TIMES
LIFE
NEW LIFE CHURCH CANTERBURY
ISSUE 10 : MARCH - APRIL 2015
WAITING
Exhale
To
Message from Pastor Aaron
WAITING TO EXHALE
T
he 1995 movie titled "waiting to exhale" depicts the flawed
nature of the world's understanding of love, singleness and
marriage. In this movie, four women bond over their inability
to find love. Their desperation to escape singleness and one
day get married caused them to form a strong yet dysfunctional
friendship. The scarcity of good men caused these four women to hold
their breaths, waiting for the day they would find true love so they
could finally exhale.
Sadly in life and relationships many of us are like these women. We
hold our breath for a certain day to come so we can exhale. So many
of us once we reach a certain age hold our breaths, we live our lives in
suspended animation waiting for Mr right or Mrs right to come along
so we can finally breathe. Our lives grind to a halt, we can't find
happiness until we find Mr or Mrs right. We can't find wholeness until
we find Mr or Mrs right. We spend all our time holding our breath
waiting, anticipating the right person to walk into our lives and this
inevitably suffocates our personal growth and happiness.
The are so many people in the world who are disappointed because
they have a poor understanding of what it means to have fulfilment in
life. The single person wonders when the curse of loneliness will be
lifted and the married person thinks all the problems in the world are
because of their partner and wonders why God has given them this
impossible burden to carry. We treat singleness as a problem that can
only be cured by marriage only to find ourselves covered by a disease
far worse than singleness. Why? Because our mind-sets and
expectations are completely misplaced. We place unreasonable
expectations on marriage and our partners and this only leads to
great disappointment.
So many of us treat marriage as the destination and singleness as a
point in the journey to marriage. What we have to understand is this;
marriage is not the ultimate destination for a Christian, Heaven is.
Everything on this earth is temporary including marriage; what will
last forever is who you are and where you stand with Christ. So
spend time working on who you are and your relationship with Christ.
Your worth is not found in your marital status or what you possess.
Your worth is found in who you are in God. You are who are in Christ
and being married or being single does not add or take away from
that. You will find fulfilment and your life will be enriched no matter
what season of life you are in if Christ is at the centre of your life.
Don't hold your breath waiting for a partner, a job or a degree, exhale
and live life to the full.
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CONNECT GROUPS
These are a GREAT place for developing meaningful relationships as you
CONNECT with GOD, with OTHERS and with the VISION for the Church. We
encourage everyone to take part, grow and reach out as a blessing. Groups meet
on Tuesdays and Thursdays at different locations across the city led by the
following leaders:
Amanda Naude & Rebecca Odunaike
Joshua Sebu & Bukunmi Taiwo
Caroline Agoi
Justice & Joanna Addison
Daniel Acheampong & Sheyi Kuyinu
Linda Mathe & Andrew Bonsu
David Kasule & Jennifer Amani
Nii Noi & Kafui Osuteye
Francis Darko & Christine Ofosu-Ampadu Shelly Anne-Fung & Abigail King
Jed Nkansah-Yeboah & Aaron Thompson
Email [email protected] or
contact [email protected] for
more information on joining a group
SERVE IN MINISTRY
There are several ways to serve and
participate in the life of the Church on
a regular basis. Contact any ministry
leader to see how you can get serving.
Admin & Comms: Caroline Agoi
[email protected]
CONNECT Groups: Joanna Addison
[email protected]
Men: Pasor Shadreck Chikomba
[email protected]
Missions: Nicholas Stephenson
[email protected]
Multimedia: Pastor Will White
[email protected]
New Life Choir: Josh Sebu
[email protected]
New Life Drama: Lanre Kassim
[email protected]
Prayer Ministry: Ronke Adeyanju
[email protected]
Sunday School: Judith Stephenson
[email protected]
Welcome/Hospitality: Akua Berko
[email protected]
Women: Violet Chikomba
[email protected]
Worship team: Pastor Will White
[email protected]
Youth: Lanre Kassim
[email protected]
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N
ew Life Church
began in 1928 and
has since then met
in various locations
including a shop, a mission hut, an
old Methodist building, in Northgate
before moving to our current base on
the University of Kent, Canterbury
campus.
For about 20 years now, we have been
committed to focusing on student
ministry especially to those from an
international background.
Alongside this ministry stream,
there has been a growing desire to
maintain strong links within the
wider community in the city so in as
much as we are committed to
student ministry and have every desire
to continue serving students, we
acknowledge the need to consider
intentionally the ministry we offer our
non-student members and the local
community of
What started of as a
church of 20 has grown
into an international
congregation with over
200 members in
attendance each
Sunday.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen
more members stay on and make
Canterbury their home. This along
with new members joining the
church regularly has resulted in
the increase of the non-student
population in attendance
signalling an expansion as
God broadens the scope of
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our ministry
W
hile spending
It’s hoped that in going forward
time in early
with a church plant in Herne Bay,
morning prayer
this will offer us as a Church a
and fasting last
summer, the leadership team sensed
valuable platform to CONNECT
with and serve the wider
community in the Canterbury area
God’s leading in regards to a Church
on a long term basis and help raise
plant in Herne Bay. The town had
the impact of the gospel in the
never come up as a possible location
lives of the local residents.
previously but following some
With a goal to begin regular
investigations, it became apparent
activities in Herne Bay by June/
that there is minimal church activity
July 2015, you can support the
in the area. The opportunity to share
the gospel and potential to impact
lives in Herne Bay has stood out again
and again over the past months as
other potential options have also been
considered.
church plant in various ways
including:
-Praying for the city, the team to
be sent, the needs of the
community there and the
resources needed for ministry.
- Identifying what role you
personally may be called to fulfil.
HERNE BAY
- Talk about the church plant with
any of the leaders and feel free to
raise any questions you may have.
CHURCH PLANT
Herne Bay
Church Plant
- Give towards /support this
year’s Race to 1000 as all proceeds
from the fundraising will be
directed towards the church plant
- Consider visiting the city to
prayer walk , CONNECT with the
locals and identify their needs.
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SOCIAL ISSUES
Clinging To
Worthless Idols
“Those who cling to
.
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
themselves are gifts from God, at
times we hold on to them so tightly,
we feel we cannot survive without
them. It is easy to forget that survival
worthless idols forfeit the grace that in life is not determined by your
possessions or by being dependent on
could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8)
I hate those who cling to worthless
idols; I trust in the LORD.
M
(Psalm 31:6)
any people in
society today are
clinging to certain
things that do not
have eternal value. These things
could be cars, houses, money,
alcohol, status, reputation or even
being dependent on other people
such as a boyfriend or girlfriend, a
husband or wife , friends and the
like.
Although many of these things in
others but it’s essentially about
depending on the Grace of God.
The Bible is clear that anything we
cling on to more than we cling to
God is a worthless idol. These idols
have become stumbling blocks for
many, hindering them from
relationship with God and reliance
on Him. This is significant because
the moment one decides to depend
on possessions or other people for
survival rather than on God, the
Grace that God makes available to all
is forfeited. This Grace can only be
accessed through faith in Christ
(“Therefore, since we have been
justified through faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, through whom we have
gained access by faith into this grace
in which we now stand. And we
boast in the hope of the glory of
God.”-Romans 5:1-2) and not
through possessions or people.
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SOCIAL ISSUES
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Despite what society presents as
unwise to trust in the abundance of
relationship with God is really the
Even in their fullest flow these are
valuable and worth pursuing,
riches, possessions and associations.
only thing that has eternal value and uncertain, unreliable and will be of
so it is for each no benefit in the light of eternity.
person to
choose
whether they
will prioritise
God and trust
Him or not.
Nothing in
creation should deflect your trust in
God because it will inevitably
become your idol. Trust in God takes
off the pressure of trusting in all
other uncertain substitutes and offers
Those who put their confidence in
riches like many in society do today
can never expect a portion in
heaven. It is important not to get
sucked in to and governed by the
ways of the world because the
“ Nothing in creation should
deflect your trust in God
because it will inevitably
become your idol.”
the assurance of being anchored on
pleasures of this world can not
this life - Jesus Christ.
it is by living for God and doing His
the only firm foundation there is in
Besides, its inconsistent to trust God
and be looking “elsewhere”. There
must be a resolve to trust in God and
to keep doing so no matter what the
situation looks like.
Leaning on human understanding
can lead into trouble. Not only is it
unwise to trust in the heart which
the bible says is deceitful but it is also
secure you a place in heaven. Instead,
will, having confidence in Him and
relying on Jesus Christ as Saviour
that secures your place in heaven.
If you have been putting your faith in
possessions, people or anything else
other than God, perhaps it is time to
put a stop to clinging to worthless
idols, turn from them and put your
trust in God.
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NEW LIFE @ THE HUB
The Hub is our city centre base
intended to be a place of blessing
for those in the church as well as a
resource and platform from which
we can serve and impact our City
and local community.
Café Church
Every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Strategically located at Unit 15b,
Roper Close, the building is within
easy access to the high street,
Canterbury West train station and
along a main bus route serving the
heart of the city. As well as using
the space for much needed ministry
within the church, we seek to
facilitate bespoke programs that
will help the church spread the
gospel to our community.
Ignite (18-25 evening service)
Every 2nd Thursday of the month
(term time only)
Scripture reminds us that “the
Harvest is plentiful but the labourers
are few.” I therefore ask that you
pray for the Lord of the Harvest to
send in more labourers. I also ask
that you all step forward and offer
your service in the Lord’s harvest
field and in helping us minister
God’s love and Grace to our city .
Here are some of the programs
that will be running from The Hub; I
hope you will take full advantage
of them and where possible
volunteer to help run them.
Cre8ive Youth Night
Every 4th Friday of the month
Daughters of Destiny (Women’s
ministry) – Dates to be announced
Inspire Dance Academy (Dance
classes for under 18s) – T.B.C
(volunteers needed)
Men of Integrity (Men’s ministry)
Dates to be announced
Prayer and Praise Service
Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Relate or the Married/Engaged
Couples Gathering
Every last Sunday of the month
Family Brunch hosted by Praisers.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month
Firm Foundations Discipleship
Programme - Seven week course
every Monday. Oct/Nov, Feb/Mar
and June/July.
Pastor Aaron
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Youth & Sunday School meet every
Sunday morning and all our workers
are DBS checked.
Every third Sunday of the month .
Join us for an extended time of prayer,
thanksgiving, praise and intercession.
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CALENDAR
HIGHLIGHTS

Corporate Fast: Monday 2nd March

Baptism Service: Tuesday 3rd March @ St Andrews URC

Love Campaign: Sunday 8th—Saturday 14th March

Audience of One: Saturday 14th March, 6:30pm -Woolf Lecture Theatre.
Featuring performances by CONNECT Groups ,individual, New Life band &
more.

New Life Gospel Choir Community Concert: Saturday 21st March, 6:30pm,
Canterbury Baptist Church
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CALENDAR
HIGHLIGHTS

City Wide Good Friday Service: 10am—12:30pm, Friday 3rd April

Corporate Fast: Monday 6th April

INSPIRE Leadership Gathering: 7pm, Friday 17th April @ The Hub

Evening Prayer & Praise Service: 7pm, Sunday 19th April @ The Hub

Youth Night: 6:30pm, Friday 24th April @ The Hub
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SACRIFICIAL LOVE
W
e can never be
able to thank the
Lord well
enough in
return for the love He has lavished
upon us. What a privilege and
honour to be called children of the
Most High God, members of His
household, joint heirs with Christ,
a royal priesthood and indeed His
own people. Paul the apostle
Foreseeing the billions who would
receive the joy of His salvation
and those who would be
reconciled to the father from all
kindred, tongues and nations,
Jesus endured the Cross. The
scriptures rightly tell us that while
we were yet sinners, Christ Jesus
died for us. He could have asked
His father to abort the whole
project and we could have
remained as aliens, in darkness to
this day, a people far away from
the promises of God.
encapsulates it very well, when he
The scriptures also tell us that He
was wounded and chastised for
depth, height and width of God’s our transgressions and the
sacrificial love surpasses all
punishment due to us was laid
knowledge and understanding.
upon Him. Undeterred by His
knowledge of our inclination to
There is no greater love than
follow wayward paths He still
when one lays down his own life
invites us to come just as we are to
for his friends, and scarcely will
receive the fullness of His
someone commit to die even for a steadfast love. If we think about it
righteous person. But we thank
soberly, the King of Kings leaving
God for Jesus who demonstrated His opulent dwelling in heaven to
come and identify with our
what real love looks like by His
weaknesses and sin, we can only
death at Calvary. The writer of
Songs of Solomon tells us that love marvel at what manner of love
this is. He loved His own to the
is stronger than death and even
very end.
many waters cannot quench it.
writes to let us know that the
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As with marriage, there is always
an element of sacrifice involved if
this unique union is going to be
lifelong.
Following on from that is our
genuine affection and love for each
other, and the joy our company
brings to both of us.
For a start you have to be willing to We try to learn and remind
leave all other relationships that
ourselves of the teaching of Jesus in
may have been dear to you and
relation to His love for the Church.
start a new life with someone you He dearly loved it to the point of
do not completely “ it is possible by the death. What we
know at the time of grace of God to truly
learn from His
tying the knot,
experience is that
love someone and seek
which is indeed an to do that which gives it is possible by
act of faith.
them the best advantage the grace of God
to truly love
in this life.”
What Violet and I
someone and seek
have found as a
to do that which gives them the
source of harmony and blessing in
best advantage in this life– Just as
marriage is that for both of us, God
Jesus Christ does for us.
always comes first. What this
means in practical terms is that we We are also convinced that we are
highly regard the word of God and dearly loved by God in spite of our
seek to use it as a yardstick of our past, and that He poured His love
behaviour in marriage and our
into our hearts by the presence of
interaction on a daily basis.
His Holy Spirit. We try to take
advantage of His gift of love by
We view it as our instruction
sharing it between ourselves first,
manual on all issues, and
then to our children and the wider
voluntarily submit to its counsel as
family.
far as we understand it. We are
cognisant of the fact that it is not a
walk in the park; therefore we look
to God for enablement at all times.
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We are also fully persuaded by
the words of the Apostle John,
when he warns us that it is
impossible to say that we love
God, and at same time hate, illtreat, or be unkind to those we
can see.
Marriage is a very good
environment in which to learn
“true love never
fails,”
ability to endure all things.
For us we have an earnest desire
to see our marriage last the
distance to the glory of His name
as a legacy to our children and as
an example to those we care
about, including those of the
household of faith.
O
ne thing we
committed
ourselves to at an
earlier stage of our
how to love well and receive love
marital journey was that we
well in return.
would seek to avoid anything
For a husband and wife who
which would place any one of us
dwell together, there is an
at a disadvantage while fulfilling
opportunity for direct dealing
our spiritual and professional
with each other constantly, more
roles. Integrity is one of our
than is possible in any other
watch words, and also a duty of
relationship here on earth.
candour is vital for us.
One of our sources of continuous
The words of the Psalmist where
learning and refreshment are the
he encourages brethren to dwell
inspired words of the Apostle
together in unity are so dear to us
Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 where he and especially the promise that
instructs believers on what
God commands a blessing where
quality love looks like. To him
that unity is present.
true love never fails, does not
seek its own way, and has the
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We see the ball as being in our
our marriage, we can labour in
court in the sense that it is entirely vain. We therefore seek to coup to us to do those things that
operate with the master potter
will attract His favour and
until the beauty of the Lord is
blessing. We seek to avoid those
completely formed in us and in
things that quench love and peace our marriage.
between us.
We do treasure being in
We are forever grateful for His
compassion and for His sacrificial
agreement so much, and therefore & eternal love.
make it our aim to resolve issues
as quickly as possible without
avoiding them. We can humbly
The journey continues.
Shalom,
say by the grace of God, marriage
does work and if done well, can
be a taster of heaven here on
earth.
Finally, we always endeavour to
continue sowing into our
relationship during the good
seasons of our life together, and
are consistently aware that we
have not yet attained perfection.
We therefore make it our aim to
Best mates and apples of the
Lord’ eye - Pastor Anthony
Shadreck & Violet
”...the Son of Man must be lifted
up, that everyone who believes
may have eternal life in him.” For
God so loved the world that he
gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not
commit all our ways to Him who
perish but have eternal life. For
is able to keep us from stumbling. God did not send his Son into the
We make a point to avoid living
our marriage to the gallery, well
aware that unless the Lord builds
world to condemn the world, but
to save the world through him.”
John 3:14-17
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HOW TO FIND US
We are here
On Sunday mornings we come together in a
TRANSPORT SERVICE
big two hour celebration service to worship
God and hear dynamic teaching. We want
Jesus to be at the centre of everything we
do and we believe every service should be
a life changing experience for all those who
attend. You are very welcome to join us;
refreshments are served from 10am.
Woolf College, The Pavilion,
Giles
Lane. University of Kent.
Canterbury.KENT.CT2 7BQ
01227
9:45 am: Parham Road
9:50 am: Dominos car park
10:10am: Canterbury East Station
The return journey leaves campus at
12:50pm every Sunday. Please be at the
pick up points at least five minutes before
time to avoid delays.
827524 [email protected]
We run a minibus service all year so feel free
to hop on board if you would like a lift to
and from service on Sundays
KEEP INFORMED - KEEP IN TOUCH
WWW.newlifecanterbury.org
l
@NLCCanterbury l
/NLCcanterbury
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