Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

God’s Plan from the beginning

1 Peter 1v20 “He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.”

Have you ever prepared or been part of a surprise party? There is a big plan afoot, but the central recipient is unaware of it. Maybe some little clues are dropped as part of the fun, but they only maintain the intrigue rather than reveal the plan.

It is a bit like that with Jesus. God chose him right from the start – and even before the start. We so often focus on ourselves and our salvation, but this salvation is much, much bigger than you or I – it is a plan that stretches right back through time, and it is a plan which stretches right across all space. God dropped little clues in the prophets, but what they meant could only be fully seen when the real thing came into view.

While the plan maybe cosmic, the reason for revelation is for you and I – so that we can participate in it. The context of the above verse is Christ being the perfect sacrificial lamb to “redeem you from the empty way of life handed down to you”.

It helps to see our present situation in the light of the big picture. God is unfolding his amazing plan. I don’t know the detail, but he has told us the destinations and he has told us how to get there. By his grace in Christ, we are indeed redeemed from the hell-road to the heaven-road.

We may remember the birth of many great men, but the birth of Jesus calls for huge celebration, because in his life, we too have life.

With love and blessing,

Roland

News

• This Sunday
  • We will be meeting physically this Sunday and providing a live band to lead worship. This will also be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • If you are joining us on site, please let me remind you:
    • wear mask at all times indoors
    • sanitise hands on entry
    • Check in with the QR code (if you are able)
    • Go to your seat (we are not permitted to “intermingle” indoors in Tier 2)
    • The service itself will proceed as previously with the broadcast time and then the “Zoom” time.
    • Afterwards, we may only intermingle in groups of 6 outdoors.
  • Facebook live https://www.facebook.com/HopeCommunityChurchAdmaston/live
  • Youtube on Hope Community Church Admaston channel. https://youtu.be/om36aPJQpQY

• Coming Sundays
  • The above is our general plan for while we are in Tier 2 restrictions.
  • On 20^th December, we will not have a morning service, though you can offer service in helping to set up for the Carol Service. Please let Natalie know if you are willing to help.
  • On 25^th December we will meet on Zoom only at 10am for about 30-40 minutes.
  • On 27^th December and 3^rd January, we will not meet physically, but will provide a broadcast with pre-recorded materials (some publically available) and have a shorter Zoom time.
  • We will return to live in person worship on 10^th

• Carol Service
  • If you are willing to help with logistics or marshalling, please let Natalie know.

• Magazines
  • There are still a couple of sets of magazines to be distributed. If you are able to support this, it will be greatly appreciated.

• Microgroups
  • Last call for the first batch of Microgroups. If you would like to be part of one for just 15-20 minutes each week at a time to suit your group, please message Helen or Natalie.

Programme – Please contact roland@hopeadmaston.org.uk if you would like to join any of our meetings via Zoom.

Prayer

Give thanks

• For our church family together.

Prayer

• For the magazines going out, those distributing magazines and the Carol Service as it becomes publicised.
• “Ask, Seek, Knock” for God to be changing us to his likeness by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
• For those who are unwell or feeling low at the present time.