It's been a real joy to help pull together our midweek teaching series called LIFE IN THE SPIRIT that we begin this coming Thursday. Amidst all the disruption of the last couple of years we wanted to make space and time to teach into the person and work of the Holy Spirit and His activity in our everyday lives and the life of our church family. As Andy has encouraged us from Ephesians 5:18, 'be filled with the Spirit.'
If you've never been to something like Life in the Spirit before, the evening gatherings will run a bit like a church service. There will be refreshments available as you arrive (7.45pm at Orchard School). There will be chairs laid out and you may wish to sit with other people from your Connect Group. We'll take some time to worship God together, and then one of our pastors (or a visiting speaker) will teach on a particular aspect of Life in the Spirit. We're planning that this will lead into times of ministry, where we can put into practice what we are learning. This may involve people sharing prophetic words or praying for healing, and on any given week you may want to receive prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Depending on your church background and experience, you may or may not be familiar with this kind of ministry. I'm hoping that as we teach from God's Word you will be equipped to understand something of the wonder of the life that God offers us through His Spirit. As Jesus says in John 10:10, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' If you are a little uncertain, you are welcome to just come and listen. You won't be put on the spot or pressurised to do anything. We will offer prayer and opportunities to respond on each evening session and it is up to you how you wish to engage.
Lastly, can I encourage you to be there this Thursday? Please reach out to friends or people that you think may not get to it and invite them to come along with you. This is a fantastic opportunity to be together and meet with God. We will be taking the relevant Covid precautions, and this might be a great first step back into church life for anyone who hasn't yet made it along on a Sunday to one of our three sites.
And don't forget, if you haven't already done so, to sign up for a Connect Group. The vast majority of our groups are following along with the Life in the Spirit material this term, but whether you can make it to the evening gatherings or not, we'd love everyone who is part of our church to be involved in a group.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do amongst us during this series.
See you on Thursday evening!
Ben.