An Afternoon in Chaupine

AN AFTERNOON IN CHAUPINE, When we first came to France in the summer of 2006, Pam and I had a sort of dream that we would hold a worship service in our own home. Actually we thought of holding it in the garden and calling it “Church in the Garden”. Well we couldn’t have used the garden last Sunday because it was raining, but we did have a lovely time of worship and praise in our home. It is always a blessing to meet with other people who want to say “thank you” to the Lord for His goodness to them. Jacky, who led the singing for the first time, had several strange things happening during the previous week. It always seems to be more than a co-incidence that when someone steps out to do something for God, then some odd niggles happen in their lives, but we have seen it so often over the years. We were blessed by her leadership and choice of songs. My talk was based on Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi. The letter was originally written in the Greek language, which was the most widely understood language of the day. In English we use the same word for “you” whether we mean “all of you” a whole group, or just “you” as a single individual. So in English Bibles it isn’t easy to know whether some promise or command in the Bible is for an individual or for the whole room full. But in the original language two different words are used for the singular or plural. So we read three statements “God who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” Philippians 1: 6 Paul is talking about God’s work of salvation. “Rejoice in the Lord and let your gentleness be known to all” Philippians 4:4 there he is talking about sensitivity. “The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 in that section the theme is security. We learnt that in all those three examples the “YOU” is the plural one. We are meant to be the together people. Salvation and sensitivity and security together. NEXT CAFE CHURCH EVENT IS SUNDAY APRIL 24th Sing some great songs on Easter Day – one of which is linked with a powerful Video and then share in a simple act of Communion around the tables. Tea and Cake from 5pm with Cafe Church from 5:30 for about an hour. GRAHAM KENDRICK CONCERT FRIDAY JUNE 3rd Such has been the interest in this event, from far and wide, that we have now made it an all ticket event. Tickets are free, but need to be ordered soon please, the cut off date being the end of April. Please be realistic in your order for tickets and send your total (if possible with email addresses of those coming) as soon as you can. Why not place your first order this week and then send in fresh orders as others say that they want to come. The free ticket will gain admission on the night but seats will be on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 7:15pm for a prompt start at 8pm Isn’t it exciting! Praise God with us! With our love, Derek and Pam