The Filling Station - North Shropshire & Borders

03/06/2026

For May's meeting we had Chris Landau from ReSource as a visiting speaker. ReSource’s calling is to enable little, local and ordinary churches to engage with the Holy Spirit for renewal, discipleship and mission.
Chris spoke about Pentecost; the message from Luke 24: 'you will be clothed with power from on high'.
We are to be witnesses, even to the end of the earth.
Some observations:
1. Jesus represents a fulfilment of Scripture. Are we nurturing a relationship with the Bible and engaging with Scripture regularly?
2. The Messiah must suffer, then rise on the third day. Jesus has died for the forgiveness of our sins. Come honestly before God and repent, to be part of the freedom and life that Jesus offers.
3. The role of witnesses; open our hands to receive the good gifts. Be ready to be used, imperfect as we are. Be open to being empowered by the Spirit, say YES, change can start!
Remember that God needs ordinary people to speak to and spread the message to, ordinary people.

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

It was lovely to welcome Richard and Elaine Hill back to Knockin!
Richard spoke on 1 Peter 2 v4-10, about the relational church.
There has been an increase in isolation and loneliness; many people and especially the younger generation, are seeking community.
The family of God needs to stand together; living stones building the church, making it a spiritual house, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Loving relationships are at the heart of Christianity.
Richard encouraged us to come alongside people, to offer welcome and care. To offer next steps (a responsibility in church, a course, an invitation to a social) to help them find a sense of belonging.
If people are accepted and have a sense of security, they will feel part of the church community.

06/04/2026

Come along, all welcome!

26/03/2026

Thank you to Harry, who joined us in Knockin Assembly Rooms for March's meting. He heads up worship, media and discipleship for Telford Minster.
He told us encouraging stories of people he knows, whose lives have been changed by Jesus.
Harry based his talk on 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, including the following messages:
Man's chief end is to Glorify God and Enjoy Him forever.
We are light-bringers.
We have this treasure in jars of clay.
We have to work out, what God has worked in.
To carry; to bear the death of Christ in us.
He made 3 invitations to us
1. Seek out the heart of God. Find rest; an easy yoke.
2. Partner with him. Bring the light of Christ to others.
3. Be bound together in love. We are not alone; we're woven together.
Spend time in 'God's living room' Relax and kick shoes off! Enter those wide open spaces where time is elastic, and allow yourself to go deeper.
A picture was shared, of a plastic funnel. Many things had been discussed this evening, and all the bits were being funnelled in, for God to make a beautiful oil.
Next Filling Station meeting will be 7.30pm at Knockin Assembly Rooms, on Tuesday 21st April.

03/03/2026

Hooray! We're back in the hall again now Spring is here and can meet in person! Come along on Tuesday 17th and hear the message Harry will bring us! Free refreshments from 7.15pm.

03/03/2026

For February's meeting on Zoom, it was great to welcome back Dave O'Brien. He joined us from an office at Liverpool FC, where he is the chaplain!

His focus was from the book of Judges 21:25. The final words 'In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.'

In those times, their society was a Theocracy; their king was, or should have been, God! They had priests and leaders telling them what to do, but kept failing.

Our nation is in turmoil. We need to be 'lifting up holy hands in prayer for our leaders.' Where are our Christian leaders?

We are living stones building the church together. We are a royal priesthood, people of God, called and chosen.

We need to present ourselves to the Lord, daily.
Pray, to be aligned with the will of Jesus and what he wants us to do. Engage with the Holy Spirit, to be equipped.
That this nation will be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, not by politicians and secular leaders.

Amen

14/02/2026

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles..." Isaiah 40:31
Hope this encourages you!

08/02/2026

Remember that February's meeting will be held only on Zoom. Email Brian for the link if you'd like to join in online. Looking forward to hearing Dave speak to us again!

28/01/2026

The early meetings of the year are always poorly attended, so after a poll of regular Filling Station attendees, we decided to hold the January and February meetings on Zoom only.

An advantage of this, is that it’s easier to invite speakers from far away!

It was therefore great to welcome Nick Crawley as guest speaker online. He used to be regional consultant for this area and helped guide, advise and pray with us, while we were still planning to open our own new Filling Station in North Shropshire and Borders, in the months leading up to the Launch in April 2015.

Nick’s theme was from Ephesians 6:17 ‘Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’

He reflected on the seismic changes in the church over the last 50-60 years. There have been massive developments in virtually every area of the church.

But the word of God, found in the Bible, is everlasting. Newer translations and commentaries help us to learn more about it and understand it more. The ‘Bible project’ - see www.bibleproject.com - which Nick’s wife Lucy Peppiatt was involved in, had a huge influence worldwide.

Nick suggested letting the literature of the Bible speak on its own, into your heart and mind; read and re-read it; read the books as a unit sometimes, instead of just fragments of scripture most of the time.

Be ready to help people engage with scripture. Be prepared for questions and uncertainty from newer Christians.

Try reading the Bible out loud, even standing up. Make it dramatic, as it would originally have been delivered, to illiterate people who learnt orally.

Remember that the Word of God is Powerful!

So, Take the Sword of the Spirit 🗡 which is the word of God 📖 and use it to change your life!

Another great resource:
Bibleforlife.Co.Uk

February’s meeting will also be held online as a Zoom meeting