Dear Church Family.

A couple of years ago I read a book called "Worship, Wonder, Way" by Grant Zweigle. While the book had a number of good and challenging chapters, ironically there is one thing I remember really well - I am a "TERRIBLE FORGETTER!"

What I mean by this is that sometimes I forget the things that are worth remembering, and remember the things that would be best forgetten. I have had to learn to keep my eye on this in my life. And so, as I write, I intentionally pause to remember the Goodness of God, the Loyal Love of God, the Grace and Mercy of God; I remember the ways of the Lord, the commands of the Lord, the instruction of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:10-11 says this:

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day."

Let me not forget You O Lord, nor the beauty of Your ways, but rather, let me praise You, and remember!

And perhaps there are some things we ought to forget. Chris spoke on Sunday from 1 Corinthians 13 - Paul's great "Poem of Love". If you didn't catch the service, then you can watch it by clicking on this link - Sunday Service | Chris Franklin | 15th May 2022 - YouTube

He shared these verses (1 Corinthians 13:5-6):

"It (Love) does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."

Perhaps you could take a moment to consider whether there are some "records" you have kept "easily accessible" in the filing cabinet of your mind, that you can quickly find, replay, even use, which may in fact be detrimental, debilitating or destructive. We do not diminish the impact of "wrongs against us" but neither can we give them dominion or dominance in our lives. 

Lord, help me to see where I may be storing up "records of wrong", and give me grace to let them go.

Well, it probably feels like a forced link (and it is), but let me also take the opportunity to REMIND you of some things that you may have FORGOTTEN that are happening in the life of the Church over the next few days - here's a quick summary...

  • Every Friday Morning, 7.30am we gather online to pray - just go to Join Meeting - Zoom using meeting ID 597 136 389 and Password 527787.

  • This Sunday some of our young people will be doing tea/coffee and tray bakes as a fundraiser for their Mission Trip to Poland - if you can give a donation, please do!

  • Northbreak is our Nazarene Church Holiday - for more info go to NB (nazarene.org.uk)

  • TeaTime at Trinity is on again this Sunday evening at 6pm, with Guests from Parkhead's "Recovery Church"

Thanks all - look forward to seeing you soon!

Grace and Peace

Ian