A while back I asked about films and had a nil response.  Zilch.  Nada. But I know that some of you do like films.  I've discovered that Sally is into good Science Fiction and is off to see Avatar soon.  Not sure that John likes SF (prefers the popcorn at the cinema maybe?!). Well SF is fine with the King Family (Star Wars originals a big favourite;  Star Trek, etc, etc), as well as many others.  I learned my management style from Clint Eastwood.

SO.....if you are shy about films, what about music?  What was the best music album you heard in 2009 and what was good about it?  Would you recommend it to others to listen to?

Some responses, please......

As followers of Jesus, we pay close attention to what Jesus did (we read about it in the Bible) and what he is doing now. We discover that by watching and talking to him and hearing the stories about what he is doing in people's lives.

Why?  Because Jesus told his disciples that they would be blessed by God when they do the things he does (not just know or understand or discuss - but DO).

So what did Jesus spend a lot of time doing?  Yes, he taught people about God and he certainly healed some people.  But he also wandered around quite a bit.  And something he did again and again in the gospel stories, which we often just skim over, is that he ate meals with people. All kinds of people.  Some of them were hated and some hated themselves. Some were crooks. A few were rich. Sometimes there were several thousands sitting down to a picnic together.

So when we share food in our groups week by week, we are being followers of Jesus - doing what he did.  And when I had liver and bacon opposite Southend Central station today, Jesus was sat at the table there with us.  Maybe we will come on later to the healing and the walking on water.  For the time being, I'm happy to eat with Jesus and with you, his friends and share stories of what he is doing.

You learn a lot about people by working with them - almost as much as eating with them.  Last night we had a really good time at the youth club + family Christmas meal. 

The older youth did a lot of the work, preparing and cooking and getting the room ready.  Well done to them.  In one sense it is always difficult to cater for church groups - we guessed 35 or so would come and, in the end, it was 50.  But all got fed except Alison, who bravely gave up her turkey slice.  The Bible tells us that her sacrifrice will be returned to her 100 fold - so if you see someone covered in turkey slices in the next few weeks, it's probably Alison being  'blessed' by God.  Which reminds me that I once went to the front door of our house in Ilford with a slice of roast turkey on my shoulder (how it got there is another thing - I dont recall), opening the door to one of the leaders of the church who - being English - had a long conversation with me without ever mentioning that I had a slice of meat on my shoulder.  Weird - but maybe that tells you more useful information about me than you might get just through chatting with me?)

Anyways.  A really good evening.  So thanks to all of those who Nikki and I had the fun of working with.

got two week off

Daniel's stay in hospital meant that Peter was away for my first partners' meeting last night.  Which (though it wasn't planned that way) was quite good for me and I guess for the partners too,  because it meant I just got stuck in. 

This partners' meeting was different to any church members' meeting I've been to before.  How so? Well, it began with food (what doesn't in CFS?) kindly provided by Alison and Sally:  thanks especially for the tandoori chicken, which was scrummy.   Another difference is that we sat in a circle, in comfy chairs, so it wasn't like a public meeting or even a work-related meeting where someone gets to sit at the top of the table. It felt like a group of friends talking about things that mattered to them but in a gentle and friendly way.

I kicked off with some thoughts about how we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  We shared some experiences of Christmases past and then I read the poem "Advent 1955" by John Betjeman.

We voted Barry on to CLOT and prayed for him as he prepares to join the team.

John gave a financial report with some very helpful graphics that communicated what can, in other hands, be a very dry topic in an interesting way. We agreed to be serious in our prayers and think about our giving, making pledges for the next year confidentially through John.  This would help us to set a firm budget for 2010 early in the new year.

Finally, I shared a little of how Peter and I are working together, discovering how we think and what the calendar holds for the next few months.

We were done by 9.15 and back grazing the pizzas, chicken and hot dogs.  Not ( I noticed) grazing the salad so much... maybe something to do with a balanced diet and healthy eating should be on the agenda sometime next year!  What do you think?

Anyways, thank-you to all who were there for making my first partners' meeting so much fun.  Are they all like this?

I'm looking forward to listening to Helen Yousaf singing on Sunday evening at St Luke's church, St Luke's Road, Southend, SS2 4AE, starting at 6pm and lasting for about an hour and a half. Entry is free.

Helen is a Christian singer who has a fantastic voice. I've known her since she was a teenager at the Elim church in Ilford and we were colleagues for a couple of years.  Strange world:  I move to Southend and find I can go hear my friend singing about God and his love, which reaches us even when life is tough.  You can check out Helen's singing on www.helenyousaf.co.uk

Maybe see you there?

Ivan

I met some Christian workers yesterday who told me a story about a teenager they had chatted with who had never heard the word 'prayer.'  Didnt know what it means or even how to say the word.  Had never talked with God. 

I found that very sad and surprising but, when I thought about it, why should people know that they can talk to Jesus if they dont know he is there or anything about him? Lots of people are in that situation these days.

Maybe you find it helpful to have a set time in your day when you listen to God or just tell him how it is. I find it natural to talk to him if I'm in the car or walking the dog (maybe some other people learn to pray first when they see my driving!)

Anyone want to share how and when they talk  with Jesus?  What works for you?

Ivan

A blog is about what's happening in life and what we're feeling about it all.  Not just 'churchy things.'   There isn't much that's churchy about CFS anyways!  

So:  what films do you like?  Anyone here a fan of Clint Eastwood?

Hi Church from Scratch.....

Thought I'd see how useful this blog is for sharing some of what I am finding, thinking and experiencing as I get into CFS.  Comments and shared thoughts from you would be very welcome too.

Had a great Induction party on 21st November, so a big thank you again to all who made that so special.  Nikki and I have started to get settled-in to the area.  We are living in the ground floor flat in Val's house in Hadleigh.  Nice flat and (if you ignore the A13 which passes the front door) a great view over farmland to the estuary. 

The first priority is to meet as many people from the church as possible.  I would like to visit all of the groups but this will take a little time.  If I dont make it to yours straightaway, it will happen!  In each place I have been so far I have been made really welcome.

Not sure how long I will last out though healthwise if I eat all the KFC I get offered in CFS!  Also, news seems to have leaked out about my fondness for chocolate and cake.  I must show iron self-control.

We enjoyed being at Sparklers on Friday night, followed by Youth Club.  Sunday morning was fun at Clarence Road, meeting the folk there and playing Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!

Nikki is job hunting, looking for a part-time job in the area.  Our son, Ethan, who is 18, is working in a pub in east London for a few months while he saves up before going to university next September.

I am also studying part-time at Spurgeon's College, the Baptist theological college  in south London.  Most of the study is by distance learning, so I dont have to go there every week.  I'm about half-way through the course.

OK - let's see what response I get from this entry.  More soon.