Below you will find details of a talks series that we embarked on in the Summer of 2015.
YOUR KINGDOM COME – PRINCIPLES OF HIS KINGDOM
Jesus talks about building a kingdom, but what kind of a kingdom is it? In our morning series we’ll be looking at some of the parables and through them we’ll see some of the principles of the kingdom that Jesus is building.
CIRCUMSTANCES – THE PLACE OF CIRCUMSTANCES IN OUR LIFE
Evil things done to the helpless are always evil, but sometimes things happen to us which can be part of God’s plan for us. Some downplay their circumstances and live in an unreal world, others over-endorse them and use them as an excuse for whatever they want to do. How we react to the circumstances of our lives is crucial, and it defines our destiny.
Romans 8 tells us that God has a great plan for blessing us, and others through us. BUT God has to prepare us for what is to come – James 1:2-4 says we should count it all joy when problems come our way because God is equipping our character to be ready for anything as we fulfil our destiny.
In this series we see how some Biblical characters worked through some challenging periods of their lives which forged them to be the men and women God could use and what we can learn from them.
Until midnight on 1st June you can get 25% off tickets on-line using the Promo Code: PLASS25.
This means a full price ticket will be £9.33 and Concessions £7.83 (including on-line booking fee).
If you wish to buy printed tickets at the back this morning, you can for £10 each.
THIS OFFER ENDS MONDAY 1st JUNE, AFTER WHICH YOU WILL PAY FULL PRICE.
If you have already bought your tickets, firstly thank you. Secondly, if you paid full price for your tickets (you didn’t buy during the Feb half price offer) you get an extra special offer because can purchase additional tickets for friends and family at church on Sunday morning for just £7 – which is 45% off.
Six months has passed since the Winter 2015 Heart Magazine was delivered to nearly 6,000 homes in Fulwood.
Thanks so much for all your positive feedback. We were delighted when you responded by turning up to Toddler groups, Wednesday lunches, or to courses such as our ‘Surviving Teens’ classes or the ‘Sign Nine’ BSL sessions. You worked hard, learnt a lot and we all had fun!
This year, Pastor Andrew is encouraging us to focus on the idea of ‘Planting Potential’ which is why the Heart cover shows a seedling being nurtured, not by a single person, but by a whole team of supportive people. Andrew (see p6) and the pastoral care team see real potential for us all to find peace and wholeness in our sometimes troubled lives. The team love to support those who come to them for help. Andrew illustrates this with his hobby of woodturning; he sees the potential in a rough-cut of wood and turns it into a thing of beauty.
Even those who are happy and successful are often searching for something more meaningful in life. Staff nurse Martin MacDonald shares (p2) how he found a deeper understanding of faith, then renewed his musical talent as he joined one of the church music groups where he plays the guitar.
From seedlings to saplings
Talking of potential, this year we celebrated more than 30 young people from Fulwood Free Methodist Church being away at universities across the country. Four of these students gave ‘Heart’ an insight into how being mentored and supported throughout their teens has helped them cope with the challenges of moving on. (p4)
A seed of faith?
Many people have a sense of ‘the spiritual’ but never ask their burning questions because, well, who can you trust to discuss these matters truthfully and without pressure? Take the plunge, bring a friend and check out The Venue (back page).
Street Pastors walk the streets of Preston to listen to, care for and help people in whatever need we find them by putting Christian faith into action and showing the love of God in all circumstances. They aim to create a safer community by encouraging people to take up alternative lifestyles and channel their energies to positive ends for the good of themselves and the community.
Here are some comments from people we meet:
“When the Street Pastors come out every Saturday or Friday, it’s fantastic. They stop for a natter and if we’re feeling peckish there’s something there – something warm. Sometimes we don’t have money to afford food. Even if we do we can’t cook it, so it’s nice when they come and give us something warm.” Lee – The Bee Radio January 2015
“Nice to know that there are people out there who will give you a sandwich each weekend or a cup of coffee or even just encouraging words – it’s nice to know that there are people out there that do care.” Bobby – The Bee Radio January 2015
“Thank you for allowing me to shadow your team. Thank you for sending me out with three truly wonderful people. Thank them for allowing to feel a part of their team. I have nothing but respect for the work ALL of you carry out.” Leigh Sweetman – Manager of Evoque Nightclub, Preston January 2015
What we do:
St Matthew’s every Friday night from 8.00pm to midnight
Preston City Centre every Saturday night from 10.30pm to 3.30am
Preston City Centre once a month, Friday night:10.00pm to 3.00am
65 volunteers
22 churches
In 2014: An encounter with 3786 people
A hot drink or snack for 1624 people
Warm clothes/hat/gloves/scarves or sleeping bag for 86 people sleeping rough
265 glass bottles put in the bin
239 pairs of flip-flops given out
17 Bibles given to people enquiring
Prayer Pastor Triplets: if you would like to join a prayer triplet and meet once a month to pray for one of our teams please contact Dave Brown on streetpastorspandsr@gmail.com or call him on 07794 008767.
