Thanksgiving for 7 years of 2C7 completed

-Wednesday 26 November 2008-
A thanksgiving for 7 years of 2C7 Wednesday evening prayer meetings - completed.

Dear friends

Last night was the 7th anniversary of our first 2C7 meeting which took place on 31 October 2008.

A few weeks ago whilst away at a conference, both Robert Mountford & myself suddenly sensed that we felt that the Lord was asking us to "lay down the 2C7 seed". This was a real surprise to both of us. Since then, we have spent time speaking to a number of Christian leaders who have been involved with our 2C7 journey. Some were surprised. Some were saddened. Some readily agreed that they, too, felt it was right. Some were unsure.

Last night we announced that we would be allowing the 2C7 seed to "fall into the ground".

At a packed & powerful meeting it was really helpful that, by God's providence, we had Bishop Eddie Mulenga (Zambia) as our guest speaker. His message about God's timing & His seasons, about the temple & the Glory of God was inspirational. His call for us to see that God often calls us to lay down a seed before the next "new seed" has appeared was very timely.

We have a sense that we need to "make space" for the next part of God's Kingdom plan for North Staffs to emerge.

"Truly, truly, I say to you unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth & dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" John 12v24

Of course, there are still a number of initiatives already planned for 2009 that will help continue our united focus on seeing God's "new day" emerge in our area. These include a week of unbroken 24/7 prayer at the start of the year (www.beaconhop.org/cf/247prayer.php), 40 days of prayer & fasting during Lent & also Embrace '09 - a day of unbroken worship.

Whilst we laid down the 2C7 seed last night, we have been encouraged to use our planned November 2C7 evening as a thanksgiving event. Please come & join us on Weds 26 November as we seek to thank God for our journey together over the last seven years, to highlight some of the fruit from our united prayer &, most importantly, to pray into the future.

"If you believe you will see the Glory of God" John 11 v40

Every blessing
Lloyd

PS...Interestingly, in an email bulletin received this morning from USA Christian leader, Chuck Pierce (Glory of Zion International Ministries) there was the following item:
The Sowing "Paradox"! by Brian KooimanDuring Tuesday Morning Prayer this week we prayed about the paradox of the Kingdom, as well as the principle of sowing and reaping. The Lord quickened to me the paradox of sowing seeds. All of us have a full expectation that if we plant "dead" seeds in the ground then we can see life spring forth. This is amazing because we don't expect to plant something like car keys in the ground and see them grow into cars. God created the ability for us to discern between inanimate and dormant objects! There is life in what has laid dormant in us. Now is the time to put a seed of faith in good soil and watch it grow into a full tree of great fruit!

Sat 29 November

The Lacey Theatre Company
with their new show:
"Liberator"
Sat 29th Nov at 7.30 p.m.
St. Matthias, Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent

A modern day mystery play. Lacey Theatre Co’s brand new show based on Rob Lacey’s latest book of the same name, and based on the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, with live music, satire and storytelling that will have you glued to your seat!

See a sneak preview:
http://laceytheatrecompany.com/theshows_liberator.html

Further details to follow...

Mon 1 December 08

Rob Parsons: "Teenagers! What Every Parent Has to Know"
Monday 1 December 2008
Kings Hall, Stoke...7.30-10.00pm
Tickets £6...available from http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/teenagers/
Hear best-selling author Rob Parsons live in this event for parents, grandparents, teachers and youth workers. During the evening he'll give you practical ways to help you get your teenager through these turbulent times. Whether it's the sudden rudeness, a lack of effort at school, the bad friends or a worry that you can't just reach them anymore – this event will give you not just answers, but hope.
Special discountBuy 'Teenagers! What Every Parent Has to Know' half price - only at this event!£3.98 (RRP £7.99