BH Bulletin Monday 7 September 2020

​Thought for the Day by Chris Dalton (BH Member)

Really? BUT! ​

Acts 9:26-27
New International Version - UK
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

This morning I read Acts chapter 9 in the ESV and I was struck by one word...but it was repeated throughout the chapter 11 times. It was the word ‘BUT’. In the NIV there are only 7 but they are sometimes different so if you combine them you could find 13 BUTs in one chapter.! If you’ve read any of my ramblings before you’ll know how much I love words and not be surprised that I can get excited even with a little 3-letter one. But, if you haven’t then you might wonder why ‘but’ X 13 excites me.
It’s exciting [3rd use of this verb😊] because ‘but’ changes situations and perceptions and expectations. As we look at what’s going on in our lives we might be feeling down or worried or apprehensive. We might try to think along with an advert ‘Just do it’, no ifs, ands or buts. But, ‘BUT’ makes all the difference. People were plotting to kill others ‘BUT’ they didn’t. People were afraid ‘BUT’ their fears were overturned. People were desolate ‘BUT’ their sorrow was turned to joy. The gospel was under threat ‘BUT’ actually it spread.
When we face problems, threats, discouragements this word can make such a difference. If we focus on the issues, we can easily become disheartened BUT if we look at them afresh allowing God into the picture everything changes.                                                                              ‘BUT GOD’ is so exciting – who knows what He will do in our circumstances? If we leave Him out then nothing may change for us BUT if we let Him in then watch out!! All heaven may break loose.

Ephesians 1:18-22
New International Version - UK
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

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The Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:30pm

This is a great chance for us to get together as a church to pray.  To join please go to MyChurchSuite or the church website. 

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Live streaming arrangements to welcome bishops Ruth & Will

Next weekend [Sunday 13 September] is a hugely important one in the life of the Diocese as we formally welcome Bishop Ruth and Bishop Will at special services to be held in the Cathedral.
The two services of welcome [two because of social distancing] will be live streamed so everyone further afield will be able to join in the celebrations.
LINK HERE
Will who is now the Bishop of Lewes and Ruth, who is new Bishop of Horsham will be formally installed at 2pm and 3.30pm respectively.
At each service the new bishop will be supported by the presence of family and friends and each will attend the others' service.
Bishop Martin said recently: “The installation of bishops Ruth and Will is going to mark their incorporation into the life of the diocese, and we welcome them with a great sense of confidence and hope. This is the very best welcome we can give them and their families in the present circumstances and it’s great that the installations will be streamed, enabling many others to join us on-line.”

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