Hi folks,
If you’ve been part of our Sunday services this year, you will know that we are in the middle of a sermon series focussing on our vision and values: who we are and what we think is most important. There’s a sense in which all churches are called to the same mission (to make disciples), but we also believe God has given us some specific characteristics, a kind of ‘DNA’, that is particular to our church.
This is who we believe God has called Salford Elim Church to be:
‘A growing community of whole-life disciples who are alert to God’s leading, paying careful attention to one another and the moment we are in, so that we might be good news to those around us.’
Sarah and I have talked about the need for us to grow as a community, not just a group of individuals who meet with a shared interest. To build community is not an easy thing, it will take devotion, it will take time, and it will take all of us.
We are so grateful to be part of a diverse church and want to encourage each and every one of you to play your part; to bring your unique blend of gifting, personality, experience and passion to the table.
Please get involved, don’t be a spectator!
We also want to be a community with integrity, a place where we don’t have to hide or pretend to be anyone we are not (unlike the example of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5). Many people mistake church as a place for people who have it all together (or at least, pretend to!) but the opposite is true; at its best, church is a hospital for the sick, a family of broken people who have acknowledged they cannot do life without God or others. This is not weakness – this is strength!
Neil moved us on to focus on being ‘whole-life disciples’: followers of Jesus in the places where we spend the vast majority of our time, whether we are at school, at work, retired or in families. Gathered church is incredibly important but it’s only a fraction of a life of worship.
He talked about how God called Stephen to a particular place, for particular tasks, and how he was used to serve both God and the greater good. As I read the descriptions of Stephen, I found myself longing to be more like him: ‘full of faith and the Holy Spirit’ and ‘full of God’s grace and power.’ Stephen followed in Jesus’ footsteps in the ordinariness of life. He faced extreme challenges and opposition, but God used both to further his purposes and spread the gospel.
He can do the same with us.
Wherever you find yourself in this season life, I want to encourage you to use all God has made you to be to make a difference. Let’s pray to be full of faith, grace and power in the Holy Spirit, and to persevere during opposition, for the sake of God’s glory.
Amen.
Coming Up
Exhale
Sunday 8th February | 6:30pm | Church
A service run by Breathe – our young adults’ group. These services provide great opportunities for people to grow in their giftings and to serve in different ways. It’s always encouraging to see the next generation empowered to lead, and we know you will be blessed by being part of it, as well as encouraging them. Do come if you are able.
Mini Church
Sunday 15th February | 9:30am – 10:30am | The Vine
A fun and relaxed time for pre-school children and their parents/carers to engage with the Bible through songs, stories, crafts and games. This is a great place to invite families you might know who are not currently part of our church – they will receive a very warm welcome.
Worship and Prayer Evening
Thursday 19th February | 7:30pm – 9:00pm | The Vine
If you enjoy praising God through song, sharing prophecy and praying, then this is a chance to do that for longer than we might do on a Sunday morning. We will aim to be open to The Spirit’s leading as we meet together to worship and intercede.
Ladies Curry Night
Friday 20th February
More details to follow. Speak to Sarah for more information.
Beyond February
Where Do I Fit? Brunch
Sunday 1st March | 1:30pm | The Vine
If you are new to our church or you have been sensing a stirring to explore how you might serve the church, this is an opportunity to find out what we do and where your gifts, experience and passions might contribute to our growing community.
Bring and Share Lunch
Sunday 8th March | 1:30pm | Church
This is an easy opportunity to build community and speak to a few people you might not get to talk to. If everyone could bring enough food for themselves and their families (and a little more if possible), then we can all share what we bring.
Community Vegetable Garden
If you are interested in a conversation about how we might be able to start a community vegetable garden, please contact Sarah for more information.
SAVE THE DATE: Church Away Day
Saturday 20th June | Barnstondale Centre, CH61 1BX
This is a day for the whole church to be together. There will be time for worship, Bible teaching, discussion and games. Please make this a priority in your diaries.
As always, if you need prayer, support or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here for you.
Praying for you and cheering you on!
Ian
