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Friday 18 January 2019

A reminder from Westminster

It has been yet another momentous week in Westminster, with now even less certainty on Brexit following Parliament’s rejection of the Government’s deal. The end of March deadline is approaching swiftly and it is incumbent upon us all to pray, as Paul urges us in 1 Timothy 2:2 “for kings and all who are in high positions so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity”.

The Prime Minister is now to meet with senior politicians from other political parties to listen and work with them to create a deal together that will work in the best interests of all. Will that be possible? It is easy to point the finger and ask why this didn’t happen earlier. But for each of us, genuine listening and understanding of the perspective of others is hard, especially when we don’t agree with them. Putting others wants and needs before our own isn’t easy. Yet seeking the good of the other is what Jesus tells us to do.

This coming week as we pray for our politicians, let’s also pray for ourselves that we would be better listeners and seek to put the needs of others before our own agendas so that God is glorified in our homes and church and our nation.

Rev Sarah Jones

Coming up...

Nothing planned for tomorrow?
Here are a couple of interesting suggestions:-
Workshop: Understanding Emotional and Spiritual Wellbeing
New Hope Community Church, 95 York Road, Reading

Sat. 19 Jan - 10am to 3pm
"The aim of this workshop is to explore the relationship between our emotional and spiritual life, working towards developing a healthier spirituality."
£5 | tea & coffee provided | Bring your own lunch
and... MUSIC - https://commongrounds.events
Chloe and Nat's house group will be hosting lunch at church on Sunday and providing the main course. If you plan to attend, please bring a pudding or soft drinks to share. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
New course starting on Thursday, led by Lisa, Gwyn and Steve. Pray for an opportunity share this with friends and neighbours. It's a great place to ask questions and explore the Christian faith in a very informal and safe environment. 
St Matthew’s is hosting the next gathering of Burn 24-7 Reading! This is a gathering of people from across Reading for a time of non-stop worship and prayer.  All are welcome. Come for as little or long as you like.
Family-friendly worship happens between 4-5pm. https://www.facebook.com/Burn247Reading/
We all enjoy our coffee and a chat after the service, but our wonderful Coffee Team is short of a couple of people. It doesn't seem like much but it makes a big difference to us if we can count on some regular extra help. Please consider joining this friendly team. If you are new, it's a brilliant opportunity to get to know people. And no need to commit for life... perhaps for a term, or maybe for 2019? The church provides everything so you don't need to spend any money, and you only need to get here about 10 mins before the service. Commitment is normally 2 or 3 times per term.
GIVE IT A GO! We'd love to hear from you!
 
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