A team from the churches Mensgroup MEN AWAKE travelled down to a conference in Bath last weekend.
Leading the day long conference was Dave Murrows, author of "Why men hate going to church".
CVM (christian vision for men) hosted the conference of the same title at the Forum church in Bath.
Dave Murrows,a well respected author and writer from Alaska USA gave a well presented presentation of the problems faced by churches trying to attract men to their services in this present age.
It was a great weekend for mens fellowship, both within our own ranks and the chance to meet other men from all over the country. There were over 400 men in attendance.
It ws a great way to start Men Awakes 2008 calendar. Howard Budby has spent a lot of time developing a calendar
of events for this year. Theres lots more information over in the "men awake" section of this website.
At the Annual meeting I pointed out some issues that we as
a church had to address and introduced the solution that the PCC had agreed to.
Regularly the church, when the children have returned, is fully occupied. It is recognised that when a church is 80% physically full then it will not grow any further. So we have a problem of growth even after the rearrangement of the furniture making more seating available.
We do not provide a live worship experience for our young people on Sunday mornings.
We are too busy to be engaged in outreach events so we ended to find more time for such things to happen.
As a church we are hovering around the 200 people when all the congregations, including the young people,
an
d new ways need to be found to engage with people and push through this particular barrier.
Alongside these there are some negative issues namely:
the evening worship is continuing to shows signs of reduction since last September,
we cannot find enough helpers to man the Sunday worship welcome and coffee teams
there is a limit to how many services our worship team can provide leadership.
The solution that will be introduced in September for an experimental time up until the following July is to introduce two morning services. One at 9.30 the other at 11.30 with a break between them when coffee will be provided. The children's work will take place at 11.30 where a number of the worship team from the 9.30 will go to them for the first part of their time. This will release time on Sunday evenings and we will introduce a series of interesting events and outreaches for one Sunday evening a month which will not require the worship teams input.
The service rotation will be maintained as it is; except that the services which were at 6.30 will now be at 9.30 and the service of 10.30 will be at 11.30. This means that there will be a communion every Sunday morning at one of the worship times. I imagine that those who want to have a more free day will be inclined to come to the 9.30 and those who want a lie in will come at 11.30.
In this way we
double the physical capacity of the church,
we provide live worship for our young people,
release our Sunday afternoons for personal time or outreach,
we halve the requirement for coffee makers
not significantly increasing the burden on our worship team.
It has been brought to my attention that there is a significant problem particularly for those who are on shift work and there may be car parking issues that will need some sorting.
As Jonathan Brennan pointed out in his fabric & finance report this will only be a temporary solution until a new building is required to house the growth as we reach out to 2012.
I hope you will work with me in this and see as an opportunity to bring more people with you knowing that the church will not be uncomfortably full.
These photos arrived recently from Mecka. He is currently studying in Austrailia.
He wrote:
Hi All,
You are invited to rejoice with us for the arrival of our baby, Stephen O'Gweth Nyabong'o Ogunde, who was born on 14 November 2005. We thank God that Wema and and the baby passed through this stage safely.
I was in exams this week that is why I was unable to let you know as soon as the baby arrived, but I hope some of you did hear from some sources.
God bless you.
Mecka
Gifts from Tanzania for All Saints.
Jean Oades collects a special gift from Arthur Mauya during a special service at Wakefield Cathedral last Sunday.
Looked on by members from All Saints, the church celebrated 25 years association with The diocese of Musoma Tanzania.
Thanks to Roger Wills for this photograph.
Harvest Service produces great amount for Hurricane Disaster Appeal
During last Sundays Harvest Services around £800 was raised to help victims of the recent hurricanes in America.
The amount will be sent to Lakewood church in Houston Texas.
They are in the process of raising up to $6,000,000 dollars to help people caught up in the disaster.
No Damp Spirits at Gala Day
Saturday 10th September 2005.
It may have rained on and off for most of today, it was not the weather for Galas!
But thanks to Churches Together spirits were high throughout the day.
.
Please click here To enjoy our Gala day Photo Album.
Building on the remarkable success of the Community Week the Youth Mission week followed swiftly on its tail. The week of August 22-27 was given over to youth outreach into the town. Normanton has its far share of youth troubles and we are not wanting to move the problem into someone else's back yard but address it directly so it was time to do something about it.
Gavin Budby our youth worker had the vision of reaching young people through their own culture, through music. To this end a whole week of evening activities took place with a music focus. We had a selection of national and local Christian bands through the week. The "highlight" was on the Thursday night when we gave over the church building to a "Battle of the Bands" all local rock bands with sound and smoke! During the week more than 300 young people came through the doors of the church who would not think of doing so before, and to whom the church is now considered "cool".
I consider the challenge for the church now is to begin to seek, plant, and plan for God's vision for the church in 2012. I am convinced there will be a great ground swell of good in the country during the Olympics which God can use to reap a harvest in those churches who have prepared properly and are ready!
A message from Don on the Community Week.
What an incredible week we had, far beyond my expectations. We have hosted events attended by more than 2000 people in our town! People from every age group, and part of the town were impacted by our week of events. Whilst there has been a significant expense in putting on the events the reward has far exceeded the cost.
In bald statistics
Yorkshire Philharmonic choir.....200 people
Lofthouse 2000 Brass Band........170 people
Y Friday Rock Band...............300 people
Rugby Festival..................1000 people
Schools History Tour.............450 people
Teddy Bears Picnic................25 people
Although the numbers at the Teddy Bears Picnic were less than we would have liked, it was raining, and the contacts we did make were significant.
Now the challenge facing the church is to use this as a foundation to build upon. I have challenged the church to consider where we as a church want to be in 2012. With all the activities in the country preparing for the Olympics, what does God want us to do? If we have to build stadia, athletes and facilities from scratch for the games, what can we do in our town to work alongside all the excitement, enthusiasm and posative spirit that the games will produce.
New Alpha Course to start in September.
Looking for answers?
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.
It consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith.
It is for everyone, especially those wanting to investigate Christianity.
It's free.
People are talking about it.
There are over 28,700 courses running all over the world.
So, you have seen the Web site, Whats all this about? A church with rock bands! A church wanting to reach out into the community. What does it mean!
In an age where "anything goes" why are more people frustrated and unhappy with their lives.
Its time to explore for a better Meaning of Life.
Its time to find JESUS.
Mecka Ogunde and Family are doing well in Australia.
Some of you may remember Mecka Ogunde from Musoma Tanzania.
He visited Normanton All Saints in 2002. Since then Mecka has gone from strength to strength and is now resident in Adelaide. Read his Testimony on the Overseas Mission Page on this website.
Picture:Mecka Wema and son Joshua.
Archdeacons visit
Last Sunday the Venerable Jonathan Greener Archdeacon of Wakefield ,spent the day with us all.
He took part in the morning service and gave the sermon.He commented on how relaxed and comfortable he felt being here at All Saints.
Later he joined Don and the Coordinators for lunch before heading off for other official engagments.
Picture: Don greets Archdeacon Jonathan
Election Hustings.
On Thursday 28th April the Candidates for the Normanton Constituency visited to carry out our very own Election Question Time.
Vicar, Don Gilkes, lead proceedings which began with the sad news that the conservative candidate, Andrew Percy, had been taken ill.
The evening began with 10 minute introductions from each of the candidates then a number of questions from the Chairman.
Around 120 local people attended and the evening shed some light on the aims of the two candidates who attended.
Picture: Ed Balls, Labour and Simone Butterworth, LibDems.
Prayer initiative
As a church we understand that nothing will bear fruit if it is not under-girded with prayer. Whilst we had teaching on prayer some three years ago when I came many new people have come into the church since then who have not heard it.
So the time has now come to revisit teaching about prayer.
This is being done in occasional Sunday evening worship, and continued on the Monday evening prayer time. It is remarkable that so many have remained faithful to the Monday night prayer slot 7-8ish, but we do need more to make this a priority of the week.
When Don preached to introduce the course he said “Prayer is not so much about us changing God's mind it is more about Him changing ours” and we have seen this to be true and believe it to be true for everyone.
All Saints Youth Team Bus Arrives
Its here! The Youth Team saw the arrival of its first bus yesterday.
Thanks to continued funding from the Rank Foundation the church were able to purchase and fund the
vehicle for the forseeable future.As well as being used in Youth activities, the bus will also be used
by the church enabling to really "expand bounderies".
With the All Saints Logo emblazened on the side shortly it will make a great addition to the
church outreach.
All Saints Youth "MISSION WEEK" Rocks Normanton!
The Youth of Normanton were entertained this week by various Rock Bands (the majority Christian Contemporary)
at the Parish Church and at the local Junior school.
A great time was had by all with all venues being sold out.
By the end of this week 5-600 children will have experienced All Saints Normanton Youth Ministry.
Gavin Budby and his team together with many volunteers have worked very hard to put on these events. As I post this
on to the website the team are preparing the YFRIDAY concert at Normanton Junior School. Up to 300 people are
expected to attend the concert.
New Alpha Course starts this week.
Looking for answers? The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.
It consists of a series of talks addressing key ssues relating to the Christian faith.
It is for everyone, especially those wanting to investigate Christianity.
It's free!
People are talking about it.
There are over 28,700 courses running all over the world.
So, you have seen the Web site, Whats all this about? A church with rock bands! A church wanting to reach out into the community. What does it mean!
In an age where "anything goes" why are more people frustrated and unhappy with their lives?
Its time to explore for a better Meaning of Life.
Its time to find JESUS.
Call Barbara on the Church Office number of Wakefield +44 1924 220868 for details of how to join this life changing course.
2006 Normanton Gala Great success for All Saints.
Saturday the 9th September saw All Saints "in the community" taking part in the Normanton Gala.
As well as taking part in the Gala procession with the Worship Team and the Samba Band. The ladies of All Saints joined "Churches Together" in the running of the refreshment tent.
Our new roving reporter, Neil Monkman spent the day taking pictures for the website.
A very special occasion took place today, 13 September 2006, as Dave Teece, surrounded by many family and friends,was ordained by the Bishop of Wakefield.
Afterwards at the Church Hall a party was held to celebrate the event. Dave will now be known as "Deacon Dave" and will fulfill his duties here at Normanton All Saints.
EK visited All Saints During October/ November and sent us this e-mail.
Hallow
Greetings to you through Jesus Christ.
How are you? With me, I am physically well.
I would like to inform you that I arrived home on 15/11/2006 safely and found my wife suffering from malaria. The rest of the family was quite well.
I thank you very much for your warm and cordial welcome I received from you and from Christian of All Saint Parish Church Normanton in particular all the time I stayed with your Christians I just felt more than at home. Thank you. Give my special thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Tina Brian Webb and Jean Oades. T think this system of exchanging visits is of great importance for we sit together and share experiences.
We build network and improve our linkage bond. Thus we Christian of ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL Musoma – Tanzania are waiting for the arrival of our beloved sister in Christ Jean Oades to Musoma in early February 2007.
Will you please pass my greetings to Deacon Revd Dave Teece Youth worker – Gavin Budby, church Administrator – Barbara, the mothers’ union of your church.
I remember the nice meal they prepared for me in the Parish room on 7/11/2006 also without forgetting the chairperson with her group of mothers’ union St Giles church Pontefract.
Lastly receive greetings from Christmas of St John’s Cathedral Musoma.
God be with you for ever.
Thank you
Eliakim Ktikiro (EK)
New Bicycle arrives for church in Musoma.
Reverend Mninko has a new bike thanks to All Saints Generousity.
Revd Mniko, Revd Dean Robert and E.K with the bicycle for Revd Mniko paid for by All Saints Normanton.
During the recent visit by EK and the party from Tanzania it was mentioned that church staff were
having difficulty commuting to the cathedral. All Saints PCC decided to help with the problem by funding
a new bicycle for Reverend Mninko. Here he is recieving the gift during a recent service at St Johns Cathedral.
Amazing Grace!
The new film about William Wilberforce by Bristol Bay Productions is almost here! In just a few weeks it will be released in cinemas across the country.
What an Amazing time it is. All over the country, church groups and organisations are mobilising to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Throughout March there are theatre productions, live music events, photographic exhibitions and lectures all centred on this important time in our history. Leading up to the release of the film on March 23rd.
Premier.tv proudly presents The History of Amazing Grace - a new documentary about John Newton. Newton wrote the words to the hymn between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. He was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he experienced a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm. Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands he had shipped into slavery, he devoted his life to the Church. John Newton wrote the lyrics to many hymns that are still popular today.
Please start telling your friends, family and church about Amazing Grace now. This movie will be such an important tool for touching the lives of those outside the church and for those whose lives may have been affected by the horrors of modern day slavery. Stick the weekend of March 23rd in your diary when the film will be in a cinema near you, and while you’re there don’t forget Amazing Grace Sunday when Churches around the UK will be singing Amazing Grace.
For more information about the film, Amazing Grace Sunday, to view new documentaries and to find out about Amazing Grace resources, click the Amazing Grace Resources button below.
You can also make church or group bookings by calling the following freephone number 0800 6122136.
Tuesday night (20th February 2007) saw a packed church as members from Crofton, Kirkthorpe and All Saints came together for a special service lead by the Bishop of Pontefract, Bishop Tony Robinson.
What a great night for the nine candidates. The music from the Worship team, lead by our own Dave Clark together with the singing from the congregation, "raised the roof" to celebrate this special event.
As well as the confirmations there was an "immersion baptism". Father Leon from Crofton/Kirkthorpe churches assisted with the baptism in the church,s dedicated baptism pool.
A communion then took place for the whole church to come together with their new family members.
Anyone wishing to know more about confirmation and Baptisms please get in touch with Don or the church office for more information.
Please click the images for a larger one.
Jean Oades Arrives in Africa.
I recieved these picture today(14th Feb)from Mara. Tanzania.
At morning communion service at St John' Cathedral, Musoma on Sunday Feb 11th to celebrate the visit of the Wakefield into Mara link group.
Bishop Omindo led the service and the talk was given by Ven. Robert Freeman, Archdeacon of Halifax. Jean Oades of Normanton presented a banner from All Saints and also a locally purchased bicycle was presented for the use of lay helpers at the cathedral.
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.
It consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith.
It is for everyone, especially those wanting to investigate Christianity.
It's free.
People are talking about it.
There are over 28,700 courses running all over the world.
So, you have seen the Web site, Whats all this about? A church with rock bands! A church wanting to reach out into the community. What does it mean!
In an age where "anything goes" why are more people frustrated and unhappy with their lives.
Its time to explore for a better Meaning of Life.
Its time to find JESUS.
Contact the Church Office on 01924 220868 for more details.
The Holiday Club took place during the summer holidays and was attended by an average of twenty children per session.
Staffing and resources were provided in partnership by All Saints Youth Project, Newlands Primary School, Butterflies Children’s Centre, CONST and one parent volunteer.
Activities included arts and crafts, ICT, pond dipping, sport, baking, and gardening, fancy dress, face painting, singing and games.
Trips were made to Super Bowl, Newmiller Dam, Normanton Swimming Baths and Nostell Priory. Staff, parents/carers and children all gave very positive feedback about their enjoyment and value of the play scheme.
The All Saints Float makes its way filled with balloons, ribbons, bands,drums,and a spirit filled church family to the Normanton Gala at Haw Hill Park.
The balloon blowing and the hard work that went into the assembling of the float paid off as it won the "Best Float for an Organisation" in the gala competiton.
Meeting Diary for 2007 (7:30pm start unless told otherwise)
October
Meeting Cancelled.....sorry!
November – An Evening with Free Spirit.Thurs November 22rd.
An evening with a difference during November. "Free Spirit" are a very talented christian band. There
lead singer is Terry Gill who you may know from church. Drummer Steve Owen is probably one of the top ten drummers
in Yorkshire.
We will have music,testimony,refreshments
This promises to be a great evening.
I have changed the date of this meeting so that the band can play in the church, where there are better
facilities. I have also invited the rest of the church as well.
Listen to Free Spirits Album..
December – Social
A night out for Christmas or a faith supper.
I hope you enjoyed our first gathering in the Black Swan I hope the presentation helped us focus on being united as a Band of Brothers watching out for each other in this epic we call life, lets start to live the adventure with Jesus as our Master and Commander we cant loose, lets take the land for God.
Men Awake Present: A Night of testimony with Ron Young
Ron is a powerful man of God, who I am sure has a lot to say about how his life has changed during his very active service in the Kingdom, Ron has seen plenty of front line battle, and I look forward to what he has to say to us.
Prayer Strategy
Please can I have some ideas to start and co-ordinate this? I.e.: specific areas that we can put times and dates around, and set up some primal targets and focus.
Hi All,
Last Sunday the Venerable Jonathan Greener Archdeacon of Wakefield ,spent the day with us all.
On Thursday 28th April the Candidates for the Normanton Constituency visited to carry out our very own Election Question Time.
As a church we understand that nothing will bear fruit if it is not under-girded with prayer. Whilst we had teaching on prayer some three years ago when I came many new people have come into the church since then who have not heard it.
What an Amazing time it is. All over the country, church groups and organisations are mobilising to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Throughout March there are theatre productions, live music events, photographic exhibitions and lectures all centred on this important time in our history. Leading up to the release of the film on March 23rd.
