“Have I not told you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the LORD your God will be with you, wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9)
This week, the sections of the email are:
- Opening Reflection: Joshua and a new future
- Key notices: Putting up boards for art show, Venezuelan Earthquake Appeals
- Coming Up: Churches Together in Ramsgate prayer breakfast, Friends of St. George’s Art Show, ACTS: Update Evening, Vicarage BBQs
- Interesting Blogs: J.D. Vance’s Spiritual Memoir, The Nicene Sessions
- Weekly Calendar
- Online Forms: Event application, Submit a notice, maintenance report, Safeguarding
Scroll on…
Opening Reflection
What are you worried about for the future? Even bringing it to your mind may tense your shoulders, quicken your heart, or shallow your breathing.
So how do we face change well?
Our Sermon series on Joshua begins with a huge change in the opening sentence of Joshua 1 where we are told of the death of Moses. Moses was the only leader an entire generation had known, and now Joshua had to lead a sometimes rebellious people into imminent war.
The book of Joshua inspires us with three ways to be courageous through change:
- Listen to the words God speaks over you
- Meditate on Scripture
- Listen to encouragement from your Christian community and speak encouragement back to them.
God does not want us to be anxious about the endless possibilities of the future but rather wants us to be free to live in the present, aware of our eternity with God through the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Reflect: What future “what-if” do you need to hand to the God who is already there?
Pray: Lord, remind me my strength comes from You. Help me leave tomorrow in Your hands and live faithfully today. Amen.
Bethany Keenan
Key Notices:
Putting Up boards for Art Show
In preparation for the upcoming art show in St. George’s, we need help to put up the display boards. It would be great if those who are able can lend a hand in putting up one or two after the Sunday service this week. Please see Giny after the service.
Venezuela Earthquake Appeal
It has been tragic to see and hear what has happened to the people of Venezuela because of the devastating twin earthquakes just over a week ago. If you want to give to support their recovery, you can do so either through: Tear Fund or The Red Cross.
Coming Up:
Churches Together in Ramsgate, Prayer Breakfast
Saturday 4th July, 9-10am, St. Ethelbert’s Church in Ramsgate.
Friends of St. George’s Art Show
This will run from 10th to 19th July, 2-5pm, in St. George’s Church. If you want to enter a painting, drawings, prints or mixed media contact Elaine on e_hartnell@yahoo.com or Janet on 01843 852780.
ACTS: Update Evening
Monday 13th July, 7pm, St. Philip’s Church, Palm Bay, CT9 3JJ.
Join us for an evening of prayer, thanksgiving and updates about the work of ACTS. As well as a time to catch up with the ACTS team, Abi, Charlotte, Rhodri and the trustees over a cuppa and a slice of cake.
Vicarage BBQs
These will take place on Saturdays 18th and 25th July, 5-8pm. Invitations and sign-up sheets are now available at the back of the church. If you can’t make the
Interesting Blogs to Share:
JD Vance’s Spiritual Memoir
In this review of J D Vance’s book, Communion, the writer acknowledges the criticisms of Vance, whilst also seeing some helpful insights into what is motivating some men to return to faith. Read more… (10 mins)
The Nicene Sessions
This is a new podcast series that explored the Nicene Creed one line at a time with Biblical experts. Find out more…
Weekly Calendar
Sunday 5th July – Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Eucharist (St. George’s Church) Joshua 1:1-18 – 9:30am
Monday 6th
Prayer Meeting (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Tuesday 7th
Prayer Meeting (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Community Meal (St. George’s Hall) – 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 8th
Community Soup (St. George’s Church) – 12:00-2:00pm
Thursday 9th
Prayer Meeting (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Friday 10th
Start of Friends of St. George’s Art Show (St. George’s Church) – 2:00-5:00pm
Saturday 11th
Prayer Meeting (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Community Soup (St. George’s Church) – 12:00-2:00pm
Sunday 12th – Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Eucharist (St. George’s Church) Joshua 2:1-24 – 9:30am
Sunday School (St George’s, 10:30am)
Life Groups
Will you dare to share the Christian life with others? Life groups are a great way to meet together regularly with a small group of other Christians, for mutual support, to share in reading God’s word and to pray for one another.
Please see Paul if you are interested in joining one. There are now more groups available! They meet at the following times:
- Monday evening (two groups)
- Tuesday afternoon
- Wednesday morning
- Wednesday evening
- Thursday morning
There is also a youth life group on a Sunday afternoon.
Online Forms:
Under the ‘Contact’ tab on the website, there are now three forms that you can use to help us in managing the church:
- Events Application Form. Use this if you are organising a church event that needs a church room booked, advertising or ticketing.
- Submit a Notice. Use this if you want to ask us to include a prayer request or other notice in the church notice sheet or email.
- Maintenance Reporting Form.Use this to report any non-urgent issues with our buildings or grounds.
Safeguarding
Our website is now updated with the latest information about Safeguarding and links to the Diocesan form for reporting concerns and accessing training.
Training
If you volunteer in anyway at church the national authorities you should take at least the Basic Module in safeguarding training once every three years. If you hold a role connected with vulnerable adults or children and young people, then you will also need to take the Foundation Module. Once you have completed your training, please forward that certificate to James, our administrator, (office@churchramsgate.org) so that we can keep records of who has done the training.
Finally, let’s hand the future over to God,
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Priest in Charge, St. George’s Ramsgate)
St. George's Church Ramsgate 