Selah - Practising Stillness

Selah

Often at this time of year we can find ourselves occupied by so many things: work commitments, family commitments, running essential errands. Even the more enjoyable leisure activities and social events take planning and organising and before we know it our calendars are full; our minds are busy and our time taken up.  Yet time is one of the most precious gifts we have in this life- it can’t be bought or replaced; it can’t be returned. Who we spend our time with is significant. How we spend our time matters. What we spend our time on is important. 

The world seems to shout at us that there is time for everything-we can do it all! We can do it all and apparently all at once: endless multitasking in our own multiverses – this, we are told, is what it looks like to live a productive life. How often do we buy into this lie? How often too, are we plagued by the fear of missing out (FOMO)?  How often do we find ourselves on that hamster wheel running from one thing to another? Not just juggling social calendars but struggling under the weight of pursuits. All the while patting ourselves on the back for being such good go- getters? 

How much of our time is spent expending ourselves?

A Time for Stillness  

Instead of spending our time-the currency of our lives, trying to cram in everything, we should take heed of King Solomon’s revelation in Ecclesiastes 3 that “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven” and perhaps also understand that there MUST be a time for stillness. 

Stillness- A time to pause and just be. A time to reflect. A time to quietly glory in God’s goodness- with no agenda, no outcomes to measure, nothing to check off, nowhere to be. The Bible is replete with scripture verses on stillness and resting in God.

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength
Isaiah 30:15

We are reminded of the importance of allowing God to lead us, “beside quiet waters” as he “refreshes [our] soul”

Jesus himself said to his disciples “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while…” Mark 6:31

In Hebrews we learn of a Sabbath-rest for the people of God, “…for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” As humans we need physical rest from activity and labours and as Christians we are blessed to enter into salvation- deliverance from toiling under sin’s scourge, from the impossible demand to keep the law, from the threat of striving to no avail and never having peace.

This is why we share the gospel so that all may enter into that rest- but this rest that has been won for us is also to be enjoyed to the fullest on this earth, during our human lives, at this time.

Press Pause

Should we not then seek to redeem the time we have by intentionally and purposefully pressing the pause button so that we can enjoy what Christ died to gift us? I hope you are encouraged to pencil in time for stillness in your calendars and lives. 

Timali Ebanks is a follower of Jesus, cherished wife and mother of a beloved motley crew. When she is not enthusiastically expounding on the joys of delving into literature and engaging students in copious amounts of reading and analysis, she enjoys bouts of writing and adventures of all sorts.

#RedeemerRecommends - New Songs At Redeemer!

We want to make sure that the songs we use at Redeemer are not just theologically beneficial, and musically and vocally engaging, but also that they reflect the diversity of the Redeemer family and the ever evolving nature of worship music across the world.

All of this means that the list of songs we use on a Sunday morning regularly undergoes changes and new songs are added, which we hope reflect the season we are going through as a church at the time.

Below are some songs, both new and old, which we are hoping to introduce to Sunday mornings at Redeemer over the next few months, we hope this gives you the opportunity to begin to learn them and use them as part of your personal worship times too!

(Click the names of the songs for YouTube links!)

Promises - Maverick City Music

Maverick City are an excellent example of what it looks like when worship brings together people from across different church backgrounds and cultures, Promises is a song which reminds us of just that, the promises of God throughout history, and how we can worship him for his faithfulness today.

Come Lord Jesus - Sam Cox & Newday

Newday is a youth festival which Redeemer have been serving and attending with our youth group for many years! Sam Cox wrote the song Come Lord Jesus for the festival in 2016, and its lyrics encourage us to invite Jesus to come and meet personally with us, transforming us inside and out.

Every Praise - Hezekiah Walker

Hezekiah Walker has been a prominent gospel music artist for over 20 years, and pastors Love Fellowship Tabernacle in New York. His song Every Praise, lifts our eyes to God who is deserving of our worship, regardless of our situation or how we feel.

Your Great Name - Todd Dulaney

Your Great Name is a reminder to us as followers of Jesus that there is power in his name! Power that is stronger than any other, and that we can call on when we need to see change in our attitude or our circumstances. Things change when we call on his name!

Bow Down and Worship Him - Bishop Paul Morton

A simple song exhorting us as believers to humble ourselves as we worship God, reminding us that as we come into his presence we are on holy ground!

Hymn of Heaven & House of The Lord - Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham will be a familiar name to many of those who worship with us regularly at Redeemer! His songs Great Things, Living Hope & This is Amazing Grace have been blessing us for many years! Hymn of Heaven & House of the Lord are two songs from his most recent album, Hymn of Heaven helps us to worship in assurance of our eternal future in Christ, while House of The Lord is a song of celebration to be sung as a whole church together!

Freedom is Coming - Hillsong Young & Free

Mi-Kaisha Masella is a newer member of the Y&F songwriting team, and has brought a fresh gospel feel to the song Freedom is Coming, found on their most recent album. The song proclaims the truth that in Jesus we are free, our chains fall, our strongholds break, our sins are forgiven!

From the Squalor of A Borrowed Stable - Stuart Townend

Stuart Townend was a songwriter who was involved in Newfrontiers events for many years, and wrote this song back in 1999. The beautiful lyrics take us as worshippers on a journey through the life of Jesus, encouraging us with each chorus to proclaim that he is God with Us - Immanuel!

Listen out for these new songs at Redeemer on Sunday mornings over the next few months, and check out the Redeemer Spotify playlist for all of our songs!

Ealing Update - New C.A.P. Debt Centre

Through the years many at Redeemer have taken and hugely benefitted from the CAP Course. CAP stands for Christians Against Poverty, and their short 3 part course on money management has been hugely beneficial not just to us here at Redeemer, but to thousands of people all across the UK!

A New Home for CAP in Ealing

We are excited to announce that there will be a new CAP Debt Centre opening in Ealing, it will be located at Oaktree Fellowship, Acton, and it will replace the two existing Debt Centres in the borough, to form a central hub for Ealing and the surrounding area.

How can I be involved?

The centre is currently looking for volunteers to help serve in one of three different roles:

1) Prayer Team
People with a heart to pray for the needs of the clients, and various aspects related to the smooth running of the centre.

2) Befrienders
People who can be available to meet clients alongside the centre manager, and show love and compassion.

3) Blessings Team
People who can help with writing cards, organise small Christmas gifts and occasional hospitality.

Check out the video below to meet Mark, who will be leading the new centre, and find all the information you need to get involved. Additionally, if you are in a tough financial situation, or would simply like some advice on your finances, you can find everything you need at capuk.org

Spring and Covid-19

‘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

Resurrection Monologues - Thomas

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The fourth is from the perspective of Thomas.

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It had been a week since Passover.  We were still staying behind locked doors.  There were all kinds of rumours and we couldn’t be sure what would happen next.  And the others had me worried.  

We’d all been through a lot.  Two weeks previous it seemed like Jesus was going to overturn Roman rule, it was like he’d been taken off the leash – telling the authorities exactly what we thought of them.

Then - Judas!   I can’t believe he set Jesus up like that -

It happened so fast, one minute we were celebrating Passover – God’s great deliverance of his people - and then within a few short hours our world fell apart.  I thought I was ready to die for him, but we ran - and we left him to face the soldiers alone.  

It was a mockery of a trial.  They couldn’t wait to get rid of him.

Seeing Jesus flogged and nailed to that cross; hearing his cries, seeing his mother break down - we we’re devastated.  I admit I couldn’t hang around, I went off by myself, to get my head straight.

And then the others started going crazy.  First the women and then the guys.  Even Peter, I hadn’t expected him to lose it.  They said the tomb was empty - that they’d seen the Rabbi – but that was impossible, we all saw him die.

Part of me was tempted to believe it, but I told them – unless I saw with my own two eyes, I couldn’t accept it; it was too fantastic.  

I’d seen him – I saw his body – lifeless and beaten.  So, unless I saw the same nail marks, unless I put my hand into his side, where they’d pierced him, I couldn’t believe it.  

They continued to try and convince me, but I wouldn’t have it.  I was such as fool.  

He came.

He stood there – in our locked room - and he looked straight at me.  I was dumbfounded.

And then he had me place my hands on his scars – they were real – just where I saw them pierce him, just where the nails went in – but his flesh was now warm and very much alive.  

What do you think I did?

I exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”  It was true – he wasn’t our Rabbi – he’d shown himself to be our God.

And he stayed.  We spoke with him, peppering him with questions, and he ate with us, he fished with us.  Those were the best days.  

I’m not sure he wanted to go – but in the end he did; he went back to his Father.

So that leaves us to tell our story – to tell his story.  And even though you didn’t get to see him, you can believe it – we are his first-hand witnesses:  

Jesus of Nazareth, teacher, healer - the man who was sentenced to death and who died – he is the Son of God and his Father has raised him to life.

And because he lives, we can start a new forgiven life.  Even fools like me.  Believe me – it’s true.  

Resurrection Monologues - Mary (Mother of Jesus)

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The third is from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus.

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O Lord, my Saviour, my spirit rejoices in you, for you....

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Oh, Jesus. This isn't as easy as I thought it would be.  Oh, my son, my child, my beloved child - now my Saviour.  My whole being worships you, and yet… in my heart I still treasure those times when it was just you and me.  Holding you close, hearing your first words, shepherding you as you took your first steps, watching over you, binding your first scrapes - you were sooo adventurous; it was always a challenge keeping you out of your father's workshop.

And now you watch over me.

Son, my heart still aches when I recall your body arched in pain, bleeding.  Your cries still haunt me. It's hard to shake the image of your lifeless body wrapped in cloth and lying - in a tomb.

Forgive me, dear son; I almost lost my mind with grief. I was blinded with my tears, and in my fear I didn't understand.  All I could feel was the sword piecing my very soul, just as old Simeon promised.

And then, when I saw you again, whole, restored....  Oh how I loved to see that smile again, to feel your arms around me once more, to hear your laughter, to draw in your warmth as we shared a simple meal, just like we used to.

But you were taken again so soon.  I know you had to go, but oh, how I missed you – to lose you again. (Deep breath)

But I'll tell your story - so many want to hear my story.  The boys promise to write it down, but I'll still tell. It thrills me every time I tell it, for how can written words capture you, your love, your presence.

Son, you spoke of a gift.  Well, as you probably know, it arrived right on time. You said that if we waited here in Jerusalem, we would be bathed in YOUR Holy Spirit.  

And now I see.

I almost weep with joy when I hear young John and the rest of your friends – your disciples - speaking in your name.  I recognise your voice, you see, I recognise your heart, in their words.

It's -

it's just like you're still here.

Thank you for not leaving your old mum alone.

I'll see you soon, my Jesus. 

Resurrection Monologues - Mary Magdalene

On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The second is from the perspective of Mary Magdalene

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‘Why are you crying?’

What a simple question – but oh, how complex the answer.

We had spent so much time with him – we thought we understood.  We thought we knew where this was all going.  How wrong could we be.  

After the devastation of Friday, after the silence of the sabbath, early on the first day - me, Joanna, Mary, Salome and the others had gone to the tomb with the spices.  We’d prepared them not really knowing how we were going to move the stone.  And there it was – the gapping entrance, revealing the empty tomb.

You can imagine our confusion.  We were in tears, and still crying when Peter and the others arrived.  They were no better.  And then it was just me – sitting there trying to piece it all together.

Then the angels were there, seated quite calmly, where Jesus had been laid, and they asked me - 

‘Why are you crying?’

I tried to explain and then in a moment he was there.  He was different, and at first I didn’t recognise him.  He asked me the same infuriating question.

‘Why are you crying?’

And then, as I was still blubbing, trying to tell him – he spoke my name.  

And everything changed.

He told me to go tell the others – but it wasn’t til he showed himself to them too, that they really believed.  I can’t blame them.  Something this wonderful, this miraculous… It’s hard to get your head around.

And he explained it to us - what he’d been telling us over the previous years, it all fell into place.

“The resurrection and the life.”

So, believe me when I tell you – I was there.  

Jesus, our Jesus, is alive.  He is our Lord and God and you can know him for yourself. 

Golgotha Monologues - Joseph of Arimathea

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our fourth and final monologue is from the perspective of Joseph of Arimathea…

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“I’ve come for the body”, I said.

Pilate looked up – I think he recognised me from the Council.

“Please, can I take the body?”

We both knew who I was talking about

He spoke quietly to a guard who scurried away.  And Pilate nodded to the seats to the side – but I stood.  I waited.

It was getting dark by now – proper dark, and despite the hour, I stood.

Pilate busied himself, but glanced my way every few minutes – I think he looked curious, or it just might have been fatigue.

After what felt like an age, the guard returned and told Pilate what I already knew – Jesus was dead.

I realised then that I hadn’t stopped weeping since I walked in, perhaps that was what Pilate had been curious about.  I didn’t care, I stood where I was and said again – “Can I have the body?”

Pilate signed the warrant without a word and waved me away.  I didn’t outstay my welcome.

I got outside and looked around for Nico – he’d dosed off and I nudged him awake – “Joe?”  “Yes,” I said, “I’ve got it.” I helped him up and we stood there, hands clasped a little longer than intended.  It was good to have a friend.  We went quickly as we could – back to Golgotha.

The soldiers read the warrant and without ceremony they lifted the cruciform down, leaving us to take his body.

I think they enjoyed seeing two old men struggling with the nails, working them free, sobbing the whole time.  We worked together, neither of us were used to working with our hands and it wasn’t quick work.  We were soon bloody and hurting.  I noticed as we laboured, neither of us looked him in the face – part shame and part reluctance to look the truth in the eye.  Our Rabbi, our Lord had been silenced for good. 

“Come on, , let’s get this done,” Nico encouraged, “I got the spice, have you got the linen?”

I unrolled the strips of linen and we wrapped his body with spice, the scents doing nothing to disguise the finality of what we were doing.  We didn’t speak more than a few words, but there was comfort in the ritual that we were both practiced in - treating the body of a well-loved friend or one of our family with the honour they deserve.  This was no different in some ways, though we were short of time.  We dispensed with the normal psalm recitation – bowed together with a short prayer, affirming that divine judgment is righteous, despite what our hearts felt.

“Joe, come on, formal mourning will have to wait.”  I suppose Nico could see my hesitancy.  It felt callous to treat the Rabbi this way – but it was the law, we had to hurry.  We laid him in my unused tomb, seemed the least I could offer him.  And we left him in the darkness.

Nico gave me an uncharacteristic hug – there in the garden, in the silence and I sobbed again.  

I couldn’t help but think back - 

“I am the way the truth and the life, he’d said.

I am the bread of life, he’d said

The Spirit gives life, he’d said

He promised us the light of life.

He promised life to the full.

I am the resurrection, he’d said.

What’s going on, Nico?!!?

Was it all just words – just figurative language?  Was this too just a parable?

What’s in the name of Jehovah is going on?!

And we wept together as we walked home.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Soldier

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our second monologue is from the perspective of a soldier…

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I really REALLY hate this job

Years of training, promises that’ll serve Caesar ‘for the glory of Rome!’ and see the world 

– and I end up in this God-forsaken, stinking, armpit of a country, populated by mad men.  

[SIGH]

Here we go again – bigger crowd than usual I see – oh that’s great, another messiah to crucify.  Will they ever learn?  

Well, that makes a change, even his own lot seem to be against him, they’re usually chanting, weeping or whaling by the time they get here, not jeering and calling for blood.  Like I said – mad men!

Yes, boss, straight away.

Up you come, matey.  This is your cross to bear.  

Move!  You know you only have yourself to blame – you brought this on yourself - 

Stand back you lot, give the man room.  We’re on a schedule. 

Right, boss.

Come on, Fix, you’re with me – let’s get this done.  Claud, Jules, you know the drill, do it like we practiced – tie him securely, one nail in each lower arm, one though the feet. 

Oh, just Ignore him, hold him firm, one of yer hold the arm and the other take the nail.  That’s right, one swift movement, do it right first time - it’ll be enough to hold him.    

Claud, get a hold of yourself, its only blood.  Be professional – there’s a crowd watching.  

Where’s that notice board, what’s to be written here?  What’s the charge, boss?  

Is that meant to be funny?  No, I didn’t mean anything by it, if that’s what Pilate wants, here you go, “JESUS – OF – NAZ -A -RETH.   - THE - KING - OF - THE - JEWS.“ 

What – no mate, I’m not re-writing anything – it is what is it.   THE KING OF THE JEWS – what’s written is written. 

Fix – do you think the boss is behaving a bit strange?  He seems a little distracted.

Never mind.  Okay – here Fix, it’s your turn to divi up his stuff.  Hang on, no don’t rip that – look, it’s quality, seamless.  Throw the dice for that one.  

Jules, keep an eye on those women.  No, they can chat to him, but no touching the cross.

Yeah, okay, but they use the sponge – and only wine vinegar – he won’t be needing decent wine where he’s going.

Right, boss, we’re done, we’ll settle in for the wait – this may take a while.  

… What’s that he said? “Finished!?!”  Hah, don’t you wish.   It’s nowhere finished for you lad – you’ve got a world of pain coming before you can shuffle off.  

Sorry boss.  Disrespect?  Come on , he’s just a – No, of course, no, no … sorry.

Blimey Fix, I think the boss has been here too long, he’s saying some strange stuff.

…. What do you mean he’s gone.  It’s only been a few hours.  

Show me – no give it here, I’ll do it.  

… Well, he is dead.  No, no need to break his legs, he’s finished. 

That doesn’t make sense – I know my job, 

• Did he just decide to die? 

• Who’s in charge here – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, or me?

• Who has the authority here?  This Jesus or us?  

WILL YOU SHUT THOSE WOMEN UP!  I can’t think.

Listen, Fix, let’s keep quiet about this – we’ve got a reputation to maintain.

What?  Now boss, calm down.  Listen to yourself – I know he died a bit different than expected – but the Son of God?  Boss, are those tears? 

I don’t know, Fix – this has got too weird.  

I REALLY hate this job.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Pilate

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our first monologue is from the perspective of Pilate…

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Stepping outside was the mistake.

Greeting those Jews, just part of the job, but there I was...outside my palace...and there they were...and there...he was. Surrounded by his accusers and his governor...(that’s me)...yet wearing a calmer expression than all of us, as if he were Caesar himself, about to step onto his chariot for a lap of victory.

Resigned to his destiny...but not intimidated by it.

“Not my problem!” was the line I took, but they would not take the bait.

And neither would he, even in the face of his governor, the one holding his future in the palm of my hand! And so I choose…compassion.

A rare show of true justice and mercy.

Praise be to Pilate.

...

I did what I had done many times before. A carefully crafted question, creating a collaborative truth we could step into together: “Your kingdom accuses you, so step into mine.”

And yet the man will not bow to a convenient “truth”:

King of everything, more than King of the Jews.

So what else can I do? The man who came in as an inconvenience for the priests, themselves an inconvenience for me, places himself as my enemy.

I attempted mercy.

But my justice is justified. A swift flogging, mock the king of fools, and think no more about it.

“Problem solved!” I think and I say…but they disagree.

“Crucify him!” their reply.

Really? A bit of roughing up I can do, but surely this lunatic doesn’t deserve death…certainly not like that. I’ll try a different tack.

“Not my problem.”

But in their eyes I should be the solution, and that was the moment...the fear set in.

I was too far gone.

I should have never admitted his guilt.

I should have never spoken to him in the first place.

I should have never granted those religious fools an audience.

And this time the man won’t even respond except to bring his God in, and...perhaps offer me a way out of this mess.

“Right!” I demand of the accusers, a newfound courage filling my lungs. “I’m governor, and I say he’s going free.”

But what does a person do when his livelihood is threatened?

The fear grows in me: am I more afraid of Caesar, or of God?

I am trapped. It’s my job security or his life, and so I double down. If I will be saved by his being crucified, then I will do it the right way.

I will sit on the judgement seat.

I will write his inscription.

And let that be an end to it.

What was I to do?

Should I have sacrificed everything I’ve worked for, for the name of this Jesus?

I’m sure I’ve made other compromises anyway. What’s one more?

Written by Sam Isaacson

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We know there were some audio issues with this monologue, so the video is below for those who wish to watch it again!

Curse or Blessing?

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.

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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

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.

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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. 

The Message of Malachi - A New Preaching series at Redeemer

Elie Wiesel was a Romanian-born American writer, political activist, and Holocaust survivor, he said: “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” 

One of the dangers in our modern fast paced world is that our brains are bombarded with vast amounts of information and data. We receive news about issues from around the world: natural disasters and football results, murder and videos of performing cats. We struggle to differentiate between the vital and the humorous.

I personally can become a great spectator, one who watches and expresses an opinion; I have never missed a penalty from the comfort of my armchair. Yet as quickly as the information comes it is replaced by more and more, faster and faster. I may have been moved the first time I heard and saw the bad news but I get de-sensitised with every viewing.

I have often felt challenged by the quote attributed to Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  I believe this is why many around the world have applauded the actions of Greta Thunberg, the 17 year old Swedish school girl who misses school on “Fridays for future’ and as she travels the world to lecture leaders due to her concern for the environment.

Malachi was a man, approx 2,500 years ago, who also brought a message - “you are half-hearted and making a mess of life!” His listeners were not actively doing wrong but they were also not passionately doing what was right. The disappointments of life had worn them down to become spectators in a game they should have been playing.

The best thing about Malachi’s message, which he believed was from God, is that before the hearers were expected to change their behaviour, God said, “I Love You.” Redeemer church is going to spend the next 6 weeks looking at the message of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament.

Join us at the University of West London, where we aim to throw off indifference and live a life that counts for God!

Nativity Scene - A poem by Steve Page

Sunday night saw our very first Christmas concert at Redeemer, and our resident poet Steve Page was on hand to shed some light on his experience of Christmas over the years, and reveal some truth about the very first Christmas to those in attendance. Below is just one of the many brilliant poems he shared with us, and it can be found in his new Christmas anthology, which our host on the night described (correctly) as a perfect stocking filler! If you want to buy it you’ll find a link to at the bottom of the page.

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Nativity Scene

Stubborn love
faced down the years
of fearful hate
and stared intently as a child
from the stink of a manger
out into the poverty and
the oppression reflected
in captive eyes,
wide with hope
and wet with joy.

Generous love
cried out an almighty peace
into the dark stillness,
heralding a new start
with echoes of ancient promise.

Patient love
reached out with perfect timing
and embraced humanity.

Unfailing love.
Unfailing still.

Love Ealing

The first word when I think about God is LOVE.

The first verse I learnt from the Bible was John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son.

As a follower of Jesus I am amazed by His love for me

Love Ealing is one means by which Redeemer Church wants to demonstrate Jesus love for Ealing in practical ways. This will be as creative as the people taking part, and can be large or small: a wide range of activities, events and words are encouraged.

Below are some examples of ideas we have had already, plus some testimonies of how individuals have already been showing love to the people of Ealing!

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What we’ve got planned!

As we’re getting closer to Christmas we’ll be doing some carol singing in the Ealing Broadway shopping centre on Thursday the 12th and Thursday the 19th of December. At 7:30 on both evenings we’ll be showing some love to the people of Ealing as they do some Christmas shopping, and anyone is welcome to join us!

In January we will be showing love to the emergency services around Ealing, gathering people to go to their local police station, a&e department, and fire service with thank you cards and gifts. Blessing them in response to all they do for us over the busy Christmas season.

We’re also looking to bless and show love to those who are supported by Age Concern and Retirement Homes in the borough, and will be taking teams of people to build community with the older residents of Ealing by singing Christmas songs, playing games, and just spending quality time with them around Christmas.

Finally, we’re putting on two fantastic and free Christmas events on the 15th of December! There will be a carol service at 4pm, and a Christmas concert at 6pm, both events are at the University of West London and will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies!

We would love to hear about your ideas or to get you involved in one of the ones mentioned above, come and find us at the Love Ealing table on a Sunday morning!

How we’ve been loving Ealing so far…

The other day I was in Pret with a friend and we thanked the lady who served us, let her know that she was loved and gave her a Love Ealing business card, there was no big conversation as a result but it was great just to spread a little joy as part of our lunch!

I was walking through Ealing Broadway and I stopped to chat to some people who were asking members of the public if they wanted to switch their bills! Often I find it easy to walk past these people, but I decided to stop, encourage them for doing something which quite often can seem a thankless task, and I offered to pray for them! They were kind and asked me to pray that they wouldn’t get rained on! I also gave them a Love Ealing card and I walked away praying for them, it was only such a small thing but I am trusting that God uses it to plant a seed.

I came to the realisation that on my daily commute I walk past so many people that I never really stop to chat to. One of these people is Graham, who works at Chiswick Park tube station every morning. I felt convicted to do something to thank him for his friendly ‘hello’ each morning and tell him about Love Ealing. One morning, I asked God for courage and walked to the station armed with chocolate and Love Ealing business cards. As I gave these to Graham, he looked shocked and so happy to receive this small gesture of appreciation. I told him that how our church is taking a few months to love Ealing in practical ways and invited him along to Redeemer, pointing to the address on the back of the card. With a delighted expression on his face, we chatted about our weekends before he said ‘thank you so much Hannah’. We’ve connected everyday since and now know each other personally! I was struck by how little that took from me, but how great the impact was for him. What if we slowed down enough to notice and bless someone on our commute everyday?

This Saturday! - Alpha Holy Spirit Day

This term I have had the privilege of leading the Alpha course, a group of us have been meeting every Wednesday to eat together, chat and get to know one another, hear some great talks from some great guys and girls at Redeemer about aspects of the Christian faith, and engage in some  exciting and thought provoking discussions off the back of the talks.

Coming up this Saturday though is a day which I’m expecting to be a real highlight of the course, as we join together for two sessions learning about the Holy Spirit. We run a day like this every time we run an Alpha Course, as the Holy Spirit is such a key aspect of our life as Christians, and we know it’s crucial that if we want to grow in faith, or even if we’re just working out what faith in Jesus means, it’s impossible to do so without a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

During the day, we will get the opportunity to learn about who the Holy Spirit is, what he does, and how we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s a really exciting opportunity for people’s lives to be changed!

Last term on the Holy Spirit day, one of the guys attending was struggling with back pain, he asked if we could pray for him and during the prayer he described feeling a heat in his back, which was miraculously healed as we prayed!

I’m so excited to see how God is going to move and what he’s going to teach us about his Holy Spirit this Saturday. If you’re someone who wants to learn more about the Holy Spirit, or you’ve got a friend who you think might have questions, then you are more than welcome to join us!

The day will start at 10am, and finish at 2:30pm, with a break for lunch in the middle. You can find out all the details and sign up by following the link below!

CAP Money Course

This Sunday we start our next CAP Money Course at Redeemer, run by James and Alicia Dougherty. The course runs over three weeks on Sunday afternoons after church, in the Savoy Suite at the University of West London. It’s not just for those at Redeemer, all are welcome, and the course is completely free! It runs between 1pm and 4pm, with lunch included. Still wondering if it’s for you? Let me tell you more about it…

What is the CAP Money Course?

The CAP Money Course is a free course that will teach you budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that works. In just a few weeks, you will get to grips with your finances so you can budget, save and prevent debt. The CAP Money Course was devised by the award winning charity, Christians Against Poverty, in 2008. More than 1,100 churches run the course for their communities, with over 10,000 people benefiting from it each year.

Is the CAP Money Course for me?

Whether you feel pretty organised or whether it’s like a lucky dip every time you try to withdraw cash from your account, the CAP Money Course will help you take complete control of your finances. There are extra resources for those on low incomes, self-employed people, couples, families and those preparing for retirement – whoever you are, the CAP Money Course will be relevant to you.

On your local CAP Money Course, you will be supported by our trained coaches to take practical steps towards getting in control of your finances.

You can sign up for the CAP Money Course using the button below! I guarantee you it’s worth it!

Alpha Starts Tonight!

Here at Redeemer we want to be a church which encourages people to ask questions, and seek deeper relationship with God. You might be reading this and have a friend who has lots of questions about your faith, you might have just started coming to Redeemer and are looking for deeper relationship with God, you might not be a christian, but you’ve got an interest in finding out exactly what it looks like to live as a follower of Jesus.

If any of the above applies to you, then I have good news! Tonight is the beginning of our next Alpha course! We will be meeting at Osteria del Portico every Wednesday night for the next 9 weeks, eating great food together, hearing a talk on an aspect of the Christian faith, and then taking time to ask questions and have friendly discussion together around the topic which has been spoken on.

Alpha is a fantastic opportunity to get to hear different people’s views, and discuss what we believe as Christians, and why we believe it is worth talking about! We also hope that over the 9 weeks you will get to build great friendships and learn things about the Christian faith which encourage you to dig deeper into what it means to be a Christian.

You can hear just one story of Alpha below:

We hope to see you tonight for Week 1 - ‘Is There More To Life Than This?’

#RedeemerRecommends - Newday 2019!

This week’s Redeemer Recommends highlights a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience the power of the gospel alongside thousands of others this summer!

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Newday. You may have heard the name mentioned a few times at Redeemer recently, but what is Newday? Well, to summarise, Newday is a week long festival aimed at young people between the age of 11 and 19, which aims to bring people together from across the UK and Europe to learn about and worship God! It has been running every year since 2004 and this year it starts on the 29th of July and finishes on the 3rd of August, with everyone returning home on the 4th. We at Redeemer know that it’s an amazing opportunity for young people to take the next step in their relationship with Jesus, and that’s why we would love you to join us!

So what does a standard day look like at Newday? Well you’ll wake up, grab a shower (not optional, you’ll be spending a lot of time around other people….) and some breakfast. Then there is a morning worship meeting which is aimed at specific age groups, followed by short talks on a range of topics relevant to what’s going on in your life! After lunch together in the afternoon there’s time to chill, hang out at one of the cafes, join in with one of the sports competitions, listen to some live music, there’s even inflatables….Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone! Then, dinner is served! After dinner is the main event, a worship meeting with everyone on site in attendance, over 7000 people worshipping God together and hearing great biblical teaching! After the evening meeting there’s some more time to chill and enjoy the concourse, where all the action is, or if you would prefer a chilled evening there’s hot chocolate available in the Redeemer marquee! Then it’s time to turn in for a good night’s sleep before we do it all over again the next day!

You might be thinking, this sounds loads of fun, but I’m not a young person, how can I get involved? Well there is still opportunity for you to do so, we are still looking for a few people to help us serve the event as Zone Hosts! Hannah Kinning is running the team, made up of people from Redeemer, who together will be hosting the Purple Zone this year, looking after all the churches camping on that zone and making sure their young people have a fun and safe experience at Newday 2019! There is also an opportunity to come and help with our Redeemer catering, helping to cook the meals for our young people, youth leaders and zone hosts. If you’re interested in either of these serving opportunities then look out for Hannah or Toby on a Sunday morning, or email toby@redeemerlondon.org

So, what are you waiting for? You can get signed up by clicking the button below, or if you need any more information about the event or how we look after the Redeemer youth while we’re there, then email toby@redeemerlondon.org or check out the Newday website at newdaygeneration.org

We're Moving! - Planning & Preparation

In the second of our blogs focusing on our Sunday venue move, Toby Elliott looks at the practicals and the logistics, and try and answer some key questions you might have!

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I love a plan. Anyone who has known me or worked with me would be quick to tell you that where I go, a detailed spreadsheet often follows close behind… I have come to learn that this is not the case with everyone, but I am happy to tell you that here at Redeemer we have many faithful and dedicated members of our family who play their part in the plan for a Sunday morning service! Many of these people are behind the scenes, and wouldn’t be noticed by those coming through the doors at 10am, but I know that if they weren’t around, their absence would definitely be noticed, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who serve faithfully behind the scenes to make sure Sundays at Redeemer run smoothly!

But what does this have to do with the new venue? Well, on Tuesday night a number of those that serve on or lead Sunday teams met at the University of West London to explore, ask questions, and get excited about our new Sunday venue. We know that moving to a new venue is likely to throw up fresh challenges and new plans will need to be set in place to make sure our Sundays run as smoothly as they always have (I’ve started on the spreadsheet already). Below are some of the questions they asked, questions that you might be asking too. We’ve tried to answer them as best we can so that you have an idea of what Sundays at the University might look like.

Where are we going to meet?

We will be worshipping together on a Sunday morning in the Weston Hall, which is the large lecture theatre in the centre of the university building. Refreshments and the welcome table will be located just outside the hall in the cafe space, with the kids meeting in a suite of rooms elsewhere in the building (more information on that below). You can find a map of the site here.

What security measures are in place?

The university has a dedicated security team that will be present on both entrances to the university site, each entrance is equipped with barriers that the security staff will open to allow people in and out of the building. Everyone who attends on a Sunday morning will need to sign in at the desk, to ensure that the security team know who is in the building if an incident occurs. This means the site is a very safe environment for everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults, however it will be important for parents to stay alert, as there is lots of space for children to get lost in the building!

Will I still get my cup of coffee?

Don’t worry, our refreshments team will still be on hand to provide with that caffeine boost before and after the service! With the larger cafe space outside of the main hall providing the opportunity to sit and chat over a hot drink, while allowing further ministry and prayer opportunities in the main hall for those who may wish to respond to what has been shared during the service.

Where will my children be meeting?

Children up to the age of 11 (School Year 6) will continue to join us for the first 15 minutes of corporate worship. Our children’s groups will then run in another area of the building called the Savoy Suite, which is a short walk away and will be clearly signposted from the main hall. The suite is only accessible using dedicated security passes which will be available to children’s ministry leaders only, meaning that the area will be off limits to anyone who is not part of Redeemer church. Due to the distance between the hall and the Savoy Suite all parents will be required to collect their children after the service, rather than the kids team bringing them back.

What about parking?

There are several residential streets around the university which will have parking available on a Sunday morning, but please make sure you check for any potential restrictions before you park anywhere! There will be dedicated disabled parking spaces available at the university site for those that require them.

Hopefully those questions cover much of what you might have been wondering about the move to the new venue, I’m sure that there will be fresh challenges that we haven’t anticipated yet, but we are very excited to be taking this next step in our journey as a church! Of course, we are not perfect, and it is likely that everything won’t run perfectly smoothly as we get used to meeting in the university, but what I can assure you is that the same faithful servers who have served us so well in the Town Hall will continue to do so as we move into a new venue! They may just require a little extra grace as they get to grips with the new plan.

My final question to ask is - ‘Will God be with us?’

I can answer this with an emphatic YES! We are expecting God to move amongst us in new and powerful ways through this time of transition and in the future, in Exodus 33:15 Moses speaks to God and says ‘If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here’. As we move we are praying that same prayer, in the knowledge that he will always be with us, as individuals and as a church!

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More questions about the move? Contact us at hello@redeemerlondon.org

Look out for the third blog in the series, coming soon, where we’ll talk more about the purpose of the move, and the vision behind it!