Note: This is an archived version of the page from stthomaschurch.org.uk related to St Thomas Sheffield.
Source Details
Entity: St Thomas Sheffield
Source: stthomaschurch.org.uk
Source URL: http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk/expression/mike_msg.htm
Archive URL: http://web.archive.org/web/20021214202548/http://www.stthomaschurch.org.uk:80/expression/mike_msg.htm
Archive Datetime: 2002-12-14T20:25:48
| Dear Church Member, Every New Year presents fresh opportunities and challenges and 2002 appears to be no different. We are continuing to explore the possibilities of buying the Roxy as a centre for worship and evangelism in the city. The negotiations are at a delicate stage and as yet we are not sure what the Lord intends to do. As well as this many other opportunities are emerging throughout the church as we engage with God’s Kingdom in the city, but I guess that 2002 will be marked by another challenge that we did not immediately foresee. From the end of January we will not be able to use the Roxy as our Sunday celebration centre in the city. The Fire service and Health and Safety executive, whilst giving us a clean bill of health through the Christmas period, have required significant upgrades in the building for us to continue to use it as our church centre. These upgrades include flooring and lighting and involve many thousands of pounds of immediate expenditure. Such expense would be inappropriate given that the building is not ours. The only practical solution to this situation is to move out and find God’s way forward for the New Year. Many of you will remember that just over 12 months ago I shared with the City Celebrations that I felt that we needed to be able to move out of the Roxy at a moment’s notice and that for this to take place we needed to understand the morning and evening celebrations as “eagle’s nests”. Although God provided an extension to our tenancy for 2001, it appears that this preparation time is complete! I’m absolutely convinced that we’re ready for this and that this is God’s moment for us. I’m convinced that He alone has brought together these circumstances to enable us to fulfil the vision of reaching the city and calling it back to God. Church life will be much more dependent on small groups and clusters. 2nd Sunday will still take place but from February onwards will probably find a home at the Octagon. All of these things have come upon us quite suddenly and yet God seems to have provided all the way. The City Celebration leaders, Mal Calladine and Paul Maconochie have excellent teams in place, the cluster and small group leaders are all outstanding individuals able to carry the vision of the church forward and the senior staff team are now freed up to serve and support these leaders as never before. Please pray with me that God uses this time to take us into the future that He has promised us. The whole staff team is gearing up for the changes and I’d ask for you to do the same. If you’re part of a cluster become even more committed - if you’re not join one as soon as possible. Ask your celebration leaders if there’s anything you can do to help - it’s going to be ‘all hands to the pumps’ for a while. I believe that we’ll look back on this time and see it as a great turning point in the rather extraordinary life of St. Thomas’. Some dates to remember are: * 21st January 8pm - Cluster Leaders /Small Group leaders’ meeting in Crookes Parish Church worship area *****27th January 7pm Whole Church Celebration @ the Roxy at which I will preach and explain the next steps for the future. Points for prayer: * Pray for your leaders of all kinds and in all positions. * Pray for the negotiations for the purchase of the building * Pray for the practical steps of moving us towards this next step in God’s plan for us as a church. May God bless you in this coming year and may we have the privilege and excitement of seeing His Kingdom come and His will be done. Mike Breen Team Rector, St Thomas’ Church | ||