St Paul's Ealing magazine issue14 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 ● ISSUE 14

‘The Vicar of Baghdad’ on having to leave

Pastors on Night Duty

page 14

page 30

Moving from rules to relationship

page 38

A positive response to bad news

page 40

FAMILY EVENT COMING UP: Passover Meal Celebration 29 March 2015 - This and more diary events on page 4 ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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CONTENTS

Features

Interview: Canon Andrew White 6

STORIES OF GRACE Colin Reed shares how he learned to trust in God’s purposes

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‘I STILL WANT TO BE WITH MY PEOPLE’ ‘The Vicar of Baghdad’ sent us a report

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‘I left him in DOING SOMETHING NEWthe cradle’ Mark Melluish updates us on the wider church family

Canon Andrew White’s PA Sarah

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Ahmed, an Iraqi relief worker and a ‘I SAW HOW MY WORK MADE A DIFFERENCE’ doctor at St George’s Clinic, A week in the life of a St Paul’s intern

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS family she met at one of the camps Some ideas for a good read

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attacked their village, indiscriminat STORIES OF GRACE shooting bystanders Rae Bowdler shares her story of moving from in the head, th religion to relationship villagers fled without looking back.

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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK ‘In villages we have big families Marcus Jones helps us think about how to respond so each family would have ten kids, to bad news

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explains. ‘This lady was taking all th A DAY IN THE LIFE kids, andways whenshe I went Nicola Holden shares some of the tries[into to the cam help others she was yelling and hitting her head

described the horrific situation of a She relates how, as IS militants

[about] the same age,’ Ahmed

‘God never leaves us’

‘People say that when she was taking all the kids to get them out o the house – they were running is, all we know, he is with us and he is nown as the ‘vicar of Baghdad’, 3 MEET THE STAFF: Get to know Jonny 22 WOMEN: Spiritual spring cleaning; WELCOME: Mark Melluish without shoes, only the clothes tha not leaving us and he’ll keep standing Canon Andrew White has lived Hedges inner healing were on Calendar them – she with us. in Iraq since 2005 and made the 4 CHURCH CALENDAR: of forgot the newborn baby and WORSHIP ANDbrave PRAYER: Richard 26 to stay MEN: Helping each other find God’s events: February - September he was in the decision earlier this year cradle. Because she was saving Thomas encourages us to pray purpose for our lives Are the Christians in Iraq managing toWHO’S WHO: Discover who leads the and support the Christians that remain.

44 persistently everybody she left the one in the However, having been recently hold on that message?

28 FAMILY: Courses for to families: Parenting St Paul's Life cradle...She Groups and Ministries left him and she could CONNECTING:diagnosed Make friends andhepatitis get the Twenties Of all the Christians, I’ve only with B, it is not not go back to get him.’

Church Life 8 10

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and crying. When you ask her, she doesn’t respond. She just said, “I le him, I left him, I left him in the crad I left him in the cradle.”

K

Regulars

46 THE FINAL WORD: Charlotte Bubb clear how his involvement in the crisis heard of two families who converted 30 MISSION: On patrol with Ealing Street under threat of persecution. But even 16 KIDS: Find outwill howchange St Paul’sduring Kids arethe on coming months.

Pastors a mission Premier Christianity asked him to they say they’re still following their 32 COMMUNITY: Ministries we are share some of his recent experiences.

God. They say their faith is getting 18 YOUTH: See what’s on for young involved in; the CAP Job Club stronger, so despite all these awful We pray that they may come to people things, is getting stronger and we may be able to surround th What exactly is happening in Iraq?

37 GIVING HOPE: Sometheir of thefaith mercy 20 STUDENTS AND YOUNG ministries we support and they’re taking great courage from with true love and feed them and s All ofADULTS: the Christians from Mosul, From group to movement; Work with what they know and read about in them that there are some people w Nineveh, Kirkuk – all the main areas students scripture. to be their friends. This has happe where Christians used to be based www.stpaulsealing.com – they’ve all been made to flee. And before and we pray that it will hap again. it’s not just the Christians who are Why does the IS hate Christians and involved

WELCOME ISSUE 14

Dear Friends,

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

One of the things I love most about my work as a pastor is that I have the opportunity to engage with people at every stage of life. I have had the privilege and honour of holding many newborn babies at the beginning of their lives as well as holding people’s hands at the end of their lives. I have sat with couples going through a divorce or the loss of a job, and I have celebrated with those embarking on a new relationship or starting a new job.

St Paul's Ealing Magazine is published twice a year by St Paul’s Church Ealing EDITOR Lindsay Melluish lindsay@stpaulsealing.com MANAGING EDITOR Lucy Avery mrslucyavery@gmail.com

In all of this one thing has stood out for me: at any of these events people are always ‘thankful for others’. They are thankful that family and friends offer support when pain and trouble happens. They are thankful that in all these times, good or bad, there are people walking alongside them.

COMMISSIONING EDITOR Charlotte Bubb charlotte.bubb1@gmail.com DESIGN/CREATIVE AllThingsDesign annica.may@allthingsdesign.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Daniel peter@pjdaniel.org.uk

The strapline of St Paul’s is ‘building community’. We have this because we see the importance of being in good relationship with others. At every service or event we hold we try to ensure that there is an opportunity to meet and make new friends.

Sam Eggar sameggar@gmail.com

So why not join us? Whatever your age or background there is a place for you here within the church family and we hope that we will be able to walk beside you through difficult times and celebrate with you in times of joy. You’re invited, and we look forward to welcoming you.

ISSUE 14 CONTRIBUTORS Colin Reed, Jonny Hedges, Richard Thomas, Andrew White, Ollie Butler, Abi Hedges, Bri L'Hostis, Mark Tate, Krissy Litwiler, Lindsay Melluish, Clare Scrimgeour, Mark Melluish, Guy Loureiro, Barbara Osibamowo, David Read, Annica May, Marcus Jones, Nicola Holden, Rae Bowdler, Antonia Delbrueck, Julia Sarson, Lucy Avery, Kate Horn, Charlotte Bubb FRONT PAGE PHOTO © Peter Daniel

With best wishes as ever,

BACK PAGE PHOTO © Annica May

Mark Melluish Senior Pastor

St Paul’s Ealing

We would love to hear from you: CALL US 020 8579 9444 EMAIL US magazine@stpaulsealing.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.stpaulsealing.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK stpaulsealing FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @stpaulsealing VISIT US St Paul’s Church, Ridley Ave, Ealing LONDON, W13 9XW

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©2015 St Paul’s Church, Ealing Registered Charity 1132598 A member of the New Wine network of churches You can also view and download this magazine online via www.stpaulsealing.com

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TUBE: Northfields BUS: E2, E3

LD ING MMU CO

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CHURCH CALENDAR February

Thursday 12th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Thursday 12th 7.30pm | Date Night Tuesday 17th 8pm | Hungry for God Wednesday 18th 7.30pm | Alpha Friday 20th 8pm | Young Adult Social Monday 23rd 7.30pm | Welcome Supper 8pm | Preaching Course Tuesday 24th 10am | CAP Coffee morning 12noon | CAP Job Club 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout 8pm | Lent Course Wednesday 25th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 4pm | Mighty Makers 7.30pm | Alpha 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 26th 5pm | Boys’ Cell 7.30pm | Date Night

March

Monday 2nd 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Tuesday 3rd 12noon | CAP Job Club 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout 8pm | Lent Course Wednesday 4th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Alpha 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 5th 5pm | Boys’ Cell 7.30pm | Date Night Friday 6th 8pm | Men's Curry Night Monday 9th 9am | New Wine Leaders Conference Tuesday 10th 9am | New Wine Leaders Conference 12noon | CAP Job Club 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell Wednesday 11th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 7.30pm | Alpha 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 12th 5pm | Boys’ Cell 7.30pm | Date Night Friday 13th 7.30pm | Youth Jam Saturday 14th BLAZE - New Wine Women’s Day Monday 16th 8pm | Preaching Course

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www.stpaulsealing.com

Have you looked at our website recently? It just got better!

We have added pages for recordings of the sermons, the weekly newsletters, a diary for church events and a picture gallery among other things so check it out.

www.stpaulsealing.com

April

LENT COURSE Lent is a great opportunity to take time to reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This year our Lent Course will focus on Luke's Gospel and we will explore what it means to live out the Gospel in West London in 2015.

The course runs five consecutive Tuesdays beginning on 24 February at 8pm in church then 3, 17, 24, 31 March.

Tuesday 17th 12noon | CAP Job Club 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout 8pm | Lent Course Wednesday 18th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Alpha 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 19th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Tuesday 24th 12noon | CAP Job Club 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout 8pm | Lent Course Wednesday 25th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 4pm | Mighty Makers 7.30pm | Alpha 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 26th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Sunday 29th 5.30pm - 7.30pm | Passover Meal Celebration Sunday 29th 8pm | 24/7 Prayer during Holy Week Tuesday 31st 10am | CAP Coffee morning 8pm | Lent Course

Friday 3rd 9am | Prayers before Walk of Witness 9.30am | Walk of Witness 12noon | 3 hours at the Cross Monday 6th 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Wednesday 8th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group Monday 13th 8pm | Preaching Course Tuesday 14th 12.30pm | CAP Lunch 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 15th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 16th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Friday 17th 8pm | Young Adult Social Saturday 18th 9am | Men’s Golf Morning at Brent Valley Golf Course Tuesday 21st 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 22nd 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 4pm | Mighty Makers 7.30pm | Transform 8pm | Hungry for God Thursday 23rd 5pm | Boys’ Cell Friday 24th 7.30pm | Youth Jam Monday 27th 7.30pm | Welcome Supper Tuesday 28th 10am | CAP Coffee morning 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 29th 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 30th 5pm | Boys’ Cell

PASSOVER MEAL CELEBRATION - Sunday 29 March, 5.30pm As Jesus prepared for His death and resurrection He took His disciples aside and ate a very special meal with them. It’s a meal that looks back at the story of God in history as well as reminding us of His promises for the future. This year we will gather as a church to eat a ‘Passover Meal’ together.

This is a whole family event and children are very welcome

May

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Monday 15th 7.30pm | Welcome Supper Tuesday 16th 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 17th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform 8pm | Hungry for God Thursday 18th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Saturday 20th 4pm | Hungry for God for Kids Monday 22nd 8pm | Preaching Course Tuesday 23rd 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 24th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 4pm | Mighty Makers 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 25th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Monday 29th 7.30pm | Men's Annual BBQ Tuesday 30th 10am | CAP Coffee morning 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout

July

Wednesday 1st 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 2nd 5pm | Boys’ Cell Monday 6th 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Tuesday 7th 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 8th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 9th 7pm | Boys’ Cell Tuesday 14th 12.30pm | CAP Lunch 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 15th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 16th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Friday 17th 8pm | Young Adult Social Wednesday 22nd 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 21-26th Soul Survivor 25-31st New Wine Tuesday 28th 10am | CAP Coffee morning

Summer Service Times

July - August For any changes to the normal service times during the summer months please see the church website

August

Monday 3rd 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Tuesday 11th 12.30pm | CAP Lunch Wednesday 12th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group Tuesday 25th 10am | CAP Coffee morning Wednesday 26th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group

September

Wednesday 2nd 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 3rd 5pm | Boys’ Cell Monday 7th 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Tuesday 8th 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 9th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 7.30pm | Transform

IN BUILD

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Monday 1st 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting Tuesday 2nd 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 3rd 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 4th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Friday 5th 8pm | Young Adult Social Tuesday 9th 12.30pm | CAP Lunch 5.45 | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 10th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 11th 5pm | Boys’ Cell

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June

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Monday 4th 7.45pm | Monthly Prayer Meeting GRY FOR GO Tuesday 5th UN H 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 6th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 7th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Friday 8th - Tuesday 12th KIDS St Paul's Bike Ride 2015 Tuesday 12th 12.30pm | CAP Lunch 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout Wednesday 13th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 7.30pm | Transform Thursday 14th 5pm | Boys’ Cell Saturday 16th 9am | Awaken! Women’s breakfast Monday 18th 8pm | Preaching Course Tuesday 19th 5.45pm | Girls’ Cell 6pm | Breakout 8pm | Young Adult Deeper Wednesday 20th 10am | Great & Small 7.30pm | Transform 8pm | Hungry for God Thursday 21st 5pm | Boys’ Cell Tuesday 26th 10am | CAP Coffee morning Wednesday 27th 10.30am | Seniors’ Wednesday group 4pm | Mighty Makers

WELCOME TO ST PAUL’S SUNDAY SERVICES

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Holy Communion at 8am Traditional Communion Service Morning Services at 9:15am and 11am Fresh worship, teaching and ministry Evening Service at 6:30pm Extended worship, teaching and ministry

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STORIES OF GRACE

Text by | Colin Reed

Patricia Reed died on 10 May 2013.

She was 71 years old and we had been married nearly 42 years. A week after she died I finished work, having been made redundant. We had been looking forward to spending more time together and having holidays in our newly acquired motorhome. Why had God allowed these two traumatic events to happen so close together? How would I be able to carry on without my dear wife?

Colin Reed shares how he came to understand God’s purposes and promises in the midst of losing both his wife and his job

Meeting God and each other

Pat as a 15 year old

Pat grew up in Northfields. After she left school, she had various secretarial jobs at Walls Ice Cream and Beechams. In 1960 she started going to the Elim Pentecostal Church in Northfield Avenue (now the Navasartian Centre) and became a Christian on her 18th birthday. I was born and grew up in Leicester. Whilst a student at the local art college I became a Christian, in response to an appeal at an Assemblies of God service.

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‘He said He had plans for the rest of my life’

www.stpaulsealing.com

I came to London in 1967 to start my first job working for a well-known publisher. I met Pat at a gathering of people from local churches who were meeting to pray before distributing leaflets in Ealing Broadway.

We were married in 1971 and bought a house in Claygate Road, Northfields. Our first child, Oliver, was born in 1978 and we adopted Daniel in 1983 when he was four months old.

Church life

For many years we attended the Elim church, which later became Ealing Christian Centre in the old cinema on Northfield Avenue.

I was part of the worship team, which would mean leaving early for rehearsal. Pat would walk to church by herself. One Sunday evening in 2009 she was passing the end of Ridley Avenue and heard a familiar worship song coming from St Paul’s. She popped in to see what it was like and stayed for the whole service. Pat was made so welcome that she started going every week. I continued at ECC in the mornings but joined her at St Paul’s in the evenings. However, in April 2011 I left ECC and transferred our membership to St Paul’s.

Needing more treatment

On Wednesday 8 May 2013 Pat was admitted to Hammersmith Hospital with fluid overload and breathing difficulties in addition to her daily dialysis.

Illness and tiredness

At about this time we were told that Pat had developed AL Amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease which was affecting her kidneys. It is caused by the over-production of a protein called amyloid, which collects in many of the main organs, causing them eventually to cease functioning. She was given a course of chemotherapy but this was unsuccessful, and in January 2012 Pat started having kidney dialysis three times a week as a life-long requirement, subject to being able to have a kidney transplant.

For a year Pat coped quite well with the change of life-style and the tiredness, and we were able to have two short holidays in Devon and get away some weekends in our motorhome. However, in the winter of 2012 I noticed that she was weaker and getting more tired, and by Easter she wasn’t well enough to go to church.

She seemed to be responding well and on the Friday morning when we spoke on the phone she said she was having dialysis around midday and looking forward to my visit that evening. During the afternoon, I received a call from the hospital to say that I should come in straight away. I took Oliver and Daniel, and on arriving at the ward we were told that during dialysis Pat had had heart failure; she had literally gone to sleep before passing away quietly.

This came as a big shock to us, obviously.

But as Oliver and Daniel live with me we were able to support each other; and the Senior Pastor and staff at St Paul’s were a tremendous help both immediately afterwards and in the arranging of the funeral.

Purposes and plans

One night not long after Pat died, I was praying and recommitting my life to God. Immediately God started talking to me, not in an audible voice but in my thoughts.

He reminded me that from the time Pat had given her life to Him in 1960 she had always served the Lord − in the church, as a secretary, with Special Needs children, as

Colin found this entry in Pat's diary from 1963.

The words spoke to him just after his wife's death.

Colin lives every day with the same hope that Patricia found and held onto from youth till her death in 2013.

a support to me as a youth leader and Life Group leader, and as a wife and mother. He said that she had fulfilled His purposes and He had called her home on the day He had ordained. He also said that He had plans for the rest of my life − to bless me and our sons.

Pat lived her life in the knowledge that He held her future even if she didn't know what would happen. Knowing that losing Pat and being made redundant was all in God’s plan has been a real comfort. Also, knowing that she is in God’s presence and not suffering any more gives me deep joy.

The day after Pat died I was looking through diaries that she kept in the 60s. At a time when she was between jobs, she had written in large capitals - I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, BUT I KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE. One of Pat’s favourite verses was ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight,’ Proverbs 3:5–6. This promise is for anyone who will put their lives into God’s hands. ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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MEET THE STAFF

Text by | Lucy Avery • Photo by | Nice Bowers

‘I knew that God was calling me into this’

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www.stpaulsealing.com

Jonny Hedges, our Youth Pastor, talks to Lucy Avery about how God has been at work in his life What were you doing before you came to St Paul’s?

I was Youth Pastor at St Andrew’s, High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire for three years. I started a youth ministry from scratch and saw it develop into a great bunch of young people running after God. Before that I was Youth Pastor at a Baptist church in Northallerton, North Yorkshire. I grew up in a tiny village called Marske-by-the-Sea, near Middlesbrough.

When did you become a Christian?

When I was 14 I went to a summer conference called Harvest in 2005 with my church youth group. My friends were worshipping and loving it and I remember thinking that they’d got something I hadn’t. I grew up in a Baptist church where we were told Bible stories but weren’t helped to apply them to our lives.

I spent that week asking: ‘What makes following Jesus real?’ By the end I understood that it was about a personal walk with Jesus and I said to myself, ‘Let’s do this!’

What difference did following Jesus make in your life?

All of a sudden I was compelled to be more honest with my friends at school. I used to swear almost every other word at school, but I remember my best friend David saying, ‘Jonny there’s something different about you.

You don’t swear any more. What’s changed?’ After sitting and thinking about it I realised what it was! ‘In the summer I decided to really start following Jesus,’ I explained.

Some friends had a hard time with me

changing but others were fine. They asked lots of questions.

How did you become a youth pastor?

I had wanted to work with young people but not as a pastor. I applied to do a course in youth work at Durham University, but a few weeks before I was due to start I was told they were deferring the course for a year because there weren’t enough people wanting to do it!

Some friends at a church in Northallerton said I could do a gap year with them as an intern. During that year I applied and got accepted to study secondary maths teaching instead of the youth work course. My dad is a maths teacher and I’m also good at maths.

A few days before I was due to start at university I was in the living room with my dad, reading a maths textbook. From nowhere I felt God say: ‘Jonny, you need to go back to Northallerton and become the Youth Pastor.’

My dad looked at me and said: ‘What’s up?’

When I told him what I thought God had said, he said: ‘Let’s go for it!’

I phoned my friend Barry at the church in Northallerton where I’d done the gap year, which was awkward because his wife Vicky was the current Youth Pastor. He was excited, and as we had lunch together the following day he said, ‘Yesterday morning Vicky and I went to our pastor to hand in her resignation!

Our pastor couldn’t think who could take her place, and we were thinking the only person we would trust is you, but you were going to university. And then you phoned me!’

I’d broken my ankle playing football that summer so I was on crutches. As I was leaving

Barry suggested I go for prayer for healing at a church nearby. As I walked in they wrote my first name down on a piece of paper which was taken into a room where people were sitting and listening to God and writing down what they thought He was saying. I went into another room where people prayed for my ankle but nothing happened. Then someone brought my piece of paper in and read out: ‘Jonny is going to walk out of here with a healed ankle so he can go and tell young people about Jesus.’ At that point the pain in my ankle went, and I knew that God was calling me into this.

What’s your hope for the young people at St Paul’s?

That wherever they are with Jesus, I can journey alongside them, as a group and oneto-one; that I can help them move further on and see God at work in their lives and around them. I want to build a feeling of unity and to make them feel part of a family. They are each other’s support network on this journey of faith.

You’re married to Abi, one of our Children’s Pastors. Are you going to be working with her at all?

I’ll help with Great & Small, and I’m sure she’ll get me involved in other kids’ stuff.

She also helps with the older youth on a Wednesday night at Transform. Abi and Jocelyn, our youth intern, are able to connect with some of the older girls one-to-one in a way that I can’t.

What do you do to relax?

I love being around people and get my energy from them. I love sitting around and talking.

Football is a big part of my life: both playing it and watching it.  ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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WORSHIP & PRAYER

Text by | Richard Thomas ● Photo by | Pixabay

ER

Richard Thomas reminds us to keep praying and not give up

P R AY

‘One day Jesus

told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.’

Luke 18:1 NLT

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www.stpaulsealing.com

PRAYER in an instant world

I was recently browsing the BBC website and came across Richard Branson’s Top 10 Tips for Success. I read them eagerly, looking forward to becoming an instantly more successful person. To be fair, they all made perfect sense and seemed like good advice.

Number 5 stood out: Don’t Give Up. In other words, ‘Keep on keeping on, persevere, be patient, it,s a marathon not a sprint, go the distance!’

We live in a wonderfully instant world. We are used to things happening at the press of a button and when they don’t we get frustrated.

Even though I grew up using a ZX 48k+ Spectrum computer, today I find it terribly frustrating just having to pause and enter my Fantasy Football Password every Friday when I adjust my team.

Changing pace

While this instantaneousness is all well and good when it comes to computers, we continue to live in a world where things of lasting value don’t happen at the push of a button. Processed food is unhealthy, falling in love takes time, raising children requires patience, reading Tolstoy,s War and Peace takes a lifetime (almost). The most important things frequently require us to be patient, to dig deep and to persevere.

The persistent widow

This is as true of prayer as it is of anything else. In fact, Jesus knew that this would be true of prayer and as a result he told a story about a widow who was persistent in asking a judge for justice (Luke 18:1–8). She repeatedly

presented her requests, and eventually wore the judge out with her petitions. In the end she gets justice. I love Luke’s comment that precedes the story where he explains to the reader why Jesus told it in the first place: ‘Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.’

Riddled with prayer

A few months ago we were talking about prayer as a staff team. We even prayed about prayer! After we had prayed Chris Fox shared that he felt that prayer was a bit like woodworm. Initially you may not know that a piece of wood has woodworm, but over time the woodworm will multiply and spread until one day the piece of wood becomes so riddled with it, it breaks. Persistent prayer is like this. You may not initially see the impact or the growth, but in time a person, place or situation becomes so completely ‘infected’ by prayer that the breakthrough comes. I found this such a helpful image and one that corresponds so well to the parable that Jesus told.

In for the long haul

At the time of writing this article someone had recently shared during the testimony time in a Sunday service about her own persistence in prayer for her father. Her completely sincere comment, ‘I haven’t been praying for long, only 15 years,’ caused a good number of us present to burst into laughter. What followed was a stunning testimony of God’s grace and goodness, a testimony to the power and impact of persistent prayer. It was such a challenge to me, who so frequently gets

frustrated when I need to enter a password into my computer, let alone pray for 15 years.

Getting organised

So what aids persistence in prayer? First, knowing what it is you’re interceding for is so helpful. What are the things that God is laying on your heart to pray for at the moment? Write them down, keep them near and pray the list. Secondly, having a set time and place can really help. Allocate a time in your day and a place, be it the tube, a specific chair, a specific journey.

Thirdly, company helps. Praying with others spurs us on and helps us to persist.

Praying together

Here at St Paul’s we want to be a persistent and prayerful church. We hold monthly prayer meetings on the first Monday of every month. We seek the Lord in worship and pray for those things He lays on our hearts. We hold occasional but regular Fast Days, on which we as a church will fast and pray for something specific.

During Holy Week (29 March – 5 April) our Chapel Room will be transformed into a 24/7 Prayer Room. A space where as a church community we will pray continually, every hour of the day, for a full week.

Please come along to any or all of the above and may we as a church be persistent as we pray for the Kingdom of God to come in our own lives, within our community and within the nations.

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CONNECTING

Get Connected If you are new to St Paul’s or thinking of joining us, there are lots of ways to meet people and get connected into church life. You can chat to a member of the Welcome Team in the Welcome Area of the church foyer before or after a service on a Sunday. Phone the office on 020 8579 9444 or email welcome@stpaulsealing.com. Here is a run-down of regular events for those who are new to the church or just want to get to know more people:

Welcome Suppers

If you want to find out more about the church family at St Paul’s, then this is the evening for you. Welcome suppers happen several times a year. They are an opportunity to share a meal together, meet some of the staff and ministry leaders and hear about the vision and values of our church and what we believe in. We really encourage you to come along.

For more information call the office on 020 8779 3778 or email welcome@stpaulsealing.com

Men’s and Women’s Events

There are regular events run for men and women in the church ranging from breakfasts to curry nights, socials and outdoor activities.

For more information on the men's events see pages 26-27 or contact Chris Fox at chris@stpaulsealing.com For women's events, contact Lindsay Melluish at lindsay@stpaulsealing.com or see pages 24-25

After Hours

At the end of every evening service, we do something social, as we continue to build community. We may have our own Pizzeria in the church, or head down to our local pub for a drink. Everyone is welcome.

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Life Groups

Our worship services are a very important part of church life, but it’s at our Life Group meetings during the week that we can experience close friendship and mutual support, helping each other as we go on as followers of Jesus.

Meeting together with other Christians is vital to spiritual growth and health. We encourage everyone to join one of our Life Groups.

Various groups meet throughout the week, with evening groups meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Life Groups for women are on Thursday mornings and a Life Group for retirement age and above meets on Wednesday mornings twice a month.

To find out more look at the list on page 45.

Contact groups to find out what they are about.

There are groups at different times and days in Hanwell, Northfields, Ealing and Isleworth.

The Lounge

The Lounge is our mid-week congregation which meets on Tuesdays from 8-10pm.

We’re a bunch of people exploring why following Jesus is worthwhile and working out what it means to follow Him. We meet to do something, somewhere, almost every single Tuesday. We run our own short ‘courses’ and we also just hang out and aim to be the type of friends who are there for each other when needed, at any time.

Contact Jeremy and Susie Woodham on 07941 622 776 for more informaton

Sport

Youth 5-A-Side Football Mondays 4.30-5.30pm in Lammas Park Contact Mark Tate on on 07949 615 653 or markt@stpaulsealing.com Saturday Football Contact Mark Tate on 07949 615 653 or markt@stpaulsealing.com Bringing Jesus to Ealing through Football Saturdays, Blondin Park, 2.30pm Contact Damien Anstis on savesjesus@hotmail.co.uk Street Dance Classes Tuesdays 8.30-9.30pm in the Church Hall Contact Claire Sullivan on 020 8840 6703

Text by | Ollie Butler ● Photo by | Vadmary at Dreamstime

Great and Small

Each Wednesday on the first and third week of the month during term time, our church is turned in to a giant playground for children up to the age of five, with their parents and carers.

There is a bouncy castle, soft play, kitchen area, train tracks and ball pool and other toys.

For those with babies who aren’t walking, a lovely matted area with baby toys and bouncers provides a safe place to play. For those wishing to be creative, there is always something to make and take home. Free refreshments are served.

For many families, Great and Small is their first introduction to St Paul’s, and coming along on a Sunday is much easier when they know some friendly faces already and have had a taste of the wonderful children’s programme on offer.

Alpha

Everyone has questions about life. Does God exist? What about all the suffering in the world?

Does prayer work? The Alpha course provides a place to discuss these questions and many more in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Evening Alpha Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the church.

We serve dinner and then the evening’s topic is presented. Coffee and discussion in small groups follows and we finish at 9.30pm.

Next course starts in September 2015 Daytime Alpha for Women Meet at St Paul’s at 9.30am on Thursdays creche available - with those who have gathered for Connect (see St Paul’s Women’s pages, 24-25). At 10am the material for discussion is presented. This is followed by coffee and pastries and discussion in small groups. We finish at 11.15am.

Next course starts in September 2015

FOCUS: ‘A great night of companionship and laughter’ Ollie Butler shares his experience of a Welcome Supper After coming to St Paul’s on Sundays for a few weeks I was invited to a Welcome Supper. The evening exceeded my expectations, with a lovely dinner, an entertaining introduction to the church by its leaders and a strong sense of community and family.

I was pleased to hear healing prayer and the gifts of the Spirit are integral to the running of St Paul’s. The leaders spoke of fascinating testimonies where people have had their lives turned around through prayer.

We also met many like-minded people during the evening – all interesting, all very different and all enjoying a great night of companionship and laughter.

What I took away from the evening is that St Paul’s is a place for young and old and for people from a broad background. It’s a forward-thinking church with a clear focus on community. It’s somewhere you can go and get as involved with as you like – with away days, parents’ groups, events and more. It’s somewhere we hope will be a home away from home for our family.

For upcoming supper dates see Church Calendar on page 4-5, visit the Welcome Area in the foyer at St Paul's church or call the church office.

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GLOBAL VILLAGE

Text by | Andrew White ● Photos | Andrew White/Dreamstime

‘I still want to be with my people’

With the team on 29 December 2014

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Andrew on 4 February: ‘A night out with my Chasidic Rabbi’

With an Iraqi refugee family in Jordan on 5 February 2015

‘If you could have anything in the world what would it be?’He said, ‘To go back to Nineveh and to have an iPad!’

‘The Vicar of Baghdad’, Canon Andrew White, sent us this report on 4 February: ‘Today life in Baghdad continues to be awful and wonderful! All the time I am asked why I still remain in Iraq. Most of the coalition staff have left, the violence is as bad as ever if not worse, but I am still here. I have no intention of leaving because these Iraqi people are now my people. I am their priest. As the violence increases many of the remaining Christians have fled. I say to them I am not leaving you. Please don’t leave me.’

I wrote the above six months ago; then everything changed. ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, moved in by force to the area of Nineveh/Mosul, from where all the Christians originate, and to where many had recently fled. Now we were in a war.

Violence and tears

I heard stories of my people being attacked, massacred and even crucified. The stories are too awful to retell here. I lay on my bed at night and cried as the horrific stories came through to me. We thought we had heard the worst that could happen − but now the depravity had moved to a level which we had never thought possible.

Our people who had fled Baghdad because it was so dangerous were now literally running for their lives. I managed to fly to Erbil and meet with some of those who had fled the violence. I met the Archbishop there: he was crying, and said that last Sunday for the first time in 2,000 years

there had been no communion in Nineveh.

Nineveh is the place where the faith in the G-d * of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob began with a visit from Jonah.

Nineveh’s heritage

We cannot talk about the Christians in Iraq without looking at the story of Jonah.

To us here in Iraq, apart from Yesua (Jesus), the most important people to us are both miserable. First there is Jonah, the miserable evangelist whom we say came to us by submarine! Second there is the miserable person whom we in the West call Doubting Thomas − but here he is the greatly revered Mar Thoma (St Thomas), the one who was with Jesus and came to Iraq (Mesopotamia) on his way to India. When he got here he found that the people already believed in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

When he asked them how, they said ‘Jonah came to us and taught us all about G-d and we all believed in Him.’ So Thomas told them that their Messiah had come, and then they all believed in Jesus and followed Him. Until last year when ISIS attacked Nineveh it was still all Christian. Now the Christians have been tortured and massacred; they have fled Nineveh/Mosul and are living as refugees in the North of Iraq and we are caring for them. The shrine and tomb of Jonah, once revered

by Muslims and Christians alike, has now been destroyed.

People in exile

The Bishop of Nineveh told me that since the attacks against the Christians, for the first time in 2,000 years, there has been no worship in Nineveh. For the first time since the coming of Jonah, the G-d of Abraham Isaac and Jacob is no longer worshipped.

Even here in Baghdad, until this day, all the Christians see Nineveh as their home.

Doing the relief work in Northern Iraq this week we got talking to a little boy and asked him, ‘If you could have anything in the world what would it be?’ He said, ‘To go back to Nineveh and to have an iPad!’ Jonah may have been a miserable evangelist but G-d always gets His way and to this day the people of Nineveh are still following the one true G-d. They may have lost everything but one thing they will never lose is the eternal presence of the Almighty, and it all started with Jonah.

Longing for home

I said I would never leave and now I have been made to leave by our Archbishop.

He said to me, ‘You can do more for your people if you’re alive rather than dead.’ And sadly I have to admit he was right. I am now away from there but my team are still there meeting the people’s needs; and I still want to be with my people. Rev Canon Dr Andrew White is vicar of St George’s Church, Baghdad and president of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. * Andrew writes G-d so as not to offend Jewish people.

To follow Andrew's work connect on Facebook, through Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East’s website or follow him on twitter: https://www.facebook.com/CanonAndrewFRRME | www.frrme.org | @ vicarofbaghdad

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KIDS

Text by | Abi Dust & Bri L'Hostis ● Photo by | Peter Daniel ● Illustrations by | Dreamstime

Allstars kids, mission in three short stories

The Allstars mission statement is ‘worshipping God’, ‘experiencing His power’ and ‘on a mission’. Here you can read three interviews expressing that mission in action

On a

Mission

I’m Bethanna, the Children’s Intern at St Paul’s this year. I have recently finished a four year Theology degree at London School of Theology.

I love kids, and I have a lot of experience working with them in various settings. This is also a year out to focus on what God might be calling me to next. I’m loving getting to know you all! 

What's your favourite song about God? • • • • 16 |

The wise man built his house upon the rock (Lilly, 3) Great Big God (Matthew, 3) My Lighthouse (Liam, 4) Guardian (Josh, 5)

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What school do you go to and what year are you in?

Montpelier Primary School, Isabella Year 5, Michael Year 3.

Worshipping

God

How long have you been a Christian?

Isabella: Ever since I can remember; I’ve always felt that I was Christian.

Michael: Ever since I can remember but I understood what being a Christian was when I was four years old.

What’s your favourite part about Allstars on a Sunday morning?

Isabella: When we read a Bible passage and do an activity based on it. I also enjoy the ‘God’s people got talent’ plays.

Michael: The singing and the ‘God’s people got talent’ plays.

What’s your favourite song we sing in Allstars?

Isabella: Bigger than big because it is describing how big and powerful God is!

Michael: Make my heart your home just because I like it.

If someone asked you why it’s important to worship God, what would you tell them?

Isabella: God is the Creator of everything so we should worship Him.

Michael: God made the Earth therefore we should thank Him for all He has made for us. We shouldn’t ignore Him. We should love Him; He gave us everything that we need.

Do you ever feel God’s presence in a special way when you’re singing?

Isabella: Once at my cousin’s house we were sharing our church songs and praying together and I felt close to God. Michael: At church when I’m singing I get really happy and feel that God is close to me.

We also worship God when we give some of our money to God’s work. In Allstars we’ve been collecting money for Tearfund.

How have you found giving your money?

Isabella: I enjoyed earning the money even though it was hard work! It wasn’t hard to let the money go as it was for doing good.

Michael: I got money by doing jobs, one of which was washing my dad’s filthy car! This was so hard because it took a long time. What made it harder was that Dad was sitting down relaxing while watching us! I did enjoy doing the jobs though.

What school do you go to and what year are you in?

Evie and Jessica: Little Ealing Primary School, Year 4.

How long have you been a Christian?

Evie: About six years, since I was two.

Jessica: Eight years, since I was born.

What’s your favourite part about Allstars on a Sunday morning?

Evie and Jessica: The singing, the dancing and the games. Our favourite song is: You shine like a million suns ablaze.

We’ve noticed how you are always ready to come up and pray and we think that’s great!

Some kids find praying hard. Do you have any tips for them?

Jessica: You need to believe that God can hear you when you pray. If you’re going to be distracted when you’re praying maybe try closing your eyes.

Evie: Sometimes you have to take some time to relax to hear from God. I don’t always pray out

0-1

Ag

His power loud, I often pray in my head. I hear from God the most when I’m at church or at New Wine.

Being in our Allstars groups helps us to pray, because we have time to talk to God.

If someone asked you why it’s important to pray, what would you tell them?

Evie: You don’t have to pray if you don’t want to. If you’re praying because you have to, you might feel a bit afraid. But God wants to hear from you. If you have any problems, it helps you to pray because God will listen to your prayer and it will be OK. You can also pray for other people, to say thank you to God. Praying to God is like having a conversation with a friend.

If I talked to my friend Viona, I wouldn’t only tell her my problems, I would just talk to her. You can just talk to God too.

Have you ever felt God’s presence in a special way when you were praying?

Evie: I was worried about my class at school this year and so I decided to pray about it. I got a picture from God of a cave and two men going into it. It looked really scary and cobwebby on the outside, but when they got in it was really nice and there was a lot of food. I think God was saying that even if something is scary and it looks like you’ll never get through it, when it starts, God will always guide you through it. In the end it was fine.

Jessica : One time I was worried and I decided to pray. I saw a picture from God that made me feel better. I saw a dark place and with nothing there and suddenly stars appeared.

e2

-3

Yrs 5-6

Age

Experiencing

Jessica: You can pray when you have troubles or when something is worrying you. You can ask God for things or you can thank God. Don’t be afraid to speak to God; He’s like your friend and He’ll sort out your worries. Even if He doesn’t straighten them out immediately, He’ll help you in the end.

Nurse & Recry .

-2 Yrs 1

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Yr s

4

3-

YOUTH

Text by | Jonny Hedges ● Photo by | Nice Bowers & Pixabay

Are you ready for the journey?

In school years 7-13?

St Paul’s new Youth Pastor Jonny gives some insights into what he has in store for you this year It’s so good to be at St Paul’s! I know this is where God wants me to be. He has some great things in store for all of us in the youth ministry.

First I want to develop our identity as youth group. What do we stand for? Why do we hang out together? What is it that makes us different from those around us? To form an identity, you need to ask these questions, and to do this in a way that brings change and excitement.

We will be going away as a youth group for the weekend from 20-22 March 2015. We will be mixing water sports and leaps of faith in both senses of the word and spending time in worship and community together. This will be one of the highlights of the year and we hope you can join us there!

I am excited about the journey we are going to take as a youth group over the coming years, and I hope you are too. If you have questions, ideas, feedback or want to just hang out, please get in touch.

God bless | Jonny Hedges

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Exalt

every day.

Yrs 7-9 | Sundays | 11am-12.15pm

Kick off your Sunday with Exalt. Discussions, movie clips, worship and prayer. Over the coming weeks we’re looking at how we live out what we believe.

After hanging out after every evening service we head up to the Balcony Room. Whether it’s a themed night, movie night or just Frozen Turkey Bowling, Upper Room finishes off your weekend pretty well!

Youth Jam

Girls’ Cell

Yrs 10-13 | Fridays | 7.30-10pm

Yrs 7-9 | Tuesdays | 5.45-7.15pm

Girls’ Cell is a fun, friendly environment to enjoy girly company and find out what it means to be a woman of God. We’ve spent the last half term looking at our values as a group; Fun, Friendship, Jesus, Respect and Listen. This term we’re looking at Mark’s Gospel and real issues that girls face.

Boys’ Cell Yrs 7-9 | Thursdays | 5-6.30pm

Whether we’re competing in the Alpha Male challenge, learning about what the Bible says to us or just playing football, it’s always fun!

Last term we looked at the book of 1 Peter. This term we are looking at ‘Man Made’, a great series thinking about what it means to be a man of God.

Mix live music, pizza, doughnuts and banter on a Friday night and you get Youth Jam! All musical abilities are welcome and the aim of the evening is to have fun using the tool of music.

A typical night looks like this: we have pizza and doughnuts; the theme of the evening is presented (eg Justin Bieber); and then we break off into small ‘bands’ and reinvent a song from the theme. At the end of the evening all the bands come together and we perform the song we’ve been rehearsing with one another.

Youth Jams are every six weeks on a Friday evening. For more details email markt@stpaulsealing.com

Wednesday Football

Transform

Yrs 10-13 | Wednesdays | 4.30-5.30pm

Yrs 10-13 | Wednesdays | 7.30-9.30pm

TOTALLY WICKEd

Upper Room

Yrs 10-13 | Sundays | 8.30-9.30pm

Transform is a place where we can get into the Bible, pray, worship and hang out together. We spent the end of last year looking at Acts and this term we are tackling some of the issues we face as teenagers

Love a kick about? Every Wednesday afternoon, come rain or shine, a group of guys get together in Lammas Park on the astroturf for some 5-a-side football. It costs £2 to play, but it’s always worth it. Come along and try it out!

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STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Photo by | Maciejbledowski at Dreamstime

From ‘group’ to ‘movement’ Mark Tate shares his new take on the Young Adult Ministry

Recently I’ve been reflecting on the Young Adult ‘group’: how it started, what it’s done and what it’s become.

hopefully we will begin to build relationships with those around us and shine His light into new places.

We need to be a group of people that can move with what’s going on around us and continue to grow through the ups and downs of life. This is partly why I have changed the name from ‘group’ to ‘movement’. A movement is a group that is ‘moving’ somewhere rather than staying the same. We are a movement that seeks to move toward Christ and the call He has given us. Therefore we will change as we ‘move’.

Be committed Life Groups, Bible reading, loving people: these things only really work if we are committed to God and to one another. The cost of following Jesus is massive − He wants our all! He asks us to die to ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him; to be radical, sold out, committed. But to those who follow Him He offers life − life to the full!

At the Young Adult vision evening I set out three challenges for us: Get to grips with the Bible We know the Bible is God’s living, breathing word to us – it’s alive! Yet so many of us struggle to read it. Believe me, I’ve been there.

But I know that as a community we can spur each other on and be accountable to one another, and learn together. This means our Life Groups are going to spend a lot of time looking at the Bible!

To Become more missional I want our Life Groups to become more missional − if we don’t put into practice what we learn it has less chance of changing us.

So once a month our Life Groups are going to go out to serve the community. What this actually looks like will be up to each group. But

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So my challenge for you is, when you think about Life Group, church, reading the Bible or whatever, is that you consider the commitment you can make and stick to it; as Jesus says, ‘Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.

Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it…Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand… In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples,’ (Luke 14:28-33).

Text by | Krissy Litwiler ● Photo by | Nejron at Dreamstime

Krissy Litwiler has a heart for university students. Here she shares her journey working alongside St Paul’s with the student ministry

‘Students have so much faith and passion’

I have been working in full time ministry with university students for four years now.

I am originally from America and came to England with the specific purpose of reaching the student population. In those four years there have been times when I couldn’t see God moving and felt like my job was pointless, and times when I could see God moving in abundance and it felt like I was just holding on for the ride.

St Paul’s has been an integral part of this journey. When I first met Mark Tate three and a half years ago, his passion for reaching university students was very evident. He has supported this ministry when one year we had four students turn up to Life Group and the next year we didn’t have any. He has encouraged me and prayed with me as we have trudged on persistently.

Impact and invitation

We now have about 10 students at Life Group who attend consistently. These students have a passion to reach their campus for Christ and to make an impact for Him − all they needed was a bit of mentoring and encouragement to take those steps.

They have started Bible discussion groups in student housing with their non-believing flat mates. On their way to Life Group they got chatting to some other students who had heard them rapping about God as they walked through Lammas Park. They invited

the students to the Life Group and had some great discussions about God with them – people who would never have set foot in a church of their own volition. Though they only attended the Group a couple of times I pray that God will cause the seeds that were planted to grow.

God at work

I think the biggest lesson I’m learning in this job is that there are times when I get the privilege of ‘seeing’ God at work and I can praise Him and feel as though I am walking along with Him; and there are other times when I can’t ‘see’ what God is doing, but just have to trust that something is happening beneath the surface.

A good investment

These students have so much faith and passion. I hope and pray that God uses me to make an impact in their lives. At the same time, God is definitely using this time to shape and grow me! If you have a heart for investing in students in some way or even in helping in practical ways such as with meals (students love to be fed), then we can always use the help! Or if you are a student and would like to get stuck into Life Group then we would love to have you along.

Email me at klitwiler@yahoo.com

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WOMEN

Text by | Lindsay Melluish ● Photo by | Mark Fisher, Dgm007 at Dreamstime.

Time for a

spring clean

Hey girls, As the days get lighter and hopefully warmer I start to think about spring cleaning. I love it when I can open the windows to air the rooms, get the duvets and pillows out on the windowsills in the sunshine, and wash the mats and get them on the line.

Everyone’s different and we all like things more or less clean and tidy depending on our individual preferences. But most of us probably like it ‘reasonable’! So imagine if the only cleaning you ever did was spring cleaning? By the time March or April arrived the whole place would be in dire straits!

Maybe it’s similar in our spiritual lives. We all need a bit of a spiritual spring clean from time to time – the like of which we get when we attend a women’s day, a Christian retreat or conference like New Wine. But if that was all we ever did it would be difficult to keep our relationship with God fresh and alive; it would be difficult for Him to guide us; and it would be difficult to hear Him speaking to us either for ourselves or for others.

As St Paul’s women there are opportunities all through the year for meeting together, worshipping and growing in faith and wholeness. Some of those are a bit like a spring clean and others are more about keeping things alive day to day.

There’s plenty coming up for women in the spring and summer. Come and join in!

Hope to see you there, With love | Lindsay

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What's on...

CONNECT is the network of Life Groups for women which provides a place to grow in their faith. It’s a place where friendships can form and deepen and the nitty gritty of life can be shared. There is prayer, worship, Bible study and ministry.

Everyone at St Paul’s is encouraged to be in a Life Group. If your preference is for an all-women’s group, then CONNECT is definitely for you. The groups meet on Thursday mornings.

AWAKEN! is an event for all St Paul’s women and their friends. It takes place periodically on Saturday mornings throughout the year. There’s breakfast, worship, relevant teaching addressing issues women face in the 21st century and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.

‘Father to the fatherless, this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.’

Jeannie Morgan spoke at the last Awaken women’s event and Clare Scrimgeour was there Taking a Saturday off to come to Awaken is hard for me, as I earn more on Saturdays than on other days in my work as a driving instructor. Much happened after booking my place, however, including a great friend suddenly coming to the end of his life. I had planned to camp at the hospital with him and his wife to support her but felt strongly that I should take time out to attend this event.

God as parent Street Dance is a great way to keep fit and meet friends. All women welcome on Tuesdays 8.30-9.30pm

Prayer Triplets is a place where real support can happen. In these prayer triplets people find great strength through the deepening of relationships, which enables trust to grow and gives the opportunity to ‘bear one another’s burdens’.

Contact Lindsay Melluish via the church office or watch out for the advertising for these events on the St Paul’s website: www.stpaulsealing.com

defender of widows—

Jeannie spoke about inner healing, sharing some of her own journey and explaining that Father God can mother us as well as father us, and that He puts the solitary in ‘families’.

The three main fears people have are fear of death, fear of not being in control − or powerless − and fear of being alone. She gave us hand-outs with several verses and told us how we can overcome our fears.

She started with Matthew 5:48: ‘Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,’ – perfect meaning whole – and Hebrews 13:8: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever,’ and He heals our ‘yesterdays’.

Powerful pictures

As she was speaking God was showing me scenes from my past, including as a foetus in the womb; when Jeannie gave the word for someone whose had father left them I knew I should go forward. When she came to pray with me I whispered to her that my first

father had left when my mother was pregnant.

She asked Jesus to deliver the baby (me!) and to assure it that He would never let it down or leave it. I had a pain near my heart and she suggested I ask Jesus what it was. I was holding a shield to protect myself. Jeannie asked me to give it to Him as He is now my shield and she prayed that He would look into my eyes and I would see how He was looking at me – I saw myself like a ballerina, dancing in His love and admiration. She suggested I ask Him what He wanted to replace the shield with and He showed me the robe of righteousness, then the ring and the sandals – my identity as His child.

Overwhelmed and encouraged

Since then I have felt more content and secure than I ever have and feel able to have the intimate relationship with God I’ve always longed for, yet have only had glimpses of.

Towards the end Jeannie called forward people to be anointed for healing ministry and when she touched my forehead with oil she said, ‘The more He gives you the more you’ll have to give away.’ I was overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit and greatly encouraged.

The women’s events aren’t just for St Paul’s women; a friend was with me, new to this sort of ministry, and she wept as God touched her deeply too. ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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COMMUNITY

DOING

something NEW Mark Melluish updates us on what’s happening in the wider church family

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Text by Mark Melluish ● Illustration by | Sidmay at Dreamstime & IStockphoto

At St Paul’s we believe we are called to partner with other churches, either through planting into them or embracing their ministry under ours to help bring new life. As we have journeyed in this over the last few years we have had the privilege of counting the following four churches as part of our family.

HARROW: Looking to the future

St John’s, Harrow is being led by Barry and Jill Hingston. For over 13 years they were members of St Paul’s and for the last five of those years Barry was on the staff team.

Barry and Jill were planted into St John’s in December 2012, taking a few people with them. Since then the church has launched a new 11am Sunday service, hoping to reach a new and younger community in the heart of Harrow. It now has a regular congregation.

St John’s has also launched Messy Church, an initiative to reach primary school aged children and their parents with a new and creative way of being church. This happens once a month on a Sunday afternoon.

Alongside this they have set up a new ‘Open Café’ to welcome people into the church during the week. They’ve made new contacts with local schools and invested in the youth and children’s ministry.

This is such an exciting time for St John’s as they look to the future and all that God has in store for them.

To find out more have a look at their website: www.stjohnsharrow.org Here you' ll find information about worship services, events, concerts and some of the programmes.

HANWELL: Reaching local families

Following a meeting with the Bishop last year, we were invited to think about ‘planting’ into another local church and St Mellitus, Hanwell came up as an opportunity. Following many discussions with the church family of St Mellitus, I was appointed as Incumbent last July. Although I am currently leading St Paul’s and St Mellitus I am hoping to appoint a new leader to St Mellitus within the next 18 months.

During the last few months much has changed in the church. We have converted two rooms to be used for Youth and Children’s ministry.

We are introducing new forms of worship and have bought a projection system so that people don’t need to read from a sheet.

We have also mended a broken heating system and are carefully renovating some of the areas of the church that are a little run down. We hope to create a new garden area for use during the summer months at the side of the church, and open up the front garden for community use.

In December for the first time in many years St Mellitus had a Carols by Candlelight service and the church was filled with people from the community. We launched Messy Church in January and hope to start a dropin morning for pre-school children and their carers one day a week. We hope that as we reach out to families in the Hanwell area we can begin to grow the church.

ABBEY ROAD: Caring community

Oasis International is a church in St John’s Wood, North London led by Randy and Margie Lawler who also attend the 11am service at St Paul’s. They have been building this church for over a decade with the vision to be a Biblical multicultural community that will demonstrate a caring heart for peoples from the Middle East and Asia.

The church meets every Sunday afternoon at 4pm at Abbey Road Baptist Church in St John’s Wood where they worship, teach and minister to one another. Each month they also gather to eat together, share stories and pray for each other. Every Sunday the members also try to reach out to people on the streets and engage them in conversation about God. This is an incredible community of faith run by some of our church family. It’s an honour to be working with them.

NORTHFIELDS: Exploring faith

Led by Jeremy and Susie Woodham, The Lounge was one of the first new communities we planted.

It runs every Tuesday night at 8pm in Papillon Café, 147 Northfields Avenue, W13. It’s a place where people gather to eat together, tell stories and explore why following Jesus is worthwhile.

This is a community of faith where the doors are always open to new people who would like a place where they can journey with others to discover what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

To find out more about The Lounge text 07941 622 776 with the words ‘Add Lounge’ to receive all the invites and updates.

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MEN

Text by | Guy Loureiro

Finding your calling It’s never too late to find God’s purpose for our lives.

Guy Loureiro encourages us to be inspired by the stories of other men at St Paul’s

St Paul’s men meet most months outside the holiday periods – breakfasts, curries, beer/ wine/whisky tastings, a golf day and an end of year BBQ. Every year, there’s a cycle or a hike organized by one of the men who can’t do short rides or walks. It’s always a challenging trek but an amazing experience so do sign up for the 2015 Peaks to Dales Tour challenge. We meet to network and have fun with St Paul’s men and their friends. You might even get fit too!

Calling and purpose

During a recent sermon series on Joseph we heard how there are two important dates in our lives: the day we are born and named; and more importantly, the day when we realise what our calling is – our purpose on Earth.

At the men’s breakfast in September, Ciaran Biggins told us how God called him away from mainstream employment to help people with mental illness. He told his story in the Spring/ Summer 2014 magazine and talked about the charity he has set up called MindFood (mindfood.org.uk). He is working out his calling a step at a time. You can catch up with him at the 6.30pm service at St Paul’s on a Sunday.

Sharing our faith

Another inspirational man at St Paul’s is Josh Betts. He is a natural evangelist with a passion for sharing his faith in Jesus. Recently I told him that I was working on a team-building project at my new workplace and he said, ‘So have

you told them about your faith yet and why it means so much to you?’ While I’ve had a few conversations about my church with my work colleagues, the short answer is ‘No – not yet.’

Taking opportunities

Josh is a Maths teacher. While working at Northolt High School in February 2013, after talking about his faith in the staff room, the Religious Education teacher set up a Faith vs Science/Reason debate between Josh and a Biology teacher. The Biology teacher didn’t turn up to the debate so Josh got an opportunity to share about how faith and reason can co-exist as well as what the Bible says about Creation and why our world was created.

A week after the debate, Josh spread the word that he was going to start a Christian club.

The first lunchtime meeting was full of the Biology teacher’s students, and many others who had heard about it were crowded into the classroom even spilling into the corridor. After a few weeks, the hype settled and a regular group of 20 students did a Youth Alpha course during these weekly sessions.

Starting something new

Josh left Northolt High in the summer of 2013 and joined Bishop Ramsey CE School in Ruislip.

While there was a Christian ethos, there was no Christian club at the school. After a year of working there, Josh extended an invitation during an assembly to anyone in years 11 to 13 to come along to a lunchtime meeting called Hungry where Christians and non-Christians

could find out more about the Christian faith.

The first week only two Year 13 boys came along. They were delighted at the idea of having a Christian club at the school. To their knowledge there had never been such a group during their years there. They didn’t like the name Hungry and preferred it to be known as the Christian Union. They wanted it to be a place where Christians could come together and talk about their faith. And so the group began and is in the process of growing. Those two boys invited their friends and it has grown to 12-15 students. Josh is using Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology to cover the foundational tenets of the Bible. It is an exciting movement.

Josh goes to the 11am service at St Paul’s. Talk to him and be inspired!

Never too late

If you haven’t had a one-day epiphany regarding your calling, you’re in good company. You have a lifetime to work it out. My mum, who recently retired for the second time, was reminded by her vicar that Moses and Aaron were in their 80s when they were called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He told her to get into ministry.

Come along to men’s events to be inspired and encouraged by others on the same journey.

Watch some talks on TED.com for general inspiration. How to start a movement by Derek Sivers is three minutes long. It’ll make you laugh and think. Or Joy Sun’s Should you donate differently? There are so many to choose from.

Enjoy!

Sign up to the St Paul’s men’s mailing list by emailing Chris Fox at chris@stpaulsealing.com

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Photo by | © Sedmak Dreamstime.com - Bruges - Paint Of Scene Jesus And Disciples By D. Nolet 1645) In St. Jacobs Church (Jakobskerk).

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FAMILY

Photo by | Carlosphotos at Dreamstime

FAMILY LIFE COURSES At St Paul’s we love to celebrate family and do all we can to encourage and bless those who are set in families. Here are some of the courses we currently offer to enable that to happen Preparation for Marriage Course The pre-marriage course is run one evening a week for three weeks and is designed for one or two couples at a time. The course is aimed at those who have decided on or are considering engagement. These evenings consist of both discussion time and space alone to think through key issues that you may face entering into marriage. Most couples find the course to be a helpful, good experience and a lot of fun!

Leaders | Barry & Val Denham Courses run regularly throughout the year – contact the church office for up-coming dates

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Date Night For all married couples who want to build a marriage that lasts a lifetime, this course aims to provide the setting for relevant teaching followed by a chance to discuss things, just the two of you, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Topics covered include understanding differences, effective communication, resolving conflict, parents and in-laws, good sex and much more.

Leaders | Mark & Lindsay Melluish & team Next course | Spring 2015

Keeping conversations going FOCUS: Parenting the Twenties With social norms changing, the 20s can be a tough decade for parents and 20-somethings alike. There are two linked sessions offering opportunity to explore issues that this time of life can throw up. It's also a chance to meet and share with others at a similar stage.

Barbara Osibamowo has three children aged 20, 23 and 26. Last summer she took part in the Parenting the Twenties sessions at St Paul’s led by Phil and Sue George. Here is what she learned Attending the Parenting Twenties sessions last summer felt like a natural progression from the Family Time, Mother to Daughter and Parenting Teenagers courses, all of which I had found helpful over the years.

Walking alongside

We talked about walking alongside our 20-somethings in their dreams and not in our expectations for them.

In the the course we were also given the opportunity to explore how our own marriages are affected, and how we fill the gap that is created in our lives, when our children are in their twenties. Do we spend more time at work or travel to plug the gap?

We also discussed the importance of keeping conversations going, so that anxieties around issues such as siblings leaving home, marriage, having children, getting into debt, drugs and friendships are addressed and not ignored.

We looked at the importance of treating our children like the adults they are and preparing them for when they leave home! One suggestion which I found helpful was to encourage them to pay toward their upkeep in the home. I previously saw this as a little mean, but I realise now that it actually enables our young adults to cope with the future, while the opposite only disables them.

We looked at possible issues in our children’s lives such as vulnerable marriages breaking down, single parenting and loss of faith.

I learnt the importance of keeping calm, supporting them as young adults, and leaning on the Lord and most importantly; praying.

Family Time – Parenting Children Raising children in the 21st century is a big responsibility! This course is for all parents of children under 12 and provides an opportunity to meet together in an informal, relaxed atmosphere, listen to a talk about a parenting topic followed by discussion in small groups. Topics include: Having a vision for your family, family identity, family values, influences on our children, building relationships, guiding, shaping and discipline.

Leaders | Mark & Lindsay Melluish & team Next Course | Autumn 2015

Family Time – Parenting Teenagers The teenage years can be challenging but they needn’t be the nightmare many talk about. This course aims to encourage confidence in those parenting the teens and provide some tools to make this season of life manageable and enjoyable.

Leaders | Mark & Lindsay Melluish & team Next Course | Summer 2015

Mother to Daughter As girls become young women their relationship with mum becomes crucial for guidance and loving support. Mother to Daughter is a course which aims to strengthen these relationships between mothers and their girls in years 6 to 9. The course is split into four sessions for the mums on their own and four sessions for the mums and their girls together. Topics for mums include the power of example, communication, building confidence and encouraging personal value.

Leaders | Lindsay Melluish and Jo Jenks Next course | Summer 2016 ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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MISSION

Text by | David Read & Annica May ● Photo by | Peter Daniel

Journey into the night David Read lets us in on why he joined Ealing Street Pastors and takes us with him on a weekend patrol night on the Ealing streets It was at a taster breakfast in the summer of 2013 where I started thinking about joining the eight-day Street Pastor training programme. I was fascinated by the Street Pastors ministry but was not sure it was me – talking to random people in the street late on a Friday night does not quite fit my personality type! It kept nagging me though, and I wondered if God was prompting me.

Then it occurred to me that having a formal role and a uniform gave me ‘permission’ to do this and so I decided to sign up. I did my first patrol in October 2013.

10pm

Over a year later and I’m in the swing of things – but it is always with a slight sense of trepidation that I leave the house to meet up with the team when I am on duty.

In preparation we pray for the area in the week leading up to our patrolling so I know that, with God with us and the team beside me, it will be OK - and enjoyable!

Prayer is very important for the

Street Pastors and an evening always starts with a catch-up over a hot drink and prayer for each other, the people we might meet and the area we walk in. Each patrol is also supported by a team of prayer pastors.

11.15pm

Tonight my team patrols central Ealing.

Ealing has many clubs and bars which tends to mean it’s busy with people and will mean a later night than Southall or Acton. Every area in the borough is different and how the evening will progress depends on how many people there are, how many have drunk too much, if there are drugs, homeless people or prostitution – we meet them all at some point.

Whilst we are never complacent, safety is not a major concern. We do not get involved in trouble or step into potentially dangerous situations. Street Pastors work closely alongside both the police (who always know where we are and when) and local authority; our patrol never walks where it’s not covered

by CCTV. Tonight we meet a young homeless guy on Ealing Green. He has drunk far too much, it’s chilly and he has no shirt on. We chat to him

‘We all live in the borough of Ealing and we really care that where we live should be safe for everyone. We are there to give value to every single person we meet, because everyone is important to us.’

Chrisha and Alfie, Street Pastors

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and call an organisation who can refer him to a night shelter.

As we walk the streets we say ‘Hi’ to doormen and shop keepers and give directions for buses, taxis and clubs; we’re always ready to have a conversation be it about volunteering, spiritual issues or as later tonight – politics. A group of Somali lads sitting in Haven Green at midnight wants to discuss the result of the Scottish referendum – so we do.

Tonight we offer bottled water to several intoxicated people and make sure some young boys are OK; we always have flip flops at the ready for girls who after their night out no longer can walk home in their heels.

It’s not only nightlife that happens between 11pm and 4am. Tonight we talk to the guys cleaning the drains at the station. The Station Manager also joins in.

‘A girl is being beaten up over there’ a man in a van shouts to us and points down the road.

We check it out and find two drunk ‘friends’ wrestling, punching and shouting. The police are on their way and we talk to the girls – or at least try to – until the police arrive and we can step back.

1am

We are ready for another hot drink and debrief and join the people praying back at base.

1.30am

Patrolling again. We see one of the wrestling girls sitting in a police van. We pray as we

On patrol in Southall in December last year.

Ealing Street Pastors patrol six times a month on Fridays plus one Saturday

walk past. There are more empty glass bottles now. We always pick them up so they won’t be used as weapons.

A lad has lost his friend and we help them find each other. Later a homeless person needs some assistance and we do all we can. Street Pastors have helped several homeless come off the streets in the past year, and from there some have gone onto training programmes or started to see relationships restored and their lives turned around.

Another conversation with a shopkeeper, and then we see a couple of girls who really need our flip flops. We give them our Ealing Street Pastors contact card too so that they can remember who gave them their new footwear tomorrow morning.

3am

Police Superintendent Sultan Taylor has worked for 31 years in the Met Police. He first heard about Street Pastors in his local paper. Here is what he says about his experience of the Street Pastors in Romford and later Ealing: ‘Romford town centre was in the 4th most violent ward across London. With Street Pastors and other partners’ schemes we turned that round, and it became one of the safer town centres across London.’

Police Superintendent Sultan Taylor moved to multicultural and diverse Ealing in 2007. He saw lack in multi-faith approach to problem solving.

‘So I thought: Let’s try to get a Street Pastor scheme into Ealing.’ he says and adds:

The streets are emptying and it,s time to head back, write up notes from the evening and pray again before heading home for bed.

‘Because it is a Christian-run scheme, I thought I was going to get a lot of resistance from the other faith groups, but they all signed up.’

Find out more about Ealing Street Pastors on their website http://ealing.streetpastors.org.uk, Facebook or Twitter, or look out for their next taster breakfast in the summer.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor explains that despite the go-ahead from other faith groups he needed to convince the local authoriy that religion wouldn't be ‘forced down people’s throats.’

Population demographics Borough of Ealing

Crime statistics W5

Population:

338,400 (3rd largest in London)

Violence : 25

Burglary: 10

Average age:

34 (20% of population is aged 25-34)

Sexual offence: 1

Car theft: 5

Largest age groups: 0-14yrs (24%) & 25-34yrs (20%)

Robbery: 5

Theft from cars: 13

The data above has been obtained from the 2011 census

The data above refers to offences per 1000 population/year

See also National Street Pastors web site: www.streetpastors.org

‘But in the end we did go ahead, and this time we did it in a more scientific way: We measured the violence on the weekends that the Pastors were there, and the weekends when the Pastors weren’t there. And on the days when the pastors were present, violent crime went down by 50%.’ Source:www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk (September 2014)

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COMMUNITY

Photo by | Dreamstime

Sometimes a bit of extra support is needed. St Paul’s is involved in a multitude of community ministries that gives that extra support. Here you can see what they are and what they do on a daily or weekly basis

The Besom serves the poor through the donation and delivery

of furniture, clothes and other necessities and through helping with painting and gardening.

Contact Besom on 07766 072 150

The Soup Kitchen serves free hot food between 2pm and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to those in need of it; St Paul’s is one of seven local churches on the rota. If you have any spare time on those afternoons, contact Richard Sarson on 07860 612 018

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a national

Choices Pregnancy Centre is part of a national network

organisation which offers free debt counselling and support in conjunction with local churches. For the Ealing branch, based at St Paul’s, contact Azniv Pambakian on 020 8579 8882 or ealing@capuk. org

of crisis pregnancy centres (CareConfidential), giving non-directive, confidential support and information to women and their partners.

Contact Fiona Baikie to receive or offer help on 020 8840 8034 or email choicesealing@sky.com

Ealing CAP Job Club is a weekly club where jobseekers can

Prison Ministry is served by volunteers from St Paul’s who go into Wormwood Scrubs and lead chapel services and help with Alpha courses. St Paul’s also supports Kairos, which leads three day courses, and Angel Tree, which sends Christmas presents to prisoners’ children. Contact Ray Elliott on 020 8579 9444

meet weekly to encourage one another, increase their work-related networks and gain practical skills for finding work.

Ealing Community School of English (ECSE) gives English Language and support to refugees and immigrants. To attend or join our team of volunteers, contact Stefan Anstis on 020 8567 8697 or stefan@stpaulsealing.com

St Paul’s Community Playschool is an Ofsted regulated Christian playgroup for children aged 2 ½ years and above, which is open to all faiths and cultures, and is overseen by St Paul’s. Contact the church office on 07825 247 840

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Ealing Foodbank gives boxes of non-perishable food items to local families in crisis who have been given vouchers by social services or other agencies. To find out more or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Nell Fox at nell@stpaulsealing.com or check out our website: ealing.foodbank.org.uk

Text by | Julia Sarson ● Illustration by | Madpixblue at Dreamstime

Julia Sarson shares how a new initiative at St Paul’s is giving job seekers coaching and support In April 2014 we launched the Ealing CAP Job Club at St Paul’s. One of a network of more than 100 church-based job clubs nationwide and part of a programme developed by the charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the Job Club is free for any job seeker who will commit to the nine-week ‘Steps to Employment’ course.

Running on Tuesday afternoons in term time, the Job Club provides a relaxed, friendly environment for job seekers to gain the tools they need to find employment.

Over the course of nine weeks, the workshops cover topics including identifying strengths, CV writing and interview techniques.

Coaching and resources

Job Club members also receive regular 1:1 coaching from trained coaches to help them set personal goals and decide on their next steps towards employment. And whatever their faith background, members are always offered prayer.

A team of seven regular volunteers run the Job Club, with the support of guests from the church and local community who share their expertise, and local businesses who offer opportunities for volunteering or work experience. Thanks to the generosity of church members and local businesses, laptops are available each week for our members to use in their job search.

Support and friendship

The Job Club provides much more than practical support. Unemployment often brings not only financial hardship but isolation.

One of the most important aspects of the Job Club is our community time. Each week members and volunteers sit around a big table and have lunch together. It is an opportunity to build relationships, to talk about our struggles, and to celebrate good news and positive steps.

The club also builds confidence and helps give people a sense of purpose. A woman called Lucky was our first member to find paid employment. She says: ‘Coming to the Job Club gave me my confidence back. It helped me to find myself again.’

Another club member, Mary, described her experience: ‘The Job Club was like how an eagle pushes her young to fly. I feel I just needed that push… And now I am getting on with things… I wake up and I have a structure and I get things done.’  For more information call Julia Sarson on 07473 004435 or email juliasarson@capjobclubs.org For more about CAP Job Clubs see www.capjobclubs.org or call for free on 0800 328 0006.

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COMMUNITY

Text by | Antonia Delbrueck ● Illustration by | Svetap at Dreamstime

‘I saw how my work made a difference’

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Each year St Paul’s has a number of interns who get involved in different areas of church life.

Antonia Delbrueck was a social action intern last year. Here she shares a week in her life

maintaining registers, answering students’ emails, organising the external exam evenings, keeping in touch with the volunteer teachers about what material they’ve covered so far and printing out worksheets for them.

between those who want to give their time, skills, money or things and those in need. I would visit someone together with a social worker to see what furniture they needed. I met so many lovely people during these visits.

Two evenings a week I would cycle to Elthorne Park High School, where the Language School classes take place. There I could see that the work I was doing was making a difference in the students’ lives.

In the evening I would go to the Language School.

Tuesday

Sunday

Unlike most jobs, my week started on Sunday with the church services. It was usually quiet when I arrived at 8.30am. I’d set up the kitchen, help make the fair trade stall look good, take part in a rehearsal with the worship band, or simply hang out in the Welcome Area to chat and try to spot new faces.

I got used to experiencing the morning service twice. It’s funny how you pick up different things from a sermon if you listen to it a second time. I loved the evening service in particular, because of the mix of people and the doughnuts!

Monday

All the St Paul’s staff would start Monday morning together: worshipping and praying for each other. Afterwards we would make the church look presentable again after Sunday, and put the chairs away for the several events that happen during the week. As an Intern you move chairs a lot, something that definitely builds your servant heart! Afterwards I might see my mentor for a chat. Then we would go to the staff coffee together. This means everyone stops working, takes a break and catches up with their colleagues.

I would spend the rest of the day working for St Paul’s Language School. Students learn English and take an external exam for only £80 a year. I spent quite a bit of my time

This was the day for the New Wine Discipleship Year Course. This meant a nice breakfast together plus I could sleep in a bit. Around 10 other people who also interned at churches around London would come to St Paul’s to spend the day praying and worshipping together, catching up with each other and enjoying some excellent teaching on different subjects. If you work for a church it’s so important to have a day when you can receive because you pretty much give all the time, even on Sunday.

Wednesday

Every other Wednesday morning is Great and Small, St Paul’s event for pre-schoolers and their carers. It takes a while to get all the toys out and even longer to tidy up the toy explosion afterwards! But my reward would be happy kids, relaxed parents and delicious cake.

Other Wednesdays I would help at the Ealing Foodbank in Hanwell. It gives non-perishable food to people in crisis, plus a hot drink, homemade cake and a chat. I loved the Foodbank. We always got a chance to pray for the people before they left and it showed me that anyone can fall into crisis. People so often told me how hard they found it to work up the courage to come along. One woman came in cautious and anxious but left hopeful and smiling, not because we offered her food but because we offered her open ears and hearts.

I would use the afternoon to do Besom assessments. Besom aims to provide a bridge

Thursday

I would start Thursday morning with Connect, the daytime cluster of Life Groups for women at St Paul’s. After that I would work in the office or help to sort and pack the small items in the Besom shed.

Then there would be a staff prayer meeting, lunch together and then back to work. After a long day I would hang out with my Life Group in the evening.

Friday

Friday was my day off. Time to chill, meet up with friends or explore central London.

Saturday

Usually I was free on a Saturday but once a month I’d be out with a group of others in Ealing Broadway offering to pray for people. The Prayer on the Streets ministry was equally challenging and amazing to be part of. We’d get ignored a lot but to my surprise there were always people who wanted prayer.

My year at St Paul’s was diverse and at times challenging, but there were always people I could ask for support. I have realized how much I enjoy working in social action so I’m now studying social work. ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Photo by | man

Looking for a good book?

Captivating

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

I strongly recommend taking a few minutes a day to read this easy to read but powerful book about some aspects of what it means to be a woman. If you’re a man, please don’t think this book isn’t for you – if you want the best for your girlfriend, fiancée or wife then you should consider reading this. The companion book about men is called Wild at Heart.

This book is one young man’s compelling story of growing up in a devout Muslim family, making friends with a Christian at university and after years of examining both religions, and becoming a Christian. It was a great insight into a Muslim perspective on life, which differs in so many ways from much of Western thinking.

By: John and Stasi Eldredge

The book says that Eve incarnates some of the beauty of God, and that she gives life. These things mark her out for a special hatred by Lucifer who attacks women because of their beauty and power. Men are invited to stand up and fight for their woman’s wholeness.

This book invites us to think about the unholy agreements we have made in an attempt to cope with the wounds received throughout our lives, and then to enter into God’s plan for healing.

Nabeel spends many years applying critical thinking to Christianity, and it was so encouraging to discover, along with him, how the Gospel accounts and the historical Jesus stand up to scrutiny.

Nabeel’s story reminded me of how friendship is key to introducing people to Jesus as it’s only because of his friendship with David, now a Christian apologist, that he began to open up to exploring what he believes. David’s patience, wisdom, commitment and humility are inspiring.

Let’s have an adventure and reach deeper into God’s healing purposes for us.

The most powerful part for me was after Nabeel comes to believe in the persuasiveness of the Gospel, while struggling with what he discovers about Islam, he still cannot turn his back on his religion, knowing that it will cause a huge rift in his family. However, he asks God for a dream to help him be sure − and God answers his prayers!

Kate Horn

Lucy Avery

This book may be helpful for those who want to enjoy their sexuality and that of their spouse more deeply, more freely, and for those who need healing in the most secret and intimate part of their life.

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By: Nabeel Qureshi

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GIVING HOPE The Nicodemus Trust works to help young people from challenging backgrounds help themselves. The trust is based in the UK but much of the work happens in Guatemala in South America. In 2014 they helped 111 young people off the street and provided mentors for them so that they don’t end up back there.

Tim and Jodi Cross are former members of St Paul’s who now work with refugees across America.

They also help churches to explore how they can be a resource to displaced people in their local communities.

Text by | Mark Melluish ● Photo by | Jameskho at Dreamstime

One of the things we prioritise at St Paul’s is our support for people who are working to improve the lives of others. Mark Melluish, Senior Pastor gives us a taste of some of this exciting work

Daniel’s Den is a ministry reaching refugees and lower income families in a nearby community. Led

by Joanna Gordon, they are currently working with 250 families from 45 different nationalities.

Each morning Daniel’s Den opens its doors to children and their carers, providing a safe place for conversation and care.

In Bihar, Northern India, Jose Daniel leads a community of 23 churches, all of which have schools attached.

Eighteen years ago we invested in this young enthusiastic Christian pastor who wanted to plant churches and provide schooling for his local community. With over 3,000 children in education who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it, Jose has developed a wide reaching, inspiring ministry.

Red Tribe, Kenya is a ministry among the Maasai people developed

by Hennie and Becca Marais, former members of St Paul’s. They run an ambulance service, a medical clinic, a school (The Maasai Academy), a farming project, a beadwork project employing many local women, and a local church ministry. They are changing lives daily through employment, teaching and medical care.

Other ministries St Paul’s support includes:

Tear Fund; Street Light Trust; Global Action; CAP; Children Can; Eden; Choices; Soup Kitchen; Food Bank; Bishop of Ireland’s Church Planting Initiative; Street Pastors; Turning Point; Dave and Jenny Watson working in Southall; Acton Vale Estate Church; Starfish Clinic.

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STORIES OF GRACE

Text by | Rae Bowdler ● Main photo by | Barbara at pscphoto.co.uk

‘This is a Father that never lets go of me’ Rae Bowdler tells of her journey from following the rules of her Muslim community to searching for the truth and a real relationship with God I was born in Kenya into a Muslim Shia family.

My great grandparents originated from India but had emigrated to Kenya where there are a lot of Shia Muslims. I was sent to ‘madrasah’, which is equivalent to Bible school, where we were taught the basics of living as a Muslim. I was quite religious in that I would recite the required prayers and go to the mosque; yet to me it was a faith that seemed to centre more on the local imam than on Allah. His followers idolised him and he created the rules − essentially, he was considered to be infallible. Wherever he went people bowed down and there were photos of him in every person’s house. I believed there was a god but being a Shia Muslim was more about going to the mosque and following rules.

Unhappy families

My mother came from a religious family, whereas my father didn’t. He would feed us pork sausages when we were younger and was never really committed to Islam. In fact he was never really committed to my mother either and went on to have a number of affairs, eventually divorcing my mother and marrying one of his mistresses.

We appeared to have quite a good life until my parents’ divorce when I was seven. From

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then until I was 13 I lived with my dad and his new wife, who couldn’t stand me or my brother, and I became her unofficial babysitter. My mother had remarried in the UK and when I was 13 she and my step-father adopted my brother and me, and we went to England to live with them.

However, my step-father was abusive and also had two children from his first marriage. Life certainly wasn’t easier in the UK, and I began to see the lack of social standing for women expressed in Islam. I began to fall away from the religion as I started exploring life outside of my community.

Searching for God

I had always believed there was a god, but the god Allah I had been taught about in Islam seemed very aloof and unloving. However, in 2010 I began to yearn for something more from this god I had always believed was there.

I went on holiday to Cyprus where I walked into a shop and saw a necklace with a cross on it − and I bought it; this was unheard of: a Muslim girl buying a cross!

That year I also visited my extended family in Kenya and I confided in one of my religious aunts about my challenges. She suggested I try to reconnect with Allah by kneeling in prayer. So I tried in earnest to do so but the

god Allah seemed so distant. The Quran is a difficult book to understand, and it came across as extremely aggressive to me. It advocates a tick-box mentality: if you do the right things you may possibly have eternal life at the end, but it is not guaranteed. However, my community believed there was an imam who would rescue us and we would enter heaven.

All paths lead to God?

Many of my relatives had also said that ultimately we all worship the same god in different ways so why change your religion?

Yet I knew that Muslims don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God or that He died on the cross; they believe that Jesus was a prophet and God had already taken Him up to Heaven before His alleged crucifixion. So how could we be worshipping the same god?

Either the Christians or the Muslims had got it wrong.

Hearing the evidence

In that same year I downloaded the Bible onto my phone and I remember finding the book of Genesis comforting to read. I had broken up with my partner, and I started renting a room from a Christian called Mike, who was a good support to me at the beginning of my Christian journey. The big question for me was whether there was

Rae and her husband Tim and daughter Chloe are members of St Paul's.

enough substantial evidence that Jesus had indeed been crucified; it was hard for me to imagine that Muslims had got it wrong. My landlord was very helpful and provided the right books from acclaimed scholars that confirmed to me that Jesus both died and was raised to life again.

Sealed by the Holy Spirit

One summer evening Mike and I went to a church in Richmond where we listened to a sermon by Liam Golligher on God’s Covenant with us, and it was then that the

Holy Spirit came to rest on me and I knew that this was the God I had been searching for. It was like a big warm hug to reassure me that I couldn’t look back.

Later in my journey, I attended a Christianity Explored course at All Souls Church in London and that began my new life as a Christian. The path has been challenging but following Him has been so worth it. I am so grateful that God loves me so much that He’s never let go of me and continues to shine His light down on me.

Getting to know God as my heavenly Father has been difficult as I haven’t had a good earthly father. But God has been forever faithful and is patient with me − at every stage, He provided a helping hand, like a father does. And this is a Father who never lets go of me.

I can only describe my journey as God’s intervention which saved me by His grace, and I am hungry to spread the Good News about Jesus. 

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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

Text by | Marcus Jones ● Photos by | Borabajk at Dreamstime

Am I really bothered?

Marcus Jones, member of St Paul’s Ealing and Group Head of News at Premier Christian Radio, helps us to respond meaningfully to the never ending flow of news that we deal with every day Last year tens of thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes by Islamist militants; thousands died from a disease which has no cure; hundreds of school girls were kidnapped by terrorists and kept from their families; 80,000 people were washed out of their homes due to flooding; a pregnant Christian woman was imprisoned and forced to give birth in chains simply because she refused to recant her faith.

All this happened in 2014, and can I be honest with you? I’m not sure I’m really bothered.

Information overload

We live in a society of rolling 24/7 television news, where new shocking statistics are fed to us every minute of every day. We pick up free newspapers which bring us commentary on stories from around the world. Social media gives us instant access to breaking stories and eye witness accounts of tragedies.

Such is the extent of media coverage of suffering and devastation that we may be in danger of becoming immune to it.

When we see so many images on our TV, phone or in a newspaper, do we really appreciate the extent of suffering felt by those caught up in the disasters?

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One specific story

Iraq has never been too far away from the headlines recently. We heard how Islamic State fighters had taken over various cities, giving residents the choice either to pay a tax, convert to Islam or be killed. Most didn’t even wait to decide – they fled.

I spoke to the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’, Canon Andrew White a year or so ago, when things first started to turn sour. He told me the story of a family who had to leave their home with just 30 minutes notice. In the rush of getting out, the mother left her baby sleeping in its cot. By the time she realised she had left it, she knew the extremists would have

got into the house, meaning that if she had returned, both she and her baby would have been killed.

She has no idea what happened to the child.

I can’t bring myself to imagine the pain she must have felt, but how moved am I to do something about it? What could or should I be doing actually to make a difference?

What we can do

Pray. Sounds obvious I know, but how often do we stop reading an article or turn the television off to pray over what we’ve just seen? Psalm 102 is a great example of bringing suffering before God but remembering at the same time that, ‘You, O Lord, remain the same and your years will never end,’ (Psalm 102:27).

Praying into huge, complex situations can often be difficult, so engage with those in the know. Find out the details through charities such as Tearfund or Christian Solidarity Worldwide, read the blogs of people like Canon Andrew White or follow those working on the ground in places like Iraq via Twitter. Being informed and praying into the specifics may help to sustain our prayers.

Lobby. ‘What difference can I make?’ I hear you asking.

Well no difference if you don’t actually do anything! How about writing to your MP about the injustice you see?

They have a duty to consider the requests of constituents.

How about signing a petition calling on the government to take action? If 100,000 people sign it, Parliament must hold a debate on it. How about raising awareness through social media?

The plight of Iraqi Christians was brought to the attention of millions through the #weareN/ campaign. Who would have heard of the charity ALS if it wasn’t for the ice bucket challenge?

Give. If you really are as outraged as you think, put your money where your mouth is. Of those who’ve fled homes in Iraq, many are living in makeshift camps, exposed to temperatures of 45⁰C, often without food or drink and not enough room to lie down to sleep. This isn’t one or two; Christian Aid estimates this is 200,000 people. Our financial support could go a long way to supporting our fellow brothers and sisters.

I know that I do care. It’s so easy not to though. It’s so easy to ignore the things we see and read. It’s so easy to switch off from the suffering around the world. But the Bible tells us to remember those going through tough times. The author of Hebrews asks readers to ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering,’ (Hebrews 13:3).

Let’s show we care by doing something about it.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

How to give back through volunteering: Nicola Holden shares about her work in the local community

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Text by | Nicola Holden ● Photo by | Peter Daniel

It’s a Wednesday and I am woken at 6.50am with a cup of tea from my gorgeous husband, Andrew.

Andrew and I both have a heart for helping families in the community who need support.

Our own experience of having a very sick baby – who contracted meningitis at 10 days old – and of Andrew being in hospital seriously ill for two months whilst I had three children at home, showed us the importance of having a support network at hand. Our church family gave us crucial support on both occasions.

We spend around 15 minutes praying for our family and the day ahead. After breakfast it is off to the park with my dog. If I take my neighbour’s dog, it’s a slow walk, as he is 17 years old.

Helping young mothers

By 9am I am helping to set up Great and Small. This is a wonderful event for preschool children and their parents and carers, where refreshments are served and the church becomes a big indoor playground, with a bouncy castle, soft play, toys and ‘Ruffy’ the puppet dog, a big favourite with the children.

‘Ruffy’ talks to the children about his life and what a difference having Jesus with him makes; then he leads them in some songs. By the time we have cleared up it’s 12.30pm. I go home for a quick lunch and then head out to my Homestart client who has one year old twins.

Just two hours

I have been a volunteer with Homestart Ealing for the past four years. This charity supports local families who have children aged five and under by providing a volunteer for two hours a week for up to a year. I have been amazed what a difference two hours a week can make to a family. Just having someone to listen, encourage and befriend can be all that’s needed to give a parent confidence.

At the moment I have two clients who both have twins. As I get to know and love the families I work with, there are opportunities for me to invite them to events at church, such as Great & Small, Alpha (a course for those wanting to know more about Christianity) and socials. God has made such a huge difference to our family that I want other families to discover Him too.

Small sacrifices

Helping the homeless

My son wasn’t CRB checked at the time so he had to spend the night at a friend’s house.

My other son is in the Royal Marines and we use his room to host when he is away, with his permission! We remove personal items from the room when hosting. He has also come back at short notice to discover most of his belongings packed away!

I am home around 3.30pm and have time to make up a bed and prepare some food for our Nightstop client. Nightstop is a charity which provides overnight accommodation, in the homes of volunteers, for young people aged 16-25 who find themselves homeless.

We feel Nightstop provides our family with a practical way of showing God’s love to the homeless young people in our community.

After interviews, CRB checks and a volunteer course, we started receiving young people in March this year. We try to provide two nights a week when we are on call. The young person arrives around 6pm; I show them to their bedroom – which they have to themselves – and then they come and join myself, Andrew and my daughter for dinner. Sometimes the young person wants to talk and sometimes they just want to chill in their bedroom.

I provide some pyjamas and underwear if needed.

Being part of Nightstop has meant some small sacrifices within our family. One night our son came back from university unexpectedly and we had already accepted a Nightstop client. Part of the remit with Nightstop is that only family that has been CRB checked can be in the house. We can’t have any friends or visitors round either.

In the morning, after another cup of tea in bed and prayers with Andrew, I give our guest breakfast. When the young person leaves, they go to the Nightstop offices or another agency which will start the process of helping them look for longer term accommodation.

It’s a new day – and I am out walking the dog again! For more information about Homestart and Nightstop go to their websites: www.homestart.org.uk www.depauluk.org/nightstoplondon ST PAUL’S EALING MAGAZINE Spring/Summer 2015

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WHO’S WHO

Looking for a Life Group?

Life Groups are a key part of church life and we would love everyone in St Paul̕s to belong to one. We have over 20 groups to choose from, so why not check out the list on these pages, contact group leaders of groups you want to visit and find a group where you can belong.

Phil & Sue George

Northfields | Tuesday 07595 466 178 ● philgeorge60@me.com John & Georgie Murphy Hanwell | Tuesday 07986 113 274/07533 175 192 ● merfy79@hotmail.com Alan & Alison Browne Northfields | Tuesday 07527 087 721 ● browne_hanwell@compuserve.com Guy & Kari Loureiro Northfields | Tuesday 07922 285 058 ● kari.loureiro@gmail.com

Simon & Lynn Aglionby

Ealing | Tuesday 07941 256 666 ● lynn@aglionby.com

WHO'S Nick & Teresa Becker Ealing Common | Tuesday 07825 782 663 ● nick.becker@marsh.com

Chris & Gordon Roberts Pitshanger/Northfields | Tuesday 020 8997 8266 ● chrismrroberts@yahoo.co.uk

Staff and ministry leaders Church Life

Senior Pastor | Mark Melluish Associate Pastor | Lindsay Melluish Assistant Pastors | Chris Fox

Richard Thomas Children’s Pastors | Bri L'Hostis & Abi Hedges Youth Pastor | Jonny Hedges Young Adults’ Pastor | Mark Tate Pastor to those of retirement age and above | Stefan Anstis

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Administration

Worship Director | John Murphy Lay Reader | Sheenagh Burrell Pastoral Assistant | Hilary Dyer Ministry Team | Chris Fox Clusters and Life Groups | Phil and Sue George Women̕s Ministry | Lindsay Melluish Families̕ Ministry | Lindsay Melluish Men̕s Ministry | Chris Fox

Director of Operations | Simon Richardson PA to Mark Melluish | Vicky Read Assistant Administrator| Polly Neill Courses Administrator|Polly Neill Church Wardens | Aaron Lawler Danny Anterkyi Church Maintenance | Ray Elliott Finance | Vicky Read & Simon Hingston Mission Committee | Mark Melluish Welcome | Jo Mezhlumyan Nicola Holden Bookshop | Colin Reed

Freddie Corbett

Photo by | Dreamstime ● Illustration by | iStockphoto

Barry & Val Denham

Hanwell | Wednesday 07793 166 904 ● valdenham@hotmail.com Jo & Gevorg Mezhlumyan Hanwell | Wednesday 07879 811 482 ● joannareed72@yahoo.co.uk Richard & Julie Thomas Northfields | Tuesday 07786 132 897 ● richard.thomas@stpaulsealing.com Chris & Nell Fox Hanwell | Thursday 020 8579 9444 ● chris@stpaulsealing.com

Gordon & Annica May

South Hanwell | Tuesday 07748 813 599 ● www.livinout.org.uk annica@familymay.co.uk

Connect - Women's Life Groups

Lindsay Melluish Eileen Lawler & Monica Backes Julia Sarson & Alison Moore Julie Gehring & Nell Fox Karen Young & Jo Smith Lindsay Melluish & Laura Tate Nicola Holden & Julie Thomas Christine Preece & Anna Weaver St Pauls Church | Thursday (9.30-11.30am) 07989 472 646 ● lindsay@stpaulsealing.com

Senior People’s Life Group

Stefan Anstis St Pauls Church | Fortnightly on Wednesday (am) 020 8567 8697 ● stefananstis@hotmail.com

Student & Young Adult Life Groups Mark & Laura Tate Northfields | Tuesday 07949 615 653 ● markt@stpaulsealing.com Catherine & Dave Hones Ealing | Tuesday 07769 278 820 ● d_hones@hotmail.com Ben Hingston & Emily Maule Greenford/Acton | Thursday 07917 055 361 ● benhingston@hotmail.com 07766015958 ● emilysmaule@googlemail.com Krissy Litwiler Northfields | Thursday 07875 643 568 ● klitwiler@yahoo.com 07775 421 576 ● ellandroadhero@hotmail.co.uk Becky & Morne Ackersman Ealing Common | Tuesday

S WHO Bri & Jonathan L’Hostis South Hanwell | Tuesday 075 3126 7151 ● brianna.lhostis@gmail.com

Community Life

The Besom | Ray Elliott Christians Against Poverty | Azniv Pambakian Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre | Fiona Baikie Ealing Community

School of English | Stefan Anstis Prison Ministry | Ray Elliott Soup kitchen | Richard Sarson St Paul’s Playschool | Adaleine Teo-Richards Foodbank | Nell Fox

Church Plants

The Lounge | Jeremy & Susie Woodham St John's Harrow | Barry & Jill Hingston St Mellitus Hanwell | Mark Melluish Oasis International | Randy & Margie Lawler

Interns

Youth | Jocelyn Cervera Children's | Bethanna Richardson Worship | Jonathan Vom Dahl Media and Tech | Sam Johnson

New Wine

Regional Director New Wine London & West | Mark Melluish Head of Operations | Phil George

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THE FINAL WORD

Text by | Charlotte Bubb ● Photo by |Dreamstime

Consistent ‘parenting’

I have believed in a Creator God for as long as I can remember, and at 17 years old I committed myself to Him. A year later I went to drama school and began my time in the acting profession. After seven years, I realised my enthusiasm for performing was waning while my desire to study the Bible in greater depth was growing, so I gave up acting and a few months later started a one year diploma at the London School of Theology.

I had already taken time out of acting to do a course with a missionary organisation; but missionary work turned out not to be what God was calling me to and three months after I finished college I got married. After a year wondering what to do, I got a job working for Scripture Union. Two and a half years later the first of four boys came along – another change of direction; I was and still am at home with them – after a traumatic start to this new direction I didn’t feel capable of both working and childrearing.

We have had much illness – mostly mental health issues – so my energy has been taken up with understanding and coming to terms with them.

Recently, however, due to maturity and some healing, our situation has become more workable; so I have had energy and time to effect another change – this time finding and moving to a house that will accommodate a husband working from home and four much larger boys.

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Throughout my time as a Christian I have always read my Bible fairly regularly, sometimes out of hunger, sometimes out of duty. But this summer, as I looked for properties online, I became quite taken up with the whole process. I am the nosiest person I know, and interested in architecture from an artistic point of view, so perusing all these photos on the internet of properties which could solve our dilemmas became all-consuming.

Looking up from a property website one Sunday morning and realising it was time tear myself away from the computer and get ready for church, a thought struck me: however fickle and carried along by the current I might be, and whatever I ended up doing with my life, there has always been my local church, with people there who had a sermon prepared, prayers to be prayed and who would help to redirect my life to what is really important.

And I felt so grateful. Like a child of responsible parents for whom food and shelter is consistently provided, I have been able to go to church and be refreshed, redirected, inspired and blessed every week of the year.

And this particular ‘child’ is extremely grateful for its ‘parents’ at St Paul’s.

Charlotte Bubb has been a member of St Paul’s for 17 years.

R !

FO N S E G P N O KI W O NO BO �� �� ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND, SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET

WEEK 1

Saturday 25 – Friday 31 July 2015

WEEK 2

Sunday 2 – Saturday 8 August 2015

Our main morning Bible readings will be returning to The Arena for 2015 and will be led by Karl Martin (Senior Pastor, Central, Edinburgh) & Simon Ponsonby (Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford).

Confirmed celebration speakers include Gary Haugen (President & CEO, International Justice Mission), Alan Scott (Lead Pastor, Causeway Coast Vineyard, N Ireland), Pete Greig (Founder, 24-7 Prayer and Director of Prayer, HTB & Alpha International), Jo Saxton (Director, 3DM discipleship & mission organisation), Christy Wimber (Senior Pastor, Yorba Linda Vineyard, California) & Ken Costa (Chairman, Alpha International).

We are also excited to announce that our fantastic family play area, The Stomping Ground, will be back and bigger in 2015!

BOOK BEFORE � MAY ���� FOR BEST RATES See website for further details including prices, children’s groups, teams information and more.

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BU I

‘

The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. ’

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Psalm 92

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COMM ING U D L