Next half term: Haggai

Next half term, from June 13, we will be taking an in-depth look at the book of Haggai. As we look at “God’s Kingdom, God’s Way”, we’ll see God revive a failing people, inspire them to take up their tools and fulfil their calling again and remind them that God will not abandon them. If God could use this small, ragtag bunch of returned exiles, what will he do with us?

These resources come from Gold Hill Baptist Church — you can download them all from their website. (http://www.goldhill.org/Groups/83090/Gold_Hill_Baptist/Church_Life/Resources/Resources.aspx, near the bottom of the page).

Email lancaster@cambournechurch.org.uk if you fancy joining us.

 

 

Prayer walking

This Wednesday we will again be out on the streets praying for the people, houses, and schools we pass. When we did this is in Autumn, it went down really well (http://uppercambourne.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/prayer-walking-silence-and-community/).

This time, we plan to gather as normal between 7.45 and 8, then head out into Upper Cambourne in small groups. We’ll largely keep silence, and take the time to pray and to listen to God as we walk.

If you are not up to walking, some of us will be staying in and praying too.

We’ll all gather back together around 9 for discussion, a glass wine, or a cup of tea. We’ll also choose the material for next half term!

To get you in the mood, here’s a great prayer which we used to open our last prayer walk: http://uppercambourne.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/this-is-your-town/

 

 

Screwtape Letters

I’m really looking forward to tonight’s discussion on the Screwtape letters (more details and links to recordings here). I finished re-reading it last night… and still can’t decide which is my favourite bit. I rather liked it when he turned into a centipede… and the story about the man in the library… and so many other bits! 

So this evening, we’ll listen to a few audio recordings, then get stuck into the discussions.

Don’t worry if you’ve not finished (or even found time to visit the library!), as you’ll be able to join in the discussions anyway. It might just whet your appetite to start reading

 

Fairtrade (meeting in the Church this week!)

Fairtrade Invitation— Wednesday May 9th, at  8pm in Church

The Bishop’s advisor on Fair Trade is coming to speak on Wed.  Hear about trade justice, fair trade towns and the issues of ethical labelling.

So no housegroup meeting this week. However, don’t let that stop you praying for the alpha course — watch your email for more. And don’t forget to read/listen to some of the screwtape letters before our discussion session on May 23. More on the ‘book-on-the-side’ page.

 

Pasta-topping party and Screwtape Letters on YouTube

Next week, we’ve the SOCIAL! It’s a pasta-topping party, and I can’t wait  

 The idea is that everyone brings a pasta-topping, and then I’ll cook a big batch of pasta, and we can mix and match the toppings. Please let me know if you are coming so we can get enough plates ready. Partners and children-who-aren’t-in-bed are all welcome. (If you are gluten free, would you mind bringing some gluten free pasta too cook?)

Screwtape letters

Don’t forget we’ve got the book discussion on May 23. The other weds housegroup are going to join us, and maybe some others too. We’ll listen to the first chapter, so anyone can join in even if they’ve not finished the book. More details, and links to some books and free audio recordings, on the book-on-the-side page: http://uppercambourne.wordpress.com/book-on-the-side/screwtape-letters/

 

Plans for this half term

Date	Activity
April 25	Prayer for ALPHA
May 2	SOCIAL
May 9	NO HOUSEGROUP: Meet in Church insteadThe Bishop’s advisor on Fair Trade is coming to speak on Wed 9th May 8pm in Church.  Hear about trade justice, fair trade towns and the issues of ethical labelling.
May 16	Prayer for ALPHA
May 23	Screwtape letters discussion
May 30	Prayer Walk in Cambourne
June 6	NO HOUSEGROUP (Halfterm)

 

Easter Plans

We’ve session 9 of the current Acts study this Wednesday, then we’re taking a two-week break to allow more time to get involved in the other activities at Church during Holy Week and beyond:

http://www.cambournechurch.org.uk/page/activities/whats_on

Restarting on April 18, with the final Acts session.

What next? More prayer evenings? Book evenings? Spring Harvest Notes? A York Course? Get your ideas in now! And we’re thinking of a new book-on-the-side too: CS Lewis’s Screwtape Letters.

 

Acts 8-11: to the Gentiles…

Another great discussion this evening, well fortified by excellent banana bread!

There is so much going on in Acts it is hard to know where to focus in on the story. In tonight’s DVD, the presenters gave a good sweep through these passages, before we turned our discussion to look in more detail on the story of Paul’s conversion. We picked up on a few interesting points (like the comparison between Acts 9 and 22, the training of Paul at the feet of Gameliel, the Jewish vs Roman roots of ‘Saul’ vs ‘Paul’, and the start of the spread of the message into Samaria, with a quick introduction to Samarian vs Jewish history). But aside from the historical details, this ‘great story’ got us talking about modern day conversions. About the effect that hearing directly from God has on someone. And how this experience was crucial for both Paul and the Church at that time.

So, to continue the adventure… this week’s daily bible readings:

1. Acts 8
2. Acts 9
3. Acts 10
4. Acts 11:1-18
5. Isaiah 53
6. 1 Kings 10:1-13
7. Leviticus 11

 

Acts — housegroup back to normal!

Looking forward to seeing everyone back at the normal venues this week to continue our exploration of Acts. (Although Wednesdays are now running a week behind Thursdays…)

 

 

Lent: Continuing the journey to the cross

We left the church on Ash Wednesday to go back into the world
where, at times, it seems everything conspires to distract us from this Lenten path.

Some call it temptation
but maybe that gives it a false romance.
The reality is, it’s just how life is.

As you go into the world make a space for Lent to unfold
and if you give up chocolate, or meat, or driving,
or talking about the church or theology
–  whatever it is that clutters your life with its false imperative and centrality –
have the courage to let the gap it leaves stay empty.

Because it does take courage to leave space for this story
– uncompromising, stark, like the wilderness itself –
to take its hold on you.

May you walk its path with faith this Lent.
Know you walk it in the company of Jesus.

from Alternative Worship by Jonny Baker and Doug Gay. SPCK Publishing; (21 Mar 2003)