Drops of Encouragement

[This reflection by Jill Norman was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 14/Sep/2025]

A word of encouragement for those of you who, like me, sometimes feel past their best, a little dry and weary and not sure of their role in life.
(more…)

Contributor: Jill Norman

Much Ado about Nothing

[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2025]

Just as in the murky emptiness of pre-creation, there was nothing there, no concept, no discernable form, a vacant void. A blank screen waited in vain for some signal from the keyboard that would trigger a message to be shared. Then, in the silence of the night, God spoke:

Nothing!

(more…)

Contributor: Steve Humphreys

The Harvest is Plenty

[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 07/Sep/2025]

We were due to have a few people over for a barbecue and as the date got closer, like most people do, we started getting things in order so that the house would look presentable. It involved buying a couple of flowerpots for the front porch, and although it definitely looked much better that it had been, to someone who had never been to visit us, the extent of the transformation would be lost on them. For people who had been to visit us before though, on the day of the barbecue, they commented on the difference, and how good those flowerpots looked. It made me realise that there are times when change happens in us, but it is only evident to those who now us really well.
(more…)

Contributor: David Makanjuola

Membership Matters 5: Discern Together

[Transcript of a midweek message published by Horley Baptist Church on YouTube[1], 03/Sep/2025]

Membership Matters 5: Discern Together – shaping the future as a family.

We’ve come to the final part of our membership series. So far, we’ve looked at growing, serving, and giving. Now, we turn to something distinctly Baptist and deeply powerful, discerning together. Because here, every member matters.
(more…)

Contributor: Martin Shorey

Membership Matters 4: Give Generously

[Transcript of a midweek message published by Horley Baptist Church on YouTube[1], 03/Sep/2025]

Message 4: Give Generously – fuelling the mission through giving.

Welcome back. So far, we’ve talked about growing together and serving together. In this message, we’re exploring another key part of membership, giving generously. Now, let’s be honest, talking about money can feel awkward. But what if generosity isn’t about guilt, but about grace?
(more…)

Contributor: Martin Shorey

Membership Matters 3: Join In

[Transcript of a midweek message published by Horley Baptist Church on YouTube[1], 03/Sep/2025]

Message 3: Join In – serving where you’re gifted.

Welcome to the third part of our series. This one’s all about getting stuck in. See, one of the responsibilities of church membership is to find a way to serve. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul says, “The church is like a body. One body, many parts. The hand doesn’t say to the eye, “I don’t need you.” We’re all needed, and we all have something to contribute.
(more…)

Contributor: Martin Shorey