Harvest Fields Community Church

In this month’s Last Words communion message, Sue looks at perhaps one of the simplest things Jesus said from the cross: “I am thirsty.”

These very human words remind us that having needs is not a weakness or a failure - it is part of being human.

Jesus recognised his need, expressed his need and allowed someone else to meet it. Could we learn to do the same?

As we think about our own needs, Sue encouraged us to be honest enough to say when we need help - and to allow others to help us. And as we come to the communion table, we remember our greatest need of all: our need for Jesus.

Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But what does that actually look like in the places where God has put us?

In this all-age Harvest message, Sue explores what it means to be salt and light in our everyday lives. Salt affects what it touches and light affects what it reaches – so does our presence make a difference? Can people taste the difference because we are there, and can they see something of Jesus through us?

We also think about Jesus’ warnings: salt can lose its saltiness and light can be hidden. What causes us to lose our distinctiveness, what makes us hide our distinctiveness, and how can we stay close to Jesus so that we can be salt and light in our own little bit of the earth?

Samson’s story is one of the strangest in the Bible — full of supernatural strength, lions, honey, foxes, jawbones, Delilah and some spectacularly bad decisions! But underneath this bonkers story is a challenge that feels surprisingly relevant today.

Again and again, Samson is led by what catches his eye. And in a world constantly competing for our attention, our desire and our money, perhaps we’re not so different. What catches your eye? What is your honey? What is your Delilah?

Sue explores what Samson’s story can teach us about temptation, compromise and the danger of simply doing “what seems right in our own eyes”. But Samson’s story also leaves us with hope: even after his foolishness and failure, God wasn’t finished with him — and his name still appears among the people of faith in Hebrews 11.

What difference does it actually make that God is with us?

In this message, Sue explores the simple but powerful promise that God will never leave us or forsake us.

And asks the question "so what?" - so what difference does that promise make?

We discover the "what" isn't just that someone or anyone is beside us - it's that He is beside us: the God who created us, knows us completely and delights in us, the God who is our rock, refuge, shield, strength and mighty Saviour.

In today’s communion message, we looked at one of the most painful and difficult things Jesus said from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Is there comfort for us as we hear Jesus shout about his abandonment? And are there lessons we can learn as well?

Sue unpacks Psalm 22 and helps us with a plan for those times when God feels distant and our prayers seem unanswered. She reminds us that lament is not a lack of faith, and encourages us to be honest with God - to direct our cries towards him, not away from him. And she challenges us to preach truth to our feelings and to our future, remembering that even when we feel forsaken, we are never actually alone.

On our final week of the summer holidays, we hear from Ed & Sue as they share some of their stories of faith.

Every story has something that can help us.

Throughout the summer holidays, we're setting aside our usual Sunday morning talks to hear stories from within our congregation.

This week, Clare shares some of her story.

Every journey has moments that shape us.

Throughout the summer holidays, we're setting aside our usual Sunday morning talks to hear stories from within our congregation.

This week, Linda shares some of her story.

Our church family is made up of so many incredible stories.

Throughout the summer holidays, we're setting aside our usual Sunday morning talks to hear stories from within our congregation.

This week, Aaron shares some of his story.

A good story has twists and turns.

Throughout the summer holidays, we're setting aside our usual Sunday morning talks to hear stories from within our congregation.

This week, Sue shares some of her story.