Pastor @ mbc’s Weblog

Wednesday 29th October

Here we go again! Its Holiday Club week, and this year we are doing “Champions Challenge” – a Scripture Union theme, which looks at Jesus our trainer, physio, substitute etc etc. At the time of writing (Wednesday afternoon); we have had a first morning with about 50 children attending, and about 20 adults and young people helping. It seems to be going well (if a little chaotically) – and the children all had a good time this morning. The real test will be to see if they come back again tomrrow… the same goes for the leaders!

The team here at MBC all seem to know what they are doing – some of the leaders have been doing these clubs for many years. Nicky and I were first involved in running holiday clubs at our first Church in London, in the 1980’s. I seem to remember themes like “Shipshapes” and “Chattabox”, and picnics and barbeques (we always did these in the summer). One year we decorated our Church hall as a jungle, and all our activities were jungle related – another year it was knights and castles, and once we did our own Holiday Club on an animal theme. These were all great times – both for the kids and for the helpers. The same is true here – we are creating happy memories, as well as sowing seeds of faith in our young peoples’ lives. Please pray or us all this week, and in the months ahead.

On Sunday Morning at 11am, there will be a Family Service to mark the end of Holiday Club. In the evening, we will have a quieter, more traditional Communion Service at 6.30pm. You are very welcome to join us for either of these times of worship – or both!     Best wishes,   Stephen.

” Why is there only one Monopolies Commission?”

Monday 20th October

Its nice to be home after a fantastic holiday in Florida. The best part, of course, was seeing my family. My sister moved to America when she was in her early 20’s, and is now well and truly Americanized. Strangely, although most English people would think she was American, most Americans can still spot her English accent (and she still asks for visitors to bring marmite with them!) She is married to Bill, and they have a daughter, Elizabeth, who is now sixteen. We were able to go to one of her High School Football games, and see her perform in the school marching band – a real treat! We also got to do lots of other exciting things in the holiday capital of the world – the weather was amazing, and I think we all put on several pounds in weight, thanks to the great food. Still, its nice to be home, and to get back to the realities of UK life.

This week, we have an Open Forum Meeting on Wednesday at 8pm. These are evenings that are open to anyone, and they give us a chance to talk over some important issues as a Church fellowship. Our subject this time is “Where are we going?” – a chance to have a fresh look at our Church’s Mission Statement. Please do come and join the converstaion, if you can. On Thursday evening, I will be speaking at the Men’s Forum about my trip to the Space Coast (8pm in the Coffee Lounge). Then on Friday, “Canty” comes to MBC – the much-loved East Kent Youth Weekend will be taking up residence at our Church until Sunday. Canty has been going for many years, and is a very popular event. We are glad to have them with us, and the young people will be leading our evening worship on Sunday at 4pm. There will be a Family Service at 11am – come and join us!

So, after spending quality time with one part of my family, it is time to get back to the Church family. In the words of the song “We are family…” – and dont you forget it!   Bye for now – Stephen.

” I took my dog to a Christian training school. He still bites me, but now he says grace first.”

Monday 6th October

I see that I havent posted for a while – sorry, but its been a busy few days. The highlight of the weekend was Mark’s Induction as new pastor at Beltinge. It was a splendid service, with a full Church and great singing. The “boxed tea” was an excellent idea, and the hosts did us proud. We all wish Mark and Susan a very happy future as they live and work among their new Church family.

On Sunday, we had a well attended Parade Service at 11am – our theme was “Mind your mouth”, and the service included a bowl of coco pops, a spider, and some tales to put you off your dinner – for ever! In the evening, we talked about the importance of not judging one another – one of Jesus’ most overlooked commandments, I think!

I will be away for the next week or so in America – the land of stars and stripes, the home of the brave and the land of the free (or is it the land of the brave and the home of the free?) If you are interested in what we get up to, I will be giving an illustrated talk “Space Coast Sojourn”, at the Mens’ Forum on 23rd October.

I do want to encourage you to go to see the African Childrens’ Choir, which is visiting Cliftonville (St Paul’s Church) on Monday 20th October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3, and you will never forget the experience of seeing these children perform.

Meanwhile, I will post again here on 20th October, and thereafter every Monday.

Every blessing to you, and thank you for visiting my blog.  Stephen.

“I met a Cherokee Indian. He said “How!”    And I said “How!”   He said “I didnt know you could speak Cherokee!”   And I said “Its easy when you know how!”