MATSON BAPTIST CHURCH NEWS SHEET 21st March 2020

In these very uncertain times let’s remember that we are ‘People of Hope’ in a world that desperately needs hope, along with the comfort love and forgiveness of God.

We have drawn up a Pastoral Care List, so we will all receive a regular phone call from our designated person, who will explain their role to you.

This first edition of the Matson Baptist Church NEWS SHEET is going out to many via email, and for those who do not use this means we are printing it off and delivering it through your letter box. (If you would prefer a paper copy let Margaret know on email margaret.matsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com or mobile: 07759194700. If you have an email but received it in paper form and want it by email please email Margaret).

Messages: If you have a message which you would like to send to everyone let Margaret know for the next News Sheet.

Prayer requests: please continue to let Shirley have these on 07915074529 or Margaret if it’s not so private and you are happy to have it on the wider circle.

This Weekend for you to watch/listen to:

SUNDAY:

Radio 4: or 05:43 – 05:45 Lent Talks

TV: Freeview Channel (704) 08:10 – 08: 48 Archbishop of Canterbury – Service

TV Channel BBC 1 (01) : 11:45 – 12:15 Sunday Worship for Mother’s Day

13:15 – 13:50 Songs of Praise

[TV Channel numbers are Freeview, and may vary if you have internet TV]

National Day of Prayer and Action this Sunday: Called for by the Archbishop of Canterbury to all denominations.

We are asked to LIGHT a CANDLE and put it in our windows at 7pm Sunday night and pray. (Please open wide curtains and retract blinds – no fires please!!!)

If you have access on your computer go to the Baptist Union of Great Britain website: click on blue square entitled Latest Updates; click on Corona Virus Advice for Churches; click on Guidance and Prayer Resources; Click on Prayer Broadcasts; click on National Day of Prayer Sunday 7pm and participate live! (You can listen to previous coronavirus BU prayer times here also)

West of England Baptist Association:via internet has a message from Nigel Coles – Regional Team Leader – to us all and after a link to the Sunday prayer event.

GENERAL

Freeview TV Channel 725: is Premier Christian Radio

Freeview TV Channel 65: is TBN which has some very good speakers and some not so, so be selective on what they say….

I want to assure you that we are still going to keep in contact via various means which will expand as we get more technical! If you have someone in the house who can link you to the internet then create an email and let me know: margaret.matsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com

PRAYER REQUEST:

Marion B has gone down with a suspected cold and so is having to self-isolate. Pray for her speedy recovery and peace for all the family isolating with her.

Constant in our prayers: That this virus passes quickly; wisdom for our and world leaders in dealing with this situation; resilience for our medical personnel and other key workers; safety for families at home especially the vulnerable; comfort for those who are mourning and will mourn; for those who are on the streets, refugees, famine victims, those in the middle of wars/conflicts…. that they will not be forgotten or abandoned.

There is much we can pray for during this time of isolation, may God have mercy.

A thought for today and each day:

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

I pray that today and in the coming days we will all know in increasing measure, this assurance and reflect it in these difficult days.

When we feel anxious or afraid let’s pray calling on God who promised ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’ and, we may call someone and pray together as God’s family.

Let’s be aware of our neighbours who are anxious, offer them help and our words and prayers no matter how simple they may be, for God’s Spirit is in them and so they are powerful.

Jesus said to the disciples just before returning to heaven ‘I am with you always…’, so they knew they would never be on their own, and neither are you or I, for that is also Jesus’ promise to us.

So,

May the Love of God enfold you.

May the Light of God surround you,

May the power of God protect you,

May the presence of God watches over you,

Wherever you are, God is.

Blessings, from Margaret and the Deacons.