From P. J.: Scripture helps us defend our faith. The apostle Peter instructs believers to be ready with an answer for our hope and faith in Jesus. Scripture also helps form our character. Paul makes it clear that the Word of God is alive, active, and pierces our souls. And since God’s Word is so powerful, we should commit some passages to heart so God can work in and through us?
November 10 – Psalm 5:3. In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch.
This week’s Kingswood Foodbank needs are again few, just tins of toms, washing up liquid, cartons of long-life milk, tins of meat and bags of lentils. Thank you all.
Turnaround - Christmas Gifts for Guests. As many of you are aware, each year they provide their guests with a small gift at Christmas, this may be the only present that they get at this time of year and so they have made a short list of what they need; Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Spray deodorant for men, Notebooks (A5), Pens, Puzzle Books and Packs of pocket tissues.
Inter Faith Week 2025 starts today and runs until Sunday 16 November. Each year, Inter Faith Week begins on Remembrance Sunday, and runs until the following Sunday. It is hoped that the additional Sunday provides the opportunity for other weekend events to take place as well as those linked to Remembrance Sunday. Remembrance Sunday was chosen as a start day to encourage people to remember together the contributions of all faiths and none, and to consider how best to create a just, peaceful, and harmonious world.
Lectionary 9th – 15th November. Job 19.23-27a; Psalm 17.1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5,13-17; Luke 20.27-38. Living tradition. Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to quash a rumour that Jesus had already returned. He encourages them to hold fast to what they have been taught and to stand firm to the traditions that the apostle himself had taught them. Think about whether the traditions we hold to in our Christian lives point us to the living God.
South Gloucestershire Council has started the next major phase of restoration work on the historic Whitfield Tabernacle in Kingswood. Following the successful completion of initial work to secure the structure and install a new roof, full restoration is now underway. Over £1 million is now being invested to revitalise the Tabernacle.
“With levels of child poverty rising, Church Action on Poverty and JPIT are inviting local church leaders to add their names to a letter to the chancellor to urge her to ‘take strong action to drive down child poverty and enhance the life chances of the UK’s children. The letter argues that the ‘immoral’ two-child limit should be removed from benefits, and for a social security system that ensures no child goes without essentials. You can find, and sign, the full letter here.”
News from Turnaround “We have had a number of circumstances recently which have hit our staff and volunteers hard: seasonal illness, an attack by a dog, a partner injured at work, and this week violence from two guests resulting in minor injuries to three staff members (including broken ribs) and arrest of the guests concerned after centre staff bravely detained them for the police. Please would you join us in praying that all our people are kept safe and well, and that the great work of the Centre may continue without disruption. Thank you.” Lord God our rock, our shield and defender,
may the Turnaround Centre be a place of peace and safety for all.
Grant protection over staff, volunteers and guests,
so that we may continue to offer pathways of encouragement and hope,
leading to life in all its fulness. Amen.
The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.