St Paul's Youth Blog

St Paul's Youth now have their own blog!
Take a look at http://stpaulsyouthoadby.wordpress.com/ to see what they are up to.

A New Start – Pentecost

Today is Pentecost. Pentecost was the Jewish feast which, in about 33 A.D., saw incredible events which rocked the world. The Holy Spirit, signified by wind and fire, fell on the timid and frightened group that remained of Jesus’ disciples. Endowed with power they were able to proclaim the news that Jesus Christ had come as Saviour and by a miracle, they were understood by the multinational crowds, present for the feast, in their own languages. 3000 people became believers – the church of Christ was born.

As we celebrated Pentecost at St Paul's today, there was much that was different, here. Many of the congregation sported red clothes (red is the symbol of Pentecost) and the young people led the service, led by our youth worker, Lou McGoldrick who also gave a talk. The young people’s band provided a lively modern musical lead; they also provided a drama group with a modern take on the Pentecost story, and read the lesson.

As the church of today and the future, it was good to welcome them on this special occasion.

Caffeine Nation

Here is a fascinating article in June's edition of Christianity Magazine by Martin Saunders. He reflects on the book Caffeinated: How our daily habit hooks, helps and hurts us.

Given that most churches (including St Paul's) offers tea and coffee after the service and that people now drink, and expect, good quality coffee this article should make us sit up and think....

http://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2014/June-2014/Caffeine-Nation

Social Media

“This media we call social is anything but, when we open our computers and it’s our doors we shut”…
Watch this interesting video/poem by Gary Turk which offers an interesting reflection on Social Media.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

Food and Fun – the Big Picnic

Today, Ellis Park in Oadby rang with chatter, laughter and music as the churches in Oadby played host to the local community. 1000 bags containing sandwiches, crisps and fruit juice were distributed to all who came. Each church was responsible for different activities and stalls encircling the park.

A “stage bus” (a converted double-decker) provided stage facilities on which different local groups, including schools and churches, performed their musical offerings. They were watched by people from many different backgrounds, and all ages, united in enjoying a good day out.

Everyone who came concluded that it had been a happy and successful time. Many prayers had been answered as the weather was dry and sunny. Hope to repeat it!

Welcome! Mr and Mrs Atkin.

It is always a joy when, fulfilling God’s creation plan, a couple set out in marriage. This is particularly true for a church when one (or both) of that couple have been long-time members. So it was a great joy, today, when Rachel Philpot and Andy Atkin were married at Knighton Evangelical Free Church.

Rachel has been a committed member of St Paul's, and before leaving for university she was our pianist and organist, roles she has often fulfilled since she returned. During recent months we have had the pleasure of getting to know Andy as well.

During the wedding service at Knighton Free Church, our vicar, Steve Bailey, led the marriage vows, while the Minister of Knighton Free, Andy Upton led the service and preached the sermon. In this he reminded the couple that as they committed themselves to Christ they deepened their ties with each other.

It was a very happy service in a full church. We wish Rachel and Andy God’s every blessing as they set out in their new life together.

The Big Picnic

On Sunday 1st June Churches Together in Oadby are hosting The Big Picnic. Come and join us in Ellis Park between 1-4pm and get your free picnic lunch. There will be lots of free fun and games as well as local entertainment throughout the afternoon on the stage. We look forward to seeing you there!

Season of Invitation

This afternoon St Paul's hosted a training seminar on behalf of Leicester Diocese. The speaker was Michael Harvey, the founder of Back to Church Sunday.
Michael spoke about his findings over the last 10 years having visited 5 continents, 17 countries and seen 25,000 churches taking part in this initiative.
The idea is now expanding to include Harvest, Remembrance, the start of Christmas celebrations and Christmas Day and we are looking forward to using these new resources at St Paul's.
I was very impressed with Michael's work, his encouragement and his vision.
Things that struck me were 'success is one person inviting another person'. We need to get used to people saying 'No'. The example of Shane Warne was used, who whilst the best bowler for Australia is also the worst in that he has bowled more balls that failed, as well as more that have taken wickets.
We were reminded that we need not fear rejection as Jesus himself was rejected and suffered far more than we are ever likely to, and God promises to be with us and constantly reminds us not to be afraid.
Visit Michael's website http://www.unlockingthegrowth.com/ or see http://seasonofinvitation.co.uk/ where St Paul's is registered to take part.

Christian Aid

This week is Christian Aid week. Christian Aid is the official relief and development agency of 41 British and Irish churches. It works with 570 local partner organisations in 45 countries.  Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty – and it believes that vision can become a reality.

This costs money. Its budget of £105 million sounds huge, but it represents less than £2 per UK citizen and is trivial compared with even a small multinational company. The “Christian Aid Week,” which we are now in, is its major fundraising activity. There is a collection at the Oadby Sainsbury’s tomorrow (18th), other collections, sponsorship activities including a walk and individuals’ and churches’ donations.

As Christians, we believe that we in the West are in a privileged position and should use what God has given us to help others. There will also be many who contribute who do not share our faith; we thank them for their humanity.

A special Christian Aid service took place at St Paul’s at the beginning of the week, last Sunday evening, organised by Churches Together in Oadby, when 50 people gathered. Ian Wedd, a volunteer from the East Midlands Christian Aid team, spoke of the feasibility of lifting a country out of poverty and gave South Korea as an example.

If you are invited to contribute, do please help. 

Visit the Christian Aid website

Readers Meet Together

Readers (often called lay readers) are an essential part of the Church of England’s ministry. They are volunteers, who receive no payment, and after about three years of part-time training they help the ordained ministers by taking services, preaching, and assisting in the pastoral work at the parish. As more and more parishes have been amalgamated, their role has become increasingly important.

One ordained minister is nominated to be the “Warden of Readers,” to help supervise and support the Readers’ Ministry. Currently, that is the vicar of St Paul’s, Steve Bailey. Each year, the Association of Readers Of the Leicester Diocese has an Annual Meeting. That was held today at St Paul’s.

After the Service of Worship, there was the Annual Business Meeting. This was followed by a presentation of the work of Teen Challenge. This is a Christian group running residential programmes to help people suffering from addictions. Many of those who join them find a Christian faith which is able to support them through the challenge of turning away from the addiction.

It is good to know that such help exists.