Life@Kings December 2025

"It is because of his mercy that he is refining and purifying us to be more like Jesus - the very purpose for which we were predestined, called and chosen"  

Natalie Williams ('Tis Mercy All, page 70)

Winter Morning Sky (Photo: Samantha Aumonier)

If you have any questions or want to find out more about anything in this newsletter, please get in touch at: admin@kingscc.org

The Great and the Good at Christmas By Roger Bye 

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

'Good' and 'great' are words easily overused and so lose their value.  But then we read this angel’s announcement, and we discover their true value! What a definition of the Saviour born in Bethlehem. Good news of great joy .. Everything about the birth of Jesus is good news . He is the answer to all that is bad. Sins are forgiven. In Him, we are now righteous.. We are no longer condemned but seated with Him in heavenly places. His birth was and continues to be pure and simple good news . Good news of great joy. In these challenging times we and others need to hear that Jesus brings great joy. Joy described by Peter as inexpressible! What a Saviour . Let’s rejoice in Him this Christmas time and pray that many others will come to know this good news. 

Living By Faith By Ron Salmon

Sunday’s sermon (23rd November), based on Hebrews Chapter 10, was brought to us by Jon Cook from Kings Church Penrith. It focused on what it truly means to live by faith – and the risks that come with it. Jon reminded us that in today’s post-Christian culture, sharing our faith can feel risky. But the greater risk, he said, is not in stepping out in faith, but in failing to be faithful. We are called to walk the narrow road Christ sets before us, trusting God as we go.

Jon highlighted three themes: Confidence, Endurance and Reward. Faith is not blind optimism, but a deep confidence in the promises of God. Endurance is the space between God’s promise and its fulfilment – a time that calls for perseverance, courage, and a willingness to live differently from a world that often prioritises material success. And the ultimate reward is the greatest gift of all: our sins forgiven and a place prepared for us in Heaven.

Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Most of us long to share the good news with our neighbours, yet it can feel daunting. We worry about reactions, misunderstandings, or simply not knowing what to say. But the Gospel is too good to keep to ourselves.

So next time I face the opportunity to share the reason for my hope – with neighbours, friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers – I will pray for the courage to take that small step of faith. I hope you will join me in doing the same, trusting that God goes with us and works through even our smallest acts of obedience.

Christmas Lunches

Linking Lives are providing a Christmas Day lunch. If there's anybody who lives alone or knows someone who does and who would like a fabulous Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, please contact Sue Gorman - 07957 515140 or email cockermouth@linkinglives.uk

Eco-Church at King's Church and in our Community - Will Sellar

Here are some eco-tips for this month! 

• Make a list of jobs to do in town and do them all in one trip to save fuel and time

• Use a renewable energy company such as Ecotricity, 100 Green, Good Energy or Octopus

• Have a sort out, donate to and shop in charity shops

• Make your own festive gifts, treats or decorations, reusing glass jars and making room in your kitchen cupboards

• Reduce food waste by planning meals (you may buy less!), eating leftovers and composting what cannot be used

• Buy your Christmas tree in a pot, keep it watered, and plant it out for next year

• Avoid buying single-use plastic products and plastic toys

More tips to follow next month. 

Equipping the Church: Pastoral Ministry (Day 2) With Ginny Burgin By Cheryl Bye This was a day to help folk in the church respond well and intelligently to those in pain and suffering. Probably one of the most difficult subjects for all of us, both personally, and for those we interact with. Ginny started with this question ‘How can I come alongside in life’s difficulties?’ Firstly, we need a good theology of suffering, death and healing. PAIN: Reaching out to others in pain is a natural human response, but the key is not to answer others’ suffering by telling them stories of your own suffering - empathy is good, personal oversharing is not. As Christians we can offer more than the world - God himself. SUFFERING: Ginny then spent much of the day looking at different aspects of suffering, starting with suffering bursting into the world with Adam and Eve’s sin. Creation itself also hurts not just humanity. Ginny spoke about the different responses to suffering and how important it is for us to LISTEN. She finished with lamenting (grief) not blaming God… and finally helped us to develop a better understanding of death and eternity! It was an amazing day, so helpful, and full of care. If you’d like to spend time listening to any of Ginny’s training sessions, please head to the ‘Useful Links’ section of the King’s Church website or to the ‘News’ section where you can find the links to the audio from both pastoral training days.

My Time in Cockermouth By Joshijah Little 

I had the honour and the privilege to spend the month of October at King’s Church. I have been using this time in my life to plant myself at a few different churches around New Frontiers in the UK, attempting to broaden my vision and to experience the church of the world. Spending a month at King’s was a month that will be ingrained into my memory for many years to come. The joy and hospitality I experienced from King’s was specific and unique, something to be modelled. It was incredible to be able to worship alongside everyone, as well as share meals with people and laugh. Most definitely a time that I will continue to reflect on in gratitude and prayerfulness.

The beauty of The Lake District was mirrored in the beauty of the church. The great conversations were reflected by the wonderful experience of the scenery, going on my share of hikes and little adventures. King’s is a church of wonderful people, in a wonderful part of the world, and I believe The Lord is desiring to do something wonderful in the midst of these things. October was a month I will never forget.

Team Autism CIC - Director Role By Nick Phillips  

I have recently become one of the directors of Team Autism after being a volunteer with them for 4 years. I've put a lot of time and effort into my volunteering and have a desire to help others - a gift of the Holy Spirit! 

The main objectives of Team Autism:

• To help Autistic Adults without Learning Disabilities and their families

• To help Autistic Adults to be more socially included in Society

• Autistic Adults and their families to have more understanding of the Individuals’ Autism and how it affects their daily living

• For Autistic Adults to gain the life skills and coping mechanisms to be more independent

• Raise awareness with employers so that reasonable adjustments can be made to sustain employment

  
  

My role includes overseeing the charity and making sure it is run correctly, setting up and running a 3-hour course written by Susan (Founder and Director of Team Autism) with input from other Non-Autistic parents of Autistic Adults, and Autistic Adults, to learn about Autism, what it can look like and how it can affect the whole family. My role also involves trips out to various places, social events and monthly lunch/supper clubs where Autistic Adults can come to a safe non-judgmental space and be with other Autistic people and not feel alone.