Our annual All Souls’ Service will be held this Sunday, 25th October in Banwell and live streamed to our Facebook page from St. Andrew’s, Banwell at 4pm. It will be available to view on our website shortly afterwards.
If you would still like to add names, please email kirsty.bowles@newcreationchurches.org.uk or phone 07871 513151
Please note that by submitting names this year, you are giving permission for them to appear over the livestream.
If you know someone who would like to attend this service in the physical church building, please do get in touch as we can accommodate a few people in church.
Isaiah 45:1-7 – It would have come as a great shock to the Israelites of Isaiah’s time to learn that God used a neighbouring King, a great warrior King, King Cyrus of Persia, as his instrument of justice and transformation. Surely God loved his people and would instead use them. We can face the same issue today – do we think God only works through us as Christians or does He also work through many others to bring about His purposes even if they do not know Him?
1Thessalonians 1:1-10 – Paul clearly delights in the young Church in Thessalonica. Interestingly, he says the community there received the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is one thing to believe, it is yet another to do so with joy, conviction, and surrender. These are the work of the Spirit, turning hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
Matthew 22:15-22 – “Pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s!” so says Jesus in response to the Pharisees’ trickery. Some have therefore said this means the world of politics and economics should therefore be separate to the sphere of faith, with faith being resigned to being more of a personal and private matter. This could not be further from Jesus’ message and just shows how we love to try and put God in a box, place limitations on how much He seeks to have influence in my life and so control Him, as if we could. Instead, Jesus is challenging the Pharisees and all of us to see that indeed Caesar and all other governments, wise and flawed, along with the whole of each of us, in all aspects of our life, comes under His just, gentle, but also challenging gaze and rule. It’s what makes God, God. Nothing under heaven is beyond His care.
“Holy Spirit, living breath of God” – by Keith and Kirsten Getty. Version with interplay with the theme music of the film, “The Mission” and St Patrick’s Breastplate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8FKZIz97AU
“There is a Higher Throne” – speaking of the Great Banquet and Temple of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation – again by Keith and Kirsten Getty with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvDSG4s5FJw
“Holiness” – by the Bible Project gives a very good description of Ezek 47 and Rev 22 as a metaphor of God’s great dream of a healed and transformed world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9vn5UvsHvM
18. “Untold Archaeology of the Temple Mount — Rare Footage” – latest Sergio and Rhoda footage – gives a great taste of some of the history underneath this incredible place – from which the Ezekiel and Revelation prophecies are meant to be fulfilled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3W9iX0SnCo
And from last week:
Film/TV Series
“The Chosen” (TV mini-series) – this is a courageous project to tell the story of Jesus as a TV series. Financed by crowd funding around the world, it has attracted record viewing numbers in the order of 59 million. Well worth watching – Series 1 now released. (You might find you wish to fast forward over the Director/Producer’s quite lengthy introductions at the beginning and reflections at the end.) Available on YouTube and downloadable as an App from the App store to come straight to your phone or tablet. Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE
Each year we remember those how have gone before us, and particularly this year, it has an added poignancy both for those who have sadly lost loved ones during this time of the pandemic and also for those who have felt the loss of loved ones during this time from years past more acutely because of the Lockdown and isolation.
We are going to be holding two All Souls’ Day Services over the coming weeks:
For Banwell on the Sunday 25th October at 4.00pm
For Congresbury on Sunday 1st November also at 4.00pm
Anyone is very welcome to join us online as Kirsty and the Technology Team will be Livestreaming both services. (As to how to do this Please see Kirsty’s instructions below) PLEASE ALSO have a candle available to light at home as part of the service.
We also have space for a small number of people to attend physically, based on the usual Worship Guidelines for both Churches. But, PLEASE you will need to let us know, in advance that this is you wish. You can do so via email, phone, or by dropping us a line (see details below).
If you would like your loved one’s name read out as part of the service, please can you let us know again by email, phone, or by dropping us a line. Due to the service being online as well this year, we can only read out those names we have been given permission to read so WE NEED YOU to get in touch and let us know – doing so complies then with GDPR rules.
To get in touch re names, and/or wishing to attend in person, please contact:
for phone – Congresbury Church Office (for both Banwell and Congresbury) on 01934 833126. PLEASE include the names you wish to have remembered, and leave ALSO YOUR name and phone number, and also which Church you are wishing to attend, so we can get back to you.
For written replies – Congresbury Church Office (for Banwell and Congresbury), Station Road, Congresbury, North Somerset BS49 5DX. Again, PLEASE include the names you wish to have remembered, and leave ALSO YOUR name and phone number, and also which Church you are wishing to attend, so we can get back to you.
Isaiah 25:1-9 – This is one of Isaiah’s great speeches, embodying the hope that God will come, in the form of His Messiah, and put things right in the world, lifting up the lowly and humbling the proud. As Christians this is something we have both seen in Jesus’ first coming but also long to see completed by His second coming.
Philippians 4:1-9 – Paul is giving instructions and seeking to inspire perseverance in the little Philippian Christian community. He thereby encourages us to do likewise, letting our hearts be filled with thanksgiving, praise and prayer, these change us and how we then see the world.
Matthew 22:1-14 – This is one of the most powerful of Jesus’ parables and has just as much edge for today as it did in former times. The wedding banquet is the new Kingdom that God is seeking to usher in. Like the Israelites in the wilderness after the Exile, they/we need to be prepared for that Kingdom. Those invited first, are those in any age who think they have a ‘right’ to be there – the Jewish elite and religious types in Jesus’ day, those of us who would claim to be ‘faithful’ and go to Church in our own. But unless we allow our hearts to be changed our clothes remain as they always were. Wedding clothes are given by the Groom’s Father at a Jewish wedding – will we truly receive and wear the Cross of Jesus? Only then, are we worthy to enter the wedding banquet. So often I find, those who don’t think they are worthy are the ones Jesus speaks so favourably of in this parable, and those who think they have somehow got there have much yet to learn.
“So will I” – acoustic version of this well-known Bethel Music song by Tori Kelly (we played this a couple weeks ago after the Livestream): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuedrKMVbFk
“The Chosen” (TV mini-series) – this is a courageous project to tell the story of Jesus as a TV series. Financed by crowd funding around the world, it has attracted record viewing numbers in the order of 59 million. Well worth watching – Series 1 now released. (You might find you wish to fast forward over the Director/Producer’s quite lengthy introductions at the beginning and reflections at the end.) Available on YouTube and downloadable as an App from the App store to come straight to your phone or tablet. Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE
Join us this Sunday 11th October for a special joint Harvest Service at 10.30am.
We will be LIVE in both Churches, St. Andrew’s, Banwell and Congresbury with a video link between the two which will also be Live-streamed to our Facebook page and will be available to view here on the website afterwards.
This is the first time we’ve attempted anything like this so please do bear with us, but we hope to bring Harvest blessings to our physical and online communities.
We will be collecting donations of food, specifically long-life items e.g. rice/pasta/sauces as well as snacks crisps/biscuits and drinks tea/coffee for the Foodbank and Somewhere to Go.
Donations can be dropped off at either church either the days before the service (please note that the churches will be closed on Saturday for cleaning as per COVID regulations) or for the week following the Harvest service.
Isaiah 5:1-7 – Isaiah’s great cry that Israel has not been faithful comparing it to a Vineyard which was hoped would produce a great crop but which produced only ‘wild grapes.’ Very topical given our Bible Reading for our theme today – Jesus therefore came to be the “new Vine,” to be ‘Israel’ for Israel, because she couldn’t be.
Philippians 3:4b-14 – one of the great writings and teaching of Paul. Pure poetry and faith, putting Christ at the centre. Nothing Paul has experienced in his past compared or prepared him for knowing Jesus. And yet, he also goes on to say, there is still so much more to experience and discover. How things are is but the beginning.
Matthew 21:33-end – – Jesus’ powerful prophecy and parable about the Vineyard and what will happen to those who don’t look after it. It is a parable, in that it was talking not a bout a Vineyard as such, but about the nation of Israel and how it had been uncared for and hijacked by religious leaders who simply wanted power. It is also a prophecy, in that all that Jesus said came to pass, both regarding His own death but also about the Vineyard being taken away from those charged with caring for it – see the destruction of the Temple and the sacking of Jerusalem in AD70 and then again in 135AD.
Also version with a strong Russian flavour from Simon Khorolskiy, a passionate young Christian singer seeking to bring the Gospel and Christian music to his native land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLTu1xv2-Us
“There is a Redeemer” – by Keith Green – Songs of Praise version with Lyrics:
We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church. So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:
“Open Space” – by Housefires – Gemma writes, “‘Open space’ is a song by ‘Housefires’ (sorry I love them) And it tells our relationship with Jesus and when he shows us he’s there for us we really feel his presence in all we do ! And we are stronger because we are all united in Jesus Christ! The backing music behind the lyrics too makes it such a peaceful song to listen too”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpdloYnlQJU&app=desktop
“O come, O come, Immanuel”– by Joshua Aaron (in English and Hebrew) live recording in the Tower of David, in Jerusalem – in celebration of the Jewish Festival of Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles – God with us!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFoFOZmSIfY
Videos:
Example of Selfless love – Diego Mentriga helps British Triathlete, James Teagle to claim his 3rd place after James crashes out. Remarkable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NjRL-K5RM0
“The Chosen” (TV mini-series) – this is a courageous project to tell the story of Jesus as a TV series. Financed by crowd funding around the world, it has attracted record viewing numbers in the order of 59 million. Well worth watching – Series 1 now released. (You might find you wish to fast forward over the Director/Producer’s quite lengthy introductions at the beginning and reflections at the end.) Available on YouTube and downloadable as an App from the App store to come straight to your phone or tablet. Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE
Film:
“The Sultan and the Saint” a documentary film, crowd funded across the world, looking at the historic and legendary meeting of St Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, Al-Kamil in 1219. Brilliantly put together with many insights we could all learn from in today’s world. Can be purchased via Amazon (comes form the US).
Jonah 3:10 – 4:11 – Jonah was sent to Nineveh to pronounce God’s judgement on the great city. But they repented when they heard the message. Rather than be delighted Jonah is grumpy because God has shown mercy beyond judgement. How do we respond to God’s graciousness both towards calling us to forgive others and to allowing ourselves to be forgiven. Goes to the heart of the Lord’s Prayer.
Philippians 1:21-end – Paul speaks to his fellow brothers and sister in the Church in Philippi with such compassion but also such certainty of his destiny to the point where he would rather be with Christ through death than to remain in this world. Out of this closeness of relationship though Paul then speaks of the need for the Church to stand shoulder to shoulder as one worshipping and following the Lord Jesus.
Matthew 20:1-16 – Jesus speaks both into the human condition but also into the specific situation of many of those from Jewish descent. For the Jewish community had been faithful to following in the footsteps of Abraham, their spiritual father figure and to the keeping of the Mosaic Law for thousands of years. But here is Jesus saying, those who have come to faith most recently, and more than that, those who have been rejected by society and thrown of the rubbish heap, they in their thankfulness and humility, those who could not believe they would possibly be invited to the party and treated as an equal, these are those who will lead the parade into the Kingdom. For it is gratitude, generosity, and humility, not piety, works, and badges that are God’s currency of what aligns a person’s heart with His own.
“Draw me close to You” by Michael Smith – simple song about Prayer and our relationship with God. Video has images of lots of children sharing moments of prayer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwu4SopKlpM
Modern:
We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church. So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:
“This is Amazing Grace” version by Christopher Duffley of Northland Church. Christopher has Autism and was born blind due to drug addiction from his mother at birth. His story and the story of his faith are incredible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXYTHbS3-RU
“Searching for Sugarman” the story of Sixto Rodriguez. This is the story of a singer songwriter, living in the depths of poverty, passed over by his own, only to be discovered and heralded six thousand miles away without him even knowing it for twenty years. Until one day. Rodriguez has been compared as a lyricist to the like of Bob Dylan, and in a foreign land, he was bigger than the Beattles. Great watch (especially if you’re a music buff or like a story of injustice with a happy ending). Available from Amazon or to rent on Amazon Prime.
Recorded at St. Andrew’s, Banwell at 10.30am on Sunday 13th September.
Apologies for the abrupt cutoff after communion – unfortunately the computer froze and we were no longer able to stream video. All that is missing is the notices and blessing. All notices can be found in this week’s New Creation Pew News.
Hymns, Songs, Readings and other links for 14th Sunday of Trinity –
10th Sunday of Re-opening – A New Church for a New Society:
“Themes in John’s Gospel.”
Justice – Part A (John 12:20-33)
Sunday 13th Sept 2020
Bible Readings:
Key Bible Readings:
John 12:20-33 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John12:24) The great paradox of the ‘God story.’
Genesis 50:15-21 – Realizing that Jacob had died, Joseph’s brothers feared that Joseph might take revenge for their actions of seeking him harm. They plead for forgiveness and to their amazement they discover Joseph shows them only kindness. They are indebted to him, and therefore the prophecy that he, Joseph would one day be their shining star is strangely fulfilled.
Romans 14:1-12 – Paul is trying to sort out what can seem almost a very modern problem. Some people want it this way, and some that. Each can seek to judge and blame the other and then place Paul in the impossible position of ‘playing Solomon’ – in other words having to choose between the two. Paul rephrases the whole situation – its not whether you eat meat or not that is important, it’s who you eat it, or refrain from eating it, for? Is it self, and self-importance, or puritanical status, or is it as an act of loving devotion to God? Unless it’s the latter, whether you eat meat or refrain from eating, it has no merit.
Matthew 18:21-35 – Here is Jesus as a storyteller at His best. In an age which increasingly “does not do God” the great danger is that we will forget that we too are in need, and have indeed been, forgiven. Without that knowledge we will continue to demand our rights, we will continue to demand ‘justice,’ sadly sometimes as a mask for retribution, but we will find it increasingly hard to go beyond judgement and justice, and to reach out for mercy, for forgiveness and for grace. And so, the great danger is the world will be hot on ‘right’s language and on ‘demands for justice,’ but cold on compassion and love.
We have been told by Facebook that unfortunately we are not able to play recorded artists during the actual “Livestream” itself at present, so we are playing certain videos either Before or After as a physical Church. So that everyone can share in a full experience of the breadth of the worship life of the Church details of this music is given here:
The person who sent this in said, “I love the lyrics in this song, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness” and later “weak made strong in the saviour’s love”. I’m reminded the world is fallen and full of injustice, but in Jesus we no longer put our faith in the transient things of this world, we have it all already in Jesus.”
Toots was himself wrongly put in Prison (54-46 was his number) and the song is a protest about injustice. Toots is regarded as the founder of Reggae (a distinctive worldwide phenomenon) and he passed away this week.
In celebration of the fusion between faith and Reggae music
Book recommends:
“From Menace to Miracle” by Larry Harvey (Chaplain of Horfield Prison) available from Eden and Amazon, and also as an ebook from Amazon Kindle. A remarkable story. All proceeds to Southmead Hospital Neurological Dept.
Ezekiel 33:7-11 – God informs Ezekiel he must speak the truth as God’s prophet. He must tell the people the error of their ways. But in a rare insight God shares with Ezekiel why. It’s because God knows that when the people live by other priorities, by other values, and worship other gods, this will lead them not to life but to death, and God wants to save them from the outcome He can foresee.
Romans 13:8-end – Paul, following Jesus, sums up all the Old Testament Commandments in the two that Jesus used, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And love your neighbour as yourself.” He gives this teaching added emphasis by contrasting it as the difference between walking in the way of the Light, which is to walk according to the Spirit, and walking in the way of darkness, which is to follow simply human desires. Don’t delay, says Paul, choose Light.
Matthew 18:15-20 – Jesus gives a similar teaching to that given by God to Ezekiel, this time the disciples and the early Church. The desire here is not for retribution or punishment of the person who has done wrong, but for restoration, both of the individual and the wider community; that the person be shown the error of their ways and be offered the opportunity to change. For God delights in one person who changes. He wants to see nobody lost. God seems to be a passionate believer is what has come to be known as ‘restorative justice.’
This recent song (Jan 2020) from this modern Messianic Jewish Christian community, beautifully phrased lyrics.
“Waymaker” – the original version was composed by an African American artist, Sinach. It has become a modern classic and has been covered by many Christian artists and translated into more than fifty languages. This original version alone has had 156M views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4XWfwLHeLM
