LEIGH BAPTIST CHURCH “MESSENGER” JULY 2020
VERNON ST / CHURCH ST . LEIGH. WN7 1BH
Website : www.leighbaptistchurch.org.uk
Contact: admin@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk
Pastoral Leader – Val Hulme ( Days Off Wed and Fridays)
email : pastoral.leader@leighbaptistchurch.org.uk TEL 07817142192
Check LBC website for updates and info also LBC FACEBOOK page
A Reflection on Isaiah 43: 18&19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
The following question had been asked in a BMS Magazine, “Do you often find yourself wishing for the past?
I think that most of us at some time want to turn back the clock to how things were before certain things happened, or , as now, to before Lockdown. But will anything ever be the same again? We have got used to a different way of life.
The Israelites had got used to a different way of life in the time of Isaiah when they were in exile in Babylon, longing to be back in their own country, the Promised Land. Isaiah gave them a message of hope from the Lord. He prophesied that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and they would return to the land of Judah, but with a warning. In Isaiah 43:18&19 we read, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” He was warning them not to expect that everything would be the same as before.
Many people think that one of the results of this pandemic is that things will be different in the churches, and also, peoples’ priorities will have changed with many people wanting a simpler life. It has been interesting to listen to people on the radio expressing this opinion and thinking of how they might do things differently. There are so many Church initiatives during the pandemic that many more people are able to hear the Christian message in their own homes. Hopefully it will lead to more people finding the truth of the Gospel and trusting in Jesus as Saviour as they learn of God’s love for each one of us.
In his letter to the Philippians chapter 3:13-14 St Paul stated similar thoughts to those in Isaiah 43. He wrote, “Forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”
So let us heed Isaiah’s warning, and not expect everything to resume as was normal before the churches had to close. In the Christian life we always need to be moving forward, learning more about Jesus and listening to, and obeying his voice, and that includes life in the Church. We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us in all we do in our own lives as well as in the Church. Kathie Williams
Due to the pandemic, our church building remains closed. The leadership team are continuing to follow BU guidance, and are considering what measures will need to be put into place once we are able to gather for worship again. In the meantime, do watch the NWBA Sunday services on You Tube, if you are able to. Whilst not being able to worship together physically, it is good to know that there are hundreds following the same service, worshipping God in their own homes. (Plus the many others following various church online services and on TV.)
We also have a church You Tube channel where two services a month (usually the 1st and 3rd Sundays) are broadcast and they are also posted on our church Facebook page. We continue to meet via Zoom for our monthly Coffee Morning (2nd Saturday) and our monthly Communion Service (4th Sunday). Scattered Church Musings are posted to our Facebook page each Wednesday and Sunday.
The NWBA also broadcast a Reflection to their You Tube page each week, whilst the BU Prayer Broadcasts can be seen live on Sundays and Wednesdays at 7pm and these are also recorded, if you're not able to watch them live. We pray that these will be a blessing, encouragement and support to you whilst we are scattered.
Atherton and Leigh Foodbank continue to use our building as a distribution centre each Thursday morning, although operating in a very different way from usual. Donations can still be dropped off at church between 10 - 12 on Thursdays.
It was interesting to hear of Jean D's work at The Bridge during one of our services before lockdown. Jean has been continuing to work throughout the pandemic, although the kitchen is closed. Initially, The Bridge was distributing food parcels, but recently, the shop has reopened, so this has stopped. The kitchen remains closed for the foreseeable future. They are looking for volunteers, though. Head over to their website or Facebook page for more information if you are interested.
Congratulations to Richard and Chantelle on the birth of Harper Jade, on 29th May. We pray God's blessing on her life, on big sister, Willow, and on Richard and Chantelle as parents. We look forward to meeting her when circumstances allow.
Thoughts and prayers are with Diane A, following a nasty fall which caused a broken elbow, broken fingers and damaged tendons. We pray for physical healing and patience to cope with the difficulties this has caused.
We are concerned also for Mrs Kathleen B who needed 9 days care in hospital following a further fall. She is now home supported by her family. Ann her daughter asks us to pray for her.
VAL, Pastoral Leader