News of Folk by Sylvia

It was good to have Ernest Stock back with us on Sunday feeling so much better.
Mary Salter is suffering with pain in her shoulders and at the moment is unable to drive so we have missed her at our meetings and services, and of course with Sunday School. We do pray for healing for Mary.

Uncle George Bastone is back in Seaton Hospital after another spell in Exeter hospital. He has had so much pain again, I pray for release from this.
The two lads who were involved in accidents, Tad Villiers and Christopher Clark are both improving slowly.
Peter Spence has broken bones in his ankle after a fall. Martin Adkin is still on crutches after an accident at football.

We are sorry to report several deaths, Kath Beckett has died just recently and also Anne Drake. These two ladies have taken part in much of the village life--Kath worked for Goods Pioneer Garage as secretary before running a beach café with her husband, Len. Anne was involved with the Women's Institute as well as other organizations (Anne's funeral is on 2nd Feb in St. Michael's). We send our sympathy and prayers for their families and friends.

A very sad time has been had by Carol and Brian Hales whose young grandson, Connor, died recently. Connor has been poorly for many years and his Mom and Dad have been wonderful looking after him. We send our thoughts and prayers to all the family. 
Val Curtis has lost her eldest brother, so we send our love to Val at this sad time for her family.

Congratulations go to Alexandra, who helps with our Junior Church. She has been offered a place at Imperial College, London or one at Cambridge. We pray all goes well for you Alexandra.
Jess (Boulton) has also done well in her singing exam -- well done, Jess.

I must just mention our two Christmas services which I didn't have time to include in last months Newsletter--Our Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve was wonderful and very uplifting to have such a full church come to hear and sing of that wonderful birth -- Thanks to all who took part in the Service and helped with the refreshments. Christmas morning was also a blessing to many, thanks to Roger. We do hope all who attended these services enjoyed celebrating the birth.

Our area support worker, Adrian Wyatt, is now getting to know people. He is preaching for us on 26th February so come and meet him there.

Turn from Your Sins!


So John the Baptizer came and was baptizing people in the desert area. He told the people to be baptized to show they wanted to change their lives. Then their sins would be forgiven. -- Mark 1:4 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
God's messenger was John. He was called The Baptist, or The Baptizer, because he baptized folks who came to him wanting to change their lives to align with the will of God. John's mission was to prepare
people for the coming of the promised Christ. The purposes of this baptism were to demonstrate people's turning from sin to God and to receive the forgiveness of God. What can we learn from John's mission for our lives today? First, God uses human messengers to reach the hearts of those seeking to find him.
Someone is out there seeking for God and God can use you or me to be that messenger! Second, seeking God involves two things: we turn to God and turn away from our sins. Third, everyone needs the
forgiveness of God; none of us is righteous and holy on our efforts. In other words, we need God's gracious forgiveness. So I guess that each of us can choose the message that he or she needs to hear most clearly
today. Have I come to God to receive his forgiveness and grace? Have I truly turned to God and away from sin? To whom will I be God's messenger?


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father in heaven, you are holy and awesome. Your power is beyond my comprehension. As I think about praying to you, I am humbled that you would hear me. Thank you for your gracious forgiveness that you have shared with me through the gift of your Son. I commit my life to you and I turn my back on sin in an effort to flee its grip on me. As arecipient of your grace, please help me see the person, or people, for whom I can be your messenger. In Jesus' name. Amen.


http://www.heartlight.org/