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E-News Wednesday 13th March 2024

Our Lent series exploring unanswered prayer is prompting lots of interesting discussions and feedback. I have been particularly encouraged that many have chosen to be quite open and honest in sharing their struggles and the big questions they have about God and prayer, and the sensitive way these topics are being handled.
It is another sign of the growing sense of us being the family of God; that the faith which connects us is greater than the things which separate us. 
In the past week we have been reflecting upon the silence of Holy Saturday, and the reality of Jesus lying dead in the sealed tomb. It is a day when God seems to have been silenced, and perhaps we can identify times in our own lives when that has felt true. 
But the message of this week is that God’s silence is not God’s absence. It is God’s presence in another form. (If you want to understand that more I suggest you catch up on Sunday’s sermon on our YouTube channel!)
In what ways has God been present in your life this week? 
It may be a helpful exercise to spend some time mulling that question over in your mind, and maybe writing your answers down. 
Use those answers to form into a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. This is how we can navigate our way through ‘Holy Saturday’ days/moments. To worship God, even when we cannot see or hear God. 
If you are struggling to find words to say, then use the words of others; the psalms being perhaps the best example of a fantastic ready-made prayer resource.
Our Prayer Focus this week utilises a couple of psalms as a way of leading into prayer, so if you’re unsure about these suggestions, then that might be a good place to start.
My prayer is that each of us may become aware of God’s presence in one form or another during this week. 
God bless you,
Peter



Church News


Richard Westall
The thanksgiving service for Richard will take place on Tuesday 19th March, 3pm at NBC. Refreshments will follow in the Large Hall. All are invited.
The service will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
Wendy would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and support over the past couple of weeks. It is deeply appreciated.

Creche Children 
As a part of our new Church Management system we need to make sure that all children are registered in our systems so that we can provide the best possible care and support. If you have a child who attends Creche, regularly or occasionally, we ask that you check that they are registered as a part of your family in our database. You can check here. If your child(ren) are not registered, please add them to your family asap. Many thanks - the Creche team.

Lent Course
We have reached the end of our Lent course, with only 1 session left. 
Here is the link for the final session of the online course clicking on this link: 
If you have missed any sessions and would like to catch up on the videos, you can do so here

The Gathering…in a field near Swindon 21st-23rd June 2024

This is a men’s Christian event that a number from NBC have attended in the past. It’s a brilliant weekend of fun activities, social time and worship/teaching, and is designed to be a place where Christian blokes can connect with God but also bring their non-believing friends along too.. 

If you’ve never been or heard of it, you can get a small flavour of the event here 

We want to see if there is enough interest to organise a group from NBC to attend this year’s event. 

If you might be interested and are free from 21st-232rd June, please fill in the form on our website here



Baptist Day of Prayer - 14th March
Southern Counties Baptist Association are holding a day of prayer and fasting on Thursday 14th March, in partnership with Fresh Streams. There will be an opportunity to gather together at Thatcham Baptist Church at 11.30am until 2pm. 

This is open to everyone and is part of joining with Baptists Together in a period of stillness and prayer before God. 


Easter Events

Easter Prayer Space: Monday 25th - Thursday 28th March
Plans are underway for our Easter Prayer Space, which is designed to help the whole church further engage with the Unanswered Prayer course and current sermon series. 

The church will be divided into spaces which will lead us through the four days from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, with various interactive prayer activities for adults and children. 

Opening Hours:
Monday 25th March: 9-11am / 1-3pm / 7-9pm
Tuesday 26th March: 9-11am / 1-3pm
Wednesday 27th March: 9-11am / 1-3pm / 3-5.30pm (family session) / 7-9pm
Thursday 28th March: 9-11am / 1-3pm

We are looking for some volunteers who will be able to be on site during the opening hours. 
If you are able to help please sign up via the ‘My Signups’ area of the Church App. 

We are in need of a few items if anyone has them (Please email Peter if you can help):

  • A gazebo
  • Packets of seeds 
  • Red ribbon

Maundy Thursday Communion Service, Thursday 28th March, 7pm
Once again we will be joining with our friends at Thatcham Baptist Church for a time of prayer, worship and retelling the story of the Last Supper.

This year it is the turn of Thatcham Baptist Church to host, and refreshments will be served from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. 

Good Friday, 29th March, 10.30am
Christians from across Newbury will be gathering for a service together at St. Nic’s Church as we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Peter will be speaking at the service, which will be followed by a walk up to Newbury Methodist Church at 11:20 for a short time of worship and hot cross buns.

Easter Sunday, 31st March, 10am
Our Easter service will be a time of all-age worship as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. 


Church Flowers
A message and invitation from our Church Flower Team:

If you enjoy flower arranging and would like to join the team, we would love to welcome you aboard.

The church flowers are displayed each week and then distributed to individuals as part of the pastoral care of the church. 

Donations are often received to commemorate significant anniversaries or special occasions, so if you would like to contribute you can do so by signing up on the rota in the Foyer and gifting your donation in the usual manner. 

If you have any questions please speak to Valerie.
 

To connect to our weekly prayers please click the link here.