Summer News

Dear Friends,

One or two bits of news for you this month.

First, we will be celebrating our 249th Church Anniversary on the weekend of 2/3 July. Please do come and join us on Westbrook beach on the Saturday – some of us will be there from 10am onwards for a BIG PICNIC. It would be great to have a really fun family day together – bring food and games with you! On the Sunday, our morning service will be a Parade, and the Mayor of Margate and other guests from the local council will also join us. Then, after the morning service, we will be going to Dane Park for a picnic with other friends from all the churches of Margate. This will end with a time of worship at 4pm. It promises to be a great weekend of celebration – make sure you are part of it!

Next, can I ask you to pray about the Margate Churches Youth Project, which is being explored at present? It is hoped that we will be able to open a café-bar for young people in Margate, run by Christians, and with a Christian ethos. There has been a great deal of support for this idea, and we are currently setting up a framework to help make it happen. Two key issues are funding and suitable premises – we will need to get both of these sorted out if the project is to go forward. It seems difficult – maybe even impossible…but with God, there is no such thing as impossible! Our next open meeting is on 5th July at New Life Church – you are welcome to come and join us.

Thirdly, we will be holding a GUEST SERVCE, on Sunday 10th July, at 11am. This will be a normal Sunday morning service – but planned with guests in mind. You are encouraged to think of a guest to invite to come with you – perhaps a family member, or a neighbour, or a colleague – anyone that you could ask to join us on the 10th. Research says that people are much more likely to say yes, if they know that someone will come with them – so make sure you offer to bring them, or meet them beforehand. Invitation cards will be printed for you to use, and the time to start praying about this is now!

Finally, the Church has very kindly agreed that I can take a period of sabbatical leave, spread over the next two years. Ministers normally take a sabbatical of up to three months, once every seven years. It has been agreed that I can take my sabbatical in two parts, with five weeks in the early part of 2012, and another five weeks in 2013. It is my intention to use this time away from daily ministry to research and write a book, which will be on some aspect of ministry. I shall probably be away from Margate during these times (which are not holidays!) – so arrangements will be put in place in case needs arise while I am away. Thank you for allowing me this privelege.

With very best wishes, Stephen

Play up and play the game!

Whenever I mention sport in one of my sermons, I am sure to get a mixed response. About half of my listeners will sit up and take notice, while the other half will groan to show their disinterest. Sport seems to be one of those things that divides people into likers and haters – rather like marmite. I confess that I am a sports fan, particularly when it comes to cricket, but I do understand those who find all sport to be a turn-off. There is, however, more to this than mere personal tastes.

A recent report from the Centre for Social Studies argues that sport can and should have a major impact on society, in terms of cutting youth crime, and increasing educational attainment. Few activities are as successful at encouraging young people to focus their efforts, build their self-esteem, and maximise their potential. Funding, of course, is a major issue, and at a time of cutbacks sport can easily be seen as an optional luxury that cannot be afforded. The benefits far outweigh the costs, however, and a little investment in promoting sport can bring huge benefits to society at large.

Christian churches have long played an active role in promoting sport: twelve of our current Premier League football clubs have their origins in churches. Christian values, such as honesty, teamwork, fairness, and discipline, are all central to sporting achievement (or should be). With the Olympic Games on the horizon, there will no doubt be many opportunities for Christians to get involved in their local communities, building relationships and helping to shape values. I, for one, think this is a good thing, and would encourage everyone to play their part. The “groaners” will no doubt disagree, but there are probably enough of us who love sport to make a difference, and to pass on something of real value to the next generation.