West Mersea Free Church: Recent Episodes
West Mersea Free Church
This Sunday we meet to worship together as we continue to think about, in these world-shaking times, what it means to build our lives upon 'The Rock'.
Based on one of the topics coming out of the Who Cares? survey, this week we're looking at money. Rob starts by asking us some of the questions you would go through at the start of the CAP Money Course.
Money is something that can control our lives, but we should not let it. We can be content with what we have, and prioritise God in our lives. When we can give, we should give, as giving reflects the image of God.
What distracts you from God? The Bible says to commit your ways to Him, and he will give you your desires for good things.
We need to make our priorities what matters, and not money. The Bible talks about storing up our treasures in Heaven, as that is a firm foundation - building our lives upon The Rock.
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The danger of the love of money is the focus on money at the expense of everything, or everyone else. We should be careful, and follow what God wants for us, and not be driven by money. Reading Deni and Steve gave us our reading this week, from Luke 12:13-34. Favourite song We spoke to Champa, who has spent much of her time recently reading books and cooking - trying various new recipes. Her favourite song is Make me a channel of your peace, which gives her hope. Join Alpha It's never too late to join Alpha! Alpha is a course that gives you a place to ask questions, consider who God is, who Jesus is, and explore faith a little bit more. It's a place where you're free to ask questions, learn more about the Holy Spirit, and think about prayer.
We'd love for you to take part - you're welcome to join whether you're new to church, or have known God all your life. We're holding it online, so you can join from wherever you are in the world.
For more information, or to sign up, visit our Alpha page or email live@merseafree.church. Share on the wall It's absolutely great hearing from you, discovering things you've been doing, and sharing your encouragement. We would love for you to continue to send in pictures, tell us what you've been up to and learn of the ways God has been speaking to and encouraging you. We'd also like to share these to help encourage others at this difficult time. There's more information about how you can share this with us on our website.
This Sunday we meet to worship together as we continue to think about, in these world-shaking times, what it means to build our lives upon 'The Rock'.
This week we're asking: "why did Jesus die?"
The answer is love. God loves, and He longs for a relationship with us.
It's hard to love someone you like, but to love someone you don't like can be even harder - but Jesus tells us to love our neighbours as ourselves. It's our failure to love others that draws us away from God.
The only way to deal with the consequences of our failures and sin was through God coming to live with us and showing us what it is to truly love. Communion We're having communion as part of this service - if you want to join in and you don't have bread and wine/juice handy, feel free to use whatever food and drink you might have available. Reading We heard from Peter and Josie - throughout the 'lockdown', Peter has been writing his memoirs, looking at people who have touched his life, and Josie has been keeping busy sorting photographs and gardening.
Today's reading is from Luke 24:13-35. Favourite song This week we spoke to Andy, whose favourite song is In Christ Alone - when Andy started coming to the church it was sung quite frequently, and the words in this song are both powerful and uplifting. Prayer We're focusing this week on praying for our neighbours and the people we live near to, whether we know them well or only a little. Join Alpha Alpha is a course that gives you a place to ask questions, consider who God is, who Jesus is, and explore faith a little bit more. It's a place where you're free to ask questions, learn more about the Holy Spirit, and think about prayer.
We'd love for you to take part - you're welcome to join whether you're new to church, or have known God all your life. We're holding it online, so you can join from wherever you are in the world.
For more information, or to sign up, visit our Alpha page or email live@merseafree.church. Share on the wall It's absolutely great hearing from you, discovering things you've been doing, and sharing your encouragement. We would love for you to continue to send in pictures, tell us what you've been up to and learn of the ways God has been speaking to and encouraging you. We'd also like to share these to help encourage others at this difficult time. There's more information about how you can share this with us on our website.
Join us as we begin our new series, 'The Rock', together.
As our world shakes, maybe more than ever we need to be ask what our lives are founded on. During this series we will be exploring our lives and discovering that the only sure and certain hope is to build absolutely everything upon 'The Rock'. Favourite song This week for our weekly 'favourite song' slot, we spoke to Lesley, one of our local physiotherapists. Reckless Love, Lesley's current favourite, had a resonance with her as it describes God's personal relationship with us.
Jesus is risen! This Easter Sunday we celebrate Jesus is alive! Join us in sung worship, learn with us through readings, and watch scenes from Neville B. Leevit, investigating at the time of Jesus' resurrection around AD 33 - is he really alive? Did he really die? What actually happened?
The Easter story is a story full of surprises; Rob speaks about the changes these surprises made to people's lives, and how it can change ours. Can we be surprised by the Easter story ourselves?
God had a plan for us - and he made a 'design flaw' in death, so that death might be conquered. Jesus rose from death, and made certain that death was not the end. If you ask God into your life, you too can have eternal life through Him. Share with us During our live streams you can share with us through the 'sharing box' or by commenting through Facebook on the stream. You're also welcome to share with us your photos, crafts and any Bible verses you've found encouraging - you can do this through email.
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross so that we might be forgiven. The service begins with an introduction, followed by sung worship and readings leading us through the story.
Responding to this, you are invited to take communion with us. You don't need to have wine and bread, but any drink, and any food. We remember Christ through communion - his body, broken for us; his blood, poured out for us.
Jenny then considers the story, responding the the events at the time, looking at the perspectives of those around Jesus, and what Jesus might have felt. Share with us During our live streams you can share with us through the 'sharing box' or by commenting through Facebook on the stream. You're also welcome to share with us your photos, crafts and any Bible verses you've found encouraging - you can do this through email. Coming up We are live streaming our service this Easter Sunday at 10:30am. We will be celebrating Jesus' resurrection from the grave, and we'll be praising Him for what He did for us.
This Palm Sunday we begin our series of Easter services, where we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the spreading of palm leaves before him. With a reading from friends at Orchard Baptist Church, Jenny speaks about how important songs are to understanding how we understand Palm Sunday; recognising it is God who transforms, God who listens, and God who saves.
During our service we also had our 'favourite worship song' slot, where this week Celeste shared her favourite song: "Still" by Reuben Morgan. Share with us Alongside our live 'sharing box' that you can use in real-time during our live stream, we'd also love for you to share with our church family in these other ways:
We've created a new 'photo wall' that you can send in a photo of you and your family to, and we can share it with our church family each week. We'd love to be able to cover our wall! If you're sending in a photo, please also send it in alongside a statement that you give us permission to share it, or sadly we will not be able to use it during our service. Send us pictures you or your family have created! God is an awesome God who can show his love through our creativity! Contribute Bible verses that have spoken to you today, this week, or this month, or that you think might encourage others. We hope to be able to share this with our church family.
If you're happy to share these with us, please send an email to live@merseafree.church. We look forward to hearing from you! Coming up We're planning to stream live again this next week:
Toddlers, Wednesday at 11:00am We will be running a craft activity for you and your child - it'll involve a the inner cardboard tube of a loo roll, so if you finish a roll, please keep it aside for Wednesday! Good Friday service, Friday at 10:30am Join us this Friday as we remember Jesus' sacrifice for us. It'll be similar to our other service live streams, and we'll be sharing some of the things people have sent in over the past week. Easter Sunday service, Sunday at 10:30am Our weekly service will be celebrating Jesus' resurrection from the grave, and we'll be praising Him for what He did for us.
We'd be delighted if you could join us for some, or all, of our activities this week!
Continuing the 'Designed for Life' series inspired by the apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Rob speaks this week about how we should live as Christians, and how we can live "a different life".
As sent out by email with the church notice sheet, each week the Evangelical Alliance is publishing a prayer for God's help during these different times, each supported by a scripture, which you can find on their website.
Thanks again for joining us in worship this week, we will be live streaming again next Sunday at 10:30am through our website, and through our Facebook page.
For the first time, we live-streamed our entire service online this week. Before the service we have an interactive 'Spot the Difference' challenge (solutions below).
Thank you to all who joined us this week! We hope to have you join us again next Sunday at 10:30am, either through our website, or Facebook Live. Solutions Solutions to the 'Spot the Difference' activity are below:
For the second service of the year, Rob looks at the book of Mark, asking us to consider three questions.
Our Christmas Day service for 2019 looks at the Gift of God being unwrapped for us, as we remember Jesus' birth and his coming to the world many years ago. Reflecting on the gift of Jesus, we think about what His coming means for us.
Join us for our dress-up Nativity service, as Jenny tells an interactive story of Christmas. When you're listening, you can also take part. When Jenny says:
"Love/Loved" - put your hands on your heart "Listen" - cup your ears "Friend/Friendship" - shake your hands together "Big hug" - give yourself a hug
Introducing the series for Advent and Christmas 2019, Jenny speaks about the birth of Christ, and how God paid the ultimate price for us.
Peter speaks this week on the Tabernacle of Moses - what it represented then, and what it means for us today.
On the subject of "The Law", Jenny speaks this week about what the laws are, and how they affect us still today.
For the second week of the Exodus series, Rob speaks about Moses and his calling from God to save God's people - and although Moses was at first reluctant, he did listen, and he did save.
Jenny speaks this week about the beginning of the book of Exodus, which starts by listing names from the story of Genesis before developing to tell of Moses' travels to live with the pharaoh.
This week Rob speaks about how God's teaching applies to our lives as students, teachers, families and a congregation.
The sermon today came in several different parts - starting with Andrew French continuing his tale as Andrew, disciple of Jesus, just as he was throughout the Beach Club week. Following this, Jenny talks about the overall theme for the week and how Jesus can be a part of our lives today, just as he was for the people we learned about through the week.
Finally, Jenny demonstrates Jesus' love for us, sacrificing himself for us, and always being with us, by standing and covering us when we're going through good times and bad - in this case illustrated by defending the losing contestant from the gloopy gunge.
For more information about Beach Club, and for an overview of what we learned at Beach Club this year, you can visit the Beach Club website.
For the final sermon in the Impact series, Rob speaks about the lesser known Abigail - and the significant impact she had on the events recorded in the Bible.
Melissa speaks this week about the Samaritan woman Jesus meets at the well. What can we learn? How does it affect us?
This week Rob talks about Mary, mother of John, also known as Mark. Mary hosted the church in her house and although in the Bible there's only a brief mention of her as she hosts a prayer meeting, there's a lot we can learn from her, her character, and her willingness to serve God.
As part of the sermon we also watched a short clip by Open Doors, where Pete Grieg (of 24/7 Prayer) talks about praying for the persecuted church.
Rev. Jenny Hughes speaks about Jesus telling his disciples to cast their nets over the other side of the boat, and what this has to do with baptism.
You can learn more about baptism on our website.
Following the sermon we had an opportunity to reflect listening to 'Everyday' by Tom Smith.
During the Ordination and Induction service for Rev. Jenny Hughes, Rev. Pieter Lalleman from Spurgeon's College (where Jenny trained) gave a short talk based on 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Andrew French speaks this week about the impact of John Mark, and John Mark's mother, Mary.
This week Rob looks at the story of the paralytic man and his four friends, who lift him through the roof to be healed by Jesus.
Rob starts his sermon with a video:
This week Rob speaks about peacemakers, and how people can be peace-makers, but peace is God-gifted.
Andrew preaches on welcoming the Holy Spirit into our lives for the new year, looking at the events in Revelation and how we as Christians can be saved through Christ.
The final sermon in the Lost and Found series, Jen focuses on being part of God's family as we celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas Day.
Jen gives a short talk during the West Mersea Free Church carol service for 2018, following on the theme of Lost and Found at Christmas, and summarising the 9 lessons and hymns of the service.
The second service in the Lost and Found at Christmas series covers the story of Zechariah and the birth of John the Baptist, following the theme of 'Lost Voice, Found Peace'.
Reflecting on the sermon, we considered what God is saying to us this Christmas, listening to "Silent Night" performed by Chris Tomlin & Kristyn Getty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pEndgvJe2s
Jen talked about the Hebrews that were up against the giants in the new land they were promised, she included a video from YouTube which was also used in a previous service, the link to this video is included and leads to the song on YouTube.
Starting a new series on the Book of Hebrews - a letter written by an unknown author that teaches upon the scriptures of the Old Testament - Jen begins by building upon the sermon that is Hebrews 1, where we learn Jesus is superior to all angels in God's Kingdom.
Jesus is the son of God, sent to Earth for our salvation.
This week we look at being a follower of Jesus, based on the Education Sunday theme for 2018: Faith and Works. "The good news of Jesus Christ is not rocket science." Rob speaks this week about being a follower of God and sharing the Good News of the gospels.
Rob briefly mentions an illustration involving marshmallows and the gospel from Soul Survivor - you can watch Laura Hancock's full talk online.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only son, and whoever believes in Him shall not die, but have eternal life.
Rob speaks this morning about the parable of "The Great Banquet", where a wealthy man invites a collection of guests who make excuses to not attend.
The man then asks his servant to invite to the banquet people from the streets - the lame; the poor; and the sick.
How does Jesus' parable apply to us today?
Using stories from his own life, and building upon his experiences, Miles Mitson tells the story of the unforgiving servant - a servant that once free of his own debts, continues attempting to collect debts from others...
For the final week in the None Like Him sermon series, Peter speaks about God's infinite rule - and how God is so overwhelming in rule that we must humbly obey His calling.
When you bring a ruler to God, you cannot measure God.
Rob discusses God's infinite power and the impact it has on our lives. "With great power comes great responsibility." Using a brief clip from Spider-Man (2002), Rob emphasises the importance of using power for the good of man, and not purely personal gain.
The God of infinite power is almighty, all-powerful and omnipotent. God can't do all things, but He can do all possible things. Rob answers the question: "Why doesn't God use His power?"
Returning to the theme of None Like Him, Jen speaks about God's infinite knowledge.
Our knowledge simply cannot compete with God's infinite knowing.
Speaking about the rich, young ruler from the New Testament gospels, Rob speaks about how someone who has everything can get to the Kingdom of God.
Many of us carry a type of spiritual boulder along with us, and God is saying to us: "Give it up - come and follow me."
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
In response to the sermon, we passed away our spiritual boulders whilst listening to 'All to Jesus I Surrender'.
For the third and final week of the Mission Impossible sermon series, Jen enacts a conversation with God, inspired by the book of Micah, helping us to realise God's intentions for us and the wider world.
Jen's conversation with God demonstrates what we must do to better serve God's people - as well as the church.
For the second week of the sermon series for June 2018, Rob speaks about our 'Mission Impossible' in serving the Lord through mission. Using Peter & Cornelius as a stepping-stone to how we can serve today, Rob looks at evangelism and how being a missionary is being someone who shares the good news.
A short clip was used to illustrate discovering God for the first time - and the desire to pursue further until our desires are met.
William Carey's mission took him to Kolkata, India - and although ours may take us around the world, we also have the opportunity to fulfil missions locally - even within our own church family.
Rob also explains some of the factors that may hold us back: prejudice; disappointment; being scared; not wanting to change; not believing we have the right resources; being apathetic.
Rob reads the lyrics from 'Asleep in the Light' by Keith Green - about how taking action is far more important than holding ourselves back.
The mission this week is to go and share God's love within the community, the country, and the world.
Jen begins the series for June 2018: Mission Impossible.
We have a not-so-impossible mission to share our love for Jesus with the world, learning from how Jesus went to Zacchaeus, the tax-collector. Instead of allowing the crowd to be drawn around him, he moved so that Zacchaeus could hear the good news.
Jen organised a demonstration of Jesus & Zacchaeus' story - where Heather (our 'Jesus' for the sketch) walked out from the crowds.
No mission for God is an 'impossible mission'. Your mission (should you choose to accept it... dum dum duh da, dum dum duh da...) is to be more like Jesus. To go and share God's love.
Continuing the series None Like Him, Rob looks at the eternal God who calls us to live day by day; moment by moment. A God that doesn't need us, but chooses to use us.
Everything around us changes: technology; shops; fashion; weather; people. It is said the only constant in life is change - but God doesn't change. God is infinitely the same. A God who is infinitely perfect.
As part of the talk, we watched a short clip from Britain's Got Talent, demonstrating how quick change can be:
Jen speaks this week about God's infinite place, and how we must devote our time to God, for we can't multitask efficiently (but God can!).
Try Jen's Task: Can you multitask?
Write the following, in order. Can you complete it within 20 seconds? Write the following, but in the order of letter-number-letter-number (so the first four characters you write are "I1a2"). Can you complete it within 20 seconds?
You'll probably find that you're much more efficient when writing everything in order. You can't multitask and be as productive.
You need to give God your complete attention.
For the fourth week in the None Like Him sermon series, we consider God's infinite provision for us - and how all that we need, God has provided.
Peter speaks about differentiating between 'need' and 'want' - and how God does not need us - God created us, and owns everything, including the insects in the fields. God does, however, provide for our needs.
God is a self-sufficient God, who has experienced temptation and has had needs withheld. God does not need us, but God does want us.
We have to choose to want Him.
Celebrating Heather's baptism, and delving into Lamentations: "Great is Your faithfulness", Rob speaks about God's ability to see through all that is cringeworthy within us, and open our hearts to all that is good - allowing us to be "new every morning".
Prior to the sermon, we watched a short clip from Paddington (2014):
And as part of the sermon (at the very beginning) we watched Evan Longoria's incredible reflexes catching a ball during an interview:
Rob speaks this week on the importance of time and God's infinite days, as part of the None Like Him series for summer 2018.
Starting the sermon is an introductory clip:
There are two further clips in the sermon, one of which looks at giving thanks to God for our time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rz2d9GvRP8
The final clip is a scene from 'About Time', a 2013 film following a family that can time-travel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9rvhmUhPnA
Join us for the second week of the None Like Him sermon series for Summer 2018. Jen speaks this week about God's infinite creativity - and how marvellous God has made our world.
Initially, Jen uses a short excerpt from the plot of "The Greatest Showman", a recent cinema release featuring the song "This Is Me", which focuses on accepting who we are - and how God made us as we are.
Jen concludes by providing an opportunity to respond to the sermon - admiring God's infinite creativity, by listening to "Where Were You?" by Ghost Ship.
The None Like Him sermon series for Summer 2018 begins with an introduction and sermon on God's Infinite Mystery.
Based on the section of Jenny Wilkin's book "None Like Him", Rob speaks about how incomprehensible God is, and how we can never know everything about Him, as God is the awesome God Almighty.
Easter Sunday 2018 lands on the same day as April Fool's Day - the day famous for celebrating "fake news". As a church, we need to share the good news - the true and real news - of Jesus' resurrection from the grave.
Jen's talk begins with a quiz - can you identify the real news and the fake news from headlines? Have you heard that King's College Choir will be using helium to reach the high notes?
Following this, Jen introduced a short clip of a conversation between a priest and one of the guards on duty around the empty tomb.
As the talk continues, Jen speaks about the importance of Jesus in our lives, and how the resurrection continues to be the good news we can share today. Reflecting on the sermon, there was an opportunity to respond during "Because He Lives (Amen)" by Matt Maher.
Learn about the tremendous sacrifice that set us free from our sins. Follow Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday, and consider the incredible cost paid on the cross.
The sermon opened with a video - "What's so good about Good Friday?" - which explores the events of Good Friday.
After the sermon, we partook in communion to remember Jesus' sacrifice. During this time, we were given the chance to respond to the service whilst listening to Hillsong's "Calvary".
"Joseph" is the final week of the Nothing New? sermon series looking at the stories of those at the beginning of the Bible and seeing their relevance today. In this sermon, Rob looks at the story of a favourite son who becomes absolutely hated by his brothers. A son who through slavery ends up in prison.
But then his life changes - and Rob looks at Joseph the interpreter of dreams; the brother who is reunited with his family and his father.
God's promise to Jacob is fulfilled.
In response to the sermon, we listened to "Trust In You" by Lauren Daigle, reminding us that God always fulfils His promises - we just have to trust in Him.
For week 9 of the Nothing New? sermon series, Andy Jones speaks about Jacob and Esau who come from what is almost the stereotypical 'modern day family'.
It's a story about jealousy and trickery, but also about how God is with us through everything, and God always fulfils His promises, even when we are not able to see the fulfilment ourselves.
During week 8 of the Nothing New? sermon series, Jen talks about the marriage of Isaac & Rebekah (Genesis 24).
Finding Rebekah was no coincidence - it was a God-incidence, and it is up to us to recognise these amazing God-incidences every day.
Isaac and Abraham are also willing to put their faith in God, knowing that their prophecies would be fulfilled - something we should be doing every day, knowing that through faith we can grow.
To help understand Abraham's growing family during the Nothing New? series, you may wish to view a family tree.
Week 7 of the Nothing New? sermon series is about Babel, and how the people of Babel experienced the gift of being able to interpret and share God's word in different languages.
As part of the family service, we enjoyed a short video giving an example of where, perhaps, Google Translate didn't quite get the translation right...
For the sixth week of the Nothing New? sermon series for 2018, Rob speaks about Abraham's challenge from God - giving his son as an offering.
Rob explains how Abraham is ready, willing and able to show his love for God - and how Isaac too, knew of Abraham's commitment to God.
Alongside the sermon Rob used a short presentation (which can be downloaded below), and a clip from a BBC Doctor Who episode in which "The Doctor" and his companion jump together from a cliff-top - demonstrating the faith the companion has in him.
The sermon was followed with an opportunity to respond, listening to Urban Rescue's "Provider".
The fifth sermon in the Nothing New? sermon series for 2018 is on Sarah & Hagar, and their laughter and tears.
In Genesis 16:1-10, we read about Sarai (who becomes 'Sarah'), who cannot conceive and so Abram (who becomes 'Abraham') has children through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave.
Later, in Genesis 21:1-8, we read about God providing for Abraham by enabling her to conceive in old age, and Sarah saying: "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."
These two passages emphasise both the challenges in the world - and show that God provides for us. Andrew speaks particularly about the two different types of laughter & tears we read about, and how God is able to fix our problems.
It's a sermon topic often avoided, but one that also provides a valuable insight into the lives and stories of the Bible.
Through Abraham and Lot, we can learn about God's promises, trust and justice - and how we must too, take a leap of faith to be close to God.
This fourth instalment of the Nothing New? sermon series for 2018 helps to unravel the stories of Genesis, and how they continue to be relevant today.
The beginning of the sermon contains a short game guessing the identities of famous individuals based off of their headlines - showing that a headline doesn't fully represent who someone is. The accompanying presentation for this can be downloaded using the links below.
Following the sermon, we listened to Hillsong Worship's song Calvary, reflecting upon our own leaps of faith.
For the third week of the Nothing New? sermon series, Jen speaks about Noah, including God's love and patience with us, and how when we trust God, we can be used by Him to do incredible things.
The sermon begins with a short quiz about the sizes of different ships, including the Victory, and the Seawise Giant.
The second sermon in the Nothing New? series, Jen looks at the story of Cain & Abel, and how God can look upon His children "with favour" whilst loving us all equally.
How is God treating us fairly? Does He love some of us more than others? Is His love unconditional?
Reflecting upon the sermon, we listened to Matt Maher's performance of Lord, I Need You.
Starting the Nothing New? sermon series for January to March 2018, Rob speaks about shame and how when Adam & Eve took the apple from the tree in the Garden of Eden, the Bible describes the tremendous shame they felt having done something wrong.
Jesus died for our sins to be forgiven, tearing away the things we are shameful about from our lives - because the shame we feel today? It isn't anything new, because there is nothing new under the Sun.
In response to the sermon, we listened to Chris Tomlin's performance of Lord I Need You - because every hour we need Him:
Melissa today speaks about "making time" for God, the creator of all of space and time. In Ecclesiastes 3, it speaks about how we should make God an integral part of everything we do, rather than "making time" to slot in 'a bit of God'.
For the first service of the new year, 2018, Rob preaches on the topic of prayer, and how prayers can become more meaningful when given an objective - and that with guidance, we might pray more often to have a conversation with God.
At the end of the sermon, everyone was given a 'prayer card' to complete, and hold onto, structured as:
PRAYER 2018 Who? to pray for What? to pray for Where? to pray for
As part of the sermon, we also watched a short sketch by Charlie Chaplin, illustrating how we often 'go round in circles' whilst praying:
For New Year's Eve 2017, we contemplate God's plans for the year ahead, and remember the successes of God's plans in the past.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was an example of God's love for us: There is no greater love than this.
This Christmas Day sermon, the last in the 2017 Advent series: Unbelievable: Good News in a Fake News World, collates and explains the Christmas story, and God's unbelievable plan for both Jesus - His Son - and us - His children.
Rob takes us on a journey, just like the journey taken by Mary and Joseph, as we consider how God's plan came to be.
Accompanying the sermon, we listened to Somewhere In Your Silent Night by Casting Crowns - a song that shares God's incredible plan for the world when He gave us His Son.
Beginning the final week of the 2017 Advent series: Unbelievable: Good News for a Fake News World, Andrew French preaches on the significance and importance of Jesus, a unique, one-of-a-kind saviour that came to Earth to save us all.
This evening, Week 3 of the Unbelievable: Good News for a Fake News World, Rob looks at the unbelievable hope we are given at Christmas.
As part of our carol service, the introductory sequence mentioned was headlines of 'bad news' to the song 'All is Well' by Michael W. Smith.
The message is also supported by a short presentation, which can be viewed by clicking 'Notes' below:
For Week 3 of the Unbelievable: Good News for a Fake News World series for Advent 2017, Andy Bacon talks about the nativity story, following the performance by the Causeway Kids and Hype groups in their Christmas sketch.
During Week 2 of the Unbelievable: Good News for a Fake News World series for Advent 2017, Colin speaks about God's angels - his unbelievable messengers throughout the Bible, and how these angels are prominent throughout time.
How many carols can you think of that contain the words 'Angel' or 'Angels'?
Colin also used a short presentation to highlight some of the key areas of his sermon, which can be downloaded by clicking 'Notes' below.
For first sermon in 2017's Advent series of Unbelievable: Good News for a Fake News World, Rob speaks about the unbelievable joy of Christmas that comes as God gives us His son.
Towards the beginning of the sermon, Rob uses images in a presentation, which can be downloaded using the 'Notes' link at the bottom of this page.
Looking particularly at the idea and concept of comprehensible and unbelievable joy, Rob asks us to consider what makes us happy, framing the question with a short clip from the Alpha film series:
Responding to the sermon, the congregation were given the opportunity to collect a paper sausage and swap it for a baby Jesus - where we should make Christmas about a newborn child, and not for our own gain. This was done to Angels We Have Heard On High by Sixpence.
Concluding the series on the Gifts of the Spirit, Rob speaks about the spiritual gifts of Tongues and Interpretation, and how we can use language and communication to share God's love with others.
The sermon begins with a clip from the Morecambe and Wise sketch with Andre Previn:
Concluding the sermon, the church reflects on the topic, and the Gifts of the Spirit series listening to 'Contro' by Tenth Avenue North:
Week 9 of the Gifts of the Spirit sermon series covers the gifts of Encouragement, Helping and Serving. Jen focuses particularly on the importance of encouragement, and how we as a church can use our gifts to encourage others.
Rob speaks this week about the spiritual gifts of healing and performing miracles, as part of the Gifts of the Spirit sermon series.
Looking at the question of whether God still performs miracles of healing today, Rob looks at some incredible phenomena that demonstrate God's work through people today - and how the people use the gifts God has given them.
An example of the miracles of healing God performs today, the church watched a short clip from the Alpha series and Shaila Visser's story:
The "Built for Battle" seminar was an event organised and run by the Old City Hall, and held on the West Mersea Free Church premises.
The Bible Teaching Seminar by Chris Hill is titled "Built for Battle", and covers spiritual warfare, and the church according to Jesus. The seminar was delivered in two parts, which are both available online.
Visit the "Built for Battle" series page.
Seminars by Chris Hill are only part of the work in which he is involved. CL Ministries (www.clministries.org.uk), through which Chris has published numerous books and DVDs.
The "Built for Battle" seminar was an event organised and run by the Old City Hall, and held on the West Mersea Free Church premises.
The Bible Teaching Seminar by Chris Hill is titled "Built for Battle", and covers spiritual warfare, and the church according to Jesus. The seminar was delivered in two parts, which are both available online.
Visit the "Built for Battle" series page.
Seminars by Chris Hill are only part of the work in which he is involved. CL Ministries (www.clministries.org.uk), through which Chris has published numerous books and DVDs.
For the sixth instalment in the Gifts of the Spirit sermon series, Peter Grinham preaches on giving, and the importance of sharing all that we have, with others.
Learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit series by visiting the series page.
Continuing the Gifts of the Spirit sermon series, guest preacher Rob Tervet speaks about the gifts of Evangelism and Apostleship, and how as a church we can work in the community to talk to people and bring them to Christ - how we can become renewed in our Christian faith, and how we can all be evangelists and apostles, and be that little bit more 'like' Jesus.
Learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit series by visiting the series page.
Week four of the Gifts of the Spirit sermon series covers the gifts of 'Faith' and 'Mercy'.
This week, Melissa speaks about the importance of using the gifts of faith and mercy for God's work, and how opportunities to share the gifts should be grasped.
Learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit series by visiting the series page.
Week three of the sermon series on the Gifts of the Spirit is on the topic of Pastoring, Teaching, Leadership and Administration, and Jen Hughes talks about how people can use these gifts God has given to support the work of the church in the community.
Elements of the sermon are illustrated with slides, which can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
Learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit series by visiting the series page.
During this second sermon in the Gifts of the Spirit series, Rob discusses how God gives the gift of prophecy to the church.
Learn about what the gift of prophecy is, what it means to the church, and how it can be used to further God's plan for us.
During the sermon, we watched a video in which Shawn Bolz talks about his prophetic experience, where he visited a South American dictator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLnBdum9BA
Learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit series by visiting the series page.
For the first instalment in the new Gifts of the Spirit sermon series, Rob talks about how God has given, through people, gifts to the church.
Are we using all that God has given to us? Are we all given spiritual gifts?
Rob also introduces the rest of the series, with sermons on topics such as Prophecy, Healing and Apostleship, with services in the series running through to December.
You can learn more about the Gifts of the Spirit by visiting the series page.
Peter Grinham speaks this week about the importance of prayer, thinking about the reasons to pray, and the significance prayer can have in our lives.
Preacher Miles Mitson speaks this week about Romans 8:28, which has been described as "the most unbelievable verse in the Bible".
It is written that in all things, God works for good - and that even when we are hurt, the hurt is for God's good. Listen to Miles explain how God makes all things good, and understand what Romans 8:28 actually means.
You can read the entire passage (Romans 8:28-32) on BibleGateway.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Andrew French speaks about coming to find and know Jesus through answering two questions from John 14. We don't know where Heaven is, so how can we know the way? Thomas asks Jesus this question in John 14:5, and what Jesus answers Thomas with an explanation of how to reach our Father in Heaven.
5 Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'
Don't you know me? How well do we know Jesus? Have we stopped trying to learn more?
God continues to reach out to us, and we need to ensure we don't block Him out - everything we do should be through the power of God.
9 Jesus answered: 'Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?'
As part of Andrew's talk we listened to 'This Changes Everything' by Lou Fellingham.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YbnU7rBi6s
Week 10 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' series is titled The Bible. Colin presents his findings from the 66 books of the Bible written over 1,500 years.
From God to Us, the Bible is True, Reliable and Inspired.
In the supporting presentation, major archaeological finds supporting the existence and accuracy of the Bible are documented - including the answers to critics' claims.
Is the Bible the same as what was originally written?
Listen to Colin explain why the Bible hasn't been changed, and how what we read today is the same as what was written at the time.
2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed".
Download the Presentation: Click "The-Bible-PDF" below.
We are visited this week by our regional minister, Rev. Simon Goddard. The sermon looks at what it takes to become a 'father (or mother) of faith'.
Having faith should contain an element of risk:
Reality Checkpoint Imagining the Inheritance Saying 'Yes' to God Kingdom Coming
As part of the sermon, Simon uses a short presentation containing key words and images, available to view or download below.
After the appalling events in Manchester on Monday, we held a time of prayer and remembrance during our service on Sunday as part of our all-age worship.
During this time of prayer, candles representing each of the victims who died in the attack were lit.
Accompanying our prayers, the song 'Some Day' by Michael W. Smith was played, with the lyric 'set the children free' - we, as God's people, are devastated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-9enTTaaG8
In our all-age service celebrating the dedication of a child into the church community, Rob looks at the potential in each of us to serve the Lord.
Prior to the sermon, we also spent a short time remembering and praying for the people involved in the Manchester attack, which you can listen to by clicking here.
Watch the Clips: See Judy being judged in Zootropolis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEj5qwsDn3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8hYj0ROMo4
Coming towards the end of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series, Jen leads the church in looking at the Bible and its' views on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people and personalities - particularly focusing on attitudes towards homosexuality.
You may also be interested in other sermons from this series, which you can find by clicking here. Topics we've covered so far include Salvation, Science and Other Religions.
Week 8 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series, and the third and final week of the mini-series on Salvation.
This week Rob looks at the idea of predestination and salvation, answering three questions asked by the congregation in a concise but thorough manner.
What is predestination? What about those who have never heard? Can I lose my salvation?
As part of the sermon, there was a short clip from the film The Adjustment Bureau (2011), looking at the idea of being predestined and how that related to the idea of free will.
The sermon is also supported by photographs of the General Election 2017 battle-bus for each of three political parties (Conservatives, Liberal Democrats & Labour). These are available for download in the presentation used from the links at the bottom of the page.
You may also be interested in listening to our other sermons on salvation as part of this series. Week 1's topic was 'What is Salvation?', and during week 2 the question was 'How did Jesus' sacrifice save me?'. You can view the whole series by clicking here.
May's all-age service offers an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to God. Are we trusting enough to change the direction of our lives for His calling?
Watch the Bible Story - 'Cast Your Nets'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs66f4NXxy8
You can also respond to today's sermon by considering what God is asking of you, whilst listening to this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsjZ94K7UQs
For week 7 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series, Rob Hughes continues the Salvation mini-series. The service answers the question 'How did Jesus' sacrifice save me?' through clips and readings, offering a fresh perspective on how Christ saved us.
To listen to the other services in the Salvation mini-series, click here.
During the sermon there are a few short clips:
Clip 1: Les Miserables - Grace. Where the church priest 'saves' the criminal.
Clip 2: Sacrifice and Atonement from the Bible Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_OlRWGLdnw
Clip 3: To End All Wars - Sacrificing yourself to save someone else.
During week 6 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series, Rob Hughes starts the 3-week topic on Salvation. The service builds from 'What is Salvation?' to 'How can I be saved?' through passages, prayer, and short clips that show how our relationship with God leads to salvation.
To continue listening to the mini-series on Salvation, click here.
During the sermon, there are a few short clips and a quick presentation:
Clip 1: A short snippet of Blackadder Goes Forth - is praying like writing your own name on a bullet?
Clip 2: Indiana Jones: 'Let it Go' - to reach God, you have to 'let go'.
Clip 3: Amazing Grace: Testimonials - saved by grace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybC57FSiPO4
Following Jesus' crucifixion through readings, worship and prayer, the Good Friday service is lead by Rob Hughes.
Readings from the service are listen in order below:
Isaiah 53:1-10 Luke 22:14-23 (The Last Supper) Mark 14:32-36 (Gethsemane) Luke 22:47-51 (Jesus' Arrest) Luke 22:66 - Luke 23:1 & Luke 23:13-25 (Jesus' Trial) Luke 23:33-43 (Jesus' Crucifixion) Luke 23:44-49 (It is Finished)
Alongside the readings and sermon, there were two short clips that help tell the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
Clip 1: A short news-style clip with comments from a Roman Centurion. Some parts of this clip may not be suitable for younger viewers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1lOG-PwAns
Clip 2: Who is God? This clip explains why Jesus was crucified.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YNmwY4ETvA
Discover more of our sermons from Easter this year by clicking here.
Beginning the build-up to Easter, Melissa Castle preaches on Palm Sunday, where Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem.
You can also listen to more of our sermons from Easter 2017 by clicking here.
Week 5 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series, where this week Rob Hughes looks at why God allows suffering. The sermon builds from a short clip where Stephen Fry is interviewed for the show 'The Meaning Of Life', where he shares his views on Atheism.
Listen to the sermon, and hear the answer to the question: "Why does God allow suffering?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-suvkwNYSQo
Rob's sermon also ended by listening to a short song on the same theme: "Trust in You" by Lauren Diagle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv-SXz_exKE
Week 4 of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' sermon series. Peter Grinham looks at the relationship between God and science, asking the question: "Has science made God redundant?"
Week three of the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' series for 2017. This service focuses on the role of Christianity in Politics.
What do you think of when you hear the word 'politics'? Should Christians be involved in politics? What annoys you most about politics? What do you think of politicians?
The sermon also brings ties together serving politicians through interviews and a few videos, which can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEXazfLhPgw
https://vimeo.com/102915182
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXLCcRaGx48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa4canKcoYo
A service on the Armour of God as part of the series of All-Age services held on the first Sunday of the month in 2017.
The second sermon from the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' series for 2017. This service answers the question:
"Is the God in the old testament the same as in the new?"
The first sermon from the Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' series for 2017. This service focuses on the topic of Christianity and Other Religions, mostly comparing God's representation in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
The third instalment in the 2016 Advent series: Who Do You Think You Are?: Outcast
Held on the weekend of the annual Christmas Tree Festival, the sermon looks at Jesus as an outcast.
All-Age service by Rob Hughes based on Zootropolis and a quote by William Carey. Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.
William Carey (1761-1834)
Zootropolis - Official UK Trailer
Song Response - Control (Tenth Avenue North)
A talk & sermon by Tim Abbott, Director/CEO at Christian Youth Outreach in Colchester (cyocolchester.org.uk), for the Church Anniversary Service celebrating 211 years of the Free Church on Mersea (opened for worship on Tuesday, 1st October 1805).
If you would like to read more about our church history, please visit our church history page.