What is 'Church'?

When you hear the word ‘church’ is this what you picture?
Do you imagine a building, ancient architecture, a place to gather, a holy or sacred space? Or could it be going to a Sunday gathering, or if you are an active memberof the church – setting up the chairs or making the tea?

Or do you think of the preacher / pastor / minister as being the only person who has got 'the anointing' or the ability to hear from God? If the minister hasn't done this or that, does this mean that the church hasn't done it? Or because they are the minister do you think it is their job to do all the work: run every event; preach every sermon etc?

Or do you imagine the church as a group of people who are all on a journey moving towards God together? A community of Christian believers who share life togeter and help each other along the way? A body where every part recognises its role to play and does so to contribute towards the success of the whole? Where if one member of the church goes on a mission to India - they are a representative of the whole church, so the church has gone on a mission to India? Where all are ministers!

Clive preached about the shifting perception / definition of 'what church is' on Sunday. The Elders and leaders are hoping to move the church to a place where we are ready and able to continue being salt and light to our community in Wisbech not only for this generation, but long into the next generation and beyond. The current ministry in the church will not be replaced, but will be added to by what each member can bring to it.

The Elders have put together a disucssion document on the proposed changes and feedback and comments on it are encouraged. You can read the document on our website here: http://www.kingswisbech.org.uk/membership.htm

Or you can enter the discussion by adding your comments to the 'comment' section below this blog.

 

 

Bible School

Many of us are enjoying the monthly 'Bible School' that is run by Mike at Octavia View. This is what Anna has said about her experice so far:

"The Bible School on Saturday was really good. I have been a Christian for 36 years but have never really got a handle on how all the Bible fits together and at last I’m managing to understand what goes where and why and how it fits in history."

If you have been to Bible School, we would love to hear your comments and feedback. Please post a comment on this blog below. Thanks.

Steve Barclay MP visits our church

 

 Steve Barclay MP visits The King's Church, Wisbech

 

It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Barclay, our local MP (Member of Parliament) on Sunday 14th October 2012. Our paths crossed with his during the Rose Fair parade in the summer where we were giving teas and coffee's to the people on the floats. Mr Barclay got to talking with some members of the church and was invited to come to a service in the Autumn.

 

During the service, Mr Barclay was invited to speak and talked about the loss of Christian values in our society, how society has lost sight of the things that really matter and are becoming ever more materialistic. He pointed out that the church has an important role to play in trying to bring back good values and morals within society. He also urged the church to engage more with our local community. He commented that Christianity should not be about the buildings and the architecture, but it should be about the people! The warmth and message of the church needs to be taken out into our community. He pointed out that this is already happening and gave the good example of the work that the Ferry Project does amongst homeless people in fenland, but emphasised that the church should be doing even more! How are we working together with other churches? How are we working together with other comminuty groups? There is so much that is good within our community. We are very quick to say what is wrong. But there are lots of good people doing good things - there is a lot of potential in Wisbech. With this in mind he engouraged the church to think about how we could support and contribute to the future of our community.

 

During the service Clive preached about what our Christian responsibility is as citizens and how the Bible teaches us to view government and those in authority.

 

You can hear what Steve Barclay had to say as well as Clive's sermon here: http://dynamic.church123.com/podcast/f4fa7dd9-06a7-4a72-8cb1-c5dadd42ca4e

 

We then prayed for Steve Barclay and our local and national government.

 

Thanks to Steve Barclay for coming to visit us and to everyone in the church who also came along on Sunday.

• Any comments, please add them below.

 

 

 

After Hours Live - Open Mic

Open Mic Night at After Hours Live

 

Yet another successful After Hours Live event happend on the first Friday of October. It was the first Open Mic event where the microphone was 'open' for various musicians, singers, comedians and poets from the local Fenland area to come and perform in front of an audience. The bill was packed with the entertainment starting at 7pm and going until just after 9pm!

 

Once again the beautiful Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech was packed with people - some After Hours regulars as well as quite a few new faces coming to experience 'Live entertainment with a twist of faith'. Delicious cakes and steaming cups of magnificent cappucinos and lattes were in abundance and everyone had a fantastic time.

 

Thanks to all those who came along to the event and we hope to see you again soon. Thanks also to those from The King's Church, Wisbech who performed and helped to add the element of faith and testimony to the event.

• If you came to the Open Mic night, we would value your comments and feedback in the comments section below.

 





National Day of Prayer - Wembley 2012

 

National Day of Prayer and Worship - Wembley 2012

 

On Saturday 29th September 2012, a jovial group from The King's Church Wisbech set off in a mini-bus for Wembley stadium. Spirit's were high and everyone was really excited and expectant about what God was going to do. After a 3 hour journey we arrived and joined with 32 000 Christians to pray and worship together.

 

The unity of The Church felt extremely strong as churches from across denominations joined together as one with a single purpose. We prayed for the nation, our leaders, our families, the children of the nation, mercy for the UK, as well as praying for hearts and lives to be touched in the coming months and years through various outreach and missionary programmes. As well as praying on a national level, we were also encouraged to get into groups of 4 or 5 with those around us to pray for our local church and our local areas.

 

It was a fantastic event and everyone left uplifted and excited, ready to take the message of Jesus back to Wisbech and the world!

• If you were at the National Day of Prayer, please share your story / experience with us below in the comment section.