St John's News - 17 August
Dear friends,
I have found it shocking to see how quickly the Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan over the past few days. The whole world is fearful of what this could lead to. But no one is more scared than those stuck there, unable to get out. Christians in Afghanistan face the fear of persecution and even death at the hands of the Taliban.
Here is a prayer from Crosswalk for Afghanistan:
Lord, we lift up the people of Afghanistan to you right now. We pray that you would take hold of them and help them walk through this fearful time. Protect them under your wing and help them feel the comfort and peace that only comes from your powerful presence.
So many people who have called this place their home have been displaced because of this event. Remind them, Lord, that their true home is in Heaven with you. Give those who believe in you the courage to stand strong in their faith and be a strong witness for you. Also, be with those who do not believe in you - help them to see the peace in your followers and allow the Holy Spirit to stir in their hearts as they witness this. Amen.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all." (Isaiah 41:10-12)
Please also pray for the Ives family, following the death of David last Thursday. Praise God for David's faith and that the family were all able to see David in the previous days and weeks. He is now with the Lord Jesus, but please pray for the God of all comfort to walk closely with Rachel in the days ahead.
Ernest's last Sunday with us is 29 August. We will be saying farewell to him and the family at our 10:30am service, where we will also pray for them and the future ministry God is calling them to, with the laying on of hands. Later in the day, there will be an Afternoon Tea at the Wesley Hall at 3:00pm. If you would like to come to this, please let Rosie Ellis know on 01359 242629 or email rellisstjohns@gmail.com
If you missed last Sunday's service, you can catch it here
The service this Sunday, 22 August, will be Holy Communion at 10:30am.
The church prayer meeting is online using Zoom each Saturday at 9:00am for 40 minutes. To join, click https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6852951296 or, load Zoom and use Meeting ID: 685 295 1296 and Password: 816262.
Finally, looking ahead, we are delighted that John Evans' band, "Nutz 'n' Boltz" will be doing a fundraising concert for St John's in the church on 1 October at 8:00pm. Please make a note of this for your diaries. It promises to be a great evening.
Peter Goodridge
Tue 17 Aug 2021
