Hope Community Church Basingstoke: Recent Episodes
Hope Community Church Basingstoke
Listen again at your leisure or find one of our many quality talks and sermons from Hope Community Church in Basingstoke
On Father’s Day and we were delighted to welcome John Wigmore, Rector at Winklebury & Worting Parish Church. He spoke from Luke 18 about our relationship with Father God and what can hinder that.
A wonderful all age gathering! We welcomed a whole bunch of new people into our church family, then celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the church praying for everyone to receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit! We closed singing, ‘How great is God’ in a variety of languages! It was glorious ‘Holy Chaos’!
We were delighted to welcome guest speakers Simon & Gaynor Shaw. They spoke about everyday spirituality. They shared stories of their journey as well practical ways to help us to be aware of God’s presence in our daily lives.
Andy Taylor unpacked the practice of meditation. He explained what Biblical/Christian mediation was and shared lots of personal stories. He ended with some practical next steps and encouraged us to engage in a meditation exercise…
Guest speaker, Howard from Open Doors, talked about some of the persecution that is taking place around the world. It was challenging to hear, but there were stories of hope and divine intervention!
David Lambourn gave a superb talk about Scripture (The Bible). He explained what it was and how we should and shouldn’t approach it. He shared seven of God’s promises in Scripture, then concluded with 16 brilliant practical tips to help anyone read the Bible.
At our all age gathering, Linda Lucas spoke about the tongue. There was a funny drama about how not to speak in church, then a kids talk, followed by puppet making. From the Bible, Linda showed us the power of words’ and encouraged us to speak God’s word to one another.
Andy Winser spoke about ‘The Narrow Way’ and encouraged us to live a lifestyle of continually saying ‘yes’ to Jesus.
It was standing room only as we celebrated the risen Jesus on Easter Sunday! There was such joy as we sang, the kids waved flags they made, and Olu Akinwale preached. He said, “when we surrender to Christ, we break through the limitations of our past into a resurrected, Spirit-led life to fulfil purpose and become a blessing to our world!”
Church leader Gary Bastin spoke about ‘Generosity’. We looked at how God is generous, and then unpacked how our perception of that shapes how we live…
David Robotham gave a detailed Biblical overview of ‘Confession’. He unpacked the various definitions, revealed God’s heart and gave us practical steps to help us adopt this important, ancient practice.
We were delighted to welcome Jonathan Clark, the Lead Minister from Christ Church, Chineham who spoke about 6 Gifts God has given to us.
At our all age gathering, Terry Huggett unpacked the importance of our ‘yes’ being ‘yes’ and are ‘no’ being ‘no’, so that we don’t we manipulate people.
Andy Taylor spoke about ‘fasting’, explaining what it is, as well the heart and purpose of it. He shared personal stories of how God moved when he has fasted and prayed.
We were delighted to welcome Jose and Rosana Liste from Westbourne Grove Church, London. Rosana preacheda powerful message about ‘Faith’ which included some moving personal stories.
Sara Huggett continued our ‘Perpetual Transformation’ series looking at prayer. She drew from the Bible, people of prayer, as well as her own journey.
At our all age gathering Sarah Winser and Terry Huggett were a great tag team as they helped us to understand what God means by ‘honouring one another’.
Terry Huggett spoke about being transformed. He shared the importance if having a ‘running mate’ and why God wants us all to change.
With the help of a few classic movies, Gary Bastin, unpacked discipleship. We looked at Jesus’ model, how we can be disciples today, and God’s ultimate purpose for discipleship.
Kicking off 2025, church leader Gary Bastin spoke about the year ahead: We want to have Jesus right at the centre of who we are, all we do and be changed to become more like him.
On the last Sunday in 2024 Andy Taylor unpacked what is meant by ‘Peace on Earth’ and how it applies to our lives today.
At a packed candlelit carol service, Andy Winser did a brilliant interactive talk on the Christmas Journey, with help from some of our children. He said that Jesus invites us journey with him and concluded by asking us is Jesus in the driving seat on our lives?
We continued our Christmas Journey with another an Advent reflection on ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling’. If you would like to listen to this recording, please contact us.
PPT SLIDES
Our countdown to Christmas began! David Robotham guided us through a creative and reflective Advent gathering, drawing on the Old Testament prophecies and ancient texts. It was the perfect start to the Christmas season!
Terry Huggett concluded our 70x7 series on ‘Forgiveness’ with the story of Jonah in the Bible. He included two powerful forgiveness stories from Corrie Ten Boom and Christine Caine, and ended by asking who and where do we still need to forgive?
Guest speaker Mark Eley (Lifehouse Community Church, leader) prophesied and preached a wonderful encouraging message on being bold and courageous!
Olu and Yemi Akinwale did an outstanding job helping us to ‘Navigate the Path to Forgiveness’ in both Biblical and practical ways!
Youth Pastor, Biggsy, and our young people hosted our annual Thanksgiving Sunday. It was so good to hear many stories of God’s goodness!
At a joint gathering of Community Churches Connected, Phil Norris spoke from Acts 11 and shared stories of the ‘Growing Impact’ God is doing in us, through us and with us!
Guest speaker Will Ross, from Buckskin Evangelical Church, preached a powerful message to help us, when we don’t know what to do!
Continuing our 70x7 series on ‘Forgiveness’, Gary Bastin unpacked the epic story of Joseph. There were both ‘sing-along’ and tender moments as he shared from his heart.
The fabulous Andy & Sarah Winser did a great double act at our all age gathering! With some friendly help Sarah told the story of 'The Unmerciful Servant' (Matt 18:23-35). Andy then explained that if we don’t forgive it’s like walking around with a stone in our shoe.
Terry Huggett started our new series 70x7 which is all about forgiveness. He set the scene with real life illustrations on this most important subject!
Guest speaker Paul Wagstaff from Compassion UK gave an update on children that are sponsored and shared about the powerful effects it has on the community.
Sunday was all about connections. Terry & Sara Huggett unpacked our heart and vision for everyone to be connected. They then explained how and where this could be done.
At the start of a new month and season, church leader Gary Bastin asked the question, ‘Are we there yet?’
Olu Akinwale asked the question, ‘What are we carrying that weighs us down?’ He then showed us how God wants to help…
An informal gathering with sung worship, stories, prayer and communion hosted by Terry & Sara Huggett.
Guest speaker, Robin Mendelsohn (Hub Community Church, Healing on the Streets Team) shared stories of God healing people. He guided us in an informal, overview of the ‘Gift of Healing’ and we had a go as well!
Andy Taylor guided us in an informal, light overview of the gifts of Tongues and Prophecy and we had a go as well!
Iain McDonald concluded our series ‘The Most Excellent Way’ looking at the future resurrection and the final victory of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15). He ended with this poignant quote from C.T. Studd: ‘Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.’
Gary Bastin unpacked ‘tongues and prophecy’ from 1 Corinthians 14. He explained how they benefit us individually and the church community. He encouraged us to ‘eagerly desire’ these ‘God gifts’.
A wonderful morning as we baptised people! We heard their stories of how God has been at work in their lives, then we cheered them on as they took the plunge saying ‘yes’ to Jesus!
Diane Taylor beautifully unpacked one of the most famous parts in the Bible from 1 Corinthians 13 with grace and wisdom. From the firm foundation of God’s love, she challenged us to:
Measure ourselves against Paul’s description of love.
Examine ourselves – has today’s distorted world view crept into our thinking?
WAKE UP! The world is losing touch with God. The Church must stay connected to God and lead the way.
Guest speaker Catherine Gladwell spoke about how God is in the business of making ‘all things new’. Unfortunately the audio is not available.
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David Lambourn continued our series explaining God’s ‘spiritual gifts’ listed in 1 Corinthians 12.
Continuing our series, Andy & Sarah Winser led our all age gathering unpacking ‘The Lord’s Supper’ (aka Communion) found in 1 Corinthians 11. They creatively explained what was going on in Corinth and why communion is so important for us, as God’s people, today!
Andy Taylor did a brilliant job unpacking 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. He masterfully showed us that the basic call of a Christian is not to fight for our rights but to serve God and one another in humility. This is ‘The most excellent way’.
Guest speaker Ngwiza Mnkandla preached an outstanding message called ‘Something More’. Listen and hear God call you up into His Kingdom purposes…
David Robotham continued our series unpacking 1 Corinthians 10. He revealed how God wants us to be free from any form of idolatry so we can fully live for the ‘Glory of God’.
It was all about going for God’s crown. Sarah Winser, with the help from Hope Kids, showed us what is needed to run a marathon and reminded us of the importance of spiritual training. She handed over to Terry Huggett who unpacked the key points in 1 Corinthians 9.
Gary Bastin shared how God wants His church to be a community of love and freedom, with each person filled with the Holy Spirit. ‘Aslan is on the move’…
Guest speaker Ruth Norris spoke from Psalm 139. She gently and skilfully opened up the whole of this Psalm revealing how we can use it in prayer as well as deepening our relationship with God.
Terry Huggett packed a lot in, speaking from 1 Corinthians 7. He showed us ‘The Most Excellent Way' when it comes to relationships. He encouraged us to live in undivided devotion to the Lord and to take a ‘deep dive’ into God’s Kingdom!
Gary Bastin spoke at our all age gathering from 1 Corinthians 16. With some brilliant help from Hope Kids, and others, he unpacked a Biblical basis for giving money in a creative, entertaining and informative way!
Easter Sunday was a wonderful, all age creative celebration! Simon Aspray preached about the importance of Easter Day, now and into eternity!
David Lambourn continued our series (1 Cor 6:12-20) speaking on the rather tricky subject of sex! He showed us what is ‘The Most Excellent Way’ from God’s perspective.
Continuing our series, ‘The Most Excellent Way’, Iain McDonald spoke from 1 Corinthians 6. He revealed how the church in Corinth had lost their perspective and made things that were not God into ‘gods’. He encouraged us not to do the same.
Continuing ‘The Most Excellent Way’, David Robotham masterfully unpacked 1 Corinthians 5: ‘The Call and Challenge of Righteousness’. He concluded that, as follows Jesus we can only achieve this with God’s help and a daily renewal of His grace.
After being told by the medical professionals that she was going to die, God intervened. Guest speaker Simon Corlett shared this incredible and powerful story about his daughter.
Terry Huggett continued our series, ‘The Most Excellent Way’, looking at1 Corinthians 4. He reminded us that God desires to build us His Kingdom ways and values in each of us.
It was an all age gathering where Terry Huggett, with some help from Hope Kids, visually demonstrated what was going on in 1 Corinthians 3 in our series, ‘The Most Excellent Way’.
Continuing our series ‘The Most Excellent Way’, Terry Huggett spoke from 1 Corinthians 2. He shared what happened to him in 1987, when the power of ‘Christ Crucified’ set him on a new path…
Guest speaker Phil Norris spoke passionately from Mark 6, unpacking when Jesus walked on the water. He encouraged us to discover or to look again at ‘who is this Jesus?’
Andy Taylor launched into our series ‘The Most Excellent Way’ unpacking the first chapter of 1 Corinthians. He explained a very helpful way to help us keep unity in church life.
There was a great ‘buzz’ in the room for our first Sunday in January! Gary Bastin introduced our new theme, 'The Most Excellent Way’. There was a quiz about Corinth whilst the children made ‘tent city’. We looked at what the most excellent way is from 1 Corinthians 13. Terry Huggett closed with his top three points to help us prepare for this series.
At our last Sunday of 2023 we gathered to P. R. A. Y. (Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield) for 2024 and to see God unleash His Kingdom in us, Basingstoke, the United Kingdom and all over the world!
On Christmas Eve we gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to worship Him. David Robotham shared a short Christmas meditatioin called ‘Beyond the Manger’. You can read it below.
David's text
There was ‘no room at the Inn’ for our Candlelit Carols! Matthew Rixson opened ‘The Christmas Promise’ revealing that the birth and impact of Jesus was, and is, far from ordinary!
We concluded our series Ego Eimi, looking at when Jesus said, ‘I am the vine.’ We saw that Jesus is the ‘true vine’ and Father God is the gardener. We are the branches and can only produce fruits by being connected to Him and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We continued our series ‘Ego Eimi’, the ‘I am’ statements made by Jesus. Iain McDonald spoke on 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.' After setting the context, he unpacked the significance of each of these words and what they mean for us today.
On Remembrance Sunday, David Lambourn spoke about when Jesus said, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’ (John 11). He showed us how Jesus is the fulfilment of this statement and that the resurrection life he offers is available now!
‘All Nations Worship!’ A joyous and moving celebration of the richness and diversity in our church. The morning was filled with songs, laughter, prayers and dancing as we worshipped our International God together!
A wonderful time and our annual Thanksgiving Gathering! We heard from a variety of people and in particular Simon Biggs (youth worker) and Sarah Winser (family worker). Gary Bastin concluded, highlighting, and celebrating everyone who serves across the church in our many teams!
Guest speaker, Mark Mumford, did a superb job speaking about Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10). He revealed how this is God’s model for leadership and he shared 4 things the Good Shepherd does for us: He cares, He guides, He protects, He provides.
David Robotham continued our current series looking at when Jesus said, ‘I am the gate…’ (John 10). He painted a picture of the context and then explained the significance of this powerful statement. He concluded with the challenge for us to: hear, recognise, believe and follow.
Gary Bastin spoke, and we looked at the dramatic moment when Jesus said, ‘I am the Light of the World.’ He then shared about what God’s light does in us, and how we are called to ‘shine’ as lights in the world.
We joined with the rest of Community Churches Connected for ‘The Gathering’ with guest speaker Rachel Jordan-Wolf (Executive Director HOPE Together). She encouraged us, as she unpacked the results from the recent ‘Talking Jesus’ research!
Guest speaker David Grant retold the story of the paralyzed man being forgiven and healed by Jesus (Luke 5). He drew out some relevant points that applied to us today.
Terry Huggett continued our autumn series, ‘Ego Eimi’ looking at ‘The Bread of Life’ from John 6.
We concluded our series, ‘Summer in the Psalms’. Yemi Akinwale spoke from Psalm 100, and preached about the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of this wonderful Psalm. She reminded us that the password into God’s presence is ‘thankfulness’!
We continued our ‘Summer in the Psalms’ series. Seren Rixson shared from her journalling from Psalm 16 and how it has been a great source of comfort and strength to her over the last year.
Wunmi Olopade continued our ‘Summer in the Psalms’ series looking at Psalm 51, written by King David. She highlighted some of the good and the bad things from his life, and shared a powerful, personal conclusion…
Lucy Aspray launched ‘Summer in the Psalms’ looking at Psalm 122. She spoke enthusiastically about the importance of our personal walk with Jesus, living a community life, which affects the global church!
What a wonderful time together! It was standing room only and the place was buzzing! Hope Kids told us about what they have been doing this term. This was followed by baptising four people from the recent Alpha Course. Each of them shared their story of how Jesus has changed their lives for the better!
We were delighted to have Andy & Kate le Roux from The Vine Church, Odiham. Andy was our guest speaker.
Terry Huggett spoke about the importance of care and connection in our church community. He concluded by asking: ‘Who has got your back and who’s back have you got?’
At our all age gathering, Sarah Winser did a brilliant, creative and inspiring talk about the importance of positive mother and father role models in our church. We can all be a role model to someone!
Andy Winser spoke about ‘Reinforced Foundations’. As someone who works in construction, he reminded us of the importance of good foundations. He showed us what God says about building in the Bible and how vital it is.
Guest speaker Marian Hay spoke eloquently and personally about how God wants his church to be a place of restoration.
At the OneChurch gathering we were delighted to hear from Debra and Frank Green on what God has done through them. Debra spoke from the book of Nehemiah about how the power of prayer can change a city!
Guest speaker Debra Green OBE spoke about the power of agreement in prayer. She shared some amazing stories of how she has seen God at work!
Gary Bastin led an all age gathering beginning with an experiment with eggs, to see what could protect them from cracking when dropped! He then spoke about being a ‘safe place’. He concluded with this statement: We aim to be a church community of loving people who have grace for each other’s quirks, weaknesses and failures, giving space to be changed at God’s pace!
On Pentecost Sunday, Andy Taylor continued our series ‘Finding Your Place, Playing Your Part’. He unpacked what God means by ‘True Fasting’ from Isaiah 58, and where we could outwork this.
We were delighted to welcome Jonathan & Sarah Pitts, the Salvation Army Officers for Basingstoke. They brought some unique and creative teaching about four different ‘Prayer Styles’: The Sunbather, The Surfer, The Ice cream Seller and The Snorkeler. Which one are you?
It was a full on, fantastic, all age gathering! Sarah Winser, with the help of Hope Kids, mixed the ingredients together to make a cake. We prayed for those starting the Grace Nepalese Fellowship before Terry Huggett launched our new series: Finding Your Place, Playing Your Part.
Guest speaker Mirian Price, from Hub Community Church, shared her story of life with God, from a small village in Brazil to moving to Basingstoke.
Sunday 30 April was another ‘5th Sunday’ lunch together. We enjoyed a cooked meal together then heard from Simon and Andy share stories of God at work in their lives.
Terry Huggett concluded our series ‘Immeasurably More’. He recapped what we have done and encouraged to continue to pray to see God move in our personal lives and in this church…‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’ (Ephesians 3:20 The NIV Bible).
Guest Jill Rowe delivered an outstanding talk about Jesus: the words he said and the life he led. She encouraged us to look again at his revolutionary life and to seek to ‘be like him’.
Easter Sunday was a wonderful, all age creative celebration! ‘Pam & Ann’ performed a sketch about the Angel’s telling people that Jesus was alive. Mike Hollow read a thoughtful poem about what Easter means. Together we ‘flowered the cross’, raised the roof with joyous singing and finished with ‘Bingo Bucket’ Easter quiz
Andy Winser continued our series ‘Immeasurably More’. He spoke about the importance of developing our personal relationship with God.
At our evening gathering, on Sunday 19 March, guest speaker Phil Norris spoke from Psalm 139. He shared honestly and openly about his journey, over the last few years, and how this Psalm helped him to encounter God again.
Gill Mahers continued our theme, ‘Immeasurably More’, and spoke about prayer. She gave two Biblical examples in Elijah and Moses and how they prayed. She said:
We can pray like Elijah.
We can pray God’s will into being on earth.
We need each other – we can’t do this on our own.
Guest speaker, Greg Whittick took us through the Lord’s Prayer. He did a superb job in unpacking it, and showed us some of the richness, meaning, depth and power of praying this way!
At our evening gathering, on Sunday 19 February, we were joined by Earl Robinson, leader of LifeSpring Community Church, and his friend Merv Brown. We first watched a video from ‘The Chosen’ when Jesus healed the paralytic (Luke 5:17-26) – watch it here. Earl unpacked this incredible story, encouraging us to be those who bring people to Jesus. Merv shared his story of how he leads people to Jesus.
On Sunday 12 February Gary Bastin spoke from John 15. We are invited to remain, to abide, to dwell, to lodge with God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. From that place, we begin to see things as God does and his fruit can grow from there…
On Sunday 29 January we had our first ‘5th Sunday’ lunch together. We started with communion, then enjoyed a cooked meal together. Afterwards, over tea and cake, we listened to Lucy and Yemi share encouraging stories of God at work in their lives. It was a wonderful time together!
Terry Huggett dived into our new series ‘Immeasurably More’ by asking us, ‘Where are you this morning?’ He then led us through the book of Ephesians, revealing what God has done for us in the ‘Heavenly realms’.
On Sunday 15 January, at our evening gathering, our guest speaker was the rather lovely Dave Bishop, Minister at Basingstoke Baptist Church. He spoke about the new things God has in store for us as his people. Listen, as you will be encouraged and blessed!
Today was Vision Sunday! Terry Huggett introduced our new series ‘Immeasurably More’, which included a short clip from Tim Mackie. You can watch the full video here. Terry also told us about sharing a meal together on three of the 5th Sundays this year!
At our first gathering of 2023, Andy Taylor spoke from Psalm 43, and revealed how ‘lament’ can lead to ‘praise’ and then ‘joy’. He also spoke from Philippians 4, showing how ‘thanksgiving’ can lead to ‘prayer’ and from that to ‘peace’. These are two great verses to have, as we go into the year ahead!
At our festive ‘Carols by Candlelight’ evening, Andy Taylor talked about what an ‘Unexpected Christmas’ can mean for us today…
Gary Bastin concluded our autumn series and introduced the season of Advent. We looked at two characters in the Nativity story, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gary unpacked their different responses and encouraged us to be like Mary.
Terry Huggett continued our series ‘Restore, Renew & Rebuild’ focusing on the final section ‘Rebuild’. He reminded us that we ‘are’ the church, and encouraged us to think how we can be a place of ‘Hope’ in Basingstoke.
Gary Bastin spoke from Nehemiah 3. We saw a wide variety of people who rebuilt the wall in Jerusalem. We looked at how God wants to renew our heart so we can serve Him, or in other words to discover what our ‘section’ of God’s wall is ours to build…
On Sunday 6 November, church leader, Gary Bastin led an all age gathering all about Nehemiah. With some help from Hope Kids, we learnt how Nehemiah responded positively to what God said!
Sunday 30 October was all about us as ‘the church’. It started with bacon butties, then Gary Bastin briefly explained what the Bible says church is. We then ‘prayed in’ some new people into our church family. Finally, Andy & Diane Taylor explained the history and reason for the forthcoming trip to India.
Terry Huggett continued our series ‘Restore, Renew, Rebuild’, focusing on ‘Renew’ from Nehemiah 2. He reminded us that we don’t go to church – we are the church! He concluded by asking us: ‘What is our vision for Hope Community Church?’
Guest speaker Siân Rees spoke a great message called ‘I am who YOU say I am’ all about how God sees us. Listen and be blessed!
On Sunday 9 October Terry Huggett launched our autumn series, ‘Restore, Restore, Rebuild’ from Nehemiah 1. He left us with this question to ponder:
How aligned is your heart with Gods for the people of Basingstoke?
To listen to the song that was played, please go here
Sunday 2 October was our annual ‘Thanksgiving Gathering’. This was our opportunity to look back over the last 12 months and to share stories of what we are grateful to God for! This year was no exception as people shared… listen and be encouraged!
On Sunday 25 September we welcomed Andy & Anne Hutchinson from Compassion UK. Andy spoke brilliantly with faith and clarity on the ‘grace of giving’ from 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Guest speaker, Andy Wright (Hub Community Church) spoke passionately about five things Jesus said to his disciples between his resurrection and ascension:
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The Model – The Father sends Jesus; Jesus sends us
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The Magnitude – All the World; everywhere!
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The Method – Make more Disciples
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The Message – Cross, Resurrection, Repentance, Forgiveness
5.The Means – Power of the Holy Spirit
In light of the recent death of Her Majesty the Queen, we postponed the planned teaching. Instead, we had an open time of reflection, prayer, and tributes for the Queen, and we prayed for the new King, the Royal family, and our nation
Sarah Winser and Biggsy kicked of September by praying for all our children and young people this new term and for any adults involved in education. Terry Huggett then gave a brief overview of our autumn series, ‘Restore, Renew, Rebuild’.
James Liriano concluded our summer series ‘Faith, Hope & Love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) and spoke about 'Love’! He told the parable of the Good Samaritan and showed us what putting God’s love in action look like and encouraged us to do the same!
Reuben Brown continued our summer series ‘Faith, Hope & Love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) and spoke about 'Hope'!
Wunmi Olopade started our summer series ‘Faith, Hope & Love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) and spoke about 'Faith'! She told us what Faith is, how we grow in it and how God is pleased when we live by it!
At the end of our ‘Week of Prayer’, we looked back and shared what God has been saying to us.
Andy Taylor had the joy of speaking at the final session of our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’. He titled his talk: ‘The Generous Boundaries of God’. After a quick recap he focused on Matthew 7:21-29. He concluded with this ‘assignment’:
Read the Sermon on The Mount (Matthew 5-7) once again for yourself, asking God to show you some new things that specifically relate to you. If you can, share these things with your small group, prayer triplet or a trusted friend.
We had a wonderful evening with guest speaker, Colin Barnes and the Holy Spirit! Colin spoke (and danced) with insight, passion, and revelation from Luke 24 – the road to Emmaus.
Terry Huggett delivered the penultimate talk in our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’ looking at Matthew 7:13-20, and ‘the wide and narrow pathway’…
Andy & Sarah Winser led an all age gathering speaking about prayer and introduced our forthcoming ‘Week of Prayer’.
Susie & Elias Hope continued our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’. They unpacked Matthew 7:7-12, revealing what Jesus meant about ‘ask, seek and knock’ prayer. They shared some personal stories of how God has helped them in this area and introduced us to ‘The Golden Rule’.
They concluded with these three questions to consider:
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Are you struggling with something you need to bring to God? Challenge: Think about how you can ask, seek, knock in relation to this issue.
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Are you feeling weary in asking? Challenge: Find a couple of God’s promises and mediate on these.
3. Is there a situation that you need wisdom to apply the Golden Rule?
We were delighted to welcome Sue Coleman (Associate Minister at St. Leonard's in Oakley) as our guest speaker. She spoke eloquently about God’s comfort from 2 Corinthians 1:1-14.
Simon Aspray spoke about ‘judging others’ from Matthew 7:1-6 as part of series ‘The Fools on the Hill’.
We celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a special all age gathering! We acknowledged her Christian faith and ‘Life of Service’ as she followed in the steps of Jesus. As it was also Pentecost Sunday, we re-dedicated ourselves as God’s servants, and prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
On Sunday 29 May, guest speaker Ayliffe Taylor, told us about the work of ‘The Safe’: who offer help and support to all families of all ages across Basingstoke and North Hampshire. After that, Andy & Diane Taylor shared two significant ‘prayer stories’ in Basingstoke, to inspire us to pray for our town!
Terry Huggett spoke about ‘do not worry’ from Matthew 6:25-34 as part of series ‘The Fools on the Hill’.
On Sunday 15 May, BJ Lawal, from Praise Embassy Church, preached a fantastic message called ‘The Price of Glory’. It was insightful, encouraging and challenging!
Andy Taylor continued our series ‘The Fools of the Hill’ looking at Matthew 6:19-24 with some help from Mr Topsy-Turvy! He left us with this question to consider:
Take a hard and honest look at your life. Is there anything (money, career, family, leisure, sport, etc.) that comes between you and your walk with God?
Andy & Sarah Winser hosted an all age gathering. With the help of Mr Potato Head, they looked at what it means to be part of the Body of Christ.
Simon Aspray continued our series ‘The Fools of the Hill’ looking at Matthew 6:5-18 in these four sections:
1. The ‘Christian duties’ Problem
2. Restoring Perspective
3. Prayer
4. Fasting
After 2 years we were back to celebrate Easter together! Matthew Rixson spoke about the living hope that Jesus is because of Easter Sunday!
On Sunday, Susie Hope did a superb job in unpacking Matthew 5:43 – 6:4 in our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’. She looked at what Jesus said about ‘Loving our Enemies’ and ‘Giving’.
She left us these questions and challenges to ponder:
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Ask for God’s help & to pray blessings on them
Is there someone who mistreats/ dislikes/ make life hard for you?
Ask God to show you how to treat them as a friend.
Who is in need that you could help?
Ask God what you can do to really bless the receiver.
Is there a way to give without drawing attention?
An outstanding evening in God’s presence with guests Tim & Danni Lockwood from Gateway Church, Marchwood. Tim spoke powerfully about Gideon from Judges 6 and Danni shared her story of how God intervened dramatically in her life. They were a dynamic duo!
Youth Pastor Biggsy spoke at a special all age gathering where we baptised a follower of Jesus!
Elias Hope continued our series, ‘The Fools on the Hill’ where we delved into Matthew 5:33-42. He left us with these things to reflect on:
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Have we made careless oaths? Or perhaps broken oaths we said we would keep?
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Have we retaliated publicly against governing authorities? Have we sought revenge against those who have wronged us?
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Do we harbour unforgiveness towards those God has called us to forgive as we have been forgiven?
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Have we repented or brought any of these things before the Lord (1 John 1:9)?
We heard from guest speakers Steve & Lucy Barclay. They shared stories of God at work on the streets at encouraged us prophetically too!
Continuing our series, ‘The Fools on the Hill’, Terry Huggett unpacked Matt 5:27-32 when Jesus spoke about lust, adultery and divorce. He invited us to consider:
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What are your triggers?
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Do you need to talk to someone?
Terry concluded with an encouragement from 2 Corinthians 10:5... ‘We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.’
On Sunday 20 February Sarah & Andy Winser did a fabulous job at our ‘all age’ gathering. With a little help from some friends, they told the story about Mary and Martha. Mary stopped and listened to Jesus whilst her sister, Martha, did not. They left us three questions to consider:
What is priority in your life?
Do you make time for God and put Him first?
Do you make time for the other things God has called you to do?
Andy Taylor continued our series, ‘The Fools on the Hill’ covering Matthew 5:21-26. He left us three questions for consider this week:
1. Why does Jesus consider the words that we say to be so important?
2. What do you understand Jesus means when he says one may be in danger of the ‘fire of hell’?
3. Is there anyone in your life, past or present, that you have not been able to forgive and still causes you to feel anger?
Gary Bastin spoke about a life changing moment that deeply affected the first followers of Jesus. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic and ask, ‘what now? the same God wants to change, empower and partner with us...
Terry Huggett continued our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’. He began with a brief overview of what we have already covered. He then unpacked what Jesus meant about being ‘salt & light’, fulfilling God’s law and the kind of heart God wants us to have.
We were delighted to welcome Mark & Danielle Butler to our January evening gathering. They shared their lockdown journey which and how God used this as an opportunity...
Gary Bastin spoke about connections: Our personal relationship with God is the most important, as is being a lifelong disciple of Jesus. Connections with others are essential too, as this reflects God’s DNA in us. Covid-19 has affected these connections and so we need to reimagine them for the year ahead...
At our first gathering in 2022, Andy Taylor shared some great insights from Isaiah 11:1-9. These verses are often read at Christmas as they refer to the Messiah, who was Jesus. However, their impact is just as relevant today as we head into a new year...
Starting in Genesis, she told us how God’s light always breaks through darkness. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can trust God even when fearful, because God keeps His promises.
Simon Aspray gave a brilliant talk concluding the ‘Beatitudes’ section of Matthew 5:9-10 with the help of a chessboard!
Church leader Gary Bastin spoke at an all-age interactive gathering, called ‘Spoiler Alert!’ With help from some little friends, he re-told the story of the two builders, found in the Bible (Matthew 7:24-27), and encouraged us to make good choices to listen and do what Jesus says!
Continuing our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’ looking at Matthew 5:7-8. Here are some questions to ask ourselves this week:
When did you last check you were sailing in the right direction?
Do you seek to be merciful? From where does that flow?
Do you seek the Lord above all? How does this manifest itself?
Susie Hope continued our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’. She did a superb job in unpacking Matt 5:5-6 giving us lots to reflect on!
Here are some questions she encouraged us to consider this week:
Are you living like a slave of this world or citizen of heaven?
What do you hunger and thirst for?
Is there any area you could grow in self-control?
Is there anything you need to submit to God?
Am I pursuing justice God’s way or the cultures way?
On Sunday 31 October our theme was ‘For all the Saints’ as we celebrated great people of God who went before us! Thanks to everyone who contributed in this excellent ‘all age’ gathering!
Elias Hope continued our series ‘The Fools on the Hill’, focusing on the first two ‘beatitudes’ found in Matt 5:3-4. Here are some questions he left us to reflect on:
Do you recognise your spiritual bankruptcy?
Are we Christ-centred not self-centred?
Where do you turn when you struggle?
When is the last you mourned over sin?
Do you pray about it? (Psalm 139:23-24)
What gets in the way? (embarrassment, shame, sin blindness?)
Do you believe God’s promises? (1 John 1:9)
Be encouraged, if sin bothers you, that’s good!
Sunday 17 October was our annual, all age, Thanksgiving gathering! Sarah Winser spoke about her grandmother and what she taught her about thanksgiving. This was followed by an ‘open mic’ where many in the church shared what they were thankful to God for. We also collected a lot of food and other essentials for the Foodbank. It was a wonderful morning together!
Terry Huggett began ‘The Fools on the Hill’, our new series, which is a ‘deep look’ into the greatest preach Jesus ever made! It is more commonly known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ and can be found in Matthew 5-7 in the Bible.
It was our first evening gathering with guest speaker Dave Oliver. He spoke about the many ‘storms’ that we face today (not only Covid) and on the horizon. He also spoke about how the church has changed over the last 18 months and concluded with seeds of hope for the future in all that God is doing!
He left us with this question: What can I do now I couldn’t do before?
Andy Taylor concluded our ‘From the Heart’ series looking at some of the big issues that face us in 21st century Britain. How should we be living as God’s people?
Here are 3 questions to consider this week:
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Meditate on the phrase “a people of God’s own possession”. What could this look like in 21st century Britain and how should this affect the way we regard one another in Hope Church?
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As we are confronted by any or all of the issues in the list, how can “transformed thinking” change the way we respond to them?
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We can only really be a people of God’s own possession working with transformed thinking when we are daily operating under the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Lord would send his Spirit upon us powerfully.
Andy Winser continued our series ‘From the Heart’ speaking on ‘I will build my church’ from Matthew 16. When God builds the church are we prepared...
to lay things down?
to have deep, costly and good foundations?
to walk in faith and trust the architect?
Can we say ‘anything Lord’ and mean it?
It’s the second week of our series, ‘From the Heart’ and we heard from Terry Huggett. He asked us to consider where our heart was regarding the church at this time? He also encouraged us not to settle with ‘OK’ but instead to ask, ‘what if?’
It's September and we started this new season with a short series called ‘From the Heart’. Over the next four weeks we shall hear from the four main leaders (AKA the Elders), who will each share something from their heart for us as a church. Gary Bastin spoke to day and all age gathering.
We heard from Tilda Shearing about her time in Paris and then Gary Bastin introduced ‘Share your Story’. We then broke down into small groups to consider and talk about these questions:
How would you sum up the last 15 months?
Is there something you have learned you could live without?
What helped you get through the last year?
How did you ‘fill your tank’ in lockdown?
Gary Bastin launched our summer series called ‘Reconnecting’. After playing a memory game we reminded ourselves of what the church is. We listened again to a prophetic word which we first heard about a year ago, about a plane that landed safely upside-down. In applying this ‘word’ to our lives, as we seek to navigate the way ahead, the question was asked: what do you need to leave...what do you need to pick up?
Elias & Susie Hope concluded our series in Ezra looking at the final two chapters, 9 & 10.
If you are struggling with sin, there is still hope!
Repentance is more than confession, it’s action!
Challenge for each generation: Avoid assimilation To have integrity - To be Holy as God is Holy
To be a reprocessing factory - we need to practice prayer, confession & repentance together.
Diane Taylor continued our series in Ezra focusing on chapters 7-8.
Enthusiasm has turned to discouragement. Building has stopped and there is spiritual apathy amongst those who resettled in Jerusalem…
Andy Taylor continued our series in Ezra focusing on chapters 4-6. He posed these questions for us to consider:
Questions:
1. In your life right now what does your personal “temple of the Holy Spirit” look like? Is it something of which to be joyful or to lament? Pray and talk it out with God -either in praise or lament.
2. What does it mean for God to be “with us” today?
3. What does it look like to live with shouts of praise and cries of sadness?
3 More Questions:
1. What are some of the main ethical issues that face the church today?
2. What are the issues likely to be facing us in the not-too-distant future?
3. What practical steps should we be taking in the light of these issues?
Ezra 3
They were together as one
They rebuilt the altar
They had bold Faith
They reinstated the feasts and festivals
They started to rebuild the Temple
Looking at three aspects of Dads, for Fathers Day this year. Andy & Diane Taylor and Gary Bastin spoke about Dad's, spiritual fathers and God as Father.
We were delighted to welcome back expert Bible teacher, Dave Perry (from Canada), who did a masterful job in unpacking the first two chapters in our series on the book of Ezra.
Dave concluded by asking us to consider three questions. This week, please take time to reflect on them alone, or with a friend or in your small group:
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What promises from God do I need to revisit?
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God loves His church; does the church matter to me?
3.Do I see myself as part of something bigger than myself?
In this introduction to the book of Ezra, Gary highlighted three areas which are relevant for us as we emerge from lockdown: Return, Rebuild and Restore.
On this day we celebrated the Day of Pentecost, Marilyn Denning spoke about what happened and what that means for us today!
A superb punchy talk about celebrating who God is and all that He has done, part of our ‘emerge’ series.
Pete Hay spoke on 'healing' in our ‘Emerge’ series. It was a Biblical, practical and honest talk.
Gill was outstanding speaking on 'Prayer' as part of our ‘Emerge’ series. She was clear, envisioning and extremely practical. We highly recommend this inspirational talk!
She covered these 3 points:
1. Personal prayer
2. Some obstacles to prayer
3. Praying with others
Chris & Naomi Greenhalgh gave a superb overview of ‘whole life’ worship as part of our ‘Emerge’ series. Worship is:
about intimacy and relationship
all about Jesus
something that brings change and transformation
all about honouring Jesus with everything
Sara Huggett spoke clearly and sensitively on the importance subject of ‘Lament’ in our ‘Emerge’ series.
Church leader, Gary Bastin introduced our new series EMERGE, highligting these 5 things as we come out of lockdown:
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Same storm, different boats
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Stop!
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Be still & know God
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Listen to Gods voice
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Be obedient
Gary Bastin spoke about the significance of Easter:
1. The old way of doing things was over!
AT EASTER JESUS OFFERS YOU A FRESH START
2. Access to presence of God is now open to everyone 24/7
AT EASTER JESUS OFFERS YOU ACCESS TO GOD
3. God’s presence is no longer limited to one place
AT EASTER JESUS NEW LIFE IS AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE
We were delighted to have Phil Norris to conclude our series ‘Going to the Promised Land’, speaking from Joshua 3-4.
Here some questions from Phil regarding ‘your crossing’:
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What does getting ready mean for you?
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What do you take with you from the last year?
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What hinders you and must be left behind?
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What do you see once you’ve crossed?
Phil concluded by encouraging us to use our Spirit inspired imagination, your prophetic insight, your anointed intellect, however you hear from God.
Andy Taylor spoke from Joshua 2 in our series ‘Going to the Promised Land’. Here are three some questions for us to consider this week:
1. Have you ever been involved in some project to which you gave your life and soul, perhaps over many years, but felt when it came to an end that you had not been appreciated for what you had done? How do you feel about that now? As you consider it, what is God saying to you?
2. Do you recall a seemingly impossible situation in your life where you just knew that the Lord was going to carry you through and so could face it with faith? Can you see a situation ahead where we, as God’s people, are likely to face a similar challenge?
3. It is outrageous that God should use a prostitute to fulfil his plans for Israel. Can you ask God to search your own heart to reveal what prejudices against people of all sorts may still lurk under the surface?
We were delighted to have Dave Richards speak about Moses and the people he led found in Numbers 20 in our ‘Going to the Promised Land’ series. Dave was superb! Here are some questions from Dave for us to consider...
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Where am I in terms of doing what God requests of me?
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Am I good at following leadership or am I fearful or even too familiar with it?
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Is there anything I need to adjust in my own life in the light of this story?
Thanks also to Michael Wadsworth for his encouraging and challenging talk in our series 'Going to the Promised Land’. Michael asked us to consider what does this story tell us about:
1. What is the promise of God?
2. Who are your spies?
3. What is your attitude?
4. What’s your story so far?
Here are some questions for reflection:
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What does the covenant established in the OT mean for us now? What does it tell us about God?
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Why don’t Christians obey the whole OT law? Read Romans 8:1-4 and – if you have them – the accompanying notes in the NIV Study Bible (very helpful!). Discuss together how we know which parts of the OT still apply to us today.
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"This is your life now”. How can Terry Waite’s statement offer you comfort and purpose this week?
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What does the idea of being 'priestly' in your everyday life mean to you?
Wunmi Olopade spoke clearly in our series ‘Going to the Promised Land’ as we saw how God partnered with His people and won a great victory.
Here are her 4 key points:
1. Let us keep our eyes focused on God
2. Let’s reach out and look beyond ourselves to offer support
3. Stay in the place of prayer
4. If God said it, He will do it
Biggsy also shared a clear and challenging message on God’s provision, relying on Him and living truly God centred lives. He left us with these questions to consider:
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Do you try and offer God a slice of your time or is He at the centre of each slice?
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What small change could you make towards centring on Him?
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What places or people has God put in your lives that you can be like manna to, through encouragement, prayer or practical giving?
Greg Whittick shared 4 insights from Ezra 3 at a joint BCCs live stream:
1. Primacy of worship
2. Unity of God’s people
3. Generational Differences
4. Exile changes you (the future doesn’t look like the past)
Terry Huggett concluded the ‘New Wineskins?’ series. Here are the questions for us to consider this week:
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Can you share your testimony in a few minutes, can you recall the kind of person you were when you came to faith in Christ?
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How resistant are you to personal change? What challenges does it bring?
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How do you see "Hope" church in the few years? What would you like it to be/look like?
Terry Huggett continued our current series, ‘New Wineskins?’ which included a walk around the town centre.
Here are the questions for us to consider this week:
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Who or how have you been discipled in the past or present?
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When you consider Basingstoke what stands out the most to you, good or bad?
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How do you see yourself serving in the body, the Church?
Terry Huggett launched our new series ‘New Wineskins?’ revealing what the early church was committed to. Here are the questions for us to consider this week:
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Do you remember when and how you were filled with new wine = The Holy Spirit?
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In today's world how do you maintain fellowship (relationship) with those around you?
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Since you became a Christian what has encouraged you the most regarding being part of the Church family?
Church leader Gary Bastin begun the year with a talk called ‘Remember & Reimagine’. Let us remember:
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who God is
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who we are
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what God has said to us
Let us reimagine our future:
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personally
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together as a church
'Hope at Home' was an uplifting celebration of Christmas, hosted by Gary Bastin and his daughter Abi. Samuel Dunn joined them and spoke about ‘The Greatest Gift’
Last Christmas and this Christmas are going to be different, but we need to remember what happened at the first Christmas.
Pete and Marian Hay concluded our ‘Spirit Filled Church’ series looking at how the Spirit helps us in prayer and guides us.
Here are this week’s questions:
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Through this series what has the Holy Spirit been leading you to know and do?
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In what ways has the Holy Spirit helped you personally hear from God?
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In your weakness how have are you experienced His comfort, strengthening, encouragement, intercession for you
Youth Pastor Biggsy delivered a provocative and challenging talk on 'Unity & Fruit' as part of our 'Spirit Filled Church' series.
Here are this week’s questions:
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How are we demonstrating community?
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How might we need to do some realigning in order to bear more fruit as a Body?
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How do you want to step outside of your comfort zone to grow your individual giftings to maximise your part in His plan?
Gary continued our 'Spirit Filled Church' series unpacking 'Spiritual Gifts’ explaining that that they are given for us to fulfil Gods mission!
Here are this week’s questions:
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What stood out to you most from Sunday’s talk?
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Is there a time when you have used the Spiritual Gifts? Describe what happened?
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Being honest, which of the Gifts would you like to have?
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Pray for one another, that we would both receive and use these gifts.
Gary Bastin highlighted seven symbols for the 'Holy Spirit' and encouraged us to reflect on them this week. Take one symbol each day: study, reflect and meditate on it and see what God says to you:
Monday – Dove
Tuesday – Water
Wednesday – Fire
Thursday – Wind
Friday – Oil
Saturday – Seal
Sunday – Wine
Here are this week’s questions:
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What do the symbols represent?
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What does it show us about the Holy Spirit?
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Which symbol of the Holy Spirit stood out to you most and why?
A big thank you to Sian Rees, from the Evangelical Alliance, for her clear and compelling message from Acts 4 in our ‘Spirit Filled Church’ series.
Here are some questions from Sian for us to discuss this week:
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What does this ‘new’ season look like in your world? In your personal or family life, your work life and your church?
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Read Acts 4:29-30 once again and note what they considered to be priority requests during that time. In terms of making Jesus known to others, what would be your priority requests? Boldness, clarity, a lack of fear, words to say etc...?
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Can you think of examples in the Bible where people were filled with the Holy Spirit to enable them to complete specific tasks or purposes?
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The title of the message was ‘Filled for purpose, proclamation and power’. Pray for one another not only to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but that He would specifically breathe on the purposes He has called us to.
Wow! What an incredible ‘Thanksgiving Sunday’ live stream! Thanks to so many people for your deep, real, funny and creative stories of gratitude! Big thanks to Sarah Winser and Joy Pratchett for hosting too. If you missed it ‘live’ watch it now as you will be encouraged!
Here are some questions to consider this week all around ‘thankfulness’:
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What does the Bible say about being thankful?
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Look at Luke 17: 11-19, what’s going on, what do you learn about people and about God in this short story? Why do you think it’s in the Bible?
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What are you most grateful to God for in your life and why?
Sara Huggett spoke personally and challenged us about the work of the Holy Spirit in revelation, illumination & teaching. Here are the questions for reflection and discussion this week:
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Describe a time in your life when God spoke to you directly, known as a ‘rhema’ word of God for your life. This could be directly from the Bible or in another way.
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Do you find it easy or do you struggle to have conversations with the Holy Spirit? What could you put in place to help that?
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‘Revelation’ is not always to offer comfort and reassurance but also to challenge our thinking and our attitudes (i.e. to transform us into Christs likeness). Share a time you felt God challenged by God's Word.
Terry Hugget spoke about the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, purification & assurance, as part of our 'Spirit Filled Church' series.
Here are his questions for this week’s reflections:
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Looking back to before you became a Christian, can you identify times when the Holy Spirit was at work in your life that helped lead you to faith in Christ?
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Have faith and repentance remained a constant in your life? At times when maybe you have struggled what got you back on track?
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Regarding the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’, love, joy, peace, etc. Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit so as not to gratify the sins of the flesh, how are we doing in this daily?
A special live stream across the four BCCs churches where Phil Norris spoke a timely message from Colossians 2 encouraging us to ‘remember Jesus’.
Andy Taylor continued our sereies ‘Spirit Filled Church’ and spoke about the Holy Spirit in the New Testament and poured three bottles of Guinness!
Guest theologian Jen Smith spoke insightfully about the activity of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, and about the pattern of the Spirit separating land and water. To see her notes please click here.
Dave Perry gave us a biblical overview of the Holy Spirit in our 'Spirit Filled Church' series!
Questions for small groups or personal reflection:
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Identify one way it should make a difference for us that the Spirit is person.
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Name one thing you need the Spirit to “search the depths” for on your behalf. (Wisdom, solutions, perspective…).
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David was anointed with the Spirit and then faced a crisis: Goliath. At this point in your life, what is your “Goliath”?
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Ponder this sentence, and tell your group what you’d put into the blank: “By faith I believe that by the enabling of the Spirit I can have victory over my Goliath of ______________.”
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Pray for each other!
Gary Bastin introduced our new series 'Spirit Filled Church'. Here are the three question for us to discuss this week:
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What has been your most significant encounter with the Holy Spirit so far?
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What is the difference between the activity of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testament?
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Being honest:
a. what would you like to get out of this series?
b. what do you think God would like to do in you during this series?
Simon & Jane Aspray did an outstanding job concluding our summer series 'God's Waiting Room'. Jane spoke about the Paul in the Bible titled ‘Paul on Pause’. Here are the four points Jane made in the talk for you to reflect on:
· Waiting takes time but it is not a waste of time
· God sees the bigger picture
· Not ‘why?’ but ‘what for?’
· I am the waiter not the lord of the manor
Church leader Gary Bastin spoke about how, after waiting and praying, the Disciples were transformed when the Holy Spirit came upon them. What is God doing now, what could this mean for us and our nation?
James Liriano’s punchy preach reminding us God’s task is still the same but the tools to share it are different!
Thanks to Andy Winser for his insights into ‘waiting’ from the story of Joseph. As we navigate this new normal what is the soundtrack to your waiting? Are you
· passive or active
· expectant because God is at work in you
This week Loba Olopade spoke about at Abraham in our summer series 'God's Waiting Room'. His three ‘takeaways’ were:
Hear God for yourself
Don’t put your trust in yourself
It may not loo like it but God has a plan
Denise Robotham kicked of our new series sharing her ‘Noah Principles’ and how they apply to our lives.
Simon Corlett reminded us that we are all ‘hope carriers’ and gave us some superb practical advice on how we can share our faith.
Many thanks to David Robotham for expertly unpacking Romans 10 & 11 reminding us that:
Unity in His church is paramount
God is faithful to His promises
All creation will be renewed
It’s always a work of grace
Reuben Brown gave a punchy and powerful talk reminding us in lock down not to forget to use the gifts God has given us especially the gift of prophecy!
David Robotham continued our Romans series and did an awesome job in unpacking chapter 9.
We are also grateful to Jen Smith (Academic Manager from King's School of Theology) for doing an utterly brilliant job in revealing chapters 6 and 7. Masterful!
Thanks to Andy Taylor for continuing our series on Romans and reminding us of true grace and peace that only God can bring.
Many thanks to Joy Pratchett and Mark Wilson from the Hope Kids Team for doing a brilliant job hosting the morning and for the creative retelling of Jesus calming the storm.
Many thanks to Elias Hope for continuing our Romans series looking at chapters 3:30 to 4:25. His teaching was very clear and he was also vulnerable as he shared a personal story.
On Sunday we were joined online by Greg Whittick, leader of the Community Church Tadley, who did a masterful job in unpacking the opening few chapters in our series on Romans.
This week Gary was joined by Lynne Jones from Rewire (www.rewirelifecoaching.com) and she shared three tips for wellbeing. Then our Youth Pastor Biggsy and some of our young people did a spoke about not worrying, trusting God and finding joy. It was a superb morning with outstanding contributions!
This week we were joined online by guest speaker Ephrem Sahlu, from Christ Community Church, London. He spoke from Luke 21 about our future Hope, the Grace of God and being useful here on the earth now!
This Easter Sunday we came together online for an all age live stream celebration. Guest speaker Simon Corlett, preached about having confidence and trust in the resurrected Jesus, and how everyone can know his unconditional love!
On Palm Sunday Gary Bastin spoke about Jesus arriving in Jerusalem and then clearing the temple from Matthew 21. From this story he shared three ‘R’s for us to consider during the coronavirus pandemic:
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Rediscover your relationship with God
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Reflect and allow God to deal with things
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Remember who we are as Gods people
Many thanks to Colin Barnes, from the River Church in Maidenhead, for recording a video message which we were able to live stream on Sunday morning. He spoke about King Hezekiah, in the Old Testament, who had been ‘locked-down’ in Jerusalem. Form this story Colin shared some encouraging insights to keep us in a place of faith and trust in God!
Mothers Day this year was very different! Due to the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the UK we were unable to gather as a church. Instead church leader, Gary Bastin, hosted an online, interactive Mothers Day ‘service’ which was broadcast on Facebook live!
Many thanks to David Robotham for speaking on Romans 1:1-17 and brilliantly setting out the ‘map’ of this letter and for revealing the historical context into which Paul wrote it.
Here are the two questions he left us to consider:
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Is our Christian ‘belief’ a ‘settled conviction’ that Gog really did raise Jesus and that he is messiah?
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Are we prepared to allow that conviction to challenge our ‘Caesar’ – the pervading culture, the false ‘messiahs’, the usurper Lords?
Many thanks to Andy Taylor for launching our new series on the book of Romans. He gave a great overview of this important and influential letter.
We were delighted to have Catherine Gladwell speaking to close our 2020 Vision series. She spoke about how God has called us to be ‘outposts of heaven’ carrying His hope!
At an all-age gathering Sarah Winser told the story of the dramatic rescue of a teenage football team who were trapped inside a flooded cave in Thailand, in July 2018. She spoke of their hope which kept them all alive and said that Jesus offers hope to everyone which is life transforming!
We were delighted to hear from Phil Norris (Basingstoke Community Churches Apostolic Leader) preach on how God calls us into freedom for the sake of the Gospel.
Terry Huggett continued our 2020 Vision series explaining the second aim: to be a ‘Reprocessing Factory’. When we become Christians, God begins a process reprocessing us!
Church leader Gary Bastin continued our 2020 Vision series focusing on being a ‘City of Refuge’. We aim to be a church community of loving people who have grace for each other’s quirks, weaknesses and failures, giving space to be changed at God’s pace!
Andy Taylor revealed the significance and assurance of Biblical ‘hope’ in the New Testament!