Food for Thought
Christianity has been likened to a good square meal,because it feeds human beings in all their three dimensions; our bodies, our minds and our souls. The Bible tells us our bodies are valued because they are“ the Temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Our minds are important because God calls us to reason and think things through with him. While our souls, the essence of our being, remind us we not only have an existence here and now, but also a future life that is infinite in quantity and quality to be attained.
At the Gospel Church, the fare offered in our weekly programme is always geared to meet the needs of the whole person, but we also have occasions when there is something a little bit extra special on the menu.
Looking back over the last few months, I suppose the Alpha Course would come in that latter category, when in a mix of Bible study and social togetherness, the participants found it so enjoyable that they even wanted second helpings.
Then with Mothers’ Day approaching, the young people of the church put on an evening meal for their Mums that from all reports was much appreciated. Indeed the Dads got quite jealous, which leads me on to what is on the menu for the weeks ahead.
Firstly, both parents get their annual opportunity to beat their offspring at Rounders on the evening Friday June 17th, but the following day, the younger generation will be laying on a man-size breakfast for the Dads at the church in Long Lane, having we trust already bought that special present for Fathers Day on the Sunday.
Saturday July 16th, however is a Day for everyone, because it is the day of our annual summer Barbecue, with the after dinner speaker this year being Mike Mellor from Bournemouth.
Then in September, there is the start of another Alpha Course, and a
“Church Awayday” at Downton that again will be a mixture of food, fun and contemplation on the important matters of life.
As Isaac Watts, the Southampton hymnist wrote “Religion was never designed to make our pleasures less”, and as the Bible puts it there is, “joy and peace in believing”, so that’s why I heartily recommend that good square meal called Christianity.
Roland Drake
Itchy Fingers?
Once a month, on Wednesday afternoons, the Gospel Church runs craft afternoons.
It’s an opportunity to learn a new handicraft, or to share your hobby with someone else.
We meet from 1pm to 3pm at the church building on the corner of Long Lane, near the level crossing. At the moment, some of us are trying to learn to crochet, and we’ve recently discovered spirilli and iris folding.
These are not master-classes, just a chance to get together, have a coffee, chat and a good laugh, and maybe pick up some ideas along the way.
If you would like to come, either just turn up on one of the dates below, or call Geraldine on 8086 9487 for more information.
Dates for 2005: 6th July,
21st September, &
19th October
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The
Gospel Church 
