salvation, evangelism, or simply about receiving God’s word and putting it into practice in our lives? Is it possible that we can have areas in our lives that have become like the hard soil on a path, i.e. are we hardened by tradition, intimidation, hurts or disappointments? Have we been trampled on so much we are have become immune to even the fork of the gardener? Or, are we receptive to the seed of faith that God is sowing into our hearts as we seek to move into the vision of a church that is a temple of the Holy Spirit. I guess if we are honest, we all have areas in our lives we would rather protect or hide away, sometimes this can be love of the world (the thorns) wanting to do things our own way. The encouragement in this scripture is that if we open ourselves up God will plant the seeds of faith deep and it will produce fruit - that is a promise! We look forward to more of God’s Power being poured out in ways that will amaze us. Just like the woman who reached out to touch Jesus robe for healing, we need to believe before we receive and we shouldn’t try to limit how God decides to pour out His power - He doesn’t.

Dee shared a vision of the church as a place where people will be healed by the presence of God even as they come in. She saw a river running through the church and a shaft of light coming through the roof (which had been opened up) into the area of the worship group, suggesting that worship is the key to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

I think we can be sure that God is going to do even more than we have been experiencing - lets not limit him by our reluctance to break free from whatever holds us back. We want to experience the power of Christ in our lives and in our church and in our community. Praise God for all He is doing and all He will do!!!!!!

Sign up for New Wine - its going to be the best ever!! So far 40 have signed up (all ages). If you need help with finance or accommodation or transport the church will help. Come and get filled. Email me or Graham for details.

Love to all who couldn’t make it this week - we pray that God will bless you.

Please pray for Jackie and Paul’s Mum and Dad Tom and Jean as Tom is very poorly in hospital with pneumonia. For David Pillar in Harewood House and baby Elliot and family as Elliot is extremely poorly.

Looks like I wasn’t as tired as I thought after all!

I cannot agree on everything you say in this article, but perhaps I missed some of the points you were trying to make….

I personally agree with your comments, but there will always be some people who may not feel the same….

Everyone feels positive about how things are going and we are delighted with the new life that is being attracted. We are also thrilled with the input of the young people as they lead the way. Dorinda shared how the young kids are getting in on the act - praying and praising God in their own times and reaching out to the older members of our family. More power to the kids and their lovely leaders!

There are folk who need to feel loved as we go through the transitions and we need to look out for them. We need to love and serve each other as Jesus served us. We thought about the last supper and how Jesus washed the disciples feet. We remember that we only need our feet washed as we walk in the world, as we are already made clean (righteous) by his blood and its only our feet that get dirty. We need to be on guard about the values and influences that are not of God that we come up against, not so much that we are not in the world, because we need to be in it to influence it, but not of it!

We will attract those who are being saved if we are filled with the Spirit individually and corporately. Our love for each other is so important in attracting people to Jesus so lets care for one another and wash a few feet.

Finally, we prayed for people on our hearts and particularly for our older youth who may find the adjustment into adult life difficult especially trying to be in but not of the world.

God Bless all of you. Love, Trevor x

I usually agree with your article content, but in this case I am sorry to say that I do not share your views….

Not everyone will agree with your views expressed in this article, but thats their loss not yours….

As we press into the vision God has given us for a vibrant church, it is necessary that we have a heart for unity, to seek peace, to be kind and compassionate to one another and to forgive each other as Christ forgave us (Eph 4v32). It is important that leaders are supported in prayer as they seek to serve and equip the body. One of the ways we can do this is to look out for those who may find the “getting out of the boat” and the “walking on water” too challenging, scary and “out of their comfort zone”. There is a saying that there is no gain without pain. Paul talks about perseverance, and pressing on to the goal; if we want to see the Church the body of Christ grow and be a witness for Him, we should expect resistance and difficulties (hopefully not to the point of shedding blood!). We must therefore, look out and care for each other, to be gentle and patient, making every effort to keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4v3).

We concluded our evening with a chorus “We shall be as one” with the words that “by this all will know,, of the work He has done”. May Christ dwell in our hearts and minds so that we may show Him to the world, and to each other. Let our actions not cause anyone to have an excuse to reject Him or to fall away, but instead to live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Bless you all muchly, Trev

First, a big sorry for those who were expecvting Road to MAturity this week. I have been struggling with the purpose of HG3 and feel that the course although relevant to Christian growth and disciplship doesn’t tick all the boxes for us. By this I mean that if we are to model teh ideals we want for BAUC as set out on Saturday last (Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Service and Evangelism) we need to have a chance to recognise where our giftings lie and to start to exercise them in the comfort and security of HG3 before taking them further into teh church body. I have therefore decided to put R2M on hold for a while and maybe suggest we run it as an extra for anyone in the church - at the church on the new big screen arriving at the end of this month.

This week we looked at the 5 areas of church activity (as above), we acknowledged that change and growth towards the goals we set ourselves is going to be uncomfortable at times for some of us. We decided we must watch out for those who find it hard to accept the need for change and the process and be sure not to leave anyone behind. We also looked at Matt 25 (Virgins, Talents, Sheep and Goats) and reminded ourselves that we are all responsible before God to exercise the gifts he has given us according to the measure of faith we have. We must also be prepared for HIs coming and should be doing the stuff he wants us to do, ie feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the prisioners etc all part of what we are aiming at (as above).

We ended by praying for each other and I think Robin was healed of a painful neck - he certainly felt as if he had been touched by the HS in a healing way. Please continue to pray for blessings on IAn and Gill as they try and get the grant tto alter the house for the boys sake.

Love to all my brother’s and sisters! Trev

I didn’t agree with you first, but last paragraph makes sense for me…