A small group from Church were lucky to visit the Beacon House of Prayer and Christian Centre, located in Sandyford, just outside Stoke-on-Trent, on Tuesday 22nd July 2014.

We spent time in private prayer in the variety of prayer spaces available in the House and explored some of the many resources they have on offer. We then attended their daily act of worship joining in song and prayer and listening to readings from scripture. Finally, we joined in fellowship and discussion over our packed lunches.

What an uplifting and exciting spiritual experience we had and a deeply moving one to see such commitment from this group of Christians. Thanks to Andrea Ellams for arranging our visit.

The House of Prayer was established in 2007 and has continued to grow since. But what is a House of Prayer? The leaders of the House, William and Karen Porter, sum it up like this: ‘The word ‘Beacon’ sums up a lot of the vision—may it be a light of God’s presence, a fire of night & day prayer and a signal of burning hot Christian spirituality as people live out Jesus’ love.’

For more information about the House or if you wish to visit, the details are below.

Beacon House of Prayer & Christian Centre
A.: 550-552, High Street, Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5PD
W.: www.beaconhop.org
T.: 01782 827238
E.: thebeaconhop@btconnect.com

Good to be back!

0930live! finally started back recently after a very long summer break. It was so good to meet up and share each other’s news. All the children had started new classes and, in some cases, new schools. There were new jobs, interests and a very new baby! Our first theme was from Matthew 6: 25-34, ‘Do not worry’ and we explored how we may react when we’re worried, what Jesus said about how God cares for each of us and knows our needs and how we can put it into practice.

Themed Preaching

We have planned several parables from Matthew’s Gospel for the services before Christmas. Each one is as relevant as ever to our lives today: the parable of the sower, the unforgiving servant, the workers in the vineyard and the wedding feast.

Harvest – 28th September

This year 0930live! have been asked to decorate the church for Harvest. Flowers and vegetables will be enthusiastically and creatively incorporated into decorations on Saturday 27th September 10-12 noon. The more the merrier on that day…

‘0930plus’

There are now nearly 40 children, from babies to 18 years, who regularly attend 0930live! Wow, no wonder the Hall after the service can feel so energised! We really want all our children to gain as much as possible from coming to church, and also to be involved. So we have started some groups to meet after the service where the theme can be explored further. Young Minds (Year 6+) will continue to meet with Simon on the 2nd week, sometimes they will be discussing that week’s theme, or maybe preparing material for the following service. KS2 children (Juniors) will meet each week to watch a short video followed by discussion. There will also always be a 
craft activity available for the younger children.

Music

We are starting a young band for anyone who has achieved Grade 1. This will meet on the 4th Sunday after the service – all are very welcome to come along. We also hope to start a young singing group and are planning to get the adults singing for Christmas too. 

Watch this space…! 

Pippa Jacobson 
Community and Schools Worker

An evening of Food and music

The young people of our Church have preparations well underway for an evening of food and music from 100 years ago, in commemoration of World War 1, on Saturday 11th October. Places are limited, so look in the Church Hall for the information and booking form. A basket will be available for donations, which will go towards our work with young people. We are hoping to have a display of items from the war or that period in history. If you have anything suitable please could you bring them to church on Sunday 5th or Saturday 11th October from 1-5pm.

Messy Church at Weaver Vale

Churches Together are running two more Messy Church events at Weaver Vale Primary School. On Thursday 2nd October and Monday 15th December, from 2.45-5pm. If you would like to help please let Andrea know. 

Toddlers - Thursdays 9am - 11.45am

This is such a valuable group for parents and children provided by our church. Since September we have welcomed many new faces, and there are a great many supportive conversations between the adults happening during the morning. All welcome. We have also welcomed families back to Messy Mice, which runs on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. 

Our assemblies and lunch time club in the schools this term are focussed on our own God-given potential and the way we treat others.

I am reading the letters Paul wrote to the Churches at the moment, and at the end of Ephesians 3 he writes, “Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you will be filled with the fullness of God. With God’s power working in us. God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus from all time, for ever and ever. Amen”.

May we know, as a church and individually, God’s love, and pray that his love shines through our church.

Andrea Ellams
Young Families Worker

PS I have a DVD on John Wesley, his life and conversion, if you would like to borrow it.