Catch up on the blog

This took me back to the old days of working with children and young people. 

A gathering of those who work with them to look at ways the gospel is told, is yet another sign of something bubbling under the surface in the life of our circuit. It took place at our Hillsborough church. A renewed sense that we now need to re invest our energies in work with youngsters is really encouraging . At our Firth Park church,  how we work with children on a Sunday morning, is being reimagined and plans are being put in place to work with teenagers on a Sunday evening. This will complement our other work that happens through uniform groups and the open youth work of Firestorm. So good to get new ideas from this circuit evening.

Thanks to Katie who is drawing together step by step those who undertake this vital workacross our   circuit of 60 churches. The evening ended with balloon prayers on the parachute.

 

Our Final BB time of worship before the summer saw parents, youngsters and church members exploring a varity of prayer Zones. From the graffitti Zone, Sand Zone, Crayon Zone, Friendship  Zone and Rock Zone. A great way to end what has been a good year of building on our relationship with not just the young people but their parents. 

Some of our afternoon congregation enjoying a Saturday evening with 'Vinesong' on tour and leading an evening at Firth Park. It was a very vibrant evening. Having the Family Worship centre as part of our church community continues to enrich us all as we seek to complement each others tradition and way of serving. 

What a delight to discover at last the grounds of Renishaw Hall. 

Lots of wonderful vistas to take in so no need to go into the house  at all.

Of course the highlight of current life is our granddaughter !

When all around seems crazy and work undending she does put life into perspective.

Then out of the blue a photo sent on reminding me of my last time in Ghana and an open air wedding.

This too stirs up the need to hold all things in perspective. Never will I forget the hospitality I recieved, the generosity of people and the deep commitment to their faith journey in the face of poverty. Prayers are needed as the nation moves this Autumn to a general election and the need for a change of government that will use its country's resources wisely and justly. We must pray that the outcome is good , and tensions do not lead to violence,  in this nation that prides itself in not being violent like many African countries struggling to create democratic countries in an African context.