Be is a fresh expression of Church.
We don’t ‘go’ to Church because Church is not about buildings. It’s about people.
We don’t ‘do’ church because Church is about identity more than productivity.
We are called to ‘be’ Church – Knowing Jesus and making Him Known
Quick shout out to see if anyone from the Be Community wants to help out with Soul in the City Wimbledon mission - 26th July - 1st August. A week of sport, workshops, wide games, regeneration projects, drama and more based on High Path Estate, South Wimbledon. If you are game and want to help out in some awy, either for a few hours or the whole week, contact naomipanter@hotmail.com
Over the summer, things will quieten down somewhat on the Be front. We will quieten but we will not be stopping!
Just Be will continue each Monday at 7pm at the Raynes Park Tavern.
Be Worship will be on July 12th and August 9th...
And we will be having an away weekend in Bournemouth. Chris has organised a weekend with Camping,Muddy walks, A fire, Marshmallows, Prayer and worship, A hot tub, Interesting discussion, Local ale, An andy frost game challenge, Barbecuing, Music, A big marquee and Kit Lewis wrestling an alligator. The weekend is the evening of Friday 14th - Sunday 16th. For info, get in touch with Chris or join the facebook group here.
There will also be a few of us going to Greenbelt. Dan Hoyes is organising the trip. To find out more join the facebook group here.
For more info on any of the above you can also email Andy.
Last week's Be Taught was great with Rob Hare from Lyfe - a really interesting way of engaging with the Bible. No series of questions, just the opportunity to read a chunk of the Word and allow God to show you blockers (things that you just don't understand) and shockers (things that inspire you). After a quick read you let the conversation flow...
We had a look at Exodus 3:1-14, the calling of Moses. Although we had read this passage a stack of times before, we all received a whole load of fresh insight...
So - the Bible - how do we get into it? Welcome Rob Hare from the Bible Society. He will be leading a session on LYFE. 7.30pm at the Frost Residence with coffee and donuts! Rob will lead us through...
A busy week in the world of be! This Wednesday a whole bunch of us checked out Izzy's art at Wimbledon Art College. Her worked rocked!
Then last night we enjoyed fishfinger sandwiches and chips as we watched Pakistan beat South Africa in the cricket. Kit then led a discussion based on 'What Sport tell us about Life' - does hard work make us succesful? is it about luck? what about fate? ...and what is the God angle on life? does God know the future? do we have free choice? is our life mapped out for us or do we make our own life journey? stimulating discussion!
Be Worship - Sunday 14th @ Wimbledon Methodist Church
Be Fed - Thursday 18th @ Kits House - the usual mix of banter, discussion and grub!
Be Taught - Thursday 25th @ Venue TBC with Rob Hare from Lyfe looking at how we engage with the Good Book...
As well as our weekly Monday nite get togethers...
Well last week's second birthday was fun as we reminisced and ate Eritrean food (interesting pancake type things with lots of curry!) This week are all about Pentecost Festival... In particular Be Church will be at...
Tuesday - Dan's band is playing as part of the Music Stream which features Jon Bilbrough: gritty guitar work, exotic arrangements and a powerful and emotive voice and Adam Wedd & the Independents: Cracked, emotional, wistful songs. They'll be playing from 7.30pm at Lounge 34, Waterloo.
Wednesday - The Laughter Lounge Comedy Night at Slug and Lettuce, Waterloo. Again 7.30pm - it is sold out but we may have a spare ticket - contact Jo for info.
Thursday - Faraday London Lectures - 'Creation or Evolution, do we have to decide?'
Then on the Saturday night we will all be salsa dancin'.
Meet us there at the venue of email Jo if you want to venture up to London with us...
(PS Quick note for the diary! Just Be is back on Monday - Chapter 10 of The Secret Message of Jesus and we'll be having a look at Acts 2. Also - 25th June we have a Be Taught with Rob Hare from lyfe - more info to follow...)
Yes can you believe it! be church is two years old this month.
In 2007 we started saying be church is "blessed to be a blessing." Blessed we sure have been and hopefully we have also been a blessing to others over the last two years.
We've had some funny moments (Human ten-pin bowling anyone?) and some sad times. But through all of it we've explored and practised what it is to be a christ-centred community in today's culture.
And so to the celebrations!
This Thursday 7:30pm we are meeting at Adulis Eritrean Restaruant, in Oval for a celebration birthday party. We would love one and all, past, present and future members of be to join us, reminisce and dream of what is yet to come.
We do hope you can join us. Please email Jo by Wednesday if you're coming so we can book a table (if later no worries - but Wednesday's ideal ;) )
Let the festivities begin!
xxx
This month we are looking at values. What values do we have individually and what values does Be have? Jo led last Thursday's Be Fed as we unpacked the theme looking at the papers reviews of the Chelsea vs Barcelona game. Was it right for some of the team to behave the way they did? What values did they have?
Tonight's Be Worship will be led by Kit at 7pm at Wimbledon Methodist Church - unpacking Galatians 5 and the values held in that passage.
Next week there will be the next Just Be on Monday at 7pm looking at Chapter 8 of The Secret Message of Jesus and next Thursday we'll be celebrating Be's second birthday with a community meal - probably at an Eriatrean Restaurany - more details to follow...
Tues. 28th April 6.30pm, C-SCAIPE Debating Chamber, Main Building, Kingston University Campus, Penrhyn Road. Free event—no booking required. Organised by Kingston Uni Chaplaincy.
Enjoyed having a look round Small Boat Big Sea church website today. Love this idea of striving to have more of a Jesus character with the following questions each week. Maybe Be should explore some of these ideas?
BLESSING: Who have you blessed this week through words or actions and what learning, encouragement or concerns were raised by it?
EATING: With whom have you eaten this week and what learning, encouragement or concerns were raised by it?
LISTENING: Have you heard or sensed any promptings from God this week?
LEARNING: What passages of Scripture have encouraged you or what other resources have enriched your growth as a Christian this week?
SENTNESS: In what ways have you sensed yourself carrying on the work of God in your daily life this week?
- What is the role of prayer in worship?
- How should we use individual/corporate prayer in worship?
- What should we pray for?
- How should we pray?
A space to ask these questions and discuss others, with most of the evening given to practicing worship through prayer. All are welcome and yes, there will be biscuits. Sunday 19th April, Wimbledon Methodist Church, 7.00-8.30pm.
Yesterday Be Church went walking again! Chris found this great 9k walk on-line which took us past the ruins of Waverly Abbey. Chris had also done his research and shared some of the history including some of the practices of the monks. Apparently, they were real innovators anmd enjoyed the practice of silence.
So along with the normal banter, conversation and prater, we also spent time being quiet and listening to God. Cheers Chris for orchestrating!
As well as Just Be every Monday (except 13th April and 4th May - bank holidays)
Sun 19th April - Be Worship @Wimbledon Methodist - 7pm onwards
Tues 28th April - Be Taught @Kingston University with Andy Frost speaking - 6.30pm onwards
Thurs 7th May - Be Fed
Sun 10th May - Be Worship @Wimbledon Methodist - 7pm onwards
Thurs 14th May - Be Birthday Party! We're 2!
Thurs 21st May - Be Taught
Tues 26th May - Be Gig www.pentecostfestival.co.uk
Wed 27th May - Be Taught www.pemtecostfestival.co.uk
Thurs 28th May - Be Social www.pentecostfestival.co.uk
Sun 14th June - Be Worship
Wed 17th June - Be Fed @Kit's Abode
More info to follow shortly...
Be Fed involved lots of discussion on the G20 - what would propose if we had 5 mins with the leaders? what would Jesus propose? are we willing to live more simply to bless others? how should we make our opinion heard? should we protest and riot?
On Sunday, we are doing our be prayer as we go walking! Chris is co-ordinating our trip to Waverly Abbey - 1.30pm at the Tavs and back just after sunset... hoping for a nice day as we walk and talk... let Andy know if you're in as he sorting transport - 07912 203088.
be fed is our monthly gathering. Pretty chilled, this month will be
hosted at Andy and Jo's, so should be good food and interesting chat.
Looking at what's going on in the world and how that relates to life's
big questions.
Come armed with questions, thoughts, or just a hungry belly, anyone is welcome.
If you have any dietary requirements email Jo, otherwise just let us know you're coming so there's more than enough food!
Venue: Frost residence, Raynes Park, also email Jo if you need directions or transport tips to find us.
See you on Wednesday! Whoop Whoop!
As I was just posting up some of the prayers from last week, I was reminded of the recent Lily Allen song, 'The Fear' (posted below). When this is the prayer of our generation, it is no wonder we are so messed up! Food for thought...
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever I don’t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and f***loads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them
I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
‘Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner
Chorus
I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear
Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
It’s all about fast cars and passing each other
But it doesn’t matter cause I’m packing plastic
and that’s what makes my life so f***ing fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
and its not my fault it’s how I’m program to function
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner
Bridge
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I’m getting thinner
We kicked off with the following prayer...
Breathe in the breath of God
Breathe out your cares and concerns
Breathe in the love of God
Breathe out your doubts and despairs
Breathe in the life of God
Breathe out your fears and frustrations
We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation,
We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs
We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being
Breathe in the breath of God
Breathe out your tensions and turmoil
Breathe in the love of God
Breathe out your haste and hurry
Breathe in the life of God
Breathe out your work and worry
We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation,
We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs
We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being
Kit then set us up with discussion and meditation around Face Up, Step Up and Give Up using a variety of prayers, visuals and music. Lots of challenge and God encounter!
For me the most powerful prayer was about Giving Up!
Prayer of Lenten Fast (Anonymous, Latin America, CAFOD)
Give up harsh words: use generous ones. Give up unhappiness: take up gratitude. Give up anger: take up gentleness and patience. Give up pessimism: take up hope and optimism. Give up worrying: take up trust in God. Give up complaining: value what you have. Give up stress: take up prayer. Give up judging others: discover Jesus within them. Give up sorrow and bitterness: fill your heart with joy. Give up selfishness: take up compassion for others. Give up being unforgiving: learn reconciliation. Give up words: fill yourself with silence, and listen to others. Amen.
be worship is back this month at the beginning of the season of lent.
be worship is our monthly worship gathering at Wimbledon Methodist Church. Using art, music, words and creativity to help us worship, this is our opportunity to make space to worship and experience Jesus.
We hope that you can join us.
be fed is our monthly gathering for those who want to eat(!) chat, and discuss topical matters with a faith angle. It's really chilled, and lots and fun, so if you haven't joined us before, why not make this your first time!
This month we're back at the Frosty's abode in Raynes Park, looking at what's going on in the world and what the heck we're supposed to do about it! Should be interesting.
Email Jo if you have any special dietary requirements, otherwise just let us know you're coming and we'll see you 7:30, 25th feb!
We are back on Monday for just be. This will be the final week of Uprising and we will be kicking off our new book the week after - Brian McLaren's 'The Secret Message of Jesus'. If you haven't got your copy yet, then Jo will have 'em!
Also, for be social this month, Andy and Jo are having a house party for Andy's 30th. Saturday 21st from 8pm at their house... feel free to come along.
Monday evening was Be Taught with Russ Rook. A fascinating look at how we learn - you can download the personality test (Download Be Taught - learning questionnaire) and find out how you learn! Russ then worked us through four stories in Acts looking at how the disciples learnt and processed. A fascinating activity to do as a community, to work out how we learn as disciples and how we can work better together.
Just a quick note to say that my buddy has started a new podcast - exploring what it means to be Christian community with top theologian Tom Wright. Check it out here.
"God, In this moment of personal prayer, make me wholly focused in this time of worship. As I remove my shoes to stand on your holy ground, remove the distractions that surround me. Forgive me my wrongs. Take away my worries. Calm my fears. Make me totally ready to worship, completely ready to mee with you."
With a mixture of music, meditation and visuals (down load here), we began a whole new format for be worship. A great space to encounter God and allow Him to speak.
Alternative worship... Cafe worship... Worship without walls...
Contemporary worship... Holistic worship... I'm coming back to the
heart of worship... Charismatic... Experiential... Informal... Congregational... Multi-sensory... Emerging...
It seem that for every new worship song being written, and every new church being planted, there's a new phrase coined to describe it. Maybe there's nothing wrong with this - maybe it just conveys how unsatisfied we are that our worship isn't good enough?
Maybe we feel our worship isn't true/creative/dedicated/deep enough?
Maybe all this talk just does our head in - we don't really know what half of it means anyway and we lose interest?
Maybe I'm just talking rubbish. Join us this evening at Wimbledon Methodist Church from 7pm to help figure out what worship actually means. Bring ideas, bring answers, bring questions... or just simply bring yourself.
On Wednesday a bunch of us got together to think about money... Church congregations traditionally encourage members to tithe (give 10%) to the work of the church and aid/mission projects. At be, we were wondering, if we pooled some of our finance, how we could invest it. Similar to Jesus' story of the talents, how could we invest what we have as a social enterprise? Chris Stone is taking the lead on this and when some of the thinking is written up, we'll post it for all to see.
In the mean time, be worship this Sunday and be taught, Monday with Mr Russ Rook.
With a break from normal proceedings, Monday 9th February, will not be
our usual, run of the mill, fine start to the week, just be.
Instead.... a once in a lifetime (or at least this month) opportunity is available to one and all.
be church is proud to present Russ Rook, director of Spring Harvest, ex-director of ALOVE, co-leader of Raynes Park Community Church, and founder of the social enterprise initiative; Chapel St.
Russ will be sharing his heart and passions with us at be taught, an intimate and cosy evening, with lots of time for discussion and interaction.
To avoid too much confusion be taught will be at Edward Rayne Wetherspoon 7pm (for a 7:30pm start) and we should be done by 9ish.
Do spread the word and we look forward to seeing you there.
A whole bunch of us from be Church are also taking the thirst for life challenge! 40 days alcohold free. It is part of a national initiative - for more info, www.thirstforlife.org - "two tapwaters, please!"
be Church are fully supporting a local initiative called Save you Home. In conjunction with Raynes Park Community Church, we're helping provide resources for people as the recession hits. Check out www.myraynespark.co.uk for the full low-down. If you want to help out practically, do let us know!
Just Be's Monday night discussion was as profound as ever - as we unpacked Chapter 8 of Uprising and looked at genreosity. "Generosity is about being free. The generous are free from the things of the world. While they own possessions, their possessions do not own them."
We looked at how we could be more generous with our time, our finance and our lives. Really challenging stuff as we each agreed to strive to be generous this week! We followed the discussion with a reading of Mark 9 and prayed that as we knew more of Jesus' generosity, we'd humble ourselves too!
be fed this feb is at the Frost's beautiful abode.
We will be tucking in to home cooked mexican grub and chatting about topical issues and questions of faith, spirituality and ethics that arise.
Chilled out but engaging, be fed is always a great night at be church. If you want direction, more info, special requests for food, or just want to let us know you're coming; email jo.
Sunday was be's first ever day away - and it was rather fun!
We ate - a lot! We travelled into the depths of the British Countryside (Hemel Hempstead)! We drank coffee, played human ten-pin bowling and also delved deep into the heart and mind of the be church community.
To start the year right, we each went through a Personal Development Vision, setting ourselves targets for how we want to progress and deepen our faith and our relationship with Jesus.
With that as our foundation we moved on to discuss the overall vision and purpose of be church as well as how that works practically this coming year. More on the outcomes will be appearing on here in the coming weeks, so watch this space for how things develop.
With 4 days to go - we thought it might be a good idea to send you the plan for Sunday's vision day. We are off to the fabulous Felden Lodge, Hemel Hempstead.
Important things first:
1. Please come to enjoy yourself. This should be a great opportunity for us to hang out and get to know the different people in our community.
2. Please bring suitable shoes for a walk in the beautiful English countryside (eg: muddy)
3. Please bring enough money for a pub lunch and contribution to petrol - if you're skint please let us know and we'll sort you out.
4. We are meeting at the Raynes Park Tavern to leave PROMPT at 10am (or at the Edward Rayne at 9:15am for brekkie)
5. PLEASE confirm with me as SOON as possible whether you are coming and if you are bringing anyone with you.... either email me or txt 07736032430
So.... the plan!
11am
Aims of the day
11:15am
Worship, communion and group prayer
12:00
Discipleship
12:45
Walk and Lunch
2:30
Be Game!
2:50pm
Be church vision and commitment
Be financial
3:30pm
Coffee break
4pm
Direction of be church for the next year...
What's planned and what's new?
6pm
Worship and prayer
6.15pm
Home for pub quiz
This should be really good - can't wait to see you!
Sunday night was the first be worship back and we started the year as we mean to go on; by listening to God.
Dan lead us superbly in worship as we enjoyed spending time with our Dad. We then chatted about what it meant to hear from God, what does theat mean? how do you?
We talked about different experiences people had. Some people had heard God speak through other people, some people talked about pictures, or bible verses, others simply knowing God wanted them to wear a specific t-shirt!?! God speaks in a varity of ways - but most people seemed to agree, God DOES speak!
We then went on to listen to God for each other, people saw pictures, and spoke messages of encouragement to each other. It was what you might call a holy time.
And imagine - if God is really vocal when you listen to Him for 30 mins, what might happen if we listen to Him for the rest of 2009??!!
Merry Christmas! Last night be church rocked the pub, with tuneful renditions of all your favourite christmas carols. Well done to Karen, our White Christmas X Factor superstar. A huge thank you to Snowflake, our resident caroling band, and thanks to all you who help us raise over £150 for Charity: Water and The Salvation Army in London.
Within a blink of an eye it will be 2009 so here's a quick update on what's happening:
January:
5th Jan: just be will be back, 7pm at the Edward Rayne, Chapter 6 of Uprising. Every Monday
12th Jan: be worship, on how to hear God speak. 7pm at Wimbledon Methodist
18th Jan: be envisioned. Our annual day away, praying, chatting and worshipping through God's agenda for the coming year.
22nd Jan: be fed at Andy and Jo's. 7:30pm
February:
8th Feb: be worship, 7pm at Wimbledon Methodist
TBC: be taught with Russ Rook
25th Feb: be fed at Dan's, 7:30pm
For more info, addresses and details, please email Jo.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Another good Just Be tonight...
"As we have discovered on this journey, courage is not the absence of fear; it is the absence of self. Courage is the highest expression of humility. Courage allos us to live free from self preservation and to live generously creative lives." - A thought provoking sound byte from this weeks chapter!
Next up is Be Worship on Sunday. 7pm for 7.30pm at Wimbledon Methodist - a further look at Advent with Kit providing the readings and Dan leading some worship.
At tonight's Be Taught an impromptu quiz saw the boys take victory as Liz made some amazing brownies (and washed up!) Jo made mulled wine and we looked at Advent...
The evening looked at waiting and patience... Andy painted a little of the context of the book of Isaiah (invasion from superpower Assyria, the King's disregard for the holy articles and the lack of justice) and then we looked at a variety of prophetic pictures that Isaiah described... pictures of peace, redemption, hope, salvation. Isaiah's images were written 700 years before Jesus... and so began a process of waiting...
In this period of Advent, as we wait for Christmas, we were encouraged to know God's pictures that Isaiah painted of what will be... Will we passively wait? Will we engage with the world like Christ? Will we pray and live 'Your Kingdom Come'?
The evening ended with a time of lighting candles and ancient prayer as we reflected on the coming of Jesus - light in the darkness. Our prayer is that we carry this light, this peace and grace, into a world that doesn't look too dissimilar from Isaiah's context. Lets journey into Advent together!
And this year, once again, the Anglican's in London have put together a great little website with adaily thought for the day with short videos... worth a look! http://www.londonchristmas.org.uk/Advent-Calendar
Great Just Be last night as we talked through Chapter 3 of Uprising. We looked at what it means to be humble. I think my favourite quote which we enjoyed unpacking was "God does not oppose the weak, the broken, the poor, the hurting, or even the sinful, but He does oppose the proud."
The big question then remains, how to we become more humble? Lots of ideas but I think we all agreed that it starts when we become more thankful!
For the diary! Next Tuesday (2nd Dec), we will be hosting another Be Taught - at 7.30pm at the Frost residence. Andy will be sharing some seasonal thoughts and we will also have fudge making (from Chris) and chocolate decorating (from Gemma)!
Oliver Stone's new movie W. looks at the life of George W. Bush. Oliver Stone's political edgy style is as good as ever... he delivers a fascinating portrayal of Bush's rich kid beginnings, his drunken early adulthood and his coming to faith. The film questions how much Bush actually knew what he was doing and how much he was being manipulated by those around him. He continually battles for his father's approval and the film concludes with his legacy and the mess left in Iraq. Throughout the film Bush has this religious fervour and firmly believes the war in Iraq is God's will. Big questions are raised... Can we have a 'just war'? How much should faith and politics mix? What kind of a legacy will we leave? Is Good vs Evil really as clear cut as war portrays it?
The boys walked and their adventure included building bridges, getting electric shocks from fences, scaling death defying mud slides and getting lost for two hours in the dark. Oh... and it also included a top Sunday roast, good conversation and the occasional prayer.
We have Darren Quinnell who is co-ordinating local youth work coming to share. He is presently studying at St Pauls School of Theology and is passionate about helping people connect with God. Rock up at Wimbledon Methodist Church from 7pm for all the action! Coffee and cake provided as ever...
Just Be was good Monday night - great conversation on waht it means to be alive - freedom, passion, transformation. A quick quotable quote..."It has never been God's intention to move us toward apathetic living. He desires that we live passionate lives in Him. Rather than elminate our passions, He intends to overwhelm them with new passions."
This look at passion continued as we looked at Mark 2. God's passion to meet with the spiritually sick and his passion for wholistic living (the idea of the Sabbath and rest) need to become our passions.
Just to keep everyone in the loop! Everything is Spiritual sparked off lots of great discussion as we crammed into the Frost residence. Good night looking at how we see the extra dimension to life and how we begin to look for God in the complexity and normality of everyday.
Tonight Just Be begins its new book 'Uprising' by Erwin McManus- chapter 1! Hearing that people are enjoying it so far! We will also be reading Mark 2 together.
Then there is the boy's walk (sorry ladies) on Sunday - space to climb trees and talk faith, life and all that jazz... let Andy know if you're coming so he can sort transport.
Then the next Be event will be at Cineworld, Wandsworth, a week on Wednesday (12th) followed by discussion in a local pub. As for the movie - any ideas? Ideally something that will spark off some debate!
The lads hike is set for Sunday November 9th - leaving Raynes Park at 11am, we're gonna set out for the Downs, get lunch in a pub, scale hills, climb trees, talk life and wrestle bears! Grrr... Andy Frost is sorting it, so let him no if you're game.
Rob Bell's new DVD everything is spiritual will be Thursday 30th's Be Taught. Based at the Frost residence, we'll be having drinks and nibbles followed by some discussion. Do come and hang out - for the address, email Andy or cal him on 07912 203088.
