Hennie's Blog for November

Dear All,

Apologies for being a few days late - though I see I wrote last year's on 7th November - so perhaps this is God's timing and not mine! As I write this from my new desk (very pleased with it - and thank you Kevin for putting it together!), I look out of my study window and watch the birds devouring their bird seed, and the leaves turning golden brown - confirmation of Autumn and soon to be Advent.  Meanwhile a certain four legged friend is happily asleep, no doubt somewhere where she shouldn't be!

This morning, as some of us gathered together for Morning Prayer in the Side Chapel, we were reminded from our NT reading from Revelation that, 'let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches'. And I have been so encouraged during this past month as  we, at St. Mark's, I believe, are becoming eager to desire the spiritual gifts that God longs to give us for the building of His Kingdom, and having our ears open to what He wants to say to us.  I think that has been very evident from the Prayer Ministry Team now meeting regularly before the 11 am and 6.30 service to listen to God, and to hear what the Spirit may be saying to us, corporately and as individuals.  I praise God that He spoke to Jill Pearson at New Wine about raising up this area of ministry - she listened, she heard, and she acted!  Talking about New Wine another reminder that the very early bird rate ends on the 30th November, and it would be so good if a number of us all went together again next August. 

Looking back over October it has been a very exciting time at St. Mark's.  The month started by us hosting the Open Doors Roadshow which was a very powerful evening as we were reminded of the incredible faith of the Persecuted Church.  Eddie Lyle came with his committed and tireless team, together with Pastor Fawzi who shared with us the reatlity of being a follower of Christ in his country, and  relayed some amazing testimonies.  I hope and pray that our experience of that shared time together, will motivate us even more to pray, support, and act on behalf of our brothers and sisters, who in many parts of the world are in fear of their lives because of their love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also during October we held our first CAP (Christians Against Poverty) course offering help and advise to those wanting to know how to  budget  finances more resourcefully. Our four CAP money coaches were very encouraged by those who came on the course, and will now be thinking and praying as to when and how we can offer this course to the wider community.  Please join them in prayer.

Our Alpha course also started in October and again we are very encouraged by the number of guests attending - made up of regular members of St. Mark's, as well as guests who saw the banner and are enquiring about the Christian faith.  We have also been blessed by different people offering to cook, serve and wash up, and to lead and help in the small groups.  Please continue to pray for the course, and especially for this coming Saturday when we join with other churches for the Holy Spirit Away Day. May everyone attending encounter the power of the living God.

October is the month when we celebrate Harvest - thanking God for all His good gifts - and we did so with St. Mark's Autumn Bash. Another opportunity of opening the church to the local community, and collecting food for the local charity Save the Family.  Thank you to all who gave their time in organising the event, gig, and Sunday worship.

There is much more I could share, but as I come into land October was also the time when we said goodbye to Adam and Kate as God leads them on to new pastures.  We had a great evening thanking Adam for all that he has done ministering to the children and young people, and also celebrating his 30th Birthday.  A very big thank you to all of you who were involved in so many different ways, from the catering to the very creative entertainment!  We wish them well, and do continue to keep them in your prayers.

And as God leads Adam and Kate to new pastures, so he continues to lead us.  I re-iterate what I said last month following a picture that was given of 'a piece of knitting as all one thread'.  Let us pray that we all might be knitted tightly together as we too move forward into new pastures.  Crossing into a new place can be very frightening, and as we begin to put the Vision into practice, and put the words into action, I know that, for some, it won't be easy, in fact for some it will be very painful, and fearful.  But it is the perfect love of God that drives out all fear, and as we looked at the peace of God last Sunday I think He wants to reassure us that His peace is for all of us, and especially for such time as this.

'Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of us.'  (2 Thessalonians 3: v. 16).

With love and prayers, Hennie