Fun fun fun in the sun sun sun
Monday 28th July
What a scorching hot weekend we have had! Personally I like it warm, and I look forward to summer all year long, but I know that for some, this has been a trying weekend. On Saturday, in searing heat, we had a wedding in our Church, with about 250 people crammed in to see Hayley and Steve get married. It was a lovely service – shared with Pastor Dario from Thanet International Community Church – and I really enjoyed it (in spite of the heat!) On Sunday, we had a great service at 11am, with lots of visitors worshipping with us. We welcomed a camp of about 50 from the Derby and Burton on Trent area, and several other holidaymakers, who helped to boost our numbers, and to make it a great time of worship. We began our series on the “Friends of God”, which will take us through the summer. In the evening, our worship was led by the Worship Group, and the whole service was on the theme of oaths and promises (Matthew 5. 33-37), as we continued our study of the Sermon on the Mount.
As you will see from the Tanzania Blog, Nicky has arrived safely in Dodoma, and is now working hard! Life at home carries on as normal – and I have just seen James off on the coach back to Clacton after his weekend down here. How long this hot weather will continue, I dont know – but I hope it stays like this for a few more weeks, especially for those who are planning holidays.
Next Sunday (August 3rd), there will be a Church Picnic in the afternoon, if the weather is good. The plan is that we will make a final decision at the 11am service; and then, if we decide to go, we will meet at the beach at Botany Bay, from about 2.30pm onwards. Please join us if you can – bring some games and a picnic tea, and we will eat at about 4pm. Botany beach is lovely and sheltered, and parking nearby should be no problem. Even though it is Carnival day in Margate, some may prefer to be with us for a time of fellowship – so come if you can. Have a good week. Stephen.
“Why do people think a rabbit’s foot is lucky? It wasnt for the original owner!”
Dont forget to write…
Friday 25th July
Nicky set off on Wednesday afternoon at about 5pm, catching the coach to Victoria, and then travelling overnight to Glasgow. She sent me a text at 8am next morning, saying that she had watched the sun rise over the Lake District, and had had breakfast at 5.30am at a motorway service station.
I called her at 10am, and she was then on her way to Glasgow airport, to meet up with the rest of her party. They took off at about 1pm, and I had a text from Dubai on Thursday evening, to say that they had arrived there safely – the temperature was 36 degrees!
So, while Nicky is off having adventures in Tanzania, I am now back at work, and chasing up things that have happened while I was on holiday. Tomorrow (Saturday) I shall be taking my first wedding here at Margate, and I would ask you to pray for Hayley and Steve as they make their vows to one another. I have conducted well over 100 weddings over the years, but each one is unique and special. This one will be particularly unique, as Hayley and Steve have invited their friends from another fellowship to come and share in their service, and I expect the Church to be quite full, and the singing to be loud!
On Sunday morning, we will have the first of our Summer Special Family Services. Our theme this summer is “Friends of God” – each week, we will be looking at a different character from the Bible, and learning how we can be God’s friends too. Come and join us! In the evening, we get back to the Sermon on the Mount, as we continue to study “The Upside Down Kingdom”.
Do remember to check Nicky’s blog for more up-to-date information on her trip. I will post things there as I get them (Tanzania link on the website). I will post again here after the weekend. Enjoy the sun! Stephen.
“There is a lot of crime around here. I went to buy my wife some stockings the other day, and they asked me for my head size!”
Gordon and me!
Satuday 19th July
I arrived home from Suffolk yesterday afternoon, in time to go to the Brigades Awards evening. More of that in a moment. First, let me say that Suffolk is a lovely place. I think so. Thousands of others think so. And now Gordon Brown thinks so too. He, of course, will be going to the rather up-market Southwold for his holidays, while I was at Kessingland – but it feels like we are moving in the same circles. Gordon and me – you could almost call us best friends.
Seriously, I had a good time – some lovely sun, a few nice walks, time to read and relax, and a visit to the circus in Yarmouth – quite spectacular! Gordon, if you want a few tips about what to do on your hols, just give me a ring…
Now, the “Parents Got Talent” show – Hmmmm! Well, for those who were not there, let it just be put on record that I had no idea I was going to get dragged up on stage and made to sing “I got you babe” with a Cher look-alike! It was as much of a surprise to me as it was to the judges and the audience. So, with as much dignity as I can muster, let me just say that I think the best act won. Well done that caterpillar!
I’m still officially on holiday until Tuesday – then I will be getting back into the swing of things with a busy week. Nicky is heading off to Tanzania on Wednesday evening – so look out for updates on her blog before long.
Have a good weekend – I will post again next week. Stephen.
“How many dyslexics does it take to change a light-bulb? Eno.”
We’re all going on a summer holiday…..
Friday 11th July
Dear old Cliff! I remember the film coming out (I was a babe in arms), and I still sing the song every summer – and now its time for me to enjoy my own summer holiday once more (minus the big red bus).For those who may not know, Nicky’s plans to go to Tanzania meant that we had to alter our holidays this year (as she has a limit on how much time off she can take). This means that I am going for a few days to Suffolk on my own, and I am looking forward to relaxing and reading, as well as visiting family and friends. Some may think that I am “Billy No Mates”, but I quite enjoy time on my own – and Suffolk is a lovely place. Our daughter Sarah lives nearby, and I am sure I will see her during my stay. So – have fun without me!
I will, of course be back for the Brigade Talent Show on 18th July – dont miss it! Then on the Saturday, I will be taking part in Mark’s ordination service at 2pm – something I am lookng forward to immensely. Then things get a bit busy! I have a funeral on 22nd July; a Church Meeting on 23rd; Nicky goes to Tanzania on 24th; I have a wedding on 26th; and on 27th we have the first of our “Summer Special” Family Services.
All in all, then, its going to be a busy summer – so lets make the most of it! I will see you when I get back – my next post will probably be at the end of next week. Best wishes, Stephen.
“On his application form for Bible College, a student wrote the following:- “I am often involved in leading worship in my local Church, and I enjoy sinning in the Church choir” “
July Messenger
From the Minister July 08
Dear Friends,
It was so good this month, to have the privilege of being involved in the settlement of Mark Faris-Robertson at Beltinge Baptist Church. I think it must be unusual, if not unique, for the same person to be the Minister of the sending Church (ie Margate Baptist); the Placement Supervisor; and the Moderator of the calling Church – and it has been an honour to play these parts in supporting and encouraging Mark through this past year.
I was asked to become the Moderator at Beltinge in January, as they began their interregnum. It is a small but warm and friendly Church, with great potential for sharing the Gospel with its neighbourhood, and I have enjoyed my involvement there – which will end with Mark and Susan’s Induction Service in October. The Church at Beltinge is in good heart, and is very excited about its future under Mark’s leadership. The Special Church Meeting at which he was called was one of those very rare events – a joyful meeting with a powerful sense of God’s presence; and after we relayed to the members that Mark had accepted the 100% call, they wanted to sing “Oh happy day” – so we did!
Please continue to pray for Mark and Susan as they prepare to move and settle in to their new home. Mark’s Ordination Service will be at Margate Baptist Church on 19th July, and I am sure you will all want to come and support him. Pat Murphy is organizing a tea for after the service, and if you can help with providing food you are asked to speak to Pat as soon as possible.
Mark will then be inducted at Beltinge on October 4th, although his ministry will begin a few weeks earlier, in September. Again, we will be there in full support on the day – and will enjoy Beltinge’s tea!
On another subject, we are planning a Church Weekend away at a hotel in Eastbourne next May (8th-10th May 2009). This will be at the York House Hotel, and will be a great time away together, with good food, warm fellowship, times of worship and prayer, and lots of free time to enjoy the surroundings too. If you would like to come, it will cost £130 per adult (50% reduction for children). We require a booking form and a deposit of £20 per person as soon as possible; then you can spread your payments over the next ten months by arrangement with Averell Scott, our Church treasurer. £10 per month is within reach of most of us! Please do come and join us for what should be a fantastic time!
Do remember to check my blog on the Church website every so often. I update it three times a week with news, information, snippets of personal happenings, and other things I think you need to know. Go to www.margatebaptistchurch.org.uk, and click on the link for Pastor’s Blog. There are several other useful blogs there too. Stephen
I’m forever blowing bubbles…
Friday, 4th July
We have had a full house this week. James came on Monday, as he had a few days off work, and wanted to see the “olds” (and, I suspect, Laura!) Then Sarah and Sophie came on Wednesday, and are staying until the weekend. Not only that, but we are also being invaded by a group of Sarah’s friends on Saturday, who are coming for a “sleep-over”. They all lived in Colchester at one time (now scattered all over the place) – and we got to know them very well; so it will be good to see them all again. We will be having a barbeque on Saturday (please let it be dry!), and peace will descend again on Sunday night. To give them all something to do, I decided to hire a “hot tub” for the garden. It seats six people, and is at a nice warm 37 degrees, with bubbles and jets to relax you – great fun! I must confess I could get used to having one of these – its is incredibly relaxing to lie in bubbly hot water, looking at the stars! {Dont worry, I will cover the cost of the extra water and electricity!} Unfortunately, it has to go back next week…..
We seem to have lots of people who are ill at the moment – as well as several victims of accidents. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE EVERYONE! These things happen so quickly, and take ages to heal. Prayers, please, for all who are in hospital, or waiting for tests etc.
This coming Sunday should be great. In the morning (11.00am), there will be a parade service on the theme “Changing Direction”. We are hoping for a good attendance from the boys and girls, as well as parents and friends. We are also looking forward to welcoming Mrs Greenwood, an old friend of our Church, who will be making a special presentation. In the evening (6.30pm), we will continue to study the Sermon on the Mount, looking at “Marriage and Divorce”. Please do come and join us, and help to make it a great day of worship and praise.
For the next two weeks I will be “on holiday”. This means I may not be posting here quite so often, as I will be going away for part of the time. Nevertheless, keep checking back every now and again, as I may have important things to tell you! Enjoy the sunshine! Best wishes, Stephen
“I met my wife at a travel agents. I was looking for a holiday, and she was the last resort!”
