Dear Church Family,

Last night 60+ members of our church family started the Bible Course and I’ve heard really positive responses to the first evening (It’s not too late to join in).  Dave and Jill are running this course in response to the feedback we received from the spring series on Revelation, with many expressing a desire to understand the Bible more deeply and thoroughly.  I am so encouraged by that, the Bible is foundational to us knowing God, it’s a lamp to our feet and God’s very word of life for us.  As my faith has grown, so has my love for God’s Word, familiar passages that I have read dozens of times, continue to speak into my daily life and shape every aspect of how I live.  For example, this week I have been reading the Sermon on the Mount afresh, I’ve read and preached on it countless times, and yet God powerfully challenged me through it in how I trust him and how I relate to others.

This hunger for God’s Word which we are seeing stirring amongst us, is not something brand new.  This time last year, I wrote about how we were seeing it amongst our children and young people and I remember writing at the time, that I hoped it would spread to all generations.  Isn’t the beautiful that our children are leading the way for us, in their hunger to know God and his Word?!

 The Bible course was created by the Bible Society, one of our mission partners, and they are our Mission of the Month for September.  Bible Society was founded over 200 years ago, inspired by the hunger for God’s Word shown by Mary Jones, a 15-year-old Welsh schoolgirl who had saved up for 6 years to have a Bible of her own, in her own language.  You can read more of its history here.  I didn’t know the Bible Society’s Welsh origins, but maybe makes sense of Dave’s passion too?  Their vision is to translate and distribute God’s Word across the world and make it accessible to people in every nation.  The Society is fuelled by the belief that God’s Word is full of life, sets people free and transforms nations.  It is a privilege to support them in this as a church, as an expression of our value for God’s Word.  

As well as valuing God’s Word, we also value our children and young people and their faith.  I am delighted that Helen Coulton has moved to Romiley and will be joining St Chads, to volunteer in our ministry with young families.  Helen has moved here from South Wales, (a theme!) and will be volunteering with Mini-Chadders in the week and Kids and Mini Church on Sundays.  She will also be growing in her faith by being part of the NewWine Discipleship year programme, based in Salford.  Please do be praying for Helen and give her a warm welcome.

with love,

Richard.

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