Blog

‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: […] a time to keep and a time to throw away …’ Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1 and 6

When I think back to the early days of Ignite and the uncertainty, privilege, and responsibility that Karen and I felt in being entrusted to produce it, it is thrilling to see how much God has blessed and used it over these last few years. We have a lot to be thankful for – the written contributions and kind support that you have given us, the wonderful software and printing services* that have allowed us to produce it to such a high standard, and the amazing opportunity to tell our community something of what goes on at St Saviour’s and to give a glimpse of what it means to follow Jesus.

But now, over three years and 20 issues on, are we in a new season? Is this a time to keep or a time to throw away? As many of you will have realised, we are reviewing the future of Ignite and, to that end, we produced a survey in July about possible ways forward. Very many thanks to those of you who returned our questionnaire. It was good of you to take the time to let us have your thoughts. The response rate was low, but the views expressed were very humbling and helpful. Thank you so much.

Overall, the survey results showed that the magazine is popular, well respected, and valued, with many positive comments. However, it is also evident that getting people to write for Ignite will continue to be a challenge, making the way forward unclear.

Perhaps the most important question of all was not on the survey, but is certainly one we are seeking an answer to in prayer! What does God want? One thing is for sure – there is no doubt that our focus needs to be Jesus. Please join us in praying about the magazine’s future, be open to what God wants, and do let us know if you have any further thoughts about this. We are confident that God will show us!

‘… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’ Hebrews 12, verses 1-2

Clare Shearing, Co-editor

[* Very many thanks to Jason Harris and all at IMS.]

This year we launched an appeal for Fabric Funds. We need to replace our church doors and redecorate the church, so we will be holding various fundraising events over the next few months (a gift day has already happened), which we hope will be well supported by you and fun!! Find out more in Ignite 20, and keep a look out for further details during the year.

This time last year we were pondering on some questions that Justin Welby had set out in his book Dethroning Mammon. I have reproduced them here for those of you that missed them the first time round. See how you fare!

• Looking at your life, what gives you most joy and happiness?
• Where else in the Bible or in your life has God responded to a need or a request with over-generosity?
• What might God be calling you to value more?
• What might God be calling you to value less?
• What is your most valuable possession?
• Are there any circumstances under which you could imagine giving it away?

When you have pondered these difficult questions and arrived at your answers, and given that during September we have been looking at the ‘Generosity of God’, perhaps you feel that you would like to discuss your giving to the church/finances/time/talents. Please feel free to come and have a chat to me.

‘Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ 2 Corinthians 9 verse 7

God bless you in your giving

Pat Smart, Treasurer

Once again this year we are supporting Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Why? Because it makes such a difference to children worldwide, and is such an amazing chance to share Jesus’ name and God’s love at Christmas.

By getting involved, you are all part of something so much bigger than just a small shoebox. After last year, we were sent a thank you letter telling us that Operation Christmas Child in the United Kingdom sent an amazing 678,942 gift-filled shoeboxes to children overseas, and these formed part of the 11,012,840 that were sent from all OCC’s partners across the world. And bringing it down to a local level, 10,629 shoeboxes were sent from the Bournemouth warehouse to children in Latvia.

Wow! And that’s just the statistics, but each shoebox means that over 11 million children worldwide had a ray of hope and love shining into their lives. This is Patrick’s story*:

Pastor Oscar, his team, and a group of excited children of various ages, gathered together in the brick shell of a partially built, roofless church plant in Muskotwane, Livingstone. The children listened intently as the local church shared the Gospel message with them, using the colourful, child-friendly ministry guide. They heard how much God loves them and how He sent us the Greatest Gift of all – Jesus.

One by one the children went forward to receive their shoebox gifts. Sitting among the group of children aged 5-9 was a young lad called Patrick. While the shoeboxes were being given out, Patrick turned to one of the national leadership team members and asked, ‘Teacher, am I not getting a box because I am blind in one eye?’ All the boys in his group had already received shoeboxes, and none were left for his age group.

The team member went in search of a spare shoebox, leaving another member of the team to chat with Patrick. As they talked it became clear that his visual impairment was sometimes seen to be a curse in his local area, which is why he assumed he wouldn’t be worthy of a box.

But suddenly, Patrick’s name was called to collect his shoebox. It turned out he was already ten, and had been mistakenly sitting in the younger group, so they had simply not got to his name yet! He jumped up and ran with excitement to the other side of the church to collect his shoebox with a beaming smile on his face. He had not been left out at all. As the children began to open their shoeboxes there were shouts of joy as they showed off their new treasures. Among them sat a contented Patrick – with a brand new football and many other new possessions. In a culture where Patrick was often side-lined, he received a physical example of God’s amazing love and heard that he was created by and special to God, and that there was a plan for his life. God knew his name and He wasn’t about to let Patrick miss out.

Please be part of this amazing generosity, and pray that God uses these shoeboxes to change the hearts and lives of the children who receive them.

Clare Shearing, Communications officer

*Story from OCC

At university we have both got involved with our Christian Unions (CUs), and through the CU, the opportunity arose for us to partner with the Ukrainian Christian Union movement (called CCX Ukraine), and help with an evangelistic English Language camp for Ukrainian students. Most students came to this camp to help improve their English, whilst being aware that it was a camp run by Christians, involving activities such as Bible studies, as well as challenges, games, songs, and other camp activities. Over half of the students were not Christians, although some had ‘cultural’ experience of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

The theme of the camp was ‘inside out’, as inspired by the Disney film. Bible studies and talks were based on God knowing us inside and out. He sees and knows our hidden parts, and still loves us there! The students were encouraged to consider these things and to search deeper, especially in the ways they think about themselves, each other, and God. Despite English being students’ additional language, surprisingly deep conversations were had. It was a reminder that despite anticipated barriers, God can do exceedingly more than we could imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!

It was amazing to see how God worked in this short-term mission. I heard one student say that she will really miss camp because ‘the atmosphere is saturated with love, kindness and acceptance’. We saw how building relationships, engaging in conversation, opening the Bible, and living to glorify God started to transform hearts and make some students want to seek out faith and Jesus further.

Serving on a team like this grew us as people too. It made us more passionate about sharing God’s love and our faith; it showed us the impact that opening the Bible with non-believers can have; and it showed us the unity and love Christ brings in a cross-cultural team.

We joined a year-round mission of CCX Ukraine whose staff continues to hold events to engage students throughout the year and can follow-up with those who showed interest at camp. It was a privilege to be a small part of it and we thank God so much for giving us this opportunity. Thank you for anyone who prayed for us. Do come find us and ask us questions if you want to find out more or want to join us in praying for Ukraine and their ministry!

Rebecca and Matt Giddens

For food in a world where many walk in hunger; for faith in a world where many walk in fear; for friends in a world where many walk alone; for generosity in a world where many are greedy; we give you humble thanks, O God.

What a party we had! It was time to come to God to give thanks and celebrate all that has been achieved over the last 10 years – also to thank God for what He continues to do and will continue to do into the future.

It’s amazing to think that 10 years ago the Bournemouth Foodbank started in Vicky’s garden shed. Now there is a central warehouse, with hubs in churches throughout Bournemouth. We pray that there will be a time when foodbanks are no longer needed, but until then the work goes on. To witness lives transformed and full of hope has been such a privilege and a highlight for many working and volunteering at the foodbank.

On behalf of everyone at the foodbank, thank you for your faithful giving and for the harvest gifts given today. Every item will help someone facing a difficult time in their lives and give them hope. This is a powerful element in the cycle of generosity.

The stakes are high, the price is great, and the reward is forever. This is what mission is all about. God uses the broken and the weak to do wonderful things, so that all honour and glory flow to Him alone.

Christine Moyes

‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.’ Galatians 6:10

I recently came across a poster aimed at children, entitled ‘A Recipe for Friendship’. It caught my eye and I thought of the meals the Comfort Food ministry provides for members of the church family here at St Saviour’s.

A Recipe for Friendship

You will need:

• A pinch of happiness
• 1 handful of kindness
• 2 spoonfuls of gentleness
• 1 litre of sharing
• A teaspoonful of helpfulness
• 3 heaped tablespoons of laughter
• 50g of smiles
• A sprinkling of cheerfulness
• 100g of love

It made me smile, and I thought how many of the above ‘ingredients’ are included in the Comfort Food meals – it is my hope and prayer that they bring comfort, happiness, smiles, and helpfulness, and are made with love, cheerfulness and kindness. I have always said that Comfort Food is about so much more than the meals – and it is such a privilege to offer comfort, love and friendship to people by delivering a home-cooked meal. I wonder how many other practical tasks we can include these ‘ingredients’ in?

As always, I am so grateful to all who cook and deliver meals. I know that Comfort Food is just a small part of the church family naturally caring for one another, and that meals are being prepared and shared across the church every week.

Lizzy Potter

Volunteers to go on the meals ministry rota are always welcome (too many cooks definitely don’t spoil the broth!). If you would like to find out more or get involved in this ministry, please speak to Lizzy.