The kalsi's journey...

blogging.

2011-01-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

As we start 2011, i realised that in not the best one to blog....

so i want to start by doing it weekly not daily as i planned. i feel its a bit more realistic.

Good to say about the thing that we have started in 2010 that finishes in june this year.

"We are not going to buy anything new for 1 year other than consumables" started june 2010.

ill recap some of the stories over the next few weeks. especially the toaster and kettle.....

welcome 2011

2011-01-01T01:01:00.000-08:00

We start the year full of expectations.......

lets see where life takes us.

Im want to have more time with God and my family and find a hobby.

Gina's looking out to hanging out more with her friends.

Josh has a year of GCSE's and then chilling for 4 months.

Genesia is looking forward to going away with a friend and enjoy being in the community play.

where have i been.....

2010-12-17T02:05:00.000-08:00

As i look forward to the beer and hymns i thought WOW where has the year gone. my last post was the reflection of the last one a year ago.

i will endeavor to post things that are happening in our life and my ministry.

i will also blog on the few things that happend in 2010 like:

Looking after a friends dog DES for 3 months,

Not buying anything new for 1 year which started in June 2010

Greenbelt....

Have a fantastic christmas and an exciting new year.

Beer and Hymns at The local Pub

2010-01-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

This year Beer and carols took place on christmas eve in 09 and it was a joint venture with St Stephen's. it had a totally different atmosphere, as it was full of locals, as the trams and buses were not working. the first session was over an hour with lots of requests. the 2nd was only half hour,as the pub had thinned out.
we then went to st bart's to set up for midnight communion.

New year - new way of life.

2010-01-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

After a busy 6 months, i start 2010 with the following thoughts:
What are my priorities
What should i stop doing
What activity has come to its end.
More family time
More time with God
Read more.
stop and listen to God more.
Words - Action - do i have the right balance.
Reflect on my ministry

Wow: What a year.

2009-12-21T02:52:00.000-08:00

Since June it just reflects how our lives have been...reflected in our newsletter style. Snakes and Ladders.

The summer was a great time of rest in wales camping with friends and enjoyng Green belt festival. Gina getting ordained and stating ministry at St Stephen's.

Then Gina;s mum took a turn for the worst and sadly passed away. The funeral was very moving with Gina taking some of the service. Then in November Gina's Dad, John had a major stoke. A very hard time, and many more trips to london. He has recovered miracuously well, just needing time to recapture his great memory. In all of this, Dolly John's wife's mum passed away and yet another funeral down south.

St Bart's church and St Stephens church are working together to see if they can joing together and become 1 area.

Trying to continue ministry in this time has been hard but has happened.

Both youth clubs going well, with 2 big christmas bashes

christmas services were in the theme of "TOP GEAR" - more info and pics to follow
Carol singing in the pubs and streets.

finish the year with "BEER AND CAROLS" in the hillsborough hotel on christmas eve. followed by midnight mass.

The future of the Kalsi family and Church.

2009-06-07T12:33:00.001-07:00

The last few God has shown the path that we will be on for the next few years.

Gina gets ordained this July at Sheffield Cathedral and starts her curacy at St Stephens, the church next door, a place where She did a placement.

This means that the Kids can sty in the same schools.

I was then able to apply for funding and now have it. My new role will be community evangelist for the next 4 years.

We are also discussing the possibility of the 2 churches, us and St Stephens working together in a more formal way.

God is good. We can now build on the links we have made and even better with the 2 churches working together.

Cafe Church - Pentecost

2009-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Its the fifth Sunday again. Spent the morning with a Pentecost Quiz, Meditative reading on the reading and space for the Holy Spirit to work. People then visited the 5 prayer stations. People singing, Bubbles outside, sending prayers up to God, Christian Aid, the oratory for silence and prayer ribbons representing the wind that came on that day.

Pentecost - 50 days after Jesus's crucifiction, 1o days after His assention. goes back to the jewish rituals.

"Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me."

Half term in London - and fantastic news.

2009-05-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

it was fantastic to have time to chill out and see Gina's mum after finding out Her cancer has shrunk, but her pain is a reaction to the chemo not the cancer returning.
We caught up with our old house group from church, it felt like we had not been apart. We said good bye to our leader as she moves to chelmsford.

we caught up with friends , god children and family. Went to see star Trek that was absolutely brilliant. The only gutter was not seeing my mum, she was in Birmingham.

5 easy mornings, and fab weather EXCEPT when Joshua wanted to buy a new guitar from Brighton. We thought we would spend the day on the beach. IT RAINED FOR 7 HOURS and winds at 30 mph. Sun was out the next day typical.

So Refreshed. Thanks you God for a great supporting family.

Semi finals of world snooker.

2009-05-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

I managed to get tickets to see the semi finals at the crucible theatre for my birthday. What a great experience. This was one of my child hood dreams to be there live. I been twice before, but still pinch myself . I nearly got hold of Tickets for the final session, but with 2 frames left it would not have been worth it. maybee next year.

Local Youth Suprize me

2009-04-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today was my birthday and being a Tuesday is the busiest day of my week, we managed to fit in Pizza hut in the 1hr gap. We went straight into the Girls discipleship group and then into Chill, the youth drop in.

I took some of my birthday cake to share. they were telling me off that i did not tell them about my birthday. BUT. Later in the evening the kids had got together before and got me a cake and card signed by the kids.
It made my birthday.

church army conference

2009-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

What can i say, I have been to many conferences in the retail world before i started pointing people to Jesus, and they have been inspiring and motivational and did not think they could be topped. This conference was not only inspiring, motivational, but added an extra dimension. from moving away from the focus on ones self to work in partnership with God to transforming people, in the power of Jesus.Wow that is something to get fired up about.

Jackie Pullinger was fantastic, real and had a no nonsence approach.
For me particular the following jumped out.
Don't skip the relationship bit with God.
Expect to see miracles
Read the basic gospel and just do it.
See people how Jesus see's them.
See transformation not conversion.
Time for friends, prayer and support.

I'll finish with a word from Rob Bell in "Velvet Elvis""A trampoline has many springs, and are essential to help us jump, they help us make sense of the deeper realities of our faith. The springs are not God, the springs are not Jesus. They are statements and beliefs of our faith that give words to the depth that we are experiencing in our jumping."Lets focus on Jumping and not on the springs.

Beer and Hymns at The local Pub

2009-04-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Once again we hosted the Beer and Hymn night at the local Pub. It was transformed into 1940's style for the St Georges evening. It was topped of with a George fornby and Vera Lynn lookalike.

It wasnt as packed as its been before but all in the pub were involved this time. I could have published it better, but it was all last minute thing.

Holy Week - quiet and relective

2009-04-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week. we had nothing prepared at church. i spent the weeks, promoting all the events at the other churches, giving me a time to reflect and be fed personally by God. The week ended with a great walk of witness which i organised starting at Hampden wesley reform church, finishing at St Stephen's via, st barts' s salvation army and then St Thomas's Philadelphia. It was great walking throughtesco carpark. We handed out easter cards and eggs.

the week finished on a high with a joint BBQ with St Stephens on Easter Sunday.

Deputy head interviews

2009-04-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

i was privileged to spend a whole day interviewing for a new deputy head at Wirlow grange. I was exhausted with all that thinking. How interviewing has changed since my B&Q manager days. Gut feel was part of the decision process, where as now we cannot even know the persons date of birth or move away from the process. Slightly frustrating but can understand some of the process for being fair.

Community Bingo

2009-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Spent the evening at the school Bingo and auction With Gina. What a fantastic way of raising money for a good cause and also have a fab time. It was great seeing the teachers relaxed and having fun. It was also great to connect with local families. I spent £5 on a box of liquorish allsorts in the auction( good cause) and won a massive Chick, which my daughter is jealous off.

Cafe Church- Stories

2009-03-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Its the 5th sunday of the month and its cafe time.
Today we spent the morning sharing stories about our faith over drinks, danish pastries and brioche. It was great to hear where Jesus has worked in peoples lives and how we share some of them with others. We finished with 5 prayer stations giving people oppertunity to reflect. The one that had the most impact was the one where people could write a thank you card to someone who has influenced them to becoming better christians and a stamp to make life easier for their cards.

WWF - Earth Day

2009-03-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today between 8.30pm - 9.30pm the world was asked to turn of all power for 1 hour. over 50 million people took part.

we spent 2 hours with all the power off and we sat with candles all around. few friends came round to join us. it was a magical moment. Hope it sent the right message.

HOT DATE - reccomend this to all married people.

2009-03-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

We have now been married for 17 years and late last year we did a marraige course. ( well i took gina kicking and screeming) 2 hours per session, 6 sessions over 10 weeks. The videa we watched was a bit irritating( very middle classed) but the book and space to discuss issues was fab. 2 hours being pampered with the misses.
The course reccomends continuing this 2 hours after the course has finished. They call it marraige time- WE RENAMED THIS TO A HOT DATE
Me and Gina now spend 2 hours every week to go somewhere, do something, shopping and ita a space where we discuss our relationship not work. ITS BEEN THE BEST THING EVER.

So why not book the next 4 hot dates with your partner and dont let anything cancell it, thats the trick you need to seek the permission of the other person to cancell it or change it.

Our last hot date was a great drive to Hudderfield, visit a free musuem and a drink and cake.

If you are in a relation ship i would reccomed this ,also spend some time on getting to know your partner and get in the habit.

FAB.
for more info see http://www.themarriagecourse.org/

Easter asssembly - in church - work in partnership with God to fix this broken world.

2009-03-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Had over 250 kids in church for the easter assembly. It was great to remind the kids and adults what easter is all about. Good for the personal soul also.
We look at pictures of a broken world, and then discussed ways of fixing it. Without Jesus this is impossible.

Life as a governor.....

2009-03-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

As a governor, i did not realise how vital the role is to a school. You are what they call a critical friend. One year on i finally have some understanding od the school processes, finances an recruiting policies. I take my hat of to teacher and the hard Job they have to tick all the boxes with a massive disparity in the kids levels and thats just in one class.

Just spent a whole day recruiting a new deputy head. WOW what a load of pressure that was.
I think more parents should get involved in school life, it would help the school and help bring up their kids with their learning.

Decorating is back on the agenda.

2009-03-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

While Gina's been away we decorted her room, Decorated the bathroom and then Porch. I think this is easier when gina is away as i can make more of a mess and do 6 things at once.

Doncaster prison - is this Church to the unchurched.

2009-03-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

What an experience I had today. Went in, to find a load of people just standig around. i looked around, lost and someone pointed out for me to fill out a form. I did this, waited in a que to hand it in. Got to the window to be told, " you need to put in through that door" How was i to know!!!
i looked for signs and there was nothing. We waited 2 hours and when we thought we were going in, we looked at the lockers and it said. NO MOBILES< NO MONEY NO KEYS NO NOTHING can go in. the lockers needed a padlock of which i did not have one.
Finally we could not wait any longer andwhen i spoke to the lady , she said " you know should not come in on wednesdays its our busiest day. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I look at our church service the next sunday with the same eyes:
walk in - nice welcome asked to go in and sit down.
I wonder how long the service is : no idea no sign or anything.
what does gospel reading mean!
How do these song go! not heard this one!
Good preach - learnt something.
Someone has shook my hand - WHY!
Have bread and wine - Can I?
finished
Coffee time.

Lots of Questions!!
What is church for!
Traditional or modern does it make a differnce!

Little Gems -Toddler group at Walkley Primary school.

2009-03-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ive been helping at the todler group in school since last year. Its great way for me to help the school and get to know some of the local familes.

Church Centre Accounts

2009-03-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

ITs that time of year again, spent last 4 weeks looking at detail the centre accounts for 08. What a minefield. Waiting to see what the end of year looks like.

Bollywood night - for the lord mayor's charities.

2009-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have just had a great evening raising £500 with the help of a chinese auction for the lord mayor's charities. The cavendish centre( cancer) and the childrens hospital. It was a joint partnership with ZEST a local community group. It was great to see everyone getting involved with the Bhangra dancing and getting dressed up.

it could not have been done with out the teams help.

G2K - getting to Know?

2009-03-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

the new afternoon christian club G2K has now been going for 5 months and we are having regulars coming. What's the best bit is all 5 churches in the area are part of it.
Each week we pick a theme on teachings of Jesus and Christian values and put in a short prayer.
We thank the local school for allowing us to go in.

Oasis - Tobogonning

2009-03-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight we took 40 kids toboggoning at the local ski village from the two local youth clubs. Good time was had by all. VERY COLD,

Great School reports.....

2009-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

The kids school reports were fab, its amazing, josh has now chosen his GCS's and genesia is in secondary school.

No more supermarkets.....ash wednesday

2009-02-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

Its the begining of Lent( a time of self reflection and preperation for EASTER) this year as a family we have decided to abstain from using supermarkets. just go local and see what happens.
( to make it worse we have no car , its in the guarage for a few weeks) The nearest one is the corner shop but very basic. the other place is up a major sheffield hill. ahhhhhhh

Mother in laws bucket list.

2009-02-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Gina's mum has just finished her second Chemo sessions. She asked if we could all go away as a family with Gina's Brother's family. We have just had a great week in Norfolk, Hunstanton. It was in a cabin, the warmest caravan we have ever been in, full central heating and ensuite.

we had a fab first day playing pitch and put, 18 holes and was beaten by Gina's Brother. We had an afternoon at the circus. the beach was great, shame the sun was not out. We all visited the sea life centre and and saw the seals and sharks.

i learnt 6 different ways of playing poker and cooked indian and had a full cooked breakfast and pancakes made for me.

Josh even won the young tallent competion( well joint top and the other 4 were under 4 years old)

We pray that Gina's mum enjoys more of life in all that she does.

Visit to India

2009-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

After a busy Christmas, we traveled to Lonon to see family and on Boxing Day Flew out to India. It was the first time for my family to India.
What a fantastic experience...... Visit Dilhi - Meet the rest of the family
Visit Agra - Taj Mahal
Jaipour -rode on elephants
Mombai by train (18hrs)
Temperature in Dehli was 18 deg and 25 degrees in Mumbai their winter.

arived back in England to minis 4 and a 180 miles drive back up to sheffield.

Events coming up........

2008-12-05T14:27:00.001-08:00

Life in interregnam

2008-12-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

We have now been in Interregnam( no priest) for 3 months and God has been good. After a major adjustment for the church leaders, we got into a good routine to deal with issues. Now we have our Lay reader away for 3 months on a holiday which has meant Gina my wife is picking up SUNDAYS.
the church is still running well considering, people are still coming and getting involved and even new people and coming. having 42 in church and 9 toddlers was amazing 2 weeks ago considering there was 18/20 of us 2 years ago.

During this Advent( preperation of Jesus birth) we all prepare for where the church will be in the coming years, in particurly when my contract runs out in july and 2 of the other leaders will be leaving in july as they will ne ordained( BECOME PRIESTS).

Asking God for Guidance for St Bart's Church

2008-10-04T16:01:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic day. it started at 9am, and we had our first visitors at 9.05am this strady flow continued till midnight. The scene was set, jesus' life around the church:

jesus as a baby / toddler - reminds us of the children in the church and the community.

St Bart's Toddler group, Little Gems toddler group at Walkley primary school. Cesswick nursery, toddlers at Hampden view and St stephens church.

Jesus as a youth Prayed for the youth clubs - Chill, Oasis and Zest.

Jesus as the challenger Help with community and world issues.

Jesus on the cross. He died for us. freed us from Guilt.

The throne of God We look to God for guidance.

We rebuild our church as the people of St Bart's.

we we richly blessed with wonderful pictures and words of encorougement.

We need to get in to rythem that resinates with God, there will be growth but it will not

be neat. He is our rock and protector.

At 10 pm there was an hour of praise and we finished at midnight with Compline - night prayer.

God bless all that have prayed for us and our future as we work with God in the community.

josh's birthday - 14 now

2008-10-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Josh decided to have a lads day, Gina was away leaving me to run it. 8 kids and 4 adults.

there was scalextrix, jamming session. Wii, Playstation and a barby. the sun came out and all ended well. there were 3 honerary lads there, genesia, her mate and the misses of a friend.

What a send off..... 500 bikes for Mick flynn

2008-09-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

When the hurst set off all 500 bikes started their engines and reved like mad. the sound just went through you and you felt the love that there was for Mick. The roads were closed and at sacred heart he was given a tribute, a church full of bikers. God bless his family and friends as they deal with the loss of Mick.

Mick Flynn - killed in crash. He will be missed.

2008-09-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 14th September Mick Flynn, the owner of the famous motorbike shop on langsett road was killed instantly in a bike accident in Lincon. He was only 48, there have been tributes left at his shop opposite our church and we have set up a book of condolences at the hillsborough hotel next door.

The funeral will be next wednesday and people will be gathering outside the shop from all over yorkshire.

We pray for the family and friends of Mick at this sad time. Lord surround them with your love.

This just remids us of how fragilelife is, who know's what will happen tommorrow!!

If there is some you need to say sorry to - DO IT.

if there is someone you need to forgive - DO IT.

if there is someoneyou want to tel that you love them - DO IT

and if you want to know God, ask him into your life.

Martin Kilner, our Vicar moves on.

2008-09-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

We said Goodbuy to Martin, on Sunday 7th September. We had a good final service and buffet. Martin has been at St Barts since jan 2003 and moves to St Marks in Grenoside.

We pray that Martin and Ann settle in to their new ministry and continue to build the Kingdom.

We pray that the people of St Bart's come together and lead the church to where God wants it to be. We ask for guidance, wisdom and vision.

Langsett Funday

2008-08-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Our 4th year, and our best yet. This annual event involves all the local organisations.

Langsett Walkley Community Association, Sheffield Homes, Zest, and what's great this year all the local churches with St Bart's have got together and set up a prayer zones tent for peoples spirituality.

This year we had, bouncy castles, professer shell, manicurist, Lovells, Sheffield transport, Tea cup rides for under 5's, 2 church groups, cresswick nursery and craftastic( a local crsft shop).

We had the Lord mayor open the event, burgreave community who supplied the mobile stage and Jellybean Jazz gave a live performance.

what a fantastic day watching the sun come out and the community come together.

A big thanks to sheffield homes who videod the event and all those who helped it be the event it was.

Hope on the streets

2008-07-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hope 08 took us to the streets of langsett netherthorpe and upperthorpe.
12 projects took place, from kids activities, cleaning shop wwindows, litter pick and working in a school.

I took on an area that had not been looked at for 4 years,cleaning it up with the council meant removing tyres, glass and clearing drains.

We then moved to the school and painted fences, cleared our sheds and smashing up a wall.

we felt the wholw project blessed the area in more ways that we could imagine. One of the rojects cleared 4 tons of rubbish from an estate.

Operation Fred....Launched jMay 08

2008-07-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

The mother and toddler group launched operation fred. Raising money for the school kids in turkey. One of our congregation is from there and shared what life there was like.

They had a sponsored trampoline bounce and cofee morning.

£440 has been raised and they are in the process of buying text books and stationary.

Wow what a busy, exciting 6 weeks... holiday here i come.

2008-07-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

since my last blog i have had some 8 events.

i can now update the past events.

Curry night for christian Aid

2008-05-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic night - £300+ raised.

choping 60 onions

bhangra dancing

£200 raised for Oxfam at Hillsborough Hotel 1940's day

2008-04-26T03:53:00.001-07:00

Wednesday night was a great night for all.

The hillsborough hotel rolled back in time to the 40's. Thanks to Chris from Danger zone in Malin Bridge who let bus borrow things from the war.Wendy and Helen got into the spirits at the Hotel and dressed up. The pub was full in the evening and awaiting the entertainment.

The evening started with Traditional Hymns led by St Bart's Musicians and Chris (one of their father in law who travelled 1 and 1/2 hours to be part of the event), Gary gave us a laugh about some of the stuff in the 500 years + and George fornby and his wife entertained us with those classics from the 40's

I came dressed as what i thought was a suave bloke from the 40's but others thought i was a gangster. local businesses and suppliers provided the raffle, and quiz prizes, where i was the quiz caller. One of the questions was " what date did the WW2 start !!! 3 Sept 1939"

Thanks to all who helped put this event on.

"12" youth event - what a night

2008-04-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

we took 13 youth from 2 youth clubs to an allnight youth event, on Saturday. I managed to hit every emotion in the book to scared, fustrated, happy and excited.

i did loose 2 of mine wh decided to call it a night at 11pm. the rest had a ball.

straight into a church service sun morning.

Praise God as 300+ kids came to the event.

http://www.thehubsheffield.com/ organised it - check it out.

Curry night in aid of Christian Aid

2008-04-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Oxjam 23rd April at Hillsborough Hotel

2008-04-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

People power wins the Day

2008-04-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

FANTASTIC NEWS

All that hard work paid off. at the last council meeting, all the top people turned up, including the council leader. 15 minutes into the debate the council leader anounces that the Homeless scheme for 38 flats, will not take placce, we can now concentrate on the 3 already round here. There will now be meeting with the council leaders and key people in the community to decide what goes on the site.

We pray for

Thanks for the meeting

the outcome
Places for people.
the continueing diiscussions for the site
the continued links in the community.

Fab time decorating Gina's Study

2008-04-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

While Gina was away me and the kids decorated Gina's study....Well cool.

Working in Partnership - Church Sheffield Homes and Hallam University.

2008-03-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

2 days were spent around the church to smarten it up, with th help of Sheffield homes and Hallam Univercity Volunteers.

38 intrerim homes going up opposite my house!!!

2008-01-31T10:15:00.000-08:00

The community is in uproad at the moment as a plannimg application has gon in for 38 , homeless homes which will have 24/7 security. we already have 2 such projects in area. Its not about not in my back yard ( NIMBY) syndrome its about how we as a community support the people there and intergrate them with the community.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS NOT TO BE A SHOUTING MATCH BUT A REAL COMMUNITY ISSUE DEALT IN THE RIGHT WAY. PRAY FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD AND STAND UP FOR THE COMMUNIY.

THE DEADLINE IS FEB 14TH

FOR MORE INFO:
http://planningdocs.sheffield.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?action=show&appName=planning&appNumber=07/04670/FUL

Beer and Carols at the Hillsborough

2008-01-11T03:44:00.000-08:00

What a brilliant way to spend christmas 07. The hillsborough Hotel let us take over the pub over december with a full nativity scene, and on the night they brought in 2 live sheep. the pub was packed and Carols were sung for 1 1/2 hours via requests.

A big thanks to Fiona for her playing on the piano, Debbie on the recorder and My wife Gina leading the singing.

The following day the smell of the stable of Sheep pee! was interesting. Was this how it might of smelt like 2000 years ago. Not quite the idilic picture we would like it to be.

Hope to make this a regular event - Beer and singing not Sheep pee!

Long time - where does the time go!!!

2008-01-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Since june we have had such a rollacoaster ride........

The disaster floods in sheffield brought the area to a standstill.
Our Holiday had to be in 3 places insted of 1 due to the rain
working in 2 schools
The development of "CHILL" our youth drop in.
Greenbelt - WOW fantastic way of recharging the Faith Batteries
New floor in the longe
Christmas - normal services, christmas assemblies, christingle, carol service and "Beer and Carols" in the local Pub with a named beer and full nativity scene with real sheep.
New year carol service - lets not forget what christmas brings - new hope.

Space with the family

2007-06-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic place northumberland is, we all ended up in a caravan in berrick.
we met joshua's school mate, visited a roman site, hadrians wall and spent a whole day where the sun came out at Holy island. we purposeley spent the time on the island when the tide came up so we were stranded on the island for 5 hours.

this was all last minute, we booked it thursday before we went.

Festivals Galore

2007-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Its festival time in Langsett....

23rd June - ruskin festival - Have joint site with st mary's ans St Stephen's in a chill out tent, with prayer stations and a tent to create a sculpture from recycled waste...

13-15th july LOOKING FOR ALL BUDING ARTISTS to show your work at the srts and flower festival at St Bart's. Full praise event on the satuday. Links with local schol, shops and community.

22nd August Langsetty fun day - full on family festival......

The BIG 40!!!!!!! on Sat

2007-04-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Where do the years go( the Pint was for effect),the big 40 on Sat, i would like to thank the Lord for all the blessing he has given in my life

A brilliant Wife - Gina

2 gorgeous Children( well i would say that)

Brilliant family who support me in London- both sides

A fantastic supporting church in London - St Johns

Church Army - who have trained me to what i love doing - chating and making friends

St Bart's church who put up with me and give me the freedom to explore new ways of being church.

A house and thim to spend with my Family

Brilliant friends and family

A vocation i cant believe i get paid to do.

Pray for Jack aged 11

2007-04-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Jack, one of the Boys in the school i work in, was involved in a car accident and is in intensive care. He is still critical. Please could you send up a few prayers for his family and the school.

Good friday - Walk of witness

2007-04-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd walk of witness , this year was led by Bishop Cyril. We had some 90 people there. We started at St Bart's, where the salvation army led us in our first song. We then walked to the Salvation Army, had a short time of prayer and another song. We then walked to the healthy living centre and did the same. We finished at St Stephen's with a short address by the bish and hot cross bunbs and drinks. It was a lovely day. It was good to remember the journy of Christ with others and try to understand what Jesus did for us.

Living Water flows in a Langsett pub in the run-up to Easter

2007-04-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

For many people Easter is all about Easter eggs and treats, but over the Easter period, We made Easter relevant to the community with a special Holy Week event at the local pub. Opening with a pie and pea supper, the event centred around one simple discussion: Do we need the church?, raised questions about the relevance of Christianity in the 21st century. The Bishop of Doncaster, the Rt Revd Cyril Ashton was a special guest at the event which took place at the Hillsborough Hotel and saw some 30 or so locals (both churched and un-churched) turn up to voice their opinion, take part in the engaging discussion and have a sip of the 'Living Water' beer specially brewed by the hotel landlord for the occasion.

Sheffield Today - Bishop gives his blessing to Living Water

2007-04-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sheffield Today - Bishop gives his blessing to Living Water

The Bishop is with us .....

2007-04-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

During holyweek we have Cyril, the Bishop of Doncaster with us.
the programme
Monday 2nd April 7pm - reflection
Tuesday 3rd April 7pm - The turin Shroud - a viewpoint of a scientific christian
Wednesday 4th April 7pm - Debate in Hillsborogh hotel with Bishop and 2 local councillors on
"DO WE NEED THE CHURCH" with a pea and pie supper.
The hotel has prepared a special beer for the evening -
"LIVING WATER"
Thursday 5th April 7pm - Passover Meal
Friday 6th APril 10am - Walk of witness from St Bart's to St Stephens.
Sunday 8th April 6AM - sunrise service and cooked breckfast

1st Family Movie night - the Incredibles

2007-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

We converted the church into a cinema and showed the Incredibles. The church folk turned up, but the families that we were expecting were waltching the new series of "Dr Who". At least they told us they would not be there. . Its a monthly thing so wewill see how it goes. The ones that were there all enjoyed the film and the home made popcorn.

What has" Star Wars" got to do with Easter?

2007-03-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

This Lent we have decided to have a lent course with a difference. we will be watching star wars and discussing the followig subjects:
5th March Why are we here?
12th March Relationships
19th MArch Community
26th March Out of this World?

The church is going to be set up as a cinema, people on the night with be greeted with a drink. Hopefully the people will have a relaxed evening enjoing film and other people discussions.

building Snowmen ..being a kid again

2007-03-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Wow i cant rememberthe last time i had so much fun in the snow. We all as a family spent the afternoon at Rivlin Valley. We went for a walk and the built snow men. Genesia and Josh were in their element, well so was i. Being a kid again was great. What was extra special was that Gina's mum was able to come with us. To top it off we went to the pudding ladies for lunch.

24 hours with the Bishops

2007-03-03T16:03:00.002-08:00

Spending 24 hours with all the ministers in the deaners with the Bishops was an experience and a half.

Time was spent discussion how mission can be done around the parish and deanery. It was good working out ways to work on building the kingdom. Bishop Jack finished the session with a space to work out our Vision for our voccation. This helped me work out what i find fires me up and what drains me. The key thing that fires me up is people, spending time with people talking about life. I am definatly a person who works with the ordinary peopson on the street.

How are we as ministers fed........

2007-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

It hit me hard that if we as ministers of the Gospel are to keep worship and disipleship alive we need to ensure that we are also fed. The only problem i found was that all the services round here are on Sunday Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So when our neighboring parish changed its service to 4pm as a one off, we all went along as a family , and as i thought, i worship Jesus and got fed.

This brought up 2 issues

Is Church for Christians only!!! as if services were at a different time would all churches be full of the same people?

Would more churches be full if they were at a different time as we would promote them as they would not be in competition!!

i now seek another place to be fed.

The bread of life......

2007-02-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Martin was struck down with a bug and i was asked to lead the service. It was communion, and i cannot do that.........
I must have phoned loads of people to help me do agape without breaking the rules, with no avail.
It was Rob my vicar from down south that i got hold of who gave me a framework that i could use.
The service was fantastic, as we in the congregation all took part. As i read John 6 to remember Jesus as the bread of life. Debbie broke bread and we all took bread from the bowl, handed out by the children , held it up and said "bread of life"

"I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

St Bart's the next step for Martin

2007-02-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic evening, Martin our Baptist pastor, is now an Anglican Deacon. Bishop Cyril made it a special evening. It was also his 7 year anniversary of becoming a Bishop. The sermon was spot on. At one point Martin was asked to lay prostate on the floor - i was thinking "come on this is the 21st centruary" but WOW it came alive as Cyril talked about vunerability, as MArtin lay there.
Seeing Matin in a dog collar for the first time was unusual but he definatly looked the part.

We see now how the community react with Martin in a collar and where it takes the church.

We pray for Martin , during this he had mild pneumonia, that he comes back to full health.

The fight is on ...its me against Gina

2007-02-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

The reason has finally arrived to get fit. Beat the wife in weight loss.

i had a fantastic 2 weeks , then it went pairshaped. WHere as gina has had a steady loss. I tried to get extra boost by getting a chlosterol, diabetes and blood pressure check. Blow me down with a feather but the doctor told me that they are spot on.. i secretly hoped the docor would scare me to get fit. So now it definatly down to will power and beating the wife as my motivation.

so far i have lost 3 kg , 32 kg to go!!!!

Networking its worth it...

2007-02-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

Joshua back in October recieved an ethnic minority award for recieving high grades in his Sats. It was during this meeting that i met the head, and deputy head of His school. i never thought i could work there as it totally out of my parish. But looking at selling the CHILL valentine party to the school, led to a link with the deputy head. She is now looking at building links with us in regards to extended eduction and the peer mentor schem we offer through CHILL - our youth drop in.
We wait in anticipation......................

Newcastle Deanery Synod - What is Church? Fresh Expression

2007-01-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

I Drove up to Newcastle on Friday night and stayed with Church Army friends, Stephen and Lydia. Saturday morning was spent with Stephen and steve( anothe CA officer) sharing with the Deanery the History of the well at St Barts. It was good to reflect and see where community is being formed in Langsett, in relation with the church and its profile.
We started to debate "What is church" that was fantastic watching the deanery debate whats really important, and there were many differences as we asked them to put in order and what would they take out?.
Eucharist - Baptism - Fellowship - Outreach - Priest Led - Church Building - Worship - Bible study -Sermon - Prayer.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

We then looked at 2 examples of Fresh expression.

It was a fantastic morning - more of this should be done in our churches to see what church should look like in todays culture.

Proud of Josh and Genesia

2007-01-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

Josh and Genesia suprize me all the time, i am so proud.

Josh came home last week to tell me he wants to be confirmed. His actual words was " i can now take bread and wine, isnt that great".

Genesia spent last week in kingswood with the school, she has grown in confindence -she even did the leap of faith. She had to let go of the rope and jump and grab the trapize bar.

While mum has been away they have just got on with stuff. Love them loads.

Movie Nights during Lent.

2007-01-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

We are now looking at setting up lent course using movies. Hopefully this will help me invite the people throught the community links I made, through posada and the Good news campagne during Christmas.

This will move naturally move into Evening Family Movie nights a once a month.

Failure - How do we deal with it in Ministry.

2007-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

WHen we start new ventures in Ministry / fresh expressions, how do we measure its success, how long do we run it, when do we realise its time to stop. This is where we are with CAFE CHURCH. our new sunday evening service that we started last May.
When i am asked about Cafe Church, one of the first Question i am asked is " HOW MANY PEOPLE COME", and when i tell them the low numbers each week, sometimes nil i see the dissapointment in their eyes.
Is it a FAILURE? No i tell people that ask me about stories of all the number of people i have spoken through Cafe and its promoton - i would say its a SUCCESS. Its highlighted to the community that St Bart's is back in business trying to be at the centre of society and sharing the love of Jesus in all that we do 24/7.
So now that only 2 people come , speradically turn up to Cafe do we change time or day of the service? change the venue? re promote or stop it altogether?

I ask for prayer on making the right decision, and remember all things have a season. a time to help us learn and move on to the next part of the journey.

Relating to single parents

2007-01-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

While Gina has been in London, i have had to balance ministry and family. It has made me see a small glimpse of how life as a single parent must be. Wow what a life, its made me appriachiate the way me and Gina share issues in our life, bringing up the kids together, and give each other space. Now is a good time to say i have a fantasyic wife and 2 gorgeous kids.

Spiritual Directors - Brilliant idea.

2007-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

I went to see my spiritual drector, once again i was reminded that having space in all that i do, is a good time to see what God is saying to me during this time of waiting.

Christmas gone....now what

2007-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Its been very difficult for me to have to slow down , and sometimes stop with the current situations. My life runs at 100miles an hour or nil as i have found, i struggle just to move at a constant pace. i have had to stop and think things through. I have used this time to consoladate christmas activities and all the links made at christmas.
I HAVE ACTUALLY ENJOYED THIS... and i was very suprised. I now rely more on God than i have ever done. I have a fantastic Wife, and 2 gorgeous Kids( but i am biased) which also helps.

Early practice to be the Vicar's Wife!!

2007-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

I thought i had 3 years once gina had started her job as a curate to be the parner of a vicar. looking after the home, cooking and sorting out the kids as Gina is given as much freedom as possible. ITS ABOUT TO COME EARIER....HELP!

Gina may have to go down to London to look after Her mum while she recovers from a big operation for 6 weeks. I need loads of prayers to get me through with dates already in my diary and meetings to come. Help in finding regular local baby sitters and just making josh and genesia my priorty with my ministry at St Barts at an early stage and with loads to do to build the kingdom in Langsett.

I remember the words at my commissioning, and licencing " With the thelp of God i will" with His help anything is possible.

YES A REVOLUTION.....2007

2007-01-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

i was inspired by Mark Russells Blog about 2007

http://russellmark.blogspot.com/

Definatly need to make a huge impact this year and be like Jesus in all that we do.

So much support its amazing.....

2007-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

The last 2 weeks has seen amazing support from loads of people.
Martin my pastor at St Bart's picked up the christmas and New year services,
Prayer support from St Bart's , church army collegues , family, friends and our old church St Johns in Hillingdon.
Friends in London that took us in for News year eve- to give us some sence of normality.

All the helpers that rallied round Gina's mum in hospital.

A BIG THANKS FROM KINDER, GINA , JOSHUA AND GENESIA FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.

BRILLIANT NEWS- MUM FOR CHRISTMAS

2006-12-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

The hospital today let mum come home for Chrismas- best news we had . It was great for moral, for all of us. I have to get her back in before 9pm
CHEERS GOD>

THE UNEXPECTED NEWS!!!!

2006-12-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

Thursday 12pm we got the dreaded phone call that Gina's mum had gone into hospital. She has cancer of the overy or Stomach. We spent 2 mad hours chucking loads in the car and the driving 5 hours to London. So much for a relaxed time now!!
She has had 2 bads days and 2 good days. and is now settled.

Never say Never!!!!!!

2006-12-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

On Monday 18th i was asked to do a friends funeral.........I did say never to God and my boss, unless i have built a relationship with them. So i got what i prayed for. It was a humbling experience and with the help of my friend Linda and from martin and Tina from church i managed to do my first funeral. True to all i do, last minute .com i had to get on with it.

I was now available to Gina my wife to help her set up for christmas.

GOOD NEWS COLLECTED ON WEBSITE

2006-12-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

Good news collected has been put on a website

www.piczo.com/goodnewsinlangsett

Mary and Joseph Travels .......so Far

2006-12-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Mary and Joseph has spen the last 3 weeks at different locations in Langsett. other places they have been to are:
Langsett Fish Bar
Babylon Market
Local Nursing Home
Acropolis Hair dressers and
Hillsborough Hotel

Carol Service - Christingle

2006-12-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

What a turn out. Over 75 people came. The service was broken down into 3 parts.
Part one was a carol that introduced a key character , who then told their story and ended with their Good News.
Part 2 was prayers getting the congregation to put strips of cloth on to the manger for their hopes this Christmas and collect their Chriostingle.
Part 3 was where all the candles were it outside in the cafe area "The Well" and the lights put out. Followed by drinks and mince pies.#

Communion in a stable.....powerfull

2006-12-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning service was powerfull as we took communion in a stable. It was very clear that Jesus born as a baby in a simple place and was very vunerable. This is how we as Christians should lead our lives......Vunerable and totally relying on God.

All hands on deck to recreate church as a stable.

2006-12-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Once the wedding was over the church was re maid as a stable for the main carol, christingle service on Sunday . and a preview for sun morning. BIG DILEMA we had forgotten about Communion service in the morning.

Clear up operation.......

2006-12-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

The church had to be cleared up after the school services because the church had been booked for a couple doing their 25 year renual of wedding vows. Big Job but worth it. The couple had been married at the old church. The had 2 lovely carols as their songs.

Gina as Mary

2006-12-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

Gina played the part of Mary...i was Joseph ,Martin and Tina were shepherds. One kid said to me " your not really Joseph are you" i said "no" and the boy said to his mate "told you he was Kinder".....

Stable for the school children

2006-12-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

The church was converted to a stable for a live nativity, on tuesday. the kids were gobsmacked ( so were the adults) it smelt like it too. just needed the live animals.

Mary and Joseph at a Birthday party

2006-12-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

At Gina's Birthday .

Launch of PASADA -

2006-12-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

Mary and joseph are on their travels , they have visited som eof the church members , been to a birthday party and to a chinese meal. they have bought their groceries and sweets. The local chip shop hosted them for a day and they are looking forward to getting their hair done next tuesday. They have been collecting Good news for our church window and website. www.piczo.com/goodnewsinlangsett

Car Smashed up - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2006-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

Some bloke today hit me up the rear( the Car) this lady 2 cars infront of me decided to park her car while doing 30 miles an hour. the lady infront stoped and so did i . the people got out in the 2 cars infront and the got back in and drove off........ Pain. needs new bumper , back door, and towbar. £150 excess ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Martin's Back Hurray

2006-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

My Govner Martin is back after 3 months. It will be so nice to have a sounding board back, I look forward to map out the next 2 and a half years of mission in langsett with the community.

2 more places for Mary and Joseph to visit

2006-11-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

Great news 5 businesses have agreed to host mary and Joseph in December on their travels. with the gaps filled in by church peple all but 2. They leave this sunday.

Chill Relaunch - Disapointing

2006-11-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

We spent 4 weeks preparing for our youth drop in"chill" We spent 2 hours setting up disco lights, music, graffitti boards, food and 4 people turned up, withj 2 leaving after 20 mins. there were 8 dissapointed helpers. We travelled the whole area and only found 2 youth on the road. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! maybe a home wednesday match and a televised united match may have something to do with it.
wee will see what happens next week

psalm 91

Pray day for schools- 21st nov

2006-11-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

Had a fantastic day in local school, took over hall with a laberynth. had 5 stations set up and has all 200+ kids go through it in 6 hours. A big thanks to my helpers on the day. It was fantastic to discuss the childrens spiritual journey and where God fit in it. One of the best bits was having lunch with the kids.

a mad week - but exciting

2006-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

since my last blog, i have been down to London and suprised Naiomi on her 16th birthday, done a school assembly, sat through 2 parents evenings to help out a local school, been on a fab course on LIQUID CHURCH, then down to London for a Church Army AGM and the govenors licencing in a day and the set up for a morning of street walking dressed up as a mexican promoting our Good news campaign and Posada. I think i need to take some extra time out this week if i still want to be married.