What we love about the Bible is there is guidance for almost every situation you go through in life, and, always one solution, and that is Jesus. Jesus does not hold back when the truth needs to be spoken. Let’s look at Revelation 3 v 1 – 6 where Jesus speaks to the Church in Sardis.

To the Church in Sardis

3 “To the angel^[a] of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits^[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ² Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. ³ Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

⁴ Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. ⁶ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Ouch. This is quite a statement from Jesus. Imagine being part of a church that looks alive but it is not. It is dead. How sad is this. The only bit of good news you can take from this scripture is Jesus will take the few people who are genuine in that church, He will not forsake all. He also gives the church a chance to wake up and try again.

We know we are in the era where we hear of certain scriptures more than others mainly about Gods kindness and mercy, and He is a kind and merciful God don’t get us wrong. We are all in need of Gods grace. But we must not neglect all of the other scriptures that are in the Bible that can help us check our hearts. We could be walking the walk and appear to be serving Jesus but as in Revelation 3 v 1 – 6, Jesus does call out the church in Sardis calling it dead telling them to put their house in order, and to do it soon, because Jesus could return at anytime like a thief.

Do you need a new church to be planted in?

If you need a new church to be planted in and need that fresh start, there are two churches based here in Leckwith Avenue pictured below.

The first church is called, Canton Community Church, the second, called, Grace Canton. Canton Community Church family service doors open from 10.45am. Grace Canton hold an afternoon family service where doors open from 3.15pm.

We can confidently say that these are two churches that can help you along with your relationship with God, teaching his word consistently. Come and see for yourself. You will be warmly welcomed.

There is a beauty about prayer journaling. First things first the most important thing about prayer journaling is having a wonderful relationship with God our Father. The word says in Philippians pray about everything, here is the scripture.

Philippians 4:6-7
6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

If you have something on your heart, or something you really care about there is no harm in praying to God about it. It is the most beneficial thing you can do. God is open to your every feeling and care, He wants to know.

When you prayer journal you also need patience. Here are almost 60 prayer journals accumulated over the last 6 years that contain all kinds of prayer petitions and discussions with God.

There is a scripture that states that the battle is never ours but the Lords. Here it is.

2 Chronicles 20:15
“And he said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

We must not act in our own strength when a situation has come along, where injustice is present, unless the Lord states that we are to do something, however, one thing you can do is PRAY! Pray from your secret place and then sit back and watch diligently. This is where the patience comes in.

One prayer that has been consistently prayed for in the 6 years worth of journals was a controversial decision made in a church. Instead of voicing opposition to human leaders, we voiced the concerns to God. Over the last 5 years it has been amazing to watch God at work through the prayers spoken and what the outcomes were.

Prayer journaling reveals truth, there is much revelation to be found in prayer journaling that confirms God’s word. The problem we have is God’s word can be interpreted in ways that suit humans, for another word, manipulated. Prayer journaling confirms that God’s word does not change and you yourself through relationship with God will have concrete evidence that this is true, through confirmation of prayer. It will help your faith, rather than be blown from shore to shore with all the different theologies that are out there, especially the toxic Christian content that can be found on the internet, from YouTube videos etc.

To conclude. Through having deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer will help you have vindication, why? Because you will see directly from God what the outcomes were, and you did it in a way where the battle remained the Lords and you honoured scripture by praying about everything.

As you have probably noticed our social media took a step back over recent months. Now that community projects have become more manageable, the churches social media is back up and running again.

We are a church that follows the Lord’s lead. During our digital silence we want to let you know where the Lord lead our digital church members instead of bringing you digital content. Just so you know what’s been going on.

Before we get going, we praise God for using everything that he gives us and we want to glorify his name. Without Jesus none of this would have been possible. As it says in Psalm 96.

Psalm 96

¹ Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
² Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvellous deeds among all peoples.

Let’s get going. Firstly, our weekly coffee morning group has still been running every Tuesday, where we receive people for hot drinks and treats, and our lunch club starting at 12pm.

Dean who is largely responsible for our digital content has been working at St Vincent’s Centre, Ely Bridge. He has been involved in several projects since mid-February. Let’s take a look.

Non-Alcohol televised Six Nations Rugby.

St Vincent’s Centre, Ely Bridge televised all the Six Nations rugby matches not long finished. They received over 100 people. They came to enjoy a social with friends without any involvement of alcohol. We provided non-alcoholic drinks and delicious half time meals. Here are a few photos.

Pushing digital content for St Vincent’s Centre, Ely Bridge.

We have been pushing the centres digital media for them, getting the word out to the people of Ely that there is a Christian centre in the community that has the resources to support them.

Writing grants to ensure the centres sustainability.

We have co-written two grants for St Vincent’s Centre, Ely Bridge. We are delighted to announce that both were successful where £119,000 was raised for the centre. Monies will be distributed to the Men Changing Lives project over the next three years.

Mentoring people at the Dusty Forge café

We have continued to work with ex-offenders at the Dusty Forge community café,

We have been mentoring and supporting volunteers to gain new skills to help them into full time work.

Putting on Easter events for the community

We have been involved in putting on Easter events at St Vincent’s Centre. We sourced over 150 Easter eggs to give away to families across Ely.

Developing an anxiety video workshop for Men Changing Lives

We have been busy developing an anxiety video workshop for people who need help with their anxiety and mental health.

Planning training courses to help people get into work

We have been responsible for arranging training courses for people who need to gain new skills to help them get into work.

Processing food and fuel bank vouchers for those in need

We have been processing fuel and food bank vouchers to some of the most vulnerable people in Ely.

Whoever said working for the Kingdom of God was boring. If you want to get involved in church work or are curious about church, come and get involved. Visit one of the services taking place every Sunday. The first service begins at 10.45am and the second at 3.15pm.

We are an active church that studies the Bible. We have an active WhatsApp group that studies the word of God regularly, where people contribute and a platform where we can all learn and draw closer to God.

Here are visuals of all our WhatsApp groups that show we are organised and active serving the people who attend our church here at Leckwith Avenue.

Here are visuals of a WhatsApp group where a recent Bible study of Philippians is underway.

We have dedicated members here at Church in the Avenue who are committed to people who want to draw closer to God. Who glorify God in their actions and provisions.

We are not an artificial church setup to show we are a church that holds great numbers, no! What is the point of a church that has many people but are far away from God, being taught that the walk is only about being blessed by God.

Jesus said we will have trouble and we are a church that prepares for trials by studying Gods word drawing close to God, developing that love for God that brings them peace that protects them in any storm.

So, lets conclude. Are you going to a church because it looks glitz and glamour, big and strong, or do you need a smaller church that is humble and thanks God for every provision, knowing it is all of him and nothing of us. Think carefully about where you go to church in 2024 and where you can draw close to God with people who are vulnerable and in relationship with one another, supporting one another along life’s bumpy road at times.

From January 7th we will be back ready and raring to go. Every Sunday doors will be open form 10.45am for our family service, so come along and get acquainted, but above all get involved with all the great projects we have setup to help you draw closer to God.

Our Senior Pastor Chris Selby led the Remembrance Day service at Cardiff City FC. We all came together to honour those who made such a huge sacrifice keeping our country and democracy safe. Here are a few photos of the service.

When you have a chance, please join us in a prayer for those who have suffered in conflicts over the years and around the world.

Father of all, remember your holy promise,
and look with love on all your people, living and departed.
On this day we especially ask that you would hold forever
all who have suffered during war, those who returned scarred by warfare,
those who waited anxiously at home,
and those who returned wounded, and disillusioned;
those who mourned, and those communities that were diminished and suffered loss.
Remember too those who acted with kindly compassion,
those who bravely risked their own lives for their comrades,
and those who in the aftermath of war, worked tirelessly for a more peaceful world.
And as you remember them, remember us, O Lord;
grant us peace in our time and a longing for the day when people of every language, race, and nation will be brought into the unity of Christ’s kingdom.
This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.