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JANUARY-APRIL 20TWELVEcommunity church

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KERITH LINK 7 ARTWORK_Layout 1 07/12/2011 07:02

Hello and welcome to thelatest edition of our Kerith Community ChurchLinK magazine.

Simon.Senior Pastor

Sim

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& C

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na B

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You’ll see from the cover that the theme ofour 7th LinK magazine is “This is Love”.At the heart of the Christian faith is themessage that there is a God who loves us.That love is demonstrated so clearly in thetwo celebrations at the start and end of theterm covered by this edition of themagazine, Christmas and Easter.

At Christmas, as children up and down thenation take part in nativity plays recreatingthat first Christmas, we remember that Godloved us so much that he came to earth inhuman flesh, as Jesus, as Emmanuel, asGod with us, to identify with our pain, oursorrows and our weaknesses, and to bringus the message of God’s love for each oneof us.

Then at Easter we remember that Jesusdemonstrated the full extent of God’s love,when he freely chose to die the mosthideous death imaginable to pay the pricefor all of our sin and brokenness, so that wemight have the opportunity to come into alife changing relationship with God.

The apostle John put it so clearly when hewrote "This is love: not that we loved God,but that he loved us and sent his Son as anatoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

I hope you enjoy this issue of LinK as weexplore God’s love, and the implications ofHis love for every one of us.

t h i s i s l o v e

'This is Love' is theexciting new album fromKerith's worship team. Available free fromKerith reception.


KERITH MAGAZINE 3

A journey of discovery 4-5

What is love? 6-7

Pushing doors - Hannah & Sam 8-9

Kerith in the news 10-11

Karen Mehta - loving others 12-13

The Liam Parker Interview 14-15

Meet Mike Maton 16

Texts for life 17-19

Worship & justice 20

Shauna Niequist - being REAL 21

Sixty seconds with Ben Oliver 22

Dates for the diary 23

Preview 24-25

Who to contact 26-27

CONTENTS

www.kerith.co.uk

Chief Editor Beccy Oliver Copy Editor Steve ScottConsulting EditorsSimon Benham, Penny Lander, Colin BoyleMagazine CoordinatorJoanna KrzeczunowiczEditorial contributionKaren Mehta, Michael Ross-Watson,Suzanne Whitton, Eileen Scott, Shauna NiequistArt Director Mike Charlton Head of Photography John MitchellPhotographic contributionSarina Cooper

TEAMLINK


Central line

AlbaniaDeveloping leaders and supportingyouth events in churches

PolandSupporting leaders in twochurches

Group for the deaf and hard of hearing

Women’smentoring programme

Women’s book club

Women’s writing group

Midweek small groups

Midweek group for the retired

Friday night youth event

Youth dramagroup

TMTL Deaf hope

Children’s ministry

Unique women’s ministry

United men’s ministry

Life groups

Groundbreakers

5-7s

Rock solid8-9s

Bouldergang10-11s

Blast

Explode

Dynamite

Freedom in ChristThe Alpha course

Parenting

The marriage course

Bracknell

Sandhurst

Wokingham Binfield

Discovery workshop

Inspire

Simply events

ExpActivate

Football club Golf club Events

Cycling

Exposition

Youth ministry

Life

J Generation

Schools’ work

Sunday youth meetings

dance group forchildren aged 5-11

Networking within localsecondary schools

Monday nights Saturdays

Encounter

Sparklers

Kerith courses & academies

Young adult community

Midday bible study groupSingle Parents’Group

Parent and toddlergroup

Sunday children’s groups that meet in K2, our building across the car park from the Kerith Centre

Intermediate discipleship Introduction to the Christian faithBuilding great relationships

Bereavement courseCoping with the death of a loved one

Evening theology study course

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

Life within Kerith

Discipleship groups

K2

for children aged7-11 who want to know

more about God

choir for children aged 5-11

Treasure Tots0-4s

KonstructionKrew5-11s

Twinkles babies

Jewels1s

Little Gems2s

PreciousStones3-4s

KERITHDIRECTORYA JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Lifegroups

Next Steps

Project 125

T.O.B

INvest


International hub

Oakwoodyouth challenge

District line

KerithCommunity

Church

Serenje appealFive-year programme supporting HIV/AIDS projects in Zambia

Partner organisation, outwardbound activity and leadershiptraining centre

LithuaniaHelping establish firstLithuanian Willow CreekLeadership Summit

FranceChurch plant in Melle

Sound, lighting,projection & recording

Website, graphics,set designand literature

Group for adults with learningdisabilities

Practical help for people in crisis

Feeding local people in crisis

Free debt advice through a national charity

Support groups for children with disabilities and their families

Kerith in the Community

Hilltop FoodBank

Support and awareness of humantrafficking in the local community

Act for Justice

Crisis Intervention

Konnections

RespiteSaturday and holiday clubsfor disabled children

YouthMonday night youth group

Mums’ groupSupport group for mothersof disabled children

Sunday buddiesSupport for disabledchildren during our Sundaychildren’s meetings

CAP

Creative arts

Volunteers

Car parking

Welcome team

Refreshments

Tech teamVideo editing and animatedproduction

Media team Graphics team

Sunday meetings and productionsDrama

Outreaching work of Kerith

Events

Facilities

Courses

www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 5

Youth Sailing

Sibling Support

Resound adult worship bands

Worship

Revolutionyouth worship band


KERITH SPECIAL FEATURE

WHATKERITH LINK 7 ARTWORK_Layout 1 07/12/2011 07:03

www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 7

Jesus said that the whole law of God is summed up by the command to love Godand to love others. Response to a commandment should be a decision of the willand not an emotion. We choose to love.

God first chose to love us unconditionally when there was nothing lovely in us andit was totally undeserved. His love was revealed in His practical and amazinggiving. He so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Love always gives.

Jesus’ parable about the prodigal son – who takes his inheritance while his fatheris alive, but ends up penniless – gives a beautiful insight into God’s love. Theprodigal suffers in his rebellion and is desperate and broken. His father longs for

his son to return home. One day the father sees his broken sonin the distance coming home. He runs to him, embraces himand blesses him. The father puts a robe around his son andcovers the stains of his sinful life. He puts a ring on his fingerthat speaks of acceptance. On his sore and bleeding feet he putsshoes. Sons, not servants, wear shoes! The father is saying youare my beloved son and not my servant. This parable picturesthe love that God, the Heavenly Father, has for us and Hisloving acceptance of us when we turn to Him.

When we really experience the Father’s love for ourselves wewill want to respond by loving, obeying, serving andworshipping Him. The Bible says that we love Him because Hefirst loved us, and when we genuinely experience His love wefind freedom from fear, guilt and condemnation.

One of the clearest evidences that we have experienced God’slove is that we treat people in the same way that God treats us. Love is kind,forgives and cares. Love is not proud and judgmental but instead covers amultitude of sins. We are to love practically in the same way that God loved us bygiving and forgiving. The apostle John says that we are to love not only with wordsbut also in deeds and truth. This will certainly mean the sharing of our possessionsand may even mean laying down our life for others. When we do this we aremoving in God’s direction and He pours His love into our hearts.

C. S. Lewis said: “To love at all is to be vulnerable!” When God loved us by givingHis Son to die for us he made himself vulnerable and many people rejected Him.To reach out to others and love them makes us vulnerable but the alternatives ofselfishness, hard-heartedness and pride are almost unthinkable.

Hollywood and the mediahave corrupted people’sunderstanding of love andportrayed it as a sexual,romantic, and emotionalfeeling. Some kind ofchemical reaction. Withoutdoubt there is emotion inlove, but love is primarily achoice and not an emotion.

Make a choice today to love Godand to love people!

T IS LOVE?BY MICHAEL ROSS-WATSON


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH FEATURE - ZAMBIA MISSION

outside the Kerith Centre. Instantlythey felt challenged to get involved inhis life. Hannah recalls: “It’s a sense ofjustice for me. I didn’t want to ignorehim and wondered what he must havebeen going through to end up beggingon the streets.”

They invited Guy for meals and heeven spent a week with them whiledetoxing from his alcoholdependency. Sam said: “Gettinginvolved with someone’s life can beinconvenient and messy, but Godblesses us massively when we havethe courage to step out.”

In 2007, Sam flew out with a teamfrom the Kerith to Serenje, Zambia. Heobserved first-hand the five-yearproject supporting those living withHIV/AIDS in the region, in partnershipwith international developmentagency Tearfund. Having two youngdaughters has curtailed foreign travelin recent years, but Hannah began tofeel God was calling them tosomething new and different.

Following an email to the director ofEFZ, which partners with Tearfund,they were invited to move out toZambia. Realising they would need toraise £30,000 to make the movehappen, recent months have been

If you want to find out more or donate, please visit www.tehila.org

When Sam andHannah first met –she a social carestudent and he theowner of a local juice bar business –they shared a passionto help society’smarginalised. Sam’slove for those on the

extremes has led him throughtraining as a paramedic to workingfor the London-based charity SPEAR,which seeks to support the homelessand those at risk of losing theiraccommodation. Hannah has workedfor a number of years in children’srights and advocacy – being a voicefor children in vulnerable situations.

Sam became a Christian on Alpha, acourse for those with questions about

the Christian faith. They had firstheard about the Kerith

shortly before when a leaflet dropped

through their door andSam, who was not a

Christian at the time,amazingly encouraged

Hannah to attend.

Soon after, they met Guy – aman living on the streets

who was asking for money

IN MARCH, SAM AND HANNAH FAIRS-BILLAMWILL MOVE THEIR FAMILY TO ZAMBIA TO WORKALONGSIDE THE EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP OFZAMBIA (EFZ) HELPING THEM DEVELOP A CHILDPROTECTION TRAINING PROGRAMME. THEY TOLDLINK ABOUT THE JOURNEY GOD HAS TAKEN THEMON IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR MOVE.

Han & Sam on their research

week in Zambia Aug 2011


KERITH MAGAZINE 9

an exercise of faith for Sam and Hannah.

Sam said: “We were reallynervous aboutraising the money,but we knew that ifGod wanted us inZambia we just hadto be bold and askif people couldsupport us. We were fully awareof the financial climate, but wehad to give it a go! The first

donation was £3,000and within five weeks we’d raised£25,000. It is mind-blowing andwe still can’t get our headsaround it.”

Faced with moving to apotentially difficult place,Hannah has grappled with allthe usual questions posed for a

mother of young children. Samjokes: “If you knew how long ittakes Hannah to buy a pair ofboots then you’d know howimportant it was for us to get astrong, decisive confirmationfrom God about where we weregoing to be based – in thecapital Lusaka, where the EFZis based, or in Serenje.”

For a while the confirmationdid not come, but while on avisit to Lusaka they witnessedthe aftermath of a horrificroad accident en-route fromSerenje. With Sam’s paramedictraining they stopped to help,even driving one patient from

hospital to hospital to find thecare required. The harrowingsituation brought into sharpfocus the cost of followingGod’s prompting to move. But it

was also a powerful reminderthat their skills could be ofsuch benefit in Zambia.Hannah recalls: “I felt that

God was telling us it wasgoing to be OK, but it wasgoing to be hard.”

Sam and Hannah are now inthe final stages of theirpreparations to move – thefulfilment of a vision that hasrequired the pushing of manydoors. As the Bible says inMatthew 25:40 – “Whateveryou did for one of the least ofthese brothers and sisters ofmine, you did for me.”

PUSHING DOORS

www.kerith.co.uk

Sam, Hannah, Isla & Amba


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH IN THE NEWS

A look backat what'sbeen goingon at theKerith,through theeyes of thelocal media.


KERITH MAGAZINE 11

www.kerith.co.uk


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH COMMUNITY

I was seven when I first heard about Jesusand about forgiveness, and that I wasloved for just being me. It took me a fewyears to really understand, but Iremember sitting in church at the age of10 and being filled with an overwhelmingsense of peace and love, and a warmththat washed through me from my feet tothe top of my head.After a few years, I moved to anotherchurch where I had a large group of

friends, and it wasthere that I had my firstreal experience of asocial justice ministry.Whilst I learned lotsabout social issuesduring this time, I didnot have the strengthor wisdom to grow inmy relationship withGod and I drifted awayfrom church lifecompletely. I got

married when I was 22, but the marriagewas not happy. I was subjected to a levelof domestic violence that left me bruised,battered and whimpering in the corner. Iexperienced severe anxiety attacks almostevery night. My husband got a job in Portugal, so Istayed behind to sell our home. It wassoon apparent that he was involved withsomeone else, and I was unable to makecontact with him. I was left with amortgage I was unable to pay and utilitybills I could not meet. While thepracticalities of a divorce were workedthrough, I struggled to keep a roof overmy head. Eventually all I was left with wasa Fiat Panda. In the year leading up to thisI returned to church and started to re-establish my walk with Jesus, and Godbegan to heal and restore me.A year and a half later, I met Mukesh at afriend’s wedding. His kindness and gentlemanner were so attractive after so muchhurt and pain. We married in 1993 andAmy was born in the following year.Having Amy made me think very seriouslyabout my faith. I knew I wanted her togrow up knowing the love and peace thatI had felt when I was 10 years old, and I

wanted that for myself again too.I was baptised in 1996 and for a while thingswere very happy and calm and our littlefamily thrived. In 1998 our son Kiran arrivednearly 11 weeks premature, weighing just 2lbs 12 oz, and this started another stormyjourney. In the following year and a half wewere told that he was profoundly deaf, thathe had a rare genetic condition, and that hewould probably never sit or walk, and maynot survive childhood. During this time God surrounded us withamazing people, the numerous nurses andtherapists who turned out to be Christiansand the church friends who decorated ourhouse when we were away with Kiran at aclinic in America. We also learned how hardit was to navigate the health, education andsocial care maze, and saw how many parentsstruggled to get the right help for their child. Instead of fading as he grew, Kiran hassteadily flourished. We have seen manyprayers for him answered in the last 13years, and his own courage has pushed himon. In the next few months he is likely to beback in hospital for another ear surgery andI am sure he will approach this with hisusual tenacity. We moved to Kerith Community Church in2005 attracted by love, sound teaching andpractical social justice ministries reachingout into the community. I fully believe thatthe church should be engaged in the socialjustice issues of our day, demonstrating tothe outside world that Christians don’t justtalk the talk, we walk the walk. We areprepared to roll up our sleeves and feed thehungry, speak up for those that have novoice, visit the prisoner and care for theweak and the sick. By doing this we don’tjust bless the broader community, but thechurch community too. Such works help usto see Jesus in the poor and the lonely, thesick and the marginalised, and to reach outand help.This journey has changed me. I can draw onknowledge from my personal journey andbring some support to others who are goingthrough their own life storms. I know thatJesus loved me before I ever knew him, andgave me the peace and freedom I have today.I am compelled by this love to be his handsand feet.

WE ARE PREPARED TO ROLLUP OUR SLEEVES AND FEEDTHE HUNGRY, SPEAK UP FORTHOSE THAT HAVE NO VOICE,VISIT THE PRISONER AND CAREFOR THE WEAK AND THE SICK.


www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 13

KAREN MEHTA RUNS KONNECTIONS – KERITH’S MINISTRY FORDISABLED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH INTERVIEW - LIAM PARKER, YOUTH PASTOR

For more details on the LIFE ministry contact: [email protected]

conversation with my agent when I explained God’schange of plan!First I worked for the Salvation Army as the youth pastorat my home church, and then later met Lee Layton-Matthews who was youth pastor at the Kerith at thetime. He began mentoring me and I ended up coming to

work with him.We used to get about 50 teenagers at the Kerith YouthGroup but we realised we were probably justentertaining rather than leading them closer to Jesus.After the summer of 2009 we decided it was time toinclude a talk every week. As I prayed about it I askedGod to add 200 to our number. The first night that weadded the talk was awful – we didn’t even get to speakas most of the youth walked out! The next week I didmanage to speak – 60 youth attended and 14 of them gotsaved! In three months we went from 50 to 300 and inspring 2010 we had to move from K2 into the KerithCentre as we’d grown so much.We estimate more than 1,500 young people in Bracknellhave been associated with LIFE to date, and our visionis to reach 2,350. When I do school lessons there arenormally a few in the class wearing the LIFE wristband,and recently I was teaching in a local school aboutprophetic words and a girl said she’d been to LIFE the

When I was 15 my dad said I could leave church if I liked.It was my choice now, but Jesus was my best friend so whywould I want to leave? I didn’t go through a rebelliousstage – I had a fun youth group and the big thing thathelped me I think was deciding that I wasn’t going to drinkalcohol. The Salvation Army taught abstinence and my

faith held to it. There were times I wasn’t invited to partiesbut mostly it was a great opportunity to haveconversations with my peers.As a young teenager I started seriously getting into acting.When I was 12 I auditioned for the Hugh Grant film ‘Abouta Boy’ and about once every two weeks I was out filmingor auditioning for films. I was in a number of Harry Potterfilms – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the bestto see me in! I worked with Anthony Minghella in‘Breaking and Entering’ where I doubled for one of theleads. It was an amazing experience – I was on set withthe other actors and had my make-up done next to JudeLaw! The turning point was when I was asked to do adramatic reading at the Royal Albert Hall for a nationalSalvation Army event. I realised how awesome it was tocombine drama with the Gospel. Even as I was speaking Irealised this was what I wanted to do. I’d planned to be anactor and proclaim God while working, but instead I said:“God why don’t you decide!” I remember an amazing

YOU’D BE SURPRISED AT HOW THE YOUNG PEOPLE RESPECT SPIRITUALAND GROWTH AND A LIFE WALKED WI

As a child I was brought up in the Salvation Army.My dad is a Christian and although my mum andtwo brothers aren’t, we were used to going tochurch regularly. My mum was an amazing supportto dad and would come and serve when hepreached. From as young as I can remember Iwould speak to God often.


www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 15

week before and had beenprophesied over. Sheexplained how it had beenspot on. One of the boysasked what LIFE was andwas shouted down by therest of the class saying: “Youdon’t know what LIFE is?!”I’ve found that our young people respect spiritualmaturity and a life walked with God. They areinspired by the older people who live this out and setthe example for them. Sometimes they don’t feelworthy to chat with them, but they’d do anything tospend time with inspiring people. My encouragementto those people is that if you are on fire for Jesus andcontinue living an inspiring life, the young peoplewill be drawn to you.

L MATURITY WITH GOD.


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH INTERVIEW

Mike Maton and his wifeVirge first became part of

the Kerith community in2010. Their first child

Sophia was born inNovember and as well as

overseeing two privatebusinesses, Mike also

works full-time for awireless data

management company.But life hasn’t always

been straight-forward forthe 32-year-old.

MIKE

MATO

N

How were things for you as a child andteenager?I’ve lived in Windsor all my life and at thebeginning things were pretty cool – we livedin a big house with my mum, dad and twobrothers, and life was really nice. But my daddecided to leave the family and that was thestart of some rocky ground. My mumremarried but my second dad also left, andwhen he did that he left with most of ourmoney. We went from having everything topretty much living with nothing. We movedfrom one council house to another and itbecame really hard for us. While this wasgoing on one of my brothers got heavily intothe drug scene as well as petty crime, he wasstealing most of my music equipment, and hewas also physically and verbally abusive. I wasstabbed, chucked down the stairs, pushedthrough mirrors – it got very intense. We hadmany drug dealers coming and causingproblems. We received threats our housewould be fire-bombed and we had to evacuateand live at someone else’s house.

How did you manage to cope?My mum was a Christian and although weweren’t going to church as much, there wasalways a faith element. I became a Christianas a teenager when a friend invited me to anevent at Wembley Stadium. The evangelistBilly Graham made an appeal and I knew Ihad no hope but to go and give my life to theLord. That started a process of things reallychanging for me. I was so trodden down bythings that had happened that it took a longtime for me to rediscover my confidence.

I’d lost both my dads so seeing God as myFather was really quite difficult, but slowlyand surely I began to really trust God andwhat he was doing.

What have you learnt through yourexperiences?During my life I’ve had to learn to adjust to alot of things, but I once heard someonetalking about turning your fear into faith, andfor me that was incredible. I’d always lookedat things so fearfully but it was only when Istarted putting my faith in God that thingsreally started changing dramatically. At thetime I was just hoping to get through week-by-week and if I hadn’t changed my fear intofaith it would’ve just crippled me. Lookingback at the times I’ve had, I’d never havedreamed I’d be doing what I’m doing now andit was only through God’s grace andunderstanding that He got me to where I am now.

What advice would you give to youngpeople today?Don’t let your past dictate your future. As aChristian, whatever’s going on in your lifeyou’ve got to push through it and believe goodis going to happen and things will work out,even if you don’t see it. Never stop dreamingbig, and don’t waste time on things that willslow you down – many times I tried to be aperson that I wasn’t and it stopped me frombeing productive. Trust in God’s timing andhis lead, and believe God’s got a biggerpurpose for your life.


www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 17

WHY WE NEED TO GET INTO OUR BIBLESTEXTS FOR LIFE

At Kerith we want to help everyone to learn how toread, understand and apply the Bible for themselves.An important part of that is us learning to memorisesections of the Bible which will help us in oureveryday lives.

On one occasion Jesus was being tempted by the devilto give up on his mission - on each occasion heovercame the temptation by quoting the Bible.

We want to give everyone who comes to Kerith asimilar ‘toolkit’ of memorable Bible verses, so fromJanuary we’re having a series called ‘Texts forLife’ where each week we’ll be learning aBible verse together.

A recent study by Willow Creek

Community Church in Chicago

looked at what causes the

biggest life change in people

who are either investigating the

claims of Jesus Christ, or who

have already chosen to follow

Him. They looked at all sorts of

factors, such as going to church

regularly on a Sunday,

volunteering to help other

people, meeting with a small

group of Christians during the

week and praying regularly.

All of these had an impact, but

they found that the thing which

had the biggest single impact

was people regularly reading the

Bible, and applying what they

learnt to their lives.


TEXFOLIF

KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH FEATURE - TEXTS FOR LIFE

I have hidden your wordin my heart that I mightnot sin against you.Psalm 119:11

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your Godwith all your heart and with all yoursoul and with all your mind.’This is thefirst and greatest commandment. Andthe second is like it: ‘Love yourneighbour as yourself.’ All the Law andthe Prophets hang on these twocommandments.”Matthew 22:37-40

For preachers and dates please see page 25

The Spiritgives life;the fleshcounts fornothing.John 3:63a

Therefore, I urge you, brothers andsisters, in view of God’s mercy, tooffer your bodies as a living sacrifice,holy and pleasing to God - this isyour true and proper worship.Romans 12:1

Therefore go and makedisciples of all nations,baptising them in the nameof the Father and of the Sonand of the Holy Spirit.Matthew 28:19

Remember this:Whoever sowssparingly will also reapsparingly, andwhoever sowsgenerously will alsoreap generously.2 Corinthians 9:6


XTS ORFE

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KERITH MAGAZINE 19

I can do all thisthrough him whogives me strength.Philippians 4:13

And we know that in allthings God works for thegood of those who love him,who have been calledaccording to his purpose.Romans 8:28

Rejoice always, praycontinually, givethanks in allcircumstances; for thisis God’s will for you inChrist Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

He has showed you, O mortal, what isgood. And what does the LORD requireof you? To act justly and to love mercyand to walk humbly with your God.Micah 6:8

For God so loved the world that he gave his oneand only Son, that whoever believes in him shallnot perish but have eternal life. For God did notsend his Son into the world to condemn theworld, but to save the world through him.John 3:16-17

Praise be to the God and Father of ourLord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassionand the God of all comfort, who comfortsus in all our troubles, so that we cancomfort those in any trouble with thecomfort we ourselves receive from God.2 Corinthians 1:3-4


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH SPECIAL FEATURE

To love God is to worship Him. Worship is central tothe Christian faith; the purpose of which is to givehonour and worth to God. In Mark 12:29 Jesus tells uswhat is first in God’s heart – that we love Him with ourheart, soul, mind and strength, and love those aroundus as we love ourselves. As we worship, we get toknow God better and we learn more about what Heloves. These two things just can't be separated. If we loveGod, we surely must love the thing which is most onHis heart – people! This is why worship and reachingout to others are so closely linked. We have beencalled to be God's hands and feet on the earth untilJesus returns again. That means more than passiveobservation when we see injustice in the world aroundus.The link between worship and justice is such a strongone, and one which many Christians – perhaps inparticular those of us who live comfortable Westernlives – have forgotten about or simply ignored. If wewant God to delight in our worship then we need to bewilling to engage in God’s heart for this world – thatwe give all we can to those who are lost,disadvantaged or down-trodden. That our worship willnot just involve our voices to sing; but also ourprayers, our money, our time and our hearts.

HELEN COTTEEWORSHIP PASTOR

Worship is central to theChristian faith; the purposeof which is to give honourand worth to God.

Want to get involved in Kerith life? Don't know where to start? From January the Kerith website willpublish all the vacant volunteeropportunities so you can see exactly whatthere is to get involved in. Just go to:www.kerith.co.uk/volunteers

SITUATIONS VACANT


www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 21

BEINGREAL

Shau

na N

iequis

t

Meet Shauna…We are very excited to be welcoming Shauna Niequist as theguest speaker at REAL 2012, our conference for women takingplace on June 22-23. Shauna is best known as a gifted writer butshe is also a wife, mother and the daughter of Willow CreekSenior Pastor Bill Hybels. LinK caught up with Shauna to whet our appetites.

What inspired you to write your first book ‘Cold Tangerines’?I felt like a lot of the Christians I knew were keeping themselvesbusy pointing out what’s wrong with the world – what’s broken,what’s sinful, what should be protested. I understand that, butat the same time I think there’s a lot right with the world too – a lot of beauty, hope and evidence of God’s fingerprints.

‘Bittersweet’ reveals some difficult times in your life, whatwas your motivation?I didn’t want to write it at all. I wanted to skip straight to ‘Bread& Wine’ (due out in Spring 2013), the fun one about dinnerparties. I tried and tried, and then finally realised that life as awriter sometimes means telling even the stories you don’t wantto tell, the ones you didn’t want to live through and don’t wantto re-live on the page. But re-living is a writer’s responsibility,and more than that, honesty is a writer’s responsibility.

Can you tell us three things you are passionate about?1. The people I love – family and close friends. 2. Books – I love to read, and a well-written sentence or

paragraph brings me so much joy. 3. Cooking and sharing meals with people I love.

What can we look forward to hearing from you at REAL 2012?Much of what I’m writing about right now is about navigatingthe seasons of our lives with grace and perspective. What is Godcalling me to in this season that’s different from the lastseason? What needs to end? What needs to begin? It’s helpfulfor me to think of my life in small segments; changing accordingto the ages of my kids or the opportunities I’m given. I’mexcited to talk about living well wherever we find ourselves, inall sorts of seasons.

Shauna’s books are available in the Kerith bookshop and thereare many excerpts at www.shaunaniequist.com/booksTickets for REAL 2012 are on sale at www.kerith.co.uk/real2012or from the Kerith Centre reception.

JUST


KERITHDIRECTORYSPEED DATING - THE ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

60SE

COND

S

WITHBEN OLIVER

MEET BEN OLIVER - KERITH’S EXECUTIVE PASTOR. HE IS HUSBAND TO BECCY AND A FATHEROF THREE DAUGHTERS. THREE DAYS A WEEK HE WORKS FOR GLAXOSMITHKLINE IN SALES.IN THE PAST HE HAS REPRESENTED THE BRANDS RIBENA AND LUCOZADE AND WORKED ASA SALESMAN FOR WALKERS CRISPS. AND YES, HE DID MEET GARY LINEKER.

What does your role of ExecutivePastor actually mean? I help organise the leadership team sothat the way we meet, communicateand make decisions is more effective,and also more fun. It means there’s astructure so that as much as possibleof the day-to-day running of the churchis off Simon’s shoulders.

What do you do at GSK?I’m representing the sales side of aproject that is creating a computersystem that will help GSK sales teamsall over the world plan how theypromote products to customers. Thingslike BOGOF (buy one get one free) dealsactually cost companies a lot of moneyso they need specialist programmes toorganise that.

Who is the last person you texted?Someone sent me a text earlier in theday to tell me they’d just become aChristian, so I replied to say, ‘Brilliantnews, welcome to the family. We’ve gota lifetime ahead of us of working outhow much God loves us’.

Which website do you visit most? BBC – news, weather, iPlayer…CBeebies!

What was your first car? When I was a salesman for Walkerscrisps I had a Peugeot 406 estate – you could fit loads of packets of crispsin the boot!

What was the last music you bought? Ages ago – I bought the Leona Lewis CD which my eldest daughter plays constantly on the iPad.

If you were going to sing a song atkaraoke, what would it be? I wouldn’t, I would find being the centre ofattention like that so uncomfortable. I wouldactively walk out if anyone started to sing ‘IWill Survive’, it’s a pet hate of mine whenwomen really get into that one!

How do you cope being the only man inthe house? I’ve always been used to being surroundedby girls because of my two sisters. I basicallygo along with what they do and if I can’t takeanymore then go and do a monotonousdigging job in the garden, go to the drivingrange or go for a drink with someone. Theone thing I refuse to endure is craft, becauseof the potential for uncontained mess – theycan make it a lot faster than I can tidy it!

Have you ever been mistaken for anybodyfamous? People used to say I look like DavidDuchovny from ‘The X-Files’. But no-one’sever called me David!

Have you got any nicknames? Yes, sadly my initials are B.O. which I’venever been able to live down. I was called‘Benardinho’ when I was at university andplaying a lot more football – after theincredible footballer Ronaldinho.

Finally, tell us something about Ben Oliverwe don’t know. I’m a proficient windsurfer.

Thanks Ben... mind if I have a crisp?


KERITH MAGAZINE 23

www.kerith.co.uk


KERITHDIRECTORYKERITH PREVIEW

REAL 2012 for all women ishappening on the evening ofFriday 22nd and all day Saturday23rd June. Speakers includeCatrina Benham (Kerith) andShauna Niequist (Willow CreekCommunity Church).

To book go to:www.kerith.co.uk/REAL2012

EASTER

Mothers Day 18th March9am and 11am

We love MUMs at Kerithand this Mothers Day isno exception - so whetheryou are a Mum, have aMum or know a Mum,these meetings are anopportunity to invite themalong to celebrate Mumseverywhere!

Mums theword

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 7th & 8th October 2012

Two days of inspiration, encouragement and skilldevelopment with a dynamic line-up of leadersand thinkers via a large screen.

’

ADVANCESaturday 17th November 2012

Information coming soon - check our websitewww.kerith.co.uk

Good FridayThe Afternoon MovieIn the afternoon there will be anotheropportunity to bring your family to Kerithat the movies! We will be showing a DVDappropriate for all ages to enjoy together.

Good Friday nightThe Cost of the CrossAn opportunity to spend time reflectingon the cross - its cost, its implicationsand its impact on us today.

Easter DayThe Power of the CrossWe love to celebrate that Jesus is Alive!So the Easter Day meetings are set to bea highlight in our Spring calendar.Invite your friends and neighbours towhat is going to be a brilliant day!

A conference for kids' ministry leaders

Do you want to be inspired to be the best you can inkids' work for under fives up to pre-teens? ADVANCEwill challenge and encourage kids' ministry leaders fromany style of church, no matter the size of their presentkids' work. Incorporating a fun atmosphere andawesome worship, there will be inspirational teaching tostir up the hearts of those who already serve, and otherswanting to get involved to ADVANCE to the next level inkids' ministry.


www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 25

TheBereavement

Course

SUNDAY PREACHES

The Bereavement course is for anyone who has beenbereaved. Based on Christian principles, the course issuitable for everyone whether recently bereaved ordating back several years with or without a Christianfaith. Attendance is not advisable for those who havebeen bereaved within the past 3 months.

A comprehensive yet astonishingly simple money management course to help you get, and then stay, in control of your finances. A three session DVD based course for anyone- no matteryour financial situation.

The Alpha Course

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of lifethrough a ten week course designed as a basicintroduction to the Christian faith. We run an eveningand a daytime course (with a crèche) so you canchoose a time that suits you best. Come relax, eat,share your thoughts and explore the meaning of life.

The Freedom in Christ course isdesigned for Christians who wouldlike to take hold of what the bible hasto say about them and apply it totheir lives. This course is an excellentprogression from Alpha but is a greatrefresher for those who’ve beenChristians for years.

Freedom in Christ

An opportunity to enhance your marriageby discussing topics asfvaried ascommunication, parents in law, quality time, sex and much more! With a meal and a talk each week, this course gives you time during the sessions to discuss with your partner all those things you don’t get round to at home!

08 Jan Simon Benham Psalm 119:1115 Jan Simon Benham Matthew 22:37-4022 Jan Liam Parker Matthew 28:1929 Jan Michael Ross-Watson 2 Corinthians 9:6

05 Feb Sola Osinoiki Philippians 4:1312 Feb David McAuley Micah 6:819 Feb Simon Benham Romans 8:2826 Feb Ten 10 The Words of Jesus

4 Mar Tim Hughes John 6:63a11 Mar Simon Benham 2 Corinthians 1:3-418 Mar Lydia Harris-Lane 1 Thessalonians 5:16-1825 Mar Various Romans 12:1

01 Apr Simon Benham John 3:16-1708 Apr Simon Benham Easter Day Celebration15 Apr Simon Benham Texts for Life - all twelve22 April Simon Benham Prodigal God Series commences

Invest is Kerith’s training course for all those wanting to deepen their knowledge, understanding andapplication of the Bible. This course is open toeveryone - no matter what bible knowledge or abilityyou feel you arrive with!

At Kerith we follow the pattern ofJesus in giving thanks for children, orwhat some people would call adedication. We pray, giving thanks toGod for the children as well asasking for blessing and protectionover their lives. We also pray forwisdom for the parents. From 2012 we will be having threethanksgiving Sundays spread acrossthe year where families can jointogether in giving thanks to God fortheir children. Thanksgiving dates are:5th Feb, 20th May & 23rd Sept. For more information contact:[email protected]

For contact details see pages 26-27

ThanksGivings


Alpha is an opportunity to explore themeaning of life through a 10 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: Caroline HanburyEmail: [email protected]

The Freedom in Christ course is designedto help you take hold of the amazing truthabout who you are as a follower of Christ.Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith CentreReception Phone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Rob & Stacey Omokaro

An opportunity to enhance your marriageby discussing all those things you neverget time to do at home.Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith CentreReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leaders: Jonathan & Sue Davis

An 8 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

We are a large and friendly toddlergroup for all pre-school 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 CentreReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Helen Dodwell

KERITHDIRECTORY

COURSES

MEETINGS & GROUPS

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 CentreReceptionPhone: 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

EncounterMidweek Bible Study

Small midweek groups that meet inpeople’s homes. We seek to get to knowGod more and do life together.Find out more:visit: www.kerith.co.uk Visit the Life Group Stand in Reception after a Sunday meeting for a chat.Email: [email protected] Leaders: Ben & Beccy Oliver

Life groupsdoing life together

The Alpha course

DiscoveryWorkshop

A 5 week training course facilitating how to deal with your grief.Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith CentreReceptionPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leaders: Pete & Alex Moon, Sue Davis

BereavementCourse

The marriage course

SPARKLERSparent and toddler group

CAPmoney

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:Phone: 01344 862699visit: www.kerith.co.uk Under 5s - Lydia [email protected] - Yvonne Scott [email protected] Leaders: Lydia Harris-Lane and Yvonne Scott

Kids 2at the kerith

INvest

KERITH CONTACTS

Evening course aimed at helping you togrow your relationship with God throughthe study of the Bible and its practicalapplication. Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] To sign up for INvest visit:www.kerith.co.uk/investGroup Leader: Ben Pocock

For start dates of all courses see page 23


Serving the whole of Bracknell communitywith practical help and support to familiesand individuals alongside other services inthe area.Find out more:Pick up a form from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leader: Catriona Mitchell

A mentoring programme to meet togetherregularly to support one another.Group Leader: Caroline Hanbury

A book club for all women who enjoyreading or want to be motivated to readmore books. Meets bi-monthly. Group Leader: Ope Olugbile

A women's writing group for those whowould like to grow in the art of writing.Meets third Friday of the month in K2.Group Leader: Jacqui Webber-Gant:

A group serving the deaf and hard ofhearing in the Kerith community.Find out more:Pick up info from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Mark & Alex Hooper

MINISTRIES & KERITH IN THE COMMUNITY

Deaf hope

Restoring dignity reviving hopeFind out more:Phone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leader: Pat Hallett

Foodbank

CrisisIntervention

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 info from Kerith Centre ReceptionPhone: 01344 862699 Email: [email protected] Leaders: Melita Cullis & Hazel White

Hilltop

Unique is the ministry for all women.Find out more:catrinabenham.blogspot.comGroup Leader: Catrina BenhamPhone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected]

UNIQUE ministryfor women

Music courses for school years 6-11covering drums, guitar, keyboards andvocals.Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Dave Betts

INSPIRE

Look out for these large events for womencoming together to share fun and faith.

SIMPLY EVENTS

EXPOSITION

ACTIVATE

EXP is the community for 16-30(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

Free debt advice from award winningcharity for anyone struggling with debt. Find out more:Appointments freefone: 0800 328 0006 Bracknell Centre: 01344 828805Centre manager: Andy Jackson

Christiansagainst poverty UK

Act for justice

A community of young people school years 7-13.Find out more:[email protected]/youthGroup Leader: Liam Parker

Youth & LIFEat the Kerith

A number of different groups that seek tosupport both children with disabilities andtheir familiesFind out more:Karen Mehta-01344 [email protected] orSandy Carter-01344 [email protected] Leader: Karen Mehta

Konnectionssupport group

WorshipAcademy

konnections

www.kerith.co.uk

KERITH MAGAZINE 27

We are a group dedicated to praying, fund-raising and campaigning to raise awarenessof trafficking in our local communityFind out more:Phone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Lianne Allen

Single ParentsGroup

RECRUITMENT

Meet people and get involved with themany projects and ministries that make upKerith Community Church.Find out more:Email: [email protected] line: 01344 828808 Group Leader: Sue Ranger

KerithVolunteers

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 TMTL

A group for single parents which meetsevery second Friday night to pray, supportone other and have fun.Find out more:Phone: 01344 862699Email: [email protected] Leader: Sarah Hardy


kerith community churchThe Kerith Centre Church Road Bracknell RG121EH Tel: +44 (0)1344 862699 email: [email protected]

www.kerith.co.uk01344 862699

DOWNSHIRE WAY A322

COLLEGE RNDBT

COLLEGE

3M RNDBT

TO BINFIELDMAIDENHEAD

TO MAIDENHEADWARFIELDWINDSOR

TO WINKFIELD ROWWINDSOR

TO ASCOT

TO BAGSHOTM3 J3

TO CROWTHORNESANDHURST

TO A329MAND M4 J1O

TO AMEN CORNERWOKINGHAM

A329M AND M4

THE KERITHCENTRE

AVIS

BRACKNELLSTN.SK

IMPED HILL

BRACKNELLTWIN

BRIDGES

WOKINGHAM ROAD B3408 MILLENNIUM WAY LONDON ROAD A329

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ROAD

BAGSH

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A3095

MOUNT LANE

MILL

LANE A

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PARK ROAD

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BINFIELD ROAD B3018

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OVER 900 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND TYPESGATHER ON SUNDAYS AT 9AM, 11AM & 7PM TO WORSHIP GOD, HEAR GREAT TEACHING & BUILD FRIENDSHIPS.

To catch the latest Kerith news and thoughts from our Senior Pastor, Simon Benham subscribe to www.simonbenham.com twitter: @simonbenham

DISCOVERKERITH

Kerith is not just about Sundays.There's loads going on during theweek, for more information goonline or ask at the Kerith reception.

The early birdmeeting

The fancy a lie inmeeting

The night owlmeeting

KERITH MAGAZINE

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welcome

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Documents

message of gods love

weexplore gods love

extent of gods love

implications ofhis love

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o v ekerith link

apostle john

o v ethis