Pastors Blog March 2016

Hello Readers.

After our 3 baptisms in January, a Dedication of a Toddler February, we now have 2 requests for baptisms this April!

Alpha is going well. 11 Attendees. Although have run several, every course gives me new insight into the significant reasons we have for believing in Christ and all that he stands for.

Jeff Taylor was our visiting Guest Speaker from the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). He made the point of lots of differing hats across the globe, but all the heads are very similar, with similar hopes and fears.

He gave a clear overview of BMS history, starting over 200 years ago, through to their global effective outreach today. Our church is partnered with their incredible works. Please visit their website and watch an enjoyable 2 minute explanatory video at http://www.bmsworldmission.org/

I attended the 3 day East Midlands Baptist Association (EMBA) Minister’s Conference. The theme was ‘Pick up your cross (not your mattress) and follow Jesus’. Obviously the emphasis here is that following Christ takes effort, so let’s work as a team, inspiring each other, and walking close with our Lord.

As we approach Easter we have been exploring the identity of Jesus through the seven ‘I Am’ statements Jesus makes in the book of John. This has taught us 2 key things….

1) Read scripture like a love letter…examine every word.

2) Scripture often has 2 levels; the day to day story along with the huge symbolism helping us to understand more.

So this month the woman at the well was only interested in the bucket of water, which is relevant at the first level. But at the higher level Jesus tells her Joh 4:13  Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, Joh 4:14  but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Please don’t just get through your day at the lower level. You are perfectly loved, have a purpose, and we would love to show you more at our church. Phone or email me anytime for more info J

Be blessed, Pastor Andy.

Pastor’s Blog Feb 2016

Hello Readers.
As you know, there was no ‘January lull’ in our church activities after the busy Christmas! Our Worship Team have been attending the EMBA training sessions at Melton Mowbray, which have been very useful. Our choir have been named the ‘New Day Singers’ and our praise is getting stronger and better. Thank you all. We had an excellent turn out for the January post Christmas meal. Apart from the lack of peas, a fabulous meal was enjoyed by all. Thank you all those involved in this; you know who you are. On the 16th January we had the privilege of hosting the EMBA Minister’s training day. All the church leaders attending said the day was very useful, and we were warmly thanked by our Regional Minister, Ellen Price.
The ALPHA course has started. There is barely room at the Manse as we have 11 attendees enjoying the hot meals prepared by our church volunteers and the clear teaching of Nicky Gumble.
Our New Day Tots club has doubled in size this last month, with 14 now attending with a lively fun atmosphere, lots of toys and lots of cake!
Your Youth Club (YYC) are going bowling in Peterborough next week!
Last Sunday we had a packed church to see 3 beautiful Baptisms. The candidates chose the following Scripture…
Arthur…Lam 3:22-3  Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Win…Pro 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 
Judy…Rom 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
As busy as we are, it is always good to come back and return to the Word of God. Maybe you can just take a moment to read these 3 passages, then read them again and let the words soak into your soul. Let us keep God at the centre of each of us individually, and at the centre of our church activities as we look forward to the Spring.
Be richly blessed, Pastor Andy

Win Baptised :-)

Win2

Win elected to be anointed with oil re medical issues ans gave a beautiful testimony!

Pastor’s Blog, January 2016 :-)

Hi Readers. I hope and pray you all had a peaceful, blessed and CHRIST-filled Christmas.
Can I thank all of you that put so much energy and effort into our special services, both at Dyke and Morton New Day.
There were no spare seats at Morton New Day both on the 13th and 20th December. A real blessing!
Last months blog emphasised both our church activities and EMBA training opportunities.
Please have a look at these, and get involved where you feel called.
I would like to emphasise our ALPHA course starting at our Manse on Tuesday 19th January 7pm.
The best way to get people to come and see is to personally invite them.
So…grab a few of the small red invite cards at the door of both churches, and give them out with an encouraging word.
I am after a few Helpers. You do not have to attend them all. It helps if you have attended an Alpha before, but I will guide you as we go.
I am having a short Alpha Training/Awareness chat after both services on 10th January.
Please stay behind…it will only be 15 minutes and you might be pleasantly surprised!
 
So…a new year often brings about reflection, assessment and new resolutions. 
This normally involves dedicating regular time to these intended activities.
When Jesus was 12, we read in Luke 2:52 he grew in 4 areas; Physically, Wisdom, and in His relationships with both God and man.
How about making your 2016 aligned to the same 4 areas?

Be blessed, Pastor Andy 🙂

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Andy Mc.
07931-652718