Latest iGod blog post by our senior pastor, Andrew Stewart-Darling.

September 3, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

A letter from our senior pastor, Andrew Stewart-Darling

I know that I am technically on holiday, but I have felt a divine ‘tug’ to communicate my thoughts and actions on recent conflicts. Not least on what has been reported today.

Will you please take just a couple of minutes to read my words and respond as the Holy Spirit guides you?

I recognise that it is hard for us in the UK to truly grasp the level of suffering inflicted on ordinary people in the Middle East and Arab World but, like us, they simply yearn to live a life in peace and bring their families up the best they can.

Some news commentators are calling this period ‘the summer of war’. And it is not hard to see why. Conflicts in Syria, Nigeria, Gaza and Iraq dominate our TV screens. They constantly remind us of how broken our world is, but I have to believe that the cross is big enough to deal with all the world’s suffering.

As the hundredth anniversary of the First World War has reminded us this week, there is nothing whatsoever glorious or spiritually rewarding in a war that seeks domination over another people for its own profit or ideological agenda. What right does one man have to take away the breath of another man?

In particular, the conflict between Israel and Gaza should challenge every Christian to the core.

It is why this week I joined with other local church leaders to co-sign a letter to express my deepest concerns to the Right Honourable Phillip Hammond MP, the Foreign Secretary, regarding our country’s relationship Israel. Our local MP Tim Yeo and friend of Vineyard, Lord Andrew Phillips have also thrown their support behind our letter.

Today I read of fresh violence with the extreme persecution of Christians in Qaraqosh in Nineveh, northern Iraq. Our Christian family have seen more than their fair share of violence and suffering in the past two decades. It just goes from bad to worse. BBC News shows how the ancient Christian community have been singled out by Islamist militants ISIS for systematic eradication. Recently we saw the last Christians forced out of Mosul in northern Iraq. There is no mercy. There is no safe refuge.

So, if you are able, I’d like you to do two things today. Firstly, pray with me!

Pray for those persecuted Christian families fleeing from conflict: afraid, homeless and penniless. For those who have lost fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers. Pray that our persecuted family will be given the courage and strength to see a better day.

Secondly, please give a gift to Open Doors Iraq Emergency Appeal.

Open Doors works in the most dangerous places in the world to bring practical and spiritual support to those where faith costs everything. They do an amazing thing, which often means putting themselves at extreme risk. The Iraq Emergency Appeal is already proving to be their biggest ask for support ever! And I cannot say that I am altogether surprised! This is hitting the nerves of many Christians in this country and across the world.

If you are part of Stour Valley Vineyard, please know that we have already made a gift on your behalf. But if you would like to give further as a family or individual I know that our persecuted family would love to hear from you. Please click here.

Thank you. The Lord bless you and keep you safe this summer.

Much love,

Andrew (and Emma)

x

August 7, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

We welcome Craig Deal and a worship team from Gateway Vineyard, Norwich. Craig leads this vibrant family church with his wife Hannah. They have two lovely girls, Katie and Emily. Craig is also an ardent Norwich City fan.

They are also the church planting co-ordinators for Vineyard East Anglia.

Hope you can join us. See you there!

July 14, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

Join us this weekend as we conclude our summer preaching series on the inspirational life of Moses. See how God used a man to shape a nation into being.

We ask: What lessons are there for the church today? What lessons are there for the 21st century leaders? What really qualifies us to lead?

We meet 10.30am at the Delphi Centre. Arrive early for fresh coffee and pastries. Easy parking.

Visitors and those new to church are very welcome. See you there!

July 10, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

We are doing our next community outward focused event on April Fool’s Day. Such fun!

We are planning to give away hundreds of doughnuts to public sector workers in Sudbury and surrounding areas. We want to show our love and appreciation for all the unsung work that they do in our communities.

We are meeting at our church offices at The Christopher Centre 9.30am on Tuesday 1st April to pack and distribute bags before gong out to a number of addresses.

If you have a car and can spare an hour, we’d love to see you.

Meanwhile, please pray that these small doughy things with jam in the middle might start to change a few lives. Don’t underestimate the power of the doughnut!

Let’s go serve somebody in Jesus’ name and bless them.

See you there!

March 21, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

A small reminder that we have our monthly evening service this weekend. Please note, there is no Sunday morning service. If you are visiting or just passing through, we’d love to meet you. If you don’t usually go to church, you are especially welcome. Come as you are!

January 31, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

Please note, the church office will be closed on Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 January as the staff will be at the Vineyard National Leadership Conference (NLC), Trent Vineyard, Nottingham. Please pray that our pastors Andrew and Emma and those going meet with God, are refreshed and renewed by His Spirit.

January 24, 2014 in event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew

We have our Shine at Christmas event for young families at the Delphi Centre tomorrow afternoon.

We’ve got music, games and craft activities all going on. There is also a tuck shop.

Quite frankly, it’s hard to know what’s not to like!

Are you coming with your kids Why not bring another family with you? This is a free event. Hope to see you there!

December 13, 2013 in Christmas, event, news, news & events, news and events by andrew