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.
Meanwhile, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-24).
Thank you. The Lord bless you and keep you safe this summer.
Much love,
Andrew (and Emma)
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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
Unfortunately it has been decided that due to the high risk of bad weather it will be best to cancel 20s & 30s Summer Games that was scheduled for this Saturday! Not sure whether rounders and a picnic with thunder and lightning is what people signed up for! Sorry it’s such short notice
The possibility of rescheduling for early August is being considered, so if that becomes a definite plan then we’ll let you know.
Sorry to disappoint you all. Regardless of whether this goes ahead in August or not, we’re looking forward to the Christmas Special, and will let you know what’s happening nearer the time.
July 10, 2014 in news, news & 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
Join us for summer fun!
The 20s and 30s Ministry Team for Vineyard East Anglia Area are organising a summer social and games event. If you are in your 20s or 30s and fancy a day out with fun in the sun why not join the guys on Saturday 12 July, 11am to 4pm at Nowton Park, Bury Road, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5BD. There is no charge for the day just bring along some BBQ food/picnic and outdoor games if you have any, oh and don’t forget a little spare change for the car park (£2 for over 2hrs).
The event will be weather permitting, so please email Carl Ward if you are coming along.
It will be a real fun day and a great opportunity to meet friends old and new from around the area. Don’t worry if you are not sporty, come along and have a laugh with us/at us, or just come to have a chat and an ice-cream. You many also know someone who would enjoy a day out so bring them along too!
June 28, 2014 in event, news, news & events by andrew
The prayer room has now been open for several hours and we are seeing a steady stream of people coming to be with God. There is a great buzz about the office as people come and go.
Don’t worry if you still need to book your slot, there is still time, just visit our 24-7 Prayer Page once you have read about the practicalities then follow the link to the booking form.
We are really looking forward to having you join us in this experience and sharing your testimonies with us.
June 17, 2014 in event, news, news & events by andrew
Check out our Summer reading choices at our Vineyard Bookstore. There are a whole host of books to keep you fresh and inspired in your faith.
You can buy Pete Greig’s two excellent books, which Emma Stewart-Darling has recently recommended to us: Red Moon Rising and God on Mute. Ideal companions during 24-7 Prayer.
And if you have not yet read Dave Workman’s Outward Focused Life, you are in for an absolute treat! Afterwards, we guarantee you will want to get you out of your chair and give ‘servant evangelism’ a go.
A lot of these books are also available to read on the iPad/tablet. Just in case you are wondering!
Happy reading!
June 6, 2014 in event, news, news & events by andrew
There was a great response on Sunday for our midweek HOME Groups sign up. However if you were not able to join us on Sunday but wanted to put your name down for one of the groups don’t worry, there will be further opportunity over the next two weeks to find out about each of the HOME groups and say which one you would like to attend.
For more information, please contact the church office.
May 22, 2014 in news, news & events by andrew
