October 2015 New Testament Water

On Sunday 11th October I am delighted to say that as well as reading the story in Luke 3:1-14 about John the Baptist Baptising people, we will also witness the Baptism of Scott Byrne, Poppy Roberts and Vicky Fulcher. I am delighted also that a number of classes from Primary Schools in the area are taking the opportunity to visit our church building to see the open Baptistry in the preceding week. Do invite people to attend who have never seen a Baptism by immersion. The serious nature of the Baptismal commitment to follow Jesus is highlighted by the 100th anniversary on 12th October of the execution of Edith Cavell. On Sunday 18th October we will look in John 4:5-15; 7:37-39 at how to respond to Jesus who is the Living water. Baptism is not the end of our discipleship course. For Scott and the rest of us discipleship is a life long learning experience of allowing Jesus to satisfy our daily needs. On Saturday 24th October (or 31st if there is any building delay) we plan to return all the furniture to the Family Centre that we removed from it just before Easter this year, and return to the church building the blue chairs that have been stored in the Family Centre during the rebuilding work. Do join the 9:30-noon working party – many hands make light work. On Sunday 25th October we will look in Matthew 14:22-32 at Jesus walking on water, coming close to a boatload of fearful people, and speaking words of peace and reassurance. We are aware that many of the words of Jesus are not heard by those who do not attend church, which is why on Wednesday 28th October we are having “Meal with Meaning” 7:30-9:30 at 95 High street, which is a chance to invite someone who doesn’t usually attend church to hear something of the Good News We seek to come alongside those that may not yet know Jesus and share the good news as Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 (1st November) so that they too may have their sin washed away and be filled with the spirit as symbolised in baptism. God always has been, and always will be, in the business of giving life to his beloved creation i.e. humankind. Hence, in Genesis 1v2 His spirit hovers over the waters and in Revelation 7 (which we look at on Sunday 8th Nov) the Lamb at the centre of the throne leads his people to springs of living water. God gives life – expressed through His provision of physical and “spiritual” water.