A new start - a new beginning

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New beginnings do not just happen at the beginning of a new year. They can occur with a romantic breakup, a move to a new city, a new job, a new child, or another life event.

Let me ask you to consider - What new beginning am I experiencing now? How am I feeling at this point? … I sit for a while with that feeling.

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

The stories in scripture show time and time again that God offers people a new beginning, another chance for great things. God frees the oppressed, Jesus heals and restores, and the Holy Spirit imbues new life.

SELF AWARE

When we’re in a new situation, at the beginning of a new year, or in a new state of mind, it’s natural to make resolutions. But are we staying true to ourselves or trying to be someone different in those resolutions?

When Jesus offers someone a new beginning, he’s simply calling them to be themselves, their best selves. Can I claim my selfhood, my own identity, loved and given by God?

HOPES AND ATTACHMENTS

Sometimes new beginnings are chances to take a look at the things we’re holding onto. Saint Ignatius speaks of so-called “disordered attachments”, things we’re attached to that are not helpful to growing closer to God and our True Self.

We need to get rid of those things. Are there any things that I can get rid of at this point in my life, things unhelpful to my journey? What do I need to let go of?

At this new beginning, what are my hopes?

FRIENDSHIPS

Friendships can be a very important part of new beginnings. They may help us in our transition, or they may help encourage us to awaken dreams. Who are my friends who can help me in my journey forward?

It’s also important to consider our friendship with God, who meets us wherever we are. When we look back on a past year, relationship, or situation, we may feel nostalgic to return to that place. But the graces of those times and the past memories can come with us. And God, most importantly, is never left behind. God moves with us from the present moment into the future, into new and hopeful beginnings.

The verse from Isaiah says that God will do something “brand-new”.

What brand new thing is God doing for me now?

Let us start our new beginning with a prayer attributed to St Teresa of Avila and St Thérèse of Lisieux:

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

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Dave Food, 29/01/2023

Hello and welcome to Runnymede Christian Fellowship. If you are a new website visitor, then learn more about us, and about planning a visit.

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Planning your Visit

Welcome to Runnymede Christian Fellowship, an Egham Church

Runnymede Christian Fellowship is a church that, although based physically in Egham, serves a much larger geographical location. We have members who come from Egham, Virginia Water, Staines, Windsor, Englefield Green, Egham Hythe, Pooley Green, Heathrow, Thorpe and beyond.

Our church is a community of believers who regularly meet together to share life and show God's love. We do this by encouraging and serving each other and the community. We are a church that believes in the power of prayer, and we are always happy to pray for you.

Church - What to expect

Our Sunday service is available to stream online at 11:00 a.m. You can join us on Livestream or via Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or Twitter.

The church at Virginia Lodge in Egham is open, so if you would like to join us, please feel free to do so. If you have any questions, please call us on 01784 637010.

We run a physical Sunday School most weeks, or if you would like your children to receive a weekly Sunday School teaching pack that you can do from home, please email us at admin@e-runnymede.co.uk so that we can send you the materials.

Church on Sunday at Virginia Lodge

Our Sunday service starts at 11:00 a.m. and typically lasts about 90 minutes.

We start each service with lively worship with songs from around the world, followed by inspired Bible-based teaching. All our sermons are recorded and are available as a podcast after the service.

We have a monthly cycle of Sunday services, with our Communion Service being on the first Sunday of each month and an All-Age All-Nation Service on the second Sunday of each month. Our other Sunday services include Spirit-focused and teaching services.

We have consciously adopted being a blended church that is both for those online and face-to-face. You are welcome to join us on Livestream or via Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, or X (Twitter), or you can catch up and watch the recordings later.

Joining us in person

Visiting a new and unfamiliar church for the first time can be intimidating, but we want to ensure you feel welcome and enjoy your time with us. A friendly face will be waiting to meet you at the entrance and welcome you.

Doors are open from 10:30 a.m. Our Sunday Service starts at 11:00 am and typically runs for about 90 minutes, sometimes followed by tea and coffee.

Driving and Car Parking

Our address is Waspe Farm Car Park, England TW20 9LF. Click on the link for directions to RCF.

We have plenty of parking spaces right outside the building. Spaces are reserved near the entrance for anyone with mobility problems (for those with a blue badge). Please let us know if you need to use one of these spaces, have any special needs, or require any assistance.

The car parking area is a public area, so please ensure that your children are under your control and that, for their safety, they do not run around in the car park.

Visiting with children?

Everyone is welcome at RCF. We encourage everyone, young and old, to join the service. We have Sunday School, which starts after worship and runs during the sermon for 30 to 40 minutes for children aged 5 to 13. On the second Sunday of each month, we have a shorter All-Aged All Nations Service, where the children stay for the worship and the sermon.

After Church

We chat over coffee and cake after church on the second and fourth Sundays. If you want to get more acquainted, why not join us for a Sunday lunch with some of our members? The meal is on us! Please contact us and let us know. We would love to share a meal and get to know you better!

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Any Questions?

If you have any questions, please review our FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to many common questions. If you still have questions or concerns, please contact us; we’d love to hear from you.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO RCF!!

To contact us or see a map, click here.