Mill End Baptist Podcast
By MEBC
At Mill End Baptist, we seek to grow in our relationship with Jesus and one another but we also have the desire to get to know our community better. Mil End has a lot to offer and our latest series is all about hearing more about that!
Below you will find interviews conducted with MEBC's friends and family as well as short teachings designed to help us grow in our relationship with God.
We love to learn from each others' stories and experiences so don't hesitate to get in touch with Manon (manon@millendbaptist.org.uk) to share yours with her.
Mill End Baptist PodcastOct 19, 2021
Tips on good sleep for Toddlers with Emily
In this second episode, Emily shares some tips for good sleep with the parents and carers of toddlers. Emily is a Sleep Coach and Baby Care specialist and has many years of experience working with families. Today, at our Toddlers group, she shared some practical advice with us and talked about what to expect in the different developmental stage babies and Toddlers go through.
You can find more information about Emily's work as well as some great resources on her website: www.sweetdreamssleepcoaching.co.uk
Thank you for sharing any comments, feedback and question with Manon: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk
Tips on good sleep for Babies with Emily
In this special episode, Emily shares some tips for good sleep with the parents of babies. Emily is a Sleep Coach and Baby Care specialist and has many years of experience working with families. Today, at our Toddlers group, she shared some practical advice with us and talked about what to expect in the different developmental stage babies and Toddlers go through.
You can find more information about Emily's work as well as some great resources on her website: www.sweetdreamssleepcoaching.co.uk
Thank you for sharing any comments, feedback and question with Manon: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk
A Chat with our local PCSOs, part 2
In this second episode, Alan Waller and Alyssa Kite tell us more about the criminal trends that they are seeing on the streets of Mill End, they give us great tips on how to deter criminals and they offer advice on what to do if we are feeling suspicious after taking a dodgy phone call or overhearing violent activity next doors.
As promised, here is a link to a page that offers £5 signal blockers to be used on car fobs:
https://owlprotect.uk/defender-signal-blocker-pouch-keyless-car-entry-start.html
A Chat with our local PCSOs, part 1
Join us as we sit down together to get to know Alyssa Kite and Alan Waller and hear about what PCSOs do. In this first part, we hear more about Alyssa and Alan and how they became PCSOs, we start to discover Mill End through their eyes and hear real stories from their jobs. Don't forget to use a comment by using the 'message' button or by emailing Manon on: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk
Pregnancy related Challenges: a Chat with Angela from Alternatives in Watford
For this episode, Manon travelled to Watford to meet Angela, the CEO of a charity called Alternatives. Their mission is to offer life-changing emotional and practical support for anyone facing pregnancy-related challenges.
In this conversation, you will hear more about how Alternatives achieves that mission as well as what challenges the team and young parents have faced through the pandemic. Angela also offers helpful advice on how to support those still facing difficult times.
One thing that Angela highlights is the need for your parents to meet with others who have children of similar ages. Below is a list of groups based in Mill End that make those connections possible:
The Mill End Community Centre has the following classes and groups:
- Toy Library
http://www.millendcc.co.uk/toy-library/
- Baby Sensory
http://www.millendcc.co.uk/baby-sensory/
- Sing and Sign
http://www.millendcc.co.uk/sing-and-sign/
St Peter's Church and Mill End Baptist Church offer the following groups:
- Play and Praise
https://www.theparishofmillendandheronsgatewithwesthyde.org/p/toddlers.html
- Toddlers
https://www.millendbaptist.org.uk/groups/toddlers
If you know of any other group, please email Manon at manon@millendbaptist.org.uk so she can add it to the list.
Finally, here is the link to the Alternatives website:
https://www.alternativeswatford.co.uk/
Ukraine Collection: an interview with Dori
Join us in this episode as Dori shares about her desire to help family and friends in Poland and Ukraine and talks to Manon about the reason behind the collection, where it is going and to whom.
The collection is taking place on Friday the 18th of March 10am-12pm, 3-5pm and Sunday the 20th of March 9.45am-12pm at Mill End Baptist Church, Field Way, Rickmansworth, WD3 7EL.
The items that have been specifically requested are:
1. Tourniquets.
2. Small syringes with needles
3. Bandages
4. Wound spray
5.Aquagel dressings
There is also a need for all hygiene products for women, men and babies:
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, nappies, wet wipes, baby's hygiene products.
Thank you for your help and your support!
A Chat with David Scourfield, Lead Chaplain at Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy 2
I hope that you enjoyed the first conversation with David Scourfield, lead Chaplain at Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy, where we talked about the work of Street Angels and Chaplains in Watford.
I have really enjoyed meeting David and hearing him talk with so much passion about his new role. Another thing that struck me about him was to find out that his passion for chaplaincy predated the start of his new position by quite a few years.
That’s right… David still loves to talk about his previous job as a Town Planning Manager and how his later commitment to Jesus transformed his perception of work and management. He very much started operating as a Chaplain even when he was still managing a team.
It has been really encouraging to hear his story and to glean some of his wisdom about what it looks like to be a Christian in the workplace. So I thought I would ask him a few questions about that on our podcast… Here is our conversation.
Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy's website: https://www.watfordtcc.org/
Mill End Baptist's website: https://www.millendbaptist.org.uk/
Manon's email address: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk
A Chat with David Scourfield, Lead Chaplain at Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy, Part 1
Today, we are venturing all the way to the terrace of the Moon Under Water in Watford to meet David Scourfield, the new Lead Chaplain at Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy (WTCC). This is a great opportunity to ask him more about him and his background, how he came to this position and of course... what chaplaincy is all about!
If you would like to find out more about WTCC, why not have a look at their website: https://www.watfordtcc.org/
A Chat with Robin, Church Worker for the Methodist Church, part 2
A Chat with Robin, Church Worker for the Methodist Church
Today, we are going to hear about Robin who works for the Methodist Church just up the road. Robin and Manon love to chat together, so we had to cut the conversation in half and will bring it to you in two different episodes.
In today’s episode we will discover more about what a Church Worker does, how the pandemic has changed his work and how he is involved with our local Foodbank. Enjoy!
Stay Home, Save Lives: Tomb or Burgeoning Life?
We also explore why some who may have seen the most incredible answers to prayer decide that Jesus is not for them after all.
But above all, we celebrate the hope that Jesus' life and resurrection bring!
Stay Home, Save Lives: Expect the Unexpected
Join me, Manon, in this new series as I dive into Bible stories that tell of people of God who have found themselves locked in or trapped. We will discuss how they made God known around them in those difficult places and what we can learn from their examples.
This episode will focus on the well-known story of Joseph and his time in the Egyptian prison.
Jesus’s Miracles: A Peculiar Miracle
Jesus’ miracles: When a little goes a long way
Jesus’ miracles: the resurrection
Jesus' Miracles: from shame to contagious dignity
For any prayer request or to share your own miracle stories, write to Manon directly: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk or leave a voice message on the Anchor App.
Slimming Challenge and Marriage Tips: An interview with Brenda
Join Brenda and Manon as they chat on the patio about getting back in a wedding dress after fifty years as well as tips on how to stay married to celebrate a golden anniversary!
Here is the email address to write to should you wish to support Brenda (and the Mill End Baptist Church Toilet Project). Our lovely Secretary, Kerry will then be in touch:
mebchurch@millendbaptist.org.uk
and our website:
https://www.millendbaptist.org.uk/home_1
As promised, here are links to helpful websites that address issues such as divorce and eating disorders:
https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/family-life/marriage-support/facing-challenges
https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org/publisher/search.aspx?searchString=eating%20disorder
Do contact Manon with any question or comment by emailing her directly: manon@millendbaptist.org.uk
Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting
Can you believe that this is the last episode of our series?
Join us for one last exploration of the spiritual disciplines. Amy reflects on Jesus' practice of fasting and what it might look like for us to do the same today, and Megan shares an inspiring story from her own experience.
We hope that you have found your relationship with God deepen as you have listened to the Mill End Baptist Podcast. May you continue to go and enjoy the very one who delights in you!
Please do send your comments, feedback and stories to Manon at manon@millendbaptist.org.uk.
For further resources on fasting:
- A short video answering the question: 'Why to Christians fast?,' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTJb4DsFPQg
- A brilliant (!) podcast episode looking into biblical examples of fasting and feasting and what they mean, https://bibleproject.com/podcast/practicing-faith-part-2-feasting-fasting/
- As always... Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, which has a full chapter dedicated to the theme of fasting.
Spiritual discipline: Submission
Daughterhood: An interview with Lindsay
Spiritual Disciplines: Celebration
Spiritual Disciplines: Worship
Spiritual Disciplines: Service
Meet the Findlows: an interview with our new Pastor
You will certainly have seen our new Pastor on one of our YouTube streaming services and might even have received a call from him over the last few weeks. We have been delighted to welcome James, Megan, Judah and Priscilla into our MEBC family! However, it is tricky to get to know people under lockdown...
In this special episode, you will find out a little bit more about James and his family. You'll hear about all sorts of topics including their move to Rickmansworth, Priscilla's super skills as a goalie, James and Megan's time in Russia as well as James' impressions of MEBC and its people.
Grab a cuppa, find a comfy spot and join James and Manon as they chat together.
Spiritual Disciplines: Simplicity
Join me, Manon, as I explore the discipline of Simplicity. We’ll talk about the challenges that we face in our materialistic society as well as look into Jesus’ teachings and hear some practical ideas from Richard Foster and John Mark Comer.
Recommended reading:
John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The path to spiritual growth.
Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding how God changes lives.
Spiritual Disciplines: Solitude
Join me, Amy, as I explore the Spiritual discipline of Solitude & Silence. Together we'll be digging into what Solitude has to offer to our spiritual and mental wellbeing, and trying to overcome the fears that hold us back from embracing it. Within this podcast I mention quotes from Richard Foster's: 'Celebration of Discipline', and Martin Saunders 'The Beautiful Disciplines'. Though I don't mention it in the podcast, I would also add Thomas Merton's 'Thoughts on Solitude' to any recommended reading on this subject.
Spiritual Disciplines: Exercise
Manon has made it her mission to build a case for exercise to be included in the conventional list of spiritual disciplines. Some of the questions asked are: Does exercise help us deepen our relationship with God? How does knowing that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit influence the way we see our physical body? Come and join the conversation and do leave a message!
Links and references:
Find Tana Gabriel's story and more posts form her on: https://faithandfitness.net/author/tana-gabriel/
Here is the full list called '18 Reasons to Exercise': https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201205/18-reasons-exercise
A meditation on Acts 16
Find a comfy seat and let us take you on a practical meditation of Acts 16. We will encourage you to immerse yourself in the story and actively listen to what God wants to impress on your heart.
This mediation was created by Bill Gaultiere for Soul Shepherding. Find the full script on https://www.soulshepherding.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Paul-Discerns-the-Spirits-Leading.pdf or go to https://www.soulshepherding.org/ignatian-meditation-guides/ for more ignatian mediations.
Spiritual Disciplines: Meditation
Join Amy and Manon as they discuss the discipline of meditation by asking what christian mediation is, how it is different from meditation found in different religions and what it looks like.
A couple of practical links:
If you'd like to explore new ways of meditating, why not try ignatian mediattions: https://www.soulshepherding.org/ignatian-meditation-guides/ (listen to the next episode for a taster). Ladies, you might also enjoy trying breath prayers. It's a form of meditation using Bible passages. Find out more and get a few freebies here: https://littlehousestudio.net/blog/2020/5/21/breath-prayers-for-anxiety-free-mental-health-printables
Over to you 2
Spiritual Disciplines: Study
Following on from our exploration of prayer, today's episode will be looking into the spiritual discipline of Study. The testimony that I, Amy, shared was found on Premiere Christianity: https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2018/September-2018/I-was-locked-up-after-the-London-Riots.-But-I-read-the-Bible-in-prison-and-everything-changed I also mentioned these books: 'Celebration of Discipline' by Richard Foster / 'Hinds feet on High Places' by Hannah Hurnard / 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by CS Lewis.
Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer (Part 2)
In this sequel, Amy and Manon continue their conversation by sharing the practices and tips that we personally have found helpful in deepening our own prayer lives. We look forward to hearing about your stories and thoughts on prayer. Do send messages, stories and poems to manon@millendbaptist.org.uk or by leaving a message on the Anchor page. Note: I have encouraged the practice of the gifts of praying in tongues in this episode. I do not believe that all believers have/should have that gift but would love to see those who have it grow in it. It this is a gift that puzzles you, I recommend this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzipsG3-S6A Helpful links and books: - Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, Wilder Publications, 2008. or: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQS9mbXJ5UU - Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives, HarperCollins, 1991, p.185-186. - Jackie Pullinger, Chasing the Dragon, Hodder & Stoughton, 2010. - Celtic Daily Prayer book https://shop.northumbriacommunity.org/product/celtic-daily-prayer-book-1-the-journey-begins/
Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer (Part 1)
Following on last week's episode we are now exploring the discipline of prayer. Joining Manon this week is a special guest sharing nuggets of wisdom and discussing prayers of thanksgiving, lament and petition. This is the first of two episodes that will be released this week. Look out for the second part that will be published at the beginning of the weekend.
Helpful Books and Links:
- Here is a link to the full story behind George Mueller's miraculous breakfast provision: https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/george-mueller-orphanages-built-by-prayer-11634869.html
- Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Zondervan, 2011.
- https://www.millendbaptist.org.uk/sermons
If you'd like to read more about how prayer works and what it means:
Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, Hodder & Stoughton, 2016.
Spiritual Disciplines: Slowing Down
In this episode we explore the danger of hurry and look into how Jesus' lifestyle teaches us to carve out time for God and live in the moment.
This episode was largely inspired by John Mark Comer's excellent book entitled The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world, Hodder & Stoughton, 2019. The quote about attention spam is found on p.39 of his book and itself refers to Kevin McSpadden's article: "You Now Have a Shorter Attention Span Than a Goldfish," Time, May 14, 2015, http://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish.
James Bryan Smith's book called The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in love with the God Jesus knows, Hodder & Stoughton, 2010 is also mentioned twice (p.171-3, 181) and and well worth a read.
Generosity: over to you!
Spiritual Disciplines: Generosity
In this first episode, we explore the discipline of generosity.