Making Room For Limits
We’re continuing with our Advent devotional and this week we are focusing on the passage from Luke: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God… Read More
Making Room For a Promise
This week we are looking at the first devotional of Making Room In Advent. It talks about the parallels between ‘Zechariah waiting to have a child. Israel waiting for the Messiah. A barren couple and a barren nation.’ How often do we have to wait for what we think has been promised to us? How long will we have to wait for His second coming? But perhaps those are the wrong questions. Perhaps the right question to ask is, what does God need me to learn and/or who does God need me… Read More
What Are You Thankful For?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Thanksgiving is most definitely an American holiday but I’ve always loved the idea of having a day to focus on the positive things in our lives. The blessings that the Lord has afforded us, despite always falling short of His expectations. As we close out the year, the first year in a while without lockdowns, there are lots of things we could focus on that could bring the mood down…. Read More
Every Little Helps
In last week’s blog, we looked at how we can turn to God in our stressful times, especially in this financial and political climate. However, though we know and appreciate the power of prayer, sometimes, we need actual, physical help. Whether that be to access resources or ways to entertain our kids in the holidays (that doesn’t break the bank). With that in mind, this week, we want to give practical things that can alleviate some of the stresses many are feeling within the Borough at the moment. So if you know… Read More
Peace Be With You…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7, (ESV) Stress. It is something that is guaranteed in this life. Whether it be financial stress, especially in this current climate. Or stress in the work place, where, though the pandemic taught many lessons about the importance of work-life balance, our culture is centred on working hard to… Read More
What’s all The Fuss About Halloween?
As an Afro-Caribbean woman, Halloween was never something I was really allowed to participate in growing up. We would always have an ample supply of sweets in our house to hand out to the trick or treaters, but we were never ones to dress up, go trick or treating or carve pumpkins ourselves. As I got older, I went to friends’ Halloween parties and I’ve even taken my own daughter pumpkin picking and decorated/carved pumpkins with her and friends. But what is the meaning behind Halloween and is it really something we… Read More
Why Do Christians Fast?
We are coming to the end of the month, one where with Stoptober, people are focusing on quitting smoking. The idea of quitting or giving something up got me thinking about the mindset Christians (and those of other faiths too) have to be in, to fast and why fasting became a thing in the first place. As a kid I was taught to give something up for Lent, I think at the time it was a challenge, one that I enjoyed succeeding in. Now, fully understanding the impact of the crucifixion and… Read More
God’s Steadfast Love
Last Sunday we read the last part of Mark in the devotional we have been reading since the start of this term. We focused on Mark 15:1-33 and when reading through, I found it quite powerful. In this part of Mark, we realise how fickle people can be; those who once broke bread with Jesus, those who shouted “Halleluiah” as He entered Jerusalem now shouted, “Crucify him!” Despite all those that did Him wrong, Jesus still allowed His crucifixion to happen to save us from our sins. Though we had let God… Read More
Is Black History Month Still Relevant Today?
October is Black History Month in the UK – a whole month dedicated to celebrating the rich history and cultures enjoyed by the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in Britain. In the UK where Black citizens are a minority, it’s important to bring to the forefront the valuable contributions of Black figures throughout history. For some, it isn’t seen as a necessity. It’s been a long time since slavery was abolished, Black people have the right to live, work and vote in this country as long as they’re citizens and there are laws that help… Read More
Vision Sunday
At our last Sunday Celebration, we had time for what we call Vision Sunday; time to talk about the vision God has given us as a church and to pray for the things we feel He has called us to work on in the coming months. The key two things we have felt Him saying to us are: If you didn’t manage to come along to our Celebration, here’s the talk Sam did that goes into more detail: So I invite you to do two things off the back of Sam’s talk:… Read More
