Derek Mill writes July 2025
Obviously, I’m not Rosie Bunn, who is now retired as Rector of All Saints’ Church in Belton. I am not a vicar or rector or priest, but I am a member of the Parochial Church Council and Ministry Team. As such I have been invited to write on behalf of the church. Some of you will know my wife Jane who for many years taught piano in the village and was involved in children’s work in the church running Junior Church, ‘Discovery’ and helping to organise a number of 'Holiday Clubs'
I have lived in Belton since 1980, first in Amhurst Gardens and now in Paddock Close. My three children attended Waveney First and Breydon Middle schools. For a while I was a school Governor at Moorlands. I have attended the local church since 1986 and have been worship leader at All Saints’ for many years. I may have played the organ or piano for a wedding, baptism, or funeral that you have attended at Belton or Burgh Castle, or for Remembrance Day or various Christmas Celebrations or any Sunday service. You may also have seen me on my regular walk around the outskirts of Belton
Why do I go to church? Why do I talk about Jesus to people I meet? The Bible tells me that people in the church are all priests - 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
The Bible tells me that every Christian has an obligation to introduce people to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation"
As a disciple of Jesus I am called to go and make disciples. - Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
As a disciple of Jesus I am commanded to preach the Gospel on every occasion I can
2 Timothy 4:2 NIV
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction"
This command has been handed down through generations and continues to be handed on to each new generation of Christians - Mark 16:15 NIV
Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”
All this makes sense to me, but may not make sense to all people. The crux of the matter as to why I am a Christian is this: Jesus is my mate; he is my best mate. In him I have found a friend who never lets me down, who is always there for me
In Him I have found not only a purpose for my life but also healing and forgiveness for the many wrong things I have done; and I don’t mean in my dim and distant past, I mean even yesterday and today
Knowing I wake up every morning with a clean slate helps me to face each day knowing I am starting again afresh. I know I have done some really stupid things, but Jesus says, “I forgive you. But don’t do it again!”
So, if you happen to see me, or anyone who is a church member, stop us and have a chat. Jesus is not threatening, He just wants to be your mate too
courtesy of Village Voice
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