The Bethel - Old Trafford Christadelphian Church

How do we pray? It’s easy to think of the things we want to ask for in prayer to our Father, but do we take time to say thank you, to listen for God’s response. Andrew introduces us to the concept of Active Listening, something Jesus often talked about - do we choose to listen, choose to take in what we’re hearing, to allow the words we’re hearing to put down roots.

At the start of this mornings service, Tony presents an “ordinary” empty box - but the box hides a secret red handkerchief that quickly turns into many handkerchiefs. Tony shows us that the way we see things is not the same way that God sees things. We perhaps don’t even judge ourselves the way God judges us - all we are called to do is be strong, and courageous and act in faith. Lucy leaves us with the thought that whatever we have in our hands - we can use.

Despite all the benefits, this lockdown has brought on a kind of cabin fever. How do we cope in this time - how can ensure more goes right than goes wrong. Mark takes us to the crucifixion to consider the lessons there for us.

Seven weeks on from the crucifixion, we see the disciples preaching in tongues to a crowd. A crowd that may have included some of the people who wanted Jesus killed. God calls them too - everyday people who are then convinced by Peter and their lives are changed forever. Tony leads us through a reading of Acts 2 and shows us what the impact of God’s love should have on our lives.

This isn’t the April we wanted… But, as Malcolm says, it’s the April we’ve been given. How do we make the most of the rest of it? Three words: Gratitude - collect your reasons to be thankful; Others - set your mind to serving others and resist being selfish; Determination - remind yourself that while this is tough but your faith is tougher. Gratitude. Others. Determination. Trust in GOD.

Summary to Follow

Summary to follow

This morning, Tom guides us through some principles he and Naomi have learnt through relationship psychology - and shows how we as a church can improve our own relationships and better respond to each other’s needs. When we emotionally reach out, we need to respond emotionally to bond in love, in our discipleship together.

Tony asks us some incisive and challenging questions about our response to the very reasons why church exists at all. Are we keeping our promises in the same way God keeps his? Does it matter if we do? What really matters to us in our in our interactions at church?

Singing out loud is scientifically proven to relieve pain and to reduce stress. Singing out loud with other people does the same if not more - it has even been proven to benefit our immune systems, relax us and bring us joy. But why? Colin provides his thoughts about singing, worship and worshipping together in harmony. He challenges us to try and learn a Psalm - to be able to recall a song of the Bible anytime we need it.