AFTER THIS I LOOKED AND THERE WAS A GREAT MULTITUDE
You cannot open your newspaper or turn on the news without being confronted by the reality that our world is torn apart by division, suspicion and hatred. We have seen it in the evidence from the Stephen Lawrence enquiry, in the recent murder of the tourists in Uganda, and the ongoing conflicts that spill across the borders of African countries as well as all the other conflicts that persist around the world.
Many perceive, and rightly so that racism is at the heart of the problem that confronts our world, but that is not the complete answer. The problem is not just one of division over race; division between professional or class groups and also over religion contibute to the divisions and hatred that exist. And underneath all this is the sin of human pride, a group pride that exaggerates the virtues, rights and interests of that particular race, group or religion and that looks with suspion on others. We often see the results of division, hatred and violence.
The sin of group pride and hatred that we see in the National Front, or the Hutu militia of central Africa are basically the same as that of the religious leaders who crucified Jesus two millennium ago. Jesus himself would not become part of an exclusive group, dedicated to its own interests. When Peter suggested that the disciples should prevent Christ's arrest and crucifixion, Jesus severely rebuked him. Jesus had come to earth on a mission of reconciliation. He had come to reconcile people from every tribe and group to God, and to make it possible for them to be reconciled to one another.
From the gospel of Christ has come a vision of hope, a hope for a better future where all peoples can live in unity and harmony. In the book of Revelation John is given a vision of people from every nation and tribe united in their worship of Christ. It is a vision that has guided and inspired Gods people, in spite of our many faults and failings. It is a vision that has brought, and continues to bring hope to our world.
Yours in Christ Peter.
MARCH 1999 - PROGRAMME
All services and meetings will be held on our church premises unless another venue is indicated in the programme below. Rev Peter Neale will be preaching at all services unless an alternative speaker is indicated in the programme.
Sun 7th 10.30 am Enter While You May - Luke 13
6.30 pm A Generous Invitation - Luke 14
Lord's Supper
Mon 8th 5.45 pm Girls' Brigade
Tues 9th 2.00 pm Tuesday Fellowship - speaker Miss Bacon
Wed 10th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
7.45 pm Lent Group- United Reformed Ch.
Thur 11th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
Fri 12th 7.00 pm Youth Club
Sat 13th 10.00 am Church Cleaning
Sun 14th 10.30 am The Love of a Father - Luke 15
3.00 pm Hispanic Bible Study
6.30 pm God and Money - Luke 16
Mon 15th 5.45 pm Girls' Brigade
Tues 16th 2.00 pm Tuesday Fellowship - speaker Miss Thompson
Wed 17th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
7.30 pm Church Annual General Meeting
Thur 18th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
Sat 20th 10.00 am Prayer Meeting at Margaret's
Sun 21st 10.30 am The Passover - Luke 22
Lord's Supper
3.00 pm Hispanic Bible Study
6.30 pm Faith on Earth - Luke 18
Mon 22nd 5.45 pm Girls' Brigade
Tues 23rd 2.00 pm Tuesday Fellowship - speaker Mrs Grant
Wed 24th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
7.45 pm Lent Group- United Reformed Ch.
Thur 25th 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
Fri 26th 7.00 pm Youth Club
Sat 27th 10.00 am Day Trip to Windsor with East Hill URC
Sun 28th 10.30 am The King Comes - Luke 19
3.00 pm Hispanic Bible Study
6.30 pm Jesus the Teacher Luke 20
Mon 29th 5.45 pm Girls' Brigade
Tues 30th 2.00 pm Tuesday Fellowship - speaker Mrs Willey
Wed 31st 10.00 am Minis and Minders Toddler Group
APRIL
Thur 1st 7.30 pm Maunday Thursday Communion
Fri 2nd 10.30 am Meditation on the Cross
Sat 3rd 10.00 am Prayer Meeting at Margaret's
Sun 4th 10.30 am Easter Day
Lord's Supper
3.00 pm Hispanic Bible Study
6.30 pm Light Dawns - Luke 24 v 13-49
Lord's Supper
GIVING TO THE CHURCH
Offerings and donations to church funds during February amounted to £1016.09. Our target, based on a figure of £240 per week was £960. Thanks to everyone whose generosity enabled us to exceed this target.
THANK YOU FOR THE TINFOIL AND ALUMINIUM Thank you to everyone who brought aluminium and tinfoil to go to the Blue Peter appeal. Five hundred tonnes were collected and this will mean that three schools and three teaching centres can be built in Mozambique. Samuel.
FLOWER AND COFFEE ROTAS Thanks to all who help by providing flowers or serving drinks on Sunday mornings. More helpers are always welcome, so if you can help do please put your name on the list.