May Messenger

The message from the minister reflected on the crisis at the airports leaving some of our congregation stranded both home and abroad and concluded:

'I suppose it makes us realise how much we take things for granted.  We expect to be able to book our holiday and fly away and return again with the minimum of inconvenience.  We live in a society that believes it’s in control and it’s only a matter of time and our scientists will know pretty well everything.  It’s only when something of this magnitude happens that we start to realise just how vulnerable we are and how little we really know about our planet and its power.

An event like this should make us realise that God is the one in control and his power is awesome.  But what we also need to know is that he loves his creation, he wants the best for us, and he has already sent his son to rescue us if only we will listen to him and believe.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not die but have everlasting life.’ (John 3: 16)

Those who are stranded abroad will get home eventually when the wind changes direction and the planes fly again.  But far more important than that, are you stranded in a life without faith in Jesus?  He has been sent to save you, to forgive you, to offer you eternal life.  Will you accept the invitation from almighty God?'

With love in Christ

Jim

PRAYER REQUESTS

Your prayers are asked for our friends who are in hospital or unwell at home.  Also for their loved ones at home.

Grace  – for God's comforting touch and pray that her confidence will return

Maureen – suffering with depression

Lily  – pray for healing

Bill – continued improvement after his recent operation

Diane H -  pray for healing

Joyce – recovering from a recent operation

Henry & Diana - for peace and also resolution in Henry’s care

Trevor - for his father and brother that they may be healed.

Barbara & Ron - also need prayer for healing

Olive & Don - your continued prayersDowdell – also Don who need your prayers

Sue - pray with her as she continues to deal with her illness

Jim & Sue &  - continued strength and wisdom during their pastoral care and pastoral visiting throughout this and every month.

ADVANCE NOTICES -

Christian Aid Week 9 to 15 May

Collectors and distributors needed please speak to John Wynne or Nigel Munns

Christ Church alone have raised in excess of £25,000 over the past ten years by dropping off and collecting envelopes from house in Tonbridge during Christian Aid Week

Christ Church Guild  - is always looking for new members -  come along and visit us!

Thursday afternoons at 2.15 pm in the Coffee Lounge

Aim of the guild: to encourage men and women to know more about the Lord and to take a share of responsibility in the total life and witness of our church and denomination.  Guest speakers, music, outings, quizzes and good company

Contact Roy Parker 01732 350399

OVERSEAS CONTACTS

The entire letter from Pastor Lloyd at Kabushi Church Zambia can be read in The Messenger available from the Foyer but it ended like this:

'As Pastor, you may not fully know what this (the AGAPE gifts and sponsoring of 36 of their orphans ) means to me, my family and the church.  I shed tears of joy most times when I sit to ponder through the care, the concern, the kindness, the consideration, the help and support you render year in year out.  It has brought a lot of relief to me, and the church.  Because of you I am able to do other things without so much worry for these areas you have covered. The church is able to do much more in ministry because you have stood beside us to help.  Today we can boast in your name and on the Lord’s name that here in this community where there was once little hope, a ray of light opened fro heaven and for you there in Tonbridge to light a path for many.  The many years of hopelessness that used to flow often times on the faces of widows, the children, grandparents and church leaders here have been wiped away because of your great love.'