Leeds Vineyard

Next Steps 

Alison and I are about to go on holiday – we take ours before the school holidays and so expect to be around most of July and August. Holidays are good things, well they’re essential things actually, as is a day off each week (a “Sabbath day”) – but before we go I wanted to bring you up to date with some fresh news:
 
Vineyard House Phase II – Next Steps
Since my last newsmail we have indeed exchanged contracts (high fives and celebrations all round!!!!!). This is such good news. It means we are legally committed to buying (and Jim Harris, the vendor, is legally committed to selling) Vineyard House. We have paid a significant deposit and will pay the balance of the purchase price in December when we get the keys. This gives us 6 months in which to plan the Next Steps – the renovations and getting further funding in place. Perfect. Twelve months later than I first hoped for but actually, in the big picture, much much better.
 
I had lunch with Jim yesterday and we were both very happy with where we have got to. He is delighted that the building is going to “come alive” (his words) and has promised to help us with preparing over the next months. Look out for opportunities to visit and check it out – which we will publicise from time to time. I am looking forward to inviting Jim to the grand opening!
 
Through his gentle persistence Phil Hicks has got us to this point (thank you Phil) and now hands over Project Manager responsibilities to Cath and Sam and you can read all about them and the Next Steps on the Vineyard House blog.
 
Engine Room
I would love you to get along to the Engine Room on 8 July (7.00pm – 8.30pm at HMC). This is going to be such an important time of prayer, waiting on God for guidance about Vineyard House and specifically about what shape the Rocks (and primarily the Business Rock) should take. We’re about to make final decisions about these things – decisions which will guide our Next Steps: the spending of money and the use of the building for years to come. Your participation and prayers are really important – the Lord is waiting for us to meet together to pray and knock on heaven’s door.
 
Baptisms
The World Cup organisers didn’t check our calendar before they scheduled England against Panama – but fortunately you can watch it on catch-up! There’s an even more exciting event taking place in Ilkley after church on Sunday afternoon (24 June 2018) when Cath, Dawn, Karzan, and Nicky step into the River Wharfe to be baptised. We’ll meet them on Sunday morning and then drive up to Ilkley. It promises to be a lovely day: bring a picnic and games and come and support these obedient disciples as they make their public commitment.
 
Church Suite
If you are reading this it is quite likely that you are registered on our administration App, Church Suite. But some people have had a little difficulty figuring out how to get into their account and update their data or look for information. Some of you may not realise that you can download the App to your smartphone. Please call the office and speak to Sue or Hannah if you need help with any of this.
 
Prayer
As we continue in our fascinating studies in Prayer I would point you to the resources page on the website for some reading and watching. I’d also add Philip Yancey’s book, “Prayer, Does It Make A Difference?”, to your summer reading - Anne Buchan strongly recommends it.
 
Peace,
 
David

David Flowers, 23/06/2018