2008 - Year Of HOPE
2007 was a great year with much to be challenged and encouraged by. This year is about showing the world the hope we have as Christians.
What will 08 bring? We want to listen to the voice of God and find out!
July
Prayer Outreach
This month has seen the start of something new and exciting. A few people from our Church have been going out and offering those around the Church the opportunity to be prayed for. We believe that prayer changes things... and simply want to offer that to our neighbours.
The idea originally came from Christ Church, Purley and has been taken up by other Churches also.
June
Play in the park... with Monty!
As a result of our '40 days of community' course. One of our fellowship groups decided to put on a fun day at a local park. The group went and got to know some people and played games. Those that joined us appreciated it.
May
Classical Guitar and Cello Concert
Justin and Seth came to us in May and put on a free concert in aid of a charity that is working in Mathare Valley. We had a great evening with two brilliant performers, and in the process raised £300.
Hope 08/Love Croydon
The Churches of Croydon have marked out May as a month of mission across the borough. Here in Purley we kicked May off with a joint service in the park.
Over 400 people attended. Our, all age service, involved worship, prayer, children's talk and even a dance!
For the rest of May the joint Church work has been:
- Love Purley social action day
Christians cleaned graffiti, picked up rubbish, did gardening, washed cars and gave out dough nuts.
- Prayer visiting
This month has seen the beginning of a new outreach. Christan's from different Churches are offering prayer to people in the local area.
- Schools work
A team of people have visited five different primary schools to talk about hope. They took assemblies and lessons.
- Drop in centre
The Ice Cube, operated by Purley Baptist, has been opened regularly for school children drop into.
- Nursing home visits
Another group have been visiting as many homes as they can, to pray and talk with residents. Often a service has been taken.
April
Purley Music Week
At the end of the month, the Church took part in the 'Purley Music Week'. Along with the Monty singers, the concert included a solo and a couple of violin pieces.
Alongside our own singers and musicians we were pleased to be joined by Michael Phillips (www.myspace.com/electricfryingpans) who is an up and coming classical guitarist.
March
Easter
What a weekend we celebrate as Christians, Jesus death and resurrection. At Easter Jesus took on sin, satan and death and won.
Our celebrations included a joint march of witness followed by a joint service outside Tesco.
On Easter Sunday, at Montpelier, we focused on and remembered the power of Jesus resurrection. All in all it was a challenging and encouraging weekend for all.
Mothering Sunday
It was fitting that at the end of 'Better Together', which focused on community, that we should celebrate Mums. We remembered that what happens in the home influences what happens outside the home. Mums are truly influential people, who need our prayers and support.
February
Better Together
For six weeks, from the end of Jan to the Beginning of March, we as a Church have been doing '40 Days of Community'. It has been a fantastic time and one that has challenged us greatly about how we relate to each other in friendship and outreach. Each member is in a group and each group has met every week. What is even better is that the small groups are preparing to undertake a community project.
January
Youth Alpha
Youth Alpha is a practical introduction to the Christian faith, aimed especially at those who aren't regular churchgoers.
We started ours with a Wii night and pizza and started to think about Jesus and what Christianity means for today's youth.
