Activate Team Member

Over the last two years anyone who has been to one of our Weekend Events or Training Days has had the priviledge of sharing in worship led by a group of talented musicians from the West Malling area. The feedback has always been positive as we have been delighted by the singing and playing talents of beautiful melodies and harmony, saxophone, flute, drums, keyboard and guitar. Allie Pavis sent through an invitation to send out to all Activate supporters, please do come along if you are free and able to support this charity event. All proceeds go to ‘ROPE’ , Relief for Oppressed People Everywhere, which responds to God’s love for the poor around the world. Tickets are available in advance at £5 from 01732 522201, or turn up and pay £6 on the door.

In the midst of the sunshine and long summer daylight hours, it may seem ridiculous to be planning for Christmas but if you are hoping to host a top quality event then now is the time to start thinking. I can recommend the following show, as a funny, but thought-provoking production that is ideal to invite the community to at Christmas time.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

The family show with a difference – a Searchlight Theatre Company production.

An amazing seasonal spectacular, drawing on some of the greatest Christmas film and television moments. Surely December isn’t complete until you’ve voted for your ‘X Factor’ and ‘Strictly’ favourite, heard The Sound of Music, looked for sunshine with Morecambe and Wise and come to the conclusion that Christmas proves It’s a Wonderful Life after all.

David Robinson and Michael Taylor bring together a unique combination of drama and song and weave their way through some wonderful classic seasonal moments. Stage and screen come together for an unmissable Christmas treat.

The production will be suitable for adults and children over 10 and tours from 1st-22nd December 2011 and from 6th-10th January 2012. It is available for a ministry gift of £575 (which includes travel costs and publicity).

Please get in touch soon if you’d like more details. jwilkz@hotmail.co.uk

The graffiti on a London subway wall sums up how many young people feel about themselves today. In a challenging world of economic recession and postmodern lack of faith, there is a danger of a lost generation.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has plans for this year and 2012 to reach out to the under 25s through a programme of high energy, large scale music concerts, starting in Thurrock, Essex in 2011 then building to six events in cities spread through the Uk in 2012 with Will Graham as the speaker.
As a firm believer in friendship evangelism, I have a natural scepticism towards big events and preaching at strangers. So I was encouraged to read the BGEA literature and see their emphasis on relationships.‘People say to me the era of mass evangelism is over. But I don’t believe in mass evangelism. We do personal evangelism, but we do it on a massive scale.’-Will Graham.

As the BGEA website says –

‘The key to effectively reaching people for Christ and seeing them continue to follow Jesus is a relationship with a vibrant believer. In John 1:40 we see the story of Andrew. He met Jesus and began to have a relationship with Him. His first thought was that his brother, Simon Peter, needed to know Jesus. Andrew went immediately and brought Simon to meet Jesus. Bring a Friend is the same concept. It involves praying for your friends, cultivating the relationship, inviting them to Rock the UK, and following up on their response to the message. Over 80% of those who respond at Rock the UK were brought by a friend.’

There will be many gatherings for prayer, a mobilisation of community action projects then a series of equipping throigh dynamic training seminars. The emphasis is on bringing a friend as the preparations are finalised for the Rock the Uk celebration events. Seven weeks of follow up discipleship studies are planned to encourage new beleivers to connect with local churches. An exciting project to watch out for and become involved in. We will bring you more details as they emerge.