There was a Church Service on 5 October 2019
The Service was held in St. Peter’s as usual at 11am.
The Opening Prayer was given by Robin Howard
Announcements were given by George Henderson and included:
*Debbie Bothwell’s funeral service leaflet is on the notice board for you to
see
*Edna Willis requests prayers
*John Lord’s funeral on 11 October has changed to 2pm
*Tony Shevlane is having painful disc problems in his back and requests prayers
*Wednesday 9 October Service will begin at 1:30pm here at St. Peters
Speaking of Life this week was Dr. Joseph tkach on video entitled Gratitude Is Good For You
Hymns were led by Nancy Silcox:
Hymn 1. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
The Harvest Collection was introduced by Irene Wilson who told people about the Food Bank where the donations were to go. She then invited the children to bring the items at the ends of the rows up to the collection table.
The Blessing over the Collection was asked by Winston Bothwell
Hymn 2. We Plough The Fields And Scatter
Hymn 3. In The Garden
Intercessory
Prayer was offered by Winston Bothwell who began by thanking everyone for
their prayers on behalf of Debbie, and included:
*Thank you for the plan and hope of salvation
*We are thankful for the harvest
*We continue to remember the people who are still suffering after the storms in
the Bahamas—the news agencies are gone but the suffering goes on
*Floods in the North of England last week have caused distress and we ask that
you be with those affected as they pick up their lives again
*We pray for the families of the murdered officers in the senseless, mindless
violence. The violence and demonstrations go on in Hong
Kong. They need your guidance, help and direction
*Our nation’s politicians continue to be in disarray. We know that you allow
our leaders to take the reigns of power and we ask your guidance that they
would consider the good of the nation and that you will be done to benefit the
people and allow the church to live in peace and preach the gospel
*sickness affects so many of our members and we bring these people to you:
Debbie, Tony, Eileen and ask you to give them relief from their pain
*We remember the bereaved friends and relatives of Mike Hustwait, Debbie
Bothwell, John Lord, Shirley Jones, and ask a blessing on their families to
encourage and strengthen them
*The Festival is coming up and we pray for your inspiration and blessing on
preparations and proceedings as well as protection on those travelling
The Intercessory Prayer was followed by Special Music for contemplation. This was a video of the group Noblesse singing The Lord Bless You And Keep You
Hymn 4. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Hymn 5. Now Thank We All Our God
The Message was given by David
Silcox who began by reminding people that next Wednesday’s service will be here
at St. Peters
at 1:30. He also let people know that it
is planned on 26th October for both Joe Tkach and his wife Tammy to
speak her in Watford. David showed a photo of
Debbie Bothwell, whose funeral was yesterday.
This is the season of the year when we give thanksgiving for the harvest. We
have an annual Harvest Service where we take up a collection from our bounty to
give to those in need—this year to a local food bank. In Genesis 8:20-22 Noah
gave an offering of thanks and God responded with his promise in the rainbow.
God loves our offerings. Psalm 44:3 speaks of a time of giving thanks—we owe
all to God, our creator and provider. 2 Corinthians 9:11 speaks of increase,
liberality, thanksgiving, and our responsibility as Christians to the poor and
needy.
There is to be a spiritual harvest and we have a personal responsibility
commissioned by God as it says in Matthew 9:37, the harvest is plentiful but
the labourers few. God could solve it overnight, but chooses to do his work
through US. Acts 1 says we are to go as witnesses through all the world. The
greatest harvest is yet to come and we are the labourers. Let us not grow weary and lose heart, but let
us continue to do our good work (Galatians 6:9)
The final Hymn was Great Is Thy Faithfulness after which the Closing Prayer was led by Joy Barlow
Fellowship continued over refreshments in the church hall.
Young People’s Church took place during the Sermon time and was led by Richard Fowler.