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​Sunday 2nd October 2022 - Discipled
This week we look at what happens when we accept that we are wonderfully made. Psalm 139 reminds us of this and Romans 7 teaches us of the dilemmas we face. Thanks be to God there is a way! We look at our part of the process and are reminded of God's love for us.
​We provide a Zoom link for those who wish to join our meetings remotely - click here to request the Zoom link.
Church meetings 
​​We meet on Sunday mornings from 10.00 - 11.30 am at School Farm, Cratfield.
You are very welcome to join us - click here for details of our meetings and directions to Cratfield.​
Sunday 9th October 10.00 - 11.30am will be our Harvest service at Cratfield Village Hall, Manse Lane, Cratfield, IP19 0DJ.
​Discipled

Tim has shared some of his thoughts from last week on the opportunities we have to be discipled and the importance of committing to the process. Click the picture of the bridge to read Tim's article. This will also be the topic of his talk on 2nd October - see above.
Sheltered

​As autumn has caused Merle's garden landscape to change she's reflected upon the importance of sheltering ourselves during challenging times so our vision, hope and energy can be restored. Click the picture of the two robins to read Merle's latest reflection.
​Verse for the week - 'Do not fear'
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"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
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Click the picture of the waterfall to read Mary's thoughts on God's incredible care and protection for David - and for us.
​​Reaching out
Do we try and keep people out - or do we invite them in?

​Loneliness and isolation are worrying concerns in our society today. In her latest article Jenny encourages us to be bold and share our lives with others. Click the picture of afternoon tea to read Jenny's article.
​ HCC Podcasts
John and Shealan have recorded a series of interviews which explore the importance of understanding ourselves and some of the mental and emotional health issues that we face. ​They explore questions such as why it is so important to understand ourselves and our temperaments, the root causes of anxiety and depression and how to help ourselves and others. Important issues such as relationship conflict, healing, 'what is church?' and the way our lives have been affected by our fathers are also covered.​
The discussions are practical and very helpful - well worth listening to! Click the picture of the recording equipment to ​view and listen to the podcasts.
Sadly John passed away on Friday 22nd July and has gone home to be with the Lord. We thank him for this contribution
​to the Community News and to this website.
​When the loom falls silent
How do we approach times of grieving and loss?

​Following the recent passing of her husband, Merle has reflected upon the importance of the depth of her family's love and commitment to one another. Click the picture of the willow tree to read Merle's reflection.
Bible study: 'Inside the early church' 
​What characterised those in the early church upon whom the Spirit came so powerfully - and how was that worked out in their practical lives?
We recently completed a mini Bible study series on 'Inside the early church'. ​We took a close look at the questions raised above and considered how this applies in our churches today.
Click here for details and to listen to the recordings of the studies.
Understanding identity
What are the foundations of our identity?
​We all need to know who we are.
​Visit our 'Understanding identity' page to read about the 'Three S's' - security, self-worth and significance - and what we can do when these foundations were not laid in our childhood. Click the picture above to read.
​'The cushion of the sea'
 How do we respond to the dark and painful experiences of life?
Do they drive us into the heart of God?
​Drawing on the Queen's 70 years of faithful service and his own personal experience, John encourages us to let the challenges of life draw us closer to the heart of God, who loves us and is our foundation in the storms of life.
​Click the picture of the submarine to read John's Halesworth Community News article.
Living at rest
​'God loves me and, by His grace, I love Him.'
In this Bible Insight John examines how to make the truth in these two simple statements work for us - so we can truly be at rest. ​
​​Click the picture of the yacht to read John's Insight - and see below for details of 'Insights from the Bible', a compilation of John's Insights which is available to purchase. 
'Insights from the Bible'
​by John Sparkes
​'Insights from the Bible', a compilation of the Bible Insights that John wrote over the past 5 years, is available in print. The book is priced at £5.99 + £2.00 post and packing. Click here for payment details and to order your copy.
Contact HCC
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments please write to us via the contact page and we will get back to you.
 HCC Podcast: Healing 
If God loves us and is all powerful why do more people not get healed?
​How do we differentiate between faith and wishful thinking when we pray for healing? 
​John and Shealan discuss these important questions in this podcast. John shares his personal journey with cancer and offers a biblical perspective on healing. Click the picture of the rainbow to go to the podcast.
John wrote an article entitled 'Healing' which also addresses these questions - click to read. ​
'Understanding Yourself'
by John Sparkes
'Understanding Yourself' is a temperament manual which contains helpful insights that will help you understand why you think and feel the way you do. 
It is an e-book, available via Amazon for just over £7.00 - click the picture above to go to the Amazon website.
Book recommendation
John recommended 'Traces of the Trinity' by Peter Leithart as excellent reading to support the Bible study series 'Inside the early church'. Click the book cover above for further details and to buy the book.
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