Sunday was “Fostering Sunday” in Ashwood and we had a special Guest Speaker – Zoe Bell! (Zoe is part of Ashwood but also works for 100 Homes in Nottingham).
Zoe spoke to us from 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 – “We are all like broken jars of clay”. She talked about the Japanese art of Kintsugi. Where pots and vases are repaired using liquid gold – so the cracks become a beautiful feature as well as restoring the pot/vase to usable condition once more.
God does something similar with people lives and turns our brokenness into something beautiful too if we allow Him. This concept is expressed also in the Hebrew word: “Shalom” which is often translated as “Peace” in the bible, which is true, but there is so much more depth to the meaning. It also means:
- Wholeness/Completeness
- Reconciliation
- Well-being and Safety
- Active restoration
- Prophetic Hope
Zoe encouraged us to “Be OK with being a fragile pot”. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses… For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
As a church we are a supported of 100 Homes but more than that we want to help to play a part in bringing “Shalom” to the Fostering System which is currently broken itself. If you’d like to find out more about how you could personally be involved you can!
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.
On Sunday we had a special guest speaker! Alex Stibbard (Anchor Point Church and also Betel Nottingham) spoke in the fifth part of our “Worshipping Church” series, on the “Worship of heaven.” Referring to the imagery that is seen in Revelation chapter 5. Here the author (John) describes a picture of unceasing, awe-filled worship centred entirely on Jesus who is “the lamb” —where countless voices declare His holiness, worth, and glory.
Alex reminded us that God always had a plan, and still has a plan today. Jesus (who has a number of different names – the Lion of Judah and the ancestor of King David) is still on the throne today, and the worship of heaven is not just forward looking but also today. He reminded us of the superiority, power and worth of Jesus – the reason that all of heaven worships Jesus – at the centre at it all, who has conquered the death.
Alex shared some of his personal and vulnerable stories from his own experience, with encouragement and application for us too.
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.