Go, Love, Together

October 25th, 2024

Dear church family

Recently, a few of us went up to Sheffield for a conference entitled "Everyone, Everywhere". The heart behind this conference was to encourage and equip people to share the gospel wherever they are, whatever context they are in, simply and effectively - and to encourage our church families to do the same. (There are going to be local roadshows for this as it's a Baptist initiative - the one closest to us here in Ashford will be in Tonbridge in March and we'll give you more information on this as and when we have it.)

One of the main messages which I took away from the conference, however, was from the first keynote speaker - a man called Dave Ferguson who leads a global movement of church networks. He talked to us about relationship and collaboration being key in planting churches which then grow into relational networks, and then used three words based on the Great Commission - Go, Love, Together which resonated really powerfully with us.
When we as the church go out into the world, we carry the Kingdom of Light which dispels ALL the darkness which the world attempts to engulf us with. We can GO, full of confidence and assurance that Jesus is with us wherever we go, whatever we are doing and that we are equipped with all we need through Christ to do so - we are so powerful in Him! When we are weak, He is strong in us.

We don't just carry light when we go, we also carry LOVE - the love which God poured out onto us when Jesus died on the cross and saved us from eternal condemnation and continues to lavish upon us freely each and every day... This love is for us to show generously to those around us who do not yet know Jesus, but also to those who already do. We spoke in children's ministry last week about how we don't have to like someone very much to still love them like Jesus loves them and to show them incredible kindness...! We are called to honour one another and prefer one another above ourselves - this means loving others always - a high (and tough!) calling...! But imagine what a difference it could make if we lived this out fully to everyone we come across, within and outside the church.
And finally, we go, and love, TOGETHER - we never have to do this alone. We do this with God (who is always with us) and we do this through being in a church family, and wider being part of local and global networks. Being in relationship with other believers is so important and we need to remember this if relationships become strained and seek to keep very short accounts.

We can champion one another, we can challenge and hold one another accountable, we can encourage one another, we can meet together and gather as smaller and larger communities - the potential of TOGETHER is endless. We are part of a whole and we all have a part to play in this mission - from the very youngest to the very oldest of us. Going and loving together means we are stronger, we are full of more love which can overflow more (maybe even creating tidal waves rather than ripples!), and importantly, we can go further...

What a privilege it is to be in a church family with you all - please do continue to be listening to what God is whispering into your heart about this - let Him guide you on who, how and when - but please do keep sharing the good news with those who don't know it.
Our friends, our families, our neighbours and the world needs Jesus, and salvation is always the goal...

Every blessing and much love, as always,

Izzy xxxxx

SUNDAY GATHERING - 10:30AM Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series 'The Book of Daniel - Resilient Faith'. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QvviBzBTIxw

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IMMERSE THIS SUNDAY - Encounter, Engage, Empower! Join us for worship & prayer this Sunday evening from 7pm

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AGM COMING UP SOON - Join us for our Annual Gratitude Meeting! We will be meeting as a family on Thursday 7th November at 7pm. Please make this meeting a priority

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THE 'REAL' MEAL COMING UP - Join us on Monday 4th November. Email office@willesboroughbaptist.church or speak to Ben Oliver or Mark Giles to book your place...

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JOB OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED DEADLINE Our Preschool is looking for an Early Years Educator. If you are interested in the role or know someone who might be, you can apply for the role or get more information here: https://www.willesboroughbaptist.church/jobs

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