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The latest series of Holywell Conversations podcasts began with reflections on the Good Friday Agreement, amidst fears that Northern Ireland's devolution was over, and that series has now completed at a time when government has actually resumed.Over the series' 18 episodes two themes have been examined – the challenges holding back reconciliation within our society, and the specific problems that continue to face the North West region.In the first episode, we heard from three people at the table negotiating the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement. Avila Kilmurray of the Women's Coalition explained just how significant the Women's Coalition had been in terms of successfully pushing for the Civic Forum, which many of us still mourn the loss of, as well as women's rights and other social concerns. We also heard from Paul Bew, Lord Bew, who was influential with David Trimble's decision to sign up to devolution. And Ray Bassett, part of the Irish government's team, emphasised that the Good Friday Agreement was the culmination of years of conversations between all the interested parties.Subsequent podcasts reflected not just on the success of achieving devolution, but also how many of the optimistic expectations from 25 years ago have not been met. Anger at the Legacy Act, just enacted, reflects the sense of legal stalemate now reached. Early in the series, Alyson Kilpatrick – Northern Ireland's Human Rights Commissioner – made a passionate call for respect for human rights, warning specifically about the impact of what was then being called the Legacy Bill. She also expressed concerns about calls from some members of the Conservative Party to remove the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights – which is central to the Good Friday Agreement. Those warnings remain as relevant now, as when she made them early last year. Peter Sheridan, a former senior officer with the RUC and PSNI, is now Commissioner for Investigations at the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. In a recent podcast, he spoke about how events from the Troubles will be investigated as a result of the Legacy Act.But the challenges related to criminal justice lie not just with past events. Some 25 years ago there was an assumption that paramilitary groups would fade away. Instead, some have evolved into major organised crime gangs, generating substantial sums from dealing in drugs, money laundering and extortion. Taken together this constitutes ongoing coercive control of communities. Professor Dominic Bryan, who had been joint chair of the commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, told us there needs to be a stronger focus on removing flags and other signals of territorial demarcation – which provide paramilitary groups with a continuing form of what might be termed legitimisation.Elaine Crory, lobbyist at the Women's Resource and Development Agency, made the point in a recent podcast that the operations of paramilitaries along with the history of Troubles' violence have reinforced gender roles in our society. This has led to Northern Ireland today recording one of the highest levels of domestic violence of any place in Western Europe.Another hangover from the Troubles that has survived a quarter of a century is the presence of peace walls – especially in Belfast, but also in Derry. In one podcast we heard from Kyra Reynolds, development worker at the Peace Barriers Programme, on the ongoing work at Derry's Bishop Street interface, bringing populations together who come from different traditions. When the Good Friday Agreement was signed we expected not only an end to peace walls, but also the achievement of a peace dividend. Yet analysis has suggested most of the so-called peace dividend has gone South, not North. Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick of Ulster University told in one podcast of the scale of poverty that continues to affect our society, all these years on from the peace talks and agreement. Significantly, she connected the ongoing deprivation also with the continuing presence of paramilitaries. She believes that poverty is helping to keep them going. Our podcast series also considered why Derry and the North West have specifically not prospered as expected after devolution. We examined why it has not been more successful, as the poorest area in NI, in gaining funding from the UK government's Levelling-Up Fund; the city's limited transport connectivity; the absence of a full size university campus; and the slow progress at Derry's two major regeneration sites of Ebrington and Fort George. As well as that we reflected on what is possibly Europe's worst illegal waste dump, Mobuoy, in a Derry suburb.This series is now over, but all the podcasts are available on the Holywell Trust website, along with an additional new episode reflecting on the series. Holywell itself has a comprehensive programme of new activities, details of which are also on the website. That is it, for now, from us. Disclaimer: This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity, and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.
There is immense frustration across Northern Ireland's community sector that the Civic Forum collapsed in 2002 and was not replaced. Demands are increasing for citizens' assemblies, or similar, to provide an alternative voice to that of politicians, especially in the absence of the Assembly and Executive. Avila Kilmurray was a founder of the Women's Coalition which led demands for the Civic Forum as part of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. Avila makes the point that it was also the Women's Coalition that negotiated into the GFA sections on recognising and supporting victims of the Troubles; women's representation; community development; and a focus on housing. “The idea of the citizen's voice, civic forum, civic assembly, whatever you call it, we thought was particularly important in Northern Ireland because of the conflict,” reflected Avila. “And because politics anyway, particularly in a contested society, draws the oxygen out from so many other issues, because everything is focused on (a) the constitutional question and (b) how you stop the violence.” Other concerns that were never mentioned, said Avila, included domestic violence – with civil servants saying at the time that it was not an issue, proven by the fact that no one raised it with them. Avila was speaking at an event to initiate a series of in-depth consultative events run by the Holywell Trust that provided mechanisms for ‘other' voices to be heard. These were the ‘Thirty' conversations – so-called as they each brought together around thirty individuals who were interested in drilling down into contentious matters of concern, leading to them formulating detailed recommendations on how to make progress. Those topics were legacy; education; and providing a forum for civic voices, separately, in Belfast and Derry. Catherine Cooke was one of the ‘Thirty' participants, who is steeped in community activity in the North West, but said that what she particularly valued from the events was listening to voices that are seldom heard. “We only hear from politicians,” she says. “People came from different walks of life and it made it interesting to hear what was their priority. It was getting an insight into a new perspective.” Grainne McCloskey, another participant, said: “I thought it was a really interesting concept, innovative to be thinking about it 25 years on [from the Good Friday Agreement].” She added: “I thought it was one of best facilitated events I have ever attended,” providing exactly the right level of engagement in discussions, bringing expert voices in, as well as mixed participation from those attending. Grainne added that “a lot of things that were in the peace process are hidden from the average person in the street, not through any kind of cover up”, but because the public are not engaged in the detail of the Good Friday Agreement and party politics. “Since attending, I'm much more switched on.” She added: “I can see in my work there is a change in the way I think about it…. now when I'm shaping something where people are coming together, I make a point of pointing out some of our commonalities… There's a lot of differences, but there are a lot of common approaches too.” Fiona Corvan of the Holywell Trust said the concept had been inspired by the success of the Citizen's Assemblies in the South. “We wanted to give people the chance to learn and to be engaged in some divisive issues – we looked at civic engagement 25 years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and reconciling the past with a future focus.” Fiona added: “It was heartening to see that people are really interested in the issues that affect them and that are shaping our society. Quite often they are not given the chance to influence or have their say. And there is a culture of misinformation or lack of information. “We can be so consumed by news and headline news, that quite often we miss complexities and nuances around those big issues…. One of the things we are proud of is that we used a model that works elsewhere and used the learning from that on a smaller scale.” The events were financially supported by The Executive Office through its Together Building a United Community programme. The podcast is available at the Holywell Trust website along with previous episodes. A video explaining the Thirty concept can also be accessed on the Holywell website, as can the recommendations from the series of events. Disclaimer: This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity, and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.
Bishop Peter Brignall, the Bishop of Wrexham, has warmly welcomed the news that the Shrine of St Winefride in Holywell, north Wales, has been elevated to the status of a National Shrine for England and Wales. The shrine, on Bishop Peter's patch, has an unbroken 1,400-year tradition of pilgrimage and is part of the national heritage of Wales. The Bishops, at their Autumn 2023 Plenary meeting, approved its elevation giving it national status, and the move will likely bring more people to this remarkable place of pilgrimage, prayer, consolation, and hope. "Everyone is more than welcome, whether they are of faith or not, to come and discover a bit of our country's tradition and heritage, and that they come with open hearts to that commitment to God that they may not have within their own lives, but are able to recognise in the lives of others and be prepared to be touched by that." Listen to our podcast to learn more about the story of St Winefride and this remarkable shrine in north Wales. Subscribe You can subscribe to our Catholic News podcasts via Apple Podcasts, Amazon/Audible or Spotify.
Canon Christopher Thomas, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales speaks about the Bishops' Autumn Plenary meeting held at Hinsley Hall in Leeds from 13-16 November 2023. He talks, in particular, about the resolutions from the meeting and is joined by Father Jan Nowotnik to discuss the longer resolution on the Synod that looks at "Steps Towards Renewal". On this podcast we address: Environmental concerns, the elevation of the Shrine of St Winefride, Holywell to the status of National Shrine for England and Wales. We also talk about the National Eucharistic Congress that will be held at Oscott College in September 2024, and the conflict in Gaza. Subscribe You can subscribe to our Catholic News podcasts via Apple Podcasts, Amazon/Audible or Spotify.
Bishop Peter Brignall, the Bishop of Wrexham, has warmly welcomed the news that the Shrine of St Winefride in Holywell, north Wales, has been elevated to the status of a National Shrine for England and Wales. The shrine, on Bishop Peter’s patch, has an unbroken 1,400-year tradition of pilgrimage and is part of the national […]
Bishop Peter Brignall, the Bishop of Wrexham, has warmly welcomed the news that the Shrine of St Winefride in Holywell, north Wales, has been elevated to the status of a National Shrine for England and Wales. The shrine, on Bishop Peter’s patch, has an unbroken 1,400-year tradition of pilgrimage and is part of the national […]
Last week was Good Relations Week, the annual Community Relations Council event that aims to build relationships between people of different backgrounds in Northern Ireland, including across the traditional Catholic and Protestant divisions and also people of differing ethnicities. You might say this remains work in progress, which is not the fault of the CRC. Northern Ireland remains a toxically divided society - exemplified, and arguably amplified, by the inability of the two largest parties of the two largest communities to govern together. Northern Ireland's first Good Relations Week was in 1990 – some 33 years ago. The Troubles were still going strong – 81 people died that year, with more civilians killed than either paramilitaries or members of the RUC and army. It wasn't the worst year in the Troubles, but nor was it the best. It was just yet another year that showed that some people here found it impossible to live with others. People died together, instead of living together. 1990 was not just the first year of Good Relations Week, it was also when the Community Relations Council was itself established – the parent of Good Relations Week. CRC's role is to lead and support change towards reconciliation, tolerance and mutual trust. On behalf of The Executive Office, the CRC assists in implementing the Good Relations Strategy, which is called Together: Building a United Community, or T:BUC. The latest Holywell Trust Conversations podcast discusses the annual Good Relations Week and considers its value. Michael McGlade from the Community Relations Council for Northern Ireland – which funds the podcast and, indeed, this blog – points out that NI has “changed dramatically” since the advent of the CRC and Good Relations Week, not least with the Good Friday Agreement being signed 25 years ago. “There's been a wholesale change in society since then,” says Michael. He sees Good Relations Week as an opportunity to tell people what is being done on a continuing basis to bring people together – and to give credit to organisations and programmes that are engaged in community reconciliation. “It says, here's things that are going on.” The Holywell Trust's partner agency, funded by the CRC, is peacebuilding charity The Junction, led by Ruth Gonzavlez-Moore. Community education is at the heart of The Junction's work, including through challenging power imbalances, patriarchy and imperialism, while considering the impact of the history of violence on how society and politics function today. “The Junction has also delivered and developed healing projects,” says Ruth, “hearing people's stories around lived experience in the conflict.” The Junction seeks to influence how peacebuilding is undertaken. Fiona Corvan, senior programmer for the Holywell Trust, says that some of its events for Good Relations Week tackled very difficult themes, especially around the legacy of the Troubles. “We are conscious that we need to reflect difficult conversations in our work,” she says. The audience of one production felt challenged by its consideration of events in The Troubles, while admitting they find it difficult to take into account the perspectives of others. Fiona adds that the passing of the Legacy Act made the performance especially poignant, with the play asking “is there a timeline to victimhood?” Fiona questions the role of Good Relations Week for an organisation that focuses on good relations all year round. The ongoing work of Holywell involves hosting conversations between people of differing perspectives not only on the past, but also about the constitutional future. She personally believes that Good Relations Week needs to evolve so that it speaks to those people and communities that at present do not engage in projects such as these. The discussion is available as a podcast at the Holywell Trust website, along with all previous podcasts in the series. Disclaimer: This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity, and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.
Belfast/Good Friday Agreement analysis opens new Holywell Trust Conversations series Conversations with key players in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement negotiations open a new series of podcasts from the peace and reconciliation charity, the Holywell Trust. Suitably, the new series is called the Holywell Trust Conversations, reflecting a more in-depth discussion of topics that are continuing to affect Northern Ireland, and especially the North West – where Holywell is located. The conversations in this opening podcast are with three central characters in the GFA negotiations – who have very different experiences, based on their varying roles. Avila Kilmurray was a founder of the Women's Coalition, which came into the negotiations only after the elections that preceded the GFA. Paul Bew, Lord Bew, arrived even later, on the day of the final conclusion of the agreement. By contrast, Irish government official Ray Bassett had been heavily involved for years in multi-party negotiations that culminated in the GFA. It is worth remembering that bringing peace to NI had been a long-term project. It is easy to forget – as I had – that the initial British government statement that the UK state had no ‘strategic selfish or economic interest in Northern Ireland' was actually made when Peter Brooke was secretary of state and Margaret Thatcher was still Prime Minister. But Ray Bassett recalls that it was Tony Blair's arrival as PM that was ‘like a spaceship arriving' in transforming the atmosphere of the talks. He adds that it was only Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that really believed the negotiations would succeed. Paul Bew reflects that his role was to be a calm voice in David Trimble's ear, reassuring him that the cross-border bodies would be administrative and did not presage a constitutional revolution. But Paul today expresses concern on how Brexit has created new uncertainties and anxieties that are reminiscent of the fears expressed by many at the time of the GFA. Avila Kilmurray recalls the significant role the Women's Coalition made, and the support it received from the then secretary of state Mo Mowlam. It was the background of the members of the Women's Coalition in community organisations that led to it being effective in demanding commitments not only to support women in society, but also to reconciliation, victims, anti-poverty measures, integrated education and for both the Civic Forum and a Bill of Rights in the final agreement. Not that all these commitments have even now been fulfilled. The three interviewees make some similar points. There is no affection for the St Andrews Agreement, which made significant amendments to the GFA, but an expression of appreciation and affection for David Ervine and his role in providing support for David Trimble in bringing enough unionists over the line for the GFA to have cross-community support. They all applaud the calm role of George Mitchell, the perfect talks chair. An explanation of the core elements of the GFA and the subsequent major agreements – St Andrews, Stormont House, Fresh Start and New Decade New Approach – is also included in the podcast. The podcast is hosted on the Holywell Trust website, along with full length conversations with Avila Kilmurray, Paul Bew and Ray Bassett. All the Holywell Conversations podcasts are funded by the Community Relations Council's Media Grant Scheme. Disclaimer: This project has received support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity, and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.
Tales from the Holywell - Audio Described Programme Notes
Tales from the Holywell, Damien Dempsey at Abbey theatre - Paco Robanne RIP - Album reviews
Pod 49: Y Bala, Treffynnon a Cwpan Cymru gyda Ilan ap Gareth Chwaraewr canol cae Treffynnon, Ilan ap Gareth sy'n ymuno â Sioned Dafydd ac Ifan Gwilym i drafod rhediad anhygoel ei glwb o 15 buddugoliaeth yn olynnol, Y Bala yn ennill Cwpan Nathaniel MG ac edrych ymlaen i Rownd yr Wyth Olaf Cwpan Cymru ar y penwythnos. Holywell Town midfielder Ilan ap Gareth joins Sioned Dafydd and Ifan Gwilym to discuss his side's incredible run of 15 wins in a row, Bala's Nathaniel MG Cup triumph and look forward to another weekend of Welsh Cup action.
Plunging temperatures and rising fuel and food prices are all having a severe impact on all sorts of people. Roy Jenkins looks at what some churches around Wales are doing to help people trapped in the cost of living crisis during the run-up to Christmas. In Trethomas, in the borough of Caerphilly, Roy meets Revd Dean Roberts, whose Parish Trust and Care Project, established during the Pandemic, continue to help people living in the area. Julia Bartholomew, minister of Rhos-on-Sea United Reformed Church talks about the Warm Space that her church has recently opened up, offering hot food and company to all who come. Jessica Foster of the Trussell Trust explains the continuing importance of churches for the work of foodbanks. In Flintshire, Fr Dominic Cawdell talks about The Table - an initiative offering hot meals for people in the Holywell and Greenfield parishes. And in Merthyr Tydfil, Roy speaks to Heidi Jacobson and Lisa Edwards, organisers of The Pantry at Hope Church.
#454 MG 4 EV. Gareth spends a week in the latest MG EV. Is the current Chinese version of this formerly British brand finally cool again? Plus, with the now greater number of electric vehicles in use how is the charging network keeping up with demand?
In 1639, doctor Edward May published a 40-page text about a serpent he found in the heart of a 21-year-old man during a post-mortem examination. We don't know exactly what it was, but there are plenty of theories. Research: Bush, Sargent Jr. “Bosom Serpents before Hawthorne: The Origins of a Symbol.” American Literature , May, 1971, Vol. 43, No. 2 (May, 1971). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2924236 Church, William Selby. “The Rise of Physiology in England: The Harveian Oration Delivered Before the Royal College of Physicians, October 18th, 1895.” Adlard. 1896. Denham, D.A. “A most certaine and true relation of a strange monster or serpent found in the left ventricle of the heart of John Pennant, gentleman, of the age of 21 years.” Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 71, Issue 5, 1977, Page 455, https://doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(77)90066-9 Eades, Bentley Gerald. “The Jacobean and Caroline Stage Vol-ii.” The Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1941. Healy, Simon. “KYNASTON, Sir Francis (1587-c.1649), of Oteley, Ellesmere, Salop; later of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster and Covent Garden, Mdx.” he History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1604-1629, ed. Andrew Thrush and John P. Ferris, 2010. https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1604-1629/member/kynaston-sir-francis-1587-1649 May, Edward. “A most certaine and true relation of a strange monster or serpent found in the left ventricle of the heart of John Pennant, Gentleman, of the age of 21 yeares.” London : George Miller. 1639. https://archive.org/details/b3033973x Morris, Thomas. “The man with a snake in his heart.” http://www.thomas-morris.uk/man-snake-heart/ Pender, Stephen. “Examples and Experience: On the Uncertainty of Medicine.” The British Journal for the History of Science , Mar., 2006, Vol. 39, No. 1. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4028546 Pennant, Thomas. “The History of the Parishes of Whiteford and Holywell.” B. and J. White. 1796. Perella, Chrissie. “Teratology: ‘Monster' as a medical term.” Historical Medical Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. https://histmed.collegeofphysicians.org/for-students/teratology-monster-as-a-medical-term/ Richardson, Ruth. “Pennant's serpent.” The Lancet. Vol. 357, Issue 9260. 3/24/2001. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)71674-3/fulltext Ross, Alexander. “Arcana microcosmi.” London : T. Newcomb. 1652. https://archive.org/details/b30329140/ Slights, William W.E. “The Narrative Heart of the Renaissance.” Renaissance and Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme. Winter/Hiver 2002. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43445471 The Public Domain Review. “A Monster in the Heart: Edward May's A Most Certaine and True Relation (1639).” https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/heart-serpent Woolley, Benjamin. “The herbalist : Nicholas Culpeper and the Fight for Medical Freedom.” HarperCollins, 2004. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vive en Holywell, al norte de Gales, allá doma caballos para la cuadra de Emily King , una de las jinetes más prestigiosas del mundo. Meses antes su destino estaba a pocos kilómetros de Londres, ayudante de Andrew Holl...
This episode, we have a bit of a catch up about some of the spooky activity here at KOFY HQ, and play you a possible EVP caught during one of our patron zooms. Then, we have a haunted pub in Canterbury, and – one of Lil's favourite topics – spooky dolls – on the paranormal radar. We have listener stories from have Mike, Kate and Bob and we head over to Holywell, St Ives to bring you a curious tale 2 years in the making; of The Ghost that Never Was, and why you should always go back for ice cream.
#440 Dacia Duster. Gareth spends a week driving the budget SUV. Can the Romanian value brand really deliver a functional 4WD car? Plus the answer to the questions: who buys this car? and is Android Auto any good?
"Saint Winefride (in Welsh, Gwenfrewi) was a maiden of noble birth who lived in North wales in the seventh century. The niece and spiritual daughter of Saint Beuno (21 April), she entered the Monastery of Gwytherin after his death, where she lived under the spiritual direction of Saint Eleril. The son of a neighbouring chieftan, Caradoc by name, seized by an unchaste passion, pursued her and struck off her head with a sword. The spot where her head fell became known as Treffynnon or Holywell, because of the appearing of a healing spring for those who would take its waters with faith. Holywell remains a great place of pilgrimage in Britain to this day." (Synaxarion)
"Saint Winefride (in Welsh, Gwenfrewi) was a maiden of noble birth who lived in North wales in the seventh century. The niece and spiritual daughter of Saint Beuno (21 April), she entered the Monastery of Gwytherin after his death, where she lived under the spiritual direction of Saint Eleril. The son of a neighbouring chieftan, Caradoc by name, seized by an unchaste passion, pursued her and struck off her head with a sword. The spot where her head fell became known as Treffynnon or Holywell, because of the appearing of a healing spring for those who would take its waters with faith. Holywell remains a great place of pilgrimage in Britain to this day." (Synaxarion)
A new MP3 sermon from Holywell Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: SASRA meeting Holywell (Soldiers' & Airmen's Scripture Readers Association) Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: Holywell Evangelical Church Event: Special Meeting Date: 10/29/2021 Length: 69 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Holywell Evangelical Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: SASRA meeting Holywell (Soldiers' & Airmen's Scripture Readers Association) Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: Holywell Evangelical Church Event: Special Meeting Date: 10/29/2021 Length: 69 min.
Do you know who St. Winefride is? Do you know what pilgrimage site in Wales claims to be the oldest continuously visited pilgrimage site is in the Great Britain? Fr. Lawler does more than answer these questions, he takes us on an audio pilgrimage to St. Winefride's Well in Holywell, Wales.https://archive.org/download/LetsTalkCatholic/LTC-068RR-Holy_Well.mp3
As the time approaches for ordination services in our churches and cathedrals, Roy Jenkins explores what it is that leads people to pursue a vocation with the church as a minister or priest. People serve the church in a variety of ways - whether as local or lay preachers, worship leaders, pastoral visitors and church musicians. But when it comes to working as an ordained minister or priest, the hours can be long. And the pay isn't all that great either. Some aren't even paid at all. In this programme we hear from those who have taken the plunge. Their stories are very different. Some have heard a distinct calling at a young age; others have struggled with it. Then there's the testing of that calling and the in-depth training that follows, culminating in the ordination day itself. Our guests; ordinands Natasha Quinn Thomas, Sarah Elson, Michael Winwood and the Revd Alexis Mahoney. The Revd Fr Dominic Cawdell, Vicar of Holywell; The Revd Fr David Morris, Director of Ordinands, Diocese of Llandaff, Church in Wales.
Douglas Jacoby takes us on a tour of Abraham and his influence in the Old Testament. The accompanying handout can be found here: abraham-the-balance-of-the-old-testament-douglas-jacoby Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Sermon for the Watford and Dublin churches 22 November 2020 Introduction Most important thing to do for virus, economy, social well being? Used to have one priority, now have several! Lot of our malaise when feeling overwhelmed, flat, anxious or overstressed is due to confused priorities, or, what's really important? Near end 2020 Review and reset This question has been asked since time immemorial “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Mark 12:28–29 NIV11) So, we know loving God and neighbours is primary But, how do we figure out what that means for our lives, personally? That's what today's lesson is about...... PART 1: Unhealthy ways to decide what's important a. Guilt b. Fear c. Makes us feel better Imagine if you made decisions about our children our marriage or our friends on these bases. I will do what you want because I am feeling guilty about mistakes I've made in the past. I will do what you want because I'm afraid otherwise you might hate me or leave me. I will do what you want not because it makes you happy with because it makes me feel better. That would not be a healthy relationship with a human It certainly is not a healthy relationship with God. Questions for the groups: What was the important thing they knew or learned? Why was and is this important? How would the importance of this manifest itself in your life? PART 2: Healthy ways to figure out what's important Five characters to show us the way 1. David “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NIV11) It's easier to teach a Christian the bible than it is to teach them how to worship. David - a man after God's own heart. ‘Beauty' = favour, pleasantness A good quiet time could be to meditate on what is ‘beautiful' about the LORD. Would that include His holiness, mercy, long-suffering nature, loving-kindness, integrity, justice, completeness, perfection, wisdom, .....? Interesting that in Ps 50.1-6, His/Zion's beauty is expressed in terms of fire, speaking, tempest, judgment etc. His desire to be close to God is very active - ‘ask', ‘seek' X2, ‘dwell', ‘gaze' ‘dwell' used of a married couple who have set up house together 2. Rich young ruler “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”” (Mark 10:21 NIV11) Do you have any barriers to full surrender to Jesus? He starts on his knees, but turns his back on Jesus This man has no material needs and no law-needs. He knows he has other needs, but what are those needs. Jesus is about to tell him - and it is clearly not what he man expected. response, however, moves beyond command to an abondonment and trust that involve the losing of self in yielding, trustful communion....The move is from willing duty to utter delight.” Brueggemann, Psalms, 196 3. Mary ““Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV11) Sometimes good things are why we miss out on the best thing. The better priorities, chosen consistently over time, yield a lasting legacy of godliness 4. The blind man “He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”” (John 9:25 NIV11) Important to remember the transforming power of Jesus in our lives. It's never doctrine that converts anyone, it's always the evidence of the power of Jesus in peoples' lives. Perhaps especially true for our children Have your testimony ready. 5. Paul “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV11) Baggage from the past will obscure what is important for the present and the future. Paul did not deny his baggage, but he did not let it get in the way of being ambitious for God. We never fully ‘arrive' on earth, but progress can be a delight Conclusion What have our characters taught us about what is important? David: knowing that God is at the heart of prayer Rich young ruler: knowing God is at the heart of surrender Martha: knowing God is at the heart of service Blind man: knowing God is at the heart of witness Paul: knowing God is at the heart of ambition Centring on Jesus makes what's important clear Suggestion: Use these five characters as a way of assessing what's important to you going into 2021 As a filter to help you assess where you are and want to be in 2021 Scriptures used in or related to today's lesson: Psalm 27:4; Matthew 23:23; Mark 10:21; 12:28-29, 33, 39; Luke 10:41-42; 16:15; John 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Philippians 3:13-14 Questions for the breakout rooms: What was the important thing they knew or learned? Why is this important? If this was important to you, how would it show up in your life? Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
15 November 2020 Introduction Hands of Jesus QUESTION: Name some of the things he touched “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:3 NIV11) “Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”;” (Matthew 9:29 NIV11) “Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”” (Luke 7:14 NIV11) “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” (John 20:27–28 NIV11) Read Chapter 23 - Book: "Fearfully and wonderfully" - Brand, Yancey Conclusion What can we do with our hands to bring the healing of Christ to the world? “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NRSV) - not like his body, but we are his body Prayer of Theresa of Aliva Christ has no body now, but yours. No hands, no feet on earth, but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks with compassion into the world. Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 NIV11) How does Jesus heal the world? He offers his hands to be nailed to the cross for our healing He sends our hands to heal others Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
"There is No Longer Jew nor Greek: Dialogue on Christianity and Race" Honest dialogue about Christianity and racial identity informed by Scripture and experience of black Christians “God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 NIV11 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). In the verse quoted above, Paul attempted to capture the oneness of the people of God. This oneness emerged from the premise that believing in Jesus made believers spiritual descendants of Abraham and members of the worldwide, multi-ethnic family of God. In this family, all notions of domination and hierarchy were dismantled, and people acknowledged only the loving Lordship of the risen Jesus. This oneness, unprecedented in the ancient world, reflected the counter-cultural love of Jesus himself, who called a Zealot and a tax collector – normally sworn enemies – to live as brothers. As such, in a world whose history is tainted by the effects of domination, imperialism, marginalisation and enforced slavery, Christians and the Christian community ought to be models in reconciliation and healing. However, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin (to name a few) and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests have resurfaced deep wounds that have not healed, in the hearts of many of our black brothers and sisters. This combined with weaknesses in the Christian understanding of ethno-racial unity within and outside Christian communities has impacted the faith of many. This session aims to bring the experiences of black Christians into conversation with Christian scripture to help facilitate honest dialogue, promote understanding and navigate the sensitive landscape of Christianity and racial identity. Speakers include Dr Andrew Ezeilo and Sandra Ezeilo, Rachael Corson, Elleen Okotie, Mike Desouza and Dr Andy Boakye. The format included a mix of sharing, teaching and 30 minutes for discussion in breakout rooms. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Paul in 'lockdown': 1 His impact beyond the home Acts 28:16-31 Introduction Could you use some inspiration? Looking at Biblical character in 'lockdown' circumstances Circumstances beyond our control - how react? In faith? House arrest - Acts 28:16 Two years - Acts 28:30 His movement was restricted, but his impact for Jesus was not 1. Encouraging Fellow-Believers Letters writtenPhilemon 1:1 Colossians 4:3; 4:10 Ephesians 1:1; 4:1; 6:19–20 Philippians 1:1; 13-14 Could you write a blog, record a podcast....? Could you communicate more with other Watford people? Find out what is meaningful Question: What kind of communication do we prefer? Frequency; Method; etc 2. Praying for People Colossians 1:9–12 Ephesians 1:15–21; 3:14–19 Philippians 1:9–11 More people praying now than before lockdown How might you be able to grow in your prayer life as a result? Question: What is helping or could help your prayer life deepen/develop at the moment? Conclusion Rejoicing in sufferings: Colossians 1:24 Magnified Christ: Philippians 1:20 Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
In the latest episode as part of a special series of our 'Getting to Know' podcast, we introduce our listeners to another of the newly-promoted sides who will be competing in Tier Two next season! In this, the third episode of this feature, Jamie Thomas speaks to fellow Holywell Town boss Johnny Haseldin about the challenges that lay ahead for the Wellmen after securing an instant return to Tier Two level, having been relegated at the end of the 2018/19 season. Johnny discusses just why Holywell Town means so much to him, his passion for the club and taking the team as far as he can, and his hopes for the coming season. Tune in to find out more from Johnny!
Stefan spoke on 1 John 1.5-7. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Psalm 129 - “What victory means to a Christian” Introduction Question: Examples of personal victory? Question: How does victory feel? 1. “The Victory of Survival”, vv1-2 Most nations look back to their victories - but Israel looks back at their survival! Question: victorious survivors in life or Bible? Sometimes survival is the victory for a Christian! i. Surviving Great Oppression, 2 Cor 1:1-11 God's people kicked around over the centuries. We are not always strong, but we are hard to kill Paul is a great example of this - 2 Cor 11:23-29 ii. Surviving and Still Standing - my mother Key thing is to keep looking forward - Phil 3:12-14. “patience has a positive tonic effect on others; because of the presence of the patient person, they revive and go on, as if he were the gyroscope of the ship providing a stable ground. But the patient person himself does not enjoy it.” Patience a positive virus - catch it from one another Point: Oppression is temporary “What is victory for a Christian?” Victory for a Christian means surviving - and learning, growing, maturing in the process. 2. “The Victory of Freedom”, vv3-4 God puts us right with him and ourselves Freedom is victory - how do we handle it? i. Freedom from Painful Ploughing, Gal 5:13-6:5 No longer need suffer the pain of sin Nor cause others pain with our sin Instead help others with their sins - Gal 6:1-5 iii. Freedom from the Cords Our perseverance depends on God's determined faithfulness to us He did this with Jesus and the cross. Point: Freedom is a gift from God “What is victory for a Christian?” Victory for a Christian means enjoying our freedom and using it to help others CONCLUSION vv5-8 His honesty admirable - not sure all the feelings are! “The uppermost roof on the common dwelling places in Israel would have been constructed of beams laid across the walls intertwined with reeds and grasses. The whole roof would then be plastered with mud to fill in the gaps and make them somewhat watertight. Any lingering seeds in the grass or mud might briefly sprout but would quickly die for lack of roots." Real history! Where is imperial Egypt which enslaved Israel—or the Philistines, Assyrians or Babylonians?" For a Christian - Rome, all the prominent atheists of history, the Bible sceptics, Communism, etc. 1 Cor 15:54-57 Satan has been defeated, and he is empty because Jesus's grave is empty: Therefore death has been emptied of its power Therefore sin has been emptied of its power Point: Satan is completely defeated Satan utterly defeated - shamed, empty, lonely Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 21 June 2020 Introduction, v1 Question: Who or what is it good to fear? Blessings galore! vv2-4 Fruit - security, vineyards Vine - sexual charm Olive shoots - vitality A pre-vision of God's great plan The reanimation of the original blessing “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”” (Genesis 1:28 NIV11) To be fulfilled at return of Jesus and bringing of kingdom of heaven to earth. God's desire is for our joy! How to live in healthy fear of the Lord and walk in obedience to him, vv1, 4 A. Touched by fear yare: origin, “to tremble” or be “short of breath.” Question: Who can you think of who had this kind of experience? Moses - Ex 3.6 Isaiah - Is 6.5 Paul - Acts 22.6-8 All had life-changing ‘yare' experiences What does it look like to walk in obedience? B. Motivated to walk in obedience Moses - Ex 3.6 - led the people the way God wanted Isaiah - Is 6.5 - spoke God's Word to people Paul - Acts 22.6-8 - preached God's Word to the Gentiles Us - 1 Jn 2.3-6 - walking in a certain way “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” (Hebrews 12:10–13 NIV11) “If you go against the grain of the universe, you get splinters”. H. H. Farmer Conclusion, v6b God's desire is that we live at peace. For a Christian this is because Jesus is with us. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Cahristian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Introduction, v3-4 Question: “Can you think of people in the Bible who were treated with contempt/ridicule (who did not deserve it)?” “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12 NIV11) ‘mercy', Hebrew: hanan = compassion for the miserable; take pity; be kind; implies acts of kindness, not simply feelings of pity. Look with confidence, v1 Question: “Who do you think of as the ultimate victorious person?” A. Seated “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2) B. Jesus, Ephesians 1.20 “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:19–23 NIV11) Look with patience, v2 Question: Who do you know you can count on? A. Decision to look “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) B. Attentive Question: “What do you think the psalmist means by using this slave metaphor?” “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.' “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!' ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. ”” (Luke 18:1–8 NIV11) “Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:1–3 NIV11) Conclusion, vv3-4 Move from conceptual to the personal - “the LORD” to “LORD have mercy” Question: “When have you felt the need for God's mercy most acutely?” A. Show mercy as an imitation of the heart of God “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) B. Anticipate your relief “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Cor 4:7–18 Fix eyes on Jesus “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:1–3 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 NIV11) "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:34–39 NIV11) Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
“Do you know where you are going?”, Psalm 122 (“We're on a road to somewhere”) Introduction, v0 Question: “In what way has this crisis strengthened the UK community?” 1. Where are we going? vv1-2 A. To the ‘house' of the LORD Ps 120 - repentance, Ps 121 - trust, Ps 122 - worship. B. To ‘Jerusalem' (Ephesians 2:19–21), (1 Peter 2:4–5) Literally, ‘Our feet have actually been standing within your gates!' (John 14:1–4) (Revelation 3:12) (Revelation 21:1–4) 2. What is it like where we are going? vv3-5 A. Safe/secure, v3 B. Unified Gen 49, (Deut 33). (Psalm 133:1–3) C. Wrongs righted (Matthew 18:15) (John 17:20–23) 3. What shall we do on the way? vv6-9 A. Pray for peace - of the kingdom ‘Shalom' - wholeness What is it about our community that helps us be ‘secure'? (Matthew 5:9) B. Seek prosperity - of others ‘Shalwah' - prosperity, tranquillity, ease (Philippians 4:6–7) Conclusion (Hebrews 12:22–26, 28–29), (Hebrews 13:1–5) What kind of community will be left behind in our congregation after the virus? Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
This coming Sunday I am preaching on Psalm 122. I would like your input on some questions about the text. Let me know what you think. Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
The Watford church had the great privilege of hearing from our old friend Dr Andrew Boakye. Here is the text on which he spoke: And they said to him, John's disciples are always fasting and praying, and the Pharisees do the same, but yours just seem to eat and drink all the time! So Jesus said to them, “it's hardly possible for the groom's entourage to fast while the groom is there with them, is it? That day will come; and then, when the groom is removed from their presence they will spend days fasting”. Then he spoke a parable to them, saying: “No one tears a piece of cloth from some new clothes to fix a hole in some old ones! If they do, not only will the new clothes tear, but the old won't even match the cloth from the new. And no one pours new wine into old leather wine skins. If they do, the new wine will burst the leather wine skins and will itself be poured out, simultaneously destroying the skins. On the contrary, only new leather wine skins are fit for new wine. And no one drinking the old stuff wants the new, for he says the old makes sense” (Luke 5:33-39, Boakye translation). Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
“Who is looking after you?” - Psalm 121 1. Who is looking after us? vv1-2 Fear Bandits in the hills False Pagan temples, altars and shrines were on the hills - false hope Fix God is available to help, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) He is our ‘helper' or ‘guardian', ‘the one who guards' 8 times in this Psalm. The Psalmist's thinking quickly jumps from the hills to what lies beyond them - the Maker of the universe. Setting our hearts & minds will help us keep the right perspective during the day,Col. 3:1 2Cor. 4:18 Heb. 3:1 Heb. 12:2 2. What is he like? vv3-4 Note move from “my” to “your” - when we are assured of God's help we can point others to that helper. ‘watches over' = Heb ‘Shamar', The basic idea of the root is “to exercise great care over.” ... “take care of,” “guard.” Awake Mother watching over a vulnerable child - staying awake to protect Pagan gods needed waking (1 King 18:27), but not Israel's God. Attentive Guarding against intruders, etc., such as the cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life in Gen 3:24. Better than a burglar alarm. Satan steps back when he knows God is home! Personal God is YHWH five times in this little Psalm. And his protection is personal - all the 'you's' are singular. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV11) We are to help ‘guard' one another in Christ. Be in touch! Be like God! 3. What will he do for me? vv5-6 Shade you (protection) comprehensively God is our constant companion and helper in real or imaginary dangers. Times when it gets hot Stressed? Does not need to become crippling anxiety. Stepping into the shade helps you think more clearly. That's what a QT is for. Times when it gets scary It was thought that too much exposure to the moon could cause illness i.e. ‘lunacy'. We are all scared by things. How do we process that fear, and overcome it? That's what a QT is for. Shade = Heb. ‘tzel', ‘shadow', "Yahweh is the shade or the source of protection for his people The Psalmist prays that God may hide him under “the shadow of his wings” (Ps 17:8; cf. Ps 36:7; Ps 91:1). Remember to step into the shade when it gets too hot or too scary. Conclusion vv7-8 Our situation is bearable because it is not the final destination. God is doing good even at this time. What's been better since this Covid 19 crisis began? Romans 8:35–39 Faith is taking hold of this and moving into confusion without being controlled by fearBecause we know, by faith, God will make something good from it That is why Jesus went to the cross He, by faith, looked forward to it with joyNot so much the cross, but it's outcome ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NIV11) Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
“How to begin a tough new journey with God”, Psalm 120 Psa. 120:0 A song of ascents. Psa. 120:1 I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. 2 Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. 3 What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? 4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. 5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! 6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. 7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. 1. Call on God, vv1-2 A. With honesty “my distress” tsarah - first child; terror of approaching rapacious army Specific about the need - slander B. With faith “He answers me” implies past answers Reflect on past answered prayer and God coming through for you answer may also be one another - “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV11) C. With relationship From “the LORD”, to, “save me” - personal address From propositional to personal 2. Trust God, vv3-4 For wisdom Satan is the liar “If we are to know the abundant provision of God's unlimited resources, we must also understand how Satan works to rob us of that experience. He does so by deceit. You may have heard the saying that the way to know if certain people are lying is if their lips are moving. This is absolutely true of Satan. Jesus referred to him as “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NRSV). Indeed, his whole kingdom is based on lies; he works by deceiving. Why? Because he does not have direct power over our will. Therefore, if he is to get us to do his bidding, he has to fool us. He cannot make us do anything we do not want to do. If it is true that a person can be the devil's puppet, the strings are Satan's lies.” Willard, Dallas. Life Without Lack (p. 75). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. Be careful what you believe from the media Be careful what you believe form your own mind! B. For strength tongue - sharp arrows lies - burning coals Sin & death - empty grave; risen living Jesus 3. Turn to God, vv5-6 Meshek/Kedar - far north, far east - far from God Wants to move closer to God Homesick Fed up of being around the pagans! Times like this help us reassess our loyalty (Matt 5) to king Jesus Opportunity to grow closer But must move Repentance! B. Peace available Shalom Peace, prosperity, well, health, completeness, safety. In Christ “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV11) “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV11) Conclusion, Eph 2.12 “….remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:12–18 NIV11) Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
A Christian Response We are called to: Prayer in place of anxiety (James 5:13-15; Philippians 4:6). No panic / conspiracy theory Opportunity to grow in prayer “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:6–7) Wash your heart and mind with God's word as you wash your hands Empathy and compassion for those suffering (Matthew 9:36; Mark 5:34). No judgment Don't put others at risk Action to comfort where we can (2 Corinthians 1:4; Matthew 14:14). Make the most of extra time if you have it To comfort others and read/pray No hoarding, but generous“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' “Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ' “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:16–21 NIV11) Making the most of every opportunity - sharing about the comfort Jesus can bring for those who don't yet know him (Acts 16:22-36). Sin is the greater virus Salvation is the greater healing Look for the Holy Spirit to open doors for conversation Offer to pray for people What we don't know about the virus is not as important as what we do know about Jesus. We know that the ultimate victory is his: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We also know that nothing in this world can separate us from the love of Christ: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35 NIV) It is sobering to see what is going on around the world as a reaction to the virus. Not only the deaths, illnesses and physical pain, but also the emotional anxiety and even panic. Let's do our best to be people who are alert to the realities of the consequences of the virus, and connected with people in their pain. Yet, also, to be those people who have a genuine hope and do not live in fear. Time of prayer: What are the prayer needs? Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.watfordchurchofchrist.org. Join us in our adventure: 10.30 AM on most Sundays at Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0DD. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: thewatfordchurch@gmail.com. Thanks again for listening. Have a super day. God bless, Malcolm Watford, Watford church of Christ, Malcolm Cox, mccx, Croxley Green, Bushey, Leavesden, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ICOC, ICCM, Chesham, Chorleywood, Aylesbury, Croxley, Laurance Haines School, Vicarage Road, Bible teaching, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Watford Church, Churches in Watford, Churches in London, Churches in Hertfordshire, Watford UK, Holywell, Watford England, Watford in Hertfordshire, West Watford, Churches of Christ,
Prof Danny Dorling discusses the idea that that humanity is slowing down in almost everything that we do, and what this means for our future. Date 30 May 2019, 5:00pm - 6:00pm Location Lecture Theatre, Oxford Martin School 34 Broad Street (corner of Holywell and Catte Streets), Oxford, OX1 3BD Event Recording: In Origin of Species, Charles Darwin described how a population explosion occurs and called the time of population explosion “ favourable seasons", he was not to know it, but such circumstances arose for his own species at around the time of his own birth... However, the favourable seasons for human population growth were not experienced favourably, with times of great social dislocation from small scale enclosure to global colonisation. Now those seasons are over, we have experienced the first ever sustained slowdown in the rate of global human population growth. This has been the case for at least one human generation. However, we are not just slowing down in terms of how many children we have, but in almost everything else we do, other than in the rise in global temperatures that we are recording and that we have to live with. It can be argued that there is even a slowdown in such unexpected areas as debt, publishing, and in the total amount useful information being produced. If this is true - that humanity is slowing down in almost everything that we do – what does this mean? What measurements suggest that slowdown is true? And if so much is still rising, albeit at slower and slower rates - is that such a great change? Finally how might the slowdown impact on economic thought. In many ways economics was the science of the great acceleration; a science that makes most sense when markets are expanding and demand is rising. What kind of an economics is needed in a world where enormous and accelerating growth has stopped being the normality?
Classic Big Finish Main Range (1-50) 002 Phantasmagoria From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Phantasmagoria Series Release number 2 Featuring Writer Director Producer(s) Executive producer(s) Set between and Length 1 hr 29 mins Release date 4 October 1999 Preceded by Followed by Phantasmagoria is a based on the long-running British series . The story was written by and stars and . It was recorded between 26–27 June 1999. Contents [] Synopsis[] The and investigate mysterious goings-on at the Diabola Club in London, 1702, where patrons are disappearing after losing at cards to the mysterious Sir Nikolas Valentine. Cast[] The — — Henry Gaunt — Quincy Flowers — Edmund Carteret — Jasper Jeake — Poltrot/Librarian/Major Billy Lovemore — Sir Nicholas Valentine — Dr Samuel Holywell — Hannah Fry — Plot[] In the opening scene, Jasper Jeake, Quincy Flowers, Edmund Carteret and a fourth person are playing and discussing the coming succession of , at the Diabola Club (apparently a similar institution to the ). They argue and Carteret storms off, claiming a desire for adventure and excitement. Carteret is then approached by the sinister Sir Nicholas Valentine (introduced as a scholar, landowner and astrologer), and they agree to play cards. Carteret is later heard leaving alone furtively and acting "very queer". The following morning Valentine is heard to remark that he had good luck at cards the previous evening and inviting a down-at-heel school teacher to play with him the following evening. Meanwhile, in the Tardis, the Doctor tries to teach Turlough the rules of with the aid of a 1928 , and attempts to work out their time location from clues from the house they find themselves in. They are confronted by the home's owner, Dr Samuel Holywell, whom they deduce to be an ; they explain their presence on the pretext that they were delivering him the to form part of his collection. While the Doctor distracts Holywell, Turlough notices that some of his books are connected with . It then becomes apparent that the protagonists are being observed by an advanced intelligence, not from their current era. That evening, while the Doctor and Turlough are being entertained by Holywell, Jeake and Flower are robbed by Major Billy Lovemore (a ) and lose their winnings from the previous night. Later Ned Cotton (a ) encounters Holywell's maid, Hannah Fry, outside Holywell's house and assaults her. Hearing her cries, Turlough comes to her rescue. Inside the house, Holywell informs the doctor that he has practical proof of the existence of ghosts and is in regular contact with them. Before Turlough can fight save Hannah from Cotton, they are distracted by a man running towards them as if chased invisible pursuers; he drops dead with a playing card in his hand. The Doctor puts the card into his Almanack. Holywell blames himself, believing the death to be a result of his contact with the ghosts. In an aside, to the background of screams of torment, Valentine is heard to comment that only a little time remains until his work is complete. Following the altercation between Turlough and Cotton, Turlough has gone missing and the Doctor attempts to locate him. He notes that the dead man has numerous coins and promissory notes in his pockets and Holywell informs him that there have been a number of disappearances like Turlough's recently. Holywell claims that he has been able to contact the spirits of these missing persons through his experiments. Turlough, it becomes apparent, has fallen and injured his head but has been rescued by Flowers and Jeake. Holywell tells the doctor that twenty-four people have gone missing within a mile of the Diabola Club. Meanwhile, Lovemore murders Cotton, citing vengeance as the reason. In the Diabola Club, Poltrot is playing cards with Valentine and notes that Valentine never removes his gloves. This is dismissed by Valentine as a gambler's superstition. Flowers confronts Valentine about Carteret's disappearance. Valentine claims that Carteret left after a few hands, and invites Flowers to play with him and Poltrot. Later Jeake and Turlough see Flowers leaving the club, looking pale and avoiding them. Holywell, the Doctor and Hannah hold a in an attempt to locate the missing persons. They hear sounds that remind them of the death outside Holywell's house, and represent a series of numbers. Meanwhile, Turlough and Jeake decide to follow Flowers. They catch up with him and he asks for help, claiming that he is pursued by devils and a thousand voices. The voices are calling out numbers which the Doctor recognises as radio signals; he believes the Tardis can locate the source. Meanwhile Valentine is heard telling Carteret that he will be used for "restoration". In the Tardis the Doctor discovers that the source of the radio signal has been blocked. The Doctor instructs Holywell and Fry to look into the disappearances to find a pattern. Holywell discovers that a spate of young men in their prime disappearing in the area has happened every thirty years and finally connects this with the Diabola Club. It becomes apparent that outside observers are looking for someone and have noticed the presence of the Doctor in addition to their quarry. The Doctor and Holywell arrive at the club (leaving Fry behind) to find Valentine playing cards with Pultrot, who is quickly dismissed; the Doctor takes over playing with Valentine. The Doctor wins with an Ace of Hearts and Valentine tells him to keep the card. The Doctor decides to retire, leaving Turlough and Jeake in the Diabola. They follow Valentine after he leaves the club. Meanwhile, Lovemore is heard talking to the alien presence, stating that he believes Valentine is the person they are looking for and he will now cast off his fake identities and confront Valentine. It is revealed that both Lovemore and Fry are his fake identities. The Doctor discovers that the playing card he was given by Valentine is a tracking device, calling the 'spirits' to him, and realises that he must destroy it; this causes the 'spirits' to depart. Valentine is heard to comment that if he could have the Doctor's mind it would complete his work. The Doctor realises that Valentine is stealing his victims' consciousnesses; each card is tailored to its victim's touch, which is why Valentine wears gloves when playing cards. These trapped consciousnesses are the spirits or ghosts which are summoned to the card once it has been activated. The Doctor discovers a way to reprogram the card he took from the dead man to claim a new victim when he or she touches it, and conceals it in his Almanack. Hannah returns and reveals herself to be the same person as Lovemore and an alien, but justifies her criminal life as a response to the of the era. She goes on to disclose that Valentine is in fact Carthok of Deodalis, a deranged tyrant who escaped execution; she has been hunting him in revenge for the death of her family at his hands. Meanwhile, Jeake and Turlough arrive at Valentines laboratory and are detained and disarmed by Valentine; in their cell they find Carteret, who appears to be bordering on insanity. The Doctor and Holywell contront Valentine, who admits his true identity the murder of Fry/Lovemore's parents, and explains that he needs the consciousness of his victims to power his bio-mechanical ship to escape from the earth where he has been trapped. He has been healing his ship every thirty years by feeding it people's minds. Fry/Lovemore tries to force Valentine to return to Deodalis to face his execution but she is disabled by Valentine's defence systems. Valentine then decides to use her brain (rather than the Doctor's) to complete his repairs, and she is placed in a machine. The Doctor pleads for her life in exchange for what he claims is an item of great power but is in fact his Almanack (which he refers to as "the Wisdens"). He pretends to try to escape with the Almanack, and when Valentine/Carthok opens the book he touches the concealed card-trap and the consciousness/spirits he uses to capture his victims turn on him and kill him, led by Fry/Lovemore who also dies in the struggle. External links[] [] , & : Smoke and Mirrors & , & & Phantasmagoria & Other
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