Newcastle Deanery Synod - What is Church? Fresh Expression

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!!

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

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.....

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.