Discussion starter

Some thoughts and questions about the way we meet as a church

At our recent monthly team meetings (John, Sue, Bob, Annie, Rich, Bev, Kate Crawley, Naomi and Jonny) the discussion has often flowed in the direction of the nature of our small group meetings, including Source and Front Room groups.

We felt it was a good time to prompt a wider discussion of how we gather and encourage each other in smaller, more intimate settings and how this also relates to our involvement in our communities, workplaces, homes and other spheres of life.

We felt during our discussions that the two are closely related, not only because we can find the vital support we need in smaller groups to be Jesus to our non-believing friends, but also that we are constantly challenged by the nature of evangelism and essentially how we draw people to a place of following Jesus.

So, there are several discussion starters that we would like to “put out there”.

Click here for Naomi's 'discussion starter' document.

Events...

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our discussions this morning. Hopefully they inspired and encouraged. John's notes are now available under "Links" and the recording can also be downloaded.

As was annouced this morning Family Foundations Trust are having a prayer day click here to see the flyer with full details.

Also john mentioned...

AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOUR CONCERNS - CHRISTIAN OR OTHERWISE - TO YOUR LOCAL MP. At the Leconfield Hall in the centre of Petworth (Market Square)

Nick Herbert , the new Member of Parliament responsible for Petworth within the Arundel Constituency, has been invited by PACT ( Petworth Area Churches Together) to address the Annual Autumn Lecture on Friday 29th October at 7.30pm. Nick is currently Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice at the Home Office.

SUBJECT: HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP IN THE BIG SOCIETY

ALL ARE WELCOME - ENTRANCE FREE - NO BOOKING NECESSARY.

A GLASS OF WINE & LIGHT REFRESHMENTS SERVED AFTERWARDS.

Any enquiries to Gerald Gresham Cooke The Old Post House Tillington GU28 9AF, 01798 342151

Kaleidoscope Opening Event

 

A huge thank you to everyone who made the opening event of the new Kaleidoscope building a great success. Thank you especially to everyone who contributed to the food and everyone who gave to our special offering on Sunday. This has enabled Kaleidoscope to not only cover our shortfall but also to buy a shed and plasma welcome screen which were extras we thought we would not be able to afford. Half way through the project we were given the opportunity to utilise a piece of land formally used by the horticultural society. This took us over budget as it incurred further planning, legal, fencing and landscaping costs. However, it has given us a wonderful outside space and thanks to your generous giving has been paid for in full.

 

So, once again thank you for all the prayers, practical help, sharing of expertise and finances in order to see our community blessed.

You can look back over how the project came together at http://kaleidoscopebuild.blogspot.com

Update...

Dear all, please see the Links section on the right hand side and you should find the latest YAK, a standing order form and a gift aid declaration.

let me know if there are problems

Jonny :-)

Sunday BBQ

 Just a reminder that we’re meeting on Sunday 22^nd for a social/barbeque at Keyfox Farm, Balls Cross Road .  

 

Time: 11.30 am to 2 pm (ish)

 

Bring: 

• Meat etc for the barbeque – please include a little extra as we’re giving hospitality to some members of Eric Roadnight’s family too…
• EITHER a salad/savoury dish OR a pud   PLEASE contact Caroline so we can balance out amounts of savoury/sweet!
• Something cold to drink
• A chair (or rug) to sit on!  Maybe an umbrella/gazebo if it’s blazing hot….!

 

Coffee/tea/squash provided, and some bread rolls. 

 

Danny & Caroline have games, so hopefully (weather permitting) there’ll be time for bouncing around before and after the barbeque.

 

Please drive into the second entrance beyond the house and park in the yard.

 

Have we forgotten anything?  Let Caroline/Danny know – or if you have suggestions.

 

Blessings,

 

Caroline and Danny

From Hannah...

Hi everyone,

Just a quick message as I unpack from a week's cycling holiday (where Kate beat me up all the hills!) and get ready to leave for France again (hoping I can remember how to speak French having been waffling away in English for a good few weeks now!). For the month of August I will be volunteering on a YWAM base in the Champagne region of France, then I'll be back to Paris for a couple more months' of French study from September.

My address for August will be: Hannah Sneller, Jeunesse en Mission, 15 rue du Nozin, 51210 Le Gault-Soigny, France

I've recently sent out a newsletter which goes into more detail about what I am up to – if anyone hasn't already seen a copy and would like one then email me and I'll send it on. Thanks again to you all for your amazing gifts – especially for the offering taken on my behalf back in June – and support and prayers as I continue this time of learning French and exploring what God has for me in the future.

Love Hannah

This Sunday...

My Psalm

God I’m angry, frustrated and I can feel it growing
The tension, the stress and uncertainty of all this not knowing
What the future holds; and doesn’t look pretty
So will you act soon, have you heard are you ready


Why is it that the bankers, politicians and business men
Who caused this might mess we’re in are livin’ it up again
It feels like I’m out there working with the needy
While others who don’t give a toss pass the buck neatly


So what am I to do Lord, will you come rescue me?
Will you make the path smooth, will you show them you’re mighty
I do know you can do it Lord, I know you have a plan that’s good
I know that I don’t need to be worrying about my family’s food


So I will stand strong with both feet planted
On the rock of ages, with a peaceful heart granted
These storms may come along and try to tip me up
But to you Lord they’re no more than a swell in a tea cup


You’re the rock I stand on, not money or position
So I come before you now with humble contrition
You’re the God of everything and your praises I’ll shout
And know that my little problems are nothing for you to sort out