- Tim's ramblings
- HOPE '08 UPDATE
- Trumpet Call
- GEN Net news (including MORE HOPE)
- Dudley Outpouring continues
- Dudley Focus for Men-next event (Hope event)
- Emmanuel School
- Stop the Traffik
- Worship and mission support
- Eternal radio
- Lawyers' Christian news
- Rodney and Ann Reed
- NGM news
- Empathy we-site
- Property for rent in Kingswinford
- Rendezvous with Project 21
- Come share new offices with us in Sedgley?
- Jobs
In this issue:
Dearest Black Countryites,
I trust that you are all well. There is lots to communicate this week, even more than last time, so I will keep my own ramblings to a minimum again.It was great to see so many of you at our first ever co-ordinated link-up with The Global day of Prayer in the four boroughs. I managed to travel around each of the venues (Wordsley-Dudley / West Bromwich-Sandwell / Walsall / Wolverhampton) on the night and was encouraged with our start as prayer is still quite a battle-ground for many Christians, especially corporately, and even more especially on a wider borough level.
There were probably something like 1200-1500 people taking part in all, which is not a bad start in many ways, but it also shows us the reality of where we are right now, ie, we can dream about filling stadiums, and sing all the songs in the world about "taking the city" for God, but we may need need to wake up and smell the coffee first!
(NB---it has also made me realize that our early Watchmen season - 2000-2002 - was an incredibly special "kairos" time that I suspect we did not truly grasp at the time).
SO........we must keep at it and build!In many countries of the world that day (GDOP), stadiums were packed to capacity several times over, as The Body of Christ came together in vast numbers, with passion and energy, and communicated to their nations, regions and cities their unity, common identity and togetherness in obedience to Christ. We have some distance to travel on that journey guys, and we sincerely hope that we successfully navigate that step of our journey next year. Please see www.globaldayofprayer.com for news.
In our capital, there was a great move move forward as 20,000 plus Christians came together at Milwall's football stadium, and a delegation from the organizing group attracted govermental attention and were invited into No. 10 with Gordon Brown......that's good news.We have YET another opportunity to stand together with our nation in a few weeks' time at The NEC at TRUMPET CALL. I cannot recommend this highly enough. We can support the wider Body of Christ in our nation by taking our stand with them......11am-6pm on Saturday 21st June....please see below for more details.
I suppose it largely depends on what you see. If all you see is your own ministry, church or area, that's fine....God will honour you. Yet, I sense the day has dawned where more of us are realizing that we are limited in our vision if we only see our own boundaries. Our God is an awesome God, and He sees His Body as a universal, global and eternal Bride......please help us Lord to see Her as You do.That's all for now folks. Let us press in to all that Christ died for, and release everything that He has given us for Life and Godliness, especially into the world around us that is somehow waiting for Sons to be revealed. This is our day to shine guys.
Yours together,
Tim
On behalf of YOUR NETwork
HOPE '08 update
Please see www.thenet.org.uk for more HOPE information relating to The Black Country, and feel free to advertize your HOPE '08 events and activities on netnews too.
REMEMBER---please also register your activities for HOPE throughout the year so that we can compile a huge report at the end of '08 which will prove to be very effective when we show the collective and joined-up efforts of THE BODY OF CHRIST in our area to each-other, the media, local goverment and whoever else wants or needs to know.
You can access this via our web-site OR via www.faithsurvey.info
NEXT BLACK COUNTRY CHAPTER--- "YOUNG HOPE"
JULY 19th.......for more information, please contact cookie@thenet.org.ukDATE FOR DIARIES---Saturday 29th November---- "More Hope" @ The Bethel Convention Centre, West Browmwich--------1800 - 1930hrs.
TRUMPET CALL 7 --------- Saturday 21st June 2008.
Black Country----this is our opportunity to stand with the rest of our nation
Throughout that day we shall pray for a release of the good news of Jesus into villages, towns, and cities across our nations. We shall hear stories of Hope08 being brought to thousands of people in communities up and down the land. We shall launch a Prayer Forum across the British Isles and Ireland that will see the church praying for and working with those in every sphere of society who are bringing spiritual and social transformation.
Our history shows that out of spiritual awakenings and revival God brought social and political transformation. We believe that as we align ourselves to His purposes we will see this happen again in our nations. Yes, there will be a shaking of everything that can be shaken. Yes, our nations are and will continue to suffer the consequences of all that it has sown, but at the same time, there is a glorious message of redemption that is available to all.
SO IT IS TIME TO STAND TOGETHER. Come and join with thousands on 21 June 2008 at the NEC Arena Birmingham. Pray blessing on every place you pass on the way; bring a banner (approx. 2 feet x 6 inches) with the name of your community, your village town or city. We shall sound seven trumpets for the power of God to be released to bring down the hindrances to the Gospel, the presence of God to be known in every community and the protection of God over the nations.
We look forward to seeing you at the NEC at the heart of the nation so that together we shall see the nation's heart changed.
Ian Cole & The WPC Team
GENnet news
WEEKENDS AWAY - the last weekend was tremendous....still getting feedback coming in.
The next one is from 14-16th November........please contact us for more information.
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YOUNG HOPE
Are you aged between 12-40 years? Not afraid of a bit of hard work? Up for a good laugh, all in the name of serving the community? Then Young Hope is for you.
For more details see the website [click]
DUDLEY OUTPOURING CONTINUES INTO WEEK 6!
Healings, Miracles, Signs and Wonders are happening in Dudley! We are now in our sixth week of extended meetings every night. People continue to come hungry and God continues to pour out His Glory, manifested in healings and salvations every night. We want to invite you to come. Make the journey to Dudley, it will be a journey worth making for YOU.
THIS WEEK:
EVERY NIGHT from 7.30pm at the ARC
Click to view clips of healings here on our YouTube Channel
Watch the meetings for free LIVE every night at 7.30pm
Read the Blog with reports and testimonies from each meeting
Visit Revival Fires website: www.revivalfires.org.ukRyan Baker-Barnes
ryan@revivalfires.org.uk
www.revivalfires.org.uk
In stitches with award-winning comedian Andy Kind
Andy Kind, an award-winning comedian, will have the audience in stitches as he communicates faith through humour on Monday 9th June in Dudley, following a two-course carvery meal. Hopefully the audience won’t get the stitch! The evening will be hosted by:
Dudley Focus for Men.Andy has been on the circuit since January 2005. In that time he has performed all over the country, winning awards and acclaim as he goes. He won "Anything for Laffs 2005" and has held residencies as compere at two Off The Kerb venues, as well as running and hosting his own night, Lunacy, in Stoke-on-Trent, and also doing corporate and radio work.
Described by BBC Staffs as ‘A star’, and by XS Malarkey as ‘excellent, delightful and charming’, Andy uses his love of life as the foundation which underpins all his comedy, bringing a joyous energy and enthusiasm to any stage – taking pleasure in everything and everyone! Combining the subject matter and his super-strong stage presence, Andy has found a unique and fascinating voice to his comedy. In short, you have a very exciting – and excited – young comedian and one of the most promising acts in the country.
Andy says ‘my Comedy is very mainstream. I often mention my Faith, but you can't preach to a secular audience and I don't try to. All I can do is talk about 'me' and try to give them some food for thought. If people leave a gig saying, 'he was funny..and he's a Christian, I never knew they had a sense of humour', then I've done my job.’The venue is The Lodge, Wellington Road, Dudley, at 7.00 for 7.30 p.m.
Tickets for this event, costing £13.50, are available from Mike Beardsmore (office hours) on (01384) 242008, or David Brown (outside office hours) on (01902) 656996. Email: mike@ckconsulting.co.uk or browndavid@blueyonder.co.uk.
May 2008
Dear Church Leader
I am writing to ask if you can help with some needs that we have at Emmanuel School.
You may be aware that Emmanuel School is an Independent Christian School. We began life in January 1996 with 9 pupils and moved into our current premises in Bath Street in September 1997 using a building owned by Walsall Independent Evangelical Church and under the protection and guidance of their church leadership.
Emmanuel School seeks to glorify God by working with parents, along with the support of their local churches, to provide for each pupil:
ü a Christian environment and ethos
ü a Christian education, recognising the centrality of God’s Word
ü encouragement to reach their God-given potential
ü equipping and preparation to stand firm for God and serve in today’s world
ü a Christian example, to show we believe in Emmanuel – God with us.Our vision is to see pupils go out into the world with a strong faith in God and a desire to serve, honour and glorify Him for the rest of their lives. We want the school to impact our area by encouraging pupils to become involved in community service and other God-given witnessing opportunities.
Over the years, we have experienced steady growth and a recent influx has seen us grow to nearly 80 children – our capacity in this building. Combined with this physical growth, we believe God has expanded our vision for the work. There is a real lack of Independent Christian Schools in the West Midlands. We believe we have the opportunity to develop an integrated strategy for providing a Christian education alternative for the West Midlands. Our experience has demonstrated that there is great benefit in pooling resources to create an institution that can be well resourced (human and physical), deliver to a high standard and maintain its Christian focus and distinctive. Once this is well-established, we could consider school ‘plants’, especially primary schools, throughout the region. We want to make Christian education available to all families who share our aims and ethos. As we are nearly at our maximum capacity, we do not want to have to turn families away from our school.
With this God-given vision in mind, we have taken the following steps:
1. To actively look for a new building that will allow us to grow and be located in an easily accessible location for those travelling in.
2. To form an Independent Company that reflects, in its leadership, the diversity of Christian backgrounds that attend the school.
3. To actively seek partners with a vision for Christian Education who will help us move forward.Therefore, we would like to ask you to do the following:
ü Make our staffing needs known in your church and Christian circles. (Please see separate job vacancies sheet).
ü Contact us if you would like to work with us in taking the vision forward. I would be extremely happy to come and speak with you about our work. I would also like to invite you to visit us and see our school.
ü Most importantly, pray for Emmanuel School and our current situation. Please pray specifically for finances for the next academic year and also that God will provide a much needed building in order for the school to continue to grow. Our financial situation is tight. We want to keep fees at a minimum so that all parents, regardless of their income, can have access to Christian Education.Please feel free to contact me if you would like any more information and thank you for taking time to read this letter.
Yours in Christ
Jonathan Swain
Head Teacherps.......please ALSO see JOBS section below for vacancies
STOP THE TRAFFIK
There is so much happening around the world: new STOP THE TRAFFIK offices; the chocolate campaign is growing each day; and new resources are going on line as we focus on SEX and CHOCOLATE.
But change will only come when we make a choice to get involved and do something.
Trafficking begins in the community and it will be stopped by the community
Thank you for being part of STOP THE TRAFFIK
STOP THE TRAFFIK Coordinating Team
Enquiries: info@stopthetraffik.org
1 Kennington Road, London SE1 7QP
+44 (0)20 7921 4258
Independent worship and support for Missions work
Hi there.
Last year various local Christian musicians recorded an independent worship CD to raise funds for missions work; primarily to combat the human trafficking problem in Albania though other causes also. We have promoted this at a few local churches and were wondering if you would like us to come to your Church to share with your congregation the music and the cause. If you have your own mission that you support, we would be happy for funds raised at your venue to go to your own mission if that is your preference as we have 2 aims: to promote support for missions work and to promote mew worship material. Please take a look at our myspace page for some sound clips, further information and also feedback from listeners.
If you believe this is something that you could support and would also help to inspire your congregation, we are able to attend one of your services and provide up to 4 singers with a backing CD to simplify set up and perform a few songs for you. We would ask that we would be able to sell some CD's after the service to continue to support the fight against human trafficking and the work of missionaries Richard and Linda Welch (www.livinghopechurch.org.uk/walkofhope).
Thanks.
David Cookson
http://www.myspace.com/livinghopemusic
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The DC Project features musicians from Midlands churches in England. The album ’Without Fear’ is a collection of original songs with positive lyrical foundation; some used for corporate praise and worship and others to be listened to and reflected upon. The album was made possible due to the commitment and contribution of people who have given their time, energy and talent - drawn together by a mutual belief and experience of God. Profits from the album are currently being used to help the victims of human trafficking in Albania.
All of the songs on the CD support a Christian perspective, with half having a specific Biblical influence: ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ (Matthew 5:1-12), ‘Calm The Storm’ (Mark 4:35-41), ‘Wings To Fly’ (Psalm 91), ‘Grace (Hold On To You)’ (Ephesians 2:1-10), ‘Remember Me’ (Luke 23:32-43) and ‘Immune’ (Colossians 1:24-29). The songs have been embraced by both Christians and also those who are seeking positive answers to life’s questions. The songs are viewed as ‘relational worship’; the lyrics serving to communicate one to one moments with God. Listener comments evidence this:
“Touches the heart and spirit” - Cory
“A true original sound” - Michelle
“Beautiful music and message” - Vanessa Reeves
“‘Calm the storm’ is beautiful, soulful and inspiring” - Nika
“Really good tunes – ‘Immune’ is my fave” - Debs
“I love the acoustic ‘Wings to fly’ - Great song! – Jennifer
“I love your quote about ‘Grace’ - what an awesome concept to grasp” - Carried Away
Eternal Radio
Coming Soon Meet the Minister!
And .... Sounds to energise your faith - music for your life!
Stephen stephenmerrick@eternalradio.co.uk
Lawyers' Christian Fellowship
Please see latest newsletter headlines by registering yourself....we encourage you to sign up to receive these directly, and free of charge......see bottom;
Andrea Minichiello Williams
Public Policy Director 0207 407 6157
Lawyers' Christian Fellowship/Christian Concern for our Nation
http://www.ccfon.org http://www.lawcf.org
Rodney and Ann Reed, formerly of Birmingham, have been working for a year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, under the auspices of BMSWorldMission (but not officially so for reasons of security-not sending out prayer letters etc.) They have established Business in Mission-training Muslim business owners in Corporate Social Responsibility
and are looking for support in the way of personnel who might like to work with them, directors of business firms, prayer partners etc. all under cover so to speak. They have some muslim background believers working with them already but not in the top flight of management yet.
They have arranged a meeting, 'Meet the Reeds', at the International Mission Centre, Selly Oak, Birmingham, for Saturday, September 13th, from 2.00 till 4.30 pm. If any readers of the Net would like to know more about this initiative or would like to take part in it,they are cordially invited to this meeting.
Margaret Gibbs of BMSWorld Mission email MGibbs@BMSworldmission.org would be glad to give more details.
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS/ DJ’S/ DANCERS TO JOIN NEW NGM BANDS!
We are looking for drummers, guitarists, bassists, and keys to join new ngm core band this September/October. This new band will play for some of our new up and coming artists and also for our worship leaders.
We are also looking for Singers/Dancers for a new girl band we are forming this September/October.
Luv Esther, our West End style hit musical is also looking for main cast, dancers, video, lighting and sound engineers and crew.
Thundershock is currently auditioning singers (male/female) to be their new lead singer.
We also have an amazing new DJ course starting this October – it will include production and live opportunities.
Our new ngm Academy course has also some spaces left for artists, singers, dancers, etc, starting October.
For details contact mikemaidment@ngm.org.uk or call 01454 414880.
PLUS....NGM’s exciting band Thundershock is looking for a new lead vocalist (male/female). Could this be you? Or do you know who the right person might be?
Following on from the bands highly rated debut EP and great gig feedback the future for the band looks really promising. If you are interested in being part of Thundershock’s future please contact Mike Maidment at mikemaidment@ngm.org.uk or call 01454 414880.
For more info about the band and to listen to their music go to www.thundershock.co.uk
DON’T MISS THESE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES – CONTACT US NOW!
Empathy Web-site
A relative in your area suggested that a social network site I just created, called “Empathy Now,” might be of interest to people in your network, and that you might choose to mention it in your next newsletter.
The site is intended as a place for anyone who has studied Marshall Rosenberg’s “Nonviolent Communication,” or similar empathetic communication practices, or just as a place to go and get empathy when you need it. My hope is that people who are in need of empathy, or who wish to practice their own empathetic listening skills, will find like-minded people around the world through this site. I launched it yesterday and we already have 30 members, so I’m feeling hopeful.
Here’s the link:
http://empathynow.ning.com/
Best wishes to you and thank you for the work you do.
Newt Bailey
Newt Bailey
Communication Coaching & Conflict Resolution
Office (415) 643 8791
Cell (415) 694 8798
http://www.newtbailey.com
Property for rent
101 Surrey Drive, Kingswinford, DY6 8HR
3 bedrorom, detached, garage and conservatory, £630pcm
Please contact us via Tim if you want more information.
Project 21 - Soul music at its best - see [click] for more information
Office space in Sedgley---NOW ready to occupy!
There will be an large open-plan, first floor self-contained office suite available for rent, and 3 or 4 offices on the ground floor too, all with car parking spaces, so if you are a Christian organization or business looking to re-locate and come share with us, please get in touch via 01902 885651 or call Tim on 07976 297868.
As many of you may know, The Net began to share an office with our Financial Services company located in Sedgley just over 10 years ago. We will shortly be moving up the road to the old Tipton St Methodist Chapel, still in Sedgley. This is currently being fully re-furbished and will be ready to occupy in late June/early July.
