Dear
All,
Jon
started his last blog with ‘can you believe it is June’? As I look out of the window it is raining,
dull, and Murray is out of Wimbledon so we probably can believe it is July!
June
was a great month of blessings starting with Jon’s excellent production of
Agatha Christie’s ‘Cards on the Table’.
It was very encouraging seeing the church full of people who had no
connections with St. Mark’s, and the evening I went I recognised very few
people. I pray seeds will have been sown,
and that others will be drawn into the theatre company.
This
was followed by Pentecost Sunday when the Holy Spirit hovered over us, and
gently breathed through us. I hope you
will all join me in praying for more power of the Holy Spirit, as we grow in
the Fruit of the Spirit, and eagerly seek the gifts of the Spirit fulfilling
the prophecy of Joel, from which Peter preached so powerfully that first day of
Pentecost! Following Pentecost we were
blessed again with Jon’s ordination service on the eve of Trinity Sunday – a
service of great power and celebration as deacons were ordained into the
priesthood. Praise God.
On
Trinity Sunday Bishop Keith was with us as we celebrated the full immersion
baptisms of Jonathan and Charlie, and the confirmations of Cindy, Ruben,
Jonathan and Charlie. It was very moving as each said a few words as to how God
had brought them to this place, and what difference Jesus had made in their
lives. Pippa and I had a great time preparing them for this day, and can we
encourage you to pray for them, as they
continue their journey following Jesus their Lord and Saviour.
During
June I also had an opportunity to visit Quench to be interrogated by the young
people – it was good fun, and they are awesome!
As I write this, 15 young people are preparing to engage in ‘Slum
Survivor’ for 24 hrs – from tomorrow Sat until Sunday, sleeping outside in
makeshift tents, eating little, and learning what it is like for many people
across the world who live in poverty.
Yesterday
Messy Church celebrated her 2nd birthday and there were over 70
people enjoying fun, fellowship and food!
I am sure God has blessed you all in different ways throughout the past
month. I have been very encouraged by
our preaching series as we follow Peter in his walk with Jesus, making massive
statements one minute, and nearly drowning the next – not dissimilar to our
daily journeys.
However,
I am also aware that when God blesses us, the enemy is not happy and will attack
in many different guises. He, and his
host of co-workers, will attack using ill health, pain and suffering; they will
attack using our own weaknesses and frailties; they will attack taking
advantage of our tiredness and weariness; and they will delight in grumblings, despondency,
and negativity. So we need to be
expectant of these attacks as we see fruit, growth and blessings, and God gives
us His full armour so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes
(Ephesians Ch. 6 vv 10-20), and He gives us prayer. May I encourage us all to dress ourselves
with God’s Armour daily, and to be persistent in our prayers.
I
am excited that our monthly prayer meeting will now be happening on the first
Sunday of the Month at 6.30 pm, and can I encourage you to come to pray for the
world, the church, and our local community.
Also there is an opportunity to pray for the Persecuted Church every
month on the first Tuesday at 8 pm at St. Mark’s - all are most welcomed; and there
is an opportunity to receive prayer now after all our 3 Sunday services. These
are times of prayer in church, but I pray that this is happening regularly in
our Fellowship groups, with our friends and family, and personally daily with
God. The Apostle Paul says, ‘and pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the saints’. Prayer truly is a sign of ‘growing up’ in our discipleship.
Paul
goes on to say please ‘pray for me’, so may I request your prayers as I enter
into a 10 day silent retreat from Monday 7th July to 17th. I will be praying through the Resurrection
and Ascension of Jesus as I come to the end of my 30 Day Ignatius Retreat. I also hope to have time alone with God to
seek His will as we move up another gear, and as to how we move towards becoming
the people of God, and disciples He longs to partner with in His mission and
service.
May
the grace of God be with you all.
Hennie
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