Water in the Bible

During these days of heatwave, lack of rain and talk of water shortages I am sure our minds have often turned to the importance of water for all living things. It got me thinking about references to water in the Bible and I was surprised to note how many and varied the references are.

In the very early chapters of Genesis we read about the flood which devastated the world at the time and which reminds us that, although God is a God of love, there has to be judgement for sin. That is the very reason God sent Jesus to take the judgement for us.

There are a couple of Old Testament stories where water becomes a barrier: when the Israelites were being followed by the Egyptians and they reached the Red Sea, and when Joshua reached the River Jordan on his way into the Promised Land. In both cases God temporarily removed the barrier and the people were able to move forward. I am sure we have all experienced such barriers, such times of difficulty in our lives and I am sure many of us, too, have experienced God’s bringing us through.

In the New Testament we read of Jesus offering the woman at Samaria living water (John 4:13-14), a picture of the eternal life we can have if only we accept it, as the woman did. The woman then went back to the town and called others to come so that they, too, could meet the giver of living water. If we have received this living water, are we sharing it with others?

Then there is the water of baptism, a symbol of our having been buried with Christ and raised to newness of life. (Col. 2:12)

We know very well that water enables growth and that is why we are missing it so much at the moment. In addressing issues in the church at Corinth Paul testified that he had planted the seed that had led to the founding of the church but it was Apollos, another disciple, who had watered the seed and caused the church to grow. The church still needs its waterers, helping new Christians to grow in their faith. Paul did acknowledge, as we must, that it is God that makes the seed grow. (1 Cor. 3:6)

There are several places in the Old Testament where the writers have obviously experienced the feeling of peace and serenity that can come through relaxing by a smoothly flowing stream or quiet lake and they have used that feeling as an example of the peace and serenity that God can give if we take time to take advantage of it.

Ps. 23:2 and Jer. 31:9 are examples.

As we pray for rain to water our parched gardens and the surrounding countryside let us also remember some of the lessons we can learn from the many Biblical references to water.

Mary Breeze

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

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Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at the Church Building (details here) for our Sunday Service starting at 10am. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team who will be wearing a Welcome lanyard.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits from 10am, before the service begins. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer.

Our Service

The main service begins at 10am with a warm welcome from one of our team members. We share news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. Following this is a time of sung and spoken worship. We typically have 2 or 3 songs lasting approximately 20 minutes. Often a person will pray out loud or read a small passage from the bible. Sometimes people share things that they believe God is saying to the whole church family. One of our leaders will then give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. There is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.

images: Services

What about my kids?

We have a great programme lined up for kids of all ages:

Creche (0 months to 3 years). Children under 6 months are welcome but must be accompanied by their parent/grown-up at all times.
BRBK (4-11 years)

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. Part way through the service, the leader will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups.

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

Getting Connected

House Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out House Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Leader 1		Leader 2
Leader Intro		Leader Intro

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes

(Handwritten Signature)