If you’re new to church, Lent might be one of those words you’ve heard around and don’t quite get. After all, it’s pretty hard to work it out from the name alone.
So if you are fresh in, don’t panic! It’s a period of time (40 days) when over one billion Christians across the world will draw closer into God’s presence through devotion, prayer and, often, fasting.
It resonates with Jesus’ own experience after he was baptised by John and went off into the wilderness to pray and fast for 40 days before beginning his three-year ministry, which would lead him to the cross (Easter).
A number of us choose to give up a little luxury as a way to fast, such as chocolate, sweets or some kind of food or drink to cultivate a contrite and humbled heart towards what God in response for what he has done for each of us.
Here are four simple ideas that might help in your own personal journey through Lent to Easter.
Read a Lent book. Buy Dethroning Mammon: Making Money Serve Grace by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. (This is one book I shall be reading myself.)
Sign up to Tearfund’s daily Lent reflections, Living Water.
Subscribe to 24-7 Prayer podcast, Stories from the Wilderness.
Pick up the How Well is Your Soul booklet on Sunday morning from the Welcome Point (special price: £2.00).
This Lent we will also be beginning a new message series called Picture This, based on some writings by King Solomon, found in the book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes, who, let’s just say, had a thing or two to say about life! We’ll explore some of the themes together leading up to Easter and discover what a life might look like directed by God.
Finally, a prayer for Lent.
Ageless one, who created time
And is sovereign over its every passing moment –
Be near to us at this point of time.
Help us to look around and celebrate all you have done
And all you have accomplished through us
To build your kingdom of justice and peace.
Empower us to also face the disappointment
And holy frustration of the change we have yet to see
And the injustice that continues to rob so many of their future.
And above all, fill us with your Spirit
That we might look to the year ahead with hope, determination and love
For we need your perspective as we continue to work with you
For an end to poverty, and a future for all.
Amen.
February 28, 2017 in Easter at the VIneyard, news & events by andrew
You may have heard that on 5th and 12th March the Delphi Centre is being used for the Sudbury Festival of Arts. You will be pleased to know that we will still be gathering for our Sunday services on these dates, it will be at a temporary venue, Sudbury Town Hall. We will start at our usual time of 10:30am but you can arrive early for coffee and pastries.
There are plenty of car parks to be found within a short walk from the Town Hall, the closest being on Market Hill. If you struggle with walking it is possible to be dropped off in front of the town hall.
If you are new or just visiting we look forward to meeting you.
February 19, 2017 in news & events by andrew
For those who were unable to be at the 2017 Vineyard National Leaders’ Conference, you will be chuffed to know that all main sessions are available to listen again on the Vineyard Churches website.
Such are the wonders of technology, you can also listen to them on the Apple app and Andriod app.
Enjoy catching up!
February 3, 2017 in news & events by andrew
If you’re planning to visit us on Sunday morning, don’t be put off by the no entry signs, which is due to an unresolved sinkhole in Newton Road. There’s still access to the Delphi Centre from the townside. Just ignore the sign!
Our service starts at 10.30am. But do arrive from 10am for fresh coffee and pastries. We also have a full children young people’s programme available. Look forward to meeting you!
February 2, 2017 in news & events by andrew
Imagine how the impact of your leadership influence would grow in depth and breadth if you lived and led from a healthy vibrant soul. After all, you are the most important person you will ever lead. Most of us will eventually work out that mere striving and more activity will not get us closer to the goal of a healthier relationship with Jesus.
Our next Leadership Session will explore what we need within to see leadership as a privilege and not a necessity of life.
We will also be introducing you to an exciting new way of keeping you updated with your involvement at Vineyard – whether it is attending a small group or serving on a team.
When is it?
7:30pm, Monday 20 February 2017. (Drinks served on arrival.) We aim to finish around 9:30pm
Where is it?
The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, CO10 2EU.
(See our church website for directions. Feel free to use the office car park.)
Who is it for?
- small group leaders
- team co-ordinators and week leaders
- Sunday support teams and midweek support teams
- anyone else who wants to learn to lead others by example and has a passion to see the church breathe life into our community
Why do we do Leadership Sessions?
Paul the apostle speaks about “equipping his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” That’s a good enough reason in itself. But we also believe that when a leader gets better, everyone wins! It’s why these evenings are a good investment of your time.
Why make Leadership Sessions a priority?
One of our core values in the Vineyard is that leaders are for leaders. That’s because any kind of leading is costly in the giving of our time and emotional energy. Leading with a servant heart can also leave us feeling spiritually depleted, so we like to replenish our buckets by coming together and taking encouragement whenever we can.
It’s going to be a great evening. See you there!
February 2, 2017 in event, news, news & events by andrew
