Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Singing in the Lockdown

Acts 16v23-25 “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer … fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

Paul and Silas were literally “locked down” in the stocks … but their spirits were free. They must have been in severe pain: covered with cuts and bruises; locked in one position with no way to turn over; potential of infection in the wounds; and the future was uncertain. But they knew God was with them in their seclusion and anguish. So to God they turn in prayer and in praise. Does praying and singing lift your spirit? I don’t know how in tune Paul and Silas were, but I am confident that it was filled with joy and passion!  How are you doing in being with God in your new routines? Are you exercising your spirit in worship and prayer?

This outpouring of worship was not just of benefit to them. They were being listened to by others in the prison. I see this beautiful combination of worship to God and witness to the world. What are the people around you hearing? On social media, in the home, in the neighbourhood?

We’re a people of Hope, a people of encouragement, the people of God. Whatever our temporary situation, we have Easter behind us and eternity in front of us! May our lips and fingers be inspired by that. As the older hymn goes:

“Take my voice and let me sing,

always only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be,

filled with messages from thee.”

May God so fill you with his hope and joy that it overflows in a mighty stream,

With love and blessing,

Roland

News/Programme – Please contact Roland if you would like to join any of our church Zoom meetings.

  •  Sunday – Youtube – search for “Hope Community Church Admaston Songs Sunday”.
  • Facebook – Hope Community Church Admaston page https://www.facebook.com/HopeCommunityChurchAdmaston/?ref=bookmarks
  • Afterwards (about 11.00), we can have some more time together on Zoom.
  • Small Groups on Zoom – If you are not yet part of a small group, we encourage you to join one in this time of isolation. Please message Roland or Tony to join one.
  • Prayer on Zoom this week – Monday 20th  afternoon 2- 3pm – this is additional to our prayer at 7.30 on first Monday of month. Wednesday morning  – 8am-8.30 every week.
  • Coffee shop on Zoom – 10 – 11.30 weekdays – this is a chance to just come on to the Zoom meeting room with your coffee and have a chat with whoever is there.
  • Crochet & Craft on Zoom – 10-11.30 Saturday – Lisa is leading a group who can meet over craft this Saturday and is offering to teach those who are not sure of how to crochet.
  • Pastoral Care – We are seeking to make sure everyone is cared for during this “lockdown”. Natalie is ready to coordinate responses to need.
  • If you are in isolation as per government advice and not able to go shopping or get a prescription, please contact Natalie natalie@hopeadmaston.org.uk . She will then make the request to the volunteer “Hope Help” team.
  • Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be on the “Hope Help” team J.
  • Neighbourly care – Do watch out for your local neighbours.

Prayer

  • Give thanks:
  • For the hope we have in Christ Jesus
  • Those who are listening into our Sunday morning worship who would not normally be with us
  • For our church community.
  • Prayer:
  • Use your prayer diary to pray for each person in our church family.
  • For the Youth Alpha which is continuing.
  • For another Alpha course we are about to launch online with some young-twenties.
  • That God would work in a mighty way in our community and nation at this time and bring salvation to many.
  • Other general information
  • Spring Harvest – Big Start 9.30am – It is the last one tomorrow (Friday) – we encourage young families to join our Zoom and watch it together . Other materials are available here … https://www.youtube.com/user/SpringHarvest/videos .