SUNDAY AT GORSE HILL BAPTIST CHURCH - AND MORE!

You will probably remember that when I get to Church, and we are usually quite early, I tend to wander around and take shots of whatever catches my eye, ready for my Blip.

Today as I wandered into the sanctuary, I could hear drums, but could see that Ross wasn’t actually using his hands.  I had a quick chat with him about how he could make a sound on the drums with no hands - and he was kind enough to show me how he did it - so rather than using his hands, he was using his feet!  When my hands are hurting, as they often do these days, it would be so useful to be able to use my feet to do things but not sure I would be as good at using them as Ross was this morning!

As a member of the Pastoral Care Team, I was on duty this morning in the foyer before the service, watching out for new folks and handing them one of our Welcome Cards on which it gives them some information about how they can become a member of a “Care Group” within our Church and managed to give out two.  Of course, there is no pressure, but we believe that it does make people feel welcome, as it can be rather daunting to come into a church with a lot of people and especially if you don’t know anyone.

Further wandering provided me with the little dolly, sitting all on her own - I have no idea who she belonged to, but she looked quite at home and was sitting in the very front row, so obviously keen to be part of the service. I have since found out that the doll is called Poppy and belongs to Ross’s daughter.

I’m sure that “Bob the Cow” needs no introduction - he is usually open for the children to pop their money into during the time that the offering is taken up from the adults, although many give through their bank accounts. The children are collecting to buy chickens in support of Operation Agri - I understand they are up to 8 chickens now, which is great.  

Next to that is the table spread for our lunch with Louise, a special friend, who we knew was on her own today, so we invited her back to our home - it was quite a “spur of the moment” thing to ask her, and as the sermon was encouraging us to share in small groups - the sort of thing that Jesus practised - it seemed a good idea to show that we had taken that on board.  What a good job I had taken a loaf out of the freezer before we left earlier this morning!  

So thanks, Clive for reminding us that a loaf of bread shared with a friend is totally in line with what Jesus did.  I’m sure Clive will be pleased to know we did what he said and shared time, experiences, a meal - albeit a simple one - and shared about our lives and struggles.  I’m not sure we shared any possessions, but we may do that with Louise one day - and we had a great time together.

Last but not least, and going back slightly to the time after the service when we share coffee and biscuits together in the hall, this beautiful wall hanging is one of four done by one of our Church Members and it is now above one of the large cupboard doors in the hall.  This is also where the café is held on Monday and Thursday when the Community Fridge is open.  They certainly brighten up the hall and hopefully, will mean something to those who spend time there.

Hope you all have a great week - and if you are working, that you enjoy having tomorrow off - may the sun shine on you and may you be blessed whatever you do.  M xx