The Network, September 2015, Issue 16

SEPTEMBER 2015

ISSUE 16

T H E N E T W O RK Summer 2015 We have had a really busy and blessed summer at Kingfisher!

Tredworth had a wonderful baptism service in July, both churches had action-packed holiday clubs in August, over 20 of our youth had a great time at Soul Survivor, there was a high-profile opening of the Events Room at the Treasure Seekers building in the centre of town, and Kingfisher Resources has just published its latest resource: My Confession.

Although summer is traditionally a bit of a slower time for church, God has been using the time to build. God wants us to be refreshed because he has great things in store for the rest of the year.

God made us some promises at the beginning of the year and he intends to honour them.

by all the honour of your name.” (Psalm 138:2).

At the Vision morning in January, I was saying that the three main areas we believe God is drawing to our attention are: evangelism; developing a faith-filled mindset and growth.

Have we seen those three areas abundantly fulfilled so far? No. But we have seen some really encouraging signs that God is in the process of fulfilling them. We Summer is traditionally a time have seen some people become when churches often go into Christians and we believe that we ‘holiday mode’, with groups and will see many more. We have ministries taking a well-earned focussed on changing our break, many in the congregation mindsets to ensure a more faithbeing away on holiday and filled confession comes out of our expectations of the activity of the Just one of the new initiatives He mouths, particularly through the has planned for this autumn and Holy Spirit in our midst taking a weekly My Confessions, which beyond is the relaunch of Soul bit of a dive. have now been collected into a Talk. Soul Talk is a youth listening book, published on September Not at Kingfisher! We have service, and this has been in 21st. This is just part of what God experienced commitments to existence for a number of years has in mind for us as he develops a Christ, steps of faith, people now. However, this year, with the stepping up into new roles and launch of the Cavern and, with it, a faith-filled mindset within us. We have seen growth this year greater exposure on a regional fresh emphasis on youth numerical and spiritual. However, and national level, with the Tea outreach, we have been sensing these are just the first fruits - the Party event at the Westgate Street that this the time to refocus on ‘puffs of cloud, no bigger than a building. this service and re-launch it, not man’s hand’ . We have not yet seen only within the churches but as a What has God been saying the fulfilment of these promises service to the wider community. through all of this? God wants us but we will, because they are to rest - but he never gets tired of We are already receiving enquiries backed by all the honour of His from various individuals and building His church. name! agencies.

“Have you never heard? Have you We have an exciting and God made us some promises at never understood? The LORD is the challenging time ahead of us. God everlasting God, the Creator of all the the beginning of the year and he intends to honour them. God has has been faithful and gracious to earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the made us promises - and he intends this point and I believe that will continue as he move on to fulfil depths of his understanding.” (Isaiah to fulfil everyone of them. Why? 40:28, NLT) Because: “Your promises are backed his promises among us.

News from Kingfisher Kingsway Hawaiian Adventure at Kingfisher Kingsway Kingfisher Kingsway took over Kingsway Junior school from 10th 14th August for our 2015 children’s club, this year on the theme of a Hawaiian Adventure, following the story of Lilo and Stitch.

from Kingsway to put on our best holiday club yet!

At the heart of Hawaiian Adventure is the word ‘Ohana’, which is Hawaiian for ‘family’. Family means no one gets forgotten, no one gets left behind. And using that thought, together with loads of team games, competitions, drama, singing, dancing and stories, the Christian messaged was creatively told throughout the week.

80 children had the time of their lives as Rachael and her team from Tredworth joined with our team

Little Fishes Summer Trip to Cattle Country On Friday 17th July we went on our Summer trip to Cattle Country in Berkeley. Due to the fundraising that we’ve been doing throughout the year we were able to pay for all of the children to get into the park, and we provided a coach from our church budget. There were almost 70 of us from Little Fishes and, although the weather wasn’t as nice as it was last year, as you can see from our photos everyone had a great time!

We would like to wish all our Little Fishes who started school in September good luck and a happy reception year!

News from Kingfisher Malawi Fresh water in Malawi Kingfisher raised over £3000 as part of our 2014 Harvest Appeal for Malawi. Fresh water makes the difference between health and sickness…and even death for so many people. It is a constant challenge particularly in the remote villages where Kingfisher Churches are ministering. This was the focus of our last Harvest Appeal.

What we didn’t know last year, was that southern Malawi was about to experience the worst winter weather in generations. December and January, brought rains that were constant. The effect was devastating on their fragile way of life. Rivers burst their banks washing houses and whole villages away. Safe fresh water sources suddenly became dangerous to whole communities. Cholera became an increased risk for young and old. Not only was the water contaminated, but the sheer ongoing force of it threatened to literally wash people away.

As we fast forward to Autumn 2015, the situation on the ground has improved considerably. The waters have subsided and the

rebuilding has begun. And this is down to communities – like Kingfisher – who are helping people piece the fragments of their lives back together. The money we gave last year has become critical to this rebuilding effort in Malawi.

Fifteen Kingfisher Churches in Malawi and a further seven in Mozambique are actively working in their local villages. The Kingfisher approach to clean water is water purification. We have learned how to use locally available materials to build active water filters using Hays Generators and Chlorine capsules to filter and clean village water supplies. These kits are easily constructed; and it is simple to teach the construction approach as well. This is a sustainable strategy to fresh water that immediately saves lives and it works particularly well in remote regions where wells are not available.

God’s timing has been clear in all of this. Our financial giving is continuing to provide resources to help Kingfisher to meet the needs of their neighbours and friends.

New resource now available Confession: coming into agreement with the truth. What we fix our thoughts on, what we think about, has a profound impact on what we hold to be true. But more than that, our lives are impacted by what we speak out - what we make our confession. Speaking out the truth of who we are, how God sees us and what God promises us, releases us from defeated, destructive lives and leads us into life in all its fulness. a we embrace the truth of who we are and and what God has promised us as we are ‘in Christ’. My Confession focusses on thirty truths from the pages of the Bible leading us to make thirty powerful confessions that radical impact our thoughts, our circumstances - our very lives.

At just £5, this book can be purchased online at www.kingfisherresources.org.uk, at the Treasure Seekers shop in Gloucester, or at Kingfisher churches in Tredworth and Kingsway.

£5

News from Kingfisher Tredworth Lessons learned in my first year as a pastor Well it’s been one year since I took up the role of Pastor, fulltime at Kingfisher Tredworth and what a year it has been. At the time I said that my decision to quit my career as a mental health nurse and manager to follow where I believed God was leading would act as an inspiration or a warning to you – I hope the last twelve months have inspired and encouraged you to take some faith steps too?

It’s been so good to see the reach of our church in Tredworth and beyond and such a privilege to be part of groups running through the week and to see the launch of all that’s happening at the Westgate Street building, including the ‘Music Room’ group that I get to be part of for those in recovery from substance misuse and mental illness.

God has certainly been faithful to Rachael and I and the rest of the family and I am convinced more than ever that God’s plans are always the best plans and His ways are the greater ways despite the challenges that come and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Here are a few things I have learned about faith steps this year.

I’ve framed these with the account of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee sent by Jesus but caught in a storm and all that happens when they see Him walking on the water towards them. (Matthew 14:22-33) 1. God wants to strengthen your trust in Him Jesus insisted the disciples get in the boat and go to the other side of the lake in full knowledge that they would run into a storm. If these men were going to change the world then they needed to learn how to trust more in who they were following than in the boat they were rowing in. This has been such a lesson for me this

year. Where is my trust placed? In Jesus or the stuff I do? In Jesus or the church I’m in? The storm was actually not the problem here, it certainly wasn’t for Jesus. The challenge was getting the disciples to trust Jesus more than their own strength and ability. If they had not seen Him and taken notice of Him and cried out to Him it is quite possible that Jesus would have done what He had intended and walked on past them. It makes me wonder how

But Jesus spoke to them at once.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said.

“Take courage. I am here!

Matthew 14:27 NLT many people miss out on the miracle, miss out on the presence of Jesus because they are too busy fighting the waves themselves and trying to row their own boat. I’ve recognised that even in my role of Pastor that is still a danger for me.

2. You will always have an audience Peter had eleven other disciples watching from the boat and I’m sure they weren’t all shouting encouraging words. There will be critics but it’s so important that we don’t let the words of others or the fear of people stop us from pursing the command of Jesus. I know that if I am going to lead this church well then I’ve got to get over my fear of rejection and my fear of getting it wrong. It’s one of the reasons I’m so keen to foster a culture of grace here because I know I’m not perfect and I can’t operate well in a toxic judgmental environment. The moment my

assessment of what I am doing is based on what people say is the moment I stop taking faith steps.

My fragile ego is easily flawed by criticism if I don’t guard my heart.

3. Fear and anxiety will try to distract you and take you out The disciples had been in the storm for a while, fighting the waves, and yet it was only after Peter had taken a few steps onto the water that he suddenly became acutely aware of the wind and waves, don’t you find that interesting? It’s like he saw them properly for the first time – not from the relative safety of the boat but up close and personal. It was the same for me. Before I left my job I knew that financially we were going to need some supernatural help - how exciting to see what God would do! But there comes a point where the reality of where you are hits you, and it doesn’t feel exciting anymore just scary and it’s amazing how quickly you can feel like you’re sinking and you get a reality check as to the real state of your faith. But like Peter, we have experienced firsthand the strong arms of Jesus lifting us up and we’ve seen the miracle of God’s provision as well as the love and care of family and friends. So the lesson learned has been that distractions will come, fears and anxieties will try to take you down, and I don’t think that ever stops so we’ve got to get better at crying out to Jesus. If you fixate on the troubles that come, and we all have them, there is a danger that you will lose sight of Jesus and those troubles will overwhelm you and sink you and I’ve known many people who have lost faith because they became too consumed by what was happening to them and how could God allow Continued on the next page

News from Kingfisher Tredworth that, rather than pressing toward Him and walking with Him and experiencing the miracle. Some of us want to see a miracle and be part of a miracle without being in the position where we need a miracle. We pray for the miraculous, we ask Jesus to show us His will and call us, we step out expecting the spiritual high and the divine affirmation for what we have done then quickly realise that miracles only happen at the end of ourselves, when we are completely out of our depth, and that feeling of being out of control is not pleasant. But here’s what I’ve learned, if you want to carry on taking faith steps and see the greater things come to pass then get used to that feeling and just keep walking! Because what happens is that we learn that Jesus doesn’t leave us and He can sustain us and He can walk with us though the storm keeps raging – you can’t learn those things anywhere else.

4. You’ve got to keep your eyes on Jesus Twelve months ago I think I was trusting in my ability to make the difference here at Kingfisher and what God has shown me is that

it’s not about me, it’s not about any sacrifice I think I’ve made, it’s not about any faith step I think I’ve taken. It’s always, only ever going to be about what Jesus can do when we are obedient, so Ollie stop getting frustrated with yourself, stop believing that it’s your job to calm the wind and the waves. You’ve just got to be obedient, you’ve just got to keep your eyes on Jesus, you’ve just got to stay close to Him and walk with Him and Jesus will do what only Jesus can do.

every week to hear His Word, take every opportunity to be part of community, join in the prayer meetings, offer what time and finance and talent you have. Plug in like never before. Commit to the journey with Jesus and keep taking faith building steps and let’s see what a difference He will make in the life of our church and our city in this next year.

Ollie

God’s challenge to each of us in this new season is will you be obedient? Will you hold tightly to me? Will you do what I command? Because if you do then you will see the miracle. I’m not promising easy waters, I’m not saying that you won’t feel the force of the wind against you but you can know that I am with you and I will walk with you and I will get you to where you need to be. Like Peter, fix your eyes on Jesus, keep Him in your sights at all times, stop being distracted by everything else – be a good student, i.e. make a commitment to be at church

Senior Citizens Social afternoons Tuesday September 8th saw the return of our meetings with our first Bingo session. People came saying how glad they were to be back. Our previous afternoon’s had been a great success; on average we had 40 persons attending. During the afternoons we had quizzes, bingo, singalongs and some special entertainments such as Country & Western music and a Valentine celebration.

We always have a raffle which is usually good fun and brings in some money for more prizes next time. Every 4th meeting we change the tone from fun and laughter to a Service with the old

hymns which they are familiar with. Included is a talk by Pastor Ollie Bennett which is always topical and we include prayers for anyone who is sick or friends who have other problems, finishing with tea and biscuits and a chat.

During every session we always break for tea or coffee and biscuits.

We are always looking for more people who need company and a friendly warm atmosphere where there is laughter and companionship. So if you

know anyone who would enjoy these sessions bring them along every Tuesday from 2-3.30pm.

By John Prout.

News from Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Learning at 52 Westgate Street There are many opportunities at Treasure Seekers, 52 Westgate Street, to learn new things or find support. Already this year, alongside our regular creative activities, we have run 5 ‘Care for the Family’-licenced parenting courses for parents of: children at primary school, teens & preteens and children with special needs.

The new Springboard course for adults who wish to increase their

Prayer Request Please pray for all those attending our courses that have made the, often courageous, decision to give it a go. Pray for peace and protection, growing community and an end to feelings of isolation.

confidence was successfully launched. And 2 groups of LD adults have successfully completed the innovative Leadership: First Steps programme. So far 2015 has been very inspiring; it is a privilege to observe the transformations that take place within a supportive learning community.

parents whose children have additional needs, whether formally recognised or not.

• Springboard, the confidence building course.

• Better Budgeting, a new LD-frienldy basic budgeting course.

• The Leadership: First Steps programme.

Our courses are open to anyone who thinks they will benefit from taking part. So, if you are interested, or know someone that might be interested, in taking part in our courses; book a place by phoning Gill on 01452 228489 or emailing gill@kftseekers.org.uk.

Details of all courses can be found on the Treasure Seekers website: www.kftseekers.org.uk.

• The Time Out for Parents: Children with Special Needs course, which gives extra parenting support to

By Gill Parkinson, Training and Support Services Coordinator, Kingfisher Treasure Seekers

This autumn, our programme offers: • The Parentalk course (a DVD and chat course) to give parents space and perspective to consider the key challenges of being a parent.

News from Treasure Seekers Performing Arts

On 16th and 17th July we presented our summer show At The Carnival. The venue at Police Headquarters Waterwells was packed out at both performances and the show lived up to high expectations.

When I think Carnival I think of clowns, processions, dancing and music, and we had just that and much more. Just look at the photo on this page of the stage area where the balloon display set the scene for a spectacular event.

With performances of Uptown Funk by the percussion group, the dance group stepping out to the Nolan Sisters I'm In The Mood For Dancing, and the choir singing Katie Perry's Roar it was another fantastic showcasing of the talent that is in TSPA. Superb individual performances from Tanya Howell singing Abba's I Have A Dream and Richard Fox singing The Proclaimers I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles gave the evening some memorable moments.

However, for me the highlight was the Gloucester Fire Service who arrived (in uniform) thinking there was a fire when they heard the belly dancers performing to Hot Hot Hot. After clearing up the misunderstanding the Fire Fighters then put on some colourful tutus and joined the belly dance group giving a very polished and enthusiastic performance. A special thank you for them for being such good sports and joining in with us. We look forward to them dancing with us again.

So much was packed into this show, with some Salsa dancing, the art group dressed as clowns in an amazing video, and, of course our juggling challenge which Gary Thompson bravely took on the Fire Service representative. But saving the drama group until last was a great way to finish the program. Dressed as clowns they came onto the stage in procession and performed some great clowning around. I must make a special mention of Peter Corbitt who was brilliant as he wet the audience with his squirting lapel flower. The finale was a medley of Reach/YMCA and Agadoo brilliantly performed by all with the audience loving it and joining in.

Well done TSPA performing one of the most memorable shows.

Come and see our next performance!

The Christmas Show 3rd and 4th December

News from Kingfisher Tredworth Hawaiian Adventure holiday club O'hana means family; no one is forgotten or left behind! This was the theme of this year's holiday club, Hawaiian Adventure!

Kingfisher Tredworth welcomed 150 children each day for a week, where they enjoyed playing lots of games to win prizes, hula hooped and limbo danced all whilst learning about how much God wants each of us to be part of his family!

Using clips and the theme of O'hana from the Disney film Lilo & Stitch we were able to expand this with Ephesians 1:5 “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure" to show the children how much God loves them and wants them to be part of His family!

Sunday September 6th saw our Hawaiian Adventure Reunion Sunday and a number of families returned to relive some of the best moments, in particular to watch the DVD of the main highlights and the smoking and exploding 7ft volcano, which on this occasion decided to explode chocolate bars out of it!! #onlyatKingfisher And so, the scene is set for 2016!

Underwater Adventure will run from 1st - 5th August at Kingfisher Tredworth and from 8th - 12th August at Kingfisher Kingsway.

Our annual holiday club couldn't and wouldn't happen without our faithful army of volunteers and this year there were 47 volunteers in total!! It truly was our church family coming together to make this happen!

Kingfisher Network Kingfisher Church Moor Street Tredworth Gloucester GL1 4NJ www.kingfisher.org.uk info@kingfisher.org.uk +441452 304339 Š Kingfisher Church, 2013