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Carmel Baptist Church, Llanharan, Bridgend Road, Llanharan (2026)

29/08/2026

Rev.Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday August 30th at 11.00a.m.
Reading: Matthew 16: 21 - 28
Wednesday : Tea/ Coffee and fellowship. 10.30 a.m. All welcome
Friday: Coffee morning and toddler fun in the schoolroom at 10.00 - 11.30 a.m. All ages welcome.
Friday: FoodBank 9.15 - 10.45. a.m.

This week’s message from Stephen:

Another from Mindful Christianity from my inbox this week - Every blessing - Stephen
MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
New Mercies Every Morning - Grace for Today
Dear Friend, Some days feel heavier than others. Not because something dramatic happened. Not because life suddenly changed. Just because carrying life can be exhausting. Responsibilities add up. Worries accumulate. The future feels uncertain. And before we realize it, we are trying to carry tomorrow’s burdens with today’s strength.
But God never asked us to do that.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”Lamentations 3:22–23
What a beautiful promise. Notice what the verse does not say. It does not say God gives us all the strength we will need for the rest of our lives today. It does not say He reveals every answer about the future. It does not say He removes every challenge from our path. Instead, He promises something we often overlook:
New mercies every morning.
Daily grace. Daily strength. Daily compassion. Daily faithfulness. God’s provision often arrives one day at a time. We want next year’s roadmap. God offers today’s manna. We want certainty about the future. God offers His presence for this moment. We want enough strength for every challenge ahead. God offers enough strength for today’s step. This can feel frustrating when we are anxious. But it can also be incredibly freeing. Because it means you do not have to carry everything today. You do not have to solve next month’s problems. You do not have to figure out every detail of the future. You do not have to manufacture strength for battles you have not been asked to fight yet.
You simply need to receive today’s mercy. And today’s mercy is enough.
The same God who met you yesterday will meet you tomorrow. But today, He is inviting you to trust Him here. Right where you are. Not in the future. Not in the past. Today. When your thoughts begin racing ahead this week, gently remind your heart:
God has already prepared tomorrow’s mercy. I only need today’s.
Mindful Minute - Take one quiet minute today. Place both feet on the floor and take a slow breath. Notice the moment you are actually in—not tomorrow’s possibilities or yesterday’s regrets.
As you breathe in, pray: “Thank You for today’s mercy.”
As you breathe out, pray: “Help me trust You with tomorrow.”
Let your heart rest in the faithfulness of God for this moment.
Reflection Questions
What future burden have you been trying to carry today?
What might change if you trusted God for one day at a time?
Where have you experienced God’s mercy recently?
What grace has God already given you for this moment?
Prayer Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness that never runs out. Thank You that Your compassion is not limited by my weakness, my mistakes, or my fears.
Forgive me for the times I try to carry tomorrow before it arrives.
Forgive me for the moments when anxiety convinces me that I must have every answer right now.
Help me trust You one day at a time. Teach me to receive the mercy You have already provided for today instead of worrying about what may come tomorrow.
Thank You that Your love remains steady. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning.
Give me peace for today, strength for today, and confidence that You will continue to provide exactly what I need when I need it.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

22/08/2026

Sunday August 23rd 11.00 a.m. Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service.
Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
Wednesday 10.30a.m. Join us for tea/coffee and fellowship. All welcome.
Friday 10.00-11.30a.m. Coffee morning and toddler fun in the schoolroom. All ages welcome.
Friday 9.15- 10.45 FoodBank.

It is good to be sharing the success of many of our young people’s G.C.S.E. Examination results and wish them all the very best as they move onto the next rung of their ladder of life.

This week’s message from Stephen:

From my inbox this week - with my love and prayers, Stephen
MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Peace in the Storm - The Presence of God When Life Feels Overwhelming

Dear Friend, Peace is easy to recognize when life is calm. It is much harder to understand when the winds are strong, the future is unclear, and the prayers you have been praying remain unanswered.
We often think peace will come after the storm passes. - After the diagnosis changes. After the relationship is restored. After the financial pressure lifts. After we finally understand what God is doing.
But the peace Jesus offers does not depend on everything around us becoming peaceful.
It begins with knowing that He is present within the storm.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Is 26:3
Notice that Isaiah does not promise a life without trouble. He describes a heart that remains anchored in God while trouble is still present. Biblical peace is not the absence of difficulty.
It’s God’s presence becoming greater in our awareness than the storm surrounding us.
Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He calms us while the storm continues. Both are expressions of His faithfulness. In Mark 4, the disciples were crossing the water when a violent storm arose. The waves crashed into the boat, and fear took over. Jesus was with them, but because He was sleeping, they assumed He did not care. They cried out: “Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?” Their fear was not only about the storm. It was also about what they believed His silence meant. But Jesus had not abandoned them.
He was in the boat the entire time.
The storm was real. The danger felt real. Their fear was understandable.
But the presence of Jesus was more powerful than everything threatening them. He stood, spoke to the wind and the waves, and said: “Peace! Be still!” And the storm obeyed Him.
There may be moments when your heart asks the same question the disciples asked: “God, do You care?” You may wonder why He has not changed the situation yet. You may feel exhausted from trying to remain strong. You may be carrying a storm that no one else can see. But His silence does not mean indifference. His timing does not mean abandonment. And the presence of a storm does not mean the absence of God.
Jesus is still in the boat with you.
Peace does not always arrive as an immediate change in circumstances. Sometimes it comes as enough strength to face today. Sometimes it comes as a quiet reminder that you are not alone. Sometimes it comes as the courage to release what you cannot control. Sometimes peace is simply the ability to breathe again and whisper: “Jesus, I trust You.” Your storm may not be over yet. But neither is your story. The One who commands the wind and waves is still holding you. And even here, in the middle of everything you wish were different, His presence can become a place of rest.
Mindful Minute - Take one quiet minute and name the storm you are carrying.
You do not have to minimize it or pretend it is easy. Simply bring it honestly before God.
Breathe in, praying: “Jesus, You are here.” Breathe out, praying: “I release my fear to You.”
Let your breathing slow. Relax your shoulders.
Remember that you do not have to solve everything in this moment.
You are held by the One who is greater than the storm.
Reflection Questions
What situation is currently disturbing your peace?
Have you been waiting for your circumstances to change before allowing yourself to rest?
What would it look like to become more aware of God’s presence in the middle of this season?
What fear or burden can you release into His hands today?
Prayer
Father, You know the storms I am carrying. You see the situations that feel overwhelming, the questions I cannot answer, and the fears I have struggled to release. Forgive me for the times I have allowed the storm around me to become greater in my mind than Your presence within me.
Help me remember that You have not left me. When I cannot see what You are doing, teach me to trust Your heart. When my thoughts become anxious, steady my mind in Your truth. Speak peace over the places within me that feel unsettled. Give me strength for today, courage for the next step, and grace to release what I cannot control.
Whether You calm the storm around me or carry me through it, help me remain anchored in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

01/08/2026

Sunday August 2nd at 11.00 a.m Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service. All welcome.
Reading: Matthew 14: 13 - 21
Wednesday 10.30 Tea/ Coffee and fellowship. All welcome.
Friday 9.15 - 10.45 FoodBank.
Friday 10.00- 11.30 Tea/ Coffee and toddler fun in the school room. All ages welcome.

Thank you all again for your generous donations to the FoodBank. A special request has been made if possible please for us to include a can of sweetcorn in any future donations.

This week’s message from Stephen:

Another offering from my email inbox, with my love and prayers, Stephen
MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
God Is Already There Finding Peace When the Future Feels Uncertain
Dear Friend, The future can feel heavy when we try to carry it before we get there. We imagine what could go wrong. We rehearse conversations that have not happened. We try to prepare for outcomes we cannot control.
And before we know it, tomorrow’s worries have taken today’s peace. But Scripture reminds us that we do not face the future alone.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
What a steady promise. God does not simply say, “Do not be afraid.” He tells us why.
“Because I am with you.”
The future may be unknown to us, but it is not unknown to Him.
You may be stepping into the unknown, but God is not.
The road ahead may feel uncertain, but God is already present there. The conversation you are dreading.
The decision you need to make. The season you cannot predict. The outcome you cannot control.
He is already there.
This does not mean every moment ahead will be easy. But it does mean you will never enter a moment where God is absent. His presence goes before you. His strength will uphold you. His wisdom will guide you. His love will not abandon you. This week, when your thoughts begin racing ahead, gently bring your heart back to this truth: The God who carried you yesterday is with you today. The God who is with you today is already present in tomorrow. You do not have to live tomorrow today. You do not have to solve what has not happened. You do not have to carry a future God has already promised to meet you in.
Your calling today is simply to stay close to Him.
Mindful Minute
Take one quiet minute and notice where your thoughts have been running ahead.
Name one future concern before God.
As you breathe in, pray: “God, You are with me.”
As you breathe out, pray: “You are already there.”
Let this simple prayer bring your heart back from tomorrow and into the presence of God today.
Reflection Questions
What future concern has been stealing your peace lately? How does it change your perspective to remember that God is already there? What would it look like to trust God with tomorrow while remaining present with Him today?
Prayer
Father, Thank You that I do not have to face the future alone. Thank You that every unknown place ahead of me is already known by You. When fear rises in my heart, remind me that You are with me. When my thoughts begin running toward everything that could go wrong, help me return to Your presence in this moment. Teach me to trust You with tomorrow. Give me peace for today. Strengthen me, uphold me, and guide me one faithful step at a time. Help me release the future I cannot control and rest in the hands of the One who already holds it. Thank You that tomorrow is not bigger than Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

11/07/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday July 12th at 11.00a.m.
Reading: Matthew 13 1-9 & 18-23

Wednesday 10.30a.m. We meet for tea/ coffee and fellowship. All welcome.

Friday 10.00 - 11.30 a.m. Tea/ Coffee and toddler fun in the schoolroom. All ages welcome.

This week’s message from Stephen:

I had one World Cup ambition!

What you may ask was that? Not to watch a match! I failed!! Not least as our youngest son arrived to borrow our shower, his being broken and asked to watch the football. Less than a week later our middle son arrived home for three days, took control of the television and I watched some more. It does have to be said with so many channels there really wasn’t a great deal of competition. I have to say, after all the hype around the Mexico - England game I did wake up, discover the score and watch 12 minutes of highlights

We, the Christian Church have something far more substantial, than what my father referred to as “22 men chasing a pigs bladder round a patch of grass”. Another Vicar I know used a football match as an illustration of one of the problems the Church has, some churches in the past, and some in the present. He was referring to Premiership or Football League games, when he said “The Church is like a football match 22 men on the pitch running around desperately in need of a rest, being watched by thousands of people all in need of exercise!” I have to say this is not true of Carmel in any sense.

The Christian Church does have someone/something far more worthwhile than football to offer, but on certain Sundays parking difficulties for our congregation, suggest that the football is more attractive. In the short term that may well be true, but God, in Christ, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit offers what nothing earthly based can, a future when this life ends. Yes football can be fun, exciting, entertaining, and for so many people, if it is not football then whatever it is they subscribe to, that is what matters the ‘enjoying of the moment’.

Please pray about how the Christian Church, including us in Carmel, might, without losing the Good News Jesus brought to us, might attract more people to meet Jesus, get to know Him and in faith draw more closely into His presence.

With my love and prayers

Stephen

04/07/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday July 5th at 11.00a.m. We will share Communion together during this Service.
Reading: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Wednesday 10.30 a.m. join us for tea/ coffee and fellowship.
Friday 10.00-11.30a.m. Coffee morning and toddler fun in the school room. All ages welcome.
Friday 9.15-11.15 a.m. FoodBank

This week’s message from Stephen:

“It’s too hot, wet, cold, dry........”

The weather is one of the most commonly talked about things in the UK, and rarely is the weather just right, occasionally a little like Goldilocks in the story, it is just right, but generally were we to write a school report for the weather, it would say ‘could do better!’

I know that, if I am not careful, I can have the same attitude to worship and people leading worship. The reality is that worship differs from leader to leader and who am I to say my way is ‘right’, it will be one way of doing it, but not the only way. What indeed is right?

Right most certainly is to do with the way it is offered. There is an account of a Pastor called Francis Chan and one of the congregation came up to him at the end of the service and complained saying that they didn’t think that the worship service was very good. He said that that was okay because “we weren’t worshiping you.”

We have to avoid our personal preferences getting in the way and that is not just true of worship. There are times when Elaine asks ‘are you coming up the horses today’ - on a day when I have nothing else on - Some days I think ‘do I?’ The stupid thing is that I know firstly she needs the help having a bad ankle at present, but needs the help with 5 horse to look after anyway and secondly when I get there I enjoy it virtually every time, and when I don’t I have made life easier for her which should always be my first thought. It is true of life, personal preferences are not always helpful to the bigger picture, or the best for others going forward. Someone pointed out there is no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM’ and you have to mess with the word to find ME, because me is part of team, so we need to TAME the ME and become a good MATE in the TEAM. I could play more word games with TEAM, as I am sure could you, but that will do for now!

With my love and prayers

Stephen

27/06/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday June 28th at 11.00 a.m.
Reading: Matthew 10:40 - 11:6
Wednesday 10.30 a.m. Join us if you can for tea/ coffee and fellowship.
Friday 10.00 - 11.30a.m. Tea / Coffee and toddler fun in the schoolroom. All ages welcome.
Friday 9.15 - 11.15 a.m. FoodBank.
This week’s message from Stephen:

The final follow on from my email inbox this week with my love and prayers - Stephen
MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Peace Beyond Understanding - Finding Peace in a Noisy World
Dear Friend,
There are moments in life when peace simply does not make sense.
The diagnosis has not changed. The situation has not resolved.
The answer you have been praying for has not arrived. The road ahead still feels uncertain.
And yet, somehow, in the middle of it all, God is able to give a calm that cannot be fully explained.
Not because everything is easy. Not because every question has been answered.
But because His presence is near.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7
This passage does not promise that life will never feel overwhelming.
It does not say we will never face anxious thoughts, painful seasons, or unanswered questions.
Instead, it gives us a holy rhythm: Bring everything to God. Pray honestly.
Give thanks where you can. Trust Him with what you cannot control.
And then comes the promise. - The peace of God will guard your heart and mind.
That word guard is powerful.
God’s peace does not simply comfort us after anxiety has done its damage. His peace stands watch over the places in us that feel most vulnerable.
His peace guards the thoughts that spiral. His peace guards the heart that aches.
His peace guards the mind that keeps asking, “What if?”
This is not a peace we manufacture through positive thinking. It is not a peace we earn by being strong enough, spiritual enough, or calm enough.
It is the peace of God.
A peace that reaches deeper than circumstances. A peace that holds us when life feels unsteady.
A peace that does not always make sense — but somehow still holds us together.
This week, do not wait until your words are perfect. Bring God the honest version of your heart.
The fear. - The frustration. - The hope. - The exhaustion. - The gratitude, even if it feels small.
He can hold all of it.
And as you bring it to Him, may His peace begin to guard what worry has been trying to steal.
Mindful Minute Pause for one quiet minute today. Place your hands together, take a slow breath.
Breathe in, pray: “God, I bring this to You.” Breathe out, pray: “Let Your peace guard my heart.”
Repeat this slowly several times, allowing your attention to rest in the presence of God.

20/06/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday June 21st.
Reading: Matthew 10: 24 - 39
Wednesday 10.30 a.m, Join us if you can for tea/ coffee and fellowship.
Friday 10.00a.m - 11.30 Coffee morning and toddler fun in the school room. All ages welcome.

We have been invited to join with Brynna Methodist on Sunday 21st June at 5.00 p.m, for a “Songs of Praise” Service. All monies collected ted during the Service will be donated to the “Memory Jar” in Cowbridge which is a charity for Alzheimers.

This week’s message from Stephen:

This is a follow on in many ways from the post I shared last week, with love and prayers Stephen
MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Give Him What You’ve Been Carrying - Finding Peace in a Noisy World

Dear Friend,
Some burdens are obvious. Others are quieter. They show up in the way we feel tired even after resting.
They follow us into conversations. They sit with us at the dinner table. They wake us up in the middle of the night. Worry has a way of becoming background noise in our lives. We may not always call it worry. Sometimes we call it responsibility. Sometimes we call it planning. Sometimes we call it “just trying to stay on top of everything. But deep down, we know when our hearts are carrying more than God ever asked us to hold alone.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
What a beautiful promise. God does not simply tell us to stop worrying. He invites us to bring our worries to Him. He does not shame us for feeling anxious. He welcomes us with compassion. He does not ask us to pretend we are fine. He asks us to trust Him with what is heavy. To cast our cares on God means we do not have to carry them by ourselves anymore. It means we can name what is weighing on us and place it honestly before Him.
The family concern. The financial pressure. The health question. The relationship tension.
The unknown future. The quiet ache no one else sees.
God cares about all of it. Not just the big things. Not just the spiritual things. Not just the emergencies.
He cares for you.
This week, peace may begin with 1 simple prayer: “Lord, I have been carrying this too long. I give it to You.”
That does not mean every problem disappears overnight. But it does mean you are no longer alone beneath the weight of it.
God is near. God is listening. God is strong enough to carry what feels too heavy for you.
Mindful Minute
Take a slow breath and ask yourself: “What am I carrying today that I have not fully given to God?”
Name it honestly.
Then pray: “Father, I place this in Your hands.”
Sit quietly for one minute and imagine yourself releasing that burden into the care of a loving Father.
Reflection Questions
What worry has been taking up the most space in your mind lately?
Do you find it easier to carry burdens yourself or surrender them to God?
What would it look like to trust God with this concern one day at a time?
Prayer
Father, Thank You for caring about every part of my life. Thank You that I do not have to hide my worries, minimize my fears, or pretend I am stronger than I am.
Today, I bring You what has been heavy on my heart. I give You the burdens I have been carrying in silence. I give You the things I cannot control, the questions I cannot answer, and the outcomes I cannot force.
Teach me to trust You more deeply. Help me remember that surrender is not weakness. It is faith. Remind me that Your hands are strong, Your heart is kind, and Your presence is near.
Give me peace for today and grace to trust You again tomorrow.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

13/06/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday June 14th at 11.00a.m.
Reading: Matthew 9:35 - 10:8
Wednesday 10.30a.m. Join us for tea/coffee and fellowship. All welcome.
Friday 10.00 - 11.30 a.m. Coffee morning and toddler fun in the school room. All ages welcome.
Friday 9.15-11.15 FoodBank.

Please continue to hold all who are unable to join with us in person for fellowship in your prayers and for those who care for them.

This week’s message from Stephen:

MINDFUL CHRISTIANITY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Be Still and Know -- Finding Peace in a Noisy World
Dear Friend,
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded of how noisy life can become.
Not just the noise around us... but the noise within us.
The endless to-do lists. - The worries we carry.- The headlines we read.
The conversations we replay.- The questions we wish we had answers for.
It’s easy to spend our days moving from one responsibility to the next without ever slowing down long enough to hear God’s voice.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Notice what God does not say.
He does not say, “Figure everything out.” He does not say, “Fix every problem.”
He does not say, “Earn My approval.” He simply invites us to be still.
Stillness is not about having a perfect life or an empty schedule. It is about creating space to remember who God is when everything around us feels uncertain.
When we pause long enough to sit in His presence, our perspective begins to change. The circumstances may remain the same, but our hearts become anchored in something greater than our circumstances.

God has not changed. - He is still faithful. - He is still present. - He is still working.
He is still holding you together, even on the days when you feel like you are falling apart.
This week, instead of rushing into every moment, try slowing down for just a few minutes each day.
Take a deep breath. - Step away from the distractions. - Sit quietly with God.
Allow His presence to remind you that you do not have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
He is already carrying it.

Mindful Minute
Today, find a quiet place and spend one minute in silence.
As you breathe in, pray: “God, You are here.”
As you breathe out, pray: “I trust You.”
Repeat this simple prayer several times and allow your attention to rest in God’s presence.
Reflection Questions
What noise or distraction most often pulls your attention away from God?
When was the last time you intentionally sat in silence with Him?
What burden do you need to place into God’s hands this week?

Prayer
Father, Thank You for being my refuge in a world that often feels hurried and overwhelming. When my thoughts race and my heart grows anxious, help me remember that You are near. Teach me to slow down and recognize Your presence in the middle of ordinary moments. Give me the wisdom to release what I cannot control and the faith to trust that You are already at work. May Your peace guard my heart and mind this week as I rest in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

06/06/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday June 7th at 11.00 a.m. We will share Communion during this service.
Reading: Matthew 9:9-13 and 18-26
All mid week meetings will be held as usual.
Wednesday 10.30 a.m. Tea/Coffee and fellowship.
Friday: 10.00- 11.30 Coffee morning and toddler fun in the schoolroom. All ages welcome.
Friday: 9.15-11.15 FoodBank.

We remember all who are sick and unable to join with us for worship in person and for those who care for them.

This week’s message from Stephen:

Disciples/Apprentices

On Sunday I talked about us being disciples and that one writer likened us to apprentices. I spoke about the cotton mills in Lancashire where the new recruits would ‘sit alongside Nelly’. Would sit by Nelly as she worked at her loom and watch and learn and then sit next to Nelly so she could practice whilst still watching and learning. Then she might move to sit behind Nelly still close enough for help but getting on on her own the vast majority of the time. As disciples/apprentices, of Jesus we begin by sitting alongside Him in our reading about Him from the gospels, by sitting alongside Him in worship and our times of prayer. We too sit alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ in the pews at worship, in Carmel on Sundays and Wednesdays. In many ways Wednesdays is more like sitting alongside Nelly as we get a chance to share our thoughts and views, which I believe is an important part of our discipleship. You don’t have to contribute but hear more voices than just mine on Sunday as we explore whatever has been read at the start of our time after our worship of hymns chosen by those present.

All this helps us grow in faith and as disciples, and as we grow closer to Jesus and experience the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit we can begin to contribute to the outreach of the fellowship as we live our daily lives of faith among the communities in which we live and share during the week.

As a church we too reach out through our outward giving, the notice board at the back tells of £3,500 given to the SW Baptists and the Baptist Missionary society, this as well as at least £2,000 more last year sent to other charities in the name of Carmel Baptist Church. This outward giving is a testimony of our belief in reaching out into the community to meet needs as well as share faith. As Jesus reminds us ‘In so far as you did it to one of these my children you did it to me’.

May we each continue to seek to grow in our faith as daily, we read our Bible, share our life with God in prayer and worship with the fellowship week by week. May we too continue to hold each other in our prayers, especially those with particular needs, and pray around our Church too asking our Lord to fill the pews that sit empty week by week.

With my love and prayers

Stephen

23/05/2026

Rev. Stephen Pare will lead our Service on Sunday May 24th at 11.00a.m.

Reading: Acts 2 : 1-21

Friday 9.15-11.15 Food Bank

Please note that for this week only as it is half term there will be no other midweek meetings.

We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers all who are sick and unable to share fellowship with us and for those who care for them.

This week’s message from Stephen:

Another from Erica the ‘Farmer Girl’, this week on Prayer

It’s Friday again, which means it is time for Prayer Request and Praise Friday. Honestly, I think sometimes we forget just how absolutely insane it is, in the best possible way, that we can literally talk to God whenever we want. Like...the Creator of everything. The One who spoke stars into existence, designed every living creature, keeps the universe functioning, and somehow still has time for us, including when we are an emotional disaster, running on caffeine, sleep deprivation, and questionable decision making.

And He does not require an appointment. We do not need a perfect script. We just get to go to Him. Anytime.

That kind of freedom is something I think we far too easily take for granted. Because through Jesus, we are not standing outside hoping someone holier can pass along our message. We are not waiting nervously, wondering if God is too busy. We are His children, and that means we have direct access to our Father at all times. Good day, bad day, devastating day, exhausting day, “I am currently hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace” day...He is there.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Confidence.

Not fear.

Not “once I get myself together.”

Not “after I stop struggling.”

Confidence.

Because prayer is not about performance. It is about relationship. It is not about having perfect words. Sometimes prayer is eloquent, and sometimes it is, “Lord, I genuinely have no idea what I am doing right now, please help.”

And both matter.

Sometimes I think one of the greatest freedoms we have is that no matter what is happening in this world, no matter what diagnosis hits, what bills pile up, what heartbreak crashes in, or what burden feels unbearable, we can always go directly to Him. No illness can block that. No financial strain can take it away. No grief is too heavy, no situation too messy, no exhaustion too overwhelming.

And this week, I would really love prayer for...........

Who are you praying for at the moment,on Friday, or on any day?

With my love and prayers Stephen

Carmel Baptist Church, Llanharan

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