September/October 2024
Autumn is off, and the business has begun already. If you are like us, when life gets busy, it is easy to feel run down and tired. Our walk with Christ begins to struggle, and before you know it, we are falling back into bad habits.
Thankfully, God gave us a remedy for this, the church, to help us when we feel our weakest. Adding more to a busy schedule may seem counterproductive, but adding things with your church will give you the extra needed to sustain the busy times in life.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Autumn is off, and the business has begun already. If you are like us, when life gets busy, it is easy to feel run down and tired. Our walk with Christ begins to struggle, and before you know it, we are falling back into bad habits.
Thankfully, God gave us a remedy for this, the church, to help us when we feel our weakest. Adding more to a busy schedule may seem counterproductive, but adding things with your church will give you the extra needed to sustain the busy times in life.
One of the things we need to be reminded of when life is weighing us down is the bright future we have in Christ. Our earthly body is inadequate, and ultimately, we were not meant to feel at home here. Paul’s letter to the Philippians serves as a powerful reminder:
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself”. — Philippians 3:20-21
So, if the business of Autumn weighs on you, take heart at our future appointment of glorification, when everything will be perfect, and life will never be a burden again.
The Elders:
Justin Rhoades, Jonathan Gardner, and Tarl Reeves
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Autumn Notices
This autumn, we are studying the book of 1 Thessalonians and being reminded of our bright future in Christ.
Sunday’s at 11:00
Small groups start soon. Be sure to sign up for one of our brilliant groups to meet over the next 5-6 weeks. Click here to sign up now
Men, we are gathering for a celebration of breakfast and eating some spiritual food together on 21 September.
Ladies will be meeting at church on 12 October for their brunch. Join us as we engage in fellowship, pray, and learn from the word together.
Adventures Club is back on 20 September. This term will be for teens only; our secondary students will spend each Friday with a Bible lesson, small groups, and games from 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
We will take communion together at the end of our church service on 29 September.
Please make sure to mark your diaries for Sunday, 17 November, at 5:00 pm as we will have our annual Next service. This will be an evening of celebrating the past year of God’s work at Welling Church and looking ahead to what will come next.
June 2024
We’re so blessed for all that we’ve been able to celebrate over the past few weeks. The church’s 125th anniversary testifies to the Lord’s faithfulness over the past century. His boundless grace poured out upon this church throughout the years is beyond humbling. We are so thankful to be part of Welling Church’s history and for all of us to take part in His greater sovereign plan. We always need Jesus’ faithfulness in all that we do as a church, and we pray that we will be faithful to Him over the next 125 years if He so tarries in His return.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
We’re so blessed for all that we’ve been able to celebrate over the past few weeks. The church’s 125th anniversary testifies to the Lord’s faithfulness over the past century. His boundless grace poured out upon this church throughout the years is beyond humbling. We are so thankful to be part of Welling Church’s history and for all of us to take part in His greater sovereign plan. We always need Jesus’ faithfulness in all that we do as a church, and we pray that we will be faithful to Him over the next 125 years if He so tarries in His return.
When we think of God’s faithfulness over the years, we are reminded of Psalm 136. Verse 1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever”. It’s not revolutionary to hear that the LORD’s “steadfast love endures forever”, but at times, it can be quite easy to forget. This is probably why the Psalmist mentions it an astounding 26 times in a row in Psalm 136! He is trying to instil in us, the readers, that God’s love is unchanging and not going anywhere.
As we enter into the summer season during a year defined by constant change with an air of unsettledness all around us, we can take comfort in knowing that God will not change this year. The same way He has loved and looked upon our church over the past 125 years is the same way He will continue to look upon it for many more years to come. It is comforting to know that God will not change in a world full of constant change. How reassuring it is to celebrate that His steadfast love endures forever. May Welling Church continue to preach to the lost all around us this brilliant truth about the Creator and Sustainer of everything.
The Elders:
Justin Rhoades, Tarl Reeves, and Jonathan Gardner
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Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
June/July Notices
During the first couple of Sundays in June, we will be wrapping up our study on the third missionary journey of Paul.
Sunday’s at 11:00
Our next sermon series starts 23 June. We will look at Romans 1 and the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We’re excited to have Jonathan join us as an Elder. Please take time to get to know him and his family in the coming weeks.
This year’s men’s event is on 3 June for a night of food, fun, and Bible. All men are welcome to eat loads of pulled pork, sausages, pork belly, and steak (no green stuff allowed!).
On 16 June, we will be ending the service with baptisms. We pray you can join us for an exciting day of people choosing to obey their next steps in following Christ.
The ladies of Welling Church are having an evening of prayer and praise on 22 June. All women are invited for a night of songs and creative prayer activities.
Our yearly summer outreaches are fast upon us! We pray you can attend and help volunteer to make these successful evenings of sharing the Gospel message to our community.
We have an excellent opportunity of having Jackie Lyon take us through a two-part course on managing personal finances. This is a terrific way to get on top of the thing no one likes to think about but can cause loads of stress when ignoring it. Sign up now to take this course.
Camp 2024 is coming up soon! Sign your teens up now to attend a wonderful three-day adventure where they can grow closer to God and each other. It is a much-needed spiritual boost for our teens who live in a spiritually deprived world.
Small groups may have already started at the end of May, but there is still time to join in on one of our three brilliant groups. You can learn more on our small group page.
Adventures Club is a wonderful and safe place where primary and secondary children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday from 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
The last Adventures Club for this term is Friday 19 July.
At the end of our church service on 4 August, we will take communion together.
February/March 2024
As 2024 is off and on its way, I wanted to share my prayer for Welling Church this year: faithfulness. Jesus says in Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much”. I pray that all who attend this church will be faithful in the small things this year so that God might allow us to do much for His kingdom in the coming years. Here are five specific areas that I am praying for faithfulness in, and I hope you will, too:
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
As 2024 is off and on its way, I wanted to share my prayer for Welling Church this year: faithfulness. Jesus says in Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much”. I pray that all who attend this church will be faithful in the small things this year so that God might allow us to do much for His kingdom in the coming years. Here are five specific areas that I am praying for faithfulness in, and I hope you will, too:
Membership - The first area of faithfulness comes with being faithful to Jesus Christ (the head) and His body (the church). Many who attend here at Welling have yet to obey God by joining a local church. My prayer is that in 2024, we will see many choose to be faithful to join God’s plan of the local church.
Attendance - Worship with the church you belong to isn’t optional; it’s a must, according to the book of Hebrews. So, let’s be faithful to be there each week for our primary worship gathering and in a small group where more profound growth will come.
Serving - We need a church filled with faithful servants. Ephesians 2:10 says we were saved for good works. Let’s be faithful to do what God has created us and saved us for: serving one another.
Giving - 2 Corinthians tells us to give as we have decided in our hearts. There is no option to provide nothing to the church financially; we all have to have a plan to give something to the church we belong to. When we all are faithful to give what God lays on our hearts to give our church, we will have enough to do the ministry God has planned for us in 2024.
Discipleship - We need a church filled of people who are willing to go the extra mile. A group of people who hunger to grow spiritually and desire to take their faith further than before. I pray if you are not currently meeting with someone one-on-one, you will be. Once you have done either Cornerstone or Foundations, take someone else through discipleship and teach them what you have learned.
How can you be more faithful in these five areas? What can our church do to help, and what can I specifically do as your pastor to support you in these areas of faithfulness?
Our church exists like all others to help born-again believers live the life God has planned for them. If you are a member of Welling Church, then you are our top priority to care for and minister to in 2024. If you are not a church member, what is holding you back from obeying God’s word and submitting to the body of Christ? I would love to help you get joined into this local body of Jesus and become a faithful servant of Him.
Let’s all be faithful in 2024.
The Elders:
Justin Rhoades & Tarl Reeves
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Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
February/March Notices
Easter is coming, that time of year when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pray you can join us and bring family/friends to attend this celebration as well.
31 March at 11:00
Our next sermon series starts on 10 March. We will look at all four of the Gospels to see the Words of Christ as He went to the cross for us.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss our Mother’s Day Tea. This a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all the influential women in your life. Please invite a mother, daughter, aunt, niece, nan, or friend to come for a meal and Bible talk.
Small groups are continuing until the week of 25-28 March, and all groups will study the same series this term. We will look at faith foundation and helping each other strengthen our relationship with Christ. You can learn more on our small group page.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades at Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
The last Baby Steps of term is on 26 March
The first Baby Steps of next term will be on 16 April
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or who have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
The last Grace Recovery of term is 28 March
The first Grace Recovery of next term will be on 18 April
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday from 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
The last club of this term is on 22 March
First club of next term will be 19 April
On 24 March, at the end of our service, we will take communion together.
December 2023
Our church has undergone many transitions this term, and I can’t brag enough about everyone who has stepped up to help. The loss of Tarl, Jassen, and Kaylynn has been felt in all areas of our church family, but I am proud and thankful for everyone who has filled the gaps over the past few months. Our church would not be able to function without you and your much-needed service to God—a big thank you to all who have been a part of keeping the ministries of our church going.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
The year’s final month has come; like usual, it seems to come quicker each year. As a church, we will end this year differently than we started it. This past week has been especially hard as our hope of Jassen and Kaylynn returning to work with us seemed to disappear in a moment. However, what is shocking news and contradictory to our plans has not surprised God and has not changed a single plan He has for our church or the individuals in it.
Hope is the message of this Christmas season, and hope (certainty that God will do all He has promised to do) will get us through the rest of 2023 and into 2024. A few weeks ago, we looked at Romans 5 in our series on sanctification. The words in verses 2-5 seem even more fitting now in light of current circumstances:
Romans 5:2–5
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
As we prepare for another year of living for God through faithful obedience, we strive to ensure that the message of Christ rings out from Welling Church. This Christmas, we desire to share hope with all who interact with our church or even come through the building’s doors.
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Immanuel means God with us. God came down from heaven on the first Christmas to be with His creation. Then, since the resurrection, God has promised to be with those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. For those who have made this decision, we have God with us every day.
As we end this year, may we remember that God is with us. Individually, we may not know exactly what to do or which direction to go, but no matter our choices or direction, God will never leave us or forsake us. As a church, God has given us a clear direction and mission. It is the same as last year. While the team working together may change from year to year, our mandate from God remains the same until His glorious return.
The Elders:
Justin Rhoades & Tarl Reeves
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
December/January Notices
In December, we will look at the nativity story from different perspectives. Each Sunday, we will focus on the characters God used to bring about the first Christmas. I pray you can join us each Sunday at 11:00.
Christmas Eve is a Sunday this year, and we will still meet at 11:00, but it will be a simple family service.
Join us for our annual carols by candlelight. We will do the same service on 10 and 17 December at 6 pm.
Our sermon series for the beginning of the new year is looking back to Genesis to see the story of Noah and how he had faith in obeying God. Sundays at 11:00 starting 31 December.
Small groups will start on 15-19 January, and all groups will study the same series this term. We will look at faith foundation and helping each other strengthen our relationship with Christ. You can learn more on our small group page.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades at Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
The last Baby Steps of 2023 is on 12 December
The first Baby Steps of 2024 will be on 9 January
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or who have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
The last Grace Recovery is on 2023 is 14 December
The first Grace Recovery of 2024 will be on 11 January
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday from 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
The last club of 2023 is on 15 December (Christmas Party)
First club of 2024 will be 19 January
On 21 January, at the end of our service, we will take communion together.
November 2023
Our church has undergone many transitions this term, and I can’t brag enough about everyone who has stepped up to help. The loss of Tarl, Jassen, and Kaylynn has been felt in all areas of our church family, but I am proud and thankful for everyone who has filled the gaps over the past few months. Our church would not be able to function without you and your much-needed service to God—a big thank you to all who have been a part of keeping the ministries of our church going.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Autumn has finally come here in London, and it seems like it will be Christmas before we know it. I pray that you have been able to rest over the half-term break and find yourself ready to be the best representation of Christ till the end of this year.
Our church has undergone many transitions this term, and I can’t brag enough about everyone who has stepped up to help. The loss of Tarl, Jassen, and Kaylynn has been felt in all areas of our church family, but I am proud and thankful for everyone who has filled the gaps over the past few months. Our church would not be able to function without you and your much-needed service to God—a big thank you to all who have been a part of keeping the ministries of our church going.
Before the end of this year, there is still much to do in serving our church, plus reaching the local community with our Christmas outreaches. Please join me in praying all November for the opportunities this Christmas will bring us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Lastly, I am thankful for a church that cares and prays for one another. Over the past few months, there have been many who have fought sickness and many who have lost loved ones. I am glad our church is practising Romans 12:15 and caring for one another. Please don’t lose that spirit of caring and celebrating with your church family.
Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep”.
The Elders:
Justin Rhoades & Tarl Reeves
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
November/December Notices
During THE month of November, we will be looking at where we stand in RELATIONSHIP with God thanks to the SALVATION that Christ has bought us. we pray you can join us ON Sundays at 11:00 as we open the Bible TO UNDERSTAND SANCTIFICATION BETTER.
12 November is REMEMBRANCE Sunday. PLease join us as we remember those who have gone before us to allow us the freedom we have to worship God in peace and without fear. We will be OBSERVING a moment of SILENCE at 11:00 AM, so PLEASE come early, as we will be starting SERVICE a few MINUTES earlier than USUAL.
On 4 November we will be going to the high street one last time for 2023 to share the good news of jesus Christ. All are welcome to come along to be a part of this evangelistic event.
On 26 November, at the end of our service, we will TAKE communion together.
Our annual NEXT meeting is coming up ON Sunday evening 19 November. Please join us as we CELEBRATE all that God has done over the past year and look ahead to what he will do next in 2024 at Welling Church.
18 November at 9:00 AM, the men will MEET at Toby’s Carvery for breakfast and a Bible devotion. All men of all ages are welcome.
Women, we will be having a special Christmas event of crafts AND cake on 25 November. Please feel free to invite any other friends of family to come along for a great day of fellowship, Bible, and holiday cheer.
Starting DECEMBER we will be looking to the Characters in the Bible that played a crucial role in God’s plan for salvation that started on the first Christmas. we pray you can join us ON Sundays at 11:00.
Mark your diaries for a fantastic evening of WORSHIPPING the birth of our Saviour. We will have two opportunities to INVITE FRIENDS and family to join us as we look at the true MEANING of Christmas.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
September 2023
I have felt nothing but change this year, especially in the past few months, and I think I am not alone. Whether it is change happening in our church or homes, it feels like we are going through many differences from last year. Many in the church are facing the rising costs of inflation or at least the pressure of it rising soon. Our WhatsApp is filled with prayer requests from people suffering change and needing God to intervene.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
I have felt nothing but change this year, especially in the past few months, and I think I am not alone. Whether it is change happening in our church or homes, it feels like we are going through many differences from last year. Many in the church are facing the rising costs of inflation or at least the pressure of it rising soon. Our WhatsApp is filled with prayer requests from people suffering change and needing God to intervene.
Through all this, it can seem like life is out of control, and when that thought enters our mind, it can be easy to assume that God has changed, too. The reality is that God does not change. He is the same as He has always been and always will be. In theology, we call this the Immutability of God:
IMMUTABILITY — a characteristic of God signifying that He does not change in His basic nature (Mal. 3:6). In Him, “there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). God does not “mutate” from being one kind of God to being another, nor is He subject to the limitations of time and space, since in Christ He upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3). He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). God is the God of steadfast love (Deut. 5:10; Ps. 103:4; Is. 63:7).
So, as we all continue through this time of change, take heart that our God changes not.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
September Notices
During THE NEXT FEW SUNDAYS, we will LOOK at our church’s core values: beliefs in action. we pray you can join us ON Sundays at 11:00 as we open the Bible to see key values that help us follow CHRIST.
It’s a new school term, and that means all our mid-week ACTIVITIES will be starting back soon.
On 10 SEPTEMBER, at the end of our service, we will TAKE communion together.
16 September at 9:00 AM, the men will MEET at Toby’s Carvery for breakfast and a Bible devotion. All men of all ages are welcome.
OUr women are heading over to the Slade Evangelical CHurch in PLUMSTEAD for a wonderful women’s CONFERENCE. If you are a lady, you don’t want to miss this event, as the Bible is OPEN to study real rest.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
1 October at 7:00 PM, we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month, we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
July 2023
What makes you happy? Where do you find joy?
Sadly, as we look around our world today, we see many people look to other things or the things of this world to bring them joy or happiness. Many look for their ultimate fulfillment in money, relationships, career, education, pleasure, or worldly success. The Bible warns us to keep away from worldly desires because these desires wage war against our souls.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
What makes you happy? Where do you find joy?
Sadly, as we look around our world today, we see many people look to other things or the things of this world to bring them joy or happiness. Many look for their ultimate fulfilment in money, relationships, career, education, pleasure, or worldly success. The Bible warns us to keep away from worldly desires because these desires wage war against our souls.
As followers of Christ, Christians are to set their minds on heavenly things. Believers are not to place their joy in the temporary, but in the eternal. This ultimately rests in Christ. Without Jesus, no one can find ultimate contentment in this life. Our peace, joy, and happiness rest in Him. When this is realised, our joy will remain unshaken despite any uncertainty or hardships that may come our way.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ⁃ Romans 15:13
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
July Notices
During THE NEXT FEW SUNDAYS, WE ARE LOOKING at KEY MOMENTS throughout THE Gospels Where Jesus reveals the power of God through His miracles. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU EACH SUNDAY MORNING AT 11:00.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN FOR OUR BIG SUMMER OUTREACHES! WE NEED ALL CHURCH MEMBERS TO HELP US PUT ON A FANTASTIC 3 NIGHTS OF FUN, FOOD, GAMES, AND films. SIGN UP 11 JUNE TO SERVE during ONE OF OUR OUTREACH NIGHTS.
on 16 July, we will HAVE a special SERVICE where we will be celebrating the Reeves family and the TREMENDOUS blessing they have been to our church.
The teens are going to camp this month. We will leave the church at 11:00 on Monday, 24 July. We will have a parents’ meeting on Sunday, 23 July, after SERVICE. PLease be praying for the 24 teens and 6 adults that will be going.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
18 July is the last meeting before summer break.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
27 July is the last meeting before summer break.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
21 July is the last meeting before summer break.
6 August at 7:00 PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
June 2023
What trials or tribulations are you going through at the moment? What difficulties are you facing?
Our lives are filled with an array of ups and downs, and because of the brokenness of the world we live in, we all face days of valleys and mountaintops. During times of hardships, it is wise not to face these seasons alone.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church,
What trials or tribulations are you going through at the moment? What difficulties are you facing?
Our lives are filled with an array of ups and downs, and because of the brokenness of the world we live in, we all face days of valleys and mountaintops. During times of hardships, it is wise not to face these seasons alone.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.”
Believers can find help and safety from godly wisdom and counsel. It is through the prayers and encouragement from fellow believers that we can find spiritual assistance.
God wisely places men and women around us to help support us and love us during difficult times. As you look to godly relationships in your life, you can help manage times of uncertainty. As you share your hardships with a friend, spouse, or church member, you can watch God use them to help bring comfort.
What are you facing today?
We don’t have to go through hardships alone. Instead of turning away from your Heavenly Father, look to Him. God wants to be near to you.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
June Notices
During THE NEXT FEW SUNDAYS, WE ARE LOOKING at KEY MOMENTS throughout THE BIBLE Where GOD TRANSITIONs LEADERSHIP FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU EACH SUNDAY MORNING AT 11:00.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN FOR OUR BIG SUMMER OUTREACHES! WE NEED ALL CHURCH MEMBERS TO HELP US PUT ON A FANTASTIC 3 NIGHTS OF FUN, FOOD, GAMES, AND films. SIGN UP 11 JUNE TO SERVE during ONE OF OUR OUTREACH NIGHTS.
Even though this term of SMALL GROUPS ARE WRAPPING UP over the next few months, THERE IS STILL TIME TO JOIN ONE OF THE SIX AMAZING GROUPS! Click Here to learn more about each group and sign up for the one you would like to attend.
Monday - A History of Theology
Tuesday - The Book of Colossians (Ladies Only)
Wednesday - Church Membership
Wednesday - The Book of Galatians
Wednesday - The Book of Ephesians
Thursday - The Book of Romans
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
2 July at 7:00 PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
May 2023
Easter is here! Jesus is resurrected! Christ is alive!
As we commemorate Easter Sunday, we meditate upon the reason for Jesus coming to earth. Jesus declared His mission and purpose in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Because of what Christ did on the cross and by the power of His resurrection, we too can have new life through a relationship with God the Father. This relationship that is through faith alone, through grace alone, and through Christ alone, gives us eternal life.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church,
What do you do when you feel like you have reached a spiritual plateau?
Whether you’re a new believer or you have been walking with God for many years, we have all probably at one time or another felt like we have hit a spiritual “wall” in our life or ministry service. It can be exhilarating when you can clearly see God at work in your life or experience deep biblical growth, but what do you do if you’ve hit a spiritual dead end and don’t know how to get out of that rut?
During these times, don’t give up! Don’t lose sight or faith in God. God remains with us in the valleys as well as on the mountaintops. There is still room to grow, make progress, and witness the Lord’s continued work in your life. Many times, God uses these moments to wait on Him and focus on what’s most important.
Here are a few simple ways to help you break free from the spiritual doldrums and keep your spiritual walk fresh.
Attend a small group. Be around others who desire to follow God. Be encouraged by others as you learn and study the Bible.
Find a prayer partner. Grow deeper in prayer as you pray with someone else. Praying for others and their needs helps you see the bigger picture and broadens your ministry mindset.
Read biblically minded books. Deepen your understanding of God by reading a theology book, be inspired by other Christians and how God used believers in the past by reading biographies, or see your day from an eternal perspective by reading a daily devotional.
Fellowship or follow other Christians who desire spiritual growth. Birds of a feather flock together. As they grow, so will you. Develop friendships or learn from mature believers to help you stay on track.
Set spiritual goals for yourself. As the saying goes, aim at nothing and you will hit it every time. If you treat your spiritual walk haphazardly, don’t be surprised when it suffers. Set regular, measurable, and repeatable spiritual goals for yourself; whether it is reading through the Bible, sharing Christ with others, or praying more consistently or specifically.
Remain faithful. Trust God. Wait on Him. He will bless in due time. We all have room to improve, so keep going and keep growing.
Colossians 2:6-7
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
May Notices
for the next few Sundays, We are studying the office of deacons for our sermon series. We hope to see you each sunday morning at 11:00.
Our teens are getting together for a special event with six other local churches. The event is free, and you need to sign UP via the link on the church whatsapp group.
20 may at 11:00 our ladies will gather for lunch with food from around the world. Several of our church members will be preparing dishes from the country they are ORIGINALLY from while listening to a MESSAGE from the Bible.
on 21 may, we are celebrating our 124 anniversary Along with installing Justin rhoades as the lead pastor and installing three new deacons. You won’t want to miss this exciting day.
Small groups are back this month with six AMAZING groups. Click Here to learn more about each group and sign up for the one you would like to attend.
Monday - A History of Theology
Tuesday - The Book of Colossians (Ladies Only)
Wednesday - Church Membership
Wednesday - The Book of Galatians
Wednesday - The Book of Ephesians
Thursday - The Book of Romans
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Half term break on 30 May, no Baby Steps.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Half term break on 1 June, no Grace Recovery.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
Half term break on 2 June, no Adventures.
7 May at 7:00 PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
April 2023
Easter is here! Jesus is resurrected! Christ is alive!
As we commemorate Easter Sunday, we meditate upon the reason for Jesus coming to earth. Jesus declared His mission and purpose in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Because of what Christ did on the cross and by the power of His resurrection, we too can have new life through a relationship with God the Father. This relationship that is through faith alone, through grace alone, and through Christ alone, gives us eternal life.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church,
Easter is here! Jesus is resurrected! Christ is alive!
As we commemorate Easter Sunday, we meditate upon the reason for Jesus coming to earth. Jesus declared His mission and purpose in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Because of what Christ did on the cross and by the power of His resurrection, we too can have new life through a relationship with God the Father. This relationship that is through faith alone, through grace alone, and through Christ alone, gives us eternal life.
Jesus provides eternal life to believers, which brings new purpose in this life as well. As a result, we must ask ourselves, are we living out this purpose? Are we on mission for God?
When those who have been radically transformed by the power of God have this new life, we begin to see everything with a different perspective. When Christians have this new mindset, they begin to live on mission. To live with this new purpose is to see everyone you come across each day from an eternal perspective.
From this perspective, your desire is to share your new life with others. Your desire is to invite them to Christ. There is tremendous power in a simple invitation to know more about Christ. One way to begin this invitation is to invite those you know to coffee, to a Bible study, or to a church service in order for them to take that next step in Gospel teaching.
An invitation to coffee or to a church event may be the reason they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Our day is filled with countless interactions with people; make them Gospel interactions. As you go through your week, make it a point to invite your friend, family member, or your neighbour to church. Or better yet, invite them to a Gospel conversation! A simple invitation could change their eternity!
Don’t forget to join us every Sunday at 11:00 AM for our worship service! Welling Church’s mission is to reach and teach those around us with the Gospel. Thank you for being part of our church and making a difference!
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
April Notices
Sundays, We are currently looking at the trials of Jesus for our sermon series this easter. We are hoping to see you each sunday morning at 11:00.
Please join us this easter on 9 April to celebrate our risen saviour.
Small groups are coming back this month with six AMAZING groups. Click Here to learn more about each group and sign up for the one you would like to attend.
Monday - A History of Theology
Tuesday - The Book of Colossians (Ladies Only)
Wednesday - Church Membership
Wednesday - The Book of Galatians
Wednesday - The Book of Ephesians
Thursday - The Book of Romans
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Back from easter break on 25 April
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Back from easter break on 20 April
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
Back from easter break on 21 April
7 May at 7:00 PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
March 2023
Are you seeking and savouring the Word of God in your life?
Retaining and memorising Bible verses is a spiritual discipline that many Christians struggle to put into practice. The Bible is not like other books. Holy Scripture is alive and active. It is able to pierce our very souls and discern our thoughts.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Are you seeking and savouring the Word of God in your life?
Retaining and memorising Bible verses is a spiritual discipline that many Christians struggle to put into practice. Even though it could be challenging to study the Word consistently, the reward is worth it.
The Bible is not like other books. Holy Scripture is alive and active. It is able to pierce our very souls and discern our thoughts. It is helpful, useful, and edifying for all believers. The triune God speaks to His people by and through His Word. For this reason, it remains ever important to hold fast to its verses during any and every season of life.
In what ways do you regularly and personally memorise God’s Word?
Try memorising a new verse each week. Write out the verse. Write it out on a notecard. Write it out on several notecards. Place these notecards in areas where you would see them often. Study them with a friend. Have your friend quiz you on them. Have your friend keep you accountable t this study.
As you begin to study and learn Scripture, God will transform your heart and life as you dwell on His Words.
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Don’t forget to invite your friends, family, and neighbours to our Sunday service at 11:00am! Our desire is to reach and teach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being part of the church!
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
March Notices
We are currently looking at the subject of WORSHIP for our sermon series in March. We are hoping to see you each sunday morning at 11:00.
The men and boys are GOING TO play crazy golf on 4 march at Bluewater. Crazy Golf will be FOLLOWED by a short Bible message and lunch in THE food court.
We will TAKE the lord’s supper on 5 march at the end of the service. Please join us!
All ladies are invited to attend our first ever Mother’s day tea on SATURDAY, 18 march at 11:00 AM. You don’t want to miss this fantastic event!
We will be having a special mother’s day service this year which will include a baby dedication at THE end of THE SERVICE.
Please join us on 2 april for our 11:00 morning service as we CELEBRATe several people who will be taking the next step in their faith journey.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades AT Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
28 MArch is THE last of the term
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or WHO have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
30 MArch is THE last of the term
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each FRIDAY FROM 19:30- 21:00 at the church building.
31 MArch is THE last of the term
5 March at 7:00 PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year-olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged BY God’s word, and fellowship together.
February 2023
Weekly Small Group Gatherings are here!
There are many ways to get connected to our church fellowship, and small groups are one of them. One of our core values at our church is community, and we know having a community that you can call home makes a lasting impact upon your spiritual health and walk. Starting this past month, we launched our small group gatherings for every day of the week.
With the beginning of each new year, many use that time for retrospection, reflection, and planning. How are you specifically and spiritually preparing for this year?
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Weekly Small Group Gatherings are here!
There are many ways to get connected to our church fellowship, and small groups are one of them. One of our core values at our church is community, and we know having a community that you can call home makes a lasting impact upon your spiritual health and walk. Starting this past month, we launched our small group gatherings for every day of the week.
We were never meant to follow God alone. God has created us to be in community and fellowship with one another. This helps us grow in our walk with God and to serve others. As a church, we want to provide opportunities for you to join a small group as you continue your journey with Him.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
If you have any interest in being part of a small group and you haven’t signed up yet, please fill out the form on our website. This is the perfect way to grow spiritually and encourage those around you.
Our desire is to make it easy for anyone to join the community here at Welling Church. We have many different ways you can connect. Some of these options include: our Sunday morning worship service, our young adults service on the first Sunday evening of every month, our Tuesday morning Baby Steps, our Thursday evening Grace Recovery, our Friday evening kids club called Adventures, and of course, our new small group gatherings. You can see all the various gatherings and events on our website.
Our church workers and volunteers at Welling Church can help you make connections as needed throughout the year. You can also contact our Connections Coordinator, Kaylynn Ledbetter, if you need any assistance. You can reach her at kaylynn@wellingchurch.com.
Looking forward to seeing you this year!
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
February Notices
We are currently in acts 13 & 14 for our sermon series about the first missionary journey. We hope to see you Sunday morning at 11:00.
We are starting the month off with a men’s breakfast. Special guest James Stewart will be speaking to our men on 4 February. We pray you can make it out and use this opportunity to invite a friend.
We have a great opportunity for parents this month with our family fun night. Be sure to sign up at church to drop off kids for an amazing night of fun, game, dinner, and movies.
Small groups have launched! It is still not too late to join one. Visit our small groups web page to find out more.
Please join us on 26 February for our 11:00 morning service as we CELEBRATe several people who will be taking the next step in their faith journey.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
No baby steps 14 February for half term
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
No Grace Recovery 16 February for half term
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
No Adventures 17 February for half term
5 February at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
January 2023
Happy New Year!
Is it 2023 already!? As we look back on 2022 and look forward to 2023, our heart’s prayer is that our church continues to faithfully proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to our community and to the world around us.
With the beginning of each new year, many use that time for retrospection, reflection, and planning. How are you specifically and spiritually preparing for this year?
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Happy New Year!
Is it 2023 already!? As we look back on 2022 and look forward to 2023, our heart’s prayer is that our church continues to faithfully proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to our community and to the world around us.
With the beginning of each new year, many use that time for retrospection, reflection, and planning. How are you specifically and spiritually preparing for this year?
The first few weeks of January are an excellent time to prayerfully consider how you can go deeper with your spiritual walk. Instead of binging on another Netflix series, think about a spiritual discipline you would like to develop. Make this spiritual discipline consistent, attainable, and measurable. Do something new, take that step of faith, or grow in an area where you have been weak in the past. Some possibilities include but are not limited to: read your Bible everyday, begin reading your Bible with your partner/family, begin a prayer journal, pray regularly with a friend, share the Gospel with at least one person a week or month, memorise a verse of Scripture every week or month, or begin serving in a new ministry at church.
Over the next few weeks, endeavor to spend some time praying over what God would have you to grow closer to Him this year. As you do, make a plan and a goal for yourself. Share this plan with someone from church so they can pray with you and for you as well as help keep you accountable.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Thank you for joining us in fulfilling our church’s ministry work by faithfully serving and giving to the church. You are making an eternal difference!
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
January Notices
We are starting the year off with a sermon series about making the most of 2023 by putting God first in everything. We hope to see you Sunday morning at 11:00.
Small groups are launching this month! PLease join us by attending one of our six small groups that meet almost everyday of the week. Visit our small groups web page to find out more.
Please join us on 22 January for our 11:00 morning service as we CELEBRATe several people who will be taking the next step in their faith journey.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Last baby steps is back 10 January
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Grace Recovery is back 5 January
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
Adventures is back 6 January
8 January at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday of every month except january) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
December 2022
It’s nearly here! Christmas is just a few weeks away.
Soon, you won’t be able to visit a shopping centre without having your ears bent with Christmas music. It’s that time of year to break out “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney or “Last Christmas” by Wham. But seriously, with most Christmas songs or carols, many people won’t even be aware of what the music or lyrics are actually about or think about their real meaning.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
It’s nearly here! Christmas is just a few weeks away.
Soon, you won’t be able to visit a shopping centre without having your ears bent with Christmas music. It’s that time of year to break out “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney or “Last Christmas” by Wham. But seriously, with most Christmas songs or carols, many people won’t even be aware of what the music or lyrics are actually about or think about their real meaning.
That’s unfortunate really, because Christmas celebrates one of the most incredible events in all of human history. In the book of Isaiah, originally written 700 years before Jesus was born, it says:
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The prophecy written in Isaiah along with many other passages in the Bible references the greatest historical event in the world: God becoming man and installing an unending kingdom of peace. It’s beyond epic.
What makes this even more impressive is that God didn’t come as a conquering king or an oppressive tyrant. He came as a humble servant to reconcile our broken relationship with God.
Christmas is a time when we give and receive presents from family and friends, but the first Christmas saw the giving of a gift that surpasses any gift you’ll receive during any Christmas. It saw the Saviour of the world emptying Himself of His riches to enrich everyone who bows their knee to Him as their king by offering His salvation.
This year, don’t miss out on the real reason why God sent His only Son Jesus Christ on that very first Christmas.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
December Notices
We have a wonderful opportunity to get out in the COMMUNITY this month to share the love of CHrist by singing and handing out Christmas invites to church.
We have two opportunities to attend/serve at our carol services this year: Sunday 11 December and saturday 17 december.
Our sunday morning sermon series is “the gifts of Christmas” where we take a look at the blessings that god gives us as a result of Jesus’ birth.
Christmas day is on sunday this year, and we will be having a family SERVICE at 11:00.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Last baby steps of the year is 13 December
Join us each WEDNESDAY for our new bible study video series as we take an in-depth look at the Holy Land to learn more about what life was like back then and help us better understand the bible today.
In-Person: This autumn we are meeting in-person in the back hall at the church. For those who can’t make, we will post the recording on the church WhatsApp.
Last Wednesday Bible Study of the year is 7 December
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Last Grace Recovery of the year is 15 December
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
Last Adventures Club of the year is 16 December
8 January at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday except january) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
November 2022
Do we hunger for God? Fasting remains an important but often overlooked spiritual discipline in the lives of many Christians today. Why is this? Jesus, while in the wilderness, shares the importance of fasting in Matthew 4:4 by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” With this simple instruction, Jesus reaffirms our absolute need for God as well as His provision for our physical needs.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Do you hunger for God? Fasting remains an important but often overlooked spiritual discipline in the lives of many Christians today. Why is this? Jesus, while in the wilderness, shares the importance of fasting in Matthew 4:4 by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” With this simple instruction, Jesus reaffirms our absolute need for God as well as His provision for our physical needs.
Fasting is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. Moses fasted for 40 days twice. David fasted to spare the life of his illegitimate child with Bathsheba. Elijah fasted for 40 days after calling down fire from heaven. The people of Nineveh fasted and repented after hearing Jonah’s message. Ezra fasted for a safe journey. Daniel fasted. Esther fasted for three days in preparation of standing before the king. John the Baptist fasted. Barnabas and Paul fasted with the church leaders in Antioch before becoming missionaries.
Why is fasting mentioned with such regularity in the Bible? Simply put: fasting increases one’s hunger for God through physical hunger. Fasting is not a diet. Fasting is abstaining from food as an expression of our spiritual hunger for God. It’s not magical, but it is transformative. It's not mystical, but it is spiritual.
The issue is that we as Christians often go astray. We seek other things. We become preoccupied with the cares of this world. Fasting seeks to correct this mentality.
Fasting is not a way to incur favour from God through self-denial or a way to get more of God. It’s not a way of works to appease God or even a way to lose weight. Fasting is a matter of the heart (Matthew 6:1-18). It’s a physical act for a spiritual gain. It’s abstaining from something, typically food or water in the Bible, to grow closer to God.
Throughout Scripture, fasting provides an opportunity for believers to grow closer to God by increasing their hunger for Him through their physical hunger. There are predominately three ways in the Bible in which fasting helps one to grow spiritually.
The first way fasting increases one’s hunger for God is by allowing the believer to experience His presence. This experience is not rooted in a metaphysical practice but one of fundamental practicality.
For example, in a typical day, what do you do? For many of us, we wake up, eat, get ready for work, commute to a job, work, commute home, eat dinner, have family time, sit in front of a television or computer, and then go to bed, only to repeat the process the next day. During our free moments, we spend the rest of our time on a phone checking social media, reading websites, or playing games.
Where was God in that day? How many minutes, dare I say hours, do you spend focusing on God? For many of us, if we were honest, this amount would not be much. From the time we wake to the time we go to bed, our life is filled with agendas devoid of God. To exacerbate the issue, we have become slaves to our distractions (e.g. music, TV, films, social media, etc.).
The problem then becomes obvious. We have literally starved Jesus out of our lives. Jesus is no longer part of our day. We no longer long for Christ. Our lives are surrounded by things, not God, and we wonder why we may have drifted slowly away from Him.
In Matthew 4:4, after fasting for 40 days, Jesus says, “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” In this passage, Christ is actively experiencing the presence of God the Father by recognising His ultimate dependence on God. Fasting directs the believer into God’s presence because trusting and seeking Him is more important than satisfying one’s need for food. You realise you are completely dependent on God because fasting allows you to be in constant communion with Him. Being hungry through fasting allows one to be constantly reminded of His presence. How is this possible? Practically speaking, every second of the day, one is reminded of their hunger. The hunger in turn not only allows time, but focused time, to meditate on why one is fasting: to be in the presence of God. As a result, one continually meditates on God.
It’s no wonder then, why fasting is closely associated with prayer. The majority of times fasting is mentioned in the Bible, it’s in connection with prayer (e.g. Psalm 35:13, Daniel 9:3, and Acts 14:23). Fasting is a means of focusing intently on prayer. Fasting cultivates an atmosphere of constant and consistent prayer because one is continually reminded of the purpose of their hunger. Jeremiah 14:12 begins, “When they fast, I will not hear their cry…” Even though contextually this verse relays God’s unwillingness to hear the Israelite’s cries through their fasting due to their sin, it clearly relates fasting and prayer as almost identical.
The second way fasting increases one’s hunger for God is by allowing the believer to express their humility before the Lord. Humility is a vital component to spiritual growth and communion with God. James 4:6 states, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God resists the prideful.
Fasting is a means to humble oneself through burdening oneself. In Deuteronomy 8:3, it starts, “And he humbled (ꜥanah) thee, and suffered thee to hunger…” The Hebrew word for humbled (ꜥanah) is further defined as to oppress, humiliate, or be afflicted. In Ezra 8:21 it states, “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict (ꜥanah) ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us…” In Isaiah 58:3 it starts, “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted (ꜥanah) our soul…” In Psalm 35:13 it states, “… I humbled (ꜥanah) my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” Humble believers will fast, and fasting creates an environment for humility. The two are intertwined.
Humility is displayed several ways through fasting. Repentance is shown in Jonah 3:5, “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” Grief for sin is part of the fasting process in Joel 2:12-13, “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God…” Lamenting is displayed through fasting in Nehemiah 1:4, “… I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Christ states in Matthew 6:16 “when ye fast,” not if. Jesus assumes His followers will fast. He goes on further to warn them of fasting for the self-righteous, outward show. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6 that fasting, along with giving and prayer, are all matters of the heart. In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus contrasts the intent of the pharisees with the true goal of fasting. Fasting is not about showing off one’s self-righteousness but bowing down before a righteous God.
The third way fasting increases one’s hunger for God is by aiding the believer in physical and spiritual preparation before a major event. Throughout the Bible, fasting is used to prepare God’s people for His purpose. Typically, a fast was employed before a major decision, battle, or event (e.g. Moses, Esther, Ezra, Daniel, etc.). One prominent example is Jesus, who fasted for 40 days and nights before beginning His earthly ministry. In Acts 13:1-3, the church leaders in Antioch fasted and prayed before the Holy Ghost set apart Barnabas and Paul for future missions work.
This empowered preparation through fasting is accomplished by an active seeking of the will of God. During the fast, the believer seeks God’s guidance and direction in prayer and worship. The believer desires not his will to be done, but God’s. One recognises the outcome is ultimately up to God. Today, believers can continue this spiritual discipline by seeking God through fasting before major decisions or events such as getting a new job, making a new move, dating a new person, or making a big purchase.
Fasting continues to be a life-changing means to grow closer to God. This is not a mystical experience but one of focused meditation on God and His Word. Through a continual reminder of one’s own hunger and His ultimate provision, the believer grows into a deeper understanding of God’s presence, humility before a holy God, and dedicated preparation for His will to be done.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
November Notices
All month long we are doing a church-wide fast. Head to the home page to sign up and be a part of what God is doing this month.
Join us for our next men’s breakfast on 19 November at Toby Carvery. we have a special guest pastor from Crockenhill BAptist speaking. All men are invited and is the perfect opportunity to bring a friend.
26 November we are hosting a ladies brunch at the church. Please feel free to bring all your friends to come and hear a Bible Based challenge fro special guest speaker Paula Rhoades.
13 November we are having a special service for Remembrance Sunday. Service starts early at 10:50 so we can have a two minute moment of silence.
Join us for a night of celebrating what God has done over the past year as well as look ahead to the next year. Child care is provided for children under 10.
We are continuing our series through 1 peter about suffering for the sake of Christ. Join us at 11:00 on Sunday mornings for our church service.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Join us each WEDNESDAY for our new bible study video series as we take an in-depth look at the Holy Land to learn more about what life was like back then and help us better understand the bible today.
In-Person: This autumn we are meeting in-person in the back hall at the church. For those who can’t make, we will post the recording on the church WhatsApp.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
6 November at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
October 2022
Whatever it is, don't go through it alone! Rather than turning away from God, lean on Him. God wants to be near to you and help you through your storm. Rather than turn away from your godly friendships, ask them for help and wisdom. God places people all around us to care for us, support us, and love us through hard times. Rather than turn from your church, ask them for prayer and encouragement. Share your hardships with a friend, mentor, or loved one today and watch God use them to comfort you.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Are you going through a difficult season or time in your life right now? How should we as believers approach the hardships of life?
Life is filled with a multitude of ups and downs. Since we live in a broken and sinful world, there will be a host of trials and hardships throughout life.
What season is God taking you through at the moment?
Whatever it is, don't go through it alone! Rather than turning away from God, lean on Him. God wants to be near to you and help you through your storm. Rather than turn away from your godly friendships, ask them for help and wisdom. God places people all around us to care for us, support us, and love us through hard times. Rather than turn from your church, ask them for prayer and encouragement. Share your hardships with a friend, mentor, or loved one today and watch God use them to comfort you.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
October Notices
We are taking the teens into the city on 8 OCtober to sight see and have fun together. PLease drop them off at the church at 10am and provide the means for them to handle their public TRANSPORTATION. The church is providing £10 each for every teen to help them with lunch.
Half term is coming! that means we will be taking a break from normal mid-week activities to spend time with our the little monsters. Check what dates we will not be meeting for each mid-week activity on this page.
Family fun night is back 23 October at 5pm!!! We are dressing up in our favourite Disney outfit and roaming the church doing fun activities together as a family or small group. There will be a mystery to solve and clues to be earned, we hope you can make it this exciting event.
We are finishing our sermon series Blemished: When God’s People Give Worthless Worship this October. We are studying the book of Malachi to see God’s response to Israel when they were simply going through the motions of worship. Our hope is that through this series we can become more intentional in our worship to God.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
NO BABY STEPS 25 October for half term
Join us each WEDNESDAY for our new bible study video series as we take an in-depth look at the Holy Land to learn more about what life was like back then and help us better understand the bible today.
In-Person: This autumn we are meeting in-person in the back hall at the church. For those who can’t make, we will post the recording on the church WhatsApp.
NO WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 26 October for half term
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
NO GRACE RECOVER 27 October for half term
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
NO CLUB 21 & 28 October for half term
6 November at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
September 2022
Loving Jesus is inextricably tied to obeying Christ. Keeping God's commands and being obedient to Him displays our love to our Heavenly Father. In turn, obeying Christ expresses the love of God the Father in that person’s life and reveals the presence of Christ in their life.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Do you love Jesus? Are you striving to walk in obedience toward Him? How does that look in your day-to-day life?
John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Loving Jesus is inextricably tied to obeying Christ. Keeping God's commands and being obedient to Him display our love to our Heavenly Father. In turn, obeying Christ expresses the love of God the Father in that person’s life and reveals the presence of Christ in their life.
As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to walk in obedience to God's commands if we love Him. This does not mean we will never sin again, but rather, we should repent of our sins in obedience to our Lord so that we can continue to correctly follow Him.
What sins in your life need to be addressed? How can you be obedient to God today?
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
September Notices
Join us each WEDNESDAY for our new bible study video series as we take an in-depth look at the Holy Land to learn more about what life was like back then and help us better understand the bible today.
In-Person: This autumn we are meeting in-person in the back hall at the church. For those who can’t make, we will post the recording on the church WhatsApp.
Our sermon series for September is Blemished: When God’s People Give Worthless Worship. We are studying the book of Malachi to see God’s response to Israel when they were simply going through the motions of worship. Our hope is that through this series we can become more intentional in our worship to God.
join us as we meet together to eat, pray, and hear from God’s Word on Saturday 17 September at Toby Carvery. This is a nice opportunity to invite friends to come along to church.
join us as we meet together to eat, pray, and hear from God’s Word on Saturday 24 September at the church in the back hall. a continental breakfast will be provided for free for all who attend.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Grace Recovery is a small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
2 October at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
July & August 2022
Who or what has complete control of your life? Do you seek God’s control over your life? Your decisions? Your desires? Your direction?
Many times we pray for God to answer our prayers in the way we wish them to be answered. We seeks God’s help but not His wisdom. We seek God’s guiding but not His sovereignty. We seek God’s grace in our lives but not His truth.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
Who or what has complete control of your life? Do you seek God’s control over your life? Your decisions? Your desires? Your direction?
Many times we pray for God to answer our prayers in the way we wish them to be answered. We seeks God’s help but not His wisdom. We seek God’s guiding but not His sovereignty. We seek God’s grace in our lives but not His truth.
Is there a desire or future plan that you want complete control over that you need to hand over to God?
You may be discontent with your job and long for a new career. You may be single and long for a relationship. You may be anxious or dissatisfied with the season you are in and long for the next.
Whatever is holding on to you today, hand it over to God. He is the one who can sustain you.
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
July & August Notices
We have one remaining summer outreach this month and we need your help! Invite others to come or serve during the event! Be sure to grab some invite cards at church to give to family and friends.
Our sermon series in July is Jesus changes lives. We are looking through the book of John to see how the people that encountered Jesus were radically changed forever. This is something we believe still happens today.
Our sermon series starting 24 July is David: the wilderness years. We will be in 1 Samuel during the time in David’s life when he found himself running from king Saul. Please join us this summer to learn how we can learn from David’s choices and how to trust God even when everything around us is not going our way.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
Summer Schedule: Last Baby Steps 19 July. Baby Steps resumes 6 September.
Join us as we take a look at what it means to be a Christian living in a postmodern world and how we can do our best to be a bright light for Christ in a world of darkness.
Summer Schedule: Last Wednesday Bible Study 20 July. Wednesday evening Bible Study Resumes 7 September.
We’ve launched a brand new small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Summer Schedule: No Grace Recovery on 28 July and 25 August.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
Summer Schedule: Last Adventures Club 22 July. Adventures Club resumes 9 September.
7 August at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
We are pleased to be partnering with Our God Given Mission to host a young adults conference on 20 August. This conference will focus on apologetics and help equip 20 year olds to share their faith. If you are in your 20s then do please attend. if you would like to help volunteer with hosting, please reach out to Justin.
June 2022
The Bible instructs us to abide continually in Him to see proper fruit in our lives. As you abide, you will produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these are to be produced in tandem and together.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
How is your spiritual life progressing? What is the spiritual fruit that you are producing? Are you spiritually abiding in Him?
The Bible instructs us to abide continually in Him to see proper fruit in our lives. As you abide, you will produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these are to be produced in tandem and together.
Are you missing any of these from your life? Which one of these do you need to grow or work on today?
Pray for God’s hand to be upon you as you seek God to help you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
John 15:1-8
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
June Notices
12 June after service. Be sure to mark your calendars! We are having a church BBQ after the sunday service to celebrate our 123rd church anniversary.
Whether you are new to evangelism or have had previous experience, you are welcome to attend our training that we will be having on Saturday 18 June.
We are having 3 summer outreaches starting this month and we need your help! invite others to come or serve during the events. Be sure to grab some invite cards at church to share with family and friends.
Our sermon series for June and July will be Jesus changes lives. We will be going through the book of John and see how the people that encountered Jesus were radically changed forever. This is something we believe still happens today.
Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
We are continuing our study of the End Times on Wednesday on Zoom. There is no book this go around so all you have to do is show up. Recordings are available on the WhatsApp.
Starting 29 June. We begin a new Bible Study on Wednesday nights that will run till the summer break.
We’ve launched a brand new small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
3 July at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month (on the first Sunday) we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
May 2022
He is Risen! Easter is the day we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Why is the resurrection so important to our faith?
The resurrection establishes the truth of everything Jesus said and did before He died. Jesus made many astounding claims about the nature and character of the Creator as well as His plan for mankind. Jesus claimed that the God of Israel is the one true God, and that He was the only Son and deliverer offered by God the Father to all mankind. Jesus declared that belief in Christ was the one and only opportunity for men to be reconciled to their Heavenly Father.
Update From Your Pastors
Dear Welling Church family,
How busy are you? What does your daily schedule look like? Are you worn out from all the activities and responsibilities in your life?
Is your life overwhelmed by busyness?
In our day to day, it is incredibly easy for each new thing that comes our way to begin filling up our schedule. As a result, God quickly and sadly becomes our last priority. When was the last time you set aside time in your life to pray about and over your daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly schedule? When was the last time you prayed to God to ask Him to be in control of all areas of your life, including your priorities?
Take some time this month to pray to God and hand over control of your daily and weekly activities to Him. We encourage you to make the God of the universe your top priority in every area of your life!
Psalm 37:3-5
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
The Elders:
Tarl Reeves & Justin Rhoades
Subscribe to Welling Church’s YouTube Channel: YouTube
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
May Notices
We are pleased to have Keith Gandy with us for two Sundays in May. He will be challenging us to think deeply about where we are going in our journey through life.
Our men will get together on Monday 9 May at 7:30pm to share food and learn from the Bible. We will be having Keith Gandy challenging us on the importance of growing spiritually.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss our next brunch on 21 May. We will be having Yvonne Edwards as our special guest speaker that morning. We will meet and eat at the Toby Carvery at Crook Log.
Many Christians struggle to understand how to think rightly about mental health. Many wonder, "Is it sinful to be depressed? Does that mean I don’t have enough faith?" Even if we aren’t struggling with mental health ourselves, we may have loved ones who are struggling and we don’t know what to say or do, or how to help, or if we are just making things worse.
Come to hear Christian mental health professionals Josh & Jessica Cobb discuss biblical and practical answers to these questions and more. We'll learn about how Jesus views suffering, and how we can better care for ourselves and the ones we love.
Honor Oak Christian Fellowship Centre, Honor Oak Road, London, SE23 3SH
HOCFC.co.uk
We are pleased to have Malcom Hoad with us for 22 May. We will be looking at Daniel 3 and the importance of having a strong faith in God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Whether you are currently serving or would like to learn how to start, we would love for you to be at this volunteer meeting.
No meeting 31 May. Baby Steps continues to meet every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30. It is a lovely time for mums to have a Bible study together and pray while the little ones play. For more information, please see Rachel Rhoades Rachel@WellingChurch.com.
No meeting 1 June. We are continuing our study of the End Times on Wednesday on Zoom. There is no book this go around so all you have to do is show up. Recordings are available on the WhatsApp.
No meeting 2 June. We’ve launched a brand new small group for those struggling or have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions. Please see Jackie if you would like to attend or help serve on Thursday nights.
No meeting 3 June. Primary and Secondary Children meet for Bible lessons, songs, small groups, and games each Friday night at 19:30-21:00 at the church building.
5 June at 7:00PM we are having our next Young Adult Service for 16-35 year olds! Each month we gather together to worship God, be challenged from God’s word, and fellowship together.
Be sure to mark your calendars! We are having a church BBQ after the sunday service to celebrate our 123rd church anniversary.