David Vaughan at Hailsham Gospel Mission (HGM) treated the community to some rock 'n' roll entertainment with Rockin' Mike. Read about David's initiative below:

During a walk along Eastbourne seafront with friends I discovered that one was a member of a local church music group with Mike Howell, who is also a professional singer. Mike's repertoire is rock 'n' roll music from the 1950s and 60s and he gives regular performances at nursing homes, care homes and local community centres.

I had been thinking of ways in which HGM could extend its programme of outreach events and decided to discuss the idea of asking Mike to give an evening performance at the church with the church elders, Martin Brown and Dave Sweetman. My initial concern was that they might not consider this an appropriate setting, but I was wrong! The idea was met with great enthusiasm by Martin and Dave, and well supported by our congregation.

So, I got in touch with Mike and he readily agreed to come along and sing for us. He has a wide variety of material from such artists as Buddy Holly, Eddy Cochran, Cliff Richard and, of course, Elvis! The songs are all sung to original backing tracks and his stage outfits and presentation are in keeping with the period.

Mike's first visit was in April last year. The church was decorated with musical notes and old album covers, and a team of volunteers worked hard to cook and serve a tasty hot meal and pudding. Tables and chairs were laid out and we asked our church members to bring along family and friends from outside of the church. 

I am sure I shared my personal trepidation with our elders as the hall filled with people, as to whether the evening would go down well. I need not have worried because as soon as Mike got started, the smiling faces of our audience confirmed we had a winner on our hands! Indeed, such was the success of the evening, a later church meeting called for a vote of thanks and asked for a repeat performance!

Hence in October, as part of the Harvest Festival celebrations, Mike was asked back for a second performance. Once again, our team pulled out all the stops to decorate the church in rock 'n' roll style, and help to make it as welcoming as possible.

Mike performed to an audience of around 50 people, which included roughly half that were not regular members of our church. And because evening was unseasonably warm, we opened up the doors and invited some passers-by to join us. It wasn't long before the tables were pushed back and there was some energetic jiving, including our 96 year-old church member Len!

I appreciate some readers may be thinking 'What has all this got to do with our love of Jesus and His teaching?' But I am reminded that the Gospel is full of stories where Jesus made it his mission to talk to ordinary folk in the places he visited - with publicans, fishermen and beggars among them. He invited all of us to knock on His door and enter His Kingdom and our mission is to do the same. We welcome all comers with a prayer and celebrate Psalm 150, where David urged his people to praise God with singing and all manner of musical instruments.

We were also delighted to hear Mike incorporate some well-known Gospel songs from the period in his act, inviting us to join in with singing, including 'How Great Thou Art' recorded by Elvis.

The experience has inspired me to say that if you are thinking of reaching out to people in your town or local area, don't be afraid to step 'outside of the box' of everyday church activities!

 

(Pic of Rockin' Mike is from his Facebook page)

 

Simon Allaby has recently produced a new book The Word on the Street featuring stories relating to real-life experiences of those who find themselves homeless and the struggles they face.

Simon is a Connexion Trustee and Minister at Bolney Village Chapel. He is also the author and narrator of The Connexion's weekly Short Thought, creating inspiring and informed stories in 60 second recordings.

The Word on the Street is designed to be given to those living on the streets or in temporary accommodation. It is priced at just £1 per copy, with discounts for quantities above 10, and even cheaper rates for bulk orders. Each book includes a section at the back for churches and charities to include their own information and contact details.

The book begins with a foreward by Julio Abraham, CEO of the Off the Fence Trust: 

Dear Friend,

Wherever you are reading this I want you to know that you matter. Whatever brought you to this moment, you're not alone.

I meet people like you every day, some sleeping rough, others sofa-surfing, many just one pay cheque away from losing everything. But I've also seen how lives can change, sometimes in ways we never expect.

Some of the stories you're about to read are about real people who faced real struggles. Like Charlie Chaplin, who spent time in a workhouse before anyone knew his name. Or the man in the suit who chose to live on the streets but still kept his dignity and family connections.

You might be feeling invisible right now, tired of systems that don't seem to care, of doors that keep closing, or of nights that feel endless. I hope that these stories will inspire you to keep going.

Across the UK, there are people and places ready to help. At the back of this book, you'll find information about local support - please do take a look to see what’s on offer.

Remember this: your current situation is just that. It's not permanent, and it's not who you are. You are precious, you are valued, and you are worthy of a better tomorrow.

With hope and care,

Julio Abraham

Off The Fence Trust
Chief Executive Officer 

The Word on the Street can be purchased from www.turn-the-page.co.uk/shop

(Priced at £1 per copy, with discounts for quantities above 10 and cheaper rates for bulk orders.)

Members of The Chapel at Mortimer West End were delighted to welcome Ben Quant, from Wormley Free Church, to their special Baptism Service on Sunday.

Ben, who is a Connexion Trustee and Minister at Wormley, delivered a celebratory message, focusing on John 2: 1-10. A recording of which can be accessed via the link below.

After the service, despite the chilly weather, Audrey and Jordan braved the outdoor pool witnessed by applause from The Chapel's fellowship, to complete their Baptism.

Many congratulations!

Please click here for a link to Ben's Message

 

(Ben is pictured here with the fellowship at Wormley)

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas from The Connexion.

 

'Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.' (Isaiah 7:14)

Amen!

 

(Image by Walter Chavez, Unsplash Photos)

Many thanks to Helen Weller, Archivist for Westminster College, Cambridge, for supplying us with her blog post featuring the Countess of Huntingdon's connection with Thomas Coram, who opened his Foundling Hospital in London in 1739.

 

 

Woodmancote Church is a small, welcoming and outward focused fellowship of Christians who are looking to grow!

The church feel that God is moving them into a fresh new season, which is hugely exciting for all, and as part of this, they are seeking a new Minister with energy and a passion for Christ to join them and help to take their ministry forward.

The new minister will join the current Leadership Team of three. A small stipend is available and all work expenses would be covered. The key aims are to:

- Preach the Word of God

- Pastor and equip Woodmancote's congregation

- Reach out to the 'unchurched'

If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to enquire further about this opportunity, please visit Woodmancote's website page for more details about the vacancy: woodmancotechurch.org.uk/recruitment

 

Last year Simon Allaby wrote the book Greater Love for Remembrance Sunday, which is now available to purchase in time for 10 November 2024.

Greater Love contains twelve short stories that reflect on conflict, sacrifice and where we can find true peace in God. Each story is accompanied by a simple illustration, a Bible verse and questions for reflection.

In his foreword, former Royal Marines Commando, Rev Tim Saiet, writes: ‘At last an accessible book which includes faith and stories of sacrifice – a brilliant book that I will pass on to my friends’.

Ideal for both Christians and not-yet-Christians, Greater Love is an excellent resource for Remembrance Sunday Services, and also as a giveaway for churches and individuals to share with friends, family members and enquirers.

To Order

The book is priced at £1 per copy. For more information and to order visit Simon's Turn the Page Online Shop

Simon will also bring some copies of the book to the Conference next week for purchase there.

St Stephen’s Church in Middleton will be holding their 200th Anniversary Celebration over the weekend of 12 and 13 October 2024.

St Stephen’s became part of The Connexion on 10 October 1824, when their new church building in High Street, Middleton was opened, with the first minister being ordained on 12 October 1824.

A special anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will take place on Saturday 12 October at 2:30pm, welcoming Michael Harvey from ‘Back to Church Sunday’ as the main speaker. Joe Gregory, President of The Connexion will also be taking part in the service, which will be followed by a celebration tea..

St Stephen’s will continue the celebrations on Sunday 13 October at 10:30am, when Joe Gregory will be speaking.

Satyajit Deodhar (known as Sat) has been appointed as the new minister at the Countess Free Church in Ely. He is supported by his wife Sheeba and their daughter Salomi.

Sat is a dedicated and passionate Baptist minister with a rich mission and pastoral leadership background.

Raised in a Christian family and inspired by his grandfather's work in rural India, Sat felt a strong calling to serve God during his youth. He went on to pursue theological studies and has since gained significant experience in ministry, including roles in mission organisations, teaching, and pastoral leadership.

Sat has a heart for building robust and diverse church communities, focusing on discipleship, spiritual growth, and serving others. His ministerial skills include preaching, teaching and administration, which he has used to strengthen the churches he serves. With a servant-hearted approach, he values relational leadership and is committed to transparency, unity, and the empowerment of all believers.

We are delighted to welcome Sat to The Connexion and look forward to following his ministry and community at The Countess Free Church.

Mortimer West End Chapel recently invited Mike Simpson to speak about his missionary work in the UK and overseas.

Mike is a freelance charity consultant, who supports and develops charity governance. One major part of his work at present is leading the development of a Single Friendly Church Network.

Does the church welcome and value single people?

The aim of the charity is to encourage churches to welcome and value single people at ‘every stage of life', including those who have never married, the divorced, bereaved and single parents. Mike notes that UK society is changing. 40% of adults are single, and this is increasing in every age group. But single people often report feeling unwelcome or less welcome in church, particularly if it has become so 'family-focused' it fails to reach these groups effectively.

Yet, in Matthew Chapter 12, Jesus speaks of ‘a new family’ when he says,  “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50).

Mike has more than 40 years experience in the charity sector, including working with the homeless and drug addicts in the UK and with persecuted Christians in the Middle East. He has spoken many times at Mortimer West End Chapel about these initiatives and how the Lord has guided and empowered his work.

To find out more about Single Friendly Church, click on this  website link.