The Big Story - Sunday 24th January 2021
The Bible is a big book – but have you ever wondered how it all fits together? Is it really telling one Big Story which makes sense of all its smaller ones?
Starting on Sunday 24th January, come on a journey with us as we discover God’s Big Story – and how we can find our part it in. As we explore each part of the story in our Sunday service, we will have a children’s talk and adult sermon on the same theme. If you miss a week, or start late, catch up later on our YouTube channel.
New! We have material for four streams of younger people – infant and junior for primary aged children, and younger and older streams for teenagers. Please visit our Big Story page to download booklets, worksheets and templates.
We are permitted by the government and the Church of England to meet in church, but we are strongly encouraging everyone who can to stay at home and participate online.
Nevertheless, the service in the building will be open to those who wish to attend in person, for example those who are unable to participate online or those for whom staying at home is difficult.
The YouTube livestream will start around 9.55am with some music and the service will start at 10am and end around 11am. It includes a children's talk and song near the beginning. To watch, please click this link to go straight to the service or tap on the image above. You can also go to our YouTube channel and set a reminder. Please use YouTube chat to say hello or ask questions. There will also be a chance to chat using Zoom after the service at 11.20; the details are in this week's email notices.
Read the Bible in 2021
Do you want a meaningful New Year's resolution? Have you always wanted to read through the whole Bible but never got round to it? Will you resolve to find time to study a Bible passage and spend time praying every day?
Please do check the Reading the Bible section of the Church website. We have compiled a list of links to many resources, including free audio daily Bible readings apps for iPhones and iPads, Android smartphones and tablets along with other devices; including the Bible in One Year (from HTB), the Daily Audio Bible podcast and Read Scripture from the Bible Project, all of which take you through the whole Bible in a year.
The notice email also has daily readings alongside each day on the diary page to enable you to do the same. The readings are linked to a daily Bible Reading Plan that is available in various formats from the Reading the Bible page.
Finally, if you don't own a Bible to read, please contact the Church Office and we will make sure you receive one.
North West Gospel Partnership Annual Conference
This year's NWGP Annual Conference is taking place over a number of days from Saturday 23rd January - Saturday 20th February. It consists of a series of online talks unpacking Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The conference is aimed not at Church leaders but congregation members and it is hoped that it will be a tremendous encouragement through these difficult days.
The sessions are being premiered at 10am on YouTube in January & February and feature guest speakers from across the North West.
Each session includes a talk, a regional update, prayers and a song of praise from the usual Annual Conference band.
Saturday 23rd January - Mark Pickles – The Gospel Advance: Strange but Unstoppable
Saturday 23rd January - Paul Mathole – The Gospel Hope: Rejoicing in Life and Death
Wednesday 27th January - Dave Lewis - The Gospel Partnership: Fuelled by Humility
Wednesday 3rd February - Andrew Towner – The Gospel Displayed in us: Shining like Stars
Wednesday 10th February - Gerry Straker – The Gospel Culture: Safeguarding one Another
Wednesday 17th February - Andrew Raynes – The Gospel Goal: Pressing on to win the Prize
Saturday 20th February - Peter Roberts – The Gospel Peace : Sustaining us in an anxious and divided World
Saturday 20th February - Tim Hanson – The Gospel Treasure: True Riches in Christ
From this link you can subscribe to the NWGP YouTube Channel or ask to be added to the Annual Conference email distribution list.
COVID-19
During the current lockdown, the government permits churches to open for services. Therefore, we are still holding services in St John's church building with limited numbers, following strict COVID Secure guidelines. However, our recommendation is to stay at home and participate online if possible.
Booking is not required if you are attending the building. To reduce delays, please use the NHS COVID-19 Contact Tracing App and scan our QR code when entering the building. Otherwise, you will have to complete a track and trace form - ideally please download it and complete it in advance. Paper copies will be available in church too if needed.
We have further increased the spacing between seats. The Welcome Team will meet you with a friendly greeting and help you through the process. Please expect us to be strict about face coverings, hand sanitising, the one way system and not lingering to chat before and after the service. The Welcome Team have little flexibility when applying the rules, for example you will not be able to choose your normal seat.
Of course, everyone must wear a mask throughout the service if they are aged 11 or over. You must not gather in groups to chat before or after the service.
Please take a few minutes to watch our Returning to Church video.
