The Living Rooms Grows

 A collage of peace adorns the wall of The Living Room

The Community within The Living Room has now grown to an average of seven active members, joined weekly by three volunteers/leaders from Southport area churches. There has been a real sense of spiritual growth and fellowship within the Community, as we share together in a dedicated time of song, prayer and reflective interaction/response. Recently, a member of The Living Room described our Community as “The Loving Church” and a notice of meeting was placed on the front doors of the Soup Kitchen where we meet, describing it as such. The Community recognises a drop-in from 11:00am-12:30pm and a dedicated time of reflection from 12:30-1pm; it is a rarity for anyone to leave prior to the reflection. The reflection usually includes an act of participation, such as when we discussed the Beatitudes. During the week we led the reflection time around, "Blessed are the peacemakers," everyone took a current newspaper and cut out appropriate peace-related headlines to make a collage on our wall.

Celebrating a birthday at The Living Room

The Living Room was invited to participate as a Church in the ecumenical Daffodil Day Service held in March at Lord Street West. Six members of our Community attended and there was a real sense of inclusion as The Living Room was introduced. This is a vibrant, yet vulnerable expression of church that should be continually lifted in prayerful support. It is more evident than ever, through conversations and prayer requests within the Community, that this ministry is vital not only to the vulnerable community within Southport, but to the town as a whole; my life is forever changed because of this ministry.

Affirmation When You Need it Most

Have you ever found yourself in a position of concern or uncertainty? Wondering if you're on the right path or even heading in the right direction? Me too. In fact, a lot lately. 

I'm entering into the second half of my third and final year in my post with the Southport Methodist Circuit and I don't know what God has in store for me in the next year.
I love the work I've been called to do but lately I've been questioning if it's for me? I have been told recently I'm a "Stage Jumper" - which means I go from stage 1 to stage 3, completely skipping the all-important second stage of planning and strategising.  It's awful how one small seed of doubt can creep in and tear apart everything you once believed. But then I remember the parable of the mustard seed - and I know that same seed can work in the opposite direction!
Yesterday during our church service, the new Archdeacon of Knowsley and Sefton, Pete Spiers, spoke to us about the mixed economy Church. He spoke of the importance of fresh expressions running alongside the traditional church. He said the growth of the Church will include Fresh Expressions; we must make disciples and then God will build the Church! My heart raced at his words and I knew God was reminding me that He is calling me to continue the work of Fresh Expressions in Southport - to go out and enable more people who cannot or do not get to traditional Church on Sundays, to know Jesus! "We need to see more people come to know Jesus and to see more people who know Jesus, come to be disciples of Jesus." Pete continued, "Society has changed on Sundays - there are more things to do now on Sundays...Could we set up Church Communities to connect those with Jesus who can't be here on Sundays. Keep having traditional Church, but also other Churches who meet at different times of the week on other days, so we can connect with as many different people as possible."

Rev Tim Hall (far right) with his
memorable smile and enthusiasm,
at Franky's Pizza...

When I was hired into my post, our Superintendent was one very enthusiastic, inclusive visionary - Rev Tim Hall (pictured.) Tragically, Tim passed away just before his retirement, and with him, left a lot of vision and enthusiasm for me personally. Thankfully, our new Superintendent, Marie-Anne Kent, has come into position with a similar inclusive vision held by her predecessor and she has offered so much encouragement and affirmation. I worship most Sundays at an Anglican Church and I am employed by the Methodist Church, however, my heart is purely for God and the building of His kingdom here in Southport. Thankfully, leaders such as Marie-Anne and Pete both understand the importance of Church unity and working together for the good of The Lord. Pete reminded me on Sunday, "It's important to Jesus that we Christians love each other and don't add to the division and difference in the world." 

Thank you Tim, Pete and Marie-Anne, for being such an encouragement and affirmation to me on this journey!

Reflection Lounge Southport and Carols at Costa

Sunday afternoon saw the launch of Reflection Lounge, Southport, via “Carols at Costa.” I was joined by about 25 people from at least four different churches in Southport, including St. Simon’s, Leyland Road, Christ Church and All Saints, as we led the customers and staff at Costa Coffee on Chapel Street in Christmas carols and a Christmas quiz!

Costa became adourned with sparkling balloons and carol booklets and customers were invited to sing along and join the Christmas festivities. The staff got involved too, and after the event, all expressed how much they enjoyed the atmosphere and the excitement.

Peter Knight, obviously excited about
winning the 70s Christmas quiz!

We held a Christmas Quiz based on the Christmas chart toppers of the 1970s, which was quite amusing to watch people scramble through their memory banks to come up with the right answers. We were so thankful to Costa for donating a £10 gift certificate as the coveted prize, which went to a shocked but chuffed Rev Peter Knight.

Following on from Carols at Costa, a core team is being created that will continue hosting Reflection Lounge Southport on the last Friday of every month, from 5-7pm, at the Chapel Street Costa. Inspired by Reflection Lounge Manchester, Reflection Lounge Southport is a joint project of Christian Churches in Southport dedicated to spreading the good news of the gospel of Christ to the community. Our desire is to encourage a real sense of community here and engage with people through live music, interactive games, friendly conversation and questions about the Christian faith.

If you are interested in joining our core team or want to learn more about Reflection Lounge, please contact me at SouthportFreshExpressions@gmail.com

Summer Update

“In ALL thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths!” THANK YOU GOD for the work of Fresh Expressions and the guidance You continue to provide.

This has been a great Summer in the work of Fresh Expressions and God has really opened some doors for an even more impactful 2016! A strong, prayerful foundation has been laid in Southport and we are beginning to watch seeds grow!

Franky’s Pizza at St Francis, on the Kew estate has had a relaunch this summer and now opens the first and third Friday of the month from 4-6pm.

Even with the promotion we received on BBC Radio Merseyside’s Daybreak, we weren’t getting people in the doors. Opening 4-6 will now help us to reach out to young families on the Kew Estate and invite them to join us for an early Friday night meal together. Two weeks ago, Franky’s Pizza leaflets were hand-delivered to 340 homes on the Kew Estate and a number of conversations took place with great interest for Franky’s. As a result of one of the conversations, a lady joined us with her granddaughter who is in year 6 at Kew Woods and they had a wonderful time; they’re joining us again this Friday and bringing along friends! The vision for Franky’s is to create sustainable relationships on The Kew Estate that will develop into living relationships with Jesus Christ. I recognise the belonging before belief mentality and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve at Franky’s Pizza. A bit of fun, a bit of food, a lot of conversation and a lot more God!

The Living Room has had a great summer, too! We have been praying for an expansion of our volunteer team and last week, our newest member of the team, Elizabeth, joined us for her third observational session and will now be serving with us twice a month. Hoping to grow this ministry ecumenically, Elizabeth joins us from St Patrick’s on Marshside Road and heard about The Living Room when I spoke at a joint churches’ prayer meeting a couple of months ago. We are still seeing a steady attendance and the last few weeks, I’ve been having progressive conversations with one of our guests who is now seeking baptism!

About 10 days ago, we celebrated our second annual SonFest, held outdoors at Town Hall Gardens! It was a tremendous event that no doubt saw more seeds planted throughout Southport. Alongside five live bands who performed a blend of Christian music throughout the day, Messy Ministries was on-hand with edible crafts and teaching for the kids. More than 100 children participated in the crafts, each hearing the Good News of the gospel through a sheep cupcake and a string cheese shepherd!

We had a number of community tables set up presenting information to the public, from Christians Against Poverty to the Southport Bible Society Action Group. I received 200 New Testaments donated by the Christian Book Shop and Derrick Chamberlain distributed more than 50 at SonFest. Bernard Wallbank, representing CAP, considered it a very worthwhile event, as nine contact details were collected.

I'm already in the planning stages of SonFest 2016, 3rd September, as I'm very excited about future-proofing SonFest. I'm delighted to have secured partnerships and relationships during the last two years with businesses and individuals who are deeply committed to the ministry and growth of SonFest. Thanks to our main sponsor, Fill The Gap, I have already secured Phillipa Hanna as our headline act next year! Fill The Gap shares the vision for reaching hearts through music and are committed to stand behind me each year and grow this work. I'm so very thankful for the missional network that's been created; it is beginning to pay dividends and I'm keen to further explore collaborative ways forward inter-denominationally for 2016 and beyond!

I'm looking forward with great anticipation, as I've just begun talks at the new Costa Coffee that is due to open this month on the corner of Chapel St and Eastbank St. In December, we'll be launching Reflection Lounge Southport, a social opportunity for Christians and non-Christians set up to revive our community by bringing people together to witness the love of God in action. This comes from our friends at Reflection Lounge in Manchester.

It is set to be an incredible year and as always, your prayers are needed!  

Franky's Pizza on BBC Radio Merseyside's Daybreak!

Thanks to our work in Southport being featured on the national Fresh Expressions website, I received a call earlier this week from Helen Jones, host of BBC Radio Merseyside's Sunday morning show, Daybreak. Helen was excited about both The Living Room and Franky's Pizza ministries and asked if she could interview me for a segment on Franky's, to be broadcast this Sunday morning for Daybreak. Enthusiastically, I agreed and met Helen in Southport yesterday. Along with the co-project leader, Stewart McTaggart, we took Helen to the home of Franky's Pizza, St. Francis of Assisi. As we prepped our fresh ingredients and fired up the pizza oven, we talked about our work and the purpose behind Franky's Pizza. The interview will be broadcast this Sunday morning at 8:20am and will be available online for 30 days following the broadcast.

Today at Franky's Pizza, a lady in her 60s came to us after seeing the Franky's poster on display at Ainsdale Methodist Church. Alone and with no other plans, she decided to give it a try, as she lives close to the Kew Estate. Although it was just one guest we served today, it was a real encouragement. Val was with us volunteering and we had a lovely time chatting to "Roz" and getting to know her. She suffers badly with arthritis in both her hands and she didn't believe she could make the pizza, but after some encouragement, she made two - and made them very well! Franky's Pizza gave one woman encouragement today and she left feeling so welcomed and proud of what she'd made. She experienced the hospitality of Jesus Christ today. Although I was full of cold and not looking forward to Franky's Pizza today, I left on cloud nine! This is why we do what we do...

I ask for continued prayer for both The Living Room and Franky's in prayer. I never stop ceasing to be amazed at what God is teaching me through my job and I'm continuously grateful. 

From little acorns, mighty oaks grow. 

Growing God's Kingdom in Southport one day at a time. 

Baking Bread and Being Church

Today I experienced something so remarkable and moving that I am struggling to articulate my emotions; that is rare for me! 

I took the train into Liverpool and visited a place called Somewhere Else, the Methodist Church in Liverpool's City Centre. Somewhere Else, affectionately known as "The Bread Church," is a response to the belief that there is a life-giving message in the gospel story. They gather as a faith community around the making and sharing of bread. Since 1999, Somewhere Else has sought to meet people where they are, offering quiet space and attention to what is important in their lives. They strive to provide more inclusive and safer space and have found a way that can connect with people's experience, enabling them to face challenges and to continue life's journey refreshed. This is not your ordinary church, but moreover a fresh expression of church right in the heart of Liverpool. Together the community bakes bread, prays and shares a meal. It is so simple, yet so meaningful! You are encouraged to bake two loaves; one for yourself and one to share with someone as you feel led.  

I arrived at 10:30 and was joined by about 25 individuals, of all physical and mental abilities, in a completely inclusive environment. Everyone was welcomed and everyone was happy to be there today. The morning began with weighing out flour and taking our individual places around the huge farmhouse table. The ingredients for the dough were all there waiting for us and a handful of volunteers were eager to guide us. My helper, Cindy, was fabulous! She led me through every step and encouraged me along the way. For a few moments I felt like I was a part of The Great British Bakeoff!  I was surrounded by laughter and joy, and an overall sense of belonging by every single person present. We were all there together, kneading dough and creating bread, but it was so much more than that. There was a massive sense of accomplishment amongst everyone present, watching the flour and simple ingredients turn into a delightful, fragrant loaf of bread!

The Cloud Room, adorned with affirmations from the community

After preparing the bread for the oven, we were invited into the Cloud Room with Rev. Ian for a time of reflection and prayer, along with a short scripture reading to lead us. As we began to open our hearts and listen to each others' honest prayers, the tears rolled down my face. One young girl present was worried about me because she saw me crying and didn't understand they were happy tears, so I quickly thanked her for caring and we shared a genuine hug. 
We left the cloud room and broke bread together and enjoyed conversations around the huge table. Conversations that would never have taken place anywhere but there. We were all brought together for such a time as this. 

Cindy and me with my freshly baked granary loaves

Somewhere Else is a "come as you are" place and there was no other place that could've filled me with so much joy today. I can't wait to return with Howard, Liv and Sarah one day, so they can experience God's love today, just as I have experienced. If you are curious or inclined, please visit their website and check out their times. I promise an experience you will never, ever forget. 

Directions provided

I've been spending a lot of time lately in prayer, asking God to show me which way to begin. I trust He will guide my path, as His word is "A lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path," Psalm 119:105, but I at least need Him to set me on the right course.
The homeless often come up when I spend time seeking and listening to God. I have to be brutally honest here...I'm uncomfortable around homeless people. I'm not afraid of them and I certainly don't look down on them, but I never know what to say. I know - a genuine smile and a heartfelt moment of eye contact is best and probably enough, but I always struggle with words. God knows my heart and knows I feel awkward, so I do believe THAT is exactly where He wants me. I think if we are comfortable, then we don't seek God. However, when you're approaching that place, person, or situation that makes you so nervous you want to squeeze your tummy because it is doing cartwheels, then that is when we need God the most; that is when He shows up in great joy.
Last month, an amazing initiative, born from a vision, was launched in Southport. Southport 24/7 Prayer has united hundreds of Southport residents in prayer and across multiple denominations. From the 40+ days of this prayerful journey, three key groups have repeatedly been on the hearts of so many praying: the homeless, our young adults, and those with special needs. Knowing this, it is my hope to engage with and serve each of these groups, one step at a time. Before you can share the Good News with someone, you must be the Good News to someone.
Thank you Father God, for placing my feet upon solid ground. I commend this journey to You and pray You will accompany me and guide me on every step. Lead me and use me, as I remain humbly Yours.