Living, enjoying and sharing God's amazing love with the people of Maidenhead
During the winter season, we’ll be having our usual series of Monthly Conferences on the second Saturday of each month, from 7pm.
This year, we’re looking at the overall subject of Important Spiritual Issues for believers today.
The full details and dates are listed below and we hope you’ll be able to join us for some of the sessions.
On what had been our first ‘Light Night’ for a few years, we had a good number joining with us for an evening of fun and activities.
We've had a great turnout for tonight's #LightNight with everyone enjoying games and other activities.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 31, 2012
We organised the ‘Light Night’ as a safe alternative for children and their parents in which they could enjoy playing games and other activities rather than indulging in ‘trick or treat’ around the houses.
The main hall was decorated with strings of fairy lights hung across the room which provided atmospheric lighting for the evening.
The seventeen children and associated parents and helpers began the evening by playing games which were loosely organised by Phil and kicked off with Newspaper Hockey which was followed up by Chinese Laundry and Musical Chairs.
Alan then told the story of Gideon’s defeat of the Mideonites, taken from Judges 7, highlighting light and darkness.
Afterwards, the children went through into the back room where Lesley organised the making and colouring of paper torches before the evening finished with light refreshments organised by Hayley and Kerry.
Around 80 people gathered in a happy occasion to witness two of our youngsters, Sam and Ben, taking the step of baptism.
Early preparations underway for tomorrow's baptisms. #gettingintohotwater pic.twitter.com/iRZcWPoC
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 27, 2012
The service was chaired by Jon Cox, who also played guitar for most of the singing.
Alan conducted the baptisms and Jon Colman gave a short message.
Here’s how things unfolded on Twitter:
Jon begins this morning's baptismal service by welcoming those gathered and introducing our first hymn 'All I once held dear'.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Victor comes up to run through upcoming events: #LightNight, the next #FamilyService, #SundayClub, #Toddlers and #FridayClub.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Victor opens in prayer before @Jon_r_cox gives out our second hymn 'Majesty'.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
.@alan_r_m comes up to explain about what baptisms are and why we baptise at Parkside using Matthew 28 and Romans.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Baptism symbolises what has happened in Sam and Ben's lives when they became Christians in putting to death their old lives.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Baptism takes place once a person has become a Christian. Alan explains the process highlighting Philip and the Ethiopian.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Before the first baptism takes place we sing two verses of 'O Happy Day'.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
The two baptisms take place with Alan baptising Ben and Sam.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
While they're getting we sing 'Jesus put this song into our hearts' and 'Purify my heart'.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Jon Colman comes up to speak and begins by using a mobile as an example. We use a mobile to search, in the same way we can use the Bible.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Mobiles can be broken much like our lives – All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We're all broken in God's eyes.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
When a mobile is out of power it needs plugging in. The Bible says that by grace we're saved through faith. We need God's help.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Jesus is our power. Without him we cannot be saved. With him we need never run on empty.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
We all have a calendar on our phone but don't know our future. God knows our future and has plans for our lives if we listen to him.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
We need light to see our mobiles. God is our light and will show us the right path to take.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
All our mobiles have a ringer. God wants to speak to you and is always available for us to speak to him. Will you answer God's call?
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
Jon closes the baptism service in prayer, particularly remembering Sam and Ben.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 28, 2012
With many of our regular number away, we were delighted to have a large number of visitors for our Family Tea this afternoon.
We had around 70 people present to enjoy a mixture of sandwiches and cakes, culminating in the traditional jelly and ice cream.
We've got around 70 people in for for our tea this afternoon. Great to meet new friends and welcome old ones too. pic.twitter.com/axYVOfBE
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) October 14, 2012
Alan chaired the evening and, after tea, some of the children from Sunday Club came to the front to help him run through the Ten Commandments, a subject that they’ve been learning about recently on Sunday mornings.
They also enjoyed singing some of the choruses from Sunday Club, before Daniel Rudge came to speak over the tea table.
In a short, powerful message he told the story (from Numbers 20) of Moses striking the rock in the wilderness to bring forth water finishing with linking to 1 Corinthians 4:10 – ‘that rock was Christ’.
With the new ‘The Link Coffee Bar’, the upcoming baptism, the planned Light Night and the forthcoming Christmas activities we’re really looking forward to the weeks ahead.
Our next regular Family Service is on 18th November at 11.30am.
Our Annual Conference took place today, when we enjoyed a visit Robert Revie, from Scotland, giving a report on his recent work in Ethiopia.
After a break for tea, and a chance to chat, Robert shared with us some thoughts on Gideon, from Judges 6 and 7.
At the bottom of this post, you can listen to both messages.
Below are tweets from the afternoon report:
This afternoon's Conference is chaired by David Angell and we're delighted to welcome Robert Revie to give a report on the work in #Ethiopia
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Robert expresses his delight at being back with those at Maidenhead. He begins by reading John 4: 30-35, highlighting verse 35.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
'Things are difficult at the moment. Remember to look up, God is still working in this world. We're urged to "Go into all the world."'
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Robert and Sheena first went out to #Ethiopia in 1969 but had to come back in 1979. Able to return in 1993 after the downfall of Communism.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
The return visit to Ethiopia in 2012 was Robert's 19th since 1993. #Ethiopia has the second highest population in Africa with 79 million.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
In Addis Ababa, Robert has access to an office with guest house accommodation.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
The first place Robert refers to is Chobi. New buildings have been built over the last three years, including accommodation.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Last year there were over 3000 people at a conference there. Many 'first generation' Christians in Chobi.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Great work going on in Chobi with many people becoming Christians.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
The second place that Robert looks at is Asgori where they have a Bible Study at 7am!
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
In Ginchi there were 8 evangelists in 1993 and now over 200. Last year they had a conference for evangelists' wives in Ginchi.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
In Geldu they have a hall built big enough for 300 believers. In Koray they have a new hall as well, with around 28 meeting there.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Travelling in Ethiopia is very difficult with many roads crossing through rivers. In Bikay there are now three new outreaches.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
In Gibre Guracha there are also now three new outreaches. In Ginda Birit there are now eight assemblies after starting from nothing.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
In the north of Ethiopia the population is 98% Islam. In Kamisay there were 80 young people meeting on a Saturday morning.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Tremendous work going on in the churches of #Ethiopia. Ethiopians spend much time is prayer. God is moving powerfully there.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Remember the leaders and evangelists in prayer as well as the books that have been produced. Remember the Ethiopian believers in prayer.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Below are tweets from Robert’s evening session:
Tonight, in the second part of our conference, Robert is looking at Judges 6 and 7 – the story of #Gideon.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
The book of Judges begins with the death of Joshua. Chapter 6 is a contrast with what has gone before. 'You have not listened to me' – 6:10
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Challenge to us all as to what is being achieved each year. Are we making progress for the Lord?
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Second challenge on putting into practice the things we hear taught. So often we hear but don't do anything about it.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Everything is seen by God. He saw #Gideon and his angel greeted him 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.' Another challenge to us.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Judges 6: 16 The Lord answered 'I will be with you…' He is still with us today and will be forever.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
#Gideon sought guidance from God with the fleece (6: 36-40) We still look to Him for guidance in our lives today.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
#Gideon had too many men to fight against the Midianites and ended up with 300 men to defeat the thousands of Midianites with God's help.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
God can still work through us today, even though we may be few in number, His power is still with us. #challenge
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) September 22, 2012
Click below to listen to the two messages:
Afternoon report on work in Ethiopia:
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Evening ministry on Gideon
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Parkside Christian Fellowship