listen to the Feast on Premier Radio

You can listen by clicking here

Last week Andy, Teresa and myself attended the Inspire awards last Thursday. We didn't win but it was a great event. There are some great people doing really good works who won awards. It was fun being at the House of Commons.

Premier Radio interview

The Feast is featured on the Dennis Pethers show on Premier Radio at 7pm on Saturday evening. I understand they are using Yvonne's interview and this morning I have done a phone recording with Dennis. So tune in at 7pm on Saturday or listen via the Premier radio website after the Saturday evening broadcast.

Caring Christmas Trees

The past few weeks have been take up with the Trees project. I have learnt lots and much is groundwork for the next years. The response has been fantastic with lots of demand for flyer's. The challenge is now seeing the tree sales hit our targets. There are 196 volunteer positions over the weekend and over 25% of these have been filled already.

Part of my desire to run this tree project is that I wanted our profile to rise. This initiative has given us the opening into many schools and offices. I overheard one person expressing "this gives me an easy way of telling people at work what my church is doing". Also we have sent out a press release to a number of publications. We are hopeful for a number of media openings.

Also next week the Jericho Road Project is on the shortlist for an Inspire Award. Andy, Theresa and myself are attending the ceremony in Westminster.

Caring Christmas Trees website

Yes, this year you can help the homeless by buying a Caring Christmas Tree! Please have a look at www.caringchristmastrees.com for all the information on how to buy, how to volunteer and how to tell your family and friends. This is a great opportunity to let hundreds, hopefully thousands about the work that we are doing! There will be a big push at King's Church on the 15th and 22nd of November but it will be personal recommendations that will be so important.

Christmas Cards 2009

Yes Christmas is coming!! This year Peter Dean who started coming to the Feast about 18 months ago has designed Christmas Cards that he is selling with proceeds going to the Project. The cost is £3 for a pack of 8 cards or £5 for 2 packs (16 cards). If you would like to buy some cards they will be available on Sundays shortly or contact the office 020 8690 4646, ask for Teresa.

How social action and sunday meetings merge together!

The longer I am involved in social action the more convinced I am that the church is the answer for our world. In Isaiah 61 there is a promise that those who were once hidden in shame, guilt and in chains will be transformed and become those who strengthen the church. So I know where I want us to get to but I am realistic that there is a journey for people to get there.



So in the last 2 weeks meetings I have seen people who have been at the bottom of the pile (in care, broken relationships, crime, prison, addiction, mental health issues) in society serving at church on our welcome teams, praying out in meetings, taking on board truth they have heard, leading meetings. And at the same time I have seen others who have been at the bottom of the pile (in care, broken relationships, crime, prison, addiction, mental health issues) in society who 'make church meetings more interesting or more challenging' - so threatening to hit someone, angry and tearful about theirs lives, displaying a strong physical response to fear.



All above is the church at its best. In each of the 3 more interesting/challenging scenarios mentioned above I am aware that this could have been a major disturbance on one of our meetings. When I walked towards the person physical throwing himself about I am not sure how they will respond. Thankfully in that situation there was a positive conclusion. We must always be aware that by reaching out and helping those who are in great pain that there will be mess and will challenge some of our normal expectations. I know that when people feel accepted for who they are we have the potential to help them make the journey to the place where they can build the church!

Loads of training opportunities!

Coming up in the next few months

17th October - Mental Health training @ Kings
30th October - 1st Aid training @ King's
Dates yet to be confirmed for the Basic Food Hygiene

Please contact Teresa Montague at King's tmontague@kingscentre.org.uk to book a place.

The following is information about the very good“Prison Ministry Conference”, which is run by Holy Trinity Brompton on Friday 20th November.
Many churches have been experiencing a growing passion amongst members and leaders to reach out to those on the margins of society, including prisoners, ex-offenders, youth in deprived areas and those battling addictions. This conference will help to address the question “what can we do to reach these people in our prisons and on our streets?” and is an attempt to envision, equip and refresh any church/ministry leader, team or volunteer who is, or would like to be, involved in this ministry.
The material will include big picture visions, practical training, and moving testimonies and would suit leaders from churches or organisations of all sizes and denominations as well as their teams and volunteers who want to move ahead in this area.
More information is available from our website:http://www.htb.org.uk/conferences/prison-ministry-conference
Book now Click here to book online