Christmas Service 2016

Clive Butcher at our Christmas Service 2016

We had great fun at our Christmas service on Sunday - yes a week before Christmas, we know! Keith Smith preached in the first meeting about the Second Coming of Jesus - as Christmas celebrates the first time he came, we looked beyond to what the second coming means and what it may look like.

Then in our second children and families service we had some visitors as well as crafts, Christmas songs, crackers to pull and gifts to unwrap! All were used to help illustrate the good news of the Christmas story - Jesus, God with us! Our Saviour is born.

This was followed by a bring and share meal where lots of good conversations took place and the festive atmosphere was great fun.

Thank you to all who came along and contributed in some way to help make this a very special day.

Merry Christmas!

(We are having a small informal service on Christmas Day in the Church Rooms at Octavia View starting at 10:30am)

For information about other church services during the Christmas period please visit www.ChristmasInWisbech.co.uk 

Three Cheers for Christmas!

The Riding Lights Theatre Company were back in Wisbech on Friday with their 'Three Cheers for Christmas' play that was performed in the Queen Mary Centre. It explored the story of Christmas from three different perspectives: a shy shepherd; a wise man and an angel. It was full of bad jokes and fun, yet also presented the story of the birth of Jesus in an original and meaningful way.

There were two performances. On Friday afternoon the play was watched by over 400 primary school children from around Wisbech. Upon leaving they were given a Christmas gift from The King's Church Wisbech of the Bible Society's Christmas book ' The Well Good News of Christmas' in conjunction with Wisbech Reads. Friday evening saw an audience of about 100 people, a good mix of children and adults who also enjoyed the performance.

The event was sponsored by the Ferry Project and The King's Church Wisbech.

The Well Good News of Christmas

Watch the video that tells the story of Christmas. We will be giving away over 400 books to Wisbech school children that tell this story as part of Wisbech Reads. We will also be giving these to children who come to December's Messy Church.

Enjoy the video - Merry Christmas!

Our Position in Premier Digital Awards 2016

For the second year running, our website www.kingswisbech.org.uk has reached 'Finalist' position in the national Premier Digital Awards. We were shortlisted along with four other organisations in the 'Accessibility Award' category. We are very pleased to have made it this far again, however we did not advance to the final three on this occasion.

Matt McChlery's blog however has advanced to the final three in the 'Most Inspiring Leadership Blog' and will be attending the black-tie awards ceremony and dinner in London in November. Well done!

Wisbech Buskers to play After Hours Live

Contrary to a previously advertised date, After Hours Live will now be taking place on Friday 21st October we welcome The Wisbech Buskers to the After Hours Live stage. The Wisbech Buskers are Jacob Keet (violin), Clive Butcher (accordian) and Alan Vibes (Cello). Having met in the Fenland town of Wisbech, they discovered their passion for acoustic folk music. They formed as a group for a special concert that Jacob had organised and people were so impressed that they were booked for an After Hours Live session of their own! Come along to hear some great folk and classical music tinged with fun and frolicks and a twist of faith. 

After Hours Live takes place in Octavia’s Café, that is operated by The Ferry Project. This means every cup of tea, every mug of coffee, every slice of delicious cake purchased goes to the charity, helping those who are homeless in our community. Find out more about their work here http://www.ferryproject.org.uk/

Entry is free and the music starts at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm).

Find out more about After Hours Live here: www.afterhourslive.org.uk 

Come to Messy Church in October

Come and join in the fun on Saturday 8 October at the Queen Mary Cenre, Wisbech from 3:30pm - 5:30pm! Messy Church is a monthly creative way of having fun for all ages. It is also church, so we learn about a theme from the Bible - this month it is 'Salt and Light' - sing a song and say a prayer as well as having a meal together at the end.

This month we are learning about what it means to be salt and light to the people around us - come along to find out all about it!

www.messywisbech.org.uk

Saturday 8 October
3:30pm-5:30pm
Queen Mary Community Centre, Wisbech
PE13 2PE
Free of charge (although donations are welcome)

New Sunday Morning Service Structure and Times

New Sunday Morning Service Structure

As from Sunday 18th September our service structure will be as follows: 

• 10:15am - Bible teaching and discussion
• 10:50am - Fellowship in the foyer with refreshments
• 11:15am - Celebration service, concluding by 12:15pm

These changes will be in place until Christmas at which point a review will be conducted.

Sermon notes will be sent out a week in advance with the e-newsletter and will also be available on the information table.

Sermon Notes 25th Sept

To see the sermon notes for Sunday 25th Sept

CLICK HERE

Sermon Notes 18th Sept

To see the sermon notes for Sunday 18th Sept

CLICK HERE

Sign Up to our e-Newsletter

The decision has been taken to move from a paper based newsletter to a digital e-newsletter that you will receive via email.

Feedback on the trial of the e-Newsletter has been very positive and we look to continue to make this a valuable resource for you and are looking to include a more interactive content in the future.

For those without a computer, we will still be printing a few copies that you can collect at church on paper.

This is how you can get a copy of the digital e-Newsletter:

1. Sign up to the church mailing list found by scrolling down our Homepage of our website. www.kingswisbech.org.uk

2. 'Like' our Facebook Page - we often put a link to the newsletter on here.

Messy Fun at Rose Fair

Messy Church set up outside the Queen Mary Centre during the big Saturday Rose Fair event last week. A craft gazebo and bouncy castle were on offer as well as a puppet show. Despite the torrential showers that most managed to dodge, the event was a success and saw many new connections made with many good conversations about Messy Church. The puppet show was a huge success, performing to an audience of about 60 people who were all quite receptive to the gospel message and Bible stories and sings being performed.

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way. If we met you for the first time at the Rose Fair - we hoe you had fun and we look forward to seeing you at Messy Church in September.

Soothing Sounds at After Hours

After Hours Live was pleased to welcome Salt of the Sound on their Cambridgeshire leg of their UK Tour on Friday. From Sweden, Salt of the Sound are husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tantlow. Their music is relaxing and meditative, reminiscent of the 90s group Enya. Playing mainly original material, the soothing sounds soon wove their magic through the ears of the audience. Near the end of their second set, a thunderstorm broke outside and rivers of water cascaded down the sides of the glass cube, providing a very fitting background to the music. If you were unable to come, do check them out www.saltofthesound.com 

Book Your Place for 'Word on the Wash'!

Message from Helen Slipper at Terrington St Clement church:

We would be delighted if you would take a look at the Word on the Wash webpage - http://www.tsc-church.org.uk/wordonthewash/ - to see all the latest details about the programme, speakers, seminars and practical arrangements for Word on the Wash 2016.

We look forward to welcoming Hugh Palmer and Tim Chester as our main speakers.  Hugh will be teaching us from the book of 2 Timothy and Tim Chester will be unpacking Galatians chapter 2 for us under the title ' Rediscovering Reformation Joy'.

There will be a full programme for children aged 5-15 (including creche facilities for 0-5's with an audio link to the main hall) throughout Saturday 17th September - so please bring the whole family and make a day of it!

There will be four interactive seminars to choose from this year covering a wide range of topical issues - do please click on the 'Seminars' button on the webpage to browse the topics.

If you would like to support the event in prayer you would be most welcome to join us at our monthly prayer meetings at the St John's Centre, Kings Lynn, 4pm on Sunday's  19th June, 17th July and 21st August.

We look forward to receiving your booking online soon - or see you in September!

Don't Miss Salt of the Sound at After Hours!

Friday 1st July sees our After Hours Live 'Rose Fair Special' featuring the brilliant Salt Of The Sound.

Salt Of The Sound is the award-winning musical collaboration of husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tatlow. Their aim is to create songs that encourage spiritual reflection both in church environments and in times of personal quiet, while also exploring musical styles and expressions that bring a freshness to the Christian music scene. Songs by Salt Of The Sound have been widely featured on BBC radio and Swedish national TV - and in May 2015, the duo were awarded the "Best Music" accolade at The Attic Film Festival.

www.saltofthesound.com

Friday 1st July
Octavia's Cafe

Octavia View, South Brink

19:30

Free entry

www,afterhourslive.org.uk 

Messy Fun at Messy Church!

This was our sixth messy church and the theme for this month was not to worry for God takes care of us. Everyone who came enjoyed the activities especially making hats and garments from junk .Some had fun making a bird feeder mixing lard ,cheese,bird seed and raisins together. Another activity was making a grass head,filling a pop sock with some grass seed and then sawdust to take home and water and watch the grass grow to make hair,after an hour of activities we all came together for a short celebration where some of the children had bubble wands and made bubbles Mike spoke about how as the bubbles fly away we can give God our worries and he will help us,then we all had a meal of hot-dogs coleslaw and then strawberries and shortcake a good time was had by all.

 

Bob and Dave at After Hours Live

After Hours on Friday 10th June featured Bob Bell and after the interval Dave Nurney. Both were solo performers with guitar accompaniment.

Bob performed country style songs often with a touch of humour in the lyrics. He began using a chorus which showed his ability to yodel but also had songs where the audience could join in as well as introducing a song with ‘Western Swing’. Bob is known for his anecdotes and funny one-liners and this continued throughout his performance. He concluded with two gospel songs ‘I’ve found a friend in Jesus’ and ‘Icome to the garden alone’.

Dave introduced his set explaining his choice of songs were an invitation to reflect on the various experiences most people have to face, love, loss, hope. He demonstrated his ability in playing and singing in a variety of styles, linking the songs with sometimes humorous or thought provoking comments. His repertoire included ‘If you were me’; ‘The water is wide’; Borderline’ and ended with a song that was personal tohim and his family.

A fine evening of entertainment with a twist of faith enjoyed by many.

Val's Prophetic Word

This image captures a vision that Jane saw about our church some years ago.
It also ties in with Val's words that she gave on Sunday.

I feel that the Church has been asleep for a long time and that God is now using the very difficult circumstances that some of us have/are experiencing to "wake us up".  I feel that God is going to do something big with us in the future and he is getting us ready, that he is preparing us for an explosion.

Now adding my own take on this.  I feel very excited about the future of the church and even more so now that I now we will be around to see it and be part of it.  I think what we are currently experiencing is like birthing pains.  Yes, it is difficult and painful but it will be wonderful when we have finally "given birth" and can give glory and testimony to God for what he has taken us through.

Val.

Good Friday Walk of Witness

Yesterday, on Good Friday our congregation joined with others from around the town of Wisbech to take part in a united Walk of Witness. Over 100 people attended the event, led by Russell Day from the Salvation Army and the opening service of collective worship held at St Peter’s Church, saw four processions, each reading part of the Easter story, walk around the town. We concluded by gathering together in the Market Place to form the shape of the cross by holding four strands of rope where we read the Bible, sang hymns and prayed together. It was a powerful witness and sign of unity. 

Matt McChlery at After Hours Live

Matt McChlery entertained a home audience at After Hours Live at the start of March. Playing an acoustic set of covers by the likes of the Foo Fighters, Adele and Snow Patrol as well as a few original numbers too. Thank you to all who came.

Next month we welcome Bean Baker to the After Hours Live stage. This will be Bean's second time with us and if his first appearance was anything to go by, this is going to be a night to remember, so do come along to Octavia's Cafe on Friday 8 April.

Messy February

At Messy Church yesterday we explored the meaning and significance of The Last Supper. We painted our own place mats (picture above), squished our own grape juice, created and decorated our own goblets and constructed a huge wooden door frame which was used as part of the teaching during the Celebration.

Our messy volunteers did a fantastic job once again! We had a total of 20 people (including volunteers).

Our next Messy Church is on 19th March 2016 where we will be learning all about Easter! It is going to be a lot of fun for the whole family - and of course its going to be MESSY! You are very welsome to join us. Find our more at www.messywisbech.org.uk 

India Missions Evening

On Wednesday night Patrick Jonhstone spoke about his recent missionary trip to North-East India. Providing a fascinating world-wide overview of missionary work in the current global climate as well as predicting future problem areas and opportunities for growth, Patrick gave encouragement to the church to engage in mission on a wider scale. He also spoke about his trip as well as some of the people he encountered there and what his visit achieved.

There was time for us to sample some Indian food half way through the presentation. There was also opportunity to ask questions.

Thank you to all who came and to Patrick for an enjoyable and educational evening.

Libby Redman Plays After Hours Live

Last night saw the first After Hours Live of 2016. Sizeable numbers turned out to listen to the talented Libby Redman with her smooth, soothing soulful music. Singing a mixture of well known songs such as 'Lovely Day' and 'Lean on Me' as well as some original material. Her song 'One Brick At A Time' had the audience joining in and singing along. Thank you Libby for travelling down from York to be with us.

The re-vamped After Hours Live website is now live. Please visit it to see what is happening this year, grab the dates of the events as well as see who is playing.

Next month, we have our very own Matt McChlery take to the After Hours stage as part of what is turning out to be a mini cafe outreach tour! Wisbech is the second stop after playing at Sunday Night Live in Towcester and then in May Matt is playing in Costa Coffee in Wigston, Leciester at another Sunday Night Live event. Friday 4 March is going to be a great night out filled with great acoustic versions of some favourites by the Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Elvis Presley and more.

Christian Passover Meal

Last night a group of us gathered together in the church rooms at Octavia View to take part in a Christian Passover Meal. This helped us to deepen our understanding of Communion as well as helping us to identify with the Jewish roots of Christianity. The evening was led by Andrew Saunders and was most enjoyable.

Talk by International Author and Speaker

Missionary, author (Operation World) and international speaker, Patrick Johnstone is going to be giving a presentation about his recent ministry trip to India. Come and  hear what God did during the visit as well as what is happening in the country in general. All welcome - free of charge.

Wednesday 10 February 2016
Octavia View
19:30

Homeless Sunday

This week we celebrated Homeless Sunday during our morning service. As well as learning more about the work of our local homeless charity the Ferry Project, lead by one of our Elder's. Keith Smith, we were also fortunate enough to hear John's story.

Libby Redman playing After Hours Live in February

After Hours Live is back on Friday 5th February with the immensely talented Soul and Gospel singer Libby Redman. Libby will be travelling down from Liverpool to be with us at After Hours Live in February. Growing up with a love for music and wearing out toy microphones, Libby first performed one of her own gospel songs on stage at the age of 11. Writing music and lyrics is as natural to her as singing.

Described on Premier Gospel as ‘a gospel singing sensation’, her voice is powerful and emotionally stirring as it spills out from her core, powerfully articulating a range of life experiences that express faith, hope and love.

Libby produced her soulful new album, SO GOOD, which was released in November 2015. Recently nominated by Pure M Awards as Best UK Act whilst touring the UK & Europe, Libby continues to develop her distinctive sound.

More about After Hours Live

After Hours Live is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month in Wisbech, the heart of the Fens. Hosted by The King's Church, it combines first-class entertainment (that ranges from musicians and comedians to poetry reading and magicians) with a twist of faith. Performers come from far and wide across the UK, as well as some great home-grown local talent.

Starting at 7;30pm,Octavia’s cafe swings into action brewing up steaming cups of tea and luscious cappuccinos and lattes. Free entry means that you can come and enjoy the comfortable cafe atmosphere and still be able to afford a cup of your favorite beverage and maybe even treat yourself to an indulgent slice of cake! Some performers may also bring CDs they have recorded or books they have written that will also be available on the night.

2016 Line-Up

Other performers at After Hours Live in 2016 include: Chelsea Alice Scott, Bean Baker, Salt of the Sound, Pete McAllen and many more. Please visit the After Hours Live website www.AfterHoursLive.org.uk or ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to be kept up to date with the latest news and events.

Messy Church Launches

Yesterday saw the launch of Messy Church at the Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech hosted by our church (The King's Church, Wisbech). We saw around 30 people attend, both young and old, who all had great fun with the various crafts that were on offer as well as the sporting activity.

This month the theme was 'Past, Present and Future' with an emphasis on the different generations learning from each other and walking the path of faith together.We had a celebration time together were we sung a fun song, learnt about Simeon and Anna in the temple and said a prayer. Then we finished off with a delicious meal of beef pie with vegetables and sponge and custard for dessert!

Our next Messy Church is on Saturday 20th February. Come along and join us!

Messy Church Starts - Don't Miss It

You are invited to bring your family along to Wisbech's new all-age Messy Church. We are launching on Saturday 23rd January and for every new registration you will receive a free gift! Come along to experience church in a fun, creative, friendly, all-age way with celebration, Bible teaching, a song and food! You don't want to miss it!

3.30 - 5.30pm
Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech
Free (but donations welcome)
All-ages (Children must bring an adult with them)

Prophetic Worship Workshop and Evening Service

Angie Lendon, songwriter and worship leader from Revive Church in Hull, travelled down to Wisbech on Saturday to hold a prophetic workshop with our church band. Everyone was very receptive to what she brought and were stretched to step out in courage and respond to what the Holy Spirit was doing and where He was leading amongst us. She gave many practical tips and suggestions as well as provided opportunities to put them into practise.

Saturday evening saw our band joining with Angie for an evening of prophetic worship. Here the band flowed from known songs into spontaneous times of singing and playing. Angie also brought some prophetic words and sung over a few people. Someone was also healed when the clarinet was played over them (no words at all!).

On Sunday, when the whole church gathered together, the time of worship was extremely powerful. As the band continued to flow and use what they learnt from the previous day, the congregation responded very well and the Holy Spirit was very evident amongst us.

God is alive and moving powerfully amongst us!