Keeping you in with LUTON CENTRAL

Transcription

1 Keeping you in with LUTON CENTRAL MAY

2 Articles for the June Contact should be given to Gwyneth Gapp - by Sunday May 11th They can be handwritten, placed in the box in the front vestibule or ed to gwyneth.gapp@ntlworld.com May 2014 M T W T F S S

3 From your Pastor Andrew Gale Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Recently I mentioned in a sermon that it is important to look after ourselves physically if we are to enjoy all that God has for us. We should try to eat the right foods, get the right amount of exercise and sleep enough but not too much. I know that I don t always model this as well as I should, but I try. As important as physical training may be it is more important to train ourselves spiritually. Here is a shocking truth, however well you eat, however much you exercise, however well you look after your body, it will, one day, fail. Looking after your body may improve the quality of your life, it may even give you a greater quantity of life but in the end it will not save your life, apart from the end times generation we will all die. It makes more sense, therefore, to train ourselves both for this life and for the life that is come. We need to fill our minds with solid truth, nothing ruins spiritual growth more than being carried along by every wind of doctrine, buying into every latest fad. From time to time books are released that catch the Christian imagination, often there is something good in them, but their ideas become all pervasive, invading every church for a time only to fade from sight. We need to train ourselves in God s word, to be solid and dependable. We 3

4 need to know the heart of the gospel message and keep the main thing as the main thing. We need to train our hearts to desire what God wants, to seek his mind. The Bible doesn t tell you how to drive your car but it does tell you to consider your neighbour, to obey lawful authorities and treat other as you would want to be treated. If we train our hearts and minds we will instinctively behave in a way that is pleasing to God in every situation. We need to nurture our relationship with God, spend time in prayer but more than that develop an attitude of constantly being in God s presence. Hold frequent conversations with the Lord, ask him to guide you and live at all times knowing that he walks with you and talks with you along life s narrow way. Sometimes we need to use our muscles, I know some people who spend hours in the gym, lifting weights, running on machines but never use that fitness for anything practical, they look good but what is the point? As Christians we develop our spiritual muscles in order to use that strength in the work of the kingdom, in witness, in action, in speaking out against injustice, teaching others or whatever the Lord calls us to do. We value physical exercise it has some value but we value more highly spiritual exercise. 4

5 The editor would like to send his sincere apologies to Maggy and Phil Archer for the mistake made in the Prayer Diary of the April Contact. BMS World Mission Birthdays - MAY 2nd 4th 8th Su Uthayaseelan Philip Archer Janet Moss Ron Lee Gemma Barton 9th 14th Bill Quinn 25th Lisa Saxby EASTER CARDS Did you have Easter cards sent to you this year? Please don t throw them away or recycle them. I would be pleased to receive them for use in coming years. Rita M. Gibbs. 5

6 CHURCH DIARY - MAY 2014 SUNDAY WORSHIP Morning am 4 Elijah and Elisha Series 11 Clive Latter (Andrew Gale at Baptist Assembly) 18 Preacher: Andrew Gale, Elders leading at the Lord s Table 25 Service conducted by the Elders Evening 6.00 pm 4 Breaking of Bread 11 Discussion evening 18 Prayer Meeting 25 Tea and Hymns (3 pm) 6

7 Focus on World Mission The BMS is currently supporting 600 Syrian refugees (100 families), as a result of donations received by the BMS Disaster Recovery Fund Your astounding generosity is appreciated not just by BMS but by many, many Syrian refugees living in appalling conditions in the Bekaa Valley, in Lebanon, and elsewhere, says Steve Sanderson, BMS World Mission s Manager for Mission Projects. Your gifts have given hope and courage to scores of families who are struggling mightily to survive. In a desperate situation, the food packages provided by the BMS are a practical source of help and hope for people like Abeer. Pregnant and fleeing violence in Homs, Abeer now lives in a tent. She is just 21, and lives with her husband and two year old daughter in an area of the Bekaa Valley which is full of Syrian refugees living in tents like Abeer, or in a partially constructed, abandoned three storey buildings. Abeer could give birth to her second child any day. Her husband takes whatever odd jobs he can in order to pay for the rent of their tent, which is $65 a month. It s hard to find work. Without the BMS-funded food packages Abeer collects from the local Baptist church, she and her family would go hungry. Or they would have to spend their rent on food, and have nowhere to live. The BMS asks us to: Pray for the millions of Syrian refugees living in neighbouring countries, separated from loved ones and struggling to survive. Pray for those displaced within Syria as the conflict rages on around them. And pray for peace and an end to this ongoing conflict. 7

8 BMS has been providing food packages for Syrian refugees through our partner the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development. These packages have been given out by the local Baptist church in Zahle, in the Bekaa Valley a practical demonstration of the love of Jesus in the midst of huge distress. To make a donation go to the BMS web site and click on the link Extract from the BMS web site Lorna Swain EASTER FLOWERS Many thanks to everyone who donated toward the Easter Flowers this year. It was a joy to see such a beautiful array of spring flowers around the church at such a special time of year. We were able to give out so many bunches of flowers after the service on Easter Day thanks to your generosity. Thanks also to the flower arranger who spent so much time making the Church look so beautiful for all the services over Easter time. Rita M. Gibbs. 8

9 Perry Green Services At 6.00 pm 4th Mr. Len Fowler 11th Mr. Roger Barton ( C ) 18th Mr. Donald Ashmore 25th Miss. Pam Greener * On the first Sunday of the Month there will be a Prayer meeting at 5.15 pm. Tuesday Fellowship at 2.30 pm 6th Mrs. E. Emanuel 20th Miss. M. Quinn 9

10 Bible Society Update Central Representative: Carol MacDougall Here is an extract from a letter I have received from Bible Society: I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do; I do not forsake them Isaiah 42:16 (ESV) Growing up in Uganda, I never knew how hard life was for those in my country who are born blind. Blindness is often perceived as a curse. Families keep their partially sighted children at home out of shame or overprotectiveness. And, for many years blind believers have felt forgotten and overlooked by the church too. But, here at Bible Society Uganda, God has shown us how to reach out to those who are blind. He has built a ministry whereby we can give blind believers a gift they genuinely long for: the Bible in braille. The story of Morris: In 1994 (aged 6) I lost my sight. I didn t feel any pain, but at the hospital the doctor told me that the optical nerve was damaged and that it could not be rectified. I do not remember ever being able to see 10

11 Morris learned to read braille at school and he read the Bible there. But since leaving school and starting work as a shopkeeper, he s not owned a single book of the Bible in braille. I would love to have a bible because there are times when I really need to hear from God, and there is no-one around to read to me, and that makes me feel alone 15 could help provide the bible in braille to a blind Christian 20 could provide Mark s Gospel in braille to someone like Morris 30 could reach someone like Morris with the Scriptures in Braille If you would like to make a donation to Bible Society it can be passed directly to me or placed in the offering clearly marked Bank as Bible Society. Carol. 11

12 I would like to thank everyone for their card cards, wishes and prayers for me for my operation, also the lovely flowers from the fellowship. God Bless you all Sue Uthayaseelan ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (FROM SHIRLEY HOBBS) David plus our friends Gerald and Sandra Marshall, wish to thank the fellowship of Central for prayers, visits, transport, flowers and loving concern shown in many ways during their illnesses. David is making good progress, but Gerald and Sandra need continued prayers during a difficult time. (Sandra has been admitted to hospital, while Gerald lives in a care home.) Many thanks to all Shirley Hobbs I would like to thank all my friends for the flowers, cards and wishes I received for my birthday, also I thank the Church Fellowship for the flowers I received on Renford s birthday. God Bless you all Ita May Evans. 12

13 The Notice Board Contacts are posted to you each month by Andrew Tomblin 8 Winslow Close Luton, LU3 1QA Donations for postage for contact from: Thank You PRAYER CHAIN We are in desperate need of Church Members to join our CHURCH PRAYER CHAIN. If you are interested please contact me Gwyneth Gapp (Prayer Chain Co-ordinator) on or by gwyneth.gapp@ntlworld.com 13

14 FELLOWSHIP NEWS AS AT 13TH APRIL 2014 CONGRATULATIONS TO: ALMA and JAMES STEVENS who celebrate their Diamond Wedding on 1st May. RON DIMMOCK who will be 95 on 27th May. HILARY and ROLAND OGBERIGBY on becoming grand-parents on the birth of LEMAR born to ALICIA on 26th March. At the time of writing SANDRA MARSHALL has had an operation at the Harefield Hospital. She is now back at the Lister Hospital for them to sort her dialysis. FRANK SMITH had a few days in hospital because of breathing problems. RON DIMMOCK has been in the L & D for a few weeks. PAM SOUSTER has had an operation on her arm, the plaster is now off but there is still some pain.. MICHELLE PARKES had her operation postponed as they were not happy with her infection levels. JUNE RADFORD is still undergoing treatment but is very much better and is looking forward to going into Residential Care in the next couple of months. It is good that DAVID HOBBS has been able get to Church recently and has to see a specialist. NICHOLAS SAXBY has been diagnosed with diabetes and needs to have daily injections. Several people have been poorly or have appointments coming up including ITA EVANS, NEIL HOWES, MALCOLM O DELL, HAZEL SMITH and BETTY SMYTH. SUE UTHAYASEELAN has had her op, but will need to have further surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all these friends in their joys and sorrows. We pray that all may experience renewed health and strength and have the love and support of a caring Fellowship. Ann M. Norman. DRIVERS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE SUMMER OUTING (FOR SHUT INS AND OVER 80 S) ON SATURDAY 21ST JUNE. This includes a short car drive and a secret destination for tea. Usually from pm. Please book the date and contact me if you can help, otherwise I ll be around to ask you!!! 14

15 Flowers for the Sanctuary 4th Miss Nadia Deadman In loving memory of a dear Mother and Father 11th Mr. and Mrs. Paul Knight; Mrs. Pat Ridyard In loving memory of Alan. 18th Mr. and Mrs. Tim Newns; Mrs. Joyce Clarke In loving memory of my Mum and Sister Doris, and my Mother in Law, and Sister Margaret; Alma and Jim Stevens In loving memory of our loved ones. 25th In loving memory of Roger, a very dear husband from Marlene Manton. 15

16 13th CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH MAGAZINE MAY 2014 Programme of Events JUMP (Tuesdays) (10.00 am am Term Time) 6th 13th 20th Ladies in Fellowship Together(L.I.F.T.) (Tuesdays At 8.00 pm) Please welcome Karen Avery to our meeting tonight from Wiltshire Farm Foods. Come and enjoy an evening of cooking and tasting. OPEN EVENING 20th It is a pleasure to welcome Jennifer MacMilian talking about the Luton Fostering Service. BOOK AND CARD STALL Thursday Afternoon Fellowship (At 2.30 pm) 1 st Mike Jones - Vicar St. Mary s 8 th Frank Sherburn - Silsoe 15 th T.B.A 22 nd Bob Wilkinson - Luton Christian Fellowship 29 th Mrs. Audrey Pratt 16

17 While on his way to Jerusalem one day, Jesus met ten men who had a horrible skin disease. He healed them all. Only one said thanks! It is good to say thank you. If you are 12 and under and wish to contribute, ask your parents to your ideas to Patrice (talk2evans@hotmail.com) by the 10 th of every month. 17

18 THANK YOU GOD for: KIDS-TAC Yes please. May I thank you? JESUS HEALS TEN LEPERS Saying thanks is important. Count how many times you have said thank you to others or to God today. 18

19 MAY 2014 In everything by prayer and petition let your requests be known to God. A monthly prayer calendar to help us remember different aspects of our Church life and beyond. 19

20 MAY 2014 TOPICS FOR PRAYER Thurs 1st Fri 2nd Sat 3rd Sun 4th Mon 5th Tue 6th Wed 7th Thurs 8th Fri 9th Sat 10th Sun 11th Mon 12th Tue 13th Wed 14th Thurs 15th Fri 16th Sat 17th Hands of Mercy UK Trustees meeting. For further opportunities to share the work of HOM at different churches. Andrew and Jo Gale and family. Youth Group. For all the youngsters attending. Also for leaders - Clive, Mel, Andrew, John and Adam. All Age Worship. Bible Society: Helping (through Braille) to put the bible at the fingertips of the Blind Christians in Uganda and throughout the world. Deacons meeting for all our deacons to be guided through the wisdom of God. Andrew Tomblin. Cynthia Best. Surrey Street School Open Book assemblies this month. Luton Town Centre Chaplaincy Healing on the streets. BMS World Mission for support through our prayers and donations in reaching out to the world. Morning service led by Clive Latter. Girls Brigade for a fun filled spiritual term for the girls, leaders and helpers. The Guild of Friendship. LIFT For the ladies who join together in companionship in Christ. SHIELD Adam Benjamin. Chloe Nolan teacher training. Jim Donaldson Boys Brigade for all boys to have a good term alongside the leaders and helpers. Anchor Boys/Juniors visit to the fire station. Boys Brigade Car Wash/Coffee morning. 20

21 Sun 18th Mon 19th Tue 20th Wed 21st Thurs 22nd Fri 23rd Sat 24th Sun 25th Mon 26th Tue 27th Wed 28th Thurs 29th Fri 30th Sat 31st Communic8/Crèche team and Welcomers we give thanks for our volunteers and pray that Christ will be with them at the centre of their work. Heather Robinson. Niresh Uthayaseelan. Church Meeting. For good attendance and support for one another as decisions are made for our Church. Open Door. For good relationships between all the volunteers and those who are attending. A warm welcome offering companionship. Clive and Kate Latter. Elizabeth and Keith Wright and family. Anita, Michael, Jonathon and Charlotte Jones. For Anita s work within the community offering support, guidance and practical help for families. Our Prayer team and Pastoral Care team. We give thanks for the sensitive and practical support given by both of these teams. Neil Howes Our young people facing exams and decisions about their future education this term. Also for those seeking job opportunities. JUMP for all the youngsters, parents and carers who enjoy this time of social activity in a safe and loving environment. For the leaders and helpers who enable this. For more of our Church Members to be involved in the Prayer Chain. Thursday Afternoon Fellowship. all who attend be blessed with the joy of gathering in the name of Jesus. Lisa, Calvin, David and Nicholas Saxby. Michelle Parkes. 21

22 In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth. Psalm 31:1-5 22

23 Weekly Church Activities Sunday am Morning Service Communic8 and Crèche 6.00 pm Evening Service Monday pm Watercolour Art Club pm Girls Brigade (5-18 years) Tuesday am JUMP (Join Us Mums & Pre-schoolers) pm short mat bowls 8.00 pm Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT) (2nd & 4th week) Wednesday 9.30 am Women's Prayer Time pm Open Door - Lunch Time (food and friendly chat) Thursday 2.30 pm Thursday Afternoon Fellowship Friday pm Boys Brigade Saturday pm Youth Group -11 years plus 23

24 MINISTER Rev. Andrew Gale 59 Oakley Road Luton LU4 9PX Telephone mob (Church) Secretary Erwin Tadiar Treasurer James Malcolm Church Office Visit the Church web site at