“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3

Just Wait!!! .......Continuation

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Our response to this reality should be to turn to the Lord in faith and wait upon him. We are needy creatures. We should not try to fix things on our own, but come to terms with our dependence upon our good and sovereign God Lord and trust him to help us.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 B) SEEKING SPIRITUAL STRENGTH FROM THE LORD Our helplessness becomes especially obvious during times of calamity. In God alone do we find the strength to tread life’s troubled waters.  In the Psalms we find a repository of prayers to God, many of them ask God for help. For example, consider these passages and notice the relationship between waiting on God and finding strength in God: Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 We do not suffer from a lack of anything we don’t truly need right now only because we have Christ as our Good Shepherd. Even when the supermarket runs out of our household essentials and the hospitals run out of beds or supplies, we can rest secure in Christ for our most essential need a right relationship with our Creator. Let us seek him for spiritual strength. 

Here we see the importance that a proper view of God plays in our practical lives. We need to acknowledge God as he is as the Scriptures speak of him and as our Confession summarizes in chapter 2. For God is most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him…” let us just trust in a God like this? Additionally, Jesus instructs us to avoid worrying about our lives because we have a heavenly Father who takes care of us Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25-27 C) CONTINUING TO LEARN AND OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS One way we can fight fear and worry is by immersing ourselves in God’s Word. This was the psalmists undertaking in Psalm 119; he found peace and comfort in what some might consider a curious place the law of God. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. ...Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. Psalm 119:52, 54-55

It’s good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word, I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6

As we wait upon the Lord, we are to grow in knowledge of him and his commands for us. And we are to be diligent to seek him and apply his law to our lives. And why? So that we might stay close to God our Father and avoid drifting into error or patterns of disobedience.

Quiet patience is an important part of waiting, for it should drive us to hope in God.

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. ...You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14, 17-18

Refraining from needless fear and worry Fear can be a helpful response to dangerous situations. But it can also be something that overwhelms us and takes our eyes off of Christ. No matter our situation, however, Scripture shows us that a part of waiting upon God involves avoiding being controlled by fear and worry. The remedy to our fears is God himself. 

Rev Samson Kinyanjui 0724 468 728 [email protected] Rev Henry Kinyua 0725 236 286 Rev Annastasia 0723 368 348

Church Support Staff Bro Robert Kariuki 0712 203 907 Frederica Wanjiru 0714 774 542 Ruth wanjeri 0724 280 016

Wait on the Lord

Office Peter Wainaina 0727 509 455 ackstmathewsjuja@ gmail.com

A place of Worship, Fellowship, Evangelism, Growth and Service

ORDER OF SERVICE 7:00AM– 8:30AM - KISWAHILI SERVICE

8:45AM– 12:30AM - COMBINED SERVICE

Elders: C. Jack, D. Wanyoike, J. Marigi, M. Kiragu

Elders: C. Jack, D. Wanyoike, J. Marigi, M. Kiragu

Ushers: A. Kariuki, Mercy Irungu, Mary Kiarie, Sunday School

Ushers: A. Kariuki, Mercy Irungu, Mary Kiarie, Sunday School

Lay Reader on Duty : L/R. Jemimah

Lay Reader on Duty : L/R. Jemimah

IBADA YA KISWAHILI

COMBINED SERVICE

Kiongozi: Emmanuel

Leader : Debora Njoki

• Sifa

• Praise & Worship • Opening Prayers

• Ibada • Somo La Kwanza: Zaburi 16:1-11 • Somo la Pili: Yohana 10:7-10 • Imani ya Mitume • Litania

• Praying for children • Liturgy • First Reading: Psalms 16:1-11 • Second Reading: John 10:7-10 • Apostles Creed

• Sala la siku

• Lord’s prayer

• Uombezi:

• Collect of the day

• Kuwakaribisha wageni na matangazo

• Intercessory or Litany

• Vikundi • Wimbo wa mahubiri: Neno lako Bwana • Muhubiri: FAITH JACK • Sadaka/Fungu la kumi na shukrani: Panda asubuhi mbegu ya fadhili • Baraka:

• Welcome & Notices. • Presentations • Sermon Hymn: Lord thy word abideth • Sermon: ELITON • Offertory/Tithes/Thanksgiving: Sowing in the Morning • Benediction/ Final prayer:

• Wimbo wa mwisho: Ndiyo dhamana

• Recessional Hymn: Blessed Assuarance

SALA YA SIKU

COLLECT OF THE DAY

JUMAPILI YA MITENDE

PALM SUNDAY

Hosanna mwana wa Daudi, Hosanna Mfalme wa Wafalme ambaye kwa ajili yetu na wokovu wetu alikubali kusalitiwa na mwenye dhambi, na kwa hiari alijitoa mwenyewe kuwa mkate wa uzima. Utujalie kwamba tukufuate kwa ukweli na mioyo mieupe na kwa kujitolea kama ulivyotufundisha. Amin

Hosanna to the son of David! Hosanna to the King of Kings! Who for our sake and our salvation was content to be betrayed by sinners, willingly offering himself as the living bread. Grant that we shall follow you truly, sincerely and selflessly as you taught us. Amen

NOTES

YOUTH: Worship Attendance on Sunday 26th March 2023 St. Matthew’s

Bethlehem

Men Ladies Children Teens Youth

140 287 260 36 101

Men Ladies Children Teens Youth

36 77 70 24 16

TOTAL

824

TOTAL

223

WEEKLY EVENTS Sunday

9:00 -10:30 am - Sunday School Service 7:00 - 8:30 am - Kiswahili Service 8:45 - 11:15 am - English Service 9:30 - 11:45 am - Youth Service 11:30 - 1:00 pm - Kikuyu Service 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Daily

6:00 - 7:00 am

Wednesday

- T.O.G & Youth Meetings - Intercessory

8:00 - 5:00 pm

- Vicars Office Day

5:30 - 7:00 pm

- Bible Teachings

Thursday

5:00 - 6:30 pm

- Ladies Fellowship

Services on Sunday 9th April 2023 One service: Easter H/C Vicar YOUTH: TEENS:

David Wanyoike

Lay Reader On Duty: L/R. D. Kanyi

Ministry on Sunday 9th April 2023 Elders Ushers S. Mwaniki

C. Nyanjui

A. Wanjii

Z. Wangari

J. Kihumbu

S. Ngigi

C. Muhungi

H. Thuku

Bible Readings on Sunday 9th April 2023 All Services: (Easter Day) - Pastoral

NOTICES FROM THE VICAR’S DESK • We shall have Maundy Thursday service here in church from 5:30 p.m. and Good Friday service from 9a.m. • We are humbly requested to make donations towards the to hunger stricken areas within our diocese. For any enquiry kindly liaise with our Vicar. • CITC (Christian International Training College), Thika Diocese - MAKONGENI, is offering TVET courses and intakes are ongoing. For any related enquiries, kindly contact the Vicar Rev. Samson. • We have ongoing discipleship sessions running every Sunday from 8 a.m to 9 a.m. • Confirmation classes are ongoing every Sunday after the English service. For any enquiry, kindly liaise with Rev. Annastashia through: 0723 368 348 • We will have mass baptism on 23rd April, 2023. Classes will be done on 9th April and 16th April. Those interested to register on next Sunday 2nd April, 2023 with the Vicar.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

• We are starting a children’s choir and thus request you to register the children interested between 7 years and 15 years. Practice will take place every Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at church. Kindly allow your children to serve with their voices in the children’s choir. Cell Group

2023 Plot Acquisition

MOTHERS’ UNION DESK GROUPS 1. Hannah 2. Martha 3. Mary 4. Sarah 5. Loise 6. Rachel



OTHER GROUPS 1. Cleaning 2. Nursing 3. Refreshments 4. Mentorship 5. Noble ladies

7. Deborah 8. Abigael 9. Lydia 10. Esther 11. Naomi 12. Ruth 6. Hospitality 7. Flowers 8. Water 9. Bible study 10. Toiletries

• M.U Dev. Till Number - 7263037 • Juja West Deanery enrolled Mother’s Union convention will be held on Saturday; 22nd April, 2023 at Kimuchu church, Gatundu Parish at 9a.m • All ladies are requested to be attending Thursday weekly fellowship from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. • All ladies are requested to participate in all group activities. In case you’re not in any of the M.U group, kindly visit the M.U desk after the service.

KAMA DEPARTMENT DESK • On 29/04/2023, we shall have St. Matthew’s mens’ tour to Longonot. Charges are Kes. 2,500/= per person. Kindly register with our Secretary for logistic planning. • On 21/05/2023, we shall have sports day fund raising towards our supporting our football team club; (ACK Christian Warriors FC) • For men interested to be enrolled in KAMA, note that registration is in ongoing. Kindly liaise with KAMA chairperson or the Secretary. • Monthly contribution is 500 through Paybill no. 247247 A/c 1520280392143 • Football practices are ongoing from Tuesday to Saturday, 4 p.m at Premier bag.

YOUTH DESK

• Juja West and East Deanery enrolled KAYO sector forum will be held on 13/04/2023 at Witeithie at 9:00 a.m. • All youths are welcomed to our youth service in our youth church upstairs every Sunday.

• Registration for all ladies is ongoing at Kes. 150. All ladies to register through M.U cell representatives.

CHURCH CHOIR

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

• Choir fellowship and prayers are held every first Friday of the month here in our church.

• Praise team has prayer and fellowship every Wed at 17:30 • Saturday 3pm - Practice • Sunday at 12.30 pm - Meeting. Total Contribution

Balance

• The Choir meets every Tuesday from 6.00pm and every Sunday morning before and after the 2nd service.

CELL GROUPS

• Galilee fellowship and soko will be held on Sunday; (9th April, 2023) at Charity Macharia’s residence at 3p.m.

HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENT

Bethsaida

2.5M

236,500

2,263,500

Ephesus

3.1M

623,550

2,476,450

• Visitors to meet in the class next to the gate after the service.

Jerusalem

2.75M

502,200

2,247,800

INTERCESSORY TEAM

Philippi

3.45M

407,500

3,042,500

Judah

2.5M

168,300

2,331,700

Galilee

3.4M

658,400

2,741,600

Antioch

2.5M

411,100

2,088,900

• We have Bible teachings every Wednesday’s from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are Welcome

Bethany

1.9M

98,100

1,801,900

PAMELA & KWESISI

Academy

2.2M

500,000

1,700,000

209,320

490,680

Church

700,000

Others

259,920

Total 2022 Allocation Balance

25M Bethany Church

4,275,810

20,724,190

225,333

74,667

0

110,000

We have • Devotional prayers here in church daily from 6:00 a.m - 7: 00 a.m. You’re all welcome.

• Invite you to a Tea Party / Pre Wedding on 09/04/2023, In preparation for their wedding on 22/04/2023. To Support kindly send your contribution to PAY BILL 8049581 A/C NO:  YOUR NAME. The committee meetings are held after the English service in Class PP2 EAST.