Last weekend showed again how serious we are as a Leadership about our recent Twenty10Renew, when together as a church we reaffirmed our vision and we launched a 5 Year Strategy. The visit and the ministry of Paul James, along with the recent visit of Jarrod Cooper, is part of our response and our commitment, as a Leadership, to the vision of New Life City Church and to the 5 Year Strategy we placed before you.
Thanks to all who continue to stand together, and to even at times help row someone else's boat in the midst of storms. For what does it matter about vision and strategy and if we cannot support and encourage each other? Some of you have discovered when you reach out with an offer to help, that sometimes that offer is either refused or ignored; yet that should not stop you from caring and should not prevent you from remaining open to serve and willing to help.
PAUL JAMES. I will not detail all of Paul's messages, for he had much to say, and besides, the laugher is difficult to replicate or to translate in writing! On Saturday morning he spoke on Evangelism as the Mission of the Church. The main points were: 1) The Mission; 2) The Message; 3) The Means; 4) The Methods. Some of his main comments were that God has chosen us and anointed us to be His everyday means of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in our everyday lives; we should show the heart of Jesus by touching the wounded with the same care shown by Christ; we should live a life that reflects Christ; open minded people can spot techniques, prejudice and fraud. One of the comments that spoke to me most was, "anyone can scatter; not many can gather", and I respond by saying, "God make me a gatherer; not a scatterer".
Paul's messages on Sunday were "The Power of the Cross to Deliver us from Sin" and "The Power of the Cross to Deliver us from Self Life". In these messages he focused much on the subject of FREEDOM. To put his messages in a nut shell he was saying that our freedom is not just so we can dance and sing in church, but so we can take back our lives on a daily basis by having the power to say "No" and to make right choices when we are away from church. "It was for freedom that Christ has set us free". The whole weekend was recorded. We will make these available soon.
THIS WEEK: we once again have a full programme. Lot's to do! People to meet! Fellowship, teaching, and encouragement etc. Including Life Groups in various homes and in FEED Cafe (email Gareth for details at Spudmurphy123@btinternet.com ); and prayer times Monday 11 am Thursday 7.45 pm; Saturday 10.30 am. If you've never yet been to a Life Group or a Prayer Time, why not plan to get along to one this week. You do not need to be alone; these are opportunities to get out and connect with others.
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Tuesday 21st December. £15 per adult; £6.95 per 'dinner eating' child! You need to let Lesley Hance know ASAP if you are going. Email her at paul.hance@btinternet.com and let her have £5 deposit when you see her at church. Thanks for doing this Lesley.
Thanks again to everyone who stands with us and who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church. We deeply appreciate your efforts whether it's making teas and coffees or providing food; or cleaning the church; or looking after children in the crèche or at JC's etc etc. Whatever you do is deeply appreciated. Thanks.
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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