May 2007
Tue 8th May - Abba Kids Club at Stoney Middleton. We looked at Bee's in the Bible. Hunting the Bee. Picking up as many smarties by dipping your nose in Honey and then in the smarties. We looked at the way Honey represented blessing in the bible, and looked at Sampson.
Great great fun, and that was only what I got out of it, I think the kids also enjoyed it as well. The Smartie game was taken from Will's resources CD, well worth taking a look at. Contact Will if you would like a copy.

Sun 13th May -
Morning Griffydam Sunday School Anniversary. Looking at the Ascension. It was great to see all ages worshiping together and thoroughly enjoying themselves. They have a number of small children and they were brilliant at reading and taking part throughout the service. Flag waving, Dancing, Reading etc.

Afternoon New Swannington's S.S.A. and there they had older kids playing instruments, Sketches, Reading and Dance. You could tell how much they enjoyed ministering to us all.

Evening Griffydam again a lovely time of worship, lead by an excellent group, and great to be with people who come expectant to hear God speak through His word, and continue discussing it after the service.

Sun 20th May - Whitt Sings. Over the past few months I have been working with our local museum that has just had a fantastic face lift. It is situated in Western Park, which was also the Venue for many years of the Whitt Sings. Thousands would gather at the park from all the surrounding Churches to worship and hear God's Word. When I heard the Museum was interested in doing a display on these events, I jumped at the chance and helped gather pictures and stories etc. The Whitt Sings still meet although are greatly reduced in number and we now meet in a Church.

This is Mary and Pippa dressed up as Sunday School Queens. Mary's dress was worn by her mum, when she was Queen Awkward (Sorry "Orchid").

Sun 27th May - Mexborough - Spoke on who the Gospel impacts every area of our lives. This was followed by lunch and fellowship. Great to see a Toddler group taking off and providing many opportunities.

Wed 30th May - Western Park Museum - Whitt Sings - The Event
Wow! what an interest. Lots of people turned up and had a great time searching through old photo's and chatting about the events of years gone by. Well worth all the work and time leading up to it all.

April 2007
Good Friday
I spoke at the Sheffield Good Friday morning service at St Mary's Church
Evening at the Roth, Mex & Doc Circuit evening service at Jump Church
Both service were a great time of fellowship and remembering all the God has done for us through Jesus and the cost. What a Gospel!

Easter Saturday had a lovely time at St Stephens CofE Church. They put on an excellent Easter party, with crafts, story telling and food.

Easter Monday helped friends move house.

12th April met up with Nathan Cole to plan a display for a resources insert for Contact. Keep watching this space.
Sun 15th April - Spoke at Highthorne church in Mexborough. Lovely fellowship really seeking to reach their local area with the Gospel. Trying lots of new things, including a Toddler Group.
Tue 17th April Met up with two leaders from out Old Hill and Wolverhampton Churches. Discussed ministry and outreach.
Thur 19th April Met up with Philip Nutall to discuss a Local Preachers mailing with resources and training opportunities.
Fri 20th-Sun 22nd Pastors and Wives retreat. A lovely time of relaxation, fellowship and encouragement.
Sun 22nd April Spoke at Winster afternoon at the community centre. Really good spread of food. Because kids were in the service, we had a really good impromptu interactive time.
In the evening we meet together at a members home. This was lovely time of sharing and fellowship, a great end to an excellent weekend. Why not try meeting in a home instead of church now and then. You may find it easier to invite outsiders to these kind of informal meetings.
Mon 23rd April Went over to Addingham to discuss a Seminar at Conference with Sue Roe. I also got a tour of the area and of the Church. It was interesting to see a church in such a radically different setting to our church in Sheffield.
Wed 25th April Met up with a local Community worker, that has run a number of street parties etc. It was great to pick her mind, and get lots of ideas. Watch this space, a may put some thoughts down in coming months.
Sat 28th April Hampden View hosted an information gathering meeting put on by our local Museum. They want to gather stories about the Whitt Sings in Sheffield and particularly
Sun 29th April
am Spoke at Corination Road - Rotherham
pm Took a meeting at Arnold Church - Nottingham
We did a S.W.O.T. analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats

Stoney Middleton - Bakewell Circuit
Tuesday 6th March - Wow what a work. It has a congregation of THREE, all retired, but full of enthusiasm and love for their community. I called in on their Kids Club, 8+ kids - great fun and supported by two of the mums. They also run a monthly youth club and have just recently held an Alpha course. Out of the Alpha course came a request for a quiet day for mums, and did I mention their Family service and exhibition days.

Exhibition Days - instead of a Flower Festival, they have advertised an exhibition day on "Achievements" , "Tea Towels" etc. I kid you not "Tea Towels", people from the village were encouraged to bring in their tea towels, and they then displayed them under headings such as "Countries", "Animals" etc. with a verse for each one. People just kept on bringing them in. The one on "Achievements", people were asked to bring in their certificates and stories of what they have done and achieved, and then the Church was opened for Tea and Coffee and for everyone to view the exabition. What a great idea!

What about you?
Could you do something similar in your community - you know the people who live near your church - use your God given imagination and gifting - take a leap of faith and Go For It! Please get in touch if you want any help at all with such events. I can help with anything from setting out tables, to publicity, to speaking, to ideas storming, to encouraging your people To Go For It!

Half Yearly Meetings - High Wycombe Circuit
What fantastic hosts - great welcome and lovely fellowship.
Saturday evening meeting Rev. Raymond Zulu gave an excellent message, from Acts 20 looking at Paul's ministry to the Ephesians. We were challenged not to rely on a 30min message Sunday morning to be enough spiritual food for our people. We need to be teaching the word from House to House. To be there in their homes seeing their struggles and applying the word into real life situations, day by day.
Sunday morning I went to Beaconsfield WR Church, with Colin who was speaking. Lovely folk, lots happening with an excellent Nursery run every day by a lady from the church, which is providing great opportunities for their Friday Kids Club and Family Service. We then stayed at the church for and excellent lunch.
Sunday evening I went with George Phillips to Farnham Common WR Church the church is situated right on the High Street, and has tremendous potential for outreach. Again a lovely warm welcome, relaxed informal service, with a good cup of tea served at the end of the service and great fellowship. I feel so at home amongst family's like this.
Monday Business oh to get the right balance between Gospel ministry & Gospel ministry.

Prov 3:19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;

The wisdom and understanding here, is not the Scientific wisdom that confounds our greatest University minds such as Astrophysics, Gravity & Macro biology. That is all basic stuff to the Creator of the Universe (and is probably why so many academics reject His very existence.) No the WISDOM mentioned in Prov 3:19 is the far more profound subject of Theology; because creation was made to Glorify God. We are in every way part of that process, even more so because we are His Body, His Church, His Redeemed People, and Redeemed from the fallen world that no longer brings Glory to their Creator.
Therefore all we have must be used to his glory and in that context. Matters of Business no matter how material must be looked at in light of Gods Glory and decisions must be made in light of God's power and will, not the restrictions we place due to to lack of money or our feeble will power or imagination etc.

"Consider the Lillies" - a Pull Out resource on Flower Festivals
Feb 28 - 07 I met with Muriel Stonehewer and Judy Land to plan a four page Pull Out resource on "How to run a Flower Festival". We had a great morning and I learnt a lot about Flower Festivals, and how much work goes into the preparation and running of one. This is hopefully going to be the first of many, and will appear very soon in the WRU monthly news letter "Contact". If you don't get Contact then you can order it from Church House, or through your Church Secretary if you are in a WRU Church.

February 07 - Update

Holiday in Wales (Half Term) - A lovely relaxing time, very near to Portmeirion. Took Anne-Marie out for an excellent Valentine meal in the Castle next to Portmeirion. My starter was Black Pudding and Lambs Liver. I highly recommend it. Anne-Maries parents came with us and we stayed on a farm, so each morning the girls were off collecting eggs, feeding sheep and ducks and taking pony's for a walk.

Feb 4th - Hampden View, Bonall & Wolverhampton - What a great day for fellowship; I spoke at Hampden View, then on to Bonsall for their afternoon service and Tea & Cakes. I felt totally at home, loved and well looked after. Great walking area! Then it was off to Wolverhampton for the evening service, followed by a Church meeting looking at "Outreach". Which was very encouraging.

Feb 5th - Tour of Bakewell with Richard Harvey - Fantastic sunny day, excellent scenery, and great fellowship. Richard drove me round the Churches in the Bakewell Circuit (well nearly all of them, we ran out of time; so look out for "Grand Tour 2 - The Bakewell Circuit" XBox 360). It was so encouraging to hear and see of the many opportunities, the churches have and something of their History.
Note : Can you give me a tour of your Circuit and or WR churches in your area. I would love to hear from you.

Janurary 07 - Update

Jan 13th - Fulwood Ministry Team
Christ Church Fulwood is an Evangelical CofE church in Sheffield with a membership of over 1,000. They have a Ministry team that greatly blesses many of the WR Churches in Sheffield. Three to Four people come out to take services, usually over a three to four week block. They give a very good word (using a running theme over the consecutive weeks). They may also sing, give testimony etc.
Well on this Saturday Brian Kay and myself were invited to their annual meeting, to tell them about what it is like to be in a small Wesleyan Reform Church, and how we can best support each other in our ministries to Sheffield. Brain gave a brief history of our Union and how our churches have changed in his life time (Taking us right back to the day he sat in his pram listening to John Wesley preach.) I then spoke on where we are now and what challenges we are facing in the future.
It was so encouraging to be amongst people who take such a real and prayerful interest in our churches.
Thanks to Brian Kay and Dave Saunders who set the meeting up.

Jan 17th - A trip to Coventry
After visiting my brother I had a good time with Peter Norton who showed me round Aldermans Green, and we chatted about the work there. Thanks for Lunch Peter.

Then in the Afternoon, I spoke at our Attleborough Church and then spent time with Martyn Owens and his family. chatting about their work.

From Rushden High Street

A visit from the Doc
It started with Andy Wilcock needing a bed for the night in Rushden - we had one available and so the arrangements were made. The church leaders had already spoken about inviting him to come to the church to do a ‘Swot’ analysis - to help them find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which the church enjoyed and faced. However, that had been put on hold when I arrived as the minister in September.

An opportunity had opened up for Andy and for us. He got the bed, and we decided that while he was with us he could meet up with the leaders in an informal way. This is something you could do - let me share with you what happened.

I invited all the church leaders round to our home, no agenda was set, just coffee, relax with one another and listen to what Andy had to say. It was not preaching, not ‘do this, don’t do that’, certainly no guarantee of a ‘magic wand’ and all would be well. Andy simply shared what was on his heart concerning mission, and gave some practical examples of things we could consider when doing outreach. And that was it!

Or was it? Twice during the following week people spoke to me about things which I realised had come out of our time together. Things which Andy mentioned almost in passing have certainly made me think and re-assess how I do things. I think that the leaders were motivated, and should hopefully continue to grow as a team together.

And all because Andy needed a bed for the night! I would urge you to look for ways in which you could invite him to speak with your church or leaders. It does not have to be a formal meeting; invite Andy, invite others round, put the kettle on and see where God takes you.


The Church in the High Street

Mention the High Street Church and many people will know that you are speaking about the one in Rushden. Back in December, it became literally the church in the High Street.

The town held a Christmas Market on the first Sunday in December. Various stalls, fairground rides, street entertainment, Salvation Army band playing carols, switching on the Christmas lights and the fast becoming renowned Christmas Pudding race! And all right outside our doors.

Of course, these kind of events which are so often held on Sundays do put us in a little of a dilemma. We may not be in agreement with Sunday trading and other things which are happening - but these things are here and I feel they are here to stay. So that leaves us with two alternatives: either hiding away in the church or playing a part in bringing to people’s notice why the celebrations are being held, showing them some love in action and really being ‘the church in the High Street’. We chose the latter.

We were given a stall, but soon realised that it was much better to be in amongst the people. We gave out leaflets, Christian booklets, colouring sheets for children and around 400 free cups of coffee and tea. Quite a few people wanted to have a look at the church. Some had not realised it was there, many had never been in. And yes, we even entered a team in the Christmas Pudding race (an obstacle race involving wheelbarrows, runners and Christmas Puddings).

More people know where we are now. Hopefully many will have read the literature we gave out. We will never know what influence we have had on people. I am certain that all those from the church who braved the cold on that day to be among the people felt that it was very worthwhile. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t comfortable on a cold day. But it was where God wanted us to be.

December 06 - Update

Christmas Day 4:45am Pippa (aged 4) burst into our room "Daddy! Daddy! My tooth has come out!". It was her first one. My question was "Has Father Christmas been?". To which she replied "Oh yeh. But look my tooth!". She was sent back to to bed.

Christmas Eve - Hampden View Carol Service - maybe 50 people there (we only have 54 chairs) and we had a lovely family time together. I led a prayer time, praying for our troops serving abroad (particularly in Afghanistan). During the prayer what should happen but a mobile phone went off, and someone left the room to answer it. The culprit is in the TA, and the phone call was from his mates in Afghanistan to wish him a happy Christmas.

Dec 19th Toddler Coach Trip - Sundown Adventure Land

What an ace day. My fantastic wife organised the trip. Great day out with friends from the two Toddler groups she helps run and friends from the School Gate. Loads of scary rides (well they are if your 3 years old or called Anne-Marie) and we got to see Father Christmas (Except I stayed outside and held the coats.)

Dec 17th 11am - Toddler Nativity Service in Philadelphia WR Church Hall and joined by Hampden View Congregation.
Everyone sat round tables eating mince pies and drinking tea/coffee and chatted. On the floor at the front we placed nativity style clothing, which the kids then dressed up in, they chose who was who and some had brought their own. At about 11:20ish we showed a Video (on a big screen) called "It's a boy" http://www.itsaboy.org.uk/ featuring Canon & Ball as two Quail following the Christmas Story. Really great fun, and tells the story very well.
After the video the kids then did their own version of the story (no practice) I just gave them little suggestions, e.g. I sent Mary and Joseph around the tables to ask if anyone would take them back to their house tonight. So off they went knocking at each table, and everyone dutifully refused.
After this we got the kids together, around the crib - we sang away in a manger and photographs were taken.
Then all the kids were given a "It's a Boy" books and more tea and coffee served.

Dec 5th - Visit to Wolverhampton Churches
I had a lovely day speaking with John Griffiths(Wolverhampton), Ken Gorham(Church on the Rock & Oldbury) and Peter Hems(Old Hill, St James)
I then spoke in the evening to the people at Old Hill. What a great day of fellowship, and talking about the Lords work.

Sorry again, not been keeping this up to date. Just a few quick entries on what I have been up to.

Sunday 22nd October Clydebank Church. Had a great time with the fellowship in Glasgow. Took the morning service in a local church hall (They are currently looking for a new building.)
Their Sunday evening meeting was held at the Manse. Started with cakes, and we sat round and discussed the Word. Lovely time of fellowship, and great to dig deep into the truths about God.

Eid Party at School - Muslim mums at my daughters school put on an Eid party to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Great food, dancing, more food, chatting, music, friendship. Great to meet casually and experience the customs of another faith.
Last Friday the school held the annual Christmas Fair - Oh dear what a contrast. Bring and Buy, Tombola, Name the dancing Santa Clause, Santa's grotto. The Muslim families where there as well, I wonder what they learnt about the Christian faith at that event?

Mayfield Bonfire 4th Nov - Huge fire - Great Food - All ages - Great Time. Lets have more of the same!!!!

Finedon 5 Nov - Really enjoyed being with the fellowship morning and evening. Looking at "Out Reach" in the morning and a Songs of Praise service in the evening. Tony lead this evening event very well indeed, great host and good singing of the traditional hymns. I gave an evangelistic talk at the end. Good to meet with the young people after the service and casually chat with them about studying the bible.

Monday 6th Nov - met up with the Local preachers from the Wellingborough Circuit. Looked at how important I see the Local preacher in encouraging outreach, and helping Christians to understand their faith easlily so they can talk about it to their friends.

Sunday Afternoon 12th Nov Sheffield "Art in the Park" - One Great Big Ballon, A Friend from Taiwan, My Family, lots of kids and a Load of art students. Check out these two sites

Quiz question - Who are those two good looking Girls?
http://www.artinthepark.org.uk/nov06.php

This one is in Chinese but you can see the pictures and get the idea! - Thanks Lina - My girls are the ones pulling faces & and the Police car is out side our church? "Not me guv!"

http://www.wretch.cc/album/album.php?id=oolinlin&book=16

Hough Lane 12th Nov - Took Evening Service - Ask them what they thought! I enjoyed it!

Walking with Anne-Marie Mon 13th Nov - What a great Day Out, with the one I love!

Rushden High Street 14th Nov Leadership - Great time to relax and chat about outreach.
Question - Can I meet up with your Leadership team like this.

Almer St 15th Nov - Coffee Morning - just to meet everyone. Good Coffee. Great People

President Visit 19th Nov - Met the President "George of the Jungle" and his family at a Butterfly House. George refused to hold the Snake, Large centipede or Lizards. Our kids had a great time! (Pictures to follow)! Evening meal put on by Rischmond, George spoke at Hampden View in the morning and Greenhead in the Evening. Thanks George and family for the fellowship.

Bible Study at Hough Lane 21st Nov - Really enjoyed looking at the subject of Worship in Zechariah 2&3. Great to be with people who love the word and seek to glorify God! Thank you for the opportunity and looking forward to more of the same with you all.

Rural Evangelism Network In London 29th Nov - Load of ideas will report in detail very soon

Another great Circuit Event!
This time it was the Bradford Churches away day - Sat 14th Oct. John Williams spoke on Spiritual Warfare. While the children had a great time with "Puppets for Jesus".

It was held at a Bakery, with a fantastic spread of food for lunch. The day started and ended with all age worship, and the rest of the day the children, learnt about the Armour of God in Ephesians, through craft, puppets and song.

The adults also looked at the Armor of God and considered the question

Is doubt the route of all evil?

Off to Clydebank this Sunday. Really looking forward to being with them as they consider their future. They are currently without a building. Watch this space!

That's torn it!
In Oct 06 Steve Wynn (Las Vegas magnate) was showing a guest a painting called "The Dream" by Picasso. He had just struck a deal to sell it for $139m (£74m). While he was talking. Mr Wynn waved his arm and accidentally struck the painting with his elbow. Nora Ephron was in the office at the time and recorded on her blog "There was a terrible noise. Smack in the middle....was a black hole the size of a silver dollar. 'Look what I've done' he said. 'Thank goodness it was me'". He subsequently pulled out of the deal.

Check out the whole story here :- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6061140.stm

Mr Wynn said he would now keep the painting for himself and have it repaired. He had bought it in 2004 for $104.1m (a record for art sold at auction).

One small action, One small hole, and its worth nothing. $139m gone! Although repaired, it will never be worth anything near that price, torn for life. Much the same as Sin! Yet God has worked a way through dying in our place with our sin tearing Him instead of us. He can more than repair us, He can renew us in His likeness, and so we can be worth more than the original ever was. Consider the price tag for this - Jesus Life - Gods' Son.

Intimacy, Food and Fellowship
8th Oct 06 - Hazlemere Church - High Wycombe
It was great to have Anne-Marie and the girls with me on this visit. Thank you to Michael and Elizabeth for the hospitality.

I took the morning service and then we stayed for lunch with the church so I could get to know everyone better. They regularly do this as a church anyway.

A Need for Intimacy - John 17:20-26 - preached at the morning service

Intimacy - Hijacked by society

Unfortunately to society "Intimacy" has one level - 'Sexual'. The bible puts the Intimacy of Sex at the end of a journey called marriage. The couple get to "KNOW" each other as friends through a pure courtship and engagement, and after making promises before God and church for the rest of their lives they "KNOW" each other physically. Society though removes this journey of knowledge and places Sex 'wrongly' at the beginning. One person I spoke to years ago, felt it was immoral to marry someone before sleeping with them, because you did not really know(?) them until you had slept with them. How sad! Its not until we know that one person intimately, and are secure within a life long commitment , do we then and only then express our love for them, in the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Compare the "Wonder" of Proverbs 30:19 with the shallow, matter of fact, self-centeredness of v20.

Intimacy - The Friendship Within

In John 17 Jesus prays for the Church to have intimacy with Himself and with His Father. This is prayed just before He is arrested, and we see His hearts desire for His people. Do we know what this True Love means? When we think of love we think of caring for each other, but its a lot more than that. Intimacy is putting yourselves in a vulnerable position with one another, trusting the other person will be gentle with you as you share your deepest fear, weakest failing, guilt and sins, maybe a bereavement or even a prayer time. We can never force this type of intimacy within a church, by telling everyone to hug each other etc. NO WAY! But do we hinder it, because there is a culture of gossiping, pride, judgmentalism or being too busy to listen to each other. One of the best ways of enabling someone to open up, is if we first of all entrust them with our weaknesses and fears.

Intimacy - Friendship Outwardly

So what has this got to do with outreach? Everything! For starters Jesus said "they will know you are my disciples by your love one for another", but more importantly, one of the most intimate conversations you can ever have with someone is leading them to Christ. If you're not used to being intimate with believers then how can you hope to have this level of intimacy with someone seeking Jesus. Does intimacy frighten you? Get practicing within the church by loving one another in true friendship. How well do people outside of the church know you? Have you ever asked them for help or confided in them? If not then they will never understand how knowing Jesus helps you with our failings, fears and doubts? Do they know you well enough to confide their deepest fears or guilt with you? Are you non-judgmental, humble and gentle enough to handle their vulnerabilities.

Wow! just posted my blog and then checked out a mates blog, and he had just wrote on the same subject today as well. Check it out! Far better than mine as he gives a working example in the last few days!!!!
http://thecrowdedhouse.blogspot.com/2006/10/in-evangelism-training-with-new.html