Holy and just but also rich in mercy

October 2nd, 2026

Dear church family

It's funny sometimes isn't it what stands out to you when reading Scripture. Sometimes I find the oddest parts grab my attention and I don't always know why but I will try and highlight the verse or passage and go back to it to think on it some more. I have been reading through Isaiah and this verse stood out to me says, 'It was for me the day of vengeance, the year for me to redeem has come.' (Isaiah 63:4).

At first, it is not a comfortable verse. Vengeance is a strong word, and not one we tend to enjoy dwelling on. But what struck me was the contrast between the day of vengeance verses the year of redemption. God does not ignore sin, injustice or suffering. But His great purpose is not destruction – it is redemption! It reminded me of how in Exodus, God talks about the consequences of sin being a few generations but God's mercy and blessings extending to thousands of generations. Again and again, we see that God is holy and just but also rich in mercy. The story of Scripture is a God who longs to rescue, restore and bring His people home.

Perhaps this is a word we need to hear when life feels heavy and possibly even unfair. We know that the world is broken and full of sin and evil. We know our own hearts are not always as they should be either. But Scripture points us to a God whose mercy is greater than our failure and whose purposes are stronger than all that is wrong.

On the cross Jesus defeated sin and death and made redemption possible. When we believe in Jesus, we are promised an eternity with our Father and Saviour where there is no more pain or suffering but an eternity in His perfect presence. In this life Scripture says we are here today and gone tomorrow, but in Christ we are redeemed and held by a salvation that lasts literally forever.

So, this week, may we remember that God's redeeming work is greater than all that grieves us. The day of vengeance is not the final word. The year of redemption has come.

Lots of love
Katie

SUNDAY SERVICES | 10:30AM
Join us in person this Sunday in Ashford, Brabourne or Finberry

Ashford - God and love | Friendship: Chosen Love - Matt Wardley
Brabourne - Harvest Service (BSL Interpreted Service) - Jerry Newson
Finberry - God and love - Beth Corbett

You can also join us online from New Wells Ashford: https://youtu.be/OXVqTpgPYrQ

POWER HOUR - THIS WEEK
Thursday 8th October | 8-9pm | New Wells Ashford
Prayer is important <3 Join us as we pray & worship together as one church family

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MARRIAGE COURSE - STARTS NEXT WEEK
Starting Wednesday 7th Oct
We are a family here at New Wells and we want to equip and invest in all stages of life. As part of investing in various life stages, in October we are running a marriage course which is for those who would like to strengthen and invest in their marriage. It is a 7 week course that has fantastic content, well worth joining us! If you are interested please email Anne at anne.casse@newwells.church

GIVAUDAN 10K - HYPE STATION - NEXT WEEK
Sunday 11th October | 9:30am | New Wells Ashford
We love supporting the runners as they pass by the church! Let's gather ready to support at 9:30am. (Hythe Road closes temporarily for the race). Note: Sunday morning service has moved to 4pm - we would love to see you there, especially as it is a baptism service!

EQUIP KENT - STARTS NEXT WEEK
Starting Saturday 10th October | New Wells Ashford
We are excited to let you know that Equip Kent will be starting in October. Equip Kent is a foundation course in Christian leadership, designed for anyone who wants to grow in their theological knowledge, biblical studies, mission, leadership and ministry practice so they can be better equipped to serve Jesus and His church. More info here: https://newwells.church/equipkent

LADIES BREAKFAST
Saturday 17th October (8.30 for 9am start) | New Wells Brabourne
Join us this month for a lovely cooked breakfast and listen to our guest speaker Lynn Edwards talking on 'Bridging the Gap'. £8 per person (Includes a donation for 'Community Action Romania' who support the neediest people in the north and west of Romania). Please make us aware of any special dietary requirements in advance. To book your place or if you have any questions please email Val: val_geoff@btopenworld.com

Thanksgiving Service for the life of Christine Ann Short
A Thanksgiving Service for the life of Christine will be held on:
Monday 5 October at 1:30pm New Wells, Ashford
There will be an opportunity during the service for anyone to share a memory or tribute to Christine. Donations to Alzheimer's Society in memory of Christine will be welcome.

EXPLORING BAPTISM
If you are considering baptism or would like to find out more about what this entails, we have an online three week course running. For more information email: Katie.Moyles@newwells.church
Course Dates: Sunday 4th October 7:30pm | Tuesday 6th October 7:30pm

PRAYER WORKS
Bookings now open
Are there times when you just need someone to pray with or for you, but aren't seeing anyone to ask or are not able to get to church? We are offering personal confidential face to face and occasional online prayer appointments with members of our prayer team called Prayer Works (because it does!).
Book an appointment here for 6th October: https://newwells.churchsuite.com/events/fnhztrnr

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HARVEST SERVICE
Sunday 4th Oct | 10:30am | New Wells Brabourne
We welcome non-perishable food items for distribution to our local community. Contributions welcome at the church on: Wed 30th Sept (10am-12noon) or Sat 3rd Oct (2-3pm) or bring along on the day! Thank you

ASHFORD INVICTA SINGERS IN CONCERT
Saturday 24th Oct | 7pm | New Wells Ashford
Supporting the work of Ashford Street Pastors. Tickets: £10.00 including refreshments

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED SERVICES
We are pleased to have David with us for the following Sunday services:
Brabourne - 4th Oct | Ashford - 25th Oct