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

Pastors Blog December

Hi readers. Our church activities are growing. Each week we now have 4 Small Groups, 3 kids clubs and much more! It is vital that the activities we run, we do well. In October the Small Group Leaders attended a training day run by EMBA,( East Mids Baptist Assn), and each group is flourishing. Tuesday 8pm is John at Haconby, Wednesday 10am Stan at church, and 7.30pm Derek at Twenty & Bernard at Bourne. The 3 Kids group have increased as well, with Tots Tuesdays 10am, Lighthouse 4pm, and YYC Thursdays at 6.30pm. Please call me direct for more info.We have the privilege of hosting the EMBA Leaders training day 16th Jan. We have the opportunity to send members on accredited EMBA courses for Worship through January, Preaching in February and Change Leadership in March. Again, contact me direct if you want to get involved. Last week Maureen agreed to lead our new Singing group, and Daphne our Carol singing around the Homes this Christmas. ALPHA starts every Tuesday, 7pm from 19th January. Again, phone or email me and I would be delighted to tell you more about Alpha, or anything else that I can help with. Finally I return again to our sole purpose for not just church life, but our entire, 24/7 existence; to love Christ and follow His direction. So lets not just wander aimlessly through the busyness of December. The word ‘mass’ means to attract, a body. We know who Christ is. So lets keep in mind when we put the 2 together what CHRIST-MASS is all about! Be blessed, Pastor Andy 🙂

Alpha starts Tue.19.Jan.2016 get booked in!!!!!

I went on an Alpha course in East London 12 years ago to tell those Christians they were deluded, and to ‘get a grip!’ What a surprise I had…they did have a grip. I was astounded at how little I knew then about Jesus and the faith of Christianity. Moreover I was genuinely shocked at how much evidence there is to show significant reasons supporting the Christian faith. I only intended to eat their food and attend 1. I was hooked and wanted to ask more questions. I made good friends, finished the course, and in the last 3 years have run 6 courses! Please come and explore “Why am I here” with our small friendly team at MND. Tuesdays at 7pm (for hot food) from 19th Jan over 11 sessions. Phone me (Andy) on 07931-652718 anytime with questions you probably have. Two FAQ answers are 1) It is free and 2) you don’t have to attend all the sessions. Be blessed, Pastor Andy <><

Pastor’s Blog

Pastor’s Blog November 2015

Dear Readers.

As I type this the clocks have gone back an hour, the scarf surfaced from under the stairs to walk our dog ‘Lucky,’ and the central heating has clicked ‘on.’ We have the Light party next week, fireworks the following week, and before we know what it will be Christmas! Where did the summer go? As we get older I am firmly convinced time seems to flow by a lot easier. When we begin to appreciate this, it changes how we perceive and appreciate the preciousness of time.

Thoughts and feelings that bring us down are rooted in our past. We can learn from the past, but we cannot re-live it, or live in-it. The author said that depression hooks into our past, and it is healthy to identify those hooks and let them go.

Similarly, anxiety and stress are linked to our future. We sometimes worry about what might happen, and begin to create scenarios that can grow into walls that press into our present.

We need to live in the present. The today. Yes we learn from the past, we need to make wise choices for our future, but it is right and proper to live in the present. God sent Jesus so that Believers may have life, and have it to the full. Matthew 6:33 tells us not to worry about worldly ‘stuff’, and tomorrow’s ‘unknowns’. We are to seek God’s ways today, right now, and life will then be lived ‘to the full.’

So this season prioritise your life. Make real decisions about your time. How about spending time with loved ones? Think about those that maybe are not so busy at Christmas. Could you maybe just give them a call? Ask how they are doing, and really listen to their answer. Or a visit? Maybe arrange a meal with them.

God gives us over 100,000 heart beats every day. Time slips by so fast. Make time for God in your life. Seek His ways. Live your life to ‘the full.’

Pastor’s Blog

Hello MND visitors.

Due to our family being blessed with both a Spring Harvest holiday in France and Grapevine in Lincoln, I have missed a blog!

August has seen Tom & Julie Hamilton take over the coordination of our shop, Morton New Day 2. The staffing roster is working well, the shop display very well presented,  and our customers seem very pleased with how things are running. Thank you to all our volunteers.

After the success of our Summer Holiday Club My wife Kay has started the Lighthouse Club. This is for Reception to Year 5, (4 to 10 ‘ish) Tuesdays 4.30pm to 5.30pm.  The club is already busy but more visitors are very welcome.

We have another Home Group starting Wednesday 7th October, 7.3pm,  at Bernard Chases’ home by the Grammar school. Please speak to me or Bernard (01778-394654), for more info.

Please see the seperate link for our Light Party for 31st October. It is going to be great fun for the kids (and helpers!)

We are currently looking at Acts, and how Barnabas was the great encourager.  Please be encouraged that God perfectly loves each and every one of us, through this faith we receive Grace, and ALL THINGS are possible as we walk with Jesus.  So be spiritually confident, walk tall, and share your faith in words and action.

Be blessed. Pastor Andy.