Hebrews 10:23-25


23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
 
I’ve thought about this passage often over the past months. In normal times we use this as an encouragement, and a reminder, of why it is so important that we meet together, on Sunday as a big church family, and at other times like small group, and 1 to 1’s, so that we grow in our faith and spur each other to do likewise.
 
How difficult, then, that we can’t physically meet together. Thank God for the blessing of technology that we can actually see each other’s faces, tune into a Sunday service, pray and laugh with one another. How would this have all worked 20 years ago??
 
And so let’s make an extra effort to put into the practice the things that we see in the passage: 1) Hold fast to our faith - why? Because of Christ, who is faithful. We have hope because He lives . 2) What thing(s) can you do today to spur your brother or sister in Christ on in their faith? Be creative. Call them. Pray for them. Make something for them. 3) When the going gets tough and we might not want to tune into that Zoom meeting, or join a Sunday service - commit, press in, be an encouragement to someone else.
 
All while we long and sigh to be physically together again….and for the DAY of Christ’s return
Matt

​Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox is a gem. John is Scottish and in his spare time and retirement, an apologist for the Christian faith. This little book pretty much answers the question ‘How can you believe in a God when we’re struggling with Coronavirus?’ Of course it’s brief, and won’t satisfy everyone, but he writes thoughtfully and well, and covers the main bases. It’ll reassure you, equip you to answer your friends’ questions, and help you grow in your faith. And it won’t take long to read.

Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper is a book by a preacher. And its American, so the style isn’t immediately so accessible. But it’s thoroughly biblical. Packed with the Bible in fact. His aim is to get us thinking about the virus from a biblical perspective, and after a slow first 1/3rd it really takes off. This book will expand your biblical worldview. Have you thought about the biblical link between Corona virus and world mission? Well maybe this would be a good book for you! It was due to be published on 20th April but there seems to have been a holdup!
Which one to read? Well, they’re different, and trying to do different things. So I’d buy both. But if only one, I think I’d start with John Lennox.
 
Both of these books are available through Books Alive (info@booksalive.co.uk). Or send an email to the office and we’ll order them for you, and get them delivered to your door. £2.50 each, £5.00 for both of them!
Phil

​Don't forget there is another chance for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat this afternoon Thursday 30 April at 3.30pm. Please email bishophannington@gmail.com or the office, office@bhmc.org.uk, to register and receive the Zoom link details.

​I love the Easter stories. It seems wherever His disciples were, Jesus met them there. Whether weeping alone in a garden, walking home with a friend bewildered and confused, sheltering behind closed doors or finding refuge in familiar safe places they encountered the risen Jesus.
For Simon Peter the unpredictability of the days after Easter Sunday sent him back to his default position where life felt ‘normal’. In John 21:3 he says, “I’m going fishing.” Six others decide they will go along; some were fishermen, too, but not all...some were simply friends who decided to be there with him. They fished all night, unsuccessfully, and in the early morning they saw Jesus standing on the shore, cooking breakfast for them and heard him call out. It took a miracle for them to recognise Him and the time they spent on the beach that morning changed everything. They were still in an     in-between time...waiting for Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s empowering for ministry...but Peter was restored and redirected. His commission was to keep following Jesus and take care of His disciples. There was one thing he was definitely NOT to do and that was to compare himself with any other follower – something which could lead to pride or despair and which would a least distract from the main thing.
In this unpredictable time, it’s easy for us to look at what others are doing and feel we should do more, that we’re unimportant or feeble. It’s also easy to look at others and criticise or judge them for what they’re doing or how they are being affected and feel smug or superior. It’s easy to hide away in our particular default safe places...or coping mechanisms.
Let’s remember that we are in a much better place than those early disciples. We have a constant companion and helper, the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer and we can ask Him minute by minute to help us keep following the Master and keep looking out for each other. 
​Chris

7Here are a couple of prayer resources from St Peter's Brighton web site. I suspect there are others like me who are having difficulty knowing how best to pray about the Coronavirus.

Lectio 365 is a magnificent app for those who want to deepen their prayer life. It is available for Apple and Android phone. Yesterday (Monday 27/4) they started a 5 week course, culminating at Pentecost. The course can be started at anytime, so don't worry if you have missed a day. This app is highly recommended.
24-7 Prayer International | Lectio 365
https://www.24-7prayer.com/dailydevotional
​I am sharing this app as I have found it an invaluable prayer help at this time of Corona crisis

​Coronavirus prayer guide: Use this 60-minute prayer guide to help you pray. Click here to download.
God bless
Christopher Wilding

This posting was found by Dave on Facebook recently:

Stephen and Lizzi Demetriou will be hosting BH Youth LIVE on the Lockdown PraiseUp Youtube page from 7:15-8:15pm tonight. They’ll be teaching from the Bible, playing crazy games, and getting the youth involved in mad fun challenges. If you’re 11-18, come join in the fun! Message Stephen to get involved!

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

​Some decisions are “no brainers.” Some merely require “sanctified common sense.” But trying to work out other decisions ties us in knots. Right now, many of us find ourselves afresh in this third category. Or we know someone who is, whom we can counsel and pray for. What’s a godly way forward?
 
As we seek to choose wisely, let God’s peace rule in our hearts. Father God “determines our steps” and the outcome of our planning. This doesn’t mean we’re cavalier in our decision-making. But with our trust in Father, we can move forward without vexation. We have every reason to trust God with all our heart, because he showed he loves us with all his heart when he gave Jesus to be our Saviour. Surely we can trust him with everything else we really need.
 
Do pray for “straight paths,” as you seek to honour God with decisions in response to C-virus disruption – decisions about employment, finances, and transitions; choices for our children, aging parents, and our healthcare. Consider his instructions, and seek counsel from people who will do the same.
 
At the same time, life isn’t primarily about making the right decisions, but trusting the right Lord; and that is Jesus Christ. While the “right decision” isn’t always pain free, it will never be grace absent. Trust in him as fully as you know how.
​Dave Howarth

1.  What as the name of the artist who painted the scene on the east wall of the church.?
     Which medium did he use for the painting?.
2.  What saying of Jesus does the picture illustrate?
3.  The same artist painted a picture in another church in Hove.  Which Church?
4.  Where in Brighton did James Hannington attend school between 1860 1862?
5.  At Woolie 3 summer camp what popular foodstuff gets poured over the washout losers?
6. The YAC, before its refurbishment , had a room behind the stage where KO met.  What was
     the room  called?
7.  Originally KO met in a wooden building at the rear of what was the church hall.  What was
     that building called?
8.  In the roof of the church there is a panel known as a tester.  What is its purpose?
9.  It is said that BH was built to the designs of Edward Maufe as a test for a larger cathedral
     that he had been commissioned to build elsewhere.  Where is that cathedral?.
​Martin White

Hymn Mission Praise 269
I do not know what lies ahead,
The way I cannot see;
Yet One stands near to be my guide,
He’ll show the way to me.
 
I know who holds the future,
And He’ll guide me with His hand;
With God things don’t just happen,
Everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow,
With its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
Give to Him my all.
 
I do not know how many days
Of life are mine to spend;
But One who knows and cares for me
Will keep me to the end.
I know who holds…
 
I do not know the course ahead,
What joys and griefs are there;
But One is there who fully knows,
I’ll trust His loving care.
I know who holds ...
​

I am using  John Stott’s  ‘ Through the Bible Through  the Year’ in my daily Bible reading this year.  At the moment I am travelling at some speed through the prophets and have had my heart warmed and my faith in our Heavenly Father deepened concerning this adventure we are all experiencing at the moment. 
The readings are around the 60 years of exile God’s chosen people were experiencing in Babylon.  Their holy city of Jerusalem and their Temple had been destroyed and they were experiencing a strange life in a strange land but, and it is a big but, their God, the one true God, was at work in spite of their failures and disobediences as a nation.
How was He at work?  

• He called Ezekiel to challenge His people of their sin and idolatry.
• He called Daniel to encourage them with his confidence that “ The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men” (Daniel 4:32).
• He appointed the secular Persian ruler,  Cyrus, to order their return to Israel,  and to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
• He caused the prophet Ezra to “set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
• He gave Nehemiah  who was “cup-bearer” to the Persian king, the heart and the vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

What encouragement to trust God with our unfolding history,  to watch and pray as He works out His purposes,  asking Him to prepare leaders to take us through, and out of, this crisis but all the time remembering that 'because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning......I say to myself, ‘ the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'  (Lamentations 3:22-24)

​How’s your body doing? Getting old? Going grey? Various parts aching? Memory not what it was?
Or maybe, just maybe, your body is just fine thank you.
But if it is, one thing is sure: you can be sure it won’t stay that way and at some point in life you’ll be dissatisfied, or look at your current state of loss as your body, ever so slowly, fades away.
So whatever situation you’re in just now, you can be sure that at some point you’ll love to have a new one!
Are you a Christian? Because if you are, you are guaranteed that you will get a new body. It will happen in an instant when Jesus returns. It’ll be like this one, but heaps better. It’ll be a body ready for heaven, ready for eternity, ready for perfection.
And that is quite something to be looking forward to! Even, or perhaps especially, at times like this.
Want to find out more? Better join in the service at 10.00!
1Corinthians 15:51, 2 “Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.”

Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 on the website 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Phil Moon Preaching
Suitable for everyone with separate children’s activities
Sunday Evening Service at 18:30 on the website Ephesians 5:8-20 Stephen Demetriou Preaching
Suitable for everyone
 
Sunday: KO Hangout - 7:30-8:30
For KO young people a chance to chat together after the evening service has gone live and chat about our faith.
Message Stephen to get involved.  
 
Feast Hangout 8:00-9:30
For Feast people to have a bible study
Message Alex to get involved. 

This October we will be having a World Mission Awareness month, not just a weekend!
Throughout the month there will be guest speakers, testimonies, a church family lunch & world mission-focused prayer times. We would love all the church family to be involved and for the various BH groups to make it a focus of their groups for October. More details to follow but mark it in your calendar for now.  If you’d like to be involved contact Katy Lambert via the church office. 

I had so much planned for this year. I had five weddings to attend, where I would see and celebrate with some of my closest friends. Three weeks ago, I was supposed to be going on the Word Alive conference in Prestatyn with some old uni mates, that was going to be a great week. I was meant to be heading back to my other home town of Canterbury for a stag weekend next month, which might have been my last chance to visit before a load of my friends leave that city. Throw into that mix; cricket matches, theatre trips, birthday parties, holiday plans, a potential mission trip to Spain, and the Ventures camp I’ve attended since 2012 … What great plans they were for this year!
Now, all of those plans are either cancelled, postponed, or in the balance. I’m sure this is a familiar feeling to lots of us. Many of you may even have much longer lists than me. So many lovely plans, having to be crossed out in our diaries.
But those plans were all as flexible, changeable, and fluid as the people that made them. All the many plans in the mind of a man can be postponed or cancelled in the blink of an eye.
But God’s plans are stable. God’s plans never change. His plans will stand. If there’s one thing we can learn from all this, it’s that God’s plans are so much bigger and better than ours. In the future, always involve God in our plans, always try and discern what God’s will is in our lives, always rely on him to fulfil those plans.
God’s plans involve saving his people, rescuing his children, bringing them into eternal life. Let’s trust in God’s plans, and only God’s plans, in our lives.

You will be aware that one of our goals for 2020 at BH is the above. We will soon be updating the website to provide help for members of BH but appreciate that in this time of  “lockdown” there are a number of us that are struggling with  current isolation issues.
We propose to carry out Zoom web sessions next week to chat through the issues that are emerging and assist where possible. We propose to hold these pilot sessions on:
​
Tuesday 28th April 10.30am
Thursday 30th April 3.30pm
 
If you think a chat would be helpful and wish to join one of these sessions please could you email bishophannington@gmail.com with your availability on either Tues/Thurs. We're not sure how many will sign up, so we want to make sure there is a balance of people across the two calls. We'll then send out an invitation with log in details to those interested.
Giles Cockman

Are you really wanting to pray for the COVID-19 pandemic but not quite sure how to? There is a book just out to help us use the Bible to pray positively and powerfully during this time
The other books in the series have been good.
Why don't you order it from Books Alive info@booksalive.co.uk.

Who looks forward to the limitations that age can bring – be it memory lapses, aches and pains, slowing down, or much more serious physical and mental losses, leading to loss of independence? All of these things bring testing to the reality of our faith and I have to ask myself, how much does it depend on the measure of good health that I am still privileged to enjoy?
However, awareness of my limitations can be the means to drive me to depend on God’s help and less on myself because He has promised strength sufficient for each day as it comes; it is only in my weakness that I can prove His strength – even in the ordinary things like shopping. My greatest danger is to forget this.
But how blessed we are at the present time to still be able to unite in fellowship and worship with our Church family whether by Zoom or CDs and print outs of daily bulletins. It is so helpful to have them delivered to our homes. This is a great cause for encouragement to our faith, at such a time as this.
Finally, as Christians how inestimably blest we are to know that for us “the best is yet to be”, and that each day brings us “a day’s march nearer home: - whether by coronavirus or by other means and that we have this amazing hope only because of Good Friday and Easter Day. Our hope is all because of Jesus. In Him alone is the constant forgiveness that we need and the prospect of eternal life.
 
Nancy Harrison writes…….
My habit of falling asleep at the wrong time led to a broken collar bone and a restrictive sling on my right arm. Olive very kindly invited me back to her home (as in the recent past for convalescence) moving in just before “Lockdown”
As isolation is vastly superior with a good friend than on one’s own I have not been in a hurry to move back home!
We both see this as God’s serendipity.

​ 
      Sitting At The Lord’s Feet, Listening. 
                      ​Luke  10:38-42
 
Jesus and his disciples had been invited for a meal in Martha’s home (v38). While Jesus taught, Martha busied herself with preparing the meal, but Mary, her sister wasn’t there to help. No, she was quietly listening to Jesus, sitting submissively at His feet. Martha blurts out – ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ (v40).
 
But Jesus defends Mary, He doesn’t tell her to help Martha in the kitchen. Rather He says ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.’ (v41,42).
 
It’s not difficult to imagine the scene is it? We’ve all been there at some stage. Maybe now, in the midst of this crazy pandemic we are ultra-busy, flustered by work, the kids, or by a host of household things. What’s worse is that others are sitting around, reading the bible and praying!!
 
It’s an easy lesson to hear, but a much harder one to practice isn’t it? Sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to Him through prayer and bible study. Having a ‘Quiet Time’ is really important for the believer. It may seem that there is so much else to do, and that to spend time in devotion is rather selfish. It’s not! Far from it, it’s the most needful thing that we can do. It’s time well spent, it’s vital, and the Lord commends it. Can I encourage you to ‘sit at the Lord’s feet’ today. To make it your No.1 priority. Not neglecting everything else of course, but taking time to be holy as the world rushes by.
​
With love to all the fellowship at B.H. and beyond.
Phil

​Prom Praise from All Souls is being streamed on the 2nd May at 7.30pm. Please use the link below for more information: 
https://www.allsoulsmusic.org/events/virtual-prom-praise-a-festival-of-hope/

Roger Bellamy

  Are you a bit of a Geek? Or even just love                                your tech?
If so, there are plenty in our church family who could do with a little helping hand - on the phone.
You don't have to be a whizz, but some are struggling to access our online services and get the hang of Zoom. Half an hour on the phone could give them the confidence and just make all the difference.
If you'd be happy to help out on this, please leave your name with the office.
Many thanks
Phil Moon

Thank you all for your support for this year's Lent Appeal. The time is approaching when we will have to call "last orders". The appeal will close in a weeks time on Wednesday 30th April. Please forward any final donations to the church office as soon as possible to allow time for processing before the cut off.
Thank you.
Roger Bellamy

Tim, Clare and the boys have officially left but the fund for their leaving gift is still open. This is therefore "last orders!" as the fund closes this Friday 25th. Please forward any cheques to the office or make an online payment, saying who it's for, to Bishop Hannington Church,  Sort Code 40-52-40  Account Number 00016162.

  Psalm 23: 1-6



1  The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3  He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
    You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
    and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23: 6)
‘If we don’t chase things – sometimes the things following us can catch up.’ (from ‘Emily Climbs’ by L.M. Montgomery). Perhaps this is a bit of a random thing to pop into my mind when thinking about this verse – but it seemed appropriate! When we are busy all the time, rushing on to the next thing, do we give the things following us a chance to catch up?
This verse says “goodness” and “love” are following us. They are pursuing us. We have a chance to slow down and take time to appreciate all of God’s goodness in our lives and all the small evidences of his love.
It seems to be human nature to look forward to hard things being over. We might say or think, ‘When this is over, then I’ll be happy, content, thankful…’ Well, this verse says that goodness and love follow us all the days of our lives. So, let us look for things to be thankful for right now!
​Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
(From St. Patrick’s Breastplate)

Q1. What does the design of the light fittings hanging from the ceiling in the church represent?
The fittings are in the form of a martyr’s crown in memory of James Hannington, The wavy lines indicate that he died overseas.
Q2. What is the difference between the bricks used to build the church and the general bricks
we use today?
They are significantly smaller.
Q3. In 1982 we welcomed Bishop Festo Kivengere to BH for a special ceremony. What was the occasion?
The opening of the church centre.
Q4. What is the ENO challenge?
Hold a mouthful of ENOs in one’s mouth for the longest time.
5. In what year did BH hold a Retro Fun Day in the car park?
2014
6. James Pinto had a favourite saying. What was it?
A good game is a quick game
7. For what is the MacHannington Cup awarded at the annual church meeting?
Outstanding service to the church
8. Bishop Hannington Church is located within which Diocese of the Church of England?
Chichester
9. Where did James Hannington serve his curacy after being ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Exeter?
Trentishoe, North Devon 

The Lent Appeal now stands at £5,800, with Gift Aid, and is open for a little while longer. Please forward any further donations to the BH Church office for inclusion.

(picture Jack E. Dawson-Peace in the midst of a storm)
For many of us at the moment peace may feel like something we want but can’t grasp.
Maybe you long for peace & quiet as you juggle working at home and trying to keep the children occupied & up with their schoolwork.
Maybe you are home alone and although it may be ‘quiet’ you don’t feel peace as the isolation leaves you lonely with too much time to think & worry.
Maybe you are ‘front line worker’ and have had people shout at you for having to queue or are in the very thick of it working in a hospital dealing with the reality of this disease first hand, going home exhausted & devastated at the loss of life you’ve witnessed.
 
You might experience moments of ‘worldly peace’ when you get a rare break at home, a phone call from a friend, a thank you from a customer or see someone you’re caring for recover & go home. These are all good things & encourage us, but they are temporary & not the real peace that our hearts are seeking.
If we’re honest the peace we long for is not so much in our circumstances but in our hearts & minds.
 
The peace Jesus offers us is not just the opposite to what the world gives, it is the antidote to our troubles & fears we experience in life. The peace He offers is not just a short-lived break from those, it’s His peace that He leaves with
us.
His peace is not more ‘peace & quiet’ or the absence of war or momentary contentment, but His peace is the permanent reconciliation & restoration of our relationship with God, so much so that we can call Almighty God, Father.
 
This promise from Jesus comes near the end of a conversation with his followers where He has already promised that He is going to prepare a permanent home for them with the Father, that he is The Way that they can be with the Father and that the Father will send His Holy Spirit to counsel & teach them when He has gone.
His peace is not dependant on circumstances, how we’re feeling or what we’ve done but is given to us as a gift out of the perfect love relationship of Father, Son & Spirit who invite us to join with them in that.  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
 
It is a peace that brings us total security; we can never lose the Father’s love or our permanent home with Him.
It is a peace that brings us total significance; whatever our character, circumstance or life choices we have a purpose to love God, love others & show them Jesus.
It is a peace that brings total satisfaction; however much we enjoy the good things of this world they don’t last; they are not enough. But the joy we have in our relationship with Jesus will never run out & He promises that He Himself will be our forever spring of living water (John 7:37, Revelation 21:6).
His peace He gives us & leaves with us, so we have it, even in those times when it doesn’t feel peaceful, so let’s keep encouraging one another to take time to be with God & ask Him that we will know & experience His peace whatever our day entails. 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13​

​Lockdown, praise up! are short videos aimed at young people but suitable for everyone to get our hearts and minds looking up higher.

Everyday at 10.15pm there will be a brand new video up on our YouTube Channel.
Lockdown Praise Up! 10 minutes a day from the book of Isaiah.
Please click on the link below.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLfW_6eqLlfr82_QD0JVsGw
​

Books Alive is still operating taking phone and email orders and posting them out.  So if you are ordering a Christian book please don't forget them. Contact them on 01273 738818 ​info@booksalive.co.uk​