Leeds Vineyard

Even the sparrow has found a home 

sparrowSince we started meeting in the “Bunker” at the beginning of the year God has been speaking to me in new ways about, and through, prayer. And just today I was reminded of Psalm 84 where the song writer (well he is praying really) reflects on a life spent near the place of prayer and worship, “Even the sparrow has found a home where she may have her young – a place near your altar” (verse 3).

I have been learning about prayer as a place rather than an activity. Like the sparrow, prayer is finding a place near the God who loves us, allowing His grace to surround and permeate our lives. This is a new thing for me – I like to take action or rather I find value and self-esteem in taking action.

So the Bunker has been a great place to stop and do not very much except worship and wait and pray – even if it is just for an hour. For those of you who have taken part in the Bunker I would love to hear what you think about it.

We started out the year in a consecration mood – seeking to do less (de-couple some carriages) and discern what the Lord really has for us. Quite a lot has been stirred up in us as individuals and in the church as we have pursued this path. Many of you have shared with me about what you think He is saying and we want to share some of the results with you in detail. We’ll do this at the Bunker on 29 June. So if you have been praying and waiting to hear – please try and join us for that.

Nevertheless, there has been some activity: over the last few weeks we have taken part in Tim and Sarah Green’s simultaneous baptism and Emily’s dedication, Picnic in the Park, heard from Matt & Anne about not getting weary in serving, from Elaine and Gwen about what has been happening in the Vine, from Pete and Nomi about what we’ve been doing (and are planning) overseas - and Alpha has started again (in partnership with City Church). Here are links to these:
May I draw your attention to some things that are about to happen too?

On Tuesday 3 June you are invited to join the prayer walk around Headingley. Meet outside Costa Coffee at 10.00am.

On Sunday 8 June there is a short Pentecost celebration outside the Ark in Headingley. This is quite a significant event for the churches in Headingley. Please get there for 2.45pm and join with other Christians to celebrate the moment when the church was formed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. If you would like to play in the band or would like to share your testimony, please let me know asap.

On Sunday 8 June, after weekly worship, those who would like to be baptised are meeting to talk and film their testimonies. If you would like to be baptised on 29 June or find out more about it, please join us!

On Monday evening 9 June you are invited to our home for the Welcome Supper - if you are new to the Leeds Vineyard. We serve a meal and share our story and get to hear your story too. Please sign up on the website or the sign-up sheet on Sunday morning (ask the welcome team).

On Sunday 15 June our guest speaker is Steve Barber who is our Regional Overseer and who is in charge of church planting for the Vineyard in the UK. In the afternoon everyone is invited to Picnic in the Park too.

On Monday evening 16 June everyone who is involved in leading worship is invited to our home for a rather special meeting at which we are going to share some exciting news about our plans for worship in the coming year.

On Saturday 28 June we will be running a Discovering Vineyard course over the day. Sometimes we run Discovering Vineyard over 4 evenings but that is difficult for some so here is an alternative. If you have joined the Vineyard in the last couple of years (or are thinking of doing so) this is an important part of connecting and understanding. More information here.

On Sunday 29 June we have a baptism after weekly worship and a rather important Bunker in the evening (see above).

Amidst all this, let us emulate the sparrow and find a home close to our Lord and Saviour in prayer.

Peace

David
David Flowers, 24/05/2014