Chosen

August 29th, 2025

Dear church family

'For the sake of His great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you His own.' (1 Sam 12:22)

In the lead up to this passage we have seen the people of Israel, on repeat, turn away from God to serving idols then when that doesn't go well for them (duh!) they turn back to God asking for help and God redeems them. Also, at this point in 1 Samuel the people have asked for a king in place of God who was supposed to be their king. God is not too happy about this happening but honours His people's wish and Samuel anoints Saul as their new king. My human logic would argue that surely at this point God is frustrated and fed up of His people. Yet here it says, 'The LORD was pleased to make you his own.' What a beautiful thing to say, it made me a bit emotional when I read it this morning!

When I reflect on my own journey of faith I can be quick to judge the people of Israel but I am just like them. Time and time again I turn from God's ways to my ways and my control, trusting in my own knowledge and experience rather than turning to the One who knows all. When I was younger I assumed God was always frustrated with me because of my sin and disobedience. However, when I spent time with Him, time and time again He would speak love over me, calling me His beloved. This never really made sense to me but it was beautiful and it's part of the reason I chose to give Jesus my whole heart and my whole life.

Did you know that God was and is pleased to make you His own? Did you know that even when you are at your worst He loves you with an everlasting love? Did you know that there is nothing on heaven or earth that can separate you from His love?

How amazing is that!

Lots of love,

Katie x

SUNDAY GATHERING - 10:30AM Join us this Sunday morning as Kelly continues our Summer for Everyone series with 'Facing the Storm'. This means that our children and youth will stay in for the whole service. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TO_X0EVU6EE

Summer for everyone sq.png

WE ARE BACK BABY! September is almost upon us, maybe that fills you with excitement or dread but either way it means that our regular activities, ministries and times together are back after our summer 'Selah' break. Details of what is back and when is in our 'Regular events' section at the bottom.

VISION LUNCH - Sunday 14th September ⌚ After the service, approx. 1pm The main worship space. If you are new to our church family, relatively new or if you have been coming a while but you are not yet a member, this lunch is for you! Stay after the service to share a meal together and connect with others, hear more about the vision of the church, what membership is all about and opportunities to get involved, all in an informal setting where you can ask any question you might have. Please sign up on Churchsuite - there is a limit on spaces so sign up to avoid disappointment! Sign up via this link: Vision Lunch (14-Sep-2025)· (If you have any dietary requirements can you write them in the notes section).

Vision Lunches-01.png

THE REAL MEAL MEN'S MEAL - Saturday 6th September ⌚ 8:30am @ WBC Cost: £10
Men, come and join us together for a Real Meal full English breakfast, where Michael Cooper formerly of 'CVM' & 'The Church Army' but now with Samaritans Purse will be sharing about his walk with God while working in the charity sector. There will also be a game to wake us up where 'points mean prizes.' So, spare a couple of hours, bring a mate and come and enjoy a bit of comradeship. Please sign up or speak with Ben Oliver or Mark Giles by the 1st September. ChurchSuite link: The Real Meal (06-Sep-2025) ·

REVERB MID-WEEK DAYTIME SERVICE We will be starting a mid-week, daytime service every fourth Tuesday each month from 1:30pm at Brabourne Baptist Church. The first one will be Tuesday 23rd September. This is a shout out to everyone who would like to be involved in making this happen. We need hospitality volunteers and those who would like to lead worship or be part of the worship team playing an instrument and / or vocals. If you would like to be part of the team, please contact Paula Chegwin on email: paula@willesboroughbaptist.church. Be part of making this happen!

REVERB SQ.png

BAPTISM COURSE If you are interested in getting baptised or are curious to see what it is all about about - this course is for you! The course is 3 sessions and they are all on zoom. If you are interested speak to Mark or email him at mark@willesboroughbaptist.church

Exploring Baptism - Socials (Oct 2025).png

Exploring Baptism - Socials (Oct 2025).png

LOOKING FOR TRUSTEES Back in June Mark, Paula and I visited the Willow Family Hub which is in South Ashford right next to South Ashford Baptist Church which is a charity that our amazing Jerry from Brabourne helped set up. The building hosts all sorts of activities such as Kiddie Kapers nursery which is a large nursery that serves many families in the area, it is a family hub, the NHS use a few of the rooms, KCC rent office space there and there is a lovely cafe there that is not currently in use. It serves the community in amazing ways, the facilities are incredible and there is big missional potential there. They are struggling to find trustees to oversee the centre so if this is something you think 'yeah I could help there,' or you want to find out more information please get in touch!

Dates for diary wu.png

Saturday 6th September Men's Meal | 8:30am
Thursday 11th September Power Hour | 8pm
Sunday 14th September Vision Lunch | After the service (approx. 1pm)
Tuesday 23rd September Reverb | 1:30pm at Brabourne Baptist Church
Sunday 28th September Immerse | 7pm
Saturday 18th October Paula Chegwin Ordination | 2pm - save the date!

Regular events wu.png