link 2
DESCRIPTION
Kerith Community Church's magazine- Life IN KerithTRANSCRIPT
LinK
Who we are and what we doKerith SundaysInterviews and featuresDates for your diaryGetting involved
Life in Kerith
community church
Issue 2 April - July 2010
covers spread 1-32:Layout 1 07/04/2010 10:14 Page 2
We're looking in this issue at what it means for thechurch to be the place of God's provision. Not abuilding you go to in order to do "religious stuff", but a community of people experiencing God's provisionand power in their own lives, and then giving awaywhat God has given to them in order that they mightbe a blessing to others both locally,nationally and internationally.We know that the first issue of LinKwas read and enjoyed by people farbeyond our church community. So whoever you are, and howeveryou came by this magazine, I hope you will find articles thatwill interest you, and discoverways in which you canexperience God's provision inyour life too.
Simon Benham Senior Pastor
Welcome 2Kerith Community Church 4The Sunday experience 6Kerith - place of provision 8Kids stuff 10Unique for women 12United for men 13Alpha - a new beginning 14Freedom in Christ 15Financial times 16Foodbank 18Book reviews 19International man of ministry 20Volunteer revolution 22Youth - LIFE style 23Rock god meets real God 24Baptisms - a new chapter 26Who’s who & what do they do 27Contacts - everything Kerith 28What’s on and what’s coming 30
3
Kerit
h El
ders
We are really excited to be able to welcome you to this first edition of our Kerith magazine, LINK (Life IN Kerith).Simon and Catrina Benham.
to the kerith
For more thoughts from Simon,log onto his blog at:www.simonbenham.com
Back rowKen BothamleySimon BenhamAlan LanderFront rowSola OsinoikiBen DaviesLincoln Osunkoya
Hello and welcome to the second edition of our Kerith Community Church magazine, LinK.Simon and Catrina Benham
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International hub
Oakwoodyouth challenge
District line
Central line
KerithCommunity
Church
Serenje appealFive year programme supporting HIV/AIDS projects in Zambia
Partner organisationoutward bound activityand leadership trainingcentre
LithuaniaSupporting church leaders and evangelists
AlbaniaSupporting church leaders and evangelists
PolandSupporting church leaders and evangelists
Music groups
Lighting, sound and video recording
Websitegraphics, set designand literature
Group for adults withlearning disabilities
Practical help forpeople in crisis
Feeding local people in crisis
National debtcounselling service
Group for the deaf and hard of hearing
Support groups for children with disabilities and their families
Womens’mentoringprogramme
Womens’ book club
Womens’ fitness group
Womens’ writing group
Midweek small groups
Midweek group for the retired
Friday night youth event
Kerith in the community
Hilltop
TMTL
FoodBank
CrisisIntervention
Konnections
RespiteSaturday and holidayclubs for disabledchildren
YouthMonday night youthgroup
Mums’ groupSupport group formothers of disabledchildren
Sunday buddiesSupport for disabledchildren during ourSunday children’smeetings
CAP Deaf Hope
Children’s ministry
Unique women’s ministry
United men’s ministry
Creative arts
Life groups
Volunteers
Treasure Tots
Twinkles prewalkers
Jewels1s
Little Gems2s
Precious Stones3s and 4s
KonstuctionKrew
5s to 11s
Freedom in Christ
The Alpha course
ParentingThe marriage course
Bracknell
Car parking
Welcome team
Refreshments
Sandhurst
Wokingham
Warfield
Discovery workshop
InspireExp
Activate
Worship
Tech teamVideo editing and animatedproduction
Media Graphics teamFootball club Golf club Events
Cycling
Energy Exposition
kerith fast-track
Youth ministry
Life
J Generation
Schools work
K2
Sunday youth meetings
Networking within localsecondary schools
Monday nights Saturdays
Midweek meeting
Sunday meetingsand productions
Drama
Sparklers
Kerith courses
Young adultcommunity
Midday bible study group
Parent andtoddler group
Sunday children’s groups that meet in K2, ourbuilding across the car park from The Kerith Centre
Intermediate discipleship
Introduction to the Christian faith
Building great relationships
Realise your spiritual gifting
Practical skills to help with parenting
Money managementCAP Money
Outreaching work of Kerith
Life within Kerith
Discipleship groups
4 5
Facilities
Courses
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sundaykerithGOOD MORNING!
THE KERITH CENTRE... THIS IS THE PLACE KIDS
YES.. OF COURSE
IF YOU COME REGULARLYTHERE IS PARKING AT AVISNEARBY, WE HAVE A MAPAVAILABLE. IF YOU CAN’TWALK FROM THERE, THENJUST ASK AT RECEPTION
FOR A PARKING PASS.
HELLO. WELCOME TO K2 AND OUR CHILDREN’SMEETINGS.
BRILLIANT.. SOUNDS FUN.
HI THERE. ALL THE BABIES ANDCHILDREN UP TO 11 HAVE GROUPSOVER IN K2. LET'S GO OVER THERENOW - YOU CAN REGISTER THEMFROM 10 MINUTES BEFORE THEMEETING STARTS
GOOD MORNING. AND FORTHOSE WHO ARE NEW TO USI’M SIMON BENHAM, SENIORPASTOR HERE AT THE KERITH...
THE OFFERIN G IS REALLY FOROUR REGULARS SO PLEASEPASS THE BASKET ON..
HI YOU GUYS. ARE YOU IN YEARS 7-9? COOL! WHY NOT POP OUT TO J-GEN WITH US. IT’S BRILLIANT ANDGEARED UP FOR YOUR AGES.
WOW - THIS LOOKS FANTASTIC.
SO NOW THE KIDS ARESETTLED IN WE’LL TAKE YOUTHROUGH TO THE AUDITORIUM
FOR THE MEETING.. GRAB A SEAT WHEREVER
YOU LIKE...
WE START WITH WORSHIP...
THE KERITH WAY.
FOLLOWED BY OUR VIDEO FORANNOUNCEMENTS AND NOTICES...
HI... WE’RE NEW TO THE KERITH.ARE WE OK TO PARK HERE?
WE HAVE SIGNING FOR THE
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
AT THE 11AM MEETING.
AND THIS IS OUR CONNECT
AREA. WOULD YOU LIKE A TEA
OR COFFEE?
I'LL EXPLAIN MORE
ABOUT HOW TO GET
INVOLVED AT THE KERITH .
YES, WE RUN MANY
LIFEGROUPS. DO YOU HAVE
ANY PARTICULAR NEEDS
FROM A GROUP?
IT WAS GREAT TO MEET
YOU. AND REMEMBER OUR
MEETINGS ARE 9AM,
11AM AND 7PM.
GOOD TO SEE YOU. ARE YOU COMING
TO THE 7PM EVENING MEETING? THE
VOLUME’S UP, THE LIGHTS ARE DOWN.
WHY NOT ARRIVE AT 6PM FOR COFFEE
AND TIME TO HANG OUT?...
VOLUME’S UP, LIGHTS DOWN..
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME...
7PM... WOW THEY’RE NOT KIDDING.
THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT.
"FOR THE ADULTS IT'S TIME TOLISTEN TO SOME GREATTEACHING FROM SIMON OR ONEOF OUR GIFTED SPEAKERS...
TO BE CONTINUED... SUNDAYS 9AM, 11AM AND 7PM
sunday 6-7 v2:Layout 1 07/04/2010 09:53 Page 1
One of the questions I'm most
frequently asked is: "Where does the
name Kerith come from?" Over the
years I've heard people come up
with all sorts of suggestions, from
the idea that it was the name of
somebody famous in the history of
our church, to the idea that Ben
Davies – who is proudly Welsh and
led our church for 43 years – named
it after somewhere in Wales!
(Incidentally, it does always make me
laugh when people misread the
name and write letters addressed to
Keith Community Church - some
weird set of Keith worshippers!)
The name Kerith actually comes
from one of the most unusual stories
in the Bible (you can read it in 1
Kings, chapter 17). It's a story about
a guy called Elijah, a prophet, who
during a time of drought in Israel is
told by God to go to a place called
the Kerith ravine. There God
provides him not only with water
from the brook which runs through
the ravine, but God also sends
ravens every day to bring him bread
and meat. I don't know about you but
I'd choose a Tesco home delivery
over raven supplied food any day!
But for Elijah the Kerith ravine was
the place of God's supernatural
provision, a life-giving, life-sustaining,
life-changing place.
Kerith... has become a name which describes us as a community of people and everything we seek to do and aspire to be.
8 9
place ofprovision
The name Kerith was first given to our
1989 building, The Kerith Centre.
God’s provision was clearly seen
through the £3.1 million which the
church raised, in the midst of a
recession, to pay for the building. But
in time Kerith has come to mean
much more to us than just a reminder
of God's financial provision for a
building. Kerith, the place of God's
provision, has become a name which
describes us as a community of
people and everything we seek to do
and aspire to be.
First of all, Kerith reminds us that our
church community is the place where
God provides for us. As we worship
God, as we hear the Bible being
explained in life-changing and
relevant ways, as we care for one
another, and just as we enjoy being
with one another, we realise that God
is the one who provides us with
everything we need for life.
But Kerith also reminds us that God
has called our church to be a place
of provision for people outside our
church community. To be a channel
where we pass on all that God gives
us, rather than a bucket where we
just keep it to ourselves. That was
part of the message of Elijah. God
didn't just feed Elijah in the Kerith
ravine to keep him alive, but so that
he could go and be God's voice to
the nation. We want to do the same.
Spiritually we want to be clear about
the message of Jesus Christ, the
salvation that he offers, and the
counter-cultural way of life he calls
us to. We also want to practically
demonstrate the love of Jesus
through initiatives like our debt
counselling, the foodbank, our
HIV/AIDS project in Zambia, and
other things you'll read about in this
magazine.
So where does that leave you?
Do you need God to provide for you
in any area of your life? If so we'd
love to help you in any way we can.
Or are you already part of our Kerith
community?
My challenge to you is to live as a
channel, not a bucket.
by Simon Benhamwww.simonbenham.com
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Laying foundations Building community Enjoying God together
kerith children’s work
konnections
KONNECTIONS has been supporting disabledchildren and their families for the lasttwelve years at Kerith Community Church.This support ranges from regularSaturday respite projects to a mums’support group, and one-off events givingparents information and access toprofessionals in the fields of socialcare, health and education.
Hannah is one of the mums whoregularly attends the Friday supportgroup, she is married to Clive andthey have three beautiful children.Chloe, their eldest child, has multipledisabilities which have severelyimpacted her development andwellbeing. Although Chloe has hadregular support from a variety ofmedical professionals, her conditionremains undiagnosed.How did you first come along toKonnections?When we realised Chloe was notreaching her developmentalmilestones I wanted to do what Icould to get information and help. Itis very hard to know that your childhas a problem, especially when no-one can tell you what the problem isand what you need to do to help.Some friends recommended I try theKonnections mums’ support group,because they support families ofchildren with any kind of disability.What has being part ofKonnections meant to you?It’s good to know there is a placewhere you can meet up with otherpeople who understand what you’regoing through. It makes you realise
Who am I?Hi! I’m Annie and as part of my year-out I’vebeen working alongside Kerith Children’sPastor, Yvonne Scott. It’s been exciting andchallenging to work with a team who havesuch a passion to encourage Kerith kids toengage with Jesus.
What do I do on Sunday mornings?I love Konstruction Krew on Sundaymornings, it’s a really vibrant, exciting andwelcoming place to be... especially after Ihave fed cake and caffeine to the earlymorning team! I work with the 5 to 7 year-olds in K2 hall, we have a great time playinggames together, before sitting down with theother children to listen to a talk, singtogether, and play some more group gamesto help us understand what we’ve learnt.
Annie Clague
konstructio
n Krew
What has been happening recently?Recently we have seen an exciting change in the way the 5 to 11 year-olds are responding to us as leaders andgetting to know God. It has reaffirmed for me the truth that children have immense capacity forunderstanding the Gospel and are so free inexpressing their faith. Having fun whilst learningabout God is great!
“I like going to Konstruction Krew
The leaders are kind, there are fun
energetic games and teaching the
Bible stories is done in an
interesting way.”
(Konstruction Krew girl, aged 8)
Don’t miss our day of fun and games forKonstruction Krew children and their friends, on Saturday 12th June at: Oakwood Youth Challenge, Wokingham.
Ages 7 to 11 - An action packed day ofadventure from 9am-7.30pm, with outdooractivities, games, crafts and a Praise Party withDuggie Dug Dug.
Ages 5 to 7 - Sports, games, crafts and theDuggie Dug Dug Praise Party, from 1.30-7.30pm
We have specially tailored groups for the little ones Treasure Tots 0-5's on a Sunday.Watch this space in LinK3 whenwe catch up with their new EarlyYears Pastor Lydia Harris-Lane!'
10 11
Konstruction Krew runs exciting and amazingactivities for children aged 5 to 11. We meet onSundays in K2 hall at 9am and 11am, but also indifferent ways during the week – including theExplore dance group and the Blast! Life Group.
For more details contact Children’s Pastor Yvonne Scott ([email protected]) or Blast! Leader Catherine Felgate([email protected]).
news from the krew
that no matter what degree of disabilitya child may have, it’s a challenge forthem and their families. As time haspassed I’ve been able to support othermums who have come along after me,and that is a good feeling.Do you have any encouragement forother families facing similarchallenges?I guess I’d want them to know that veryfew people are born ready to deal withthe challenges that having a disabledchild brings. We weren’t, but withcommitment from us and the right kindof help we’re now in a place where wecan see a way forward.How is Chloe enjoying her time atKonnections respite?It really matters to me that people seeChloe and not just her disabilities.
I know that happens at Konnections.Right from when she was little and wentto the crèche on Friday mornings I feltshe was Chloe first, and I know that sheis safe and having a good time.Konnections currently supports 105families like Hannah’s.
We are a large and friendly toddler groupfor all pre-school children (includingbabies) and their carers, meeting in TheKerith Centre during term time on Tuesdayand Wednesday, 10-11.30am. The cost is£1.50 per family each week. We dooperate a waiting list for both mornings,but you’re very welcome to come and visitus for a morning – we’d love to see you.
parentingDesigned to enable parents todevelop practical skills and to helpthem be more effective. For parentsof children aged 0 to 6, with eightsessions covering topics such asencouragement, listening,communication and discipline.“This course has been extremely
beneficial in giving me useful toolsto become a better parent,especially when talking andlistening to my children.”
Tuesday evenings from 27th April to29th June (not including 25th Mayand 1st June), 8-10pm, K2 lounge.
If you or someone you know couldbenefit from our support and would likemore information please contact us.Sandy Carter – KonnectionsAdministrator 01344 [email protected] Mehta – Konnections Manager01344 [email protected]
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Kerith Community Church
12 13
unique conference 2010
are you for... During the day we’ll worshiptogether, hear God’s word unpackedand applied to our real lives, and beinspired by practical seminars. You’llalso have the chance to bepampered, to be prayed for, to shop,and to relax! As an extra element,come along from 8-9.30pm on Friday2nd July to worship together and getto know the conference speakers alittle better at: ‘Coffee (and tea!) withCatrina and Kim’. I can’t wait for us allto be together, so come on, bookyour place now, and bring yourfriends!
G O L F F O O T B A L L C U R R Y P R A Y E R
UNITEDIT’S A GUY THING
United is a group dedicated to men from the ages of 18to 80 (or more!). We get together in many different informal ways,including special events and regular sports groups.
We occasionally meet at special events, a great chance to have a laughwith both old and new friends. We recently held our very own quiz night,and this May we have a marathon football evening. Just turn up atBracknell Leisure Centre to pay and play, then afterwards we’ll head to alocal pub for a pint, a bit of food and no doubt lots of banter!
OTHER EVENTS
“It’s just good to be with a bunchof guys, kicking a ball around andhaving a good crack!”
“It’s good to keep fit, catch upwith friends, and try and convincemyself I’m still young!”
“I enjoy the opportunity toexercise while meeting with guysfrom a great mix of ages.”
Geoff Andrew
ARE YOU THE SPORTY TYPE?If so, there are a variety of groups meeting regularly to play in a fun, andmaybe ever so slightly competitive environment – we’re men after all!
FORE (OR NOT?)If a leisurely round of 18 holes isyour thing, why not come alongto one of our golf days? ContactMick Wade for details –[email protected]
THE BEAUTIFUL GAMEOn Monday nights there is football atBracknell Leisure Centre, usually 7 to8 per side. We welcome all playersfrom 7-8pm – regardless of talent andteam supported!Contact Andy Robinson for details –[email protected]
For details visit the United webpage via www.kerith.co.uk or email [email protected]
Ben
Unique is back to hosting large events, so that’s exciting –watching the singalong Mamma Mia film together was funfun fun! We have met for larger events like breakfasts but Unique is also a book club (Activate); a writing group(Exposition); a mentoring programme (Inspire);
an exercise group (Energy); and a 10 week course based on the book.Captivating (Captivate) – see theUnique webpage on the Kerith website forinformation about dates, venues and contact details.
We’re really excited about 2010:
totally unique
Kim is having a midlifecrisis. Or maybe it's a thirdlife crisis, having moved inthe last 10 years from theUSA to Lithuania to the UKwith her husband Mark,and children Devin, Kylieand Maja.She is a teacher, writer,mother, wife and friend.As a little girl, Kim had the roller coaster ride that iscommon to many children of addicts. When a friendchallenged her athetist views Kim decided to visit WillowCreek Church in Chicago as part of her ‘research’. Thatsummer, in spite of herself, she began a conversationwith God that has lasted twenty years.A conversation that tells the story of redemption andhope coming from the most unlikely places, aconversation that will make you laugh and cry and getangry and feel tender.
Catrina’s favourite things arecoffee, sunny days, CathKidston bags and loudlysinging worships songs in thecar. Half her weekis teaching at a local primaryschool and half is spentencouraging the womenaround her. Spending timeover coffee (of course),helping them to see God in their every day lives andinspiring them to step into all He has for them.Catrina is the master events planner at home – happytimes for her right now are when she’s just hanging outwith her husband Simon, their three children Zac (17),Jacob (14), Alice (12), and their dog Nemo. Times spenteating out or walking the dog, or with the whole familysquashed up altogether on the sofa laughing andwatching TV.
Real is going to be a fantastic conference for all women. Plan to be there and to bring a friend.Tickets for the Real conference are £20 until 3rd May (earlybird rate), £25 if purchased after.Available from The Kerith Centre reception or online at www.kerith.co.uk
KIM HOELTERHOFF CATRINA BENHAMmeet meet
We’re excited to announce the UniqueConference: ‘ReaL’ on Saturday 3rd July.The reality is life is full of challenges for us all.So ReaL is a statement of faith. We have faith in a ReaL God who is able tohelp us in our ReaL lives. It’s a statementof desire. That we can be our ReaL selveswith one another. It’s a statement of hope.We are all on a journey with God as Hetransforms us one day at a time. We’ll bejoined by our great friend, Kim Hoelterhoff.Kim is an American currently living in the UK, and she and I will be bringing God’sword to us with passion, humour and great practical wisdom.
Catrina Benham
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14 15
In hindsight, I realise that there was a void in my life,and Alpha helped me to start making steps to fill thatvoid. I found myself reading my Bible more, wanting togo to church rather than feeling obliged to, and eventelling my friends about the things I’d been discovering.My husband, Adrian, was very supportive of me goingon the course and eachweek when I came home Icouldn’t wait to tell him allabout it. We now bothcome to the Kerith on aSunday morning, and we’realso currently on theMarriage Course. Thingshave changed for usamazingly quickly, and Iknow it’s thanks to God.Alpha helped me to seeChristianity as somethingreal. I heard real lifeexamples of people whoselives had been changedand realised that I toocould have a relationshipwith God, something I’dnever really appreciatedbefore. I’ve come to realiseGod’s amazing power, andeverything in our lives seems so much clearer.Previously I would never have even thought of praying,but now it has become an automatic response!I can’t recommend Alpha enough to anyone who hasquestions. I really appreciated the no-pressureenvironment in which I could ask any questions I had,knowing I’d get real and easy to understand responses.What could be better?!
See page 28-29 for course sign up details.
When I first came to Kerith CommunityChurch last June it was for the baptism of myfriend, Belinda, and I was impressed withwhat I saw. I was brought up in the Church ofEngland but stopped attending all togetherwhen I left for university, and it was talking tofriends like Belinda that got me thinkingabout church again. I became involved inSparklers, the parents and toddlers group atthe Kerith, and started going to church onSunday mornings as well.
I’d heard of the course before, so whenAlpha started at Costa Coffee last October I decided to give it a try. There was such aninformal relaxed atmosphere, which wasgreat for asking questions without feelingpressured, and I really enjoyed the talks.
ALPHACHRISTIANITYAND TWO SUGARSPLEASE
FREEDOM IN CHRIST is a course designed tohelp you take hold ofthe amazing truth aboutwho you are as afollower of Christ, withsessions relating toareas of our spiritual,mental and emotionalwellbeing. Guests of allages, backgrounds andlife experiences arewelcome to come anddiscuss the key truths toliving a full and free life.
Nick Giles took the Freedom in Christ course in 2008.Here he tells how it changed his life:What was life like for you previously?My life before starting the Freedom in Christ coursewas slightly chaotic. I had just been through anemotional divorce, resulting in a change of job, a newhome away from my close friends, and a fresh start ata new church – the Kerith. Needless to say it was alonely time, full of uncertainty and big changes. Myactive relationship with God had come to a halt and Iknew I had a lot of big issues deep inside me thatwere controlling my life and needed confronting. I mayhave seemed confident to a stranger, but deep inside Iwas completely broken and needed a breakthrough.When the course was advertised, a voice in my headshouted at me to sign up. I was feeling shackled and Iwanted to pursue a free and happier life.What was the course like?I wasn’t sure what to expect, so it was a relief to meeta friendly team of people and to be made to feel verywelcome. The evenings involved watching a DVDbefore splitting into small groups to discuss the topic.
At first I kept to myself and didn’t really participate inthe discussions, but after a few weeks somethinginside me snapped and I decided to stop struggling insilence. Hearing others sharing their battles made mefeel safe, and I realised I had for too long been unableto admit to myself the issues I was struggling with.Each week I developed more confidence and mygroup leaders helped me more than I can everdescribe. They supported me constantly and I knew Icould speak directly to them and trust them.Did you find any sessions particularly helpful?The session on forgiveness really spoke to my heart. Ifound myself able to forgive my ex-wife as well as myfather, who I’d had a turbulent relationship with sincechildhood. I had previously found it extremely difficultto even consider forgiving people, but now I knew thiswas holding me back from the future that God hadplanned for me. I also found the course away dayallowed me to connect with God in a way I hadn’tbeen able to for a long time. We were encouraged tospend quality time with God and to pray through ourpast and current struggles, and this was one of myhighlights.How is life for you now?Since taking the course I’ve become a changedperson. I naturally still have situations and hurdles inlife that cause worry and uncertainty, but I’m now ableto pray and trust God straight away instead of lettingthe feelings build up inside me. I have morecompassion for others and I’ve witnessed freedom inso many areas of my life. It still plays a huge part in myday to day living, and so I would encourage everybodyto do the course.
HAVE YOU FOUND FREEDOM IN CHRIST?
JO RAPLEY
Naturally I had questions about God andchurch, and my friends recommended
that I try the Alpha course.
See page 28-29 for course sign up details.
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16 17
FOR WHOM THE BILL TOLLS
It is nearly four years since we openedour Christians Against Poverty debtadvice centre. In that time we have beenprivileged to help nearly 250 familiesstruggling with debt and with theirfinances.I’m sure we all know that personal debtis a huge problem for us as a country.Bracknell and Berkshire are oftenthought of as prosperous areas and itmight surprise us to think that debt is aproblem for us. However, on one level,our area is no different to anywhere elseand there are many of us havingdifficulty with debt and money. Debtproblems arise for many reasons –struggling to live on a low income,unemployment, illness, a brokenrelationship are just a few examples. Itcan take just one event to mean that weare suddenly unable to manage thecommitments we have taken on. Debt can lead to poverty and a wholerange of other problems; stress, anxietyand illness, homelessness, relationshipbreakdown, hunger as people missmeals as they try to meet debtrepayments. It can lead to people takingtheir own lives, as they believe this is theonly way out of their situation. We’veseen all of these problems as we have
Wherever you think you are with yourfinances, why not try our CAP Moneycourse? Here’s a story from Ruth, whopreviously took the course:“I was visiting a CAP client as avolunteer worker when I realised thatwithin a couple of weeks her moneymanagement would be in better shapethan my own. It wasn’t that myspending was out of control, it was justthat my money management neededan overhaul.I was in the fortunate position of
worked with our clients. It’s a privilegeto be able to bring hope and a solutionto people who often think there is none.Here’s a story from Carol, one of our clients:“It all started when I was working as adriving instructor while also looking afterour son Shannon, who has specialneeds. My job left me with hardly anymoney after paying my franchise andpetrol, and my husband Brian was adecorator but often without work. At onepoint we were living on £10 a week forfood, with nothing left for bills. Thesebills and threats came in handfulsthrough the post, and if there was anymovement outside we would get downon our hands and knees and crawlaround the house so the collectorsdidn’t know we were in.I was at my lowest point andcontemplating suicide when myhusband read an article in the paperabout Christians Against Poverty, so wethought we’d give it a try. When the CAPcentre manager, Andy, came to the doorI was hiding in the kitchen, but as soonas I met him I felt as though a long-lostfriend had walked in. He didn’t judge usor put the blame on anyone, he justtook all the papers from us and said
CAP would work out a budget for us. Ifany debt collectors called we were to tellthem that CAP were dealing with ourdebts now!We knew little about the Christian faith,but when Andy invited us to the Kerith ona Sunday I thought we may as well give ita try. As I walked through the door I felt asthough I had come home, and we wereimpacted by the truth of what we werehearing. We heard an amazing messageabout Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, andnothing was going to stop me giving mylife to God.We still struggle at times and life can behard, we’ve been down a tough roadwhich included having to sell our house,but we have an inner strength now and Iknow God is always with us. We have hadsuch amazing help and support from CAPand the church, and our lives are nowworth living!”I could tell you many similar stories fromright across our area. Debt and financialproblems can seem like a prison butthere is always a way out. If you’re in debtand you know you are struggling pleasetake that brave and important first stepand come to us for help. The advice wegive is free and if you work with us youwill see your situation change.
CAP IT ALL
1. Be honest about your situation. Areyou in trouble and just sticking yourhead in the sand? If so then admit thatto yourself, to some friends you cantrust, and to God. Church is a safecommunity where all of us can behonest and open about whatever weare struggling with.
I was at my lowest point and contemplating suicidewhen my husband read an article in the paper aboutChristians Against Poverty, so we thought we’d give ita try. When the CAP centre manager, Andy, came tothe door I was hiding in the kitchen..... GOD’S PLAN God’s plan for our lives is that we know the freedom of handling our money well
however much or little we have, and Simon, our senior pastor, reminded usrecently of these three steps to becoming financially under control:
2. Believe that with God's help youcan begin to prosper. God isn't goingto condemn you, but wants to giveyou all the help you need to get to abetter place. God often has lessons toteach us through financial hardship.
3. If you fail to plan you plan to fail, socome up with a plan to get where youwant to be. The core of financialplanning is very simple - getting to apoint where your income is biggerthan your expenditure. The details maybe complicated and you will almostcertainly need some help.
knowing that the money I had comingin each month was more than enoughto cover my outgoings, but I had no realbudget, no savings plan and no recordof what I was spending money on. Iguess I was feeling complacent, takingthe money I had for granted. I hadalways wanted to be more organized,so the CAP Money course was mychance.The course is so simple, yet it hasradically changed the way I deal withmoney and how I organise my banking.I’m now in control and my bankaccounts are actually working for me!As a result I feel I have more choices inhow I spend my money and what I use
it for, and the CAP Money system freesup money that I would otherwise havewasted. Whatever your situation, CAPmoney will benefit you.”
‘‘
See page 28-29 for course sign up details.
finance main feature 16-17:Layout 1 07/04/2010 09:32 Page 1
Food for thought... read them and reap...
Looking for that perfect book to read this summer? Something to inspire, challenge, or just waste away the hours by the pool?Here are some top tips from a selection of Kerith bookworms:
Last September Kerith Community Church launched Bracknell Area Foodbankas part of the national Trussell Trust network. Shortly after launching, manyBracknell Forest schools offered their Harvest donations, totalling nearly fourtonnes of food – that’s roughly the equivalent weight of four Smart cars or12,000 tins of baked beans! Other generous donations were also receivedfrom individuals and organisations, both food and financial. Within the first fourmonths, 3,000 meals had been distributed to 328 adults and 91 children,through 126 agency-identified clients.
Wild at Heart:Discovering the Secret of a Man’sSoul (John Eldredge)As men we want to know we’re the realdeal, that we aren’t fakes. Yet we’re alltold at some point in our lives that wedon’t measure up. This book will helpyou uncover that lie and replace it withthe truth that you are the real thing; youare the real deal. I first read this bookeight years ago and it’s still having abig impact on my life.Reviewed by Matt Redshaw
What’s So Amazing AboutGrace (Philip Yancey)If I could urge people to readany book (other than the Bible),it would be this one. It totallychanged my view of God andmy understanding of how I canhave a relationship with Him.It’s written in a very easy toread style with lots of stories,but the message it conveyschanged my life and couldchange yours too. I encourageyou to read it!Reviewed by Simon Benham
And the Shofar Blew (Francine Rivers)This Christian-fiction explores what canhappen when a church goes wrong, andwhat a sincere Christian can do about it.The underlying message is that ofservice, are you serving God’s will oryours? This book made me rememberthe need to put God first in everymoment of my life.Reviewed by Ope Olugbile
The Shack (Wm. Paul Young)It took me a while to get into TheShack. I re-read the first chapter toget the characters straight in mymind, but I’m glad I persevered as thebook is so refreshing. As I read myperspective of God and His Spiritwere challenged as I realised that it isall too easy to put God in a box! Agreat book for both men and womenas we are all guilty of defining Godthrough our experience of life ratherthan understanding His amazingcapacity and love for us.Reviewed by Iris Joyce
Bracknell Foodbank... the story so far.
“I was really struggling, so itwas a massive relief to findsomeone at Foodbank tohelp me. I was surroundedby lovely, happy, helpfulpeople, who not only fed mebut helped me in other areasof my life, such as debtcounselling.” (Charlie)
How to get involvedThere are many ways to get involved withFoodbank – from donating food to sorting,storing and packing it, or praying for morevolunteers. For information contact CatrionaMitchell on (01344) 862699.
Where and whenFoodbank is open at The Kerith Centre onMondays and Thursdays, between 11amand 2pm. Food parcels are given in return forvouchers held by a number of localorganisations.
“I was able to help myniece – whose husbandhad left her – and hertwo children.” (Lady, 85)
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20 21
KEN BOTHAMLEYINTERNATIONAL MAN OF MINISTRYPith helmet, current passport and up-to-date yellow fever inoculation -and he’s off like Indiana Jones on the trail of a lost antiquity. But we managed to catch up with him in dear ol’ Blighty...
T H E K E N B O T H A M L E Y I N T E R V I E W
What were your earlieststirrings of interest in othernations? I remember as a boy of seven oreight, that my father ordered anatlas on approval from a book club.I spent hours poring over the mapsand illustrations and was totallyabsorbed in learning about thecontinents, nations, climates,economics, capitals and culture. Myinterest in travel and people stemsfrom this book, which was aproduct of its day - viewing theworld from a British Empirestandpoint. I was distraught when itwas to be returned so my parentsbought it for me, wrote my name onthe fly page and I read it to this day.
We re yo u t h e f i rs t i n yo u rfa m i l y to t rave l ove rsea s?My father was an officer servingwith transport in the Second WorldWar. He trained in Scotland, hencemy name, and then his career wasinterrupted when a motorbikeaccident meant he was hospitalisedfor several weeks. His companywere shipped to North Africawithout him and during the seapassage the boat was torpedoedand all hands were lost. My fatherknew that God had spared him for apurpose. Later he went to Algeria,then moved to Italy and travelledthe length of the country. He wasstationed in France after Dunkirkand survived. Every year he wouldmeet with fellow veterans and theywould re-tell their exploits, and hewould come home and tell me allabout his experiences. One story
remains with me. Travelling in Algeriaalong the vast empty plains, devoid offarms or habitation, a boy stood bythe road holding an egg. My fathertook every opportunity to converseand learn languages, and he ordereda dozen eggs. The next day, the ladarrived at the camp with 12 eggs.Another time he was invited to eatwith a poor family and they atesparrow meat.
H ow d i d yo u e n co u n te r G o dfo r t h e f i rs t t i m e?I wanted to go on holiday with Ann,who was my girlfriend. I was not aChristian but I was concerned to ‘dothe right thing’ morally and webooked a Christian holiday inDenmark. It was brilliant. On the lastday this verse was read: “Who so everwould save his life will lose it, who soever will lose his life for my sake willsave it.” God said to me in mythoughts: “Ken Bothamley, if you wantto do your own thing you can do, butyou will be lost eternally. But if youhand your life over to me you will besaved eternally.” This stopped me inmy tracks. When I got home I kneltdown in my room and asked Jesus toforgive me and come into my life.Three days later I saw three scruffyguys outside a shop, in my heart I feltI cared about them. From thatmoment I had evidence of my changeof heart. I knew that I had been bornagain. Ann and I married and I hadthat nagging sense of ‘what next,what did God want us to do?’ AgainGod spoke to me in my thoughts,saying: “Kenneth Bothamley, at ameeting that you will go to this
weekend you will hear of a job to go to.”Sure enough at a conference that weekendI met a man who told me about Life for theWorld, a residential setting for people witha drug problem. I had no experience orknowledge of drug addiction but wasaccepted to work for them. As part of thisrole I travelled in France and otherEuropean countries, and met with otherpeople pioneering drug rehabilitationcentres.
What opportunities do you getwhen visiting churches overseasas a husband and wife team?As a tall white man I may be perceived insome cultures as a threat, whereas walkingdown the street as a couple we find we arewelcomed. We are invited to meals inhomes where women delight in sharingtheir culinary skills, babies are handed intoa woman's arms, and children can play andrelax and feel comfortable with us. Womencan talk to Ann heart to heart about thequestions they may have about building ahealthy marriage in leadership, and otherconcerns and interests. I have learned thattravelling with Ann opens up opportunitiesthat I wouldn't have on my own. We lovebeing able to live simply in a rented roomand go to the markets and shop and cookfor ourselves. We learn different thingsabout the people we are with and thisenriches our experience. Ann comes froma long line of tailors and bespoke furnituremakers so she takes great interest indressmaking and other rustic crafts that arestill used in the Balkans. We learned how tolisten when working with drug addicts. Bothof us know how to draw people out wherewe give space and time to answer andreflect. You need to build trust andrelationship and this takes time.
One of your new developmentsthis year is that you have startedto write a blog to keep connected.How is that working for you?I enjoy writing. It helps me to organise mythoughts and share people and places. It isimportant to keep entries concise. I wantpeople to catch something, the call of Godto reach people, in the way I caughtsomething from that atlas. It is quite achallenge to produce. I can spend hourstrying to track down an internet cafe tuckedaway in some side road and then find thatthe keyboard has Cyrillic script, or it is soworn that you can no longer read theletters. Or half way through an entry thepower is cut off. It can be very frustrating,but it’s all good fun and worth the effort.
What are your plans for the future?We have a three-week trip to Albania inApril. In July our youth band are helping ata youth camp in Albania. We are planning atrip to Turkey in the autumn. We have anopportunity to go to Skopje in Macedoniaand we'll see where it goes to from there.One of my strengths is connectedness –inter-connecting people across cultures,ever open to divine opportunities andrelationships.
Ken Bothamley has been an elder for 22 years and first came to the church in1977.
kenandannsbalkanblog.blogspot.com
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LIFEgetting on with
As I step into LIFE on a Friday night, thefirst thing that hits me is the noise. Thebuilding is packed with teenagers, and yes– let’s face it – teenagers are noisy.However the wild ruckus here isn’t violentor malicious, it certainly isn’t out of control.The whole building hums with energy,loud and vibrant. A band plays and 200pairs of Converse pound the floor, jumpingwith the beat. There’s nothing scary aboutthe teenagers here, they’re just having fun.Admittedly, we’re a little hyped up onsugar, but if there’s rainbow dust on salewhat else can you expect?Friends lie scattered in groups across thefloor; chatting, chilling, lounging onbeanbags. Screams of triumph resoundaround the room from those attached tothe wiis, while incessant head-bangingoccurs from Guitar Hero corner.However, there’s more to LIFE than havingfun, although that is a rather large part ofit. Each week, Liam Parker takes to thestage and we are asked to listen. Thisweek he calls a young guy up to the front.His name is James, he is perhaps 15 or16. He takes the microphone and verysimply tells us about his life. How he hadstarted coming to LIFE, how he had beenprayed for a few times, and how one ofthese times he felt ‘a warm presence’hugging him. He tells us how he began tobelieve in God, how his life has beenchanged, and then he sits back down. There’s a message behind all this. Yousee, what LIFE aims to do is reach out - to help a new generation know Jesus.
Rocknations is a truly explosivegathering of youth , learning more aboutwalking with God and joining in worship.I suppose it ’ s like being at LIFE forfour days straight. If that sounds likeyour kind of thing , talk to Liam or Leebecause this is one trip you reallydon ’ t want to miss out on .
Some people will have heard this guy’sstory and they won’t have felt anything, andsome will just think he was a bit strange.However, within other people these wordsmight have sparked curiosity. Curiosity is apretty amazing thing, it can lead to you toask questions. LIFE gets people interested.Next to talk is Lee Layton-Matthews. I always think his business cards shouldread: ‘Youth Pastor/Have Cool Accent/AmKinda Awesome’. He starts by drawing apicture, and asks: “What do you see?”We all call back: “A red dot!”Lee smiles. “I don’t see a red dot,” hereplies. “I see the white around it. That‘swhat God sees when he looks at you.”So simple and so true.What Lee says is pretty incredible, but evenmore so because he says it to us. So oftenpeople focus on the bad, they don’t seethe good in our generation. God’s love isfor all of us; He has no prejudices orstereotypes. God speaks to people at LIFE,giving purpose and meaning to emptylives. We can be amazing because we havethe power of God with us. It’s that simple;all we have to do is believe.As Liam says: “There are 200 people inthis room tonight. If all of you movedwith purpose you could change thewhole world. Do you believe that?” And this ‘lost generation’ cries back...
★
ROCKNATIONS CONFERENCE 4 - 8TH AUGUST 2010
SOME ADULTS TODAY ARE TERRIFIED OF US YOUNG PEOPLE.IT’S JUST SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. WE ARE THEWILD GENERATION: OUT OF CONTROL, ANGRY AND JUSTPLAIN UNSOCIABLE. THIS IS OUR STEREOTYPE, AND IT ISGROSSLY UNFAIR. BY CHARLEE BUZZARD
“YES!”
23
‘Most of us want to live lives of purpose. We want to give ourselvesto a worthy cause. But years of bombardment by the messages of aself-serving culture have confused us. Indulge yourself. Fulfill yourdesires. Satiate your appetites. Pursue pleasure. It’s all about you. Given such messages, it’s easy to understand our fear thatinvesting time and energy into serving God and others will diminishour lives’.
In May 2010, Kerith will be running a series unpacking this very question, based on the book ‘Volunteer Revolution’ by Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of a church in Chicago.
I get to see people first, and I can smile and direct them throughto the car park . I love that! Doesn’t matter what the weather is-just a big smile and in you come, and you get a big smile back.
It helps me to feel that I do really belong.
It’s just serving Jesus’ church. That’s what its all about.
Bringing people into worshipping Jesus through the atmosphereour lighting creates.
Being able to serve, being in the background on the sound deskand no one noticing.
That I don’t have to manage the children in the morning as I haveto get here so early!
Getting to know all the people I work with.
Working with the kids makes me feel really excited about the nextgeneration. I am so often surprised by how easily they understandGod’s love for them and we have such a laugh together, adultsand children.
I enjoy leading the choir and helping other people to use theirgifts; meeting their potential as well as my own.
Being part of the vision of the church, hanging out with peopleand getting to know them.
To whet your appetite the LinK team went in search ofthe thoughts of those volunteering on a Sunday…What’s the thing you love best about volunteering?
Could this be you?
22
“If I commit myself to serving will I end up enjoying or dreading it? Will life really be more fulfilling?”Bill Hybels Volunteer Revolution Chapter 3
24 25
DAVE BETTS IS
THE MAN ON THE
FRETS
ON SUNDAYS PUM
PING OUT GREAT
RHYTHM AND
RIFFS AS WE WO
RSHIP. BUT WHO
IS THIS
TALENTED MAN W
HO WRITES PROP
HETIC SONGS
AND WEARS SUPE
R HERO T-SHIRT
S?
music ministry and marveland all the things that for me meantreligion and faith were out of thequestion. I began the conversationbelieving that there was definitely noGod, but left it thinking that just maybethere was.”Keen to find out more, and also lookingto gain experience in musicalenvironments, Dave soon found himselfoffering to help Ethos out duringrehearsals by passing on the knowledgeand expertise he was gaining throughhis studies. And it was this arrangementthat ultimately led to Dave’s life-changing encounter with God.“Ethos were going to be playing atRockNations 2008, a Christian youthconference in Bradford, and they invited me to go with them. On the way up
there I said to Lee (the Kerith YouthPastor) that I didn’t think it was goingto be my kind of thing, but he told mehe had a feeling God would movepowerfully in me that week, and he did!On the first night God hit me in a bigway and gave me pictures of what I was going to be doing for him in thefuture, and it was then that I decided to follow Christ.”Now a full-time member of staff at theKerith, Dave oversees youth worship atthe church while also providing supportto the adult worship team. And life hasnot been the same for Dave since thatnight in Bradford.“So many things have changed since Ibecame a Christian, particularly theway I treat people, my behaviour andthe way I react to situations. I wasnever an angry person but I don’t getfrustrated or retaliate in the same way Iused to. I now have so many loyal, truefriends and I’ve learnt so much frombeing around some amazing people.
“Growing up as a teenager I had hopes anddreams about what I wanted to achieve inlife. None of these seemed realistic, butsince becoming a Christian I’ve seen Godprovide for me in the most amazing ways,and so many of the things I desperatelywanted to achieve are already happening.”When he left school in the summer of 2007,Dave Betts was a young man excited aboutwhat the future would hold. Having secured a place at the Academy ofContemporary Music in Guildford, Daveharboured hopes of a career as aprofessional musician and his studies wereone step along the way of helping turn thedream into reality.However just months after starting hiscourse Dave found himself sufferingfromloneliness, thanks in part to the distance
between his Wokingham home and his newGuildford colleagues, and the departure ofmany of his school friends to university.Despite an enjoyable first term, Dave could not ignore the feelings ofisolation, and so when it arose he naturallyjumped at the chance to see an oldschoolmate performing at a local Battle ofthe Bands event.“I bumped into my friend Hudson’s dad oneday, who invited me to come and see hisson’s band ‘Ethos’ play at The KerithCentre. I knew it was a church and wassceptical about Ethos being a ‘Christianband’, but I was keen to catch up with mymate so I decided to go along. In the end Iwas totally blown away by the music theyplayed, I was expecting to hear hymns andoutdated songs but I was really surprisedthat it was actually songs I really liked.”In the coming weeks Dave and Hudson metagain to catch up properly, and conversationnaturally turned towards God.“We talked about Hudson’s role at thechurch, plus evolution, sex before marriage,
My life is completely different.”Entirely evident through all thischange has been God’s provision.Dreams have been fulfilled in waysDave could not have imagined.“I always dreamt of playing inbands that travelledinternationally, I wanted to writesongs and teach music, and Iwanted to manage other bands. Ithought that being a Christianwould mean having to give upthese dreams, but when I decidedto follow God he gave me a visionof these things actually happeningin my life, and now just 18 monthslater God has provided me with allthe things I wanted to do in thesecular world, but in a far
better way.”Through his role in the church,Dave has found himself living thedream; playing abroad with Ethos,training and mentoring youth bandRevolution, writing songs that havebeen sung in church, and teachingmusic through the newly formedKerith Worship Academy. Yet hestill has passion and vision for thefuture; to see God’s provision on apersonal level, for the Kerithcommunity, and for the widerchurch nationally andinternationally.“Through being involved in bothworship and the youth setup at theKerith it has been a real privilegeto have seen so many people’slives changed. I pray that God willcontinue to provide for us, and thatwe’ll continue to become a placewhere people can come from allover to meet with God and bechanged by him.”
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Lynne takes up the story...
“Before being baptised I was worriedabout telling my story, letting peopleknow about things I had kept to myself.But on the Baptism Course, the leader,Lincoln, reassured me that I did nothave to say anything I did not want to.Even if it was scary, I wanted to do it, togo with what my heart said. All the timeI felt God was with me and he helpedme – I could not have done it otherwise.We had family and friends supporting usand this helped complete a perfect day.”You might wonder what being baptisedmeant for Lynne. Several times a year,people are baptised during Sundaymeetings at The Kerith Centre. For all ofthem, baptism represents three things:publicly acknowledging having becomea Christian; symbolically dying to an oldlife and rising to the new life given byJesus, as they go fully underwater; andbeing willing to follow Jesus by beingbaptised just as he was. The Bible describes Jesus’ baptism inLuke 3 verse 31: “When all the peoplewere being baptised, Jesus wasbaptised too. And as he was praying,heaven was opened and the Holy Spiritdescended on him in bodily form like adove. And a voice came from heaven:‘You are my Son, whom I love; with youI am well pleased.’”Before the baptisms, there is theopportunity on the Baptism Course totalk about what it means to be baptised,to ask questions, and to be prepared for
BAPTISM
“Being baptised was an am
azing experience,one of the most m
emorable days of m
y life”
the practicalities.On the day, the people beingbaptised briefly tell their story of howthey became a Christian and whythey are being baptised, before theygo down into the pool. Baptism meetings are always excitingtimes of celebration as family andfriends come to support the personbeing baptised. To watch a video of abaptism at The Kerith Centre on ourwebsite www.kerith.co.uk, go to‘Kerith Life’ and ‘Baptisms’. Better still,why not come along and watchpeople being baptised this year? The three Sundays are 18th April,27th June and 7th November at 9am, 11am and 7pm.To find out about being baptised,please give in your name at TheKerith Centre Reception, or [email protected], or go to ‘Events’then ‘Courses’ on the website and fillin your details under Baptism.
The last words belong to Lynne:“Since being baptised it feels asthough I have started a new chapterin my life. I realise I have a long wayto go in my walk with God, but I feelmore at peace in myself. I am readingthe Bible, praying and serving in thekids’ work. We have joined a LifeGroup and enjoy great support. I stillreflect on the day I was baptised andam so glad that I did it.”
A NEW CHAPTER
LYNNE LLOYD WASBAPTISED AT THE
KERITH CENTRE INNOVEMBER 2009
ALONG WITH HER HUSBAND ANDY
HERE IS SOME OF LYNNE’S STORY
Baptism is a key step in anyChristian’s journey of faith. Jesus put it high on the agendawhen he said to his disciples:“Therefore go and makedisciples of all nations, baptisingthem in the name of the Fatherand of the Son and of the HolySpirit.” (Matthew 28 verse 19).
Being baptised is for anyone ofany age who has become aChristian. Lynne had taken thatstep – she recognised that Godloves her and created her toknow him personally, but like allof us she had gone her ownway. Jesus died for us all and byaccepting him Lynne came intoa relationship with God. In theBible, in Acts 2 verse 38, Petertold the people to: “repent (saysorry) and be baptised”. So tobe baptised was a natural nextstep for Lynne.
This year’s baptism dates are 18th April, 27th June and 7th November at 9am, 11am and 7pm.
“Over the years I had dipped in and out of church. One day in April 2009 Andy and I were driving past theKerith and I said to him we should give it a try. We camealong the next Sunday and enjoyed the meeting, endingup joining the next Alpha course. On the course I asked‘how do you know if you are a Christian? Could this be realfor me? Was I worthy?’ Within a couple of weeks I hadmade the step of faith for myself and KNEW that I hadbecome a Christian. I knew then that I wanted to take thenext step and be baptised.”
who’s
who
&what
they do
Helen Cottee Worship Pastor
Yvonne Scott Children’s Pastor
Lydia Harris-LaneEarly Years’ Pastor Dany Smith
Sparklers’ Leader
Pat Hallett - Foodbank ManagerGeoff Hallett - Logistics Manager
Andy JacksonCAP Centre Manager
Catriona MitchellDirector of Kerith in the CommunityKaren Mehta
Konnections Manager
Penny LanderStrategic Planning Co-ordinator
Sue RangerChurch Events ManagerWelcome Ministry Leader
Now you can put the face to the name.Contact reception at [email protected]
Ben and Beccy OliverLife Group Co-ordinators
Colin BoyleDirector of Creative arts
Janine JacksonDrama co-ordinator
Lee Layton-Matthews Youth Pastor
just some of the
team at the kerith
26
baptisms-ministry leaders 26-27:Layout 1 07/04/2010 09:13 Page 1
HELLOparenting
contacts - all the people you need to get in touch with...
alphacoursethe
explore the meaning of life
Alpha is an opportunity to explorethe meaning of life through a tenweek course designed as a basicintroduction to the Christian faith.
Please pick up a form from The Kerith Centre Reception or ring 01344 862699 orregister via www.kerith.co.ukCourse Leader: Lee Layton-Matthews
Deaf hopeA group serving the deaf and hard ofhearing in the Kerith community.For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected]
Group Leaders: Mark & Alex Hooper
Freedomin Christ
The Freedom in Christ course isdesigned to help you take hold of the amazing truth about who you are as a follower of Christ.
Please pick up a form from The Kerith Centre Reception or ring 01344 862699 email: [email protected] Leaders: Rob & Stacey Omokaro
HILLTOP is for adults who have alearning disability and is a place where they are welcomed and valued.
For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected] Leaders: Melita Cullis & Hazel White
lifegroups
lifethere’smoreto
TMTL is a group dedicated to the retired.
For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected] Leaders: Roy Buck, Bob Wilson,Bill Dick and Dave Barker.
Small Midweek Groups that meet inpeople’s homes. We seek to get toknow God more and do life together.
To find out more visit: www.kerith.co.uk or visit the Life Group Stand in the Reception after a Sunday meeting for a chat.Email: [email protected] Leaders: Ben & Beccy Oliver
Midweek Meeting
An informal opportunity to explorethe Bible, led by Ben Davies.For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected] Leader: Ben Davies
If you are in need or want to volunteer contact foodbank at: [email protected] or telephone 01344 862699.Group Leader: Pat Hallett
An opportunity to enhance your marriage bydiscussing all those things you never get time to do at home.
Please pick up a form from The Kerith Centre Reception or ring 01344 862699 email: [email protected] Leaders: Jonathan & Sue Davis
marriage course
the
An eight week programme designedto help develop practical skills tobecome more effective parents.For more information:please pick up a form fromThe Kerith Centre Receptionor ring 01344 862699email: [email protected] Leaders:Duncan & Sharon KlitgaardRichard & Hazel White
serving the wider Bracknellcommunity with practical help and support to families andindividuals alongside other services in the area.
For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected] Leader:Catriona Mitchell
kerithcommunity
in the FoodBankand Crisis Intervention
Restoring Dignity Reviving Hope
For more information please ring The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or check out Unique’s pages onwww.kerith.co.uk/uniqueFor more news go to:catrinabenham.blogspot.comGroup Leader: Catrina Benham
unitedevents for men
A number of different groups thatseek to support both children withdisabilities and their families
For further information contact:Karen Mehta-01344 [email protected] orSandy Carter-01344 [email protected] Leader: Karen Mehta
konnections
women’s ministryUnique
This is a group for all women of all ages and fitness levels to
take exercise in a non-threatening and social environment.For further information contact:-Lianne Allenemail: [email protected] or text 07804096799
Unique is the ministry for all womencomprising both main events and anumber of interest groups.
VolunteersOne of the ways to meet people and get involved with the many projects and ministries that make up Kerith Community Church.
If you would like to know more about any of our volunteer teams or serving areasemail: [email protected] line: 01344 828808Group Leader: Sue Ranger
inspireAn eight month mentoring
programme where womenmeet together regularly to support andencourage one another in their lives.For further information contact:Caroline Hanburyemail: [email protected]
is a Book Clubthat is open to
all women whoenjoy reading or who want
to be motivated to read more books. The group meets bi-monthly.For further information contact Ope Olgubile at: [email protected]
A women's writinggroup for those whowould like to grow inthe art of writing.
Exposition meets on the third Friday ofthe month in K2 to write together andshare our work. For further informationcontact Jacqui Webber-Gant: [email protected]
Free debt advice from a nationalaward winning charity for anyonestruggling with debt. For anappointment please call our freefoneenquiry line 0800 328 0006. To speak to the Bracknell Centre call01344 828805.For advice on handling your moneybetter on a day to day basis join theCAP Money course. Centre Manager: Andy Jackson
A community of young peopleschool years 7-13.
For more information contact:[email protected] or [email protected] out www.kerith.co.uk/youthfor events and updates.Or ring Youth on 01344 828801
Group Leader: Lee Layton-Matthews
30 31
A four week training course to help you to discover your spiritual gifts.
Please pick up a form fromThe Kerith Centre Receptionor ring 01344 862699email: [email protected] Leaders: Geoff Hawke & Mark Ridgway
Events and quiz nights for men ofKerith and their friends, as well asregular groups such as badminton,football and golf.
For more information contact:The Kerith Centre on 01344 862699or email: [email protected]
In Kids2 we welcome all childrenfrom the youngest baby to childrenin their final year of primary school,including those with disabilities.
To find out more please come alongthis Sunday to the K2 building oremail: [email protected] Group Leader: Yvonne Scott
We are a large and friendly toddlergroup for all pre-school children(including babies) and their carers.
For further information contact: The Kerith Centreon 01344 862699 or email: [email protected] Leader: Dany Smith
The young adult community of Kerith.exp is about expansion, expression,exploration and experience.
For further information contact:www.kerith.co.uk/expphone: 01344 862699email: [email protected] Leader: Ben Pocock
discoveryworkshop
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UPD
ATE
Sunday guest speakers
Special events
SPEAKER DATE TIMES Adrian Holloway 25th April 9am, 11am & 7pmSteve Gambill 23rd May 9am, 11am & 7pmRachel Hickson 6th June 9am, 11am & 7pm
RPM Concert 22nd May Saturday evening event Oakwood Activity Day 12th June For primary school childrenFathers Day 20th June 9am, 11am & 7pm ‘Top Gear’Church Picnic 11th July 1pm - 5pm at OakwoodRocknations 4th - 8th August Youth event in BradfordKerith Autumn Ball 16th October Hilton HotelBaptisms 18th April 9am, 11am & 7pm
27th June 9am, 11am & 7pm7th November 9am, 11am & 7pm
Courses
Freedom in Christ Wed 21st April - Wed 14th JulyCaptivate Wed Sat 21st April - Wed June 3oth Inspire mentoring programme From September 2010CAP Money 27 April, 4 May & 18 MayAlpha evening course Wed 21st April - Wed 23rd JuneAlpha daytime course Thurs 22nd April to Thurs 24th JuneParenting Tuesday evenings 27th April - 29th JuneDiscovery Workshop Course dates to be advised
Regular meetings
Sparklers Summer term 27/28 April - 13/14 JulyHalf Term - 1/2 June
Midweek meetings April 14th - July 14thTMTL Thursday 1st April - Thursday 29th July
Prayer & fasting 8-9.30pm
April 21st & 22ndMay 19th & 20thJune 16th & 17thJuly 14th & 15th
Easter events
Production of The ‘Vigil’ 1st, 2nd & 3rd April 7pmEaster Sunday 4th April 9am, 11am & 7pm
Kerith conferences
REAL - Unique conference for women 2nd & 3rd July Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit 1st & 2nd October
community church www.kerith.co.uk
September 15th & 16thOctober 13th & 14thNovember 10th & 11th
LinK
Adrian HollowayAdrian is an evangelist at ChristChurch, which meetsat Piccadilly Theatre in London, as well as being abest selling author. Before that he worked as anewspaper journalist in London with The Times and asa radio and TV presenter.
Steve GambillSteve is Youth Director at Abundant Life Church inBradford and Network Pastor for all the churches in theirnetwork. He has a vision to empower young people tochange their culture for Christ and is passionate abouthelping them reach their potential in life.
Rachel HicksonRachel is based at St Aldate’s, Oxford, and has beeninvolved in mission work in Africa and Asia. She and herhusband Gordon run Heartcry, which helps local churcheswith training in the areas of prayer and prophecy. Rachelis much valued as a preacher and evangelist.
RPMRPM are part of Rocknations, the young people'sministry of the Abundant Life Church in Bradford,England. RPM is about helping young people connectwith God and empowering their generation to radicallychange culture for Christ. Their energy, music and heartfor God is inspiring and their style is totally unique.
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Profiles
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kerith community churchThe Kerith Centre, Church RoadBracknell RG121EH United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1344 862699 email: [email protected]
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