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?
October 13th – Psalm 100: For the Lord is good and God’s love endures forever; God’s faithfulness continues through all generations.
P. J.s message for October is available in Church. It is on the subject of Black History Month (which is this month)
This week’s Kingswood Foodbank needs are bags of lentils, tinned vegetarian meals, custard, dry cat & dog food, shampoo, washing up liquid and washing powder/ pods. Thank you all.
Our Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday 15th November. Do we have any volunteers, either individuals or groups, to run a stall? Please contact myself or Helen.
Congratulations to Helen and the Reverend Martin Slocombe on becoming grandparents. Oscar Jessee was born on 3rd October to daughter Katie and her partner Harry. Congratulations to them too. He weighed in at 7lb 11ozs.
Sunday (12th) is the start of Prisons Week, which runs until Saturday. The theme this year is "God's word is not chained," a reference to 2 Timothy 2:9, encouraging prayers and actions for those affected by the criminal justice system.
Monday (13th) is the start of Challenge Poverty Week. Please pray for what needs to happen to enable our local community to thrive. Please pray for all those who struggling with their finances.
Anti-Slavery Day takes place every year on 18th October, which is next Saturday. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the fact over 49.6 million people in the world today, and an estimated 122,000 people in the UK, are trapped in conditions of modern slavery. But it doesn’t have to be, this way. Anti-Slavery Day is a time to encourage governments businesses, friends, family and colleagues to do what they can to prevent human trafficking and protect victims of modern-day slavery.
In the light or recent unrest regarding immigration and immigrants, a new recording has been made of “Let us build a house where love can dwell” (All are welcome here). It can be heard here: (42) All Are Welcome - YouTube
Lectionary 12th to 18th October. 2 Kings 5.1-3,7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2.8-15; Luke 17.11-19. Unchained! Paul has been imprisoned and chained for sharing the gospel of Jesus but he encourages Timothy that God’s Word is not shackled, and that he should not be ashamed of preaching it. Today think about those who ‘unchained’ the Word of God for us and how we can ‘unchain’ it for others.
Bookings are now being taken for this years Carols and Steam. It is on Saturday 6th December, at 6:45pm, departing from Bitton Station. Prices are £12 for adults, £6 for children 5–16 years with under 5s free. Pre-booking is essential – call 0117 951 7044.
The Shoebox Appeal is now active. Boxes and leaflets are available in church. If you would rather donate money and have Helen make a box up for you, she is happy to do so.
Warm Space Week is Monday 27th to Friday 31st October. Helen and Peter will host 3 of the days – and it can be any 3 days – but are there any volunteers to do the other 2 days? It could be 2 different people.
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.