1 From London to Southampton The story of one woman who heard God’s call The sin no one talks about (Jealousy) Book review The Return Mike Pavlou is back! The Gift The story behind St Bs’ new album Winter Shelter Caring for homeless people this winter Issue 08 Winter 2012
B Magazine Issue 8 - Spring 2013
Mar 14, 2016
The latest magazine from St Barnabas Church, Woodside Park, London UK
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Transcript
1
From London to Southampton The story of one woman who heard God’s call
The sin no one talks about (Jealousy) Book review
The ReturnMike Pavlou is back!
The Gift The story behind St Bs’ new album
Winter ShelterCaring for homeless people this winter
Issue 08 W
inter 2012
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St Barnabastransforming lives • changing the world
Book Shop
Visit the St Bs Book Shop for:
BooksChildren’s BooksCDsCards
If we don’t have what you want, you can place an order. Speak to John Auton at the Book Shop or you can send an email to: [email protected] Book Shop is open every Sunday, at the end of all our main services. You can find it in The Arch at the back of church, next to the PA desk.
St Barnabas in your community
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The sin no one talks about (Jealousy)By R T Kendall
Book Review by George Grimble
As an avid reader it is a pleasure to take a real book
(instead of academic stuff) on holiday. It is lovely
to sit in the shade in some wonderful, warm place,
silently reading to a background of cicadas chirruping
away or the occasional distant dog’s bark.
My summer book was The Sin No One Talks About (Jealousy) and the title got my attention because in academia (where I work) and the media, jealousy is rife and we can be very thin-skinned about stuff. I’ve heard preaching on sin from A to Z but not on this! As expected, RT does a great job, but then he is an outstanding preacher. For a start he writes well. He is also old (77) and has been around the block several times and has that dispassionate realism you often find in wise old people. The book tells us how he was sacked by one church and also sold vacuum cleaners door-to-door before he started a very successful ministry at Westminster Chapel. I warmed to him; he speaks from experience.
Are jealousy and its little brother, envy, all bad? According to RT there are some clear cases: Lucifer was jealous of God and look where that ended. Cain was jealous of Abel – so he killed him; Rachel was jealous of Leah and was mean to her; the brothers were lethally jealous of Joseph but look how that turned out; Saul had paranoid envy for David – and it was the making of David. Yes, you’ve guessed it. Not all jealousy is bad. In fact, God is in charge and can use it for good, so you’d better get used to that idea. He can use the worst of situations to bring out the best. RT says “I have lived long enough to value the closed door as much as the open door” meaning that despite the apparent jealousy and machinations of others, God always has a better plan in mind.
You may not like this book because Kendall’s theology is Reformed and the sovereignty of God in the face of our perplexity is a weighty issue for him. Indeed, the book finishes by discussing God’s jealousy; He wants us entirely for Himself and He wants us to love His glory! That’s a challenge to the religious spirit! Well the subtitle of the book is “how to overcome envy and live a life of freedom” and true to his word, RT finishes with 13 ways to overcome jealousy. I found them very helpful because, although I don’t talk about it, I am jealous as well. Read it.
Not all jealousy is bad. In fact, God is in charge and can use it for good, so you’d better get used to that idea.
> How to advertiseTo advertise in B Magazine please contact: [email protected]
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B Magazine Issue 08 Editorial Team: Katie Storey (Editor), Margaret Peach, Henry Kendal, Sam Whittington [email protected] Photography Coordinator: Phil Rogers Art Direction: Hannah Knight: [email protected]
B Mag’ Issue 08: Contents
04The ReturnDavid Brown on Mike Pavlou’s return to Oakleigh Community Church
06Homeless MinistryAn update on the activities of this Missional Community
08David MatthewsInterviewed by Sam Whittington
CentrePagesPull-out Programme and Directory
09The GiftJoshua Kane tells us about St Bs’ new Christmas album
10I saw God at workStories of encounters with God
12From London to SouthamptonMaria Hembrow on responding to God’s call
14News in BriefA round-up of St Bs news
Page
What to buy the person who has everything? All of us have those tricky people on our Christmas lists to whom we struggle to know what to give. So acute is the problem that retailers are now producing specific catalogues of “presents for men”, “presents for women”, “presents for awkward people”. Shall I give him the computer mouse in the shape of a Marmite jar, or the Help for Heroes pyjamas? Many of these wonder presents come with complex instructions and don’t always make it out of the box. At the heart of the issue is us not always knowing what we ourselves really want.
When the blind man Bartimaeus came to Jesus on the Jericho Road (Mark 10) Jesus asked him “What do you want me to do for you?” What a question! If Jesus asked us that question today how would you answer him? The question feels like Jesus’ version of the Genie and the Lamp – rub the lamp and get three wishes. The reflex response is probably riches, fame and happiness. But when I ponder a bit more deeply, it makes me realise that this is a more profound question than we first realise. The Spice Girls urged us to “tell me what you want, what you really, really want”. But what do I want? Do I even know what I really want? Jesus is standing at the door and I am floundering around for a coherent answer.
Our Christmas theme this year is The Gift coinciding with the release of our new Christmas album of the same name (see page 9). God saw that what we needed – what, if we only knew it, we really want – is Jesus Christ. He is God’s gift to us. We long for all sorts of things in our lives, many of which only bring us more trouble, added clutter and greater complexity. But in Jesus we receive something we probably weren’t looking for: a whole new life. It is difficult to imagine what this could be like before we’ve experienced it. Yet it is this new life that offers the peace and fulfilment that other avenues fail to deliver. As Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
The Ultimate Gift
From the Vicar
Henry Kendal
In Jesus we receive something we probably weren’t looking for: a whole new life
The Return
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DGB: Anna, since Mike left Oakleigh, what has the church learned and how has it changed?
AM: Well I know that I’ve learned to rely on God a lot more. And I think the church has learned that as well. It has been an interesting time for us. We interviewed a number of people for the position of minister and offered it to some. When the first person turned us down, we couldn’t believe it. Why would anyone not love Oakleigh the way we do? When the second person said no, we really wondered what was going on. When a third person didn’t accept, I remember saying to God: “You’re having a laugh” but this made us turn to God even more.
DGB: Mike, while all this was going on, what were you learning in Southfields, and how have you changed?
MP: I have learned to work as part of a team, and not to be so task-oriented. I don’t need to keep things going at a hundred miles an hour; I can take my foot off the accelerator and allow God to move things at his speed.
DGB: So, Anna, back at Oakleigh what was happening?
AM: Henry Kendal met with the leadership team and spoke about Oakleigh coming back closer to St Bs. To be honest, at first only a couple of us thought it was the right thing, the rest were not sure, so we called the church to pray and fast. We believe that God spoke to us through dreams, pictures, words from the congregation, and we all came to sense that this was the right direction for Oakleigh.
DGB: Mike, your ministry at Southfields was going well, what made you decide to move on so soon?
MP: I always knew that we would miss Oakleigh, but what we experienced was over and above just missing it. There was a real sense of unfinished business at Oakleigh and a draw back there. So I spoke to Henry about it.
DGB: And then Anna, Henry spoke to you ... tell us about that.
AM: Yes, Henry rang me and said there was a strong contender for the position at Oakleigh, and that it was someone we knew. I immediately began to think of all the people from St Bs who had preached in the past months. When Henry said that it was Mike Pavlou everything just slotted into place. I knew that’s what God had been doing.
God spoke to us through dreams, pictures, words from the congregation, and we all came to sense that this was the right direction.
The ReturnBy David Brown
In October 2010 Mike Pavlou left his position as Minister of Oakleigh Community
Church and took up a post as Associate Minister in Southfields in South London.
Now, two years later Mike has left Southfields to take up a post as Minister of,
yes, that’s right, Oakleigh Community Church. Is this the story of “The Prodigal
Greek”? Did Mike listen to “Moving, just keep moving” too often in the 1990s?
To find out the real story I spoke to Mike, and also to Anna Markou, one of the
leadership team at Oakleigh.
Mike Pavlou is back at Oakleigh Community Church
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DGB: Mike, I know that there was a formal application and interview process, how did that feel?
MP: I don’t think I’ve ever had so many interviews for one position. I think it was five in all over a period of two months. At times it felt a little strange being formally interviewed by people I knew well as close friends, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. In fact, that’s the sense that Jayne, my wife, and I have had all along. It was right to leave Oakleigh when we did; it was right to go to Southfields; it was right to leave Southfields, and we just knew that it was right to come to Oakleigh, so much so that I didn’t apply for any other jobs.
DGB: And Anna, did Mike do well at interview?
AM: After the interviews it was a unanimous decision to offer the job to Mike. When we shared it with the church, and told them the full story, they all sensed that it was right as well. It is as if God took Mike away for a time so that he could prepare both Mike and Oakleigh for what was going to come next.
Oakleigh Community Church – A Short History
In 2001 a team of 16 adults, led by Mike Pavlou, was sent out from St Bs to plant Oakleigh Community Church. The church has since grown to about 100 adults and children. Mike trained for ordination while leading the church and then two years ago felt the call of God to move on to Southfields, South London. This year, following much prayer and discussion by both St Bs PCC and the Oakleigh Leadership Team, it was agreed that Oakleigh will be drawn back into the orbit of St Bs. Mike has been appointed Associate Minister based at St Bs and on the St Bs staff team, but with responsibility for Oakleigh.
DGB: And what do you think is going to come next?
AM: The past two years have sometimes been difficult, but also a wonderful time of growth ... there are a number of new people who have joined us, and we’ve grown together as a family. We have learned to rely on God and listen to him, so we don’t have a well thought out plan. So we are excited to wait and see God’s plan unfold.
MP: I think it’s very exciting. I get to be a part of two churches that I love dearly, St Bs and Oakleigh. That has to be the best job in the world, and I have a real sense of privilege – it’s something I never would have anticipated but God has managed to weave it together.
Homeless Ministry
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The Homeless Outreach Missional Community was formed to address a local need, and provides help and support to the homeless around the North Finchley area. The aim is to show the love of Jesus through practical actions, and this takes different forms over the course of the year. At this time of year support is provided through the Winter Shelter. We spoke to Peter Sutton and Beth Stone to find out more about the Missional Community and its work.
Winter ShelterDuring the colder months, St Barnabas joins with other churches and synagogues in the local area to provide food, friendship and a warm place for the homeless to sleep. It covers Monday nights from mid-January to the end of April and the aim is to ensure that the guests’ home for the night is a safe and enjoyable place for them to be.
Homeless Outreach Volunteers chat with guests, play chess or scrabble, serve food or help with cooking and washing up. While guests have dinner, a small group of volunteers are available to pray with guests if they request it, and they also pray into the lives of those who have come into the Church as they feel called. Guests are given a full three-course dinner in the evening and a cooked breakfast in the morning before they leave.
Café Drop-InIn October this year the Homeless Outreach Missional Community started a weekly drop-in session at the A1 Café in North Finchley. It runs on Thursday evenings from 5-6pm and is a wonderful opportunity for Volunteers to build relationships with those who have visited the night shelters, to listen to their stories and struggles and to pray with them if appropriate.
Furniture and DecorationBeth Stone runs the furniture and decoration limb of this Missional Community. They have already decorated two flats for people who have been re-housed, and supplied several people with items of furniture. This kind of support is really important after people are re-housed, as it helps them to make the empty shell they are given into a comfortable home.
Support for VolunteersThe Homeless Outreach Missional Community also exists as a community to support its members and to build fellowship within the Church community. Three 2-4 groups meet regularly and provide support for Volunteers. There are also two women’s groups on Tuesdays and a men’s group on Thursdays – these groups meet every 6 weeks and Volunteers share food and experiences and ideas, as well as worshipping together and studying the Bible.
Homeless Ministry
‘It is a real privilege to be able to share in the lives of the people who come to us and to make a difference when they are going through very difficult times. Many of the homeless who have stayed in our night shelter or have come and chatted with us at the A1 café, now come either to St Bs or other churches in the area. We hope that the Homeless Outreach has been a real blessing for all those we have served.’
(Peter Sutton)
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Why did you start helping at the Winter Shelter?One Sunday morning at Church there were various tables giving information about the different Missional Communities, to give people an idea of which one they might like to join. In my training as a junior doctor I had come across homeless people on various wards but had not worked with homeless people in the community, and thought it would be a fun thing to do.
I’m a busy mother, but no matter how tiring the day had been I always looked forward to Monday evenings and felt energised when I arrived at 6.30pm. People helped in different ways – by cooking, serving meals, laying tables, making tea, etc, but I chose to spend the time with the guests listening, chatting, playing chess, watching television and eating with them.
What was your favourite thing about volunteering in this way?It was interesting to hear different people’s stories and also to meet people from around the world. One evening we had around 10 different nationalities represented by the guests, and I called us the ‘United Nations’! There was a real camaraderie amongst the guests, and homelessness is a great leveller of people.
It was also great arriving on Mondays later on and finding out that some guests had moved on to their own accommodation, though they were missed. A couple of gentlemen came back and visited us for meals, and for the company, as it was quite lonely for them moving on to single accommodation when they had ‘lived’ on various church and synagogue floors for weeks on end with the others. I tried to keep in touch with different guests, visiting them in their new homes, getting things for them including from Besom and Freecycle, and helped one man move from one accommodation to another. I also tried to get people linked in with different groups
at Church, for example the Transition Project for unemployed people, God Questions and English classes at Mill Hill East Church. Two of the ladies we had as guests moved on to ‘live-in’ jobs, one looking after an elderly person and one looking after children. Not all the Winter Shelter guests were found accommodation and ones who had managed to get accommodation were very kind and let others sleep on their own floors. Several of the guests have been to services at St Barnabas and one has given his life to Jesus, which is incredibly exciting.
Would you do it again?All in all, I feel I received as much or more than I gave being part of such a rewarding, exciting and interesting venture, and will definitely be doing it again this winter.
Homeless Ministry
Winter Shelter: A Volunteer’s View
I tried to keep in touch with different guests, visiting them in their new homes, getting things for them including from Besom and Freecycle, and helped one man move from one accommodation to another
How to get involvedIf you would like to find out more about the Homeless Ministry Missional Community, or get involved, contact Peter and Pauline Sutton: [email protected]; 07813 024585
Beth Stone volunteered at the Winter Shelter last year. She tells us about how she got involved and the experience she had.
David Matthews Interview
08
INTERVIEW WITH DAVID MATTHEWS
By Sam Whittington
In September 2012 David Matthews became the first person
to join Hope House’s new Job Ready scheme. He talks to
Sam Whittington about how Church@five has changed his
life and the challenge of getting up on time.
SW: What appealed to you about the Job Ready Scheme? Why did you want to sign up?
DM: God had already done a lot in my life through Church@five. I used to be in trouble a lot. When Helen mentioned this scheme, it just jumped out to me, as my hope is to secure a full time job.
SW: What are you involved in each week?
DM: I am involved in the Girls Group and Boys Group, and all the other regular events on Strawberry Vale, as well as coming to staff prayers and staff lunch at St Bs. I am basically helping out the Strawberry Vale team where I can.
SW: What have you enjoyed so far?
DM: Working with everyone on the team. I enjoy learning from them, but also the opportunity to give my own input on things.
SW: And, what has been the biggest challenge?
DM: Getting up! If I am totally truthful, getting up on time is the hardest thing. And keeping up with Helen and Ash … keeping up with those two is like Mission Impossible!
SW: How did you first get involved in Church@five?
DM: I was walking outside the Green Man Centre and Mark Johnson invited me in. First I laughed at him but he said I should come in and would be free to leave if I didn’t want to stay. It was like walking into a whole new world. It’s made a big difference in my life and doing the scheme is a way for me to give something back.
SW: In what ways has Church@five made a difference?
DM: It keeps me out of trouble and has given me a light at the end of the tunnel. I just used to hang around each day, smoking, drinking and getting into trouble. Now I can pray about things if I am struggling – I find that God carries a lot for you if you are praying.
SW: What are your hopes for the future – where do you hope the Job Ready Scheme will take you?
DM: First, I hope that it will help me secure a full time job. One day I’d like to run my own church – which is really down to the influence of the whole Strawberry Vale team and the support they’ve given me.
SW: Finally, what’s it really like working with the legendary Helen Shannon?
DM: Interesting! Yeah, it’s interesting. Seriously, I am learning a lot of stuff from her and it’s fun as well. But really I love it, love what I am doing now.
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CHILDREN SUPPORT
CHURCHWARDENSMTF
Susie YeatesActing Children’s Pastor 020 8343 6142
Becki WilliamsonAssistant Children’s Pastor020 8343 6133
Liz BewleyYouth Pastor020 8343 5788
Grace McPhee Trainee Youth Pastor 020 8343 6143
A J WadeTrainee Youth Pastor020 8343 6148
Zengani MhoneYouth Consultant
Mike Vamvadelis Church Manager 020 8343 5774
Gail BeckettOffice Administrator020 8343 5781
Trevlyn YeatesOffice Administrator020 8343 6137
Siming Hill Finance and HR Administrator
Currently on maternity leave
Sam WhittingtonActing Finance and HR Administrator020 8343 5783
Dave Harvey Facilities Coordinator020 8343 5782
Brian ShearerSupport Consultant
Sally Dryden020 8343 5787
Ros PatemanMissions Pastor 020 8343 5785
YOUTH
Ash Chafe Hope House Assistant020 8343 6141
Dorian Dyer- Westacott, Trainee Estates Worker020 8343 6147
ESTATES
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Helen Shannon Neighbourhood Pastor020 8343 5789
Sally DrydenAssistant Neighbourhood Pastor
020 8343 [email protected]
Anne Hawes Trainee Special Needs Families Worker
020 8343 [email protected]
Elizabeth Burgon Neighbourhood Administrator 020 8343 6140
Chris SykesSenior Citizens Ministry Leader 020 8888 1786
Peter & Pauline Sutton, Homeless Ministry Leaders07813 024585
Heajin Slater Japanese Ministry Leader 0203 602 7061
Fraser MackayNeighbourhood Consultant
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Spring 2013
Events diaryJANUARY
05 Men’s Breakfast 9.30am
12 Equip School of Theology 9am-1pm
14 Prayer Meeting 7.45pm
19 Family Craft Morning 10.30am
26 Synergy Young Adults Gathering 8pm
27 Family Worship Gathering 9.30am & 11.30am
28 PCC Meeting 7.30pm
FEBRUARY
02 Men’s Breakfast 9.30am
03 Strawberry Vale Prayer Brunch 11.30am
06 Welcome Supper 8pm
09 Equip School of Theology 9am-1pm
11 Prayer Meeting 7.45pm
12 GQ course starts 7.30pm
16 Family Craft Morning 10.30am
MARCH
02 Men’s Breakfast 9.30am
02 Learning to Heal Day 9.30am
03 Strawberry Vale Prayer Brunch 11.30am
07 Welcome Supper 8pm
09 Equip School of Theology 9am-1pm
09 & 16 Marriage Preparation Course
11 Prayer Meeting 7.45pm
16 Springfest 2-4pm
18 PCC Meeting 7.30pm
23 Senior Citizens Easter Tea 3pm
29 Good Friday Time at the Cross 10.30am & 1.30pm
29 Good Friday Time at the Cross for Youth and Kids 10.30am
Sunday Services
9.30am & 11.30amMorning Worshipwith Communion on 20 January, 17 February, 17 March
Morning
06 A life worthy of the Lord – Colossians 1:1-1413 All His fullness – Colossians 1:15-2320 Christ so powerfully works in me – Colossians 1:24-2:527 Triumphing over them – Colossians 2:6-15
03 Human commands and teaching – Colossians 2:15-2310 Set your hearts on things above – Colossians 3:1-1717 It is the Lord Christ you are serving – Colossians 3:18-4:124 Full of grace – Colossians 4:2-18
03 Caiaphas 10 Mothers Day Family Services17 Judas Iscariot 24 Peter 31 Easter Family Celebrations
Weekly ActivitiesDuring term-time
SUNDAY
Kids Church (5s-11s) 9.30am & 11.30am
Under 5s Church 9.30am & 11.30am
Our Place at St Bs 11.30am
The Sunday Session (11s-14s) 11.30am
Café 66 and Y66 (11s-14s) 5pm
The 5 Café and The 5 (14s-18s youth congregation) 5pm
TUESDAY
English Conversation Classes for Japanese Women 10am-12noon
God Questions (GQ) 7.30-9pm @ Coffee Republic, 778 High Rd, North Finchley, London, N12 9QR
Ignition Cell (14s-18s) 7.30pm with Impact Young Leaders’ Training Evenings on the first Tuesday of the month
8am Holy CommunionA traditional prayer book service in the Side Chapel
11am Oakleigh Community ChurchMorning Worship with children’s programme
SERMON SERIES: In Him all things hold together
SERMON SERIES: Encounters on the way to the cross
MARCH
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Week of Prayer and FastingMonday-Sunday, 14-20 January 2013
A time to seek the Lord at the start of the New Year, for his direction in our lives and in our Church
Watch St Bs bulletin for more information
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7pm Evening Worshipwith Communion on 20 January, 17 February, 31 March
Evening
06 A life worthy of the Lord – Colossians 1:1-1413 All His fullness – Colossians 1:15-2320 Christ so powerfully works in me – Colossians 1:24-2:527 Triumphing over them – Colossians 2:6-15
03 Human commands and teaching – Colossians 2:15-2310 Set your hearts on things above – Colossians 3:1-1717 It is the Lord Christ you are serving – Colossians 3:18-4:124 Full of grace – Colossians 4:2-18
03 Pilate10 A woman at Bethany17 Soldiers24 Herod31 Easter Sunday Celebration
WEDNESDAY
Barney’s Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am
Wednesday Club for Senior Citizens 2.15-4.15pm
THURSDAY
Thursday Women’s Group 9.30am-12noon
FRIDAY
Barney’s Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am
The Attic (5s-11s) The Attic Café (for parents and carers) 5.30-7.00pm
Base (11s-14s) 7.30-9.30pm
5pm church@five at Strawberry ValeAn informal service at the Green Man Community Centre
MARCH
St Barnabas, Holden Road, Woodside Park London, N12 7DNTel: 020 8343 5770 Email: [email protected]
Helen Shannon, Projects Director [email protected]
Hope House North London is a partner charity of St Bs, working particularly closely with St Bs’ Estates Ministry.
Missional CommunitiesSt Bs Missional Communities are groups of people with an outward focus on either a geographical neighbourhood, a network, or people with a particular need. Growing to between 20 and 40 members we hope that they will be small enough to create a sense of belonging, and big enough to do something. We encourage all members of St Bs to belong to a Missional Community, so if you’re not yet in one, why not consider joining one of the groups below; or if you have an idea for starting a new group, speak to/email David Brown: [email protected]
East AsiaPhilip and Heajin Slater: [email protected]
EnfieldJon and Ros Hoare: [email protected]
Healing on the StreetsDave and Bridget Harvey: [email protected]
Homeless OutreachPeter and Pauline Sutton: [email protected]
Justice MattersSam and Victoria Markey: www.justicemattersn12.blogspot.com
Prison MinistryGita Paton and Nikki
Transition Project (a service for those facing unemployment/redundancy)Peter and Pauline Sutton: [email protected]
Create (focussing on the creative arts)Catherine Lemmon and Felicity Barnum-Bobb: [email protected]
Jam (for musicians and those who enjoy live music)Andy Yeates and Simon Swan: [email protected]
Workplace (encouragement for those living out their faith in the workplace)Richard and Sue Greeves and Jonathan Burnett: [email protected]
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Colin Brookes, Associate Vicar020 8343 6144
Margaret Peach Henry’s Assistant020 8343 5780
Ryan Venn-Dunn Young Adults Pastor020 8343 5773
Anne BrownPrayer Ministry Team Leader 07960 716443
Dave and Bridget Harvey, Healing on the Streets Team Leaders
020 8343 [email protected]
John AutonHospitality and Shop Team Leader07885 142217
Mark Johnson Connect Coach 07956 351053
Sam Markey Church Consultant
Mike PavlouAssociate Minister (Oakleigh)
020 8343 [email protected]
Sharon SpencerTrainee Neighbourhood Worker (Oakleigh)
020 8343 [email protected]
Henry KendalVicar020 8343 [email protected]
Joshua KaneWorship Pastor 020 8343 5786
Jo DoréAssociate Worship Pastor 020 8444 9307
Elaine Rupasinha Worship Team Administrator 07932 646496
SUNG WORSHIP
DISCIPLESHIP AND TRAINING
David Brown Discipleship Pastor020 8343 5779
Georgie McMinnDavid Brown’s PA 020 8343 6131
Don SkinnerEquip Resources
Ruth Copping and Liz KovarOasis Team Leaders
Jane KendalEncouraging Women Team Leader
[email protected] by Georgie McMinn Women’s Ministry Facilitator Contact details above
Mike PavlouMotivating Men Team Leader
[email protected] by Angus McMinn Men’s Ministry Facilitator 07888 657527
Nikki Discipleship Consultant
Henry and Jane Kendal
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The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)
The greatest gift that God gives to us is his very self in Jesus. At Christmas we are reminded of the generosity of this gift, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The contrast is intentional: the anointed King, love incarnate, is brought into the world in the humblest place by the most unassuming people. As a part of the sung worship team at St Barnabas, I am also aware of this contrast on a personal level. As we bring our simple lives and the musical gifts given to us by God, God receives and delights in our worship. God doesn’t want gifts that are expensive, he wants gifts that are sacrificial; that is, he wants our hearts. Out of this desire, firstly to give to God, and secondly to share the gift of Jesus Christ, some members of St Barnabas hatched a plan…
We have recorded a Christmas album. Not to show off what we can do, but to show off what He has done. Through writing new songs and new arrangements of classic carols, we wanted to create a musical journey through the story at the heart of Christmas. We wanted to capture the plight of humanity, the joy of the incarnation, the awe of the shepherds, the delight of the angels and finally the celebration and worship we share in response to what God has done. It was a pleasure to do, crafting a concept album which would tell the Christmas story afresh.
We have been singing and writing Christmas songs since July, and a large cross-section of our Church have voluntarily given their time and talents to record the album. At the centre of what we were doing was the gift of God – eternal life in Jesus. Multi-talented people such as Andrew Yeates and Jo Doré have put hours, days and
By Joshua Kane
weeks into this album aiming for one most precious moment, the moment when someone finds the greatest gift: Jesus. We hope that as Christians listen to this album, the energy and creativity leads them into worship and helps them to see the lavish nature of this gift afresh. However we also hope that those who have not yet been gripped by the story listen to the album and are taken on a journey that leads them to Jesus. As one of the lines at the climax of the album says, ‘This is Your world and You are our King, You came and saved and that is why we sing!’
We have called this musical journey The Gift, and for one month every person who bought a copy of the album was given a second totally free – so that they could give it away to someone they know. We hope that the musical journey, the personal invitation and the exciting events that we have in our Christmas programme help take people on their own journey to the greatest gift of all.
The Gift
St Bs’ Christmas Album
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God at work I saw God at WorkGod is doing amazing things all the time, with many people’s lives being hugely impacted by divine encounters. Here are some stories:
THE GOD OF WAITING THE GOD
MOVEMENT WITH GOD WHO PROVIDES
Colin Brookes
Since the onset of middle-age, I’ve been going to a small fitness class on Tuesday evenings. A few weeks ago, a lady
who hadn’t been for months because of a long term hip injury trudged in. She came to say hi and soon was telling us about the fortune she’s paying out on physio for her hips. Heart in my mouth, I offered to pray for her, there in front of everyone. “I’ll try anything”, she said. I got her to put her own hand on her hip, put my hand on hers, and commanded healing in Jesus’ name. I then told her to test it. She began to lift her leg and, as it got higher and higher, her eyes widened and she exclaimed, “....”, well, I probably ought not mention what she said! Though some discomfort remained, she was able to move freely and without pain.
Sita Patel
My everyday prayer is, “Lord I want to bless someone today.” Recently, I went for a routine blood test, taking a book because
I knew it would be a long wait. But God had other plans! At the hospital, my number was 192, the number up was 71. It was going to be a wait. There were few seats but I found one next to a Jamaican lady. I struck up a conversation and asked whether she knew Jesus. She did! I asked why she needed a blood test; she was losing weight without any obvious reasons. I asked whether I could pray for her; she was really touched.
Meanwhile, a man was sitting with a three year old boy. He asked whether I could watch the buggy while he took his son to the toilet. When he returned, I told the boy Jesus loved him and that created an opening to talk to the dad. It turned out he was desperately looking for a church. I invited him to St Bs, sharing about my journey, and how my faith took off since I joined the church. He was also happy to know about our children’s ministry as he has two kids. Praise God!
Ann-Marie Wilson
As many will know, I am currently fundraising the remaining personal financial support I need, whilst also fundraising for the
work of 28 Too Many, the anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) charity I started last September and which has grown very fast!
One Sunday, I was waiting in a pub for a friend who was late, and on the back of the menu, I was sketching out who I could possibly ask to do a fundraiser for our charity – with the hope of raising £500 … thinking I just needed 70 names!
Imagine my amazement, when on Monday the Church Manager Mike, emailed me to say he had received an anonymous special delivery envelope – stuffed with £490 and a note asking him to pass it on to me for the work of 28 Too Many. I had spoken at Wednesday Club recently and been given £10, and was waiting to pay that in, so that exactly makes the first £500, showing me God has it all planned. I definitely saw Him at work that week!
I got her to put her own hand on her hip, put my hand on hers, and commanded healing in Jesus’ name.
I invited him to St Bs, sharing about my journey, and how my faith took off since I joined the church
He had received an anonymous special delivery envelope – stuffed with £490!
11
EXIT
GO APE
THE GODWITH GOD WHO HEALSChristina Brown
My journey to faith started in an unusual way. I recently went on a work outing to ‘Go Ape’ in Trent Park – this involves
being harnessed to zip wires as you go around an obstacle course through the trees, each part getting harder and higher. I didn’t think I could do it, and was crying my eyes out, but I felt as if there was someone there telling me “Come on Christina, you can do this”. Every time I came to a new challenge it was as if all the past pain was building up inside me, hurting me and trying to be free. I kept pushing myself until eventually I came to the highest point, 16 metres up in the trees, and came down the final zip wire. I collapsed onto the ground, sobbing my heart out.
The whole experience felt as if I had met with God and been cleansed of all the pain and emotional baggage that I had been carrying. As a result of this I decided to seek God - I came to St Bs and joined the Alpha course to help me on my journey.
Norvisi Jacquaye
I fell ill after minor surgery in December 2011. I experienced many symptoms: swollen and painful joints, itchy rashes,
fevers, sore throats, mouth and nose ulcers, swollen and infected ear, as well as a flaky and sore scalp which resulted in the loss of my hair. I was poked and prodded by many different medical experts who all gave different diagnoses and medication, to no avail. Despite my condition, I was determined to attend St Bs Go Deeper Conference in February. I received a great deal of prayer and support from the St Barnabas family during and after the conference and I was assured that God would meet me at my point of need.
After the conference, my GP referred me to CDU again. CDU transferred me to A&E as they were full. There I met a doctor who assured me he was going to get to the bottom of things. After loads of questions, tests and hours of waiting, I was diagnosed with Discoid and Systemic Lupus. Lupus is said to be a life-threatening auto-immune disease that has no cure and
If you have any stories of God at work in your life, we’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]
can affect your body tissues and organs. I was thankful when the initial tests revealed that Lupus had not affected my organs!
Over the summer, through the sermon series, “Back to the Main Man”, God reassured me I would be completely healed. On 22 August, after complaining to my Rheumatologist about aches and pains and flare ups, she told me my blood tests were normal and that the systemic aspect of the Lupus was switched off! Hallelujah! On 31 October, my Dermatologist also said there was no indication of any infection from the biopsy taken in July/August 2012. My biopsy was sent to a special laboratory for further specialist investigation and there was no indication of Lupus! Isn’t God awesome!
Over the summer, through the sermon series, “Back to the Main Man”, God reassured me I would be completely healed
I felt as if there was someone there telling me “Come on Christina, you can do this”
12
From London to Southampton
Maria Hembrow is a Church Army Evangelist in her third
year of training. As a member of Oakleigh Community
Church she was sent out two years ago by Oakleigh, with
support from St Bs Mission Task Force, and is now working
with the Weston Lighthouse Project in Southampton, where
she and three other team members minister both pastorally
and practically to the local residents living on this very
deprived housing estate. It was a giant step of faith for
Maria to respond to God’s call – leaving behind friends,
family and home and all that was familiar, and moving
from Barnet to Weston to start training within the Centre
of Mission – no mean feat for a single parent of an adult
daughter with special needs! She tells B Magazine her story:
My pre-Christian life had been dysfunctional and chaotic to say the least. I grew up on various council estates in South London and spent my teenage years in a children’s home in Brixton. At the age of 29 I was a single parent of a child with special needs. Nothing was going right – life was such a battle that there seemed no point in going on. I was so depressed that suicide seemed the only option. However, a voice inside me kept telling me that I needed to go to church and to know God. Within just a few months I had given my life to the Lord, and from the word go I knew that I was being called to be an evangelist. I felt God telling me very clearly that he would use all the painful experiences I had been through in my life, every tear that I had shed, for his glory. I found myself witnessing to my friends, to people outside on the streets and anybody that came my way.
After about seven years as a member of Oakleigh Community Church, I began to feel God’s call on my life in a very specific way. During a CPAS weekend (designed for people trying to discern their calling), they showed a video clip of some Church Army work and I knew instinctively that this was the direction God was calling me towards.
My training consists of a mixture of academic study, with assignments to write, and practical outreach work, interspersed with residential study weeks at College in Sheffield. The Weston estate is a place where many residents have lost hope. They often have no sense of dignity or self-respect for themselves or their surroundings. Our project as a whole offers a variety of services which local residents can access with no strings attached - all designed to give practical help and care. We put “agape” love into practice and try to be Christ to everyone we meet.
Rothschild Close
Wallace Rd
Kingsclere Ave
Burg
hcl
ere
Rd
Haw
kley
Green
Squires Wa
lk
Jurds Lake Way
Seaweed close
Int
ernational Way
Sparsholt Rd
Weston Ln
Weston Parade
Westo
n Ln
Weston Ln
Archery Road
HamptonTower
New CliffHouse
AshtonHouse
SomborneHouse
WestonWine
HavreTower
OsloTower
CopenhagenTower
RotterdamTower
HurstbournePlace
CanberraTower Weston Shore
Infant School
WestonAdventurePlayground
Weston Court
Church Army is a charity which is part of the Anglican Communion. It trains and equips evangelists for work in the wider church setting, sharing faith through words and action. It operates on the margins of society, and its current focus is to pioneer fresh expressions of church.
FROM LONDON TO SOUTHAMPTON
“The moment I gave my life to the Lord, I knew he was calling me to be an evangelist.”
A Mission Partner’s story of responding to God’s call
Almost as soon as I arrived I spotted one particular area of need in the community and set up a weekly drop-in group called “Cuppa” where local people who were isolated or lonely could come and meet together and enjoy hot drinks, cake and a good old chat. This group is growing fast and we are noticing that those who come are beginning to support each other in their daily lives as confidence grows in themselves and their friendships.
As well as my work with the people who attend Cuppa, I have developed some really good relationships on a deeper, one-to-one level, with some of the women on the estate who have felt able to share with me some of the difficulties they face in their lives. I have found it a blessing and a privilege to be able to draw alongside them in their difficulties and to be able to make a difference in their lives. I have often seen positive life-style changes take place as a result.
In terms of developing people’s faith, the vast majority of the Weston Lighthouse Project’s work involves ground-breaking and seed-sowing. The project consists of four full-time team members as well as several volunteers and we come together on a Sunday morning to worship together on the estate at our “Beacon”, and we welcome any people we may have worked with or who live locally. My function here is as part of the Leadership Team and currently I am being trained in preaching – something I find very nerve-racking at the moment but I am told it will all be fine in the end!
I do find the heavy theological academic side of my training quite a challenge – I am called to be an evangelist, not an academic! However with God’s help I am getting through it all. Uprooting ourselves and moving to Weston has not been without its challenges for myself and my daughter, but I can honestly say that every time there has been a crisis, such as our landlord asking for his house back soon after moving here, or writing off my car in an accident, the Lord has kept us safe and has provided for every need.
As far as future plans go, I hope to stay in Southampton when training finishes and that my vision of establishing a facility for the care of vulnerable women will have developed and that I will be able to make the Weston Lighthouse Project my first post. Everything I am doing is a learning curve but I am aware of the fact that I do not do this alone and that I am supported by a whole host of people of faith. You are all part of my ministry and I thank God for you. I would value prayer for the times when I need to find care for Sherrina, my daughter, while I am away on study weeks. These can be times of stress for us both! I would also be delighted if you would pray for me as I continue to serve, and particularly I would ask for prayer for my academic studies and that I would grow in confidence and knowledge as I learn about all aspects of Christian ministry.
I felt God telling me very clearly that he would use all the painful experiences I had been through in my life, every tear that I had shed, for his glory.
If you would like to support Maria or find out more about her work, pick up one of her prayer postcards from the Missions Board at St Bs, or email: [email protected]
News in Brief
14
News in BriefA round-up of Who’s doing What, Where, When and sometimes Why
Staff News
MTF: after 3 years as our Missions Coordinator, Jess Mariano left her post in September to pursue a career in marketing. Ros Pateman is currently working as our Missions Pastor, but has taken the decision to retire next year. We are so grateful to both Jess and Ros for all they have done for MTF and our mission partners. We are in the process of recruiting a new Missions Pastor and hope to make an appointment soon.
Children’s Pastor: following Hannah Bailey’s decision not to return to the post in order to be a full-time mum, we have been recruiting for a new Children’s Pastor. At the time of going to print we are in the midst of the recruitment process; again we hope to make an appointment soon.
meet&eat@6
meet&eat@6 was launched in August and since then it has become part of family life at St Bs. Both newcomers and long-standing members have enjoyed sharing food and getting to know one another in a deeper way. If you haven’t tried it yet, why not drop by the next time you’re free on Sunday at 6pm? Or, if you’re around right before Christmas, you are also invited to come along to the special event: meet&feast@7, on Sunday 23 December, at 7pm.
Launch of Oasis ManualAfter seven years’ work, the Oasis Team (St Bs’ healing ministry amongst women) have launched their comprehensive manual. Over the years, the team has drawn on current material and the wealth of its own experience to create a working manual. It covers such themes as Forgiveness, Sense of Being and Boundaries and will be given out to the women who attend the Oasis course.
Befriending and Mentoring Scheme
We are delighted to have received funding from two different sources: a generous grant from the Bishop of London’s Mission Fund to St Bs and another large grant from the John Lyon charitable foundation to Hope House, means we are planning to set up a 3-year partnership project creating a Befriending and Mentoring Scheme on Strawberry Vale.
SynergyThe 18s-30s at St Bs love to socialise. In recent months they’ve had fancy dress parties, dinners, comedy nights, a High Tea, DVD evening and country walk with pub lunch. In addition to this they also meet after every 7pm service for a drink, maybe a game of cards and to enjoy spending time together. This is all a lot of fun, yet there are many powerful things that God is doing through it all. The goal is to create opportunities to build relationships and encourage one another, growing trusting and purposeful friendships centred on Jesus. Get in touch with Ryan Venn-Dunn to find out more: [email protected].
15
Parenting Young Kids
In October, Colin and Natalie Brooks hosted the second Parenting Young Kids evening. The event was a great success with over forty people attending, representing a variety of ages and backgrounds, and including both married and single parents, as well as some parents-to-be. Many stories and laughs were shared throughout the time and the evening drew a very positive response from those involved.
Equip School of Theology
Inspired, infallible, sufficient and authoritative were just some of the words that were flying around the Parish Hall on Saturday 15 September as about forty students got to grips with the question: “What’s so special about the Bible?” A mixture of returning and new students were beginning the 2012-2013 Equip School of Theology, and over the next year they will work their way from Genesis to Revelation, looking at the “big story” of the Bible.
Baptisms at St BsOne Sunday in October saw twenty three people being baptised or re-affirming their baptismal vows, over the course of our three main services. Those involved were drawn from a wide age range, including members of Kids Church, teenagers from The Five, as well as adults. It was fantastic to see so many people making a public declaration of their faith in Jesus. If you would be interested in being baptised at a future service, please contact Margaret Peach: [email protected] or speak to Henry or Colin.
Base
November saw the launch of an exciting new youth group on Friday nights at St Bs for 11s-14s. Base offers the opportunity for young people to discover and develop their gifts and talents, encouraged by a great team of volunteers coming alongside them in the process. Different Base Hubs to get involved with included singing, acting, cooking, table tennis skills workshop, football skills workshop and a band hub. Twenty young people turned up for our taster session at the beginning of November and the term culminated in a Base Goes Live event, where the young people got to show off their new skills.
Family Worship Gathering
Once a term on Sunday mornings, instead of parents dropping off their children at Kids Church at the start of the service, they get to stay with them and join in the Family Worship Gathering. This term’s gathering saw about 70 families over the 2 services packed into the Parish Hall, enjoying chatting over coffee and pastries, playing games, listening to a short talk about putting God at the centre of family life, sung worship and prayer – all done in a way that families can use in their own times of family worship at home. If you missed this term’s gathering, get 27 January in your diary and come along to the next one.
Hope House Dinner Dance
The Hope House Dinner Dance event took place at the Hendon Hall Hotel in October. By enjoying a wonderful dinner, dancing and a raffle, party-goers were able to raise money for the charity as well as sharing a great evening together. Hope House is St Bs’ partner charity, and serves the social, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of children, young people and families in Barnet. To find out more please visit www.hope-house.org.uk.
WinterfestA Saturday afternoon in November saw the church turned into a Wild West set for this year’s action-packed winterfest event. With bouncy slide, craft activities and lots of games, the church was packed with an amazing total of 544 people, as many families enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. If you missed it, do make sure you get the date of the upcoming springfest into your diaries – Saturday 16 March.
Translation service
You may have wondered why sometimes at our Sunday services someone is at the back talking throughout the service into a microphone. This is because we now have the facility to provide simultaneous Spanish translation to add to our occasional Japanese translation. We hope to be able to develop this service further so that we can welcome others into our services.
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GOODQUESTIONS
TUESDAYS 7.30-9PM
12, 19, 26 FEBRUARY
@ COFFEE REPUBLIC??
Don’t all religions lead
to God?
How can there be a God,
when there is so much sufferingin the world?
Coffee Republic778 High Road North Finchley London, N12 9QR
Submit questions via facebook twitter or email. Or just bring them along in person!What is your God question?
Find us on facebook ‘God Questions’
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Join us for an informal discussion on 3 Tuesday evenings Contact Mike Pavlou on 020 8343 6138Email: [email protected]!
What is your God question?
To East FinchleyHIGH ROAD NORTH FINCHLEY A1000
WO
OD
SID
E PA
RK
RD
WOODSIDE PARKNORTHERN LINE
To Whetstone& Barnet
HOLDEN ROAD
To Finchley Central
St Barnabas
TALLY HO
St BarnabasHolden Road
Woodside ParkLondon
N12 7DN
Tel: 020 8343 5770Email: [email protected]
www.stbarnabas.co.uk
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