Welcome

St Johns Church
Felbridge
Welcome to this frst edition of a new-look magazine from all of
us at St. Johns!
As people who are seeking to follow Jesus in our lives, it seems
to make sense to begin with some words from the man himself.
Here are two of the things Jesus said, recorded for us today in
the bits of the Bible known as the Greatest Commandment and
the Great Commission.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind. This is the frst and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour
as yourself.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
These words have had a deep impact on me, and on who I am,
and on what we should be about as a church. Its a tall order
loving God with everything, loving all others as ourselves,
and being active in helping people to become disciples (or
followers) of Jesus too.
This is the sort of thing youll fnd inside stories from disciples
in the making who are seeking to live lives loving God and
loving others (and not always getting it right of course!). But we
hope you will be encouraged, maybe even challenged, by some
of the stories and pictures inside.
MARK FRANCIS (vicar)
So often we fnd weekdays a lot like a grind, a drudge or more of
the same old same, until we get to the evening or the weekend
and do all those things that weve been wanting to do or
planning or dreaming of. Thats fne as our Father, through the
Bible, commends dreams, visions and sound planning - but what
about the time in between?

For me 2014 has been a rollercoaster year on the work front: loss
of leadership as my CEO resigns; development of new products
and business plan with subsequent agreement by the company
owners; hostile business environment leading to the closure of
the company and subsequent redundancy of all eight of us, with
the economic impact on eight households. Now I have a new
job with a company full of people with low commitment and low
community spirit.

Through all of this, Ive been very aware of God being with me,
not as a big genie as in those cartoon flms, but more like me
being an ambassador of God in my own location and situation;
just as a UK Ambassador has authority to speak and act on behalf
of the Queen, where she is not present.
One of the events that really helped me this year was
completing the LICC Executive Toolbox Course - three lots
of 24 hours of talks, workshops, prayer, and fellowship
(www.licc.org.uk/executivetoolbox). We were a varied lot:
CEOs, educationists, healthcare professionals, engineers,
entrepreneurs, civil servants, charity workersand barristers!

During the very frst session we were challenged to consider
which of the following 6Ms we refect in our workplace and non-
church contexts:
1. Model Godly Character
2. Make good work - excellencein what we do
3. Minister Gods grace & love
4. Mould the workplace culture
5. be a Mouthpiece for truth & justice
6. be a Messenger of the gospel
HOW ABOUT YOU?

We also refected over the six months on Gods peace as a gift
available not just for when we die but also the here and now.
Peace - wholeness well-being! Theres been much talk and hype
about the Iron Man and Avengers flms this year - the agents of
S.H.I.E.L.D. - but what about Christians being agents of peace?
Wasnt that what I needed as I sought to practise my faith in real
terms? Could I be that agent?
The gospelof Christ is one of transformation and of change,
centred around trust in and the authority of God. The LICC
Executive Toolbox reminded us that as Christians we are all
partakers in that process in ourselves and also in what and who is
about us. We are also agents of transformation!
As we develop in this, we also develop in the areas of Awareness,
Confdence and Engagement:
Aware of our workplace context, attentive to the culture and
relationships in our working environment, and able to use the
tools to analyse what we can do.
Confdent in our relationship with God as we go about our
daily work,and confdent in the gospel as good news for work,
workers and workplaces.
Engagement in our work as unto the Lord as we recognise what
good work is, and develop strategies for living out the gospel
as followers of Christ alongside our co-workers in our particular
workplaces (LICC, 2014).
Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for
the Lord, not for menit is the Lord Christ you are serving
(Colossians 3:23-24)
During this years hair raising rollercoaster, colleagues and
friends suggested that I should look out for number 1. However,
Ive been constantly reminded to uphold and maintain the
integrity of the people around me: family, colleagues, clients and
contractors, in thought and action - not that I managed it all the
time! But confdent that our Father will sustain me and my family,
this has been my main focus throughout.
Good Work
Brings: Order, Provision, Joy, Beauty
Releases: Potential
Refects the Divine: Creating, Sustaining, Redeeming
Creates opportunity for: Initiative, Creativity, Responsibility,
Accountability, Relationship, Purpose
Is Done: In Love, Obedience, Humility, and in the power of the
Spirit to the glory of God.
Faith at Work
Richard Poole writes about some of his experiences of being a Christian in his place of work, with some snapshots of the
things hes been learning at the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) Executive Toolbox.
Its a jungle out there! Out in the big bad world!! Business ...its dog eat dog!!! Its a hard job!!!!
Now, as I review this article, its 8pm on the Friday before
Bank Holiday weekend and Ive only just started my commute
home, so the place I fnd myself is no walk in the park. Yet, as
I know of others who are facing greater crises or frustrations
and others blessed with a season of calm and growth, we are
all agents of peace. He has the whole world in his hands - and
that can give us great peace.
My faith adventure at St Johns started with a cup of tea!
One Sunday evening, over 25 years ago, I was invited by a friend and her family to tea,
followed by Church and, as they say, the rest is history!
I have worshiped at St Johns ever since; it seems that being a member of St Johns is
part of Gods plan for me. I met Glen on Christmas Eve at the Midnight Service and
we married at St Johns 364 days later. We have been blessed with two children. As a
family, we have had some tricky times but, no matter how diffcult or challenging those
times have been, two things have been certain: my faith in the Lord to get us through
and the continued care and support from my Felbridge Church Family.
Now I fnd myself working in the offce at St Johns after nearly 30 years of working with children and I am loving the challenge.
Working as the Church Administrator is a bit like making a cup of tea. You make the tea the same way every time but you are never
quite sure what makes it a good cuppa. Every cup is enjoyable but always slightly different.
I start each day in the offce the same way. However, I never really know exactly which combination of events and tasks will make it
a good day. Compiling the notice sheet, fling, arranging rotas for the services, preparing service sheets, meeting new people and
helping members of the Church family are just a few of the many tasks blended together to make a good day supporting Church
life at St Johns. Every day is different but always enjoyable.
If you are passing the offce you are most welcome to come in and you never know - it might be time for a cup of tea!
The offce is open from 8:30 - 12:30, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Phone 01342 314027Email offce@stjohnsfelbridge.com.
Entrance from the South door of the hall (on the graveyard side of the church). There is a bright blue sign near the door.
INTRODUCING JANE JONES
St Johns Church Administrator.
CONNECTIONS
SUMMER OUTING
Chichester and the Wey and Arun Canal
A little bit more about our Connections Group: Connections
is a relaxed meeting point for people of retirement-age(or
thereabouts). We provide an afternoon of fun, games, friendly
conversation, and with a thought for the day from the Bible.
And of course, plenty of tea and of cake!
We meet on the frst Monday of each month, 2 4 pm,
at St. Johns Church Hall.
The doors are of course open to all we would love you to
join us and a friendly welcome is guaranteed.
More information:
Don Ely 01342 311614
www.stjohnsfelbridge.com
KERRY FLANDERS
It was around the age of 10 that I frst
remember that feeling of wanting and
needing to know more about God. For
Christmas 1998, a very special lady in my
life, my Nan, who unfortunately suffers
from vascular dementia and is unable
to remember, gave me my frst Bible. At
10 years old this book, with the delicate
wafer thin paper pages, looked very
important and I knew then that it would
be a part of my life forever.
My family are non-Christian and my
parents believed that it was for me to
make the decision for myself if I wished
to be baptised when I was older. For
many years I had been thinking it was
something I needed to do. My children
have been baptised, which was very
important and felt right for me and for
them, but in truth it never felt like the
right time for me to be baptised. I have
always worshipped in private and prayed
regularly, talking, asking and seeking
guidance, which I always felt was enough,
until I came to St. Johns. I had found my
home; this is where I felt I belonged.
The St. Johns church community, the
wonderful family feeling and the closeness
to God and his Son, it all felt so right. I feel
very blessed that the Lord has led me here,
he has opened my eyes, my heart and my
mind. He has led me to a wonderful family
who have taken me under their wing. They
share their experiences and, with the Lords
word, help and guidance, are teaching me
so much.
I believe now is the right time to be
baptised, among the church family
where I feel I belong.
Baptism Stories
JENNY DABELL
The truth is that I dont really remember
a time when I havent been aware of
my safety in Gods arms. My brother
Adam and I were blessed with incredible
Christian parents, who taught us about
Jesus, prayed with us and for us and made
sure that we were always part of a great
church fellowship. I spent years opening
Christmas presents of various Bible
based colouring books the kind where I
had to colour in a picture of a whale but
wasnt too sure who this Jonah guy was.
However, I trusted that it was all important
and that one day, when I was a grown-up, I
would properly understand it all.
When I was about nine or ten years old
I was at Spring Harvest. I remember
looking around the room and feeling an
overwhelming love for everyone there -
even for someone who, I am ashamed to
admit, had slightly irritated me all week! I
knew then that this love must be a special
kind and certainly wasnt something that
I was capable of on my own. I felt flled
with something that was supernatural
and totally indescribable.
There was no one shining moment in my
life when everything became clear; there
have been many such moments. Gods
love for me was revealed steadily over
the years- like pieces of a jigsaw. My joy
has grown each time I have received a
new piece and understood more.
It would be enough to know that Jesus
was sent to save me; to suffer and die
in my place so that nothing could stand
between me and God; to know that there
is nothing that I, in my vast foolishness,
could do to mess that up, because of
Jesus. To know that he also moves in my
life; that he desires to have and maintain
a personal relationship with me; that
His love for me is real and for today, not
just a story from long ago- thats pretty
incredible isnt it? I think that is why it is
so hard for some people to believe it is
true. Perhaps it simply seems too good.
Im still learning, unfnished, but Im
excited to know what God will bring my
way next.
CHRIS BARR
My journey to this Renewal of Baptism
Service has indeed been a long and
winding one.
Attending Church and Sunday School
here at St. Johns in my formative years
and considering myself a Christian, I
eventually drifted away from Faith as I
then understood it.
Going out into the world and being
intellectually and spiritually curious, I
passed through Buddhism, New Age
thinking, Materialism and many different
philosophical views, all of which I found
to be wanting.
In this very strong desire to fnd ultimate
truth, I found myself drawn back very
simply to the Teachings of Jesus Christ.
However, this time these seemingly
familiar words had a life altering effect
upon me.
I fnally understood Who and What I
had been seeking all along: a personal
relationship with the Living Christ.
True Faith naturally followed and,
in seeking out other Christians and
inspired by their example, I felt I wanted
to commit further.
It was then that I began to attend
regular worship back at St. Johns,
where I was warmly welcomed and
supported by all. This is now such a
factor in my new life.
My experience is a testimony to the
Power and Grace of God and his ability
to transform peoples lives at any stage.
It is never too late!
I therefore felt it important to make a
public declaration of my Faith as an
outward demonstration of a profound
inner change.
In declaring Jesus Christ as my
personal Lord and Saviour, I hope
to inspire and share my joy in fully
receiving the Gospel and to
encourage others, both inside
and outside the Church.
Jenny, Chris and Kerry
were baptised at St. John's on
Sunday 22 June 2014
God has laid this prayer on my heart. It is my personal prayer
of thanks to Him.
Thank you, dear Father for your Son, my wonderful Saviour.
Thank you for your awesome love for me. Thank you for
your carriage of me through the diffcult times, especially
the night we lost Adam. Oh, how you so clearly showed
your love for us all then; even amongst the anguish, you
had a plan.
BAPTISM PRAYER JENNY DABELL
Thank you for the way your spirit moves me and guides me,
for the way you unfailingly quell my fears time after time. My
wonderful Father, my precious Saviour- I am yours eternally
without reservation. Wash me, and further prepare me for
whatever your will decides is my best use.
My father. My friend. My completion.
Amen
How is Your
Bible Reading?
THE BIBLE CONTAINS THE VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHY SOUL
Setting aside a regular time
each day to read and think
about Gods word can be the
power-house of our spiritual
life and growth.
2 Timothy 3 verse 16 says: All scripture is inspired by God and
is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is
wrong in our lives. We can hear Gods Word in church, when
we study it together with others in a small group and by reading
it for ourselves at home. Setting aside a regular time each day
to read and think about Gods word can be the power-house
of our spiritual life and growth. Children, busyness of life or
sheer exhaustion can often make this a struggle, but there is no
substitute for a regular Bible reading habit. There are various
patterns that suit different people, and yours may change over
time, or as circumstances change.
Only 1 out of 5 Christians
seeks to read and refect
on the Bible every day
How am I supposed to ft something else into an already
overcrowded day?
Simon takes Bible reading notes on the train to read and pray
on his daily commute.
Sarah is a teacher and takes 20 minutes in her classroom at
lunchtime to read the Bible and pray.
Alex has a room at the top of his house with a comfy armchair
overlooking the local park and heads there every morning to
begin his day with God.
Glen takes time with God as soon as he gets in from work,
reading the Bible and praying as he unwinds from a busy day.
Mary gets up half an hour before the family and uses this
time to build her relationship with God as she talks to him in
prayer and listens to him in his Word.
If churches could do only one thing to
help people grow in their relationship
with Christ, their choice is clear. They
would inspire and equip their people
to read the Bible and refect on it for
meaning in their lives. Quoted from the
book, Move: What 1,000 churches Reveal
About Spiritual Growth.
It can be very helpful to use some of the many guides and
daily notes available to help us as we read the Bible. Some
people prefer a small booklet to use alongside their Bible,
while others fnd having an app or daily email to their phone,
tablet or computer more appropriate for their needs. Bible
helps and guides come in many different styles and formats
which can involve reading one book of the Bible at a time,
reading passages on a particular theme or even reading right
through the Bible from beginning to end. Please see some
of the websites below for more information about adult or
childrens Bible Reading material or talk to Mark, Don, Gill,
Rosemary and others at church. We will be happy to advise
or order something that we believe will help you to read the
Bible regularly.
www.thegoodbook.co.uk
(Follow the Bible tab, then Daily Bible Reading)
www.brfonline.org.uk
(Follow the Subscriptions or Downloads tabs)
www.wordlive.org
(Scripture Union notes or apps)
See also www.cwr.org.uk
(On Home page: Daily Bible-reading notes read more...)
www.esv.org/assets/pdfs/rp.one.year.tract.pdf
BEST BUYS FOR CHILDREN
AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Join children across the world who are getting to know God
better through Bible reading and prayer.
5-7s XTB
My 6-year-old loves her nightly XTB Bible readings. Its been
great for getting her into reading her grown up Bible. XTB
has certainly proved popular with her, but why are adult Bible
reading notes not full of fun puzzles?
7-11s Snapshots
Each day discover more about God through a short Bible
reading and a variety of other activities such as cracking
codes, flling in missing letters, drawing pictures, thinking
and praying.
11-14s Discover
It is presented relevantly in a fun way, whilst providing food
for thought.
14-18s Engage
It makes you think and helped me with things I wasnt
sure about.
It shows how the Bible relates to you, making me want to read
the Bible more.
Luke was someone who was there at
the time when Jesus was alive, he was
a physician, and he did a whole load of
research from eye-witnesses before writing
his account to make sure the things he
wrote about Jesus were accurate.
He tells us, I myself have carefully
investigated everything from the
beginning.
An absence of this kind of thorough
research can put us off believing in God
but Luke has done his homework as any
physician would.
Maybe youve never actually sat down
and read one of the accounts of Jesuss
life in the Bible, a bit like you would a
biography today.
Many people assume they know whats
in there without actually reading for
themselves, and yet many people also
fnd there is something about this man
Jesus which is incredibly compelling.
Why has he had an impact on our world
like no other, and can he really have an
impact for good in my life today?
If you would like to take a look for
yourself copies of Lukes account
from the Bible are available at St. Johns
for free. Just call in to the offce or
the church.
UNCOVER is an opportunity to examine the evidence about the life
and purpose of Jesus Christ either on your own or discussing with others.
Or if you would like the opportunity to
discuss these things with others Uncover
groups are happening in the autumn
(relaxed and informal, a bit like a book
group as we read Lukes biography).
Email offce@stjohnsfelbridge.com if
youd like details.
Also, if you have questions about faith
we cant promise to have answers for
them all but were always happy for
people to ask. Come and visit us on a
Sunday or email offce@stjohnsfelbridge.
com and someone will get back you.
It includes:
A copy of the Bible book written by
Luke, his evidence for Jesus.
A booklet to go with it looking at
some of the key passages from Luke.
A website with videos in support of
the evidence in Luke.
01342 314027
offce@stjohnsfelbridge.com
www.stjohnsfelbridge.com
I didnt know Jesus actually claimed
himself to be God on earth
I like the people Jesus hangs out
with its not what Id expect
I never quite got it before why his
death is such a big deal
After months of engaging with
the claims of Jesus and of really
wrestling through some intellectual
and moral objections, I said, I have
no doubt that Jesus is the greatest
man who ever lived, and I have no
doubts now that to follow Him is
truly good; I just didnt know that He
was actually alive now. Now I do, and
I want to follow Him. u