TAKE A BREAK…BUT NOT FROM GOD!
Sun, sea and sand all tell us that the peak summer holiday season is fast approaching. It is a time of excitement and fun for the children and, hopefully, a period of welcome relaxation for us adults. Yet, we must not forget God just because we can escape from our normal routine. One of our prayers should be: “Keep close to me, Lord, and remind me that my relationship with you should never take a break.”
Our Heavenly Father knows our needs and He loves us so much that He wants to pour out His blessings upon us. Here are some blessings with the holidays in mind:
- Take time to claim your strength; this is a gift from God.
- Take time to have fun; it is God’s way of teaching you your strengths.
- Take time to trust yourself; God trusts you.
- Take time to share with others; they will bless you and you will bless them.
- Take time to have hope; you are a child of God.
We pray for our children and young people that God will keep them safe and they will have a great time in the forthcoming annual Summer Bible Club. For all the school teachers, assistants, helpers, carers and volunteers who teach and nurture our children and young people, we ask for a blessing, joy, wisdom and patience as they re-charge their batteries over the summer break, ready for the new term in September.
We put ourselves into God’s hands, and pray that He will bless us and our families during the holidays. May we all help make our homes places of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety. May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of summertime.
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
Tuesday 11th July at 6.30 p.m.
Gwyn Ashill will be speaking about his forthcoming visit to Zimbabwe. A freewill offering towards the work will be taken at this meeting.
FUNDRAISING EVENING
A fundraising evening for the Summer Bible Club is being held at 6.00p.m. on Friday 14h July, when the children and young people who attend the High Five Club will take part. Please make every effort to come along and support them.
ARISE…. AND SHARE THE LOVE OF JESUS
A group of delegates who will be attending the Arise (Amnos Ministries) national conference arrive at Newbridge on Friday 14 July to again take part in an evangelistic outreach from 17 – 19 July. Last year, nearly 700 homes in and around the town were visited in the door-to-door initiative as we sought to share the love of Jesus. Please pray for those who will be taking part and that more men and women, boys and girls will come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
Tabernacle has arranged for Safeguarding training to be held at the church on Saturday, 15 July (9.30 for 10 am start.) The training is timed to assist anyone who will be volunteers in this year’s Summer Bible Clubs. Other churches are also being invited to send representatives.The two- hour session will be run by Julie Edwards of the Interdenominational Protection Panel which is based at Denbigh.
UNITED STATES VISITORS
We are looking forward to renewing old friendships and making many new friends when a team from four separate churches in the United States arrive to serve in our sixth annual Summer Bible Club. The Bible Club, for children aged five and over and teenagers, will run from Tuesday, 25 July to Friday, 28 July.
At the same time, four other local churches – Bethesda, Rogerstone; Mount Pleasant, Blackwood; Bethany, Six Bells and Blaenau Gwent, Abertillery – will run their own separate holiday/Bible clubs supported by sub groups of the US party.
Most of the visitors will arrive at Newbridge on Friday, 21 July and accommodation has been arranged at the Crai Activity Park (formerly Islwyn Scout Park) as in previous years and among families and friends linked to the home churches. Newbridge Vision Centre will act as the main hub for this important mission work.
We are again grateful to the Gwent Baptist Association which has agreed to provide financial support for a “Celebration BBQ event” at the park on 28 July following the success of a similar event last year
Speakers for Sunday Services in July:
2nd: a.m. Mr. John Palmer p.m. Mr. Robert Richards
9th: a.m. Pastor Peter Cho p.m. Mrs. Sally Ball (B.M.S.)
16th: a.m. Pastor Peter Cho p.m. Mr. John Thomas
23rd: a.m. Pastor Peter Cho p.m. Pastor Huw Stephens
30th: a.m. Pastor Peter Cho p.m. Mr. Geoff Champion
Events in July:
Monday 3rd: 3.00 p.m. Zenana Meeting (Speaker: Mr Geoff Champion)
Wednesday 5th: 7.00 p.m. ‘Toolbox’ training (Bethesda, Rogerstone)
Friday 14th: 6.00 p.m. Hi Five Youth Club fundraising evening
9th – 15th: Missionary week
Tuesday 11th: 6.30 p.m. Mr Gwyn Ashill
Saturday 15th: 9.30 a.m. Safeguarding training
17th – 19th: ‘Arise’ evangelistic outreach 25th – 28th: Summer Bible Club
Speakers for Sunday Services in August:
6th: a.m. Mr. John Palmer p.m. Rev. Suzanne Roberts
13th: a.m. Mr. Hywel Mitchell p.m. Mr. David Palmer
20th: a.m. Mr. Geoff Champion p.m. Mr. David Palmer
27th: a.m. Pastor Peter Cho p.m. Mr. John Thomas
FOODBANKS
We currently offer support to two local Foodbanks.‘Bellyfull’ Foodbank is based at The Tram Road, Pontllanfraith. If you would prefer to support this venture, only cash donations are accepted. Please see Judith Rees for details. If you would prefer to support ‘Blackwood & District Foodbank’ based at the Oasis Centre, Bryn Road, Blackwood, a box is provided in the schoolroom for any donations. Here is a list of suggestions:
Milk (UHT or Powdered) Sugar (500g)
Fruit Juice (carton) Soup
Pasta Sauces Cereals Sponge Pudding (tinned) Tomatoes (tinned)
Rice Pudding (tinned) Tea Bags/Instant Coffee
Instant Mashed Potto Rice/Pasta
Tinned Meat/Fish Tinned Fruit
Jam, Biscuits, Crisps Snack Bars
Thank you to everyone for your donations.