Divine Fellowship
 
‘The fellowship of the Holy Spirit’ – 2 Corinthians 13:14
 
Here in the last verse of his second letter to the (previously troublesome)
believers in Corinth, Paul prays a blessing upon them. We use it often, saying
'The Grace' to each other. 'May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all' (v14). It's a
blessing loaded with true riches isn't it? Grace, love and fellowship from the triune God.
 
Let's just think about the word 'fellowship' for a few moments. It means a
'sharing in' or a 'participation of' - when we have 'fellowship' together we
share time, conversation, information and so on. What an amazing truth to
know that we have fellowship with God - yes, with God! Brought about by the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is, after all, The Comforter - the one who 'draws
alongside' to help. Such 'fellowship' is sweet indeed.
 
It's the Holy Spirit who 'shares' with us God's immense love and Christ's
incredible grace. 'The love of God has been abundantly poured out within
our hearts through the Holy Spirit' (Romans 5:5 Amplified version).
 
So may 'The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you' in a very real and wonderful way
today.

Today is the start of the BH Week of Prayer.  Join together with others to pray on zoom for half and hour at 7am and 8pm today and 7am tomorrow morning.

​Join via Churchsuite or the website under What's happening/Events/Featured Events

Do you ever look back on the past 100 years and feel floored by the amount of progress that’s been made? As people we’ve created, discovered, and changed so much in this world. Incredible new technology is being invented every day in China, Japan, and Silicon Valley, California. There’s a skyscraper in Dubai which is so tall there’s a 3-minute time difference between the top and bottom floor. We’ve reached the Moon and we’re heading for Mars! Sometimes you feel tempted to look around at all the things human beings are able to create and say “wow! We are amazing!”.
This idea is very much not an original one. The story of the Tower of Babel was written over two and half thousand years ago, telling us about early human civilisations settling into various places, forming communities, and building cities. So far you can’t fault their intentions. God would probably be very happy to see his created people starting to develop skills in architecture. Then in v4 we see the real inclination of the hearts of these people.
“Let’s make a big tower! Let’s make something we can be really proud of! Let’s make a name for ourselves!”. How many times have we seen people saying things like that in our world today? In our day-to-day lives we so often look around us at work, university, or school and see people constantly doing absolutely anything to make a name for themselves. “This bit of the design was all me! I’m going to smash this exam! I should be project manager because I’m great at this!”.
These people in Genesis 11 are eagerly trying to set themselves up as the new gods of achievement and progress, as so many people in our culture are today. Those inventors, scientists, and billionaire CEOs who think they can one day know everything or control everything. But just as he did at Babel, one day God will show to those people who’s in charge. He will show them just how tiny their powers will always be compared to his. If ever we look around at humanity and think of our glory and power, remember that all glory and power is God’s. Humanity can only be amazing when God allows us to be. When we try and do things for ourselves, God will not be with us. When God is involved in our plans, he will bless us and help us. As Psalm 127 says “unless the Lord builds the house, it’s builders labour in vein”. Let’s make sure our work, no matter what it is, is always for God, not us.

A lot of you were involved in the 'Behold our God' project we did during lockdown. A lot of the church family found it extremely helpful to see so many familiar faces engaging in a form of sung praise. I wanted to do something similar but on a much larger scale, involving as many people in the church family as possible, regardless of who they are or how confident they sing and play, and including families. And that includes musicians! Maybe time to get out and dust off an instrument?!
 The carol we will be singing is a classic! O come all ye faithful
Please see the video below on how to get involved

Instructions
I would like you to record yourself singing to this track. It is up to you if you want to be on video, some of you might find that uncomfortable, but the church will be blessed by seeing your faces! If you really didn't want to, then I can still include the audio of the record.
 
The best way to record is to have headphones on and sing along. And don't worry if it sounds rough on your end, I am planing to edit on my side so you will sound divine!
 
You can record on a camera, but most phones have a decent video recording option so you will be fine with that. Once you are done, if you send me the file either using Google Drive, or wetransfer.com Dropping a memory stick off at the office will work fine.
 
If you could get these vids back to me latest Monday 14th December. But please please do send much earlier than that, to give me a chance!
 Notes

1.  There are 4 verses. On the fourth verse I sing 'Born on Christmas Morning' (slightly different to what is seen on the music)
2. Try to smile as much as possible in the video! And be careful of lighting, odd camera angles, weird things in the background, etc.
3. Don't worry about what to wear, you can wear anything normal, or you can wear something Christmassy!

 Thankyou SO much for your support.
Matt
Attachments:
1) The track for you to sing along to:
O come all ye faithful - Church Project.mp3

2) The words for you to sing along to:
O Come All Ye Faithful.pdf

                                   Christ > Covid19
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)
 
Depending on which headline you read, the interruptions, cancellations, and social isolations in our lives are far from over. After weeks of self-separation, I miss being with my family, my church family, and friends. (I miss the good-old-days when Amazon deliveries didn’t have to be left on the front doorstep!)
 
But there is a silver lining to this lockdown cloud. After all, we worship a God who has promised that everything is underneath the complete control of Jesus. So, this may sound strange, but even this virus must bend its knee and submit to Jesus.
 
All through history the equation has always been the same:
Christ > _____
[Jesus Christ ]   [is greater than]   [anything]
 
Joseph (in the Old Testament) could not have known the good that would come after his brothers betrayed him and the endless nights that he spent quarantined in an Egyptian prison. But God was in control and He was greater than the circumstances.
 
Similarly, Joseph (in the New Testament) could not have imagined the Messiah coming to earth when Caesar Augustus issued an inconveniently timed decree. (Bethlehem? Now? With Mary pregnant? Are you serious?). But God was in control and He was greater than the circumstances.
 
So, what could God be saying to us today through these difficult times. Can God really use every infection, every fear, every detour in our lives for His plans and His purposes? The answer is an overwhelming “Yes”.
 
Romans 8:28 is not a cliché, but the truth:
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)
 
The equation is unchanged: Christ > Covid19

Prayer
Dear Lord, You know that we live in a crazy and chaotic world. You also know our struggles in our daily lives. When life gets to be too much, please help us to swiftly come to You, our Prince of Peace. Calm our thoughts, our emotions, and open our hearts to Your peace, comfort, and wisdom. Help us to rest in You, and to trust You wholeheartedly as we navigate through this broken world. In Jesus’ name, Amen
​
Simon

​I have been looking at the word ‘wings’ in the Bible with reference to God being a shield, a shelter and a protection for His people. We find this description of God in various places:
​
Psalm 17 v 9 where the Psalmist says,
 “hide me in the shadow of your wings”
Psalm 91 v 4 where it says,
 “He will cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you will find refuge. “
and in Ruth 2 v 12 Boaz says to her,
“May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
​
The picture I’ve included show clearly how the mother bird covers her chicks and keeps them safe. It’s fascinating, too, to notice that the same word for wings can also mean ‘hem’ or ‘corner’ of a garment as in Ruth 3 v 9 where Ruth asks Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her to protect her as her kinsman-redeemer.

Jesus our kinsman-redeemer longs to draw people to Him as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings so that He might shield them and protect them. In these days of uncertainty [humanly speaking] a safe place is something that most people want. Our God is a safe place, a refuge for all who trust in Him. Wherever you find yourself today, know that God is always our safe place, our shield, protection and refuge. Whatever happens – and let’s face it you need a safe place most when things are dangerous and scary so let’s not be surprised when problems come – He will walk with us throughout this life and keep us, by His power, safe for all eternity.
​Chris

Please see the YouTube link below for the trailer for this book to help with your readings for December.
​youtu.be/Pu3PZjpbJQI
The books are available via the church office or from Books Alive at the bargain price of £5.00!! Please contact the church office (01273-732965 or [email protected]) to secure a copy.
​They will also be available in church from Sunday 6th December!!!

The job description and personal specifications can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
https://www.allsaintsdanehill.org.uk/about-us/children-families-worker-job
If you are interested the closing date for applications is 30th November.

“One another”
As far as I can see, there are 38 “one another” commands in the New Testament, apart from the “Love one another” command (John 13:34), which comes up again in various forms about 15 times. Two of these “One another” phrases come in Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”
Good churches are good at “One another-ing” if I may put it like that, and I’ve been encouraged at how much this is happening during this time of lockdown. We’re not leaving it to someone else. Even when we’re feeling lonely or just ‘down’, lots of us are picking up the phone or sending a message, not to make ourselves feel better, but to help someone else feel better. That is wonderful. That is a church being what a church should be.
So let’s keep on doing just that, remembering one another, loving one another. That’s all of us. So  how could you “One another in love” someone else today? Please don’t leave it to someone else. This is just simply for everyone!
Phil

​






​

​ All details are shown on their website:
​http://sussexgospelpartnership.org.uk/week-of-prayer
Please find below the zoom link for ease of access:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89131025914?pwd=YTlDZ1MyUUlqeU1LU21aMzZMcGNrQT09
Meeting ID: 891 3102 5914; Passcode: Sussex

​​A reminder that there is  Coffee and Chat on Zoom today at 10.30am.  Join via Churchsuite or the website under What's happening/events.

The next session for Alpha is running tonight 19:30 to 21:00.  If you are not joining please pray for Alpha this evening and those attending.
​

​But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:6-8
 
Christians pray.
Sometimes we pray because we are desperate, sometimes because we are fearful, sometimes because we are bursting with gratitude. We don’t pray because prayer is a good form or relaxation or because it’s important to do our religious duty. We pray because we love our heavenly Father and want to spend time with him.
 
Not many of us are ‘good at’ prayer. Some are skilled at clear, succinct prayers to which all the others in the Zoom call can say a hearty ‘Amen’ Some are better at meandering, heartfelt prayers that express our hopes and longings. But we don’t pray because we are good at it. We pray because it’s part of our very identity as Christians.
 
Our heavenly Father knows we need a Covid-19 vaccine, a moment of peace, a job offer or a chance to heal a relationship. Why then do we need to pray? Because prayer is not about getting stuff, it’s about love and relationship.
 
In Christ we who were far away have been brought near and given the immeasurable privilege of addressing Almighty God as ‘Father’. We pray like toddlers in their daddy’s lap. We pray like sailors clinging to the mast. We pray like competition winners shouting for joy.
Christians pray.

BH are having a week of prayer from 30th November to 4th December.
This is a great chance to come together virtually to pray for topics . Please see attached flyer to see the schedule for the week.

Books Alive remains shut until at least 2nd December and we wait to see what will happen after that.. but, as you are hopefully aware, we are doing our best to continue to trade.  If you look at our website (www.booksalive.co.uk) you will see that I am posting photos to give you ideas while you are unable to come into the shop.  I plan to add to these so keep checking.  If you see anything you would like or if you want to order something you know we normally stock (or might be able to stock) do email ([email protected]) or call (01273888681) – I can take payments over the phone and arrange for collection, post or local delivery.
You may already have looked at our storefront on https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/booksalive    We are gradually increasing our recommended booklists to give you ideas but remember that you can search for any book, even non-Christian books.  The prices are not always as low as Amazon but we have been promised that this is an ethically sound site for shopping online.  Check that our name is at the top as you browse and then any shopping you do will benefit Books Alive whatever you are buying.  We would still prefer you to come direct to us for all your Christian requirements but it is a way of supporting us when you buy other books. 
One final piece of news - we are now selling and redeeming National Book Token Cards.  Given that many of us may be unable to visit friends and family in the usual way posting gift cards may be an ideal alternative.  You can buy them for any amount and they can be spent in any participating bookshop.

​A chance for everyone to get together and answer questions for all ages – bring a friend, grab a drink, put your feet up, and engage brain!
We will do some questions all together, and split into breakout teams too. The usual prizes are on offer and you can join via MyChurchSuite or the Website (Under What’s happening/events). 

After the 10:00 Livestream Service each Sunday in November we are having online Coffee and Chat sessions from 11:00 on Zoom which are hosted by Phil. We will be breaking into smaller groups to make chatting to each other easier. All are very welcome to attend.

​Godly Contentment
‘Be content with what you have’  - Hebrews 13:5
In the last chapter of his ‘Brief word of exhortation’ (v22), the writer to the Hebrews gives some really practical and helpful advice. As Christians, we all need to learn to be content with what we have. The Lord Jesus in Luke 3:14 told the soldiers to be content with their wages. Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:8 encourages us to be content with having food and clothing. A few verses before that he says that Godliness with contentment is great gain (v6).
 
Our materialistic culture persuades us to want more – always more! More what? More things, in all shapes and sizes, with the promise that once you have these things you will be satisfied and content. In reality the possessions we amass, possess us, and lead to a hollow discontent, and a hunger for even more.
 
In Hebrews 13:5 we are taught the reason why we as Christians can be content with what we have. It’s because we have the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, helping and leading us to experience true, deep down satisfaction of the heart. Our immense wealth as believers is that the Lord Jesus will NEVER leave us or forsake us (v5). That wealth can be relished, treasured and enjoyed WHATEVER our circumstances. In fact, the next verse calls us to boldly say ‘The Lord is my helper’ (v6), and to weave the truth of that into the living out of everyday life.
 
Do you know the Lord Jesus? Do you treasure and enjoy His presence above all things? We are not called to stand on our own two feet, but to find rest in the loving and all powerful arms of the Saviour. 

​I can say with confidence that The Lord is my helper, can you?
Phil

  For full details please visit the Sussex Gospel Partnership Website
​   http://sussexgospelpartnership.org.uk/week-of-prayer

​ If you are interested in applying for this very rewarding role please contact the church
 ​office for more information.

​A reminder that there is  Coffee and Chat on Zoom today at 3:30.  Join via Churchsuite or the website under What's happening/events.

We are continuing in our series running up to Christmas when I give a thought for the day focussing on lyrics from some of our most beloved Christmas Carols.
Part 2
Last time we looked at Hark the Herald, learning about some fantastic truths related to God dwelling with us (see 04/11 if you missed it).
 
Today we are looking at a verse from See amid the winters snow:
 
Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He who throned in height sublime
Sits amid the cherubim.
 
This carol might not be one that you are familiar with, so do give it a listen. Here we are thinking about God’s humility and God’s majesty. Let’s start with the latter, it will help give context. God is the almighty, the King of creation, the one who exists before time, whom created time. There is no-one like Him, or above him in authority. He is the one who built the starry skies. Think about the intense power that exists in the Sun, our own star. You can hardly look at it without damage to your eyes! And yet our sun is a baby compared to other stars in our known universe. And God created each one of them. He is indeed mighty beyond compare! When Jesus ascended to heaven after the resurrection, He sat down at the Father’s right hand, surrounded by magnificent heavenly creatures such as the cherubim. Such a God we would be astounded by if we met face to face.
 
And yet, God the son in astounding humility stoops down to earth, taking the form of a human, and isn’t born in the best palace that the world has to offer. No, he lies within a manger. A place where animals feed. Think about the last time you visited a farm, or the smells of the country. They aren’t really that pleasant, hardly dignified. And yet the one built the starry skies, throned in the heights, sitting amid the cherubim, chooses to identify with the lowliest of the low. Why? It is who He is, the God of love. Worship Him today!
​Matt

I’d love to invite you to Mum’s the Word – an evening where we celebrate and affirm everything you do and all you are as a mum.
Cathy Madavan and I will also share a few words of wisdom we’ve learnt over the years that have helped us make the most of the crazy, unpredictable world of parenting.
So, go on, you’ve earned yourself a night off! Find a quiet spot, grab your favourite drink and have some well-deserved me time.
Reserve your place today.
​Book now
Katharine Hill

God is not like us.
Revelation 4:11 gives a glimpse into the gulf in difference between the Lord God Almighty and us.
He is the Uncreated Creator of all. We are Created. In fact those are the only two categories of everything EVER. Either, you are the Creator or you are Created.

And just in case you are not sure what side you land on here’s a quick test to see if you are The Creator, do you have a start point, a beginning, a birthday? If you do – you ain’t God!
God alone is the uncreated Creator of everything, we are Creatures who owe our life, our existence, our everything to Him.

Fancy people call this the Creator/Creature distinction and actually it’s pretty important to us.
It means:

1. There is a God and you are not Him! (which actually is really freeing news)
2. As the Uncreated Creator; God is not limited by Creation; so He’s not limited by time; not limited in His power, not limited in His wisdom (we are very limited in all those ways, and a lot more too!)
3. As the Uncreated Creator; God is not dependent upon anyone or anything for His existence (we are by the way!)
4. As the Uncreated Creator; God is in total and complete control, He rules (which means we don’t!)

 
This is barely scratching the surface of the immensity of our Great God, but are you getting the picture?! God’s not like us. Wow.
 
And notice, because God’s not like us, that should inspire awestruck praise.
God alone is worthy of our glory and honour and power. He alone.
And yet how often do we give glory and honour to things that are not God?
 
One of the ways I’ve been challenged by this recently is to have what I’ve been calling ‘jealous words.’ For me, these are words like: awesome, glorious and magnificent that historically I have used with extreme liberality.
 
Yet, these are words that I want to save for talking about God the Uncreated Creator alone, words that are too special to use when talking about Galaxy Ripples or a sunrise on the Downs.
 
Are there words that you want to use jealously for our Awesome, Glorious and Magnificent God?
 
For our God alone is worthy to receive glory and honour and power.

A reminder that there is  Coffee and Chat on Zoom today at 10:30.  Join via Churchsuite or the website under What's happening/events.

The next session for Alpha is running tonight 19:30 to 21:00.  It is not too late to join.  Click below for more information or to sign up.  If you are not joining please pray for Alpha.