“Each of you should use whatever gift
you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace
in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 [NIV]
Don't just believe it,
Its Spring!!!
Spring is a time when new things grow and come into the world. It is a new start. When we ask Jesus into our lives we get a new start, a second chance to live out lives to the fullest. Something that we have been looking at in youth at the moment is using our talents. When you bring Jesus into your life your talents become a whole new thing and the way you use them is different. When you follow Jesus you start upon a new journey towards an eternal life with God. Something that you think you can never do then becomes something that God can enable you to do. At the start of your life with God you may think “I could never tell people about God” or “I could never stand up the front and tell my story”. With God anything is possible and He works in amazing ways that you at this moment could never imagine. So never tell God you can’t do something because anything is possible with God.
- Chloe Willis -
Jesus anointed at Bethany - Matt 26:6-13.
“Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her..”
Matt 26:10-13
Each of the gospels record an event of Jesus being anointed with expensive perfume. The event Matthew and Mark records seems to differ from the event that Luke and John records and so some conclude that there were two occasions. Here are the references and some of the details given.
Matt 26:6-13—Woman—Jesus Head—Home of Simon the leper
Mark 14:3-9—Woman—Jesus head—Home of Simon the leper
Lk 7:37-38– Woman—Jesus feet—Pharisees house
Jn 12:1-8– Mary—Jesus feet—a dinner in Jesus honour
Either way this was an act of worship (recognising worth). Jesus had obviously impacted the woman/women’s life in such a way that the cost was not an issue. She/they wanted to express their love by this act.
Above is Jesus’ response to the criticism she received for her act of love.
Jesus said that her deed would be talked about wherever the Good News was preached. As we seek to worship God in response to the difference He has made in our lives, we may be misunderstood and even criticised for our actions. But remember that it is for one that we live. The one who laid down his life for us that we may be saved, forgiven and have eternal life. Forget what others may think—Just live worship!
Open Doors serves millions of persecuted Christians in over 60 countries, including some of the most dangerous places in the world. The scale and severity of persecution at this time is unprecedented in its history. Our Christian family need our support more than ever as vital food, medical aid and shelter is provided to thousands of Christians who have been forced to flee their homes but are too poor to escape their war torn nations. Open Doors is also investing in long-term support such as trauma counselling, small business loans and leadership training for Church leaders who feel called by God to stay and serve their people.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD
Please pray for:
1. It is nearly 2 years since over 200 girls were abducted from Chubok. Ask the Lord to protect, sustain and encourage them and pray for their liberation.
2 Pray for Korean – Canadian Pastor Lim Hyan Soo who was captured during a legal humanitarian mission in North Korea. He has been sentenced to a life of hard labour. Pray that North Korea will release him to his family.
3 Please pray for comfort and strength for the thousands of Christians imprisoned in North Korean labour camps
4 Pray for the children of Syria. Ask God to protect those who are still able to go to school. Remember those who aren’t able to go. Pray that this young generation will be healed from trauma and hatred after 5 years of violence and war.
5 Pray for wisdom and protection for Open Doors workers.
If you would like to give to Missions just put your Missions gift in an envelope marked Missions and drop it in collection any time along with your offerings. Each month, you can read a little more about Christian Mission organisations and what they do.
> for David John’s recovery
> For Lydia and Kris’ continued recovery .
> for Ceri’s family
>for Liz Savage (Tumour)
Joint Service
with
Spring Terrace AOG
3:30pm Sunday 24th April
At Lifewell Church
MAY SPECIAL EVENT
LIFEWELL CHURCH AGM
7pm WEDNESDAY 25th MAY
Don't miss it!
Please read minutes prior to meeting!
Please note that any matters arising or any other business is to be submitted to Chris one week prior to the AGM (By the 18/05/16).
4th Lowri James
5th Eran Locker
6th Aaron Day
7th Mark Williams
16th Neil Williams
19th Michelle Davies
22nd Angel Benjamin
25th Sian Hughes
30th Ryan Gormley
30th Szymon Sowinski
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES
Steph & Tony - April 10th
Ben & Rubina - April 18th
Sunday
10:30am - Morning Service
3:30pm - O-Zone Family Service
Monday
7:30pm - 18/04/16 - Life Lounge (18+)
Wednesday
7:00pm - Prayer Meeting
13/04/16 - Mission Focus
20/04/16 - Kids/Youth Focus
Thursday
9:15am - 11:15am - Coffee Morning
No Coffee AM—Thurs 7th April
Friday
7pm-8pm- R-GEN (11+)
8pm-9pm- R-GEN After Hours
No R-Gen on Fri 1st or 8th April