The church leadership team have decided to focus on renewing spirituality within the life of the church and community this year. This has resulted in several things happening: firstly we have two 'business' style meetings a year (out of 11) when we bring all on buildings, refurbishment, leases, legal matters etc. Secondly that all other elders meetings and church meetings have more focus on relationships, mission strategies, discipleship and theological and practical training in relation to these areas.
We now have a weekly, home-based, renewal group focussing on exploring the Good News in the bible book of Mark and how we connect with Jesus today. There is also weekly prayer at the group and a small, separate prayer group more closely connected to the lives of the community projects and the developing community cafe.
The play-doh heart above was created from prayer during worship in Advent. This month as a leadership team we are excited about a new venture for the churches in the area of Wythenshawe and our local communities which will be 24-1 prayer: praying for 24 hours in a specially-created prayer room space. Planning and praying has so far brought together our congregation of 30 ish members with Baptist, Pentecostal and Methodist friends. Theological boundaries and barriers are being crossed and a focus of prayer is doing it! It is not rocket science. It is not new but prayer - whether in our out of fashion in its different forms, is essential - alongside responsible use of the bible. This is the stuff of reformed faith and witness; the stuff of authentic Christian spiritualities and renewal of the church of Jesus Christ isn't it?
