I can't believe it's been so long since my last Blog. So much has been happening in the church over the past couple of years. We ran Alpha Spring and Summer, which ended in July, and it welcomed 3 new salvations into the church. I'm hoping to do their baptisms in the coming months. May have missed the warm sea window for this year so maybe next year or we can find a swimming pool.
We've had a romance and marriage in the church. New people arrive; a Murder Mystery evening run by Wendy Adam-Evans with her assistant Astrid Brossier. Ken has joined us in the worship band on guitar, learning the worship songs and trying to adapt his country style, although some of these newer ones are very country- just modern country. It's nice to have an accomplished musician helping me in the band. We've got a few singers now. More men in the church, as Victor started praying for more men in the church (I think he felt outnumbered, especially as he lives in a house full of ladies).
We've held a McMillan coffee morning, raising nearly £250. Well done, Suzanne and her accomplices. Coffee, Cake and Company is getting more and more popular- our once-a-month coffee morning. Thanks, Liz, for all the organising and to your accomplices. It's often a whole church effort, as even if we can't bake a cake, turning up and supporting is a really good thing to do.
I hope you've enjoyed our hot spring and summer. I was teaching a group of international students, and they were struggling with the heat. I asked them why, when their countries are much hotter, they told me their countries have air conditioning everywhere. We're a bit behind, but if you're thinking of a career change, I think becoming an air conditioning engineer would be a good choice.
I've been talking to you on Sundays about Stormy Days, being planted by the stream and cleansing. Being prepared for when the storms come and having a right relationship with God. Death comes to us all eventually, but how prepared are you to face the storms of life and live through them in faith, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus? How close are you to Jesus? It's good to keep a gratitude diary of all the things God has done for you. They don't have to be big things, but I find it's the little details when he shows up that I'm more touched. Let's not grow weary but turn to Jesus, the provider of life. Don't go through the storms without seeking God in the midst of it. Ask Him where he is. You will find He's standing right with you. Sometimes He even carries us, but he will get you through it if you put your trust in Him. Keep Him close and listen to his voice.
Pastor Karen