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More Bible study notes

2010-05-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

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Notes for the weeks beginning 10th, 17th, 24th May and 7th June

Bible notes –
Week beginning 10th May

Day one – Read
Philippians 4:6-8 (New Living Translation)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Question one: Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi. What does he say they should do instead of worrying?

Question two: In our prayers what two things does he tell us to do?

Question three: what does he say we should fix our minds on?

Day Two – Think
Fixing our minds on good things helps us not to worry, especially if a situation doesn’t seem to be sorting out straight away. And its then that we learn how to have patience: can you think of a situation in your life which isn’t going right? Given what you have learnt here, what might God want you to do?

Day Three - Pray

Ask God to give you patience in difficult situation and to help you keep your mind fixed on Jesus so you have peace. You might like to use this prayer:

Father, please will to help me with ____________________ thank you that you are always with me and helping me by your Holy Spirit. Please help me to keep my thoughts on good things.
In Jesus name
Amen

Bible notes –
Week beginning 17th May

Day one – Read
Luke 10:30-37 (New Living Translation)
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was travelling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Question one: Which person was it that showed goodness?

Question two: Why was it a surprise that it was him and not the others who helped?

Day two – Read
Matthew 5:13-15 (New Living Translation) Teaching about Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

Question one : What is food like without salt? And, what would it be like if we had no lights at night?

Question Two: Why do you think Jesus was saying we are like salt and light?

Day Three – Think
Who could we go out of our way to be kind to this week? What kind of goodness could we bring to the lives of the people around us? Is there someone you could talk to about Jesus – and shed a little light? How can you act in a right way this week and bring a little salt? (Hint: perhaps refuse to gossip? Or not swear or be rude?)

Day Four - Pray
Why not ask God to help you be a Good Samaritan to someone this week, brining a bit of salt and light? You could use this prayer if you like:
Lord, please will you help me to be good to the people I would rather not hang out with and please will you help me to not join in with bad behaviour especially _________________________
In Jesus name, Amen

Bible notes –
Week beginning 24th/31st May

Day one – Read

Proverbs 3:3-6 (New International Version)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
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.
Question one: what do love and faithfulness bring you?

Question two: What does trusting God and recognising him in your life do?

Day Two – Think
Why do you think it is that being faithful to God will win you a good name? (Hint: how does God want us to behave?) And why do you think there is a connection between us trusting God and him helping us see the way forward in life?

Day Three - Pray

God is always faithful to us, but sometime we have trouble being faithful to him. Why not ask God to help you trust him more and act in a way that pleases him. You could use this prayer:

Lord, thank you so much that you are always faithful to us. Please help me to put my trust in you and do things your way. Please show me the way this week

In Jesus name
Amen

Bible notes –
Week beginning 7th June

Day one – Read

Proverbs 25:14-17 (The Message)

Like billowing clouds that bring no rain
is the person who talks big but never produces.
Patient persistence pierces through indifference;
gentle speech breaks down rigid defences.
A Person Without Self-Control
When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down;
eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome;
show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.
Question one: what does gentle speech do? What might harsh speech do? Question two: What happens is we don’t have any self control?

Day Two – Think Sometimes it can be very easy to answer someone back out of anger, but this proverb shows that if we hold back (show self control) and speak in a gentle way, we can get a good outcome rather than a bad one. Can you think of a situation in your life where gentleness might help? The proverb tells us to hold back on chocolate and bugging people. What is God asking you to hold back on?

Day Three - Pray Ask god for the ability to hold back and be gentle instead. You could use this prayer if you like? Lord, thank you that you are wise in every situation. Please show me when I need to be gentle or to hold back from saying or doing something. In Jesus name Amen

Latest Bible Study notes...

2010-04-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Bible Study notes for weeks beginning 19th, 26th April and 3rd May

Bible notes – Week Beginning 19th April
The Bible study notes are looking at the bit of the Bible we will next look at in club... so you get to think about it first!

Day one – Read Acts 1:1-8 (The Message) To the Ends of the World Dear Theophilus, in the first volume of this book I wrote on everything that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he said good-bye to the apostles, the ones he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. After his death, he presented himself alive to them in many different settings over a period of forty days. In face-to-face meetings, he talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God. As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but "must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon." When they were together for the last time they asked, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?" He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Question one: What did Jesus tell the disciples to do?
Question two: the disciples were in a hurry to see the present difficulties pass and for Israel to be restored. In your own words, what did Jesus tell them?

Day Two – Think What are the things you want in your life right now? Is there anything you think God might be asking you to wait for? What is it he wants you to do this week, this month?

Day Three – Explore/Do Make a list of your hopes and ambitions for the future. Make a second list with all the things/subjects you are good at or enjoy. What do these lists tell you about the way God has made you and what he might want you to do for him both NOW and in the future?

Bible notes – Week Beginning 26th April
The Bible study notes are looking at the bit of the Bible we will next look at in club... so you get to think about it first!

Day one – Read Acts 2:1-24 (Contemporary English Version) Read it HERE

Question one: What did Peter do when Jesus was arrested?
Question two: How is Peter different now the Holy Spirit has come?

Day Two – Think Peter was a good man, but he wouldn’t have had the strength to tell everyone about Jesus that day, without the Holy Spirit giving him the power and bravery to do it. What do you need bravery for at the moment?

DayThree – Pray It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do God’s work and to grow more like Jesus. The more we give our lives over to God, the more we will seem him in our lives. This week, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life and ask Him what it is he wants you to be doing for him.

Bible notes –Week beginning 3rd May
The Bible study notes are looking at the bit of the Bible we will next look at in club... so you get to think about it first!

Day one – Read: Galatians 5:16 and 22-23 “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves ... But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Question 1 – How can we let the Holy Spirit guide our lives? (Hint: how do you know if something is right or wrong?). Question 2 – How do you think the Holy Spirit goes about producing the “fruit” in your life? Have a guess even if you are not sure...

Day Two – Think Can you list all the things people have said or done to you which you think are LOVE? List all the things you can think of which have brought you JOY...

Day Three - Pray As God to help you be open to the Holy Spirit and the things he is wanting to teach you. Ask God to help you show more love and bring more Joy to other people.

Lent - Week 6 Good Friday

2010-04-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

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Here we are at the end of Lent. We are at a point, which for the disciples, must have been the darkest day of their lives. Surely it wasn't so long ago that had this conversation:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.

Matthew 16:13-17

Where had all that gone? They thought he was to be King and now he was dead. They must have felt such despair. How blessed we are to be able to stand at Good Friday, knowing that the Glory of Easter Day will soon be upon us.

We can stand and see both the loving sacrifice of Jesus which paid for all our sins, and His mighty resurrection which is victory over death and a pathway to restoration.

All through lent, in these thoughts, we have been thinking about giving up consumerism. Consumerism says, life is about you, your happiness. You should have all these things you see, by right. Consumerism says your material comfort is of the utmost importance and it is unjust for you not to have these things.

The cross says "not my will but yours". Not even my life, but Yours.

And as we stand in awe of what Jesus gave, we can look back and hear his words:

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

We know we are called to more than just our own needs, our own comfort. And then we look forward to the words of the risen Jesus:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-21

Life really is all about Jesus. About being agents of His Kingdom here on earth and about drawing people into the knowledge of his love, sacrifice and great victory.

I wonder what this Easter will bring us? I wonder how the Spirit might speak to us through our Bible reading and the services we attend? I wonder what commission Jesus will give us for the weeks and months to come.

We can be sure of this, if we lay down our own wants and take up His, we will find Him true to His word: And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Bible stuff - April to July 2010

2010-03-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

Below is the list of things we will be doing on a Monday night at St. Michael's next term - but you can also follow the Bible notes on this blog:

Bible notes for the Easter holidays

2010-03-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

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Senior Church club Bible notes – Easter Holidays

The Bible study notes are looking at the bit of the Bible we will next look at in club (on Monday nights)... so you get to think about it first!

Day one - Read Matthew 28:16-20 (Pray: Ask God to help you understand his word, before you read the passage...)
The Great Commission
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Question one: What three things did Jesus tell his disciples to do?

Question two: Can you explain those three things in your own words?

Day Two – Think (Pray: Ask God to help you think about this question, ask him to give you wisdom...)
Jesus said that the whole of God’s law could be summed up with Love God and love your neighbour: what has that got to do with the Bible passage?

Day Three – Explore (Pray: Ask God to help you think about what it means to be a disciple and ask him to show you what he wants from you as one of his disciples...)
Have a look on http://dictionary.cambridge.org – type in Disciple: What can you learn about what it means to be a disciple?

Day Four – Do (Pray: Ask God to lead you to the right book for you...)
Have a look on http://www.eden.co.uk in their teen section (for example http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/youth_teen_life_issues_108/index.html) pick a book you think will help you grow as a disciple of Jesus and either buy it or order it from your local library

#2 Growing Faith - Reading the Bible

2010-03-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

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Remember a while back we looked at Fruit of the Spirit? If you go to church club on a Monday, we will be looking at them next term. Growing in faith (and seeing the fruit of the Spirits work in our lives) means seeking God and acting on His word... of course we would have a job acting on it if we... never read it.

Bible reading. It can be really hard can't it? Of course all you Monday people have started doing just that with our weekly notes! There are also some very cool/helpful notes that you can buy, for example you could try Breakfast with God or Knowing God better than ever - its worth trying a few until you find something that suits you... and you can always borrow something off the youth worker!! If you ask Him, God will help you find something right for you... I mean what a great prayer: "Father please help me to read your word and to find things which help me understand it" ... Brilliant!

In the mean time, if you dont go to a Monday night group, how about trying the Bible studies they are doing? Below is last weeks notes (I will use a separate post for the notes for the Easter holidays)... may God bless you as you seek him more and more.

Senior Church club Bible notes – Week beginning 22nd March

Quoted from the ReJesus web site: "What is the significance of the resurrection?
For the first Christians, the greatest significance of the resurrection was that it turned the verdict about Jesus on its head. Without it, he was just another failed guru, strung up naked on a pagan gibbet, punished by God for his false teachings and claims about himself. But by raising him from the dead, God instead set his seal of approval on him, vindicating his teachings and claims.
As they reflected further, though, the early Christians saw more and more in it. In fact, it could be said that most of the New Testament is about unpacking the meaning of the resurrection.
Essentially, the realisation they came to was this: Because Christ rose from the dead, those who belong to him and are united with him will rise from the dead, too, and share in his power and glory…
“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you”. 1 Peter 1:3-4
And not only is that a promise for beyond the grave, but that same resurrection power is at work in believers even now, transforming their lives and changing them to be more like Jesus…
“Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Romans 6:9 and 11" (http://www.rejesus.co.uk)

Day one - Read 1 Peter 1:3-15 (Pray: Ask God to help you in life’s trials. Think of some of your friends who don’t know Jesus and ask him to help them understand what Jesus death and resurrection means)

Question one
As followers of Jesus we have been born again and have eternal life. How do verses 3-5 say this is possible?

Question two
What do verses 6-9 say trials show? And what is the reward for trusting God?

Question three
We are people saved by God and given eternal life. What do verses 10-15 say about how we are to live?

Day Two – Read Romans 6:6-14 (Pray: Ask God to help you serve him. Say sorry for the times you have ignored him and ask him to help you follow him more closely.
You could even ask God if there is something particular he would like you to do.... could be more bible and prayer, could be talking to others about Jesus, could be volunteering somewhere... or something completely different!!)

Question one
In verses 6-11: how is it that we are dead to sin and alive to God?

Question two
What do verses 12 – 14 say about how we are to use our bodies and lives? Can you think of some practical examples about what this means to you, for your life?

Lent 2010 - week 5

2010-03-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

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All though Lent we have been looking at "giving up consumerism" and what it means to be rich towards God. Tomorrow we enter holy week, and we begin the journey to the cross - and beyond (but more of that next week).

For the last couple of weeks I, along with others, have been delivering "the meaning of Easter" lessons to year 8. As part of that we show the scene from the film "The Miracle Maker" where Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane. Even though it is a cartoon, even though I have seen that part of the film what feels like a million times, it never grows old for me.

Because there for all to see, is the cost of love. The beginning of the price God paid (it being completed on the cross) to redeem us and all creation. Sometimes we can slip into the rote of Easter being here again, passing though the festival without stopping to look once again at the wealth of God's love as demonstrated in Jesus.

It is truly astounding. Jesus gave all he had, his very life - and he is the true example of humanity, the perfect demonstration of what it means to live as we were always meant to -in love worship and submission to God the Father.

How all our material goods, our passing difficulties and the things we think make us "somebody" pale into insignificance. As Paul said:

" I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ" Philippians 3:7-8

As we enter holy week, lets once again lay down our lives, fall in love again with Jesus and all he has done for us, walking with him to the cross.

Lent 2010 - Week 4

2010-03-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

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This week, more on rich relationships...

Jesus knew a thing or two about time management. Admittedly, he didn't live in our post 80's, free market, time is money, survival of the fittest culture...

But all the same.

There have always been pressures on time, there has always been the temptation to find other things more attractive than decent time with our heavenly father, and Jesus modeled a better way.

He only had three years to bring in the kingdom of God in word and action, before his time had come.

And he needed to prepare for that too - nothing less than the sacrifice of his own life - traded for ours and all people's. Which is why you read, at each strategic moment in his life, that Jesus went away and spend time with his dad:

"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:15-16

And if he needed it, how much more do we need it. We find ourselves in places where we wonder how on earth we got there, or why life is like it is. We feel like we are going under, or that we have lost direction. Perhaps we even blame God for it.

But life always was a matter of perspective - its that age old thing of is the glass half empty or half full? Perhaps the reason Jesus was able to say "not my will but yours" in the agony of Gethsemane, was because he had spent so much of his life listening to what that will was.

So how to find the water of the Spirit with which to fill our glass half full?

Its at this point I would normally waffle on about reading the bible and praying, which is of course, what Jesus did. But I would like to suggest something else too. Lets look for people who have a rich relationship with God and hang out with them. Copy them, let their way of life - rub off on ours.

We have a good precedent, the apostle Paul says:

"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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-10

So lets do it, whether its some one we know or someone famous, lets find people who model a rich relationship with God - and put it into practice.

Lent 2010 - Week 3

2010-03-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

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This week we continue to look at our choices between wealth, time and God, with a further look at what the Bible has to say on the matter.

Jesus says something we all know, but sometimes find hard to put into practice:

"Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

(my italics) Luke 12:13-15

It's hard isn't it? R and I have just got a new TV - he won it through work, and it IS amazing! Should we not be pleased with it? Should we not have it? It depends whether its the TV that matters the most. Jesus goes on to say:

"Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Luke 12:16-21

Jesus doesn't say we can't have wealth, what he does say, is there really isn't much point in any of it if we don't have a rich relationship with God. And everything we have, everything we are, it flows through our relationship with Jesus. Its how the kingdom of heaven enters this world.

Everything belongs to God, everything flows through him. As it says in the Common Worship liturgy:

"Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you."

And this isn't a concept restricted to the new testament. It is a golden thread through all scripture, that we should put first in our lives a rich relationship with Jesus, on the understanding that everything belongs to him in the first place:

‘I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’

“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:13-15

This lent, lets ask ourselves - do we view all that we own as belonging to God? How do our actions reflect that? And, how are we actively growing a rich relationship with God?

Lent 2010 - Week 2

2010-03-03T03:13:00.000-08:00

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Last week we looked at how Jesus calls us to give to those in need and how we can share the material wealth we have.

This week we turn to look at something more important than the possessions we have - our time. Jesus points out that we can't have two masters, that it will either be God or money:

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)

I would like to suggest that it is because we only really have the time to devote our hearts, minds and actions to one - so with two in our lives, resentment creeps in.

And the pull of possessions is very strong on all of us. Just add up how much time you spend watching TV/on the internet/in the cinema each week. Now none of these things are bad, in fact they can be good, if for no other reason than they give you something to talk about with friends and family.

But time is precious and we need to consider what we spend it on.

There are less obvious "masters" to be considered - we all have work to do, whether paid, or in education but finding that "work-life balance" can be difficult. Its hard to take time to consider time when you don't have any. But all the same, if we are truly to be rich and not be a slave to the master consumerism, this issue of our time - needs time.

Because lets face it, TV time, essays at the last minute because we faffed earlier, extra hours in the office for a bit of overtime... they are worth nothing compared to family and friends. And the same goes for our friendship with God - I mean when we think about it in the light of day, which "master" do we really want? Friendship with our ipod or eternal friendship with the King?

Some times it takes a tragedy for us really realise it. It's then that we realise that the things we thought mattered (things which in daily life we might allow to "master" us) are worthless compared to the precious time we have with one another and with God.

This week, why not set aside an hour to consider your time. Figure out where an when you need to do that essential study/work and then book yourself some quality time in with God and with your family and friends. Because Jesus is right, we really can only have one master - and He is without doubt the most compassionate one.

#1 Growing Faith - Fruit of the Spirit

2010-02-23T03:36:00.000-08:00

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If you go to "in the kitchen" on a Monday night, you will have already seen this idea for "Fruit of the Spirit".

This is of course, the nine attributes mentioned in Galatians 5 which God, through his Spirit is growing in our lives. They are good things:

Galatians 5:22-23 (New Living Translation)

^"22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

While I was away at Sizewell over the half term (a few days for youth workers and their family) the speaker gave this suggestion: List the Fruit of the Spirit and then give yourself a mark out of ten.

Once you have done this, take a look at your marks and ask God which of these nine qualities he would like you to grow in - then commit to just that.

It might be that right now you are struggling with someone, this could be an indicator that God is growing patience in you. Or perhaps you are quick to judge or use harsh words? Maybe God wants to grow gentleness and kindness in you.

You get the idea.

Remember, this is the fruit of Gods work in our lives - we can't achieve this on our own! This means you need to find a way to connect to God in your life - when is a good time for you to pray? Are there people you could pray with? When do you read the Bible and how? What might help you with it?

I will be looking at some of these questions here on the youth worker blog and you will be able to find them under the label "Growing Faith"

Why not score yourself today, and look at it again at the beginning of the summer holidays? I also suggest you keep a few notes as you go along about how you are doing in your chosen fruit.

May we all grow to be more like Jesus.

Lent 2010 - week 1

2010-02-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

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This year's theme for lent from this corner of the blogosphere, is "giving up consumerism".

Now before you think of lentils and living in a tent, I'm aiming for more of a practical angle. We hear and read so much about reducing our carbon footprint, buying fair trade, giving to those in need. Jesus had plenty to say about that:

" When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Matthew 6:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Interesting how Jesus says "when" you give to someone in need not "if". Now we all have finite resources. Some of us are too young or don't have the time because of school work, to have a job. So how can we give?

What is true of the world stage, is true of our personal lives. If we wish to see others have more, we need to have less. Whether that is less "carbon" or less cash. It might mean we have to cut down on our carbon footprint, or it might mean buying less clothes so we can afford fair trade ones.

As John the baptist said:

"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." Luke 3:11 (New International Version)

And in our country, there are not many people with only "one coat". It doesn't matter how old you are, it doesn't matter how much money you have - in fact cutting down on the amount of "stuff" you consume saves you money.

Love clothes? Buy second hand. In charge of the electricity bill? Swap to Ecotricity.

As we approach lent, why not do the traditional thing, and give something up? See whether is really is so bad to do without bottled water and make to with tap.

Over the next few weeks I will be continuing to look at what it means to give up consumerism and consume, our fair share of the resources - so that we too can learn to give in the quiet - God is the only one who sees it - way that Jesus suggests.

The Fusioneer

2010-01-23T01:21:00.000-08:00

Well its time to put into action something I have been meaning to do for ages - start a Fusion316 magazine. The idea is it will be online and also have a small print amount each month (not including the video/audio content obviously).

I want you to write about what interests you/bugs you/ gets you motivated...
you can write about pretty much anything, but here's some more info:

What is The Fusioneer?
It is the monthly magazine for Fusion3:16 run by the young people and youth workers. It is online and in print (you can ask the Fusion3:16 youth worker for a copy).
Can I volunteer to help run the Fusioneer?
If you are a regular attendant of something Fusion3:16 runs, or an older young person we still regularly keep up with... yes. We need people to help choose monthly content and write regular feature articles.
What Can I Submit to the Fusioneer and how? You can submit articles, short stories (up to 2500 words), poetry, art work (remember it will be in black and white in the printed version), video and audio - online version only! You need to email your submission to the Fusion3:16 youth worker by the 20th of the month. You can submit a one off article, or become a feature writer, where you write an article each month.

Topics for the magazine at the moment are:
World news
Local news
Fusion3:16 news
Poetry
Short Stories
Bible (write about your favorite passage)
Life (and how you see it or an article on an aspect of life that interests you)
Faith (what does it mean to be a young Christian right now?)
Artwork
Video/Audio

New year, new start

2010-01-06T03:25:00.000-08:00

It's always a dilemma whether to make new years resolutions or not.

On one hand, its just a gimmick and no one ever keeps them anyway, but on the other hand, its a great opportunity for a new start, to do things we have been meaning to do.

To grasp life with both hands, all over again.

So what to resolve? If you are looking for something to help grow your relationship with God, how about a new Bible reading plan? YouVersion has a variety of reading plans and you can even get an app for your mobile if you want to read it on the go.

And if you want to do more than just read, the web site allows you to contribute your thoughts on your choice of verses, and you can follow other people too! You can even tweet your verses.

Or perhaps you might like to do something practical? How about something from the Living Lightly web pages? I have of course, mentioned this site before, but if you are wanting a fresh eco start, its the place to go.

And if you want to think more about this subject but don't know where to start, how about coming to the Cinematecus film night on February 26th? Its 7.30 to 9.30/10pm: We will watch the film "the age of stupid" followed by 15 minute first reactions discussion, 15 minutes to look at take action resources and the optional extra half hour for discussion.

You can see the details in my calendar on the blog.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope this year is one full of new opportunities and an ever deepening relationship with God -

Happy New Year!

Christmas message

2009-12-23T03:55:00.001-08:00

Hello.

I was thinking about writing something about Christmas, but then came across this Christmas talk via Twitter, and thought you might like to read what the bishop of London had to say...

Christmas and climate change

Only by imitating God's generosity and responding to his call for community can humanity survive

a Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year everyone!

Advent 09 - reading nine

2009-12-16T07:23:00.001-08:00

It's Christmas in just over a week and we have arrived at our last advent reading:

John 1:1-14

If Christmas day is the detail, this passage is the big picture. The birth of Jesus was the beginning of God's rescue plan for humanity, kept in his heart from the beginning, spoken about through the prophets and realised through his Son, who was God, is God from the beginning and through all time.

But how is this great event, how is Jesus, who is God, perceived? In two ways, according to the dictionary:

Jesus (Christ) noun

(the title given to) the man who his religious followers believe is the son of God and on whose teachings and life Christianity is based

AND

Jesus (Christ) exclamation

an expression of surprise, shock or anger.

So for some Jesus is the Light of the World and for others he is merely a word used to express anger.

I would like to suggest that we are not only called to celebrate his birth, but proclaim it too, so that others may experience the light and love of God.
How do we do this? There are many ways, forgiving someone, giving time and money to a good cause, speak directly about Jesus to someone are to name but a few.

Perhaps this Christmas we might take some time to ask God how and what he wants us to do this Christmas and in the year to come, to enable his love to flourish in our part of his world.

An extra: fancy thinking about the Christmas story in a different way? Try this: Nativity Icon

Advent 09 - reading eight

2009-12-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

We have made it to the penultimate of our nine traditional redings for Christmas, and this week it is:

Matthew 2: 1–12

The Magi, wise men, travelers from the east... were probably people who watched the skies for signs and events, so when Jesus' star rose, they recognised it as something of importance, and not only followed it, but brought what they thought might be appropriate, with them: Gold for a King, Frankincense for deity and Myrrh for sacrifice and burial.

How right they were.

As you may have noticed in my previous post, this year does seem to be a time where people are stopping and looking. Looking to see how there must be more than buying stuff, more than broken communities, more than a broken environment.

Perhaps it is a sign. Or maybe we can make it one. As people begin to search for more, maybe we can be a star, leading them to Jesus.

Maybe, this advent, in the way we speak and act, we can bring appropriate gifts to Jesus:

the Gold of our lives given to the King

the Frankincense of our worship offered to our God

and the Myrrh of our lives given in service to Jesus.

And what that means for each of us may be different, but what ever God is calling us to do, now is the time to do it.
I mean, if the wise men had stayed at home, just like if the shepherds had stayed in their fields... they would have missed meeting the Saviour of the World.

Fusion3:16 Christmas, Advent and all things green

2009-12-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

Perhaps its the Copenhagen climate conference, but this Advent, the theme definitely seems to be consumerism versus community.

And there seem to be so many people with helpful advice on how to go about living more responsibly, reconnecting with people around you, fighting off the crushing "requirement" at Christmas to buy far more than we ever need.

So many in fact, it can dazzle you into complete in action. I mean, lets face it, Christmas is busy enough.

So perhaps we should all pick a few things each, and not worry so much about the rest. In the Turnbull house, we have bought our Christmas meat (and will get our veg) from a local farm shop, as suggested by the Living Lightly web site, have asked a few people (not everyone, I have to say) to buy us Present Aid presents and some people are getting cakes instead of cards this year.

And what about Fusion3:16? Well, we are having a variety of events such as: Viaticus, the Junction, raising money for a cow, the Christmas wrap event, the Christmas meet up and the Christmas party and midnight mass to help us all remember that Christmas really is about Jesus, about God's love for us, and being part of a community.

What ever we do, with which ever organisations ideas or help, however big or small, it certainly seems to be time to stop talking and take action.

And if you are interested in the whole climate change/change of lifestyle thing, here are some more people (other than the links above) talking about it: Breathe, Superbadger, the Prince of Wales, nigels ecostore.

Advent 09 - readings six and seven

2009-12-04T03:52:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed you didn't get an advent reading last week... so to make up for it you have two together this week.

Our first reading is:

Luke 2:1-7

Such a quiet thing, such an everyday miracle. No Choirs of angels for Mary and Joseph at Jesus' birth... (the shepherds saw the angels).

In the middle of hardship, worry and pain, in poverty and obscurity, God Almighty himself steps into human history.

And all you would have heard way the cry of a baby.

It is no different today. We see so much difficulty around us. Hurt, hardship, worry, poverty. And we can wonder where on earth God is. It can seem so very hard to see His presence and hear his voice.

But he is born again in every act of forgiveness, every kind word in the face of adversity, each commitment to love, persevering where others have stepped away.

And we may wonder what is the point of unseen patience and forgiveness that only we know about? But there will be a day when Jesus comes again and all those unseen things will become visible. (Matthew 10:26)

We continue in faith, even though Christ's presence might feel as obscure as his birth, because now we only see in part, but one day we will see in full. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Our next reading is:

Luke 2:8-16

This passage gives me great hope. Is it kings, rulers, intellectuals or pop stars that God chooses to announce his birth to?

Oh no, they were shepherds.

Which gives me great joy in knowing that God announces himself to us ordinary people (and to kings as it happens) and that we too may go and see the thing the Lord has told us about.

But we do need to go and see. What would have happened if the shepherds had said "oh that was a lovely time of fellowship with the lord" and gone back to their sheep?

They would have missed meeting Emmanuel, God with us. God in action, God in the world, Jesus the hope of the nation and the saviour of our souls.

They would have missed him.

If ever we have an experience of God, whether big our small, some quiet revelation, some beautiful outpouring of the Spirit... lets not just go back to what we were doing before, lets go see what Jesus is doing in the world, lets be part of what He is doing.

So we too can witness the presence of God, entering his world, just as the shepherds did.

Guest blog: RWANDA DIRECT - IPSWICH NEWSLETTER

2009-12-02T02:57:00.000-08:00

**please note, if you want to help with fund raising for the cow, please let Karen know!**

RWANDA DIRECT - IPSWICH NEWSLETTER

Secretary: David Meikle, 172 Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9JN email:davidandrosie@dsl.pipex.com

Treasurer: Jonathan Parratt, 13 Tovells Road, Ipswich IP4 4DY email:jonoparratt@orange.net

NOVEMBER 2009

Dear supporters,

We would like to begin this newsletter with a story told by Katherine Sharples who visited Rwanda earlier this year. She kindly took out a Laptop for us for the Theological College. She spent her time in the Kigeme Diocese, one of the poorest in Rwanda. She was asked to visit parishes and teach on ‘Servanthood’. As part of her teaching she re-enacted the time when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. All went well until she arrived at a small and remote village. She asked for water to be able to wash feet, and a lady from the village had to walk a 40 minute round trip to get some.

How we take things like water for granted, while our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world continue to struggle.

Which is why the theme of this Newsletter is fittingly, self sufficiency.

You will be pleased to know that the Container we sent out at the beginning of this year eventually arrived and was opened in July! At last Ceformi (a Technical College in Kigali which provides teenagers with a skill to enable them to follow a trade) and a similar College in Gahini, which is in the process of getting off the ground, now have some tools to help them with the task. Japhet Ndoriyabuya, the new Director of Ceformi, sent me some pictures of the students at work with the tools we sent.

We are so grateful to be linked up with ‘Tools with a Mission’ who provide the reconditioned tools free of charge. We pay for the Container space.

Another Container sets off to Rwanda in December. This time we have booked space for Scripture Union in Rwanda. We discovered that they support 6 groups of Widows and Orphans in some of the remote rural areas. We are sending 15 sewing machines, and 15 knitting machines to enable them to make a living for themselves, and hopefully lift themselves out of poverty. Please pray for the safe arrival of this Container, and for a successful outcome for these groups.

SU staff on Retreat at Karambo, paid by RD

In addition, Jean Baptiste is concerned to make the library at SU Headquarters a good resource for Pastors and other Church leaders. Therefore we are also including 10 reconditioned desktop computers in the Container.

While on the subject of computers, thanks to Andy Isles’ sponsored walk, a gift from a CMS supporter, and a further anonymous gift, we were able to send 3 new laptops to the College for their IT course. As we said above, Kathryn took one out for us. The other 2 were taken by the young people from Martlesham, Kesgrave and Rushmere, who also took 3 reconditioned ones out for SU! We are so grateful to our

Couriers. If anyone reading this knows of anyone visiting Rwanda, we would always like to know in case we have more to send!

Again the reconditioned ones came through TWAM, and have been a Godsend to SU. Here is part of a letter received from Jean Baptiste: ‘The laptops have been very helpful. One of them was able to receive a flash disc is now used by our Accountant. She is a lady, and the laptop helped her to stay with her family in evening hours. She used to work until late in the night, but now for urgent work, she uses the laptop while staying with her family. Others are used by the volunteers who are now finishing the writing of the Bible reading notes.’

And finally, while on the subject of ‘self sufficiency’, the Theological College has a good bit of land, and their desire is to be self sufficient in food, to provide for their students. This year they had a particularly good harvest of sorghum, providing plenty of porridge for the students! They also now have a cow which is about to calve. However to provide sufficient milk for the students, they need more!

SO! We would like to be able to give them a Christmas present of another cow! A good cross breed cow costs in Rwanda £900 to buy, so that is our aim. Will you help us? When thinking of Christmas presents, will you remember Rwanda, and give a gift for the cow? Any amount, large or small would be welcome. It would be good if together we could raise the £900. Any gifts can be handed to Jonathan, or any other member of the RD team.

In addition we are planning to have a ‘cow’ walking through the Cornhill on December 19^th, to raise awareness and hopefully add to our funds for the cow! For this to be successful we need volunteers to be the cow! We have got the costume! Also we need people walking with the cow, giving out leaflets and collecting money. CAN YOU HELP?

I was hoping to get a picture of Louis Muvunyi (College Principal) with the 1 cow they have before this newsletter, but sadly it hasn’t yet arrived. However hopefully it will arrive soon and we will have posters available to help advertising!

I think that is all for now.

Please continue to pray and do all you can to help our brothers and sisters in Rwanda help themselves.

Paul, Catherine, Jonathan, Andy I, Phil, Jane, AndyT, David

Guest post: Living Lightly from A Rocha

2009-11-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

This Advent the Church of England are taking time to slow down and consider our lifestyle with daily challenges and thoughts.

So what better time to introduce you to A Rocha with this guest article from their Living Lightly web site:

What gives you the most amount of pleasure in life? Maybe itʼs playing with
your kids, watching the hum of city streets, planting some seeds, creating
something in your workshop, walking with God in the fields, seeing a friend
step closer to Jesus…
Whatever those things are they are likely to be based on the relationships we
have; the relationships with God, with other people and with the natural world
around us. Yet, too often, our lives get taken over with stuff: we work long
hours, get distracted by consumer gadgets and donʼt have time to spend on
those relationships that matter, including our relationship with the rest of
creation.
Living Lightly is a new website from A Rocha that is designed to help us live
more lightly in Godʼs world through every area of our lives, from our own dayto-
day choices through to campaigning and what happens in our churches
and workplaces. Living Lightly will give you ideas of things you can do, further
information on key issues, links to useful website and resources, and an
online community that you can share your thoughts and questions with.
So do have a look at arocha.org.uk/livinglightly and be inspired to see what
you can do to live lightly in this amazing world.
Please also consider becoming a ʻFriend of A Rochaʼ - it is absolutely free of
charge and we will send you a booklet about A Rocha. As a Friend you will
receive regular news of our work through our free magazine, which we
produce three times a year.
To become a Friend of A Rocha please send your name and address, stating
where you heard of A Rocha, to uk@arocha.org.uk.

Advent 09 - reading five

2009-11-20T04:16:00.000-08:00

Mary. A lot has been said about her, written about her. Sometimes its hard to see the woman for all the history.

A quick Google round the internet and you will see people say she was anything between 12 and 17 when she had Jesus. However old she was, she was young. God didn't wait until she had had a child so she knew what she was doing, he didn't even wait until she was officially married.

Which made things a little awkward for her and Joseph, to say the least. And yet the Bible says she was blessed:

Luke 1: 26–38

It all sounds so romantic doesn't it? But wait a minute - Mary not only has to figure out things with Joseph, but they both have to deal with the enormity that their first child actually belongs to God...

That they have both been chosen to raise God's son. They must have been so confused, frightened. There must have been times, in spite of Josephs love, in spite of Elizabeth's support, that Mary must have felt very alone. She was, after all in a unique position.

But here is where we can really learn from Mary:
She trusted God.
She accepted God's way, not any other way, for her life.

Sounds so simple doesn't it? But her life was never simple. It started with Joseph thinking she had been unfaithful (although God explained it all to him) and a mere 33 years later she watched her first born son die horribly. And there was a lot of ups and downs in between (see Luke 2:48-50 and Matthew 12 45-47 as examples)

And that's the thing.

We have complicated lives too. We might not be asked to carry God's Son into the world, but we all have trials, and God calls all of us to his service. We couldn't do better, than with prayer and hope in Jesus, trusting God as Mary did and accepting Gods way, not any other way for our lives...

Just as Mary did.

Questions: What are you struggling with in your life? In those situations, what do you think it might mean for you to trust God? To accept his way? Talk to Jesus about it...

Advent 09 - reading four

2009-11-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

You may think I am labouring a point this week. But then, I believe it is an ongoing, life changing, God honouring... point. This week's reading is:

Isaiah 11:1-9

As I was saying last week, Advent is the time when, we not only remember the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but also look forward to his return.

This passage is about Jesus. Its about when he came 2000 years ago, its about when he will return.

In becoming a man, God has entered all our lives, brought in his kingdom. Not perhaps in the way people thought he would - many were expecting the overthrow of earthly enemies, of the removal of oppression and injustice.

And they were. And they are. Funny thing, the Kingdom of God.

Jesus brought it in, but somehow its also still coming in... and won't get finished until Jesus returns. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, that's where we come in.

Our redeemed lives are not our own, we were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and our new, whole lives are meant for Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:16-18)

How is this worked out? Those of you who come on a Monday night will have been listening to the Advent MP3's and videos from Proost connected to these subjects. This week's one had something very important to say:

"pray for the courage to lie down with lions
pray for the wisdom to know when we are wolves"

Seeing the sort of justice Isaiah spoke of doesn't always mean becoming a UN peacekeeper. Mostly it means becoming an everyday peacekeeper, by forgiving those who hurt us and saying sorry and starting anew with those we have hurt.

And remember, we don't do this alone, God who is with us, Jesus our saviour, gives us light and life through his Spirit for tasks such as this.

Our Father who is in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth
As it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
and forgive our wrong doing
as we forgive those who have done wrong against us
For yours is the kingdom
The glory
The power
Now
and forever
Amen

Who do you need to forgive? Keep on forgiving? Who do you need to make amends to? Keep on loving?

Advent 09 - reading three

2009-11-08T08:09:00.001-08:00

You don't have to look very far to see we live in an unjust, unfair world.

Homelessness here in the UK, post conflict crisis in Sri Lanka and famine in east Africa... The ongoing climate crisis, which of course effects the poor the most.

As we said last week, dark times indeed.

But Jesus is the light of the world, and Advent is the time when we not only remember his coming, but also look forward to his return.

Isaiah 9:2; 9:6-7

We have the light of hope. Not an "I wish it was so" hope, but as Paul put it: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1)

We have faith that Jesus will return, that all the worlds injustice will be removed, that he will rule a world of fairness and love for perfect eternity.

In the dark of humanity's winter, he is our eternal spring.

But that is then. What of now? Jesus has victory now, so how come there is the aforementioned injustice?

Its all about the kingdom of God being here... and incoming.

Jesus IS Lord, and until he returns, he has left the bringing of justice and fairness... to us.

Do you believe this? When you read your Bible, can you see how we are called to do what Jesus did, and "to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour" (see Luke 4:16-21)

And if you believe it, what are you going to do about it? Because we are called to be doers of the word, not hearers only (James 1:22)

This Advent, why not take a look at what you might DO.
You could volunteer at church. There are also many other places to get up and do something. Here are some links to help you:

Christian Aid

Living lightly

Tear Fund

V inspired

volunteer England

Advent 09 - reading two

2009-11-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

The second in our series on the nine lessons for Christmas is Genesis 22:15-18.

Can you imagine. Abraham had been promised a child. But he had to wait a long time. Way beyond the circumstances in which you might think it possible to have a child, stretching his and Sarah's faith to the very limit. And after all the waiting, finally, Isaac.

And then God asks Abraham to sacrifice him. What kind of sick world, Abraham must have thought, do we live in, that I wait a lifetime for a child, only for him to be taken from me.

Dark times indeed.

But Isaiah 45:5 says:

I will give you the treasures of darkness,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

And so it was with Abraham. This wasn't a gamble on Gods part, He sees all things, including the whole of Abraham's life from start to finish.

But it did teach Abraham an important lesson. That God can be trusted even in the most terrible times and that out of what might seem the darkest moment of our lives - treasure can be found. In Abraham's case, his blessing was also ours as through his line, Jesus came:

Jesus was born, as many babies are, in the night. He was born into obscurity, made a refugee soon after his birth. To save us, he suffered willingly the darkest of nights: the cross - and through it we have gained great riches.

Grace is a treasure of darkness.

As we begin to look forward to celebrating Jesus' birthday, you may be dealing with great darkness. There may be things in your life that are hard to bear. Or perhaps you are waiting for something. Longing for change.

Just remember:

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)

But more on that next week.

To think about:

God announced the coming Light with angels. Who or what are Gods messengers to you?
How have you seen God's treasures coming out of darkness in the past?
What are you waiting for or struggling with right now? It might be the smallest of things, but why not spend some time now talking to Jesus about it.

Advent 09 - reading one

2009-10-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember I did weekly emails for Lent this year. Now that I have this blog, you will be able to follow some Bible thoughts through this coming Advent.

We are starting a bit early, as their are nine traditional readings for Advent and only eight weeks. That means you get two this week, although if you went to the half day retreat and pizza tonight, you will have already seen the material in this post.

Advent, like lent has strong themes of preparation, of waiting, of the coming dawn. And the story started a long time ago. Why did God decide to be born a man? Why was the rescue plan needed? It all started way back in the beginning:

Genesis 3:8-19

We all have our failings. We all have our dark times. But God has journeyed with us through it all. When Adam and Eve left the garden, God clothed them and followed them. He never left them alone, and has been with us ever since.

Of course it is in the coming of Jesus we see the greatest expression of God with us. As we wait for his coming this Christmas, lets not forget why he came.

We are not lost, or left in the dark, His salvation has dawned upon us. Today we have a heart bead each to remind us of this - why not do the same? Make one or buy one...

Extra study:

How are we to deal with the world we live in? Does anything we do really make a difference? Take a look at the example of Pilate's wife:

Cloud of Witnesses - Pilate's wife

Today we each took home with us a nut - the nut and bolt variety... why? Because it may look insignificant, but acutally its very useful - as we are useful in Gods eyes and plan.

Start Freedom

2009-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Do you ever watch the news or hear of yet another case of human trafficking, human exploitation, misery...

and wonder how on earth you could ever make a difference?

Or perhaps the whole thing has yet to feature on your radar.

Either way, Stop the Traffik have come up with a fabulous idea especially aimed at 12 to 18 year olds (although I have to say if you are older, the info is still worth a look).

Jesus says if we love him we will obey his commands (John 14:21) and his command is that we love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:31)

And what an amzing way to love your neighbour Start Freedom is...

take a look for yourselves and see what you could do.

Cartoon Gospel

2009-10-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

I was wandering around the internet this morning and came across a Christian cartoon site. Now I have to say, I think the site is cheesey to say the least, but amongst all that mozzarella were some interesting things.

There is the Gospel presentation Battle of the Kingdoms and an ebook you can download called Spirituality made simple.

Both have much to say about our salvation and sanctification (CU people, oh look its those words again) in a clear and visual way.

I wonder what you think of them both? What questions come to mind when you have watched/read them? I would be interested to know.

As ever you can comment here on my blog, or via facebook when this appears in my notes. Image from http://www.ydyc.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=42

A brilliant new website

2009-10-07T03:12:00.000-07:00

I have to say, trawling though the internet for decent Bible studies can be a bit of a fruitless task.

Thankfully the lovely people at Sophia Network have come up with a gem.

Cloud of Witnesses has to be one of the most straight forward, easy to use and informative sites I have seen in a long time.

Now they say themselves:

"These studies aren’t claiming to be the definitive final world on a biblical character, they are a starting point, a way to begin to think about our fore-fathers and fore-mothers and see what we might learn about following God from them. We also want to say that exclusively doing character studies isn’t the best way to handle the Bible. There’s a lot more in Scripture than just narratives, like law, letters, worship, & wisdom! Our recommendation is that you use these resources alongside other things and get a ‘balanced diet’ of Bible study."

But I have to say there web site is a jolly good place to start.

Whether you have been reading your Bible for donkeys years or you are a newbie, these pages are a great way to get inspired about the Bible and I recommend them to everyone.

#4 Stumbled Upon

2009-10-07T02:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we had a rummage round the internet, so for your delight and interest...

Some lovely pictures via imagefave, for example, umbrellas and crayons and some interesting "music" on youtube.

Want some fun stuff for your blog? There's some nice gadgets on abowman...

But perhaps you are feeling a little stiff having at at the computer too long? Kermit the frog can help you.

And now you are up you find your chair squeaks - enter WD40 along with its many other uses.

and finally, done something good or noble recently? Why not post it on the Peace board.

Dealing with stress bible study and meditation

2009-10-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

The idea of a Bible meditation is to allow yourself time to really listen to the story, to think what it might have been like to be there and to give space for God to speak to you through the passage you are reading.

It is a good idea if you are relaxed be fore you read. You could try this:

Sit in a comfy chair. Imagine every muscle in your body relaxing, starting from your feet all the way to your neck/head. Then spend a few munites noticing your breathing. If your mind wanders, don’t worry, when you realise youve wandered just go back to noticing your breathing.

Now turn to reading the bible passage at hand. You can try the following study, then try other bits of Jesus’ life, asking:

What is happening?

What did the people involved learn?

What is God saying to me?

Are you a Mary or a Martha?

Scripture mediation: Mary or Martha? Luke 10:38 - 42

Listen to the bible passage; imagine yourself there, what you would have said. Try the questions mentioned above.

Dinner is important, but it’s not the first priority. As Mary had discovered, our relationship with Jesus is.

Where is Jesus in your life? In what ways can YOU prioritise Him?

With Jesus at the centre, we stop rushing, with other stuff as the centre, life gets in a muddle.

Jesus never promised us an easy life, but he did promise to be with us forever.

With him at the centre, life makes a whole lot more sense, even in the most stressful of times.

Read:

Psalm 23 – the lord is my shepherd and the following version written by Tokio Megashio What do these say to you about dealing with stress?

Psalm 23 a Japanese version

The lord is my pacesetter I shall not rush.

He makes me stop for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness

Which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency

Through calmness of mind

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,

I will not fret for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all importance

Will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Truly harmony and effectiveness

Shall be the fruit of my hours.

For I shall walk in the pace of my lord

And dwell in his house forever.

Thinking about the things we say at conformation

2009-10-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Whether you are just about to be confirmed, or whether for you, it was some years ago, the things we say at conformation are ever important... but when was the last time you thought about what those words actually mean?

What follows is part of the conformation service (in black) and some questions to consider (in orange)...

The bishop asks the candidates

Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?
I have.

Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ?
I am.

It can be easy to go to church, Bible study or prayer group, but to say in ourselves, yes I personally am for Jesus, is sometimes a bigger thing. What does it mean to put YOUR faith in him?

People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.

THE DECISION

A large candle may be lit. The bishop addresses all the candidates

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.

To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.

How would you explain “dying to sin” to someone else?

Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?

I reject them.

Do you think “rebellion against God” and “the deceit and corruption of evil” have anything to do with you? What does it mean to reject them?

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.

What does repent mean?

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.

How do we turn to Christ?

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.

What does it mean in real life to submit to Christ?

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.

What does it mean to come to Christ and what does Jesus being the way the truth and the life mean to you?

We say what comes below week in week out in church. Are there any bits you don’t understand? Could you explain what’s being said to someone else?

PROFESSION OF FAITH

The bishop addresses the congregation

Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess
together with these candidates
the faith of the Church.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Do you have any more questions? post a comment...

The importance of practical wisdom

2009-09-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have just watched an amazing talk by Barry Schwartz. Not only is it a fine example of good public speaking, he talks a lot of sense on his subject, practical wisdom. you can see his talk below, and what I got out of it after that. I would love to know what you think of his talk...

The things I most noticed in his talk were:

"Moral skill is chipped away by an over reliance on rules"

"Moral will is worn away by incessant appeal to incentives which then destroy our desire to do the right thing"

Schwartz says that by apprealling to rules and incentives we are waging war on wisdom. Now he acknowledges that we need rules, but over dependence on them is sucking the life out of us, while incentives draw us from asking "what is my responsibility" to asking "what's in this for me?"

It leaves me wondering what incentive based youth programmes are doing to our young people.

Sorry guys, this may mean no more doughnuts at Christian Union for a while...

Schwartz's talk reminds me of what the Bible has to say about wisdom: Proverbs talks about how wisdom keeps us safe, and Hebrews 4 explains how God's Spirit penetrates our deepest motives, and calls us to place every effort in going Gods way.

I guess the challenge for all of us is to throw off apathy and a reliance on rules and incentives to keep us on course, and go the more difficult path of practical wisdom, actively submitting ourselves to Gods work in our lives.

Counting the cost of committment

2009-09-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

Some of you have mentioned that it would be nice to look again at Bible studies we do in the various groups across Fusion316. So now, you can find them here on the youth worker blog! This first one to go up is about counting the cost of committing to Jesus and is adapted from a study in Susan Sayers book things to do in young peoples worship book 2.

Reading: Luke 14: 25-33
Question: What is Jesus saying in this passage and what is he not saying?

Reading Proverbs 3:1-2
Question: What are some of the ways this passage tells us we can commit to God?

Reading: Hebrews 12:3-11
Questions: In what ways does God discipline us? How can this make us better Christians?

Think: Committing to Jesus is costly. It requires our all. It means that in comparison everything else in our life is of little value. It means choosing a way of life that suits Jesus, even if it means giving up things we done want to give up.

That doesn't mean you have to hate your family, it means that we live our lives in the context of loving God.

Question: What is it about Jesus that makes following Him worth the cost?

Further reading, see what Paul has to say on the matter in Philippians 3

First Thoughts - Steve

2009-09-08T01:23:00.001-07:00

Steve's first thoughts:

I was deeply move by the spirit of Rwanda. I arrived not knowing much about Rwanda apart from it's turbulent past.

What I discovered was a truly beautiful country matched by it's people. A place where people have such strong faith that they are able to forgive and move on.

I was truly humbled by this experience, a nation with so little material possessions but rich in so many other ways.

I hope to continue to visit for years to come and strengthen my new friendships and witness first hand the development of this wonderful place.

First Thoughts - Jon

2009-09-07T15:42:00.001-07:00

And Jon's contribution...

So, it's just over a week since we got back from Rwanda, and already I'm starting to plan my next trip. Everyone who has asked me about how the trip went has so far been given the one word answer of 'awesome' because in my mind, it is the only word that can describe such a fantastic experience.

Whilst out there I thought that I coped pretty well with the change of culture, the new people, and a new way of life albeit temporary. However, for a country with such a devastating past the sheer volume of faith demonstrated in all the people we met is a true testimony to the power of God's word.

The liveliness and energy of worship, especially with the choir, really showed me how religion is suppressed in the UK. Meeting people in Rwanda who's lives have been changed by God's work has really opened my eyes to how little we express our faith. Its frustrating that we are the home of the Anglican Church, but still struggle to fill our churches week by week.
Part of me will always be with the people we met in Rwanda, and hopefully I will be able to return for longer to make more of a difference to their lives.

Imana yac'irahambaye!!

First Thoughts - Nic

2009-09-07T15:28:00.001-07:00

And Nic's first thoughts are:

Having traveled a little in Africa prior to this trip, I was expecting to take Rwanda in my stride - In reality I was completely blown away.

Blown away by the people we met in Kigali, by everyone living and working in hope village, by the children in Remera, by the strength of faith, and by the positivity in the face of such (historic) adversity.

It is an incredibly special and inspiring place and I was humbled and honoured to be there as well as be part of this trip.

The biggest thing on my mind at the moment is working out when I can go back and what I can do for the best when I get there.

First Thoughts - Sam

2009-09-07T15:22:00.001-07:00

In next with his first thoughts - Sam

My first thoughts are that Rwanda is an amazing place full of amazing people. Had a great time, such a rewarding and motivating experience.

I think the main thought is that we really could learn a number of lessons from the Rwandans. Its really got me back into church again, which is really good.

Really want to say thanks to everyone who fund raised, prayed and put time and effort in to our experience.

It was also great to spend some real quality time with everyone. My favourite photo isn't one i took but it reminds me of the good time we had together worshiping God.

First Thoughts - Amy

2009-09-07T15:15:00.001-07:00

And here are Amy's first thoughts...

I was given the chance to spend two weeks surrounded by some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Whilst at points a swarm of children around you can seem scary and daunting, you stand there, and see how happy they are, and you just get carried away in their smiles and games. This is similar with the thirteen people that I was able to share this experience with, it can seem scary and daunting spending two weeks with the same thirteen people, but again the people that are surrounding you are so amazing, you just get carried away, so that you laugh and cry together. 

My favourite part of the trip had to be the days that we helped to build all day at Hope Village, there really was a sense of teamwork and camaradary that day, despite the language barrier and being covered under a layer of brick dust. 

So all in all, I feel that the trip was a success and even though, "Toyota" and "THE GAME!!" can become annoying, without it, life is a weird and quieter place. Come to mention it, life if also a lot less orange and deety-suncreamish. 

I live in the stone age and so haven't seen most of the photos yet, and also haven't yet gotten mine developed; at the shop, when it comes to you in a lovely little envelope all glossy and special, and so don't as yet have a favourite photograph. I do however encourage look at the photographs that are about as I know that there are some amazing ones.

First Thoughts - Becky

2009-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Next with her first thoughts - Becky

Going to Africa was something completely different to anything I had ever done before. Immediately I stepped off the plane I could feel that everything was different, but in a way that made me instantly love Rwanda.

Perhaps, what I saw as, the beauty of the city of night captured my heart, whatever it was didn't let go for the two weeks, and still hasn't.

When asked how the trip was I often say "amazing but really challenging". There were moment's where I felt down, but these shaped my experience just as the high points did.
After all, it wasn't a holiday.
The best moment was when we were first accepted, truly, into Hope village. You just knew they were being sincere when they thanked us, and sincere when they told us we were brothers and sisters to them.

It touched me that they accepted us so quickly into their lives. Our last day there also stands out in my mind, for the villagers once again thanked us. It was only on the last day I truly understood what our trip there meant to them, and how it was we had helped them. My favourite photo from the trip is this one, I think it sums up a lot about why we were there:

First thoughts - Karen

2009-09-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Next in with her first thoughts is Karen:

Having never been anywhere near the continent of Africa, I wasn't really sure what to expect. But what I found was amazing.
This is a country committed to the environment, committed to rebuilding after the war 15 years ago... Their commitment to forgiveness, their continued faith in God, in the face of such an awful tragedy is an inspiration. I was touched by so many amazing people, not least the residents of hope village.

However my personal "moment" was at the Compassion sponsored project in Remera... our meager donations as sponsors are turned into hope, and a future for 350 children. I look forward to our continued connection with Rwanda.

And her photo:

Start of year information

2009-09-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.

Annual consent forms that is... And something far more exciting!

Fusion316 activities explained.

The first, you need to come to stuff we run, the second explains all the fun things your consent form entitles you to do... there's more than you might realise.

You can now download both of these documents here on the youthworker blog.

If you are reading this on the Route2Rwanda site or Facebook, thats http://fusion316youthworker.blogspot.com

Also to come on this blog, up and coming events such as the 1940's themed Christmas party - watch this blog for more on that.

We look forward to seeing you at events this term!

First Thoughts - Chris

2009-09-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Third in with his first thoughts is Stewie...

The trip was a phenomenal success! We saw, touched and felt Africa in a country which has not only seen such sadness and pain, but one of great joy, happiness and humility!

I was astounded by how different the country looked compared to how I saw it in my research of the Genocide. I am thrilled that Rwanda is doing so well after it's tragic past... it seemed like an entirely different country sometimes and I am honoured to consider myself one of the many people to have visited there!

I would love to go back to Rwanda! I enjoyed meeting the people, trying the local cuisine and seeing the sites. It really hit me hard sometimes but I kept going and I am glad to have done it! It was AWESOME!

My highlight was definately working in Hope Village! I loved working with all the Orphans, they were so genuine and kind despite their awful pasts. If I could, I would go back for another 2 weeks tomorrow!

and his photo:

First Thoughts - Sarah

2009-09-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Second in with her thoughts on the trip, is Sarah:

The trip was all I hoped it would be. Every member of our group reaffirmed their relationship with God - some of us met Him more up close and personal than ever before. We learnt through worship, got to know amazing people, visited incredible places and were truly humbled by the stories and situations to which we were introduced.

I love Rwanda, and am honoured that I got to share this experience with some great people - I really hope that we can all bring back into our every day lives the teachings and experiences from the trip. It would be very easy to sink back into mundane normality, same old problems, same old grumblings, same old priorities - but this would be very disrespectful to the people we met, and to God; not to learn from what we were shown.

The trip was a massive, life-changing opportunity, and I for one, will be grabbing it with both hands and shouting a heartfelt 'Thank You'! This is it - the first day of the rest of our lives with God- let's make it count!

and her photo:

First Thoughts - Dan

2009-09-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

First to the post with his initial thoughts on our trip is Dan...

The trip, in my eyes, was a huge success. It was such an awesome experience, we got to do so many things, meet so many amazing people, learn so many new things (for example how to eat Tree Tomatoes properly) and I'm really glad that I went!

My best bit of the whole trip (excluding meeting Russell Howard at Gatwick) would be working in Hope Village, the Orphan headed village. It made me feel like i'd really accomplished something, and I got to meet some really great people too!

If I could go again, I'd do it in a heartbeat...

And his favourite photos:

Back from Rwanda

2009-08-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

After 21 hours of traveling, we all made it home from Rwanda. What a trip! We all have so many stories to tell and photos to show. Over the next few weeks you will be able to read posts from different members of the group, and see some of their photos. But for now, here we all are:

From left to right: Jon, Sarah, Sam, Alex, Chris, Amy, Becky, Nic, John, Steve, Dan, Vicky, Karen, Joanna (Speciose's daughter who we only met that day) and the ever hard working Speciose.

Radio Suffolk

2009-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jon Elmer and I went off to meet the lovely people at Radio Suffolk today. We were interviewed by Luke Deal, and it will go out on his show on Sunday, so if you would like to hear what we said, listen in for us or, listen again on iplayer.

The Sunday after, we hope to do a live chat from Rwanda.

On a personal note I have to say, if only all reception staff were as nice as the bloke on the Radio Suffolk desk...

Speaking of Fairtrade...

2009-08-07T01:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you supporting us with your interest and prayers while we are in Rwanda, you may be interested to know, that not only are we going to spend time in the Hope Village, Kabuga, we are also taking a look at a coffee co-operative... a rare chance to see fair trade coffee at the other end.

This got me thinking, wouldn't it be nice if while saying a prayer for us you could be drinking fair trade Rwandan coffee... and lo and behold you can buy some from Sainsburys! Its called Union Coffee Roasters Fairtrade Rwanda Maraba Boubon

You can read all about it on the importers web site: Union Hand Roasted.

I think I might buy some when I come back :)

Fairtrade Cadburys

2009-08-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yes the thing we have all been waiting for (well I have anyway) has finally arrived: Fairtrade Cadbury's Dairymilk.... I got mine in Martlesham Tescos:

Bible Study for this Summer

2009-08-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

This time next week those of us going to Rwanda will be on a plane. I have just bought the group Bible study notes we will be using while we are out there on Eden.

I have bought extra in case any of you would like to follow these notes with us you can. Also there are more days worth than the trip so they will help you carry on... carrying on with the Bible.

So what are we reading?

First, some help from J John on the Lord's prayer. We say it every Sunday, we might even say it in the week, but how much do we really think about the prayer Jesus himself taught us? Time to find out.

And then the book of James: we are saved by the grace of God and we enter into it through faith in Jesus... but how does that work out in our lives? The book of James, practical as ever.

#3 stumbled upon

2009-08-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon an amazing news piece. I have copied it in full in this blog as it is so good, the original is HERE. there is so much hate and bigotry in our world, sometimes it makes you wonder how on earth things will change. And how on earth do you combat it? shouting never helped, angry back doesn't either. Prayer certainly does... And Clowns. I think Jesus would approve:

Photo from http://www.neatorama.com/2007/09/03/clowns-kicked-kkk-asses/

Here’s an excellent example of pwnage: when the white supremacist group VNN Vanguard Nazi/KKK tried to host a hate rally in Knoxville, Tennessee, they were foiled by … clowns!
Unfortunately for [VNN] the 100th ARA (Anti Racist Action) clown block came and handed them their asses by making them appear like the asses they were.

Alex Linder the founder of VNN and the lead organizer of the rally kicked off events by rushing the clowns in a fit of rage, and was promptly arrested by 4 Knoxville police officers who dropped him to the ground when he resisted and dragged him off past the red shiny shoes of the clowns. http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/7704982.html

“White Power!” the Nazi’s shouted, “White Flour?” the clowns yelled back running in circles throwing flour in the air and raising separate letters which spelt “White Flour”.

“White Power!” the Nazi’s angrily shouted once more, “White flowers?” the clowns cheers and threw white flowers in the air and danced about merrily.

“White Power!” the Nazi’s tried once again in a doomed and somewhat funny attempt to clarify their message, “ohhhhhh!” the clowns yelled “Tight Shower!” and held a solar shower in the air and all tried to crowd under to get clean as per the Klan’s directions.

At this point several of the Nazi’s and Klan members began clutching their hearts as if they were about to have a heart attack. Their beady eyes bulged, and the veins in their tiny narrow foreheads beat in rage. One last time they screamed “White Power!”

The clown women thought they finally understood what the Klan was trying to say. “Ohhhhh…” the women clowns said. “Now we understand…”, “WIFE POWER!” they lifted the letters up in the air, grabbed the nearest male clowns and lifted them in their arms and ran about merrily chanting “WIFE POWER! WIFE POWER! WIFE POWER!”

#2 Stumbled Upon

2009-08-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Lots of things from nature this time, plus an interesting pass time and something serious...

Which is; isn't it bad enough that we sell majority world countries arms and debt while not paying their workers properly and making trade rules to suit ourselves, we also steal their land?

Anyway, off the soap box and onto... beards. Its nice to have a hobby, mine is blogging, theirs is.. well, beards really. Competition winning beards at that.

But my favourite in the world of stumbling today has to go to the natural world, what with amazing photos of lightning, a very regal looking breed of cat called a Norwegian Forrest cat (I want one) and the fascinating world of bees courtesy of Anna's Bee world, its a lovely day for blogging.

#1 Stumbled Upon

2009-08-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

I have a thread in my personal blog called Stumbled Upon... thought I' share it with you guys too...

Three words came to mind on this little stumble, I will leave them to the end...

I love the Internet. there's just so much to see.

For example, a bubble in the process of bursting - I mean, how on earth did they manage to photograph that? I'm sure it would tell me on wiki.

And then of course, in the long road of sustainable living, there are a host of metaphorical B&B's where you can bump into interesting people who have travelled that bit of road before, such as the lovely people at LILI

Every now and then, the Internet stops you in your tracks and causes you to step back and take a deeper look at life. The face of a 42 year-old Cherokee Native American man did that for me. How is it we live in a world where people would rather be homeless than live on the land of their ancestors?

fascinating, informative, heart rending.

Speaking love

2009-08-03T01:49:00.000-07:00

Doesn't really matter if we are single, or not... there are always people in our lives we love, including our friends and family. And as we all know, we give love and receive love better when we understand what the other is thinking or saying.

Which is where the following quiz comes in. The heart of all good relationships is communication. Think. Is there someone close to you who you think just doesn't get you? Could it be you are speaking different languages?

Now, some of the questions are orientated towards a boy/girlfriend, so you may have to think laterally a bit, but all the same, try the quiz and then think:

How can you communicate love better?
What signals of care and love are people showing, that you didn't notice before?

The Test

Rwanda - people going, people staying

2009-08-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

What better way to start this blog, than with Rwanda. I am, as I suspect everyone going is... a mixture of apprehensive and very very excited. I'm looking forward to the whole experience, I'm looking forward to seeing what Jesus will do in and though our lives.

But of course many of you Fusioneers aren't going. So a word to you guys first...

We really need you. We need you to pray. We need you to thank God for all he's doing. If you would like to pray for us, keep an eye on Dan's Rwanda web pages for info on us. We would really value your prayers for

Health

Safety

Homesickness

Team spirit

God's blessing on our work

And the people we meet.

You could pray for us all, or pick one or two of us... either way, pray like mad!

And for all of us going, how about these Bible verses to encourage us.

Loving Jesus. The fusion316 youth worker blog

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First Thoughts - Steve

First Thoughts - Jon

First Thoughts - Nic

First Thoughts - Sam

First Thoughts - Amy

First Thoughts - Becky

First thoughts - Karen

Start of year information

First Thoughts - Chris

First Thoughts - Sarah

First Thoughts - Dan

Back from Rwanda

Radio Suffolk

Speaking of Fairtrade...

Fairtrade Cadburys

Bible Study for this Summer

#3 stumbled upon

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#1 Stumbled Upon

Speaking love

Rwanda - people going, people staying