A Right Royal Celebration!

Michael Chapman, deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, representative of the Queen, opened a year of celebration at the local Church in Epping Green by unveiling a specially commissioned 150^th anniversary stained glass window. Mr Chapman wearing full military uniform , including ceremonial sword, unveiled the colourful “Good Shepherd” window , which measures a massive 7ft tall by 6ft wide . The window looks out over the village pond and road. The window was designed by chapel member and villager Mary Deacon and made by local company Tenby and Penny.

The standing room only event also had guest speaker Peter Kerridge CEO of PREMIER CHRISTIAN RADIO and a presentation was made to 91 year old church organist George McGowan , born in Epping Green village and retiring from playing after 74 years!

Church Minister Rev Paul Walker, 55, said “George , along with his late wife Doris , has been a  pillar in the life of the Chapel . Almost 200 years ago another local couple were so concerned there was no place of worship in the village they felt God calling them to be involved in founding one!  In the 1820’s a cottage chapel was opened and then in 1862 the NEW church was built. 150 years later Epping Green Chapel continues to be a thriving place of worship and centre for activities within the community. Founded as a Church for all, the current congregation is made up of young and old and of people from many church backgrounds - C of E , Catholic  , Free Church ,plus people who have had no past church affiliation. We hope the commissioning of the colourful “Good Shepherd” window will be a bright new landmark to travellers and a sign of welcome for another 150 years!".

Check out the photos below:

Michael Chapman, Deacons Mary Deacon and Will Toye and Minister Rev. Paul Walker

Organist George McGowan, 91, speaking at the service after winning an award.

Unveiling the window.

Our new stained glass window is now in place!

Further details of ongoing celebration events at Epping Green Chapel can be found on our website – www.eppinggreenchapel.co.uk or blogsite – eppinggreenchapel.blogspot.co.uk

God bless!

Reaching Out

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”’ MATTHEW 5:13,14 (NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)

"Thank You, Lord, for every opportunity we have to serve others, and that Your Church is on the move in society: feeding the hungry, helping those in debt, sheltering the homeless, caring for the weak and coming alongside vulnerable young people to support and guide them. Amen" - Care

Care Prayer Theme: Church and Society

"Father God, we pray that thousands of people will respond to an invitation to come to church today, and that they will feel welcome and at ease. Please send Your Spirit of truth and love to congregations, that many will deepen their trust in Jesus Christ. Amen." - Care

A thought for the N.I Assembly and Police Service

‘Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land ... buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals ... The Lord has sworn by himself, the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done”.’ AMOS 8:4,6,7 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)

"Father, be with those in Northern Island Assembly and the N.I Police Service who are combating human trafficking.  Please be with those that have been sexually exploited and let them be free lord, let them speak out against their oppression, the criminals responsible as well as those that have abused them, so they may all be identified and convicted.  Amen."

Care Prayer: Sexual Trafficking and Explotation

Human sexual trafficking and exploitation is an evil that goes on unseen to most of us.  It is a horrible and hard existence for those involved, we must pray that those who have been forced into such a life, can find the help and aid they need.

"O God of infinite mercy and grace – who will never forget - we ask You to soften the hearts of those who treat other human beings in a cruel and degrading manner, that they might relent and repent. Please send Your servants to bring liberty and relief to those who are so badly abused. For Christ’s sake, Amen." - Care

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and people. Pray that many throughout the world will realize that true peace only comes through Christ, and that they will ask Him for forgiveness and new life.

"Lord, bring light to those that do not yet realize that true peace only comes through Christ, show them a sign. I pray that they ask your forgiveness lord and start their new life alongside you. Amen."

Stigma of Faith

Sadly in today's society there is a lot of stigma targeted at those who have faith.  Some who have spoken their faith in the workplace, or refused to work against their conscience have been unfairly treated in the workplace. Spend some time to show them some support.

"Father, please allow for those that speak your word and act according to your will, to not be discouraged by unbelievers and those that do not have faith.  May you give them the strength to persevere. Please give them the willpower to be wise in their decisions and guide them onto the right path. Amen."

Care Prayer Theme: Peace and Justice

 It is time to remember the diplomats, UN Peacekeepers, Christian emissaries and others who go to dangerous places to negotiate justice and peace, often in the crossfire. Ask God to protect them, to help them gain people’s trust and persuade them to consider pursuing paths of reconciliation that will benefit everyone. 

 

 UN Peacekeeper at work

‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’  1 PETER 3:10-12 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION)

 

Christian Mission Aid - Mobile Eye Clinic

South Sudan

"God of all justice, we bring our broken world before You, especially those places blighted by armed conflict, evil oppression and corruption. May Your Church continue to proclaim Your grace and peace, and reach out to people in desperate situations. Amen." - Care

Self Harm

Last year 26,270 females and 11,656 males aged under 25 were admitted to hospitals in England due to self-harm.  Self-harm is a growing problem within our society, spare a thought for these lost individuals.

"Loving Savior, please see that those who are self-harming, the young and the lost, seek help lord.  Let their underlying causes be revealed lord, so that they can get the help they need to press on with their lives and prevent all of their outward and internal agony. Amen."

Mental Health and Stigma

Mental Health issues are often targeted with harsh stigma and a lot of misunderstanding.  So many people suffer in society as a part of this and live partially or completely in the shadows.  Spare a thought for these individuals and help banish such negativity within society.

"Loving Savior, we pray that the stigma which surrounds mental illness will diminish, so that it is better understood, and sufferers will I find it easier to admit their need and to accept help from family, friends, employers, GPs and other people in their lives. Amen." - Care

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day.  Take time to pray and spare a thought for those who suffer from mental health issues.  Those of us that are thrown constantly into the bleakest of darkness, driven to suicide and lost without hope.  Take time to prey that they can emerge from the darkness into the light, that they seek aid, through counseling, medication and the care, love and companionship of others.

"Father, we pray that you can offer guidance to those who are lost in the darkness.  Allow them to find your light and seek the assistance they need to recover from their depression. Lord let others find them and show them love and care lord.  So that they can recover and find happiness once again. Amen."

Care Prayer Theme: Mental Health

One in four adults suffer from mental health issues.  The majority of people do not seek help and carry on with their lives in fear of the stigma that is attached to mental health.  Spare some time to pray for these people, in an attempt to help ease their suffering.

"Father, we pray for the one in four adults who, at some point in their lives, are prone to mental illness: anxiety, depression, neurotic and psychotic disorders, self-harming and behavior problems. May they know Your healing peace and comfort. Amen." - Care

Needs In Education

‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.’  JAMES 1:5,6 (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

Prayer
"Lord, thank You for the many opportunities that still exist to bring a Christian influence in education. Please strengthen RE teachers and others bringing gospel truth into schools today so that children may be given a sound spiritual foundation. Amen." - Care

James' Charity Bike Ride

James Crouch, part of our local church group took part in a bike ride for charity last week.  The young fire-fighter from Epping along with two others managed to raise a nice £375 for The Box in Epping.  The Box provides a variety of services for young people in Epping, such as counselling, advice, education and even a social hang out space.  James is passionate about the charity and rode from Epping to Chingford to raise money for the cause.

The guys enjoyed their ride and were pleased with the money they collected.  James stated that it was "tiring but good fun".  The three started their journey in hot weather and ended it in a thunderstorm.  Taking on all elements they completed the distance in high spirits.

Sick Children and Those That Care for Them

Spare a thought for those today who take care of very sick children, both in hospital and at home.

"Father, please be with those parents and carers that are with sick children. Please help lift their anguish and pain.  Put them at peace Lord, allow them to turn to you and remain hopeful no matter how bleak their situation may be.  Please God allow them to be prepared for whatever lies before them lord and give them the strength to carry on. Amen."

To Those That Help So Many

It is time to spare a thought to those that offer information, help, friendship and encouragement to those struggling with life-limiting conditions, those recovering from traumatic events, experiencing depression and isolation.  These people help so many in need of assistance and improve many peoples lives filling them with new found hope, confidence and purpose.

"Lord Jesus, thank you for your unflinching determination, to lay down your life for us, conquering sin and death.  Through your resurrection, you help us remember the importance of persisting and reaching out  to help others, as you did for us.  Thank you Lord, Amen."

2012: A Year of Celebration!

The chapel was built 150 years ago this year, by villagers as a centre for "ongoing" local worship and community life. The church doors are still open and we would love you to join the growing faith community. 

You may be living locally an already an active Christian but find yourselves travelling miles to worship? Perhaps the Lord is calling you to be part of the local Church community here?

God Bless the Queen and our community!

Rev. Paul Walker, Epping Green Chapel.

Pastor Paul Writes...

I want to share with you part one of a fantastic passage from the new UCB daily reading. 

"Today I will delete from my diary two days-yesterday and tomorrow. Yesterday was for learning; and tomorrow will be a consequence of what I do today. Today I will face life with the conviction that this day will never return, that it may be the last opportunity I'll have to contribute because there's no guarantee I'll see tomorrow. 

Today I will be courageous enough not to let opportunity pass me by; my only alternative will be to succeed. Today I will invest my most valuable resource, my time, into my most valuable possession, the life God has given me. I'll spend each minute purposefully, making today a unique opportunity..."

Amen be blessed!
Pastor Paul

P.S. To all off or going on holidays, be blessed and rested!

(Included in the booklet from 05/08/12 Morning Worship)