A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

I have had what I can only describe as one of the best weekends of ministry in my life! Quite a claim I know after 22 years of being involved in church leadership, but I think it is not an exaggeration.

On Saturday we launched our Business Breakfast and the Hampshire Christian Business Forum (www.hantscbf.org) at the Solent Hotel. This was the culmination of 2 years work with other people from the church with a vision to support, encourage and inspire people in the workplace. It was a lot of hard work but 81 people turned up and we were certainly inspired and challenged by a big breakfast and a great talk from Steve Gates, MD of Denplan. Great feedback and a great launchpad for future events. Visit the website and find out more.

Sunday was my preach and I had to tackle the issue of Immigration and Nationhood! We are running a series called 'Voting Matters' as we all head towards the election and want to stir up clear biblical thinking on certain big issues. I learnt a lot about the issue but perhaps more about preaching on that day. I had heard Rob Bell say many times that 'the sermon should not be the last word' but I always want it to be. Preparing for Sunday I was frustrated because I couldn't come to a conclusion as I usually do, but after Sunday I felt the effects of not having the final word. The post-sermon conversations were the most animated, involved, passionate, that I have known and it was great to see and hear what had been stirred up. People wanting to understand the issue not only from the party angle but from God's view as well. If you want to listen to what I said then visit www.lhfc.org.uk and click on podcasts.

Then Sunday afternoon we had the Awards ceremony for the latest Faith and Football season we have just finished. This is a scheme whereby children sign up to play football for one hour every fortnight. It's free, mixed ability and we run it with a volunteer team from the church. It has been very cold this season, but 30 children have turned up and their parents have stood and watched. It has been a great opportunity to reach into the community, people we wouldn't reach otherwise. Sunday we gave medals and trophies to all the children, cheered on by their families. It was great fun. We even had a surprise guest - Linvoy Primus (he plays for Portsmouth FC) so the children and their mums were thrilled! Linvoy and Mick Mellows started this scheme in Portsmouth and it now has many Leagues in this area and in Birmingham and Plymouth. It was a great opportunity to celebrate, share the Easter story and engage in conversation about why we do it. (www.faithandfootball.org.uk)

Then yesterday, it was Kerry's birthday (my wife).

What a weekend to remember. I've learnt a lot of lessons, been encouraged, surprised, invigorated and excited. It's always great when a plan comes together! Praise God! What's next!