After re-reading what I had written for February last year I was reminded that we are all not average but very much unique. That we are created to be who we are and as one old saying goes, “there’s none as strange as folk”. We do some amazing things and are capable of acts of great kindness and, unfortunately, we sometimes go too far in the pursuit of self-interest. But still we are amazing.
So why bring this up again in February 2012? Well, for one none of this has changed also early in November last year Chipperfield Baptist church taught me a lesson. A history lesson about the people of God. You see for many years we, as a church, have struggled financially and numerically but still many have had a great faith, not in themselves but in a God who promises to be with us always and a God who in Jesus Christ would give us just what we need.
Just what we need is a lesson many need to hear and in the midst of huge global economic meltdown the church received a blessing from God that got us all thinking. Thinking is a dangerous past-time but when the Lord of the universe gives you something, you are commanded to think long and hard about what to do with it. The outcome? Well, the phrase that best describes the decision was “give it all back!”
The church decided not to store the blessing but to look to bless others and strike out in faith to see God work in us and the community. They decided to allow me to spend more time working for the church and the village. It means that the church has resigned its hold on the funds and given God the chance to do what He will. When faced with what we need and what we want, many convince themselves that they are one and the same. In hindsight,if we are really honest with ourselves, they most certainly are not.
Love Jason, The Man in the Manse

Baptist Church News

On 27 November three young people were baptised by total immersion in our church. It was an amazing experience and the church was filled with friends and families who also enjoyed a tea with us afterwards.
December was a very busy month for us, with a visit from the Quire, and other happenings during the month. We were once again able to send out Christmas parcels to folk in the village, fortunately with no snow to contend with this year.
If you would like to join us for our monthly lunch on 11 February, please contact Brenda on 01923 269574 to book your place.
A very happy New Year to you all.