“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46 v 10 (NIV)
Think: How much do you want to experience Him in your everyday life? Challenge: Take some time out this week to be still. Get to know Him, to experience Him and then make Him known.
The verse of the week is inspired by the teaching the previous Sunday. If you would like to listen to a recording of the message then head to
https://downsbaptistchurch.org/resources/sermons/
Woodingdean Methodist Church will be hosting the Ecumenical Service for Christian Unity on Sunday, 19th January at 3pm.
In times like these, prayer for unity is all the more urgent.
The theme for this year – “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28 v 2) remembers the historic shipwreck of Paul on the island of Malta and calls us to a greater generosity to those in need. The service has been prepared by Christians from Malta and Gozo.
This service is a major part of the week of prayer for Christian Unity from the 18th – 25th January, 2020.
Come along and join the “Deans’ Churches Together” – all welcome. Refreshments will follow the service.
17 of us enjoyed a New Year lunch at the Downs Hotel on Thursday, 9th January. We had a super roast of turkey and gammon with all the trimmings plus a choice of delicious desserts served by the friendly and attentive staff. A great time was had by all.
Thursday Fellowship meets in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross Church, Woodingdean at 2.15pm.
We would love you to join us for fellowship and friendship. All welcome.
For further information head to the following link:- Thursday Fellowship
Our motto for the year is –
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
1 Chronicles 16 v 11 (NIV).
The Autumn session ended with our Candles, Carols & Cake on the 19th December. It was a happy occasion with over 40 people present to the hear the Christmas story through the familiar but beautiful readings and to sing favourite carols.
Pastor Malcolm highlighted one of the most popular carols – Silent Night in 
his message. In truth it may not have been a silent night at all with the cries of a new born baby and the noise of all of the animals but it was all about, the “Son of God, love’s pure light; radiant beams Thy holy face with the dawn of saving grace.” May we take to heart the biblical truths in not only this carol but in the others as well. He truly is our “childhood’s pattern.” Let’s live God’s pattern for living and not our own!
We sincerely hope that you were able to experience true joy this Christmas. God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all – 1 John 1 v 5b.
Thursday Fellowship returns in the Spring but there is a coffee morning to look forward to on the 13th February. Details to follow.
Our friends at Seaford Baptist Church are hosting a “Movement in Worship with Arts and Crafts” morning on 1st February at 10am-12.30pm.
The Movement in Worship organisation is an international network of passionate, dynamic and creative worshippers. They seek to raise the profile of creativity in worship and mission by modelling and inspiring others in movement and dance.
Registration/refreshments from 9.30am. Entry is free but donations are of course welcome.
For further details phone Patricia on 01323 891158 or email Mike at acclivity2@gmail.com
Seaford Baptist Church
Belgrave Road
SEAFORD
East Sussex
BN25 2EE
In an effort to help Brighton and Hove’s homeless community, members and friends enthusiastically filled toilet bags made by one of our members with essential hygiene supplies. These were then given to local charity Off The Fence for distribution to the homeless women they are in contact with. We were able to collect items for the men too.
Nigel Sarjudeen a Community Keyworker at Antifreeze wrote:
“I am writing to express our thanks, and that of our clients for your 
recent kind donations of home-made toiletry bags containing underwear, hand gel, feminine wipes, roll on deodorant, pack of tissues and chocolate. These bags will be much appreciated by our female clients. Thank you also for the socks and boxer shorts for the men. We thank God for your partnership in our work, your thoughtfulness for the needs of our clients and your ongoing prayers.”
To find out more about the work of Off the Fence, either have a word with Jane Leaver or head to their website at https://www.offthefence.org.uk/
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and for your willingness to help some of the most vulnerable and needy people in our community.
You will remember that over 250 Christians died as a result of churches being bombed across Sri Lanka last Easter.
We are pleased to announce that our Shop Slot donations raised £200. Thank you so much for your generosity.
We will ensure that your gift reaches the people who desperately need it so that they can rebuild their lives and communities.
Shop Slot donations over the Christmas period and into 2020 will support Sussex Homeless Support. You can read all about their work by clicking the link below:
Home
At a loose end? Why not pop along to:
564 Falmer Road, Woodingdean. BN2 6NA
Tuesday mornings from 08-45am-11.30am
Chat, pray and find friendship and support.
Thursday Fellowship will be taking a break from its weekly meetings over the winter but there is an opportunity to meet at one of their Coffee Mornings:
13th February – 37 The Ridgway @ 10.30am
All welcome. For further details please give Faith a call on 01273 304018
We had a fun time at our all age Nativity Service in Woodingdean school hall. The theme of our morning was – “With love from God to you!”
Pastor Malcolm (as you have never seen him before – dressed as Planet Earth then as a zebra!), retold the Gospel story in his inimitable style encouraging congregation participation of course.
The children and some of the grown ups dressed up as characters from the nativity and everyone played their parts well. We all followed the story from the beginning of creation – Adam and Eve – the fall – the wonderful birth of the Lord Jesus – His death on the cross to save us from our sins so that we could be friends with God for ever.
How wonderful to know that Jesus was able to lift every wrong thing than anyone has ever done or will do onto His own broad shoulders and carry them far away. Anyone who is truly sorry and turns away from their sin will be forgiven.
So, this Christmas, let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus our Saviour. The baby is a precious gift…….with love from God to you!
The children sang to us Mary’s Boy Child and they did so with such gusto. Have a listen to their song below…….
After a super time at Dean Wood Care Home in the morning, we returned to the school for our Carol and Christingle Service at 5pm on Sunday, 15th December.
Malcolm reminded us that the lovely carols we sing mostly come from the Victorian era but there are four songs in the Bible that date back to the time of Jesus’ birth.
Our Christmas celebrations are a real expression of our thankfulness for what God has done for us. May there be a growing appreciation and excitement in our hearts this advent as we reflect on the birth of our Saviour and King.
Malcolm then shared with us an alternative Christingle. To hear a short recording of this part of the service, head to our sermons page.