Go Deeper In February (24th-26th), for the first time St Bs are organising a special weekend conference for anyone from St Bs who wants to go deeper with God. We are looking forward to a great weekend of teaching, worship, good food and time together. For more information and to book your place, make sure you get a copy of the publicity leaflet and booking form, or talk to Margaret Peach.
Award for St Bs Mission Partner Congratulations to Ann-Marie Wilson who was runner-up in the Inspiring Individual category of The Inspire Awards, run by Inspire magazine in collaboration with the Evangelical Alliance. Ann-Marie received her award in a ceremony in Parliament for her work setting up 28 Too Many which campaigns to end female genital mutilation.
Hope House Comedy Night
Hope House Christmas Lunch on Jesus Once again this Christmas has seen a great response from St Bs members to the Christmas Lunch on Jesus project. This has meant that Helen Shannon and team have been able to deliver hampers filled with all the essentials for a full Christmas dinner to many of those struggling financially. In addition, enough money was raised to give a mini hamper to every family on the Strawberry Vale estate.
Hope House North London, St Bs partner charity, has a new chairman: Tim Overton took over from Steve Craggs in September. Tim is no newcomer to the charity as he has been treasurer for the past year; the role of treasurer has now been taken on by James Parker. We are very grateful to Steve for his great contribution as chair over the past 4 years and are very pleased that he is continuing as a trustee.
Parenting Young Kids
Staff News
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In October, Colin and Natalie gathered together a group (of mainly parents) wanting to be resourced and reassured in bringing young kids up in the Lord. The day was full of fun and inspiring stories with lots of time for sharing and praying together.
Luke Tebb: after six years as our Worship Pastor, Luke will be leaving his post in January. Responding to the call he feels God has placed on him, he wants to move into church leadership and he and Aimee would value our prayers as they explore this. We are so grateful to Luke for all that he has contributed to the life of St Bs through his inspirational worship leading – we will miss him greatly and pray God’s blessing on him and Aimee as they start this new chapter of their lives. Jess Mariano and Ros Pateman: Following the birth of Jess and Marcel’s first baby, Dominic, in August, Jess has decided to extend her maternity leave to April. We are very pleased that Ros Pateman, who has been covering the post of MTF Coordinator in Jess’ absence, is happy to continue until Jess returns.
Women at St Bs The women have also had their own event; in November, Oasis (part of St Bs women’s ministry) held its first Saturday morning Workshop. More than 20 women met for worship, and teaching on Confession and Forgiveness, followed by time to pray through some challenging issues. With one-to-one ministry and a tangible atmosphere of peace and healing, many women went away blessed and released from past hurts. (The morning was of course washed down with plenty of coffee and biscuits!) The next workshop will be on Saturday 4 February, when the subject will be Sense of Being, looking at identity and who we are – get the date in your diaries now!
In order to help raise funds for its work with children and young people, Hope House put on an excellent Comedy Night at St Bs in October. Hosted by our very own Liz Bewley, Stew Bewley and two of his friends, Jon Howard and Nadia Albina, entertained a large audience with a Whose Line is it Anyway? style evening of comedy improvisation. Not only did everyone have a great evening, but the event also raised over £1000 for Hope House.
Susie
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Kids Work: we are very excited that Hannah (our Children’s Pastor) and Adam Feery are expecting their first baby in April. Hannah has now reduced her hours to three days a week (Monday to Wednesday, plus Sundays). And we are very pleased that Susie Yeates (a former trainee here) has joined the staff as Assistant Children’s Pastor and is working two days a week. 15