Welcome to the website of the churches of
St Michael’s and St Barnabas, Devonport.
We meet for worship every Sunday,
10.30am at St Michael’s.
For details of our social activities and all other meetings, see the side bar … together with links to our Facebook pages and all sorts of online resources.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
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Posted by LB
One of our readings yesterday was Psalm 23, familiar to so many of us. Praying with the Bible is a great way to help us memorise God’s word, and to help us shape our prayers in accordance with God’s will. So Revd Tim decided to use Psalm 23 as the basis of our confession during the service.
The response this morning is:
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Lord when we are not thankful for all the good things you give us …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul.
Lord, when we go our own way and think we can manage without you …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Lord, when we do not obey you and choose to do what’s wrong …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Lord, when we listen to fears instead of trusting you …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Lord, when we think that following you is a burden and a chore …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Lord, when we doubt you and do not believe your promises …
Lord, we are sorry
We ask for your forgiveness
Why not take a familiar or favourite reading from the Bible and see how you might use it to shape your prayers? 🙂
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Posted by LB
Though they are known by many different names in different churches – cell groups, home groups, neighbourhood groups, study groups, etc – small groups that meet as part of the life of a church are essential to the growth of that church …
It is in small groups that people can get close enough to know each other, to care and share, to challenge and support, to confide and confess, to forgive and be forgiven, to laugh and weep together, to be accountable to each other, to watch over each other and to grow together. Personal growth does not happen in isolation. It is the result of interactive relationships. Small groups are God’s gift to foster changes in character and spiritual growth.
Based on bible study and prayer, our small groups are there to deepen our faith and experience of being part of God’s family, as well as to teach and train us as disciples, living out our faith in our everyday lives, supported by the input and prayers of those who are committed to our encouragement and growth in faith. They are a place where we can ask honest questions, raise honest doubts and share our needs, in a safe place, while also challenging us to ‘walk the walk and not just talk the talk’ of living as a Christian in an increasingly hostile world.
If you are not yet part of a small group … join us! We currently meet alternate Thursdays, 1:30pm at St Michael’s, or 7:30pm each Thursday evening at the Vicarage.
Once a month, on the second Thursday, we meet together at the church for what we call our ‘Prayer Party’ … a shared meal, discussion and worship … you don’t have to go to a small group to join us … come along at 6pm for food, or 7pm to join the discussion.
And if you need any further persuasion, take a look here for 10 more reasons to join a small group!
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Posted by LB
We have our next prayer party at St Michael’s TONIGHT! (13th September) – food from 6pm and prayer and praise from 7pm. Please bring sandwiches or anything similar to go with a bowl of soup.
We will be praying through the mission the Lord has given us as a church. Feel free to join in as much or as little as you wish, but do be there! Let’s unite to worship the Lord and to build up His church in Stoke and Devonport.
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Posted by timrev
SATURDAY
Bunting Workshop – 10am-4pm at St Michael’s … come and help make some bunting for our 175th Anniversary celebrations!
SUNDAY
Shared lunch following the morning service … bring some food to share and stay to eat with our church family and visiting speaker 🙂
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Posted by LB
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Posted by LB
Our link church of St Michael’s, Ruiru, is in the diocese of Thika which was formed in 1998. The diocese has grown from about 7000 members to about 30000 during the twenty years. Let’s give thanks for all the Lord is doing there!
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Posted by timrev
