St Giles Presbyterian Church

As we move towards the end of the week, be reminded of the lovely Blessing Eddie Stopforth shared with us this past Easter Sunday 🙏

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 40 - Written Off
As we reach the end of the Lent season, the cross stands within our sights as the ultimate symbol of love triumphing, freedom won and debt paid. Jesus told a powerful parable about a man who successfully pleaded to have his debts cancelled. Sadly, instead of modelling the grace and mercy he’d received, he went out and demanded repayment from someone who owed him relatively very little. Jesus’ sacrifice has released us from all that we couldn’t repay. Who owes you something? Can you extend mercy to them?

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty - Proverbs 11:24

A meaningful quote from this morning's service 🙏

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 39 - We are Family
Today, our focus turns to the persecuted church worldwide: our brothers and sisters in Christ who risk everything to worship and serve him. Our first reaction might be that we are powerless to help, but by partnering with one of the excellent organisations that work in these areas, we can add another voice to the campaigns and another pair of hands to the tasks.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 5:10

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 38 - Reconciliation
When people fall out with each other, the pain of that broken relationship brings anguish to all parties which can then ripple out. Saying sorry is really hard, and sometimes doesn’t feel enough to heal the rift. What’s sometimes needed is mediation: listening carefully to both sides and steering them back onto common ground. Could you be that peace-bringer?

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… - 2 Corinthians 5:18

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 37 - Secret Keeper
You’re on a stealth mission today – to donate gifts without being spotted! It might be more tricky, but if you’re fit and healthy, use caution and your imagination to see what you can do on the way back from your daily exercise or trip to the supermarket. No thanks expected.

…so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you - Matthew 6:4

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 36 - Behind Bars
Childhood should be a time of freedom, but many children lose theirs to crime. According to Youth for Christ, over 125,000 children and teenagers (under the age of 18) are arrested each year and over 20,000 under 25s serve at least one prison sentence annually. Meanwhile, an estimated 7% of all children have a parent in prison during their school years. There are organisations that offer specialist support to these vulnerable young people but we can help, too.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me - Matthew 25:35–36

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 35 - Reconnect
Social media has become a huge blessing and a lifeline for many.
But despite that, it can be easy to lose contact with people you were once close to. Why not choose now to put that right?
If you’re worried your approach won’t be welcomed, start with prayer to prepare the way, then take the first step, trusting God to open the door.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone - Colossians 4:5-6

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 34 - On a Mission
Those who have devoted their lives to God in full-time ministry, whether at home or overseas, need our support. Too often, they can feel ‘out of sight, out of mind’. It’s time to honour them for all they sacrifice for the kingdom, so dig deep and seek God for how you can make their burden lighter.

In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honoured, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it - 1 Corinthians 12:25–27

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 33 - War Torn
Our news bulletins still show stories of war continuing around the globe. Images of displaced people are commonplace, their buildings in ruins, the rubble-strewn streets carrying tanks and trucks of soldiers. Today is about playing a part, however small, in improving life for those caught up in conflict. This time, when we turn off the TV, it’s to act, not to forget.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… - Hebrews 10:24

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 32 - Prized Possession
We’re raising the bar on generosity, reminding ourselves to hold our possessions lightly and open-handedly. The challenge is to give away something that is precious to you, either in value or significance, being willing to surrender it for someone else’s benefit. In doing so, we are echoing David’s words to God in dedicating the temple: "everything comes from you" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” - 1 Chronicles 21:24

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 31 - At Your Service
Ask yourself who the people are that support your everyday life – the list may be a surprisingly long one. The parcel deliverer, bus or taxi driver, checkout assistant, bin man, security guard: it’s so easy to take them for granted. Let’s turn the spotlight on those who are busy in the background.

Our message? We notice you, we thank you, we respect you.

“Why have we fasted,” they say, “and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?” Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers - Isaiah 58:3

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 30 - First Fruits
In the Old Testament, people presented the first fruits of their harvest to God in gratitude for his provision. It was choice produce; in short, the best! How can you share GOOD food with others today? Think about 'breaking bread' together, and how this allows us to spend time and grow in love for each other.

…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts… - Acts 2:46

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 29 - Commit
Today is a good day to consider giving your giving an overhaul. As stewards of God’s resources, it’s important that we check in with him from time to time to make sure that our generosity is being channelled in the right direction. One-off donations are great, but the certainty of regular financial support could be a lifeline for some.

Whilst we’re passionate about inspiring people to give to worthwhile causes, we realise that some of you reading this may be facing severe financial uncertainty. If you’re worried about your finances, please seek help from experts.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Lent 40acts Challenge

Act 28 - Keep Your Promises
What would be on your wish list when choosing a friend? A good sense of humour? Having similar interests? How about someone who keeps their word? It’s easy to say, "I’ll pray", or "I’ll be there", and then completely forget to do it. What might you have promised in the past that you can follow through with today? Or what new promise can you commit to? Keeping a promise sends a powerful message: you matter to me.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged - Deuteronomy 31:8