LiFT 9th November
Good evening all,
Thank you for not bombarding my email inbox this week while I was away, I came back full of energy and excited about all that I had learnt, and didn’t get lost in a pile of admin today – wonderful!
The conference was about a programme called Leading Your Church into Growth, which has been around for about 25 years. Using a number of small, simple ideas and steps it helps churches see what they are already good at, and encourages them to be even better. It was all very positive. There is evidence that the churches which talk about declining then decline, and, yep, you’ve got it, those that talk about growth and increase, grow! It’s not rocket science, it’s all about attitude. I am hoping that next year we might look in more detail at what the programme can offer us, but for now, there is something very important for us to do.
Everything starts with prayer, and I would be very grateful if you would join me, for the foreseeable future, in adding the prayer below to our regular prayer patterns. I would love this prayer to be prayed at every service we have, at meetings, and in our private devotions, as a way of preparing us for what God has in store for our future. Please will you?
God of Mission,
Who alone brings growth to your Church,
Send your Holy Spirit to give
Vision to our planning,
Wisdom to our actions,
And power to our witness.
Help our church to grow in numbers,
In spiritual commitment to you,
And in service to our local community,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.-
Imagine how powerful it could be to have hundreds of us all praying the same prayer?
One other prayer request please – Sarh Rosser, and Bill and Lynne Savage are leaving for the Highveld tomorrow as part of the diocese trip to our link churches. Please pray for their safe travels and that they will come back refreshed and uplifted. Let us also pray for mutual learning and new friendships. Thank you.
Perhaps that is enough for this week? It’s been a good one.
Much love to you, and you know how to be in touch if you think I can help with anything.
Sally xxx–Please note I will not usually reply to emails received on Fridays as this is my rest day. If you need me urgently please send me a voicemail on my mobile number. Thank you for your understanding.
07813 264429