“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
Philippians 1 v 6 (NIV)
Remember: You will not leave this world until you have accomplished the purposes of God for your life. So, run your race well!
The verse of the week is usually inspired by the teaching the previous Sunday and you can listen to any recordings by clicking on the link below:
Thursday Fellowship reconvened for its spring session on 5th March, 2026 and the programme for the session is listed below.
Please do consider joining us at 2pm in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross Church unless stated – we can assure you of a very warm welcome!
5th March – Sue Cunningham (Motto)
12th March – Ann Dracott
19th March – Graham Dawson
2nd April – Maundy Thursday Service
9th April – Dr Ruth Butlin (Leprosy Mission)
16th April – Rosemary Kemp
23rd April – Jane Leaver
30th April – Praise and Share
7th May – Rev Karen Bell
14th May – Geoff Harrington
21st May – Quiz Afternoon
28th May – Maeve Whitchurch
4th June – Claire Withams
11th June – Connie Croly
18th June – John Casse
25th June – Anniversary Tea
For further information head to the following link:- Thursday Fellowship
Geoff Hamilton, a regular speaker on the Methodist Church circuit was our speaker this afternoon. Below is a precis of some of the thoughts that Geoff shared with us.
Geoff’s reading was from Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8, a very famous passage of scripture which if you can excuse the pun, is timeless and full of common sense. Geoff explained that Ecclesiastes comes from the Greek word Ekklesiates meaning church or member of an assembly. Geoff reminisced how we used to have assemblies at school where the seed of faith was often planted in our minds and hearts. What a shame there is so little time for that nowadays!
Geoff’s message was centred around the theme of ‘serendipity’ where “lovely things are discovered by accident.” The phrase was coined by Horace Walpole, writer and politician, who drew it from an English variation of the Persian fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip,” which was about three princes who always made discoveries that they were not looking for on their adventures. Three examples of this in history are:
1928 Alexander Fleming – penicillin
1945 Percy Spencer – the microwave
1968 Spencer Silver – the adhesive that led to Post-it notes
Geoff told the story of Philip Bliss, an American composer and writer of hymns who said, “preaching is important but music is the key to reaching people’s hearts!” That is true for so many people who came to faith through this medium. Philip’s upbringing emphasised faith and reverence towards God and he routinely credited God as the source of his lyrical and melodic inspiration which aligned with biblical doctrine. He wrote, ‘Hallelujah, what a Saviour’ and composed the music to ‘It is well with my soul’.
Geoff played a very early recording of our National Anthem which was written nearly 300 years ago. Verse two is particularly poignant given what is happening in the political arena this very moment! “Confound their politics, frustrate their knavish tricks, on Thee our hopes we fix!” We certainly need the Spirit of Truth to guide us and for God to come to our aid in these difficult times.
We listened to two lovely songs from Les Misérables. Geoff said that this musical has the power to bring grown men to tears – he has seen this on a number of occasions. The stage play has many references to prayer, Jesus, heaven, the Way of the Lord, salvation and even some biblical quotes and is an opportunity to hear the Word of the Lord. The ending is filled with hope: When Valjean dies, his passing isn’t sad and depressing; it’s celebratory and glorious! He is led into heaven by the bishop who showed him mercy – and by Fantine to whom he showed compassion. The lyrics sung during this scene state, “Take my hand / And lead me to salvation / Take my love / For love is everlasting / And remember the truth that once was spoken: / To love another person is to see the face of God. Geoff reminded us that God dwells in us if we love one another – 1 John 4 v 12
To finish, Geoff sung unaccompanied, ‘Only Remembered’ a song from the musical “War Horse,” which was originally sung in honour of Charles Spurgeon at his funeral.
For you to think about: Life is full of unexpected moments. These chance encounters may seem insignificant at first, but they often have the power to influence your life in surprising ways. So, keep your eyes open!
At the service on Sunday, 10th May, we welcomed Joth Hunt, one of the South East Baptist Association’s Regional Ministers.
Joth brought a message from John 21 v 1-14 where we had an opportunity to consider what Jesus was trying to teach His disciples from the ‘miraculous catch of 153 fish’. If you would like to listen to Joth’s message then head to our sermon page by clicking the following link – Sermons
We were able to send our love and blessings to the rest of the association by having a group photo of those who were happy to be included.
We welcomed for the first time to our meeting, the Rev Karen Bell from Woodingdean Methodist Church. Karen is known to a few of the group so we were all looking forward to hearing her message to us. Karen felt led to share something of her life story and faith journey and what an incredible testimony it is!
Karen chose one of her favourite portions of scripture, Psalm 139 v 1-18 as her passage of focus. Having been born with Scoliosis, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine, it took Karen quite a number of years to come to terms with those verses which said, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body.” Karen was angry and confused. “Why would God do that? Why would He knit her together with a disability! It can’t be right!” Karen admitted that she used to be so scared of those verses yet they have come to mean so much and are a source of great comfort. God does not make a mistake and with time, God began to heal the way Karen saw herself. We were reminded that God loves uniqueness and diversity yet sadly, pain is part of the human condition.
We need to remember that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made and allow God’s love to permeate our hearts. Karen did just that and at an Easter People camp at Camber Sands in 1988 chose to believe for herself that Jesus had died for her and had forgiven her of all her sins. From that point her life changed.
The call to go into the ministry was very strong from quite an early age and today Karen is responsible for three Methodist churches, Woodingdean, Stanford Avenue and Patcham.
Karen happily mingled with our group and enjoyed singing some old hymns and songs from her past which brought back many happy memories.
An invitation to return was welcomed and we look forward to seeing Karen again in the autumn/winter session.
We had an in-house meeting this week with Sue leading and Jane speaking.
Jane brought a message about playing second fiddle! The term refers in a negative way to a supporting or minor role often implying that one is in a subordinate position, overshadowed, undervalued, perhaps waiting in the shadows or on the side line for a moment to shine – a sense of being second best or second rate!
In an orchestra from whence the term originally came, the second violins are not second best or second rate. They are very important as they usually play a harmonic role to support the first violins – and very well they do it too!
Charles Spurgeon, Baptist preacher and founder of Spurgeon’s college said, “It takes more grace or skill than I can tell to play the second fiddle well!” How true that is!
Jane then brought us four characters from the Bible, John the Baptist, Joshua, Elisha and Andrew (the first-called disciple of Jesus), who on the face of it, played second fiddle. Were they second best or second rate? Not at all! Playing second fiddle in the Bible highlights humility, support and serving in subordinate roles to fulfil a greater purpose, focusing on God’s glory over personal prominence. All of these characters shone like stars and served God faithfully and fruitfully.
Jane asked if we had ever felt as if we had been playing second fiddle, second best or second rate, just waiting for our moment to shine! We were encouraged to know and believe that we are dearly loved and called by God to serve Him just as we are and for such a time as this with the gifts, talents and abilities that He has given to us. We are unique and special!
Jane referred to her reading of 1 Corinthians 3 v 9 – we are God’s fellow-workers and we all have a part to play in the Lord’s harvest. We were encouraged not to compare ourselves to others or to try and compete. We are His instruments and He will reward our faithfulness and fruitfulness.
And Jane’s song to close? I have a destiny (Mark Altrogge). “I did not choose You but You have chosen me and appointed me for bearing fruit abundantly. I know You will complete the work begun in me, by the power of Your Spirit working mightily.”
Rosemary Kemp from Seaford Baptist Church was our returning speaker this week.
Rosemary led our service which was entitled ‘Bread and Wine’ and thoughtfully played three songs for us to sing and enjoy which linked in with her theme – namely:
Rosemary’s readings were taken from:
Rosemary who is proud to be Jewish showed us the link between the Jewish traditions of the celebrated meal at Passover and the Christian tradition of Communion.
Passover is an important feast day when Jews remember deliverance out of slavery in Egypt. The angel of death (the tenth plague) passed over the blood daubed on the door frames and lintels so that the first-born of the Israelites were spared but the first-born of the Egyptians who had not done so were not! Rosemary linked this to the Last Supper which Jesus commanded His disciples to do in remembrance of Him. This was a new covenant. His body was broken and His blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Rosemary explained that some traditions believe that the bread and wine actually turn into the body and blood of Jesus but this is not something the early Jewish Christians would have believed. Rosemary said that Jesus is speaking metaphorically and we should not take this literally. When Jesus talks about bread and wine He is referring to His Word and His Spirit. His Word brings life and so does His Spirit. In Communion we commune with God and we need to examine ourselves before we eat and drink and to not take this precious meal lightly.
Rosemary helpfully brought along some food items to illustrate her message. The most striking were the Matzos crackers representing unleavened bread – they are a) striped which reminds us that by His stripes we are healed; b) They have holes in them which reminds us that Jesus was pierced for our sins; and c) when Rosemary broke them to share out, it reminds us that His body was broken.
Sadly most Jewish people do not recognise Jesus as the Messiah – they are still waiting for Him to come.
To know God and to make Him known
A WORSHIPPING CHURCH OF PEOPLE WHO PRAY AND FOLLOW THE TEACHING OF THE BIBLE.
Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14 v 6
A WITNESSING CHURCH OF PEOPLE WHO SHARE OUR FAITH IN WORDS AND ACTIONS.
Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10 v 27
Did you know that there are currently two day-time house groups running on Wednesday mornings from 10.30 – 12? These small, friendly meetings offer the opportunity for informal study, prayer and fellowship. They would love to welcome new faces so If you think you might be interested in joining, or would like to know more please speak to Maria or Sue C.
It was good to welcome back Dr Ruth Butlin to bring an update on the work of the Leprosy Mission across the world – this time focussing on children.
Although it is curable, millions of people worldwide are living with the effects of the disease, from physical disability to mental health problems, poverty and discrimination. The most recent statistic (2024), is that there are just over 172,700 new cases of leprosy in the world of which 5.4% (approx. 9,325) are children under the age of 15. Africa has the most child cases and many are disabled before they are even diagnosed with the disease!
The first signs of the disease are often discoloured patches on the body. The good news is that leprosy (a bacterial infection) is curable with antibiotics and does not spread easily, but poverty, a lack of awareness, and myths about the disease stop children from getting the vital treatment they need.
If not treated quickly, leprosy attacks the nerves. Eventually, those affected can lose feeling in their hands and feet which make everyday activities fraught with danger as they can’t feel pain. It’s easy to burn your hands when cooking or cut the soles of your feet when walking barefoot. These wounds can easily become infected especially if you don’t know how to care for them, have no clean water, or ignore them because they don’t hurt. Ulcers can develop, and in severe cases, the only way to prevent infection spreading is amputation. Leprosy can also make your fingers curl into your palms which means that you can’t hold a pen at school.
The Leprosy Mission believes that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, but leprosy is stealing opportunities and trapping young people in fear and a spiral of joylessness and hopelessness. There is a real fear of becoming severely disfigured and disabled.
Ruth brought this to life by telling us some real life stories, one of which was about Nisha:
Growing up in rural India, life was hard for 12-year-old Nisha. Her mum died when she was just a baby and her father remarried and was working away from home. Nisha loved her step mum, Maya and although they didn’t have much, they had each other, then leprosy struck.
The disease hit Maya first but despite many trips to the government hospital, it wasn’t treated properly. Nisha tried to help at home, but Maya grew weaker and weaker and there wasn’t anything that anyone could do. At just nine years old, Nisha lost a second mum. Tragically, there was more pain to come. While caring for her step mum, Nisha had ignored the strange patch on her own face. At first, she thought it was just a rash. Her dad took her to a doctor, but the cream he gave her made no difference. As Nisha’s symptoms worsened, her fear grew. “People stopped talking to me. They whispered and stared if I went into the village. Even my closest friends wouldn’t come near me anymore. I loved going to school. But I had to leave because I had leprosy. I became unwanted and invisible. I was heartbroken. But there was no-one to hear me as I cried on my bed.”
It is very sad that Nisha’s leprosy was not detected through contact surveillance. This can be a common issue as does a lack of community care but this is something that is changing as well as educating healthcare professionals. Immediate treatment especially with children can be very effective.
Nisha began to lose hope but then, her dad heard about the Leprosy Mission’s hospital in Champa. Nisha was quickly diagnosed and admitted to the ward. Every day the nurses would comfort and encourage her (self-care regime can be difficult for young children) and thanks to the caring team and the appropriate treatment she began to recover.
Today, Nisha is back at home. Her health has improved, but stigma still haunts her. People in her village whisper about her and she isn’t allowed back to school. But Ruth said that things are changing – people are not so frightened of the disease now and attitudes are changing.
Ruth also shared that many people affected by the disease go on to be nurses and support workers. Naresh, who grew up in a hospital compound and now a nurse says that although he can heal the wounds he can’t always heal the heart so he prays!
If you would like to pray and not sure how, why not use the prayer below as a guideline for your own prayers.
Almighty Father, the giver of life and health, look mercifully on those who suffer from leprosy.
Stretch out your hand to touch and heal them as Jesus did during his earthly life.
Grant wisdom and insight to those who are seeking the prevention and cure of the disease:
We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
It was a joy to be able to give Ruth a love gift of £200 for the work of the Leprosy Mission – £150 members’ offering plus £50 from funds.
We look forward to hearing further updates from Ruth via her quarterly news bulletins and another visit later on in the year.