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I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the right place. After all, I couldn’t possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times by several different people, and I had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn’t be the right place. Quickly I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words “Come as you are. No jacket required” and found the location. Yes I was at the right place.

I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at the exquisite restaurant. Ashamed I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn’t shake the grime that clung to my body.

As I turned around to leave the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me.. “Come as you are. No jacket required”. I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. “Your name sir?” he asked me with a smile. “Jimmy D Brown” I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains.

He didn’t seem to notice to filth that I was covered in and he continued, “Very good sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?” I couldn’t believe what I heard!  A grin broke out on my face and I said, “Yes, of course!”  He lead me to a table and sure enough there was a place-card with my name written on it in a deep dark red.

As I browsed over the menu I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like “peace,” “joy,”  “blessings,” “confidence,” “assurance,” “hope,” “love,” “faith” and “mercy”. I realised that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at... “God’s Grace” was the name of this place.

The man returned and said “I recommend the Special of the Day”. With it you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu. You’ve got to be kidding I thought to myself. You mean I can have ALL of this?! “What is the Special of the Day?” I asked with excitement ringing in my voice. “Salvation” was his reply.

I’ll take it” I practically cried out. then as quickly as I made that statement the joy left my body. A sick painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said... “Mister, look at me. I’m dirty and nasty. I am unclean and unworthy of such things. I’d love to have all of this but,  I just can’t afford it.”  Undaunted the man smiled again. “Sir, your cheque has already been taken care of by that gentleman over there,” he said as he pointed to the front of the roof. “His name is Jesus.”

Turning I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, “Sir, I’ll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I’ll do anything I can do to repay You for all this.”

He opened His arms and said with a smile, “Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you.”  Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, “Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life”.  Immediately I heard the words, “It is finished.”

As it drew near the time for me to go back outside into the “real world”, He whispered to me softly, “And Lo, I am with you always.” and then He said something to me that I will never forget. He said... “My child, do you see these empty tables?” “Yes Lord, I see them. What do they mean?” I replied. “These are reserved tables... but the individuals whose names are on each place-card have not accepted their invitation yet. Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us as yet?” Jesus asked. “Of course” I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations. “Go ye therefore into all nations.” He said as I turned to leave.

I walked into God’s Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man... robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I’ll keep my promise to my Lord. I’ll go. I’ll spread the Word.

I’ll share the Gospel... I’ll hand out the invitations and I’ll start with you.  Have you been to God’s Grace? There’s a table reserved in your name, and here’s your invitation... “Come as you are. No jacket required.”

Author Unknown

“For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”.  Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Sizewell Hall

Church Weekend

12th - 14th November 2010

Speaker

Alistair Patterson

Application form /

Further details

Eric & Judy Blowes

Come as you are

3:16 The Numbers of Hope

Max Lucado

This book by Max Lucado focuses on one of the most famous Bible verses of all time.  John 3:16 – ‘for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’ Max breaks this verse down and explains the significance of each word in his usual easy reading way. The book expounds the great truths that this verse holds and tells of its relevance today. The book finishes with a 40 day devotional that focuses on the truths of the Christian faith and what they can mean to you. This is an easy book to read that is encouraging, challenging and thought provoking. Suitable for both Christians and non-Christians alike.           

Ten

J.John

J. John has written a book that looks at the 10 commandments from a 21st century perspective. For those who believe that the Ten Commandments were for years ago and have no relevance for us today, this is a book to change their mind. In a very challenging yet encouraging book, J. John tells of how import-ant these commandments are in our daily walk with God and gives us examples of how we can break them without even knowing it. This is a book that is easy to read, enjoyable yet it challenges you to the very core.  

Click to download a full PDF copy of the

Lighthouse

12th - 14th November 2010

Speaker: Alistair Patterson       (Faith Mission)

£55 per person    Children 15 & Under Free

Booking forms are available fromEric & Judy or Marion or in the church lounge

Not booked in yet, still not too late.

Fill in your application and return to Eric & Judy or Marion as soon as you can.

This weekend away together is a real opportunity for building on our close friendships and fellowship with each other. As well as time to draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ as we enjoy times of worship and ministry. A number of different people will be involved in this important aspect of our weekend together, with the main speaker on Saturday being Alistair Patterson, whom we know and love so well. There will also be ample free time to enjoy the delights of the Suffolk coastline as well as the wonderful facilities of Sizewell Hall itself. In keeping with Stanway Evangelical Church tradition the meals will be of the highest quality.

So book now and commit now to making this new venture not only a success but an event that will be a real and meaningful blessing to everyone who attends, and to the fellowship as a whole. We look forward to receiving your completed booking application.

Read on for details of Sizewell Hall and its incredible facilities

Sizewell Hall is England’s most easterly, self catering, Christian conference and camping centre. Situated on the idyllic Suffolk Coast, the Hall has featured in recent TV historic dramas. Sizewell Hall is tucked away in an un-spoilt area of the Suffolk Coast, yet only 10 miles from the A12 Ipswich to Lowestoft road.

The accommodation comprises 32 bedrooms and 83 beds, fully carpeted and centrally heated. A large conference room, overlooking the sea, is fully equipped with audio visual aid equipment. The dining room has original oak panelled walls which can easily seat 83 people. The recently completed car park can accommodate nearly 50 cars. It also has a well stocked shop with books, CD’s, gifts and confectionery.

The Hall has several larger communal rooms; a library, a main lounge with open fires, a table tennis room and a room for Snooker & Pool.

Other facilities in the grounds include a large multipurpose sports hall, squash court and an outside hard tennis court. There are other grassed areas, with barbecue facilities; children’s play area (The children’s play area has just been extended and is a great area for children to play and develop their balance and coordination, adults can take part too) and private access to the beach. All this is set in 32 acres much of which is woodland.

Church Weekend Sizewell Hall

Book Reviews

I guess this has not been the easiest of years, what with losing my dear sister and various family situations that have arisen. I always say that it is a blessing we do not know what is ahead. Whilst having my six monthly check with my diabetic nurse in April, it was mentioned about my total weariness, but I laughingly put it down to having reached my ‘seventies’. My comments, however were taken seriously and after a matter of weeks, various tests and visits to the hospital I was called to have an angiogram; the result of which proved to be quite serious - I needed heart surgery involving a triple by-pass.

Things still moved at considerable speed and on 19th July I was successfully operated on in the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre in Basildon where I received exceptionally good care and attention. I can honestly say that throughout this short period of time I have been totally aware of God’s undergirding love and people’s prayers. It has been very humbling to be aware that so many people care about me and my family. I have received many, many cards of good wishes, flowers, gifts and numerous telephone calls for which I am most grateful. Above all I am so grateful that my heavenly Father knows about it all and assures me of His promise in Psalm 27:14 “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart”.

Marion Bland

A chance remark

It is with much excitement and anticipation that we look towards the Children’s Holiday Club, which is, God willing, due to take place during the October half-term holiday.

This will be very ably led by our good friends Chris and Sue Govus (Back2School Mission that we as a Church support). They will be taking “Disciples of the Galilean” as their theme subject for the week. Some sixteen other folk from the Fellowship have already signed up to help and support this venture throughout the week. These include people with many different gifts and talents to help the Leaders with the various facets of running such a venture.

Although this seems quite a way ahead in the future, it certainly requires a great deal of planning, and above all much prayer.  Our sister, Barbara Ratcliffe, has been appointed as the Prayer coordinators and is anxious that the village of Stanway is covered by our prayers before, during and after the event.

Maybe you feel you would like to be involved in some way. Perhaps you would be prepared to pray on a regular basis, concentrating your prayers on a particular area of Stanway. Please have a word with Barbara who would be more than willing to furnish you with helpful details.

The two Craft coordinators Jean Hill and Monica Addison, are already busy preparing for what is basically “an unknown quantity” of craft materials, etc. required. They may have some specific items that would be useful. Maybe you feel able to help in this area. Why not have a word with them?

Like all good “Scouts” and “Guides” we need “to be prepared” for this venture. Therefore, may I ask that you seek the Lord and ask for His guidance as to how you can best serve HIm with respect to this act of outreach that the Church is seeking to fulfil in our Saviour’s name, as we go forth together “as a Church family”.

Marion Bland       

Children’s holiday club

Walk the extra mile for diabetes UK

For the second year I was able to join with others at Ipswich for the annual walk to raise money for Diabetes UK, which in turn helps the NHS who together help so many. With your help and kindness I was able to pass on £143. As one of the twelve in this church that I know of who have diabetes - thank you.

Graham Theobald