‘Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God’ (1 John 5:5)
Can you imagine a tightrope stretched over a quarter of a mile and spanning the breadth of Niagara Falls? The thundering sound of pounding water as you watch a man step onto the rope and walk across! You may well know the story of the stunning feat made Charles Blondin in the summer of 1859. He walked 160 feet above the Falls several times between Canada and the United States as huge crowds on both sides watched in awe. After crossing on stilts and on a bike, he then pushed a wheelbarrow across and addressed the crowd: ‘Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?’ The crowd shouted ‘Yes! We believe you can do it!’ But when he asked who was willing to volunteer, the crowd fell silent… until one man
eventually came forward! He turned out to be Blondin’s manager, Harry Colcord. He knew Blondin so well, that he trusted him with his life. The crowd held their breath as the two men made their journey safely to the other side.
Our passage this week from 1 John 5 urges us to keep trusting that Jesus is the Son of God! This faith is not just a belief in a particular doctrine, or a theoretical understanding that something is true – this is an active trust in a person! A person we can know; who loves us; who walks with us through the wrestling and the doubts; who offers life now and forever because He has overcome the powers of darkness in the world. This person is Jesus of Nazareth – the Son of God, who became a human being to save us. This Sunday we’ll explore what it looks like for us to trust Him with our lives in the way Harry Colcord trusted Blondin to get him across Niagara Falls.
Much love,
Becky
Last Sunday to return your response form if you haven't already: 'I'm in!'
Thank you if you have already returned one.
Catch up by listening to Alex's sermon from 18th June https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCCQd6Dnlec
Just a quick reminder to check your spam and junk files from time to time - we are hearing that a few of you are finding church and other important emails are getting missed in these files!
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Becky Taylor's last Sunday here at St Paul's -
This Sunday, 23rd July
This Sunday we will celebrate Becky's last Sunday here at St Paul's. It's not too late if you would like to contribute to her leaving gift please do so via the usual bank account, adding 'Becky gift' in the reference field. Alternatively, please put cash or cheque in the giving box at the back of church in a labelled envelope.
We will thank Becky on Sunday morning and pray for her next chapter, we'd love you to bring a picnic and join Becky (around 12.30ish) for a byo pic-nic gathering at Meadowbank followed by a gentle walk around Denbies. Please note that if the weather still looks wet a decision will be made at the end of the 9am service about picnic-ing together in the church when the services finish.
No need to sign up - just bring your picnic, drinks, chairs, picnic mat or whatever you need and join us for a fun celebratory afternoon to wish Becky farewell.
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Children's Groups over the Summer
Our regular Sunday programmes will be breaking for the summer as usual. We will still have some provision for younger ages. As in previous years, the hall will be set up as a breakout space for all ages, with activities, video* and ice pops.
There will be one or two adults overseeing the area. Families with younger children will likely need to have someone staying with them. The sofa area in church, and foyer area with live audio feed will also be available as normal.
(*This summer we’ll be digging into the Friends and Heroes series. Two young friends, Macky and Portia, living in the time of the early church and Roman Empire. Their backstreet adventures cause them to revisit Old and New Testament stories, relating them to their situations).
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Prayer Meeting: New Starts & New School Term
12th September 8 till 9pm at church
As the new academic year starts we want to pray for our Nursery and for St Paul’s School. There will also be people of all ages who would value our prayers as they start new ventures at this time – university, new school, job etc. Please join us as we pray together.
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing” Martin Luther
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Church Family BBQ - 17th September -
Save the date, tell us you are coming and if you'd like to host
Following our services on Sunday 17th September we'd love you to join us for a BBQ in gardens around Dorking (similar to those we have had previously). Sign up now so that we know you are planning to come.
Also if you'd like to host please click the button below to sign up to offer your garden and bar-b-que - all food provided ready for you to cook and host!
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Seniors Afternoon Tea last week
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Daytime Prayer Meeting - Thinking ahead to September
We’re looking into the possibility of holding a regular daytime prayer meeting starting in the Autumn, which would be in addition to our current Tuesday evening prayer meeting. Whether we go ahead partly depends on how many people would be interested. If you would like to be part of such a group, then please let us know by emailing prayer@stpaulsdorking.org.uk. If you would like to find out more, please speak to Maggie or Nick White or email as above.
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Denbies Bacchus Run - Sunday 10th Sept
On Sunday 10th September The Bacchus Run takes place at Denbies. St. Paul’s have provided a team of volunteers and runners (10k or ½ marathon – fancy dress!) for the last 2 years. The organisers have asked if we’d volunteer again, and have provided us with free running places, too. It’s an excellent chance to ‘GO’ and bring a little salt and light into our community. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer or run! Please contact jon@stpaulsdorking.org.uk to say ‘yes please’ or find out more.
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Can you help?
Nelson Porter is asking for help to find accommodation in Dorking from 28th July for a Young Christian woman from South Africa who is currently staying in temporary accommodation in Dorking. If you might be able to help please email Nelson nelson_porter372002@yahoo.co.uk
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This week at St Paul's Church |
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Sunday
9am Holy Communion
Online and in church
10.30am Morning Prayer
No 6pm this week.
Click here for Morning Prayer Liturgy
Click here for Holy Communion Liturgy
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Midweek
Prayer @ St Paul's
We'd love you to join us
Tues Evenings Click here
to view our current Programme
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Dates for your diary
Next week the church office will be open Tuesday - Thursday
All enquiries can be sent to reception@stpaulsdorking.org.uk
Term time has now finished and most groups and activities recommence during the week commencing 4th September. Click here to view our Calendar on-line for more info.
This will be out last Weekly Email for the Summer. Next planned email: 8th September
Each week at St Paul's Church (During Term Time):
Early Bird Cafe - 8.45am - 10am weekdays during term time - drop in for a cuppa, with toys and friendly welcome. Last one this term, 21st July. Re-opens 6th Sept.
Tea Together - Every Monday & Wednesday 2-4pm (not Bank Hols) during Summer Term. Join us for a cuppa and meet friends. Last one this term, 26th July
SPOT - St Paul's Under 3s - Wednesdays 10-11.30am. Last one this term, 19th July
English Conversation Lessons for Ukrainians - Fridays 10.30 - 11.15am. Last one this term, 14th July
26th - 30th July 2023 - Join us at New Wine, new venue for 2023 in Kent. Click here to read more. If you've not been before talk to Steve Lister, Jeff and Sylvia Yelland or Alex Cacouris. If you are considering it for this year - we'd love you to join us! Steve's contact details are slister@cantab.net or 07939 002555
Friday 1st September - 12.30pm Dawn & Stuart's Wedding
Sunday 10th September - Denbies Bacchus Event 2023- Volunteers please to help 'GO' and help on the day -See above & contact Jon Ruddock Jon@stpaulsdorking.org.uk
Tuesday 12th September, 8pm - Focussed Prayer Evening: New starts/Back to School - see above
24th September - Young Families Lunch after morning services
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In line with our Eco-church Initiatives please help us to reduce our use of disposable cups by bringing a reusable cup/mug on Sunday mornings
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If you are feeling isolated, are self isolating or ill - let us know - we'd like to support you in prayer and practical ways, email support@stpaulsdorking.org.uk
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Do like us on our Facebook & Instagram pages
to receive regular updates on events
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a growing community of grace |
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