Walk On

Life can appear to throw curve balls at times. Conflict can emerge from the most unlikely quarters. Life can be tough.

But here's what I've learned...

It's in your paths' twists and turns, in the unexpected, the unplanned, the inconvenient and in the downright pain in the backside, that you will find grace and direction.  So embrace the God-shaped surprises that you stumble over; laugh with the angels as the next stepping stone seems to shift and stride out knowing that your Father has a plan.

It's at the edge of your comfort zone where God will meet you and where you'll see his hands at work.  So don't hesitate to go there and meet him and marvel at his works.

And take his word as your guide: His written words will sometimes act as a sword to pierce, cutting through unnecessary distractions.  Sometimes his written words will act as spears in the ground to set safe boundaries for you to find confidence as to how far you can go.  But always his written word will provide light for your paths, giving you direction.

So walk on.

Solo or not so solo

Everyone has a back story, an origin tale.  
That new guy at the office, the single mum who moved in next door, the woman who just opened your newest local coffee shop: they each have a back story.
I went to see 'Solo' this weekend and we heard how Hans got his name, we saw Hans meet Chewy for the first time (mud and chains are involved) and we got to know Lando a little better (he has a lot of capes). Okay, it's not up there with The Force Awakens, but it's a very entertaining film and touches on key aspects of Hans' character, giving fans much to talk about.  ( The question of 'did he draw first?' is revisited which got us talking to a complete stranger on the way out.)
I've got a back story too.  I'm in my fifties and have a definite 3 act story line playing out.  But I get to chose who I tell that story to, who I share my defining moments with.
One of the places I get to do this is at Redeemer, my local church in Ealing.  Whilst it's still true that only my God knows the full story, I can say that I've found honest people with whom I get to reveal the cards held close to my chest, share my tears and disclose my scars. 
It's my prayer that you too will find a community in which you can tell your story: the mud, the chains and those capes. 
May God's grace be with you. 

On the bench

Sometimes you are well advised to stop, find a park bench and soak up God's creation in all its wonder.

I wrote this on a park bench in the Peak District.

Lord of life,
of colour and colour,
of breeze and light.
Lord of bluebell and butterfly,
of birdsong and birds' flight.

Lord of space to think,
of time to rest.
Lord of movement,
of stillness.

I sit here and I confess
complete adoration,
my sunshine celebration
of this, your full spectrum,
this rainbow-wide gifted creation.

I sit and give thanks
for this sustained life,
of greens and blues in yellow light,
of this colour full to the brim life,
of fresh composed songscape,
this God given escape.

I thank you, Lord, for this gateway,
this fresh every morning,
gifted new day.

Church with colour

Ealing is a magnet for the world, with over 170 nationalities represented within its borders.  From WWII Polish refugees to millennial Syrians.  Each community has made a home here and has added its culture, its recipes, its colour, its recipes, languages, its recipes, its traditions and its recipes to the existing smorgasbord that is London.

The family of Redeemer London reflects some of this smorgasbord - it's one of the things I love most about getting together on Sunday mornings. 

This Sunday (20 May) we'll be celebrating this multi-national nature of our church with many sporting their national dress.  You'll be most welcome to add to the colour.  Meanwhile, here's my personal manifesto for an international church.

"I believe in one international church. I believe in an inter-racial and unbiased church of many nations.  I believe in one church of many traditions.  I believe in one church not hemmed in by history or by man-made borders.  I believe in a God for whom his pallet of skin colours reflects his love of diversity.  I believe in God-given racial differences.  I believe in one creator God who made all mankind equal.  I believe in a church that reflects her maker's love of difference.

"I do not believe in uniformity.

"I believe in the common language of love for one another, for neighbours and for enemies that transcends local dialects.  I believe in one sundry collection of priests who are called to serve one God together, saved by one sacrifice once and for all time.  I believe in the promise of a resurrected church drawn from all generations to meet her bridegroom.  I believe in one eternal wedding feast which features everything from the finest vegetable samosas to the richest steam puddings.  I believe in one extravagant Father who has built one massive mansion with many rooms so all his people can come and dwell together.

"I believe in God's - Kingdom - come. "

"Courage calls to courage..."

I am moved by the words of Millicent Fawcett - not so much by the words themselves, but their context.

Millicent Fawcett was a suffragist.  She campaigned for equal rights for women, but shunned violence as a way of achieving it.  In particular she advocated higher education for girls and women as well as arguing for women's enfranchisement. She wanted to ensure women were equipped to wield the power of the vote and to represent themselves and their wants.

But it's her words in response to the death of the suffragette Emily Wilding Davidson, at the Epsom Derby in June 2013, that have been chosen to be incorporated into her statue in Parliament Square:

"Courage calls to courage everywhere, and its voice cannot be denied."

Emily Davidson was a teacher and a passionate Christian and socialist.  And she believed that violence was justified to further the campaign for women's suffrage, which led to multiple arrests and detention. (One of her fellow suffragettes described her as reckless in her militancy.)

In contrast Millicent Fawcett, widow to a Liberal MP and herself a political campaigner for women's right to vote since before Emily was born, did not support violent protest: "I can never feel that setting fire to houses and churches and litter boxes  and destroying valuable pictures really helps to convince people that women ought to be enfranchised," she said.

So, two women campaigning for the same end from two very different points of view and using very different methods. Emily the passionate militant.  Millicent the political activist.  One fighting from outside the political establishment and one working from within.

And it's their differences that make Millicent's response to Emily's death all the more striking.  Millicent recognised a resonance with the courage shown by Emily and the power of her sacrifice. 

Historians will debate the strength of the impact of their respective positions and activities. Millicent's view was simple - Emily's courage could not be denied.  And I have no doubt that Millicent was emboldened to persevere for the first (albeit limited) suffrage of women in 1918, the same year in which (some) women were permitted to stand for parliament.  

As a country we have much to thank the suffragettes and the suffragists for.  They saw an injustice and sacrificed years of their lives campaigning to overturn it.

IT'S A CHALLENGE FOR US ISN'T IT. 

What are you passionate about? What do you pour your time and energy into?  What stirs your courage? Where will you speak out and not be denied a voice? Where will you make a difference?

I pray that you find your courage and that you hear the call of others with the same courage and passion and that you take strength from them.

Bring your whole self...

A lot of work places are considering how they can nurture a more diverse work force.  How can they attract people who don't neccessarily fit the established mould?

Coupled with diversity is a tougher challenge for employers: INCLUSION.

How can an employer better ensure that once the mould has been broken, all their employees have equal access and opportunities? 
How can they best identify and reduce discrimination and intolerance? 
What are the barriers to inclusion and how can they be effectively broken down?

One helpful mantra I've heard in discussion in the work place is the need to ensure staff can bring their 'whole self' to work.
That means, for example, being able to be open about hidden disabilities or medical needs.  
Being honest about carer responsibilities.  
Having your cultural heritage valued.
Having your gender valued. 

It means being confident that a discussion with your line manager about religious observance, a request that you be able to come in a bit later after a school run, a sought for accomodation for dyslexia or even a coffee break chat about past bouts of depression  - that none of these things will create a barrier to inclusion or to opportunities.

I realise that many of you will have experienced prejudice and discrimination for simply being you.  This will have caused deep hurt and created disadvantage.  It's not something that's easy to shake off and move on from and it can trigger defences that themselves create unintended barriers.  

Often the best efforts by an employer can be undone by one colleague or manager.  That's when you need strong relationships with peers or an informed staff representative to stand with you to put things right. I know some who have chosen (based on a wish for self preservation) to walk away rather than face the painful process of instigating change. Others of you will have fought back and suffered for it. 

Here's some good news: whatever your circumstances, whatever you have experienced, you can bring your whole self to God.  

He will not reject you.  He will not turn you away or categorise you and rank you according to your abilities, your race, your gender or your achievements. 

Here's some better news: he will equip you, strengthen you, give you new purpose, place you in a family of believers - he will break down barriers and stand with you as your champion. 

But beware:  by coming to Jesus you may also give others more reason to discriminate against you, to exclude you. 

I'm not talking about an easy life here.  However, I am talking about a life in which your whole self and your whole life circumstance do not have to be left at the door.  I am talking about the ULTIMATE INCLUSION - being reunited with the one who created you and with the one who out of his all-inclusive love reduced himself to a life in a back water, to one who was dispised and rejected and abandoned.

I'm talking about a God who brought his whole self to you.  

Will you bring your whole self to him?
 

Happy Birthday, Pete!

Last month we celebrated a significant birthday for Pete Cornford, the founding pastor of Redeemer London.  We had a party - obviously.  We told embarrassing stories - obviously.  And we thanked God for Pete - obviously.

This poem seeks to capture a little of Pete and we thought those of you who know him would appreciate it.  Those of you who don't know Pete, you're welcome to come along on a Sunday morning to Ealing Town Hall - if you can't see him (he's not that tall), just follow the laughter.

We meet to celebrate Jesus each week, not just on his birthday - obviously.  

IN HIS OWN WORDS

It won’t be a surprise, you know what I'm saying?
I - just - love –Ealing, whether working or playing.
I've been on my travels, I've been here, I've been there
I've followed my Jesus, ‘til He led me here.

And now I can't help it, I love every street
and as I turn 50, people ask, 'Pete,
why are you stirred to serve this old city
with Isaac and Josh, with Lois and Nicky?'

'Oh, golly', I say, 'Isn't it clear?
It's the call of Jesus each day that I hear.'
But, hand - on - my – heart, it's a challenge - isn't it?
How do I serve, when I'm five foot six?

Now I love a good quote. I know you don’t judge,
but some people say I love them too much.
I love a great movie, but sit at the rear
so people around me won't notice my tears.

I love a good read, I've got books wall to wall
and I love the Arsenal when they're on the ball.
I was in the Olympics, did I tell you that?
If you look real closely you might see my cap.

I love Redeemer, the believers who gather,
how they will turn up to worship no matter.
I love just how creative some of them are,
the wannabe poets, the guys on guitar.

Now I mustn't embarrass anyone here,
but I love my dear wife, just so that's clear.
I love my three kids in no special order;
as they keep on growing I’ll cheer ever louder.

And each day I go walking, I might even run,
cos by living with passion I might serve the Son.
I - just - love – Ealing.  Do I hear an Amen?
Let's stride out together!  Redeemer-London!

Let's Meet Up This Summer...

Well, the sun is here.* 

(*Based on 3 days at the end of April.  Sunshine is not a guarantee of sustained hot weather.  Temperatures can go down as well as up.  Other weather conditions may be experienced.)

Whatever the weather, it's a perfect time to be launching our Summer Meetups at Redeemer Church London - you can sign up today at redeemerlondon.org/meetups. Don't miss out!

We're excited about these groups - partly because of the calibre of leader and quality of topics on offer - but also because getting together with real people in real life makes for powerful encounters.
Acquaintances become friends.
Questions become answers.
Curiosity becomes passion. 
Meeting up brings people together to create thriving communities.

But don't listen to me, listen to the folk at Redeemer London:

"We had people who had been in the church since the start, people who were totally new... Sharing hobbies such as running is a great way not only to improve in it but  also to connect and do life with others."

"I was blown over by people's honesty and openness.  From the first night it was really encouraging."

"I really appreciated the pearls of wisdom from a conversation in a pub. It was a real eye opener."

"It has certainly made me more mindful of allowing yourself time to ‘be’ and not always having to ‘do’."

So there you have it - go to http://redeemerlondon.org/meetups/
and select one of the 14 on offer. 

We hope to see you soon, whatever the weather. 

No app for that...

Some things take a little more time...

There's no app for job satisfaction.
No app for deeper self-realisation.
No app for joy and love of life.
No app to avoid struggle or strife.

No app for meaningful inter-relation,
for self-esteem or bond formation
These each take time, with patient dedication, 
a repeated test of your true determination.
These take quiet contemplation
and longer considered conversation.
A real-time flesh interaction,
with authentic, humble co-operation.
I'm meaning a dangerously high contagion
with the risk of personal dissatisfaction. 
These take sustained concentration,
a firm hand on the neck of your current situation.
These take more than a one day binge; 
you'll need to commit to more than a fling.
More than a lazy swipe to your right,
more than a stand for just one night.
These take guts and sweat and tears,
you might even find that some take years.

But this is life beyond the screen, this is how it's always been.

So lift your head and take a breath,
we'll stand right here and lend our strength. 
All I can promise are tears and laughter
and friends who'll stand closer thereafter.

If you want to take some time away from the screen, come along on a Sunday morning to Redeemer at Ealing Town Hall.  You can keep your phone on if you'd like. 

MARY MAGDALENE - LOOSE WOMAN OR FEMALE ICON?

I for one am looking forward to the movie 'Mary Magdalene'. Good cast including Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix and Chiwetel Ejiofor and a great director, Garth Davis. And just in time for Easter.

And I'm happy to see the resurrected debates (see what I did there?) about Mary's position in the early church.  It's good to have a reminder that women were there amongst Jesus' disciples, amongst the Apostles (i.e. those who witnesses the resurrected Christ) and were prominent in the churches early years - Priscilla, Phoebe, Monica of Hippo, Catherine of Alexandria, - please go look them up. 

But back to Mary M.  Not a prostitute (despite what you may have read elsewhere) and not the wife of Jesus (I know it makes great gossip - but it's not in the eyewitness accounts), but a disciple: one who followed Jesus the rabbi, the miracle worker, the resurrected Saviour. 

And women of God still play a key role in the present day church.  Kathy Frost, missionary and Boys Brigade officer who taught me the Lords Prayer, the late Ailish Eves, who inspired me as a young boy with tales of her life in Indonesia and later taught at my bible school, Bev Clarke whose visions of angels in the office inspired me to think more imaginatively about God in the work place, Janine Jackson my friend who pointed me to Redeemer-London, Anna Hamilton whose gifted teaching challenges me every time, Abi Sibuns whose worship leading ushers us into the presence of God...They are disciples and instrumental in church growth.  

An aside:  I was reminded this week that God made man and woman in His image because one gender wouldn't do Him justice - He needed both male and female to reflect who He is.  

So look out for the Marys and the Abis in the church and you'll see God reflected in who they are.  

I do hope the movie is a good one.

GOODBYE, REDEEMER CHURCH LONDON

Dear Redeemer,

I've never learned so much.

The last 18 months I have been surrounded by the energy and pace of Redeemer Church London. I’ve seen everything behind the scenes; the hard work, the passionate hearts and all the fun! From leaflets to videos, from the prayer ministry to the connections team, from organising huge events like Carols to just having a coffee with one of God’s precious kids. It’s been a blast.

I’ve never seen a Church that has such a urgency to reach out; Redeemer is hungry to impact people, to grow, host and bring others into a relationship with Jesus. The events like Little Fish, Carols, the Running Meet-up and an all year round Alpha aren’t just for fun - they are all charged by the desire to show people that Jesus is for you and wants to live in your heart. This church provides such a warm, welcoming open door to those who have never experienced Jesus before.

There is a rich foundation of community and love amongst the people of Redeemer that just oozes family. There is a solid bridge between the diverse generations and a beautiful mix of cultures and ethnicities that feels like peace, sounds like a friend and surely is a taste of heaven.

Megan and I have felt part of something huge, something that has a long and strong destiny. At only five years old I just know that Redeemer has loads more in store, this is merely the beginning. 

Some of my own highlights from the last year and a half:

• Leading the ‘Activating a Supernatural Culture’ Meetup in our living room, developing deep relationships that we will never forget.
• Preaching my first ever sermon about my story and how God speaks.
• The giant temporary office at Exchange Plaza! Hilarious space given to us by God.
• Learning from Pete and the Advance Church Planting team down in Cornwall for a week.
• Organising the 2018 Carols; a beautiful looking, great sounding event despite the busy period.
• Baptising so many, including my friends Mak, Sunny and Brooksy.
• Moving the Redeemer staff into the new office on Bond Street - pop in for a cup of tea with Pete and Rach anytime! I love those guys!

Of course there is loads loads more. But my true number one highlight is the time I’ve spent doing life with my brothers in Christ - I’ve got to know them so well, prayed with them, cried with them and journeyed with them. We’ve taken huge steps toward the heart of the Father and learn’t about who we are in Christ, that’s called church. Thanks lads, you know who you are!

Finally I just want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for being so lovely, so kind, so full of the joy of Jesus. Pursue that intimate, raw and vulnerable relationship with your best friend, Holy Spirit. Walk closely with each other as you do, share the blessings and share the struggles, hug each other and feed each other. Shine like Jesus shines.

Let’s go change the world,

Joseph x

To follow what Joseph and Megan get up to as they move to Brighton subscribe here: www.youtube.com/josephthedreamer

DEPRESSION & TEENAGERS

As teens we go through a lot, we’re a lot more emotional and there will be a lot of bumpy roads ahead and there will be times where we will hit rock bottom and think that there’s no way out. There is always a way out.

I’ve been through many many struggles and it’s gotten to the point of self harming and also attempting to take my life. Fortunately, I’m still here. I’m so thankful that I am because I’ve met incredible people along the way and my life has gotten better compared to how it used to be. If you’re going through depression or self harm then, please know that you are LOVED & BEAUTIFUL! You don’t deserve to go through this pain. Just know it is temporary and things will get better. When I was depressed and I was self harming, I wanted to isolate myself and stay away from people but I knew doing that would make me feel a lot worse. I was bottling up so much and at that point I had to speak to someone. I did reach out to family and that’s including my church family too. I was speaking out to people who I trusted and felt comfortable around. Doing this lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders. Even though I was still hurting, I felt a lot more lighter and felt like I had nothing to hide anymore.

Also, I am a strong believer in Christ and praying daily and pouring my heart to him is something that helps me incredibly. Not only did things start getting better as time went on but I built such a close relationship with God and knowing that with him anything is possible is very reassuring. As I mentioned before, life will get better, you just have to have hope. There will of course be obstacles and things will try and bring you down but that’s how the devil works. We just need to stop backing away from God and remove whatever is blocking your way to chase God. He’s opening new doors for you, he has a plan for you (which is even quoted in the bible) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11.

So, this is what I have to say to anyone who may be going through a tough time and if you’re bottling your emotions up then, it’s best to speak out to someone you are comfortable with. I promise you, you will feel a lot more better because you’re finally letting everything out. Speaking to someone may sound lame but it’s so helpful. Another thing to do is distract yourself. You can chill with your mates, watch a movie, go shopping.. Just do something that will help take your mind off the negative thoughts. For me personally, hanging out with my mates helps take my mind off anything bad that might be going on. It’s because i’m surrounded with people I know who care and who I’m happy being around. That’s another thing, surround yourself with positive people, that’s key. It makes such a big difference.

It may seem like you’re getting nowhere in life and you’re giving up but God will open doors for you. You just need to pray about it and have faith. This feeling of hopelessness, loneliness, sadness etc will pass and you will find yourself walking on the right path again.

Talk to people, pray about it and try keep your head up! ♡

Lyds x

SELF LOVE

Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough? Pretty enough? Worth enough? Listen.. I get how you feel. That’s how I’ve been feeling for most of my life but now, it’s time for a change. Why are we putting so much pressure on ourselves to please society?

I’ve always felt the need to impress other people so I can feel accepted but why am I doing it for them? I should really be thinking & caring about my own happiness, my own self. It’s hard to be growing up in a generation where you need to look a certain way. However, what’s most important is what’s on the inside (I know it sounds cheesy but it’s true). I feel like people are being blinded & are missing out on what true beauty is.

 As most of you may know, I’m insecure about how I physically look but I need to keep telling myself that I’m worth it & I’m good enough. If I keep bashing myself down then, what good is it going to do? I’ll just be stuck in the same mindset & cycle. That’s why I need to make a change on how I view myself. I need to start loving myself. All my flaws, all my imperfections. Cus guess what, they’re apart of me & I don’t need anyone’s approval on “what’s good” and “what’s not”.

 To be honest, if we’re going to make any progress & if we’re going to start loving ourselves for who we are then, we need to make the first step & stop putting ourselves down & comparing to others. Don’t get me wrong, it’s so easy to wish you had something that someone else has & there’s nothing wrong with being a bit envious (not in a hateful way). You know, it’s human nature to feel a little jealous but if you’re going to slam yourself down and keep saying “I’m not good enough, I’m so ugly, I wish I looked like him / her” then, that’s not okay! Stop worrying about the outside, what’s most important is the inside. If you’re healthy, happy & everything’s working properly then, you’re all good! It is hard & I know it’s going to take time to feel comfortable in your own skin but as long as you’re slowly starting to change the attitude towards yourself then, you’ll start making a progress & feeling a lot more confident in your body.

 I just wish people would stop being so discourteous with each other & pointing certain things out. Cus let’s be real, if people didn’t point out certain things that they think is “wrong” then, people would stop trying to alter themselves.

Overall, the message I’m trying to get across is that you are beautiful the way that you are and what’s on the inside matters most.

 One thing is changing yourself for you & another is changing yourself for others. Once you start changing yourself for others, you’ll never grow as a person. You’re basically living your life for them and not for you. We need to realise what’s more important, it’s our own selves. We just need to grow as people & learn to love ourselves more. Accept our flaws & live a life for us. Not for society.

 You don’t want to lose yourself in this whole world of beauty & the dumb standards that come with it.

 You’re all loved & beautiful. Remember that

Lyds x

For more: www.lydsonline.com

I'M NOT MOVING

I'm listening to news reports of a cabinet reshuffle not going to plan and the speculation about power struggles behind the scenes. 

Sometimes we dig our heels in and get our own way.  Sometimes we stand strong and find ourselves forcibly moved. 

When were thinking of making a stand, we need to make a judgement call whether we are willing to accept the possible consequences of our stance.  

Are you ready to lose your [job, friendship, advantage, stake - insert here] for the sake of principle, for the prospect of gain?  Is this important enough for you?

It's easy to understand why some (most?) take the path of least resistance.  Least risk. Least pain. Least soul-searching.

But some things are not negotiable.  Some things are worth fighting for.

Friends.
Family.
Faith.

Acts 4 sets out an account of A situation where Peter and John had to decide whether to obey the authorities and to stop speaking about Jesus or to continue to speak openly about what they knew to be true.  It was a no-brainer:
"Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

This was no easy thing - there were significant consequences for taking their stance.  

So ask yourself: what's important enough for you to take a stand?  How will you respond when it's put to the test?

Standing strong is easier with like-minded people to support you.  Find out more at Redeemer on any given Sunday morning at Ealing Town Hall. 

We'll stand with you. 

SHE CLOSED HER EYES

Sing Out The Old. Sing In The New.

(Don't leap into the next year without first taking a look back with thanks.)

She closed her eyes
serene in her anticipation of There,
in her unshakable hope for Then.
And blind, she sat
unaware of the joy of the Here,
closed to the pleasure of the Now
- both within an arms reach of her dreaming.

She opened her eyes
smiling at the memory of what was
laughing at what had been
looking back with thanks.
And thankful, she sang
And thankful, she shouted
with echoes of healing,
of growing,
of climbing -
to the here,
to the now,
ready for the next,
anticipating the not yet
and prepared for all that was promised.

But for now
she looked back
with thanks
and she
just
sang!

Steve Page's new publication: Not too big to weep: A poetry anthology

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549894706/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_DGj4zbZZK23D6

INGREDIENTS FOR CHRISTMAS

This advent and Christmas they'll be a lot of partying going on. Friends and family celebrating life, love and friendship.  For some it will be a joyful time and an opportunity for a family break.  For others it will be tough as the weight of troubles are considered through a fresh lens.
For both, without an understanding and experience of the love and life Jesus brings, without the family of God, Christmas will lack an essential ingredient.  
This Christmas I wish you each a chance to spend time with those who love you with no strings attached.  And I pray that the Christ of Christmas will come and bring with him love, new life and family that will change your life forever.

Here's what I believe: 

I believe baubles have way too much glitter,
that another new year won't make it all better.

I believe turkey tastes bland without stuffing,
that my secret santa was better than nothing,

that rich Christmas pud needs plenty of cream,
that thin paper hats are as cheap as they seem.

I believe parties can get out of hand,
that still silent nights need to be planned.

I believe Christmas can bring people down,
that relentless fake smiles hide many a frown.

That without the real Jesus it's a real waste of time,
that if He was here He'd call it a crime:

The way we ignore those under our feet,
the times we brush past the poor on the street.

Jesus just cries to see our behaviour,
so far from the path He set as our Saviour.

So this Christmas ask Jesus to soften your heart.
He'll give you forgiveness and bring a fresh start.

You can live with new hope and sing with new meaning,
don't waste any more time with any more dreaming.

Happy Christmas to all and to all my best wishes.
May your Christmas be more than merry wet kisses.

May the God of this Christmas visit this year
and give you good reason to be of good cheer. 

By Steve Page

Not too big to weep: A poetry anthology  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549894706/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_DGj4zbZZK23D6

SING A NEW SONG

My life is hitting a period of change.  Change can be unsettling at times as we let go of the familiar and take a step of faith into a new arena. Sometimes we run to grab a new opportunity. Sometimes the transition can be a little more tentative.  
This poem is about grasping change with a little help.  


Oh, grant me a new song.
A start again fresh with no regrets song.
One with a bridge to a new accord, 
a song with which I can get on board.
Something that strikes a stronger chord
with those who like me
long to be fully
factory
restored. 

A song with a fresher melody
(and I definitely need a different harmony),
something that's part of a wider symphony
maybe with an occasional solo part
for me.

A song that I can sing with greater gusto,
maybe to a slightly quicker tempo,
a step up from my imposed Adagio,
closer to a brisker Allegretto.

Oh Lord, 
you see me.
You see that I long to sing.
Can you please
wipe me clean
and write a new song with me.

by Steve Page

For more of Steve's poems, his latest anthology 'Not too big to weep' is available on amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549894706/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_DGj4zbZZK23D6

YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER.

In the summer I was a tad early for a scheduled meeting and wandered into the grounds of St Mary Magdalene church in East Ham to kill the time.  The church doors were open and so I went in, intending to nose around.  St Mary Magdalene is a Norman church which was originally built as a place of Christian worship in the 1100' s. 

That's before the reformation, before Elizabeth I, before Columbus, before print, before the Renaissance, before the Hundred Year war, before Chaucer, before knitting, before Genghis Khan, before Marco Polo, before spectacles.
For over 800 years people have been worshipping in East Ham's parish church, St Mary Magdalene.  Wow!

And in I stepped in August 2017 to find 2 women about to start morning prayers.
After their initial shock, they welcomed me in and I joined them.  I even got to read the gospel passage for that day:

Luke 11:27-28
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

The parishioners in East Ham hear the word of God in historical surroundings. Those walls have witnessed momentous changes over the years.
But throughout the years that word of God has remained consistent.  It has rung true for every person who has heard it and voiced a heartfelt "Amen".
Last week my Amen joined the thousands that had preceded it.

Wherever you join with the Christian church on a Sunday to hear God's word and to worship, know that you are part of a Church that stretches back centuries and that will stretch on into eternity.  Whether you are in a Norman church with centuries of heritage or in Ealing town hall, your God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Amen

By Steve Page

Steve will be performing poetry at Artisan Live, Friday 24th Nov at Artisan Coffee, Ealing.

A BRAND NEW SEASON

God gives us seasons for a reason

I don't like the winter months, if I could live anywhere in the world then it would be LA where it hits more or less 25 degrees everyday. 

As I sit here and look outside my window, old leaves fall to the ground and collect. The tree withers and becomes barren. As much as I love for summer to stay, Autumn is heading and I can't do anything about that...

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything and a season

for every activity under the heavens.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to uproot.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to weep and a time to laugh.

A time to mourn and a time to dance

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4) 

As the tree sheds its leaves, often a shedding takes place in our lives that causes us pain. In my case, I made a difficult decision to leave a situation in my life that was not helping me. This has led to loss and a mourning of what use to be and has resulted in unrest and uncertainty. I've experienced cold and dark nights where I've been forced to become dependent on God through prayer, not knowing when difficulties will end and what the outcome will be.

Growth through pain

Naturally I don't always want to embrace the pain that is often associated with growth but through the storms, all I can do is hold on and be still and know that he is God (Psalm 40:10). 

Throughout it all God points me to his mercies by reminding me that "His grace is sufficient and his power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Perhaps God allows us to experience arid seasons for that reason - so we draw close to him. He swoops us up in his arms and tells us "to fear not for I AM with you"(Isaiah 41:10). See this is not some trite platitude from God because he really was with us and he really  did live like one of us. God gave up his rights in heaven and came down as flesh and experienced every human emotion we experience so that "we don't have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15) but one who suffered in every possible way. Our true companion is Jesus who wants to walk with us in season and out of season.

Surviving the storm

Weathering the storm is not easy, it doesn't just happen but it takes intentionality. In the same way that squirrels gather acorns so they have enough food for winter. On better days, I make faithful deposits by investing in my relationship with God and filling myself with his meaty truths and promises so when the inevitable strikes, I can withdraw from a full bank having roots anchored in HIM. 

Ultimately, my pain without God is pointless but my pain with God is not, and is not without effect for "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purposes"(Romans 8:28)

I understand that this can only be fully understood backwards but this is where faith steps in. My faith gives me hope that by setting my mind on the Spring around the corner, I can endure - looking ahead to the harvest that's to come.

But made to thrive

You see, we were made not only to survive but to thrive and by coming to the true fountain of living water, this produces in us a long term effect. We replenish, we soak up fresh nutrients and in the doing so God produces flourishing fruit within us.

In many cases to yield good fruit, we need to do more than just shedding, a gruelling uprooting needs to take place in our lives and a replanting into fertile and healthy soil. 

This may mean fleeing the temptations that causes us to sin or escaping the weeds that compete for our joy.  Do you know if a shedding or more of an uprooting needs to take place in your life?

Start by giving up former ways of thinking and "be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2)

Letting go and trusting God

Autumn 2017 is almost here and dark nights are drawing in. Butfinally I see a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds in my life that assures me that my patience in him was worth it. I'm trusting in the wise words of King Solomon - after weeping there will be a time to laugh, after mourning there will be a time to dance.

Letting go is not easy but journey with God and embrace this new season in your life. "Forget the former things, do not dwell in the past for I AM doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43:18)

By Ann Ajet

Starting Oct 3, Anne is helping lead the Alpha course, which includes a weekly meal and chance to explore life and the christian faith. Get in touch for more info.

START WITH THE FEET

And when you serve,
Start with the feet

And when you serve,
Get down low
With a towel and water bowl

And when you serve,
Find your honour not over
But under
Not higher
But lower
Not first
But last.

So when you serve,
Don't wait your turn
But push your way
To the back.
Where you'll find
Nothing to prove
Nothing to hide
And nothing to loose
But your pride.

Yes, you heard,
When you serve
Observe his example:
Undo a sandal
And start with the feet.

John 13:1-17
Matthew 20:25