Why we have houses for the homeless!

Yesterday I was reminded of how important it is that we have houses for homeless people. We took in a new resident who was in such need of a safe place to stay and it was a delight that we were able to offer this person a room and support. Obviously I can't give many details but it reminded me of the importance of the housing project. It make a difference for people who are homeless or rough sleeping.

JRP Training

This Sunday we have an important meeting. There is a meal (rumour has it that it is a Roast) followed by a talk outlining the history of the project, where we are currently and also where we are going in the future. I would love everyone who has been involved past and present to be there as well as those who would like to be involved. I am hoping it will be fun and inspiring. You need to tell Teresa that you would like a place. - (Dave Barlow says write plaice and then NO chips)
Hope to see you on Sunday at 1.30pm at King's Church.

Hampers for those on benefits

I know of a number of churches who at Christmas provide hampers for those on benefits. I find it such a great idea. The newfrontiers church in Hillingdon have got involved with Jesus House as they did just this. I came across a fascinating clip from the politics show on Matt Hosier blog (a superb blog by the way!) which is entitled Crazy World. Have a look!

Everything Conference

You may have noticed that I have not been advertising the caring for the poor conference this year - that is because it is not happening and has left me to concentrate on other things.
A conference that is running this year is Everything and it is really worth having a look at the fab website for all the information.

Feast Statistics

Here are the latest statistics for the Feast. This follows a really busy evening on Wednesday.

Total number of people who have been to the Feast since it started in January 2002 - 961

Total who have been to King's for a Sunday service - 139 (14.46%)

Total number who have stayed in the housing project - 59.

So we are closing in on the 1000th different person to attend the Feast. Obviously it is about individuals and we are blessed with individuals - this week 'Jeff the Ref' proved that everyone is uniquely made!

London Leaders

I spoke at the gathering of Leaders from the newfrontiers churches in London about the call of scripture to care for the poor. Caring for the poor is far more than a short lived campaign we must build churches with visionary leadership and communities that have caring for poor in it's DNA. Churches that are prepared for the issues facing our societies.

I suggested 5 ways that leaders can respond.
1. Ask God to give you a heart for the poor. When was the last time you stopped and had a cup of tea with someone who is obviously in need?
2.Visit places where the poor are being cared for. Get inspired!
3. Get your hands dirty - make cups of tea at a local drop in.
4. Preach about it - preferable after the first 3 points.
5. Be ambitious, there are so many opportunities in this city. Light a beacon and people will find you.

If we are going to change our nation it must include the poor and working class. This means we must pay the cost, reach out and communicate the gospel of Christ in a way that ALL people can understand.

'All is quiet on New Year's day'

Well December rushed by with no blogging. There was no short of excitement with the Caring Christmas Trees project. The final total for trees sold was 283 which was a fab outcome. We managed to get national press coverage when we had a mention in the Guardian Magazine.

By comparison New Year has felt very quiet! However this Sunday we have the volunteer feedback session which will be fun and very helpful as we plan next years tree project.

But for now there is much to work on - next week I am speaking at the London Leaders (newfrontier churches) on the subject of working with the poor. Then there is ongoing training for the volunteer key workers and helping the residents keep on track! Also we are planning this year's trip to Chepstow with letters going out today to invite about 50 people for the three day holiday.

At the Feast on Wednesday I invited people to come to church, explaining that you don't have to dress differently to how you do on Wednesday evening, that there will be people there that you know - basically it is a safe place to come to - I even explained (in response to questions) that you could come to church (even) if you were not baptised or a Christian! Afterwards one girl asked if she could come to church because when she was young, her Dad had read the bible to her and she still remembered the truth. Hopefully she will make it this week.

The church must shine like a beacon (of hope, of good news, of mercy etc) to all those around.