Walking Together in the Light

Monday 26th January

Good afternoon CCB,



It was great to come together as God's people yesterday to worship and to pray together. It was so encouraging yesterday to hear people sharing how God has been working in their lives and prayers that have been answered. Thank you to all who shared. We want to encourage this as we move forward in our worship together.

Yesterday, we reflected on John 8, and here are some of the key points from the sermon (especially for those unable to be with us, but a reminder for the rest of us).

• One of the purposes of the I am saying 'I am the light of the world' is both to help us reflect on our own lives and also to help us move forward in the right direction. And so, we asked the question: how is our relationship with God?
   
• Jesus models something really important when life is busy and full of noise and distractions: how we need to take time out to rest, to listen and to pray - to nurture our relationship with God. In taking that time out, it equips us for all that we face in life.
   
• We looked at the way Jesus handles difficult situations and people who have different views and opinions. Jesus challenges those who make judgments on others by demonstrating what true light means by showing love and support to the woman caught in adultery: not condoning sin, but helping her to move forward without being judged.
   
• And we finished with three promises that are given to us as we hold onto this truth: Jesus is the light of the world.
  • We will have the light of life: God helps us in times of darkness.
  • We can have certainty about where we are going.
  • We can see things from God's perspective.

And it was that final point that we had the reminder for us not to be judgmental towards people, but be open to showing them the love of Christ, whose light transforms each and every one of us.

Next Sunday: Sunday 1st Feb: a slight change to our theme

Next Sunday will be a busy morning service (exciting). Next Sunday, the focus is on BMS World Mission, and we are encouraged to think about this important part of Baptist Life together. And so we will make that our focus and return to the I am sayings of Jesus on Sunday, 15th February (Cameron is taking our service on Sunday, 8th Feb).

Our reading for next Sunday will be: John 17: 1-26.

We will also be welcoming two people into membership and celebrating communion together.

Allan will be sharing something of his passion for BMS and leading us in prayer, but he would like us to watch a clip of a project that our missionaries are involved with. I share the link for you to watch at home, as this would be too long to play in church (with everything else we have going on next week).

Coming up @ CCB

These are exciting times at CCB, and I want to encourage us to keep on PRAYING for everything that takes place in the life of the church. We are seeing God answering prayers in amazing ways, and we need to continue to pray for all the seeds that are being sown.

We will be sharing at our church meeting on Wednesday evening (7.45) more of the discussions, reflections and prayers that are going on. Some are very practical things, but others are missional and outreach, and both the practical and missional are exciting as we see God at work in the life of the church and community. Please do join us if you are able to (non-members are very welcome), come and see what God is laying on our hearts at this time.

So what can you specifically be praying for at this moment:

1. All those we have contact with who do not know Jesus yet.
2. All of our midweek groups and all who come through the doors of the church.
3. All those in the workplace and those who travel for their work.
4. We will be sharing news on pastoral care at CCB in the coming days and weeks. Thank you to those willing to be involved in this important area of church life.
5. For our meeting on Wednesday evening, that it will be a time of blessing and encouragement.
6. The CCB team that will meet with the CBA (our Regional Association) safeguarding team to begin updating our policies and procedures (Wednesday afternoon).
7. Continued work with families (1st Steps) and the children and youth on a Friday evening. Friday night we have up to 7 at 7up and up to 15 Ultimat8. 
8. Friday, as we give thanks for the life of Diana. Please do be praying for John, Joanne and Stephen at this time. 9.30 at Hemel Hempstead Crematorium and 10.45 at CCB.

I am excited by many of the different conversations I am having with you all, hearing about how God is at work in your lives throughout the week. Please be assured of my continued support and prayers for you all as you seek to be Christ's disciples in the places He calls you to be in the week days.

If you would like to know more about how to connect at CCB, or whether you would like to know more about baptism or membership, then please do speak to myself or any of the leadership team; we are here to support, help and encourage you all on the journey of faith.

We look forward to seeing you all soon. God bless.

Matt