March/April/May 2016

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1) CONTENTS WELCOME TO VIBE

Welcome to VIBE, our new publication that brings praise and prayer requests, and also intersperse these with other Gathered worship for rural churches 08 together IMPACT and Praise & Prayer. The dictionary relevant articles, which we pray would inspire you in your own definition of VIBE means feelings, atmosphere or a way work and witness. Is your building your best evangelist? 13 to explain something that makes you feel good. That’s In this first edition, we consider how to start planning the how we’d like our new publication to be! Through VIBE follow-up for visitors attending one of your Easter services. we plan to share stories from around our network that Looking ahead to the summer the story of Cromhall Chapel and The next steps… 18 their creative engagement with their village fayre will trigger help you get a feel for life in the rural context. We hope thoughts and ideas of what you could do. these stories encourage and inspire you. A land of milk and honey 24 We explore how those who have buildings can use them Prayer is the most important way that you can support both our intentionally for mission, giving examples from two of our partners and us; in VIBE you will find requests from a number of partner churches which might prompt you to review how you 29 our partners, to inform and shape your prayers. VIBE gives us the Room to let? currently use your building as well as giving you some practical space to tell the bigger ‘back stories’ that lie behind the previous advice on this topic.

A widespread challenge in many rural churches is how best to lead creative worship with limited resources. Following their appearance at our annual Conference last year we are pleased that Sam and Sara Hargraves are able to pass on their knowledge, experience and useful ideas to all our supporters.

Rural Ministries’s prayer is that through the stories and articles from our partners you might be motivated and enthused by what God is doing in the countryside. If you want to know more about our work, sign up to our monthly e-news or follow us on Facebook.

In His service. Simon

02 03 You are the light of the world. 03 Bardney Community, Bardney, Lincolnshire A city on a hill cannot be hidden. There are some great things to give our God thanks for: Work continues apace in the Coffee Shop. Coving is up and paint is Matthew 5:14 (Day 01) Our third annual Messy Nativity trail was not only well received being applied. Opening is anticipated in the Spring. by the village but participated in as well. After messy crafts in Some specific prayer points please: the church 125 people were led round the village, passing first a • That those on the Alpha course will have a real experience of God 01 Epping Green Chapel, Essex small flock of Portland sheep in the church yard being overseen for those participating in the Alpha Course, and a sense of the by some rejoicing shepherds who pointed the multitude of would- Spirit’s leading in how to encourage these people after the course. be worshipers in the direction of the angels. This resulted in a trek We praise God for: We pray for: • May the Coffee Shop have a smooth continuation to completion, round the village via the inn, passing at the village green to sing • “Band of Brothers” men’s group becoming established. • Our busy Spring programme around the area and village. and beyond. a carol ending in a stable at the rear of Lindisfarne House, there • Varied family members attending special events over • Several folk struggling with personal, faith, and health issues. to view a scene of all the expected biblical characters, complete • For keen spiritual ears for us all as we seek to hear God clearly recent months. • Faith, wisdom and release of funds for the building with Peanuts the donkey, and a ‘real’ baby Jesus. All followed by over the coming season. • The “Community Spirit” Choir having so many invitations improvements as quotes have shot up! a fellowship buffet. Thanks again to Rural Ministries for their support. to sing at events over Christmas that “bookings” had to • Restoration of those who have been out of fellowship life for A village Alpha course is planned for the Spring. Three people be closed! some months. have already signed up just through the village parish magazine! • Ongoing local support for development of Church building. • God’s wisdom and favour in getting an area group in Epping Also enthusiastic and generous giving locally as well as from Green village established. supporters outside this area! We feel thankful and blessed! • God’s guidance and wisdom for the Chapel members and • Several people considering membership and baptism this year. leadership for more appointments at the March AGM. 04 Journey Church/Soul Café, Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire • The Epping and Harlow area groups which are now well established. We are grateful to God for many encouragements in 2015. We look forward into 2016 to see what God is wanting to do • Other musicians becoming involved at the Church as our We have seen continued growth on Saturday mornings, the through Soul Café and Journey Church. We particularly ask for keyboard player moved away. café becoming a significant meeting place for many. Our art prayer in regard to our Sunday night gatherings. These have workshops have also proved popular, both drawing and painting proved to be thoughtful and stimulating evenings that have courses well attended resulting in us starting a weekly art club encouraged people on their faith journey but have not seen for those who want to continue beyond the workshops. Our art significant breakthroughs in reaching unchurched and dechurched 02 Bont Elim Community Church, Pontarddulais, Swansea exhibitions have stimulated many conversations and provided a folk which was one of the main objectives. We are considering colourful and backdrop to what we do. This was most apparent changing the format of some of these evenings in order to create Please pray with us for finance. For many of us in a rural setting, Please pray with me that for all of us in this coming season, the in our recent interactive exhibition/ art installation called events that we can more easily invite folk to come to. the only way to enhance what we have as far as facilities is Lord will give us wind in our sails and those applications we all “theADVENTure” which ran from the beginning of advent to On the 4th and 5th March we ask you to pray for the Rural grant funding. Mindful, as we look back over the last year and pursue will be successful. the end of the year. Many folk commented on how they were Ministries staff and trustees as hold their quarterly meeting here prayerfully plan forward, our funding streams are diminishing. moved and challenged by the experience. at Soul Café.

04 05 05 Bootle Evangelical Chapel, Bootle, Cumbria 07 FEATURED Rural Evangelist Andy Cox, Newton Flotman, Norfolk

We thank and praise God for all that He has blessed, is blessing There is a slow but steady increase in the number of attenders We are continuing to hold our community lunch once a month staff also need to see that and will bless us with in the days and weeks to come. and visitors, we pray that their number will continue to increase and are seeing new faces each time, of all ages. Some of the they are valued by the local Our American Interim Pastor John Ward and his wife Jan have and make the move to membership in due time. regulars are now becoming volunteers, which is encouraging community. We also hold a settled back into the leadership positions and are proving their We ask for prayer for: and shows they are feeling a part of something good. monthly service there which is much appreciated. worth once more as they encourage, lead and drive us onwards • The work in reaching the families in the village, especially the The visiting in the village is going well too and some people in our walk with the Lord. They leave in May when we hope children as we need them in the church to help us grow and be are being seen on a regular basis now and gaining their trust. This time is ‘seed sowing’ in to appoint our own part-time pastor. Many thanks to Rural the church that Jesus sees us to be. It can take quite a while for people to open up and ask for the community and please Ministries, especially Simon and David who are helping us with help, but if they can see that we truly care about them as pray that it will one day bear • Our leadership who struggle from time to time with the our search. people (rather than potential converts or pew fillers), then fruit. I am also looking for new ways to serve the community demands put upon them. The replacement of our chapel windows is progressing and we they will begin to share their lives at a real level. There are like taking people on trips who may not normally get out and • Good health for some of our members, attenders, and people in hope and pray that all will be finished by the end of March and people in the community carrying heavy loads, like caring for about and helping them link up with each other again. the village and surrounding areas. that the building will be more wind and water tight once again. a partner or dealing with difficult neighbours and troubled I am also building bridges with other care agencies like local • The blessing of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the hearts Our thanks go to Tony James, a former member, who helped us pasts that need support and prayer. council, local medical practices and Red Cross, which may lead and minds of the villagers at this most blessed time of Easter. through the planning maze, to Rural Ministries who have paid A good relationship has also been developed with the local to referrals in the future. Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! for three of the windows, for the anonymous donation of £6,000 care home. The residents there need to see themselves as So please pray for God’s blessing on this work and His which gave us the impetus to press ahead with the work - as part of the local community just as we do as a church! Some guidance. Thank you. well as all the other donations received for this essential work. of them see very few visitors and are quite isolated. The

06 Stow Baptist Church, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire 08 Lavendon Baptist Church, Northamptonshire Last September the fellowship at Stow were very excited about that we have not had at Stow Baptist for a long time. The six the arrival of our first American Interim Pastor, Rev James Booth. months has gone very quickly and we are now in the process We give thanks for the blessings and faithfulness of the Lord Please pray for us in the future year. We have already had our From the time we made the decision to go along this route it has of bringing another couple over by the name of Darryl and in continued and regular systematic exposition of God’s word, Renewal Service in late January, and a children’s Holiday Bible been quite a journey. God provided for us in a remarkable way Faith Grice and once again we are trusting God to provide the Sunday by Sunday, as we continue our journey through 1 Club to arrange for the Easter break. Then, of course, there is the from providing monies and accommodation for Jim. finances for us. We are also pleased to have had the pleasure Corinthians. How we value our ‘team’ of faithful lay-preachers, usual ‘push’ for Easter to get the good news into the community of welcoming three people into the fellowship at Stow and look and we pray that through our effort, souls will be saved. Pastor Booth arrived in September and settled into our community who serve us so well, and how encouraged and edified we have forward to what God has planned for us in this year. quite quickly. He has been a big hit in the local area especially been by the messages they bring us, and the worship they lead. at our Babies and Toddlers group. We now hold a well-attended Please pray for our planned children’s work, Messy Church and We are pleased to report well-attended Christmas events, and a house group and are studying the book of Revelation, something Holiday Club. joyful time celebrating the dawning of the Light of the Nations.

06 07 Gathered Make the most of your size! Usable Worship Resources

Some people in smaller or more out-of-the-way churches feel at Another thing we do as engageworship.org is create and Worship a disadvantage to larger, town-centre congregations. It can be share worship resources. From our website you can download perceived that only big, trendy churches can engage creatively PowerPoints, prayers, images, music, drama scripts and much, in worship and outreach. However, it is our experience that much more. Many of these are ideal for smaller churches who smaller, rural churches have some unique benefits when it long to engage with God in creative ways, but lack some of for rural comes to innovation in worship. the resources of larger churches to make these all from scratch. Recently we have just added the “AREA 52” page to our website As much contemporary worship becomes more - providing resources which spring from the weekly Bible “professionalised” and takes on the tone of a show presented readings set by the Lectionary. Churches from the stage, smaller churches can encourage another dynamic. You can celebrate the “folk” creativity of your Most of our ideas are very flexible, and we encourage you to congregation, making use of the variety of gifts in your adapt and tailor them to your community and context. They fellowship. Do you have poets, artists, bakers, photographers, can also provide a starting point for you to encourage people to Sam and Sara Hargreaves school teachers, flower arrangers… and more? All of these begin putting together their own creative ideas for worship. gifts can be included in gathered worship, if you allow them As well as hundreds of free ideas, we also produce some space. Musicians do not merely have to fit into the “organist” or “Premium” resources. For example, you can purchase copies “acoustic-guitarist” categories - think creatively about how you of our “Family Creative Journals”: A4, full colour books which The Rural Ministries annual conference in October 2015 was could engage a classical pianist, or a small ukulele group, or a help families journey through the spirituality of Lent and a great event to be involved with! We loved being there to junk-percussion band! Sam and Sara Hargreaves run engageworship.org Advent. Or you could make use of our “Engage with God” DVD, lead the gathered worship and run a workshop on “Worship Previous to this they have worked for a number of Similarly, within a smaller fellowship it is more possible to which leads a congregation or small group through multimedia with a Smaller Church”. The vision of Rural Ministries is a encourage interactivity and congregational participation within devotional activities. local churches, studied at London School of Theology close fit to what we do with engageworship.org - resourcing a service. Why not make use of discussion groups, or ask for and Kings College London, and have written for local churches for mission and growth. It was exciting to meet prayer requests by passing around a clipboard, or encourage magazines and para-church organisations. They are the congregation to read out their favourite line from a Psalm people from all over the UK, and hear stories about how their Outdoor Worship currently living in Sweden for a year. during a time of praise? You also have the space to do things like churches are creatively engaging all different kinds of people setting up stations around your building, or encouraging people We are currently working on some new projects which will with our creator God. to move to different parts of the sanctuary, in a way which be launched over the next year or so. One such resource is might be impossible in a larger congregation. We began engageworship.org as a ministry of the Music and being generously supported by Rural Ministries, and entitled Worship Foundation in 2008. Our charity exists to resource and As part of our ministry with engageworship.org we love to run “Outdoor Worship”. This provides principles and lots of creative train churches to engage with more of God, one another and training sessions which help churches think about the different ideas for engaging people of all ages with God, out in nature. gifts and ministries they have in their fellowship, and how they This could include a congregation leaving the pews to go out the world around us in gathered worship. We like to expand can make use of them within services. We can also give principles into its surrounding churchyard, or a family enjoying a walk whatever narrow box “worship” has been placed into, drawing and ideas for interactive worship, or run musical workshops for in the woods, or a small group connecting with God through from broader streams of music, creativity, Christian spirituality bands and singers. If you are interesting in booking us to help a garden or park. Look out for this resource book as it is and connections with everyday life. with training, visit www.engageworship.org/training launched later in 2016.

08 09 09 Rural Evangelist Adam Jackson, South East Norfolk ‘ Another New Year and the opportunities and challenges that such a time brings. We are so grateful for all the Lord did last autumn...’ This year is looking like it could be very exciting indeed. Last The Emerge Map – in recent months I have been connecting autumn we made loads of new contacts with young adults across with every small group of young adults I can find. My vision Light & Life, St Austell, Cornwall (Day 11) the county and so we’ve got a platform to launch from in 2016. for this part of the project is to build a map of all of the young Please join with me in prayer for: adults small groups in Norfolk with a heart and vision for Mission in their localities. I have a dream that no Christian in their 20s or The Young Adults retreat - we are in the midst of preparing this and 11 Light & Life, St Austell, Cornwall 30s will feel they are the only person that age in Christendom. have gathered a team and are ready to make the booking. This will I want people to be able to gather together without the be the big spearhead and time for the Emerge groups of Norfolk to Another New Year and the opportunities and challenges that They were given the ingredients to make a meal which they expectation that they leave their local church community. come together and share ideas, worship time and fellowship. such a time brings. We are so grateful for all the Lord did last did all together and then were given the slow cooker to take Please pray that we can find the young adults who are in home. Of those who attended, two came to church the following Please pray that the planning goes well, that there is excitement autumn. Around 20 people made proclamations of faith; most of isolated rural places and that God would use them from a Sunday having already been in the building and invited to come. amongst the team and amongst the delegates. Pray too that these were first-time commitments. Many are giving consistent place of fellowship to go out into their local communities with community would spring up and a passion for mission to the testimonies of God’s life-transforming power and others are As we look forwards in 2016 we ask for guidance as to how to the Gospel. rural places of the county! needing more support as they go forwards. cater for and grow our youth work, as well as for more people to We have now been in our ‘new’ building a year and it has been come to church and experience the love and power of Jesus. Our and real blessing. More and more ‘outside’ people are using it, church mission statement is: To see God’s love transform lives 10 The Chapel Fellowship, Pitstone, Bedfordshire for example a local energy company hosted a day where people as we follow Him. This is our prayer for all of us and those who on benefits could come and learn how to use a slow cooker. don’t yet know this truth. We thank God for the life of one of our members who lost her Lord for this fulfilment of His promise, ‘... I will give you the battle with Parkinson’s disease just before Christmas, at the desires of your heart.’ Please join with us in praying that the ripe old age of 95. The example she showed, right to the end, Lord will use the coming weeks to prepare her, then use her to 12 Albert Road Evangelical, Oswestry, Shropshire of ‘putting others first’, was a lesson to us all. She understood great effect. that humility didn’t mean thinking less of herself, but thinking of We look forward enthusiastically to a new year and the new Albert Road is going through a tricky time of transition, where know how to respond to issues with our ageing building, both in herself less. things God will do. We have secured a more powerful digital we are yet to discover what our new “shape” is going to be. We the short and long term. We give thanks for the way we continue to be served by projector on indefinite loan and now anticipate re-starting our really value the support of all our friends at Rural Ministries as Pastoral - thank God for the new people He has brought into ministers from other local churches while we continue, with ‘first Thursday’ film shows, to alternate with the current ‘cream we encounter so many challenges. the fellowship recently. Please pray that He would help them Rural Ministries’ help and guidance, our search for a new pastor. teas, games and chat’ afternoons. Please pray that the Lord Leadership - thank God for the leadership team who have to settle in and find the right ways to serve. Pray too for those Please pray that the turn of the year will see this process take a will show us the most effective way to publicise these outreach worked so hard in the last few years. Please pray that they whose personal situations mean they are quite isolated from the positive step forward. activities and that He will clothe our efforts with His wisdom and would be able to continue to lead with the pressures they face. rest of the church, that we would know how to support them in grace, so that they become ever more effective tools He can use their faith. One of our members - currently in an academic role - has Pray too that new leaders join that team. to extend His kingdom in this place. secured a post overseeing a group of churches in the West Resources - thank God for our most positive year financially in Country. We mourn the loss of her contribution but thank the recent memory. Pray that we have the faith and the wisdom to

10 11 wo of our partners in this issue of VIBE have shown just how 13 Duns and District Parishes, Scottish Borders T important your building can be in reaching out to the community. The Light & Life church in St Austell (see day 11) moved into We rejoice that our the union of five churches has all gone so the office and storage spaces for these projects. We have some a new building in 2015 and are discovering how it can really help with their mission by bringing people into contact with the church. smoothly. Now that all the legal and financial arrangements funds in place, but we need to make sure that we buy the right Some of these are regular community activities such as the local are agreed and in place, it really does feel that we are ready to property … and there is one available at the moment which amateur dramatics group and the village management committee embark on a new journey together. Bon voyage!! looks just right. We need wisdom in all of this. but they also allow the local clothingbank to use the building and this Please pray for us as we start exploring funding for our group of We are excited about the plans to develop a Rural Ministries complements the foodbank run by the church. Community Projects which range from a C.A.P. Debt Centre to the Learning Community in the north of England and Scottish Borders Local organisations and charities are often very interconnected as existing Food Bank, and as we take steps to purchase a property area. It will be wonderful to see this develop. Exciting days. was clearly demonstrated recently. A church member who runs a to provide the housing needs of our future Assistant Minister and single parent support group managed to link up with a local energy company which wanted to run a day-long event where people on benefits could come and learn how to use a slow cooker. The people Milland Evangelical Church, Milland, Hampshire who attended the event were given the ingredients to make a meal 14 which they did all together and then were given the slow cooker to take home. Of those who attended, two came to church the following At our small fellowship we are giving thanks for successful fellowship and also pray for more people to attend the morning Sunday having already been in the building and invited to come. Christmas period including our carol service and our meeting on and evening services, especially people from the village. We also Similarly Forest of Dean Community Church (day 16) have agreed the Christmas day with our guest speaker. We are also praising God need musicians who will be able to cover our regular pianist’s use of their building with the foodbank, and several ‘social support’ that we now have tenants for the manse. absence later in the year. groups as well as clubs. They are very clear that they have an aim for Like many rural churches our prayer needs are ongoing and the building to be central in the community. focus around people. We continue to seek a new pastor for our IS YOUR Of course care needs to be taken when letting groups use a building and decisions need to be taken on the types of groups that should be allowed. It is also important to think about why you are letting the Sherborne Community Church, Sherborne, Dorset building. Is it just a revenue stream or is it part of your mission? You 15 BUILDING also need to consider how best to encourage its use. Some groups will approach you but Light & Life’s experience shows that it is good Here in rural Dorset we would like to praise God for the good We are also in the process of looking for a new pastor and have to build on relationships with other groups in the community and response to the various Christmas services and the interest had contact with two possibilities. Please pray for wisdom for actively encourage them to use the building. shown by some afterwards. all concerned. YOUR BEST If you are thinking about letting external groups use your building We need prayer for the way forward with our children and We have a Church weekend planned for 15/17 April and look then there are many other considerations and more information is youth work especially with regard to helpers. We also have the forward to that time together – please pray that it will be a good given on these on page xx. Rural Ministries has prepared a short possibility of helping in the transition of the local authority Youth time for us a church and as individuals. briefing note which can be downloaded from our Partner resources Centre to be run by the community. EVANGELIST? page of our website.

12 13 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not 18 FEATURED Gateways, Hutton & Paxton, Berwick upon Tweed for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. It’s been a real encouragement to see a steady increase in Jeremiah 29:11 (Day 16) people attending, enjoying (and coming back!) to our monthly Gateways Gathering. The Gathering is aimed at families with young children who have little or no church background. 16 Forest of Dean Community Church, Cinderford, Gloucestershire Through interactive teaching, fun and food we explore spiritual values together. • On-going opportunities to share faith in authentic and After much prayer we have decided to reduce our new C.A.P often the biggest step they will make is the first evening, The Gateways Fellowship, the second of our monthly core meaningful ways as we ‘do life’ together. (Christians Against Poverty) clients from two per month to one. walking through the door. events now into its second year, has also proved to be an • That we continue to listen to God’s voice and the people This was a difficult step but it means we can engage more fully We have a great presence within our community, with a variety interesting forum for people to discuss and explore faith in a he has placed us among as we develop His plan for our with our clients. With Aderyn helping to “look after” our clients, of groups running - not all of them church ministries but its café church type environment. Added to this, our Discipleship local area and further develop Christian community through we are in a much stronger position to show them Jesus, and great to be a real “Community Hub”. Please pray for those using Small Group continues to offer people a safe place to share, various initiatives. introduce them to church events. We have recently one of our the building and that these links will produce fruit in our rural support and learn together. We have much to give thanks for! clients from last year has now gone debt-free, praise God. Please communities. These groups include: Foodbank, Green Square We would love you to pray with us for: • For a continuation and flourishing of the ‘Mixed economy’ as we work with the existing Parish Church. pray for “L” that they find our Lord too. Please pray that our clients (cooking on a budget), Forest Read Easy Deal (helping adults with • The development of a North East/Scottish Borders regional will respond to the invitation that Jesus gives to them as well as reading), Teens in Crisis, and now possibly a kick-boxing class. Missional Learning Community along with Rural Ministries • Plans for future events; Bottles & Brushes creative art evening and a family weekend away. becoming debt-free. Pray too that the systems we are putting in Give thanks that Duncan our Community Pastor has seen and Fresh Expressions. place will be robust and make life run much more smoothly. improved kidney function recently. He has had many problems ‘Celebrate Recovery’ is going really well. We continue, to reach over the years and doctors were so puzzled by the test results out and encourage people to attend, however our British Reserve they repeated all the tests again only to have the improvement sometimes gets in the way. Our aim for this year is to engage confirmed. We have a great God who continues to deliver Grace Community Church, Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye with the wider community through local doctors etc. Please without fail on the verse of scripture that He gave Duncan prior 19 continue to pray that God will prompt people to come along, to his original diagnosis. We continue to be encouraged by new contacts through the work We face some changes throughout 2016. Stuart Mackinnon who of Christians Against Poverty and also through the regular Road To has been working as our pastoral assistant for the last couple Recovery meetings where we have seen some new faces coming of years has stepped down to pursue other work. He will still 17 Bawtry Evangelical, Bawtry, South Yorkshire in over this last two months. Do pray that these friendships and be involved in some preaching and ministry with us but we are the practical help given would be recognised as an expression of looking to the Lord for guidance as to future leadership within The three churches in Bawtry always have a combined Lent able to communicate the love and grace of the Gospel to what is the Lord’s own love for these dear souls and that God would use the fellowship and we do very much value the prayers of God’s Course for the five Wednesdays in Lent. This year the title is; always a wide range of people. Pray too that we will have good these contacts to bring souls to Himself. We are delighted that people as we seek the best way forward. “When I needed a neighbour, were you there?” Please pray that turnout every week. some of these new contacts have also been attending an Alpha the five speakers from different ‘help-type’ of ministries will be course which is drawing near to an end very soon.

14 15 20 Chipping Norton Baptist Church, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard. On a wild, wet and windy Wednesday afternoon at the end of stories folk share as they come to use Foodbank each Tuesday. December, we hosted our Three Kings activity in the Town Hall. Please pray particularly for one family whose son suffered a Hebrews 2:1 (Day 22) Several families attended and we made crowns, treasure boxes broken femur in a collision after getting off the school bus. This and decorated frames for the photos Joe took of those children youngster has also just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. and adults brave enough to dress up. Singing and refreshments As the redevelopment of our building continues, Joe and the 22 The Vine Free Church, Waddington, Lincolnshire completed the afternoon. It was enjoyed by everyone who team are working hard to ensure deadlines are met. Units for attended and we have already had enquiries for our Pancakes the kitchen have been chosen, tiles for the baptistry selected. This verse is the start of one of the passages our pastor Bill used Please remember our fortnightly Bible studies and prayer and Valentines event in the February half term. Our next knotty problem is the choosing of chairs. We are also in his last sermon for 2015 and looking ahead to 2016. It is an meetings when we meet in homes and share a deeper With our work through Foodbank, we have been both blessed applying for grants to facilitate additional activities, mindful of encouragement for us to spend more time with “The Word of fellowship together. Pray too for those who are very frail and and challenged in recent weeks. We have been thrilled by the fact that our excellent local children’s centre, the Ace Centre, God” and seeking more of Jesus. This verse will be our prayer those who are sick and in particular those who have a constant the generosity of folk in our area, including Joe Johnson who may have its activities curtailed or may face closure by 2017. focus for this elderly but very much alive fellowship as we stream of visiting carers as they live alone and do not wish to gave his time to collect a mountain of non-perishables from Our Sunday teaching programme on the life of Moses and our journey together into the unknown for “how shall we escape if spend their remaining days in a nursing home. Sainsburys. The Co-op and their customers have also contributed Friday evening activities have resumed and we have welcomed we ignore such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). Pray for all outreach and that the Holy Spirit will move in the a vast quantity of staples and mouth-watering goodies over new friends to the latter. Pray for our monthly coffee mornings, when we seek not just to lives of many. As we worship together the true meaning of the Christmas period and the churches and organisations in the We give thanks to God for his faithfulness to us and continue to raise funds for different charities but to come alongside those Easter will be very evident in this community. town have donated food or money to purchase treats for our seek His will for our future. who attend so that bridges may be built with the community, God bless you all and thank you for standing with us in prayer. clients. Jane and Joyce have also been challenged by some of the trusting that some may turn to the living God and give their lives to Jesus. 21 FEATURED Sutton-on-Sea Evangelical, Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire We give our praise to God for: Please pray for: 23 Kircubbin Community Church, Kircubbin, County Down • The freedom we enjoy in our services of worship where • God’s blessing on our outreach. we all share. • For more mature Christians to We thank God for the beauty of church family. It is really will be a year of both celebration and renewed commitment to • Our unity and the bond of love we have, although we join us. encouraging to see how He can use us to bless and care for one another, as we look to the future with purpose and intent, are few in number. • More strengthening in our prayer, one another. Our music and children’s work particularly have believing that the Lord will direct us in fresh ways of reaching • The vision we have to continue and build on the study and worship/praise groups. benefitted recently from the willingness of people to step forward our community with his love and truth. Please join us in prayer foundation we have in place. • Finally we want to praise God as and reach out for the sake of others. as we follow his call to “fish on the other side of the boat” and • Gratitude and blessings for the guest preachers, he upholds us with his provision, 2016 is a significant year in the life of our church with the 20th trust him for full nets. individuals and praise/worship musicians that support us. grace and mercy. anniversary of our Whizz Kidz summer club and 10th anniversary of the church itself both coming up later in the year. We trust this

16 17 The next steps

Simon Mattholie

It is encouraging both to read about, and also The gravitational pull of a church is usually towards over- The living room is the environment where people can network Each step should help you build experience, Easter and Christmas church services that programming. We can be very active without being strategic, together and more intentionally connect. The goal is for them to leaving both new attenders and the regular congregation unclear feel comfortable, and able to see others (which challenges the bridges relationally with others, are near capacity in terms of visitors. In this edition of about the next steps. Do we ourselves really know what the next idea of seating people in rows!). Perhaps a social evening with a VIBE there are several examples generally followed by a step should be and do we have a clear picture of the ultimate Christian speaker or entertainer would be appropriate here, with but you will notice that the prayer request that ‘many of these visitors may return.’ destination in our church for people to experience life change? the building set up café style. I personally would advocate the inclusion of food, and seating people in groups around tables so more intimate environment will In his book Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, Andy Stanley, that relationships begin to be built. The objective here is for people There is much to commend in this passion to see churches full, founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, likens invariably involve fewer people. to leave feeling like they have made friends with someone; and however I have been reflecting on if this is indeed a realistic the three intentional steps they encourage of visitors, as three begun to connect with likeminded people. New Hope run Sunday prayer whether we should not also be prepared to look honestly specific places within a house: the hallway, living room and kitchen night live, which is live entertainment with a twist of faith. Through at our approach and planning, and how significant services such table. Allow me to expand on these, using examples from within meeting in their local coffee shop, New Hope have provided a safe example of this. They are the safe place for people to share, as Easter and Christmas might fit into an overall strategy. the Rural Ministries family. place where people can begin to build deeper relationships, as well support and learn together. It is not the expectation of the We invest much time and resourcing to host attractive and The hallway is the special services, like Christmas, Easter etc. In the as discover more about faith. church that everyone who attends a Gateways Gathering engaging services around key events in the Christian calendar, hallway we should ensure people feel welcome; it is often the entry event will attend a discipleship small group, however that is without, it would seem to me, giving much thought to ‘what point for people coming to church and they should feel like special their goal, and the strategic next step. next’. I cannot help but wonder if the disappointment for many guests. The environment should seek to change the mind of those Each step should help you build bridges relationally with others, churches in the low attendance following significant services attending about both the church and Christians, in terms of giving but you will notice that the more intimate environment will is because we are measuring the wrong thing and have not them a positive experience. The Point, in Hexham, is a wonderful invariably involve fewer people. We should not be disheartened thought strategically about ‘what next?’. example of this, with their specials Sundays such as Noisy Nativity, or Apple bash 2015. Through events such as these, the church by the 40 visitors to our Easter morning service equating to just Many churches seem to measure success by how many people draws in a crowd of people who would not normally connect with 15 guests to a church quiz night and meal, leading to only two turn up to a particular service, the engagement with the worship a traditional church. They are made to feel welcome as guests, and people joining a house group. The important point is that all and perhaps even the quality of the speaker. These things can all leave with a more positive view of church and Christians, as well as those attending, both regular and visitors need to know what be valuable, but ultimately where do they lead? Success is surely something of the gospel. the next steps are. These steps should be not too difficult; not simply an event, but moving people on in their journey so that people need to be able to make it. Readily communicated, so The kitchen table is the third and final place identified by they can enter an environment that helps them encounter Christ. everyone can see what is next, including importantly those Stanley. It is the more intimate environment, the place where Success is surely not simply taking the steps. Finally, these steps should be strategic, in I am reminded of the story of poor Alice who, when lost in intentional conversations take place. Many of us I am sure can terms of moving people towards where you have determined Wonderland, asks the Cheshire Cat, “Would you tell me, please, an event, but moving people on identify the kitchen table as being the place where families chat, where they need to be. which way I ought to go from here?”. and close friends are invited to join us. In this final step suggests “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” the in their journey so that they Stanley, people should feel like they are part of a family, and are So may I encourage you to think ahead to your Easter services, Cat answers. can enter an environment that confident enough to have conversations about issues of life and and if you haven’t already, begin to plan strategically, identifying When Alice replies that it really doesn’t matter, the grinning faith. This step is marked by authentic and quality relationships. with those in your church, the next steps that will enable others feline responds, “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” helps them encounter Christ. Gateways run discipleship small groups that would be a good to get to know us, build relationships and encounter Christ.

18 19 I will bless the Lord continually; 26 Fenlands Church, Tydd Gote, Cambridgeshire His praise shall be always on my lips. On a number of occasions over the years there have been The whole Bible provides us with all kinds of examples and Psalm 34:1 (Day 27) various words of encouragement that Fenlands Church will be teachings to help us appreciate and understand how we can a centre where God’s Word is taught. For the Christian, Bible live in accordance with God’s plan. We are expected to put knowledge is a great thing, but understanding it through the into practice the things we learn. This year we are trying to 24 Hitcham Free Church, Hitcham, Suffolk Holy Spirit is better. encourage those who gather regularly with us, and those who have some connection with us from other local churches, to have At Fenlands Church we are planning a Bible study course based the genuine aim to know better all that God has revealed in his We are well into 2016 now and we praise God that we have We are re-considering how we continue our children’s work as on “The Way of the Spirit” books devised by Douglas McKay. Our Word. We want to encourage Christians to apply God’s Word to been able to strengthen our leadership team which will relieve the numbers we had initially have dwindled. We are particularly hope is that folk from other churches will join us in this. It should their life with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that each one will some of the workload pressure. We still face the challenge of an concerned that, at the moment we are only reaching very help us see the whole purpose of God in Christ; to discover please God in every way. We ask that you please pray through increasing number of people with major health issues. This only young children and cannot meet the needs of those who are God’s plan and thus see Scripture as a whole, and how it all fits this with us this year. serves to emphasise our utter dependence upon the Lord, who slightly older. together. We know that through the Grace of God He reveals the alone can build his church. We continue to pray that God will send those who will ‘stand in Truth to those that seek. John and Willem, working with Outreach UK, continue to visit the gap’ with us so that the work of his kingdom may advance in the area and have already had a number of profitable in our community and his name be glorified. FEATURED Duffield Evangelical Baptist Church, Duffield, Derbyshire conversations. Pray with us that, for some of these people, 27 this will lead to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. We need guidance as we consider what kind of follow-up may be required. With the psalmist we find many reasons to praise the Lord, Saturdays”. The second Monday of each month there is a most of all because of who He is. We thank Him also for the craft (card making) evening which attracts a small group of blessings of your prayerful and practical support. ladies. Please pray that they also will respond to the talks 25 Great Moulton Evangelical Chapel, Norfolk As we come to Easter we pray that the visitors who came given each month. along at Christmas will return to us again and the Lord will We still needs more members We ask for prayer for: We give thanks for: bring them to a full knowledge of Himself. At Easter we to share the activities and it is • Some of our members who are suffering from serious • All those who attended our carol service, and pray that some of plan to join with members of the other four churches in the our deep concern that those health problems. them will come along to our other services during next year. village and rejoice at dawn on Easter Sunday on the village for whom we pray will find recreation ground. the peace that only the Lord • The leadership team and trustees as they work to support • Representation from the C of E churches at the carol service. can bring. the Chapel. We ask for God’s guidance as we seek to develop • Our updated heating system, especially on behalf of our older Our regular activities continue with the Sunday morning new skills and abilities in His service. members who find it difficult to move around. worship until May concentrating on the “I am” sayings of Jesus. • Our outreach in the local area. Our first meeting of “Who Let the Dads Out?” had fewer dads • Messy church, which had a record attendance in December. than we hoped but one said, “Oh, I do like coming on these We pray this will continue into this year.

20 21 28 New Wave Church, Perranporth, Cornwall 30 Bishopstoke Evangelical, Bishopstoke, Hampshire

The New Wave Community is a missional community of Jesus Last Autumn our Pastor Matt Timms took a partial sabbatical rest. Here in rural Hampshire we are giving praise for: Please also pray for us – in particular that: followers on the North Cornish Coast of Cornwall, we are a This was in response to the busy demands of planting a church • The strength God gave as we pulled together during Pastor’s • We would provide a clear witness as we lead services and make community of Surfers and Mums, Old Guys and Groms, Business and setting up a new business over the past two years. This was recent Sabbatical. ourselves known to folks from the new retirement village. Leaders, Logical thinkers and Day dreamers. a fruitful time as he learned the importance of taking rest and • Our Pastor Paul’s return. • God would continue to help us build good relationships with And as a community we have much to be thankful for, these are abiding in Jesus! • The visitors we had to our Christmas services. those on our fringe: Toddler parents and Messy Church folk and some of the Praise Points from ‘down here’ in Cornwall: We ask for your prayers too especially in deciding ‘what next?’. others we have contact with. May we have wisdom to know • Opportunities that we have to minister in a new retirement We have just celebrated our 3rd Birthday and are still sensing how best to help them journey closer to God. At the end of last year we successfully piloted a new course called and care home in the village. ‘Intentional Health’ with ten students. This innovative course has that the Lord is very much still working in us and through us! • The elderly who attend our weekly TOP meeting (Time for • Weekly visits to the Junior and Infant school presenting been developed by a Christian entrepreneur in Cornwall and looks We are currently asking the what’s next question – where is he Older People). will know God’s peace and strength in their ‘Open the Book’. at all aspects of our health and wellbeing including; diet, exercise, leading us? How can we be more effective in all the Up/In/Out advanced years. • Those we see at our Toddler Group - most weeks we emotional and mental health, managing conflict and leading a areas of our community life? • We may be effective in our work with people with learning welcome newcomers. balanced life with boundaries. All of the principles were clearly Our heart is to be good news to the community to which we difficulties, especially pray for the leaders as they prepare • Messy Church which continues to be a great vehicle for rooted in Scripture and presented in a clear and yet welcoming serve – this means that we are seeking to provide for the needs talks/activities and support people and their carers. sharing faith and building community. way to people of any faith. of the community in practical ways – through Parent/toddler • There will be good conversations among the men who attend • For our recent 70th church anniversary where we welcomed Our healthy rhythm of ‘Up/In/Out’ is seeing fruit in all areas – groups; youth cafes; skate projects and surf movie nights. We our Diggers Breakfast/Curry nights. friends new and old, near and far. We seek to build our community life around the rhythm of ‘Up’ would love to develop a community facility that incorporated, • Other Christians, new to the area, would feel led to join us. - passionate spirituality. ‘In’ - authentic loving relationships. ‘Out’ the creative arts, sports, music, dance, skating and surfing – that - carrying the presence of Jesus in the world. reflected the creative nature and glory of God! 31 BroadGrace, Coltishall, Norfolk

Christmas is now well behind us and we look back on a year that Do pray for: 29 Parkview Chapel, Botesdale, Suffolk saw us grow as a church, both in numbers but also in faithfulness • Ways and resources to use our building to serve and in community. We also look back on struggles and trials and the community. We are thankful to God for the help He has given to the new On Sunday mornings we are starting a new series called are reminded that we will always need to trust God in difficult • Individuals struggling with depression. circumstances. leadership team formed a year ago as we have sought to lead “Here for the long haul”, looking at God, worship, service and • Our Toddler group - that we will be bold in talking about Jesus the church on. In particular we thank Rural Ministries’ Simon love. In our housegroups we will be studying the book of Acts for Please praise God with us for: and that carers and children would listen to the story. Mattholie for meeting with us and for all the questions asked ten weeks. • New individuals and families joining the church. One family has and advice given. We ask for prayer for us as we look for a part-time pastor who come following our holiday Bible Club in the summer. We are saddened to have lost two stalwarts of the church at the will lead us on. • A growing sense of community in our small groups, trusting each end of the year - one of them a former pastor. other more with our struggles and helping each other look to Jesus.

22 23 A land of milk 32 Crossing Places, Glendale, Northumberland

We have a lot to praise God for here in Glendale: We ask you to pray for: • Contacts made over Christmas and New Year period through • Our small town where Bill, the community minister with and honey our giant Advent calendar in the High Street, and the Advent Crossing Places, is now the only resident pastor in Glendale. Fireside gathering. Pray for the future of our six locally represented denominations. • Meeting more people through our monthly Café Church and the • The area of Glendale, suffering now from the impact of follow-on events “Tea and Talk”. Government cuts impacting education, health and welfare, Many rural communities host a village fête, or something other activities to be themed such as ‘Guess the name of the • The opportunity to set up a “Prayer Space” at our local school employment prospects, transport and housing matters. similar. These can be great opportunities to enable churches calf’ (it was Poppy), with a Bible as a prize. to increase their visibility and connect with people that would this term – and thanks Rural Ministries for inspiring us with this • Our Easter events, following on from running the Bible Society’s The church built on the idea and in 2015 not only had two not normally consider attending a regular service. They can in your last conference! “Lyfe” course for those of all churches and none. dairy calves but (thanks to their bee keeping Pastor, provide a very useful ‘shop window’ to help introduce • Increased involvement at our local First and Middle Schools, Chris Crocker) a bee hive as well! This led to the not just the work of the church, but also the especially building on the “Prayer Space” event last term. appropriate biblical theme of ‘A land of milk people of the church. and honey’ and was a huge success. The difficulty is that for many churches (Obviously they could not have bees such events can be something we dread. flying everywhere so Chris had an FEATURED New Hope, Fair Oak, Hampshire “Are we going to have a stall?”. “What observation hive allowing everyone to 33 are we going to do?”. “Will we get see the queen and worker bees busy The New Hope community continues to seek innovative people to speak to us?”. “What will they making the honey.) There were free think of us?”. We ask all these sorts of samples of honey to taste and one of the ways to reach the ‘lost generations’ and introduce them questions as we seek for a creative way church members did bee themed face to a God who loves them. to present the church and the gospel to painting. Themed home-made laminated We have things to rejoice over: the local community. bookmarks were given out along with • Prayer Spaces in Schools starting in a new junior school other texts and material. This was also the annual conversation at in March. Cromhall Chapel. Each year they had faithfully This whole approach has completely changed • Many new people attending our Sunday service attended the Cromhall Flower Show and Village the feeling on the Cromhall Chapel stall with visitors over Christmas. Fayre, where they gave out texts and literature trying to to the event much more willing to come over and talk - • God’s provision and protection over recent months. We have things to pray for: spread the Word. Then in 2014 one of the church members, a initially about the animals but then giving the opportunity to • Cheaper storage premises for the New Hope Project that farmer, offered to bring a young calf along - that open up the conversation to allow real witness • Brilliant conversations with those in need as we deliver changed everything! to take place. furniture and white goods. delivers furniture and white goods to those in need. • For the lady diagnosed with a brain tumour...which she • New leaders as three of ours go off for a year starting in April Although people in many rural areas see farm animals in the You may not have cows and bees available but what does your now does not have! to train for Christian Ministry. fields all around them, most do not get the opportunity to seeing church have access to that people will come and have a look at? the animals close up. Having the calf on the stall also allowed Why not share your ideas on the Rural Ministries Facebook site?

24 25 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and 36 FEATURED NCC, Newquay & Redruth, Cornwall perfecter of our faith. 2015 was an interesting year for NCC (formerly called • Growth of the sending church in Newquay. Hebrews 12:2 (Day 37) Newquay Christian Centre), and concluded the first full year • The beginning of clarity with protocols for future plants! of our church plant in Redruth. Financial challenges have We also have prayer needs - please join and pray for: abounded, however God is always faithful, and we have • Finances - NCC has had the hardest two years of her history. The Point, Hexham, Northumberland much to praise Him for! 34 • Cohesion with the newly forming Core Teams. In particular we give praise for: • Focus – especially for community outreach and was fine by us as we wanted to be the kind of church where “The Point”, a new Hexham church designed for people who • Ongoing growth in NCC Redruth. The church is continually discipleship development. don’t go to church, hosted a “Noisy Nativity” on the Sunday everyone is welcome. seeing salvations! • Next steps – what, when, where and how! before Christmas. Biblically speaking it wasn’t the religious in-crowd who got to • New blood getting involved in Redruth - people are stepping For those people who always wanted to be Mary, or Joseph, or a gather round Jesus in the manger, but the bottom-of-the-pile up to the plate! shepherd, but ended up being the third lobster, “Noisy Nativity” Shepherds and the foreign-immigrant Wise Men. Our church • A year-long funded youth worker to help with the sixty plus was the perfect event. began with the idea that there were lots of people out there young people that come to “Fuel”. who were interested in Jesus, but were turned off by tradition. The church decided to do a Nativity Service for anyone who • A house for the campus pastor and his family in the town. We wanted to invite them to come along and give us a try. wanted to take part. Folk could bring their own costumes, or if • Revitalisation of the sending campus in Newquay. they didn’t have one we provided something. There were outfits It was very easy to do and people really joined in with the for children and adults. We ended up with three Marys, a host concept. The event was a great success, and got us a lot of of angels and more than the official quota of Wise Men, but that coverage in the local press. 37 Wychwood Baptist Church, Milton-Under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire

Andy Woof, Carnforth Free Methodist Church, Lancashire Please continue to pray for our existing outreach opportunities door work. Please pray that this would provide pastoral care 35 - from the Sunday ministry to Men’s / Women’s groups; our and opportunities to share / deepen people’s knowledge and weekly Friday cafe and Youthwork. Please pray for relationships love of the Lord. Please also pray for church members in their • Our ‘Divorce Care for Kids’ (DK4C) course which started in Join with us as we give God praise that He: to deepen and that we would continue to point people to Jesus. relationships with non-Christian friends and family - that we February - that God would use the course to enable children to • Has put Christians in positions of influence in our town. would all have courage to share the Gospel. open up and to experience healing. One area we particularly need to develop is our family ministry. • Is speaking to us and stirring our hearts about mission through Please pray for wisdom as we consider what to do and when, in As our outreach opportunities and needs grow, we are in need of • The children and youth - that God would speak to them our current Acts series. order to reach out to families in our community. more workers to share the load. We are a small team and some powerfully and personally and that they would be equipped to We ask you to pray with us for: are naturally finding they have less energy as the years go on. live for Him. This year we want to develop our 1:1 ministry - ranging from • The Alpha course starting soon - that God would draw people our existing church family, to those we have current contacts Please pray that the Lord would provide others to join us in the along to the course and use it to draw them to Himself. with, and for new opportunities, perhaps through door to work he has given us to do.

26 27 A church’s buildings can really serve its mission but there are many CUR:ve, Upper Rissington, Gloucestershire 38 things to think about if the church or its hall is to be used directly by We’re looking forward to an exciting year but plans at the as more people move into the new development. Our Welcome the community. Here are some of moment are rather fluid! Kami, our Community, Sport and Programme (where we deliver an information pack about the Outreach Worker, has settled in really well and has made some village plus some homemade cookies) continues to be really the issues that can come up: really good connections in the village, so we are looking for well received although we have quite a lot of catching up to do ? ways to keep building on these. There are lots of opportunities at the moment. and we need wisdom to know where to focus our energy. Please join us in giving thanks for: What can the premises be used for? Our Christmas events went really well, with over 100 adults • Everyone who came to the services over Christmas, especially Many church premises come under a Trust deed or have and lots of children at our Carol Service this year. Fortunately the Carol Service and the service on Christmas morning. other restrictions which limit what the building can be we were able to use the hall at the school so had room for • The encouraging response to the Buggy Run and the used for eg only used for worship. If the document is everyone! The move to the school on Sundays has been a real Community Boxing Gym. old there can be some flexibility; for example a modern blessing and we continue to give thanks for the generosity of the • New families joining us on Sundays. interpretation of worship could include social outreach Head in allowing us to meet there. such as church-run community café or food bank. Please pray for: Kami has started a couple of new initiatives, including a weekly • Kami, Liz and Anjali as they continue to find their roles within ‘Buggy Run’ which has proved popular with mums in the village CUR:ve and the village. who have small children, even on the wet and windy days What about insurance? • Wisdom for the Management Group as we make plans for the Will we be liable for business rates? (which Upper Rissington seems to specialise in!). He has also just rest of the year. It is important to check that your Public Liability started a Community Boxing Gym, using space at the gym in the So long as the church is a registered place of worship Insurance policy covers the use by outside organisations village, and attendance so far has been really encouraging. • Opportunities to catch up with the welcome programme with and the building or room is not let exclusively to an so many new people having recently moved in. outside organisation then the building and associated and individuals. It is best to actually talk to the insurer Sunday mornings have also seen a number of new families halls/rooms will not be liable for business rates. about this and then confirm in writing. Any hirers should coming to join us and we hope that this will continue to grow produce evidence of their own insurance policy. This may be harder for private parties but can certainly be included for any clubs or societies or companies used at 39 Stevington Baptist Church, Stevington, Bedfordshire Can we refuse use by some groups? a private party such as entertainers or bouncy castle hire. Churches can restrict the use of its buildings but must We are one of the oldest Baptist chapels in Bedfordshire and have the past. The event is timed to fit in with the local bus service. bear in mind the possibility of unlawful discrimination. just launched a website: stevingtonbaptistchurch.org. Although it is In our last entry we reported the 100th birthday of our previous You should ask the hirer exactly what the use of the Can a regular hirer gain rights of use? still being developed, it gives us a footing. organist, well, a reader from Liverpool telephoned to say he also building will be and be considered and consistent in the uses that you permit. It is a good idea to include Yes if you are not careful. It is important to make it clear Illness meant that numbers were down at the first afternoon tea was 100 years old. His offer to pray for the church and the new a statement that the church may refuse use where to the hirer that the church retains the right to change/ of the year, but plans are well in hand for the pancake lunch when centenarian was gratefully accepted. it conflicts with the purposes of the church and its alter the arrangement at any time for example where soup and a pancake or two have proved popular in the village in basis of faith or would cause offence to strongly held the church needs the building for a special meeting when religious beliefs of a large number of church members. it would normally be used by the outside organisation.

28 29 40 STEPS Community Church, Milborne Port, Dorset ‘ Through changing circumstances, challenges and joys, we are blessed by His unfailing love and presence. It’s good to be loved!’ Here at STEPS we are grateful for the faithfulness of the Lord. and longing to release those who God will call in the future, to Through changing circumstances, challenges and joys, we are be for Him just whatever He wants, and wherever He wants. STEPS Community Church, Milborne Port, Dorset (Day 40) blessed by His unfailing love and presence. It’s good to be loved! We give thanks for the changes we see amongst us that lift our This year gives us all the more opportunities to build on the heads for the future. last; encouraging and nurturing those who shared together Would you join as we pray (even our weekly prayer meeting 42 Gosberton Baptist Church, Gosberton, Lincolnshire in Christianity Explored – strengthening our small groups and is growing a little!) that we will increasingly be good for our blessing those around us through the ministries in the community. community, not through conventional practice but through God’s Nearly half a century ago I spent a year of my college course So obviously that’s what we should be praying for? Well no, not We will soon be concluding our Growing Leaders course, so what empowerment and purposes. serving as ‘Student Pastor’ of a tiny Baptist village congregation necessarily. God is so great he never needs to repeat himself. is next for those who have faithfully come together over this past who worshipped faithfully in a rather musty-smelling chapel in We now in our 350th anniversary year and are grateful that God year? We are waiting with growing excitement and expectancy Berkshire. I don’t think I did much for that church beyond ensuring has brought us to this point in time, that even in our numerical that every other Sunday they knew who the preacher was going weakness we have good contacts with an extraordinary number to be; but halfway through the year a family moved into the of people in our community, and that God guarantees that he 41 Cromhall Chapel, Cromhall, Gloucestershire neighbourhood. Not just any family but THAT family – you know, delights in using the weak things in this world. the ‘answer to all our prayers’ family; lovely people, committed Of course if one or two of those ‘answer to all our prayers’ Christians, experienced church members, determined to be 2015 was a year of great spiritual and modest numeric growth • The beginning of a ladies’ community outreach group - families would care to join us we’ll be delighted. But right now, involved in their local fellowship, healthy income, generous givers, at the chapel. We continue to pray for revival in our own lives, “Cromhall Crafters” - that is being hosted at the chapel. We please pray that this year our various anniversary events will be etc. etc. At the end of my year the church was able to call a semi- our chapel and across this land. We invite you too to take up have seen 20+ women from the community attending these used by God not just to raise our profile but to build his church. retired minister to lead them forward, and their current website the call of revival in earnest. In the words of John Sutcliffe (“The events. reveals a strong and thriving Christian community. Prayer Call of 1784”), “that the Holy Spirit may be poured down • Our autumn series on 1 John and a wonderful Christmas with on our ministers and churches, that sinners may be converted, the focus of “O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” the saints edified, the interest of religion revived, and the name We would value prayer for: of God glorified.” He continued, “Let us plead with God the many Vale Church, Cowbridge, Glamorgan • Our 2016 theme verse and concurrent initiatives of preaching 43 gracious promises of His word, which relate to the future success through the Bible in a year and the congregation reading the of His gospel. He has said, “I will let the house of Israel ask me awareness, along with his own personal testimony of coming Bible chronologically. The close of 2015 was a good one for us at Cowbridge. In our to do [this] for them: to increase their people like a flock.” ” last cafe church at Costa four people made a positive response out of the drug culture through faith in Jesus. • Our Easter services focusing on Isaiah 53. Ezekiel 36:37 ESV. to the Lord. We are developing our discipleship programmes this We are a church plant so please pray that we will become more • Our chapel visioning as we discern how we can best reach the Here in South Gloucestershire we give praise to God for his year to introduce these people more to Jesus. We are also giving established as a church and that God would use us to impact the 1,231 souls in our immediate parish (and beyond). faithfulness in 2015 including: additional focus to training the church for evangelism. community by his Spirit. • Our coming Mary Jones “pilgrimage” as we retrace her • A renewed spiritual vigour at the chapel including new faces, Our pastor Neil Harvey has started going into the local inspirational 28 mile walk to obtain a Bible. energy, and a hunger for God’s word. comprehensive school again to teach on drugs and alcohol

30 31 ‘ Our 25th anniversary year officially starts this October but kicked off in 46 FEATURED Plymtree URC, Plymtree, Devon 2015 with a day of prayer and fasting.‘ In January Luke Orpin was inducted by our Synod Moderator as a church worker here at Durrington Community Church, Durrington, Wiltshire (Day 45) Plymtree. Luke and his wife Rebecca, with children William and Ellie, are now living in our manse and becoming part of the local community. Luke has trained at Bible college and is working towards being a fully ordained minister one day. Both Luke and Rebecca are already 44 St Andrews Community Church, Craven Arms, Shropshire contributing to our worship and ran a special children’s event before Christmas. It has taken a long time for this day to come but our thanks to Rural Ministries, the local Synod We give praise to God for: and security - migrants in foreign lands. and retired ministers Tom Thompson and Roger Davies, who have worked and prayed hard to • Our youth and kids outreach through holiday clubs, after-school • Tolerance, acceptance and generosity towards these people make it all happen. After the service we all enjoyed a time of fellowship and lunch together. clubs and events. and families. • The cohesion and love seen both within the fellowship and • A harvest amongst these displaced people, so they may find between local churches. their own personal relationship with Jesus. • Opportunities to share, help and demonstrate God’s love for the • Blessings on all the young people’s work and the workers. 47 Grace Christian Community Llandeilo, South Wales vulnerable, lonely and disadvantaged. • Blessings on regular open days, events and the Freedom in Many thanks for your continued interest in our outreach to the reasons. We feel the need to develop some more training for We pray for: Christ course, attenders, helpers and leaders. rural Heart of Wales. this project - not least in order to boost confidence. Please pray • Blessings on displaced people - those seeking safety, shelter, Some of our meetings are going better than others with that this will bear spiritual fruit with people added to the various Llansawel progressing well, whilst we are hopeful about Cwmdu missional communities we run or support. 45 Durrington Community Church, Durrington, Wiltshire but challenged by the stagnation in the Llandeilo Farm Meeting The youth outreach in Llansawel to 98% non-church families is which needs either a relaunch or a re-think, or both. Please pray leading to really useful ministry time with these young people, Our 25th anniversary year officially starts this October but and we look forward to bringing you details of these as we plan for people and premises for that? and good contact with their parents. Many would not believe the kicked off in 2015 with a day of prayer and fasting. We have a them and then implement them in our community. We held one of our Carol services at the Angel Inn at Llansawel levels of hardship and deprivation that exist out of sight in our preparation period up until October when we launch the special We are still small in number (under 40) so this is a huge (at the heart of that community). This was really useful in rural areas. Please pray for us and the families. year with a visit from Rural Ministries’ Simon Mattholie. undertaking but we believe that God can anoint the work opening conversations between carols, with on-going visits and There is now an enlarged chaplaincy stand at Carmarthen’s Please pray for us as we pray and plan the other events for the and empower us with his Holy Spirit. There will be other relationship building taking place. We plan to be back at this regional livestock market and Simon is able to work there at the year which currently include: opportunities to increase our witness to our village. Please pray venue each month this year to increase our public availability to table, chatting to passers-by, on two days at least each week. Visits from representatives of the 12 or so charities which that this special year for us will result in many of all ages coming this community. We are really feeling our way and wondering Literature gets taken, conversation are held, prayer gets made we support; an evangelistic programme; weekend speakers; to know our wonderful Lord and that we will not be so organised what we might usefully do there for Easter ... but we’ll think of with people. Please pray for these conversations and that the summer camps; a month of prayer; school work; running a that we miss out on the opportunities He gives us every day to something! Please pray? information we give out will be read/listened to. Christian night club in the local Working Men’s Club; participation witness for Him. Please pray, too, against attacks of Satan. The Community Chaplains scheme is working well in Llansawel Many thanks for your prayers. in village shows; setting up a drama group … The list goes on and Cwmdu but not quite so well in Llandeilo for various structural

32 33 OUR PARTNERS

Northern England Southern England Bawtry Evangelical Free Church S Yorks Mount Zion Baptist Chapel, Hebden Bridge W Yorks Bishopstoke Evangelical Church Hants Soul Café, Dibden Purlieu Hants Bethel Chapel, Clapham N Yorks Nidderdale Evangelical Free Church, Chipping Norton Baptist Church Oxon St. James’ Church, Ryde Isle of Wight Bootle Evangelical Church Cumbria Thornthwaite N Yorks Grace Church, Ryde Isle of Wight Stevington Baptist Church Beds Carnforth Free Methodist Church Lancashire Plumbland Evangelical Church Cumbria Lavendon Baptist Church Bucks The Chapel Fellowship, Pitstone Bucks Crossing Places, Wooler Northumbria The Point, Hexham Northumbria Milland Evangelical Church W Sussex Wychwood Baptist Church Oxon Helmshore Christian Fellowship Lancashire New Hope Hampshire, Fair Oak Hants

East Of England West Of England Anstey Chapel Herts Prince Andrews Chapel, Aldborough Norfolk Albert Road Evangelical Church, Oswestry Salop St Andrews Community Church, Craven Arms Salop BroadGrace Church, Hoveton Norfolk RE:NEW, Bottisham Cambs CUR:ve, Upper Rissington Glos Stow Baptist Church, Stow-on-the-Wold Glos Epping Green Chapel Essex Rowhedge Christian Fellowship Essex Forest of Dean Community Church, Cinderford Glos Sycamore Chapel, Tewkesbury Glos Fenlands Church, Tydd Gote Cambs Stratford St Mary Christian Fellowship Essex Hope Community Church, Kingstone Heref Fenlands Family Church, Thorney Cambs Tas Valley Cell Church, Swainthorpe Norfolk Great Moulton Evangelical Chapel Norfolk Witnesham Baptist Church Suffolk Northern Ireland Hitcham Free Church Suffolk Yelling Independent Baptist Cambs Kircubbin Community Church County Down Parkview Chapel, Botesdale Suffolk

Wales East Midlands Grace Christian Community, Llandeilo Carms Bont Elim Community Church, Pontarddulais Swansea Bardney Community Lincs Sutton-on-Sea Evangelical Free Church Lincs Rockwood Mission, Brynteg Wrexham Vale Church, Cowbridge Swansea Duffield Evangelical Baptist Church Derbys The Vine Free Church, Waddington Lincs Gosberton Baptist Church Lincs Scotland South West England Duns and District Parishes Berwickshire Kilmuir and Stenscholl, Staffin Isle of Skye Gateways, Paxton Berwickshire Grace Community Church, Kyle of Lochalsh Highland Cromhall Chapel S Glos NCC, Newquay Cornwall Durrington Community Church Wiltshire Sherborne Community Church Dorset Light & Life Church, St Austell Cornwall Steps Community Church, Milborne Dorset Light & Life Church, Truro Cornwall Wool and Purbeck Vineyard Christian Please see our website for full details of our Partners. www.ruralministries.org.uk New Wave Church, Perranporth Cornwall Fellowship Dorset

34 35 BM Box 3716 London WC1N 3XX t: 0845 600 6788 e: [email protected] www.ruralministries.org.uk

VIBE is published by Rural Ministries, Registered office Brynford House, Brynford Street, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7RD. No material from VIBE may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. Registered Charity No. 200027. Company Limited by Guarantee and registered in England No. 688281.