Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends
Today we will be exploring the theme, "Is Prayer any use?". Below you will find some useful guidelines to prayer:

Dear Friends
It is impossible to think of Grace without thinking of the famous hymn written by John Newton "AMAZING GRACE". A hymn based on the scripture: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? ...You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O Lord God (1 Chronicles 17:16b) as the background and adding his perspective about his own conversion while on his slave ship, the Greyhound, in 1748.

Dear Friends
You may remember that in February Marlene and I announced that we would be leaving Northfield in the next year or two, subject to finding a suitable post, and for some time our future has been unclear as to exactly when we should leave, and where we should move to. Northfield. I have heard some interesting rumours regarding my future such as that I was joining SASOL, going into business and so on. The truth is that I am a pastor and I am committed to the local church. I also feel a strong commitment towards South Africa.

Dear Northfielders,
Warm greetings.
There is a real buzz around Northfield at the moment about the importance of prayer. Much of this fresh excitement comes from the time that Phil Togwell and Ian Newman spent with us a few weeks ago. We are grateful to God for all that these two guys shared with us. The challenge for us now is whether we, both individually and as a congregation, will take a step into a deeper life of prayer. Should you be thinking of doing this, there are a number of different possibilities open to you.

Dear Friends
In our journey through Romans so far, Paul has focused mainly on trying to understand what Jesus has done for us. Now in Chapter 12 he focuses on the practical. If this is what Christ has done, THEREFORE, this is what we should DO, what we should BE, how we should BEHAVE. Chapter 12 is well worth reading and studying because it is one of the best descriptions in the New Testament of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
A "disciple" is a learner of pupil of Jesus. Discipleship does not begin with intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or obedience to a list of rules. At its centre it is a living relationship with Jesus. All we have to do is respond to Jesus two commands, to "follow me", and to become "fishers of men & women". (Luke 1:17)
We do this by

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the worship today.
This coming week is an important one in the Christian Calendar. As you may know, next Sunday is our Pentecost celebration. We have invited a very special person, Rev Janet Verrier to be our guest preacher. Presently she is part of the pastoral team at Bryanston Methodist Church where she has pastoral and teaching responsibilities. For about twelve years Janet was a single mother and so she brings with her much personal insight into the challenges those in this position face. Next Sunday is also Mother's Day and that is one of the reasons why we have especially invited Janet to be with us. Don't miss it.
During the week, from Monday to Sunday, we are also having a special time of prayer, meditation and worship in the Hope Chapel. These will take place early in the morning from 6am - 6:45. We will have tea and coffee for those who are able to stay. Our focus for the week is The Spirit Empowered Church.
Please note the following themes for each day:

Dear Northfielders
Next Sunday is our Covenant Celebration! It is that one very special Sunday in the year when we renew our promise to love and serve the God we have come to know in Jesus Christ. We will use the following words to do this -
I am no longer my own but yours;
Put me to what you will.
Rank me with whom you will.
Put me to doing,
Put me to suffering;
Let me be employed for you
Or laid aside for you;
Let me be full;
Let me be empty
Let me have all things
Let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.

Dear Friends,
Somebody said, “Preachers tell us that we should pray more and with more depth. I agree with them, but I have an embarrassing confession to make: I don’t know what to say when I pray. After 5 minutes, I am prayed out.”
So, for those who need some help, here’s some PRAYER POINTS to guide us in our prayer journey:
• National life: The “succession” battle in the ANC is “hotting” up. Let us pray for God’s will to be done and that God would protect us from cynicism and despair.
• Crime: Over 18 000 people are murdered in South Africa every year. Lord, protect us from evil and please break the forces of darkness.
• Health: Terrible plagues are sweeping our country – AIDS, TB, Alcoholism, drug abuse. Lord please heal us.
• Poverty: Over 30% of our population is unemployed and millions of people live in grinding poverty. Lord please help us to identify with the poor.
• The Kingdom of God: The Word needs to be received as Saviour and Lord by all people. Lord help us to tell and be the Good News of Jesus to a lost world.
• Lastly, please pray for the Methodist Conference meeting next week in Cape Town, our local church and for Benoni.
Much love to you
In prayer together
THE MINISTRY TEAM