The Bethel - Old Trafford Christadelphian Church

Sometimes in life, especially during the pandemic, we really feel distanced. Whether we feel exiled or we've exiled ourselves, it can be hard to find a new perspective. Rachel gives us a compellingly honest perspective when hopes are challenged. But as we see in Jeremiah, God has a message for us. Whatever you're carrying today, bring it to the cross.

What's your life like - are you blessed? We hear and see the word used a lot - and we take it to mean one thing: we have been given plenty - whether materially, with job security, with our health or with friends and family. This morning, Luke challenges us to see it differently. He shows us that the beatitudes have a lot to say about this, so how do Jesus' words shift our perspective on this?

The Western World functions in a humanist groove that centres on human rights, but the origins of the human rights we’re familiar with may surprise you. Charles takes us on a journey from where we are today, back in time to a faith centred society - and ultimately, back to Genesis to discover the power of being made in God’s image and how we need to respond to it. View PowerPoint: https://www.theb...

It's the first week of advent and Andy and Vicky bring us the story of Simeon and Anna. They both had to wait a long time to see their Messiah. Our challenge is to wait patiently but passionately.

Martyn struggles with the idea of God resting. And yet, we’re told in Hebrews that that is part of what he promises us as disciples - that we will be welcomed into God’s rest. Genesis’ creation account has a moment where God rested. What does it mean? Martyn explores the answer to this question and helps us understand what it can mean to us and our discipleship.

How do we pray? It’s easy to think of the things we want to ask for in prayer to our Father, but do we take time to say thank you, to listen for God’s response. Andrew introduces us to the concept of Active Listening, something Jesus often talked about - do we choose to listen, choose to take in what we’re hearing, to allow the words we’re hearing to put down roots.

At the start of this mornings service, Tony presents an “ordinary” empty box - but the box hides a secret red handkerchief that quickly turns into many handkerchiefs. Tony shows us that the way we see things is not the same way that God sees things. We perhaps don’t even judge ourselves the way God judges us - all we are called to do is be strong, and courageous and act in faith. Lucy leaves us wi...

Despite all the benefits, this lockdown has brought on a kind of cabin fever. How do we cope in this time - how can ensure more goes right than goes wrong. Mark takes us to the crucifixion to consider the lessons there for us.

Seven weeks on from the crucifixion, we see the disciples preaching in tongues to a crowd. A crowd that may have included some of the people who wanted Jesus killed. God calls them too - everyday people who are then convinced by Peter and their lives are changed forever. Tony leads us through a reading of Acts 2 and shows us what the impact of God’s love should have on our lives.

This isn’t the April we wanted… But, as Malcolm says, it’s the April we’ve been given. How do we make the most of the rest of it? Three words: Gratitude - collect your reasons to be thankful; Others - set your mind to serving others and resist being selfish; Determination - remind yourself that while this is tough but your faith is tougher. Gratitude. Others. Determination. Trust in GOD.

Summary to Follow

This morning, Tom guides us through some principles he and Naomi have learnt through relationship psychology - and shows how we as a church can improve our own relationships and better respond to each other’s needs. When we emotionally reach out, we need to respond emotionally to bond in love, in our discipleship together.

Summary to follow

Tony asks us some incisive and challenging questions about our response to the very reasons why church exists at all. Are we keeping our promises in the same way God keeps his? Does it matter if we do? What really matters to us in our in our interactions at church?

Singing out loud is scientifically proven to relieve pain and to reduce stress. Singing out loud with other people does the same if not more - it has even been proven to benefit our immune systems, relax us and bring us joy. But why? Colin provides his thoughts about singing, worship and worshipping together in harmony. He challenges us to try and learn a Psalm - to be able to recall a song of the...

This morning Sheila draws us together in thinking about the journey we are all on. We gather on a Sunday morning to meet with our fellow travellers as well as our guides and companions on the road - the Lord God and His son Jesus Christ. Sheila shows us a view of the finish, the coming kingdom, the common goal we share as disciples.

In the letter to the Romans, Chapter 12, Paul explores some improtant qualitites. We are taught abot equality, dignity and diversity. Charles explores how we value ourselves and others and what we can do to combat the instant gratification, superficial short-cuts that seem to be hard-wired into our society.

David walks through an exploration of the questions and points that are thrown up by Acts 13 and Paul’s journeys and interactions. The good news reached us in the end due to the tenacity and courage of him and others. And gratitude is our response.

Jacob wrestled with God and was strong enough to stand up against the representation of God that he met. In his struggle, he was only stopped by divine intervention. David explores this and proposes that in equipping us properly, God often gives us a tough workout. It is the faithful endurance of Jacob that wins through and is proven as a result of his wrestling. Whilst it isn't always easy to see...

We've all fallen asleep at inappropriate moments. There area many lessons we can learn from these experiences but even more that we can learn from the unfortunate-fortunate plight of Eutuchus. Jonathan walks us through some basic steps to stop us being at risk of falling out of windows and dying. Stay Close to God and Christ, Don't let ourselves fall asleep and stay close to other people that stay...

Time is something we struggle with and learning to allow God to work in His own time rather than in our time will help us to live in peace. This morning’s take-away: we are called to not only be humble, but to also be bold in our faith.

Malachi's mandate was to call people back to God. They had become lax and mediocre in the way they were treating God & their relationship with him. God's starting point was from a very close, personal relationship of love for Israel. How would our lives change if we constantly had the physical presence of Jesus next to us? Maybe we just need to ask “lord, speak to me today” on a more regular basis...

Looking at what is below the surface in the story of Anna + Simeon, charles explores the importance of patience. They were patient, waiting for many years for the coming of the Christ. What was it that that enabled them to be dso patient? Hope! When you have hope, patience is that little bit easier.

What buisness did three mystics from the East have, coming to meet a toddler in Bethlehem? Malcolm explores the ancient story from the angle of these magicians / astronomers / astrologers being referred to as 'wise men'.

Martyn centres this advent service around Joseph, and his silent and strong dedication to God, and to his wife-to-be Mary. Just like Joseph, we need to listen to God - and the word of God is a great place to start. Martyn exhorts us to find a sustainable and challenging Bible Reading habit for 2020, and to allow ourselves time to listen to our God.