On Thursday the 5th June, at 12.00 noon, two mini buses full of students from churches all around the city of York set off for London. The event? Passion London. There would be a well known American Speaker/Pastor/Evangelist there, Louie Giglio but for most they just didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see three great musical acts for £5! Normally, it would cost at least three times as much to see Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin or Dave Crowder Band as individual acts but £5 for all three it was an unmissable opportunity.
Six hours later and we were there! There were huge queues outside the Apollo theatre in Hammersmith London, hundreds long. Some of us arrived a little later than the 7.00pm start time because we wanted to grab a bite to eat. It was an overwhelming experience walking into the theatre with nearly 3,000 people all worshiping with one of the best worship leaders around, Chris Tomlin.
Passion had requested that everyone bring a bath towel and three pairs of socks for man, woman and child. These were to be given to the needy in London. About 1300 towels (and three times as many socks) were collected! My favourite act of the evening was probably Dave Crowder Band. Even secular music critics rate his music highly. I really like the simple, yet beautiful, poetry of the following lyrics from “He Is Our King”:
“And what was said to the rose to make it unfold
Was said to me, here in my chest
So be quiet now, and rest
So be quiet now, and rest.”
You can hear the whole of “He Is Our King” on the Dave Crowder Band myspace page. For the What? Who? Where? And Why? of the Passion Conferences, it’d would be best just to direct you to their website, here. It was an unforgettable night, I got home to York at 5.00am! There’s a few pictures below and a youtube video of Dave Crowder band here. I shot the video with my phone so it won’t win any oscars for cinematography, considering this it’s pretty decent anyway.
The Spurriergate Centre, York
A Christian cafe set in the heart of the city of York, it is unique in the fact that the premises have been transformed from what was once a redundant church. The staff are always pleasant and friendly, while the food, which is good quality and value, caters for all tastes. Overall, the facilities are excellent, with opportunity for counseling and prayer. Highlights include: toddler’s play area, gift shop (stocked with fairtrade items), free refill offers on coffee, plenty of seating, good toilet facilities and friendly staff.
Review by Bernard Ellis
Link: Spurriergate Centre
It will soon be Easter again and here in York the church leaders are getting ready for the next open-air Easter baptisms in the city centre.
I think it is only a matter of time before we hear the usual from those who suggest that the business of dating Easter is sorted out.
As a Christian you may be asked about why Easter is dated as it is. A simple answer is to say that Easter is dated according to the moon, but it is more complicated than that.
Have a look at my blog TheMorningFlight for more answers you can give.
On Sunday we rejoiced with Samuel and Everline as they brought baby Ruth to the Lord for dedication.We pray God’s blessing on Samuel, Everline and their family!
England’s Messiah by Martin Saunders - A Book Review
“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”
(Bill Shankly, Liverpool Manager 1959-1974)
This is a Christian novel for anyone who loves football, although it is probably best suited for 15-18 year olds. Having said that it was a book I really enjoyed. It’s a fairly easy read and follows the progress of the two main characters in a way that draws you in. By the end of the book you really feel that you are sharing in their lives. Harry Foster is a bitter and cynical football reporter whose own career as a player was cut short by injury. He has all but lost faith in football until he sees a young man, John Christie, playing football at the local park. Thanks to his intervention John’s life changes forever. The rest of the book follows his rise to prominence and the trials and tribulations that come with that rise. This book is designed simply to entertain, however the behaviour of John Christie, a devout Christian, draws parallels with the life of Jesus and offers us insight in how we can behave at work and in the world in a way that is different and that makes a difference.
- This review was written by Hamish.
This email was sent to the church office this morning from Elim International Missions:
NIGERIA
This is a special request for prayer for Elim in Nigeria.
We have just been told that the Elim church in Bauchi, the first Elim church and the largest, has been burnt down by Muslims with everything inside. Thankfully all the church members are safe and also the schools (nursery, primary and secondary) which are a quarter of a mile away from the church. We understand that when trying to stabilise the situation, the police shot and killed the Muslim leader of the riot.
Matthew Ayodele, the President of Elim Nigeria, has moved from the area for safety as have many of the church members.
Please pray that God will surround our Elim leaders in Nigeria, the Bauchi church congregation and the schools with His protection. Pray that this terrible incident will not lead to further uprising. Pray that Matthew and the other leaders will have guidance and wisdom in everything they do.
We really appreciate your continued prayer support, thank you.
Please feel free to copy and distribute Prayerline.
If you do not wish to receive this mailing any longer,
please contact Kathy on kcooper@elimhq.net
Congratulations to Johnny, Aaron and Snow on their baptisms last Sunday! About 80 people attended the celebrations at Priory Street Baptist Church. Here’s some pics from when they took the plunge.
Test 24
Test 16
Steve Redman did such a good job at reviewing this event on the One Voice website I won’t bother reinventing the wheel and just redirect you there! I have added some text from the City Council website here just to give you a bit of info about the office of Lord Mayor. Enjoy!
“The Lord Mayor is Chairman of City of York Council and the first citizen of the city. It’s an appointment made by the council each year in May, at the same time appointing a Sheriff, the city’s other civic head. York’s Lord Mayor is second only to the Lord Mayor of London in precedence and its Sheriff holds the oldest office of Sheriff in England and Wales.
The Lord Mayor chairs meetings of full council and together with the Sheriff, represents the city on ceremonial occasions, welcomes international visitors and attends events organised by local people and community groups.
The Lord Mayor also hosts formal and informal functions at the Mansion House which is the Lord Mayor’s residence during their year of office. The Mansion House is also available for tours and private hire.”
