Saying Yes To Life

Yes, we’re doing a plug for more Lent resources.

‘Saying Yes to Life’ is the title of a book by Ruth Valerio and it’s the Archbishop
of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2020. Ruth Valerio is Global Advocacy and
Influencing Director at Tearfund, described as an environmentalist, theologian
and social activist.

It’s a book that you can read by yourself or is equally suitable for groups to
mull over together and be challenged by the issues it raises. It encourages us
all to lift our focus from natural, everyday concerns to issues that have an
impact on millions of lives around the world. It draws on some strong biblical
themes to help us all consider matters of environmental, ethical and social
concern.

In short, the golden thread is what it means to be human and a follower of

Jesus. Not a bad thing to contemplate during Lent.

Lent Dilemma

 Dan writes:

At this time of year, I have a dilemma. Not being raised in a church tradition that “did Lent” the thought of giving something up still seems… odd; and I struggle to participate.

I see the biblical merits and good intentions. Sacrificing something of value to try and identify with Jesus in the desert. However, Luke 4 says “Jesus returned… in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.”

My dilemma lies in our method, not the intention. Often, we go for a minor-substitution approach. A pseudo New Year’s resolution.  Sugar for sweetener. Chocolate for fruit. Caffeine for decaff. TV for books. Smoking for vaping. Swearing for “Dag-nam-it!”

All great ideas, but do these types of substitution help draw us closer to God? Do we finish 40 days full of the Spirit? Does news about Jesus spread as a consequence?

This year, as we pursue God together, consider making a swap that answers with a resounding “Yes. Amen and Hallelujah!”.

The Turning Final Update

The Turning is only a week away, and here are the final details for the programme:

7 Evenings of Worship, Prayer & Testimony

Sunday 22 September, 6:30pm @ Coney Hill Baptist

Monday 23 – Friday 27 September, 7:30pm @ Coney Hill Baptist

6 Mornings of Training & Outreach

Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September, 10am – 1pm

Monday & Tuesday @ Coney Hill Baptist

Wednesday & Thursday @ St Mary’s, Hayes

Friday & Saturday @ St Francis, West Wickham

We are looking for people to pray, be involved in the outreach on the streets, and engage in follow-up conversations with anyone who expresses a desire for that (any or all of those). There will be a sign-up sheet in church on Sunday, or if you’re not around then, send Jon an email.

"Link to Hope" Autumn Fair 2019

St Francis Church Hall

Saturday 19th October, 11am-3pm

 Alongside shopping and refreshments, the Fair will be raising funds for and awareness of Link to Hope's Shoebox Appeal and this year we are hoping there will be a "Shoebox Station" where a box can be filled with gifts for £10. There are many ways you can help, including the following:

• donations of new, unopened and unwanted gifts (for the popular re-gifting fundraising stall)

• donations of any items for shoebox filling (more specific needs will be advertised nearer the time)

• donations of cakes, traybakes, etc

• distributing leaflets in advance of the event and on the day

• help setting up/packing away, serving refreshments and running the "Shoebox Station" and fundraising stall.

More details to follow over the coming weeks, but if you're interested in being involved in the meantime, please let Milly (camilla@highamsfarm.com) or Angela (angela.walters@yahoo.co.uk) know.

The Turning Update

The Turning initiative is only 3 weeks away, so here are a few more details that we have received about what’s happening locally:

 ·         The programme will kick off on Sunday 22 September, 6:30pm at Coney Hill Baptist, with all the churches praying for the week and worshipping together;

 Throughout the week (Mon-Saturday, 23-28 September), there will be a pattern of morning and evening gatherings:

 ·         The morning get together will start at 10:00am at St Francis (other possible venues to be confirmed) for training and prayer, followed by sharing faith on the Hayes, West Wickham and Coney Hall ‘High Streets’, finishing up with a debrief;

 ·         The evening meeting will take place at 7:30pm at Coney Hill Baptist for prayer, testimony and worship – encouragement for the next day.