Where do you need to grow?

November 17th, 2023

Dear church family

On Sunday Mark preached on marriage and if you haven't listened to it, whether you are married or not I recommend going back and listening to it either on YouTube or our app. At the end of his sermon Mark gave us 2 questions to think about:

Where do you need to grow? (in the context of the topics he looked at: friendship, fellowship, sense of calling, sexuality or family)
How is your marriage building up the body of Christ around you? Or if you are single how are you encouraging/building up those who are married?

'Where do I need to grow?' Is a great question to be asking ourselves and asking God, whether that is in the context of marriage, singleness, discipleship, and so on. God wants us to be whole and healthy people who can flourish in whatever we are called to and whatever situation we find ourselves in. God wants the absolute best for us and for us to be working towards being conformed into the image of Christ. You might not want to face/think about the areas that you need to grow in but in growing we become wiser, freer, and become who God is calling us to be. Also, when God points out to us an area we need to grow and develop in it is always pointed out in love and growing in an area we may be lacking in can be fun as we get to see growth in ourselves and try out what we may have not tried out before.

Where do you need to grow?

In Hebrews 12 it says this, 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.' Sometimes life, sin and past hurt can hold us back from what God has for us so let us throw it off so that we can pursue Christ, grow as individuals, and grow together as a church family.

With love,

Katie x

SUNDAY GATHERING - 10:30AM Join us this Sunday as we continue our series on Church Family. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fbNriyIhvNE

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Church Family - Youtube Slide - CHURCH UNITY-01.png

THE 'REAL' MEAL @ CHRISTMAS 🎄🍗 Calling all men who like food! Join us on Monday 4th December 7pm at The Woolpack (Smeeth) for a 2 course Christmas Dinner - Turkey & beef with all the trimming, Christmas pudding. (vegetarian/vegan option will be provided). £20 per person.

Speaker: Andy Hedley-Smith Currently head of Security at MAF, formerly he was a Police Officer who has been involved in close protection work with top governmental personnel.

Important: We will need to know final numbers by the 27th November and a £10 deposit paid upfront. Please see Ben Oliver or Mark Giles. Limited availability, so please book fast!!

HAMPERS PACKING DAY 💝 20th of November! Thank you so so much for all those who have been busy knitting and crocheting away for the last few months to create the most beautiful blankets to be given as part of a gift hamper to those who will be on their own this Christmas.

We have also been collecting gifts for our family hampers over the past few weeks ready to be wrapped, packed and 'sealed with love' !! This Monday 20th November. We are running 2 sessions one from 9:30am and then one from 6pm where we will be putting the hampers together so bring your best wrapping skills, Christmas cheer and cracker jokes and we will provide the Christmas tunes, snacks and a great time of coming together as church family to support our local community. 🎁😃

We do still need items for hampers so if you are able please check the shopping list and bring your items to church on Sunday. Shopping list: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/18DQ4XT2P22M5?ref_=wl_share

Thank you to our church family in your generosity in supporting this project!

COMMUNITY ACTION ROMANIA UPDATE MEETING Online meeting with Dani and Sarah on Monday 20th Nov at 7:30pm. There has been some significant events this summer with involvement in a youth mission with over 100 young people (ages 18 – 30) and a preaching engagement to Moldova. This is all in addition to leading the church in Carand, serving the community, through work in schools, food bags to the needy, supporting the fire brigade, Ukraine relief and so much more!
It would be a real encouragement to both Dani and Sarah, as they prepare for the very busy Christmas period, to join with them on the online meeting
To attend please use the following link: Topic: Community Action Romania update meeting. Time: Nov 20, 2023 07:30 AM London | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88344159422?pwd=bTJ1UWtMVXFtb1lFUUJpRmwxLzYyUT09 | Meeting ID: 883 4415 9422 | Passcode: 405834

ADVENT QUIET DAY An oasis of calm in the lead up to Christmas. This years theme being 'God Sent His Son'. Join us on Sat 25th November from 10am - 2:30pm at Brabourne Baptist Church.

IAN ROSS THANKSGIVING SERVICE On Tuesday the 21st November at 11:30am there will be a service to remember and celebrate Ian Ross's life at our church. All are welcome and the dress code is relaxed. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

During the service there will be an open time of sharing - an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share their memories of Ian. Refreshments will be served following the service and please let Christine know (caross82@outlook.com) if you are planning to attend, so we have an idea of numbers for catering

MEZZANINE the installation of the Mezzanine will begin on the week commencing the 27th November.

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