All sports fans will have loved the last few months. The European Football Championship, where England fought bravely, Wimbledon...(I know several people who would clear their diaries whilst the tennis was on) and at the time of writing, we are awaiting the Olympic Games which are to be held in Paris.
There is always a lot of work amongst the athletes of any sporting event in the years and months running up to their chosen event.
Goals and aims are set and then, striven to attain.
Early morning training at the swimming baths before they open to the public, long distance running first thing in the morning as they build up and maintain their strength, and then of course, the correct diet to keep their bodies at the peak of fitness.
They do all this to the best of their abilities, with their eyes on the finishing line - their ultimate goal.
We read in the Bible that Saint Paul, probably as an old man, wrote a letter to his friend Timothy, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.'
He had discovered the purpose for his life and kept on until the end with his eyes focused on the prize, Jesus.
You may think...'That's nice, what a good thing to say'.
But in his younger days, we read that Saul was a deadly enemy of the Christian way and did all he could to try to get rid of the followers of Jesus. He sanctioned the killing of Stephen, one of Jesus' disciples, and stood by and watched as they stoned him.
But then his life did a huge turnaround when he had an encounter with Jesus who completely changed his life. He changed his name to Paul to show he was a 'different man', and he preached and encouraged people to turn to follow Jesus.
Even though he had lived a life of destruction and death he knew he had changed so radically that, yes, God had forgiven him and he could say that he had done his best for God.
There is a verse in the Bible in John chapter 3 v16 – 'God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him would have a whole and lasting life'.
It doesn't matter what we have done in the past, if we 'own up', God will forgive us and not remember those things any more.
We meet for worship at TLC every Sunday at 2.30pm (except for the 1st Sunday of the month - see below). Our time together is quite informal, we don’t stand on ceremony - come and join us and see for yourself.
We continue to meet on the first Sunday of every month for Bitesize@10.
Come and share some time with us over a bacon roll, croissants, tea, coffee and juices. We chat and catch up on each others good news, then have a short Thought for the Day to see us through the week!
The door is open and all are welcome. Come and bring a friend.
Coffee Morning continues to thrive. Call in for a cuppa and a chat any Thursday morning from 10am onwards.
The annual MacMillan Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday 19th September at the usual time 10am until 11.30am.
There will be a cake stall, bring and buy and a raffle, please support this very worthy cause which supports cancer sufferers and their families.
Jan is sure to give you a very warm welcome.
Dates for your diaries.
Sunday 1st September
We will be welcoming the President of the Wesleyan Reform Churches, Mr George Phillips, who will be speaking at the service at 4pm. Tea will follow the service.
Sunday 8th September
Family Day service at 2.30pm
(This service was planned for June but was postponed as Covid struck!)
Our speakers will be Mike and Chrissie Baldwin.
Tea will be served after the service.
Come and join us for this special time together.
Saturday 14th September
The Historic Churches annual event takes place when people cycle or walk to as many churches and chapels as they can, to raise money for the upkeep of historic churches.
TLC will be open from 10am until 4pm to welcome walkers and cyclists.
Saturday 21st September - Women of Action
Calling all ladies.
Starting at 10am – coffee, then a time of praise and worship, followed by a talk, entitled 'Jesus, our Solid Foundation'. We finish with a Ploughman's Lunch.
There will no charge but please let Ellie know on 07816 145187 for catering purposes, if you would like to attend.
Sunday 13thOctober
Harvest Festival Service at 2.30pm
We celebrate every year the extensive variety of wonderful food that God provides, remembering all those people who work hard to grow and prepare, package and deliver.
Tea, of course, will be served after the service!
