Valentine Sunday was turned into Funday at New Life City Church.
I was so encouraged by the turn out, not only by our regulars, but it was great to see several new people at church, including several from the Falls community. This is a great sign and an encouraging sign. Some people want to give up when things are not going their way, while others continue to be motivated with the belief that if God is in it, then it's worth pursuing until the bigger picture is complete.
My thanks to everyone who participated today, even to all the men who got up on the platform not knowing what to expect. At least we gave the women a good laugh at our expense, and God knows, some of them needed a good laugh. Thanks to Jonathan, Craig and Gareth for bringing good words of encouragement; Jonathan to the singles; Craig to the Marrieds and Gareth to everyone.
Jonathan to the singles: Where you are right now is where you're meant to be. Do not allow society to put pressure on you or to put expectations on you that cause you to wish you were somewhere else or that you were with someone else, but make the most of where you are now.
Craig to the Marrieds: Talked about "The Language of Love" as expressed in the following ways: (1) Time - how you spend time together; (2) Touch - how you have a healthy loving relationship; (3) Words - how you speak to affirm each other; (4) Gifts - how you appreciate each other; (5) Actions - how you do things for each other.
Gareth to everyone: We all need to realise that we are LOVED by GOD. If God had a wallet or a mobile phone he would have your photo in it. If we can accept that God loves us, we can then begin to love others. Because God has loved us, we can love each other. Because God has forgiven us, we can forgive others. Because God has been patient with us, we can be patient with others etc. As we see these things in God, people need to see these things in us.
Couple Honoured: We decided to honour one couple today, but did so as a token of our appreciation not only to them, but to the every couple and to every person who contributes to the life and growth of the church. After having read out several things about this couple, when I called out their names to bring them forward the whole church spontaneously stood to its feet and applauded. Roy and Paula Crawford deserved every applause. We blessed them with a gift from the church and would encourage both them and all of us to continue to work together in unity for the growth of the church and for the extension of God's Kingdom.
Prayer: We prayed for the parents of a couple whose son sadly took his own life during the week. We also prayed for Billy Potts' sister Eileen. Please continue to pray for these dear ones and for others within the church and our families who need to know something of the grace and mercy and the healing power of our God. You can pray on your own at home; you can meet with those who pray at City Life Centre on Monday mornings; you pray in Connect Groups; you can come to the Bible Study and Prayer Group on Thursday night at 7.45 pm; you can pray in your Teams. However or wherever, it really doesn't matter, but what does matter is that we pray one for another and encourage one another.
Leaders Summit: NEW LIFE LEADERS SUMMIT
Saturday 20 February 10 am - 1 pm
The theme of the Summit is "It"
Next Sunday: 11.30 am Another exciting Service including Worship; Teaching; Communion;
Pizza & Drinks etc immediately after the service; Please plan to stay behind.
Cost £5 per adult; £2.50 Secondary School age; Younger are FREE
FIST: Next Sunday night at 6.30 pm.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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