Oct. 2007

‘Unless the Lord builds the house’

We always begin our PCC meetings at St Barnabas with a reading from Scripture, usually the Psalm set for Evening Prayer in the Lectionary for that day. I believe it is no coincidence that both at the meeting many months ago when we began to discuss seriously the possibility of re-ordering the nave, and at our last meeting when we had to make a clear decision on the extent of the proposed re-ordering, the set Psalm happened to be Psalm 127. The Psalm begins with these words:

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder’s labour is in vain.’

It is a humbling reminder that human beings can plan and purpose, but it is the Lord God who disposes. It made us realise afresh that in all our planning and deliberation we are dependent on God for the outcome. We may have great ideas and bold schemes, but unless the Lord is with us, they will come to nothing.

The principle applies throughout the life and work of the church; indeed it applies to all we do. A church can be a hive of human endeavour and activity, full of gifted people all being kept exhaustingly busy, and yet still fail to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Initiatives get off the ground and that’s where they stay. They never take wing, they just bump along. It all feels as if a very large boulder is being pushed up a hill. The effort is draining and pointless.

The Psalm reminded us that, as a PCC, our prime responsibility is to seek to discern the Lord’s will for St Barnabas Church. That can be a long process which requires much patience. Several of the Psalms speak of waiting on the Lord. Waiting is perhaps something our generation is not used to and therefore finds difficult. It is, however, far preferable to rushing ahead in our own steam and coming unstuck somewhere down the line.

Waiting has to be prayerful and attentive. As we seek the Lord’s will for us in prayer, we must also be listening to discern his voice. One way the Lord speaks is through the voice of his people. Is there an increasing groundswell of opinion among His prayerful people? Are there signs that we are together coming toward the same conclusions? We may not achieve unanimity in every matter, but there should be clear evidence that the wind of God’s Spirit is moving us in a particular direction.

One aspect of the proposed re-ordering that the PCC has had to pay particular attention to is what to do about the floor of the nave. Careful professional opinion is that it will probably need to be replaced some time in the future. It is not necessary to replace it immediately, but it is impossible to tell just when the work will have to be done. It may be in five years, it may be in twenty years.

In view of the expense and disruption involved in replacing the floor, the PCC considered other options. It could not be carpeted or covered in any way because of an underlying problem with damp. It could be sanded and stained to make it even and matching in colour. It was estimated that process would cost somewhere around £25,000. It would have given us only temporary respite; the underlying problem would remain. Furthermore it is doubtful if the final result would have been particularly attractive. Our floor is made up of soft pine with mahogany aisles. To match the colour would require staining the whole floor dark, which would give the church a gloomy feel and detract from the work already done in the chancel.

We discussed the various options at length at our July PCC meeting, but it was clear we could not come to a common mind on the matter. For this reason it was decided to wait and pray. We were convinced that the Lord would make his will known through a clear majority of the PCC coming to the same conviction as we sought his face in prayer. Following careful discussion at our September PCC meeting, an overwhelming majority of members decided it was right to include replacing the floor in the re-ordering scheme. It was also decided that the work should be phased, with replacing the pews with chairs (and not the blue chairs we have at present) a top priority.

More preparatory work needs to be done but it is hoped that before long there will be plans available for the congregation as a whole to discuss and comment on. It is fully acknowledged and recognised by the PCC that this will only come to pass if it is backed by the vast majority of the congregation. It will, after all, involve us in sacrificial giving.

I find this process hugely exciting. I believe the Lord has led us step by step and will continue to lead if we remain prayerful and attentive. Last week’s collect seems to encapsulate what our attitude should be, not only to decisions concerning the future of St Barnabas Church, but to the whole of our lives.

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers
of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Yours in Christ

Erik

Diary

Monday 1st October PCC meets, 7.15 p.m. in the Reid Room

Sunday 14th October 10.15 a.m. Harvest Thanksgiving 4.30 p.m. Service for the recently bereaved

Friday 26th October Lydia group meets, 2p.m. in the Supper Room

Saturday 3rd November Craft Aid, 10.30 - 2 p.m. in the church and hall

Monday 5th November PCC meets, 7.15 p.m. in the Reid Room

Sunday 11th November Remembrance Sunday 10.15 a.m. Family Parade Service

Tuesday 27th November Mission interest group meets, 7.30 p.m. at 30 Addison Road

Friday 30th November Lydia group meets, 2p.m. in the Supper Room

Sunday 3rd December Advent Sunday

Offerings in July £14,342

Restricted (for specific purposes) £547

From the Registers

Baptism

16th September James Lenny Bramley

Wedding

25th August Gregory Norman Jones and Elissa Patricia Harland

Funeral at the Crematorium

23rd August Emily Lownsbrough aged 93

Diane Wood

In July Diane stepped down from her role as leader of the choir, a role she had held for 15 years. We are deeply grateful to Diane for her ministry to us in that capacity. She has always shown dedication and commitment in all she has done. She set herself and the choir high musical standards, which greatly enriched our Sunday morning service. Above all she did what she did to the glory of God and in the strength and inspiration of the Lord. That is why the anthem remains a key and uplifting part of our worship. As well as expressing our thanks to Diane, may I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the choir members for using their musical gifts to the glory of God and for the benefit our worship.

Barneys Shop, 19 St Barnabas Road

The vision for Barneys is to represent St Barnabas Church in the parish and provide a place to meet friends in a Christian atmosphere. We have many new friends and loyal customers that we share with and serve. The shop sells a wide variety of gifts and cards and supplies cards to the bookstall at the back of church. New this year we are selling a range of charity Christmas cards and advent calendars.

Staff are volunteers who enjoy fellowship together as we serve God and our customers. We don't make money for St Barnabas Church, our profits are used to make regular monthly donations to Teesside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Jachie Clinic, Ghana, where our £30 per month pays the wages of an administrator. We are responsible for all the maintenance of the building.

Recently a group of young people from church were involved in decorating the ground floor shop area. We want to say a big THANK YOU to Victoria Watkinson, Ed Hutchings, Tom Ravalde, Eleanor Nixon, Cameron Smith, Caroline Day, Heather Falconer, Tom Mallam, Chris Lamplugh, Abbie Durant, Sam Durant, Ben Grandey, Rachel Grandey, Helen Bolton, Carolyn Peacock, Andrew Falconer and Dan Howitt for all their hard work and commitment to the task - they have made a good job of it.

If you share our vision to reach people who live and work in our parish, come in and have a chat with us at Barneys.

Sheila Durant

Created for... His glory

For the last two years Middlesbrough Community Church have hosted a ladies’ day called ‘Created for’. Due to growing numbers this year’s event will be at the Oakwood Centre. The day is open to all women, as they seek to build strong relationships across the churches in the area. The details of the day are as follows:

· Theme - ‘Created for...His glory

· Venue - Oakwood Centre

· Date - Saturday 27th October 2007

· Time - 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

· Cost - £10 (£7)

The day will included three teaching/ministry sessions with special guest speaker Christine Tooze from Sheffield, worship, an evening meal together and some surprises! As the event involves an evening meal people need to book in advance. This can be done by phoning Anne Young on 01642 871663 or Penny Whiteway on 01642 818105 or email: terry.young@sky.com

Photos from previous events can be seen at www.middlesbroughcommunitychurch.org

Groups at St Barnabas

As you probably know, we have recently introduced life groups at St Barnabas. If you have an questions about life groups or home groups, please speak to one of our group organizers, Allison Ward or Margaret Parkin.

If you are unable to manage a weekly or fortnightly week night, there is a home group that meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon. See Margaret or Allison if you are interested.

Wydale 2008

The dates for next year’s Wydale week are 5th - 9th May. Leaflets giving more information will be available in a couple of weeks.

Just 10

The Just 10 mission with J John begins next April and runs for 10 weeks in Preston Park.

A large number of volunteers will be needed to run this event. The aim is to have two complete teams that will work for 5 weeks each, enabling everyone to take advantage of J John’s ministry and have an opportunity to bring a friend to the event. There are six areas where volunteers are needed: marshalling, stewarding, set up, resources, ministry and signing for the deaf. If you would like to volunteer, see Erik for more information.

	'Outlook' Newsletter for October 2007 ‘Unless the Lord builds the house’ We always begin our PCC meetings at St Barnabas with a reading from Scripture, usually the Psalm set for Evening Prayer in the Lectionary for that day. I believe it is no coincidence that both at the meeting many months ago when we began to discuss seriously the possibility of re-ordering the nave, and at our last meeting when we had to make a clear decision on the extent of the proposed re-ordering, the set Psalm happened to be Psalm 127. The Psalm begins with these words: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder’s labour is in vain.’ It is a humbling reminder that human beings can plan and purpose, but it is the Lord God who disposes. It made us realise afresh that in all our planning and deliberation we are dependent on God for the outcome. We may have great ideas and bold schemes, but unless the Lord is with us, they will come to nothing. The principle applies throughout the life and work of the church; indeed it applies to all we do. A church can be a hive of human endeavour and activity, full of gifted people all being kept exhaustingly busy, and yet still fail to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Initiatives get off the ground and that’s where they stay. They never take wing, they just bump along. It all feels as if a very large boulder is being pushed up a hill. The effort is draining and pointless. The Psalm reminded us that, as a PCC, our prime responsibility is to seek to discern the Lord’s will for St Barnabas Church. That can be a long process which requires much patience. Several of the Psalms speak of waiting on the Lord. Waiting is perhaps something our generation is not used to and therefore finds difficult. It is, however, far preferable to rushing ahead in our own steam and coming unstuck somewhere down the line. Waiting has to be prayerful and attentive. As we seek the Lord’s will for us in prayer, we must also be listening to discern his voice. One way the Lord speaks is through the voice of his people. Is there an increasing groundswell of opinion among His prayerful people? Are there signs that we are together coming toward the same conclusions? We may not achieve unanimity in every matter, but there should be clear evidence that the wind of God’s Spirit is moving us in a particular direction. One aspect of the proposed re-ordering that the PCC has had to pay particular attention to is what to do about the floor of the nave. Careful professional opinion is that it will probably need to be replaced some time in the future. It is not necessary to replace it immediately, but it is impossible to tell just when the work will have to be done. It may be in five years, it may be in twenty years. In view of the expense and disruption involved in replacing the floor, the PCC considered other options. It could not be carpeted or covered in any way because of an underlying problem with damp. It could be sanded and stained to make it even and matching in colour. It was estimated that process would cost somewhere around £25,000. It would have given us only temporary respite; the underlying problem would remain. Furthermore it is doubtful if the final result would have been particularly attractive. Our floor is made up of soft pine with mahogany aisles. To match the colour would require staining the whole floor dark, which would give the church a gloomy feel and detract from the work already done in the chancel. We discussed the various options at length at our July PCC meeting, but it was clear we could not come to a common mind on the matter. For this reason it was decided to wait and pray. We were convinced that the Lord would make his will known through a clear majority of the PCC coming to the same conviction as we sought his face in prayer. Following careful discussion at our September PCC meeting, an overwhelming majority of members decided it was right to include replacing the floor in the re-ordering scheme. It was also decided that the work should be phased, with replacing the pews with chairs (and not the blue chairs we have at present) a top priority. More preparatory work needs to be done but it is hoped that before long there will be plans available for the congregation as a whole to discuss and comment on. It is fully acknowledged and recognised by the PCC that this will only come to pass if it is backed by the vast majority of the congregation. It will, after all, involve us in sacrificial giving. I find this process hugely exciting. I believe the Lord has led us step by step and will continue to lead if we remain prayerful and attentive. Last week’s collect seems to encapsulate what our attitude should be, not only to decisions concerning the future of St Barnabas Church, but to the whole of our lives. O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Yours in Christ Erik Diary Monday 1st October PCC meets, 7.15 p.m. in the Reid Room Sunday 14th October 10.15 a.m. Harvest Thanksgiving 4.30 p.m. Service for the recently bereaved Friday 26th October Lydia group meets, 2p.m. in the Supper Room Saturday 3rd November Craft Aid, 10.30 - 2 p.m. in the church and hall Monday 5th November PCC meets, 7.15 p.m. in the Reid Room Sunday 11th November Remembrance Sunday 10.15 a.m. Family Parade Service Tuesday 27th November Mission interest group meets, 7.30 p.m. at 30 Addison Road Friday 30th November Lydia group meets, 2p.m. in the Supper Room Sunday 3rd December Advent Sunday Offerings in July £14,342 Restricted (for specific purposes) £547 From the Registers Baptism 16th September James Lenny Bramley Wedding 25th August Gregory Norman Jones and Elissa Patricia Harland Funeral at the Crematorium 23rd August Emily Lownsbrough aged 93 Diane Wood In July Diane stepped down from her role as leader of the choir, a role she had held for 15 years. We are deeply grateful to Diane for her ministry to us in that capacity. She has always shown dedication and commitment in all she has done. She set herself and the choir high musical standards, which greatly enriched our Sunday morning service. Above all she did what she did to the glory of God and in the strength and inspiration of the Lord. That is why the anthem remains a key and uplifting part of our worship. As well as expressing our thanks to Diane, may I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the choir members for using their musical gifts to the glory of God and for the benefit our worship. Barneys Shop, 19 St Barnabas Road The vision for Barneys is to represent St Barnabas Church in the parish and provide a place to meet friends in a Christian atmosphere. We have many new friends and loyal customers that we share with and serve. The shop sells a wide variety of gifts and cards and supplies cards to the bookstall at the back of church. New this year we are selling a range of charity Christmas cards and advent calendars. Staff are volunteers who enjoy fellowship together as we serve God and our customers. We don't make money for St Barnabas Church, our profits are used to make regular monthly donations to Teesside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Jachie Clinic, Ghana, where our £30 per month pays the wages of an administrator. We are responsible for all the maintenance of the building. Recently a group of young people from church were involved in decorating the ground floor shop area. We want to say a big THANK YOU to Victoria Watkinson, Ed Hutchings, Tom Ravalde, Eleanor Nixon, Cameron Smith, Caroline Day, Heather Falconer, Tom Mallam, Chris Lamplugh, Abbie Durant, Sam Durant, Ben Grandey, Rachel Grandey, Helen Bolton, Carolyn Peacock, Andrew Falconer and Dan Howitt for all their hard work and commitment to the task - they have made a good job of it. If you share our vision to reach people who live and work in our parish, come in and have a chat with us at Barneys. Sheila Durant Created for... His glory For the last two years Middlesbrough Community Church have hosted a ladies’ day called ‘Created for’. Due to growing numbers this year’s event will be at the Oakwood Centre. The day is open to all women, as they seek to build strong relationships across the churches in the area. The details of the day are as follows: · Theme - ‘Created for...His glory · Venue - Oakwood Centre · Date - Saturday 27th October 2007 · Time - 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. · Cost - £10 (£7) The day will included three teaching/ministry sessions with special guest speaker Christine Tooze from Sheffield, worship, an evening meal together and some surprises! As the event involves an evening meal people need to book in advance. This can be done by phoning Anne Young on 01642 871663 or Penny Whiteway on 01642 818105 or email: terry.young@sky.com Photos from previous events can be seen at www.middlesbroughcommunitychurch.org Groups at St Barnabas As you probably know, we have recently introduced life groups at St Barnabas. If you have an questions about life groups or home groups, please speak to one of our group organizers, Allison Ward or Margaret Parkin. If you are unable to manage a weekly or fortnightly week night, there is a home group that meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon. See Margaret or Allison if you are interested. Wydale 2008 The dates for next year’s Wydale week are 5th - 9th May. Leaflets giving more information will be available in a couple of weeks. Just 10 The Just 10 mission with J John begins next April and runs for 10 weeks in Preston Park. A large number of volunteers will be needed to run this event. The aim is to have two complete teams that will work for 5 weeks each, enabling everyone to take advantage of J John’s ministry and have an opportunity to bring a friend to the event. There are six areas where volunteers are needed: marshalling, stewarding, set up, resources, ministry and signing for the deaf. If you would like to volunteer, see Erik for more information.

'Outlook' Newsletter for October 2007