An Uncomfortable Return
In the latest in our Uncomfortable Blog series, Mandy Hudson considers what Freedom Day will look like for Redeemer, and draws on lessons learnt over the past 18 months (with some help from the Redeemer family).
As the country takes tentative steps towards what some are calling Freedom Day are you looking forward with anticipation or dread?
What’s church been like for you over the last 16 months? Have you thrived on virtual fellowship or pined for more in-person collective worship? This blog will explore the range of emotions many of us have on what may feel like an uncomfortable return to church life.
It also makes use of responses to a recent poll which was sent out to members of the Redeemer family, asking for feedback on their experience at Redeemer over the past 18 months. Thank you all for your honesty and the time you took to answer the questions! If you would like to contribute to the poll you still can HERE.
An Uncomfortable Return
Some of our congregation still have no choice about having to stay away from in-person church. These are those whose medical conditions and personal circumstances mean it is vital for them to stay safe at home.
But what about the rest of us? Have we made it back to UWL on a Sunday morning? Do we feel comfortable meeting up with more people outside and inside our homes?
Like many of you, testing, mask wearing, washing hands more regularly and social distancing are now all part of my everyday routine. From July 19th, however, it’s all change.
We asked some members of the Redeemer family for their views of how lockdown has affected their experience of serving God at Redeemer.
What have we missed?
Although many of us missed Sunday meetings in person during lockdown the Lord still blessed us. We certainly have also missed communal singing (but if you’ve been in an England fan zone recently you’ve probably still enjoyed a good bellow).
Our musicians have served us so well throughout the pandemic, I’ve adapted to letting their words and music sweep me deeper into the presence of God. I sometimes wonder if we are not already part of the great multitude described in Rev 7v9-17. Maybe that’s a little theological gymnastic over-reaching, but during the months of virtual and restricted participation I for one feel we’ve had a foretaste of the eternity which awaits us worshipping the Lord.
Building Community
Meet ups were listed by almost 2/3 of people as a source of blessing during lockdown, and have also been a vital point of contact. One person commented:
““Meetups have, for me, been a huge support during the tough parts of lockdown. Knowing that I am not alone in my struggles has been great, but also to be able to take my eyes off myself and focus on praying for others has also been hugely helpful!””
People have indicated that they have felt less connected to each other, especially when it comes to meeting new people at church. However, we have still felt closer to the Lord and he has taught us to serve him in new ways.
No-one was able to anticipate the huge shift the pandemic brought to all aspects of our lives over the last few months. I sometimes find myself wondering how different our spiritual growth as a church would have been if we’d never experienced the effects of the virus. Nonetheless, by the grace of God we have continued to grow. We can rest in the peace of knowing that Jesus has been walking with us through the fire of sickness, bereavement and isolation.
Another response to the poll said this:
“Jesus hasn’t changed. In hard circumstances, which we are undeniably experiencing, our relationship with Jesus ought to be the most reliable aspect of our lives, building our faith rather than undermining it.”
A hopeful return
I’m hopeful the Lord is leading us into a new season where more in-person expressions of church can happen. This certainly seems to be reflected by the majority of those at Redeemer, with over 70% of responses to the survey indicating that they returned to in-person gatherings as soon as restrictions allowed.
Some responses elaborated on this answer:
“I was desperate to get back to church meetings in person - despite the online ones being a decent substitute.”
“I have found in person meetings to be immeasurably better in every way than digital church. Being in the building together is so much better than sitting in my living room!”
I’ve been pondering two quotations from the Bible:
Exodus 33v14,
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
and Proverbs 3v5&6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
These verses contain the promise of rest in God’s presence as we move forward and the encouragement that He will guide us as we submit to Him.
In-person church will be different from before the pandemic. We’ve learnt how to connect when disconnected (and I don’t just mean on zoom!). These unexpected circumstances have proved that although we may have been surprised and knocked off balance, the Lord has remained in control. I’m praying that despite the uncertainty, walking in post covid faith, we will advance in the confidence and security that comes from following Jesus our Rock and Redeemer. He will ensure our return to in-person church will fulfil all His plans for us and our community.
A reminder to reflect
As one response to the poll challenges us, this has been a difficult time for many, and however we are feeling about our return to '“normality”, it is important that we do not move on too quickly, or without reflection.
“We have been through the hardest collective time as a country since WW2, and I fear that a return to full in-person Sundays will dive straight into happy clappy songs, chatting over coffee, and picking up pieces of bread from a shared plate. Given what we’ve been through, I hope we are invited to mourn, connect more deeply and more sincerely with God and one another, learn lessons, and repent. Our country is significantly further ahead than others, and we should not forget them.”
Let’s continue in prayer and in discussion with each other to learn more about what the Lord has wanted to teach us during the last 18 months.
Written by Mandy Hudson
Mandy is a member of our Redeemer Family, a teacher, and a contributor to Redeemer’s latest book - Stories of Hope. You can pick up a copy on a Sunday morning!
Online Church Continues!
We might be meeting together again, but don’t miss out on what’s happening online at Redeemer!
We may have recently begun meeting in person again at Redeemer, but that doesn’t mean our online content has slowed down! Below are details of all the great online content you can still find at youtube.com/RedeemerChurchLondon
Monday Testimony!
Every Monday you can hear from a member of the Redeemer family about how their relationship with God has changed their life! Whether it be through a specific part of scripture, a one off experience, or a gradual transformation. Take the opportunity to be challenged and inspired by what God is doing in the hearts and minds of the people here at Redeemer!
Worship Wednesdays
On a Wednesday we worship! (Well, every day we worship…) but on a Wednesday specifically we release a video created by the Redeemer worship team, which you can use to lift your eyes, your hands, and your voice in worship! Sing, dance and clap along with the team as we seek to give glory to God, and put him at the centre of our lives again as we reach the centre of our working week.
Faith Locked Down
On a Friday we are going to be sharing previews of Redeemer’s new book - Faith Locked Down! A collection of psalms, prayers and poems written by some of our gifted creatives at Redeemer, these videos aim to stir your faith, and remind you that God is at work even in the midst of a difficult year! If you like the videos, why not pick up a copy of the book!
Sunday Services
Although we are meeting physically at the University of West London every Sunday, we recognise that for various reasons, some of you are unable to join us in person. We would love you to continue to join us online, and we’ll be streaming the service live each week. There will still be the opportunity to worship alongside the rest of the church, hear great teaching, and even text in contributions to be shared with those in the room as well as those watching online.
As well as regular new videos, there is already a collection of playlists and videos ready for you to watch right now! So what are you waiting for?! Click the link below to get involved, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 3
As we read 1 Thessalonians 3 together, Adele helps us to see the parallels between our own isolation during the current pandemic, and Paul's as he was writing this letter to the church in Thessalonica.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Adele as she shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
One of the verses which Adele touches on in her video above is 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - May your love increase and overflow for each other.
Most of us are familiar with the “one another” commands of the New Testament. In the study guide for his book - Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything. Tim Keller helpfully lists these statements under the categories of affirming one another, sharing with one another, and serving one another. These “one another commands” form, he says, “nine ‘community-building practices’—specific behaviors that build Christian community.” For a more detailed unpacking of each point, see pp. 58-71 of the book.
The categories are listed below courtesy of a blog from thegospelcoalition by Justin Taylor which can be found HERE
Affirm
1. Affirm one another’s strengths, abilities, and gifts.
Romans 12:10: “Honor one another”
James 5:9: “Don’t grumble against each other”
Romans 12:3-8: Confirm the gifts of one another
2. Affirm one another’s equal importance in Christ.
Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you”
1 Corinthians 12:25: “Have equal concern for each other”
1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another”
James 2:1: “Don’t show favoritism”
3. Affirm one another through visible affection.
Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss”
James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak”
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another”
1 Thessalonians 3:12: “[May] your love increase and overflow for each other”
Share
4. Share one another’s space, goods, and time.
Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love”
1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another”
Galatians 6:10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good”
5. Share one another’s needs and problems.
Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens”
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Encourage one another”
Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily”
6. Share one another’s beliefs, thinking, and spirituality.
Colossians 3:16: “Teach and admonish one another”
Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”
Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another”
1 Corinthians 1:10: “Agree with one another”
Serve
7. Serve one another through accountability.
James 5:16: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other”
Romans 15:14: “Instruct one another”
Ephesians 4:25: “Speak truthfully”
8. Serve one another through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
Colossians 3:13: “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another”
Galatians 5:25: Don’t provoke or envy one another
James 4:11: “Do not slander one another”
Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15: Reestablish broken relationships with one another
9. Serve one another’s interests rather than our own.
Hebrews 10:24: “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
Romans 15:1-2: Don’t please yourself but please others
Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another”
Lockdown Peace
Steve Page discusses how he feels a little like the disciples did on Easter Saturday, and why that’s exciting!
‘Lockdown’ – that sounds familiar
We’ve been spending time in the gospel of John - first looking at the account of the Passion and more recently looking at the ‘I am’ statements made by Jesus which give a mind-blowing insight into who He is.
But I keep going back to Easter and the aftermath of Jesus’ death.
The confusion of Easter Saturday resonates with me. What was going on? This wasn’t in the script as His disciples understood it.
In John 20 (Sunday evening of the Easter weekend in the timeline) the disciples were still frightened, still confused – and staying behind locked doors!
Then it happened – as they were huddled together,
worried about the consequences of leaving their safe place,
speculating about what would happen next (some of them had seen the empty tomb and the women said they had seen Jesus…),
in the middle of their fear and confusion –
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders…
JESUS CAME AND STOOD AMONG THEM AND HE SAID, “PEACE BE WITH YOU!
John 20:19
The peace of God and the God of peace
In Philippians 4 Paul (who had more than his fair share of trauma) writes about this peace:
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent and praiseworthy – think about such things…
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:5-9
Lord Jesus
in our restricted space
amongst the speculation and uncertainty,
with our emotions exhausted and our anxiety fuelled daily,
come, Lord Jesus, stand among us
and speak your peace into our households
and set it guard over our hearts and minds.
And the people of God said with one voice:
AMEN
Steve Page
This blog was inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit during one of our weekly Zoom Prayer Meetings which are happening on every Wednesday night! If you want to join us, then let us know by filling our an I’m New Here Form or by emailing hello@redeemerlondon.org
How Hope Carries Us Through This Pandemic
It’s been 8 weeks since we’ve been in lockdown in London and there are now talks of a lockdown being eased. As this happens, and off the back of this Sunday’s message at Redeemer, Ann Ajet talks to us about hope.
It’s been 8 weeks since we’ve been in lockdown in London and there are now talks of a lockdown being eased. My prevailing feelings of boredom, memories of the unfettered ways I could be enjoying my day is bubbling to a strong, heightened sense of longing. I most look forward to alfresco dining amidst the emerging summer breeze in the warm company of family & friends.
This is my Hope, a return to all the things I once found simple pleasure in.
It seems that hope has a purpose, it reframes our present. Hope is a feeling of expectation that something good will happen. Because the current pandemic causes us to press pause on the present, it focuses our attention on the future. It’s our envisioned future that helps us get through the now and suggests there’s something about our present that we are discontent with while we wait for what we want.
God created us as embodied social human beings who thrive off the energy of others, isolation has severely curtailed that for me. I miss the urban life and the kinetic buzz garnered from being in a room packed full of people. I miss the spontaneous vis-à-vis conversations, banter about everything from the frivolous to the deep. Yes, these still take place on zoom but it’s simply not the same as being in the same room as someone else. The fact is, we are humans that never stop longing for something, lockdown or no lockdown - our ever-evolving desires will never fade away. The pandemic has served to draw us back towards our basic human instinct - to survive and avoid catching CO-VID 19.
Perhaps the collective feeling that we are all in this together, is for many, a welcomed respite from FOMO - when we are all sanctioned to our homes there is less to miss out on. Or perhaps we welcome the withdrawal from the individualistic daily hustle to be someone and “make our mark in the world”. Confined to our homes, stripped of the superfluous and focussed on the essential, there’s no need to distinguish ourselves, to draw attention and compare.
Our basic need becomes food, water and shelter - the first few weeks has shown how quickly our human instinct kicks in when an unannounced deadly virus arrives on the scene. But as we are now experiencing, when the viral pandemic becomes more controlled and risks minimised - we start to turn our attention elsewhere. According to “Maslow Hierarchy of Needs”, secured of our basic needs - our new baseline for survival becomes the next rung; we look to get back on the dating scene; to find the partner of our dreams; we seek out our next career manoeuvre; we aim for 200 more followers on Instagram.
Our moving goal post shows we are hope-based humans.
We are continually moving along a spectrum of desires - an excellent education, a flourishing career, the perfect spouse, a granite kitchen top in our Pinterest home, well-behaved children. As the cyclical pattern begins again - we want the same for our children. We have endless desires that realistically won’t be fully met in our lifetime. None of these things are wrong, we were created with an impetus to build families, homes and careers. This pandemic is frustrating because it has become a glaring obstacle, an invasion of our plans.
We are fundamentally creatures with intrinsic desires that propel us to the next thing. Most of us are already daydreaming about what post-lockdown life will look like. But the landscape will not look the same for everyone. Economically, businesses unable to remain financially viable will perish and jobs will go. Until we find a vaccine, people will face severe health challenges and we will lose loved ones. Lockdown may have perhaps spurred you to re-evaluate your direction and question whether you’re building the right career or are in the right relationship.
Sooner or later, we face a time when our dreams don’t feel like they are coming to fruition, we face disappointment from our relationships, work and health. Disappointments are a direct confrontation of our broken world as we try to reconcile our ever-increasing hopes and desire versus the limitation of an imperfect word. This doesn’t mean we should give up, our desires reveal to us a greater vision of the good life, as CS Lewis summarise so well:
“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: we, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” [1]
We sense something other-worldly because we were wired by our maker to want to live forever. He has placed “eternity in the hearts of men so that we will seek him” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). On a conscious or subconscious level, we desire to be eternal – to make our mark in the world after we’re gone by chasing after things through recognition. Think about it, every endeavour we chase is a pursuit to be remembered forever, we try to do this by living on through our family or through our work. We’re summoned to do this because we think there is one life, as the current truism goes; we are implored to “to live our best life” now.
As the past few weeks have shown us, death doesn’t discriminate – rich or poor, famous or not – we are all subject to death. When the late Apple founder Steve Jobs faced mortality, he was able to distil this gnawing feeling we have to “be eternal”:
“It’s strange to think that you accumulate all this experience, and maybe a little wisdom, and it just goes away. So I really want to believe that something survives, that maybe your consciousness endures.” [2]
Jobs understood something about the coldness of death. Former first lady, Michelle Obama describes the sudden death of a close friend in a similar way, she says how death was “perverse, how the world just carried on”[3]. I believe Michelle Obama is spot on: death is perverse and unnatural, deep down we want to believe that we’re not some stat on a bell curve; that death is not an on-off switch and we’re gone.
Death is unnatural because God created us for something more. God has placed eternity in our hearts because an eternity exists. Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).
Our Hope is not wishful thinking but a confident assurance in the only person in history to have raised himself from the dead, the only one that holds the keys to death and can give us true eternity.
By Ann Ajet
Ann is a major foodie and likes to explore street food markets with her husband and daughter. She also likes writing about deep stuff at Bread.
[1] Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
[2] Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
[3] Becoming by Michelle Obama
Spring and Covid-19
Adele Dabrowski encourages us to recognise the glory of God in creation at this time…
‘Oh to be in England, now that April’s there!’ so wished the famous poet… and I agree wholeheartedly!
Spring has always been my favourite season in the UK – things springing to life everywhere you look - it always reminds me of God’s gift of life to us – ‘once we were dead, but now we are alive!’ Hallelujah!
I sit at my window and gaze at the bushes opposite me, their new shoots are bright red, reminding me of the blood of Jesus which brings new life. The cherry tree opposite my bedroom window – it has actually begun to flower and is almost full of pink blossom. Oh God, my heart wants to cry out, You are such an amazing God. Your creation boasts of You! And it is but a pale reflection of Your beauty.
But although my heart is full of wonder at God’s creation, I cannot enjoy it as I have been doing, year after year.
This year it’s different! I am not in it, among it! I am not standing under the cherry blossom tree and looking up into the sky through its amazing brand-new flowers – in fact I cannot even touch it!
Why? Because of COVID 19.
My husband and I are in self-isolation. We gaze out in admiration, but cannot be part of it in the same way. And yet – I am grateful for this visible sign that there is new life in Christ, that God is still the same, He is on the throne and that ‘there is a season (time) for everything!’. Things may change and we can feel that we are on shifting sands, but at the same time, the trees bloom, the daffodils appear, the rose bushes begin to bud… God is on the throne of the universe and new life continues as before!
And then, of course, come the difficult moments, the temptation to forget all this, as we hear of the rising rate of deaths, in the UK and worldwide. Of friends and families of our friends who are fighting for their lives; as we watch the news; read the many messages on social media and listen to the videos of those who are experiencing the full horror of this disease.
As we hear non-believing friends ask ‘where is your God in all of this? Why does He allow this?’
And what can we say? We don’t have the definite answers to these questions, only suggestions.
But we have a choice – either to allow the enemy to bring us down and feel hopeless, helpless. Or to turn to the truth of God’s word that God is a good Father and He will never let go of us, especially in the tough times. We can consciously decide to focus on the manifestation of His glory before our very eyes! Yes, it is a tough road to have to travel, but we are on it, and God invites us to focus on Him and His beauty around us, rather than on the circumstances surrounding us!
Yes, I would prefer to stroll through the gardens outside, to see the children playing as they always do, to smell the new roses, admire the apple and cherry blossoms from close up. To feel the welcome warmth of the spring sunshine on my face. But they are there, nevertheless, and the creation constantly points me to the Creator! Reminding me that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever and that nothing catches Him by surprise!
Written by Adele Dabrowski
#RedeemerRecommends - Andrew Haslam's latest blog
#ReedeemerRecommends a blog from Andrew Haslam, a leader of a fellow Advance church in London.
This blog has featured the talents of many members of the Redeemer family over the last few weeks, for today’s #RedeemerRecommends we travel a little further afield (though only a few miles across London). Andrew Haslam is the leader of Grace Church, London, another church in the Advance group of churches of which we are part. He is a fantastic writer and theologian, and on Good Friday he published a blog highlighting the fear which is gripping society during this time, and how we as Christians look at fear differently to others. We hope you enjoy reading it, and that you continue to stay safe during this time.
Coronavirus, faith, and the fear of death
Many are questioning religious faith right now. I understand this. The shock of watching the death toll rise each day as the world is battered by this invisible enemy is an example of something very evil in this world. And the question of how God can allow evil to exist is, perhaps, the greatest obstacle to faith in the modern age.
But, with all respect to those asking such questions, to pose the problem in this way is to miss the entire point of the Christian faith.
Am I a parent? Am I a teacher? Do I need to be Superman?
We hear from parents at Redeemer about their experiences during the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as some tips for Home schooling!
It is a challenging and confusing time for all of us, but especially for parents! Below we hear from a few parents at Redeemer about the experience of raising kids in this season, but first, some tips on homeschooling…
Home Schooling!
One of the biggest challenges faced by many families since the lockdown, is the task of working from home whilst also home schooling their children!
First a massive shout out and well done to the schools and teachers for the outstanding job that they do day after day!
But now for some tips. Don’t worry, this blog will be brief - as you are busy!
Tips from a home schooling parent:
Get up before your children wake up. Give yourself plenty of time to get your own mind, body and spirit ready for the day.
Put your child's well being first. Character development is way more important than academic achievement. Some days it's best to throw the workbook out the window (or walk away from the screen).
Read aloud to your children (no matter how old they are). Good books will take you on great family adventures even in quarantine!
BONUS TIP: Above all, give lots of grace - especially to yourself.
Podcasts
There are a massive selection of podcasts that you can listen to….
Follow the link below to find some great podcasts about the Charlotte Mason philosophy followed by the parent who gave the tips above!
More ideas
The following two websites are also packed full of home schooling ideas!
Community
Follow the link below to find a Facebook group set up by a veteran of home schooling
Parenting through Covid-19
As well as home schooling, there is still the permanent 24/7 job of being a parent to deal with too! Below are some thoughts and experiences from parents at Redeemer, we hope they encourage and reassure you during this trying time as parents.
The human theme park ride
We’ve been stuck in for 5 weeks, ‘someone’ in the family getting a cough which put us out before the schools even closed! In some other time and space this would be the perfect little sabbatical, as you ‘work’ from home, playing board games with the kids and go on bike rides. But in truth it's hard to do that when you're considering the world imploding, seeing corona stats rise, and you morbidly attach yourself to the news, both wanting to look away, but partly being transfixed by the drama. Part of me wants to retire away to the world of netflix and bury my head in the sand, but that just won't do! lIfe goes on, children need us, God wants us to step up, and fight the good fight.
I can take heart, my kids are, despite the turmoil around us, bonding in a wonderful, beautiful way, spending hours playing together. Don’t get me wrong, we are no ‘vitamin’ ad family and there have been squabbles, plus we picked up thread worm (How did we do that? stuck at home?) but we are trying to find new ways to do life, news things to interest us. I for one have extended my role as the human theme park, setting up a mat I got last year in the garden. I am helping the kids learn to front somersault, and they are using me as a ‘gym horse’ to jump off of. Coupled with this I take them on ‘fake’ theme parks rides as they sit on my lap pretending to go up and down on a roller coaster. Who says we can’t visit thorpe park from your own living room?
I can't go to a theme park, snakes and ladders or even visit the local playground but we can darn well fling ourselves off each other. (Disclaimer, whilst it’s fun for the kids, you will be shattered!). We all want to look back at this time to see the great things we've achieved. My contribution will be front flips and theme parks rides, and a deep devotion to building connection with the family and God. And a continued faith that this will be a footnote in history very soon! Plus, I can't wait to go for a curry again!
Craft your way to bliss (or into armageddon)
I set out with great intentions, endless amazing websites to educate my kids with, zoos to visit, exercise programmes to follow, theatre shows to watch, audible for kids for free, Disney for a week, social interactions to continue on FaceTime and Zoom.... The world is our oyster.
Couple with all this the endless craft which my daughter has set her eyes upon! In order to pass another 20 minutes we have panicked, bought card, felt, contact lens solution (for slime - sorry if this item is in shortage!) Normally I will craft away.... But right now...what a mess that I have to spend the day looking at. Well yes, I’ve realised I need to lose any pride I had in what my house might look like, no-one will be seeing it anyway! I’ve let go and allowed a build up of toilet rolls and egg cartons in order to allow the kids to make toilet roll pipes stuck to the kitchen cabinets as it is so fun.
What of the endless websites to keep our life looking outward and moving forward? Very minimal. Don't get me wrong there are some lovely gestures going on with all the free access but I’m finding it all a bit much, that so much has to go through the screen. I’ve tried to find a balance between a bit of structure and a great deal of relaxing and free play- lots of mess in the house. The mess however has also brought about some better habits, the kids have to tidy up more now, for years we’d been just tidying up for them and I really don't know why! We are having more meals together as a family, and as I’m not desperate to have the most flavoursome meal at every sit down, we can save a lot of time eating the same meal!
It’s amazing to see how the kids' imagination is growing, they’ve travelled to many places in the last 5 weeks, my favourite being the beauticians!
Matt’s never had better pedicured feet!
Thanks to Matt & Sarah Bateman and Leslie Mailloux for their contributions to this blog!
Covid-19 - Grief, Anxiety & Prayer
Sarah helps us to process our grief and anxiety, by encouraging us to follow Jesus’ example and join together in prayer.
I’ve been thinking about my feelings and emotions quite a lot in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. It’s something I always try to be mindful of but this pandemic has really heightened the daily process of trying to pinpoint how I feel. Naming my emotions doesn’t always come naturally to me, however grief and anxiety about the future were two things that came to mind, and I’m pretty sure these feelings aren’t unique to me.
Grief is a strong word, but in this time we have all lost much, be it big or small. Not just the obvious loss of life, but I’ve been particularly shaken by the impact this has had on jobs, businesses and people’s livelihoods. I’m also grieving the loss of community; friends who we spend time with regularly, church, family gatherings, coffee dates and people round for dinner in the evenings. I’m grieving the loss of ‘normal’ life and the way it used to look for us.
And then there’s anxiety - an emotion that sadly I’m pretty familiar with and have battled with before - that physical feeling of apprehension about what is to come. When will it end? How many will die? How many will lose their jobs? When will I be able to go to a shop without worrying what I’m touching, or go for a walk in the park without keeping 2 metres away from the person coming the other way? I think it’s the unknown in so many of these things that makes the fear really amplified; it allows the imagination to run wild.
As I pondered these things I felt somewhat guilty for feeling them. Doesn’t God have the answers to all these things? Should I even be feeling this? I was almost immediately reminded of two instances in Jesus’ life where he experienced these similar emotions.
The first was Jesus’ expression of grief after Lazarus died in John 11:35 where ‘Jesus wept.’ He shares in the grief of Lazarus’ friends and family even though he knows that moments later he will raise Lazarus from the dead. He doesn’t deny the emotion of that moment in spite of this. It is ok that we grieve, and feel sad about what we have lost, even though we trust and hope in what God can do next.
The second instance was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where he expresses anguish in anticipation of going to the cross, asking God if there is any other way (Luke 22:39-46). He prays in such earnest that he sweats blood. It is ok that we look ahead in anticipation of the next weeks and months and feel anguish and uncertainty.
In both these situations Jesus expresses strong emotions. But he also follows each with the same response. He goes to the Father in prayer. The first time asking for a miracle for the situation they were in; the second time asking for God’s strength and for his will to be done, returning in prayer several times until he receives what he needs from God. It is ok that we feel emotion but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we should go to God in prayer. And going to God in prayer also doesn’t mean that these emotions will simply vanish immediately. As someone who sees much of life in black and white holding these things in tension isn’t easy for me. I tend to think that I should either feel emotion or pray. I'm learning, as Jesus did, to express what I’m feeling to God in prayer, knowing I can return to him again and again, as many times as I need.
As a Redeemer church family we're going to be ‘meeting’ virtually to pray every Wednesday evening which will serve as a great opportunity for us together to bring everything we’re going through and feeling in this season to God; hope to see you there!
Sarah Montgomery-Taylor
'Take this opportunity to read more......'
Looking for a book to read? Find out where you can find one for free (or at a discount)…
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
One of my new year’s resolutions this year was to read more, and given that I am currently consigned to my house for the near future, I am hoping not to turn to the nearest screen and see how much of Netflix’s back catalogue I can get through, but instead to actually act on my resolution!
This has not been as easy as I thought, as there is still lots going on in my life, and many things I need to be doing to make sure church still happens (albeit online) on a Sunday morning! But one thing that’s helpful is the many deals which have subsequently appeared on book selling websites! So, if you, like me are using this time to try and read more, then detailed below is many ways in which you can pick up your next page turner for free (or at least at a discount).
First up, Audible, who recently released the following statement on their website:
For as long as schools are closed, we're open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Explore the collection, select a title and start listening.
It's that easy.
Their titles are varied depending on age, but include stories from Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, and Rudyard Kipling, as well as C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Screwtape Letters’, and classics like Frankenstein, Jane Eyre and Romeo and Juliet.
There are also a number of titles available for $4.99 on LifeWay, such as ‘Steadfast Love: The Response of God to the cries of our Heart’ by Lauren Chandler, and ‘Running From Mercy: Jonah and the Surprising Story of God’s Unstoppable Grace’. LifeWay is also offering their Gospel Project curriculum for free during this time, which is the resource we use for our kids work on a Sunday morning.
Crossway is also offering the basic subscription plan on ESV.org for free until the 31st of May 2020. With the plan you can access 9 different study bibles, the Greek New Testament, and the ‘Knowing the Bible study series’ which covers every book in the bible across 45 volumes.
Most books at The Good Book Company are also discounted up to 40% off, books such as ‘Where Is God in a Coronavirus World’ by John Lennox, and ‘The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story about How Peter Failed and Jesus Forgave’ by Dan DeWitt.
Finally, Moody (A Christian book publisher) is also offering several of it’s titles at 50% off, including The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. While everything on the site is at least 40% off until the end of March.
So, if you’re looking to get into reading during your time of self-isolation, or if you have always been a lover of books, there’s lots out there for you!
A Bruised Reed Walking
A beautiful poem from Marsha Kurian about finding hope in God’s promises during times of uncertainty….
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
Father, I need a break -
I step outside to clear my head.
the cold wind grips me, and I shiver
quickening my step, I feel it push back
it is a spring evening, normally streets are busy, but there is not a car in sight
few busses pass by, fewer passengers inside
people rush in and out of a 7/11 shop
I hear arguing in houses and on streets
the atmosphere is tense
our neighbourhood still has empty newbuilds
but it's in the middle of two estates,
I love this part of town, its people, its flavours, normally teaming with life
I walk past an elderly lady, carefully measuring her steps
a man hurries past, face covered deep under a hoodie
together we fight an invisible enemy
we help each other by keeping a distance
Lord, how is life going to continue?
Rumours spreading on social media
Fear creeping into feeds
Fact and fiction mingling, people keep sharing
Worries fill my mind
Then I turn a corner, what I see takes my breath away
out of nothing, a beautiful evening sky appears
orange, pink and purple light on fluffy clouds
it is marvellous, "I made heaven and earth" a voice pops into my consciousness
Thank you, God
I cross the road and notice sounds are softer near the canal
Instead of barking dogs and arguments, birds sing their eve songs
Cherry blossoms, strangely bright in this light
"Peace, I give you" the still little voice continues
I breathe in deeply, the wind tastes fresh
Warmth is spreading through my body as my muscles move
A tree boasts tender shoots on every branch
"I promise, there will be better days"
As nature holds its breath during winter, we too hold our breath
This spring seems to be delaying its relief
But we are invited to breathe freely, keep a clear head.
"Am I not in charge?" God's voice asks quietly
Crises come and go, people seem to forget
"Nothing new under the sun"
"Be courageous and strong. Do not be afraid"
These are exceptional times, but people tend to be the same
The ones who take more than they need, have always done so
Affluence and greed, another more subtle pandemic
Others serve their communities, and have always done so,
A less appreciated contagion
On a daily televised government status update, the Chancellor said, "We will remember how we took care of each other"
Coronavirus is a chance
What is my priority, my personal comfort or the public good?
"What you have done to the least of these, you did to me"
Jesus cares about our behaviour towards those in need,
he identifies with them, he IS them.
As the sky loses its evening spectacle glow,
I head back home with a clearer vision for our community.
Covid 19 or not, “A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice”
Isaiah 42:3
A Lent of Greater Faith
Pamela encourages us that although lent looks a little different to how we expected this year, it’s true focus remains the same…
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
I didn’t plan to write this blog.
I began writing a piece for Lent about us not just focussing on what we are giving up, but also asking ourselves what we are taking on this Lent - what challenges, changes, crosses and contributions we’ll be taking on to serve our households, church family, community and God.
But then COVID-19 happened.
And as I wrote this new blog, I think God brought me back to the same place.
Our prayer and God’s protection
During such testing times as these, I’ve found it helpful to listen to on-line bible studies, encouraging us to pray with confidence, exercising our faith and trusting God like never before. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know a God who does.
The Psalms provide powerful words of faith as well as heart-felt cries to God. In the face of current public health crisis Psalm 91 is perfect, particularly because it calls upon the Lord for protection over pestilence and I highly recommend that we take those promises and incorporate them into our prayers for ourselves, family, friends & neighbours.
We are not immune, it’s true, but God makes all things possible. If Christ can raise the dead, if the Apostles can cast out demons, if my faith can move mountains, then our God through the Holy Spirit, in the Name of Jesus, can protect us.
Fear or faith
Jesus was very clear: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). So, now, as never before, ask, seek, knock – be persistent in prayer with faith in God, who stands with us.
Now, spiritual faith can work with practical common sense, so yes, we take precautions, we are careful to not socialise, we wash our hands, we follow government and health guidelines, but we do it with faith not fear – that’s the difference! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
A Lent of greater faith
So how does this relate to what we give up for Lent and what we take on for Lent? Well, I say that we let go of fear and take on even greater faith. I advise prayer over panic, declaring life over accepting death. Choose to live in truth rather than live overwhelmed by the daily news.
People may well continue to fall ill – fact. The truth is that God is with us in times of trouble, He delivers us and honours us. With long life He will satisfy us and show us His salvation (Psalm 91).
Daily life has been thrown off course – fact. The truth is that we have life from someone who is life (John 11:25).
It is evident in the Bible that our God is incredibly intentional; everything serves a purpose, there is a plan and His timing is unique, critical and perfect, whether we understand it or not. He is faithful! So let us be too. Let us sing Hosanna on Palm Sunday, sing thanks to Christ on Good Friday and raise the roof with the Holy Spirit come Easter Sunday - without fear, but with courage, love and truth.
The cross came before the crown and I hope that we all feel encouraged at this time, and at all times, because though there may be weeping in the night, rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30) and God will make our cause shine like the noon day sun (Psalm 37) – God’s words, not mine.
Lent’s soundtrack
If this blog had a soundtrack, it would feature:
Yes & Amen - Housefires
Way maker - Sinach
Take a moment – United Pursuit
Now, let’s end with some hashtags shall we… it’s a blog after-all
#FaithOverFear
#PrayerNotPanic
#YesAndAmen
Peace be with you & God bless you,
Pamela
Curse or Blessing?
A note of encouragement from Adele, one of our Redeemer Family who is self isolating….
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
I am self isolating. I like to believe that I don’t look (or act) anywhere near my age! But the fact is that I am 71 and I am suddenly in the ‘vulnerable’ group. Even worse, I have a cough. To be honest, I have had coughing bouts on and off for years now, but at this time a persistent cough is the worst thing you can have!
Being a sociable person, I am used to meeting people all the time, attending church meetings, praying for people at home etc. Now I suddenly cannot do that anymore. So I have two options – I can stay at home and sulk and complain. Or I can decide to ignore the Government’s strong advice and go about my business as usual, possibly get infected and take up precious hospital beds which are needed by others.
As a Christian I need to ask myself – what would Jesus do?
Well, first of all, Jesus loved people.
He cared for the marginalised, the poor, the widow and the sick! He considered their wellbeing. The bible tells us that true religion is caring for the widows and orphans (James 1:27). So am I caring for these if I put myself and them at risk? The answer must be ‘no!’
So neither of the options above seem like a good option, well fortunately I believe that there is a third way, which I believe is the most pleasing to Jesus.
The Bible says that every day is a gift from God! Let’s treat it as such, wherever we are – at work or at home. It doesn’t matter, whatever we do, we do it as to the Lord, knowing that from Him we shall receive a rich reward for our labour.
There are actually many advantages to being at home, thanks to modern technology. There is the opportunity to have prayer and chats face to face on Whatsapp, Skype, Zoom or whatever! Continue to regularly ‘meet’ with your groups. Today I had an incredible time on Whatsapp with a bible study group member – we read the Bible together, worshipped and prayed together! The presence of the Lord was right there! We both felt really uplifted and are already looking forward to next week, when I hope to get the Skype up and running for the other three members of the group so that we can all join in and be blessed.
God is not bound by walls, or distance! If we invite the Holy Spirit to come into our situation, He will move! No matter where or how!
And now I am also looking forward to finally reading through all those books that have been sitting on my shelves for years! looking through and sorting out my photos and my files, chatting to extended family on the phone, and ringing all those friends I haven’t got round to speaking to for years, bringing them a word of hope and encouragement. Writing that short story I have been hoping to do for years, painting my old dining room chairs, possibly even sewing some new covers for my cushions…
And, of course… spending more time with the Lord Jesus, without having to rush off somewhere, and reading the Bible more slowly!
It’s certainly not going to be boring. Those of us in isolation can be excited about the opportunity God is giving us to be more available to Him than ever before!
I’m looking forward to it! What about you?
The Great Leveller
In our second covid-19 focused blog Steve Page encourages us to reach out to others in this time of confusion and fear, and reminds us to all to call our mum.
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
Lord Hennessy, a historian, referred to the Corona Virus as a great leveller in that the virus is no respecter of social status, race, gender, ability, wealth, etc.
Irrespective of who you are, the virus and the associated social shutdown impacts us all.
He also speculated about how PhD students of the future will regard our society and how we responded to the challenges posed by the virus.
So let’s give them something positive to talk about.
I’ve seen blogs with suggestions as to how we can make working from home happier and healthier – all suggestions have been welcome.
But how can we help each other?
My daughter saw a woman giving bottles of hand sanitiser to fellow commuters and a lady holding a sign giving her phone number asking people to contact her if they need support. I’m not advocating that last one, but it set me wondering, what can we do for work colleagues and for neighbours who are coping with the same pressures right now.
We can keep in touch with those we usually work along side – not just team conference calls, but on a one to one basis too.
We can share coping tips – both with work colleagues and neighbours.
Try turning the usual half-felt enquiry (“How you doing, alright?”) into a more searching question – “How you doing today?” – and wait for a real answer. If in doubt, ask twice.
Support local businesses by shopping in smaller independent shops – they seem to better stocked that the supermarkets in any case.
Support your local Food bank – details here.
And ring your mum – she worries about you.
One day we’ll all be featured in a PhD dissertation (probably several); I’d like to think we come out looking good.
Covid-19 - An Opportunity for Generosity
The first in a series of blogs encouraging us as we seek to follow Jesus in a challenging time…
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
In the last 24 hours many of us will have made decisions to work from home, to cancel social events, and to refrain from travelling to visit friends and family in other parts of the country. These actions are in response to government advice which seeks to ‘flatten the curve’ of the coronavirus outbreak, limiting its effects on the health of the general public. But the physical health of members of our church family is not the only thing we need to be concerned about.
The crisis will also have a significant effect on many people’s finances, and as Christians it is important that we step up and support those who are impacted by the virus in this way too. As any church should, we choose to look to the very first church in the book of Acts, for guidance as what to do in these situations. This is my challenge to you today, does your generosity towards others in your community look like the church in Acts? They had everything in common as a church (Acts 2:42-47), they sold land to give to the poor (Acts 4:32-5:10), they distributed food amongst their community (Acts 6:1-7). Your actions may look different to this, but I think you would agree that in times like this it is crucial that we stand up and follow the example of the early church.
It is so crucial to not only change our social behaviour to keep the vulnerable amongst us safe, but to also change our economic behaviour too. This is an opportunity to be known as a church for our love, which will in turn draw others to us and give us an opportunity to preach the gospel, just as it did for the church in Acts.
So, how can you be generous today?
I’ll leave you with a verse which though written to a church over 1000 years ago, speaks directly to us today.
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2
This blog was inspired by a similar one on thegospelcoaltion.org which you can read HERE