Costessey Baptist Church 

Notice Board - Important update on 7 January 2021

During the national lockdown the decision has been taken to suspend Sunday services at Costessey Baptist Church until further notice. The increased incidence of the Coronavirus and the new variant requires us to:                                                                           Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save lives.

Pastor Peter Lillystone will continue to record Bible messages on YouTube and you can find the message for each week on the Pastor's page and earlier messages on Peter's archived talks. You can watch and listen to this in your home. To help you gain more from the Bible message, from 24 January 2021, the notes for the message are available to download by clicking the icon alongside the title of the message. Please continue to encourage one another by phone, email or letter.

If you are not local, then you may wish to find a church near to where you live or an online service  on Network Norfolk or A Church Near You websites.

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Salvation Army Christmas Toys and tins Appeal 2020

Costessey Baptist Church supports the local Salvation Army annual Toys and Tins Christmas Appeal. Thank you to all who supported this year's appeal with presents and money donations. Your gifts have been gratefully received by The Salvation Army for distribution in time for Christmas. This is what they report:       The Salvation Army has shared Christmas joy with 6,766 vulnerable people across Norfolk, including 3,810 children who were given presents to open on Christmas Day. Major Derek Jones, leader of The Salvation Army in Norfolk, said: ‘We’re so grateful for the generosity of the public that has helped us meet the increase in demand for support for families who have been struggling because of the pandemic.’

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Prayer changes things

In this time of national and international upheaval, our faith is in Jesus Christ, whose coming to earth we celebrated at Christmas time. His Name is "Immanuel" means, God with us and we pray to One who has power and authority to help mankind.

As a Church, we need to pray that God will give wisdom to all in Government and help all who are affected by  this difficult time. Listen to the news and pray about what you hear.

Pray for all those who have been bereaved this year and for those ill in hospital. Remember all who are recovering at home from the effects of COVID-19 and those whose lives have been changed by complications. 

Pray for all healthcare staff who are providing essential services and healthcare to all who are in hospital or care homes. Pray for those awaiting treatment for other conditions which has been delayed due to the current crisis. 

Pray for health and well-being of all school staff and pupils so that children can continue to learn whether at home or in schools.

Pray for the physical and mental health of all students at universities and colleges.  Let's pray for all students who are doing remote learning that they remain positive and succeed in their efforts.

Give thanks for the COVID-19 vaccine launch in the UK and the laboratories producing vaccines on a large scale. Pray for the ongoing work by scientists and that vaccines will soon be available worldwide.     

Pray for those facing job loss or homelessness who are anxious about what happens next. This crisis has had a profound impact on many but particularly those in the 16-25 age group. Many people find themselves out of work in the retail and hospitality sectors.

Pray for all who provide meals and shelter to the homeless and that provision will be made for all who are in need through the Food Banks around the country.

The Bible says: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5 verse 7

You may contact the Pastor using the contact page or by phone or email.

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There is a freephone service called "Daily Hope" which is provided by the Church of England.

Calls are free and particularly useful to people who may not have access to the internet.

This could be a way to bless elderly relatives and friends who can listen on speaker phone.    

Please try it yourself so you can explain to others how the options work. There is new content for January and more options to choose from so have a pen and paper to jot them down. Happy listening!