August 2011 Review
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end,
they are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is thy faithfulness O Lord,
Great is thy faithfulness.
At a recent prayer together evening in Crinken, we were reminded of the fact that while it seems everyone is on holidays over the summer, God never takes a holiday. He is always there for us, providing for us, and his steadfast love never ceases. What an encouragement and what a promise.
Summer time is traditionally a season of slowing down after the busyness of the previous months. A time for recharging the batteries in preparation for everything starting up again in the Autumn.
While many church activities take a well earned break at this time, there is still plenty of action around! Sunday by Sunday we continue to meet together. Crinken kids continue to have their own summer programme led, each week by different members of the congregation.
To end the youth club year, our two church youth groups took a 4 day trip away to Ovoca Manor in late June. It was a wonderful time to have some extended quality time together. New friends were made as everyone enjoyed a day trip to the beach, played some miniature golf and much more fun and games.
Through evening talks from the book of Daniel, the teenagers learned about living as a Christian in our world, knowing we are citizens of Jesus’ eternal kingdom, yet still honouring God in this age as wait for Jesus’ return. Highlights included: morning Ssh Times (quiet times) of bible reading, journaling and prayer. ‘Art Attack’-A community worship time of art and music and our ‘make your own pizza night’.
In the first week of July, Crinken hosted a holiday club for primary school children. Each day we had crafts, games, bible story time, drama, puppets and quiz the leader! The kids loved seeing the bible come alive in drama, getting soaked in our water fight. Many thanks to the adults who came to help and the youth team who lead all the activities and because firm favourites with all the children!
Young@Heart continues to meet over the summer. In July we had a Strawberry Tea in the home of Trevor & Ruth. We had a wonderful day, plenty of fun and laughter and of course the Strawberries were good too! In August we have been invited to the home of Stephen & Lindsey for lunch which is always something to look forward to. Our thanks to these families for opening their homes to us.
This September (Saturday 17th) sees the Church in Chains annual national conference in Athlone. Church in Chains is a charity led by David Turner and Virginia Chipperfield who worship at Crinken. It seeks to encourage prayer and action in support of persecuted Christians worldwide. This years guest speaker will be Pastor Bob Fu,
Founder and President of China Aid Association. Bob was a house-church pastor in China and spent time in prison after police discovered a secret Bible School that he was leading. Now living in the USA, Bob has become the leading spokesman for persecuted Christians in China. The conference is being held at Athlone Springs Hotel, from 11am – 4pm. Complimentary tea and biscuits will be available from 10.30 am. Admission free and all are welcome. Phone the Church in Chains office (01-282 5393) for more details or visit http://www.churchinchains.ie
A number of our church family are currently facing various health issues which have resulted in hospital stays and on going treatment. We pray for God’s strength and comfort for them and their families at this time.
In times of sickness and health, good times or bad, what a reassurance it is to know that our heavenly Father is with us always, to encourage, comfort love and support.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Ps 62:8
Posted by on 08/01 at 09:27 AM