”If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1 v 8-9 (NIV)

Think:  We all have highs and lows and ups and downs on our faith journey.

Challenge: Press on when things get tough and sin creeps in.  Repent – trust in Him and lean on Him – allow Jesus to influence your life.

The verse of the week is inspired by the teaching the previous Sunday.  If you would like to listen to a recording of the service then head to:- https://downsbaptistchurch.org/sermons/

What an interesting afternoon! We learnt so much about ants!

After an infestation at home, Ann brought out some interesting observations.  We really aren’t all that different you know!

Have a read of Proverbs 6 v 6-8 and Proverbs 30 v 25.

There are different types of ants but they all share the same characteristics. Christians come in all shapes and sizes and from different denominations but we belong to the same family.  We belong to God and are loved by Him.

So:

• Have respect for one another. No rivalry! All working together in unity.
• The queen in the colony is the giver of life.  There is purpose and a hope. The queen is respected and cared for.  Our God is the giver of life and deserves our respect, honour and love. Deuteronomy 6 v 5. Look to Him.
• They live in community. Each ant has a part to play and is always busy working towards one goal – preserving the nest, caring for the queen and the next generation. Ephesians 4 v 11-13. We should all play our part.
• They communicate with each other. We should bear one another’s burdens and share the good things that God has done. We need to speak in a language that people can understand especially to the younger generation.
• They are united in their commitment to the colony – they share the same DNA. As Christians we share the Spirit’s DNA.  We need to live in unity. Psalm 133. Jesus prayed this for us in John 17, that we may all be one.

You are very welcome to join us on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross in Woodingdean.

We are delighted to say that from 26 September we will be recommencing our Sunday morning activities and teaching for children. Much careful consideration has been given to ensure that this can take place within current guidelines, and every family will be contacted beforehand with details of all the safety measures which will be in place. However, if you have any questions before (or after) this please feel free to speak to Judith, Gareth or Kathy.

For further details, head to: Children’s Ministry – September 2021

During the pandemic we have been blessed by Wednesday Prayers at 7.45pm each Wednesday to encourage us and sustain us. These have been very precious times and been appreciated by all who have been able to listen in.

As we now get back to a new kind of normal and enjoy meeting together once again, the format of our prayer opportunities will change.

The plan from September is to meet in person once a month for Prayer Together with another opportunity once a month live on our FaceBook page.

Malcolm will put out reminders on FaceBook and of course we will keep you informed by adding the dates and any details needed to our Upcoming Events side bar on the website.

Please do join in with us. Prayer changes things!

We started a new teaching series on Sunday 18th July 2021. This is the second series in three about Jesus.

We began with a series on Jesus Meets (check out the Sermon tab to hear these messages) and now we move onto His stories. Parables are simple stories with a central meaning.

Do join with us either in person at Woodingdean CP School or live on our FaceBook page

18th July – The Good Samaritan (Luke 10 v 29-37)

25th July – The Prodigal Son (Luke 15 v 11-32)

15th August – The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18 v 10-14)

22nd August – The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18 v 23-35)

29th August – Labourers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20 v 1-16)

5th September – Ten Talents or Gold Coins (Matthew 25 v 14-30)

12th September – The Invited Guests (Luke 14 v 7-14)

26th September – The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16 v 19-31)

3rd October – The Persistent Widow (Luke 18 v 1-8)

10th October – The Pharisee and The Tax Collector (Luke 18 v 9-14)

17th October – The Weeds among the Wheat (Matthew 13 v 24-30)

24th October – The Heart of Man (Matthew 15 v 10-20)

On Thursday 23rd September, Sue and Ginger the Cat came to speak to us about feet! Boots, having just completed the marathon was far too tired to accompany them!

There are numerous references to feet in the Bible and Sue mentioned three in particular:

Psalm 119 v 105 – “Your Word is a lamp to my feet.” The Bible is our guide in life and it shows us the way we should live.

John 13 speaks of Jesus washing His disciples feet – the ultimate picture of humble service! Jesus set us an example to serve others.

Isaiah 52 v 7 -“How lovely on the mountain are the feet of those who bring Good News.” This stresses the importance of sharing the love of Jesus wherever we go.

You would be very welcome to join us at 2pm on Thursday at the Parish Room of the Holy Cross in Woodingdean.

Maybe see you there or until next time – blessings to you!

On our 3rd meeting (16.9.21), John Cassé, a DBC church member, spoke on the subject of Peace, referring to various Bible references as he did so.

With the world being so full of doubt, uncertainty, confusion and bad news in these days, John reminded people that there is still Good News of Peace available to everyone through Jesus.  He drew attention to some of the words of Jesus to His disciples when He said things like, “Peace be still” and “My Peace I give to you”, as well as in His encouraging words, “go in Peace“, spoken to a woman He healed from a long-term illness.

Some Bible verses from Philippians chapter 4 were read and John spoke about the apostle Paul’s teaching (in verses 7 and 9 of that chapter) about the “Peace of God” and the “God of Peace“.  John also referred to Paul’s teaching which talks of the importance of people having (and knowing) “Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” and “letting the Peace of Christ rule in our hearts”.

He brought his comments to a close by telling the story of how the hymn “When Peace like a river attendeth my way” came to be written which we then sang together.

Each member was able to take home a copy of the Bible verses on which John had based his comments for further reflection.

If you would like to join us, we meet on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross, Woodingdean for fellowship and friendship.

For our second meeting, one of the Thursday Fellowship Committee – Sue Cunningham brought along a couple of her glove puppet friends, Ginger and Boots to help illustrate her devotional talk.

Sue was thinking about our hands or in the case of Ginger and Boots, their paws!

Our hands are all very different but they are very important to us!

Psalm 139 v 5-6 – God holds our hands when we’re frightened, lonely and confused. How awesome that God, who created the universe has His hands on each one of us and He upholds us and will not let us fall! Psalm 37 v 23; Psalm 63 v 8.

Mark 7 v 31-37 – Jesus touches us gently at our own pace and at our point of need.

When I feel the touch of your hand upon my life, It causes me to sing a song that I love you, Lord.
So, from deep within, my spirit singeth unto thee,
You are my King, You are my God, and I love you, Lord.

Keri Jones & David Matthew
Copyright – 1978 Authentic Publishing

If you would like to join us, we meet on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross, Woodingdean for fellowship and friendship.

What a great time we had after being apart for 18 months! It was so good to be back together again and lovely to welcome two new members to our gathering.

Pastor Malcolm’s message focused on 2 Timothy 3 v 16-17 (NIV) – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

We were encouraged to read it (perhaps obtain a contemporary version in modern language), to think about it every day and allow it to affect every part of our lives. Certainly much food for thought to take into this new season!

We will continue to meet in the  Parish Room of the Holy Cross Church, Woodingdean at 2pm each Thursday – please do consider joining us – you would be most welcome.

For further information head to the following link:- Thursday Fellowship