We reveal our new theme text for the year in our Sunday morning service 11th January 2026. The reveal was delayed a week from our previous pattern to allow us time to reset after Christmas.
The text is from Matthews Gospel, chapter 11 verses 28 – 30: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’
If you’d like to reflect on the depth of meaning and application of this passage you can watch our service on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/1XYgWGnvXwE?si=OOo3jEh8173R9RP_. Our associate pastor Phil Bailey will preach on the text.
Each year we print postcards with the verse on and a brief introduction to the verse. 200+ words will not of course reveal the richness of this text but we believe it will give you something to reflect on and be an encouragement to you.
“What would stop you coming to Jesus? Doubt that he is or was real? Let’s assume for a moment that he is.* What else would stop you coming to him? Maybe you doubt his relevance to your life. Have you tried reading the Bible for yourself, to see what he said? If not, perhaps you fear that he’s just like other authority figures you know, who judge you, take advantage of you or demand more than you can give. If so, try reading his words on the front of this postcard again.
Does he expect a squeaky-clean life, an impressive CV or the ability to give loads of time and money to church? No. He’s far more interested in what he can offer you: rest from the burdens that weigh on your soul; the deep relief of knowing you’ll be welcomed and loved as you are, because he humbled himself to death on a cross for your sake. Of course, he doesn’t intend to leave us as we are; he’ll transform our lives for the better. But he promises to lead us through change as a gentle and humble teacher with the
utmost patience, one step at a time. And as we learn to follow his teaching and example,
we find that his ways are our highest good.
Will you come to Jesus and find rest in his love and his purposes for your life?
* That’s something you could explore more by doing an Alpha Course at Freshbrook
Church, or in conversation at a Sunday service.”
