Welcome to our on-line worship service. It's been designed to be to be followed through at any time, but we will try and gather at our normal time at 11am on Sunday. The service will be followed by virtual coffee via zoom at 12.15pm -1pm (have a go, it'll be a great experiment - make a coffee and then click on this link to join). There isn't a structure to the service, but I offer you some readings, some songs, some prayers, a sermon and a related interactive/craft activity (you might want to share what you have done via your pastoral group leader, the church whatsapp or facebook congregation group)
Last week some of you mentioned that the sound levels were not very high - that's because we don't have proper recording equipment but you will get better sound if you plug speakers or headphones into your laptop or listen on a device with a decent in-built speaker like a phone or tablet. Please share this service with those in your household who are not able to access it themselves. Don't forget that the clocks go forward this morning.... so if you are planning on joining us for coffee don't be late!
As you prepare for worship you might want to put on the YouTube playlist that we've put together as a church during this week https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7pcQc2OBUV7Xbaw5giUcsj53u4667Kfe
This week I have been reflecting on how this is a storm of unknown strength and duration we are facing and have been thinking about the Bible passages that remind us that God is with us in the storm and also remind us that this will pass - that we need to take care but as we do so God is always with us, will never forsake us and provides us with hope for the future.
It's been a strange week for many of us as we've adapted to a life of social distancing. Some of us are missing the family that we normally see regularly. Some of us are missing social contact, particularly if we live on our own. Many of us have found ourselves homeschooling and/or working from home. Be assured that you are not alone. Our community, as always, has rallied round and people are helping one another where they can. We've been adapting to the change through the church and community family project too - changing processes and the way in which we collect and distribute food to families we support. We are all working from home now as much as we can and I (Claire) have spent a lot of time this week in virtual meetings hearing of ways in which people are supporting their communities and particularly New Addington far beyond ways in which we might dream. Please continue to pray for those who are involved in this work - for protection, for wisdom and for rest.
As we join for worship today let us pause, let us find peace and let us lay the difficulties of the last week at Jesus' feet. You might want to listen to this song as you do so.
Here are some songs to use in worship today. Like last week you may want to listen to the first three now and then one before you listen to the sermon and one right at the end as you reflect on all we have heard and read. If the playlist doesn't follow through the songs on the embedded link, you can also click here here
The Lego Men tell the story of the calming of the storm from Luke 8:22-25
What are the things you are afraid of the moment? You might want to share your thoughts with the people in your house or via WhatsApp or facebook so that others can pray with you.
Activity (for those creative ones amongst us). Perhaps you could make a boat from the things you can find in the house and put your worry prayers in it. Maybe set it to sail in the sink or bath or even a paddling pool as a sign of you laying it before God - take a photo of it and send it via WhatsApp or e-mail claire[a]newaddingtonbaptistchurch.co.uk
Here is a reflection on our current storms - click on the picture to access
This is our Sermon, brought by Claire, based on Luke 8:22-25 (you might want to read the passage before you watch)
And prayers led by Camille and Michael
And here is Vic with notices, church family news, and a short reflection
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all now and forever more. Amen
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