http://www.jubileechurchshepperton.org/

Jubilee Church Shepperton, The Jubilee Centre, Manygate Lane, Shepperton (2026)

07/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who supports us at Bags of Food. This week we are currently running low on the following items:

05/04/2026

EASTER SUNDAY
The Risen Christ-Time to Celebrate!

In the Louvre Museum in Paris, France there is a painting of the scene of the cross. In the painting the stars are dead, and the world is wrapped in darkness. In the scene Mary Magdalene is kneeling holding her hands and lips against the bleeding feet of Jesus. We do not know if Mary did that, but we know she was there. Mary had witnessed her Lord and friend die in the cruellest way; for her the days surrounding the crucifixion had brought nothing but tragedy.
So as Mary approached Jesus’ tomb on that following Sunday the last thing she expected was a party or celebration. Finding the tomb open and empty we find her weeping as she peered into the tomb. Two angels appear and ask her why she is crying. She replies, “They have taken my Lord away.” Jesus appears and at first, she thinks he is the gardener. Jesus then calls her by name “Mary.” (John 20 v16) She cries out in Aramaic “Rabboni!” (Teacher). You can hear her surprise as her name is spoken out by a man she loved-a man she had helped bury! It is not often you hear your name called by an eternal tongue. But when she did, she recognised who was calling and responded by worshipping the risen Christ. In that moment, the Kingdom of God is breaking in as heaven touches earth and it is time to celebrate!
The risen Christ appearing to Mary is both wonderful and extraordinary. It is wonderful as it is Jesus’ first resurrection appearance and it is extraordinary as it contains one of those moments in time and history when we realise that something has altered decisively, something had been achieved by Jesus’ victory over sin and death at the cross that was life changing, not just for those alive at the time but for every generation to come. A new relationship had sprung to life.
Up to that point in time Jesus had spoken about God as ‘the Father’ or ‘the Father who sent me’ or ‘my Father.’ He had referred to his followers as His ‘disciples,’ ‘servants,’ and ‘friends.’ Now all that had changed. Recognise the power and unstoppable force of verse 17;” Go and say to my brothers, I am going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” The disciples are welcomed into a new world, a world where they can know God the way Jesus knows God, where they can enter a relationship where they can know him as their Father. Like the story of a disgraced son exiled in a far-off country (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus has now broken through the exile and made a way back from the ultimate far country, a way back from death itself to the Father’s home where everyone who follows Jesus is welcome as a beloved son or daughter. This is the intimate relationship Jesus invites each one of us to enter with God our Father!

Keith Saynor
Pastor
5th April 2026

MAY YOU ALL ENJOY A HAPPY EASTER AND KNOW GOD'S PRESENCE, BLESSING AND FAVOUR.

04/04/2026

EASTER SATURDAY
Finish the Race Strongly

Had cricket existed in the New Testament era; I am sure the writers would have spoken of doosras, googlies and chinamen! Sadly, for all there was no cricket and so they wrote about running. The word race comes from the Greek ‘agon.’ and it is from this that we get the word agony. The Christian race is the best one to participate in but is certainly not a jog, rather it is a demanding and sometimes agonizing race. It takes perseverance and a big effort to finish the race strongly.
You may have noticed along the way that many do not finish in this fashion. Something has caused their heart to no longer be in the race and they will finish quietly. Some litter the side of the road. They used to be running, there was a time when they kept the pace but for some reason weariness crept in and they stopped. They may not have thought the race would be this tough or may have been discouraged in some way, and for some reason they have stopped running. For all these folks, unless something changes their best work is behind them.
By contrast, Jesus’ best work was His final work, and His strongest step was His last. We are encouraged to do the same; “Let us run the race that is before us and never give up.”(Hebrews12:1) The writer goes on to say that Jesus “held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him.”(v3) The implication here is that He could have “let go,” and given up. Despite temptation, accusations, being badly treated; some even tried to throw Him off a cliff! (Luke 4:29) He did not stop running. He endured until the end.
We can all emulate Jesus by focusing where He focused; “on the joy that God put before him.” (v2) By focusing on the prize of heaven, He was able not only to finish the race but to finish it strongly. Let me also encourage you not to give up, to fall by the wayside but to focus and finish strongly. God will empower each one of us to do so and He will walk with us every step of the way!

Keith Saynor
Pastor
4th April 2026

03/04/2026

GOOD FRIDAY
The Valley of the Shadow of Death

The English Poet John Donne once said,” Any man’s death diminishes me.” Author Max Lucado comments on this thought; “It’s as if the human race resides on a huge trampoline. The movements of one can be felt by all. And the closer the relationship, the more profound the exit. When someone you love dies, it affects you.” Every church I have been a member of, has at one time or another been impacted by the passing of others in the church family. Others have experienced the death of family or friends. Many have experienced the slow walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) When someone dies it affects us.
The good news is that God is a good God (Psalm 25 7-8) and He will lead us through, not around the valley of the shadow of death. Dr Donald Grey Barnhouse told of the occasion of the death of his first wife. He and his children were driving home from the burial, overcome with grief. Searching for words of comfort for his children he found none. But then, a large moving truck drove by and as it passed its shadow swept over the car. An inspiration came to the Doctor. He turned to his family and said,” Children, would you rather be run over by a truck or by its shadow?” The reply came “Well of course, Dad, we’d rather be run over by the shadow. That can’t hurt us at all.” Dr Barnhouse then said,” Did you know that two thousand years ago the truck of death ran over the Lord Jesus in order that only its shadow might run over us?”
Thanks to Jesus we can know that our loved one, because of their faith in Him, are lifting their hands in worship, praising God and marvelling at heaven! We all face death but thanks to all that Jesus achieved at the Cross (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:23) we only face its shadow! We have the hope of eternal life and the hope that one day we will have the opportunity to meet once more, those who have gone before us.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me - Galatians 2:20

Keith Saynor
Pastor
3rd April 2026

02/04/2026

THURSDAY : EASTER WEEK
Jesus chose you over Death

During the two periods of lockdowns caused by the Global Covid Pandemic, I walked regularly with my wife Vinolia and daughter Abigail, through the grounds of Wellington College. On this walk there is a lovely cricket ground where I once scored 96 whilst captaining Berkshire under 19’s. On one occasion as we were passing two memories came to mind. Firstly, I thought of the time I was playing Country Cricket at schoolboy level and was selected for coaching at the England under 15 level. That was a time when I felt highly valued. Secondly, I remembered the time when I was not chosen to represent a football team. On that occasion I felt of little value. We can all probably think of times in life when we felt valued and other times when events or circumstances meant we felt of little value. Times maybe, where we were chosen and other times where we were rejected.
The good news is that God chose each one of us and as a result we can always feel valued despite the circumstances life throws at us. If you doubt my words let me take you to Jesus’ final prayer immediately after the conclusion of the last supper, the night of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, before His crucifixion
This is the last time Jesus sees his friend before they abandon him. He does not lecture them or accuse them, instead he prays. What would you have done in that situation? Which words do you chose? It is worth noting that Jesus prayed for them. In this final prayer before He went to the cross, He also prayed for you! (John 17;20-21) As Jesus stepped into the garden you were in His prayers. As He looked into heaven you were in His vision. As Jesus dreamed of the day when we will be where He is, He saw you there. It was in the garden that Jesus made His decision; He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you. That is how much He values you!
He went to the Cross for you so that you might enjoyed a fullness of life and the promise of eternal life (John 10;10)! God wants to be with you for all time; you are worth it! When you do not feel valued let me encourage you to visit Gethsemane; this is a place where the Lord reminds us that despite the circumstances of our lives and the opinions of others, what really matters is that God chooses and values each of us equally.

Keith Saynor
Pastor
2nd April 2026

01/04/2026

WEDNESDAY : EASTER WEEK
Love is Kind

Recently, owing to a few different circumstances and situations, Vinolia (my wife) and I had quite a difficult week. At the end of the week as we were leaving the house we had a conversation with our neighbour who was cleaning his car. At the end of our chat he offered to clean our car. He is someone who not just cleans his car but waxes and polishes it until it is gleaming. When we returned later in the day our car looked like new as he had also managed to remove some scratches from the bonnet! Such an act of kindness made a huge difference to the end of our week and we were very grateful.
Reflecting on my neighbour’s kindness, I first thought of Jesus’ interaction with the thief on the Cross. In Jesus’ deepest moment of anguish as He takes on the sin of mankind and all the forces of evil what does He do? He enters into a conversation with a thief; amazing! What a kind thing to do, what a loving thing to do! (Luke 23:43) The result of His actions; another soul was saved!
I then thought of the Apostle Paul’s words “Love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4) as he refers to God’s love for each one of us. Author Max Lucado comments “The kindness of Jesus. We are quick to think of his power, passion, and his devotion. But those near him knew and know God comes cloaked with kindness.” Nehemiah agreed with these observations: “You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness (Nehemiah 9:17). King David recognised the extent of God’s love when he exclaimed, “Your lovingkindness is better than life.” (Psalm 63:3).
I also agree with these observations. God’s love is reflected in various ways and Paul places kindness right up there towards the top of the list when he writes “Love is kind.” I have been the recipient of God’s kindness on countless occasions throughout my whole Christian life and I am very thankful to Him. I am also incredibly grateful to friends who have reflected His love through their actions; kind hearts, I believe, are quietly kind. Paul challenges each one of us to be kind to others when he writes, “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it.” (Galatians 6:10) Let’s make the most of every opportunity that comes our way!

Keith Saynor
Pastor
1st April 2026

31/03/2026

TUESDAY : EASTER WEEK
A New Adventure in Existence

A few years ago, I attended the funeral of a friend; a hero during the Falklands war in 1982 when he saved the life of one of his injured colleagues by carrying him out of a minefield. He was also a hero for many young people including the 50 he fostered over the years with his wife. His sudden death reminded me of how fragile life is and caused me to reflect on its fleeting nature. Aristotle called death the thing to be feared most because “it appears to be the end of everything.” Shakespeare was even gloomier when he described the afterlife as “The dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns.”
Fortunately, these gloomy outlooks are eclipsed by the fact that Jesus defeated the power of death and brings us this wonderful promise; “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be where I am. (John 14 1-3 NLT) These are radical words with Jesus promising not just an afterlife but a better life.
Aristotle was wrong; death is not to be feared. Just as Jesus was the model of courage on His final journey from Jericho to Jerusalem He gives each one of us the same courage to make our final journey from this life into the next.
Charles Lindberg, the 1st person to fly solo across the Atlantic was someone who approached death with the same courage he had lived his life. His faith in Jesus resulted in him viewing death as “A new adventure in existence.” My final reflection for my friend is that, like Lindbergh, he has been able to enter this “new adventure in existence,” with the same courage that he lived his life. For all who trust in Jesus, death is not to be feared. When that moment comes, He will take our hand and lead us into the promise of eternal life. (John 10:27-28)

Keith Saynor
Pastor
31st March 2026

30/03/2026

EASTER WEEK : MONDAY
God notices the Grateful Heart

” Always be joyful. Pray continually and give thanks whatever happens.
That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

When I was a child, I remember my Mum teaching me the importance of saying thank you and showing gratitude to others who help you. Reflecting on this recently my thoughts turned to the events of the Cross and the sacrifices Jesus made for me so that I may enjoy the fruit of the victory He won over sin and death at the cross (Romans 6:23). My response was to thank Him that I can enjoy the fullness of life and promise of eternal life that result (John 10:10).
Luke 17: 11-19 records the account where Jesus healed the ten l***rs whilst He was on his way to Jerusalem. As He entered a village in the border country between Galilee and Samaria, He was met by the l***rs who called out to him “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” The appearance of l***rs at that time repulsed most people and they would avoid them at all costs. Not Jesus, He engaged with them, had mercy on them and instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests. The account tells us that “they went, and while still on their way, became clean.” (Verse 14)
I would have loved to have witnessed this miracle! No treatment or medicine, just the presence of Jesus and His power resulting in complete healing. I would have loved to see the reaction of each of them when they were healed and to have witnessed the interaction of Jesus and the one who returned to say thank you.
The returning l***r caught the attention of Jesus (verses 15-18) as did the absence of the other nine. The headline here is that God notices the grateful heart. Gratitude lifts our eyes from the things we lack so that we might see the blessings we possess. Gratitude changes our perspective; it is a child of grace and an appropriate response for all who know the blessings of God in their lives. Let me encourage you to do two things. Firstly, make a list of all the things you can thank God for, assemble your reasons for gratitude and thank God for His kindness to you. Secondly, let me encourage you, if you have not already done so, to go and thank someone who has been kind to you or has helped you in some way. God notices the grateful heart and so will those you say thank you to!

Keith Saynor
Pastor
30th March 2026

29/03/2026

PALM SUNDAY
Passing the Peace of God

On 15th April 2013 we witnessed the worst of humanity when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston marathon in Massachusetts, USA, killing 3 people and injuring or maiming over 170 more. We also witnessed the best of humanity as spectators and officials helped those injured at the scene and in some of these cases their actions helped save the lives of those caught in the two bomb blasts.
A radio interview broadcast during the week following the bombings also reflected these two traits of humanity. Colin Parry was interviewed and described how his 12-year-old son Tim had died on 20th March 1993 when the IRA bombed Warrington. However, since his son’s death, together with his wife Wendy, he has established a charity (Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Peace foundation) to help young people and adults turn away from violence as a means of settling conflicts in their lives. The foundation has helped build friendship in place of prejudice and distrust. It works to support those affected by terrorism and conflict.
As Colin spoke, his compassion and love for others reminded me of another who was born in an age of conflict, Jesus Christ. Jesus witnessed the best and the worst of humanity but was always full of compassion and love for others. He was able to minister peace into the lives of thousands of people He encountered when He walked on this earth and has ministered to millions of others for more than 2,000 years.
As Jesus journeyed with His disciples towards His destiny on the cross and with some of the last words to them, He said this, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “(John 14:27)
If you have been affected in any way by difficulties, trauma or turmoil let me encourage you to approach Jesus in prayer and ask Him to help you and to minister His peace to you, which is supernatural and one that “surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)

Keith Saynor
Pastor
29th March 2026

03/02/2026

We continue to be so grateful to those who support us with Bags of Food, thank you. Here are the items we are currently running short of:

20/01/2026

Thank you for supporting us at Bags of Food. This week we are particularly short of cereal.

Jubilee Church Shepperton

07/04/2026

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02/04/2026

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