August / September Newsletter

August/September

Newsletter

Mustard SeedEvangelical Church

The

For the people of Callington and the greater glory of God

www.msec.org.uk

Welcome!August is an interesting month in the church calendar. Much of what we do –Seedlings, house groups and so on– take a rest during this month and that sense of it being THE holiday month will be emphasised by my absence for most of the month. However, Sunday morning services will continue and I am pleased that we have three people leading those whom we can consider part of our family here at the Mustard Seed.

It is a good time for leaders and for all those involved in this fellowship to re-‐assess what God has done, is doing and is planning to do in this coming year. Looking back, I have a great sense of God’s leading and working in this church. There is much to encourage us as we look towards autumn.

This morning I was reading Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4 ‘We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God’. This should always be our goal, we must resist the temptation to take shortcuts as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil.

I discovered a survey recently by Evangelical Alliance conducted with over seventeen thousand people on their beliefs. 96% of those surveyed attend church at least once a week and 93% strongly agree that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, 83% stating that the Bible was the supreme authority in guiding their behaviour, belief and views,

however only half of those asked read it daily!

88% stated that their faith was the most important thing in their lives and 96% pray at least a few times a week, yet only 91% strongly agree that Jesus is the only way to God! Some interesting results, some encouraging, some alarming and the reminder that we are called to be Christ’s followers in all we do, say and think.

I found the AGM very encouraging. We now have two more members appointed to the committee and it was wonderful to see how all the members caught the vision of the LED (Let Everyone Decide) band and were unanimously agreed on financially supporting their proposed week’s involvement in Cal l ington Community College, especially as some told me afterwards that they had thought that my rather obscure reference to it on the agenda was going to be a discussion about lighting!I would also like to say ‘Thank you’ to Tim for his support in the last year. I recognise that the work with young people has not progressed in the way that many of us would have hoped, but Tim has been an example to me and others of what a young person who is a Christian should be-‐reliable, full of integrity and working quietly within the church to support so much of what we have done!

I have been greatly encouraged by those who have approached me and reassured me that they pray daily for this fellowship and myself.

May God bless you this holiday season,David

Date Time Event Location

Monday 1/8 19:30 Monthly Prayer Meeting Meet in Car Park

Monday 5/9 19:30 Monthly Prayer Meeting Meet in Car Park

Sunday 18/9 18:30 Evening Communion Lower Hall

Saturday 10/9 14:00 Walk on Dartmoor Meet in Car Park

Sunday 18/9 10:30 CTiC Harvest Festival Town Hall

Sunday 25/9 10:45 Back to Church Sunday Mustard Seed

Sunday 25/9 18:00 Café Church Lower Hall

Monthly Activities

Sundays in AugustAug. 7th: Peter Coombe (communion)

Aug. 14th Hennie Gray

Aug. 21st George Bickle

Aug. 28th Peter Coombe

Advance Notices8th October – Church Day Out at Hampton Manor

10:00-‐16:00, Lunch provided. Cost = £15.

15th October – Quiz. 19:00

As many of you know, I went out to Calcutta three years ago as part of my three-‐year college work. We were there to look at various Christian projects that are at work in this enormous city.

On the Sunday we were sent out two-‐by-‐two to local churches and I and a colleague were picked up by auto rickshaw one Sunday, taken for what was almost an hour’s journey through markets and slums to this church where I preached with a translator and after the service we were shown around the new extension which had been greatly opposed by Hindus and at times the work had been sabotaged. I wrote to John Bhattacharjee, one of the leaders of the church, asking him for an update. I thought you might be interested to read his reply!

‘I guess this is the best time in Britain. I heard that summer is the best time in Britain. Our weather seems getting worse day by day. Hot with high humidity. But I am not complaining since I know there are people around us who cannot even afford to have a fan in this weather. So I feel God blessed us with everything. It was 44th Foundation Day on 29th May: Every year we have our Foundation day celebration on last Sunday of every May. This year we had an excellent program. A l l w ings of our Church participated very actively. Women’s' committee, Young Sunday School children and Young Adult group each did something or the other on that day. I must say, I am very proud of my church.

We have a small church but all members participate with all programs very actively. I guess God keeps us together and loves us so much that we feel we are a family. Please pray that we continue to keep this

relationship with each other. Rev. Dipankar Halder (a former BSI secretary, Calcutta Auxiliary) gave a beautiful sermon on church development. Our church secretary shared about church history.

Easter Rally: Every Easter day we have rally in the afternoon. Church members from different churches walk about five kilometres and then get together in a program. This year it was very exciting because our choir group lead the 'Praise and Worship' part.

Non Formal School: As you may know, we have a Non Formal School for primary education for economically disadvantage children from our area, going pretty well. There are about 140 students. Almost all students are non-‐Christian. Bible is also being taught in this school. Please pray for this school, because these economical ly disadvantaged students gets good primary education from our school but we feel we have to introduce some mid day meal or snacks for the students since these children, many a times come to school without a proper meal. I am sure God will do something. Church is providing with teacher’s salary but unable to arrange meals for the students.

Children's Club: Very recently, we started a children's club for the neighbourhood's children. Every Saturday these children come to our church and pray, read stories, learn new action songs. This is going on quite well. Some of members from youth groups helping us on this. We need your prayer support for this program as well. That’s all I have for now. Please share about your church to us as well. All the best!’

Thanks, John

Thakurpukur church

Youth Work UpdateAs this is my final youth work update at the Mustard Seed, I’d like to start with saying a huge thank-‐you to everyone who has helped out over the past two years; everything that has been accomplished could not have been achieved without the support of those who have helped out!

A celebration is in order for the groups which I have been involved with: for Soul Space, Café Church, the Guy’s Nights, Fun on Friday and Sunday Mornings.

We have had our ups and downs over the past two years, but overall, I feel that it has been an encouraging journey, and I have been really pleased

to see the young people I have got to know grow and develop over my time here.

The future of the youth work will take a different shape in the coming months, with Café Church being taken over by some of the leaders and young people who have been helping, and with the other groups also going through change.

I wish to encourage everyone who has been praying for our young people: you have made a difference! The future is now over to you, and I wish the Mustard Seed every blessing for the future.

Tim

Hours of preparation went into the construction of the Mustard Seed float this year. Fiona and Kath decided that, as we had not been able to use the newly made costumes at the Nativity in the Barn last December due to the weather, that they should be used on the float in July!

John came up with the slogan: ‘Jesus is for life, not just for Christmas’ and the float was filled on the day with children and adults all wearing costumes (and some with beards also). Some of the Seedlings mums came onboard with their children and candy canes were given out to spectators lining the streets that had a Christian message attached. The whole box of some two hundred and fifty had been given out before the float reached Fore Street. A big ‘thank you’ to all who helped build the float, especially to Kath and Fiona and to Peter, who drove and supplied the float and tractor.

Callington Carnival

August 1st: My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

August 2nd: It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

August 3rd: The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)

August 4th: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-‐10)

August 5th: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

August 6th: You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-‐8)

August 7th: I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

August 8th: When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

August 9th: Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-‐5, 7a)

August 10th: 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. (Psalm 46:1-‐3)

August 11th: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-‐4)

August 12th: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-‐2)

August 13th: You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-‐2)

August 14th: Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-‐16)

August 15th: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-‐5)

August 16th: When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout-‐hearted. (Psalm 138:3)

Bible Verses for Faith in Times of Stress

August 17th: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139: 7, 9-‐10, 23-‐24)

August 18th: Fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

August 19th: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)

August 20th: Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26: 3-‐4)

August 21st: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

August 22nd: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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. (Isaiah 40:28-‐31)

August 23rd: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

August 24th: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. (Isaiah 43:1b-‐3a)

August 25th: O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress. (Jeremiah 16:19)

August 26th: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

August 27th: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-‐kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

August 28th: See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

August 29th: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

August 30th: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

August 31st: If God is for us, who can be against us? Who 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. (Romans 8: 31b, 35, 37-‐39).

Are you young, middle aged or re0red?

Middle Aged.

Describe yourself in four words.

Husband, father, social worker.

What is your favourite pas0me, sport or

interest?

Singing for God!

What is your favourite meal?

Ackee and salt fish with plantain and

fried dumplings.

What is your favourite day out?

Anywhere with my lovely wife, Ingrid.

What would be your chosen holiday

des0na0on?

Anywhere with my lovely wife, Ingrid, but I would like to visit New Zealand.

How do you relax?

Gardening or walking.

Have you a favourite Chris0an song or hymn and a Bible passage or verse?

It is too difficult to choose one song!!

My favourite songs sung in church might be My Jesus, My Saviour, or How Great Thou Art. A Chris0an song that moves me every 0me I hear it or sing it is

Suddenly by Alvin Slaughter, but I could go on and on…

At what age were you when you recognised

that you could not manage life on your own?

36.

Name someone who has been a par0cular influence for good in your life.

My uncle Alf, who was instrumental in poin0ng me towards accep0ng Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

Tell us something about yourself that not

many others know.

I have met the Queen and been to the 37th birthday party of the Sultan of Brunei.

Have you experienced God’s hand in your life?

Yes, in both good 0mes and bad.

Do you think that the Chris0an lifestyle is

relevant in today’s world?

Yes, it transformed my life for the best and made me a beWer person so should transform the lives of others and make

the world a beWer place.

What, aXer the Bible, is your favourite book?

The Lord of the Rings.

When you get to Heaven who, aXer your

nearest and dearest and Jesus, would you most like to meet?

The choir master so I can carry on singing my praise to God! (This is likely to be King

David!

Q&A WITH Maurice Wright

Weekly ActivitiesMondaysMondays

19:30 Home Group at Iris Wilson’s Led by John Cole

19:30 Youth Group in the Hall. A chance for all the young people aged 13-‐18 to get together and have fun playing games, pool and table-‐tennis.

TuesdaysTuesdays

14:30 Home Group at Jenny Jane’s led by David Jewell

WednesdaysWednesdays

09:15 Seedlings in the Hall. For pre-‐schoolers and parents/carers.

19:45 Home Group at David Jewell’s led by David Jewell

ThursdaysThursdays

10:00 Ladies Bible Study in the Parlour.

SundaysSundays

10:45 Morning Worship at the Mustard Seed. Join us for a time of prayer, worship and teaching. There are groups for children and young people, through which they will learn more about God and enjoy finding out more about Him.

18:30 Evening Service

If you have anything which you think might be appropriate to go in the newsletter, such as a joke, an event which is happening in the future, or a report about something which has already taken place;

please pass it on to David.

ContactsLeadershipLeadership

David Jewell(Pastor)

(01579) [email protected]

Peter Coombe(Elder)


John Cole (Elder)

01752 [email protected]

OutreachOutreach

Kathy Cole (Seedlings)


Geraldine Parkyn(Residential Homes)


Other ActivitiesOther Activities

John Cole(Monday Home Group)


David Jewell(Tue/Wed Home

Groups)

[email protected]

Contributions for the next newsletter:

Deadline: 20th September 2011Speak to: David Jewell

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

The Back PewA selection of funny church signs...

Who We Are:

The Mustard Seed is a fellowship of Christians committed to discovering God’s love and truth for today. During our worship and study times, in our family and social events, and through our caring and Outreach Ministries we explore and share God’s grace and guidance as He helps us become and grow as His followers.

What We Believe:

•God is real.•Jesus is Lord.•The Holy Spirit gives life.•God speaks through the Bible.•God forgives us.•Jesus cares for us.•Jesus is coming back.

Mustard SeedEvangelical Church

The

For the people of Callington and the greater glory of God

www.msec.org.uk

We warmly welcome you, or anyone else to meet with us!

August / September Newsletter

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