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"Messenger" newsletter APRIL

M e s s e n g e r

LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH VERNON ST / CHURCH ST LEIGH.

Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

APRIL 2018

The following friends will lead our services

 

April 1st EASTER SUNDAY 10.45am including Infant Dedication Rev Mike McDade

 

April 8th 10.45am Mr Phillip Brawn followed by Church Meeting at 12.30pm (bring a butty)

 

April 15th 10.45am. Mr Stuart Hunter (Tyldesley IM) & 12.30pm Lunch Service

 

April 22nd 10.45am Rev Mike Edwards (with Communion)

 

April 29th th 10.45am Mr David Hughes (Atherton)

 

Diary Dates

 

Prayer Meetings: Tuesdays 11.15am

 

Coffee and Craft Friday April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 £3

 

Saturday 7th 10.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning

 

Sunday April 8th 12.30pm Church meeting

 

Tuesday 10th 1.30am Deacons Meeting

 

FLOWER DONORS

April 15th David Ward I.M.O. Mabel and Jim

other weeks vacant

BMS Birthday April 2nd J. M.

Please pray for new ways to serve the Lord in the community. Pray for all the troubled parts of the world that need God’s grace and blessing. Pray for those without a roof for shelter or a bed to sleep in, around the world and here in Leigh. Pray for those who have lost their faith in God and in humankind and need a gentle loving touch. Pray and believe that God hears our prayers.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

J.S. has been poorly, needing hospital care and a period of rehabilitation but we are pleased she is home now. This won’t have been an easy time for her or K.S. and we pray that they both feel the benefit of being cosy in their own home and can begin to return to health.

O.M has also had a short hospital stay after a fall and is currently in care as a temporary measure. She has felt supported by everyone’s prayers and concerns. We are aware that A.S has had a close family bereavement and send her our condolences

We remember others who are unwell or burdened with ‘carer’ concerns and duties as well as family responsibilities and hope that the imminent arrival of Spring and our prayers give them a “boost” and an assurance of better days ahead.

NEW DOORS! Let them always give a WELCOME!

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. We hope that, by now, the new doors have been fitted at LBC and trust they are a great improvement. Former church keys must be returned to Val promptly. Please be patient and appreciate that new keys will take some time to be distributed and may be restricted due to security concerns.

NEW DATA REGULATIONS- we will have to comply with new Data Protection regulations and you may notice one or two changes from April. For example some records, eg visitors book, will be kept securely and we may need to ask for your consent before storing or sharing information that relates to you, both ‘online’ and on paper records. Please bear with us as we negotiate this new and uncharted legal “minefield” safely !

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE?

Then you can be sure we have missed you from our fellowship and perhaps you have missed out on something too. The Epistle writer instructs believers to maintain and support each other’s faith through meeting together. Let’s do that. We’d be pleased to see you again soon at any service or meeting.

 

Words of Hope in Gethsemane and Golgotha.

 

Sin isn't pretty - or petty. Oh, our world dresses it up as cleverness, as happiness, as fulfilment. But despite its many deceitful faces, sin at its root is about asserting power. It is rebellion against God's authority, an undermining of his Kingdom. Sin is turning up our nose at God and doing what we want in spite of what he says -- and there's nothing pretty about that.

Jesus' mission, should he chose to accept it, was to bear my ugly sins. And then yours. And then multiply that by billions and billions -- "the sin of many."

But to carry out that mission, he would be forever stained. Have you ever tried to wash the smell out of a plastic garbage pail? Try as you will, the stink still lingers. And for Jesus to bear our stink, our sins, would demand a break with his Holy Father.

From before the beginning, the Son and the Father have enjoyed each other's presence. Have basked in fellowship and unity and love. But the cross utterly shatters that fellowship, because God's holiness cannot co-habit with sin.

I think it's that spectre that disturbs Jesus so deeply in Gethsemane -

So Jesus pleads in the Garden, "Father, is there no other way?" He cries out, he searches, he asks in a bold intimacy. And then he surrenders afresh: "Not my will, but yours." Not my desire to avoid desolation, and sin, and corruption, but your difficult and only way to save the people we both love.

Then Jesus stands and awakens his disciples to face his destiny. "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is explained by his lonely cry at Golgotha:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Jesus' final words from the cross, however, are words of hope."It is finished." We have done it, Father, at huge cost to both you and me. It is finished. The ransom is paid, the stain of sin is borne away from the people we love. It is finished.

His word also looks forward in hope, in faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The Father's hands are strong enough to hold both him and us, even in our most devastating moments, even when we don't feel his presence at all.

Saturday is quiet; it is Sabbath in Jerusalem. But Sunday morning, all heaven breaks loose, and the Son of God steps out of the grave. His body that has borne our sin is recognizable by the scars, but the stench of sin and death are gone. He is risen! Hallelujah! And his resurrection is our confidence that God has both accepted his sacrifice for sin, and flooded us with his healing, life-giving power. Hallelujah!

"The news about God is better than we could have ever dreamed, and the news about man is worse than we ever allow ourselves to realize. The only thing we have is grace, and grace is available for us all."

My dear friend, you may be feeling loneliness and brokenness, as if there is no way back for you. But I have good news. Long before you ever needed a Saviour, your Father so loved you -- and "the world" and "the many" -- so that he sent his own Son to bear your sins, so that you no longer have to bear them. He was laid in the tomb bearing your sins. But on Easter Sunday his body was changed and set free and victorious. And so are you, when place yourself in his hands. That is grace - God's unmerited favour for us who are so loved by him.

That is the message of Gethsemane and Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. Hallelujah! He is risen!

Ralph F. Wilson @ joyfulheart.com

 

 

MINI BEAST FROM THE EAST: we flew the flag!

We were hit with a very cold and snowy Sunday morning on March 18th and our pulpit supply preacher had to cry off because of the weather. However we “flew the flag” and kept the church open for 9 hardy souls who were able to make it. Thanks to Val and Kathie for ensuring we had a special, though shorter, time of worship and meditation. The lunch service was postponed for a later date.

 

For MAY issue please submit any material by April 15th ** admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

Please note earlier date than usual


 


 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M e s s e n g e r

LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH VERNON ST / CHURCH ST LEIGH.

Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

APRIL 2018

The following friends will lead our services

 

April 1st EASTER SUNDAY 10.45am including Infant Dedication Rev Mike McDade

 

April 8th 10.45am Mr Phillip Brawn followed by Church Meeting at 12.30pm (bring a butty)

 

April 15th 10.45am. Mr Stuart Hunter (Tyldesley IM) & 12.30pm Lunch Service

 

April 22nd 10.45am Rev Mike Edwards (with Communion)

 

April 29th th 10.45am Mr David Hughes (Atherton)

 

Diary Dates

 

Prayer Meetings: Tuesdays 11.15am

 

Coffee and Craft Friday April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 £3

 

Saturday 7th 10.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning

 

Sunday April 8th 12.30pm Church meeting

 

Tuesday 10th 1.30am Deacons Meeting

 

FLOWER DONORS

April 15th David Ward I.M.O. Mabel and Jim

other weeks vacant

BMS Birthday April 2nd J. M.

Please pray for new ways to serve the Lord in the community. Pray for all the troubled parts of the world that need God’s grace and blessing. Pray for those without a roof for shelter or a bed to sleep in, around the world and here in Leigh. Pray for those who have lost their faith in God and in humankind and need a gentle loving touch. Pray and believe that God hears our prayers.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

J.S. has been poorly, needing hospital care and a period of rehabilitation but we are pleased she is home now. This won’t have been an easy time for her or K.S. and we pray that they both feel the benefit of being cosy in their own home and can begin to return to health.

O.M has also had a short hospital stay after a fall and is currently in care as a temporary measure. She has felt supported by everyone’s prayers and concerns. We are aware that A.S has had a close family bereavement and send her our condolences

We remember others who are unwell or burdened with ‘carer’ concerns and duties as well as family responsibilities and hope that the imminent arrival of Spring and our prayers give them a “boost” and an assurance of better days ahead.

NEW DOORS! Let them always give a WELCOME!

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. We hope that, by now, the new doors have been fitted at LBC and trust they are a great improvement. Former church keys must be returned to Val promptly. Please be patient and appreciate that new keys will take some time to be distributed and may be restricted due to security concerns.

NEW DATA REGULATIONS- we will have to comply with new Data Protection regulations and you may notice one or two changes from April. For example some records, eg visitors book, will be kept securely and we may need to ask for your consent before storing or sharing information that relates to you, both ‘online’ and on paper records. Please bear with us as we negotiate this new and uncharted legal “minefield” safely !

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE?

Then you can be sure we have missed you from our fellowship and perhaps you have missed out on something too. The Epistle writer instructs believers to maintain and support each other’s faith through meeting together. Let’s do that. We’d be pleased to see you again soon at any service or meeting.

 

Words of Hope in Gethsemane and Golgotha.

 

Sin isn't pretty - or petty. Oh, our world dresses it up as cleverness, as happiness, as fulfilment. But despite its many deceitful faces, sin at its root is about asserting power. It is rebellion against God's authority, an undermining of his Kingdom. Sin is turning up our nose at God and doing what we want in spite of what he says -- and there's nothing pretty about that.

Jesus' mission, should he chose to accept it, was to bear my ugly sins. And then yours. And then multiply that by billions and billions -- "the sin of many."

But to carry out that mission, he would be forever stained. Have you ever tried to wash the smell out of a plastic garbage pail? Try as you will, the stink still lingers. And for Jesus to bear our stink, our sins, would demand a break with his Holy Father.

From before the beginning, the Son and the Father have enjoyed each other's presence. Have basked in fellowship and unity and love. But the cross utterly shatters that fellowship, because God's holiness cannot co-habit with sin.

I think it's that spectre that disturbs Jesus so deeply in Gethsemane -

So Jesus pleads in the Garden, "Father, is there no other way?" He cries out, he searches, he asks in a bold intimacy. And then he surrenders afresh: "Not my will, but yours." Not my desire to avoid desolation, and sin, and corruption, but your difficult and only way to save the people we both love.

Then Jesus stands and awakens his disciples to face his destiny. "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is explained by his lonely cry at Golgotha:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Jesus' final words from the cross, however, are words of hope."It is finished." We have done it, Father, at huge cost to both you and me. It is finished. The ransom is paid, the stain of sin is borne away from the people we love. It is finished.

His word also looks forward in hope, in faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The Father's hands are strong enough to hold both him and us, even in our most devastating moments, even when we don't feel his presence at all.

Saturday is quiet; it is Sabbath in Jerusalem. But Sunday morning, all heaven breaks loose, and the Son of God steps out of the grave. His body that has borne our sin is recognizable by the scars, but the stench of sin and death are gone. He is risen! Hallelujah! And his resurrection is our confidence that God has both accepted his sacrifice for sin, and flooded us with his healing, life-giving power. Hallelujah!

"The news about God is better than we could have ever dreamed, and the news about man is worse than we ever allow ourselves to realize. The only thing we have is grace, and grace is available for us all."

My dear friend, you may be feeling loneliness and brokenness, as if there is no way back for you. But I have good news. Long before you ever needed a Saviour, your Father so loved you -- and "the world" and "the many" -- so that he sent his own Son to bear your sins, so that you no longer have to bear them. He was laid in the tomb bearing your sins. But on Easter Sunday his body was changed and set free and victorious. And so are you, when place yourself in his hands. That is grace - God's unmerited favour for us who are so loved by him.

That is the message of Gethsemane and Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. Hallelujah! He is risen!

Ralph F. Wilson @ joyfulheart.com

 

 

MINI BEAST FROM THE EAST: we flew the flag!

We were hit with a very cold and snowy Sunday morning on March 18th and our pulpit supply preacher had to cry off because of the weather. However we “flew the flag” and kept the church open for 9 hardy souls who were able to make it. Thanks to Val and Kathie for ensuring we had a special, though shorter, time of worship and meditation. The lunch service was postponed for a later date.

 

For MAY issue please submit any material by April 15th ** admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

Please note earlier date than usual

M e s s e n g e r

 

LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH VERNON ST / CHURCH ST LEIGH.

 

Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

 

 

APRIL 2018

 

The following friends will lead our services

 

 

 

April 1st EASTER SUNDAY 10.45am including Infant Dedication Rev Mike McDade

 

 

 

April 8th 10.45am Mr Phillip Brawn followed by Church Meeting at 12.30pm (bring a butty)

 

 

 

April 15th 10.45am. Mr Stuart Hunter (Tyldesley IM) & 12.30pm Lunch Service

 

 

 

April 22nd 10.45am Rev Mike Edwards (with Communion)

 

 

 

April 29th th 10.45am Mr David Hughes (Atherton)

 

 

 

Diary Dates

 

 

 

Prayer Meetings: Tuesdays 11.15am

 

 

 

Coffee and Craft Friday April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 £3

 

 

 

Saturday 7th 10.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning

 

 

 

Sunday April 8th 12.30pm Church meeting

 

 

 

Tuesday 10th 1.30am Deacons Meeting

 

 

 

FLOWER DONORS

 

April 15th David Ward I.M.O. Mabel and Jim

 

other weeks vacant

 

BMS Birthday April 2nd J. M.

 

Please pray for new ways to serve the Lord in the community. Pray for all the troubled parts of the world that need God’s grace and blessing. Pray for those without a roof for shelter or a bed to sleep in, around the world and here in Leigh. Pray for those who have lost their faith in God and in humankind and need a gentle loving touch. Pray and believe that God hears our prayers.

 

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

 

J.S. has been poorly, needing hospital care and a period of rehabilitation but we are pleased she is home now. This won’t have been an easy time for her or K.S. and we pray that they both feel the benefit of being cosy in their own home and can begin to return to health.

 

O.M has also had a short hospital stay after a fall and is currently in care as a temporary measure. She has felt supported by everyone’s prayers and concerns. We are aware that A.S has had a close family bereavement and send her our condolences

 

We remember others who are unwell or burdened with ‘carer’ concerns and duties as well as family responsibilities and hope that the imminent arrival of Spring and our prayers give them a “boost” and an assurance of better days ahead.

 

NEW DOORS! Let them always give a WELCOME!

 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. We hope that, by now, the new doors have been fitted at LBC and trust they are a great improvement. Former church keys must be returned to Val promptly. Please be patient and appreciate that new keys will take some time to be distributed and may be restricted due to security concerns.

 

NEW DATA REGULATIONS- we will have to comply with new Data Protection regulations and you may notice one or two changes from April. For example some records, eg visitors book, will be kept securely and we may need to ask for your consent before storing or sharing information that relates to you, both ‘online’ and on paper records. Please bear with us as we negotiate this new and uncharted legal “minefield” safely !

 

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE?

 

Then you can be sure we have missed you from our fellowship and perhaps you have missed out on something too. The Epistle writer instructs believers to maintain and support each other’s faith through meeting together. Let’s do that. We’d be pleased to see you again soon at any service or meeting.

 

 

 

Words of Hope in Gethsemane and Golgotha.

 

 

 

Sin isn't pretty - or petty. Oh, our world dresses it up as cleverness, as happiness, as fulfilment. But despite its many deceitful faces, sin at its root is about asserting power. It is rebellion against God's authority, an undermining of his Kingdom. Sin is turning up our nose at God and doing what we want in spite of what he says -- and there's nothing pretty about that.

 

Jesus' mission, should he chose to accept it, was to bear my ugly sins. And then yours. And then multiply that by billions and billions -- "the sin of many."

 

But to carry out that mission, he would be forever stained. Have you ever tried to wash the smell out of a plastic garbage pail? Try as you will, the stink still lingers. And for Jesus to bear our stink, our sins, would demand a break with his Holy Father.

 

From before the beginning, the Son and the Father have enjoyed each other's presence. Have basked in fellowship and unity and love. But the cross utterly shatters that fellowship, because God's holiness cannot co-habit with sin.

 

I think it's that spectre that disturbs Jesus so deeply in Gethsemane -

 

So Jesus pleads in the Garden, "Father, is there no other way?" He cries out, he searches, he asks in a bold intimacy. And then he surrenders afresh: "Not my will, but yours." Not my desire to avoid desolation, and sin, and corruption, but your difficult and only way to save the people we both love.

 

Then Jesus stands and awakens his disciples to face his destiny. "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

 

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is explained by his lonely cry at Golgotha:

 

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

 

Jesus' final words from the cross, however, are words of hope."It is finished." We have done it, Father, at huge cost to both you and me. It is finished. The ransom is paid, the stain of sin is borne away from the people we love. It is finished.

 

His word also looks forward in hope, in faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The Father's hands are strong enough to hold both him and us, even in our most devastating moments, even when we don't feel his presence at all.

 

Saturday is quiet; it is Sabbath in Jerusalem. But Sunday morning, all heaven breaks loose, and the Son of God steps out of the grave. His body that has borne our sin is recognizable by the scars, but the stench of sin and death are gone. He is risen! Hallelujah! And his resurrection is our confidence that God has both accepted his sacrifice for sin, and flooded us with his healing, life-giving power. Hallelujah!

 

"The news about God is better than we could have ever dreamed, and the news about man is worse than we ever allow ourselves to realize. The only thing we have is grace, and grace is available for us all."

 

My dear friend, you may be feeling loneliness and brokenness, as if there is no way back for you. But I have good news. Long before you ever needed a Saviour, your Father so loved you -- and "the world" and "the many" -- so that he sent his own Son to bear your sins, so that you no longer have to bear them. He was laid in the tomb bearing your sins. But on Easter Sunday his body was changed and set free and victorious. And so are you, when place yourself in his hands. That is grace - God's unmerited favour for us who are so loved by him.

 

That is the message of Gethsemane and Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. Hallelujah! He is risen!

 

Ralph F. Wilson @ joyfulheart.com

 

 

 

 

 

MINI BEAST FROM THE EAST: we flew the flag!

 

We were hit with a very cold and snowy Sunday morning on March 18th and our pulpit supply preacher had to cry off because of the weather. However we “flew the flag” and kept the church open for 9 hardy souls who were able to make it. Thanks to Val and Kathie for ensuring we had a special, though shorter, time of worship and meditation. The lunch service was postponed for a later date.

 

 

 

For MAY issue please submit any material by April 15th ** admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Please note earlier date than usual

M e s s e n g e r

 

LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH VERNON ST / CHURCH ST LEIGH.

 

Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

 

 

APRIL 2018

 

The following friends will lead our services

 

 

 

April 1st EASTER SUNDAY 10.45am including Infant Dedication Rev Mike McDade

 

 

 

April 8th 10.45am Mr Phillip Brawn followed by Church Meeting at 12.30pm (bring a butty)

 

 

 

April 15th 10.45am. Mr Stuart Hunter (Tyldesley IM) & 12.30pm Lunch Service

 

 

 

April 22nd 10.45am Rev Mike Edwards (with Communion)

 

 

 

April 29th th 10.45am Mr David Hughes (Atherton)

 

 

 

Diary Dates

 

 

 

Prayer Meetings: Tuesdays 11.15am

 

 

 

Coffee and Craft Friday April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 £3

 

 

 

Saturday 7th 10.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning

 

 

 

Sunday April 8th 12.30pm Church meeting

 

 

 

Tuesday 10th 1.30am Deacons Meeting

 

 

 

FLOWER DONORS

 

April 15th David Ward I.M.O. Mabel and Jim

 

other weeks vacant

 

BMS Birthday April 2nd J. M.

 

Please pray for new ways to serve the Lord in the community. Pray for all the troubled parts of the world that need God’s grace and blessing. Pray for those without a roof for shelter or a bed to sleep in, around the world and here in Leigh. Pray for those who have lost their faith in God and in humankind and need a gentle loving touch. Pray and believe that God hears our prayers.

 

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

 

J.S. has been poorly, needing hospital care and a period of rehabilitation but we are pleased she is home now. This won’t have been an easy time for her or K.S. and we pray that they both feel the benefit of being cosy in their own home and can begin to return to health.

 

O.M has also had a short hospital stay after a fall and is currently in care as a temporary measure. She has felt supported by everyone’s prayers and concerns. We are aware that A.S has had a close family bereavement and send her our condolences

 

We remember others who are unwell or burdened with ‘carer’ concerns and duties as well as family responsibilities and hope that the imminent arrival of Spring and our prayers give them a “boost” and an assurance of better days ahead.

 

NEW DOORS! Let them always give a WELCOME!

 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. We hope that, by now, the new doors have been fitted at LBC and trust they are a great improvement. Former church keys must be returned to Val promptly. Please be patient and appreciate that new keys will take some time to be distributed and may be restricted due to security concerns.

 

NEW DATA REGULATIONS- we will have to comply with new Data Protection regulations and you may notice one or two changes from April. For example some records, eg visitors book, will be kept securely and we may need to ask for your consent before storing or sharing information that relates to you, both ‘online’ and on paper records. Please bear with us as we negotiate this new and uncharted legal “minefield” safely !

 

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE?

 

Then you can be sure we have missed you from our fellowship and perhaps you have missed out on something too. The Epistle writer instructs believers to maintain and support each other’s faith through meeting together. Let’s do that. We’d be pleased to see you again soon at any service or meeting.

 

 

 

Words of Hope in Gethsemane and Golgotha.

 

 

 

Sin isn't pretty - or petty. Oh, our world dresses it up as cleverness, as happiness, as fulfilment. But despite its many deceitful faces, sin at its root is about asserting power. It is rebellion against God's authority, an undermining of his Kingdom. Sin is turning up our nose at God and doing what we want in spite of what he says -- and there's nothing pretty about that.

 

Jesus' mission, should he chose to accept it, was to bear my ugly sins. And then yours. And then multiply that by billions and billions -- "the sin of many."

 

But to carry out that mission, he would be forever stained. Have you ever tried to wash the smell out of a plastic garbage pail? Try as you will, the stink still lingers. And for Jesus to bear our stink, our sins, would demand a break with his Holy Father.

 

From before the beginning, the Son and the Father have enjoyed each other's presence. Have basked in fellowship and unity and love. But the cross utterly shatters that fellowship, because God's holiness cannot co-habit with sin.

 

I think it's that spectre that disturbs Jesus so deeply in Gethsemane -

 

So Jesus pleads in the Garden, "Father, is there no other way?" He cries out, he searches, he asks in a bold intimacy. And then he surrenders afresh: "Not my will, but yours." Not my desire to avoid desolation, and sin, and corruption, but your difficult and only way to save the people we both love.

 

Then Jesus stands and awakens his disciples to face his destiny. "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

 

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is explained by his lonely cry at Golgotha:

 

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

 

Jesus' final words from the cross, however, are words of hope."It is finished." We have done it, Father, at huge cost to both you and me. It is finished. The ransom is paid, the stain of sin is borne away from the people we love. It is finished.

 

His word also looks forward in hope, in faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The Father's hands are strong enough to hold both him and us, even in our most devastating moments, even when we don't feel his presence at all.

 

Saturday is quiet; it is Sabbath in Jerusalem. But Sunday morning, all heaven breaks loose, and the Son of God steps out of the grave. His body that has borne our sin is recognizable by the scars, but the stench of sin and death are gone. He is risen! Hallelujah! And his resurrection is our confidence that God has both accepted his sacrifice for sin, and flooded us with his healing, life-giving power. Hallelujah!

 

"The news about God is better than we could have ever dreamed, and the news about man is worse than we ever allow ourselves to realize. The only thing we have is grace, and grace is available for us all."

 

My dear friend, you may be feeling loneliness and brokenness, as if there is no way back for you. But I have good news. Long before you ever needed a Saviour, your Father so loved you -- and "the world" and "the many" -- so that he sent his own Son to bear your sins, so that you no longer have to bear them. He was laid in the tomb bearing your sins. But on Easter Sunday his body was changed and set free and victorious. And so are you, when place yourself in his hands. That is grace - God's unmerited favour for us who are so loved by him.

 

That is the message of Gethsemane and Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. Hallelujah! He is risen!

 

Ralph F. Wilson @ joyfulheart.com

 

 

 

 

 

MINI BEAST FROM THE EAST: we flew the flag!

 

We were hit with a very cold and snowy Sunday morning on March 18th and our pulpit supply preacher had to cry off because of the weather. However we “flew the flag” and kept the church open for 9 hardy souls who were able to make it. Thanks to Val and Kathie for ensuring we had a special, though shorter, time of worship and meditation. The lunch service was postponed for a later date.

 

 

 

For MAY issue please submit any material by April 15th ** admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Please note earlier date than usual

M e s s e n g e r

 

LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH VERNON ST / CHURCH ST LEIGH.

 

Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

 

 

APRIL 2018

 

The following friends will lead our services

 

 

 

April 1st EASTER SUNDAY 10.45am including Infant Dedication Rev Mike McDade

 

 

 

April 8th 10.45am Mr Phillip Brawn followed by Church Meeting at 12.30pm (bring a butty)

 

 

 

April 15th 10.45am. Mr Stuart Hunter (Tyldesley IM) & 12.30pm Lunch Service

 

 

 

April 22nd 10.45am Rev Mike Edwards (with Communion)

 

 

 

April 29th th 10.45am Mr David Hughes (Atherton)

 

 

 

Diary Dates

 

 

 

Prayer Meetings: Tuesdays 11.15am

 

 

 

Coffee and Craft Friday April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 £3

 

 

 

Saturday 7th 10.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning

 

 

 

Sunday April 8th 12.30pm Church meeting

 

 

 

Tuesday 10th 1.30am Deacons Meeting

 

 

 

FLOWER DONORS

 

April 15th David Ward I.M.O. Mabel and Jim

 

other weeks vacant

 

BMS Birthday April 2nd J. M.

 

Please pray for new ways to serve the Lord in the community. Pray for all the troubled parts of the world that need God’s grace and blessing. Pray for those without a roof for shelter or a bed to sleep in, around the world and here in Leigh. Pray for those who have lost their faith in God and in humankind and need a gentle loving touch. Pray and believe that God hears our prayers.

 

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

 

J.S. has been poorly, needing hospital care and a period of rehabilitation but we are pleased she is home now. This won’t have been an easy time for her or K.S. and we pray that they both feel the benefit of being cosy in their own home and can begin to return to health.

 

O.M has also had a short hospital stay after a fall and is currently in care as a temporary measure. She has felt supported by everyone’s prayers and concerns. We are aware that A.S has had a close family bereavement and send her our condolences

 

We remember others who are unwell or burdened with ‘carer’ concerns and duties as well as family responsibilities and hope that the imminent arrival of Spring and our prayers give them a “boost” and an assurance of better days ahead.

 

NEW DOORS! Let them always give a WELCOME!

 

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. We hope that, by now, the new doors have been fitted at LBC and trust they are a great improvement. Former church keys must be returned to Val promptly. Please be patient and appreciate that new keys will take some time to be distributed and may be restricted due to security concerns.

 

NEW DATA REGULATIONS- we will have to comply with new Data Protection regulations and you may notice one or two changes from April. For example some records, eg visitors book, will be kept securely and we may need to ask for your consent before storing or sharing information that relates to you, both ‘online’ and on paper records. Please bear with us as we negotiate this new and uncharted legal “minefield” safely !

 

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE?

 

Then you can be sure we have missed you from our fellowship and perhaps you have missed out on something too. The Epistle writer instructs believers to maintain and support each other’s faith through meeting together. Let’s do that. We’d be pleased to see you again soon at any service or meeting.

 

 

 

Words of Hope in Gethsemane and Golgotha.

 

 

 

Sin isn't pretty - or petty. Oh, our world dresses it up as cleverness, as happiness, as fulfilment. But despite its many deceitful faces, sin at its root is about asserting power. It is rebellion against God's authority, an undermining of his Kingdom. Sin is turning up our nose at God and doing what we want in spite of what he says -- and there's nothing pretty about that.

 

Jesus' mission, should he chose to accept it, was to bear my ugly sins. And then yours. And then multiply that by billions and billions -- "the sin of many."

 

But to carry out that mission, he would be forever stained. Have you ever tried to wash the smell out of a plastic garbage pail? Try as you will, the stink still lingers. And for Jesus to bear our stink, our sins, would demand a break with his Holy Father.

 

From before the beginning, the Son and the Father have enjoyed each other's presence. Have basked in fellowship and unity and love. But the cross utterly shatters that fellowship, because God's holiness cannot co-habit with sin.

 

I think it's that spectre that disturbs Jesus so deeply in Gethsemane -

 

So Jesus pleads in the Garden, "Father, is there no other way?" He cries out, he searches, he asks in a bold intimacy. And then he surrenders afresh: "Not my will, but yours." Not my desire to avoid desolation, and sin, and corruption, but your difficult and only way to save the people we both love.

 

Then Jesus stands and awakens his disciples to face his destiny. "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

 

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is explained by his lonely cry at Golgotha:

 

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

 

Jesus' final words from the cross, however, are words of hope."It is finished." We have done it, Father, at huge cost to both you and me. It is finished. The ransom is paid, the stain of sin is borne away from the people we love. It is finished.

 

His word also looks forward in hope, in faith: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The Father's hands are strong enough to hold both him and us, even in our most devastating moments, even when we don't feel his presence at all.

 

Saturday is quiet; it is Sabbath in Jerusalem. But Sunday morning, all heaven breaks loose, and the Son of God steps out of the grave. His body that has borne our sin is recognizable by the scars, but the stench of sin and death are gone. He is risen! Hallelujah! And his resurrection is our confidence that God has both accepted his sacrifice for sin, and flooded us with his healing, life-giving power. Hallelujah!

 

"The news about God is better than we could have ever dreamed, and the news about man is worse than we ever allow ourselves to realize. The only thing we have is grace, and grace is available for us all."

 

My dear friend, you may be feeling loneliness and brokenness, as if there is no way back for you. But I have good news. Long before you ever needed a Saviour, your Father so loved you -- and "the world" and "the many" -- so that he sent his own Son to bear your sins, so that you no longer have to bear them. He was laid in the tomb bearing your sins. But on Easter Sunday his body was changed and set free and victorious. And so are you, when place yourself in his hands. That is grace - God's unmerited favour for us who are so loved by him.

 

That is the message of Gethsemane and Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. Hallelujah! He is risen!

 

Ralph F. Wilson @ joyfulheart.com

 

 

 

 

 

MINI BEAST FROM THE EAST: we flew the flag!

 

We were hit with a very cold and snowy Sunday morning on March 18th and our pulpit supply preacher had to cry off because of the weather. However we “flew the flag” and kept the church open for 9 hardy souls who were able to make it. Thanks to Val and Kathie for ensuring we had a special, though shorter, time of worship and meditation. The lunch service was postponed for a later date.

 

 

 

For MAY issue please submit any material by April 15th ** admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Please note earlier date than usual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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