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11:30am - 12:45pm 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Riverside Gospel Hall

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Riverside Gospel Hall

A New Testament church. Who are we? "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Acts ch2 vs 42 {NIV}

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Sunday meetings:
Breaking of bread at 11:30
Fellowship and food at 13:00
Prayer and Bible study at 13:45
Sunday school/Bible class at 13:45
Gospel meeting at 19:00 We are a non-denominational, independent local church, or assembly of Christians who gather simply in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.We meet weekly to remember the Lord Jesus in the Breaking of Bread, to pray and study the Bible and to preach the Gospel. Matthew ch 18 vs 20 {ESV}

"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 1And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”"
Luke ch 22 vs 17-19 {ESV}

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Check out our website at www.riversidegospelhall.com

15/09/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome to Thought for the Week. Luke chapter 14 ends with this phrase,
“He who has ears to hear let him hear!”

Then chapter 15 begins with these words,

“Then all the tax collectors and sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.”

These must have been quite an eclectic bunch of individuals surrounding the Lord Jesus. I wonder what it was that drew them to hear Him. Was it His charm, His eloquence, or the words He spoke? I think the attraction was the message of love and comfort He brought to them. These people would have been the marginalised ones of society, looked down on and condemned by the self-righteous religious leaders of that era.
Verse 2 of the chapter bears this out as the Pharisees and Scribes complained,

“This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

This was a complete no-no for them in case they would be polluted by association. It was not a case of them having the moral high ground. In Matthew 23:27 Jesus describes them as

“whitewashed tombs looking beautiful outwardly but inside full of dead men’s bones.”

Jesus saw through their pretense, as did those who gathered around Him to listen. His message is simple but telling. In verses 4-7 His illustration is a shepherd who owns one hundred sheep and one goes missing. What does he do? Does he shrug his shoulders and say that it can look after itself? No, he searches for it, “until he finds it.”
Perhaps you are feeling lonely, forgotten and lost.
Last week we read of a father who cared, and this week we have a shepherd who searched. Friends, Jesus loves you; loves you so much that He has died to save you. The son who left home in last week’s post needed to admit he was wrong and return to his father. The sheep that ran away had to submit to being lifted and brought back.
Isn’t it true that admission of wrong and submission to another’s will are the difficult parts our pride doesn’t like. If we could even do our own little bit, wouldn’t we be able to save face. Friend, our Heavenly Father is waiting; the Good Shepherd is searching: don’t hide, like Adam and Eve did in the garden, or take the same attitude as the Pharisees and Scribes, thinking that they did not need to repent.

08/09/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson.

Welcome to Thought for the Week. Today our considerations will centre around the story found in Luke 15:11-32.

We have three characters in this story, a father and his two sons. We will initially focus our attention on the actions of the younger son, who came to his father one day requesting his share of his father’s estate. That would surely set alarm bells ringing. Firstly, because he was the youngest, and secondly because his request was selfish and rude to his father. His father duly granted him his wish and gave him his portion of the inheritance.

The plot now thickens as the son gathers all together and leaves home. We do not know whether they parted on good terms, or if there was a family argument, but his father must have been both worried and sad as he watched his son disappear from view.

The young man proved himself to be naïve and foolish in the use of his resources; he had not yet learned in the university of life’s experience. Eventually he found himself homeless and destitute, and it was his wake-up call. He now had time to think on an empty stomach, and his thoughts turned toward home. How was he going to return? While he may have left in arrogance and conceit, going back was going to need a different mindset. Was he prepared for the climbdown? Yes, he was, as we see from his words in Luke 15:18-19 (New King James Version), which reflect a change in attitude.

“I have sinned against heaven and before you and am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”

How was he received? Did his father berate and reject him? No! he was delighted to have him back; he forgave his foolish son and they had a family party to celebrate his return.

This story shows us God’s willingness to pardon those who realise and acknowledge their mistakes. Verse 10 of this chapter (New Living Translation) says

“There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

01/09/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome to Thought for the Week. Today we will consider two verses that give us one of the reasons why Jesus Christ came into this world. Matthew 18:11 and Luke 19:10 (King James Version), when combined, tell us that

“The Son of Man is come to seek and save that which was lost.”

Today, there are many and various ways to find our direction. We have maps, road signs, post code and GPS. In times past, the mariner would have used sextant and compass to find his way in the featureless ocean, otherwise he would be lost.

However, this is not the kind of direction finding implied in these verses. Rather, they are about finding our direction in life. A favourite rural prank at one time was to turn the finger sign post the wrong way at a junction. This, of course, caused the unsuspecting stranger to take the wrong way in Ireland’s maze of rural roads. When it comes to being in Heaven, have you ever heard it said, “You have your way and I have my way, and if we are sincere, we will all get there in the end.”? Is such a statement logical or wise?

On many an occasion we have had to turn around and retrace our steps. Why? Because the way we were going did not lead to our destination. To put it simply, we had gotten lost. Lost in Ireland is inconvenient, but lost at sea, or in the featureless deserts of earth without a means of navigation, could be fatal. Search parties and equipment could be made available with a view to rescue, though success could not be guaranteed. As our opening verses state, Jesus came to seek and save (rescue) those who are lost. There are two types of people who are lost:

a) The person who is lost but doesn’t realise it
b) The person who is lost and knows it, but can’t find their way

God tells us in the Bible that we are all lost, and as Isaiah puts it, we are “going our own way” – a way that is not going to work out well.

Realising that we are lost is the first step in finding our way back.

Next week we will think about a young man who lost his way in life, and how he was recovered.

25/08/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome again to Thought for the Week. This week I want to look at a verse in the book of Proverbs, chapter 9 and verse 1. It reads in the New English Translation as,

“The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.”

The person in view here is one who, despite advice and admonition, stubbornly refuses to change their mindset and attitude. This often results in a very negative outcome for themselves, their family, and indeed the wider aspect of society.
I cannot help but mention the recent sad happenings on the M9 motorway when five young lads flouted the laws of safe motoring, with dire consequences for themselves and others. Perhaps they had done it before and gotten away with it, thereby upping their ego and bravado.
The writer of the Proverbs analyses it well, both in attitude and consequence. Proverbs 21:2 (New English Translation) also says,

“All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives.”

Proverbs 12:15 (King James Version), says,

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes but he that hearkeneth (listens) unto counsel (advice) is wise.”

Whose advice is better than God’s? His advice is written for our benefit in this life, and for our security in the next.
Isaiah 55:7 (New King James Version) says,

“Let the wicked forsake his way;
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.”

The offer comes from God; the decision to accept or reject Him is yours.

18/08/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome to Thought for the Week. You may have missed our posts over the past two weeks and wondered what had happened? We took a family break in County Clare, and enjoyed excellent weather during our short stay – a bonus at Ireland’s west coast!
Clare is a diverse and beautiful county, noted for the Burren, with its karst landscape and unique ecosystem. The caves and underground streams are also interesting- the hidden scenery, so to speak. It reminds us of the song,

All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours, He made their tiny wings.

We often rush through the countryside, our prime objective to get from A to B, and miss the beauty of what lies between. It is good betimes to take time and reflect on what we are doing with our lives. Often, ambition is centred on short-term benefits, whether they be success or pleasure. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you can see the emptiness of a man who made such ambitions the consuming desire of his life. We have a tapestry in our house which says, “Simple pleasures are life’s treasures.”

We may never reach the commitment of the Apostle Paul, who says in Philippians 1:21 (New Living Translation),

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”

The question is often asked regarding a wealthy person recently deceased, “how much did he leave behind?” the simple answer is Everything! No exceptions.

I leave you with these questions, “Who are you living for? Are you rushing from A to B in a whirl of progress and missing life’s real meaning? What preparation have you made for the hereafter?”

Paul was brought up short on the Damascus Road when he met Jesus, and his ambition and outlook were radically changed.

You can read what happened in detail in Acts chapter 9.

05/08/2026

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
2 Samuel 22:31

27/07/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome to Thought for the Week. This week we will consider those who rejected the invitation of Jesus to “come”. John 5:40 (New King James Version) says,

“But you are not willing to come to me that you may have life.”

The background to this statement is that the Lord Jesus had just healed a paralysed man on the Jewish Sabbath. When healing him, Jesus told him to “take up his bed and walk.” To the religious zealots of the day this was in breach of Old Testament Law. What was their reaction? In verse 16 we read that they “persecuted Jesus, and tried to kill him.”

Here we have cold religion coming up against the grace and mercy of God. When the narrow-minded views of these people were exposed, they felt insecure and so resorted to harassment and hatred. This is so typical of those who have no benefits to offer their followers, only bo***ge and fear. Their motivations were to keep their position of power and control, and financial gain.

What was the Lord Jesus offering? We have it in the verse quoted. He was offering life. The paralysed man enjoyed a life-changing experience, as had many others who came to Jesus. In verse 24 Jesus says,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.”

Surely that is an offer too good to refuse.

There are many voices calling for your attention, and many seeking your allegiance. In John 10:8 (New Living Translation) Jesus describes them as thieves and robbers, or to use the term “sheep-stealers.”

“But the true sheep did not listen to them.”

Good advice indeed.

21/07/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Thank you for joining us in Thought for the Week. This week we will look at a verse in the Old Testament: Isaiah 1:18 (New King James Version), which says,

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Here we have a divine invitation to people who are alienated from Him and His principles. In verse 4 He pulls no punches in His description of their ways and lifestyle.

“Alas, sinful nation,
A people laden with iniquity,
A brood of evildoers,
Children who are corrupters!
They have forsaken the LORD,
They have provoked to anger
The Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away backward.”

The nation addressed is the nation of Israel who had turned away from the moral and social laws God had given them in the books of Moses.

While the context is historical, would I be overstating it to say that it is applicable to modern society? We have come to accept lifestyles and ethics that are very questionable to say the least. We claim it as a right to live at variance with Judeo-Christian values.
The denial of God’s existence is propounded upon, not that it is going to make a difference. Many vociferously denied that COVID was real. Sadly, for some of those who refused vaccination and advice, the outcome was not good.

But there is a way to get right with God and clear the present and the past. God says, ”Come let us reason,” or as some translations put it, “settle the matter.” Are you willing to acknowledge Divine Authority? Are you willing to examine your way and lifestyle? Perhaps the choices you have made are proving to be a bo***ge and a disappointment. Then come. God has promised to clear away the guilty and dark past and make you pure and white in His sight.
Perhaps you have tried to reform in the past, but have disappointed yourself. If you accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, the Holy Spirit of God will dwell in you and help you to succeed. You may know someone who has done that and is now living a happy and fulfilled life. The COVID vaccine may not have been perfect, but it saved very many lives. The bible says in Acts 16:31 (NKJV),

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,”

That is, saved from the penalty of your sin, and the wrath of God for eternity.

14/07/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Thank you for joining Thought for the Week. Today I want to consider Jesus’ invitation to little children. The lead into His blessing of the little children is interesting. In Matthew 19 and Mark 10 we have the Pharisees approaching Jesus with their loaded questions. This time their subject is divorce. In Luke there is a widow looking for justice from an unjust judge and the prayers of a proud Pharisee and humble tax collector in the Temple court. The setting is very much family and personal. It is worthy of note that children are very often the innocent victims where there are insincere Church leaders and unhappy family situations.
Even the disciples thought children were unworthy of Jesus’ attention, which is demonstrated when they were turning away the parents who were eagerly bringing their children to Jesus for blessing. “Child friendly” is a much - used term nowadays in public buildings and areas like restaurants, shopping malls, parks and churches, to name but a few. I remember seeing a sign on a restaurant that said, “No dogs or children allowed.” It made me feel angry because of the coldness of society blinded by the desire to make money and preserve ambience.
Mark 10:14 (New Living Translation) reads,

“When Jesus saw what was happening he was angry with his disciples.”

We don’t often read of Jesus being angry. He said,

“Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children.”

Sometimes, like the Pharisee of Luke 18, we are too sophisticated or proud to confess our sin and with simple faith to trust in the Gospel invitation, “come.”

It must have been heart warming to see the Lord Jesus with a group of children clambering on and around him, taking them in his arms and blessing them.
We read of awful things happening to children, both born and unborn. Does Jesus notice or care? In Luke 17:2 (NLT) He gives a chilling warning to those who illtreat children.

"It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin."

Jesus has a special love for children, especially those without a father figure in their lives. Exodus 22:22 instructs,

“You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.”

08/07/2026

Thought for the Week by Mervyn Patterson

Welcome to Thought for the Week. Today we will consider an invitation that came and continues to come from the Lord Jesus. Matthew 11:28 (New International Version) says,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

This is indeed an invitation worthy of our time and consideration. We are all acquainted with many and varied invitations. For example, when we receive an invitation to a friend’s wedding we make preparations for that occasion, do we not. We take a look in the wardrobe, perhaps get a haircut, or the ladies may visit the beautician, so that we look our best for the occasion. Somewhere on the invitation card there will be a request to let the people know by a certain date whether or not you will attend; and it would be very impolite to ignore it.

This invitation given by the Lord Jesus is not to a party or a wedding, but to Himself as a person and friend. He addresses His invitation to the weary and burdened: people with needs which can be demanding in both time and effort.
Do you feel lonely, weary of life, or weighed down with burdens? Perhaps you feel that the past is something to forget, the present is difficult, and the future is terrifying. Perhaps you have followed the advice of counsellors or well-meaning friends, and have been disappointed in yourself. You may have tried the religious side of the road, so to speak, and found it did not live up to your expectations.
The invitation from Jesus is open to all without the need to dress up and go to the beautician beforehand – no need to try to reform through your own efforts. In John 6:37 (NIV) Jesus says,

“And whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

You may wonder how this all happens and where do you start? How can you find out more about it? Read the Bible. It is the best-selling book of all time, and readily available. In fact it is available free, with a short explanatory leaflet via Facebook for anyone interested. Enquiries can also be sent via Riverside Gospel Hall page.

Address

Riverside Gospel Hall, Allen Square
Bandon

Opening Hours

	11:30am - 12:45pm
	1:30pm - 2:30pm

Website

http://www.riversidegospelhall.com/

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