ccw april 2013 newsletter

7/28/2019 CCW April 2013 Newsletter

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ChristChurch

Wrexham Newsletter Apr 2013

Relay

Welcome to the April edition of theChristChurch Relay magazine.

April KeyEvents

2nd CytunHunger Lunch

at St Giles

7th

CommunitySport +

followed bybring and

share lunch

Junior ChurchMeal

21st EveningService

Scripture Focus for April Matthew 28:18-20 &10:5-8

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth

has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following

instructions: Do not go among the Gentiles or enter

any town of the Samaritans.6 Go rather to the lost

sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message:

The kingdom of heaven has come near.8 Heal those

who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have

leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received;freely give.


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Page 2 ChristChurch Wrexham

Interim Leaders Log

The Lion and the LambLast months article focused on the presence and power of God and I am followingthat up by sharing some thoughts about the Lion and the Lamb. Scripture teaches usto think about and relate to Jesus in both of these ways and forms. He is the `Lamb ofGod` who takes away the sin of the world and the `Lion of Judah` who overcomes Hisand our enemies.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, Behold the Lamb ofGod! John 1:29 & 36

But one of the elders said to me, Do not weep. Behold, the Lionof the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open thescroll and to loose its seven seals. Revelation 5:5

I think that we are far more comfortable with one than the other though. Most of ourworship tends to focus on Jesus our saviour the lamb. Of course it is good to do that

but at the same time it is also very safe again nothing wrong with being safe.

When it comes to the lion I think we are far more uncomfortable, and, if we werehonest enough to really admit it, even fearful at times we much prefer a tame `kitty-cat`. They are safe and far more predictable but as C.S. Lewis so often reminds us in

the Narnia stories Aslan is not a tame lion. Neither is Jesus.

The Lion is the symbol of the King (nb. King of the beasts). This is why early churchfathers historically linked a lion image with the Gospel of Matthew. Matthews gospel isobsessed with the Kingdom of the coming rightful King. Whenever and wherever theKing shows up the kingdom comes i.e. the kingdom comes in the presence of theKing. When this happens OT prophecies and NT narratives reveal the miraculousbreaking out as the Lion roars. The enemies of God and man - sin, sickness, deathand demons - are overcome and people are made well and whole again. Oh how weneed the Lion of Judah to roar in our midst more frequently.

Lets keep worshipping the Lamb it is good and proper to do so, but lets also makemore and more room for the Lion to come and roar in our midst so that the enemiesthat would affront us and our fellow humanity will be put to flight. Jesus is our saviour

lamb of God but he is also our rightful king and returning judge the lion of Judah.We so often get caught up in worship of the saviour but are not so good at seeking thepresence and power of the King. Lets seek the presence of the King more and more.When the tangible manifold presence of the King comes the kingdom will break out inpower. Hallelujah thats what we and this fallen broken world need.

I deeply desire to see it, and seek it, more and more. Lets go for it TOGETHER.

Love and prayers,Every Blessing, A ETA ETA ETA ET


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Bring Me Sunshine

On March 14th

six of us from ChristChurch went to this event in Birkenheadand thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Care for the Family is a national charitywhich aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face familydifficulties.

In our 25th anniversary year we wanted to bring a little sunshine and laughter to ourfriends and supporters. Hosted by best-selling author Rob Parsons, and featuring

comedian and magician John Archer. Discover how the gift of laughter can be one ofthe greatest strengtheners of our relationships and family life.

Smile as you realise that whether its dealing with a terrible two year old, staying sanewith a teenager or even re-igniting sex in marriage laughter can be a vital key.

John Archer is a past winner of the Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year andcertainly one of the best comedy magicians in the UK today. He was the first personto fool Penn & Teller on ITVs Penn & Teller - Fool Us.Rob Parsons founded Care for the Family in 1988. As an international speaker andbestselling author, the hallmarks of Robs work have been honesty, laughter, faith and

hope.Care for the family run courses and have published books on parenting, marriage,money issues and bereavement. Well worth looking out for! Sally Ellinson

YWAM Mission TripA big thank you to Christ Church for partnering with YWAM and our Discipleship

Training School these last 6 months. The three trainees have learned so much during

their time here, in part, thanks to your church!

A significant part of the 10-month training program is a 2-month cross-culturalmission trip. This year they will be going to Malawi in Africa (22

ndApril to 30

thJune).

This is always a life changing trip!

This year Elizabeth Rowe (leader) and Shelby Holmes (staff) will be taking the team

with our three trainees, Amanda & Gary Benton and Lacey Yonally. The success of

this type of trip depends significantly on both prayer and finances. Prayer for unity,

courage, cultural adaptability, bold evangelism and more. Finances to cover the

costs of the bare-bones budget for flights, food, travel in country, ministry, etc. Themost significant part of their 1500/person budget is the travel to and from Malawi

which is nearly half that budget!

If you would be interested in partnering in prayer or finances with an individual or

the team, please email the Outreach Leader, Elizabeth ([email protected]) or

DTS Leader Sarah ([email protected]) or call 261712. Once again, thanks for

blessing our team with your friendship and ministry opportunities!

Grace & Peace, Sarah Opper, DTS Leader


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Prayer - Chapter 4, Frank CollinsThe Greeks had a word for it PENTHOS a broken & contrite heart, inward godlysorrow, blessed holy mourning, heartfelt compunction PENTHOS, the PRAYER OFTEARS.

It is being cut to the heart over separatedness from God and a weeping over sin , oursand the worlds; seeing the need for repentance in an awareness that it is sin that hascut us off from Gods presence.

Throughout scripture we find those who have travelled this way Job, Isaiah,Jeremiah and in Lamentations. Davids life was so full that it seems almost every pageof the Psalms reflects his Prayer of Tears [Ps 6 42 56 119:13 are just a few].

Jesus too offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears [Heb 5:7].From the Beatitudes Blessed are those who weep [Luke 6:21 & Matt5:4], and His

arrival at Jerusalem [Matt 23:37], to receiving the tears of Mary as she bathed His feetand then received His forgiveness and His benediction. [Luke 7]. And the shortestverse in the whole bible Jesus Wept.

But for us who have a religion of good feelings and perhaps prosperity, where doesthis sorrow and weeping and mourning fit? The ancients referred to it as Deep Joyechoed in Ps 126:5 those who sow in tears, reap with joy! You see tears are often asign that God has touched a particular issue, in our life or that of others.

The bottom line for repentance is that we are sinners who sin, and throughout the

New Testament, from Johns initial call to repent, through Peters call at Pentecost, toRevelation and Jesus call to the 7 churches, we are exhorted to repent for theKingdom is close by. The response that we see of the tax collector in Luke 18:13 issimple but profound, Lord be merciful to me a sinner, is said daily in the KyrieEleison Lord have mercy, and in the oft repeated Jesus Prayer, Lord Jesus Christ,have mercy on me a sinner. So having asked and confessed our/others sin, receivedthe forgiveness of our Father, there follows obedience. And whatever the call, ourobedience will be done with zeal, be it standing up and speaking out, or speedilyresponding to an exhortation, or by rushing to help some urgent repair, we do it in

obedience with our trowels and swords.But we are British you say and we [men especially] are not given to emotionalresponses like tears. But it has taken us years to become I am a rock, I am an island,and to learn how to weep with those who weep, and to weep over our Jerusalem, willtake time. First stop is to immerse ourselves in the Gospels all of them to cure thestiff upper lip and get to know better the man of sorrows who was acquainted withgrief. And wait patiently for the call that tears will bring.

Gracious Jesus, it is easier for me to approach you with my mind thanwith tears. I do not know how to pray from the emotive centre of my

life; still I come to you just as I am. Break my stony heart with thethings that break your heart. Help me, let me, weep over sin. Amen


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Mike and Jo Exploring a Call to Leadership

MikePersonally Ive felt a call to leadership on my life since I was young. The ways inwhich that calling has been worked out in my life have varied a lot, from leading on

the hockey pitch, Head Boy in school, and trying to move up the leadership ladderas a Teacher. However, more recently Ive felt that God has been nudging me tothink of looking at other areas of my life to explore this calling.With the feeling that leadership in Church was something I should be doing, andthat as a couple weve wanted to make a difference in Hightown for some time, thetiming seemed right to approach Gareth, and begin to see how this could beexplored.

JoFor some time I believe God has been telling me to grow and learn through hisWord, and to get ready to serve and use the giftings he has given me!

When the opportunity to be involved in assisting the Hightown Leaders cameabout, I knew that it would be a challenge, but also one that excites both Mike andmyself! Hightown is the community in which I grew up in, and I feel a deep desireand sense of responsibility to get to know the people who live here and to showthem what Gods love looks like! I hope and pray that in whatever ways Hechooses, God will use us as a family to bring others to know and experience Hisperfect and unfailing love.

We believe that the future of the Church depends on how we engage people whoarent in it yet. We have lots of ideas and vision on how Church can meet theneeds of the community in Hightown but still hold on to what God intended Churchto be. We really just want to play our part in the Body of Christ, and hope that atsome point in the future we may be able to inspire you to come along on thatjourney too.

Ephesians 4 verse 16: From him the whole body, joined and held together byevery supporting ligament, grows and builds up in love, as each part does its work.

Sunday Services at ChristChurch 1st Sunday ofmonthIt has been noticeable over the last few months that morefolk and children are attending the service at Bodhyfrydwhilst Community Sports Plusruns in Acton. We willtherefore be making these first Sunday of the month services

ALL-AGE SERVICES. Crche and Little ones (for preschool

Children) will still run as currently but starting from April thewhole service will be planned as an All-Age Family Service ofaround 60-75 minutes.


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Two poems from Step with me by Mary-Joan Lloyd

Gethsemane

Jesus, what was it likein the Garden of Gethsemane?Amidst the olive groves,leaves whispering in the dark.Had the stars and moon hid themselvesMaking the night darker than usual?

How dark was it in the Garden?How dark was it in Your innermost being?

knowing only one day left as a Manknowing, by seeing other menscourged and crucified andas a Man, fearing that pain?

As the Son, knowing Your Fatherwould forsake You for a time,

because of my sinswhich You bore on the Crossreleasing me into new life

life with You.

Pondering on the Crucifixion

What did Mary feel when she sawsoldiers casting lots for her Sons clothing?

Did she weave the seamless robe,was it extra special to her?

Was this the last straw for herin the deep grief for her Son?

Why did the sun stop shining for three hours?How far did darkness cover,

all over the known world?Did the darkness help to

make the heat more bearable,cooler for those on the crosses

or oppressive, like a storm brewing?

When Jesus cried: I thirstwas it only physical

for cold water, wine or even vinegar?Or could it be emotional, spiritual,

Had His Father left Him in the darkness?

That moment of desolationWhen all around was dark, within and without,

where were all His disciples gone, fled except for John and some women.

He is thirsty for us,for our hearts and lives.


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Deejay Update

Thank you so much for being a part of the Logos Hope ministry by supporting Deejay.

Please watch this video to see more ways your prayers were answered and how your

financial support made a difference during the Ships time in Cambodia. It is very

moving and a real eye opener to how God is using Deejay and the other volunteers to

share the love of Jesus around the world. Here is the link:

http://vimeo.com/60640617 See if you can spot Deejay too she's in there!

A few highlights from this video:

1,584 received medical care

198 got dental care who have never received it before

716 received SALVATION through the medical outreaches (that was recorded!)

1,228 pairs of glasses given out

150 water purifiers put installed

7,228 dresses given to girls as part of dress a girl around the world

God is AMAZING! With gratefulness, Meg

Potential Short Term Mission Trips

Following a recent surprise encounter bumping into an old friend

after 20 years the thought of arranging a short term overseas

mission trip has been lodged in my spirit.

I am therefore asking if anyone would be interested in taking part in a 5-7 days

overseas mission trip at some point later in 2013 (autumn) or early in 2014 (spring).

2 possibilities are at fore in my mind at present:

1) A trip to Lebanon to an Ichthus link church

2) Volunteering to be part of a ministry team at a European based Global

Awakening Conference

A Lebanese short-term mission trip would enable us to see and experience the Lord at

work through his church in a very different culture and context. Joining a GlobalAwakening conference ministry team would provide an opportunity to see the power

of God at work up close and personal.

Both the above offer great potential for a life changing experience with the benefit of

experiencing it with family members from ChristChurch.

Please let me know of any interest in joining such an endeavour and of any preference

in the two options above.

Really looking forward to responses. Blessings,Gareth


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Ichthus Worship Prayer and Fasting Conference 2013

The conference was held in Ashburnham House in Battle near Hastings. The groundsare beautiful but as it rained almost the entire time I didnt have much opportunity toexplore them!

The theme of the three days was Lord increase our faith and we looked at the storyof Abraham and his journey of increasing faith noting the obstacles that he had toovercome on the way.

There were three sessions with Graham Kendrick: in two of them he led the worshipand they were amazing times of blessing and in the third he took us through theprocess of song writing. If, like me, you thought that he just sat down and out flowedthe finished article then you, like me, couldnt be more wrong! As an example he andBen, who is part of the worship band in Ichthus, took us through a song which hadbeen Bens original idea but which he and Graham then worked on for over six

months. We heard the original poem read, then the first draft of the poem turned intoa song and the then unfinished version that Ben and Graham had worked on for sixmonths. It sounded good as a poem and I really liked the first draft too but when wesang the finished version in the evening worship (they worked all afternoon to get itdone!), you could see how the collaboration had made something really beautiful. Ihope we can sing it someday in CCW.

Many of the most beautiful times I had though were with people I sat with in theconservatory or in the sessions. As I had gone on my own I made a consciousdecision not to sit in the same chair twice and so I met a variety of really lovelypeople. I cannot begin to tell you the amazing things I learned from them and withthem but let me share a couple of special ones.

I met Gail and from her learned something beautiful about prayer. She has amazingstories to tell of Gods provision for her and for her family through some very testingtimes but what she said to me about how she prays really spoke to me. She said,Sue, when I pray its with the expectancy of a child on Christmas Eve. I know I willget something good but Im never sure exactly what it will be! That simple messagehas transformed not only the way I pray but what I dare to pray for!

The second was an encounter in a worship session when we thinking about howAbrahams disobedience had been a block to his faith. We were asked to share withthe person sitting beside us an area of our lives that we had not put under theauthority of God. It transpired that although Sarah and I had different areas to bringbefore God, actually they had the same root cause. I may never meet Sarah againand maybe that made it easier to be open and honest and truly explore the issue but Ihope that the release that she and I experienced will continue to impact our lives.

I had a wonderful time and would love to go again and maybe next time in thecompany of others from CCW. I took cereal bars with me but the fasting was not the

big issue I expected it to be for me. With grace from God and the shared experienceof the other sixty or so people on the course it became another way to worship.

Sue Allen


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WORSHIP CENTRAL & ALPHA LAB TOUR

On March 20th

we took 5 teenagers from the Pienears group, with the help of James & Meg, tothis event held at the Audacious Church in Manchester.

The Worship Central team are hitting the road this March for 8 nights around the UK. Thesenights will be an exciting time to gather together in passionate worship with space for teachingand ministry. Armed with brand new songs from the latest Worship Central album 'Let It BeKnown' (Released on 11 March), the team will be joining with Alpha to explore how worship andevangelism fuel each other. The nights are for all worshippers to encounter God, be equippedand empowered.We had an awesome night, there was fantastic worship from the band & Tim Hughes, aninspiring talk, and lots of young people, including some that our teenagers knew from summercamp which was great. A couple of the group came out saying they had felt the Holy Spirit, arechanged for life, want more of God, and want to do more for God and the church, hallelujah! It

was a real eye opener for others as their first ever visit to church!Please keep praying for this group as they are all on their own journeys, and for Bekki and theteam as we mentor them, and thank you for your financial support which enables us to takethem to events like this! John & Sally Ellinson

Womens World Day of Prayer 2013 Sue Allen

Every year the women of a particular country prepare the materials for 24 hours ofprayer; which begins in Samoa and moves westwards with the rising sun. This year thewomen of France were given the theme I was a stranger and you welcomed me.Using passages from Leviticus 19 and the parable of the sheep and the goats fromMatthew 25 and personal stories of women in France who had been strangers invarious ways, they explored what our response should be to those around us.

The service was dramatic and moving and I was privileged to attend two; the Wrexhamtown service in the Salvation Army Citadel in the early afternoon and in the evening atBethel Garden Village.

Two things in particular struck me. In the morning service the speaker spoke of theimprisoned and reminded us that there are many such in our own streets; those whoare housebound through illness or infirmity, those trapped in a cycle of hopelessness

and despair, those whose economic situation forces on them impossible choices:people for whom we have a gospel of healing, of hope and of restoration.A song had been written especially for the day and one line in it stood out for me likea seed that is blown . The context was of refugees and other immigrants who areblown by the wind of chance to a new country in the hope of a new and better life butthe thought that came to me was that there are many in Wrexham without a clearsense of purpose or direction. They are at the mercy of every changing wind and manyfeel hopeless and helpless as a result. We too, as Christians, are blown by the windbut it is the Wind of the Spirit of God and though we may not know exactly in which

direction our lives will go or where He will lead us we can rely on the promise of Godwhen He said, I know the plan that I have for youplans for welfare and not forcalamity to give you a future and a hope! (Jer 29:11)

I was blessed by both services and Im looking forward to next year to experience theservice prepared by the women of Egypt.


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ChristChurch Monthly Rotas

7th

Apr 14th

Apr 21st

Apr 28th

Apr

Communion Offering Communion

Setting Up Richard, Kevin T Sue, Blair Art, Magda John, Sally

PA Rob, Rod Eth, Colin Rob, Rod Eth, Colin

IT Frank, Lucas Frank, Lucas Frank, Lucas Frank, Lucas

MusicGroupLeader

Colin Colin Huw John

ServiceLeader

Gareth Rob G Lesley Sue

Speaker Sue Gareth Gareth Gareth

Tea Dorothy, Lucy Elaine, Marilyn Rosemary, Ffion Myra, Art

Crche Lesley Sue Val Sally E

Little Ones Sally G Dorothy Jo Katrina

JuniorChurch

CommunitySport +

Lucy, Jean, BlairAndrew, Liz,

John EJean, Lucy,James M

If you have any queries please call Gareth Jones - ChristChurch Team Leaderon 01978 354805,

see our website www.christchurchwrexham.org.uk,

or see www.facebook.com/ChristChurchWrexham

or send us an email - [email protected]

We meet at Bodhyfryd Primary SchoolBrynycabanau RoadHightown, Wrexham

LL13 7ADOur postal address is

ChristChurch, c/o 7 Heol Penally, Little Acton, Wrexham, LL12 8JT

ccw april 2013 newsletter

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