Page 60 - Phonebox Magazine July 2011

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
Ministers Letter
On writing this letter i was thinking about the events of Pentecost, i found myself considering the role and character of the holy spirit thoughout the whole of the Bible. we celebrate the coming of the holy spirit at Pentecost but its certainly not the first time the he makes an appearance in the Bible. he has an integral role in god’s story throughout history.
in the creation of the world, we find the ‘spirit of the Lord moving over the water’. One version of the Bible defines that the spirit of the Lord was hovering and brooding over the water. Brooding here perhaps applies to the hovering incubation of a bird over its young to warm and cover them and to develop their vital abilites for life. the spirit broods in anticipation of new life.
the ministry of the holy spirit in the Old testament was to empower specific individuals and events to achieve god’s will for his chosen people, israel. in the new testament we read that on Pentecost the holy spirit was poured out to all people. this is god’s salvation plan for ‘everyone who believes in him (and) receives forgiveness of sins through his name’ (Acts 10: 43).
some Christians, in the words of william Booth’s hymn, send the fire, want ‘another Pentecost’ to recreate the impact that the
spirit had some 2000 years ago. But there is no need, as we have the same holy spirit working in, around and through us as he was on that first Pentecost. god has already given us what we need to equip us, our churches and the world. the holy spirit broods over us and is ready now to provide for our lives and he aims to give us life in abundance. the choice is ours to recognise, accept and surrender ourselves to god’s will through Jesus.
For us today, perhaps the good news is to remind one another that we have an opportunity for wholeness, fullness of life and peace because of god’s grace in sending his spirit. Perhaps this is how we should be encouraging each other; reminding each other that we already have the resources for life and god’s perfect plan will be accomplished. Eternal life starts now in this life and the kingdom of god is born in individuals like you and me.
As in genesis, the spirit waits in anticipation to bring new and wholeness of life; ordering the chaotic and bringing light into the dark places. May we though god’s spirit be empowered to fulfil his purposes for our lives and for the world.
wishing you god’s every blessing,
Birgitte Grace, Chaplain, Westbury Grange
Baptist Church Parent and Toddler Groups
9.45am to 11.15am every Monday during term time - £1.50
9.30am to 11.15am every tuesday during term time - £1.50
Our lively Parent and toddler groups run during school term time and are a mixed group with children from 0-4 years. the session begins at 9.45am with free play - a large hall, filled with toys, rockers and ride- ons, a fun role play area and a quiet play zone with activities such as jigsaws, modelling and art. Later we have a drink and a biccie, plus a cuppa for Mum and finally at 11am it's song time.
the tuesday session begins at 9.30am with tOFts (time out for toddlers) - a gentle Bible story using puppets and pictures, songs and a quick craft activity.
Venue: newport Pagnell Baptist Church Lovat hall, silver street, newport Pagnell MK16 0EJ
Contact: Church Office
tel: 01908 618898
Email: info@npbc.org.uk web site: www.npbc.org.uk
CTNP Website
For more information about Churches together in newport Pagnell please visit our website (www.ctnp.org.uk).

Tel: 01908 887721

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