Update

Update http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk The City Church Canterbury posterous.com Sun, 04 Dec 2011 02:00:00 -0800 Recommended Resource http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/xsCfoin1jdM/recommended-resource http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-resource <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-22/qIxJgjpDxlhzAFslzwHHGtCuDntjpIjqFgefBnBziAhBzvxqhCgEggIunmFl/The-Case-for-Christmas-web.jpg"><img alt="The-case-for-christmas-web" height="661.371237458194" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-22/qIxJgjpDxlhzAFslzwHHGtCuDntjpIjqFgefBnBziAhBzvxqhCgEggIunmFl/The-Case-for-Christmas-web.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Lee Strobel brings his excellent ‘Case for’ series to the Christmas story in what would make an excellent gift for a friend or family member interested in the claims of Christianity. As a journalist, Lee presents this short book in an investigative format to find out who really was in the manger on that first Christmas with chapter headings like: The Eyewitness Evidence, The Scientific Evidence, The Profile Evidence, and The Fingerprint Evidence. This kind of book suits friends who are thinkers more than the feelers; someone who wants to think through the claims of Christmas rather than emotionally connect with the story.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-resource">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-resource#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/xsCfoin1jdM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-resource Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:00:00 -0800 Mission in Mexico http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/oIkpaAZubvM/mission-in-mexico http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/mission-in-mexico <p> <p>In August I visited Mexico for about two weeks. I spent just over  half my time with the Bell family in Guadalajara and the rest of my time in Guanajuato and San Luis Potosí. I had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people and receiving some amazing Mexican hospitality. What really impressed me was the dedication to planting churches and advancing the gospel that the Mexican churches have, yet the people I met were all so down to earth, fun and easy to get on with.</p> <p>They are doing lots of great things, but the country is huge - with a population of over 100 million - so there is so much still to do. Prayer points include: wisdom for César in Guanajuato who has moved his church recently into New Frontiers, continued growth for La Vid church in Rioverde and for continued grace for the Pame who are preaching the gospel and planting churches among their own people, and for Pepe as he oversees all of that. Also for continued blessing for the Bell family and the El Camino church in Guadalajara.</p> <p>By Pete Szczerbicki</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/mission-in-mexico">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/mission-in-mexico#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/oIkpaAZubvM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/mission-in-mexico Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Darwin. Dawkins and the Divine http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/26-8AJE1OW4/darwin-dawkins-and-the-divine http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/darwin-dawkins-and-the-divine <p> <p>One of the most important questions we can ask is: “How did we get here?” For many, the answer is simple: we used to believe God did it, but now, thanks to science, we know otherwise. we know science did it. You can’t believe in both God and science. This idea has been loudly expressed by famous TV personalities and atheistic scientists, and has even become a popular bumper sticker.<br />But it raises some uncomfortable questions. Why are there planets, or physical laws, in the first place? How did life begin? Or consciousness? Why are so many scientists people of faith? Does science really rule out spirituality? Or can we have both?<p />Our visiting speaker Andrew Wilson will be teaching on these topics on Sunday January 22.</p> <p><em>Andrew Wilson has degrees from Cambridge and London, and has written for The Times and Christianity Magazine. He is also the author of Deluded by Dawkins?</em></p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/darwin-dawkins-and-the-divine">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/darwin-dawkins-and-the-divine#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/26-8AJE1OW4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/darwin-dawkins-and-the-divine Sat, 03 Dec 2011 23:00:00 -0800 Meet a member: Diane Wilkin http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/4ClBm_yDoAQ/meet-a-member-diane-wilkin http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-diane-wilkin <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-22/mnHIeCqbtEvDsvBuxgyICarxaszwDutIhditAqiknBhcIDcebmHfsqdqGtoE/Diane_Wilkin.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Diane_wilkin" height="750" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-22/mnHIeCqbtEvDsvBuxgyICarxaszwDutIhditAqiknBhcIDcebmHfsqdqGtoE/Diane_Wilkin.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <span style="color: #000000;"><em>How long have you lived in Whitstable?</em></span><br />I was born and brought up in Whitstable, and, apart from when I went  to art college in Norwich for three years, I have lived here all my life.</p> <p><br /><em>What do you spend your day doing?</em><br />Half my week is spent working as an administrator for an environmental consultancy.The other half is taken up with helping run a parent and toddler group once a week, doing housework and spending time with family and friends.<p /><em>What is your favourite meal?</em><br />That’s a hard one - I love food in general! I love a roast dinner, but also anything a bit different - from vegetarian to something a bit spicy (but not too hot!)</p> <p><br /><em>What are your three biggest passions in life?</em><br />Spending time with people over a meal or going for a walk, my family and friends and of course Jesus.</p> <p><br /><em>What area of church life do you serve in?</em><br />At the moment I serve in the Prayer Ministry and lead a small group with my husband, Nigel, but who knows when we return to Whitstable.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-diane-wilkin">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-diane-wilkin#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/4ClBm_yDoAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-diane-wilkin Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:00:00 -0800 Multisite http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/rmYIrOPJCxQ/multisite http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/multisite <p> <p>Ten months ago we took the exciting and daunting step of moving to having two Sunday morning services as we were too large for one service. Looking back, it has been a thrilling journey as God has added many people to His church! In comparison to last year we have seen between 15 and 40% growth every month (eg, comparing February this year with February last year and so on). We have seen friends get saved, many get baptised and a large number added to us from Whitstable.  <br />Excitingly, we are not settling down and getting comfortable... God is once again leading us further forward. In January 2012 we will move from being ONE church in ONE location with TWO meetings, to be ONE church in TWO locations with THREE meetings... two morning meetings  in Canterbury and one morning meeting in Whitstable. It will be another season of advance that will require us to once again flex our faith muscles! <br />About 70 folk have committed themselves to being part of the pioneering group in Whitstable. Many of those are former members  of the church there, but many more are those who have been in Canterbury for some time and are feeling prompted by God to join Whitstable, whilst others wonderfully just want to support what God is doing. Please pray for us or join us!</p> <p>By Hugh Pearce, Elder</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/multisite">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/multisite#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/rmYIrOPJCxQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/multisite Sun, 11 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 The New Sermon Series WANTED is Coming Soon http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/UqCxo9Yym2M/the-new-sermon-series-wanted-is-coming-soon http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/the-new-sermon-series-wanted-is-coming-soon <p> <p> <p>I’ve heard it say ‘it’s never a whole book that changes your life, but a single sentence!” This is true, but recently it was just half a sentence! In his superb book ‘Crazy Love’ by Francis Chan he made the point of the profound love of God for both his children (Christians) “and for all those He’d ever created.” It was so obvious, so true, and so simple. Yet in those few words, I suddenly caught a glimpse of the immensity of the love of God for my neighbours, friends, family who currently don’t love Him. I felt humbled that I’d never quite seen or rather felt, this ‘heart of God’ in quite this way before. That is, as stunning as it sounds; all who have lived, are living, or will live are ‘wanted’ by God. In an age where more people than ever feel no sense of being wanted, particularly in light of so many absent fathers, this series is in essence very simple: an attempt to communicate the love of God for the people of Canterbury, Whitstable and beyond. A love that is relentless, scandalous and world-changing. A love towards a world that 100% doesn’t deserve it.</p> <p>Please do invite your friends, neighbours, work collegues who perhaps wouldn’t call themselves christians to chuch this Autumn. God’s heart is for all to hear the amazing news of the extraordinary love of God for all those he’s put in your orbit.</p> <p><em>- Tom Shaw</em></p> <p>The WANTED series starts 25 September.</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/cecGixuADIvpdbIFltCmaEhiGFfakuuHlmEAexpGwGrzxsfwcfzyHkzcIFiC/wanted-web.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Wanted-web" height="237" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/cecGixuADIvpdbIFltCmaEhiGFfakuuHlmEAexpGwGrzxsfwcfzyHkzcIFiC/wanted-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/the-new-sermon-series-wanted-is-coming-soon">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/the-new-sermon-series-wanted-is-coming-soon#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/UqCxo9Yym2M" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/the-new-sermon-series-wanted-is-coming-soon Sat, 10 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 Recommended Read http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/zxPYy1zDw5o/recommended-read http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-read <p> <p> <p>Crazy Love by Francis Chan</p> <p>Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and don’ts - it’s falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.</p> <p><em>- Tom Shaw</em></p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/HmeEvjluhnkdHBnhGFxoEnhdjyfAvDIEIzgvqGvyBdgolgwIgCmywJjrJakm/crazy_love.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Crazy_love" height="750" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/HmeEvjluhnkdHBnhGFxoEnhdjyfAvDIEIzgvqGvyBdgolgwIgCmywJjrJakm/crazy_love.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-read">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-read#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/zxPYy1zDw5o" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/recommended-read Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 Family News http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/rVbBw7S0F8o/family-news-63092 http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/family-news-63092 <p> <p>Congratulations to Phillip and Lucy Stiles who were married on 20 August, also to Richard and Nicky Brown married on 4 August and to Mick and Rachel Norman married on 30 July.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Stiles-web" height="500" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/uIexBxHujwzBhmvdloeFxpkptombifpyHnxeBfsHjDAEjmEuofwfnlBdbcnI/stiles-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="375" /> <img alt="Brown-web" height="500" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/BvHmkyxpDzhJAeiAGIHqjecylzcEmrJdcIntFFDGiIwizarAzGmfFjulwyIp/brown-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="366" /> <img alt="Norman-web" height="500" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/GAnzgoxfdthwkiFCIIJkDdxrqJiqFtFoDevEcAtkrFzdrcxxasACgmGADIna/norman-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="335" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/family-news-63092">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/family-news-63092">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/family-news-63092#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/rVbBw7S0F8o" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/family-news-63092 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 Meet a Member | Vanessa Smith http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/EjlztPJWOEQ/meet-a-member-vanessa-smith http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-vanessa-smith <p> <p><strong>How long have you been a member at City Church?</strong></p> <p>Eight years.</p> <p><strong>What do you spend your day doing?</strong></p> <p>I spend my day chasing after my three lively kids: Emily 11, Thomas 7 and Lucy 4. I’m also a hairdresser, I walk the dog, do decorating and attend mum and toddler groups with friends. My hubby, Duncan, thinks I’m not busy enough so I have also just started working part-time for his firm in the office!</p> <p><strong>What is your favourite meal?</strong></p> <p>Chicken tikka biryani.</p> <p><strong>What are your three biggest passions in life?</strong></p> <p>Jesus, praying for my family to be saved and the wonderful friendships God has given me.</p> <p><strong>What do you love the most about City Church?</strong></p> <p>That it’s Jesus focused, scripture filled and has awesome worship!</p> <p><strong>What area of church life do you serve in?</strong></p> <p>I serve the church with Coffee and Choas, which is a mum and toddler group which meets every term-time Friday from 10am to midday at Thannington Resource Centre and costs £1 per family. It’s a fantastic group for members of The City Church and members of the public and welcomes mums, dads, carers and grandparents and children from 0-5. Amongst the playing, crafts, story time and singing we are meeting wonderful people (although I’m fairly shy this has been the best part for me!). Watching the friendships grow is a joy to see.</p> <p><em>The Coffee and Chaos team are currently recruiting for more team members. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information please contact Vanessa via email at <a href="mailto:duncan.smith1@tesco.net">duncan.smith1@tesco.net</a></em></p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Vanessa-smith-web" height="500" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-02/cAbAmEGcxyIsJCdGHsagEibuJnbFcoAGeEBaenpeefhfJfvvmbJkBFJgfeoh/vanessa-smith-web.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="375" /> </div> </div> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-vanessa-smith">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-vanessa-smith#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/EjlztPJWOEQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/meet-a-member-vanessa-smith Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/q_M4Hwt-iso/welcome-international-students http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/welcome-international-students <p> <p> <p>Whether you are from just around the corner or the other side of the world, we can’t wait to meet you! Students come to Canterbury every September from all around England and the world, and we want to make you feel welcome and help you find your place in this church and city, especially if you are a long way from home. City Church supports two international cafes in Canterbury, one in town on Saturday evenings, and another on Kent Campus on Friday evenings. These cafes are social spaces where you can come and meet other students from around the world as well as local Christians running the evenings. We have different cultural events, great food and for those who are interested, the opportunity to explore more about who Jesus is by reading about his life in the Bible. </p> <p>I am working with the Christian Union at Kent this year leading the team running the international cafe on Kent campus. If you are a Kent student and would like to come to the cafe or help out with the cafe or other Christian union events, I would love to meet you! Please find me at church, or contact me at <a href="mailto:emilyjburgess@gmail.com">emilyjburgess@gmail.com</a>.</p> <p> <p><em>- Emily Burgess</em></p> </p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/welcome-international-students">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/welcome-international-students#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/q_M4Hwt-iso" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/welcome-international-students Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 To The Nations http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/Q5kVaiGYU-Y/to-the-nations-76341 http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-76341 <p> <p>I recently had the privilege of accompanying 28 wonderful people on a ‘Taste of Mission’ trip to Serbia run by Oak Hall.</p> <p>What started out as a desire for adventure and a missional ‘door push’, resulted in multiple blessings - meeting many Serbian people who have been transformed by Jesus; bringing friendship, assistance and aid to a people I did not know; many new friendships; and a change in me!</p> <p>We stayed at a Bible school near Belgrade, and from there visited a refugee camp and a very poor village. We brought humanitarian aid, offered friendship to a poor but joyful people - and they heard the gospel in their mother tongue!</p> <p>We stayed a few days at a rural house which will be used as a camp where children can learn about Jesus. We built a road and gave other manual help. Please pray for Darko as he teaches many children about Jesus. We also had the pleasure of attending two Serbian churches - with the privilege of simultaneous worship in Serbian and English. Please pray for Drago as he builds a church in Ruma.</p> <p>I thank God that He is passionate about His local and global church - a bride of every tribe and tongue. What an adventure to be part of. The church. The hope of the world.</p> <div><em>- Ash Hobson</em></div> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-76341">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-76341#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/Q5kVaiGYU-Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-76341 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0700 Action Stations! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/Mrt_Gw6YfVU/action-stations http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/action-stations <p> <p>An American friend of mine recently said that in the UK ‘everything’ seems to happen from September onwards! After the summer sleepiness comes an explosive season of ‘action stations’, when children go back to school, teachers return to the classroom, students start again at University and churches move forward with great pace. This Autumn will be a time of glorious advance for us once again!</p> <p>For the first time in our 22-year history, The City Church is planning to change from being one church meeting twice on Sunday in one place, to being one church meeting three times on Sunday in two places! This will start on Sunday 29 January 2012, when many members of the church will meet together in sunny Whitstable while many of us are meeting here in Canterbury!</p> <p>Here is a taste of what this ‘Action Stations’ season is bringing: </p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>our multi million-pound building project will move forward much faster.</li> <li>our new church website will be launched after 18 months of planning.</li> <li>we will share our plans for exciting and significant changes to our small groups, which will help make sure community is kept central amidst all this growth and expansion. </li> <li>And to top it all off, after careful thought and discussion, this month we will be talking about our new, and hopefully even better, church-wide prayer meetings!</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Needless to say, this is a key time for all who call The City Church their home to be fervent in prayer, stuck in at church meetings and asking: “Lord, how can I play my vital role in this body you’ve called me to be part of?”.</p> <p><strong>Please don’t miss ‘Vision Sunday’ (18 September)</strong>, included in the calendar overleaf. As ever, this will be a key Sunday where we will be talking in detail and enthusing about everything I have mentioned. There will also be an opportunity for church members to come and hear in more detail God’s plans for us at <strong>one of our Vision Nights - please also make it a priority to be at one on either Tuesday 27 or Thursday 29 September</strong>, both 7.30pm in the Black Hole at Canterbury High School. There are no small groups that week to help you be there. Finally, don’t forget our Week of Prayer and Fasting (18 September - 23 September). Full details on the calendar.</p> <p>Never has there been such an extraordinary season of advance on so many fronts! This is most certainly a time not for being passive or just ‘looking on’, but for being active and getting involved.</p> <p><em>- Tom Shaw</em></p> <p /> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/action-stations">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/action-stations#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/Mrt_Gw6YfVU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/action-stations Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:58:00 -0700 UPDATE is also Online! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/PDtC9kHQAVw/update-is-also-online http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/update-is-also-online <p> <p>Our monthly UPDATE is also available online at <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk">http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk</a>, if you haven't got a copy of this months or previous months, you can read the articles online here.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/update-is-also-online">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/update-is-also-online#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/PDtC9kHQAVw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/update-is-also-online Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:14:00 -0700 Canterbury Summer International Outreach http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/UQCHnOMzRSA/canterbury-summer-international-outreach http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/canterbury-summer-international-outreach <p> <p>From 31 July to 14 August a team of 20 students and twenties from churches in Canterbury and around the world will come together, receive cross cultural ministry training and host a café event every night at SMB church that international students can come to. Please pray for the team and the international students that come, that many would hear and respond to the gospel. Why not come along one night and help out or bake a cake? Please contact Olly Knight (CSIO team leader) <a href="mailto:oknight@uccf.org.uk">oknight@uccf.org.uk</a> for more details about what CSIO does or how to help.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/BGxGxJwjvJzJxqdJImzbidjvtkFocFEhCHBGryrBuEtfplCmhsGAslfzIIvo/CSIO.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Csio" height="281" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/BGxGxJwjvJzJxqdJImzbidjvtkFocFEhCHBGryrBuEtfplCmhsGAslfzIIvo/CSIO.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/canterbury-summer-international-outreach">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/canterbury-summer-international-outreach#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/UQCHnOMzRSA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/canterbury-summer-international-outreach Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:04:00 -0700 Living Proof of God's Grace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/qDg5jznTY0c/living-proof-of-gods-grace http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/living-proof-of-gods-grace <p> <p> <p> <p>On 11 January I had a horrific car crash and was severely injured with smashed ribs, left chest flail, broken left arm, fractured spine and various bumps, cuts and bruises. The car caught on fire with me inside, but by God’s grace I was snatched from the fire by an off-duty fireman who ‘just happened to be there’.</p> <p>I spent nine weeks in intensive care in Kent and London being kept alive. Everyone has been surprised by the speed of my recovery and the fact that I was married to my wonderful Jane on 16 April. God has been so good to us as a family and I am now back at work with South East Coast Ambulance Service. Please do pray for further healing as my left hand/arm is still badly damaged. Thanks to all who faithfully prayed for us and to my wife who was by my side always.</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/GFHvDzhwwppwdmAjeFCqkpGdBpvAgavDzaiJGhqDDlxIbraeBlkoofzCAphd/gary-moore.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Gary-moore" height="380" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/GFHvDzhwwppwdmAjeFCqkpGdBpvAgavDzaiJGhqDDlxIbraeBlkoofzCAphd/gary-moore.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> </p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/living-proof-of-gods-grace">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/living-proof-of-gods-grace#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/qDg5jznTY0c" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/living-proof-of-gods-grace Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:04:00 -0700 Building Well http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/ZrmT6fV_Y7M/building-well http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/building-well <p> <p> <p>Jesus said ‘I will build my church’ (Matthew 16:18) but one key question is HOW? Will healthy churches just magically spring up all across the world all by themselves? No. Although ultimately Jesus builds them, we find in Scripture a hugely over-looked key as to the ‘how’ question - by co-labouring with humans, called by God, to be ‘master-builders’ (1 Corinthians 3:10). To ensure His church is built according to His Plans, we see the grace gift of apostles. They start churches, lay foundations, build wisely, ensure elders are recognised, bring about ‘Ephesian Four’ input and suck a local church into having a global vision, just like Jesus does.</p> <p>Terry Virgo, who founded Newfrontiers, has and continues to serve over 800 churches within the  Newfronties family in such a way. Thrillingly, he is seeing more and  more ‘sons’ who carry his apostolic DNA now rising up to ensure churches are served in the same way.</p> <p>With this in mind, we are thrilled to announce our full involvement with apostle Mike Betts and his team. He says the following:</p> <p><em>“In New Testament church life each church was caught up in relationship and mission with an apostle and his team. This helped the local church not only build well at home base, receiving the input and help from such a team, but also caught each local church up into mission into regions beyond where it was presently working. </em>  </p> <p><em>“Relational connection to apostolic mission lifts the horizon and strengthens the base in local church life . As Newfrontiers has grown we now find ourselves in the position of seeing the emergence of a multiplication of apostolic ministries and teams working with them. This is happening in many nations including the UK. I have personally felt the providential leading of God as we find ourselves poised for fresh advance. It is a joy to find myself working with many dear friends right across the east of England, now including Canterbury. I really look forward to all God has for us to do together in the future as we all seek to move ahead in mission.”</em></p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/building-well">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/building-well#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/ZrmT6fV_Y7M" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/building-well Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:03:00 -0700 To The Nations http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/xNbq4vTJ5-k/to-the-nations-66617 http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-66617 <p> <p><strong>This month Pete Gregory shares with us about the VISA course being run in congunction with Frinds International…</strong></p> <p>The eight week VISA course is giving a group of international  students an insight to what is means to be a Christian. The course was devised by an organisation called Friends International and follows a very similar pattern to the Alpha course.  Craig and Louise Harding are hosting the current series in their home - which is very important as it allows folk from overseas to visit a British home and build friendships in another country.  Each week, those attending are treated to a meal, a focused talk and then participate  in discussion groups. Those who give the talks are often internationals themselves, and are drawn from a number of churches across Canterbury.</p> <p>It’s been so exciting to see between 10 and 14 visitors from over 10 different nations (including Japan,  to Latvia,  and Nigeria andto Romania!) attending each week. Some have never heard the gospel before or even actually seen or held a bible. Most are from non-Cchristian backgrounds - some from Mmuslim cultures have been the most enthusiastic in inviting and bringing more friends with them each week. Some of the group visited a Sunday morning service at City in June and were warmly welcomed. Please pray for lasting fruit.</p> <p>For more information about VISA, Friends International or how you could become more involved in reaching out to international visitors, please talk with Pete Gregory or Emily Burgess.</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-24/jpnDJbACinJBpaCrshvrrozAoEdBqJmcBGcgywcfrpqJkDeHnlFAvCkdvmvA/DSCN5151_3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dscn5151_3" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-24/jpnDJbACinJBpaCrshvrrozAoEdBqJmcBGcgywcfrpqJkDeHnlFAvCkdvmvA/DSCN5151_3.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-66617">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-66617#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/xNbq4vTJ5-k" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/to-the-nations-66617 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700 Getting Practical About Mission: Canterbury Debt Advice http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/wC0RGB7PRXo/getting-practical-about-mission-canterbury-de http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/getting-practical-about-mission-canterbury-de <p> <p>Canterbury Debt Advice Centre is a free and confidential service run by church members providing practical help and advice for any east Kent residents struggling with personal debt. We seek to show God’s compassion for them, helping them find release from the heavy yoke of debt and the resulting anxiety and helplessness it brings.  </p> <p>Practically, we provide help with budgeting and negotiate affordable repayment strategies for our clients.</p> <p>We have appointment slots available on Wednesday evenings or Monday mornings, as well as providing monthly clinics at Catching Lives Day Centre and the Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre.</p> <p>In the last year, the team of volunteers has grown greatly. Congratulations to the seven new members (Louise Harding, Paul Holdaway, Anne Jarman, Val Jordan, Abi Vanderpuye, Matt Fell and James Anderson) who will complete their Debt Advisor training on 9 July, creating a fully-trained team of 11.</p> <p>Following the success of our Student Budgeting Course, we will next be running a General Budgeting Course. This three-week evening course will run on 5,12 and 19 September. If you would like more information please contact in confidence Alexi Brook, the administrator for Canterbury Debt Advice Centre at <a href="mailto:alexi.brook@thecitychurch.org.uk">alexi.brook@thecitychurch.org.uk</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/ftznIxalDggCvlAtDyGevHCfDGDytGawxlmDjHcizCbffIckcEnscwjktHpw/Some_of_the_CDAC_team_early_2011_2_2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Some_of_the_cdac_team_early_2011_2_2" height="313" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-06/ftznIxalDggCvlAtDyGevHCfDGDytGawxlmDjHcizCbffIckcEnscwjktHpw/Some_of_the_CDAC_team_early_2011_2_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/getting-practical-about-mission-canterbury-de">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/getting-practical-about-mission-canterbury-de#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/wC0RGB7PRXo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/getting-practical-about-mission-canterbury-de Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:00:00 -0700 Investing in the Future http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/iLuYz7W1JXU/church-staffing-update http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/church-staffing-update <p> <p>As we continue to grow as a church we are pleased to announce an increase in our employed staff capacity from this September. Hugh Pearce will be employed full time, an increase from his current half time employment. He has done amazingly well juggling his eldership role alongside a part time teaching role at Kent College. His full time role will enable him to increasingly focus on the role of Site Leader for Whitstable and the planned launch of the site in January 2012.</p> <p>Martin Segal will be employed part time for 3 days per week in the role of Children and Youth Team Leader and leading Invision. Martin has led the youth work at The City Church Canterbury excellently for the last few years; he has recently taken on the leadership of children’s work and had been taking increasing responsibility for Invision. Being employed will enable Martin to build on the work he has already started in all 3 areas. He will continue to ensure a high level of teaching and discipleship for our children and young people and the ongoing development of dedicated, highly committed and gifted children and young people’s team. He will further develop Invision as a key vehicle to disciple students and twenties, in an environment where they can bring their non-Christian friends.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/church-staffing-update">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/church-staffing-update#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/iLuYz7W1JXU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1330043/8730_158850230405_577505405_4035437_1659153_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hcGrA3oyHAHvc Jonathan Pay jonathanpay Jonathan Pay http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/church-staffing-update Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:18:00 -0700 Strong in the Arts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tccc-update/~3/5ZjivmaF3-w/strong-in-the-arts http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/strong-in-the-arts <p> <p><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> <p style="margin: 0px;">One of the foundational prophecies over us as a church was brought by renowned prophet Keith Hazell in 2006. He said, amongst other things, that we would be a church 'strong in the arts'.</p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span>Over the last five years we have started to see this expressed </span><span>in a number of ways as we have gathered together as a church. These include our fantastic Christmas puppet musical <em>The</em> <em>Xmas Factor</em> and songs written by members of our worship team, which we sing as we worship together.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span>As an eldership we believe God has more for us. We continue to pray into it and look forward to the opportunity our own building will give us to further develop in many art forms.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span>At the recent Everything Conference Andy Crouch taught from Genesis 2 on our God-given responsibility to </span><span>both cultivate (v.15) and create culture (v.19).</span><span> Already, God is using members of our church in fine art, performance, music and dance to influence Canterbury and beyond for Jesus and thereby contribute to the fulfilment of this prophecy! We are dedicating this month’s issue of <em>Update</em> to their work – please take the opportunity to learn about what they are doing and pray for them.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><em>Tim Wilson</em></p> <p style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/strong-in-the-arts">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/strong-in-the-arts#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/tccc-update/~4/5ZjivmaF3-w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1099833/ituneslogo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/heO91HdfgXyem Andrew Francis The City Church Canterbury Andrew Francis http://update.thecitychurch.org.uk/strong-in-the-arts