So, folks, by the time you read this, last Sunday (never mind the platinum jubilee before that) will be a distant memory. And I will be in one of two places: (a) northwest Cyprus, or (b) in a sleeping bag, in departure lounge 203, at Gatwick North terminal.
Location matters!
Last Sunday we split or modest resources and prayed in faith that God would multiply our efforts. Especially with no speaker booked for Café Church. Result? God provided, graciously and kindly. The Café Church self-service machine went into top gear, with some wonderful contributions from the ‘floor’ so to speak. There you are, you folks don’t need a minister! ‘Every man and woman in ministry’ was the motto of one church I went to. And it works! And it’s Biblical. I feel a sermon coming on concerning discipleship and leadership in the Gospels…better park that for now… I need to pack…
And meanwhile, at Hascombe, we also had a lovely church service – great times, great fellowship, and congregation old and new turned up. Thanks be to God.
Indeed, we than God that this new, resurrected, range of services is providing something for everyone, and across such a huge range of styles and even locations. Keep watching the news sheets everyone – and keep praying! This is just the start. There is so much to be thankful for, but also so much still to be done.
Pray for our vision morning coming up on 16 July (a Saturday morning)
Pray for each other, especially those in need.
And pray even for our pray-ers! They meet at 9.30 am every Friday at St Peter’s Hascombe. We pray for whatever is on our hears, for our churches and efforts, and for each other. It’s a wonderful, special time.
Which reminds me about a story about prayer:
Harry goes to a revival-type service and listens to the preacher.
After a while the preacher asks people to come to the front with their prayer requests.
Harry gets in line, and when it’s his turn, the preacher asks: “Harry, what do you want me to pray about for you?”
Harry replies: “Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing.”
The preacher puts one finger in Larry’s ear, and he places the other hand on top of Larry’s head and prays and prays and prays.
After a few minutes, the preacher removes his hands, stands back and asks Larry: “Larry, how is your hearing now?”
Larry says, “I don’t know, Reverend, it’s not until next Wednesday.”
When it comes to pastoral care – listening to each other carefully – and dare I say it – hearing – will often determine the outcome!
That’s it from me – have a good two weeks everyone and see you soon!