Most services are recorded onto CD and copies can be ordered at just £1 (+ P&P at cost if needed). A back catalogue is available. Please see the sound engineer on duty for more details.
June
St. Matthew’s—The Body of Christ
“We are the body of Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Let us then pursue all that makes for peace and builds up our common life.”
This introduction to the Peace is based on 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul is at pains to point out that the body of Christ, the church, is one body that has many members; each member having his or her part to play in the ministry of the church and none better than any other.
St. Matthew’s is currently involved in a lot of change and activity, a new leadership structure, the ‘Creating Hope’ event, the search for a new Children and Youth Minister, on top of the considerable amount of things we already do. Whilst all these things are good it is beginning to stretch us, I’m acutely aware that for many it seems that everything is taped down and being done. It’s difficult to see the gaps when the faithful are plugging them, sometimes at great cost to themselves. It can be difficult to get involved. Someone remarked to me last week that they see so much going on and don’t know how they can be part of it.
If St. Matthew’s is to continue to grow then it is essential that we create space for people to explore, develop and express their part on the body of Christ, and that we each take seriously the words of 1 Corinthians 12, seeking out our place in the body. We are all gifted by the Holy Spirit, it’s time to unwrap them.
For some that may mean continuing on, for some changing by laying down what they are doing and perhaps picking something up, for some starting something new, for some laying down internal church ministry to be freed to express ministry outside more effectively. What part of the body are you?
One thing we can all do is pray. Pray for the work of St. Matthew’s, for one another, for ourselves, for our mission partners. I hope that the current sermon series will help us in prayer. Prayer is key to our life.
My prayer is that through our corporate life as a body together people will indeed say, “God is really among you”. 1 Cor 14:25
Mat
| 10:30 am | 7 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| 29th | HOLY COMMUNION with Baptism | HOLY COMMUNION |
| Prayer 6—‘Your Kingdom Come’ | ||
| Ephesians 6:13–20 & Luke 18:1–8 | ||
| Martin Stanisstreet | Revd. Mat Ineson |
Emmaus Christian Choir
You are invited to ‘An Evening of Music’ inc Handel’s ‘And the Glory’ from the Messiah on Sat June 28th at 7.30pm. Please invite your friends & neighbours. Collection taken for Tearfund Disaster Fund.
July
Summer series: “Love is…”
Our Summer morning services give us a tremendous opportunity to be creative and explore topics as a whole church community in different ways. In previous years during our summer worship we have run parallel sermons, discussions and creative workshops, used drama and visual displays and worked towards creating a gallery around a theme. This year will be equally as creative, fun and participative.
The Summer Series will run from July 27th to September 7th inclusive. The theme is ‘Love is…’ Based in 1 Corinthians 13 and using stories from scripture we will be exploring aspects of God’s character of love, how God loves us and how we show love to one another and to God.
If you would like to help plan, resource or deliver these services then please do speak to Catherine Hammond or Mat Ineson. We look forward to worshipping our loving God with you.
In the evenings during August there will be no Café Church. Instead we will be having said evening prayer.
| 10:30 am | 7:30 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | ALL AGE WORSHIP | Jointly with ![[Off Site]](images/world.gif) Bristol Christian Fellowship |
| Hope | Creating Hope: Comissioning Service | |
| See the Hope ’08 web page for details of what is happening all through this week. | ||
| 10:30 am | 7:30 pm | |
| 13th | HOLY COMMUNION with band | Jointly with Bristol Christian Fellowship AT THE ARK! There will be no service at St. Matthew’s this evening. |
| Celebration Service of Hope | ||
| Revd. Mat Ineson | Revd. Mat Ineson | |
| 10:30 am | 7 pm | |
| 20th | HOLY COMMUNION | Café Church |
| Revd. Joyce Caithness | ||
| 27th | MORNING WORSHIP | HOLY COMMUNION |
| Summer Series Starts: “Love is…” | ||
| Revd. Mat Ineson | Richard Pendlebury | |
PACT (Prison Advice & Care Trust)
If you would like to volunteer within the criminal justice system supporting offenders, ex-offenders and their families there is a ‘Volunteering in Faith’ training day at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Wed 2nd July 10am to 4pm.
For further details about the day, or the work of pact please contact Sue Witt, Project Facilitator on 07732 901080.
Changing Tunes present an Evening of Acoustic Music with Ritchi.
The Lansdown Pub, 8 Clifton Road Bristol, BS8 1AF Friday 4th July—8 until 10pm Tickets at the door (£10 min donation)
Wed 23rd July—Ark Consultation
On Wednesday 23rd July, beginning with coffee at 7.45pm, the congregations of St. Matthew’s and Bristol Christian Fellowship are invited to gather together to hear about, explore and pray for the joint vision to develop the Ark building into a community resource. There will be two short presentations from the church leaders and opportunity to ask questions as well as add your thoughts and ideas into this exciting potential project.
Do come and catch the vision, share your thoughts and pray.
Bible Study Fellowship
Bible Study Fellowship is an international Bible study class which welcomes people from all walks of life and provides a unique way to study God’s Word. There are challenging questions for personal study, lively discussion groups, an interesting lecture and written notes summarising each week’s study.
A ladies class meets in Bristol on Tuesday mornings during term time, and this year beginning in September we will be studying the life of Moses.
For more information please contact Sue Budd or Pauline Roberts via the office.
Date for your diary
Saturday 20th September In and around St. Matthew’s Church
Building on the success of last year's festival, we hope that this year's Kingsdown Homegrown will be even bigger and more enjoyable for all ages. St. Matthew’s Church is again offering the community the use of their Hall and grounds to fill with…
Music : Fancy Dress Parade : Exhibitions : Stalls : Traditional Teas : Food Sampling : Competitions : Games : Sideshows : and much more : Evening Party with Music and Dancing.
We would like to continue to encourage local talent and local businesses to join in the Festival by using it as a showcase for their work. So if you would like to be involved in any way, whether it is running a stall or a new sideshow or just to serve teas, or even to pass on ideas.
Kingsdown Homegrown 2008—Our Community Festival