Balance in all things

August 22nd, 2025

Dear Church Family,

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1)
Do you feel tired most of the time and as though life consists of trudging through treacle with a never ending to do list? There was a time not so many years ago when there were defined boundaries in our life between work and social life, between home and socialising with friends and family. In fact for the most part, our attention used to be wherever our feet were. Since the invention of the smart phone, that mini computer in our pockets, boundaries have become severely blurred, in many cases totally obliterated!
There are many things that are fabulous about technology, I am not knocking it, but without our conscious recognition, boundaries have become blurred until we have become permanently plugged into every aspect of our lives and many other lives all at the same time. In many households, including mine, it's quite normal for the TV to be on and everyone in the room to also have their phone in their hand. What is this doing to our brains? No wonder we feel permanently exhausted and then to combat that exhaustion, some of us reach for caffeine, sugar and convenience foods because we are busier than ever and just need a boost to keep going! This is modern living in the UK and we wonder why we are exhausted, drained, unable to sleep and often battling mental ill health.
My discipleship group have been studying Sabbath during August and I have personally been challenged to introduce a technology-free day every week to unplug and slow down, choosing to truly rest with God. Planning a sabbath day into each week encourages balance which can positively influence the rest of the week. It is from a place of balance that we can side-step being driven along with our western culture, in many cases an early grave. It is when we intentionally side-step and unplug that we provide space to hear God. It is in this space that we can let go and let God close.

Have you given much thought recently to your daily and weekly routine? Are there any changes you can make in preparation for September to introduce a healthier balance of work, rest and play?
Much Love,

Paula x

WILLESBOROUGH ART SHOW
Between 30th July and 2nd August, we held an art show in our main worship space which was in part to display the incredible artistry of those who come along to our art fellowship and other artists' work and partly to raise money for Pilgrims and Demelza hospices. The art that was on display was incredible and many people came along to see it. We are delighted to share that £1726 was raised for the hospices, which is incredible. ? A big shout out to Sylvia and Derek Watling who organised this to happen alongside a host of volunteers, they did an amazing job!

SUNDAY GATHERING - 10:30AM Join us this Sunday morning as Kelly continues our Summer for Everyone series with 'Facing the Storm'. This means that our children and youth will stay in for the whole service. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LDvTat6gc4Y

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SELAH In August we like to pause most of our regular activities to provide space and time to breath, rest, reflect and give God space to restore those who serve in many areas across the church. Please check out the 'Regular Events' at the bottom of the weekly update to see what is and isn't running.

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THE REAL MEAL MEN'S MEAL Saturday 6th September ⌚ 8:30am @WBC - Cost: £10
Men, come and join us together for a Real Meal full English breakfast, where Michael Cooper formerly of 'CVM' & 'The Church Army' but now with Samaritans Purse will be sharing about his walk with God while working in the charity sector. There will also be a game to wake us up where 'points mean prizes.' So, spare a couple of hours, bring a mate and come and enjoy a bit of comradeship.
Please sign up via ChurchSuite or speak with Ben Oliver or Mark Giles by the 1st September.

VISION LUNCH Sunday 14th September ⌚ After the service, approx 1pm The main worship space.
If you are new to our church family, relatively new or if you have been coming a while but you are not yet a member, this lunch is for you! Stay after the service to share a meal together and connect with others, hear more about the vision of the church, what membership is all about and opportunities to get involved, all in an informal setting where you can ask any question you might have. Please sign up on ChurchSuite - there is a limit on spaces so sign up to avoid disappointment! (If you have any dietary requirements can you write them in the notes section).

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REVERB - MID-WEEK DAYTIME SERVICE AT BRABOURNE BAPTIST CHURCH
We will be starting a mid-week, daytime service every fourth Tuesday each month from 1:30pm at Brabourne. The first one will be Tuesday 23rd September. This is a shout out to everyone who would like to be involved in making this happen. We need hospitality volunteers and those who would like to lead worship or be part of the worship team playing an instrument and / or vocals. If you would like to be part of the team, please contact Paula Chegwin on email: paula@willesboroughbaptist.church. Be part of making this happen!

BAPTISM COURSE If you are interested in getting baptised or are curious to see what it is all about about - this course is for you! The course is 3 sessions and they are all on zoom. If you are interested speak to Mark or email him at mark@willesboroughbaptist.church

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Tuesday 19th August The Well Reopening | 9am-12pm
Saturday 6th September Men's Meal | 8:30am
Thursday 11th September Power Hour | 8pm
Sunday 14th September Vision Lunch | After the service (approx. 1pm)
Tuesday 23rd September Reverb | 1:30pm at Brabourne Baptist Church
Sunday 28th September Immerse | 7pm
Saturday 18th October Paula Chegwin Ordination | 2pm - save the date!

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