Catrina Benham's Blog

What do you do on a lovely Sunny weekend? Well, first of all, rub your eyes and thank God, because we've not had much good weather so far this year! We went along to the Big Church Day Out in Wiston House West Sussex. Such a beautiful venue. So amazing to her live music from Israel Houghton, Matt Redman, Amy Grant, Gungor amongst others great artists. Also to hear from our friends at CAP, who tirelessly worked, resulting in over 1200 people signing up to give monthly and be CAP Lifechangers - fantastic! It was fun meeting up with people  as we walked around or sat in the sun. The sun shone, and the picnic stuff came out for the first time this year.I bumped into an old friend Katy - she was the girl who first invited me to her home for tea..her youth group...her Church and ultimately to give my life to Christ in February 1980! We could have camped, but chose instead to drive home Saturday night and then return Sunday afternoon because a certain 15 year ol...

You came down to find us, led us out of death   When our hearts were far away, Your love went further still (Matt Redman - You alone can rescue ) We sang these words in worship last Sunday at Kerith. Amazing words - full of truth about Jesus, our Saviour who came to us , to find us , rescue us, and lead us away from all the choices and circumstances that would have led to our death. The same Jesus who loved us and loves us when are hearts are  cold, distant, far away . What a Saviour - how wonderful that He leads us, that He says "Follow Me". I want to follow Him away from death and into life . Away from death and into life...in my relationships and friendships, choices and decisions, reactions and attitudes. "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life , so that you and your children may live".   (Deut 30:19) Every day I need His hel...

Yesterday I wrote about how busy the previous week had been (and by the way, here's a short highlights video of the HTB conference which I think you'll enjoy!) So please indulge me hopping back a whole 9 days to the Word and Worship Brunch on 11th May! We had a fabulous time together - delicious bacon rolls and fruit pots (yum!) wonderful worship and so many great people making it all happen - thank you to everyone who came, and everyone who served us. I so appreciate you all. I loved speaking,and bringing the Word - its always a privilege. It's also always nerve-wracking and takes a lot of time to prepare, but its a real privilege to do so. I thank God that He gave me something to speak about, that will help us all live lives that glorify Him. My talk is now up on the Kerith website, and you can listen again here Teaching from Titus 2, my aim was to encourage us to see that we are all both older and younger women to each other. Older women, (and that's a...

So, a lack of blogging on my behalf usually indicates a very busy week of living , and that's certainly been the case this last week! On Monday and Tuesday I had the wonderful privilege of attending the HTB Leadership Conference in the Royal Albert Hall. What a wonderful venue - warm and intimate "in the round". The speakers were of such breadth and wisdom . Mostly I was humbled by their sincere faith, and their vulnerability. The Talks are all due to be available online soon, so I'll post a link - I'll definitely be listening again , and I highly encourage you to listen too. We heard from Nicky Gumbell (host, Vicar of HTB, and writer of the Alpha Course), also Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Steven Furtick from Elevation Church; Ellie Mumford from Vineyard; The Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Schonborn; Chris Hyman, CEO of Serco (the service provider that amongst other things manages our nuclear ports, flies the Queen around, and sets GMT!); and Patr...

I've been thinking recently about the women who influence me, and in the light of the Titus 2 teaching, considering who I influence as an older woman. More on that at tomorrow's Word and Worship Brunch ( call or pop in to Kerith today if you haven't yet got your ticket! ) Have you considered how women that we may never actually meet can shape and mentor us through their words? Through sharing their heart, their life, their story with us? What books and articles are you reading? What podcasts are you listening to? What blogs are you following? Here are three great recent finds - be blessed and inspired! Find What Feeds Your Heart Wide and Deep We're Good Oh yes, and this is just a bit of Friday Fun! x

Between 10 and 12 on Saturday morning, 11 th May  we’ll enjoy a light Brunch of bacon rolls and fruit kebabs, then spend time together as women, with a Bible message, worshipping, talking and praying. Please plan to come along with a friend for a relaxing, friendly, and inspiring morning together. This Sunday is your last opportunity to buy your Ticket! They are £2.50 and are available in advance from the Kerith reception. Whether you came along and enjoyed the last Word and Worship in February, or you have never been to a Unique event before, you’re invited, and  I’d really love to see you there. In this final week, lets get inviting! Would you please encourage others to come along too? Drinks and a yummy Bacon roll, plus fresh fruit  will be ready for you when you arrive at 10, so you have time to chat and enjoy being together, ready for the official programme to start at 10.30 with worship. I’m working on a message about how each generatio...