Pastor’s blog November 2018.

I have had the privilege of leading several Alpha courses over the years. In fact Alpha was a big part of my becoming a Believer aged 40.

Most people, over the 10 or so weeks, agree that than facts ‘stack up’, that Jesus existed, submitted to an unjust, excruciating death,  was resurrected, is therefore still alive as ascended, and therefore we should love and follow Him.

But so often, people conclude by saying something similar to, “This is is good news for you, but I am…(too old, too fat, too young, my past is so bad, etc…), so this person seperated themselves from the Truth that they have already agreed to!

It is Biblically very clear that Jesus came to ‘wipe away’ our stuff that we think separates us from Him. I liken it to a toy I had called ‘Etcha-Sketch’. I would draw anything, normally rubbish, want to start again, and could just slide a grey ruler from 1 side to the other. My slate would be clean, the screen blank, and I had the opportunity to draw something new.

Please do not , through your own freewill, separate yourself from the perfect love of God because of your previous stuff. Through your own simple Faith, Jesus wipes your personal slate clean. There is NOTHING separating you and God. Look at the facts surrounding Jesus, ask Him in, and do not be deceived that for, whatever reason, you are not good enough. He made you, loves you, and is waiting.

If you want to know more, call in Sunday to Morton 10.30am, Dyke 6.30pm, or get in touch with me anytime. I made this step 14 years ago, and would love to tell you more!

This really is the simple, yet profound, Good News.

Pastor Andy.

I write this blog on holiday with the family in New York city. A very special time in many ways.It is our 25th wedding anniversary and I bought Kay a new ring.Becky was very interested,  asking of she could have an older ring Kay has. Then Billy talked about jewellery.  And it got me thinking. I have 3 items;1. A wedding ring. This symbolises and reminds me of the importance of relationships, starting with Kay, then kids, expanding ever outwards. Who is important in your life? Please appreciate them intentionally.2. A watch. This reminds me God gives us only a finite time. We all die. How do you and I make the most of each precious day?3. A cross on a necklace. I take the ring and watch off every night.  I never take the cross off. This reminds me Christ died for me, dwells in me, and unlike relationships and physical time, is perfect and forever. He is author and answer for love and time.
If you would like to get closer to Christ, please please contact me or a Christian you trust anytime. I didn’t know Jesus until I was 40. I don’t need to be on holiday to be blessed. Jesus lives in our hearts! Perfect relationship…forever!

Pastor’s blog for September 2018

Hello readers.

Hopefully you are reading this having been blessed with a relaxing, refreshing and blessed summer holiday period.

I type this after our 7pm to midnight prayer evening, and prayer has certainly refocussed and recharged my batteries!

The theme the last 2 months has been found in James…’Faith that Works.’ For us individually and as a community church we need Faith first…in our hearts and heads, and after the Faith part, God will guide and empower us to get stuck into the Works bit!

God has done everything…from Creation through His living example, crucifixion, resurrection and Holy Spirit indwelling. As you begin to wrestle and grasp this, you then see God’s example is the right Way, this is the all-powerful Truth, and as we follow His example we enjoy the full Life, both on earth and eternity.

God is alive, present, and waiting. James 4:8 says ‘Draw closer to God, and He will draw closer to you.’ This is what Christianity is all about…this personal relationship.

If you have never really given the Christian faith any thought, and you are reading this blog, or you have Faith, but want to draw closer…I encourage you to Stop/Look/ Listen.

Stop rushing and take stock of your current life.

Look at Scripture, ask questions, enjoy the peace & power of Prayer.

Listen…as you draw closer to God, He will touch your mind, heart and soul.

Holidays refreshment fades, but time spent with God empowers you now, and forever!

Be blessed,

Pastor Andy <><

Messy church is coming to Morton!

Sat 5th May. 10 to 12 noon. For all the family. Light lunch provided. Craft, stories, songs and friendship. Old and young..all welcome…more the merrier! I appreciate it’s the bank holiday weekend so some of you maybe away but please try and come..

God bless Kay & Andy

Hello readers…

As part of my training at Bible college, I had the privilege of seeing the work of Central African Mission International, (CAMI). This charity was started in 1915 by 2 preachers setting out from Preston in Lancashire with a heart to tell, and show, God’s love for all. It is hard to show the amazing work the following 243 missionaries did, and are still doing, but 1,000’s of churches have started, hospitals built, prison services and baptisms, training in medicine, agriculture and teaching. And much more continuing!

In 2010 I stayed in Zambia, got involved in their work, and became a Trustee. I have since visited Lubumbashi In DRC, become good friends with Carol & Ginny, and as many of you know they have preached twice in our church and we try to help them in prayer and finance.

I want to raise their profile and some funds. On April 16^th & 17th I am cycling from Morton to London. Knowing my limitations, I am staying in Cambridge overnight! I cannot blame the poor weather for my lack of training. Fortunately, I have been helped by Charles, who trains with me, and is doing the first day to Cambridge.

If you would like to sponsor me, all monies go direct to Carol & Ginny’s school, ‘The Lighthouse’ and Kay & I will match whatever is raised. Bourne Rotary pledged £60 as I type, (thank you Richard!).

Finally, I hope and pray this Easter you hear the story of Jesus afresh, the significance of His resurrection impacts you anew, and on a Sunday at 10.30am or 4pm you are compelled to come in to MND, or 6.30pm at Dyke. Grasping the resurrection inspired those 2 missionaries, is changing Africa, still growing in me, and I pray touches you too.

Be richly  blessed,

Pastor Andy.

Pastor’s blog.

Hello readers…

2018 is off to blessed start. As I type this, new families attended both our 10.30am and 4pm services today.

At our Member’s meeting last week we voted for Kay McManus to be recognised as a Deacon, overseeing church activity with all our young people and ladies. We also voted to become a partner with Groundlevel. There is much more information about them at ‘Groundlevel.org.uk’. In short, we clearly keep our Baptist identity, they merely advise, share best practice, and equip us in many areas to move ‘Forwards in Faith.’

The Chip & Quiz evening was a great success, with over 50 attending. Thanks to Darren running our local Morton fish & chop shop who did a great job feeding us all!

We have had a request for another film night, after the success of Hacksaw Ridge. Please let me know of your preferences.

As a church we have focussed on making 15 mins per day of ‘quiet time.’ I encourage each if you reading this to be intentional with your time. Silence is so powerful. And culturally becoming more and more rare! Try and set this time aside. Keep a notepad nearby. You will be surprised and inspired where your mind takes you!

If you don’t normally attend our churches at Morton and Dyke, why not be intentional about that? New families are taking this decision, making time, and I hope and pray they are similarly surprised and inspired. It would be great to meet you.

Please contact me anytime about anything. We want to be your ‘church without walls.’

Be richly blessed

Pastor Andy.