Leeds Vineyard

Ordinary Sundays

What a thought-provoking month it has been. I’ve loved hearing the stories about how people have done “fast-your-fone”. Alison says she knows she has been fasting her fone because she doesn’t need to charge it every night! The Sammons bought an alarm clock so that they didn’t have to the phones in the bedroom. What did you fast? How did it impact your relationship with God and with those around you? Use the response below to share your experience (click on “permalink” below).

We’ve also been hearing about what we think God has been saying to us during the month. We’re beginning to get some clear direction on how we should Prepare the Way for the Lord to come and extend His kingdom in Headingley. Again, do share what you think the Lord is saying to the church at this time using the response below.

In addition we were privileged to hear from some great speakers: Michael Harvey, Steve Nicholson and Wes Johnston. You can listen to all their talks in the Resources section of the website - Michael in the Invitation series, Steve & Wes in Recent Talks.

There are some things I’d like to tell you about. I hope you can read on for a few minutes.

Invitation Sunday

If you have friends or family whom God has put on your heart to “Invite” why don’t you invite them to weekly worship on Sunday 16 October? We are designating it Invitation Sunday. It is an ordinary Sunday when we will gather to share, worship, learn and pray as we usually do. No special effects or drama or guest speakers. Just us doing what we usually do, expecting God to come and do what He usually does. That way you know what to tell them to expect and if they want to come back they know what it will be like.

Afterwards it is Picnic in the Church – more information here.

Expedition Sunday

On Sunday 30 October, instead of gathering in the building, we will gather at Golden Acre Park. We are going to rendezvous at 11.30am on the meadow beside the East car park (off Arthington Road). Depending upon the weather we will be able to stroll around the park at our own pace, or make our way to the café for warm refreshments, or just play games. This will be a good thing to invite people to as well.

If you need a lift or can offer lifts please let us know. More information here.

Theology

If you would like to pursue some biblical or theological study there are a number of routes I would recommend you consider. One is the Leeds School of Theology which runs from January in the form of one Saturday each month for ten months. Visit: leeds-school-of-theology.org. They have an open day this coming Saturday 8 October. Another is the Vineyard Institute which is a web-based series of courses. Visit: vineyardinstitute.org.

“Turning the hearts of the fathers to their children”

This is a verse from the bible (Malachi 4:6) which describes what it will be like when the kingdom comes. And we get a glimpse of this at the Child Contact Centre (known as the “Vine”). Listen to what Joanne Noble of ARM Cluster Services said about the services we provide,

“I am writing to express my gratitude and feedback for the service you have provided for a family I am currently supporting. Initial referral was made for a father and daughter due to a non-molestation order. The referral process was managed very sensitively and the young person involved has benefited greatly from fortnightly contact… As a professional I have valued the prompt responses to any queries and general communication as I have been managing the whole family and the young person’s wishes.  During visits to both parents they have expressed how your service has eased pressures and allowed their daughter to manage the changes (moving to high school). As the family move forward they are now in a stronger position to be able to identify the needs of their daughter and meet those needs, thanks to your help.”

The mother said, “Having the Vine service has allowed my child to develop a better relationship with her dad because his time with her...is just for her. This means that when the order is over then we have a good foundation to build on. If the Vine were not running this service then my child would not have been able to see her father for a full twelve months and we would probably have had to return to court to facilitate contact. I feel confident leaving my child at the Vine and it is obvious that everyone involved has the best interests of the child at heart.”

The father said, “I feel that the service has helped me and my daughter to have contact. I have found the staff approachable and friendly. My daughter and I are very relaxed when attending and would like to thank the staff for their help and support.”

The daughter said, “I was unsure about meeting my dad in a strange place but it was nice and I also got to meet other young people.”


Isn’t that absolutely wonderful? If you would like to join the team please contact Elaine. In particular there is currently an opportunity for a key volunteer post as Deputy Manager of the Contact Centre. More details here. Applications close on 14 October.

Work Placements

If you are in the position to offer someone work or a work placement, please consider the students amongst us. They often need part-time work to pay their way through University. Many are also looking for placements either over the holidays or for a year out in industry or business. If you or your organisation can offer something please let Liz Harden know or post a note on the Facebook page.

Peace,
 
David