Greeted by our lovely air hostess handing out scrumptious non-alcoholic punch and welcomed by our pilot for the evening the scene was set for an adventurous world tour. We were whisked from India to Thailand via Africa, the Middle East, Japan and Italy. At each country typical food of the country was there to be sampled whilst enjoying the delights of Indian rope tricks, Jenga, origami, Venice carnival masks and authentic Thai cooking. The in-flight entertainment, which followed delightful in-flight food, was interesting and thought provoking. …and all in 80 minutes – wow!!
Very pretty, very very icy, great fun!! The photos below give a glimpse of the fun that was had by the intrepid group that turned out on New Year’s Day to brave the big freeze that currently grips Leeds and its surrounds. Armed combat, a romantic stroll and ice skating featured in the outdoor pursuits whilst a hearty banquet ended the event in style.
At our recent baptism (see this post, and this post), Gordon gave an explanation of what baptism is, and what is symbolises. This short talk (about seven minutes), can be heard here.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” — Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)
At our recent baptismal service, Lou gave a five minute talk about how she became a Christian and why she wanted to be baptised.
Right click on this link, and click ‘Save Target As’ (if you are using Internet Explorer), or ‘Save Link As’ (if using Firefox) to download the testimony to your computer.
A record number came last Sunday evening (25th January) to share in a service of baptism. Lou shared how 4 1/2 years ago she became a Christian. It all started with being curious, then attending an Alpha course, before finally (on a No. 43 bus in London) giving her life to God. Since then, Lou said, her life had been changed totally.
Lou (with Ruth) also sang a duet ‘In Christ alone’ to express her faith. Then, after confirming that she believed in Christ as God and Saviour, had asked Jesus Christ to forgive her and be her Saviour, and that she now wanted to live for God, Lou was immersed in a large tank of water. As she came up the congregation cheered and sang ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’.
Afterwards people stayed and chatted. Services in the Parochial Hall in Fitzroy Drive are never dull, always joyful, and focused on Jesus Christ. Last Sunday was no exception
Here are some photos from our recent carol singing – at the Oakwood Farmers’ Market on Saturday 20th December, and at Somerfield on Roundhay Road on Christmas Eve.
(Click on the images to see larger versions of the pictures.)
‘Heri ya Krismas‘ was just one of the 14 languages saying “Happy Christmas” at the International Christmas Evening at Roundhay Evangelical Church last Saturday night. The hall in Fitzroy Drive was nicely full as people wandered from country to country – actually from table to table, as each country had a table with speciality food and items of interest.
Brazilian prune cake, Pfefferkuchen, Mexican Soup, Yemeni biscuits, French cheese, and Tanzanian Mandazi were among the amazing array of delicious items. The prize for identifying photos of countries round the world was won by a young man who got an impressive 17 out of 20.
After a Swahili song there was a short comment on how international the first Christmas was – shepherds from Israel (Aramaic speakers) saw the Saviour of the common people, wise men from the east (Greek speakers no doubt) came to acknowledge the one born King (apparently, wise men still do!!), the Hebrew speaking devout Jew Simeon recognised the glory of Israel, and quoting Isaiah said he was the ‘light to the gentiles’, and possible Roman census officials verified that the baby Jesus was indeed born as a real person in history.
A wasted Christmas present is an unopened gift left under the tree – Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to us all – don’t leave him as an unwanted present.
Roundhay Evangelical Church’s carol services are next Sunday (21st) at the Parochial Hall, Fitzroy Drive at 10.30 and 6.30. All are welcome, whatever nationality – even English!!!
…launch rockets in Roundhay Park.
On Sunday 9th November, in weather that would have made NASA scientists postpone their attempts, a group of youngsters from “No Adults Allowed” made for the middle of Soldiers’ field armed with plastic rockets, magic propellant (a secret fuel composed of 100% H20), a mobile launch pad, and a fuel pump. Accompanied by shrieks, yells of excitement, and lots of water spray, one by one the rockets shot up 50 feet into the air. Experimenting with different amounts of fuel, size of rocket, etc, added to the fun. Eventually the group retired to Nat’s house for food, and a quick look at some of the 12 men who had walked on the moon. One of them, Charles Duke said “When I came back, I said I could never have an experience like walking on the moon. But I have since got converted, and my walk with Jesus is incomparable.”
