September, the same or something new? God, always the same or the God of new things? Sept 2016

September is a great time to try something new. After all it is a month of new things: new term, new school year, maybe new teachers, even new school. Meanwhile, for many of us in business and on the work front, things are very much “on hold” after the Europe Referendum “leave” vote. Many people are saying we need to wait and see what happens.

 

What about God? Does he need to wait and see what happens, or if he is Lord of all, does he already know? On Sunday mornings we will be thinking more about who God really is, whether he is holy and distant or personal. Does our image of him stand up to scrutiny? God is the same yesterday, today and for ever; his nature does not change, and, he is also the God of new things, bringing new life, fresh hope all around us. At Harvest especially we remember that he has generously given so much to us. Do join us any Sunday at St Mary’s or St John’s at 10.30am. Do try out both the Lively service with contemporary music at 9.15am and the Reflective service with traditional music at 11.00am as we trial the services this way round for four months at St Mary’s.

 

September is a good time to try new things. One of the blessings of coming to church is the opportunity to meet people of all ages. From September 4th, we will all be starting our worship together in church and the children will go from there into Sunday school. It will be wonderful to worship together as one big family.

 

September is a good time to try new things, so here are some suggestions for you: If you have questions about life or about God, you could come along to the launch of the Alpha course on 8th September. It doesn’t commit you to doing any more of the course. We believe we have all been given gifts by God. If you would like to find out more about your gifts then try the Servant Course running on 7th and 8th October. Do email the office for more details.

 

Bishop Andrew is also starting something new: the new Guildford Diocese strategy called “Transforming church, Transforming lives” will be launched in our churches by video on 25th September. We look forward to seeing how this will help us in our mission in Walton on Thames.

 

May God bless you as you trust in the God who combines an unchanging nature with a desire for personal relationship with you. And do try something new this September.