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Well,
we think Christianity is very relevant! We think God is fantastic! And we think
you’ll only find true peace if you find God.
Did
you know that there are only two ways to live? Spend a few minutes finding out
why. Click here.
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At “Just Looking” we spend a few hours doing just
that – just looking. Looking at what Christians believe. Looking to see
if it has any relevance today. So why not join us? We meet for 6 weeks. Each week there is a short talk,
coffee, and then a chance to ask questions. (You can write down your
questions if you’d prefer not to ask them in public). Each session lasts
only for an hour. If after trying “Just Looking” you decide it’s not
for you – then there’s no obligation to keep coming, and no one will
pester you. Here are the subjects we think about: |
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For more information about Just Looking, contact the Church office on 423435 or email office@gtclactonparish.co.uk |
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Here's a few stories from people who have come along to St John's and St Mark's, and how there lives have changed as a result...
Michael and Beverley's Story
Have
you ever felt you are missing something but you don’t know what? Two years
ago, Michael and I were emotionally, physically and spiritually at very low ebb.
We had both retired from very stressful jobs. Our sons had left home to pursue
their careers and to start the adventure of living their adult lives. We had
also been burgled and items of priceless sentimental value had been stolen. We
felt, to some extent, isolated and alone in a very small Norfolk backwater. We
decided we were too far away from the love and support of our families. We
decided to move to be nearer to them. Although they all lived in Chelmsford, we
both felt an unexpected attraction to the idea of living in Clacton. We quickly
found a bungalow in Great Clacton which we both loved and we bought it.
Although
we had not been regular Church goers, we went to see St John’s Church. We were
disappointed to see that it was padlocked and had not been in use for many
years. However, upon looking at the notice board we found that it was to be
reopened the day after we were to move into our new home.
Amid
all the upheaval of the move, we left the boxes unpacked and went to Church.
What a joy! - We were warmly welcomed by caring people, (who always remembered
our names). We were introduced to many other worshipers. We immediately felt a
real sense of belonging.
We
are still not sure whether we found the Lord - or if the Lord found us, - but
from that day on, because of the love and warmth and acceptance we had been
given at St John’s, we have come to consider that we have greatly extended our
‘Family’. We now find our lives so much more fulfilling. We urge others to
seek out St John’s. There they will be sure of a similar warm welcome: You too
can find a sense of fellowship; love and peace, in an increasingly troubled
world. You will probably find Michael ringing the bells, and myself (Beverley)
now a part of the team that welcome worshippers.
Jill’s Story
I come from a
loving family, and though we weren’t religious, I did know about Jesus and the
Lord’s Prayer. At thirteen, I remember hearing the Ten Commandments, which I
decided to try and obey. I was happy with this decision.
Over the years, when I was married and with my own
family, I remember looking at the tower of St John’s. It seemed to be calling
me. I looked from a distance at the
tower and had little nagging thoughts about the Church, and God.
I was far too busy to really consider these thoughts, and they were
pushed out of my mind.
After a difficult time in my life, I wanted to find
some answers. I had a friend who was going to Church and getting involved. I was
actually a bit concerned for her - well it isn’t a good idea to be too
involved with Churchy people is it?
But even so, I went with my friend to St Mark’s. I
recognised people there - people that I was surprised were going to church!
They were normal, like me. But
it was obvious they had something special. Slowly it dawned on me that they had
Jesus in their lives – and I didn’t.
St Mark’s ran a “beginners course” where I
could ask questions. I remember wanting to know more, and I started to read the
Bible, seeing it with different eyes. The
friends I made there helped me not to be afraid to ask questions.
It was a gradual process, but I eventually opened my heart to the Lord
Jesus. I was so excited that I
exclaimed to a friend “He is here! God is here!”
I have found this verse from the Bible very helpful:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’
declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I
will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart.’” (Jeremiah 29 verses 11-13)
Why
not come along and see for yourself?