St Mary’s Attenborough Church

Confident in Identity

Toby Artis continues our Confidence in a Complex World series, taking a look at Confident in Identity. He discusses how our identity doesn't lie in our name, occupation, ethnicity, gender, or family, but rather in who God has chosen us to be. Our identity is found not within ourselves, but within community. It is on an unshakable foundation which runs deeper than our greatest achievements, failures or suffering. Toby shows us how our identities lead us to fulfil our purpose as part of the Royal Priesthood, extending God's presence to others.

Confident in the Gospel

Liam O'Boyle launches our series on Confidence in a Complex World, which goes through the book of 1 Peter.  In our first week, we look at being Confident in the Gospel, looking specifically at 1 Peter: 1:1-12. 

Humility

Ali Langton talks us through the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector found in Luke 18:9-14. He urges us to consider how we all might have previously acted like the Pharisee, acting performance based, as opposed to God's choice, which is for the excluded and rejected one, and highlights how the Pharisee and Tax Collector relate differently to God, with the former preferring to monologue, and the latter conversing in a dialogue. Ali explains to us the Cycle of Works - how achievement leads to significance, which leads to sustenance then acceptance. This is contrasted with the Cycle of Grace, whereby acceptance comes first, then sustenance, followed by significance, then achievement.

Generosity

Toby Artis discusses how God's generosity is evident throughout scripture, and how we should allow it to shape our lives. We can be cautious about giving due to our fears around not having enough. However, Toby invites us to consider how more stuff will only lead to anxiety, rather than happiness. Our culture tells us to hold onto what we do have, especially given the cost of living crisis, whereas we are called to store up treasurers in heaven and adopt an abundance mindset. In so doing, we will become people who give not because we have enough to give, but because it's our nature. God has already given us everything in giving his own self, so we can be confident that he will give us what we need when we give away what we have. 

Gratitude

Liam O'Boyle takes us through Luke 17:11-19, focusing on gratitude. He talks about how we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and embed it in the culture of St Mary's. Gratitude starts with encouragement, and takes practice to become habitual - it is a choice we make every day, even when things get tough. Ultimately, we are grateful for God's future cosmic redemption.

Community : Stay Together to Grow

Toby Artis concludes our series on Community. He discusses how living in community can be challenging, but by being united with Jesus, leading to greater spiritual maturity, we are able to navigate our differences well. Ultimately, spiritual formation occurs within community and can lead to our flourishing and the building of God's kingdom.

Community: Confess Your Sins

Guest preacher, Ian Paul, talks us through how confessing our sins enables us to: confront our condition in the enslaving power of sin; call on Christ, who is merciful and just; cancels condemnation by the cross bringing new creation into the present; and creates space for change by the Spirit. 

Community Practice: Sharing Joys and Sorrows

Toby Artis looks at a bible passage from the last supper ( a meal of joy) and Jesus' last moments in the Garden of Gethsemane ( a moment of deep sorrow). Both these passages teach us that as followers of Jesus we have to be intentional in choosing to live in the deep joy of the lord together, and we must embrace sorrow, coming alongside one another. Both joy and sorrow are part and parcel of authentic community.

Prayer: Highs and Lows

As we bridge our Summer Series of 'Encounters with Jesus' with our Upcoming Series on 'Community' Liam O'Boyle, shares with us the challenges and joys of prayer. He encourages us to above all keep showing up for prayer whatever that looks like, and however difficult it may be. This is how God will continue to bless us with His peace, bringing wholeness and protection in the everyday. 

Encounters with Jesus: Calling (Saul/ Paul's Conversion)

In this final part of our Summer Series, Toby Artis looks at the famous 'Conversion' encounter than Saul/ Paul has. In this passage we read how Jesus by His Spirit spoke to Saul, a religious man full of hatred and darkness in his heart, very personally. Jesus longs for him to understand who He is, what is heart is like, and what is was calling Paul to go on and do. This transformed his life forever. 
It's an invitation for us, to listen to Gods voice calling us by name, and for us to experience the heart of Jesus, and seek what how he wants to lead us in our own lives.