Hi FGC Family,
In many ways this past week has been quite a reflective one. On Wednesday it was the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and generally a time to reflect and be thankful to all those who have given their life to secure the freedom we enjoy in the UK today.
During the week I have too been thinking about Ray. I met Ray on Sword Beach, Normandy in June 2019 at the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Ray, 93 years old, was sitting in a wheelchair looking very smart in his panama hat and a blazer with a row of medals. 75 years earlier on the 6th June 1944, Ray, along with thousands of other young men, landed on the same beach in the face of enemy fire. I often wonder what horrors Ray experienced that day with colleagues falling around him with relentless machine gun and mortar fire raining down on them as they fought to make some ground and push the Germans back.
But what struck me most about Ray, as we spoke to him, was his humility and just what an ordinary man he was. Having faced and come through that horrific scenario he told us that after the war he went back to working in the Rayleigh bike factory in Nottingham, where he lived, and just got on with life. To me Ray was a hero to whom I will always be thankful, he just saw himself as an ordinary man doing what had to be done.
Isaiah wrote this about Jesus 600 years before he was born.
‘He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.’ – Isa.53:2
Born in a stable, living his early life as a refugee in Egypt and growing up in a working class family you could be forgiven for thinking that Jesus was just an ordinary young no different from many of his peers. Indeed Jesus himself chose to come to this earth as an ordinary man so that he might identify with us and show us the extraordinary love of God.
‘(Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!’ – Phil.2:6-8
And we will be eternally grateful to this ‘ordinary’ man for facing down the enemy and securing our freedom from the grip of sin, so that we can say,
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ – 1 Cor. 15:54-57
Notices
To the Chapel Family,
Just when we think we can see a clearer path ahead, we find ourselves again in a situation where the UK Government's directive says that no church services or meetings should take place in England, commencing from the 5th November. So there will be no meetings in the Chapel taking place from that date.
Unfortunately, the Government did not consult with Church Denominational Leaders on the matter and there are inconsistencies that remain across the UK as to churches meeting for worship.
The Evangelical Alliance have written to the Government UK Faith Minister, highlighting the many concerns with this situation and it is a major matter for our prayers that this will have an impact on the Governments decisions and a change in their position.
The Evangelical Alliance have also called for a UK Day of Prayer on Friday 13th November and we will advise further on this when they provide final details.
This morning my devotion was from the letter of James and this is what he wrote (James 1:2-3)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
It was a timely reminder to me, that although things that confront us may not be easy or straightforward and when we are at a loss to know what to do, we have a generous Father who in his infinite wisdom supplies the answers we need. And then in these tough and difficult experiences we become mature and complete. And also in such times as these is when the joy of the Lord is revealed.
As we cannot meet together in the Chapel on Thursday for prayer, please spend some part of the evening in prayer. Irrespective of not meeting, we still have this privilege and freedom, so we can pray for healing in our land. Continue to pray for all in positions of leadership, particularly those who are making decisions on containment of the virus, for those in health and social care and those working on research in finding a vaccine. Pray for the those at high risk, the lonely and those in hardship and distress.
Maybe we are not quite so unprepared as we were earlier in the year, but for any in the fellowship who feel particularly vulnerable, as in the previous LockDown, they should contact us if they have any particular need. The contact number is Pete Davison's mobile number 07840989862.
Although we are not physically meeting, we are blessed with having the means of using electronic media and we are continuing with our OnLine Sunday services of Worship and Communion. This will be available at 11am on Sunday morning in the usual way.
Yours in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Martyn
Chapel Elder
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
Paul and I have been really blessed with the job to run the Family Bubble Service and just to update you all, last week was our 2nd one and we loved seeing the families coming back in to the Chapel - even though we have to stay far apart, it is such a blessing to have this community and fellowship feel again and be able to meet with God together. We plan to do one each month on the last Sunday of the month, and we hope that you can either join us with your family or pray for those coming.
God is so good, even through the challenging times that seem to be going on and on. I don't know if you have felt the same, but seeing God in the day to day has become a little clearer to me, due to being more grateful for the small and being able to stop and see these things. Jesus's character is that of compassion and He has compassion over you through whatever you may be facing at this time. Please continue to let us know if there is anything we can do to help or a need you may have.
This verse really challenges me to stop and listen, I hope it may do the same for you too: “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)
The notices for your particular attention are:
God bless you, on behalf of Chapel Leaders, Becky xxx
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
OuR number of One
There is a passage in the bible that came up in my daily readings just recently. I would like to share Ephesians Ch 4 v 1-6 with you now.
Unity and maturity in the body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Here we are again; it seems, with tighter restrictions that limit our contact with others. If you have had to self isolate for reasons of health you may be feeling very ‘distant’ from the fellowship we enjoy when meeting together.
Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote Ephesians and these verses speak about the ‘Oneness’ we can experience as a part of God’s family. We share in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith & one baptism and over, through and in, all of this is God our Father.
Be encouraged, be an encouragement, because we are One in Christ.
The notices...
A short service specifically for families with children up to college education age. So that the Chapel can be suitably prepared for family Bubbles please register with Becky Hepworth if you would like to attend.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ,
Nathan,
on behalf of the leadership team.
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
Sometimes it seems difficult to make sense of all that we are experiencing at this time, but today the words of Job came to my mind. If anyone has suffered so many afflictions and setbacks then Job has to be somewhere at the top of the list. In the midst of his trials he said:
I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! (Job: 19 vs 25 & 26)
Despite everything that he was experiencing and going on around him, his trust in God and being assured of his salvation and redemption was absolutely solid.
Jesus in his love fulfilled that same promise for each one of us and although we cannot see much further than a few days at a time we can continually look to him and say 'I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth'. You can read that promise in Acts: 1 vs 11. So in times like these we fix our eyes upon Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.
We are so blessed to be able to continue meeting together at the Chapel and we are planning another Family Bubble Service for 11am on Sunday 25th October. There will be the same restrictions that were applied for the previous Bubble Service. It is a service for parents with college/school aged children and below. So that the Chapel can be suitably prepared for family Bubbles, protected by safe distancing, families wishing to attend must register with Becky Hepworth, who is the service coordinator.
The notices for your particular attention are:
Every Blessing. Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team
Hi All,
Have you ever been working towards something for a long time and it’s only in the last few hours, days, weeks or months that you’ve seen it all come together and know whether it’s been worth all the hard work or not?
Well, it must be like that for farmers every year. When they start in winter or spring preparing the ground and sowing the seeds and plants, they cannot be sure until the following late summer and autumn whether all the hard work and expense has been worth it. The outcome of a good harvest is dependent on so many things that are out of the farmer’s control. So, it must be a great relief and very satisfying when the harvest is in and the return is realised after all the months of working and waiting.
In James ch.1 v7 we read, ‘Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.’
James reminds us that anything worth having is worth waiting for especially when it comes to realising the promises of God in our lives. Sometimes it might feel that being a Christian does not seem to have many benefits in this life, in fact, it might feel the opposite at times. This verse reminds us that God has amazing provisions in store for us and we may have to be patient and wait until we pass from this life into eternity before we fully realise and benefit from a life devoted and given over to Jesus Christ. But for sure, it will be worth the wait. As the worship song goes, ‘I can only imagine, what it will be like . . .’
This Sunday’s online service will partly be given over to thanking God for his wonderful provision over the past year and for those who work hard to grow and prepare our food. One way we can respond to that is by giving some of that provision back to God by donating foodstuffs to those who are finding life tough at the moment. We would like to encourage you to donate suitable food items to the Walton Food Bank (Dried and tinned goods). I (Pete) can collect items from you, if you let me know (07840 989862) or you can drop them on our doorstep at 107 Kirby Road, Walton on the Naze over the next week or so. Alternatively, you can deliver direct to the Food Bank:
Mondays 11:30 to 12:30 to receive donations.
Standley Road
Walton-on-the-Naze
CO14 8PT
Other notices
May God bless your week as you wait patiently on Him,
Pete (on behalf of the FGC leadership team)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:6,7
Hi All
It’s October already, how did that happen?! Autumn is closing in on us, the nights are drawing in, the leaves are beginning to fall and there is a chill in the air. Still, the good news is, it’s only 83 days until Christmas!
I’m sure many of us are wondering what lies ahead during the winter months, so much uncertainty and still not knowing how the whole coronavirus thing is going to pan out.
Among the most common phrases and words that we’ve heard right through this pandemic is the statement, ‘uncertain and unprecedented times’. Maybe overused but nonetheless true. Life at the moment feels a bit like the blindfold game we used to play as kids, trying to get from one end of the room to the other without tripping over the chairs. It makes me so grateful for my faith in God.
I recently read an article about trusting God during difficult times and the three main headings were:
CHOOSE FAITH OVER FEAR
CHOOSE WISDOM OVER WORRY
CHOOSE PRAYER OVER PANIC
The same sentiments that David expressed when he wrote Psalm 46 when facing difficult times himself.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
. . . He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
May God bless you and make His presence known to you as we face another week of uncertainty.
Every blessing,
Pete (On behalf of FGC Leadership Team)
Notices
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
There is a passage in the bible that I have found to be a great encouragement at the moment. I’ve used v25 in my ‘online’ chairing, in a children’s talk & at the risk of repeating myself I would like to share Hebrews Ch 10, v19-25, again with you now.
A Call to Persevere in Faith
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 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 remember that we counted the ‘milestones’ into ‘lockdown’. More importantly, we have just had our 11th Prayer Meeting &, last Sunday, our 8th Communion Service back at the Chapel.
We now feel led to start a Family ‘Bubble’ Service. A short service specifically for families with children up to college education age. The first is to be on Sunday.
We are also encouraged that some of our House Groups are also able to meet.
Our God is the God of relationship. There is a relationship within God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ & we have a relationship with each other as part of His family. Let us not give up meeting together.
The notices
Sunday 27th 11.00am Family ‘Bubble’ Service.
Thursday 1st 7.30pm Prayer Meeting.
Sunday 4th 9.30am Communion Service
Safe distancing precautions, as required by guidance.
Please do join us.
Some House Groups are also open in various locations, through the week.
Speak to your House Group leader for details on your own group.
(Our online service continues to premier each Sunday at 11.00am - including this Sunday).
The God peace be with you all,
Nathan,
on behalf of the leadership team.
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
We hope that you have had an uplifting week this week and felt God's closeness in your lives.
A poem to encourage us about our amazing God:
Life's Daily Doses
Life is measured in daily doses
Of trials and pleasures each.
Day by day grace is dispensed
To meet our immediate needs.
Comfort comes to the weary
We find that which we seek.
A bridge is built at the river
And power is given to the weak.
One day's load we have to bear
As we travel on life's way.
Wisdom is given for the occasion
And strength to equal each day.
We are never required to stagger
Under tomorrow's heavy load.
We journey one day at a time
As we travel life's rugged road.
God's mercy is new every morning
And His faithfulness is sure.
God perfects all that concerns us
And by our faith, we will endure.
--Lenora McWhorter
Family Bubble Service:As a leadership, we have finalised the details for the 'Family Bubble Service' and they are as follows: we are having the first one on Sunday 27th September at 11am (on this day, the communion service won't be running due to the complications of getting everyone out and in to the building safely). This is a service for parents with their school/college aged children - we will stay in family bubbles within the room and we will seat you safely on arrival. It will run for about half an hour and have family fun activities. Adults and children over the age of 11 will need to wear masks, we will check your temperature on the way in and names will be registered of who has attended for traceability. Please could you let Paul or Becky Hepworth know if you would like to attend with your family, so that we can make sure everyone is safe in terms of numbers and we look forward to seeing the families there!
Other notices:
Every Blessing. Becky, on behalf of the Leadership Team
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
As we continue this battle against a virus that is affecting the whole world, it seems that the requirements we have to follow need to change from day to day. Of course it's not really that rapid but it just appears like that. Nevertheless it can be unsettling and we can be caught off guard if we are not vigilant and always fixing our eyes heavenwards to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We do give thanks that many of us have now been given the opportunity to be able to meet together at the Chapel. But we are also aware that not all of us are able to do so, particularly those with health issues and who could be adversely affected if they were to catch the virus. In such times I am reminded of Paul's words to the Thessalonians, 'Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing'.
So as we meet on Thursdays for prayer, and Sunday mornings for meditation and communion, we remember all those within the Chapel family and in all circumstances. If you are able to do so, may I encourage you to join us in being together, so that we can bring our whole family to the Lord and seek his wisdom and guidance for us all over the coming days.
Having been able to open our building for meetings, even in this limited way, we are now looking at the possibility of having a Family 'Bubble' service. The focus being on parents with school and college aged children. There will be physical constraints and space will be limited. So the Leadership will be looking at this in detail and endeavouring to formulate the plan for a short service once a month to begin with. When we have considered the necessary legal requirement of risk assessment we will be in a much better position to advise the next step and way forward.
Our 11am Online services will continue to provide our time of worship and teaching for all of us in the way that we have over the past months.
The notices for your particular attention are:
Every Blessing. Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team
Hello again, FGC Family,
During August, Sandra and myself were blessed to get away for a week in the Lake District, with the family. One morning I woke up early and thought I would walk up to Orrest Head to get a good view of Lake Windermere, as recommended by a friend. It was quite a steep walk but the anticipation of the view kept me going. I stepped out of the woods into the clearing at the top and climbed the last few yards only to find I was above the low cloud and couldn’t see a thing!
The next morning, I decided to try again only this time I took my bike and made my way up to Troutbeck and what a difference a day makes! It was such a beautifully clear morning and the views were breath-taking looking south across the lake.
It reminded me of my first trip to Switzerland a few years ago, full of anticipation and excitement about the stunning scenery I was told I was going to experience, only to find the first half of the week was a complete ‘white-out’! Then suddenly one morning the fog lifted and the views were just unbelievable. Somehow the days of frustrated anticipation made the view even more incredible.
The Bible says, ‘We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!’. I Corinthians 13:12 (MSG)
At the present time it seems like we are walking through a fog and it’s difficult to see clearly how the future is going to pan out, it’s like we are tentatively taking one step at a time because we cannot see the way ahead. During times like this it just highlights the importance of trusting in God and looking above and beyond our present circumstances. When we look at things from God’s point of view, and know that he is walking with us, we see things a lot more clearly, and feel a whole lot more assured, that whatever the future brings we are safe in God’s hands. As David says in Psalm 121:1-3 (MSG), ‘I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth. He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep’.
May God continue to bless you through another week and remember to keep singing:
Waymaker
Miracle Worker
Promise Keeper
Light in the darkness
My God
That is who You are
The general notices for this week:
Stay alert, control the virus, save lives and keep praying!
Pete Davison (On behalf of the FGC leadership team)
Hi FGC family,
I’m sitting indoors today whilst storm Francis does its worst outside. As the wind howls and rain beats down it’s a bit of a reminder that maybe summer is drawing to a close and we need to prepare for a new season. And as summer comes to an end, we are also entering a new chapter in our post lockdown lives. People are beginning to go back to work and probably the biggest step next week is children and educational staff start returning to school. It’s a nervous time because no-one really knows what effect trying to get back to some sort of normality will have on infection rates.
The most recent soundbite from the government has been ‘Stay alert, control the virus, save lives.’
The Apostle Paul was also very good at soundbites and one that we would do well to take note of in the coming weeks is, ‘be alert and always keep on praying’ (Eph6:18)
Let’s pray particularly in this coming week for the children and staff we know who are returning to school over the next few weeks. Pray that they will be able to overcome any worries that they have, that they will be kept safe and soon get used to the ‘new normal’ procedure of doing school. Remember those of our children and young people who will be starting the academic year in new settings.
Please also continue to pray for each other (the prayer directory is a useful prayer tool). Pray for those of our Fellowship who are dealing with health issues, those who are living on their own, others who are facing a difficult future because of employment uncertainty.
The leadership would also appreciate your prayers for wisdom in making the right decisions as we take further small steps to start up services, housegroups and activities at the Chapel and people’s homes. We will be meeting again on 6th September to discuss any further developments.
It has been a blessing for some of us to be able to worship together again at the communion service and Thursday prayer meeting and there is still room for more people to meet safely at both of these services. If you are able to and would like to join us, we would love to see you.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6,7
The general notices for this week:
May The Lord Jesus Christ bless you over the coming week,
Pete (On behalf of the FGC leadership team)
Dear Chapel Family,
As we continue to strive physically and spiritually against this pandemic across the world, we need to remind ourselves that this world is God's creation and that he is in anguish more than we could ever know or imagine.
But he also says to each and everyone, through the Lord Jesus Christ, 'Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest'. That promise continues on and says, '.. You will find rest for your souls'. Matthew Chapter 11.
One way in which we have that total rest for our body and soul is to bring our prayers and petitions to our Father in Heaven.
Continue in prayer to remember our personal needs, those of our families, for the Christian Missions we support as a church and as individuals.
Continue to pray for our Government and World Leaders, that they may be endued with all wisdom in decisions that are far reaching across the world.
Continue to pray for the Chapel Leadership Team as they seek to guide us through this challenging time.
In bringing our prayers to Him, may we know His peace and rest.
The general notices for this week:
With every blessing, on behalf of the Leadership team,
Martyn
Dear Chapel family,
We hope you enjoyed accessing some of the FM material last week - if not, it’s not too late to catch it all online. It was really encouraging to see the effort and work that had been put in to make FM possible online, hopefully to reach a wider audience than normal.
This week I have been reminded of some truths about God: He is generous, He is consistent, He is kind. These truths have helped me to tackle some day to day worries and whatever situation you are currently facing, I pray they help you this week.
Psalm 36: 5-9
5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Some general notices for this week:
God bless you all, on behalf of the Leadership team,
Becky
Hi FGC family,
It’s been a hot one this week, hasn’t it, and it’s going to get hotter over the weekend! It seems like we’ve not had any real significant rain since the beginning of lockdown. The lawn in our back garden looks more like a desert and everywhere is dusty and dry. Although I love the hot weather it would be good to have some rain just to freshen everything up and dampen down the dust.
Jesus talked about conditions like this in the parable of the sower. He mentioned that when the farmer goes out to sow his seeds in the field, they fall in four different places. One of them was as follows in Matthew 13:5,6, ‘Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.’
How important it is to make sure we have some depth to our relationship in Jesus Christ, that we read God’s Word, The Bible and talk to him regularly in prayer, especially through these past months when we haven’t been able to meet as much to worship together.
The Christians in the early church in Acts had a strong faith because, we are told, it was based around four things, it says, ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ This put them in a good place when persecution came, they were able to stay strong and not shrink back when the heat was on.
May God keep you strong in the Faith, particularly through these strange times. Stay close to Him by practising His presence through reading The Bible and praying often and in all circumstances. And gradually over the next few months we may be able to meet more often for Fellowship and the breaking of bread and give testimony to the goodness of God even when the heat was on through these difficult times.
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1
The notices for your particular attention are:
Every blessing for the coming week,
Pete (on behalf of the leadership team)
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
The past months of turmoil have in some way tested each and everyone of us in our ways of living. Each of us will have a different story to tell. That is because each and everyone of us is looked on by our Father in heaven as an individual.
In the Gospel of Luke and chapter 12, we are reminded by Jesus that we should not fear, because if we put our trust in God he has even numbered the hairs of our head. That is how much he cares for each one of us and pays attention to our every need.
David in the Psalms says 'Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts'. If we continue to trust in God and openly ask him to look into our deepest thoughts he will answer our prayers.
That is why as a Chapel family it has been so wonderful that our first physical meeting to open has been the Prayer Meeting.
Of course we do have to be prepared for His answer and not look for an answer that we want, and that is so often the hardest part, that in all circumstances, to totally trust in him.
This Sunday we will be holding our 9.30 am Communion Service in the Chapel. There will of course be provisions made to ensure our protection from the virus, but we look forward with expectation and joy to meet together to celebrate the out-poured love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The notices for your particular attention are:
Every Blessing. Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team
Hi FGC friends,
So today (Friday 24th July) sees another step in the ‘New Normal’ when we have to wear masks in shops, banks, takeaways, etc. If we don’t wear a mask we could be and probably will be turned away. So, we need to go prepared otherwise the shopping is not going to get done!
The Bible has a lot to say about being prepared, especially when it comes to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the parable of the 10 bridesmaids in Matthew 25: 1-13. When the Bridegroom was delayed the bridesmaids decided to have a nap. Suddenly, sometime later, during the night, the call went out that the bridegroom had arrived. The Bridesmaids woke up and joined in the procession, but five of them realised they hadn’t got enough oil in their lamps so they went off to buy some more. By the time they got back the wedding was underway, the door was shut and they were excluded from the festivities.
The parable is a warning for us to be prepared for when Jesus returns remembering what Jesus said in John 14: 6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Don’t forget to be prepared with your mask when you next go shopping but, more importantly, be prepared for when Jesus, the heavenly Bridegroom comes and calls us to the wedding feasts of all wedding feasts. You don’t want to be turned away from that one.
‘Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you will be saved’ Acts 16:31
The notices for your particular attention are:
Love and blessings,
Pete (On behalf of the leadership team)
To the Frinton Chapel Family,
We hope you have all had a good week and pray that you continue to stay well.
As many more venues are beginning to reopen and normalities reappear it is giving me a real sense of hope and joy for seeing you all again in the not too distant future. It is encouraging that we have been able to take the first step in reopening by running the prayer meeting on Thursday evenings and the leaders are in discussion and constant evaluation of what it looks like to reopen on Sundays, so we will keep you posted on this for when that can happen.
I was reading some different verses on hopefulness and I found these verses in Job which I thought really illustrates the hope we can have in our God:
Job 11:17–19
"And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. "
In faith we can move through the trials of life with confidence and hope.
The notices for your particular attention are:
God bless you all again in this coming week,
Becky, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
To the Frinton Chapel Family,
We hope and trust that you are all well and safe – please do let us know if there is any need you have.
This week, I have been doing some running and as I ran I was thinking about how tough it is to go from the flat land to running up a hill, but the beauty of running up the hill is the achievement in reaching the top and that you get the experience of running down again. I was thinking of this relating to tough situations in our life – sometimes it can feel like we are running up a hill, that it is feeling tough and that we have resistance, but in those times we tend to seek God more, rely on him more and that feeling of drawing close to Him is such a big reward – we then get to experience His goodness when we can see Him and feel Him closer, much like running down the hill. It reminded me of this very famous verse:
Psalm 121 vs 1
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
So I pray that this is an encouragement for you all this week.
The notices for your particular attention are:
God bless you all,
Becky, on behalf of the Leadership Team
To the Frinton Gospel Chapel Family,
The Government has announced that places of worship in England can reopen from the 4th July. Of course there are many restrictions and provisos that accompany this announcement.
Please pray for the Chapel Leaders, that they will be endued with 'all wisdom' as they discuss ways and means to gradually open up our chapel building safely.
Not only do we want to physically meet together again, we also want every body to feel and be safe, so that this disease, that has caused so much disruption, will not re-emerge.
Of course we can also look at all the new things that we have been blessed with and discovered as individuals and as a Church family.
We therefore look forward with hope and assurance in that, above all things, our God is still firmly in control.
For our prayers
Our Chapel notices for your particular attention are:
In all things we endeavour to praise and glorify our God, at all times and in every situation.
Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
Dear Chapel Family
I pray you are all well and feeling God's peace, I am keeping you all in my prayers and missing you all.
Please remember Judi and Lars and the family in your prayers as sadly Judi's father passed away this week.
Many of you may already know but, Dave Garlick is trying to raise money for 2 new classrooms, a basket ball court, new toilets/water system and a new wall to be built at their project Mano & Mano. They do an amazing job sharing the love of God and spreading the Gospel in the community of El Tingo. If you would like to get involved in doing a fund raising event for the project please contact Dave or myself. Here is a link to his video explaining more...
And here is a link where you can donate to this project if you would like to.....
https://www.give.net/bikewalkrunoff
Just wanted to also share one of my favourite prayers that I have been using a lot lately that I am sure many of you will already know.
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Reinhold Niebuhr.
Notices
God bless you all from Abi, on behalf of the leadership.
It was so lovely lying in bed during the night this week and listening to the rain beating on the windows. We have enjoyed such a prolonged period of dry and good weather over this period of lockdown but the garden was desperately crying out for a natural watering. I am sure the farmers, allotment keepers and gardeners amongst us were praising God at the sight and sound of the rains and, relieved that for a while at least, they wouldn’t have to spend time watering the plants and crops manually to try and keep them growing.
For weeks I have been trying to keep everything going with regular watering with the hose but, the morning after the night of rain it almost seemed like my garden had come to life and was singing in gladness and praise for the refreshing it had received.
We sometimes go through dry periods of our life spiritually when for various reasons we are just managing to keep things going between us and God, we might feel like we are existing on very little input from us and receiving very little from Him. At times like this we need to pray for that refreshing and restoration of the Holy Spirit
In the Book of Isaiah the Children of Israel were in the doldrums, going through a dry period of their walk and relationship with God. They had moved away from principals and commands that God had asked them to live by and that would keep them in a healthy relationship with Him. God so wanted to shower His blessings on them but there needed to be a change of heart. This is what he says to them.
‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.’
May you know the refreshing and blessing of God in the coming week, As the old hymn says:
There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way
Notices
Please let the leadership know if you have any pastoral concerns for yourself or other members and friends of FGC
Every blessing,
Pete (On behalf of the FGC Leadership Team)
To the Frinton Chapel Family,
Although restrictions are slowly being lifted for some people, we are all still feeling the effects of this world wide virus. But now that we are coming through a time when there was a single focus, that was to save and preserve lives, we are now being made aware of many other events happening and taking place across the world.
Because we are bombarded from all sides with so many things to fill our minds, then it is so easy to feel at a loss or helpless and in many cases totally isolated.
But we know that is not the case. Jesus said 'And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age'. At all times we look to God who is the creator of all things and with us every step of the way in Christ Jesus. It is at such times then that we look to the words of the Psalmist who said:
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord.[a]
We therefore look forward with hope and assurance in that, above all things, our God is still firmly in control.
We know that some of our Chapel family have had a testing and troubled week, so we give thanks for the answers to our many prayers for those in their needs.
The notices for your particular attention are:
May God continue to pour out his blessings on each and everyone.
Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
Hi FGC Family,
As I write this week’s bulletin, I am sitting on the boat slope in Walton whilst out with the grandchildren on our morning walk. There are a few families on the beach enjoying the relative liberation from the restrictions that they have had to abide by over these past two months. As I watch the children play it made me wonder just how difficult it must have been for them and their parents to stay within the confines of their homes and gardens for such a long period of time. There is an almost unbridled joy as they smile, laugh, jump, run, dig and play on the beach. They are so enjoying the space and freedom of having such a large area to express themselves and release all the energy that has been suppressed for weeks on end.
It reminds me of a verse from Psalm 118:5. ‘When hard pressed, I cried to The Lord and he brought me into a spacious place.’
What a wonderful freedom we experience when we find Christ and accept Him as our Saviour and Lord. We are set free from the restriction, restraint and bondage of sin and released to unlock the future God had planned for us. A future that was the suppressed, and frustrated, for as long as we didn’t know and love Him. Now in Christ we no longer have to be held back by worry or fear, we do not have to be dragged down by the empty promises and false claims of the world around us, but live in the spaciousness of God and His kingdom which allows us to bring into fruition all the potential He has put within us to bless Him, bless others and bless ourselves.
My prayer for the coming week is that you and I will be like those children on the beach and enjoy the freedom that Christ brings with an unbridled energy and joy.
Jesus Himself said. ‘. . . if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ John 8:36 36
We send our congratulations to Sharon and Martyn on the birth of their granddaughter, Maisie Grace. Although the baby was four weeks early we thank God that Mum (Bethan) and baby are both doing well.
Some further notices for your attention are:
Have a blessed week all,
Pete Davison (On behalf of the FGC leadership team)
To the Chapel Family
Hello all. I do not know about you, but I have stopped counting the weeks since we were first told to stay in our homes. Now restrictions are being lifted and we can look forward to a little more freedom in our routines. This brings new challenges as people talk about life returning to 'normal'. But as Christians should we be expecting our lives to return to a past way of living?
What have you learnt over the past few weeks about yourself that could bring about a new way of walking with the Lord Jesus Christ?
May I point you to consider the words of Psalm 96. The Psalmist desires three things, first that we Sing to the Lord a new song (vs. 1), second that we Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength (vs. 8) and it goes on to say Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his Name, and third that we Say (proclaim) among the nations, "The Lord reigns" (vs.10).
So is there a 'new' song on our lips, so that we can ascribe glory to the Lord and that we may say to those around us that the Lord reigns. Have we seen God's creation, plans and purposes in a revitalising and 'new' way? I pray that is the experience for each of us as we continue to look 'forward' in the coming days.
Some notices for your attention are:
May God continue to pour out his blessings on each and everyone.
Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
To the Chapel Family
Hello everyone, I pray you are all healthy and happy.
Its such a blessing that we can still do church online together, I am finding it really encouraging, the fact that, though we can't be in the building together, we are still church and still sharing, supporting and praying for each other in any way we can. The online services have been brilliant and I can't thank enough, all those who have taken part in contributing and helping put these services together, thank you. Especially Paul Hepworth, you are doing an awesome job thank you.
The midweek thoughts are always really encouraging too, and its great to see the familiar faces. This week Ben shared a lovely message and he shared this verse,
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
In this period of lockdown when for some every day can feel the same, Ben reminds us to look at ways to serve God in every small situation. If you haven't already listened to his midweek thought I recommend it. It can be found on the Frinton Gospel Chapel You Tube page, and of course you will also find our service there this Sunday at 11am. Link below, please do join us. Also please do contact any of the leadership if you need help or prayers.
Also we would love to see everyone in a photo collage as part of the chapel service online. If you can, could you send a photo of you/your family to wavebreakstudio@gmail.com thank you.
God bless you all,
From Abi, on behalf of the leadership.
To the Chapel family,
We hope that you are all OK - please let us know if there is anything you need.
We are in May! How did that happen? It seems crazy to think what we thought this year would be compared to what it actually is, but I found real hope and reassurance in the mid week thought from Sue this week. She really spoke to me about letting God be our constant even when everything around seems uncertain. These are the verses she shared from Isaiah 40:30-31:
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
I found these verses to be really reassuring that God is our hope and our strength and we can get through this time trusting that He is in control. I hope you also feel encouraged by that.
We hope you can join us again for the Sunday service which can be accessed directly from the Frinton Gospel Chapel YouTube page.
The mid-week thought is also featured via that YouTube link, if you haven’t seen that yet! These will also be posted on the Facebook page, if you are able to access that, and on the Frinton Gospel Chapel website as well.
God bless you all,
Becky, on behalf of the leadership team.
To all the Fellowship at the Chapel,
As each of us continues to bring our best endeavours to stop the spread of this worldwide virus, we also continue to seek the Lord in prayer.
Thursday evenings is the time for our weekly prayer meeting. At 7.30pm can I ask you to continue to spend some time in prayer.
Among the many things on your heart please pray for:
Please add your own thoughts as the Spirit leads.
Every Blessing to you, Martyn of behalf of the Leadership Team.
To the Chapel family,
I hope you all had a good Easter weekend despite the situation that we find ourselves in. I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get a bit of cabin fever, but as we can see, it is important to stay home and stay safe for others and ourselves. I hope you've all found your routines and are safe and well.
My message for the youth group on Easter Sunday was a simple one of 'Love' - Jesus went to and stayed on that cross because of His love for the world and we are therefore called to love others around us, even from our own homes. One of the daily bible verses on the Bible App this week was this:
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35
I think now is a great opportunity to have more time to love others and show God's love - an encouraging message, a drop off at their doorstep, a prayer, a conversation about faith and anything else you have in mind to support and love those around us.
We hope you can join us again for the Sunday service which can be accessed directly from the homepage of this site together with the mid-week thought and worship.
God bless you all,
Becky, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
To the Chapel Family,
One of my contemplatives reading this week has been from the book of Psalms.
Psalm 130 is a Psalm of ascents and one way that it is thought to have been sung by pilgrims as they travelled up to Jerusalem. Verses 5 & 6 say:
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.
As we are all restricted in our 'goings out', then I am sure this theme has become part of our daily thoughts and prayers.
Easter celebrations are going to be very different this weekend, but in this difference may we 'Long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn'. May we see the Lord Jesus Christ in a new and deeper way than ever before.
We do hope that everyone in the Chapel will be able to join in. May God bless each and everyone who celebrates the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ this weekend.
Martyn, on behalf of the Leadership Team.
'Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased'
Heb. 13:16
Hello Chapel Family,
So, we’ve nearly completed two weeks of lockdown and I guess to a certain extent we are adjusting to what we hope will only be our temporary way of life. I’ve been thinking a lot about you all and it’s also been good for me to hear about some of your experiences and feelings through this time. For many of you, if not all, experiencing isolation in the past weeks and seeing it stretch out for the weeks to come has been , and will continue to be, difficult in so many ways. Loneliness, boredom, coping with keeping the children occupied all day every day, looking after elderly parents and facing challenging situations at work are just some of the things you have shared.
All this has really highlighted to me the importance of standing together through this difficult time This period of separation could really grow us as a body of God’s people by the way we show love and concern for one another. Let’s continue to pray, offer help, contact and support each other so that when we do resume and meet up again, we will be able to tell of the wonderful things that were done among us, in the Name of Jesus Christ, and how that has brought us closer together.
Be encouraged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
We were blessed with our first FGC online service last Sunday and we plan to continue with this every Sunday morning until lockdown ends (Thanks to our technical geek, Paul Hepworth for making this possible). In addition, we will be having a mid-week thought every Wednesday (Kev Woods kicked us off this week with a very encouraging thought). If you haven’t heard either of these yet you can still catch up on YouTube.
We also ask that every Thursday between 7.30 – 8.30pm you set aside a time to pray for whatever and whoever the Lord lays on your heart. I know some house groups have also set up online groups so they can still meet up regularly to discuss and pray.
The leadership team are also meeting up at least once a week for an online meeting and we are constantly in touch with one another to discuss any issues arising that concerns the Chapel Fellowship.
If anyone has any needs (shopping, medications, etc), or you just need someone to chat with, please don’t hesitate to call Pete Davison or Alison Gooding and if we can’t help you, we will find some who can.
Finally, be strong in The Lord and in his mighty power (Eph.6:10)
Love and blessing to you all in the beautiful, wonderful, powerful name of Jesus.
Pete (on behalf of the FGC leadership team)
I have no doubt, that like me, when you switch your radio or TV on there is an expectancy to be updated on this virus spanning the world.
However, I am sure that many things are still happening that are now being ignored. For instance, how are those people in the UK doing that had their homes flooded, or lost them completely just a few weeks ago? Or what has happened to all those who are fleeing war and strife and are now refugees? How are those people in Australia coping that lost their homes to devastating bush fires?
The world has not stopped!! I am sure that those people are all still trying to put their lives back together, it is just not being reported. Our lives are being dominated by a Pandemic.
Thursday evenings is the time for our weekly prayer meeting. At 7.30pm can I ask you to spend some time in prayer.
Here are some suggestions, some from last week, some new, for our prayers to our God who is the maker of heaven and earth.
Pray for:
At the end of this past week how are you feeling, confused, anxious, frustrated? I will admit that these are just some of the feelings that I have had and this for a variety of reasons.
But we are reminded in Philippians Chapter 4:6 & 7, at all times we can come before God's throne of grace and bring all of our concerns before him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As a fellowship we have many requests for prayer for many things. We have also seen many answers to prayer. We need to acknowledge our grateful thanks to our great God. We will be looking at ways to do this as a fellowship to give the glory back to him.
Here is a particular prayer we can all pray for the current situation we find ourselves in, not only as a nation, but across the world:
Sovereign God, in Your mercy please comfort and heal vulnerable patients who are ill with Covid-19. Protect all those looking after them, especially doctors, nurses and carers, and prevent this virus from seriously disrupting the everyday lives of our communities, cities and countries. Grant great wisdom to those in authority to make effective plans and help us all to be vigilant but not give in to panic. Amen.
This world is God's creation and we will be considering this on Sunday morning when we look at Roman's Chapter 8.
The Leadership have worked unceasingly this week to enable an OnLine Worship and Devotional Service. I do hope you will be able to follow it at home on phones, tablets or computers.
Every Blessing in the name of the Lord Jesus, Martyn
Thursday evenings is the time for our weekly prayer meeting.
At 7.30pm can I ask you to spend some time in prayer.
Here are some suggestions for our prayers to our God who is the maker of heaven and earth.
Pray for:
To the Chapel Community
In all my years of being within the family of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have never experienced anything quite like this. The Coronavirus has changed our daily lives in a way that is staggering. The biggest thing that is apparent is that to many there is a fear of the unknown. But it is also apparent that Christians should and do have a different view of life and the events taking place. We walk by faith and not by sight. I now receive daily communications from organisations such as Premier, CARE, Evangelical Alliance and Partnership all having the same message. All saying now is the time when we show to the world that we have an answer, the Lord Jesus Christ.Be encouraged by the words of St Paul in Romans Chapter 8Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ............ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.So this Sunday we look to a change of the way we praise and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Sunday is Mothering Sunday and also has been designated as a National Day of Prayer, so what can we do as a Church fellowship.Here are some ideas:
In addition we can connect to streaming services such as:
I have also been talking to Mark Massey and we are invited to link in to the Free Church service this week. If you go to www.frintonfree.com/YouTube you can subscribe to their channel straight away. There’s a short video up, explaining what services will be like and when. They then go live at 11am on Sunday.We are also exploring ways of using their equipment to provide our own services in the future.
As this is early days we are on a learning curve, but we will find new ways to be together to worship our Lord in the beauty of holiness. The Leadership team are continuing to look at ways to achieve this.
I pray this Sunday may be a time of refreshing and renewing to us all.Yours in the Lord Jesus Christ, Martyn