I am a typical English bloke where it takes something to move me to tears, but just two years ago, I saw a sight that broke my heart! I was watching a news crew filming in Georgia, formerly part of the USSR. They were reporting on the plight of many chilren in that country.
Before my eyes, I saw the bare rooms of a childrens institution in T'bilisi full of small children with no facilities. There were no sheets or blankets on the beds, no carpet on the floor, no toys or games to play with! The sanitation was a lot to be desired and the washrooms had no hot water at all. If this were in the UK, the government would shut it down, but here in Georgia, this was the best the goverment could do.
Since the break up of the USSR, Georgia has been struggling economically, and inflation and unemployment had soared. Many families found themselves struggling to make ends meet with the result that some families gave their children to the authorities because they could not afford to feed and clothe them. The childrens institutions were being filled, not just with orphans, but with loved children whose families could not afford to keep them!
Since that film report, I have strived to raise money for Everychild (www.everychild.org.uk) who work with the authorities in Georgia to resettle children with their families by providing support to them, or finding families that will foster the children. They are looking to address the source of the problem rather than trying to provide for the ever increasing demand of institutions.
On Saturday 22nd September, the children of Studley Baptist Church are having a Toy Bring 'n' Buy Sale to raise more money for the children in Georgia. It is encouraging to see them engage in the plight of children less fortunate than themselves, and to do something about it. If you do nothing else today, I suggest you click on the Everychild link above, and look at the work they are doing all over the world, as there are many other needs as well as Georgia.
So far, as a church, we have raised over £2,500 in the last two years for this work, and I am planning some more fundraisers. This may seem just a drop in the ocean for what is really needed, but some famous person, who I can't quite recall, said !The ocean is made of many drops!" If we all did a little, it would add up to a lot!
Keep an eye on the blog to see some rather adventurous initiatives in coming months.
What stirs you into action for others? Where is your compassion focussed? It is only when we look around at the poverty and injustice in the world that we can put our own 'problems' into perspective.
Pastor Pete
21 September 2007
17 September 2007
Time for a break!
Last week was another busy one with work and pastoral duties. Monday night was spent at the church centre at a Deaconate meeting. It was one of those meetings where a lot seemed to be have been achieved, with many subjects being covered in the 3 hours!!
On Tuesday, Kim and I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary, and we spent the evening preparing the church for the Thanksgiving Service of Mrs Marjorie Lee, making sure the refreshments were set up and the sanctuary was clean and tidy. We had planned a party for Friday night, and we also manage to meet for lunch so it was still special.
The Thanksgiving Service went very well on Wednesday with many people sharing tributes to a wonderful Christian lady. She will be sorely missed after being in membership since 1940! Marjorie was very key in my accepting the role of pastor; as the eldest and longest serving member, I felt it important that I had her support for my ministry. Not only did she support me, but she was always encouraging me with her tolerance for the 'new' style of contemporary worship. I will miss her counsel!
Friday saw the big party with over 100 guests celebrating our anniversary with us. It was a great night sharing with family and friends. I can't believe that it was over 25 years ago that we got married! It doesn't seem that long ago. Kim and I have had our ups and downs during that time, but our love has grown stronger as our faith in Christ has grown stronger.
Now Saturday, we set out with the caravan for the Lake District, but first we stopped overnight at Burrs Country Park in Bury to break up the journey. On Sunday, we set out for our final destination, Troutbeck in Cumbria. The views from the caravan park are breathtaking, and the site is peaceful. The weather has been showery and breezy, but that doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the scenery.
Today, we journeyed around Ullswater, over the Kirkstone Pass to Bowness-on-Windermere to where we honeymooned for the 2nd night! We had a lovely lunch in a reassurance over looking the lake, and took some photos of the hotel where we stayed 25 years ago. The journey back to the caravan took us over the Kirkstone Pass a second time, this time, with glorious sunshine.
It is great to have this time to ourselves as Kim and I reminisce over the last 25 years, on where we have been, where God has been leading us. We are looking forward to this holiday recharging our batteries, spending time together and taking time to listen to God as we read His word.
To all our friends back at Studley, you are still in our thoughts and prayers while we are here.
We will see you next weekend.
God bless,
Pastor Pete & Kim
On Tuesday, Kim and I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary, and we spent the evening preparing the church for the Thanksgiving Service of Mrs Marjorie Lee, making sure the refreshments were set up and the sanctuary was clean and tidy. We had planned a party for Friday night, and we also manage to meet for lunch so it was still special.
The Thanksgiving Service went very well on Wednesday with many people sharing tributes to a wonderful Christian lady. She will be sorely missed after being in membership since 1940! Marjorie was very key in my accepting the role of pastor; as the eldest and longest serving member, I felt it important that I had her support for my ministry. Not only did she support me, but she was always encouraging me with her tolerance for the 'new' style of contemporary worship. I will miss her counsel!
Friday saw the big party with over 100 guests celebrating our anniversary with us. It was a great night sharing with family and friends. I can't believe that it was over 25 years ago that we got married! It doesn't seem that long ago. Kim and I have had our ups and downs during that time, but our love has grown stronger as our faith in Christ has grown stronger.
Now Saturday, we set out with the caravan for the Lake District, but first we stopped overnight at Burrs Country Park in Bury to break up the journey. On Sunday, we set out for our final destination, Troutbeck in Cumbria. The views from the caravan park are breathtaking, and the site is peaceful. The weather has been showery and breezy, but that doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the scenery.
Today, we journeyed around Ullswater, over the Kirkstone Pass to Bowness-on-Windermere to where we honeymooned for the 2nd night! We had a lovely lunch in a reassurance over looking the lake, and took some photos of the hotel where we stayed 25 years ago. The journey back to the caravan took us over the Kirkstone Pass a second time, this time, with glorious sunshine.
It is great to have this time to ourselves as Kim and I reminisce over the last 25 years, on where we have been, where God has been leading us. We are looking forward to this holiday recharging our batteries, spending time together and taking time to listen to God as we read His word.
To all our friends back at Studley, you are still in our thoughts and prayers while we are here.
We will see you next weekend.
God bless,
Pastor Pete & Kim
02 September 2007
Sunday - a day of rest?
Do you know, some Sundays are just so full of God's provision and grace that His blessings just keep on overflowing! As I prepared for today's activities, I looked at quite a lot of things that needed to be done, things that needed to be said, people that I needed to talk to, songs I needed to practice, the sermon I needed to preach (and keep to 15 minutes!) and I thought 'Wo! Slow down Lord! I can't keep up!"
This morning we had the privilege of welcoming Barry and Ann into membership of our church. Now to some this may sound a little strange that churches should have some of formal membership. Well we, in the Baptist tradition follow the teachings of the first church where 'they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship'(Acts 2:42). It is a sign of commitment between individuals and the church fellowship to support one another as we serve the Lord in our community.
Some people tend to drift from one church to the next and don't seem to put roots down where they can grow in knowledge of God and in fellowship with other Christians. This is a real shame because there are so many benefits from being in a loving church family where you are supported, encouraged, taught and loved. Most people who come to SBC find it a welcoming church and a very loving one - not just a superficial shake of the hand and the usual pleasantries, but an authentic caring and love for the person no matter what their background. I am pleased to say that these were just a few of the things that drew Barry and Ann to us.
After the full service this morning, (which over-ran to 12:10pm as was pointed out to me
by my son, Nathan), and time for lunch it was out again to prepare for 'Praise The Lord' This is an ecumenical praise service held in the local junior school where Christians gather to praise God, here His word, receive ministry and generally have a great time of fellowship together. We started packing the PA, amplifiers and instruments at 3:30pm for a 6:30pm start, so we just had enough time to set up, sound check and pray before everyone arrived!.
Revd Richard Deimel brought God's word from the letter to the Ephesians and reminded us that with Christ there are no denominations and that we are all united by the Holy Spirit. It was great to be in a room full of brothers and sister in Christ from different churches and backgrounds all praising God together.
I finally arrived home at 8:30pm tonight gagging for a cup of tea and something to eat (although I could probably go without food for a few days and you wouldn't know!) and a quiet reflection on how great our God is! It has been a very tiring day, and I shall sleep well tonight, but I thank God for all the people I have seen blessed by God today in so many ways. It is well worth the effort to be a part of what God is doing in our community.
Sleep well!
Pastor Pete
This morning we had the privilege of welcoming Barry and Ann into membership of our church. Now to some this may sound a little strange that churches should have some of formal membership. Well we, in the Baptist tradition follow the teachings of the first church where 'they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship'(Acts 2:42). It is a sign of commitment between individuals and the church fellowship to support one another as we serve the Lord in our community.
Some people tend to drift from one church to the next and don't seem to put roots down where they can grow in knowledge of God and in fellowship with other Christians. This is a real shame because there are so many benefits from being in a loving church family where you are supported, encouraged, taught and loved. Most people who come to SBC find it a welcoming church and a very loving one - not just a superficial shake of the hand and the usual pleasantries, but an authentic caring and love for the person no matter what their background. I am pleased to say that these were just a few of the things that drew Barry and Ann to us.
After the full service this morning, (which over-ran to 12:10pm as was pointed out to me
by my son, Nathan), and time for lunch it was out again to prepare for 'Praise The Lord' This is an ecumenical praise service held in the local junior school where Christians gather to praise God, here His word, receive ministry and generally have a great time of fellowship together. We started packing the PA, amplifiers and instruments at 3:30pm for a 6:30pm start, so we just had enough time to set up, sound check and pray before everyone arrived!.
Revd Richard Deimel brought God's word from the letter to the Ephesians and reminded us that with Christ there are no denominations and that we are all united by the Holy Spirit. It was great to be in a room full of brothers and sister in Christ from different churches and backgrounds all praising God together.
I finally arrived home at 8:30pm tonight gagging for a cup of tea and something to eat (although I could probably go without food for a few days and you wouldn't know!) and a quiet reflection on how great our God is! It has been a very tiring day, and I shall sleep well tonight, but I thank God for all the people I have seen blessed by God today in so many ways. It is well worth the effort to be a part of what God is doing in our community.
Sleep well!
Pastor Pete
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