Keep your eyes on the finish line

October 9th, 2026

Dear church family

Few things compare to the feeling of crossing a finish line and this Sunday, Ashford will be filled with runners taking part in the Givaudan 10K — and I'll be one of them!

There's something about those final few hundred metres. Your legs are tired, you've probably questioned several times why you signed up in the first place, but then you see the finish line and you know you're nearly there.

And when you finally cross it, there's that amazing mixture of joy, relief and satisfaction. All the training, tired legs and hard work have been worth it. And then you get your medal — a little reminder that you made it to the end.

This got me thinking about our journey of faith.

There will be seasons when the road feels long. There will be times when we are tired, when we struggle, when we wonder how much further we have to go. But Scripture reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus and keep running the race set before us.

Paul writes:
"I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14

Our prize isn't a medal around our neck. Our prize is Jesus. The hope of one day crossing that final finish line and being with Him forever.

And what a day that will be.

Imagine the joy of finally seeing Jesus face to face. Imagine the relief of knowing the race is finished, the struggles are over and we have made it home. Every sacrifice, every prayer, every difficult season, every time we chose to keep going — it will all have been worth it.

So whatever season you're in right now, keep going.

The race is worth it.
The finish line is coming.
And the prize is Jesus.

Kelly

SUNDAY SERVICES
Join us in person this Sunday in Ashford or Brabourne

Ashford 4pm - Love your neighbour: Infectious Love - Emily Aherne
Brabourne 10:30am - Friendship: Chosen Love - Paula Chegwin
Finberry - No service (Moved to New Wells Ashford 4pm)

You can also join us online from New Wells Ashford at 4pm: https://youtu.be/MTLepl06RfI

THIS SUNDAY - TIMES & LOCATIONS
Sunday 11th October | New Wells Ashford
Hype Station - Meet at 9am at New Wells Ashford.
We love supporting the runners as they pass by the church! Let's gather ready to support at 9am before Hythe Road closes temporarily.

Baptism Service - Moved to 4pm at New Wells Ashford.
The morning service has moved to 4pm - we would love to see you there!

No Finberry Service - Moved to 4pm at New Wells Ashford.
Please join us over at New Wells Ashford for our Baptism Service

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

HOLIDAY CLUB - OCTOBER HALF TERM
Our holiday clubs are packed with fun and completely free for children aged 4–11, running across our sites in Ashford & Brabourne! Sign up begins on Sunday 11th Oct. If you would like to volunteer to help please email matt.wardley@newwells.church

PRAYER WORKS
Book an appointment via our website: https://newwells.church/prayerworks
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!).

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
Sunday 25th Oct | New Wells Ashford
We are pleased to have David with us to interpret our Sunday Service