BH Bulletin - Monday 23 November 2020

Thought for the Day by Catharine Currell ​(Families Minister)

​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.

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BH Week of Prayer

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.

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Schedule for the week of prayer

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Books Alive

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.