Leafleting

We are now 4000 in to getting the flyers out for the general advertising of the church.  Inspiring RFCers such as Kinga, Sam, Darren, Beka C, Dave, Elli, Silke, Lozi and Becca H have all come in and pounded the streets around South Street Arts Centre in faith that we will see new people coming along to progress in their journey with Jesus.  On top of that the office crew have also come alongside these guys and done a few of those 4000.  There are still 6000 still to get out - 6000 homes still to be reached, 6000 letterboxes still to open and close.  We would love you to have the joy of leafleting.  If you have a spare hour (alright, if you can find a spare hour!) it would be great to have you come in, collect a couple of hundred and then get them out.

We have also just received the flyers for the healing meeting.  I mentioned yesterday that we will be doing this in life groups and next Tuesday evening the life group leaders of RFC will be collecting their leafleting packs.  A map, several hundred flyers and a list of roads to conquer.

Both of these endeavours are about inviting people to come and meet Jesus.  To  encounter His power, His glory and His majesty.  When the people in Acts came into contact with the church, when they got in the midst of the people and saw Jesus at work they saw something that inspired them, they saw something that changed them, they saw something that brought them to Jesus.  that's why we are putting leaflets out, to invite people to come and see for themselves the community of Jesus enjoying Him and meeting him in a school hall and an arts centre.

RFCers on the street

Over the past few weeks three RFCers, Lozi, Sam and Edd, have been going out with people from two other churches and have been using the 'Treasure Hunt' framework of evangelism which entails asking God for clues and words which are then written down under headings such as Name, Appearance, Location, Unusual and Ailment/What they need prayer for.


This Sunday Lozi and Edd came and shared some stories with me.  This is a fairly long post but stick with it because the stories are worth it and should help build our faith:


The 8 of us got clues such as 'black railings', 'statue', 'questions', 'Christine', 'museum', 'clock', 'brick floor', 'left ankle', 'black longs and a top with blue & white', the colour 'green' and 'garden'. Based on these and other clues we got, we decided to head for the area around the museum and Forbury Gardens.

 - On the high street we spotted a lady collecting for a charity and saw she had 'black longs with a blue & white top', so we went up to her. We asked if she wanted to prayer for anything and she said to pray for her charity. We asked how her ankle was, and she said that her right ankle was in pain. We asked if we could pray for her and she said yes. We asked if we could pray for her right there and then and she said yes! So, asking if we could lay hands on her foot (she said yes), we knelt down in the street and prayed for her foot. After prayer she said it felt "comfortable". We told her that God loves her and we left her to her charity-collecting.

-Soon afterwards Matthew, Kathy from Vineyard and myself went to Forbury Gardens to see if we could find anyone else. Entering the Gardens we saw the big lion statue, the green grass, the brick floor...location-wise we hitting alot of our clues basically! Kathy felt that the Holy Spirit wanted us to go and talk to a woman who was sat on a bench wrapping presents. So we did. She was a lovely, friendly woman from New Zealand who we soon got into conversation with and was so friendly. (It turns out her mum is called Christine.) We felt the presence of God around her and really saw that God loves her heart for the "down and outs". She had a lot of questions about the bible and stuff, and we got the opportunity to read Psalm 139 to her, shared the testimonies of how we came to know Jesus and how he changed us, told her a bit about his grace and how much he loves her and how she's fearfully and wonderfully made. She let us pray for her as well, and she said that she felt heat. We shared how people react in different ways to God; some cry, some fall over, some don't feel anything but see the later effects, some feel heat and tingles. Her eyes kind of widened when we said about the tingles. She got those too. She also said that she was looking for a fun church, so we gave her a flyer of the 3 churches we were from with our contact details on and invited her along to Reading Family Church. It was so clear that were meant to meet her and it was such a priviledge as well.

-On the way back to the church offices Kathy and I stopped to speak to a homeless guy called Paul to see how was doing and if he needed anything. We didn't have any information on us about shelters or places to eat so we asked God to provide, and within 30 seconds after praying, 2 ladies came up beside us with a piece of paper on with contacts for shelters and places to eat & practical advice. God is good.


These guys are doing a great job of attempting to live out the Gospel and see people introduced to Jesus.  I am planning to go out with them sometime to experience the thrill of hearing from God and then seeing it through.  maybe you too would like to join them.  If so then just comment and I will give you more details.


God is good and He is working in our town through His church.

Immediate response

After saying I had had no new stories I had one from Rachel, I have put it on here by her kind permission:

'Just before Christmas, a few people from work were meeting to have a few drinks for my manager’s leaving do. I was a bit nervous about going as I could imagine it being an evening of drinking and gossiping; something that I did'nt want to get involved with. In the end I decided to go. To my surprise, I ended up having a really good conversation with one of the managers. We talked at various times throughout the evening about all kinds of things and it turns out that he has a history in church. Since then we have had some brief conversations at work, but I was really encouraged by how easy it was and how interested he was. It reminded me that God can use us in any situation and that it’s never too small a thing to have those conversations with people. Who knows where it will lead...'

I love the closing statement that she makes (in bold), particularly about how easy the conversation was and the fact that it's never a small thing to take the time to have a conversation. I look forward to seeing if Rachel will be ringing the bell this year celebrating the new life of this dear man.

Campanology for individuals

Yesterday I heard two great stories:

The first was from Tom - after Sunday evening he resolved that he wanted to be a bell ringer this year. With that in mind he went to work with the intention of asking some probing questions with one of his colleagues around evolution theory. He ended up having this conversation with a person who has a PhD in zoology! He wasn't threatening he just listened and posed questions and has left it in such a way that he is able to continue the discussion at a later date. For this woman her training and her world view is a big obstacle to her finding Jesus - Tom asking clear questions and gently getting her to question her own position is an outstanding way to start someone on their journey of faith.

The second was told by Andrew - the pizza man (that is the regular pizza man who now knows the family!) came to the door on Monday evening which started a conversation which both surprised Andrew and left him full of faith. The pizza man asked Andrew what he did for a living, Andrew was able to tell him of his work for the church and the fact that this is a year out for him. The conversation went from there culminating in the pizza man taking a way an RFC leaflet and asking if he could come back and find out more. A relationship built over time opens up to be an opportunity to help someone take the next step in their journey of faith.

These are two guys who are determined to be RFC campanologists this year. They desire to be those who celebrate what God has done in the life of an individual by racing to the church office and ringing the bell when they have the joy of leading someone to Christ. These two stories are replicable, we just need to be thinking this way on a daily basis.

Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:15:

'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...'

We have a great hope, we have a great God and he has given us a great gospel. We don't have to know all the answers to all the hard questions - we can be like Tom and ask questions about why people believe certain things or we can be like Andrew who was willing to tell a bit of his story in response to a question - but we must be those who are willing to tell what we do know. Each person who is a Christian has a story to tell of how they came to know Jesus. That in itself is the story of a miracle and is a story worth practicing and telling.

There are 232,662 people in Reading. There are 120 churches. If 100 people on average are in those churches that adds up to 12,000 people going to church. If there are also 5,000 backsliden or non-church attending Christians in Reading, that amounts to 17, 000 people. In which case there are 215,660 (at least 2 were saved last year through RFC) in Reading who don't yet know Jesus. Among that number there will be people that God had written into the lambs book of life and we are to be like treasure hunters in trying to unearth those jewels. Like treasure hunters we will have many disappointments, but we will hopefully strike gold as we keep trying.

Whether it's a colleague at work, a delivery man, a neighbour, a friend you have made at a club you attend, the person who you often share pleasantries with at the check out, whoever it maybe lets love them enough to see their lives totally transformed by the cross of Christ.

At the outset of this year let's resolve to be individuals who will ring the bell this year as we see people of our town find the hope, love, peace, joy and faith that we enjoy.

What a party!

What a fantastic afternoon we had yesterday. As I mentioned on Wednesday, a group of us from the church helped out at the Residents Association Christmas Party for the elderly.

It was one of those events that you never know how it will go. It was organised by the team, they had hired a singer from Bristol and had invited us to partner with them. An event that draws together people from different avenues can be tricky, but this one was not. There was good hearted banter as we set up for the event; the singer was excellent and really worked with the crowd of around 40 that had gathered; and the team from RFC were outstanding in doing everything and anything that was needed as well as chatting to the guests.

Highlights included Andrew using his charm to help the guests feel at ease so he could take their photos; Hannah dancing with one of the ladies towards the end in a jive type dance; seeing Sam do what she is great at i.e. making people feel welcome and loved; Kay was a hero in the kitchen helping Barbara (one of the residents association) to make sure there was a flow of tea and coffee, mulled wine and juice; Joseph, Gary and Tom all served brilliantly on the tables and made sure that everyone had what they wanted; Tim Rooke bringing in a couple of his young people to give out presents.

However the biggest buzz was probably seeing a majority of the guests smiling and dancing at the end as we had some rockier songs sung by the singer. To me this said that the event had been a great success. Maggie, who had done a lot of the organising was thrilled with how everything had gone.

I returned home at about 6pm on a complete high, knowing the presence of the Holy Spirit. I know that being out in the community was great for all of us who went and the guests were greatly impressed with the people from our church who served. We may not have preached the gospel, but I do believe we loved with the love of Jesus and that we will have more opportunities to do so with this particular group.

Alpha at Glo Bar

Alpha at the Glo Bar, only 4 days to go and the course finds itself into the paper. Nicola has done an outstanding job of organising and promoting this terms Alpha and this has included letting the Chronicle newspaper know all about it. Go out today, buy the Chronicle and show it to a friend - just casually 'Oh look this is our church!!!'

Well maybe not so twee, but you get the idea. The article is also available on line here. Let's fill out the upstairs of this great venue and see our friends and colleagues won for Jesus!

New signings at RFC!!!

Well after my rant of yesterday, west ham didn't sign anyone new up for this part of the season. Oh well never mind!!!

However Reading Family Church have signed three new year teamers and that's much more exciting. Today Hannah, Sam and Andrew came on board to serve the church in their respective areas. These guys are three new heroes in the life of RFC. They are paying to come and give 11 months of their lives to serving the Kingdom.

Hannah is going to be working with the students; Sam will be working with Sarah to continue to build our children's work and see it go from strength to strength; Andrew has come on board to support the work of the youth team and to be Mr. Creative in the media department. They are three great people and I am excited about the prospect of them working with the church.

With these three new signings in the team, we can expect to continue to make progress and see our church grow from strength to strength.

Rachel moving on to pastures new

So after Nicola leaving last week, today we saw the last day in the office of Rachel Green. Rachel has been a fantastic member of the team this year. She has worked extremely hard and has also brought us many laughs. Her compelling review of her trip to Romania when she recounted meeting many different people was one o the high lights pof the year. Also seeing her grow in confidence and presence through out the year, knowing that she is loved by her God and that she has a part to play has been brilliant.

Like Nicola there have been some Rachelisms:

1) rrrooowww (pronounced r-ow: used when surprised)

2) Boomb!!!

3) Yowsa

4) Yum! Spinach leaves again!!! (She didn't actually say it but she could have done.)

I'm sure I will be able to add to this or maybe you can help. What I do know is that we are going to miss her, but look forward to hearing stories as she starts work at Huntercombe. She will be a great asset to them.

A long, fun packed, God lead weekend

What a great weekend just gone. Every one of the last three days has been packed with plenty to thank God for, not least the beautiful weather.

Saturday: Dan and Becki Chard's wedding day was fabulous. The anticipation was huge, B and I had done their marriage prep and so for us it was really exciting to see them walk down that aisle as man and wife. The reception was lovely at Cantley House Hotel in Wokingham. I would highly recommend this as a venue. There was giant Jenga, horse shoe throwing, boules and croquet. This was the first taste I have ever had of this seemingly upper class past time, but I can say that I would love to play it again. I wasn't particularly good, but it was fun. In all it will be a day to remember for the food the friends and the fun that was had!

Sunday: We had our first meeting in South Reading Youth and Community Centre. It was fantastic. From 8am when the equipment was picked up, until the meeting started at 10am, there was a real buzz. Many of the church lended their hands to setting things up, working through new chair layouts, having the projector screen central, working out which way round the tables should be for tea and coffees. The car parking and welcoming team were superb, teas and coffees were served as diligently as ever, the worship team did an excellent job of leading us into our sung worship AFTER the preach. There were visitors there for the first time including Steve Smith who is pioneering a work with his family in Cambodia. The Holy Spirit came and met with people as they came forward to encounter Him. In all the morning was a resounding success. I would like to think it was because of careful and diligent planning, but it was actually because God is in control. I look forward to seeing what he does with us over the next few weeks that we are there.

Monday: From church on Sunday B and I went to Brighton to spend time with her her sister Cathy and her husband Steve. We had a very relaxing afternoon/evening sitting on Hove lawns, chatting, swimming, laughing and enjoying much BBQ food. We then returned to their flat which overlooks the lawns and enjoyed several games o table football - which I won - how cool! B and I then spent the day in Brighton yesterday, in the town, on the beach, eating at Donatello's and Harry's and generally spending time with just the two of us - utter bliss.

After that weekend I now look forward to this week. There is much to do, but I know that God is in control and I know that he equips us and prepares us for all we need to do. Speaking on Sunday from Gen 37:1-11 on Joseph and how he faced rejection, just makes me more determined to be someone who stand in the face of rejections, disappointments and fears and trusts that God knows what he is doing. I know that I am clothed in a robe of righteousness and I for one want to wear it publicly!

Nicola finished today

Today was the last day of Nicola's tenure as an impact student for RFC. It basically meant she took a year out of her life and paid the church to work for it. She has proved to be an outstanding asset to the team. She has shown great creativity, teachability and sensitivity in all that she has done. She has worked hard and has also brought much fun to lunch times and coffee times and many times through out the day times. She has also given us some memorable lines that I think will coninue for a while after:

1) Good thinking Bat Rachel!!!

2) Lit-er-rall-y

3) The _______ hates me! (Insert computer, microwave, tap or any other thing that doesn't work properly)

4) Get off _______ (Insert anything or anyone that someone might be knocking!)

Nic will be greatly missed on a day to day basis but she will still be around the church and leading Alpha, as well as other bits and pieces. She is truly an inspirationing RFCers.

A servant hearted family

On Tuesday evening the cell leaders, deacons and elders gathered together for a social event at the home of the Butcher-Bigleys. As we arrived up their street we were greeted by Ben and his friend who were ushering people into parking spaces along the road, with little white paddles. It was like something out of the movies as they went about their job with great precision and politeness.

Getting to the house we were greeted by Kelly Sue and Danutia dressed in black and white and asking us what we would like to drink. The rest of the family were also in black and white as they served us drinks and canapes. The garden had been dressed beautifully for us and the food was a fantastic buffet of various meats, salads and bread. Pudding was one of the best banoffee pies ever and/or a white chocolate cheesecake - coffee and biscuits followed.

The evening was a great success with the opportunity to talk to friends that you otherwise don't get the chance to due to the business of life. This was greatly helped by the outstanding service of the Butcher-Bigley family. It was literally like being at a hotel or function venue with their care and attention to detail. A family of RFC heroes.

More than just badminton!

Karen, Tom and Pete all joined me for badminton tonight over at Meadway Sports Centre. It's a night that I will probably want to forget in terms of my playing capabilities but I will remember the fact that each of the guys that came with me are worthy of mention. In conversation with one of the club members, she commented on the fact that we have a quality bunch of people with us at our church. She is right, we do.

I was so proud of them when I heard her say that. My friend at badminton now has a favourable view of our church because these ambassadors of Christ are living in such a manner that they are finding favour in the circles that the are socialising with.

They are gracious in defeat but more importantly in victory; they encourage their team mates and congratulate the play of the opposing team; they are friendly and interested in having conversation with other members of the club. When frustrated they do not take it out on anyone, they show self control and gentleness. Although they want to win, they don't consider winning more important than people.

They probably will never know what impact they are having, but those at the club are enjoying having them around and who knows what God will do. It feels a bit like just walking across a room (see book by Bill Hybels in case you are wondering!) I don't go to badminton to convert everyone (that's not my call) but I do go to enjoy playing a game that I love and I go to display Christ in that arena. The guys who come with me from church are most definitely doing that.

An inspirational couple...

I am so grateful to God for the great church that he has put me and my wife in. To have the privilege of knowing great people who love Jesus with all they have is fantastic. I know that Sean on his blog often speaks of RFC heroes but I have just sat and had a cup of tea with two more, Gary and Kay Watkins.

They are an incredible couple. They have become foster parents, which is no mean feet. They had to go through all sorts of interviews and form filling in order to have the task of caring for children for as long as they need to be cared for. Fostering means that there is a time when the children may well return to their birth parents or indeed may move on to another foster home. This means building relationships with kids, giving them your best, loving them and caring for them no matter what they throw at you - all with a view that they will leave at some point.

They have had two children so far, so they are still at the early stages, and are still learning and findingv their feet. One has just returned to his mother and one is still with them. Both of them are great children, full of life and energy. What this couple have provided is stability, love, boundaries and fun, in young lives that are desperate to be nurtured.

I for one know that as I look at what they are doing, I see the reflection of Jesus. This couple are showing me what it is to love for loves sake. They are not just running social commentary on the world, they are rolling their sleeves up and saying we want to make a difference one child at a time. Jesus takes each of us as we are and loves us and cares for us. He brings stability to our lives by showing us what the safe boundaries are. He brings fun to our lives as we learn to trust in him and go on adventures for him and with him. Yes that means life will sometimes be hard but we know we have someone who is there for us regardless of our circumstance.