The 12 Days of Christmas

Although the big day is still just around the corner, our church had a get-together in the lovely Octavia's Cafe last Sunday where we had a 'Cafe Church' service, followed by an amazing bring-and-share lunch. The event was complete with Christmas crackers, paper hats and traditional carols.

Clive took the opportunity to talk about one of the 'silly' songs we sung and explained that the song had a deeper significance than we may first think. So why not dive into the depths of 'The 12 Days of Christmas' by clicking on the video link above?

Merry Christmas!

Sarah's Baptism Video

It was with much celebration that Sarah was baptised at our church a couple of weeks ago. Click on the YouTube link below to watch the video that was recorded of this special occasion: hear Sarah's testimony and watch the baptism. It is very touching and moving.

Congratulation's Sarah!

Click here to watch the video

Interview on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire

Terry Wood and Mike Forrest

Two members of our church congregation were interviewed recently by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire about how the church has been involved in the set-up and development of the Ferry Project and how they have helped the lives of many homeless and vulnerable people.

Mike Forrest, and elder of The King's Church Wisbech and Chairman of The Ferry Project tells of how the Ferry Project began by various local churches 'catching the vision' and helping to set up the organisation. He also reads part of the Bible that helps to tie the interview in to the advent theme.

Terry Wood tells of how the Ferry Project helped him to escape a life of drugs and crime. He now works for the organisation and also attends The King's Church Wisbech.

If you haven't listened to the interview, have a listen online now!

Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass come to Wisbech

Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass come to Wisbech on their 'Seriously Funny' Tour

The King's Church, Wisbech was delighted to welcome Jeff Lucas, Adrian Plass and musician Niki Rogers to Wisbech on Friday 20th September 2013. The church hosted an evening of the 'Seriously Funny' Tour which developed out of a book Jeff and Adrian wrote together. The evening was well attended with over 150 people filling the Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech for an evening of fun, wit, humour and serious moments too. Niki Rogers was also well received as she shared and sang some amazing songs.

Thanks to Jeff, Adrian, Niki and the rest of the 'Seriously Funny' team for coming and putting on such an amazing event in Wisbech. Thanks also to all The King's Church, Wisbech volunteers who helped to make the evening a great success, ans a special thanks go to everyone who came to the event from near and far! We hope you enjoyed it and we hope to see you again soon.

Hugh Osgood Visits Us

Hugh Osgood visits The King's Church, Wisbech

It was great welcoming Hugh Osgood, leader of 'Churches in Communities' to our church on Sunday 15th September 2013. This is the second time Hugh has visited since our church joined the 'Churches in Communities' organisation a couple of years ago. Hugh brought a fantastic message of encouragement and spoke about how vitally important smaller churches are the the Kingdom of God and that there are many different things we can offer that larger (or mega-churches) can not.

He also spoke about aspects of the life of David in the Bible which fitted in very well with our current sermon series. You can catch up with this sermon by watching it again on our website.

To keep up with Hugh and his ministry, do visit his website www.hughosgood.com . You can also watch his TV programme every Sunday morning at 10am on Revelation TV, [SKY TV Channel 581, FREESAT Channel 692, ROKU BOX: Revelation TV]

Keith Hammond at After Hours Live

Keith Hammond performs at After Hours Live

Yesterday another successful After Hours Live happened in Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech. Guitarist and songwriter Keith Hammond was our special guest artist this month. He played a fantastic mixture of his own songs and others from the charts. A balance of entertainment with a twist of faith gave a lovely insight into Keith's life and the two songs he played from the latest album recording from Kingsgate Church, Peterborough gave a glimpse into a future of musicality and song writing that is very exciting indeed.

After Hours Live will be back on Friday 4th October where we will be hosting an 'Open Mic' night. Musicians and entertainers from all walks of life are welcome to participate. Simply email info@afterhourslive.org.uk to book your 10min slot. Slots will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so get in quick as they do tend to go fast!

Sermons on Screen

We have begun video recording our Sunday sermons. You can watch them on YoutTube, or from our 'Videos' page on our website. Please feel free to interact with us and leave a comment. This will be published after it has been moderated.

We Complete Our First CAP Money Course!

On Sunday, The King's Church, Wisbech completed the running of our first CAP Money Course with 2 delegates completing the course and one more just about to complete it next week. This 3 session money management course provides education, tools, tips and advice about how to budget effectively, live within your means, how to save and how to stick to the limits you have set yourself within your budget!

Delegates are already finding the implementation of the CAP Money Course and the CAP Money System is already having a positive impact on their lives. One delegate said "I am excited and more confident in my abilities to take control of my finances".

If you or anyone you know are looking to get back in control of your finances and avoid the trap of debt, or if you find you are struggling with controlling the debt you already have, the CAP Money Course is for you!

Our next course starts on 15th September and is almost full. There is 1 space still available with 2 additional 'reserve' spaces still open.

There is another course scheduled to take place on 10th November and currently this course has 3 available spaces with 2 additional 'reserve' spaces still available.

Please visit our website and send us an email to make an enquiry or to book your space today!

Robin Preaches at Church

Robin Mackenzie preaching at The King's Church, Wisbech

Robin Mackenzie has joined the ranks of others from our church congregation who have taken up the challenge to have a go at preaching during the Sunday service. Robin continued our sermon series on Hebrews where we are looking at how 'Jesus is better than' all sorts of things. Here Robin looks at how Jesus is a better High Priest, how Jesus fulfils the role as the most perfect High Priest - the mediator between us and God.

It is a very good sermon and is well worth a listen. I am sure Robin will be back again with another sermon soon.

Listen to his sermon live online by clicking here. You will be taken to our church podcast where you can find Robin's sermon and listen to it on the page.

You can even subscribe to the podcast! 

Rally Car in Wisbech Market Place

The Christian Motor Sport Team team-up with The King's Church, Wisbech in Wisbech Market Place during 2013 Rose Fair Festival

 

A gloriously hot and sunny day greeted Paul Harvey from the Christian Motorsport Team and the gang from The King's Church, Wisbech. It was the Saturday of the Wisbech annual Rose Fair Festival. At 7am, the team were up and rearing to go, setting up the stand (complete with rally car) in Wisbech Market Place.

 

Once the stand was set up and the crowds descended for Wisbech's 50th annual Rose Fair many people stopped and had a look at the car, taking photos as well as being allowed to sit inside it and being able to chat with the driver. Many leaflets that explain how rally driving is like living a Christian life (including the gospel message) were taken by onlookers and passers by, as well as 1500 leaflets inviting people to come and get a 'taste' of what The King's Church, Wisbech is all about.

 

It was a fantastic opportunity for the church to get involved with the Rose Fair and made a big impact. It is very important for the church to be seen and to be heard, especially at events like this and this stand certainly achieved these aims.

 

If you saw the car at the Rose Fair, we would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the 'comments' section below, visit our website www.kingswisbech.org.uk or come along to one of our other events. We would love to see you there and you would be most welcome!

 

The Car

Many people have asked for the car's vital statistics, so here are some of them:

Four cylinder, Petrol, Cosworth 2.0lt 16 valves, turbo, intercooler, gems management (brains for the engine), Anti lag (resembling backfiring), water injection, Gems DA50 engine monitor and logger records, oil and fuel, and engine faults, Power 302 bhp

 

You can find the rest on the CMT's website www.alphaomega-cmt.org.uk  

 

 



 

The Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43bgSBF-0ag

 

The Photos

Lots of people have also asked us to post photos of the car, so here they are! Enjoy . . .

 

Paul Kerensa at After Hours Live

Comedian Paul Kerensa entertains at After Hours Live

Professional stand-up comedian, Paul Kerensa, visited Wisbech on his book tour. He has won comedy awards on ITV as well as helped to write hit sitcoms such as 'Dead Ringers' and  BBC's 'Miranda'. It was fantastic having someone of Paul's calibre visiting our lovely town.

Paul had the audience in stitches in no time! A great night of fun and hilarity was had by all. Octavia's Café in the grand Octavia View building that is managed and run by the Ferry Project, again played host to After Hours Live, with help from The King's Church, Wisbech who funded and co-hosted the event.

This event formed a part of The King's Church, Wisbech's involvement in the annual Wisbech Rose Fair festival. Other churches in the town have fabulous floral displays in their buildings, but The King's Church has stand-up comedy and a rally car instead (see next blog for more about the rally car!)

After Hours usually happens on the first Friday evening of every month, however with the long summer holiday happening over August and many people going away during that time, After Hours takes a well deserved rest as well! We will be back in September, so please do keep checking our website for more information nearer the time as we would love to see you there!

www.afterhourslive.org.uk

GP Taylor Visits After Hours Live

Author GP Taylor tells his fascinating life-story at After Hours Live 

New York Times best-selling author GP Taylor gave the audience at After Hours Live an unforgettable evening of stories and tales all based on his own life journey. He spoke about growing up and being expelled from school, being unable to read for many years, how he came to be an ordained priest as well as all the adventures and twists and turns his life has taken since becoming a successful author. An unashamedly Christian message given in a no-nonsense unpretentious way, Graham engaged with the audience who all thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his fascinating life.

It was also interesting to note that all of GP Taylor's books are about to be turned into movies! The first one is being released in a few months time: 'Muriah Mundi' which includes a star-studded cast. So watch this space cinema lovers!

Our next After Hours Live, on Friday 5^th July, sees Paul Kerensa, a stand-up comedian performing at After Hours Live’s Rose Fair Special! Paul has won many awards including ITV’s Take The Mike Award in 2002 and is a sitcom writer, most notably being on the writing team of BBC 1’s ‘Miranda’ and sketch shows such as ‘Dead Ringers’. This event is one not to miss! Come along for a great night out.

 

Our 2013 Wisbech Rose Fair Events

The Wisbech Rose Fair is an annual event that sees thousands of people coming to Wisbech over the course of five days in July. The event culminates on the Saturday with a wide variety of market stalls, flower displays, and a parade through the town with festive floats. Visit the Rose Fair website here.
This year the Wisbech Rose Fair is happening from Wednesday 3rd July until Sunday 7th July 2013 - and The King's Church, Wisbech is going to be there!

Friday 5th July 2013

Stand-up comedian Paul Kerensa will be coming to Wisbech on his book tour. He will be visiting us at our After Hours Live event that takes place at Octavia View Cafe from 7pm. This will be stand-up comedy at its best complete with fantastic cups of coffee and tea and delicious cake! Paul has been featured on TV as well as radio all around teh UK. He is also a sitcom writer including BBC1's 'Miranda' and 'Not Going Out'. Come along and join in the fun! Visit the After Hours Live website for more information.

Saturday 6th July 2013

Come and visit our stand in the Wisbech Market Place. This year we have teamed up with the 'Alpha & Omega Christian Motorsport Team'. They will be in town with their rally car which will be on display in the Market Place on Saturday 6th July. Come along to chat the the motorsport team as well as meet some people from our church to find out more about Jesus and what our church can do for you!

Sunday 7th July 2013

You may have been given one of our invitations before or during the Rose Fair invitig you to our special 'A Taste of Church' service. We are meeting in the Queen Mary Centre from 10:30am. We will finish at 12:15pm but you are more than welcome to drop-in and drop-out of the event at any time. During the event we will give a taste of what one of our church services is like as well as tell you about various courses and activities that we provide that can help you in your everyday life. Kids are more than welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

Click here for directions.

Church like you've never experienced before!

Our gang at the Big Church Day Out 2013

Some of The King's Church Wisbech gang enjoying themselves at the Big Church Day Out 2013

The second bank holiday weekend in May 2013 saw a group of 11 from The King's Church Wisbech pack their tents, sleeping bags, gas cookers and toilet roll into a few cars and head down to Wiston House in West Sussex  for two glorious days of friendship, sunshine and top-quality Christian music!

This was the first time a group from our church had attended the event that is growing from year to year. It features 3 stages that showcase Christian bands from around the world as well as the UK. There is also a fairground, archery, rock-wall climbing and a petting zoo for the kids. Ice-cream vans, a wide variety of food options in the food court, the Tearfund Tea Tent that serves as a music venue as well as a great place for a cream tea on the lawns.

As far as the top-quality Christian music goes, well we were spoilt for choice! Matt Redman, Hillsong Live, Jason Upton, Phil Wickham, Brenton Brown, Dave Bilbrough, Watato Children's Choir, King's Chamber Orchestra, Yazz, Amy Grant, and many more! We had a fantasic time worshipping with thousands of other from around the UK!

Watch our Youtube Videoto see some of the bands in action - Click Here! 

 



First Collection for the Wisbech Food Bank

Food collected at church today for the Wisbech Food Bank

The Wisbech Food Bank is opening in early June, so at church today we had our first ever food collection to help stock the Wisbech Food Bank before it opens. With some of the members of our church actively involved in the running of the Food Bank in Wisbech we are able to keep up to date with the need in our community as well as able to get involved as a whole church community and donate various food items.

Thanks to everyone who donated today. We ended up with even more food than is in the photo and it was very encouraging the see so many people in the church getting behind this worthwhile charity.

There will be more collections for the Wisbech Food Bank in the coming months. Please keep a look out in the church newsletter to find out when these will be taking place. However, a continuous collection point for the Wisbech Food Bank has been set up in the Oasis Book Shop (located at the end of Norfolk Street in Wisbech) if you would like to keep donating food on a more regular basis.

Visit the Wisbech Foodbank website!

Spiritualists, Mediums and the Occult

Have you ever been involved in the use of tarot cards, ouija boards or horoscopes? Have you had your fortune told or visited a medium or a psychic? If you have, you are certainly not alone! Or are you the type of person who thinks all this is a load of hocus-pocus mumbo-jumbo? Again, you are not alone!

In Christian circles, topics like this are often avoided or side-stepped but this is a mistake! Chrisitians believe in the spiritual realm (Heaven, The Holy Spirit, Angels etc). Often the focus is rightly on the positive elements of the spiritual realms, but we ignore confronting and dealing with the darker aspects of them at our peril! The Bible tells us that:

"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

The whole area of consulting with mediums comes up in 1 Samuel 28 where King Saul chooses to consult with a meduim rather than with God. In Clive Butcher's sermon series about 'The Life of David' he coveres this whole subject and gives a fantastic insight and Christian perspective to what the occult is, wether it is ok to consult mediums or not and what we should do if we have done so in the past.

Two sermons about the whole subject can be heard (live-streamed) directly from our website.
 Click here to listen now.

We welcome your feedback and comments about these sermons. Please use the 'comments' option below.

Joel Fitzsimmons at After Hours Live

 

Local teenager, Joel Fitzsimmons, took to the After Hours Live stage on Friday 10th May 2013 for his debut full-length solo gig. His set contained a varied selection of songs including The Beatles ‘Hey Jude’, U2’s ‘With or Without You’ and Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’. Joel is a very talented musician and as such he had expertly reinterpreted other well-known songs in his own style. Outcast’s ‘Hey Ya’ was performed on an acoustic guitar and ukulele and Taylor Swift’s hit ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ was performed as a rap! The sound resembled a Radio 1 ‘Live Lounge’ session.

Staying on the theme of variety, our next event on Friday 7th June sees the popular New York Times best-selling author, G P Taylor coming to Octavia’s Café to talk about his writing and novels. His works include Shadowmancer, Wormwood, Tersias, The Curse of Salamander Street and The Tizzle Sisters. There will be a variety of his books on sale as well as a question and answer session.

5 on CAP Money Course training day

Yesterday five people from our congregation attended a CAP Money Course training day in Birmingham. The course trained the team in how to run the course: how to help people build a budget; how to use the CAP money management system to stay free from debt; how to point people in the right direction to get extra help and advice if needed; and how to combine practical help with sharing the Christian faith.

Everyone involved was excited by the potential a course like this offers in helping our church to reach our community in a real and practical ways, being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

We have resources to help 50 people and are looking forward to running our first course in the next few months. Course sizes will begin at around 6-7 people. Please check on our church website as to when, where and how to register for the next CAP Money Course.

You can gain control back over your finances and you can live a debt free life!

Bob Bell at After Hours Live - April 2013

On Friday 5th April, Bob Bell was back at After Hours Live delighting the audience with his tongue-in-cheek humour as well as his country music. Singing country classics as well as some old gospel standards, Bob Bell had the audience singing along and laughing out loud! One of his songs was by singer Tiny Tim and Bob came equipped with a long black haired wig and a ukelele to give a convincing performance! Bob was also joined on stage by a few friends, namely Alan Vibes and Robin Johnstone who helped sing and play a couple of the songs.

Octavia's Cafe once again played host to the enjoyable evening, giving a fantastic blend of ambiance, coffee and cake! It was good to see some old faces of people who regularly support After Hours Live, but it was equally good to see a whole host of new faces too - we hope to see you again next month?

Our next After Hours Live will not be on the first Friday of the month due to the bank holiday weekend. We will be back on the second Friday of May instead, Friday 10th May 2013. Our special guest is the young but very talented Joel Fitzsimmons who will be playing and singing a variety of songs, new and old. It promises to be an excellent event. We hope to see you there?

For more information, visit our website www.afterhourslive.org.uk

Good Friday Walk of Witness 2013

Good Friday walk of witness through the streets of Wisbech - Photo by Matt McChlery

Yesterday was Good Friday and Churches Together in Wisbech got together for their annual Walk of Witness through the streets of Wisbech. Starting outside The Baptist Church in the driving snow the procession of around 200 people silently made it's way through the town, stopping outside the United Reformed Church in the Crescent and St. Pater's & St. Paul's church next to NatWest. The procession then made its way up to the bus station in the Horse Fair Shopping Centre, ending in the Market Place. At each stop, the walkers sung hymns and read together the various stages of Jesus' crucifixion from The Bible.

Watch the video here.

Wisbech: 24th Best town in Britain!

Wisbech Harbour & Boathouse

The Wisbech Standard this week featured a story that was run in The Times. Choices of towns for the list were based on their history, housing, ameneties and looks.

With Wisbech's marvelous Georgian architecture, Anglia in Bloom Awards, the re-vamped park as well as new buildings and areas of rejuvination such as The Boathouse buiseness centre, The Ferry Project's 'Octavia View' building and the investment being put into the Isle College campus and Thomas Clarkson Academy helped put Wisbech in the judges top list.

The historic Pecover House, Wisbech Castle and Wisbech Museum and the Octavia Birthplace Museum as well as historic links with the famous abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, Wisbech has a lot of history to offer visitors.

Housing prices also played their part, as some very good hoses are available in Wisbech for a fraction of the price as they would be elsewhere.

It is great that Wisbech is starting to be recognised as a valuable town once again. Hopefully this will draw people's attention to the town once again and will re-energise efforts to re-establish a rail link to the national railway network (sign the petition here) as well as attract investors into the town and reverse the current trend of businesses folding or moving out of the town centre.

As a church, with the discussions going on around The Queen Mary Centre, this building will continue to play an important role in the life and community of our town. You too can help the church to reach our community and help Wisbech to become the best it can be, to fulfil the potential God has placed within it, within us! Keep thinking of ways you can be involved in the community and in the building.

Here is the top 30 list from The Times newspaper:

30 Best towns in Britain
1   Alnwick, Northumberland
2   Arundel, West Sussex
3   Cranbrook, Kent
4   Keswick, Cumbria
5   Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
6   Bakewell, Derbyshire
7   Saffron Walden, Essex
8   Hay on Wye, Powys
9   Hitchin, Hertfordshire
10 Marlborough, Wiltshire
11 Clitheroe, Lancashire
12 Liskeard, Cornwall
13 Grantham, Lincolnshire
14 Tetbury, Gloucestershire
15 Melbourne, Derbyshire
16 Dorking, Surrey
17 Amersham, Buckinghamshire
18 Uppingham, Rutland
19 Beaconsfield, Bucks
20 Bungay, Suffolk
21 Lewes, East Sussex
22 Downham Market, Norfolk
23 Kingsbridge, Devon
24 Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
25 Bridport, Dorset
26 Henley-in-Arden, Warwicks
27 Bradford-on-Avon, Wlitshire
28 Altringham, Gt Manchester
29 Axbridge, Somerset
30 Thirsk, North Yorkshire

LoziB & Thomas Clarkson Academy pupils at After Hours Live

Lozi B performing at After Hours Live in Octavia's Cafe, Wisbech

After Hours had yet another successful event last night at Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech. Our March event was the first time that we had a few warm-up acts before our headline performer took to the stage.

Starting at the earlier time of 6:30pm, pupils from the Thomas Clarkson Academy bravely took to the stage to give some top-quality performances. Emily Lyall kicked things off by singing a fantastic version of 'Bullet-proof'. Joshua Betts added to the variety of the evening by playing some amazing pieces on his saxaphone. The stand-out piece for me was his version of the popular TV series Poirot's theme tune. Jone Lipnickaite finished off the warm-up acts by singing and playing her guitar as well as singing one song accompanied by piano. Her distinctive vocal quality served to add to the outstanding quality of these young performers. We look forward to working with them and other performers from Thomas Clarkson Academy in the future.

After a relaxing break for a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the fabulous Octavia's Cafe, LoziB took to the stage. She sang a variety of covers including 'Stand By Me' and 'You've Got A Friend' as well as some original compositions. Near the end of her performance LoziB bravely invited members of the audience to suggest various words that she then used to make up a song on-the-spot. This resulted in a truly unique experience and a song about Wendy the blue-and-red tiger! Her chilled and laid-back style added to the relaxed ambiance of Octavia's Cafe and the audience enjoyed the evening.

Next month, Bob Bell is back at After Hours by popular demand. His often amusing style and delivery of country music songs are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Why not come along and join us on the first Friday evening of May at Octavia's Cafe for the next After Hours Live?

Jackie preaches for first time!

Two weeks ago following promptings from the Holy Spirit as well as responding to the vision being cast by the church leaders who are encouraging everyone in the church to get involved in the ministry at The King's Church in Wisbech, Jackie Nurney bravely took a step of faith - She preached on Sunday and did an excellent job.

Jackie has given a pratical example to us all of what Clive Butcher has been talking about in his recent sermon series about Spiritual Gifts. We need to be brave, listen to what God is asking us to do, take that step of faith and get stuck in! God has equipped us with the abilities for the things he is asking each one of us to do. We (the people) are The Church, we are The Body of Christ on earth. It is up to each one of us to actively use the gifts God has given us to participate in minstry amongst each other as well as sharing the love of Jesus outside the church walls.

Ask yourself this:

• What can I do?
• What is God asking me to do for Him?
• How can I get stuck in?

Have a listen to Jackie's fantastic first sermon again: Click here

Info about After Hours Live

Earlier this week, Matt McChlery was interviewed about After Hours Live by local community TV Channel 'Popcorn TV'. Watch this video to find out a little bit about what After Hours Live is and who is performing in 2013!

Better still share the video link with your friends on Facebook, YouTube or anywhere else on the internet and encourage them to come along for a great night of entertainment with a twist of faith.

Good Vibe-rations at After Hours Live

 

Alan Vibes had the audience up and dancing the night away at After Hours Live on the 1^st February 2013. Singing a variety of toe-tapping covers including UB40, Blues Brothers and Tom Jones numbers, it was a night to remember! The audieance were up an dancing during the first half of the evening after having drunk the fabulous beverages supplied by Octavia's Cafe. The second half of the evening saw Alan in 'entertainer' mode and treated the crowd to a superb impersonation of Tom Jones, complete with wig! People will be singing 'My, my, my Delailah . . .' for many days to come.

If you didn't make it to Alan Vibes' spot at After Hours Live this year, we are sure he will be back in 2014 - so make a date!

Friday 1^st March sees our special guest Lozi B who hales from Berkshire. Her music and voice has a haunting, melodic tone and will probably give you goosebumps. She loves to make up songs on the spot, so who knows, if you come to this gig you may hear a unique song or 2 that haven't been heard before!

Alan Vibes - Tom Jones impersonation (complete with wig!)

Redemption in Les Miserables

I went to see the film ‘Les Miserables’ last week and it has had a profound effect on me, which I want to share with you.  Although it is billed as a love story and a comment on poverty and revolutionary politics in the period following the French Revolution, it is primarily a story of redemption. 

In one of the early scenes we are left breathless by the sheer grace and forgiveness of a Bishop.  He forgives the main character, Jean Valjean, and tells him to choose to live his life differently. This reminded me of the story of Jesus and the Woman taken in adultery.  When her accusers drift away, Jesus does not accuse her of her sin, but he forgives her and tells her to ‘sin no more’.  The Bishop is like Jesus, in not only does he forgive, but he gives Jean Valjean the means to live a new life.

From this moment, Jean Valjean is a completely changed man, and he decides to follow the way of truth and to help the unfortunate.  He soon has a crisis to face, when it looks like somebody else is to be condemned to imprisonment, as they have been mistaken for him.  This is a real spiritual crisis, as he is tempted to let the other man take the punishment for him, as he knows if he owns up, he can no longer give employment to many people and carry on the good works he is doing. 

Because of the example of the Bishop, Valjean can live a life of sacrificing himself for others.  He personifies Grace, whereas Jalvert, the policeman who hates Valjean, personifies Law.  In the film we see clearly that Law has its place, but Grace comes from a higher Lawgiver, as it is from God Himself.  Grace will triumph in the end.

As this film is receiving so much publicity at the moment, and thousands are flocking to see it, this is a good time to share with others these profound truths that God is a God of Mercy and of Grace, and that it is possible to leave behind your old life, and begin anew.

Poetry at After Hours Live

 

 

After Hours Live kicked off the New Year with a fantastic open-mic poetry evening. Poets from around Wisbech and the Fenland area came along and read poems by prominent published poets as well as poems they had written themselves. The forty-strong audience thoroughly enjoyed the literary entertainment as well as the superb ambiance of Octavia's Cafe. As always, the coffee was brewed to perfection and the cakes were sublime.

 

Matt McChlery, After Hours Live's organiser and promoter, used the oportunity to suggest the possibility of publishing an anthology of original poetry written by those who have attended After Hours Live poetry evenings as well as those from around the fenland area. All application forms that were available on the night were taken away - however you can download a copy from www.afterhourslive.org.uk  if you are interested in also taking part. Deadline for poem submissions is 1st April 2013.

 

Our next After Hours Live event is going to be held at Octavia's Cafe on Friday 1st February 2013 with our special guest Alan Vibes. Alan is a natural entertainer and does a great Tom Jones impression. He also sings Elvis, The Blues Brothers and other rock-and-roll classics. Do come along for a night of great entertainment with a twist of faith!

 

Spiritual Gifts

 

Our recent sermon series all about spiritual gifts has mentioned a lot of interesting points.

You can listen again to the podcasts live on our website here: http://dynamic.church123.com/podcast/ab523103-646a-41a3-a50f-8229c1086584

One of the main emphases has been that as a Christian believer, no matter your rank, position, or title - we are ALL called to use the gifts God has given us. It is not up to the 'minister' or 'pastor/preacher' to do all the work of the ministry. We have all been equipped with power by the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of the ministry.

God gives us gifts not just for ourselves but so that we can be a blessing to others. God will take our gifts and talents and make them 'more' than they are merely on their own. His anointing will be upon your gifts and will multiply them if used for His glory and for the benefit of others.

The Bible mentions some spiritual gifts in the New Testament as well as in the Old Testament. It is helpful to think of these as examples of what kinds of spiritual gifts exist - not as an exclusive list. They do indeed include gifts of teaching and prophecy but numerous other things can be included too: hospitality, musicality, modern technology (internet skills - blogging, etc), writing, knitting (eg. someone in our church knits for poor people in Armenia), helping etc etc etc - Do not limit what God can do through you.

Be who you are. God has made you an individual, a unique person. God has given you your spiritual gifts to be used by you, in the way he has made you to use them. Don't try to follow a 'formula' or the way that someone else does things. You are unique, just be yourself and be faithful to God. Ususally those passions and desires deep within you have been hard-wired in there by God. You already have some spiritual gifts within you that ate just waiting to be anitined by God and used for the good of others - be yourself in living your life for God, obeying what he prompts you to do and you will find that he has made you and equipped you to do just that!

Some questions for you to consider

Feedback and comments on this blog are encouraged and more than welcome. Here are some things you may want to think about and comment on:

• What are your natural desires and passions? What do you love to do?
• Can you find a way where you can use these giftings you already have for God?
• What do you think your spiritual gifts are?
• Should every believer be involved in the ministry of the church or should it be left to the 'pastor/preacher' at the front?

What do you think. Over to you . . .