"Have you got a Sleeping Bag?"

On Sunday 9th we are celebrating 10 years of the Jericho Road Project at all 5 meetings.  So in addition to having both Steve Tibbert and myself speaking there will be 2 short films describing the Project, I am so looking forward to the church seeing the films.  I want people to laugh, surprised and challenged by the films.  It will be a good Sunday to bring friends and family to.  We are telling great stories that will inspire you!  There will even be soup at the end of the morning meetings - another way of helping 1200 people at King's connect with the work of the Feast!

But we also wanted there to be a way that all those who come to King's can take part and so we are asking the church to donate sleeping bags or blankets to the project to help rough sleepers this winter.  This will help in emergency situations where immediate housing cannot be accessed.  The blankets are very helpful for people who are squatting - in recent months we have had families with babies squatting locally.

Some people might have a blanket or sleeping bag at home that you can bring. But others I expect will consider buying one or more and bringing them to King's on the 9th.  It would be great to have a pile of sleeping bags left at the end of the day.   Please do consider joining in, lead the way!  Ask people you know!

Finally as a way of completing the celebration on the 9th we are having a gathering at 7pm for all those who have been involved in the Project over the last 10 years.  We will have Cake, a free drink from the Coffee Bar, some Thank you's etc.  We will be joined by people who are no longer regularly at King's as well.  I am asking all the residents to join us as well as some of the famous Feast faces.  It will be a special moment.    

10 Year Celebration of the Jericho Road Project

I have now been in Catford for 10 years and so at the start of this September I have been reflecting on the last 10 years as well as looking ahead.  In this blog I am attempting to outline what is happening in the term ahead.  Obviously the Feast, support group and housing continues to help people every day/week.

Our 10 year celebration of the Jericho Road Project will take place in 2 parts.  On Thursday 6^th October we will be holding a lunchtime event inviting dignitaries from the borough.  The Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, Steve Tibbert and myself will speak at that event.  I am expecting over 100 people to hear what the JRP provides, something of the story of King's as well as how King's through the Jericho Road Project plans to continue to impact South East London 

And then on the Sunday 9^th October we will present the Jericho Road project at all 5 services.  Using DVD, powerpoint, preach by Steve Tibbert and myself we will celebrate all that God has done as well as look ahead.  Please invite your friends to this event, it will be a great Sunday.   King's now has over a thousand people attending on a Sunday and we can have a bigger voice to shout about justice and helping the poor to a society around us that is searching for answers.

The Flat Cleaning team will continue to meet every Tuesday to help people who are struggling to keep their flat tidy.  Contact me if you are able to help.  This is a great opportunity to help people keep their tenancies (preventing homelessness) and value themselves (a greater sense of self worth)

Encounter nights – Following the successful Encounter Camp earlier this year we are now running bi-monthly Encounter evenings.  These evenings will follow the pattern of the camp; relaxed, fun, time to wait on God, prayer, worship.  Please come along, the next one will be in November.  Further details when I know them.

Remember Caring Christmas Trees – Our biggest fundraiser of the year is selling Christmas Trees.  Work has already started and there will be the many volunteer opportunities in November and December. 

The marathon walk we did in August is on course to raise £1000 for the Feast, that means 1000 three course meals for vulnerable and homeless people!  If you are still to pay, please do!  Thanks to all those have supported us.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a Newfrontiers conference called Jubilee+ taking place on Saturday 1^st October taking place in Milton Keynes.  This will be an excellent day looking at how Churches Can Change Communities.   Speakers include Angela Kemm, Gavin Poole, Peter Lyndon and Martin Charlesworth.  Book at www.jubilee-plus.org 

Belmarsh and Isis Prison Fellowship have an open day on Saturday 15^th October 10am-4pm.  Hear from volunteers and Chaplains plus news about Prison Fellowship.  If you want to attend please contact me for further details.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow me on Twitter @ simonjohnallen1

Jericho Road Project, King’s Church Centre, Catford Hill, London, SE6 4PS, 020 8690 4646 jrp@kingschurchlondon.org