Dear Church Planters,
Have you heard of LIGHTS ACROSS LONDON? This is a bold initiative to plant 20 new Adventist churches in the greater London area – part of Hope for Big Cities which is a world-wide commitment to plant new churches in the large cities! Pastor Cecil Perry, British Union President, says, “This is an unparalleled opportunity for us to work together in order to advance God’s kingdom in our nation’s capital.” In his BUC mid-term report in the BUC Messenger Pastor Perry highlights the importance of cultivating a church planting and small group movement to fulfil the purpose of the church in the United Kingdom. On October 9 (just three weeks from now) all churches and church plants in the 42 countries of the Trans-European Division will have the opportunity to give an offering to provide ‘seed’ money to these church planting teams.
Last week more than 80 leaders participated in the third three-day module of training designed to equip church administrators and decision makers in how to cultivate and support church planters and planting movements. This module was about how to recruit more people as planters and how to assess and provide encouragement and support to each team members. It was excellent – and, support systems are being put in place.
In this NEWS you will find a number of short encouraging reports and stories. What friendships are you building? How are unchurched people being reached by your plant? Share your plans, visions – and prayer needs. Be filled with the Spirit and courageous for God.
Christian regards
Peter Roennfeldt
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CHURCH PLANTING NEWS – 22 Sept 04
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In this NEWS …
Ø STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PLANT – ATTRACTS UNCHURCHED FRIENDS!
Ø ALTERNATIVE WORSHIP SERVICE – FOR ‘FORMER STUDENTS’
Ø MULTIPLE WORSHIP SERVICES AT MANCHESTER CENTRAL
Ø MILE END COMMUNITY CHURCH – LIVES UP TO ITS NAME!
Ø KRANJ CHURCH PLANT – CONDUCTING PUBLIC EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS
Ø ÅRHUS CAFÉ CHURCH
Ø BØ CHURCH – REACHING KIDS!
Ø TEL AVIV – DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PLANT – ATTRACTS UNCHURCHED FRIENDS!
On September 18 there were many new faces at the Stockholm International Church service. “It was great,” reports planter Mariusz Wieczorek. “There were around 30 people and we hade 6 or 7 people who were there for the first time. We had a wonderful time praising God and fellowshipping. Several people had brought non-Christian family members.”
ALTERNATIVE WORSHIP SERVICE – FOR ‘FORMER STUDENTS’
“Currently I am not involved in any church planting project,” writes Marianne Dyrud Kolkmann – pastor of the Hokksund, Drammen and Kongsberg district, Norway. “But I see the need for something fresh and new for the youth in this area, as they are many, and not attracted to the current church services. So, we are starting up an alternative church service in October … I have discovered that a lot of my former students from Tyrifjord in this area do not show up at church, so my task this fall is to try to track them down and have a chat with them.”
MULTIPLE WORSHIP SERVICES AT MANCHESTER CENTRAL
“We launched our second worship service at Manchester Central on August 21,” writes Mike Simpson. “We have not gone public yet, (as in mass publicity), we took a decision to monitor the project for six weeks, before printing leaflets, etc, however, members are inviting their friends and we have a good core support at present. We are building this second service specifically for the unchurched. Our new congregation is called The Way.”
MILE END COMMUNITY CHURCH – LIVES UP TO ITS NAME!
“We had a successful Sunday at the Kellyville/Rouse Hill Fair with several thousands visitors,” reports planter and pastor, Martin Vukmanic – from Sydney (Australia). “Every 30 minutes we changed crafts and a new batch of kids came in to enjoy themselves. Most parents received a flier for the next school holiday program that Mile End Community Church will be running. Some of the more health conscious of the crowd enjoyed vegetarian nachos. (Mmmmm, nachos!) As per usual, orange Mile End balloons were given out with abandon, and the odd one escaped to the atmosphere. We made an impact and were seen! Greetings from the Mile End CC and the team that last Saturday organised Big Camp Bug Safari for 250 children and on Sunday took part in Kellyville fair 2004!
KRANJ CHURCH PLANT – CONDUCTING PUBLIC EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS
Kranj is about 30 km north of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. “Last night we had 18 visitors,” reports Nikolaus Satelmajer.
ÅRHUS CAFÉ CHURCH
After a summer break Århus Café Church started with a record attendance of 23 for their Sabbath afternoon worship. The team members are committed to reaching unchurched people. “This fall we will be conducting our first Alpha course, joining a nationwide advertising campaign by 169 participating churches, inviting ‘Denmark for supper’, writes Kenneth Birch. “A small group will take responsibility for this project, organizing the events and studying with the participants. This way, those who attend should be able to integrate into small groups seamlessly at the end of the course. We are very excited about this and look forward to sharing gospel basics with people through this.”
The Århus Café Church is also launching a discipleship team to help people find their spiritual gifts, enter into service, and grow in that service through training and encouragement. “We have not prioritized this as much as we wanted to before, but hopefully the designating of a specific team for the task will be a great help for nurturing our members in their service for the Lord,” says Kenneth.
BØ CHURCH – REACHING KIDS!
The Bø church in Vestrålen, North Norway are reaching out to children in their community. Although the population of this rural area has fallen from 6000 to 3000 over the last 50 years – the membership of the Adventist church has remained at a vibrant 45! “Except for a poorly attended Lutheran state church, and a Baptist church of less than 10 members, it the only church in the area,” reports Atle Haugen – leader in North Norway. “Traditionally the Adventist church has been an oddity and distant part of the community – except for a great work among kids in the 80’s and early 90’s.”
“However, this has all changed,” says Atle. “Over the last 6 years the members have opened up to new ideas of evangelism and attitudes towards other Christians. More non members dare to visit the church for music programs and worships … They now have a close relationship to the Baptist group who regularly attend various activities we organize.”
Last year a 67 year old recently retired member inspired others in the church, some younger and some in her own age group, to get involved with the kids of the neighbourhood. “They got together a program and announced it among their neighbours – and the kids lined up!” reports Atle. “Last winter they had about 13 kids coming age 10-14. At our camp this summer, they attended with a vibrant group of girls and boys that really got the attention among others!”
“Now they are just starting a new season. They have added a group for the 7-10 year olds and 9 new kids have signed up. A significant group of members are involved in the work. And the inspiration is growing. They also reap the fruits of the work done in the 80ties as those attending at that time, are now very eager to send their kids to experience the same things they did! Several former pathfinders from outside the church have pledged their support and willingness to help out in the new program.”
TEL AVIV – DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
Following meetings with friends who were personally invited 21 people decided to accept Jesus and express their faith by baptism in the Jordan River.