Friday, November 30, 2007

Bethany Group

On Wednesday mornings, Bec, Cara and Luke walk to church for the Ladies' Bible study at Beeston Free Church. It's called Bethany group. Here are a few snippets from our involvement so far.

Firstly, a word of thanks...A few weeks back, I (Bec) was asked to give my testimony along with a couple of other ladies. It was a great opportunity to look back at the way God has worked in my life. It was also great to reflect back upon how he's used others to grow and change me and also how he's well provided for us. There have been so many times we've had the privilege of experiencing the generosity of his people in lots of ways. So thank you again to the people who have been generous to us with your time, prayers and finances. I thank God for you.

Secondly, a good idea...One week at Bethany, we had a book sharing session. People brought along a couple of books and briefly reviewed them. Two tables were set up in the middle of the room - one for books which people were happy to give away; another for books which others could borrow (often the ones reviewed). We all got a list of the books and a bit of info about them emailed to us. I thought it was really useful because it introduced us to new books we might not otherwise read and encouraged us to be reading and talking about what we were reading. I borrowed "Finding Joy: A radical rediscovery of grace" by Marcus Honeysett. So far, it's a good read and I'd recommend it. A great reminder of what a privilege being a Christian is and an encouragement to remember what a privilege it is. Really biblical and practical.

Thirdly, some fun we had during half-term (a weeks break during the school term)...Bethany only runs during the school term, so during the break a few of us took the kids to Wollaton Park. Wollaton Park (pronounced Wool-a-ton by the locals, it seems) is a lovely 500+ acre estate , where deer roam free.


In the middle of it is Wollaton Hall, a magnificent 16th century building. It houses Nottingham's Natural History Museum, with all manner of stuffed animals including a seriously tall giraffe and a gorilla which is definitely male.
More info at: http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/


Finally, in case you're wondering, yes, Bethany Group does have Bible studies too! We're going through Colossians at the moment. I've really been noticing how much Paul talks about hidden/revealed. Just lately, I've found Paul's words in Colossians 3:12-14 useful as I try to be a good mum amidst sickness, sleeplessness, tantrums and all the other realities of small children. He says:

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with
each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Exactly the things I need to remember when furniture has been drawn on, food is rejected again and dirty washing piles up.

1 comment:

Frank Fish said...

'Wollaton Park (pronounced Wool-a-ton by the locals, it seems)'
- it is pronounced Wool-a-ton - an ex-local.