News Archive
September 2005
Hearing God in the hard places
What a blessing it has been over the last couple of weeks to hear
testimony of God’s faithfulness amongst some really difficult
situations the people at HBC are facing. Thanks so much to those who
have shared painfully and honestly and to Nic, Jez, Christine and Paula
and others who helped us do this. It has been really special and
helpful. Don’t forget you can still put your story of how God has been
working in your life on the testimony wall at church. Take time to read
others stories; they're really amazing!
On Sunday Nic reminded us that we need to develop
thankfulness, even in the hardest times; trust God despite our
circumstances; and rely on the Holy Spirit more and more.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says this: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
God is faithful, trustworthy and he will fill us with his Spirit if we ask him.
Youth work calling
Each term a dedicated number of individuals break a spiritual sweat to deliver an exciting youth programme to the young people who form part of our fellowship. This involves youth cell groups, evangelistic events, socials and holidays, and schools projects. With increasing number of teenagers attending our programmes, it would be great to have more dedicated volunteers who are willing to give up some time and energy to invest in the young people we have contact with.
This month I asked Alice Hewitt, one of our more recent volunteers, to say what being on the youth ministry team means to her:
"Being a youth worker at HBC means i can join the youth as they discuss the bible and grow in faith. Hearing and learning about other people's faith is always inspiring and challenging, age doesn't matter.The youth at HBC are so vital to the church as they are the next generation of preachers, teachers, evangelists etc. We have as much to learn from them as them from us!"
What would being on the youth team mean to
you? Do you share Alice's passion for impacting young people with the
message of Jesus? Why not get in touch to find out how you could
contribute to this important area of church life? Email or phone Sean
Harris (0191) 2099448 for more information.
Find a Re:solution
Aged between 11-18 years? Got some serious questions you want to ask about God or life? Why not come and get some re:solution?
Re:solution is a pilot project being launched by the HBC Youth Team that aims to download what it means to be a Christian. We'ill be mega-biting some of the main nuts and bolts of what it means to live the Christian life, and aim to answer any questions you have on these subjects.
The first session will launch off on Sunday, October 30th at Heaton Baptist Church, 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the Youth Pad. The first session is called 'Christianity: For Freaks, For Geeks... For Real?' and will explore some of the basics about Christianity and give you the chance to say what you think about it. Plus, the session will feature a guest speaker, a Re:solution starters pack and everyone who joins us that night will get smoothies and donuts!
Re:solution is a place where seekers can seek, doubters can doubt, believers can believe... and those who dig deeper will download answers.
Contact the Youth Ministry Team for more info on Re:solution and other exciting opportunities you may want to get involved in.
Fast forward
Have you been someone who has taken time to fast? I must admit I know it’s a good thing to do, and even something I’m commanded to do, but I find I don’t do it very often. But recently I've been challenged to think about other things that it may be beneficial to fast from.
The reason for fasting is to focus on God and reduce our craving for our own needs. It’s a discipline, and sometimes discipline gets a bad name because we feel it doesn’t square with grace. I’m quite sure that this is wrong as Jesus was a disciplined person and he should be our example. He said in Matthew 6 “When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Some different things to fast from? What about TV... the internet... football... shopping.... mobile phones... dieting(!)... or MSN?
Why not give it a try and spend the extra time with God - it will feed your soul!
Alpha - at a cinema near you
A new advertisement for the Alpha course aired in cinemas yesterday for the first time, reports the Guardian, which includes comments from Nicky Gumbel.
God's iPod
What have you been listening to today? Radio 2, Classic FM, U2 or Katie Tunstall? We have so many choices, but some are better than others. A multitude of TV channels, new radio stations and iTunes all demand our attention. Recently I've been downloading 'podcasts' using iTunes (see its podcast directory) to listen to on my way to work. You just find the relevant podcast, select it, and then it downloads the newest version that day.
I decided I'd had enough of meaningless chatter on Radio 5 or argument on Radio 4 and that I could use my time more productively. Whilst I've been searching I’ve found some helpful Christian broadcasts, all free and legal. For instance there are some highly rated broadcasts from Dallas Willard, and Greg Laurie, pastor of the 15,000 strong Harvest Church in California. Or if you prefer Jeff Lucas you can download his sermons from Timberline Church. Closer to home RT Kendall’s successor, Greg Haslam, at Westminster Chapel is excellent.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)