Kerith Encounter Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kerith Community Church
With Encounter being made to close after Esther announced that she was stepping down, we celebrate the last 6 years of her leadership at our final meeting.
- Esther talks about what Encounter has meant to her and reminisces about many of the series that we have studied including lots of visual aids & handouts that she has provided.
- We celebrate all of the major birthdays (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 & 90) that people will have this year, as well as everyone else's birthday.
- Geoff shares some statistics from our meetings, then messages from Ben Davies (who led Encounter before Esther) and Sola Osinoiki (who was Esther's mentor for some of her time as leader), and then gives her the presents that the members of the community had contributed towards.
- We have an open microphone period where attendees can come to share what Encounter (or Esther) has meant to them.
- We close by singing The Blessing over each other.
See https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETJ2rlP3W0JDloDVYXNhcs4BXJyXutJIjiTJ_XEk7cJ6zg?e=XrpW71 for Esther's slides
and https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ea8wRfCJYGxHh3Prz5cP31AB0y4n18WYqRpGSd8AHgOPVA?e=hOI43j for the statistics & messages.
We conclude our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Clive & Glynis Challis give their story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXihNsMpNIdMujf9j5lgmjMBBOrPHl7w4PtMgeunCQHT6A?e=cyx6vQ
For the first part of the meeting we continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Iris Joyce gives her story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EW2eIVo2xIVMmsm0bz1Qz5EBmbTo17YTlluCC94Lsx0NGA?e=ZRh2Ya
For the second part of the meeting Esther shares the extremely sad news that Encounter will be closing when she stops leading it on 12th February. Pelumi Aworinde & Ben Oliver join us to share the church leadership's reasoning behind the decision.
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Angela James give her story then Kay Foulger gives us a history of our church from its inception before giving one specific incident from her story.
See additional notes for Angela at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EanIBBgx95ZLv8E4hrUiCi8BRAvBKFR8CU1KHdLXh8JxRA?e=zCMuct and for Kay at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EeRN4ZTyfX9MnEFRK0cFBikBA0NSoC85P6_i3_4r3DXciQ?e=Ds8EQC
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Anne Hope-Whitlock & Liz Phillips give part of their stories.
See additional notes for Anne at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZy105PW85dBmDomVAHAiFYBjmgXMVw_i5X2iZgTFVdxGA?e=6Gb64P and for Liz at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdkoKK_x8hdBrtlf_j-mYcABxs7pizs9ecfiMr-CUS0WIg?e=j0QTn4
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Jim Macey gives one particular incident from his story and Frank Blasi gives part of his story.
See additional notes for Frank at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWZ_YsVpjOhCqMcK-nWxwMUBWm0yahjALYEZdLywOLEGJQ?e=rFCKPK
Our last meeting of the term and of 2024 is our Christmas Celebration. We have a video, 2 couple of readings, a poem and several carols including a reflective version of Silent Night, plus Esther speaks on the subject "Room for Christ at Christ-mas".
Here is the outline of the meeting:
* Welcome - Glynis
* Carol - O Come All Ye Faithful
* Video - "Retooning the Nativity" - https://youtu.be/7-4y5mK_o9E
* Reading - Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7 - Brian
* Carol - While Shepherds watched
* Reading - Luke 2:8-20, Matthew 2:1-12,16 - Tony
* Talk - "Room for Christ at Christ-mas" - Esther
* Poem - Behold, I Stand - Anne
* Reflective - Silent Night - Bill & Ruth
* Carol - Joy To The World
* Closing Prayer / Blessing - Michael
* Announcement / Closing - Esther
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVFIVPzsLg1Bkb6GLtLB748BU8-AchYTxG-pzmi8J8c_lw?e=MxB1M6
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Michael Bentley gives his story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EV8tnG87PPZArzW3d24jUs0Bn2ApbtCNFn-j6o3_6oEOyQ?e=HZDJnU
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Simon Benham, our senior pastor, gives his story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcSjhBMK8kBMqEauY7RFIiABAcKXrcqMOZKLgerr64-m7g?e=q9mk6Q
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Mark Ridgway gives his story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVuRUs--SwVEjqV05GQ2u3IB69R6DO_rjjDZOrdeVSS0vw?e=cxdyMq
In addition, Esther shares the sad news that she will stop leading Encounter at February half-term next year.
Since we had Remembrance Sunday last weekend and Armistice Day on Monday we had a minutes silence at our Encounter Meeting today. Then Esther looks at two areas, firstly remembering the people who are affected by the various wars or armed conflicts around the world so that we can pray for them, and secondly being thankful for what we have and what God has done for us this year.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfBe1o-it6RAhQu3WLnF9OoBl4uEztMfgekokqw4krGiCA?e=SKbMRy
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Rob Kempton gives his story and Melissa Savage gives her story.
See additional notes for Rob at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETITYy3OgNpFjr4ocpGg0ocBcNZBCNqMA1PjaL1J8fKiag?e=2Bj2dw
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Geoff Hawke gives his story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EakrRZt2cCtGuY4XG_vWyMEBlpxr5UnlzqEQd5QRJllX9A?e=21HcnZ
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Chris Barber gives her story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EU8Cm3Ea0W9AmT9e-VmhLK0B99OWb4tArn2YdyPeEJ58xg?e=LlfZnH
We were intending to continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. However, both people who were going to talk were ill.
Therefore instead we played a video where Reinhard Bonnke gives his story.
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Brian Papps gives his story and Jackie Hooker gives part of her story. You can hear other parts in previous talks that Jackie has given.
See additional notes for Brian at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EX1I1nlzVAxDnrhYcYL-bJYBBacq2AtvKuwhIMOEZU2xXQ?e=a3e6WQ and for Jackie at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETtrV2faJ1ZEmPhcRV2OaGoBKEMyCm9rF6pCdjsV0TkCRA?e=uuIA9y
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Sue Toms gives her story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfH-__XQMiBMntJqJdr-QxEBTU0VysuwNacsxnNdgozYrQ?e=Ze7hBr
We continue our God Stories series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Krystyna Lysakowska gives part of her story. You can hear other parts in previous talks that Krystyna has given.
See additional notes at 20240918_encounter_krystyna_lysakowska.pptx
This term we start a new series where we will be hearing from different people within the Encounter group, sharing their experience of God and how He has and is impacting their lives. Today Esther starts the series by giving her story.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EV6TbrPxyxxFjyNo7VI8jqgBKK1KXf7_9RYdFHP-vfG09g?e=HIAQFo
Esther concludes our Lessons From Luke series looking at the central question in chapter 9 v18-20 (plus Matthew 16:13-20) where Jesus asks who the crowds & the disciples think that he is. Since this is such a fundamental question Esther asks who Jesus is to us and then proceeds to explain what Jesus was anointed and chosen to do.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdRroIfX_C1LhxKWn8tYXFMBQE2czkYMVpEDoWSo8ZSxxw?e=3vJ7Tg
Our guest speaker today is Ben Davies, who was our Senior Pastor for 43 years before retiring to Pembrokeshire. After various technical problems due to dealing with Ben joining the meeting via a Zoom call, he reads a quotation and asks "Who Are You?". Then he proceeds to read from 1 Peter 2 v9-10 and tell us who God says that we are.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVHYbO9f3CdAhXjwe2SmQUYB1rPYhMc8jHjSiHwvQWL43g?e=tLn3Pl
Our guest speaker this week is Michael Bentley. He continues our Lessons From Luke series by looking at chapter 11 v37-54 where Jesus pronounces woes on the Pharisees and Experts in the Law for their behaviour with all of their rules and regulations which ignore the clear teaching of God's word. Michael asks how we would respond if Jesus looked at us and asked about how we behave. He goes on to talk about the dangers of pride, thinking that we are more important than others then encourages us to be humble and consider everyone as important.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EeVTnBzltQdGo51oR7kFMm4BTCkoaXiV5s0jswRBwJW4Ew?e=sxjMjA
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series looking at the story of Zacchaeus in chapter 19 v1-10. She asks if Zaccaeus was going to stay in the tree just looking for Jesus or was he going to come down as requested and become all that Jesus intended him to be. Then she asks the same question of us - what God is calling us to and whether we are going to allow Him to fulfil His purpose in our lives.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbH_HkGnkhtHvoHHSFdwUqoBoYL70dSHJ7els_tnctNL6w?e=s0AkQe
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series by looking at chapter 10 v38-42 where Jesus was at the house of Martha & Mary. The 2 sisters were very different in their approach to Jesus. Martha was very practical, opened her home to Jesus and wanted to prepare everything for Him, but got disillusioned when her sister didn't help her. Mary just wanted to sit at Jesus's feet and learn from Him. Esther looks at both sister's approach and how Jesus responds to them, then she asks what we can learn from each of them and what are our priorities.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXkZCpbRQRNOizl99WvpUsEB8QO6OZrRGSKe5Xv3gr4VoA?e=SddWc9
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series talking from Chapter 21 v1-4 about a poor widow who brought everything she had to God. Esther points out 3 things that Jesus saw in her offering and looks at how we can relate these things to our lives today.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EeBcsfRxt8RPgQxqdaJED2ABXelZV-R2vt3t2suH41ahEg?e=vZ9zqD
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley. He continues our "Lessons From Luke" series looking at Chapter 18 v35 to Chapter 19 v10 where Jesus meets 2 men on His way to and through Jericho. Firstly a blind man who Jesus heals completely. Then Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who is completely transformed by his meeting with Jesus. Finally he challenges each of us to make sure that we have had an encounter with Jesus before it's too late.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EW2RUg32eppEv5sdLP-k3tMBKf8NLLSvT4pArvW46r0W7w?e=vvmyxz
Today's meeting was a more informal meeting where attendees had an opportunity to share some stories of what God was doing in their lives. In order to keep these within the group it has been decided not to include them in the podcast. Therefore this recording contains only the worship at the beginning of the meeting, a worship video plus Esther's comments throughout.
Our guest speaker today is Simon Benham, our senior pastor. He continues our "Lessons From Luke" series looking at chapter 8 verses 22-25 where Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee declaring that He has power over the weather; and subsequently He goes on to show in other ways as well that he is God and has the power to do miracles. Then Simon talks about storms in our lives and he encourages us, if we are in one now, to admit it to ourselves and to God; to ask Jesus to be in the storm with us and to have the confidence to know that He will see us through it.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVSPMs1lldlDrTgHMdTRtaUBbyfx5oUp2AOGuPJ1z67XSw?e=F1dqaR
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series looking at the story in chapter 8 v40-56 of the woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus' robe and was instantly healed when he was on the way to heal Jairus' daughter. Esther asks why she was healed simply by touching Jesus and suggest 3 reasons - her desperation, her determination and her faith.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETBQbsJgJkpKhevjFKfbnfABf2WbfzvBJCJoBGB2YSK5ZA?e=gbkCTh
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series by looking at a story in chapter 7 v36-50 of a sinful woman who wept at Jesus' feet & anointed them with perfume, a Pharisee who thought that he was good, and Jesus's response to both of them. She ends by bringing 2 applications from the story for us.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESJFs7jnJglGo8a7vSAEzk8BCPlFAdfVXDKO1aqTLZ-MDw?e=yR9huX
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series by looking at the story of the man who was forgiven and healed when he was lowered down through the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching. Finally, to see what we can learn from this story, she looks at Jesus' response to the paralysed man and then at the four men who faithfully brought him to Jesus.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUOVJQtoD9hAlibZLsdMjLcBp1TrPQig4C8Iv_qOXwNxNQ?e=onpxJo
Today was our Easter Encounter meeting, Just Getting Started.
Here is the running order:
- Welcome and intro to first song – Mish
- First Song – This is Amazing Love
- Reading – Tony – Luke 23 v 33-34, 44-46, 50-56, Luke 24 v 1-6
- Second Song – Introduced by Mish - Video of BSL “I Stand Amazed in the Presence”
- https://youtu.be/Bv4xtRTUa9c
- Welcome - Esther and introduce the video
- Video clip - “Just Getting Started”
- https://shiftworship.com/product/just-getting-started-mini-movie-journey-box-media/
- Preach - “Just Getting Started” - Esther
- Third song – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- Prayer - Esther
- Reading words of “The Cross is my beginning” - Anne HW
- Fourth song – Man of Sorrows
- Closing Prayer – Esther
- Close – Esther – Kerith Easter events, Happy Easter
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley. He speaks on the story of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32 saying that chapter 15 is actually 1 parable told in 3 parts where each of the stories illustrates the wonderful grace of God, speaking about something that has been lost and found again so causing great rejoicing.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXOmDB7k1MlEgcvsVkOulbMB9DtxZVWd_amE1OMo3KQdtA?e=B67etV
As we head towards Easter, this week's Encounter meeting was a reflective communion service remembering Jesus and the cross. Esther looks at 2 phrases, "in remembrance of Me" and "to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes", which provide a foundation for why we do communion.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZL-UeFOgpVLlJjwxADQ0jQBoDZZnsF3OucaFjtaeO1Dyg?e=qVJNgs
Esther continues our "Lessons From Luke" series by looking at chapter 5 verses 12-16 where Jesus was willing to meet the need of a man with leprosy and heal him. She looks at 3 things that Jesus was willing to do for this man which we can all relate to.
At the end she plays Willing To Heal by Don Francisco, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/5eRkhHdUCm4?si=S57sgX4FKfj5LShS
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWj9q5_EeJdMmLBYpspQX_sBSe9IBq4vDR_2zdR9i87cJQ?e=DfLEZI
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley. He continues our "Lessons From Luke" series by looking at chapter 5 v1-11 where Jesus calls his first disciples. After teaching the people, Jesus tells Simon to put out into deep water and let down his nets. Even though they had caught absolutely nothing the night before, and Simon possibly thought it was a daft idea to fish during the day, he obeyed and was amazed at the enormous haul of fish that they caught.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESH9s48lgZdBrHss3NjnCQkBf2PLeJUlOloxnXADa2xFrw?e=l3EnQW
Esther continues our "Lessons from Luke" series by looking at what happens in chapter 4 verses 14-44 when Jesus comes out of the wilderness. He starts his public ministry by reading from the prophet Isaiah and then demonstrating that he is the Messiah who has come to fulfil the prophecy. She states that the reason why Jesus could go about his ministry with so much power was that he regularly drew aside to spend time with his Father and gives 7 reasons why it's good for us to find time to be in the presence God too.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Eb3yAXwRHrBHuXBUwUB42xsBaCvoCVkqkayWvAgmc3vONw?e=U95PKW
Our guest speaker today is Sola Osinoiki, who was an elder at Kerith until he moved to Germany. He speaks from Ephesians 3:16 on the subject "Strengthened by the Spirit" and outlines the amazing abundance of the riches of God's glory that he wants to bestow upon us.
At the end he asks 3 questions:
- What impact does your life have?
- What legacy do you want to leave?
- What value do you want to bring?
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfL4T6gSFslBlCj0N12ZflUBfOtPosBgwJVA9oDlvkjb4g?e=o6eGrX
Today's meeting was a more informal meeting where attendees had an opportunity to share some stories of what God was doing in their lives. In order to keep these within the group it has been decided not to include them in the podcast. Therefore this recording contains only the worship at the beginning of the meeting plus Esther's comments after worship and at the end.
Our guest speaker this week is Simon Benham, our senior pastor. He continues our series "Lessons From Luke" by looking at Luke 4v1-2 where Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He compares Adam's failure to resist temptation with Jesus overcoming temptation so that we might have life and salvation through his victory and encourages us to put our trust in Him.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EV1j2l3oTptCtDaW_Zm4aQABd1o53pWuEL9wrGWynFQucA?e=8vWQat
Esther continues our new series "Lessons From Luke" by looking at the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary in Luke 1:26-45 to see what we can learn from Mary's response to the news that she is given.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcvCVekAg0tPmnOjCFCetTMBB2a2o0RCJT3klkxt6y8EzQ?e=xmcfk5
Esther starts a new series called "Lessons From Luke" and looks at what we can learn from chapter 1, where we find the introduction to the book plus the story of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John to his wife Elizabeth.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ET9Uz4rCr0RKlYeedVJreKgB-bYYR6yiFJ03XL3hDCcj0Q?e=hXdkyc
At the first Encounter meeting of 2024 Esther talks about the need to slow down and intentionally make space for God in the midst of all that's going on around us. She expands upon the following acronym:
S - Stop
P - Pray
A - Align and Act
C - Connect and Cultivate
E - Expect
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXY4JpoGIThBrowxDxf1GXIB-8WkDQ9DH518THtt8lKRZQ?e=2jtThn
Our last meeting of the term and of 2023 is our Christmas Celebration. We have a video, a poem, 2 couple of readings and several carols including a BSL signed version of Silent Night, plus Esther speaks on the subject "The Greatest Gift Of All".
Here is the outline of the meeting:
* Welcome - Glynis
* Carol - 0 Come All Ye Faithful
* Carol - Joy To The World
* Formal Prayer & Welcome - Esther
* Reading - Matthew 1:18-25 - Tony
* Reading - Medley of Verses - Liz
* Carol - 0 Holy Night
* Poem - The Greatest Gift Of All - Iris
* Carol - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
* Video - "Christmas Presents"
* Talk - "The Greatest Gift Of All" - Esther
* Prayer - Esther
* Video - BSL version of Silent Night
* Carol - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
* Closing Prayer - Esther
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ed7KQ2mLtttHscdRQcsNP4kBSxhuIxUKHCLXBUBlcop9NA?e=Zmbh0k
This week at Encounter we look at the work of FoodBank, and in particular the Bracknell FoodBank. For privacy reasons we have decided to remove the testimonies from various people regarding their work there and how clients have been helped. However the podcast still contains a lot of information about the work that is being done and the various ways that we can get involved to help.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcKHACbxR2ROhxdl3xHupBUBYkXlqzqw2zKtTqWL2edO6g?e=Chnuax
Having watched the 1st half of Louie Giglio's video "Winning the Battle of the Mind" last week in Esther's absence, this week we watch the 2nd half from time 23:19. It can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/p_hJw7w2Yso.
Louie gives 3 ways that we can take our thoughts captive and expands on each of them in turn in order to encourage people to live in the victory that Jesus has won for us.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESxavPiEq1RKlP-Jot7S91MBI9J4Nuo9lD1ZOznJqmQU1g?e=CUzBOa
Since Esther was in San Francisco, we listened to the first part (from time 3.04 to 23.19) of a video by Louie Giglio called "Winning the Battle of the Mind", which can be found at https://youtu.be/p_hJw7w2Yso.
Starting with the devil's temptation of Eve in Genesis 3, he asks what thoughts have you allowed to raise doubt in your mind. Then he reminds us that Jesus has already won the battle and has established a beachhead called Victory to enable us to tear down the strongholds that the devil has tried to establish in our minds.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVsO-IsWoxdLkkbq_HcOHqoBctig1tYWBj2zXsO0dwt0UQ?e=a02Imp
Our guest speaker at our special remembrance meeting is Michael Bentley. He speaks from Deuteronomy 8:1-9 on the subject "Do Not Forget". He recalls many memories from his past and encourages a few others to share memories as well. Then he reminds us of God's goodness to us and that He will never leave us or forsake us.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESj5dzSu1klAn2Ti7MdMkMMBFfouZ5Bj2wayFf-XyO7cTQ?e=A76BKD
Our guest speakers today are Barbara and Peter Knight, who have been members of Kerith Community Church for many years and attend Encounter regularly. Barbara shares the story of how God has been with them through the trying times that they have experienced in the last couple of years due to Peter's ill health.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXmanFA5WcVFkyRhiAYEkZIB3hsluyemBfOpru1WFXgOUg?e=CJ0sAS
Our guest speaker is Tess Osunkoya, who has been a member of Kerith for many years. She speaks from Ruth 1:1-22 on the subject "Giving God Our Mess".
Although Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth feeling that God had dealt bitterly with her, the rest of the book sees God redeeming the situation. Tess looks at 5 ways that Naomi & Ruth gave their mess to God and encourages us to do the same.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESFnGFf3hVRGgP1JBUZN71gBT0sASYG8GJrpWQYLdrHVTg?e=xRpJMJ
Unfortunately Simon Benham was not able to speak today since he has gone down with Covid-19. As a result, Esther decided to use a talk that she gave in early 2020 rather than struggling to prepare a new talk in a very short time. She speaks from Mark 6:30-44 about the anonymous boy who gave his lunch so that Jesus could miraculously feed a group of 5000 men along with many women and children. It didn't matter how big the amount of food that was given but Jesus needed his offering to be able to perform the miracle. Esther asks 5 questions:
- Do you come and go, or do you stay?
- Are you connecting with Jesus regularly?
- Are you driven by compassion or duty?
- Do you feel that your offering is too small?
- Is your offering your security?
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUJdjrPNbFNCjN5AInPE7a8BT1WHO376NgrnL7zwwDnL4Q?e=ePmQXg
Esther continues our "Parables of Jesus" series by looking at The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders in Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:46-49. She discusses issues about building on sand compared to building on rock and looks at the importance of having good foundations. God has already laid the foundations and Jesus is the rock on which we need to build our lives. He wants us to be doers of His word not just hearers.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbvS-MYa89VPo24T9HcJIEkBu12jS8nfTT-S2Tce_3w0Vw?e=nTKIWT
Today's meeting was a more informal meeting where attendees had an opportunity to share some stories of what God was doing in their lives. In order to keep these within the group it has been decided not to include them in the podcast. Therefore this recording contains only the worship at the beginning of the meeting plus Esther's comments after worship and at the end.
Esther continues our series "The Parables of Jesus" by looking at The Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son from Luke 15:11-32. She looks in turn at the 3 characters in the story - the younger son (who left but eventually returned home), the father (who represents God and welcomed his son back home) and the older son (who was reliable & stayed at home the whole time) - to see what we can learn from them and how we can apply it to our own lives.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EX_xbP0Ha9hHhP83LSBo_YcBDJU3vnNrmyFAEhmZMOsI6Q?e=t7d5pC
At the start of a new school year Esther starts a new series looking at some of the Parables of Jesus to see what are the meanings behind them and how we can apply them to our lives.
She starts with the Parable of the Sower in Matthew chapter 13 verses 1-9 & 18-23. This parable is actually more about the ground that the seed is being sown into - along the path, on rocky places, among thorns or on good soil - and what happens to the seed in each case. The 4 types of ground are representations of our hearts and how we can receive God's word when we hear it. So finally Esther asks how do we go about ensuring that our hearts are "good soil" so that we will response correctly in order that fruit will grow in us?
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Edsr5IClfB9FlKnu_XhniEkBS6I983d4r0enRcuEBgnijA?e=31Akdf
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley who spoke to us from Jeremiah 2:1-13 where God states that His people had committed 2 sins: they had forsaken Him and had dug their own cisterns (gone their own way).
Michael says that we Christians sometimes behave as if we think that we know better than God and he asks if we have done the same as the Israelites.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcoiR5XNnCRHm3JJ9SLeREMBY5BQR3tAvnqrbftypbAFmw?e=2tXZJ8
The questionaire that Esther spoke about can be found at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVAz_gElmYhHjmqjlxNyeFkBFQbbYEohEXHj2z4xiIwDhg?e=1LdN2j
Esther summarises the series so far and reminds us why God chose to take the Israelites on the Desert Road - what were they supposed to be learning during the journey?, how was God going to reveal Himself to them?, how was this relationship between God & His people going to start to materialise & deepen & develop?, what were they learning & what can we learn from their experiences & what they went through, how do we apply those things to our own lives?
She ends the series leaving them on the border to the promised land after they have refused to go in and hence are condemned to spend 40 years in the desert while the whole unbelieving generation die out & before their children will be ready to take possession of the land.
Attendees are given a list of key quotes from the various talks (see https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdVB2KMTEotFsZKuwG03T3UBKTiwEOy4MMqMkdYAJyX4mQ?e=yFH3Hi) and have the opportunity to discuss which ones have impacted them.
Esther continues "The Desert Road" series looking at Number chapters 12-14 where a leader from each of the 12 tribes of Israel is sent to scout out the land of Canaan. Although all 12 of them saw that the land was good and flowing with milk & honey as God had promised, 10 of them spread a negative report because of fear of the people who lived there and the difficulty of the task of conquering the land. Only Joshua & Caleb had the faith to declare that God would go with them to give them the land.
Esther asks 2 questions: "Whose report will you listen and respond to?" and "Whose eyes are you seeing things through?".
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESOv3tuNYeRBsdPmLIM43UEBDAq223W6_T77CjYGT03Hcg?e=imYw2e
Due to various technical difficulties with Zoom today we did not manage to record any of the worship or the initial part of Esther's talk, and we had to restart the Zoom meeting a couple of times so there are a couple of short breaks in the middle of her talk.
Esther continues our series "The Desert Road" by looking at Moses, the Man of Humility, and talks about 3 things that we can learn about humility from Moses.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EemmSReGX4pDukMMmsRfVLoB9--pM4nRDkM-27r17OK37g?e=yGUVaV
Esther continues our series "The Desert Road" looking at Numbers 9:15-23. When the cloud of the Lord's presence lifted from above the tabernacle the Israelites moved on and when it settled over the tabernacle they camped. As they watched for the cloud rising or settling, so we need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit guiding us each day and learn to stay in the presence of God.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXjGROgROhVDh_zdqvqZKdABj3M2aB_G7ruy2tiYQfV1rw?e=AG2X18
Esther continues our series "The Desert Road" looking at Exodus 19 where after spending three months in the wilderness God brings the people to Mount Sinai, the Mountain of God. Here there is an invitation to a relationship with Him and an invitation to an encounter with Him. In the same way, God will sometimes bring us to a mountain in order to develop our relationship with Him and so that we can experience an encounter with Him.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdUxisnVn25HjbX05bBjq9UBgdNqwuQHeKoK_PZd6zKLkw?e=xkqdYj
Esther's family were unwell this week, so she is unable to be with us. Therefore instead we listen to a message from Sola Osinoiki titled "Close Encounters of the God Kind" in which Sola looks at 7 levels of the revelations of God - Awareness, Representation, The Voice of God, Manifest Presence, Testimonial, Views of God, and Acts of God.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWttF8qXMABPm9qcUkqFc_UBqwv3uHj_qxH3w-KNkpdHYg?e=MDM2ff and https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYxvVXnBemRHumBDokR0Bs0BLDggcTVcKW0WDxCRlPn42A?e=iVDK81
Unfortunately the quality of the recording of the worship at the beginning of the meeting was extremely poor, so it has not been included with this podcast.
Our guest speaker this week is Michael Bentley. He looks at the passage in Revelation 2:1-7 where Jesus praises the Ephesian church for their deeds, their hard work and their perseverance but accuses them of forsaking their first love.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfyEhO23r41OogFMbNeRqBUBSq8SCs8IA4I64OS35lyubQ?e=QTH4rF
Our guest speaker this week is Ben Oliver, the Bracknell site elder. Continuing our "The Desert Road" series he looks at Moses' hikes up and down Mount Sinai when receiving God's covenant with the people of Israel. Then he got the attendees on their tables to discuss the differences between this old covenant and the new covenant that Jesus introduced when he was on earth.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVcQgpjAOvxDuABBlX729lkB-SliltaAqIfEC0_ls7ge-A?e=D28HeS
Esther continues with our series, The Desert Road, by looking at the Exodus 17 where Moses watches from the top of the hill with Aaron & Hur while Joshua & the Israelites fight against the Amalekites. She looks at 4 things we can learn from this story - the importance of prayer and worship in the midst of our battles; the importance of having other people draw alongside us; to write a reminder of God's answers to prayer & look back at them when times are tough; and finally that the Lord is my banner.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZzS2qjIGANLq1cH7fyFKswBJdRyeUw3Boz63CqJdo5ZLA?e=vM0CjW
Today's meeting was a more informal meeting where attendees had an opportunity to share some stories of what God was doing in their lives. In order to keep these within the group it has been decided not to include them in the podcast. Therefore this recording contains only the worship at the beginning of the meeting plus Esther's comments after worship and at the end.
Esther continues our series "The Desert Road" by looking at the story of how God provided Bread From Heaven in Exodus 16. She looks at 2 lessons that we can learn from this passage - that God expects our obedience and that God provides Daily Bread.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETb74-AzJaNLp13gvh2vZRoBW5dnqFPet6vqMlRj-EisXw?e=Qd049v
This is our Easter Encounter meeting, which consisted of the following:
* Video - Come To The Cross - https://youtu.be/M9bB7nE3PZI
* Welcome - Glynis
* Song - And Can It Be?
* Reading - from Matthew 27 & John 19 - Esther
* Song - Here Is Love, Vast As The Ocean
* Reading - from Matthew 28 & John 20 - Michael
* Song - Forever
* Talk - Come To The Cross - Esther
* Instrumental - Once Again - Jackie & Bill
* Prayer of Commitment - Esther
* Poem - Liz
* Song - Living Hope
* Closing Prayer - Michael
* Closing Notices - Esther
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESf8g3ASCMlHuIEtUU3S_D4BqJofFouLSxHwYSPlsgagQA?e=NbHjwx
Esther continues our "The Desert Road" series by looking at Exodus 15 where the Israelites found the water at Marah was too bitter to drink. We look at the different responses of the Israelites, Moses and God to this situation and the reason why God led them to Marah before leading them to Elim.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbLsYMOCmeBOkkkalxuAsXkBCdquTyvIJ-0t5ov3WTQ1-g?e=VMZcsk
Our guest speaker is Alan Lander, who spoke to us 3 weeks ago. He speaks on the topic of "Making a Difference" using the story in Jeremiah 38:4-18 of Ebed-Melek who helped Jeremiah when the Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem. Like Ebed-Melek, he encourages us to listen to what is happening around us, to speak up and speak out about the injustices that God puts on our hearts, to do it with wisdom and kindness, and to remember that we can make a difference little by little if we trust in God.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ec58RUy-uqlAu4fuGyW32REBkclXO30kWljH51D8pV3jTw?e=dqy5Bf
After last week's introduction of our new "The Desert Road" series, Esther reads Exodus 14 and talks about Crossing the Red Sea. She brings 4 things out of the passage that are relevant to our lives today:
- Trusting God - no matter what!
- Keep moving on!
- The Presence of God is enough
- Fear of the Lord and trust in the Lord - Both are needed
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUQCmkqK7f1BmpsTXOkNjUMBSCoLi9V9nrRcoJBbLFZ-yQ?e=rUO6zj
Esther gives an introduction to a new series called "The Desert Road". She starts with a history lesson of how the Israelites arrived in Egypt through Joseph and eventually escaped under the leadership of Moses. They could have reached their destination by the shortest route but God chose to take them through the desert instead. In this series we will look at some of the lessons that can be learned from their journey in the desert before entering the promised land since God is more interested in the process that we go through than He is in the destination that we get to. She closes by looking at 4 promises for our desert road.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbJd2jOp2jBNtslSBhGC_9wBW_-G9on-OGqU9zCGGg5RtQ?e=UdFeJN
Our guest speaker this week was Alan Lander, who used to be one of our elders. He states that it's not how you start that's important, it's how well you finish. He looks at several bible characters who started well but didn't finish at all well. He talks about the danger of pride amongst several areas that we should seek to avoid and finishes with a list of practical steps to enable us to finish strong.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcCPrFX45ONNiLSRHqx0xKEBTClhGNEquXspB9gaGck9JA?e=hQzhuW
This week Esther completes our "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" Series, firstly by summarising the previous weeks and then looking at the final issue of testing. She talks about Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness experience to be tested and then emerging in the power of the Holy Spirit to start His ministry. If you want more of God, more of His power and His authority in your life, then you have got to go through the testing. There is no cheap or easy way.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXffZlOMfGhBhKY_ejmePNMBW_GD13NCL7rXkIHx7uDPEA?e=VJTizO
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley. He speaks from the book of Haggai where the prophet encourages the Israelites to listen to God and invest their time & energy into rebuilding the temple that was in ruins rather than working on their own houses. He encourages us to stop making excuses and to get on with the work that God has called us to do for His kingdom.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Eck-bZ4JXsJDuUI2F2Up8vkB9NXdc7oAD8qtc5CRhEuPiA?e=GJhIzi
At the end, we played By The Rivers Of Babylon by Boney M, which can be found on YouTube at http://youtu.be/rpDj1UTIn4Y
Our guest speaker today is Catrina Benham, our senior pastor's wife. She speaks to us on the subject of Unity from Ephesians 2:11-22, looking at the 3 areas of Gentiles & Jews, Peace and Togetherness. She states that Unity is a gift from God and it's a witness.
Due to a problem with the recording we were unable to include the worship on this podcast. The songs that we sung were as follows:
- To Be in Your Presence by Noel Richards - https://youtu.be/typ7cueKdT4
- In The Presence of a Holy God by Mark Altrogge - https://youtu.be/BRxJZGuz3Lg
- God Is Here by Lara Martin - https://youtu.be/G37Te12NpNA
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdFpOwMS-1dPk9RgDQ8pZoUBo1ODxeQFzsGpnHBQObJyFQ?e=ideonG
Esther resumes our "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" series firstly by recapping the areas that we have covered in the previous 9 sessions. Then she talks about being anointed by the Holy Spirit, clothed with God's power and being a witness for Jesus as a result.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EV-pqm9ax3lCk2Q2nHNbDzcBu37Dk487TzwhjCRRigS3Yw?e=vgazbW
Our guest speaker today is Simon Benham, our senior pastor. Continuing on from his message on Sunday he uses Deuteronomy 2:1-3 to say that God is calling us to move on from where we've been for the last couple of years into the new things that He has planned for us. He states that God will reveal those things as we get alone with God to hear from Him and encourages us to go on Pilgrimage.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYhmABfIlChAvRHRZyzX3E4BHILwDRRrB_Lg24fiYq3cng?e=Us04Ch
As we start a new year, Esther looks again at the character of Isaac in Genesis 26 with a view to us pausing to take a look at our lives and ask where it is today. She talks about 3 types of wells - those that have already been dug, those that need re-opening and those that need to be dug.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYTJ3Es7aYtBu5TCG8YKU4sB1c5pHMZG_8IlMbZ-FmMweQ?e=uEtGA7
This week we held our Christmas Encounter meeting, which was our last official meeting of 2022. We had a video, a couple of poems, a reading and several carols, plus Esther spoke on the subject "Interrupted by Good News Of Great Joy".
Here is the outline of the meeting:
- Introduction
- Video – Southland Christian Church - https://youtu.be/suowe2czxcA
- 1st Carol - "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"
- Prayer and Formal Welcome - Esther Carter
- 1st Poem Reading - "Christmas Tree" - Liz Hogan
- 2nd Carol - "Angels From The Realms of Glory"
- Reading - Luke 2 v 8-20 - Tony Fulford
- Message - "Interrupted by Good News of Great Joy" - Esther Carter
- 3rd Carol - "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"
- 2nd Poem Reading - "Reason For The Season" - Glynis Challis
- Closing Prayer - Michael Bentley
- 4th Carol - "Joy to the world!"
– Close Meeting - Esther Carter
Our guest speaker this week is Ben Oliver, one of the Kerith elders. He reads Acts 16:6-10 where Paul and his companions were guided by the Holy Spirit to visit Macedonia after He had stopped them from going to Asia or to Bithynia. Ben picks out 4 things that they had come to know about God that made it unremarkable to them that He would guide them in this way.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYS-Nq4cx4pGmLdqZlLYHLEB0ux_nK3hDSSlyACWEhJp7Q?e=AQQAlU
Esther continues our "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" series by looking at the fact that the Father Is well-pleased with us - just as with Jesus, God takes delight in us, His children.
She looks at 3 ways that we can receive approval:
- for something we've done (but there is no probation period where we have to prove ourselves to ourselves, others or to God, so she asks "what is your motivation for serving God?")
- for trying (God is pleased when we are prepared to step out and give it a go)
- simply because we are His (it's not based on anything we could ever do, say or prove but purely on who God is)
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ea0dApX-zpdBgLLJDmVCtpAB7RBS4BkeOvRnC3y-42Sb5A?e=tEPZVx
At today's Encounter we firstly continue the remembering theme from last week by looking at the persecuted church around the world. Then Esther resumes our series "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" by looking at the truth that I am beloved by God, having value and worth. It's a love that is intentional, sacrificial, pure, isn't concerned with it's own self but rather with the greatest good of us, and doesn't expect anything in return.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EQD5RygRXcxJttEcJ0aGjUkBdHzmxVO6AaWZktPS0xc4MQ?e=EHX2Dm
With Armistice Day approaching on Friday, we decided to have a Remembrance Service at our Encounter meeting. Several people share memories of family members or friends who served in one way or another in the World Wars or in other conflicts so that we might have the freedom that we enjoy today. Then we had an opportunity to pray for people who are currently suffering in the many conflicts that are happening around the world today.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUL3tPGtUidFszc32tjxC2MBUq_v8UDcrA1edEAJZRnr9g?e=hpeliG
Esther continues our series "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" and looks at the issue of sonship - we are children of God, adopted as sons and co-heirs with Christ. Everything that God made available to Jesus is available to us. As sons & daughters of our Heavenly Father we represent Him.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESWdzwJe9V5JvE948v8xAbkBMquT7s3Rqs1dF4A9nqXQXg?e=Y6LYds
Continuing with our "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" series Esther states that when we are baptised we are raised as a new creation - it symbolises a new start. She uses the illustration of a caterpillar & a butterfly to show that we have been transformed into a new creation. It's not something that we work towards but it's something that God did when we believed in Jesus as our Saviour.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EelAFwdop2dDkI-UyJ2R5UABkETaDWLG6twG0mLq39ZMvg?e=rrE81W
Esther continues our series "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" by talking about the fact that we are washed. It symbolises the forgiveness that we have received because of what Jesus did at the cross for us. She asks if we believe that we are clean or do we keep remembering the sins that God has already forgiven & forgotten?
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVBOoxopm9dLkrTZunYxdF8BkuUfKV7bpJdZbZQcY7PT9g?e=bZhyfD
Esther continues our new series by stating that before diving into who God says we are, we need to build a framework by looking at the baptism of Jesus. We come to the river & repent, next we go into the river & are cleansed, and then we come out of the water as a new creation so that we can walk in the freedom of knowing that we are loved & approved by God.
Esther closes by asking 2 questions - "Dp you feel far from God?" and "Is it time to turn around and draw near to your loving Father?"
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdQtk5uTwX9GtvfrUhhM3dIBcPwUNvoSs-zyZD6uwRkByg?e=C1xRoZ
In order to understand who God says we are, there are 2 aspects of God that we need to consider. Last week Esther looked at the first aspect, that we were created by God. This week she looks at the second aspect, that God is our Father. She outlines 3 reasons why it is important for us to understand & believe that God is our Father if we are going to come to Him to ask Him the question "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" - God loves us, God knows us & God has our best interests at heart.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbEi3K31-0hGkvyw1fbhHBABmK-RFkyDy65EvomBoh5XLA?e=agxncL
After last week's introduction, Esther starts our "Who Do YOU Say I Am?" series by talking about the fact that we are created by God. She make 4 key points: You are not an accident, You are known, You are awesomely and wonderful made, You belong to your creator.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETtI6ssQUSVCim3wFRlP-NwB0vjdF6Vps6MYm2-_ESLc3Q?e=Ur7c0S
At the start of a new school year, Esther introduces our new series titled "Who Do YOU Say I Am?". As human being we are seeking both an identity and a value so Esther asks several searching questions - Where does my sense of identity & worth come from? Am I happy with who I am? How do we begin to determine our value? She points out that we have to go to the right place to find our sense of worth & identity. We will dig deeper into these sorts of questions throughout the rest of the series.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYvbN6NKzuJFrhfUNvLQcloBsIgos3rsQ2NH0Hic5H-QlA?e=B02eqR
Our guest speaker this week is Krystyna Lysakowska who concludes our series "The Power Of A Story" by talking about Ishmael, the son that Abraham bore by Hagar, the servant of his wife Sarah. Although he was not the child that God promised to build the nation of Isreal through, he was still blessed by God. Krystyna draws several lessons from the story, the most important being that we need to take care of our relationship with God.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ef4pSIMiLChHvzfmDVC5ZtEB-O8UVI-vyatsR6zkCMyaUg?e=5m5LOi
Our guest speaker once again today is Michael Bentley who continues our series "The Power Of A Story". This is the third and final part of a talk about Obadiah, a prophecy against Edom, and is based on his book "Turning Back To God". Today Michael looks at the last 7 verses, 15-21, and speaks about the coming Day of the Lord with the promise of God's Kingdom.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ee3KFIH4a0xGiU6-EAU7io0BFlM-lma5X6VM0nRqrmhbiA?e=rERcg3
Our guest speaker once again today is Michael Bentley who continues our series "The Power Of A Story". This is the second of a 3 part talk about Obadiah, a prophecy against Edom, and is based on his book "Turning Back To God". Today Michael looks at verses 10-14 and the Problem of Gloating. He will conclude the mini-series next week.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcdxUwG7o9NJviWssBkydQ0BOyxJKW6UnOYc0FUC1-_FjA?e=0QelOM
Our guest speaker today is Michael Bentley who continues our series "The Power Of A Story". This is the first of a 3 part talk about Obadiah, a prophecy against Edom, and is based on his book "Turning Back To God". Today Michael looks at the first 9 verses and the Problem of Pride.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbWmHxhi9gJMvQrYCDKnbRgB9EaY_I5WcCSZ7iGysoDNZQ?e=yV4jVf
Our guest speaker this week should have been Krystyna Lysakowska but she was ill earlier in the week. In addition, Esther was unwell from Covid-19 so was also unable to be with us. Therefore at our Encounter Meeting today we listened to a DVD by Louie Giglio called The Sparrow's Song, which was his first talk in a series called Certainty, where Louis teaches that God sees us and is near to us.
We closed the meeting by playing Everything by Lauren Daigle, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0roew1qa3pM
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. During the talk she asks 3 questions "Who is on the roadside of your life?", "What is keeping you from seeking Jesus?", "What is Jesus saying to you?" and gives us time to consider the answers. Alongside the last question she shares words for particular people as well as general comments. These specific words have been removed from this podcast but can be obtained by those individuals upon request.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWa_R3N1HVZNl38xy7itN5EBOnGGddmoeESKgllCWRjqQg?e=Iu6nqM
Our guest speaker today is Geri Jones. Continuing our series "The Power Of A Story" she looks at the disciple Simon Peter, starting with John 13:4-17 when Jesus washes His disciples feet. She talks about Peter's reaction and then about some of the other incidents in his life.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUj62mndxRpJjboc2lTc68cBy11kaZF2jtYOdVP5TrxYRg?e=21vSAB
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-14. He was the commander of the king of Aram and was a valiant soldier but he had leprosy. As the story unfolds, we find that he had to learn to do things God's way if he wanted to receive his healing since His way is best.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfnE_jO7yo9IjcwBwg7f6TEBSgAq_MeF7YKLu-RblXtyrw?e=6uM4IU
Our guest speaker today is Pelumi Aworinde, who is the Kerith Bracknell Site Pastor. He continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of Ruth who was loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi. He shows how Naomi had a significant impact on Ruth after their husbands died and they returned to Israel.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EecKLos65dJNoNWQJg-Bm3ABUAUDCrQd0WEmmUtyCzh67Q?e=fbheXh
After our Easter break Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by talking about trees and asks the question "What does your Tree Life look like?". She considers 3 areas: Inside Condition v Outside Condition; Root Health; Damage to Self and Others.
See additional notes and pictures of all of the different trees that she showed at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUKIUueFPaRDpezsZrDj-JIBbB9HxETREflD7gp6BmgZxQ?e=0ySoo1
This week is our Encounter Easter Guest Meeting. Esther speaks about Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus after the resurrection where he calls her name.
Towards the beginning of the meeting we watched a sand art video with Esther speaks over it to explain what we are watching. This can be found at https://youtu.be/lotSuOLpbT0.
Note that there will be no meetings for the next 2 weeks and we meet again on 27th April
This week at Encounter people had the opportunity to share testimonies of God's goodness & faithfulness in recent times.
At the end of the meeting, we played "Be Still And Know", which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/U8dbgE34pg8
Our guest speaker at this week's Encounter meeting is Michael Bentley. He tells us the story of Noah from Genesis chapter 6 reminding us that the invitation to come to Christ will one day cease and asking us if we are ready for that day.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWen1Yz7qVlFhjl69rQxbYkBYe7-41AG1VWgIqYu1kBHGQ?e=WXuU4z
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:10-32. She looks at the 3 characters - the younger son, the father and the older son - to see what we can learn from each of them, how we can identify with them and what is there about them that can inspire us for our lives.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EeWYP-YwlPhNjR3ImObnWWUBMF7TwMDndFWtJ5P4ZVWTUQ?e=eeN9AC
With the current war in Ukraine in mind, at this week's Encounter meeting Esther looked at the story of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the song "It Is Well With My Soul" as the basis for her talk in order to encourage us to trust that God is in control even though there may be turmoil all around us and in the world. She focused on 3 of the phrases "Through it all, my eyes are on You", "Let go my soul and trust in Him" and "It is well with my soul" and brought us a biblical perspective on each of them.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EQvapUs_QMhJo-_GDqObXW8B3EMm8SLxw_vz40kwvjc8Wg?e=9b9MrH
At this week's Encounter meeting we played a video of Sola Osinoiki's recent talk at House on The Rock church in London entitled The Mind Of God Now. Sola is known to many of us since he used to be an elder at our church until he moved to live in Germany.
After the meeting, Esther encouraged those of us who were able to stay to join her in praying for the war in Ukraine.
Our guest speaker today is our Senior Pastor, Simon Benham. He continues our "The Power Of A Story" series by speaking from Acts 3:1-10 about Peter healing the lame man at the gate called Beautiful.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdsPXhLTGzREjSuZpeP-Zv4BnBORSCOh7EKP5evgAOJpOQ?e=I8SfeU
Chris Barber continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. She asks what it is that defines us and talks about us carrying labels that other people have put on us.
At the end of the meeting we played Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/IcC1Bp13n_4
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUk0g1o38LNBnBRn-j4KlKUBFRvkARVh7Hrs_qLx6Q-KcA?e=FfdFAx
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by talking about Truth & Lies - Jesus is truth and the devil is a liar. She asks the question "Where is our agreement?" - are we agreeing with Jesus & everything He says or are we agreeing with the lies? To address this question she looks at the story of Ben Hadad and Ahab in 1 Kings 20:1-21.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZCUe53NsDtChp5RJ3eHNBUBOF0_1_hfVpkvmCIRK0IfHQ?e=I3uOsz
Esther continues our "The Power Of A Story" series by looking at the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-16. Today's message is both an encouragement and a challenge - an encouragement that God sees you, that you have worth & value before Him, that He is desperately interested in everything you go through but He is also interested in changing you & making you more like Him.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Tremble which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 30th August 2020. At the end of the meeting we played You Don't Miss A Thing by Amanda Cook & Bethel, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/99zmD6zVzIw
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EbRBYmYCeEtKm0vujGIreJsBCXJ41nnWK_YWbSBo4Y6i3g?e=Kteym0
Continuing our series "The Power Of A Story" Mark Ridgway talks about the building of the Kerith Centre in the last 1980s and interviews Ralph Allen, Clive Challis & Mike Owen about the roles that they played in the building project.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Great Things, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 19th July 2020. At the end of the meeting we played Passion - There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do, which can be found on YouTube athttps://youtu.be/37CZnA_OP3c
Esther continues our "The Power Of A Story" series by talking about the story of Isaac in Genesis 26 regarding the wells that he dug or those he re-opened. She closes by asking 2 questions: "Are there wells in your life that need re-opening?" and "Are there wells in your life that need digging?".
At the beginning of the meeting we played Harriet Ward - The Blessing and at the end we played Stir a Passion, both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, the latter being taken from our service on 9th August 2020.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETo0w7zal2dFi_lHIOcYH1gB4GBIWoj-KlTvSVJD1pD52w?e=CQC58F
Our first Encounter meeting of 2022 was held online due to the current high rates of Covid-19 in the Bracknell area. We shared communion and Esther spoke on 2 words that had stood out for her as she had reflected on the bible passages that described the Lord's Supper - Remembering and Proclaiming.
At the end of the meeting we played Passion - Glorious Day, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 23rd August 2020.
This week we held our Christmas Encounter meeting, which was our last official meeting of 2021. We had a couple of videos, readings and carols, plus Esther spoke on the subject "Come and See What God Has Done", looking at the wonder of the miracle of Jesus, King of Heaven, being born as a human baby.
Here is the outline of the meeting:
- Introduction
- Video – "God Became Flesh" - https://youtu.be/sdaUCQ-Ehxc
- 1st Carol - "For unto us a Child is born"
- Prayer and formal welcome
- 2nd Carol - "Joy to the world!"
- 1st Reading - Luke 2 v 1-20 - Michael Bentley
- 3rd Carol - "Calypso carol"
- 2nd Reading - John 1 v 1-5; Galatians 4 v 4-5; John 3 v 16 - Tony Fulford
- Message - "Come and See What God Has Done" - Esther Carter
– Reflective Video - "Noel" - https://youtu.be/ICFc9e2v97s
- Prayer and Close meeting
Krystyna Lysakowska continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of Jesus our King and shows how superior He is in every way to the kings of the Old Testament.
At the end of the meeting she played You Are Beautiful Beyond Description from the 1989 Restoration Bible Week, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/J3Ecmf7JXJc
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZA9ThDScgdMkS4l6eUWRfEBD6_M-JGakiCM88SAw6ZlKg?e=kKEBG6
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by looking at the story of Esther, who was in the right place at the right time and was available for God to use her to rescue a nation. She encourages us to Sign Up, to Pray Up, to Robe Up and to Show Up so that we could be an Esther in our world
At the end of the meeting she played part of Champion by Dante Bowe, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/rsRbvVwL0T8
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Efp3QiFdBUBKrWo1zclIE7gBMgh-LNJw_sScwTNgLMwD7A?e=inDqSj
Esther continues our series "The Power Of A Story" by going back to the very beginning in Genesis 1 as God creates the whole universe and looks at the very nature of God in the whole process.
At the end of the meeting she played part of Your Nature by Kari Jobe, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/c6qBNU8zcIU
See additional notes, including all of the pictures that she showed, at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVZTpyEvKhVOuVwOUtRIwJQB5DuuKxcVqcicENRSMaxwZw?e=koq1T7
Our guest speaker today is Simon Benham, who is our senior pastor and has led our church since he took over from Ben Davies. He continues our series "The Power Of A Story" and looks at the book of the prophet Habakkuk.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWJASEtDXyNPt4Mu4RzoZ7sB4z8j4IGioSibb3n9PQl2hg?e=5XeCun
Our guest speaker today is Ben Davies, who led our church for 42 years before he retired. He continues our series "The Power Of A Story" and shares his story regarding his current life since he moved to Wales.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Eemo1-t-fVxFgTW-xQQdWk0BCN0gXlsC-f0zxt20BX0qjg?e=DoQJg5
Continuing our series "The Power Of A Story", Michael Bentley tells us a story from 2 Kings chapters 6 & 7 about four sick men in isolation from a city in lockdown.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EeJH6m017OlCmhRrbFOjGC0BgqZ1qIJ0bWxUGMhI4F9KCg?e=62ORFE
Continuing our series "The Power Of A Story", Chris Barber looks at 3 parts of Daniel's journey of faith as he refuses to compromise in each situation in order to stay true to his God.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EaawGSGm4LxDr7H3hMc_GOMBDKk-Mre4-xrjiNgxdVZ2AQ?e=DdqW9c
This week at Encounter people had the opportunity to share testimonies of God's goodness & faithfulness during the last 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic when we have been unable to meet together in person.
This included sharing the following songs:
My Jesus by Anne Wilson - https://youtu.be/cWLm6z42Gk8
Stand In Your Love by Josh Baldwin - https://youtu.be/iaG2Gd5ITbk
God On The Mountain by Lynda Randle - https://youtu.be/mvkCoC0ZOZc
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EQfwSdk5arxCqgoo_lH6U4wBayorObklHz36OLX-T2_B-A?e=EOglDh
PS. A technical fault meant that we lost part of the recording
Continuing our series "The Power Of A Story", Esther completes the 2 part talk that she started last week. She uses the story of Gideon in Judges 6:11-24 to speak on the subject "Who Do You Say I Am?".
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EV6XDT_v6y5Mi7CLAHgPpRUBnr6QsM4OEPcCkVuZOIS9tA?e=6dXLXd
Esther continues our series called "The Power of a Story". She gives the first of a 2-part preach, today's looking at the story of Moses at the burning bush and being called "What is in your hand?".
At the end of the meeting we played Passion - Glorious Day, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 23rd August 2020.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdoxFLa1-QdNgDRSXzk36qMBvs-mgV_lNjiwsK4eYWTQEg?e=eYPyly
At the start of a new term where we are back live at the Kerith Centre, Esther starts our new series called "The Power Of A Story". She speaks from both Matthew 14:22-33 & Mark 6:47-51 about the time when both Jesus and then Peter walked on water, looking firstly at the boat, then the encounter and finally the invitation.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EUeZbwsShPhMnJxxh-rB1wcBuxxI7pOHVEDBlQg6C0fT3g?e=7Hq4Xi
At our last Encounter meeting of the summer term, Esther spoke on the subject of New Things based on Isaiah 43:1-21. She says that God is bringing us through the wilderness & wasteland and is doing a new thing and talks about 3 things that will help us prepare as we come out of lockdown:
- A Command - Do Not Fear
- A Commission - To be Witnesses
- A Conviction - God am doing a new thing
At the beginning of the meeting we had live worship with Glynis singing To Be In Your Presence and Goodness Of God. Then at the end we played Promises Never Fail, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 14th March 2021
This week at Encounter was our first in person meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2019. We watched the 7th & final video in Paul Manwaring's series called "We Are". He speaks on the subject "We Are Commissioned" and covered the following areas:
We are commissioned around 4 extraordinary promises into:
- Greater Works
- Greater Revelation
- the Increase of His Government & Peace
- to go from Glory to Glory
You Are World Changers & History Makers
At the beginning of the meeting we listened to Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/mC-zw0zCCtg and at the end of the meeting we listened to History Makers by Delirious, that was extracted from a video which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/1wJzeuLDkj4
This week at Encounter we watched the 6th video in Paul Manwaring's series called "We Are". He speaks on the subject "We Are Sent: We Are Called To Make A Difference" and covered the following areas:
We Are Sent (Into A World Of Opportunity)
What time is it?
- It's Revival Time
- It's Reformation Time
- It's Renaissance Time
- It's Judeo-Christian Government Time
.... Because You Make A Difference.
What is your call?
- Revivalists - Study History
- Reformers - Identify Your Sphere
- Creatives & Entrepreneurs - Seek Fresh Revelation
- Social Justice - Engage In Battle
At the beginning of the meeting we listened to Oceans by Hillsong United, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6GGFb6LcX3U and at the end of the meeting we listened to We Could Change the World by Matt Redman, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KwpuHQlqUPM
This week at Encounter we watched the 5th video in Paul Manwaring's series called "We Are". He speaks on the subject "We Are Created For Encounter; You Carry God's Presence". He talks about the ultimate encounter, Paul's Damascus Road encounter, which he said was Relational, Directional, Transformation and Internal.
At the beginning of the meeting we listened to How Deep The Father's Love For Us by Jessica Musselman, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/DDHEbzMmNuk and at the end of the meeting we listened to Just Be by Kim Walker-Smith, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/V-I05RJJjqI
This week at Encounter we watched the 4th video in Paul Manwaring's series called "We Are". He speaks on the subject "We Are Empowered; We Have What It Takes" and his talk covers the following points.
We are empowered through:
- our Identity - Romans 8:18 (Joint Heirs)
- Jesus - Acts 1:8 (Receive Power), Galatians 5:1 (It was for Freedom)
- our Assignment - 2 Corinthians 5:20 (We are Ambassadors for Christ)
- the Apostolic Culture - Ephesians 4:12 (Equip the Saints for the Work of Service)
You have what you need because:
- We are Made in His Image - Genesis 1:26 (Work)
- We have the Mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16 (Think)
- You are Filled with the Spirit - Ephesians 5:18 (Access to Power)
- Christ in You, the Hope of Glory - Colossians 1:27 (Plan)
At the beginning and end of the meeting we listened to Lion And The Lamb by Leeland, which can be found in the Kerith Sunday Live Streams playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW5K--fItoykxzrO29E-TZBv, and was taken from our service on 18th February 2020
This week at Encounter we watched the 3rd video in Paul Manwaring's series called "We Are". Although the title of the video was "We are Big People - You Are Significant", Paul drifts a bit from this theme so we could have given his talk the title "We Are A ....... Generation" since he covered the following 4 areas:
- An Identity Generation - John 1:12 (Inner Healing, Father Heart)
- A Heaven On Earth (Apostolic) Generation - Matthew 6:10 (Schools of Supernatural, Heaing Rooms/Conferences)
- A Destiny Generation - Jeremiah 29:11 (Coaching)
- A Kingdom Generation - Habakkuk 2:14 (7 Spheres)
He encourages us that we are prepared for such a time as this.
At the beginning of the meeting we listened to Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/IcC1Bp13n_4
Today we watched the 2nd video by Paul Manwaring in the "We Are" series. He speaks on the subject "We Are Family: You Belong".
At the beginning of the meeting we listened to I Belong To God by Big Daddy Weave, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/s6_byuQz7Ck
and at the end of the meeting we listened to What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/-ak0OoFBw3c
This term we are going to be watching a 6 week series of videos by Paul Manwaring called "We Are". This week we started with "We Are Apostolic: You Are Sent".
At the beginning and end of the meeting we listened to What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/-ak0OoFBw3c
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZLQxuHxEh1HtTIvG8TDk_wBrSTFixEYsB50Xo-_GPOoww?e=gpJeOm
At our Easter Encounter meeting Esther spoke on the subject "Jesus - Crucified, Buried & Resurrected". During the meeting we had readings from Tony Fulford & Phil Osgood, and we also played the following YouTube videos:
- 'Our Easter Story" YouTube video - https://youtu.be/LgFZDCguR8E
- "Glorious Day" live version, Casting Crowns - https://youtu.be/KqrqPGt11bA
- "The Cross", Passion City Church youTube video clip - https://youtu.be/M9bB7nE3PZI
- "It is Finished", Passion - https://youtu.be/eEiFSrBwIjk
- "Glorious Day" live version, Passion - https://youtu.be/LfzpfqrPUDo
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfmN3YRsJRhOo8967jzv_VQB-IUx04-Ivp08Bua6lhhUCA?e=KU2r6f
Our guest speaker today is Krystyna Lysakowska, who is one of our Encounter members. She tells a story of the man who loved her, Jesus.
At the beginning of the meeting we played How Deep The Father's Love by Jessica Musselman, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/DDHEbzMmNuk
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZtxMo6D3NFCuBjXvcYm3uUB0xg9JzhDPDw3H_wrt8RTAg?e=n8sm1k
Our guest speaker today is Simon Lace from Easthampstead Baptist Church. He speaks on the subject of Wrestling with God and asks 2 questions: "What are you wrestling with God about?" and "When God gives you answers to those questions, will you believe Him?".
At the beginning of the meeting we played We Believe, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 6th September 2020 and at the end of the meeting we played This I Believe (The Creed) by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VRzI_FbWTkg
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ef9QQ1pjHUVJuV5QZArwsqcBlzxxLlp5AM8C-wdCPS8UhA?e=AoWZPC
This week Esther concludes our Philippians series looking at chapter 4 verse 9 to 22. She looks at the subject of giving (not just financially) & of God supplying our needs as we give to others, and then at the secret to being content whatever the circumstances.
At the beginning of the meeting we played It Is Well With my Soul by Caleb & Kelsey Grimm, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VaxxtIxXKF0 and at the end we played Grander Earth Has Quaked Before by by Kristen Demarco with Bethel Music, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/fOwIwQN5hIE
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EdhASR-p3l9HjqhVI4RUsDQBxv2AV4LlshaOO1NbaF6Uxg?e=qA3UGo
Our guest speaker today is Simon Benham, our senior pastor. He continues our Philippians series by speaking from Chapter 4 verses 2 to 9 and provides us with a Pandemic Survival Guide courtesy of the apostle Paul.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Nothing Else, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 31st January 2021 and at the end of the meeting we played Peace by Bethel Music, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uW6xcmqfiY4Q
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfAosgdPpPNGj0gmhalsmbkB1WPQZgFmVUfnhSLCfMz3iw?e=qQgxq6
This week Esther continues our Philippians series looking at chapter 3 verse 17 to chapter 4 verse 1. She talks about the example of Paul and asks whether our example is worth following & inspires people. She also talks about us living a life worth of being citizens of Heaven.
At the beginning and end of the meeting we played Fight My Battles by Bethel Music, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Pz7578ZNwNU
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EaK2TdPGGXpOj5PRxpfv3xkB9-VqpYMUAgZOUlo7ORdlgQ?e=6y3vta
Our guest speaker today is Chris Barber who continues our Philippians series by speaking from Chapter 3 verses 12 to 16. She shares things that she has heard from God during lockdown (particularly the 1st one) including how we can grow old wisely.
At the beginning of the meeting we played I Stand Amazed by Chris Tomlin, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ue8ZCAc9xQ8 and at the end of the meeting we played The Story Behind "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus", which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ALP9f4QVIoA
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWBw0cUzTt9NoIrppitjRE8BKEctpV0nK0nyeUgMbr7czA?e=HauJ0r
Esther continues our series on the book of Philippians by returning to the passage in chapter 3 verses 1-11 that she spoke about 2 weeks ago since she felt that she had not completed talking about it. She concentrates on verses 8-11 including about the importance of developing a deeper relationship with Christ, knowing Him rather than just knowing about Him.
At the beginning of the meeting we played I Will Look Up and at the end we played Nothing Else, both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and were taken from our service on 31st January 2021.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ed_VgCkMXEdAlqW1hiKmqY0BPIXnIbl6sqlo_37C2BQhVg?e=DYTcVs
At our Encounter Meeting today we listened to a DVD by Louie Giglio called Seven Supernatural Thoughts. When you are fighting the battle of your mind, how do you take captive your thoughts? What do you say to yourself each morning, and how do you go about your day? In this message from Pastor Louie Giglio, we learn about seven supernatural thoughts that lead us to win the battle of our minds.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Goodness Of God, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 2nd August.
This week Esther returns to the Philippians series that we were studying before pausing for the Christmas period and restarts at chapter 3. She talks about the people who claimed that the new believers needed to be circumcised and she warns us of the dangers of trying to add anything to the finished work that Jesus has accomplished on the cross, providing us with 3 reasons why this should be avoided.
At the beginning of the meeting we played See A Victory, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 19th April and at the end of the meeting we played Calvary by Hillsong Worship, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/iR9ygGyE2ew
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EaCgWwdgYqRJjRThUAxAlGIBAPFRLRna4laEbyM0CJrngQ?e=oZVbkB
At our Encounter meeting today Jenny & Michael Bentley both shared their life story.
At the beginning of the meeting we played There's Nothing That Our God Can't Do and at the end we played Goodness of God both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and were taken from our services on 4th October and 2nd August respectively.
For the first Encounter meeting of 2021 Esther was planning to talk about new beginnings. However, the current Covid-19 situation caused her to speak about hope instead using a passage in the Lamentations 3:21-26. She gave us 2 actions for the new year: firstly calling to mind who God is, and what He has done for us & promised us; and secondly to wait quietly for God to come through.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Jesus, Hope Of The Nations by Brian Doerksen which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GuK5fZ9Ur9c and at the end we played Cornerstone, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 19th April 2020.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EevzqWlIZMFMlYi_rstqQooBQ_cxIGh_89p9EQ0sSsyPbQ?e=ZOFDhx
This week we held our Christmas Encounter meeting, which was our last official meeting of 2020. We had several songs, readings and carols, plus Esther spoke about Jesus being the hope of Christmas and gave us 3 reasons why Jesus came that can give us hope for today.
Here is the outline of the meeting:
- Welcome
- “Christmas According to Children” video (https://youtu.be/suowe2czxcA)
- First Carol - “Joy to the World” (https://youtu.be/pO32Hsn-_Lw)
- First Reading - Matthew 1 v 18-24 - Michael Bentley
- Second reading - Luke 2 v 8-20 - Tony Fulford
- Second carol - “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (https://youtu.be/-Q6b9ZdaD9U)
- Talk - “Jesus, the Hope of Christmas”
- Reflective song - “The Hope of Christmas” - Matthew West (https://youtu.be/BaQp5n8hXjU)
- Reflection on inviting Jesus to be our hope - Prayer of Salvation
- Final Carol - “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (https://youtu.be/T3IghOn18VY)
- Prayer and Close meeting
Our guest speaker this week was Geri Jones. She spoke from John 1:1-14 about Jesus being the light of Christmas and every day.
At the beginning of the meeting we played My Lighthouse, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7, and was taken from our service on 19th April and at the end of the meeting we played Light Of The World by Lauren Daigle, which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EW4lxSJSUV1Evzw971Zk628BFmFW56iw1_PZW7XqYTx-zA?e=vcf9oQ
Esther finishes chapter 2 of our series on Philippians by looking at verses 25 to 30 as Paul talks about Epaphroditus who came to help him and is now returning to Philippi. We will resume with chapter 3 in January.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Cornerstone and at the end we played O Come To The Altar, both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and were taken from our services on 19th April and 9th August respectively.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYX6bULdoshIj3wIw2V94x4BMoU_ZO6agaVSnTu3gekwsQ?e=bXwHKj
Our guest speaker this week was Ben Davies, who was senior pastor for over 40 years before retiring and moving back to Wales with his wife Barbara. He shares some things about his current time in Wales and then continues our series on Philippians by looking at verses 19 to 24 of chapter 2.
At the beginning of the meeting we played a beautiful version of Amazing Grace which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/NG0vH4WYChQ and at the end we played You Never Let Go, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 13th September.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EVNfdAIK1kRPht9cIAKYR2UBixm_ZkvQAC1mFjzXKxY8Aw?e=eVbe8L
In the 2nd chapter of the book of Philippians Paul's desire was that we should continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Esther continues our series by looking at verses 12 to 18 and talks about the 3 things that will characterise our lives as we do this.
At the beginning of the meeting we played See a Victory by Elevation Worship which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/AI3VcChbPBY and at the end we played Build My Life, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 8th November
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWWtqbnzTf5DsTGEw-0sIFwBTrGc1YutVeZKbhRtUMn9fg?e=THtdtk
In our relationships we are told to be like Jesus, so Esther continues our series on Philippians by looking at the character of Jesus in verses 5 to 11 of chapter 2 and how he was a servant to others.
At the beginning of the meeting we played There Is A King by Elevation Worship which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4QgQcbqw0Y8 and at the end we played Victory is Your by Bethel Music which can be found on Youtube at https://youtu.be/rgTavMhgn00
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ed4k_a35cNRPk0mYV8sCSaIB7vG2fE9NMMxe7Jt6Ab2lFQ?e=iZxYat
During the school half-term we are holding informal meetings without a teaching session. Today Margaret & Henry Forrest share some of their life story including getting married, moving to Bracknell, becoming Christians when they started attending Warfield Church, and starting to attend Kerith Community Church.
At the beginning of the meeting we played I Lift My Hands from Spring Harvest which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KI0HtGWhcsU and at the end we played Goodness of God which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/-f4MUUMWMV4
Our guest speaker this week was Catrina Benham, who has just taken on a new role overseeing the site pastors for all of our Kerith sites. She continues our series on Philippians by looking at verses 1 to 5 of chapter 2.
At the beginning of the meeting we played It Is Well by Bethel Music which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0VUzQrtRqDQ and at the end we played O Come To The Altar, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 6th August respectively.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EYldkkSC6yFOtZNi04nWpFcBELlN_Rl4UqksuGJ9qyWcPw?e=qap0tA
Esther continues our series on Philippians and completes chapter 1 by looking at verses 27 to 30.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Overcome by Elevation Worship which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VihNi0ZJjso and at the end of the meeting we played In The Presence Of Angels which can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/BEqin3JPyBg.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESbUp-CUY-JMhdV3pzEcqk4Bz6vPSfOGtgcuX3vx2T-WXg?e=HdhU62
Esther continues our series on Philippians by looking at verses 19 to 26 of chapter 1.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Yes And Amen and at the end we played Build My Life, both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and were taken from our services on 17th and 24th May respectively.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcNMR7NXB_9JpSO0tYACBSQBdXzGXqrEw7IwcRPt-xjCSg?e=d13Xlb
Esther continues our study of the book of Philippians by looking in depth at chapter 1 verses 12 through 18.
At the beginning and end of the meeting we played Goodness of God, which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our services on 2nd August.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWUw8XJGmWFAknmv3aRy_fIBKBpeXXRFl5WZvDOzdmcqyw?e=ZcuKEf
Esther continues our study of the book of Philippians by looking in depth at chapter 1 verses 9 through 11.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Echo and at the end we played God I Look To You, both of which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and were taken from our services on 28th June and 17th May respectively.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Edr0G3Gj8vVAlImr-ZPv2CMBqXfjjDjfQfhFUSjC-7_WRw?e=Oa4CRC
After last week's introduction from Krystyna, Esther starts our study of the book of Philippians by looking in depth at chapter 1 verses 1 through 8.
At the beginning of the meeting we played We Praise You which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 13th September.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EchRrQnfwi1FvGRG848bMuIBvYurDoiyPzcFxwJzvV1jwA?e=oAJAgL
At the start of the new term we have started a new series looking at the book of Philippians. Krystyna Lysakowska provides an introduction to the whole book before we start looking at individual parts of it next week.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Passion - Glorious Day which can be found in the Kerith Worship Sets playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 and was taken from our service on 7th June. At the end of the meeting we played What a Beautiful Name which can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUBBIddm_rM.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EcAzgxgpaPJNvBf3UIWFTkMBP5K3hfVSJFhtGKMhZJhRBA?e=VeO3VY
During the school holidays we are holding informal meetings without a teaching session. Today Stuart Sharp shares his life story including becoming a Christian, meeting his wife & moving to Bracknell, and meeting his birth mother & his wider family.
During the school holidays we are holding informal meetings without a teaching session. Today David Ferguson shares his life story including becoming a Christian after coming to Kerith Community Church.
During the school holidays we are holding informal meetings without a teaching session. Today Krystyna Lysakowska shares her life story, starting with her early childhood in Warsaw, Poland during World War 2.
During the school holidays we are holding informal meetings without a teaching session. Today Jean Ardron shares her life story of how God used different circumstances to bring her to Bracknell and how He worked in her life.
It is hoped that other people will take the opportunity to share their story in the future.
Since it was the last meeting of Encounter before the break for the summer holidays various members shared testimonies of God's goodness during the lockdown period of the last 4 months.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Great Things by Phil Wickham from https://youtu.be/y4CY3nf1Mvw and at the end of the meeting we played Miracles by Kari Jobe from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gz50dL0T8w .
Esther continues our It Is Finished series by speaking from Isaiah 53:1-5 about our healing and wholeness that was bought & paid for at the cross - both spiritual but also physical, mental & emotional.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Great Things by Phil Wickham from https://youtu.be/y4CY3nf1Mvw and at the end of the meeting we played Healer by Bethel Music from https://youtu.be/PMaIwfpHGso .
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZZaIICrDrVGr43QYn21CEkB1ew-ObGLdg1sf8MWMHuSKg?e=LEPW2P
Esther continues our It Is Finished series by talking about us as new creations in Christ. She outlines 2 key points, firstly that we are already called a new creation and secondly that it is a progressive work of transformation in our lives.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Who You Say I Am which was recorded at our service on 9th February and can be found in the Kerith Sunday Services playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW5K--fItoykxzrO29E-TZBv on Youtube. At the end we played This Is Amazing Grace which was recorded from our service on 25th May and can be found in the Worship Sets playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW4MFJn9zwTzjBsEOGhhxYR7 on Youtube.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ES9j-sUWkPhKgGaq4sQG0QwBGqZYT9k4B6FpG9Vst4q4ag?e=0zscWN
Esther continues our It Is Finished series by looking at forgiveness and living free from condemnation. Because our sin has been forgiven we do not need to stand under the shadow of condemnation since we have been set free from it.
At the beginning of the meeting we played O Come To The Altar and at the end we played Passion - Glorious Day. Both of these songs can be found in the Kerith Sunday Services playlist on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6aDT8QMpW5K--fItoykxzrO29E-TZBv and were taken from our services on 9th & 16th February respectively.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EXBggDaKrulHoivHJrmT2gsBzo_xLkr5x13ZSp85gRtV6g?e=39EYnW
Our guest speaker today was Jacqui Webber-Gant, who is currently leading our Kerith Blackwater Valley site while Heather Pocock is on maternity leave. Jacqui continues our It Is Finished series by using Hebrews 9:24-26 to highlight that Jesus died once for all and has paid the price to free us from the power of sin. She talks about the 4 years in the late 1970s that she was part of the Unification Church movement (the Moonies), before being rescued, to illustrate the deception of the endless system of sacrificial work we perform to try to earn forgiveness for our sins.
At the start of the meeting we played Calvary by Hillsong Worship from https://youtu.be/iR9ygGyE2ew and at the end we played When I Survey the Wondrous Cross from https://youtu.be/FhvXOIVsRv4.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ETOkuHLwXBpOidpVNUWgqTkB5jKayhLGpiNVmGbA5KX8dw?e=cPo702
Esther continues our "It Is Finished" series by speaking from 1 John 3:1-3 about our being children of God. She outlines 3 privileges that we have as children of God (relationship, identity & heirs)
and 2 pitfalls that will need to be avoided in our understanding as children of God.
At the start of the meeting we played No Longer Slaves
from https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k and at the end we played Reckless Love
from https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfSAivaBAGRDkz1DbHm88zoBN7NKhKJp283afR8GR-NxaA?e=MONyJe
Our guest speaker today was Simon Benham, the senior pastor of Kerith Community Church. Speaking from Romans 5:1-5 Simon continued our "It Is Finished" series by telling us that one of the many benefits of Jesus' finished work on the cross is the Holy Spirit being given to us and making God's love real by pouring God's love into our hearts.
Before he spoke we played Every Crown by Bethel Music from https://youtu.be/CqfZ2MHma7A and at the end we played By The Grace of God by Bethel Music from https://youtu.be/l2xhf_Gogjs.
Our guest speaker today was Ben Davies who was senior pastor for 43 years and used to lead Encounter before moving to Pembrokeshire. He shared 7 proverbs that God had impressed upon him in the last 3 months.
At the start of the meeting we played Every Crown by Bethel Music from https://youtu.be/CqfZ2MHma7A and at the end we played There Is A King by Elevation Worship from https://youtu.be/Gz8a1Nz21ns.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Eca1-QJPFeFNmQ7fZZ7q9UIBtFA8c-d_A21CGQ8F0yP2Bg?e=gAGiNY
At the beginning of April Esther started a new "It Is Finished" series based on Jesus' word in John 19:30 at the end of his suffering on the cross. Today she sets the foundations for why we are doing this series, outlining what Jesus meant by these words and stating that His death & resurrection releases us to walk out into the freedom that God has created us to be.
At the beginning of the meeting we played Good Grace by Hillsong from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhKSRIvDFI0 and at the end we played Passion-It Is Finished from https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=eEiFSrBwIjk
Our guest speaker today was Catrina Benham, the site pastor for Kerith Bracknell. Speaking from Titus 3:4-5 “when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy”, Catrina continued the “It is finished” series, today focusing on God’s kindness to us: His kindness that leads us to repentance; His kindness that enables us to be kind!
Before she spoke, we played This I Believe (The Creed) from https://youtu.be/uuDI-sk2nJU and at the end we played The UK Blessing from https://youtu.be/PUtll3mNj5U
Esther continues our "It Is Finished" series by speaking from Matthew 27:57-60 about the period between Jesus's death and resurrection, describing it as a limbo state. She likens it to the state that we are in at present, waiting to be released from lock-down. In this time, she feels that God is inviting us to grow closer to Him and encourages us to be intentional about finding time to spend with Him on a regular basis.
At the beginning of the meeting she played Faithful One (https://youtu.be/Uxviwvjyg1w) and at the end she played Come Away (https://youtu.be/nDB4VWMo2ig)
Our guest speaker today was Geri Jones. She speaks from Mark 15:33-38 about the act of holy vandalism, the tearing of the veil between us & God, opened the way for us to come into God's presence and know his forgiveness.
During her preach she would normally have played a song, Take Heart, from https://youtu.be/nR42uAKijI8 but people were encouraged to listen to it themselves.
This week the Encounter meeting was held using the Zoom application. This allowed everyone to see each other rather than simply watching Esther talking on FaceBook. Several people shared testimonies of why they were grateful to God & what He was doing in their lives. Then we prayed about these situations and other general issues before celebrating communion together.
Esther starts a new series "It Is Finished" looking at what has changed as a result of Jesus dying on the cross. Today she talks about the light of the world and highlights 4 truths:
- We ARE the light of the world
- We have a choice to shine brightly
- All light, no matter how small, produces the desired effect
- The light shines brightest where the darkness is greatest
This was originally going to be our Easter Encounter guest meeting.
Instead Esther uses the opportunity to talk to us about the Easter story. She speaks about the dark time that Jesus endured on the cross being isolated from His Father and the isolation His disciples must have felt after His death and burial. With hindsight we know that Friday was not the end, that Sunday was just around the corner and God was about to do a mighty miracle raising Jesus from the dead.
She uses this to encourage us that, although we are currently isolated and in dark times, there is hope for a bright future, that God is still in charge and will bring us through it all eventually.
Since our regular Encounter meetings have been forced to temporarily closedown as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have been unable to meet together in person. Therefore Esther decided that she would try doing a live FaceBook video in order to communicate with as many members as possible.
She looks back at what we learnt from some of the characters that we have looked at in our Insights From Bible Characters series and applies them to what we are facing today in these very difficult times. She points out that all of them (Esther, Gideon, Jabez, Peter, Mary, the boy who gave his lunch, Joseph and Elijah) were men and women just like us.
Our guest speaker this week was Krystyna Lysakowska who continues our series, Insights From Bible Characters, by looking at the story of the woman at the well who met Jesus. Her life, and the lives of many people in her village, was transformed by the encounter.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ec-cujINKZNEkTaoNGW4kYMBdu1vDlmt59hwYCPAK2G--Q?e=wnY9G9
Our guest speaker today is Simon Benham, who continues our Insights From Bible Characters series by speaking about Solomon. Although he was known as a man of great wisdom and did many good things, Simon looks at some of the bad things that he did and what we can learn from them.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWH6V4Fez2xFhQUd37ql3jUBOvlyULWkCGPZ_QaCBOJa8g?e=ctXG54
Esther continues our series, Insights From Bible Characters, by using the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-41 to talk about the Dark Room Experience - how God use various events in order to mature us and prepare us to be able to fulfill the purpose that he has for us. She asks 2 questions:
- Do you know that you have a purpose?
- Are you willing to go through the Dark Room?
See associated notes at https://kerith.church/audio/notes/08_encounter_esther_carter_26022020.pptxhttps://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/ESvHQU-5DzVGk2-sIuzBPmABN6KAfLbZ--HFQwfap6zscg?e=hNt7AF
At the last meeting before half-term, Esther show a video called The Father's Love Letter (see https://youtu.be/zJvqmhGs1Y8) then talks about the love of God before we share communion together.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZA7f_hms31MuUFJuc0EnjQBWZ62jtK2AyC0PfvLpPod0Q?e=TYCAka
Esther continues our series, Insights From Bible Characters, by talking about the boy who gave his lunch in Mark 6:30-44 to enable Jesus to feed the 5000 men plus women & children. Esther asks 5 questions:
- Do you come and go, or do you stay?
- Are you connecting with Jesus regularly?
- Are you driven by compassion or duty?
- Do you feel that your offering is too small?
- Is your offering your security?
See additional notes at https://kerith.church/audio/notes/05_encounter_esther_carter_05022020.pptxhttps://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EfkdZvBXtIdChM-P-0EDx7kByY9VTk5z6dlISf9AvubX4w?e=jQJj4Y
Our guest speaker this week was Catrina Benham who continues our series, Insights From Bible Characters, by looking at the story of Lydia's conversion in the book of Acts. As Paul spoke to the women by the river God opened a door of faith for her. Catrina encourages us to keep coming to the river and to continue to show hospitality to others.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EZUPfp4yFZ9BoKSwzX8WvMwBTUvB_wnvdYin8e9_pyRggg?e=jb4cXM
Since Esther was unable to speak today, so we showed a video of Louis Giglio speaking on the subject "God of the Breakthrough".
If you prefer to watch it you can find it here on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0AlS8qGts7g
Our guest speaker this week was Krystyna Lysakowska who continues our series, Insights From Bible Characters, by looking at the story of Nehemiah who went back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the walls. Nehemiah was a man of God who knew the call of God on his life, which was underpinned by prayer, and Krystyna encouraged us to be a people of prayer.
See associated notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/EWV2wii3jIRHh0sYR29ZE4cBICKlyydWBfyDthRbIIWAgQ?e=iXhJ8Q
Starting the new year, Esther has decided to continue our series, Insights From Bible Characters, for this term. She talks about Abraham and the journey that God called him to take to an unknown destination. She encourages us to listen to God & to follow Him on whatever journey that He is calling us to take.
See additional notes at https://kerithcommunitychurch-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/encounter_kerith_church/Ea5a_qlp_u1OjH5hIjnPCpwB_feqyz5OhAiOMWfzAXgAxg?e=ChYrBo