From the Pastors Pen…Greetings in Christ! I hope that you have had a Christ filled Christmas.

Let me ask you how's your vision? Many of us would love to be able toanswer that question with a response like, “my vision is 20/20”. Alas,while many of us would like to answer that way, we may need glasses orcontacts to get us to that point.

Well, this year is 2020! I know it's not quite the same as physical vision,but the number of the year gives us an excellent opportunity to take ourown “spiritual eye exam.”

Ephesians 1: 18 says; I pray that the eyes of your heart may beenlightened so that you will know what the hope of His calling is, whatare the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. (NIV).

There is a song we often hear with the title “Open the Eyes of My HeartLORD.” This song builds on the idea from Ephesians that God wants usto see with the eyes of faith! The eyes of faith go far beyond where ourphysical or sensory eyes will take us as individuals and as a church.

Let me ask you some questions?

When did you first learn about Christ? Was it from a friend? At church? At home? When did God become more than just a word to you? Whendid faith become a personal relationship, and not just a religion, foryou? It’s good to look back and remember. The writer of Hebrews says,

  “Think  back  on  those  early  days  when  you  first  learned  aboutChrist.”  Hebrews 10:32 (NLT)

Remember the passion you felt for God – the feeling of relief from theburden of sin, guilt, and shame, the unspeakable joy, the peace andconfidence of knowing that you were forgiven and accepted by God!

Temptation seemed to have lost its grip and you felt free! Nothing elsemattered as Jesus took first place in your life. It was exciting; for someperhaps, even sensational! For others, the feelings may not have beenas ecstatic, but the reality was the same.

God did a work of grace, and His grace was not without effect. You werechanged, born again! Old things passed away, and all things becamenew! And you had a new outlook on life. Hope replaced despair!

Just looking back for a moment causes gratitude to rise. He chose me!He chose you! Before you set your gaze on the year ahead, glance back.Consider what God has done and give Him thanks. How did He work inyour life in 2019? What prayers did He answer? In what ways have yougrown spiritually? And also the many blessings we have encountered asa church fellowship at Rowley Baptist Church last year in 2019.

God often called His people to reflect their thanks in worship. Jacobreturned to Bethel and built an altar. Joshua left stones of remembranceon the other side of the Jordan. Isaiah said,

“Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which youwere mined. Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor, and Sarah, whogave birth to your nation. Abraham was only one man when I called him.But, when I blessed him, he became a great nation.” Isaiah 51:1-2 (NLT)

Take some time today and think back on those early days when you firstlearned about Christ. Give thanks so that you are enabled by the powerof the Holy Spirit to share your experience of faith with someone whoneeds to be introduced to Christ this New Year!

Have a blessed New year in 2020. Kind Regards, Paul Harris.

How to plant your garden

First, you come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on theroses…

For the garden of your daily living,

Plant three rows of Peas:Peace of mind, Peace of heart, Peace of soul.

Plant four Rows of Squash:Squash gossip, Squash indifference, Squash grumbling,

Squash selfishness.

Plant four rows of Lettuce:Lettuce be kind, Lettuce be faithful, Lettuce be patient, Lettuce really

love one another.

No garden is without Turnips:Turnip for meetings, Turnip for services, Turnip to help one another.

To conclude our garden we must have Thyme:Thyme for each other, Thyme for family, Thyme for friends.

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruitin your garden because you reap what you sow.

_______________________________

Upcoming events:Castlesiders: First Friday of each month. 3.30pm to 5.30pm in St JohnsCommunity Hall, Moorside.

Recharge: St Johns Community Hall, Moorside. 1st Sunday in February,April, June and October at 6pm.Church Meeting and Annual Church Meeting: Saturday 29th March2020, 10am in the Church.

Church NotesFirstly, as we enter a new decade, let me wish you all a Happy andHealthy New Year for 2020!

We have for a number of years, joined with the fellowship at The GroveMethodist Church for Maundy Thursday and also mid-week Communionin October. The October service this year was held on a Sunday morningwhere the folk from The Grove joined us at Rowley. This was so wellreceived by both churches, that we have agreed to hold these servicesmore frequently this will be reflected in the preaching appointments.

For the first time in a few years, we were able to revive our ‘gift service’where gifts are received which are then taken to the elderly Care wardat Shotley Bridge Hospital. 20 gifts were taken to the ward and wereextremely well received by staff and patients. Each gift was accompaniedby a church Christmas Card and a gifts gift noting that it was from thefellowship at Rowley.

Our usual Carols by Candlelight service was very well attended by around100 people. We will need to be prepared next year to open the SundaySchool Room to ensure everyone has a seat. Carols were led by membersof Consett Brass and as usual, children present received a selections boxand some fruit. A great occasion in the church’s calendar.

We thank God for His wisdom, guidance and the blessings that we havereceived throughout 2019 and might we pray that we may serve ourSaviour in the power of the Holy Spirit in 2020.

Best wishes, Adam.

Morning Evening

5th January Mrs D.M.Pearson No service

12th January Rev S Boyd Mr P Harris(Communion)

19th January Rev Dr J Harper Mrs H Reilly

26th JanuaryMr P Harris

(Communion) No service

2nd February Rev B Cartwright Recharge

9th February Rev S Boyd Mr P Harris(Communion)

16th February Mr C Martin Mr D Friery

23rd FebruaryMr P Harris

(Communion) No service

1st March Rev Dr J Claydon No service

8th March Rev S Boyd Mr P Harris(Communion)

15th March Rev T Hutter Rev D Etherington

22nd March Mothering Sunday TBA No service

29th MarchMr P Harris

(Communion) Mr L Wilson

Flower List

5th January Mrs E McLean

12th January Miss S Lake

19th January Mr D Shaw

26th January Mrs L Tinn

2nd February Mrs D.M.Pearson

9th February Mrs C Stokoe

16th February Mrs A Swan

23rd February Mrs E McLean

1st March Mrs D Pearson

15th March Mrs L Tinn

22nd March Mrs V Allanson

29th March Mrs D.M.Pearson

Cleaning RotaJanuary Mrs D.M.Pearson and Mrs L Tinn

February Mr and Mrs Stokoe

March Mrs V Allanson and Mrs A Swan

If you would like to be added to the flower list or cleaning rota,then please let Dorothy M know.

Mr Paul Harris Minister 0191 4876386

Mr Adam Pearson Church Secretary 01207 593961

Mr Barry Swan Treasurer 01670 510361