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DESCRIPTION
Kerith Community CHurch's magazineTRANSCRIPT
Life in Kerith
community church
Issue 4 January- April 2011
E X PANSION
MOMENTUM
LinK1-32 FRONT AND BACK COVERS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:53 Page 2
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LinK
Left to rightSola OsinoikiKen BothamleySimon BenhamAlan LanderLincoln OsunkoyaBen Davies
Hello and welcome to the fourthedition of our Kerith CommunityChurch magazine, LinK.Simon & Catrina Benham
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Chief Editor Beccy Oliver Copy Editor Steve ScottConsulting EditorsSimon Benham, Penny Lander, Colin BoyleMagazine coordinatorJoanna KrzeczunowiczEditorial contributionCharlee Buzzard, Jacqui Webber-Gant,Stacey Omokaro, Yvonne ScottArt Director Mike Charlton The graphics teamSarina Cooper, Philippa Webber-GantHead of Photography John MitchellPhotographic contributionDebbie Bradley, Chris Bradley,Ben Hiscoe, Catrina Benham
Kerith mapped out Kerith Sundays Project 125 Foodbank - 2nd helpingDesigner Christian
Kids say the funniestthings
Caroline HanburyTeacher to outreacher
Cloudy DaysMarriage course
Expansion/momentumby Simon Benham
Christmas thoughts REAL 2011 for womenUnited for men
Alpha coursesRewind
Alan Lander inSerenje
What’s happening?Dates for your diary
Kerith contactsThe directory
ELDERSSENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
In this issue of LinK we’re focusing on the issues ofgrowth and expansion. At a time when our nation isfacing a period of cuts and austerity, it’s important thatwe don’t allow ourselves to be caught up in theprevailing mood, but instead continue to think in termsof growth and expansion. To see the opportunities inevery situation rather than just the difficulties.As a church we’re in a season of expansion. Growingnumbers on a Sunday and taking part in midweekactivities, growing national and international impact,growth in outreach to the community through CAP debtcounselling, Foodbank, crisis intervention and ourspecial needs ministries, growth in staff and growth inbudgets. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the magazine.
Simon BenhamSenior Pastor
2-3 INTRO v2_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:26 Page 1
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
LithuaniaHelping establish firstLithuanian Willow CreekLeadership Summit
FranceChurch plant in Melle
AlbaniaDeveloping leaders andsupporting youth events infive churches
PolandSupporting leaders intwo churches
Music groups
Lighting, sound and video recording
Website, graphics,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
Women’smentoring programme
Women’s book club
Women’s writing group
Midweek small groups
Midweek group for the retired
Friday night youth event
Kerith in the community
Hilltop
TMTL
FoodBank
Crisis Intervention
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
Groundbreakers
Rock solid
Bouldergang
Blast
Explode
Kids choir
Freedom in ChristThe Alpha course
Parenting
The marriage course
BracknellCar parking
Welcome team
Refreshments
Sandhurst
Wokingham Binfield
Discovery workshop
InspireExp
Activate
Worship
Tech teamVideo editing and animatedproduction
Media Graphics teamFootball club Golf club Events
Cycling
Exposition
Kerith fast-track
Youth ministry
Life
J Generation
Schools’ work
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Sunday youth meetings
dance groupfor ages 5-11
Networking within localsecondary schools
Monday nights Saturdays
Midweek meeting
Sunday meetingsand productions
Drama
Sparklers
Kerith courses & academies
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 faithBuilding great relationships
Realise your spiritual gifting
Worship academyMusical tuition in the context of worship
Practical skills to help with parenting
Money managementCAP Money
Year training in theology and practical service
Kerith academy
Outreaching work of Kerith
Life within Kerith
Discipleship groups
Facilities
Courses
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K2
for boys and girlsaged 8-11 who
want to knowmore about God
for children aged 5-11
Treasure Tots
KonstuctionKrew
Twinkles prewalkers
Jewels1s
Little Gems2s
PreciousStones3s and 4s
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Any special needs?
From deaf signing at 11am, to special
needs buddies for children, to spaces
for wheelchair users – we want to
make life as easy as we can for you.
Please ask our welcome team – they’re
here to help you.Got children?
At 9am and 11am, children who are
primary-aged or younger can be
registered with our experienced
volunteer team in K2, across from The
Kerith Centre, from ten minutes before
the meeting. And if your under 5 needs
you, a call-out will appear on the
auditorium main screen.
In years 7-9 at school?
J-gen is for you, with lively discussions
and fun activities at all three meetings.
Worship in The Kerith Centre to start,
then look out for the slide for J-gen time.
Rushed and thirsty?
We serve tea and coffee before and after
all meetings, so make yourself at home.
New to the church, or just
want to find out more?
Head for the comfy sofas and the
Connect team downstairs in the
auditorium, straight after morning
meetings.
Sunday evenings
Lights down, volume up, coffee ready
from 6pm, meeting starts at
7pm.Welcome just as warm, teaching
and worship just as inspiring.
car parking
SUNDAYS@ KERITH
Still confused?Ask any of our friendly welcome team - those chirpy folk who wear red in the morning and welcome lanyards in the evening.They will be only too willing to help and advise you.
6 7
The Kerith Centre car park is available
for first-time visitors, the elderly and
disabled. Otherwise we use the
Bracknell & Wokingham College car
park on Sunday mornings, just before
The Kerith Centre, but please ask at
Reception for a Kerith car park pass if
you’re unable to walk from the
College. If you come Sunday evenings
please park at The Kerith Centre.
Sundays at the Kerith -
over 900 people of all ages and
types gathering weekly at
9am, 11am or 7pm to worship God,
hear great teaching and build
friendships. Come to any of the
meetings and our friendly welcome
team will be ready to help you.
€
6-7 SUNDAYS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:30 Page 1
You can give to Project 125 online through
www.justgiving.com/Project125.
8 9
But, why? What’s the reason for all this
commotion?
LIFE have taken on the task of raising £125,000to build a girls’ dormitory in Serenje, Zambia.Only 2% of girls in Serenje finish their schooling.The school is ready to have them, the teachersare ready to teach and the families have madesacrifices to ensure that the girls have someaccommodation during the schooling term. Theproblem is that when the girls live away fromhome, on their own, they are living in very basicconditions and they are vulnerable to men in thesurrounding area. The girls fall pregnant, areinfected with HIV/AIDS or simply run away. Hardly any make it.We think that’s sufficient reason for a commotion.
Friday, half-term. The laziest teenagers are still in bed,many are out with friends and some are even doing
homework. But many of the LIFE loving variety gather togetherat the Kerith Centre.These teenagers don glaringly red PROJECT 125 T-shirts andassume their positions for the day. Carwashers with sponges at the
ready, sponsored Rave about to kick off and Chris McCann all setfor crazy challenges in his very short shorts.
Not to mention a whole group of youngpeople preparing to march into
Bracknell, laden withan abundance ofleaflets and a fire intheir hearts.
Performance ofsongs at The RoyalOak Pub
raised £315
Project 125 marketstall in Bracknell
raised £90
An ebay challenge, selling donated itemsonline
ongoing
Project 125 Day: All day sponsored Rave-athon, carwashing, donate to challenge a LIFEteam member, selling hotdogs andburgers, talking to people in the towncentre
raised £800
Baking for making -sales in schools
ongoing
Sponsored silence
raised £315
LIFE is Kerith’s Friday night youth event. We started in September 2009 with 50 people, andwe now gather up to 500 teenagers on a single evening. We wanted to create a youth eventthat was simply amazing and professional, but without ever losing its real meaning andpurpose – to get to know Jesus. Expect raves, sumo suits and open mic nights; plus prayer,miracles and God changing people’s lives!
On Saturday 9th October, eight teenagers formed a congaline and made their way from Bracknell to Windsor to raisemoney; this being the latest event in a local fund-raisingcampaign. Named Project 125, the campaign, by the youth of KerithCommunity Church, is aiming to raise £125,00 to build agirls dormitory in Serenje, a town in Zambia. At present,many girls who attend school in Serenje have to findaccommodation in the slums where they are vulnerable and,as a result of this, the majority of girls are raped. Adormitory would mean they were safe and protected duringtheir education.Callum Wyles, age 15, organised the conga line to Windsor :“It was just a quality time really, seeing youth, people myage, although in a small group, doing an amazing thing forthe good of others, it's a moving thing.” Liam Parker, youth pastor: “The young people in Bracknellhave taken a monstrous challenge to raise £125,000 but tobe honest its not about hitting a target. The young peoplehave come to realisation that if they can raise £400 then onegirl can go to school safely without the fear of being rapedand abused and the young people aren't interested in hittingfigures or meeting targets. They want to change lives andthats what they are going to do!”The Conga Line raised roughly £240 and took about 4 and a half hours.
raised £240
BRACKNELL YOUTH RAISING MONEY FOR SERENJE
“We'd been talking about the young people becomingworld changers and making a difference, and I think inour culture we just expect the young people to do thegood thing, but actually we never equip them orfacilitate for them to do it. I've had emails from youngpeople saying that it's just such a fantastic opportunity,they really love it. Yes, £125,000 is a lot of money, butwe're going to keep going and see what we can do.”-Liam Parker Youth Pastor
PRESS RELEASE - BRACKNELL MEDIA
8-9 LIFE DPS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:32 Page 1
10 11
Begin by rooting yourself in God. Fruitfulness flows inlarge measure from where you’re planted. Rootyourself in the world and you’ll be up when the worldis up, and down when it’s down. Root yourself into theGod who never changes and you’ll be on a securefoundation which can never be shaken, and in aposition to grow even when those around you arestruggling.
You were never designed to do life on your own, butin a community of people who will love you, speaktruth into you and want to be your biggestcheerleaders. Go to church on a Sunday, get into asmall group, find a mentor. Be honest and open aboutwhere you’re at and what you’re feeling. If you’regoing to flourish you’re going to do it in community.
cutsdeficit
opportunity
advance
growth
expa
nsio
n
despairGod wants you to grow – in your relationshipwith Him, your relationships with others, in joy,in peace, financially, in your job, in yourbusiness, with your children, with yourneighbours, in every area of life. He wants youto live a fruitful life, in fact Jesus said yourfruitfulness would be one of the signs of you being His disciple.
Every decade seems to havewords which would sum it up.The 1960s were all about‘flower power’ and ‘sexualliberation’, the 80s were allabout ‘personal responsibility’and ‘individual choice’, thenoughties might besummarised by ‘Iraq’ or ‘9/11’and ‘Girls Aloud’. The words forour times seem to be ‘cut’,‘deficit’, ‘reduction’ and‘despair’. The whole feel is of atime of austerity, a time to bethinking smaller not bigger anda time to batten down thehatches in the hope that abetter season is coming.
Yet I believe that God wants us to use adifferent vocabulary. That we shouldn’t bedefined by the events happening around us,but should look to be the ones who redefinethe times we live in. That the words whichshould characterise us should be words like‘growth’, ‘expansion’, ‘opportunity’ and‘advance’, not small-minded small-thinkingwords.
But is that really possible when the wholenation is facing cuts and difficulties? I believe itis. Christians love to quote the words ofJeremiah, when he says: ‘”For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans toprosper you and not to harm you, plans to giveyou hope and a future.”’ We can easily forgetthat this was written at a time when God’speople had just been taken into exile, whenthey were suffering incredible hardship and feltthat all of their hopes and dreams were gone.Yet at that precise moment God wants tospeak expansion and growth into them.
That message echoes through the Bible. Thepromise to Abraham in Genesis 12 was thatGod was going to bless him, and that throughhim all the nations were going to be blessed -spoken at a time when he had no heir, and novisible way of getting one. Psalm 1 speaks ofthe people who root their lives in God and hiscommands, and promises that: “whatever theydo they prosper.” Jesus told us in John 15 thatif we rooted ourselves in him that we wouldbear “much fruit.”
reduction
Simon BenhamSenior Pastor
10-11 SIMON'S EDITORIAL_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:32 Page 1
How important do you think the work ofthe Foodbank is in the Bracknell area?Although Bracknell seems to be an affluentarea there are people who really do needhelp for whatever reason, maybe domesticcircumstances or redundancy, and you don’tnecessarily realise that is the case in thisarea. So it is vital.
In September the Foodbank celebrated itsfirst birthday, and what a year it was! Duringits first twelve months in Bracknell over10,000 meals were served and more thaneight tonnes of emergency food was givenaway – that’s the equivalent of 22,500 tins!Over 1,100 people received food, and LinKspoke to one of those about their lifeline.
When did you first hear about theFoodbank and how?In early 2010 my family had a terrible two-month period where things just kept goingwrong and everything got on top of us.Eventually we got half way through the monthand we’d gone over our overdraft limit, whichmeant there was no money left for food orthe rest of the bills coming out of our accountthat month. I heard about the Foodbankthrough a friend of mine from the Kerith whoknew about my situation.
What did the help you received from theFoodbank mean to you?It was absolutely fantastic for us, it meant wecould manage until the end of the month andwere able to feed our children. It gave ussome breathing space and also stopped ushaving to get into more debt. It was such arelief and we’re really indebted for the helpwe received in a really awful situation.
How difficult a time was it for your family?It was our son’s birthday and we wereextremely anxious for our young family, notbeing able to provide for them was veryupsetting. We also didn’t want all of ourfriends to find out about our difficulties;everybody else always seems to be copingreally well and you just don’t want to admit it.
ʻDesigner̓ Christian.
great to hear such lively worship in such amodern style. We ended up coming back formore, and were really impressed by howgenuinely friendly and welcomingeverybody was. I found myself wanting tolearn more about Christianity and joinedthe Freedom in Christ course, which spurredme on to making the decision that Ibelieved Jesus had died for me and inresponse I gave him my life.
How have things changed for you since then?My whole outlook has changed, and I feel asif I’ve been through a period of personalexpansion. I find that God gives meconfidence in all the different areas of mylife, looking outward and not in, and I’m lessconcerned about what people think.
What kind of things have you beeninvolved in at the Kerith?I’ve always believed that my creative talentis a gift from God and I’ve always wanted togive something back. I firmly believe thatGod put me on a path to the Kerith thatChristmas in 2008. I’ve since gone on towork on projects including Kerith eventsand stage set design, promotional materials, signage, postcards,ministry work, website, and I’m veryprivileged now to be Art Director for this very magazine!
Can you tell us a bit about your childhood?Sadly my mum died when I was nine-years-oldso I was forced to grow up very quickly andhelp look after my little sister when dad wasworking. My parents were Christians and weattended church on Sundays, but as my sisterand I got older we lost interest and eventuallystopped going. It wasn’t that we didn’t believe,we just didn’t follow.
How did you get into your current career?When I was 16 I moved to London to findwork, armed with just £30 and a mate’s floor tosleep on. After a few disasters – includingfinding myself homeless, jobless and hungry –the move was a success and I made my firststeps into the publishing industry. A few yearslater, I moved back to my dad’s home inBerkshire and began a long career ineverything from advertising and photographyto newspaper publishing and production forTV and cinema.
How did you first find yourself at the Kerith?Every Christmas we went to church, which weenjoyed but not enough to make me want togo more regularly. In 2008 my son joined theKerith and when it came to Christmas hesuggested we went there with him. So weturned up at one of the Christmas events, andwhen I first saw the auditorium and the lights Icouldn’t believe we were in a church! But whatreally hit me was the worship – it was just
He’s worked for the likes of Sony, Vodafone, ITV and the BBC, and his other pastclients include British Airways, Zanussi, NEC, Lexus, Toyota and Hoover. Five years ago he won four gold industry awards for his work, and he now runs hisown design business. So how did Kerith member and LinK art director MikeCharlton end up where he is today? We met up with the creative guru to find out.
interview : Mike Charlton : team LinK
STOP PRESS:
During Harvest 2010
Foodbank received
donations from
nurseries, schools and
churches totalling
over 6 tonnes !
foodbankThe s
econdhelpi
ng
€
For more information on FoodBank,please phone 01344 862699or email: [email protected]
12-13 FOODBANK-MIKE C v2_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:28 Page 1
14 15
Kids say the funniest things - but behind their cute innocence they can also besurprisingly profound! LinK got eight Konstruction Krew kids together and quizzed them
on all the important subjects - God, church, parents, TV and Christmas!If you could be any Bible character, who would you be and why?
PIP: I’d like to be Noah because he was strong and he did what
God told him to do, even though people thought he was mad.
EDWARD: Jesus, because he could heal people.
MIA: I would be Jesus because he’s got powers, and in Adam and
Eve he tells them off and he always does the right thing.
ELLIE: I like Eve because when God tells her not to eat the apple
she gets tempted by the snake to eat the apple on the tree.
Konstruction Krew kids: Joshua (7) Ellie (10)Mia (7) Edward (9) Adam (6) Pip (10) Jessica (10)and Emily (7)
Laying foundations Building community Enjoying God together
What is your favourite thing about Konstruction Krew on a Sunday?
JESSICA: We have so much fun there.
MIA: I like it when we talk about Jesus.
JOSHUA: The most fun thing I do at Konstruction Krew is worshipping
God. I like singing, dancing and playing the inflatable guitars.
ADAM: Learning more about Jesus, reading the Bible, and doing fun
stuff like playing on the wii games.
What is the most annoying thing about your mum and dad?
ADAM: That they don’t let us watch Cartoon
Network.
ELLIE: My dad sometimes embarrasses me by
dancing with me. He’s quite good but not all the
time though, and he sings at the same time.
EDWARD: They have to hold your hand in town
when your friends are around and they have
to kiss you before school. If my friends see me
they just take the mickey out of me!
JOSHUA: That we’re not allowed to go wild, and
that we’re not allowed to go anywhere by
ourself. And that they tell us off all the time,
and they’re bossy, and they have loads and
loads of rules.
What is your favourite film or TV
programme?
JOSHUA: Ben 10, because he’s
cool and he goes into 10 aliens.
PIP: My favourite film is Black
Beauty because I love horses.
EMILY: iCarly because Sam
looks really like me.
What is your favourite thing about God?JOSHUA: That Jesus died on the cross cos he loves us.ELLIE: That he’s with me everywhere
I go.PIP: He’s brilliant and he’s kind to meand I can see him working in my lifealready.
What do you like best about Christmas?ELLIE: When we all get round together andwe all eat a family meal together.JESSICA: The fact that it’s to worship Jesus.EMILY: That I get loads of presents and Iget to help putting the Christmas tree up.
Drop into K2 hall early on Sunday mornings and you’d soon notice a buzz as the Konstruction Krew team prepare for the arrival of over 70 lively 5-11 year olds at 9am and 11am.Ask any of these children what they like about Konstruction Krew and they’ll tell you they have loads of fun, they enjoy the games they play when they arrive and the team activities later on, they love the energetic worship –
dancing, playing inflatable guitars, shouting, marching and singing their hearts out!We ALL have an amazing time together every Sunday and in the week during term time too,
from 4.30-5.30pm in the K2 Lounge:
TUESDAYS – Blast! a group for boys and girls aged 8-11 who want to know more about God
THURSDAYS – Explode – a dance group for children aged 5-11
FRIDAYS – a Kids Choir for children aged 5-11
For more details of any of our activities please contact:
Yvonne Scott – Children’s [email protected]
14-15 C/KIDS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:39 Page 1
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It sounds like my life has been idyllic and pain-free, butaged nine, my world suddenly changed one day whenmy father was drowned whilst swimming in the sea.Our family holiday was abruptly ended and nothingcould have prepared us for the after shocks of such anevent. Despite the kindness and support of lovingfamily and friends, the impact of this loss has affectedmy adult life. I have experienced difficult times andperiods of depression, and I know firsthand that life asa Christian is not always one of easy times and joy. Ibelieve that God can use us in our weakness and Hebecomes our strength. Reaching out to others and helping them connect to God and to each
other in the church community has always been my heart. Starting theMums and Toddlers group 20 years ago, and more recently thewomen’s mentoring ministry, has given me great opportunities in theseareas. So I was very excited when I was offered this new pastoral role.We’ve prioritised two key areas for development; how we welcome andintegrate new people into church life, and how we support people newto the Christian faith. I work two days a week and meet with my core
team to develop and resource these areas andbegin to address some of the wider pastoralissues. I know I cannot fix everyone oreverything, but I want – with God's help – todraw together a team of people who alongsideLife Groups can effectively care and supportpeople in our church community.
I’m Caroline and I have recentlybecome the pastoral co-ordinator atKerith Community Church. I ammarried to Jonathan and have twoadult daughters. I grew up in Surreynear the North Downs, the eldest ofthree. My parents were verysociable and hospitable, and I haveinherited this love for creatingopportunities for gathering people.
Both my parents and many of my extended family were Christians. My grandfatherran a large Sunday School and had a huge heart for reaching families and childrenwith the gospel. This passion had a significant impact on me.Music has been a golden thread running through my life, my parents encouragedme and gave me opportunities to develop my skills on piano and cello. I went touniversity to study music, then trained and worked as a secondary music teacherand now work part-time in Sandy Lane Primary School.
KERITH PEOPLE
LIN
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CAR
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16-17 CAROLINE HANBURY_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:55 Page 1
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putting it back on course....
Jonathan and Sue Davis have been hostingour marriage course for a number of yearsnow, and both have been through tough timesin the past. Sue's first husband David diedafter only five years of marriage – leaving herwith two small children – and Jonathanexperienced the pain of divorce. They'vebeen married for 21 years, and think it couldbe fun to reach their golden anniversary, bywhich time another couple will be hosting thecourse!
Henry Youngman once said: “Some people askthe secret of our long marriage. We take time togo to a restaurant twice a week. A littlecandlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. Shegoes Tuesdays, I go Fridays.”
That is so nearly right! The strongest advice ofthe marriage course is to spend quality time
together on a regularbasis. Over seven weekswe look at essential topicsincluding building strongfoundations,communication, resolvingconflict, parents and in-
laws, forgiveness, good sex and love languages– all preceded by a delicious meal. Just the two
of you. Each talk isillustrated with severalrecorded interviews withcouples from allbackgrounds. Time is set-aside for you to get toknow each other better. It’s for any couple,whether you’ve been married for six months or
sixty years, and howeversuccessful you’d sayyour marriage has been.There’s room for
improvement whatever your answer, so why notinvest some time in it?
“Every week hasbeen very helpfuland has definitelymade a positivedifference to ourmarriage.”
“This course hasgone a long wayto enabling us togive our marriageanother chance.”
“I really appreciatedtime each week tospend together.”
“The course hasbeen essential,and means ourmarriage now hasa future. Thanks amillion!”
“On Sundays I have a seat reserved on the end of the backrow. Why? Because if someone sits behind me and talksthrough the sermon I can’t understand what is being said. Aside effect of my medication is hypersensitive hearing. Ihear sounds louder than most people, which can be verypainful, actually inside my brain. Sounds mix together and itis as if they are talking another language.Sometimes I experience strange thoughts, triggered bywords in a song maybe, and the thoughts can be very real
and frightening. So I have my car in thechurch car park, where I can go to feelsafe and calm down.
I have prayed for years that one day Godwill break through and we will have a
mental health awareness day, so I was very excited andencouraged to discover that the rumours about the
conference were true. Many churches are behindthe outside world in their attitudes towardsmental illness. I have even been told that
Christians don’t get depressed, so if I have a mental illness Ican’t be a Christian!Over the summer I struggled with very intrusive suicidalthoughts, hard to resist, but a close friend told me that Godhad more for me to do here on earth.People with mental illness are used to being misunderstoodand rejected. How would Jesus treat them? He wouldwelcome, love and accept. Mental illness can be frightening.Fear comes from the unknown, and I would love you to cometo the conference, to learn and understand a bit more andbreak down the fear.”
KERITH CONFERENCE 2011 KERITH COURSE 2011
February 5th will see the first conferenceon mental health at the Kerith Centre. LinK spoke to Sue Toms, who has beenpart of Kerith Community Church for 23 years and has suffered frombipolar/manic depression for 40 years.
€
Giving permission and a framework to discuss mental health
To book a place on the course starting in February 2011 please email [email protected]€
To register for this conference, pleasephone 0118 933 7961 or email:[email protected]
18-19 CLOUDY DAYS/MARRIAGE_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:43 Page 1
Serenje
I visited Serenje in October,and it was such anencouragement and privilegeto see first-hand thedifference the project is
making for so many children and families. There were also anumber of individuals I met there who had a big impact on me.
The first of these was Lovnish, a widow of 17 years with threechildren. She tirelessly works as a volunteer, providingphysical help, hygiene and health education, and spiritualencouragement. She often collects anti-retroviral medicinesand food supplements for those with HIV, and she also checkshow children being supported by the project are getting on atschool. She is incredibly cheerful and kind, and despite herown difficult circumstances she gives herself to those in suchdire need. Lovnish epitomises the passionate, selflessdedication of the volunteer work force in Serenje.
I also met Martha, an orphan who I will never forget. At 15 shelives in squalor in a tiny shack in a shanty town area. Sheshares with another girl, and does all her own cooking andcleaning whilst getting herself ready for school andcompleting her homework, because the school is too far fromthe village where her siblings and grandmother live. Many of the girls in this community live near small bar areasserving cheap alcohol. Martha is very vulnerable
Alan Lander and his wife Penny joined Kerith
Community Church in 1981, and for more than 20 years
he has been an Elder – part of the Senior Leadership
Team. Alan was instrumental in the setting up of the
project in Serenje, Zambia, so LinK asked him to tell us
about his role and his recent visit.
I can trace my desire to helpvulnerable children back towhen Penny and I went to Chinato adopt the first of our twodaughters. Something awoke inme as I saw the very real needs.
There is a verse in the Bible which says religion that God findsacceptable is looking after orphans and widows (James 1:27),and for years I had not been able to shake that off. Then in 2006 Iwas deeply affected by hearing an interview with Bono of U2,where he spoke about how it is the church’s responsibility to acton the HIV/AIDS crisis. He challenged church leaders to getinvolved and I knew straight away that we needed to respond, soI invited two people I knew very well who were working withHIV/AIDS projects to come and talk with the Senior LeadershipTeam. Over the next few months we’d set up a five-year self-sustaining project in Serenje, partnering with a couple of otherorganisations.
What was yourinvolvement in theearly stages of theproject?
What impacted youon your recent tripto Serenje?
to sexual harassment and has no responsible adultthere to provide for her or keep her safe. This is whyProject 125 is so vital, to build a dormitory so girls likeMartha can study and live in safety and dignity. InZambia they say: ‘educate a girl and you educate thenation.’
Finally, on the Sunday I was invited to Pastor Chola’shome for lunch after church. As I walked into theirsparse room I noticed a small bundle on the sofa, ababy girl only seven days old. I asked her name andwas totally speechless when they asked me to nameher. After I got over the shock they insisted, sayingthat in their culture they name a child on the seventhday, and as I was their 'honoured guest' I was asked toname her. So I said I would like to call her Hannah.What an incredibly humbling and emotionalexperience. Two of their seven children are beingsupported at school by the project, and as I heldHannah I knew this girl had a hope and a futurebecause of the project we’re supporting.
2120
THE ALAN LANDER INTERVIEW
Lovnish Baby HannahAlan
Martha
€
If you would like to donate to theSerenje project visit:www.justgiving.com/serenje
20-21 ALAN LANDER DPS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:40 Page 1
22
Christmases…there’ve been a few. Some joyful
and exciting, others very sad and
painful. The one that I remember and cherish
the memory of is the one in Poland in 1944. As refugees
from Warsaw, we were given food and shelter in exchange for
my parents’ help on a farm. There was no money involved, my
parents had none. My mother remembered my disappointment
when the only present under the tree was a pencil…yes, one,
single, solitary pencil. Where and how did they get it from? I
do not know…it must have taken some doing in the depth of
the war-torn countryside. That was my mother’s recollection,
but what I remember of that Christmas is walking to the
Midnight Mass through fresh, soft, knee-deep snow, aware of the
beauty of the starlit and silent night, and of the mystery which
filled the air. The Saviour was born… the ultimate mystery of
God’s mercy, grace and love. Krystyna Lysakowska
Christmas I remember trying to get to sleep on Christmas Eve. I was five-years-oldand an avid believer in Father Christmas. I lay there desperately trying to get to sleep or at least look like I was asleep, terrified that if Father Christmas saw me awake he wouldn’t fill up mystocking – how would I explain that to my parents? About a year later, agirl in my class revealed the devastating truth about Father Christmas. Itwas this year that I was part of the Nativity Play at school. I played theinnkeeper and did a Jewish dance in a tunic and a tea towel – it wasbrilliant. I remember realising, that, unlike my school friends, I wasn’t toodisappointed about Father Christmas because I had something else to believein. There was a lot more to my Christmas than presents and family. I wascelebrating the birth of my special friend Jesus. Ellie Jackson
unwrappedA few
years ag
o I celebra
ted Christm
as in Gha
na as a
gap-year
volunteer.
At that tim
e I’d just
become a
Christian
and we dec
ided to th
row a party f
or some
local schoo
l children.
Whilst we weren’
t able to
notch up a
traditional
Christmas m
eal – I do
n’t think s
paghetti c
ounts
– and we did
n’t have m
oney for
presents o
r decoratio
ns, all
of the vol
unteers ra
llied toget
her to pro
duce som
ething
equally sp
ecial. In th
e years sin
ce then I
have been
deeply
affected b
y how Chri
stmas can bri
ng about
fellowship
in the
furthest r
eaches of
West Africa
.
In the era of post-co
lonial South East As
ia, present-giving du
ring Christmas
wasn’t particularly co
mmon, even amongst Chr
istians. As our scho
ol holidays
were never around th
e Christmas period,
there was always the challenge o
f
smuggling in presents
for Christian friend
s. I happened to go
a strict convent
secondary school. In
our final year of
school, we were particularly excit
ed and
so word got round, and
a spot-check on sc
hool bags was announ
ced -
resulting in a presen
t forfeit. Total and u
tter tragedy for our
little group of five.
It’s impossible to recall eve
n vaguely what those
presents were; we just
remember the disbelief, inj
ustice and misery. So p
erhaps Christmas is abou
t the
memories and stories of
the day which last b
eyond the moment in tim
e, not
the forgettable prese
nts. Our daughter o
n the other hand, ge
ts away
with lugging a furry e
lephant to school ev
eryday. But then
maybe that’s just pri
mary school…
Rodney
Dee
Thoughts and memorieson Christmases past,around the globe.....
23
Aileen Ooi
22-23 CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:48 Page 1
2524
The Kerith Bookshop is open either side of the meetings on a Sunday and sells a range ofbooks and CDs at super low prices (often cheaper than Amazon!!!) Look out for new titles and CDs this Autumn.
“I was really nervous about going to Real as I wasgoing on my own, although I knew I would know quitea few people once I got there. I got lost drivinground Bracknell and all those roundabouts, but when Igot there I knew I was in the right place. The rest ofthe day was amazing – to be surrounded by women,my friends and God, changed my day completely fromone that I was so scared of into somethingenlightening. What a difference from the morning!When you think God isn't there, think again becauseHE is always there.”Claire
‘’How wonderful tohave ladies withtime and love topray for us. Athought-provokingday: difficult forsome, fun for others,and ‘real’ in manyways.’’
Sharon
“I was just so moved to see a simple idea ofreflecting on ‘24 hours that make up my day’communicated so well – the short opening filmand the posters around the reception lounge thatwere poignant, funny and interesting. The longerstories of real lives in the programme meant thateven in quiet moments we were drawn to the‘Real’ theme that pervaded so many aspects ofthe day – like lettering through a piece of rock.” Jacqui
Being Real. Existing in this moment, thisspace as you really are. Not as you’d like tobe, not as you think others would have yoube, all ‘if onlys’ and ‘next times’ set aside –Real is a statement of faith. This is Real 2011. A moment in our crazy, busy year, to be us before God.Exciting…scary…stretching, as we chooseto take time out to be with God and withother women!
Real 2010 was full of colour, inspiring worship, poignant lifestories. Girls beautifully giving gifts away to help others.Challenging teaching on choosing to HOPE, on giving Godaccess to all the areas of our lives. And scrummy cakes!Women walking away excited about the future.Real 2011 is for you! If you came last year – you are part of us,come and be a part again. If you’re new, come. And girls, telland bring your friends along to share the experience.
What’s being planned for the comingyear?MATT RANGER: There’ll be quiz nightsin March and September, plus in Junewe’ll be having a hog roast and inNovember the famous Strictly No SaladBBQ will be returning.PHIL JONES: And in between all thatwe’ve got loads of sports eventshappening – cycling on Saturdaymornings, badminton and football onMonday nights, and we’re talking aboutstarting a Kerith rugby team – so watchthis space!
Coalitionto run Unitedevents
BREAKING NEWS
The publication that makes tabloids look like newspapers
Morecambe and Wise, Jagger and Richards,
Shearer and Sheringham.Everybody loves a double act,
so LinK caught up withUnited’s very own - Ranger and Jones -to see what’s in store
for 2011.
Will there be a particular theme for thequiz nights?MATT RANGER: We’ve had themes inthe past but Ben Oliver’s team keepswinning, so he’s going to be banned nexttime and we need to think of a differenttheme aswell – anything to stop himwinning!What’s the best thing about United?MATT RANGER: People can meet andhave a chat, whether they’re from churchor not. Lots of different guys of all agesare coming along, so no matter who youare there’s always going to be somebody
who you can start talking to.PHIL JONES: We’re not just a load ofmiddle-aged zombies like Matt! We getsuch a spread and it’s great to see 18-year-olds talking to 60-year-olds.How can people find out more about theevents?MATT RANGER: Everything’s on theUnited facebook page, so search for us andwe should come up.PHIL JONES: Also, look out for the new United page on the Kerith website(www.kerith.co.uk), as it’s currently beingrevamped.
Oliver’s armywin the battle (again)
Kerith men XCELin Bradford
‘Champions Elect’ proved thatgood things come in threes bybeing crowned winners of theUnited quiz night for the third
successive time, in September.Men came from far and wideto dethrone their unbeatenopponents, but it seemed thechallengers had bitten off
The Xcel conference was held at the Abundant Life Church inBradford on the 19th and 20th of November. With well over2,000 delegates it was easy to get lost in the crowd, but anexcellent turnout from the men of Kerith meant you were neverfar from a familiar face. The purpose was to equip men withtheir role in life - as a husband, a father, at work and generallyin the wider world with the big message being “take risks - bebold”. Guest speaker Pastor Kevin Gerald’s quote fromBraveheart sent us on our way to freedom.
more than they could chew –and that wasn’t just the fish andchips – as the ‘Elect’ completedan unprecedented quiz night
hat-trick.Team captain Ben Oliver said:“As the pundits say, winningbecomes a habit – and we seemto have become addicted to it!”
ENJOY GOLF, FOOTBALL,CYCLING, QUIZ NIGHTS?
JOIN UNITED NOW!ITʼS FREE, ITʼS FUN
BUT YOU HAVE TO BE A BLOKE
FRIDAY1ST & SATURDAY 2ND JULY2011
REFLECTING ON REAL 2010
UNITED€
To register for this conference, pleasephone 01344 862699 or email:[email protected]
24-25 REAL/UNITED_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:45 Page 1
REWINDJULY TO NOVEMBER
12
is there life out there?
THE ALPHA COURSE
January 26 to April 6 2011
26
It took allso
rts of
chaps to answer
allsorts o
f
questions on
allsorts o
f
subjects
Global LeadershipSummitThe Kerith CentreOctober 2010
NOVEMBER 2010
Men’s quiz night September 2010
October 2010
and we all
had a ball
at the Hilton Hotel
Bracknell
26-27 ALPHA/REWIND_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:46 Page 1
January 2011
11,18, 25 Parenting Course 8pm
16 Ben Cooley speaking
19/20 Prayer Meeting 8pm
25 CAP Money Course 8pm
26Alpha Course 7.30pm
30Disover Kerith Lunch 1pm
February
1, 15 Parenting Course 8pm
1, 15CAP Money Course 8pm
2, 9, 16, 23 Alpha Course 7.30pm
5Cloudy Days in Summer Conference 10am-4pm
12 Unique Women's Quiz Night
16, 17 Prayer Meeting 8pm
22 Marriage Course 7.30pm
March
1, 8, 15, 22 Parenting Course 8pm
1, 8, 15, 22 Marriage Course 7.30pm
2, 9, 16, 23 Alpha Course 7.30pm
2, 9, 23, 30 Freedom in Christ Course 7.30pm
12 United Men's Quiz Night
16, 17 Prayer Meeting 8pm
19 Unique Women's Word & Worship Evening
April
3 Mothers Day
5 Marriage Course 7.30pm
6 Alpha Course 7.30pm
6 Freedom in Christ Course 8pm
5/6 Come as You Are Conference with John Burke
24 Easter Sunday
27, 28 Prayer Meeting 8pm
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
To f
ind
out
mo
re v
isit
ww
w.k
eri
th.c
o.u
k
28 29
JOH
N B
UR
KE
WIL
LO
W C
REEK
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
EASTER 2011
Giving permission
and a
framework
to discuss
mental health
Saturday 5 February 2011 10-4pm.Tickets £10. Available from Kerith Reception.
People find mental health canbe difficult to discuss. Thisconference is aimed at thosewho suffer and those whowalk alongside the sufferers.
ComeAs You AreBut Don’t Stay That Way
John BurkeGateway Church, Austin, TexasJames Emery White Mecklenburg Community Church, North Carolina
both senior pastors and gifted conferencespeakers.
To book, go to www.willowcreek.org.uk or ask at the Kerith Centre Reception
Building Life - Changing Churches Conference 4-5 April 2011
2O11Yes ladies.... It’s time to get REAL again.Due to popular demand REAL will be back next July.
Make sure the dates are put in your 2011 diary!Book online from January - visit www.kerith.co.uk
JULY
1ST
& 2
ND
201
1
MOTHERS DAY
Hope for Justice has a mission -to seek a lasting solution tostamp out human trafficking.
Ben Cooley is with us on Sunday16th Jan in all three meetings totell us more. Don’t miss it.
Join us as we celebrate the event thatgave us eternal salvation.
Good Friday April 22nd 7pm Easter Sunday 9am, 11am and 7pm
Sunday 3rd April 2011Celebrating mothers of all ages.
Dates for your diary
28-29 DIARY/UPCOMING EVENTS_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:50 Page 1
30 31
Alpha is an opportunity to explore themeaning of life through a ten week coursedesigned as a basic introduction to theChristian faith.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699register via www.kerith.co.ukCourse Leader: Lee LaytonMatthews
The Freedom in Christ course is designed tohelp you take hold of the amazing truthabout who you are as a follower of Christ.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre Reception Phone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Rob & Stacey Omokaro
An opportunity to enhance your marriage bydiscussing all those things you never gettime to do at home.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leaders: Jonathan & Sue Davis
An eight week programme designed to helpdevelop practical skills to become moreeffective parents.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders:Duncan & Sharon KlitgaardRichard & Hazel White
Serving the wider Bracknell community withpractical help and support to families andindividuals alongside other services in the area.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leader: Catriona Mitchell
A mentoring programme where women meet together regularly to supportand encourage one another in their lives.
Find out more:Email: [email protected] Leader: Caroline Hanbury
A book club that is open to all women who enjoy reading or who want to be motivated to read more books. The group meets bimonthly.
Find out more:Email: [email protected] Leader: Ope Olugbile
A women's writing group for those who would like to grow in the art ofwriting. Exposition meets on the thirdFriday of the month in K2 to write togetherand share our work.
Find out more:[email protected] Leader: Jacqui WebberGant:
We are a large and friendly toddlergroup for all preschool children(including babies) and their carers.
Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699 email: [email protected] Leader: Dany Smith
For advice on handling your money betteron a day to day basis join the CAP Moneycourse.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Helen Dodwell
A group serving the deaf and hard of hearingin the Kerith community.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Mark & Alex Hooper
KERITHDIRECTORY
KERITH COURSES MINISTRIES & COMMUNITY
MEETINGS & GROUPS
RECRUITMENT
Freedom in Christ
Parentingcourse
A 3 week training course to help you todiscover your spiritual gifts.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leaders: Geoff Hawke & Mark Ridgway
An informal opportunity to explorethe Bible, led by Ben Davies.12.50pm Wednesdays.
Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leader: Ben Davies
The Midweek Meeting
Small Midweek Groups that meet in people’shomes. We seek to get to know God moreand do life together.
Find out more:visit: www.kerith.co.uk visit the Life Group Stand in the Receptionafter a Sunday meeting for a chat.Email: [email protected] Leaders: Ben & Beccy Oliver
Life groupsdoing life together
The Alpha course
Deaf hope
Restoring Dignity Reviving Hope
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leader: Pat Hallett
Foodbank
kerith in the community
HILLTOP is for adults who have a learningdisability and is a place where they arewelcomed and valued.Sundays, once a month from 4.45pm.
Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Melita Cullis & Hazel White
Hilltop
DiscoveryWorkshop
The marriage course
Unique is the ministry for all womencomprising both main events and a numberof interest groups.
Find out more:Pick up postcards from Kerith ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Catrina Benham
UNIQUE ministryfor women
Events and quiz nights for men of Kerith andtheir friends, as well as regular groups suchas badminton, football and golf.
Find out more:Pick up postcards from Kerith ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Charles Ravenhill
Events for menSPARKLERSparent and toddler group
INSPIRE
EXPOSITION
ACTIVATE
EXP is the community for 1630(ish!) young adults. We meet for various social events and gatherings throughout the year.
Find out more:www.kerith.co.uk/expphone: 01344 862699email: [email protected] Leader: Ben Pocock
EXPyoung adult community
CAPmoney
Meet people and get involved with the manyprojects and ministries that make up KerithCommunity Church.
Find out more:Email: [email protected] line: 01344 828808 Group Leader: Sue Ranger
We welcome all children from birth to final year of primary school, including those with disabilities. To find out more come along any Sunday to K2.
Find out more:visit: www.kerith.co.uk Under 5s Lydia Harris[email protected]11s Yvonne Scott [email protected] Leaders: Lydia HarrisLane and Yvonne Scott
Kids 2at the kerith
TMTL is a group dedicated to the retired.Thursdays from 1.00pm.
Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Roy Buck, Bob Wilson, Bill Dick, Dave Barker.
There’s more to life
Free debt advice from a national awardwinning charity for anyone struggling withdebt.
Find out more:Appointments freefone: 0800 328 0006 Bracknell Centre: 01344 828805Centre manager: Andy Jackson
Christiansagainst poverty UK
A community of young people school years 713.
Find out more:[email protected]/youthuGroup Leader: Liam Parker
Youth & Lifeat the Kerith
A number of different groups that seek tosupport both children with disabilities andtheir families
Find out more:Karen Mehta01344 [email protected] orSandy Carter01344 [email protected] Leader: Karen Mehta
Konnectionssupport group
KerithVolunteers UNITED TMTL
konnections
30-31 CONTACTS DIRECTORY_Layout 1 26/01/2011 08:52 Page 1
kerith community churchThe Kerith Centre, Church RoadBracknell RG121EH United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1344 862699 email: [email protected]
and keep totally up to date with what’sgoing on at Kerith Community Church,and what’s happening with our community work locally,nationally and internationally.
ww
w.k
erith
.co.
uk
MILLENNIUM WAY
If you’d like to comment or get involved with LinK magazine please email:[email protected]
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