FAMILY CHURCH UP DATE
February has been a busy month for our leaders. Over the first weekend a group of us made our way to a very cold
Eastbourne to attend the annual Hand in Hand Children and Family workers conference. Meanwhile Jackie Storey came to talk at ABC about
building a church. The following weekend we welcomed Ed Jones (ARISE Ministries) who gave us two training sessions in the afternoon.
We were delighted that children’s leaders from other churches came along to share with us too. We have been left with challenging
questions such as what God is saying to us about ‘Inclusivity in Worship’. Our children and young people look to us adults to model
expressive praise and adoration in worship.
What as adults are we prepared to develop in order for our worship to become more inclusive
for young people and children? If we want a growing young people’s work then these questions are for us as a church family to address.
How many ‘stuffed cats’, (John Weavers sermon) are we holding on to? We have been left with questions which will help us shape
our strategic praying, thinking and planning of the ongoing ministry among our children, young people and families.
Our Sunday
sessions have focussed on Living the Jesus Way. In March we will be learning from Jeremiah the Prophet who spoke out faithfully for
God in difficult times. I wonder how this series will impact on us in our daily lives.
Finally we need your help in Dynamite.
We have set ourselves the challenge of learning a Bible verse each month this year. Do you have a special verse which helps sustain
your faith? There will be a box and papers placed on the front pew in the church please come and write a verse down for us that you
find particularly helpful as a Christian. We will consider learning some of them! Thank you in anticipation of your sharing!
Please
pray for our group leaders. We meet on March 12th at 7:30 in the church lounge to pray, share plans and review our work together.
Ali Swift Family Church Team Leader
We are going for Gold this year in Dynamite with our twelve verses Challenge - to learn 12 Bible verse off by heart in a year. Later in the year we will be challenging the church, so watch out!
We are so grateful for all the support interest and prayer shown for our groups each Sunday. We value your prayers and care. Please keep praying that we will grow in our Christian faith.
Ali Swift.
1. Learn a Buble verse a week. Our friend John Hardwick has launched the ‘Big Bible Verse Challenge’ see www.johnhardwick.co.uk
2. Join a Housegroup – a great way to share ups and downs of the Christian Life, learn more about the Bible and pray for each other.
3. Offer to serve in a new area of Church Life. There are lots of opportunities – please speak to one of the Deacons
4. Think of someone who isn’t a Christian and commit to praying for them at least weekly.
5. Read a Christian book. Look in the bookstall in ’35 Ock Street’ for ideas.
6. Read the Bible everyday – or at least most days! Use a set of notes to help you – speak to Kathy Parker.
7. Aim to encourage at least one Church Member every week.
8. Listen to more Christian Music. The bookstall in ’35 Ock Street’ has a range of CD’s.
9. Come to one (or more) Church Prayer Meetings.
10. Get in contact with Christian Charity involved in Mission Work (eg BMS, Christian Aid, Compassion, Barnabas Fund, Oxfam......), to become more informed and support their work through prayer.
11. Offer hospitality to another member of the Church Family.
12. Say thank you to someone who is working in some area of Church Life.