Hey all, So at each of our meetings we always open with God's word and some prayer time. We heard a passage from Isaiah 26:1-9 which is all about trust and spent some time praying about the things we find it difficult to trust God for. What about you? Have you ever thought about this? Trust is such a big thing.....do we truly open our hearts and let God lead the way in our lives? We then spent our time together on one agenda item - our church purpose statement. This basically helps to describe why we are here and helps to guide our mission focus. We wanted something that was relatively short and memorable for all of you! We started with 5 options and then we spent some time reflecting on a few chosen bible passages that related to this. We then moved on to voting and having a really good and in depth debate. We whittled it down to 2 options, and then we found ourselves making up a new one which combined the best bits of both. This final option was unanimously liked by the PCC and we are looking forward to sharing this decision with you over the coming weeks at the following meetings: > Leaders meeting - 24 September - at church - 7.30pm > Discerning our mission priorities - 18 October - at church - 7.30pm We'd love to see you there and hear your thoughts! Till next time. Helen
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Jesus did some of his most significant ministry at meal tables. It's at the meal table that we share stories, debate together, laugh and cry with each other, see how each other are doing. It's over a drink that friendships and deepened and trust grows. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost - and so he shared meals with the lost and lonely, the last and the least. It was his way of drawing alongside people. On Sunday, Dan preached about Eating like Jesus. That is, to use our mealtimes to intentionally share life and faith with others. Most of us have 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. 21 opportunities to be with others - in the canteen at work, in the cafe or pub with friends, around the kitchen table with neighbours. And he laid down a particular challenge to share a meal with friends this Harvest time, whilst raising funds for our Harvest projects. The idea is simple: If you want to know more about the charities we're supporting this harvest time, click here.
So ... team up with someone if you want; pray about who to invite; arrange a date ... and get inviting! This Autumn marks 500 years since The Reformation started – an upheaval that had a profound effect on church and society throughout Europe and beyond. Ultimately, it's helped shape who we are - as Christians, as a Church of England, and as a country.
Curious to know more? Here's some suggestions:
In March 2017, we embarked on a change to our pattern of morning services. We said we would review it after 6 months – which is this September. Please take a few moments to let us know what you think. These will be fed to the PCC as part of our review.
We would like everyone to fill in this questionnaire. In addition, if you are involved in helping at either morning service (eg welcoming, prayer ministry, children's groups, AV team, refreshments, bands, preaching, leading services, serving communion), please fill in this additional questionnaire. Thank you! |