Cheshunt Free Church Newsletter September 2024
Cheshunt Free Church Newsletter September 2024
| Services in September
1st Worship with Mark Johnson 8th Worship with Kathleen Laing 15th Worship with Michaela Lawrence 22nd Worship with Sandra Rose 29th Worship with Mark Robinson |
Dear Friends
I pray this letter finds you well. As we step into a new season together, I am full of anticipation for the journey that lies ahead. Our theme for the coming months is “Harmony,” a profound concept that speaks to the very core of our Christian life. Harmony is about more than just getting along; it’s about creating a pleasing and consistent whole, living in agreement and unity with one another and with God as the body of Christ. Romans 12:16 encourages us to “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” This is a powerful reminder that living in harmony requires humility, a spirit of inclusiveness, and a deep commitment to unity within our community of followers of Jesus. I believe that as we focus on Harmony, we have an opportunity to bring this concept to life. But to do this, we need your help and ideas. I will be working with the worship team to develop programmes and activities. However we want to hear from you about how we can make Harmony more than just a theme—how we can make it a reality in our day-to-day lives and our shared partnership.
We are already planning some exciting activities and events to explore and celebrate Harmony together. For instance, how about a free, open house coffee morning at Cheshunt? It could be a wonderful opportunity for us to invite our neighbours, share some good conversation, and build bridges of understanding and friendship. Over at Broxbourne, we are considering hosting a special Harmony-based commissioning and membership service. It would be a powerful way to welcome new members into our church family, emphasising the unity and love that binds us together. In Hertford, how does a Harmony bowls competition sound? It’s a light hearted and fun way to bring us together, enjoying each other’s company while fostering the spirit of togetherness. And for those of you who are creatively inclined, what about a church talent exhibition? We could showcase artwork, poetry, needlework, and even have some theological discussions. There’s so much talent and wisdom in our community, and it would be a blessing to see and celebrate the gifts God has given each of us. But these are just starting points. I know that within our churches there are countless ideas waiting to be shared. I encourage each of you to think about how we can bring Harmony to life in our congregations. What activities or events would resonate with you and your families? What can we do together that would draw us closer as a community and reflect the love and peace of Christ?
As we move forward, I invite you to join me in prayer, asking the Lord to guide us as we seek to live in harmony with one another. Let us strive to love without conditions, listen with respect, and nurture peace in every interaction. In moments of disagreement or conflict, may we remember that our unity is found not in our sameness, but in our shared love for Jesus Christ.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with me or with any of our church elders. Together, we can create a season filled with meaningful, joyous, and harmonious experiences that will strengthen our bonds and deepen our faith. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the common unity of the Holy Spirit be with each of us as we journey together in harmony. In Christ’s love, Mark
Let us continue to pray:
“Lord, lead us to live in harmony with our neighbours. Teach us to love without conditions, listen with respect, and nurture peace in every interaction. Give us the humility and patience to uphold unity, even when we face disagreements. We ask this in Jesus’ name ~ Amen.”
Commitment for Life
Supported by you we work incredibly hard, through our partners, to deliver for some of the poorest people in Zimbabwe. But our efforts pale into insignificance against a backdrop of a deeply unjust, global financial system. Poor countries are forced to borrow at rates that are completely unsustainable both for people and planet. Africa pays more in interest than it does on desperately needed social and environmental demands. Please do all you can to confront this unjust system.
Creation Time
The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October. It is a time when the Church globally reflects on humanity’s relationship with the natural world (of which it is a part) and its responsibility towards it. The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is ‘to hope and act with creation’ using a passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans as its focus (Romans 8.19 – 25). Take the opportunity to connect with nature and dedicate this time to God as the Creator and sustainer of all life.
As churches, we can contribute to ‘greening the environment’ for the benefit of people both inside and outside our churches, connecting with our communities too. In this season of creation we are asked to ‘act with creation’. Are there ways in which your church can act to increase access to nature, or further promote diversity in nature in your locality? There are lots of resources on the Season’s website Season of Creation if you would like to explore further.
Poem
God
Within and without
All around me and in me
In all of creation.
Wrapped up in flowers
Coursing through stems
Spreading through leaves
Connected underground and overground.
Noticed in rainbow colours, waxy touches
Scented fragrances, delicious tastes
Calming sounds.
God
Can I feel you more
Within me?
Enthusing and activating
Giving me fullness of life
A gift to make full use of
Every day.
