thoughts on worship, family, children, youth, church, and anything else really...
Jan 12 was a wonderful day when FW Writer and colleague (and the designer of this website), Chris Juby, got married to Hannah Brown.
I love weddings, and this was a brilliant one - full of life, joy, hope, colour, warmth, and two people clearly head over heels in love. Marvelous.
Many congratulations to Chris & Hannah, and every blessing and happiness for the future.
I have been involved with charity CCI for a couple of years now, primarily in the context of hosting their website through Solidrock where I am involved as a Director. CCI does a great work, linking conference centres, holiday organisations, youth and children’s ministries, and so on, through their association and network, and so I was delighted to be invited to lead the worship for their conference. Held at the Pioneer Centre in the beautiful (if somewhat wet) Shropshire countryside, it was a great 3 days.
In the UK, where church attendance has been in decline over recent decades, many people, especially young people, come to faith through holidays, conferences, outdoor activities, and other similar events, so the work CCI does is a vital and valuable part of keeping the gospel alive and relevant in our nation.
Old friend (well, not that old), Ian King, who was pastor of our home church, Ichthus Downham, for many years, and a key encourager for me in getting the FW series of songs and recordings off the ground, has been associate pastor for the past several years at Vineyard, Loughton. Wes Sutton, the founder of the church and senior pastor, has recently accepted a new role working with Steve Chalke and church.co.uk, so on 6 Jan, there was a “handover” service at Vineyard. We were invited to go for the morning to lead a celebration for the children while the main service was happening, which was great fun.
Many congratulations to Ian and Chris King on their new appointment, and to Wes and Mary in their exciting new role too.
Well, 2008 is here, and the chance to dream and make plans. We were hoping for snow in London today, but in vain. I love snow - I’m due to visit Moscow at the end of the month, so perhaps should be careful what I wish for!
We spent New Year’s Eve in central London, visiting the Star Wars exhibition (OK OK - sad or cool depending on your point of view), seeing a film and then watching the fireworks over the London Eye, which get better every year. Still not quite up to Sydney’s standard perhaps, but getting there…
The month starts with a Roadshow visit on Jan 6 to Vineyard Loughton, where our friend Ian King is taking over as senior pastor from FW Writer and friend Wes Sutton, who is moving on to lead church.co.uk
The following weekend is one we are really looking forward to, where FW Writer and friend Chris Juby is marrying the wonderful Hannah Brown
Then it’s on to lead worship at the CCI conference which I greatly enjoyed last year.
Whatever your hopes and dreams are we pray that 2008 will be an exciting and fulfilling year for you.