Session 5: Fasting & Mission

This was the title of our last evening together this Lent. There was a lot of lively discussion in the small groups and some great ideas were offered.

One of the questions asked was, what we might be called to put aside for God. Three different groups identified the way we use our time. We are often protective of our time, only giving so much of our time to the Church, or God. One group reminded us that Jesus always gave people his time – he was never too busy to listen to people, or help them when they were in need.
Another issue explored by three groups was money, especially the way we use our money. One group was concerned about our ‘love of money’. Discussions about the way we use our money opens up a sensitive issue and it was returned to, by another group, when considering the priorities God might set for us. The groups also questioned the churches pre-occupation with tradition, infrastructure and buildings.

The second question was what God was asking us to make a priority of him during this year? Several groups considered that God was asking us to focus on work we are already doing, that has a broad impact, such as the work of CYFC headed up by Lyndsay. Two groups spoke about God calling up to prioritise our outreach, finding ways to share the good news of Jesus Christ in practical ways, or through evangelism.

Among the creative thoughts about priorities, was one suggestion that we might run Alpha courses as CTC; we could run several courses a year and people would meet Christians from different denominations from the start of their Christian journey. Three groups suggested that CTC might run celebration events, such as a Festival of Faith. Finally one group suggested that what Chislehurst needed was Street Pastors – they are already at work in Orpington and Bromley.

The last question was about the groups in our community who need to hear the good news and the ways we might enable that to happen. The consensus was that we should be in touch with all the different age groups, though some did favour elderly and others parents. One group suggested people in debt – a good suggestion in our current economic climate?

When asked to think about how to do this, we received some creative ideas. Everything from a prayer boxes in local shops, to a summer barbeque on the street. Other groups reminded us of the importance to do small things, such as talking to people in pubs, on buses and in supermarket queues.

Carol Kitchener

Is this the end, or just the beginning?

I hope that those who have been able to come will agree with me that the five sessions of 'Break Free' have been really inspiring, challenging and enjoyable occasions.  Last night's session, 'Fasting & Mission', provided a really fitting way to round off the series, and to send us towards something new and exciting for Churches Together in Chislehurst as we seek God for ways that we can work together to speak and act out his love for those around us.  The recording is available at the top of the page as usual.

We are really grateful to everyone who was able to come along to any or all of the sessions - it's not the same when you don't have a good number, and we did, so thank you.

We are also extremely grateful to everyone who helped: Clare Herriot, Clare Low, Margaret Earp, Anne-Marie Brant, Shaan Chaplin, all of our readers and prayer-leaders, Matt Freestone, Lynton Cope, Ian Snares, Andrew Vaughan, Carol Kitchener, Simon Burton-Jones, Brian Clark, and Mary Lamb, who sent us on our way last night with a wonderful and heartfelt form of prayer.

A special thank you goes to the stewards of The Methodist Church, who made the church available to us.

I may have missed one or two out - I hope not - but if I have, I'm sorry.

So here's looking forward to the Good Friday Walk of Witness - 9.30 am from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and our Hope 08 discussion time on April 9th, 7.45 for 8pm at Chislehurst Methodist Church.

God bless,

Martin

New Recording

Last night's talk, entitled 'fasting & Fulfilment, was given by Brian Clark of Chislehurst Baptist Church.  I thought it was excellent.  You can listen to it, or even download it, by going to the audio section at the top of the page.  We did have a slight problem with the recording, which means that for a short section of the talk the volume is a little low and there's more background noise - but the sound goes back to normal after a short time.  Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!