Christmas is coming!
We know that's scary for some, but the festive season is well upon us. The good news is that we have plenty of services to get you all into the Christmas spirit - and plenty of opportunities to invite your family, friends and even strangers to!
This is what's happening this December:
Why not come along and join us, and bring everyone you can while you're at it! You'd be so welcome and we'd love to see you!
Splitting the hour - Download this for some help on how to split an hour of prayer down into smaller sections, using this you can either split it into 4 or 12 sections
Monday - Today's topic is Thankfulness, download the document for more information, with some prayer suggestions and resources.
Tuesday - The focus for today is the Alpha course and our un-reached friends and family, take a look at the resources and join us in prayer!
Wednesday - Today we'll be praying about children, families, youth and students. Download today's resources and get involved!
More to follow each day until the end of the week!
Our friends at 222 Ministries are doing great work in some of the affected areas, you can join us in supporting all of their work:
http://www.222ministries.org/donate/view/GB/16
Or give directly to their refugee aid campaign:
http://www.222ministries.org/donate/view/GB/9
We are also supporting Tearfund's refugee crisis campaign along with many Vineyard churches in the UK, they have a fantastic track record and we trust that they are using the money well!
http://www.tearfund.org/en/refugeecrisis/
On Saturday 3rd Oct we will be hosting a drop point for donations to CalAid. Check out the event page for more details including what they do and don't need:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1622215248030535/
If you aren't on facebook you can find more details on the flyer here
On Sunday we properly introduced Elaine Webster, our new Assistant Pastor with responsibility for children. It was a great opportunity to hear some more of her story and pray for her.
Favourite season of the year?
Autumn
Starbucks/Costa or independent store?
Starbucks
Favourite music genre?
Rock / house
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grow up?
Teacher
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Audio books
Guilty Pleasure song?
Shania Twain
Starter or Dessert?
Dessert
Favourite holiday destination?
Italy
What was the last book you read?
Soul keeper by John Ortberg / Georgia by Lesley Pearce
During the summer we regularly become a smaller congregation with people going on holidays so from July 19th and through August we will be moving to just 2 services on a Sunday:
10:30am and 5:30pm
During the 10:30am service our children's ministries from age 0-11 will still be on as normal. To make sure we have enough leaders at all times, there will be no children’s ministry in the evening service.
As normal you will be able to come from 5pm for toast and crumpets before the 5:30pm service
We are delighted to announce that Joanne Porter will be our new office manager and PA to Andrew and Rosie. She will be starting work next week and we are really excited about her joining our team!
A massive thanks goes out to the wonderful Sarah Wicker, who has been doing an incredible job for many years and is now stepping down to move on to new things.
Thanks to all those who filled in the Birmingham Vineyard Canvas Questionnaire, and for taking the time to share your heart and passion for what God wants to do in our church family and in the city.
We have been reading the comments and listening to your thoughts and ideas. We have already used the questionnaire information to pick up on some pressing situations expressed, linking individuals into support via their Cells and Community contacts. We have also informally connected some people who have a shared interest in specific issues (eg looking to starting a community café).
We are now arranging a series of “Round Table” sessions – 1 per canvas – to explore the values and passions, ideas and suggestions in each canvas, so that we can start to set up plans and actions to grow in each of the areas. The Round Table sessions will have a brief summary of all the questionnaire feedback for that canvas, and we have identified a couple of people per canvas who will facilitate the conversation and help lead us as we plan our next steps.
The sessions are open to anyone in the church who wants to engage with ideas or who has capacity to make a difference. Taking part in the round table does NOT automatically commit you to delivering personally on all the projects and ideas discussed! It does give you the opportunity to shape what happens next.
The session dates are:
Doing Life Well – Wednesday 10th June
Work and the City – Wednesday 17th June
Leaders and Nations – Monday 13th July
Compassion and Justice – Monday 20th July
All the sessions will take place in Network House and will run from 8:00pm – 9:45pm prompt.
Please take this opportunity to help us grow and develop the heart behind each canvas.
God bless
Mike McMaster
(on behalf of Andrew and Rosie)
We are delighted to announce that we have taken ownership of the car park opposite Network House. This has been made possible by the ongoing generously of all of who support the ministry and vision of the Church so thank you!
Our first task was to undertake some essential repair work to make the space safe.
In essence the worst pot holes have been filled and we unfortunately have had to remove the 6 trees.
From an environmental perspective removing trees is not a decision we've taken lightly. As trustees we've taken advice (from the surveyor, from our mortgage company, our insurance company and car park operators).
By removing the trees we :
In the light of this decision we have chosen to invest in planting trees locally, not only to offset the loss but increase the positive impact on the urban environment.
We've spoken with Birmingham Trees For Life and agreed to a "business sponsorship package” that will enable us to plant a number of established trees and 400 saplings in partnership with local schools close to the city centre in Birmingham.
We’ll have the car park available from Sunday the 7th June.
We are exploring the best company to manage the car park long term, but just to be clear parking for Church will be free! As part of this we are also looking at getting the lines repainted so we can fit as many cars in as easily as possible.
We are looking at upgrading the lighting and CCTV coverage of the car park so that the area is as welcoming as possible for all.
Andrew
On behalf of the trustees.
We are thrilled to announce Elaine Webster as the Assistant Pastor with responsibility for Children. Elaine has over 14 years of experience in children's ministry from working in the local church, leading venues at new wine and having a track record of reaching children and families outside of the church.
Last year Elaine launched her own curriculum "Connected" designed to help children develop hearts that are connected to God, each other and the community around them, which has been well received both in the UK and internationally.
Elaine will be joining us at the beginning of September from Harrogate. We look forward to welcoming her and releasing her to bring life to the children of Birmingham.
Last week in church we celebrated all the work James Pickin has done for us with the Students in Birmingham and prayed for him as he leaves us to start his new role as a teacher. Today was James' last day in the office and while we are sad to see him go, we're excited for what's in store for him next and looking forward to Jeff taking our student ministry forward!
Favourite season of the year?
Jeff: Spring
Becky: Spring
Favourite quote?
Jeff: “Christ is not a fashion fading away” Norma Jean (band)
Becky: “God has no problems only plans” Corrie ten Boom
Starbucks/Costa or independent store?
Jeff: Independent
Becky: Starbucks
Favourite music genre?
Jeff: Heavy Metal
Becky: Indie Rock
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grow up?
Jeff: An artist
Becky: An author or actress
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Jeff & Becky: Each other
Guilty Pleasure song?
Jeff: Anything by Katy Perry
Becky: Bruno Mars, uptown funk
Starter or Dessert?
Jeff: Starter
Becky: Dessert
Favourite holiday destination?
Jeff: California
Becky: Anywhere in a tent
What was the last book you read?
Jeff: Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry by Mike Wilkerson
Becky: Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History by Severance Diana
Favourite season of the year?
Aaron: Spring
Aimee: Autumn
Favourite quote?
Aaron: ‘Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with your God’ Micah 6:8
Aimee: ‘Leave the broken, irreversible past in God’s hands, and step out into the invincible future with him’ Oswald Chambers
Starbucks/Costa or independent store?
Aaron: 100% Starbucks
Aimee: Starbucks
Favourite music genre?
Aaron: Rock/Indie
Aimee: Hip-Hop
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grow up?
Aaron: A Policeman
Aimee: A Vet
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Aaron: Apart from Aimee and Jesus….probably my i-pod
Aimee: Make-up
Guilty Pleasure song?
Aaron: Shake it off by Taylor Swift
Aimee: Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
Starter or Dessert?
Aaron: Dessert
Aimee: Dessert
Favorite holiday destination?
Aaron: Florida
Aimee: California
What was the last book you read?
Aaron: Do what Jesus did by Robbie Dawkins
Aimee: Captivating by Stasi & John Eldridge
In this season of change we want to communicate some of the exciting staff appointments that are happening and give you some details of important dates that we would like you to put in your diary.
Firstly we are excited to let you know we have just won the car park at the auction. Thank you all for praying, it will officially be ours in 28 days.
Youth and Students: We were delighted that we had 22 applications for this role, some very strong candidates and 2 that were outstanding. After consultation with the trustees we decided to appoint both - Aaron Smith and Jeff Stamps. They have complimentary gifts and will between them cover our young people and students as well as other pastoral roles in the church. Aaron and his wife Aimee live in Sutton Coldfield and Jeff and his wife Becky are moving to Birmingham from near St Albans. Because we have significantly expanded the staff team now, we won’t be making any further staff appointments in the autumn when Simon and Keely take up their next assignment. Aaron and Jeff will both be starting on staff in the next week and we will be welcoming and introducing them both to church on Sunday 10th May.
Events and Integration: We are delighted that Gary Wicker will be joining the team two days a week to coordinate Alpha, special events and integration of newcomers.
Worship: Jon Solway will also be part of the new team to oversee worship teams and to train, resource and strengthen worship across the church.
Children: We have some great applicants for the Children’s pastor role and we are interviewing them next Wednesday. Please do pray for us as we make this next appointment.
As you are aware some of our wonderful staff team are moving on to new places and exciting challenges. We will be blessing each person/couple in different services over the next few months, so please be aware and put these dates in your diary:
Sunday 17th May – James Pickin
Sunday 12th July – Zara Llewellyn
Sunday 19th July – Simon & Keely Bateson
On Sunday 19th July we will be having just 1 morning and 1 evening service – 10.30am and 5.30pm. After the morning service there will be a chance to have a shared lunch together and then before the evening service we will have afternoon tea. This will be to celebrate and thank Simon & Keely. We will fill you in with more details nearer the time.
This Sunday 3 May the Great Birmingham 10k is taking place. There will be some road closures around Network House, but all main routes in will be open. The A38 Bristol Road, the Hagley Road and the Middleway will all be open and some of the Pershore Road. The best way to access Network House is to come via the Middleway up to Highgate and in through Conybere Street. Alternatively you can come off of Bristol Street (A38) onto Wrentham St and park on the roads around there – you will then be able to cross the running route on Pershore Street to get to Barford Street.
Unfortunately we won’t have access to the Second City Suite carpark but there will be parking around on the side streets.
Pedestrians can cross the route at any point.
Please allow extra time for parking.
It's a season of change for us and we are excited to announce another opportunity to join the team!
We are a large, vibrant and growing church situated in the heart of England’s second city. We are looking for a well organised office manager/PA to oversee and further develop the running of our dynamic and fast paced office environment.
The successful applicant will be a passionate disciple of Jesus with administrative experience and the ability to lead an office team. They will provide essential administrative support to the ministry and vision of the church. They will also act as Personal Assistant to the Senior Pastors as well as ensuring smooth running of all office systems.
If you are interested in finding more about this role please contact Sarah Wicker on sarah@birminghamvineyard.com
Today we start our termly week of prayer. We will be spending each day focusing on a different topic and will be posting prayer notes here throughout the week.
We're inviting everyone to get involved in at least one of the following ways:
We have created a ‘virtual prayer room’ via the 24/7 prayer site. You can sign up for an hour to pray at any time during the week. More than one person can sign up for each slot. Maybe your cell group can book an hour or two!
The ground floor of Network House will be a dedicated Prayer Room, feel free to come and use the space any time Monday - Friday from 9.00am - 4.00pm.
On Wednesday 15 April we are going to have a day of prayer and fasting specifically for our under 18s. As a church we are blessed to have 187 under 18s and we know that this is an area of church life that comes under spiritual attack.
9:00am - 4:00pm - Prayer Room open as normal
There will be 2 additional prayer meetings:
6.00am - 7.00am - Prayer meeting Network House
8.00pm - 9.30pm - A Time of prayer and blessing for families
On Friday 17 April from 7.30pm - 10pm. This is our termly
worship and prayer event. It will be a great time for the church
community to gather, worship and pray corporately to usher
in all that God has for us in the coming term and beyond.
On Sunday 22nd we had a fantastic time getting together for a time of worship & celebration of all that God is doing in our community! Our friends at Birmingham Christian Centre were amazing hosts and really helped to make the whole afternoon run smoothly.
We look forward to doing it again, keep an eye out!
To all in Birmingham Vineyard:
Rosie and I have some significant news to communicate. We believe that the Lord is leading Simon and Keely to a new assignment that will take them away from our Church community and the leadership team here in Birmingham Vineyard. They have fulfilled their calling here and we clearly witness that God is inviting them to a new adventure. They spoke with us in late January and when we initially heard it was a shock. Simon and Keely are trusted, loyal friends and co-workers so this has of course has an impact on us and it will be a loss. Our prevailing conviction is that God has multiplication in store for Simon and Keely, the Church and Rosie and I. The timescale for their moving is yet to be decided but will be months not weeks and Simon and Keely don’t have a new job set up already. This is an invitation to pray for God’s good purpose to be expressed at this time.
From Simon and Keely
"This has been a really challenging process for us. When God started to speak to us about a new assignment we were surprised because our home, friends and family are here in Birmingham and we didn't expect God to call us away.
We have served and been part of this church for over 20 years - we were here when it started, we planted Halesowen Vineyard in 1996 and God called us back in 2000 to work with Andrew and Rosie to help it grow into what it is today. You are all our dear friends and we have known many of you for decades and so this calling to a new place and new people is scary and hard.
We “wrestled with God” through the autumn of last year and prayed and fasted in January until we were absolutely convinced through many words and impressions that this was God’s leading. Lots of you have prayed for us during this season, knowing nothing about our situation and God has used you to powerfully speak to us.
We love the healthy senior / associate pastor relationship that we have built with Andrew & Rosie and together we have used this as a model to teach into many other Church staff contexts. The four of us believe that this is the beginning of a new chapter for us all and models what it means to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. We are completely in unity and genuinely excited about what God has in store for us all.
At this point we don't know what God is leading us into - this is a faith journey for us which we want to invite you all to be part of. We consider it such a privilege to have worked with you all in building what God has created here in Birmingham Vineyard and we know this Church will continue to go from strength to strength under Andrew and Rosie's leadership with the vision God has given."
God in His wisdom is calling Simon and Keely on. If we were to hold on to them then we’d be robbing another place of a gift God wants to give. By being open handed we free Simon and Keely to follow God and we are positioned to receive all that God wants to give us as church. We know that obedience is a key to blessing and we anticipate much good for them and our church community in this change.
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As you will appreciate we continue to take extensive counsel as we lead this transition for the church in the coming months. We’ve spoken with our overseers John and Debby Wright, our regional leaders Steve and Juliet Barber, and our current national directors John and Eleanor Mumford. Within our church, senior leaders (including our community leaders and trustees) remain closely involved as we consider the developments ahead.
We are in a very exciting phase of church life with sustained growth and expansion of ministry. Just so you are aware this change has not been the catalyst for us looking to employ 2 full-time assistant pastors (responsible for children, and youth / student roles). As a team we had already come to that decision to invest in those crucial areas of church life.
Our invitation is that we all pray for God’s will to be done in this development. We’re praying for guidance for Simon and Keely, continued growth of the church and for God’s good purpose to be expressed in it all. Every one of us has a crucial part to play as we pray and walk in the things God has prepared for us.
With our love
Andrew and Rosie
“For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.”
Birmingham Vineyard is a large, vibrant and growing church situated in the heart of England’s second city, focusing on bringing life to our city as we invite people to follow Jesus. We are looking for a dynamic leader to oversee and develop our children’s ministry and teams.
The successful applicant will be a passionate disciple of Jesus with a track record of working with children and developing and releasing leaders and teams. They will lead a thriving children’s ministry, equipping and empowering volunteer leaders & teams with vision and resources. They will also pioneer and develop children’s outreach ministry into our local communities.
As a leader on our pastoral staff team, your presence and influence will also extend beyond children’s ministry to strengthen and contribute to the health of the whole church.
If you are interested in finding more about this role or for an application pack please contact Sarah Wicker on sarah@birminghamvineyard.com
Closing date: Friday 24 April
Note - It is now past the closing date and we are no longer taking applications for this post.
Birmingham Vineyard is a large, vibrant and growing church situated in the heart of England’s second city, focusing on bringing life to our city as we invite people to follow Jesus. We are looking for a dynamic leader to oversee and develop our youth and student teams.
The successful applicant will be a passionate disciple of Jesus with a track record of pastoral leadership working with young people & students, developing and releasing leaders & teams. They will lead a thriving youth ministry, equipping and empowering volunteer leaders and teams with vision & resources. They will also develop and lead our growing student ministry by gathering, discipling and mentoring students from all of the Birmingham universities – helping them to integrate into church life and reach their full potential.
As a leader on our pastoral staff team, your presence and influence will also extend beyond youth and student ministry to strengthen and contribute to the health of the whole church.
If you are interested in finding more about this role or for an application pack please contact Sarah Wicker on sarah@birminghamvineyard.com
Closing date: Friday 20 March
Birmingham Cathedral recently celebrated it's 300 year anniversary with 24 straight hours of prayer. It was a resounding success with different churches from all over Birmingham leading slots of an hour. A big thanks to all those from our community who got involved!
The cathedral team have sent us an update and thankyou message that you can see here
