What’s Happening

Keep On Keeping On!

Apr 28, 2026

When studying languages, the formation and use of tenses are key to being able to express oneself fluently. Past, present and future time frames are expressed in a variety of ways in different languages, with English having three ways of talking about the present: ‘I pray,’ ‘I do pray’, ‘I am praying‘, for example, with the ‘I am praying’ known as the continuous present tense, expressing something that goes on for a period of time. Often when we use this tense, we are talking about something which happens regularly or frequently.

Continuing in something is often the key to success, one-off actions not always being what we need. In our Christian journey, we do not just pray, trust, believe, hope or rejoice on one occasion. We are called to do these things repeatedly, continuously.

Sometimes these actions come easily to us: a sunny day causing us to rejoice, an answer to prayer buoying our faith. But at other times it goes against the grain to believe, trust, hope or rejoice.

Circumstances drag us down, and it is far easier on those occasions to doubt, complain and despair.

Psalm 52 was written at a difficult time in David’s life. Despite having been anointed king over Israel, he was on the run for his life as the present incumbent (Saul) was intent on destroying him. Doeg the Edomite had betrayed David’s whereabouts to Saul, and although David had escaped Saul’s murderous clutches, the priest (Ahimelek) and his family had not. (1 Sam 21-22) David was distraught, hurt, angry and frustrated. The psalm clearly reveals those feelings. But at the end, David reiterates his intention to keep on trusting God, to hope in His unfailing love and to declare His praises for all the good things He had done. (Ps 52:8-9)

We must learn to keep on doing these good things even in dark times. Persistence and perseverance lead to victory. Keep on keeping on! Hope, trust, love and praise God, no matter what.

The History Of The Church

Apr 26, 2026

Today we looked further at the subject of ‘the church’, looking into the history of the church and the formation of denominations. In 1054 there was a split between Eastern and Western Christian churches which continues to this day; in the 16th century the Reformation and Martin Luther saw the origins of the Protestant church which split from Rome. In England this had profound consequences, with Henry VIII backing the Protestant church (partly to justify his divorce from the Catholic Catherine of Aragon), and a period of religious persecution depending on the beliefs of the current monarch. Further ‘splits’ within the Protestant traditions occurred later on, with John and Charles Wesley responsible for the formation of the Methodist Church. Other denominations have arisen as churches focus on particular aspects of doctrine (e.g. the Baptist church which looks at the need for adult baptism of believers and Pentecostal/ charismatic churches which believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in church life today.)

Often, which church we attend is as much about ‘styles’ of worship as doctrine, but there is a broad consensus of belief amongst many churches which focuses on Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection in particular. We should aim to work with all who believe this is the way of salvation and not be divisive unnecessarily.

In Eph 4 we looked at ‘church’ and ‘the local church’, seeing that there are ministry gifts in the church which help the church to grow. We are all part of the church, a role which is not just functional in church services. Our involvement means we can build others up and all are needed. Some ministries are focussed inside the building; others are focussed outside, but all of us are needed and have a role to play.

What’s Available At GPCC

Apr 24, 2026

GPCC runs a number of community-based activities available in addition to our church service on Sundays at 3 p.m. and our Bible study/ prayer meeting on Thursdays at 7.30 p.m.

1. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (meeting twice weekly in term time on Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m., aimed at families with 0-5 year olds). Term-time only.

2. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (held on the 1st Saturday of each month between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.)

3.𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬 (‘Mindful Moments’) for adults, held on the 3rd Monday of the month between 6 and 8 p.m.

In addition, the community room is used by other groups on a regular basis:

1.𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐭 (gentle exercise for the over 50s), held on Tuesday mornings between 10 and 11 a.m.

2. 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 (Wednesdays, 4.30-5.30 p.m.) and 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 (Wednesdays, 5.45-7.15 p.m.) for children aged 4-7 and 7-12 respectively. Term-time.

3. 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝(Thursdays 5-6 p.m.)

Starting on Monday 18 May on alternate Monday mornings, there will be a craft session run by 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. More details to follow.

In addition, the community hall is available for hire for birthday parties. Light up numbers and soft play for children’s parties in particular can be hired from Turners’ Tiny Parties. The room costs £15 per hour to hire, is big enough for a bouncy castle to fit in, and the kitchen and toilets are included in this hire.

One Person Can Make A Difference

Apr 24, 2026

Yesterday was St George’s Day. St George (the patron saint of England, among other countries) is probably most famous for the legend that he killed a fierce dragon which was causing panic in the city of Silene in Libya. To keep the creature from ravaging the city, the inhabitants gave it two sheep each day, but when the sheep were no longer enough, they were forced to sacrifice people chosen by the townsfolk themselves. Eventually the king’s daughter was selected, and no one was willing to take her place. George saved her by slaying the dragon with a lance. The king was so grateful that he offered George treasures as a reward for saving his daughter’s life, but George refused and urged him to give them to the poor instead. The townspeople were so astonished by what they witnessed that they all became Christians and were baptised.

This story reminds us that one individual can make a huge difference to many people. In John 4, we read how the words of Jesus transformed the life of an unnamed Samaritan woman, and how her witness to her neighbours transformed a whole town. This is the power Jesus has, how He transforms us through His knowledge of us and how, if we respond to His words, we can know living water that wells up, leading to eternal life.

Nicodemus sought Jesus out by night; this woman does not seek Jesus out, but He seeks her out, reminding us that He came to seek and save the lost. He engages in conversation (a shocking thing to do since He was a male Jew and she was a female Samarian), reminding us that the gospel transcends nationality, gender, and religious barriers. Jesus spoke of His food being to do the Father’s will; there is an urgency in His words which reminds us that sharing our stories with others as to God’s goodness and power is a huge part of our everyday witness. God is looking to bring many people into His kingdom, and this one woman became key to the salvation of people in Sychar. May we be so transformed bythe words of Jesus that we become key witnesses in the salvation of our local areas.

Living Under God’s Favour

Apr 19, 2026

When we ask someone ‘Can you do me a favour?’, we usually mean something relatively minor! God’s favour is a major thing, however, a blessing we experience as God’s people though it is completely undeserved. God’s favour has been defined as ‘the divine kindness, approval and blessing bestowed upon individuals; it is His unmerited grace and supernatural support.’God loves us and wants to bless us. No amount of effort and good works can earn His favour, but the good news is that God’s grace, mercy and loving-kindness are there for each one of us regardless. He loves us because He has decided to do so; He gives us more grace because He chooses to do so. (James 4:6)

God’s favour is something we accept by faith, but we must let Scripture renew our minds until we are transformed by this truth (Rom 12:2), rather like the infusion that happens when we make a pot of tea or receive medicaiton or fluids by intravenous drips. Favour is not the same as favouritism (Rom 2:11). God has enough favour for us all! Access to HIs favour means we have access to life in all its fulness (John 10:10) and is based on His faithfulness (Lev 26:9) Prov 11:27 tells us that ‘whoever seeks good finds favour’; Daniel tells us problems come if we do not ‘seek God’s favour by turning from your sins and giving attention to God’s truth.’ (Dan 9:13) He was someone who knew God’s favour even in adverse circumstances (living in exile, see Dan 1:9) and he gives us a clue as to how to continue in God’s favour: by turning from sin and paying attention to God’s truth. It’s not enough to hear and understand what God says. We must then put it into practice; we must obey it. (Matt 7:24)

God’s favour means we have access to abundant life now and eternal lfie too. We live under God’s protection (see Ps 5:12, Ps 91:9-13) We also know the favour of other people (as Moses demonstrated when the Israelites left Egypt with gold and silver, see Ex 3:21, Ex 11:3, Ex 12:36) Nehemiah was treated with favour by the king and allowed to go back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the walls (Neh 2:1-10). Solomon was blessed by the Queen of Sheba who came with spices and large quantities of gold and precious stones (1 Kings 10:2), Cyrus, a foreign king, allowed the Israelites to go back to Israel and build a temple with his blessing. (2 Chron 36:23) As Prov 16:7 says, ‘When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.’

God is a God of abundance, grace and blessing. As God’s people, we can give thanks for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many (2 Cor 1:11) and can live as Jesus did, ‘in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52) God’s favour is one of the greatest gifts He can give to us, and if we will walk humbly with Him, we are guaranteed to have His favour, not because we deserve it, but because of His grace and mercy to us. Isaiah said, ‘These are the ones I look on with favour: those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at my word.’ (Is 66:2) May we humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God so that He can lift us up and we can live with fulness of life, protection and favour, walking with our God every day of our lives.

Largesse

Apr 14, 2026

Recently I wrote about words adopted into English from other languages; I love the etymology of words (finding out about their origins.) Today’s word for me is ‘LARGESSE.’

This word comes from the Latin word ‘largus’, meaning ‘copious’ or ‘generous’ (think ‘large’!), and is a French word. It’s one of those words whose meaning we can guess at (to do with size!), and is synonymous with generosity, bounty, philanthropy and giving. There is indeed a sense of big-ness in this word, an open-handed liberality which often signifies a lavish act of kindness. We use it to talk about a billionaire’s philanthropy, about money that is given freely to help others.

Each year I rely on the largesse of funders to support the charitable work I do in the community. I am profoundly grateful to be the recipient of such generosity and practical kindness. It’s impossible for me to measure the value of such largesse, for the effect and impact go way beyond the monetary value of the giving.

But more than this largesse, I am profoundly grateful for the largesse of God, for His unmerited favour, for His unearned grace, for HIs deep generosity to me, not only in the daily provision He provides (Jehovah Jireh!) but also for His mercy, protection and goodness.

Something of the largesse of God is expressed in Luke 6:38: ‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’

My grandchildren still haven’t fully got the hang of pouring liquid into cups. Sometimes they keep on pouring long after the container is full, and the result is messy – liquid everywhere! There’s a reason the teacup has a saucer: to catch the overflow!

God is like my grandchildren! He doesn’t mind more. He gives abundantly, lavishly, generously, more than we need; He gives with largesse. He expects us to be the same, and challenges us with a promise attached to the challenge: ‘give, and it will be given to you.’ He challenged the Israelites to honour Him with their tithes and offering, giving Him the firstfruits of all they did: ‘Test me in these things ,and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store it.’ (Mal 3:10)

Our largesse can never match God’s, but we can certainly follow the example of His generosity. (2 Cor 9;6-11) Largesse begets largesse; generosity fuels generosity.