Connect Issue 1

#ONE SUMMER2015

www.centralvineyard.co.uk

WELCOME TO CENTRAL VINEYARD

A very warm welcome to Central Vineyard church, we are thrilled that you are either visiting us on Sunday or interested in joining us.

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If you are visiting for the first time, please introduce yourself to the Host team. If you would like to get more involved, please visit the Information Point.

We are very much looking forward to getting to know you.

Steve & Tammy Gee Lead Pastors

It can be daunting coming to a Sunday service for the first time, so we aim to make your visit as simple and enjoyable as possible by letting you know exactly what is going to happen.

Fresh coffee, a selection of teas and other refreshments along with doughnuts and snacks are served from 10.15am in the main lobby of the school. If you have children and youth they can be registered for Vineyard Kids too.

The service will start with a time of worship, which lasts for about 20 minutes. Feel free to stand, sing and join in with our worship or you are welcome to sit, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. After worship, the children and youth will go to their groups, at this time there will then be a very short break, during which bowls of chocolates are passed round and our

offering taken. This is then followed by a few announcements, a chance to hear some news from the life of the church.

After this, someone will give a bible-related talk, which is followed by more worship and an opportunity for everyone to respond and receive prayer if they would like to.

After the service, please make your way over to the Information Point, where you can chat to some of our team. Ask any questions you might have and discover other helpful information.

You’ll also have time to grab another drink from the

COMMUNION

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Communion is held on the first Sunday of each month at both services. If you’re on a journey towards Jesus, you are very welcome to partake!

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COMING UP AT CENTRAL VINEYARD 24

MAY

Pentecost Sunday This is an opportunity for the churches across the county to come together in unity to celebrate Pentecost together and pray for Northamptonshire.

The event will be hosted at the Jesus Centre from 2pm to 4.30pm with guest speaker Dr. Jonathan Oloyede.

JUNE

New connect groups start.

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JUNE

Newcomers’ Lunch Venue TBC. Please ask anyone at the information point for more details.

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Steve & Tammy’s last Sunday before their sabbatical

Newcomers’ Lunch

JUNE

Please join us as we pray for and send off the Gee family as they start their sabbatical.

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JULY

Street Church Street Church is a joint Northampton churches event serving some of the town’s homeless and most venerable people. Street Church happens every Sunday as a drop-in service from 1.00pm to about 3.15pm at the Salvation Army Church on Tower Street, Northampton.

Sunday 12th July is our turn to provide food and practical assistance. Please see Ken Willis for details.

AUG

Venue TBC. Please ask a for more details.

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AUG

NO SERVICE.

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SEPT

Steve and Tammy’s first sunday after their sabbatical Please join us as we welcome Steve, Tammy and the Family back to Central Vineyard.

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SEPT

Alpha Launch Party Venue TBC.

ALPHA LAUNCH STARTING THIS AUTUMN Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the meaning of life. It’s fun, relaxed and with no pressure.

Sometimes it’s easier not to ask questions, but on Alpha we think life is worth exploring, so your questions are welcome no matter how ‘out there’ they are.

Alpha is a 10-week course, each session will include a short talk and then discussion, where you can share your thoughts and questions with the people around you.

The talks are designed to encourage debate and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, honest and informal environment; looking at topics including ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’ Our aim is to make Alpha a safe and fun environment for you to ask your questions and find some answers.

At the Alpha Launch Party there will be live music, food and drink, a short talk about Alpha and the opportunity to sign-up to the course if you would like to.

The Launch Party will be taking place on 25th September.

If you would like more information on Alpha or would like to sign-up to our next course, please email alpha@centralvineyard.co.uk

www.northamptonalpha.com Twitter: @NamptonAlpha SUMMER 2015 CONNECT | 05

GETTING INVOLVED There are a few things that we would really encourage you to do in order to feel at home at Central Vineyard, but also to find your place and connect with other people in the church.

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TURN UP ON SUNDAY The first way you can get involved in the life of Central Vineyard is just turning up to our 10:15am Sunday morning service.

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You can sign up for our next newcomers lunch online. Just ask for details.

Our Connect Groups run on a termly basis. We also encourage people to form Huddles with two other people. See page 10 for more info.

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There are many ways you can give of your time, talents and treasure. Please speak to a member of the Leadership team (page 12) to find out how you can serve.

We want to be a generous people, providing the church with the resources to do things well, whilst also demonstrating God’s generosity outside this church in what we give away. More details on giving can be found at the Information Point.

ATTEND OUR NEXT NEWCOMERS’ LUNCH

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

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GET CONNECTED TO OTHERS

GIVE

WE STUDENTS As a student you face an amazing opportunity and a unique set of challenges. As a community within the church we are thoroughly committed to providing a ‘home’ for you, so you can feel supported, envisioned and equipped to live passionately for Jesus during this stage of life.

We really want to help all our students get plugged in to church life here in Northampton.

We offer everyone wanting to get more involved many different training opportunities, including leadership, discipleship, mentoring, worship and serving in the church.

For more details speak to:

Tom & Ash Nicholson Students & 20s Leaders

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We believe that children are a vital part of our church and therefore we want them to be actively involved in worship, reading the Bible, prayer, ministry, serving, giving and sharing God’s heart for the poor and those that don’t yet know Jesus.

Each week we create a fun and exciting place for both the children and the team!

Our team run children’s groups on Sunday morning for children aged 18 months - 11 years and and then every other Sunday afternoon there is a connect group for key stage 2 children.

These are high quality, fun, interactive sessions which help the children and the leaders get to know Jesus better, and explore the amazing things He invites us to do.

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We aim to lovingly disciple the children and pray that they will grow in their walk with Jesus – loving Him with all their hearts and following Him every day. If you are looking for a church and have children, then we would love you all to join us.

There is also Connect Group for 7s to 11s every other Sunday during term time, email kids@centralvineyard.co.uk for more details

Our youth age group is for those in Year 7 upwards. We have a passion for building up young people who will worship God through the good times and the bad and who are excited about having a relationship with Jesus.

The Yard is for those who desire to study their Bibles, pray and see things happen, and who have a heart to reach out to the community in which they live.

Our youth get together in different environments throughout the month, firstly they gather every Sunday morning during the service, then most Sunday afternoons for the youth

Connect Group. They have plenty of time to hang out, play games, learn more about Jesus and pray for one another. We are serious about having lots of fun but also serious about passionately following Jesus.

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CONNECT GROUPS & HUDDLES CONNECT GROUPS are an important part of being connected here at Central Vineyard. We want everyone who walks through our doors to have a really good opportunity to find some key friendships with people while they find places to develop their relationship with Jesus.

This is what our Connect Groups are all about.

They meet weekly in various homes and venues across Northampton and surrounding areas.

Each group exists to provide you with a fun place to meet and develop meaningful relationships with Jesus and others at your own pace.

They are places where we simply do life together. Each group is a bit different in scope, but they are all lead by passionate leaders, and are tied together with some key values, giving you a chance to choose a great group that suits your interests, needs and schedule.

Our Connect Groups start and finish on a term by term basis. This allows everyone to sign-up for groups at the same time, three times a year.

HUDDLES are our smallest groups. They are organic and relational and can happen anywhere that fits in with your life. At home, the gym or in your lunch break. There is no leader for these so you need to form one yourself.

The best way to do that is to get into a Connect Group and when you feel at home, see if there are another two folk of the same gender and agree to form a Huddle. They are a simple way to look up, look in and look out with one or two other people.

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These are called our sign-up months, and will take place in January, May and September.

If you would like to find out more about our Connect Groups or Huddles, please speak to Pete & Anya Willis pete.willis@centralvineyard.co.uk anya.willis@centralvineyard.co.uk

SUMMER TERM CONNECT GROUPS

More information and to sign-up to one of our Connect Groups please visit www.centralvineyard.co.uk/connectgroups

PAUL & ESTHER VEAL’S CONNECT GROUP

TOM & ASH NICHOLSON’S CONNECT GROUP

SAM RAJAGOPAL’S FOOD WITH FRIENDS

Tuesday at 8:00pm Duston

Wednesday at 7:30pm St James

A group doing life with each other and discovering ways they can reach their friends and neighbours.

Bible study and prayer with lots of social stuff. Aimed at young adults/ students (but really not exclusively!).

Join us for some good food and conversation.

MIKE & KATE ADAMS’ VKs CONNECT GROUP

ROB & JENNY LAWES’ CONNECT GROUP

KEN & ANN WILLIS’ WALKING GROUP

Tuesday at 7.30pm Abington

Wednesday at 7.30pm Moulton

A group for leaders and helpers of VK’s to get to know each other a bit better and to pray for our children.

Meeting together for food, bible study, prayer and good times!

Explore our town and countryside with 3 - 4 mile walks on balmy summer evenings.

CHRIS & SHELLEY BROWNE’S POWER OF PRAISE & WORSHIP

MARCUS & JO MILLER’S CONNECT GROUP

AUDREY YATES’ - CONFIDENCE WITH YOUR BIBLE +

Wednesday at 8:00pm Hunsbury Hill

Fortnightly on Sunday Afternoon Grange Park

Fellowship and a time of worship which will hopefully include live worship with instruments.

A chance for singles, couples and families to meet up after Church to get to know each other better. Activities will include Picnics, BBQ’s and more.

Confidence with Your Bible + is a longer version of our popular Equip course.

It’s all about getting to know your bible better in a relaxed environment.

Wednesday at 7.30pm Kingsley

Wednesday at 7.30pm West Hunsbury

Tuesday at 7.30pm Harpole

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WHO’S WHO AT CENTRAL VINEYARD STEVE & TAMMY GEE

PETE & ANYA WILLIS

LEAD PASTORS

ASSOCIATE PASTORS

Oversee: vision & direction, newcomers, teaching, church planting, worship, pastoral care, staff team & ministry resources

Oversee: community life & discipleship, students, communications & Re:store Northampton

SAM RAJAGOPAL

MIKE & KATE ADAMS

ASSISTANT PASTOR

ASSISTANT PASTORS

Oversees: overseas mission, homeless outreach, Re:store Northampton, events & benevolence

Oversee: Vineyard Kids & prayer life

COMMUNITY & CLUSTER LEADERS

TRUSTEES

Our community and cluster leaders offer oversight and support to both Connect Group leaders and the various communities within the life of the church.

As a registered charity, Central Vineyard has a board of trustees whose task is to ensure the church remains within the legislative framework for charities.

DAVID TAYLOR davidthetays@aol.com

STEVE GEE steve.gee@centralvineyard.co.uk

TOM & ASH NICHOLSON

KEN & ANN WILLIS

PAUL & ESTHER VEAL

Students / 20s overseers

Cluster Leader

Cluster Leader

students@centralvineyard.co.uk

kw2282@aol.com

paul.veal@centralvineyard.co.uk

PETE WILLIS

esther.veal@centralvineyard.co.uk

pete.willis@centralvineyard.co.uk

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LAURA GALLIMORE ljgraceuk@yahoo.co.uk

Q&A

STEVE & TAMMY’S SABBATICAL Why now?

Having planted and worked for the church for nine years, The concept of a sabbatical for pastors has Steve & Tammy will be taking its origin in the Jewish Sabbath year, which a well-earned sabbatical from occurred every seven years. So for every seven years of ministry it is felt a sabbatical 29th June to 30th August. is an appropriate thing to do for those who The leadership team and carry the weight of church leadership. This is fully endorsed and encouraged by Vineyard trustees will be taking great care of the church during this Churches UK & Ireland. time so all will be ship-shape As you can see for Steve and Tammy this is a little overdue, although the idea was over the coming months.

Naturally you may have some questions or even some concerns about who will take care of things when they are gone. So below are some Frequently Asked Questions that should cover the bases. But please do get in touch if you would like to ask any questions that are not covered.

originally considered two years ago. But in light of the growth and development of the church at the time, Steve & Tammy felt it was right to postpone their plan until the summer of 2015.

Continued >

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STEVE & TAMMY’S SABBATICAL Rather than being a reward for past service, a sabbatical is to be seen more as an investment for ongoing ministry.

In light of this, it’s important to note that this is pro-active step rather than a reactive one. This is not because Steve and Tammy are feeling particularly burnt out or stretched. We believe that by caring for the welfare and development of our lead pastors now, we are also caring for the future development of the church.

Therefore the purpose of the sabbatical will be to provide a time of refreshment, reflection and renewal for Steve, Tammy and their girls.

It’s also important to note that this isn’t about Steve and Tammy going off to question their future here in Northampton. They are both firmly committed to leading our church for the next season and see this short time away as an opportunity prepare for what we believe God has for us next as a church and for them in their leadership.

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When will Steve & Tammy be gone The sabbatical period will be from 29th June until 30th August 2015. Steve and Tammy’s last Sunday with us will be Sunday 28th June (please mark it in your diary). They will be back in the office Tuesday 1st September and Steve will be back teaching on Sunday 6th September.

Will we see them during this time?

The short answer is no. To make the most of the time, recharge mentally, physically and spiritually, Steve and Tammy will not be present on Sundays or at other church events (this is a well established pattern for sabbaticals). They may choose to meet with friends on a personal level, but there will be a strict NO CHURCH BUSINESS policy.

What will they be doing during the sabbatical?

There is no fixed format or activity for sabbaticals, but far from being an extended holiday, it will be an intentional time geared towards spiritual growth, nourishment and personal development.

Steve, Tammy and the girls will fly to the the United States from the 3rd July to attend the Vineyard Leaders Conference at the Columbus Vineyard in Ohio. This conference will be a rare opportunity to gather with thousands of Vineyard pastors from across the globe.

Following the conference they will be taking a two week road trip across North Eastern America and then returning to the UK on the 25th July.

Once back in the UK they plan to visit other churches (both Vineyard and other denominations). They are particularly interested in meeting with leaders of churches in the next stage of church life and growth and development to us (so churches around 400 /500 people). Their hope is to learn as much as they can for this next season here in Northampton. They also plan to go on retreat days, sleep, rest, pray and give some extra time to being a family together without the responsibility of church leadership.

Who will take care of the church?

The sabbatical is fully supported by the Leadership Team and our trustees who, in their various capacities, will take care of the church on a week-to-week basis. As Associate Pastors, Pete & Anya Willis will take the reins with Mike & Kate Adams overseeing pastoral care and any child protection issues, and Sam Rajagopal will be overseeing some of the practical arrangements and logistics. Sunday services and teaching will typically be lead by the leadership team and other key leaders, with the possibility of one or two guest speakers over the summer.

On the whole it’s “business as usual”. Connect Groups will continue as normal and there will be the usual opportunities to gather socially, taking advantage of the summer months as a church family.

How can I help or support the church during this time?

We would love you to support the Leadership Team and trustees both in prayer and in practical service. We encourage you to pray for

the Leadership Team each week and get stuck in with a team serving the church on Sundays.

There will also be other opportunities to help and serve in the coming months so please don’t wait, just roll your sleeves up and offer a hand.

What if I have a problem?

Hopefully all will be well. But should any pastoral issues arise, as ever the best person to talk to is your connect group leader. Of course you will still have the vibrant friendships and vital relationships with your connect group and huddle to rely on from week to week.

Please be aware that during the sabbatical Steve & Tammy will only be contactable by the Leadership Team and their Overseers in case of emergencies only.

Who can I contact?

PETE & ANYA WILLIS Associate Pastors - For all day-to-day infomation e: pete.willis@centralvineyard.co.uk t: 07726 601136 e: anya.willis@centralvineyard.co.uk t: 07525 841461

MIKE & KATE ADAMS Assistant Pastors - For Pastoral Care / Child Protection e: mike.adams@centralvineyard.co.uk t: 07929 650607 e: kate.adams@centralvineyard.co.uk t: 07967 823694

SAM RAJAGOPAL Assistant Pastor - Pratical / Logistical Questions e: samantha.rajagopal@centralvineyard.co.uk t: 07739 314364 SUMMER 2015 CONNECT | 15

YOU CAN KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THAT IS GOING ON AT CENTRAL VINEYARD IN A NUMBER OF WAYS: FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TWITTER @centralvineyard

FACEBOOK /centralvineyard

INSTAGRAM /centralvineyard

JOIN THE TABLE Church doesn’t end just because the worship service is over.

‘Church’ is the people, not just an event on Sunday morning.

Prayer, service, study and communication are important aspects of our life together That’s what the Table is all about.

It’s a private online network, just for our church, that enables us to connect 24/7, not just on Sunday.

Download the Table App for both the iOS and Android or visit: www.centralvineyard.table.org/register

SIGN-UP TO EMAIL NEWS ALERTS Give us your email address at the Information Point and we’ll add you to our mailing list. We won’t spam you, we promise!

OFFICE ADDRESS Central Vineyard Hub Unit G3, Nene Enterprise Centre Freehold Street | Northampton NN2 6EF

t 01604 211321 e info@centralvineyard.co.uk

Central Vineyard Northampton is a registered charity number: 1128417