Tapton Church Blog

Leader: Pat Moseley
Isaac and Keith Nockels read a poem ” If I were … I’d…
If we were not who we are would we really want to be different?
Readings: Exodus 3 11-15 I am who I am The first and the last
Revelations 1 4-8 God who was, who is and is to come
I AM WHO I AM
We are all unique – we may share genes and look alike but we are different, special, there is no one exactly like you.
we are who we are.
We have free will power but if not careful it can lead us astray – we must be careful how we use it. In Galations we read of the Fruits of the Spirit which are there to help us.
In the New Testament many times Jesus said “I am the ……. I am not of this world – believe that I am who I am.
Question for us all … who am I??
We all have faults and failings Do we do what we want to do or what God wants us to do ??
We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Disciples were ordinary folk with faults but Jesus called them and they left all behind and followed him – life was not easy but he helped them to cope with it. People influence our lives by the lives they lead and their caring for others Jesus also can influence our lives.
Each person is unique to Christ he knows us all
You are who you are.

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
of our lifes wild restless sea
day by day His voice is sounding, saying “Christian follow me”
Jesus calls us ! By Thy mercies,
Saviour may we hear Thy call,
give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all

Leader: David Carter (Hillsborough Baptist church)
Reading: John 4 27-30 The woman at the well.
Is church history boring or is it fantastic ?? In the 17th Century churches were full but at that time landowners, Lords etc., expected their staff and tenants to attend church – it was expected of them – but now …things have changed – why ??
The message is the same – is it the fault of the Church?
The woman at the well recognised that Jesus was different – that’s why she listened to Him – it changed her life.
If we can show people that we are different will they listen?
Do Christians have an impact on people around them ??
If we live day by day close to God he will help us to make a difference – God always keeps His promises He will be with us at all times.

We were posed three questions by our Minister Suzanne concerning the first Chapter of the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, in particular the prayers of Nehemiah.
1. What was our ruined Jerusalem?
2. How committed are you to praying for it?
3.How can you pray more like Nehemiah?

The group considered the questions and discussed the elements of effective prayer and a number of methods of prayer:
The mnemonic ACTS = Adoration, Confession, Thanks, Supplication.
Julian of Norwich showing with our hands awaiting, allow, accept, attend.
Using our hand to formulate our prayers with the thumb representing those nearest to us, the index finger reminding us of teachers, doctors etc., the middle finger of those in authority, the weaker ring finger of the sick or vulnerable and lastly the little finger for self.

There was general agreement that structured prayer may be alright in a group or formal occasion but not in our personal prayers.

Leader: Rev Suzanne Nockels
Julian of Norwich 14th C lived in one room with one window onto street and the other into the church. She left many writings and prayers. Her theme is Await Allow Accept Attain four things to form your prayers around.
“Those who wait on the Lord will regain their strength”

Nehemiah 1 3 -10 ch 2 1-3
Nehemiah was a manager – he was an important man in the court of Persia he heard the news – exiles can go back to Jerusalem a city without walls in ruins. He has not been to Jerusalem but he is concerned about it and he prays to God – first of all he praises God – then he lists failings and takes responsibility for them. Do we take responsibility for the failings of others?? Do we leave it to Christ to take them all?? God has not given up on his people and Nehemiah knows this he prays for something to be done to help Jerusalem – then he goes to the Emperor to ask for help would we dare to do that? We cannot always be in control we need help we need prayer.

Thought for the week ahead ..

Who/what is my ruined Jerusalem

How committed am I to praying for it ?

How can I pray more like Nehemiah ?

“Are we weak and heavy laden
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer!”

Bible study on Wednesday 20th will continue this theme

Leader: Darryl Lomas (Church Secretary)
Reading : Isaiah 2 1-4
Matthew 2 7-11
Matthew 27 3-8
The link between all three readings is metal
1. changing swords into ploughshares
2. Three wise men gold
3. Judas 30 pieces of silver
Over recent times there have been problems in the metal industry in the British Isles areas and people have suffered – in Sheffield some are on short time or wondering if they can keep open – but there is hope.
How is steel made …all types of scrap metal are thrown into a furnace and melted down – then the rubbish is taken out and things added to the remaining good stuff to make it even better.
When we follow Jesus there may be greed, envy, hate, in our lives but there is also love and kindness – he sorts out the bad from the good and adds more of His love.
We are all forged for good or bad – He will refine us if we ask Him. After wars the weapons are put into a furnace and melted down – some are made into medical instruments, cutlery etc. We can be recycled – God can do it – and when we are it is up to us to try to recycle others – to help other people to get rid of the bad in their lives and add more to the good. God gives everyone a second chance – take yours now if you have not already done so.

Bible study tonight with our minister Rev. Suzanne Nockels at 7.30pm

Leader: Rev. Suzanne Nockels
Re-packaged goods, re-named objects -things inside are still the same the products are not changed only the names. In Ecclesiastes 1 v9 we read “there is nothing new under the sun” . This is a new year we can start again put the past behind us.

Matthew 2 1-11
The Three Wise Men followed the star
the people affected by this were :
1.King Herod – we are told he was “greatly disturbed” when told of the birth of a King – so much so that he ordered the slaughter of all boys under the age of 2. He felt threatened – do we feel threated sometimes by what may be – if things aren’t as they used to be we are worried – our fears are based on insecurity. Herod felt his kingdom was under threat… but by a baby ????
2. The wise men of Jerusalem who advised the King on all matters – were not really interested in what men from the east were saying about a star and baby – they felt they had more important things to do – they did not even bother to go and see if the story was true if there really was a baby ..do we sometimes not want to do anything that is new or uncertain – do we expect Jesus in 2016??
3. The Magi – three pagan men who followed a star
– out of curiosity? Do we follow something out of curiosity too – it could perhaps turn out to be very interesting.

Where might the star lead us in 2016 – will we be apathetic or will we follow it to Christ??