Curious or serious?

Curiosity can be a good thing. Where would we be without the curiosity of scientists, artists, musicians and doctors? However, curiosity is not healthy if it becomes an end in itself. Healthy curiosity leads to discovery which opens the door to decisions.

Last Sunday we saw the difference between curiosity and seriousness from Luke 13.13-22. Our aim as a group of Christians is, although acknowledging we will never be perfect, to maintain and grow in a focus on Jesus. A focus which affects not only what we believe, but how we live. 

The church is embarking on a 10-week focus called R.E.A.C.H.. Our primary aim is to pray for our neighbours, colleagues, family and friends that they may have an encounter with God. To begin with we are preparing ourselves and our lives to be the servants that our neighbours need us to be. The men will meet on Wednesday to discuss this and pray together. 

This coming Sunday Charl Olivier will be our preacher looking at the last few verses of Luke chapter 13. Please pray for him as he prepares his lesson for us.

See you on Sunday at Laurence Haines School, 10:30 AM as usual.

God bless, Malcolm

Seeds and Yeast

We're so lucky to have talented cooks in our church! "Thank you" to everyone who made and brought delightful dishes on Sunday. I dare say some seeds and yeast were used in one or two of the bowls of food on offer. Quite appropriate considering the sermon theme on Sunday. 

The kingdom of heaven is like yeast and a mustard seed. Small is beautiful might be the underlying theme. God starts small with us, and that's the way He likes it. He gets more glory, and we get more joy. 

The video of the sermon is here - worth watching if only for my less-than-successful attempt at making a bicarb-vinegar volcano. Oh well, back to the drawing board on that one (or the kitchen sink).

The Makinson, Oliviers and Coxs met on Sunday evening for our latest leadership team meeting. We've finished our review of the first few months of our existence as a church (can it really have gone that fast?) and we'll fill the church in soon on our reflections on the feedback given.

This week the women meet on Wednesday to discuss Luke 13.10-17, and we all reconvene on Sunday at Laurance Haines School for our first service of October - sermon from Luke 13.21-30.

See you there.

Malcolm

The wood from the trees

Well, we've never done that before! Had church in the woods. What a brilliantly refreshing experience it was to take the whole church to Ashridge for a service last Sunday. Special thanks to Joe for putting together some very thought-provoking activities and sharing about God in a way that made us consider him more clearly as the creator of all that we can see in nature. 

The initial feedback has been very positive about doing it again. So please keep that feedback coming in, and we'll make a decision about repeating it or not. 

This Sunday we are back at Laurence Haines school, 10.30AM. It's a 'food' Sunday, so please bring plates and bowls of whatever you'd like to eat and share.  The Luke passage is 13:18–21.

Wednesday night is a men's meeting, Luke 13:10–17. 

See you soon, and have a wonderful week. Malcolm

If you go down to the woods today…

If you go down to the woods on Sunday, you may be surprised at what you find! Not a teddy bear's picnic, but the Watford Church of Christ gathering in woodlands to be inspired by God's creation. 

Joe Cronje, professional horticulturalist, is preparing a special experience for us in Ashridge woods. We will be meeting outdoors for singing, prayer, woodland activities, and communion. Come ready to participate, come ready to get your hands dirty, come ready to connect with God in a fresh and inspiring way. 

More details will be coming soon, but book it in your diary now and tell your friends.  10AM for a 10.30AM start. 

God bless, Malcolm

Welcome Back!

It was lovely to have (almost) everyone back from their travels and holidays this Sunday. Our final traveler, Simone, returned to the UK yesterday. We'll see her on Sunday.  

As usual, the food was splendid this last Sunday. My personal highlight was Penny's bean lasagna - but then I'm biased! I noticed that my home-made flapjacks all disappeared. I'm gratified, and can be reached at mccx@mac.com for further orders!   A huge "thank you" to everyone who contributed food and all the others things that went to make the service so encouraging.

There is no Wednesday meeting this week (5-Wednesday month), and the men will start again next week on 7th September. This Sunday, 4 September, Osagie will be preaching. His text is Luke 12.49-59. 

The following Sunday is a 'London' service, and then the 18th Septembner will be our first ever 'forest' service. More details soon.

Until we see each other again, God bless, 

Malcolm

Church lunch

As we always do on the last Sunday of every month, we will be having lunch together at church this week.  Appropriately, the sermon includes a reference to a wedding banquet. No one is getting married as far as I am aware, but hopefully we will have the same sense of celebration as we feast together. Perhaps Penny will bring some more of her home-grown lettuce!

The women are meeting on Wednesday this week. The following Wednesday is the fifth Wednesday of the month, and consequently they will be no midweek meeting.  

I'm delighted to confirm that both Stefan Wolmerans and Andrew Agerbak have agreed to come and be visiting speakers for us between now and the end of the year. I will let you know when the specific dates are clear. 

An important date for your diary is 18 September. That will be our special 'forest' service organized by Joe, up at Ashridge. More details soon. 

See you on Sunday if not before.

Malcolm

Back from the picnic

It was a special day last Sunday, joining the Northwest region of the London church in Cassiobury park for our church service and picnic. Lots of people were playing games and various sports as well. Looks like we had a little bit of Olympic fever! From the feedback I heard we ought to do it again next year. Let me know what you liked about it, and what we could do better for next time.

This Sunday we are back in Laurence Haines school, 10:30 AM. The sermon will be combined with the communion, and will focus on Luke 12:22–34. So much rich material on faith, trust, anxiety, treasure, and much more. 

The Autumn sees us planning for a family service, and an outdoor "forest" service. More on that soon. Until Sunday, I hope you have a wonderful day.

God bless, Malcolm

It was a delight to have Danny speak to us on Sunday. He did a marvellous job helping us to understand the dangers of hypocrisy, and the comforting strength God gives to help us with these challenges. 

It was also a joy to welcome Chris Birtles who joined us for the service on Sunday from our sister church in Thames Valley.  later in the afternoon he went to the community shield match at Wembley. Clearly, his presence with us made a difference, since he is a Man U fan, and they were victorious!

This coming Wednesday the women are meeting, and Oge is teaching the lesson.  The passage involved is Luke 11.37–54.

This coming Sunday 14 August, we are having a joint service with the Northwest region of the London church. Our venue is Cassiobury Park. The service time is 11 AM. The best way to find the exact location will be to go to the carpark. You will see ushers and signs from there. Please bring a picnic, and if you have a gazebo you are welcome to bring that. We have permission from the council to put up gazebos in case of rain, or too much sunshine!

See you there! 

God bless, Malcolm

Let there be light!

Without light we cannot see. God created light, and has always been bringing light to humankind. Jesus himself was the light of the world. But what is the quality of the light within us? If we're not well-lit spiritually we can never be filled with an enduring spiritual spark. Last Sunday we learned how to let the light in, what gets in the way of the light, and how to keep the light shining brightly into us. Of course, when this happens, then the light also shines brightly from us into this dark world. This is our hope. That Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire will be filled with the light of Christ. Did you take your t light home on Sunday? Has it been helpful in focusing your prayers? Leave a comment below about what you find most helpful in keeping the light bright.

The men met on Wednesday to discuss the last part of Luke chapter 11. The women will meet to look at the same text next Wednesday. 

This Sunday 7th August, Danny Makinson will be preaching from the first 12 verses of Luke chapter 12.  Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares this lesson for us. 

The following Sunday, 14th August, we will be joining the Northwest region of the London church in Cassiobury Park for an outdoor church service and picnic. Starting time, 11 AM. Offer up a prayer for good weather! 

I hope you have a wonderful week. God bless, Malcolm

Who is the greatest?

Who is or was the greatest? Perhaps Ali was the greatest boxer ever, but it depends on your point of view. On Sunday we took a look at Jonah, Solomon and Jesus. Jesus was not just a prophet he was the Messiah. He was not just a wise king, he was the king of kings and wisdom enfleshed. You can see the sermon on our YouTube channel. 

It was especially encouraging for Penny and I to have relatives with us at church. It was also lovely to see Bode and Lola from the NW – good to see old friends! 

This week the women meet on Wednesday, and Lisa Cronje will be delivering the lesson. 

On Sunday we will be back at Laurance Haines school, 10.30am. We are focusing on Luke 11:33 to 36 this week. And since it is the final Sunday in the month, we will be having a meal together after church.

I hope you have a super week, and God bless. Malcolm

There might be nothing more fundamental to the Christian faith then praying the Lord's prayer. We looked at this deep but practical teaching last Sunday. Do we include the Lord's prayer enough in our personal devotional time, and when praying together? If you've not had a chance yet, please go to the YouTube channel and watch or listen to the sermon. Let's make sure we put Jesus' teaching on prayer into practice this week. 

Yesterday the men met to consider the next part of Luke's Gospel. The weather was kind and we enjoyed singing, praying and discussing Luke 11.14-28 on the grass in Cassiobury Park.  The women will look at the same passage next Wednesday.

This coming Sunday we will be talking about Jonah, Nineveh, the Queen of the South, Solomon and "something greater ".  Here is the passage: 

Luke 11:29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.

Luke 11:30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.

Luke 11:31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.

Luke 11:32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

What questions do you have about this passage? Please leave a comment here, or email me, mccx@mac.com. 

I hope you have a great week, and look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday. God bless, Malcolm

We are back in Watford

Last Sunday we weren't in Watford. Some of us were in central London, others were camping and others were out in the country having church in a park. 

This week we are all back together in Lawrence Haynes school at 10:30 AM. Our focus this Sunday is prayer, and the God to whom we pray. The main passage is Luke chapter 11 vv 1 to 13.  Please read it and pray over it (!) before Sunday.  If you have any questions about the text please email me, mccx@mac.com.

This week's midweek meeting is for the women, and Chantil is teaching. Please pray for her as she moves house this week. We all know how stressful that can be. Paul and Joe are also in the process of moving house, so pray for them too. 

Have a wonderful week, God bless, Malcolm

The one thing

Thank you to everyone who made last Sunday go so well. We had a first last week, when we broke for cups of tea and coffee halfway through the sermon. Seemed like a popular innovation - perhaps we'll try it again! 

This week the men meet on Wednesday, and will be looking at Luke chapter 10 and the time when Jesus came to visit Mary and Martha. Our key question-what is the "one thing" that is needed?

Please keep Joe in your prayers as he attempts the three peaks challenge with the ODAAT guys. 

Next Sunday 10 July we are not in Watford. It's a London service at Logan Hall near Russell Square. We'll all be back together again in Watford the following Sunday, 17 July.  

See you then, and God bless for now, Malcolm

Father's Day Sunday

Thank you to everyone who made last Sunday's service so special. It was very encouraging to be able to celebrate Fathers' day together. We hope all the dads felt special.

And thank you to Joe for hosting the men's meeting last Wednesday. This week the women will meet on  Wednesday in Cassiobury Park. 

On Sunday 26 June, we are in for a treat. Charl Olivier will be preaching on Luke chapter 10 verses 1-24. Please pray for him as he prepares his lesson this week. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the missions collection. If you need more information about it check out our Facebook page, or contact Bronwen our treasurer. 

if you didn't get a copy of our church survey, please let me know and I will send you one. Email me at mccx@mac.com. 

Have a wonderful week, Malcolm

Marvellous Missions

Last Sunday was a great encouragement. We looked at Luke chapter 9 and the power of Jesus displayed in casting out Demons.  What an amazing Saviour we follow.

We also joined together in collective grief, having heard the news of the death of Angela Best. Our prayers were offered for the family, and especially Glyne her husband, and Glenroi their son. 

This coming Sunday is our collection for missions in the Indian subcontinent, the United Kingdom and Ireland. More information about how to contribute is on the Facebook page. In the meantime, it's worth reflecting upon the fact that our existence as a church is largely the result of the financial sacrifice of other people. Let's do our part with the resources God has given us, to spread the gospel in parts of the world to which we cannot physically go. 

See you on Sunday, Malcolm

Sunshine Returns

The strange unseasonal weather relented this weekend, and the sun came out on Sunday. Not only that, but Barry Edwards preached his second sermon of the year. It will soon be up on the Watford church YouTube channel, just search for Watford Church of Christ.

The women's meeting this week focuses on Luke chapter 9.18 to 27. Bronwen is teaching the lesson, and as of this moment the venue is up in the air. Keep an eye on your messaging communications for confirmation of the location. 

This coming Sunday we will be looking at the first part of Luke chapter 10 - the sending out of the 72. I will be preaching, so please pray for me as I prepare the lesson this week. If you have any suggestions about this passage, please let me know.

Looking forward to seeing everybody at Laurence Haines school on Sunday.

God bless, Malcolm

The Transfiguration

This Sunday the Watford church of Christ will be looking at Luke 9.28 to 36. Our preacher will be Barry Edwards. Please pray for him as he prepares to speak to us from this passage. https://audioboom.com/boos/4644661-our-section-of-luke-for-sunday-5th-june-the-transfiguration?t=0

Tim Preaches

What a delight it was to have Tim Dannatt with us this last Sunday. "Thank you" so much for coming to speak to us, Tim. It's always refreshing to hear a different voice. The video & audio will be online later today.

Speaking of speakers, this coming Sunday it's the turn of Barry Edwards to preach for us. He'll be speaking from Luke 9.28-36. Please include him in your prayers this week as he prepares this lesson and studies this passage.

On Wednesday it's the turn of the men to meet, and we will be looking at Luke 9.18-27. Our venue for that is yet to be decided. Stay tuned for confirmation of that.   

Have a wonderful week, Malcolm

A Visit From Vicki

One of the great joys of the Christian life is to be reunited with friends in the faith. Paul experienced this:

 2Cor. 7:6 "But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus"

God provided us with just such a privilege this last Sunday in Watford. Vicki Jacoby was passing through on her way home to Atlanta. 

Vicki, Penny and I have known each other for over 30 years. We've shared good times, and tough times. And there we were, on Sunday, worshipping together in Watford. Possibly one of the last things we would have expected to do when we first knew each other all those years ago!

God sometimes takes us on unexpected journeys. But he always has somewhere for us to rest and be refreshed. We hope that our church in Watford can always be such a place.

Incidentally, the audio of Sunday's sermon is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kudvje97b35hj9d/How%20to%20Feed%205%2C000%20People%2C%20Lk%209.10-17.mp3?dl=0,

Video is below.

The women's meeting this week is on Wednesday and will be led by Kate. The passage is Luke chapter 9: 1 to 9.

God bless, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

Malcolm

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Audio & Video of Sunday's Sermon

Audio of Sunday’s sermon is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h4lrto93gbewbgu/How%20to%20Go%20in%20Peace%20Lk8.40-56.mp3?dl=0.

Video is here: https://youtu.be/fD46HLrFR4M

Let me know if you have any trouble viewing or listening to these recordings. 

Malcolm