Together. A week of focussed mission in the Newcastle District

Today was one of those days. By that I don't mean 'one of those days' where you collapse in a heap and wonder what it's all about! Rather, 'one of those days' when I'm so delighted, encouraged & filled with hope. Today was the training & commissioning service for all the volunteers who will be serving on mission teams this week in various churches around the Newcastle Upon Tyne Methodist District. It was fantastic to see folk gather in anticipation of all that's going to happen. People of all ages too! Two highlights;

First, in the morning each team leader stood up and briefly shared what their team would be doing. There were some incredibly creative ideas, and many of the events could be initiatives in themselves. We heard about youth nights, film nights, Holiday at Home, community meals, knitting & natter group, celebrations, training events, d-church, urban skills, football cages, children's holiday clubs, messy churches, Light Parties, labyrinths etc. etc. etc. Brilliant opportunities to invite people to. But what moved me most was the amount of activities taking place outside of the church buildings; community clean ups, lots prayer walking, prayer stand in Gateshead centre, prayer & discussion space in Alnwick fish market, a shop offering creative arts & prayer in Whitley Bay, community acts of service, home visits with offers of DIY help, a messy church table in Tesco Gateshead. I'm praying particularly for the folk who are getting outside that they will have lots of opportunities to demonstrate the love of God.

The second highlight for me was the Commissioning Service. To be honest I don't always 'feel' the presence of God...but I did today. 

So, if you're a praying kind of person, please pray for TOGETHER this week....I'll keep you updated as the week goes on.
(If you've just discovered this blog now, you'll find a blog for each of the days, recording the events of the Together mission when you click on the links on the right of this page).