Refresh Magazine Issue 2 Autumn 2021 by CongFed

The magazine of the Congregational Federation

‘

Romans

“…looking forward to being refreshed by your company. God’s peace be with all of you” (Romans 15:33, The Message)

Second chances

After a singer or band has a successful debut album, it’s always a worry that the second one will be a flop.

In order not to suffer ‘second album syndrome’, we’ve worked hard to make this second issue of Refresh even better than the first! But you, dear reader, will be the judge of that.

Thankfully, in life in general, we serve the God of second chances. It’s not a case of two strikes and you’re out. He is a holy Judge, but he forgives again and again and again and again . . . provided we are truly sorry.

Isaiah 64:6 says “we are all infected and impure with sin” but, thank God, he has the cure for our disease. “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone . . . He makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus” (Romans 5:18 & 3:26).

Talk about refreshing! In contrast, our world enjoys condemning people – there is no escape from the trolls on social media if you say something the ‘woke’ brigade thinks is so last century. And if you dare to enter the political arena and don’t conform to political correctness, beware your opponents and the newspapers who will track your every word and pounce when you fail to conform.

But “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Of course, that doesn’t mean we ignore God’s standards – rather, it should strengthen our desire to serve him with a pure and untarnished life, in gratitude for his grace.

In this issue, Dr Walter Riggans starts a new Bible teaching series, and the first instalment is on the forgiveness for others that should be a hallmark of our response to being forgiven ourselves. See page 12.

I hope you will also enjoy the other new series we are starting – a look at the lives of Christian heroes by Anglican evangelist and author J John, plus some encouragement on how to reach out with the Gospel from another experienced evangelist, Andy Godfrey.

We hope you will also benefit from the mix of Congregational news, testimonies (this time –Sir Cliff), advice, prayer guide, puzzles and reviews that we try to squeeze into this magazine.

May God bless you in all your service for Him.

Andrew Halloway Editor a.halloway@ntlworld.com

Contents

1. From the General Secretary

3. Our story: Springwater Church

5. ‘If Only’: new mission workshops

6. Called to the Caribbean

7. Can we be green dissenters?

8. Cliff Richard – faith saved him

10. Making dreams come true

11. Insuring your church

12. Biblical reflections by Walter Riggans

14. Making evangelism easy by Andy Godfrey

16. Heroes of the faith by J John

18. Break time

19. Reviews

20. Vacancies; Tips for life online

21. Prayer diary & Break time solutions

22. Your feedback

Refresh Magazine, ISSN 2634-2987, is published by: The Congregational Federation, Congregational Centre, 8 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS Tel: 0115 911 1460 www.congregational.org.uk Registered charity 264839

Editor: Andrew Halloway. Design and print: Verité CM Ltd. www.veritecm.com

All Bible quotes from the New Living Translation. This magazine is printed on paper from a sustainable source.

TO ORDER REFRESH

There will be three issues of Refresh in 2022, available on annual subscription at £30 incl. p&p and the Yearbook. Email: admin@congregational.org.uk or tel: 0115 9111460 for details.

From the General Secretary

Road trip

I hope you are enjoying the colours of autumn and are now settled back into a routine after the lifting of Covid restrictions.

It has been so good to be back on the road, meeting people again and visiting churches. Over the summer, my daughter Poppy and I did a mega trip around the country, and I would love to share with you some of the visits and at the same time challenge and encourage you.

Harden

Our first stop was in the North-East area where I led worship at Harden Congregational Church in Bingley, West Yorkshire.

It was the first week that all the chairs had been pushed back together and masks were optional. This was a big change from what we have been used to. The restrictions for churches have been intense, having to physically sit apart, no hand shaking or hugging, no socialising or even talking to each other.

Let’s be welcoming churches!

Wearing masks and not being able to praise God through song has been tough!

Now restrictions have eased, please still be sensitive to each other. Find ways to make sure everyone is comfortable, and if you have become a hybrid church (combining physical and online services), get excited at the endless possibilities!

For all churches this is a chance to change, review and reflect on all that you did and want to do. What has changed around you and how have you changed?

Nordelph

Our next stop was to meet the newest Congregational church which is based in Nordelph, Norfolk, and was welcomed at Assembly. The church meets in the village hall every week and has an open and relaxed worship. Leader Steve Waters and wife Cate described the church as being led by the movement of the Holy Spirit.

They hold a group for women who have suffered miscarriage and run an active drama group called Fensong. Their home is also a retreat centre which you can visit, set in a stunning location surrounded by nature. The day we visited, we were mesmerised by the huge numbers of butterflies on the buddleia.

I wonder how much your church is led by the Holy Spirit? How does your church respond or listen to the calling? Is there something on your heart you feel the Holy Spirit is calling you or your church to do?

Ridgewell

Another stop we made was to a closed church in Ridgewell, a beautiful village in Essex. Members of Stambourne Congregational Church are exploring some possibilities.

Did you know autumn is the season of invitation? There are several opportunities to invite the community into your church, including Harvest, Remembrance Day, Advent and Christmas. We need to tell our communities what we are doing and make sure we are one step ahead on planning. Let’s make this year bigger and better in reaching out and inviting others, and giving God the glory.

Continued on page 2

2022 is our 50th anniversary!

Next year marks 50 years of the Congregational Federation and there are lots of ways in which you can celebrate.

We have a special logo so please use it on any of your correspondence over the year. We have also created a calendar based on the parables of Jesus with monthly challenges, which will be available from December. Please pre-order a copy for £3 as well as other merchandise, a book of biblical reflections and a book produced jointly with the URC. The money raised will be donated to the Trussell Trust foodbank network. And finally . . . there will be three issues of Refresh next year, one of which will be a special 50th anniversary edition. The annual subscription for Refresh and the Yearbook in 2022 will be £30.

Prayer must be part of us, like

Ruscombe

Our next visit was to Ruscombe in Gloucestershire. This was a closed church which is now growing again. It is in a beautiful location but along a one-track road with a steep drop which terrified us city girls!

During lockdown the church became part of a circular walk most people took, so the church used that to their advantage and put out activities for walkers – colouring books and prayer cards for those that passed to take with them. It was a wonderful way to share the message of hope and tell everyone the church was starting again.

With funding from the Council for World Mission we have run webinars titled, ‘If Only’. In the session called, ‘If only we could hear God’s voice more clearly’, we learned through research that people with no connection to churches were upset that the buildings had to close, and were concerned for the fellowship. What happened when your church closed during lockdown? Did the community know you were meeting online, praying, and still living out your faith?

Ruscombe have ordered new posters to let everyone know they are open again, and Gloucestershire churches South Cerney and Stroud (two more we visited) also had fabulous banners.

Stroud

The day we visited Stroud was the re-opening of the Saturday coffee morning where the famous market is held. The church worried that people might not return because they had found another place with nicer coffee!

I wonder what coffee you serve; do you need to invest in a new machine or partner with a local coffee shop and buy their coffee?

Is your coffee Fairtrade? Starter grants are available to make these small changes that could make a huge difference. Look at supporting local businesses and Fairtrade in your community and share the good news of Jesus.

Warmley

Our final stop was Warmley in Bristol – a small church that had experienced a miraculous answer to prayer that week. Amazingly I was preaching on prayer, using Debra Green’s book Mountain Moving Prayer. On a Monday afternoon I have run a national Bible study using this resource and it has been a joy to study and pray with others in the Congregational Federation.

We concluded that prayer must be part of us, like breathing.

The churches in the Congregational Federation, big and small, city or rural, are responding to the Holy Spirit, doing amazing work in their communities and being faithful to their callings.

Thank you for all you do in your church and for being part of the Congregational Federation.

I look forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary with you and God’s faithfulness to us.

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21 (ESV)

God bless you,

Yvonne Campbell

Yvonne with Colin Halstead and members of Warmley Church Outside Ruscombe Church

breathing.

Sharing the Bread of Life

Springwater Church wins 2020 Congregational Federation Award with‘Compassionate Loaf’project

By Kevin Potter, Pastor of Springwater Church, Henley-on-Thames

Our engagement with the surrounding community started several years ago when my wife Linsey and I became co-ministers at Springwater Church.

At this point, we began a conversation about the hopes and dreams God had placed in the heads, hearts and minds of those who called Springwater their spiritual home: the hopes for the church, themselves and the communities they were connected with.

Part of this journey meant enabling the members, long-term attendees and those loosely connected with Springwater to embrace the truth that they are the church and the church is not a structure. As people discussed and contemplated this change process, they were encouraged by the following scriptures:

Ezekiel 37 – The valley of the dry bones coming to life. Renewing Life: Helping communities transform from uncertainty into wholeness

Luke 4:18,19 – Preaching good news to the poor and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour. Encouraging Life: Sharing the hope of the Kingdom so people can experience the fullness of life

Matthew 22:36-40 – Loving your neighbour. Sharing Life: Engaging wholeheartedly in community life so everyone can taste God’s love

Ephesians 2 & 4 – Equipping people for the works God has prepared for them. Equipping Life: Learning and growing together to be equipped to embrace the opportunities God provides.

Ephesians 2 & 4 encourages those in leadership to equip the body of Christ. This is not just to be inwardly focused, supporting each other, but also to be outwardly focused. It’s so we can bless our communities with the love of Christ, make an impact, and have an influence in the places we live and breathe.

As the people at Springwater grappled with these concepts, they travelled through a journey that meant going from pain to peace, then peace to purpose, followed by purpose to presence. During this journey, which involved having minds transformed, renewed and changed (Romans 12), God enabled various streams of creativity to flow out of the church congregation.

Continued on page 4

During this journey, which involved having minds transformed, renewed and changed, God enabled various streams of creativity to flow out of the church congregation.

Compassionate Loaf community of bakers at a local pop-up bakery shop set up in support of a local charity

The Lord can use a small amount to create a significant impact so all people can taste and see the love and reality of Jesus.

Compassionate Loaf

OUR STORY

One of the community initiatives that enabled us to succeed with the 2020 Congregational Federation Award arose out of one person’s passion concerning bread-making.

Compassionate Loaf focuses on artisan breadmaking, providing free workshops for the local community and sharing the Bread of Life. On Monday mornings, people are trained in baking various types of artisan bread: sourdough, six seed loaves, apple and spelt bread, focaccia bread, cheese sticks, flatbread, pitta bread – and the soda bread that we use in our communion service.

This time is also a place where the gospel is shared, and relational discipleship takes place over a table covered with flour. People have had their faith strengthened whilst others have become aware of the reality of Jesus’ love.

The time is also a special place of community where vulnerable people can come and find a place of ‘shalom’ and friendship. It has created a community of bakers who work together to support pop-up shops that raise money for various initiatives, charities and churches in and around our area.

Going international!

The project has connected with people across a broad spectrum, and new opportunities have arisen. A small team of bakers were invited to Mumbai in India to work with an Indian charity to train girls who are survivors of human trafficking. This coincided with high end hotels and new baking franchises in Mumbai needing people trained in artisan bread-making.

A lady from the Philippines has also been trained to support the work in Manila, and currently there are two opportunities in towns near us to run additional training courses and workshops.

During the COVID pandemic, the team provided bread for neighbours and the vulnerable. They also provided bread for the Springwater food bank that we began at the start of Covid. The food bank supports approximately 70 people of all ages. Volunteers come from a wide age range from several churches and local businesses, and some are people who are not connected with any church.

Community café

Compassionate Loaf also bakes bread and rolls for the Spring Community Café. This café started when someone in the church had a passion to create a ‘safe place and safe space’ for local people to enjoy community around food and coffee. The Spring Café started in early 2021 using the church premises and our biblical garden – a green, contemplative and peaceful place for families, individuals and small groups.

The Spring also supports our toddler group, which now has a waiting list, plus the women’s group that meet and support each other.

Small but significant

Many Spirit-filled encounters have arisen out of these community activities. We are also finding that the community initiatives that God develops from the congregation become interconnected and support each other.

There is a lot that goes into encouraging and supporting people who have wonderful ideas. Some ideas work, and some do not, whilst some morph from the original concept into something entirely different. One idea that began by facilitating art workshops is now focused on creating original songs that are shared across towns and on YouTube. These ideas have developed from a small church. Springwater only has about 25 members, although we have a similar number of long-term attendees and others who are loosely connected with the church. The Lord can use a small amount to create a significant impact so all people can taste and see the love and reality of Jesus.

Footnotes:

If anyone would like to hear more about the journey that Springwater engaged in or learn more about any of the community initiatives, email Kevin & Linsey at contactspringwater@gmail.com or visit their website: www.springwaterchurch.org.uk

Applications for the Serving the Community Awards 2022 will open at the end of October so why not apply? Details can be found at: www.congregational.org.uk/awards

Some of the produce by Compassionate Loaf

If Only . . .

New

mission workshops for churches

by Yvonne Campbell and Walter Riggans

From the start of 2021 the Congregational Federation has been running a programme which we branded ‘If Only . . . ’ Many of our readers may not have heard about this, but it has been a significant development for us, and we hope and pray that its impact will carry on into the future. So, what is it?

We applied to the Council for World Mission for a grant under their Member Church Initiative scheme, relating to the running of workshops for churches and individuals on four discrete areas of mission. The idea was to run at least two workshops for each of these streams, encouraging and enabling commitment to action of some kind by those who were participating in any of the streams.

The streams were led by the concerns and aspirations that were regularly being shared with us by church ministers and others. What we were hearing were people saying that ‘if only this’ or ‘if only that’, then they could see the possibility of enhanced engagement with their local communities. And so we called the programme, ‘If Only . . . ’

The four streams are:

If only we could be part of a new and fresh outreach.

If only we could hear God’s voice more clearly. If only we could make better use of our buildings. If only we had a better website and social media presence.

This initiative has been about helping to build people’s confidence in going forward with God, enhancing their outreach to their local communities, perhaps taking some risks, but trusting God for the future.

Bearing in mind that this is an action-oriented initiative, one impact of the coronavirus pandemic was that we were not able to run these workshops physically in different localities, but had to move them on to Zoom. However, these Zoom meetings went well. The guest pres enters did a great job and the money saved by not having the costs of venue hire, travel and perhaps accommodation for presenters and hosts, remained for re-purposing.

Therefore, we approached CWM proposing to use the saved funds to enhance the grants that we would be able to offer participants in the webinars. CWM readily agreed, and we have been able to make funds available for projects that have arisen as a result of people being inspired by involvement in particular streams. This has been a great answer to prayer, being able to encourage and support projects with these new, external funds.

Pioneering ministry, acting in new ways to facilitate new missional initiatives, will help those who become involved to meet and share God’s love with those who think they know all they need to know about Jesus and the Church, and don’t think it is for them. We are unlikely to meet such people in our traditional places and types of meeting.

Continued on page 6

A spiritual enabling ministry will involve working on the one hand with churches and individuals who sense a need for a deeper discipleship, and on the other hand with those who desire to engage more effectively with people in new religious movements or following alternative spiritualities. Church attendance is declining steadily in our society, but spirituality is very much alive and well. What have our churches to learn from this, and how can we better approach people about spiritual fulfilment in Jesus?

Building confidence and competence in embarking on project management schemes for our church premises will enable churches to prepare their building spaces for more effective usefulness in their communities. This may involve substantial structural work or the better use of existing spaces and facilities, but some of our churches need work on

them to be better fit for purpose in mission and community engagement today.

During the lockdown periods, many of our churches have realised as never before the value of having good quality websites and a well-managed social media presence. We have seen this in lovely reconnections with members who have not been able to come physically to church for some time, and in reaching people digitally, both Christians and others, who might never have found us otherwise. This final stream has been dedicated to facilitating growth in this area of ministry and mission.

Most of the webinars have now been held, but they have been recorded, and are available on the Congregational Federation website. What might God be calling you to? What might God want your church to be involved with? Get in touch and let’s discern this together. If only . . .

Called to the Caribbean

Rev Nigel Lindsay has just moved to Grenada to be a missionary with the Council for World Mission. ‘Wish I were called to the Caribbean!’ might be some people’s response! But Nigel’s letter to Refresh readers shows it’s not exactly a holiday . . .

Well, after all the Covid-19 protocols I have got to Grenada. It felt like a mountain to climb, and on my arrival I had to quarantine in a hotel for a few days. But now I am in my house at Mac Donald College – a school in the town of Sauteurs in the Saint Patrick region. It has some amazing views and welcoming people.

I am a Partner In Mission (PIM) placed with the Presbyterian Church of Grenada and organised by the Council for World Mission. I will be chaplain to a primary and secondary school and pastor to the small Samaritan Church, based in Saint Patrick’s in the north of the island.

It takes 10-15 minutes by car along hilly and windy roads to get from the house to the church and I am learning to drive an automatic car. One day I walked and it took about an hour as there were so many hills. I needed to drink so much water, but it was a great chance to introduce myself to people on the way and around the community.

Grenada has just experienced a rise in the Covid-19 rate so a number of restrictions are being put in place and the church will be going online, so this will limit my activity.

Do pray for me as I get used to the hills, the heat, the slower pace of life, the isolation (house is far from anywhere), the bugs, and as I listen to the communities I have come to serve and learn from.

As I work alongside the people here there will be lots of opportunity for you to come over and visit and for us to share, so do make contact if you would like to do that. The plan is that I am here for three years.

I can Zoom if you would like me to visit one of your meetings!

God bless,

pastornigel19@yahoo.co.uk

Nigel likes to get around on the water

Dissent comes naturally to Congregationalists, so can we be green dissenters too?

Christine Denwood of Wimbledon Congregational Church has some challenging questions and advice for becoming more environmentally aware and active. . .

If people criticise our gardens at home or at church for being overgrown or full of weeds, can we stand out against the prevailing perception of tidiness by replying that we are promoting what nature has provided in our neighbourhood?

Can we celebrate the beautiful moss and lichen that grow between the paving stones rather than reaching for the spray bottle of weedkiller?

Can we hold back the invasion of paving stones, concrete and fake grass so as to defend our biodiversity and nourish our eco-systems?

Readers are probably aware of the A Rocha Eco Church scheme which covers care for church land, encouraging us to be mindful of the environmental impact of so many of our church activities. If you’re unaware of this, see: https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk.

Anyone interested in a Christian perspective on farmed animal welfare, the science, the commercial aspect and the environmental impact might like to look at the current CEFAW project (Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare) at: www1.chester.ac.uk/ christian-ethics-farmed-animal-welfare.

Even without going into environmental policies more deeply we can probably take a few easy green measures in church:

Discourage the use of disposable cutlery, cups and plates

Include plant-based options in church catering

Avoid food waste after fellowship meals by giving people any surplus to take home.

Suggest that those members of our congregation who are healthy and live within one mile of the church might walk or cycle to meetings and services.

As Dissenters we can also be critical of any advertising which breeds discontent and feeds the desire to consume more of the products of our planet than we really need. As the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NRSV): “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”

Do we dare to let nature take its course in our church gardens?

‘ I would not have got through it without God,’ says Cliff

In his new autobiography, pop legend and well-known Christian Sir Cliff Richard reveals the early influence of faith on his life – and how it has sustained him in recent times when he was falsely accused of child abuse.

Revelation TV’s Gordon Pettie says what stood out for him when he read it . . .

Sir Cliff Richard, who will celebrate his 81st birthday on 14 October, has always looked younger than his years, but more importantly he knows the secret of eternal life

Photo: Alan Olley

Clearly my family was trying to remind me of my youth when they bought me

‘Cliff Richard: The Dreamer’!

I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that Cliff had written it to celebrate his 80th birthday!

It is a gripping story in which Cliff shares memories of his life in India and the UK. His family life was important, with good principles, which carried him through his journey to fame.

I was surprised to discover the influence that Christianity had upon his early life. Both parents were Christians, he attended an Anglican church school in India and sang in the church choir. His father always said grace before meals and when they arrived in England, the family went to church every Sunday.

One day, sometime after his father had died, Cliff confided to a band member that he was thinking of consulting a medium in order to make contact with his father. The band member told him he must not do it because it was forbidden in the Bible, and he quoted Deuteronomy 18:10, which condemns witchcraft, soothsaying, interpreting omens and sorcery.

He found the strength to forgive his false accuser

In fact, it turned out that the band member was a Jehovah’s Witness, but it was the beginning of a spiritual search by Cliff, who began to read the Bible. Through contact with leaders in the Crusaders (an evangelical Christian youth organisation), he saw the errors of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs.

One night he read Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me.”

Cliff writes: “I closed the book and closed my eyes. ‘OK, Jesus, I believe in you and I want you to come in . . . I want you in my life.’”

[He went on to become one of the most wellknown Christians in the UK.]

Fast forward to 2014 and an allegation surfaced that he had molested a teenage boy 30 years previously at Sheffield United football ground, when he was a guest at a Billy Graham Crusade meeting there.

Of the allegation he writes: “The things that mean the most to me in my life are what saved me in my darkest hours. My faith, because I prayed long and hard to God every day during my ordeal. I would not have got through it without him . . . ”

Billy Graham’s musical director, Cliff Barrows, reminded the star of Corrie Ten Boon who, because she helped Jews escape the Germans in World War Two, was sent to a concentration camp. She had written: “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

Gradually the case unravelled. Cliff deliberately never found out who his accuser was but talks about how he found the strength to forgive him.

The book is a great story about Cliff the person, and his life as a pop star. But his story would not be complete if it did not include his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – and that comes through loud and clear.

‘There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still’

‘Cliff Richard: The Dreamer’ by Cliff Richard is published by Ebury Press

Gordon’s review appeared in Heart Christian newspaper April/May 2021 and is used with permission. Heart can be ordered from www.heartpublications.co.uk or 01903 209383

Making dreams come true

Be inspired by these stories from our churches, made possible because of Congregational Federation grants

Starter grant – towards telephone service

By Chris Howe, London Road Congregational Church, Newark (LRCC)

After a church meeting at LRCC, one of the new initiatives we decided to try was to offer a ‘friendly chat’ telephone service to lonely housebound people in our local parish. We have called the service, ‘Friendship by phone’.

Four people committed themselves to the project. Because of Covid we had our meetings on Zoom. Firstly we had to organise a system and buy the right mobile phone, and again lockdown caused problems. It took time but eventually we found the right one.

Next we had some training from Samaritans so that we were equipped to speak to and answer our callers. After a long process of planning, we have had flyers printed and as I write we are about to distribute them to several roads within a radius of the church, offering calls two mornings a week. [The aim was to ‘go live’ at the beginning of September.]

We are grateful for the generous grant we received – a great help towards the cost of setting up the service. Thank you. All we are waiting for now is the phone to ring! We have done all we can practically and now wait for God to do his bit and connect us with his people.

Impact grant – towards new youth worker

By Loddiswell Congregational Church

Becky Hughes was appointed as the part-time Youth Worker and Rural Ministries Co-ordinator with Kingsbridge Youth for Christ (KYFC) in 2019.

Becky’s three year appointment followed a successful Impact Grant bid to the Congregational Federation plus fruitful discussions between KYFC, Loddiswell Congregational Church and Malborough Baptist Church. The result was a unique pooling of resources and a new partnership, with Becky working for both churches. At 21 years of age when appointed, Becky had managed to pack in a lot of life experience and practical work with young people, bringing not only her talents in music, arts and organisation, but her therapy dog, Bellamy. He was an instant hit at Loddiswell’s Attic Youth Group, adding a calming influence to the boisterous sessions!

Loddiswell says: “We would like to thank the Congregational Federation for their support, encouragement and enabling, through the Impact Grant, for all that has been achieved, not just in Loddiswell but in Malborough, Kingsbridge and beyond as we begin to see the ripple effect of positive input to our young people’s lives. God is working his purpose out. Amen.”

Mini-grant – towards baby and toddler group

By Amanda Kitely, Guilden Morden Congregational Church, Cambridgeshire

We have a large footfall through our doors as we host quite a few clubs. One of these is a baby and toddler group which has existed for some eight years and meets on Wednesday mornings, in time for parents passing after dropping older children off at school. We also have the advantage of being able to open over the school holidays, which has been a blessing to many families, especially those with their first babies, as many of these types of groups close over the holidays. Older children are welcome during the holidays too.

We have an amazing group of helpers! A big thank you to Gill who is very kind and gentle and prepares the snacks; Pam, who is new to the group and has

proved invaluable, talking to parents and carers and washing up; Tony, our minister, who helps set up –a boon when having to lift heavy items; Emily, who advertises and runs the group, encouraging people to come along with her friendly disposition; Liz, who is there faithfully every week despite difficulties with her health. And last but no means least, Sandy, who the church itself would not be open without!

We are so very grateful for the grant for this group. We have bought poles and fencing which helps keep children safe and able to play outside. The children love being outside and the fenced space has been a huge benefit, especially during the current situation where people feel safer outside. So thank you once again. The money was well spent.

Guilden Morden has a small congregation but a big

The flier sent out by London Road Congregational Church

Safe space: new fencing for the baby and toddler group

Becky Hughes leads Loddiswell youth in fun and games

Insuring your church

By David Edwards ACII CIB, Managing Director, Edwards Insurance Brokers

It’s hard to know where to start when writing an article about insurance because it is such a wide subject with many related issues, but I will write hopefully in a relevant manner with knowledge gained from visiting many hundreds of churches and chapels over the past 30 years, and now looking after the insurance needs of over 2,500 places of worship.

The basic insurance requirements for churches to consider include: the buildings; contents; items taken outside; potential legal liability to members of the public, employees and volunteers; cover for trustees and officers; publisher’s indemnity; money; loss of income following property damage, and legal protection.

The good news is that specialist church Insurers (such as Congregational and Ansvar) offer bespoke church policies and a package of covers that are ideally suited to the needs of the church. The church does of course still need to decide what sums insured are required, but does not have to worry about which covers to select as the covers mentioned in the above paragraph are usually all included automatically.

Specific issues do of course regularly crop up, such as the statutory inspections required for a lift or stairlift, the running of a night shelter, a mission trip overseas, the implications of the premises becoming unoccupied, the organising of an event, sometimes with other local churches, and the hiring of the premises to other people and works being carried out at the church. Health and Safety is a very important consideration and we have given considerable advice on this subject over the years. It is not always as complicated or daunting as it may first appear! Each church should carry out its own fire risk assessment and also have separate risk assessments for various activities taking place, either within or outside their premises.

CHURCH INSURANCE

Working closely with a panel of specialist insurers, we do our utmost to ensure churches countrywide have the right insurance at the best price. A signiﬁcant number of Congregational Churches are already seeing the beneﬁts of our dedicated services.

We believe that churches are fundamental to our communities and the diversity of properties, ministries and requirements are best understood and serviced by a specialist team.

Our vast experience in this sector allows us to select the most appropriate cover for your church.

“Your advice, service and response has been absolutely exceptional.” Adrian Church Treasurer

Stonebridge House

Kenilworth Road

Forgiveness is a sign of the resurrection

by Dr Walter Riggans

Bible readings

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

(Matthew 5:43-44)

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

Comment

Pope Francis said this in Jerusalem on 25 May 2014: “Every time we ask forgiveness of one another for our sins against other Christians and every time we find the courage to grant and receive such forgiveness, we experience the resurrection! Every time we put behind us our longstanding prejudices and find the courage to build new fraternal relationships, we confess that Christ is truly risen!”

He spoke these words in the context of praying for church unity after generations of division and conflict, but I think we can also apply them more widely. As disciples of the risen Jesus, we are all called by Jesus himself to forgive friends and enemies alike, and to ask them for forgiveness if we have wronged them in any way.

It is the difference that Jesus has made to us that makes God’s hard expectation possible. But even so, it can be very difficult to forgive people. Often, when someone commits a crime, especially a serious one, we see society divided. At one extreme, some demand

Photo: Pierre Guayacan

the strictest punishment possible, giving little thought to what led the person to commit the crime, and at the opposite extreme, some are convinced that we need to understand that the perpetrator might also have been a victim in some way, and that a measure of compassion may also be appropriate.

These different attitudes can also be seen in relation to the everyday offences and hurts that we meet in personal and working relationships. Some people are quick to judge and criticise, even to condemn, while others make time to pause and to consider the other person with compassion and a readiness to forgive. And often enough we find, if we look carefully, that the truth is somewhere along the continuum; the perpetrator is a victim as well as an offender.

Many decades ago, I came across a French saying that is attributed to several people, though it is perhaps best known through Tolstoy’s use of it in War and Peace. The saying is: ‘Tout comprendre; c’est tout pardonner.’ (To understand everything is to forgive everything.)

Is it easier to forgive a person if we understand what made her/him act in the way they did, or say what they said? Do we care enough about them to even want to know about this? Is God, who is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8), able to forgive so willingly because he does know everything about us? God is our Judge, but he is not ‘judgmental’ – not in the way that people often are.

We remember Jesus’ attitude in John 8:7-11 when he was confronted with a woman caught in adultery:

“‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ . . . ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”

Jesus is not soft on sin, but he is strong on mercy. Perhaps, without in any way condoning sin or selfcentred and hurtful behaviour, we should also be more ready to have mercy and to forgive than we often are, at least on a personal level, even if we think that discipline and even punishment are also appropriate.

In the 1970s, Dorothy Law Nolte, an American family counsellor, wrote an influential piece which speaks to this matter. While we may not agree with every verse of this, her overall insight surely has some truth in it:

“If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.”

A charity in the USA which is committed to applying this insight in reaching out to serious criminals is Compassion Prison Project. For a video that shows their work, watch ‘Step Inside the Circle’. If we apply all of this to ourselves, in our daily lives, Jesus’ warning not to judge others needs to be taken seriously.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

(Matthew 7:1-2)

People who hurt us in whatever way may themselves have been damaged in life, and their attitudes and behaviour may be reflecting the ongoing effects of that. It may not be pure wickedness.

Prayer

Lord, we pray for the gift of your Holy Spirit to help us to repent of being quick to judge and condemn. Help us to be strong on righteousness, but to grow ever stronger on compassion and the desire to forgive wrongs done to us.

“This, then, is how you should pray . . . forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:9,12)

Andy Godfrey is an experienced evangelist working with the Outreach UK mission. Since graduating from Bible college back in the mid-1980s, Andy has been involved in various aspects of Christian work, but always with an emphasis on evangelism, for which he has a passion. Having pastored two churches, Andy has also worked as a full time evangelist and as a lecturer on evangelism in Bible schools across Eastern Europe. Today, he is both an evangelist and a field officer for Outreach UK and works for Good News newspaper.

Evangelism made easy for everyone – honestly! (Part 1)

In this new series, evangelist Revd Andy Godfrey explains the ideas and experience behind a new training programme for churches called Casting Your Nets. This is an exciting opportunity to equip and resource ordinary Christians to respond to Jesus’call to‘cast your net’on the right side of the boat – where the fish are.

The summer of 2019 will live long in my memory as a very special time. Having wanted to go for over 50 years, I finally made it to Israel!

To visit the places where Jesus walked and talked was an unforgettable experience and reading the Bible has never been the same since.

As those who have been will know, a major highlight of any visit to the Holy Land is a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. On our particular boat were some locals who gave us a demonstration of how the fishermen of Jesus’ day would have gone about their business.

After they threw a large net out on the left-hand side of the boat, we waited eagerly for a large catch of fish. Sadly, the net came in empty! Perhaps you can guess what happened next. Our very biblically knowledgeable group all shouted: “Cast the net on the right-hand side!” Sadly, the result was the same – unlike when Jesus gave the same command in John chapter 21. On that occasion, as we know, 153 fish were caught!

The Outreach UK mission has taken that story and seen it as a challenge for Christians to go out and fish for souls – maybe in places and ways that haven’t been tried before. We believe that not only is every

Christian called to be a witness for Jesus Christ but that every Christian CAN be an effective witness for the Lord. How? Well, we explain that in a new evangelism training programme called Casting Your Nets.

The brainchild of Outreach UK director Trevor Dickerson, Casting Your Nets is an evangelism training course that makes outreach simple for all church members. Evangelism has too often been the ministry of a few enthusiasts rather than every individual Christian. Far too many Christians lack either the confidence or the knowledge of how to open-up gospel-centred conversations, and so are content to leave evangelism to the ‘professionals’ – to their pastors, church leaders and workers. Casting Your Nets shows how this can change.

The course emphasises the fact that every Christian has a network of people around them who may have never heard the gospel and explains how we can reach them. Every day we meet people who need Christ and the opportunities for sharing the good news are constantly occurring all around us. It could be anyone from the next-door neighbour, to the parent at the school gate, your local shopkeeper or even the postman! We need to recognise the spiritual need and consider the eternal destination of our network of contacts and do all we can to reach them.

Based on years of experience, the practical training we offer equips every church member to share their own faith in Jesus Christ. But we not only equip Christians with the know-how of outreach, but also with the tools. We show them how to use the materials that we have found to be the most effective. The course is presented in association with the Pocket Testament League and Good News newspaper, and materials from both organisations are available to those attending.

The course is divided into five parts. Each session covers a different aspect of evangelism, and whilst each session has its individual merits, they combine to present a comprehensive training package on how every Christian – regardless of age or how long they have been a Christian – can become an effective witness for Christ.

This is exactly what we need in the Church right now – in fact we need it more than ever. Even through the Covid-19 lockdowns, the course proved just how many opportunities to share the gospel exist, and indeed, pass us by each day unless we’re ready! These five topics also emphasize that it’s not just what we say that matters, but how we live out the message we are proclaiming.

The five sessions cover the following topics: sharing your story; using literature; effective listening; looking for gospel opportunities, and finally ‘What’s achieved?’ – explaining the difference that we can make. Each subject is illustrated by personal and powerful stories of how God has been at work in changing lives, and how believers have been both challenged and equipped to serve the Lord. The course encourages us to think about where the fish are in our community that need catching, and asks, “How are we going to catch them?”

Many churches and individuals have already been through the course and the feedback has been nothing but positive. When asked if they enjoyed the course, one person commented: “Great talks with so much information on methods of evangelism. Wow. These are so important to the growth of our churches.”

Someone else who completed the course said: “Inspiring, simple, biblical and down to earth. I am so glad that I went.” And another: “It trains everyone to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.”

One lady, who was disabled and in a wheelchair, shared how she was able to be a witness for the Lord just by giving a copy of the Good News newspaper away to her carer – something that had never occurred to her before!

Casting Your Nets can be run over a single day at your church, or it can be organised as weekly sessions. It can be run online, and Outreach UK evangelists can lead the course for you – or you can run it yourself.

Downloadable PowerPoints and everything that you will need to run the course are available on our new website – www.castingyournets.co.uk.

Please do check out the website and discover how every member of your church can be involved in outreach, regardless of age or ability. As one elderly lady leaving a church in Norfolk put it – in a very loud voice – “I am going to do some evangelism!”

In London, a very hesitant, reluctant, scared young lady who had been through the training went out to do some door to door work with an OUK evangelist. Much to her own amazement, by the time the third door was reached she was asking to do the knocking – and the talking! God totally transformed her that day and he can do it for you.

Next issue – how using literature changes lives.

The course proved just how many opportunities to share the gospel exist, and indeed, pass us by each day unless we’re ready!

Casting a net out of the right-hand side of the boat on the Sea of Galilee.

Photo: Andy Godfrey

‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.’

Heroes of the Faith

A series on inspiring Christian lives by one of the UK’s leading evangelists, Canon J John

C S Lewis

Iam one of many people who have found both wisdom and wit from the writings of C S Lewis.

Clive Staples Lewis – known always as ‘Jack’ to his friends – was born in Northern Ireland in 1898 and grew up in a house overflowing with books. He was sent to England to be educated where he left his family’s formal Christianity to become a professing atheist.

After a time on the frontline during the First World War, he began an academic career in English Language at Oxford University which was in effect to last all his life. Even when he was made a Professor at Cambridge, Lewis still returned to Oxford for weekends.

As a young man Lewis found himself increasingly unhappy with his atheism. With a vivid imagination enriched by extensive reading, he found himself longing for something more satisfying than anything atheism could offer.

Conversations about God with many Christian friends, including J.R.R. Tolkien, gradually convinced him that religion could be true and, in 1929, Lewis became a reluctant believer in God, moving within months to a full acceptance of Christianity.

Without neglecting his increasingly acclaimed academic career, Lewis started defending and promoting his new-found faith. The result was a wide variety of books which were all brilliantly written, well-argued and thoroughly accessible.

The Second World War brought him more attention when he became a popular radio speaker; his talks on the Christian faith were published as Mere Christianity, a book widely considered a spiritual classic.

Lewis wrote many other books on subjects that he knew people found difficult: miracles, pain, prayer and other issues. He also wrote a range of fiction, all of which involved his faith: The Screwtape Letters, a science fiction trilogy, and the seven children’s books of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Lewis’s success came at a cost: his outspoken defence of the Christian faith was resented by his colleagues.

Lewis’s social circle in Oxford was almost entirely masculine but, to everyone’s surprise (including his), in his late fifties he found himself in an unlikely romance with Joy Davidman, an American writer. Their happy marriage lasted four years before her passing from cancer.

Lewis himself died in 1963 but his books continue to have an extraordinary influence within Christianity and beyond.

Many books have been written about Lewis as a theologian, a writer and a defender of Christianity. Here are some of my favourite C.S. Lewis quotes.

‘I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.’

From a devil’s point of view: ‘The safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.’

‘All that is not eternal is eternally out of date.’

‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.’

C S Lewis 1898-1963

As an evangelist, what I most appreciate about Lewis is the superb way in which he communicated Christian truth. Somehow, he was able to hold together a number of virtues.

First, Lewis communicated with both depth and simplicity. For a man who lived the cloistered life of an Oxford academic, Lewis was profoundly sensitive to the concerns and struggles of ordinary people. At a time when theologians were discussing questions no one was asking in language no one could understand, Lewis spoke simply and directly to everybody.

He had the gift of taking profound and complex theological ideas and, with memorable phrases and relevant illustrations, transforming them into truths that everybody could understand. With his extraordinary knowledge and profound intelligence Lewis could easily have talked down to his readers, yet he had the ability – and the humility – to put himself alongside them. There’s a lesson there.

Second, Lewis communicated to both imagination and intellect. Lewis’s personal road to faith had begun with his imagination. He never forgot that and even in his most reasoned works we find him using sparkling language and evocative imagery. That appeal to the imagination is even stronger in his fiction.

Yet at the same time, Lewis knew that appeals to the emotions alone can be dishonest and unhelpful unless they are based on reason. Much of the power of Lewis’s writing lies in this simultaneous appeal to head and heart: persuasive claims delivered in gripping prose. There is good sense here. A faith based only on emotions can fail in a time of testing, while one based only on reason can leave the heart barren. Another lesson.

Finally, Lewis communicated with both focus and breadth. Lewis was a bold defender of the Christian faith but he was selective in what he defended. So, he was outspoken on the fundamentals of the faith like the deity of Christ, the truth of the Gospels and certainty of heaven: essentials that he famously termed ‘Mere Christianity’. Yet beyond such matters he refused to be drawn. There is no agreement on who originally said, ‘In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity,’ but Lewis would have agreed with it. I find there is another lesson there.

Lewis speaks powerfully to those on the edge of faith. Yet he also speaks to us Christian believers who are in need of encouragement and direction. C.S. Lewis is a truly outstanding hero of the faith.

At a time when theologians were discussing questions no one was asking in language no one could understand, Lewis spoke simply and directly to everybody.

A sculpture in C S Lewis Square, Belfast, of Aslan – the lion at the heart of Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia novels

Train your brain or just take a relaxing time out with these puzzles. The solutions are on the inside of the back cover (don’t cheat!).

Crossword

Across

1. God said: “Let us make man in our ---- “ (5)

4. She opened her home to Jesus (6)

10. Romans tells us that love must be this (7)

11. ‘ ---- from every nation’ (hymn) (5)

12. No. 1 man (4)

13. Plant or shrub with flower spikes and decorative leaves (8)

15. ‘Oh ---- of comfort and joy’ (carol) (7)

20. Jesus said: “And I will do ---- you ask in my name” (8)

21. Small vipers (4)

23. A temporary deputy (5)

24. Sent messages via the computer (7)

25. Periodic climate changes bringing warm water to Peru and Ecuador coasts (2,4)

26. Where Satan will be thrown for 1,000 years (5)

Can you find 20 States of the USA? Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally

Down

2. Samson’s father who tried to offer food to an angel (6)

3. Colour (4)

5. One of those thrown into the fiery furnace (8)

6. A ring often helps babies do this (6)

7. Painter (6)

8. Abraham gave him all he had (5)

9. King of Salem who fed Abraham (11)

14. A churchwarden’s assistant (8)

16. Age of Jesus when left behind at the temple (6)

17. Bird of prey (6)

18. Bible book that begins ‘Blessed is the man . . . . ‘ (6)

19. In reserve; incidental remark (5)

22. ‘Worthy is the ---- ‘ (worship song) (4)

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

Constance – Pioneer, Pastor, Preacher By Janet Wootton (ed)

Reviewer:

Yvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation

In 2022 the Congregational Federation will celebrate its 50th anniversary, but this book is a celebration from 100 years ago when Constance Coltman was the first woman to be ordained in a Congregational church.

It tells of her life and her achievements, but more than that it shares stories of other women over the years who have been led by her example and changed systems, communities and lifestyles. One story that made me realise how blessed I am was by Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth: ‘The spirit groans . . . still I dance.’

This book is a must for anyone who has a desire to change something but remains unsure. Constance was a pioneer – challenging and changing the systems for ministry and how church might be.

This book is a must for anyone who has a passion for people and feels God is calling them into ministry but doesn’t feel the time is right. Constance was a pastor who came alongside people to tell them about

the love of Jesus, as well as being a wife and mother. This book is a must for anyone who wants to share and learn more about scripture. Constance was a preacher who knew her Bible and taught others more about the Word of God and the stories of Jesus through words and actions.

It’s a resource book to use for conversations, sermon starters or Bible studies. It’s a story book to read inspiring biographies. It’s an encouraging book that can be gifted to someone who needs to take that step into the unknown.

It came out earlier this year and is a wonderful book to enjoy and use again and again.

Published by the United Reformed Church on behalf of the Council for World Mission, the Congregational Federation and the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women.

Print edition: urcshop.co.uk Digital edition: issuu.com

Price: £7.99

The Jesus I Never Knew By Philip Yancey

Reviewer: Judith Woricker, The Chapel and School Room, Woodham Ferrers

This best-selling classic challenges the preconceptions of what we think we know about Jesus. How do we imagine he looked? How do we hear his voice ringing in our ears? What image do we have of him speaking to the crowds or leading his little band of faithful followers? What was his life really about? What were the main threads of his teaching?

The Emotionally Healthy Leader

Philip Yancey had been to theological college and imagined he knew all the answers. But then doubts crept in and he found he had to go back to the very roots of his faith. A very readable book by one of the world’s best-loved Christian authors.

Published by Zondervan, 1995. Prices vary. Available from all good bookshops.

By Peter Scazzero

Reviewer: David Chadwick, Pastor of Caterham Community Church

For Christmas 2020 I purchased ‘The Emotionally Healthy Leader’ for my elders which was well received, and then further copies for our deacons.

One of the key distinctives of Scazzero’s writing is the premise that emotional and spiritual maturity are intrinsically linked, and that we need to develop in both areas to become mature in Christ. Scazzero proposes that in the Gospel accounts of Jesus we see the perfect combination of spiritual and emotional maturity, which I doubt anyone would contest!

Another key value that comes to light in Peter’s books is the need to embrace the contemplative if we are to thrive in this busy world. Throughout this book you will find many helpful practical examples taken from his life and other leaders to help illustrate his central themes. Although the setting is a multicultural church in New York, it is not difficult to translate and apply to our context.

The book asks questions such as ‘How healthy is your leadership?’, ‘How our past influences our today’ and ‘How healthy is your experience of loving union with God?’

The writer gives plenty of examples of the battles he faced in leadership and how over many years God helped him to mature as a leader. He is disarmingly transparent in the way he describes his own shortcomings and inadequacies, helping us to identify with, and learn from, his experiences.

I believe this book has the ability to help us create Godly foundations in our lives, which will bless our relationships, our leadership teams and our churches so that we can move into a more fulfilling and fruitful leadership experience.

Published by Zondervan, RRP £10.99. Available from all good bookshops

vACANCIES

Congregational

Federation Opportunities

CHURCHES SEEKING mINISTERS

The following churches are seeking ministers/pastors at the present time. If you are interested in receiving more information you must firstly contact the Congregational Federation’s General Secretary, Yvonne Campbell, via our Nottingham office.

Full-time – Dundee, Gilfillan Memorial (Scotland); Haverfordwest Pastorate (Wales); Witney (South West Midlands)

Part-time – Dereham: Cowper Memorial (Eastern); Elstow Bunyan Christian Fellowship (East Midlands); Markfield (East Midlands); Oakamoor (North West Midlands); Shillington (East Midlands); Stalybridge (North West); Bow Congregational Church (South West)

Non-Stipendiary – Frampton (South West Midlands); Oban Congregational Church (Scotland); Penrhys, Llanfair Uniting Church (Wales); Ebenezer Independent Congregational Chapel, Tredegar, Gwent (Wales)

Non-CF Independent Churches – Hagley Free Church, Worcestershire (part-time).

TIPS FOR LIFE ONLINE

Be wary and kind

By Neil Chappell, Social Media & Website Officer, Congregational Federation

I recently received an email claiming to be from a colleague. It began: “Do you have a moment I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply my email.” (Note the poor grammar!)

It went on to ask if I could purchase an Amazon Gift Card for them as a thank you present for a member of their church.

I don’t need to tell you, but it was a scam. It is one of a number that are currently doing the rounds.

We need to be constantly alert to such deception. Scams cause untold heartache and misery, whether through a fraudulent pension advisor or a fake police officer telling you to move money from your bank account.

Christians are naturally trusting people, so it’s no surprise that Jesus warned his disciples in Matthew’s gospel: “So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” That’s actually a very good rule for an online life.

Since this summer there has also been an increase in online abuse on social media, especially following the Euro 2020 football tournament.

So taking all these thoughts together, it’s important for us to be wary and to be kind when we are online, especially when we are interacting as the Church, because we want to come across as authentic and sincere. We want people to like us and to follow us, because the life light of Christ burns in our hearts, and we want nothing else but to show the way to his Kingdom life. We can only show that when we are being kind and compassionate and caring.

The internet is a minefield of dangerous passions and traps, but it also opens up great possibilities to share the Good News message. Next time you start your computer or go on your mobile, enjoy your experience – but remember to be wary and to be kind.

neil.chappell@congregational.org.uk

“Bejoyfulalways;praycontinually; givethanksinallcircumstances, forthisisGod’swillforyouinChristJesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

OCTOBER

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Pray for all the children and young people in our churches who have started a new educational year in nursery, school, college or university.

Pray for all those struggling with mental health problems or waiting for a diagnosis.

Pray for all involved with prisons, including prisoners, staff, chaplains and families.

NOVEmBER

Jeremiah 29:12

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Remember in prayer the Congregational Federation. Pray for its officers, staff and all who serve in an employed or voluntary capacity, as they seek to serve God.

Pray too for all who serve our Area churches in employed and voluntary capacities.

Pray for all those grieving the loss of friends and loved ones.

Pray protection for all those in the armed forces or currently training.

DECEmBER

James 5:13

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

During December please pray for the churches of the Congregational Federation as they worship during Advent and at Christmas welcome lots of new people. Pray that the story of the Nativity will touch and bless all who hear it.

Pray for all refugees who are in new places, adapting to a different culture or still very vulnerable.

Pray for those struggling with financial pressures.

JANUARY 2022

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

During January pray for all our churches at the start of a new year; may it be a year of hope and may there be new opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Please pray for the Congregational Federation as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary.

Pray for the ecumenical body Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, who produce the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity materials, and Churches Together groups in England, Scotland and Wales.

FEBRUARY

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Pray for all the ministers and pastors of our Congregational churches. Pray protection over them and their families, give them wisdom and vision to preach, teach and guide their fellowships in their discipleship.

Pray for deacons and all those with responsibilities in Congregational churches.

Pray for new members and those new in the Christian faith or feeling far from God.

Pray for abundant blessings on all those who worship in our churches.

Pray for all those who suffer prejudice of any kind and give courage to those who need to stand up for others or fight for justice.

Your feedback

Thanks for all your encouraging comments on the first issue of Refresh, and for pointing out a mistake that was made! Here’s what some of you had to say . . .

“I am very encouraged with the first edition of the new magazine –all very positive!”

Mark Tucker, Operations Manager/Company Secretary, Congregational Federation Limited

“I like the new magazine very much indeed, and I have been telling everyone exactly that! It is the kind of ‘coffee table’ magazine that you would be delighted to see someone pick up from your coffee table at home or in the office.”

Dr Walter Riggans, Learning & Development Manager, Congregational Federation

“I would like to say congratulations and thanks for the new magazine Refresh. Well presented with lots to read that is worth reading. I look forward to passing it on to everyone within our congregation here at Narborough, Leicestershire . . .

Very best wishes for the future.”

Helen Chiswell, Secretary, Narborough Congregational Church

“Congratulations on a ‘refreshed’ magazine much more in keeping with a contemporary look . . . a wonderful publication.”

Rev Gerry Simonis, Minister, Radnor Park Congregational Church, Clydebank

“Well done on the new publication. I have read Refresh cover to cover and have thoroughly enjoyed it! I find the format and content refreshing in its clarity and style. I did have a chuckle at Elsie Chamberlain becoming Elsie Chumleigh but, hey ho, stuff happens.”

[Our apologies. Several readers noticed that! – Ed.]

I think Andrew has done us proud.”

Sue Wade, Pastor, Latimer Congregational Church, Stepney