We get that life can be completely busy and manic at times... sometimes it's hard to know whether you are coming or going!?!?
We've made a note of some of the key dates and events that are coming up in church life over the next few months. Why not get your diary out, make a note of all the ones you're interested in or able to make, and then we'll see you there! There's also a fully populated and regularly updated Google calendar, which you can access via our website and even subscribe to so that all the dates appear on your smartphone or device. Please speak to Gordon if you would like some help with this or have any questions regarding the above dates and events. We can't wait to begin the new Prayers of Many course online, starting on the evening of Thursday, 20th January 2022 via Zoom.
Over 9 sessions, we'll explore together what praying with others looks like, as we follow along through Mike Betts excellent small book on praying with others over the coming weeks. More info via http://prayersofmany.org/course
Gordon shared some of the ongoing vision for Hope Church Sittingbourne as we faithfully walk into the unknown opportunities of 2022 together.
You can listen to the audio from the morning below... On Sunday, 19th December 2021 we would like to invite you to come and join us for a celebration of all things Christmas at Costa Coffee in The Forum.
Starting at the later time of 3pm through until 4pm, our family friendly event will be a combination of fun, games, thoughtful reflections, music and laughter. There will be free Costa Coffee refreshments along with snacks and nibbles. All are welcome, bring the family! "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
These are the New Testament practises that differentiate followers of Jesus from everyone else.
THEY Acts 2:42 is written of the very first church, Church 1.0, which was born from the Holy Spirits outpouring at Pentecost; an eclectic blend of disciples who had followed and been with Jesus, and those who had recently heard the Gospel proclaimed in Jerusalem and responded in faith. DEVOTED These believers were known for their devotion. Their devotion was tangible, observable and demonstrable, primarily through 4 distinct practises. People observe what we truly love from our actions and our habits. Devotion is more than cold obedience, but born from the heart. THEMSELVES Each disciple had a personal decision to make... "Can I devote myself to the rhythm of this new community as they worship Jesus together?" - Each of us face the same decision today! Jesus forms and reforms us in the company of other disciples... each of us together in meaningful community, not in isolation. APOSTLES TEACHING This early church came under Godly leaders who had themselves been formed and fashioned by Jesus. They were a community living life under the authority of Scripture, whose teaching revealed the sending (and sent) nature of Father, Son & Spirit to the world. FELLOWSHIP Fellowship is a catalyst to freedom - When our masks are removed, we experience knowness through vulnerability, with no fear of judgement. In fellowship we discover new things about God and ourselves as we each share our stories, lived experiences and unique perspectives. BREAKING OF BREAD There is dynamic power sitting around the table with Jesus. Shared meals break barriers & promote inclusion. The heart of communion is community and union (with God and with one another). Deep healing occurs when we enter communion together with sincere and unveiled hearts. PRAYER The prayers of the early church were focused beyond themselves. They were a people who were trusting God in grace for today and hope for tomorrow. The Spirit led in prayer, bringing direction, discernment and a sense of purposeful unity (it seemed good to us and the Spirit).
POSTPONED DUE TO SICKNESS |
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