Considering Our Ways

How do you decide what to do in life? What is motivating you? It's a good question! We may not often step back to think about it. During last Sunday's All Age service, Rachel Stone encouraged us to heed Haggai's call to "consider your ways". Are our choices bringing satisfaction? Where do God and His House fit in - are they something to enjoy or something to live for? Rachel's short and relevant talk is linkedhere.

If you would like to step back and heed God's call through Haggai, Rachel suggested some questions to ponder which are attached here: Life questions from Haggai 1.docx

This Sunday, 10th May, Peter is taking Haggai 2:1-9 to look at whether things can really be good again. In their history, God's people had been a great nation and the temple had been filled with the dense and tangible Glory of God. Would they ever see those days again? Perhaps you feel similarly about events in your life, or in the life of Hebron Church. Let's listen to Peter for some thoughts on handling disappointments and holding onto hope.

Thank you to all who hosted and attended Audrey's farewell tea party last Monday. It sounds like it was a great success on all fronts.

Also this Sunday is the ever popular Kidz Club, 5.30 - 7pm for school years 3 to 7. Do encourage anyone with kids in that age group to give it a try. Games, Bible input and free tuck!

Next Wednesday, 13th May, is power hour. As we push into the work of growing our church and navigating some changes let's be praying for grace, courage, wisdom and discernment. Great qualities which we will have the opportunity to grow as we journey! We'll also be praying for our community, those in need and for ongoing world events. Do join in: 8-9pm in the church.

This Saturday I'm catering, at slightly short notice, for my niece's wedding. Weddings are lovely and fun, times for celebration and feasting (if the caterers can pull it off!). But they are also serious, life-changing events. They are the start of a journey of wholehearted commitment where distractions and alternative attractions can cause a lot of unhappiness. No wonder God uses marriage as an analogy for the commitment between himself and us - celebratory and serious at the same time. Haggai's words call to us through time to keep to the commitment so we too can enjoy the journey and reap the rewards of a devoted relationship.

With love and blessings for your journey of life with God,
from Angela

Upcoming events: 

• Sun 10th May, 5.30-7pm, Kidz Club, for kids in sch years 3-7, Hebron Church.

• Weds 13th May, 8-9pm, Power Hour Prayer Meeting, Hebron Main Hall

• Sat 16th May,10am -12noon, Saturdads, for Dads and little kids to relax and have fun; bacon baps, coffee, juice. Hebron Church.

• Thurs 21st May, 12noon-2pm, Lectio Lunch. 12noon for led meditation, 12.45pm for soup lunch. Last one for the time being.

• Sun 31st May, 5.30-7pm, Kidz Club, for kids in sch years 3-7, Hebron Church.

Further Ahead:

• Fri 26th - Sun 28th June, Spree, near Exeter for young people aged 8 to 18 years.

• Sun 5th July, Family Open Day and BBQ, the Community Centre. Support our stall.

• Sun 12th July, ChurchMeeting, 12noon, Hebron Church. All welcome.

• Sun 19th July, Hebron Summer BBQ - save the date, more info to follow.

How do you read the Bible?

How do you read the Bible? We discussed this on Sunday, in our new-style 3rd Sunday service, with a wide variety of responses! In the bath, in English, on my phone, according to a plan, slowly, by listening. The short (4 1/2 min) Bible Project video from Sunday is linked here - both helpful and inspiring.

The word of God is living and active. I wonder where you have noticed its activity in your life? Interest in the Bible is growing year on year with Bible sales at a 20 year high. If someone asked you how to get started with Bible reading, what would you say? In maybe 30 seconds. It's good to be prepared!

Thursday lunchtime (today and in May) offers the chance for some slow, meditative Bible reading where we can 'let the Bible read us', as the video suggested. Its story becomes our story as the Word does its work. Lectio Lunch begins in the Church at 12 noon with lunch from 12.45pm. Do come, no charge, on Thurs 23rd April and 7th, 21st May.

This Sunday, 26th April, we will be welcoming Eric and Rosemary Barrett from 4H which is one of Hebron Church's partner organisations. They lead a movement which spreads God's Word in Hungary. They will be sharing about their work and bringing us some After-Easter Exhortations and Encouragements from their experience of Helping Hungarian Heroes. 

On the topic of books, Jonathan has a readable Christian book to recommend called The Air We Breathe. In an easy, conversational style, it looks at the impact of Christianity throughout history, suggesting it is significantly greater than you might think. In fact, it's so pervasive it's like the air we breathe. His review is attached here: The Air We Breathe.pdf 

Saturday 25th April is the next much-anticipated Board Games and Pizza Tea Event run by Jason and the Bennetts. Invite friends, enjoy the fun and share in a free tea!

The rotas for the Summer period went out this week. If you find you are now unavailable for a scheduled date, please do just arrange a swap then make the change in My Churchsuite. Peter or I can help if needed. 

Thank you to all who came to the church meeting following last Sunday's service. The minutes will be issued in due course. Please do take time to reflect on all that was shared from myself, Elders, Trustees and Finance as well as in the ministry reports which were circulated beforehand. Rachel Stone, Lucy and Peter will be around after this Sunday's service for further conversation.

I also want to take this chance to thank all who give financially to Hebron Church as part of their worship. Giving is the main source of income for our church and we are so thankful for it. We encourage everyone to join in as part of their normal Christian practice. If you would like to begin giving regularly, this link will take you to more information.

The finance team have emailed regular givers to ask them to update the bank details for their Direct Debit to the new Hebron Church bank account (details in the email). It will bless the team if you do so promptly - thank you! As you do, perhaps you might also like to review your giving.

Lord God, we pray that we will steward and use all our resources with faith and wisdom and that they will help to open the way for your kingdom to come in us, in our community and in Long Ashton. In the Jesus' name, Amen.

With love and every blessing 
from Angela

Upcoming events: 

• Thurs 23rd April, 12noon-2pm, Lectio Lunch. 12noon for led meditation, 12.45pm for soup lunch

• Sat 25th April, 3-6pm, Board Games and Pizza Event, Hebron. Church. All welcome + friends and family. Games available, bring your own too. No booking needed

• Sun 26th April, visit by the Barretts from 4H, 10.30am service, Hebron Church

• Thurs 7th May, 12noon-2pm, Lectio Lunch. 12noon for led meditation, 12.45pm for soup lunch

• Sun 10th May, 5.30-7pm, Kidz Club, for kids in sch years 3-7, Hebron Church.

• Weds 13th May, 8-9pm, Power Hour Prayer Meeting, Hebron Main Hall

• Sat 16th May,10am -12noon, Saturdads, for Dads and little kids to relax and have fun; bacon baps, coffee, juice. Hebron Church.

Further Ahead:

• Fri 26th - Sun 28th June, Spree, near Exeter for young people aged 8 to 18 years.

• Sun 5th July, Family Open Day and BBQ, the Community Centre. Support our stall.

• Sun 12th July, Church Meeting, 12noon, Hebron Church. All welcome.

Sun 19th July, Hebron Summer BBQ - save the date, more info to follow