Wow what a Sunday we enjoyed! The worship and word at both locations was great!
It was great to catch up with people who have been on holiday. On a personal note it was particularly good to have Phil and Sharon back from their Summer break. I am glad they could have time to relax, reflect and recharge.
I want to take a moment to praise all the team that are on paid staff of the Arena. Some people could be tempted to look on and think working at church would be the perfect environment! Quiet, easy, slow pace, a bit of praying, lots of cups of tea! I can assure you this is not the reality. Our team do a remarkable job, always above and beyond working much longer hours than they are paid for and often with limited resources. A culture of Arena House is Honour and Praise and I pay honour to all the staff and team. Picking up on this point I also would like to thank all those people who volunteer huge amounts of time for work in the church / business / charity shops and foodbank. Church could not operate and be what it is without the sacrificial spirit of generous volunteers! I love all you guys.
Caroline, I and the kids are having our weeks holiday this week so pray for the weather! Although we are not actually going on holiday other than a couple of nights I am increasingly aware of the need to have a break. Our bodies, minds and spirits can become tired and weary. Church work / ministry is about the business of souls. One of my responsibilities is to see, to discern and to know the spirits of men. For this to happen MY OWN spirit need to be refreshed, renewed and energised.
I used to think it was good to brag about never having a day off, to never take holidays and to work 60+ hours a week as this was somehow showing how spiritually great I was. Now… I realise it was sheer stupidity. For us all to operate at our best we must work from a position of REST! So I hopefully this week will be able to enjoy lazy mornings with the smell of coffee and a morning paper whilst watching the kids play in the garden. What could be better!
Please pray for each other and can I ask that we all look out on Sundays for those who are missing. Why not call them to say you missed them, or send them a text or a card. This Sunday again we continue with SIX SIZZLING SUMMER SUNDAYS Ilkeston at 11am and Mansfield at 6pm. We have had some outstanding ministry at both locations and this week ….. we have …………………..
well you’ll have to come and see. But it’s a man with Passion and Anointing and he has a word for the church.
As I close why not allow this to be a meditating thought for you. I hope you get the imagery…
Ephesians 2 v 4 NIV ” but because of his great love for us, GOD, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.
The Message reads around this same verse “Instead, immense in mercy and with incredible love, HE EMBRACED US.”
God through his son Jesus, reached down and stood next to me – with my runny nose, ragged and stained clothes ,sin filled heart and dirty face and embraced me and showered me kisses and love.
LOVE SO AMAZING, SO DIVINE, DEMANDS MY SOUL, MY LIFE, MY ALL. . OUR GOD IS magnificent.
Love and Peace
Kind regards
Kristian
Lead Pastor
Hi church
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who was involved in any way with the Big Idea weekend. What an amazing few days we experienced as we were able to go out to love and serve our community. (more…)
Hi Gang
Christmas Greetings from Myself, Caroline and the Children. (more…)
Please read this important message from Lead Pastor, Kristian Thorpe:
Hi Gang
Well I promised you an adventure and we are having one!
We heard this week the Mansfield Town FC ground owner has padlocked the gates so no-one can get in!! (The politics i do not want to get involved in) Therefore, we have a change of venue for this week only.
The details are: The Towers, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, NG18 5NG (off Sutton Rd near to the Bold Forester Pub and the Bus Station storage garage) see www.towersdirect.co.uk for further information. The service this Sunday 5th December is at 6pm as normal and there will be a Kids’ Programme too.
Thanks go to the management of The Towers for helping us at such short notice! I will let you know what the arrangements are for the 12th and 19th of December next week!
I was reminded today of a significant church in the US that met in 52 different locations before it found a permanent place to meet! We are pilgrims on a journey. I am excited for what God has in store for us. God is for us.
From an excited Pastor
Kristian x
Click here to find how to get to The Towers, Mansfield
Click here for more info on our 6pm service in Mansfield
