Catrina Benham's Blog

Happy Friday - the Weekend Starts here!

2012-01-27T17:24:00.000Z

Hi Friends, Hope you've had a good week? How are you getting on with this week's memory verse?
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matt 28:19
I've really enjoyed receiving and reading the daily emails from the textsforlife blog - they are all so encouraging!
This Sunday Michael Ross-Watson will be preaching on the next memory verse in both the 9am and 11am meetings - you're going to want to be there! If you can manage to also come back to Kerith at 7pm, we've got Peter Scazzero speaking. What a great day ahead, and a wonderful opportunity for God to speak to us, changing us from the inside out, as only He can do.

Just a reminder that it's The Sound of Music Singalong Movie next Saturday 4th February! So come and get your tickets from Kerith reception this Sunday - only £2.50 each, to cover the refreshments. Remember, it's purely a fun event for gathering women and building friendships, so who can you invite and bring along? Perhaps you'll extend the event by going out for a drink or a meal with
your friends afterwards?

Perhaps you'll bring along a prop or a costume?
Here's a website with some dressing up ideas - but only for those who want to - it's absolutely fine to come along "as you are" too!!!!

All to Jesus I Surrender

2012-01-24T06:29:00.002Z

I woke up with Sunday's hymn going round my mind - that's a good start to the day before I've even got out of bed! Read it, listen to it, declare it - the words are a challenge and a blessing. I reckon "surrendering all" is not a "sing it once" type thing. I reckon it's an "every day, every hour, every situation and thought" type thing. As we depend on Jesus more and love Him more, the Holy Spirit will use these words in our lives to change us from the inside out.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Saviour, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

I am Redeemed to be Salt and Light

2012-01-23T09:26:00.000Z

What a brilliant day in Church yesterday! I just love hearing people's stories of how God saved them and is now changing them from the inside out - it's so inspiring, praise God! And this morning I've been listening on repeat (of course!) to "Let The Redeemed of The Lord Say So"
Loved Liam's message to GO and do something this week to share our faith with others. His phrase "We need to be lovers of God, not workers for God" particularly struck a chord with me. Have you signed up to receive daily emails from Texts For Life yet? It's such a great encouragement, as each day a different member of our Kerith community shares some thoughts on this week's Bible verse.

This week I am going to try and follow the JustONE Conference online. Yes, it's a virtual conference for women. Leading and Loving It is a community that connects, encourages, and supports pastors’ wives and women in ministry.The 20 different speakers look really interesting, and what they have to say will be helpful for all women involved in Church life. It's on for four weeks, and this week, the conference sessions are shown four times, at 2am Tuesday and Wednesday; or 4pm Monday and Tuesday Previous years' conference talks are available here. It's very accessible, real stuff - women sharing their stories and their lives in an informal conversational style, so take a look if you are able to - either live over the next four weeks, or afterwards through the Leading and Loving it website.

Have a great week x

The Real Me

2012-01-20T08:44:00.000Z

We've got a new sofa!
It came yesterday, looking like this...

and Simon (hero) spent the evening constructing it, so that it now looks like this...

and that's the end of the story - nice shiny clean new perfect sofa. That's the sofa I want people to see.

But what they are seeing right now, as it sits outside our house waiting for the council to pick up is this...!!!!

Yes, the old sofa - the 17 year old sofa. The sofa that has tears and rips and stains. The sofa that I have kept covered by draping with Zambian fabrics. I don't want peope to see the "real sofa". I just want them to see my version of it!
I opened my bedroom blinds this morning, gasped when I saw the sofa in all its glory; and felt a God whisper. You see, even outside our house I'd have tried to hide the imperfections ; I'd have turned the cushions round. I don't want people to see things how they really are, I want them to see my version of how things really are.
I know that God is speaking to me about humility, vulnerability and trust this year - guess what? He uses all sorts of things to grab my attention! What's He saying to you today?

The Hills Are Alive...

2012-01-16T11:16:00.001Z

Hi Friends, It was so great to chat to many of you yesterday about our next Simply event

- The Sound of Music Singalong! I know from our conversations that many of you have already seen it numerous times, you love the songs and are looking forward to watching it on the big screen together -It's a very popular film!

Saturday 4th February 4-7pm

It's simply a fun event, great for gathering women together to enjoy each others company, watch a DVD, and join in with singing and prop-waving (only if you want to!) Tickets are only £2.50 so why not treat a friend? I'm going to be asking my work colleagues, family and friends. Just a reminder it's a women's event - sorry to all the guys who fancy dressing up ! If you have younger girls who you think would enjoy the film, then they are very welcome too, but we aren't able to accommodate younger children. You can buy tickets on Sundays, and also throughout the week at the Kerith reception. Email me or catch me on Sundays if you have any questions, or if you'd like to help me on the day.

Hope you're having a great start to the week - just a quick reminder that it's really easy to sign up for the texts for life blog - it's a wonderful daily encouragement!

"These are a Few of my Favourite Things"

2012-01-13T13:37:00.000Z

Texts For Life

2012-01-09T10:58:00.001Z

What a brilliant day in Church yesterday - it's so good to be back and to start 2012 together, worshipping, praying and listening to God's Word preached.

Texts for Life is a 12 week preaching series at Kerith - it's a toolkit of memorable Bible verses which will help us in our walk with Jesus.
If you missed it, be sure to listen again to the podcast to hear Simon giving a brilliant preach on our first Bible verse Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Listen out for the catchy little song to help us remember the verse!

Take a look at the website http://www.textsforlife.org for the Twitter feed and the Blog.
Every day there will be a new entry on the blog, with thoughts on that week's Bible verse, each written by different members of the Kerith community.

It's easy to enter your email address on the blog page, so that you can receive daily posts from the site via email.(like many of you do with this blog, and with Simon's blog)

There's an opportunity for you to leave a comment on the website if you have a story to share about how that Bible verse has impacted or helped you.

There's also a Resources section with a fun colouring worksheet for the children (who are also learning the Bible verses!)

It should be a fun thing to all be doing together as a community. I know it will also be a huge challenge to memorise them all, but it's going to be a great blessing to us as individuals and as a church community if we do get these verses "inside us". As Alan Lander said in today's blog post "What better way to guard our hearts than to hide God’s word in it so that we won’t sin. This is a fantastic way to kick off the series as it tells me right from the start that I can combat the daily temptations and avoid sinning if I am willing to memorise verses so that I can call upon them in times of doubt, difficulty, oppression, attack and sickness…..how? By hiding God’s word in my heart and using it to call upon God."

New Blue Folder

2012-01-08T07:38:00.000Z

I Know it's a bit late to say Happy New Year" but I'm really only just feeling ready to start a new year! We had a great break - a nice mixture of full-on extended family time, and times when it was "just us". We got away for a few days over new year to stay with old friends in Norfolk - our dog Nemo loved the waves at Southwold! Then we were all back at school and work last Tuesday - Jacob even had exams poor thing!
So this last week has been a bit of a mixture - early starts, work clothes, school uniforms, packed lunches, back in routine. But we've also had the Christmas tree still up, and the outside lights twinkling, the candles and the Christmas drinks and food still in the house "anyone for a piece of Christmas cake with your cup of coffee?"
All of that contributes to me not really feeling like I'm starting the new year with a bang! But two things have happened - first, I've released myself from the pressure of a "perfect start to the new year" and second, all those Christmassy bits have now gone back in the cupboard, the tree's been recycled, I'm giving away any sweets we have left (I'll still be enjoying my mum's Christmas cake with my coffee this week though). And yesterday we took Zak back to Uni....
I've also bought this lovely new blue folder for all my REAL thoughts and documents. I find that new stationary can make all the difference - I'm ready now!

So I've read lots of other people's new year thoughts, and a couple stand out for me, and they might inspire you too, especially if you've had a slower start to 2012.

The first is to think of One Word for 2012 - a word to focus on, to ask God to challenge you with, a word that, with the Holy Spirit's help you want to work on your character this year. I've got one, and I'll blog about it later. Have you got a One Word?

The other challenge is to take the time to write out 11 things you are thankful for in 2011, and 12 hopes/desires/dreams you have for 2012.

"Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely."
I Thessalonians :11-12 (The Message)

Busy Busy Busy

2011-12-08T06:59:00.001Z

It's a busy time of year isn't it? Shops are busy, roads are busy, my house is busy, my diary is busy!At busy times, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by all the demands on us.
Walking to work yesterday, I chatted to God about all the things that were threatening to overwhelm me, and gave Him the concerns, worries and the areas I feel I'm failing in. The walking and talking helped me to give it over to Him, and then to look up and around, off my own circumstances and onto Him. I arrived at work more hopeful and positive. If you are feeling overwhelmed today, do what it takes to feel connected again to God - quiet time at home; a walk; a Bible study; Worship; a kind act - whatever it takes. He will meet you.
God bless x

My soul is downcast within me,
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3

Listen Again

2011-12-05T07:38:00.000Z

What a rich and blessed day in church yesterday! The 10:10 preachers were so good. It was exciting to see each one speaking and sharing what God had put on their heart for us. We heard Truth, challenge and encouragement in abundance.
All the messages will soon be available on the Kerith media page as podcasts. Simon wrote a great post recently with instructions on how to get those messages onto phones and ipods etc, so take a look!I know that I prefer to listen to sermons again either whilst I'm cooking, or when I am on journeys, so it's great to be able to have podcasts downloaded to my phone.Take a look at the Kerith Worship page for some recommendations of worship Cd's too.

What podcasts do you listen to?
I really like listening to Coffee with Chris Caine Hillsong Sisterhood and Abundant Life Church. I also love the Desert Island Discs podcast because I love to hear people tell their stories, and this last week Bear Grylls was on - well worth a listen.
I also follow the Leading and Loving It Blog, and found these amazing interviews and messages from women around the world, from their "JustONE" virtual conference.

Before we leave this subject, I've recently learnt how to compile a playlist of all my songs, and so now have a whole lot of Christmas songs all in one place :)
My teenagers despair of how slow I am, but it's really worth learning some new techy things!

See You @ Kerith Today!

2011-12-04T06:44:00.000Z

Just a quick reminder that you can book into Real 2012 at Kerith today.

We'll have a laptop ready for online bookings, plus paper booking forms for cash, cheques and cards. We'll also have some lovely friendly girls on hand to help you and to answer any questions you might have.

Looking forward to seeing you at (the beautifully decorated and sparkly) Kerith today!

It's going to be a great day together as we worship and hear from the 10:10 preachers.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Ephesians 4:20

Kind Words Make Relationships

2011-11-29T06:55:00.000Z

Morning!
Thanks to some clever techy people, My message from Saturday's Word and Worship event is now up on the Kerith website if you want to take a listen. You'll find it under "Home" , then "media".

It's great to have started a conversation between us women about the power of our words. Words can either break or make our relationships and friendships with each other. Words break relationships when we criticise, gossip and speak unkindly to other women. But words can also make relationships (bringing life, love and hope) when we choose them carefully and use them kindly.

Heather's continuing some thoughts about criticism and critical words on her blog - take a look!

“Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation” Matthew 12:36

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". Ephesians 4:29

Word and Worship

2011-11-27T20:08:00.000Z

Thank you to all you lovely women who came out to Word and Worship on Saturday night!
It was so lovely to meet so many different women - and to chat, laugh, eat, drink, worship, pray and share truth together. What a privilege to meet together like that - time for each other and time for us and God.
Thanks so much to Lisa and the "Simply" team for organising the evening so brilliantly. Thanks too to the technical team and Eileen and the singers and band - wow it was wonderful to spend time worshipping the Lord together. Thanks too to all the willing helpers on the evening, the lovely smiley ladies who were there to help - I really appreciate you!
The truth is that the Holy Spirit will use all of us to speak God's love to others -it's in a smile, a word, a hug, a prayer - in a generous cup of coffee, a luxurious hot chocolate and a guiding car-parker!
It was my privilege to share a message from the Bible with you - all about Kind Words - the words that are relationship-makers (not breakers!). The message will soon be available as a podcast to listen to again, on the Kerith website .

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us individually about our words - here are some of the scriptures I brought - why not take some time this week to look them up, meditate on them and ask God what He wants to say to you through them? They are life-bringers!
Much love x

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.

Proverbs 31:26

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Colossians 4:6

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

20,000 Words a Day

2011-11-24T08:04:00.000Z

I'm really looking forward to bringing the message at Word and Worship on Saturday night. It's a challenge of course in the run up to speaking, to use my time well so that I hear from God what's on His heart for the women. I love this verse in the Bible (it's 2 Thessalonians 1:11 in the Message paraphrase, and so says it how it is!)"Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honours the name of Jesus, he will honour you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely."
I never want it to just be "our good ideas", we need to hear God's voice. As I "leaked" on Sunday, I recently read a newspaper article based on some research findings that the average woman apparently speaks around 20,000 words each day (3 times as many as the average man!). On Saturday we're going to look in the Bible for what God says about the power and use of our words.
So this week I'm living and breathing that message. I pray it will bless you too!

Word and Worship

2011-11-23T06:33:00.000Z

As I said on Sunday, I'll be giving up my Saturday night "Strictly Come Dancing" fix, to be at Simply Word and Worship at Kerith! Ladies it's 7-30-9-30pm, £2.50 on the door. We have no idea of expected numbers, which makes catering pretty exciting :) but we're hoping for a great evening together with many women of all ages.
We've planned the programme to give space for God and space for us. Space to spend time worshipping. Space to chat to one another. Space to pray and be prayed for. Space to listen without interruptions!
The evening starts with delicious cakes and drinks of coffee, tea and luxurious hot chocolate at 7.30. We've then got half an hour before the worship starts. Take the time to chat with friends; browse the bookshop; and take a look at the Information table, where you can find out more about Activate, Exposition, Fourteen ,Serenje Penpals and Hope For Justice.
From 8-9.15 we'll worship together , I'll bring a message from the Bible, and we'll pray. Then we still have 15 minutes for more chatting before the evening is officially over and we rush back to our homes. It's going to be a wonderful evening. If you haven't yet got someone to come with, why not simply ask God today to show you who you could ask - you never know who you might end up bumping into! I really hope to see you on Saturday.

When We See You We Find Strength to Face The Day

2011-11-22T06:15:00.000Z

"And when we see You we find strength to face the day,

In Your presence all our fears are washed away"

As I woke up this morning, these were the words in my mind, from the song Hosanna
I don't know what I'll face today - I'm working, it's raining, it's my turn to do playground duty :) Whatever we need for today, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically - it's God who will give us the strength to face it. He is Immanuel, God with us.
Thank God that He cares, that He loves, that He speaks, that He equips.
It reminds me of something Ben Oliver said in the sermon on Sunday "This Christmas, God can speak to us wherever and whenever He likes".
What's God saying to you?

Hope

2011-11-20T22:54:00.000Z

We all need a ~~little~~ lot of hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 15:13

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure

Hebrews 6:19

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Drawing Near

2011-11-18T06:53:00.000Z

I'm excited to announce that we have a Guest Blogger today! Following on from her preach at the 11am meeting last Sunday, here's a great article by Kerith's Worship Pastor Helen Cottee.

James 4: 6-8

‘God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble’.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you’

I’ve always loved the last part of that verse. The promise that as we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. It’s such an incredible reality of our relationship with God – a God who wants to be in relationship with us, who wants to be close to us, who created us to live that way. The tangible, earth-shanking, comfort bringing, hope restoring presence of God is what he wants us to engage with, and is our deepest need. I know for me there have been times when God’s presence has felt so far away but the bible promises that there is nowhere we can flee from his presence – how does that work?! My musings on this passage have helped me to see that the problem is never with God’s presence but is based on our heart state as we approach God.

I had never recognised the link between verse 6 and verse 8 in this passage. In fact I had no idea they were together! But I am realising that the issue of pride and humility have huge impact on our ‘drawing near’ experiences.

The problem is that in our broken sinful state we neither deserve nor can earn the right to be in God’s presence. He is holy, he is perfect, and we are most certainly not! The only way we can have access to God is though grace – the saving grace that envelopes us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, his all-encompassing love which takes our breath away in the light of what we actually deserve, mercy which says ‘I can go free’ even though I am guilty as sin. Literally. And a million more unfathomable, eternity sized murmurs of grace which I often miss as I am surrounded by them so constantly.

If grace is the key and this verse highlights that it is given to the humble, we need to seek humility in every way we can – whether it’s in our attitude to God or to other people. God resists the proud because the proud resist his grace. Pride says I can earn my way in, that my way is the best way, it doesn’t recognise its need for grace and the fact that by its nature it is given to the undeserving. Humility on the other hand recognises that grace will never deal with me on the basis of anything I can bring to the table, either good or bad, but only on the basis of who Jesus is and what he has done. The humble access grace, and grace opens up access to God.

So we need to be diligent in dealing with pride. I came across a list of indicators of pride in the ‘Freedom in Christ’ course and thought it may help to have them written down to go through in your own time. Let God’s Spirit speak to your heart as you read these and then ask him to show you how best to humbly combat prideful attitudes which so easily sneak in.

Indicators of pride:

·         Having a stronger desire to do my own will rather than God’s

·         Leaning too much on my own understanding and experience rather than seeking God’s guidance

·         Relying on my own strengths and abilities instead of depending on the power of the Holy Spirit

·         Being more concerned about controlling others than developing self-control

·         Being too busy doing ‘important’ things to take time to do the little things for others

·         Having a tendency to think I have no needs

·         Finding it hard to admit I am wrong

·         Being more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing God

·         Being concerned about getting the credit I feel I deserve

·         Thinking I am more humble, spiritual, religious or devoted than others

The verse says to submit – hand anything you feel is an issue to God. Submit and let him work in you. Resist the devil – don’t let him lie to you, he doesn’t want you to succeed! And then the invitation to draw near and that God will draw near to you. Today, tomorrow, every day, draw near to him in whatever way you like – through songs, prayer, reflection, dance (not my favourite I have to admit!) – whatever helps you to be close to God and then just wait and see what he will do!

The new song we’re singing at church at the moment is based on my reflections on this passage – specifically our need for God’s presence. If it would help you, use this as a tool to help you draw near http://kerithworship.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/drawing-near-acoustic/ .

Tell Your Story (4)

2011-11-17T07:43:00.000Z

Evangelist J John “We’re not prepared so we’re not intentional about it but part of bridge-building is to tell a bit of your story and a bit of His story.
I challenged each of us to have a conversation with God this week, to think it through – what are the key points of your story?
Looking at Paul’s testimony in Acts 26:9-23, he talked about What he was like before; What it meant to meet Jesus; and What it’s meant for him since.

Author and evangelist, Tim Keller reminds us that we're not looking to have a debate or to get the whole gospel into one conversation (although we might!). Instead, keep it simple!

Assuming that you are already showing Love and kindness and integrity, then

Let them know you go to Church
Let them know you are a Christian and that it means something to you eg "Worry used to be a huge problem for me, and it's still something I struggle with, but I know my Christian faith has really helped me to worry less”

I believe that God will use these simple conversations, and some will lead more naturally into more extensive and deep discussions.

Tell Your Story (3)

2011-11-17T07:41:00.000Z

Telling Your Story helps others find salvation in Jesus.

The Disciples asked Jesus why He taught in parables (told stories)

^“When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can't see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight." Mark 4:10-12
I love that phrase!
It's God who saves, but we can play our part in telling our stories - giving God the glory for what He has done and is doing in our lives. Remember the story of the woman at the well, who had a conversation with Jesus?
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words, many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world”

John 4:39-42

Tell Your Story (2)

2011-11-16T06:10:00.001Z

Telling your story blesses you - it's part of what of helps us to overcome the devil.
Rev 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

The Devil is defeated, by the death of the Son of God, (the blood of the lamb)

Declaring that Jesus has won, strengthens our faith, helps us to resist temptation, reminds us that satan is defeated - makes us more bold!

Do you know that by the Blood of Jesus we are:

redeemed (paid the price, bought back) and rescued;

justified (acquitted of all charges, just as if I’d never sinned)
cleansed from sin;
sanctified (set apart from the condemnation of sin )

“You cannot go into all manner of deep doctrines or curious points, but you can tell to all those around you that “There is life in a look at the Crucified One”. You can bear witness to the power of the blood of Jesus in your own soul. If you do this, you will overcome men in many ways.”Spurgeon

Tell Your Story

2011-11-15T21:47:00.000Z

Last Sunday we marked Remembrance Sunday and celebrated Baptisms in a 3:30 Sunday. With Helen Cottee preaching at the 11am meeting; and Ben Pocock preaching at the 7pm, it was a huge privilege for me to preach at the 9am Kerith meeting. You can listen to the day's preaches again, or for the first time here.
Over the next few days, I'd like to post some of the thoughts and Bible verses that I talked about. I pray that they are an encouragement to you to Tell Your Story.

Our lives tell stories, and as Christians, people of faith who follow Jesus, our lives are a series of moments through which God is telling His story

“We are all of us telling the greatest story of all, the story of redemption,

through the person of Jesus Christ”

Nancy Beach

A person’s personal story can be a very powerful thing -

It’s what makes the life changing message of the cross personal to us.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

“I bet the story God has written in your life and your home gives voice and breath and arms and legs to the gospel every bit as much as a Church sermon ever did.”
Shauna Niequist

(tomorrow :Telling our story helps us overcome temptation and defeat the devil)

Kindness Rules

2011-11-11T07:10:00.000Z

How often do we think something nice, but don't actually say it?
Yesterday I had a short text from a friend. She said she liked the new picture of me and Simon on my blog.

That's it - and you know what, just her thinking of me, made me feel good! Kindness is like that.

Simon's been encouraging us to be a community of kindness.
God has poured His kindness into us - our natural response is is to be kind.
Love is kind (1 Cor 13v4)

Lord, help me to be fully present right now. To hear Your voice in my busy-ness. To take each moment. To encourage and show love and kindness to others. To take people up in their lifts today. Amen.

Kindness and Social Media

2011-11-07T07:07:00.000Z

What a great day in Church yesterday! In focussing on Social Media, Simon brought two brillant messages on how we interact with and use the internet to engage, embrace and effectively communicate via Facebook, Twitter and Blogs. If you missed either message, check out the podcasts at www.kerith.co.uk

Simon talked about Kindness.We are recipients of so much kindness from God, that it must pour out of us towards others. This effects how we use Social media - what we say and how we say it. Asking ourselves "Is this comment going to take someone "up in their lift"?"

So what about you?
What do you enjoy about Facebook? Who do you follow on Twitter? Were you inspired to start writing a blog; or create some music or a short film and put it on YouTube? Do you have your own personal guidelines for healthy, positive use of Social media in your daily life?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.

James 3:17-18
Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour.

Women Together

2011-11-04T20:34:00.001Z

Inspire Ladies Day in Camberley

2011-11-03T06:41:00.000Z

My friend Bev Landreth-Smith from The Beacon Church Camberley, is hosting the Inspire Ladies day on Saturday November 12th 2011. The day commences at 10am (9:30 for coffee) and will finish at 3:30pm. Cost is £18 (including lunch) and you can book online.

A great opportunity for us, as it's so local!

I went along last year and had a great day! It's just around the corner (time and distance wise!).Squeezed between a fireworks party and preaching on the Sunday at Kerith (please come along and smile at me!), I'm planning to go along again this year, so why not come along too?

Your Invitation

2011-11-01T06:21:00.000Z

Simply Word and Worship Saturday 26^th November at 7.30.

It's getting colder...and the Christmas decorations are already up in Tesco's...women, we need an evening out together!
It will be an evening for us to spend time together as women, with a Bible message, worshipping, talking and praying. Tickets are £2.50 and will be available on the door. Put the date in your diary and plan to come along and bring a friend for a relaxing, friendly, and inspiring evening together.
...More details very soon (look out for us, this Sunday at Kerith)

You Are Drawing Near to Me

2011-10-31T17:56:00.001Z

I'm here to rest in Your presence

I have full assurance that You are here

and as I dwell in Your Spirit

there Your hand will guide me

You are drawing near to me

I love the words of this new Kerith song.
It's a faith-filled declaration .
It's a reminder to me that we need to choose to believe that as we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
And it's not about whether we feel close to God -"full assurance" is based on Truth. It's the combination of our human action and God's supernatural power at work so that we experience His guidance and presence.
This is true, whether it's on a Sunday during our worship times together at Kerith, or on our own as we find that quiet place and set aside some time, to read the Bible, pray and meet with God.

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 (NIV)
" Say a quiet yes to God and He'll be there in no time." (The Message)

Daily Meeting With God

2011-10-27T06:45:00.001+01:00

Referring to Bible reading and prayer, John Piper says: “I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.”

I've just discovered the audio button on uversion of the Bible on my phone - now I can get the Bible read to me out loud wherever and whenever! It's pretty cool. I'm not sure it's the "serious meeting with God" that John Piper talks about, but it's a great start to the day to hear truth - that then sets me up for wanting to hear more, and to pray and talk with God.
We've talked about it before, but what are you doing to meet daily with God - is it first thing? A walk? A quiet place? A coffee shop? A special chair at home? Wherever it is for you, one of the keys is to regularly go there, to make it an essential party of the daily routine. Here's a great youtube clip all about daily meeting with God Bill Hybels: Coffee with God

James 4 (The Message)

^7-10So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

Serenje

2011-10-25T08:22:00.001+01:00

We are in the middle of a Serenje focus at Kerith! We were hugely blessed by the visit from our Serenje friends, Bishop Samson Kasele and Pastor Bernard Ngosa. Two Sundays ago, we spent each of the meetings celebrating all that we have done together, and were priviileged to have our partner Tearfund's CEO, Matthew Frost also with us.

Now we are in the middle of three Gift Days! We are aiming to raise £170,000.
£90,000 is the remaining money needed to build the Girls Dormitory.
£80,000 will fund the fourth year of the project, and will pay for:

3000   Orphans and vulnerable children supported with uniform and food to go    to school
1000 Farming families given training and seeds
117   Volunteers trained to visit and support those living with HIV in their community
    50   Church leaders; and 60 Community leaders given leadership training

This week, as perhaps we eat rice and beans; or eat more simply; or cut out meat or luxuries; or whatever we do, let's allow these statistics to build faith in us.
Let's talk about the project and the people in Serenje.
Let's pray.
Let's give.

For more about Serenje
http://www.kerith.co.uk/ - on the front page this week, you'll find photos, video and articles about Serenje. Also articles about Prokect 125 (the girls' dormitory) and you can also give to the Gift Days online here.
Serenje blog - Why not subscribe to this Kerith blog written by Zoe Hayes, so you can keep up to date with all that's happening?
Simon's blog

You Will Find Rest For Your Souls

2011-10-10T14:14:00.000+01:00

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:26-28

How are you getting on, in applying the "Doing Life Well" teaching that Simon's been bringing us on Sundays at Kerith? There are definitely challenges in us getting rest and creating sabbath, whatever stage of life we're at.

As Simon said: "Planning + Effort + Discipline are all needed for living an effective, well managed life"

Elizabeth and Melita are two great women in our Kerith community. They have got together to plan some free, local Retreat days for women.

Here's your invitation from them (all you have to do is book in and show up!):

"I know so often as women we simply feel guilty if we’re not doing something. God has built into us the need to take time out –so why not give yourself permission to STOP- and book yourself into one of the up and coming dates at Fourteen?

OCTOBER 11^th(tomorrow), OCTOBER 18th, NOVEMBER 8^{th, -}NOVEMBER 15^th

How does snuggling up in a cosy armchair , an invigorating walk and a log fire sound? Lunch will be provided and the aim is for everyone to enjoy a relaxed day free from the pressures of everyday life- space for you.

Book by contacting Elizabeth Pudner on 0118 9790099 or 0798 1756828 Or email elizabethpudner@hotmail .com or melitacullis@btinternet.com

We are really looking forward to welcoming you –why not encourage a friend to come!
Thanks to those who have already booked!"

"Rest is a gift - it says we trust God"

I'm going to need some help to get everything done today!

2011-10-03T14:11:00.001+01:00

Life-giving Words

2011-10-02T15:55:00.001+01:00

Jacob Benham (@Jacob_Benham)
30/09/2011 22:38
And this is grace, that you would give your all so I could live in the light of your love

Wisdom via the web today

2011-10-02T15:49:00.001+01:00

And I want women. . . doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.bible.us/1Tim2.9.MSG

Encouraging words

2011-10-02T15:48:00.001+01:00

Simon Benham (@simonbenham)
02/10/2011 07:03
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. http://t.co/x3YhSA7s

2011-09-23T18:08:00.001+01:00

The moment you
wake up each morning,
all your wishes and hopes
for the day rush at you
like wild animals. And the first
job each morning consists in
shoving it all back; in listening
to that other point of view,
letting that larger, stronger,
quieter life come flowing in.

C.S. Lewis

I'm a morning person and love getting loads done before the day's officially begun (don't expect much from me after around 7pm though!). So it suits me to wake early, make the coffee and settle into my favourite chair to spend a short time reading the Bible and praying each day. However, I wake up "fully awake" (very annoying for my family!) and thinking about the day ahead. So I find the early morning is also a great time to get a load of washing on; write emails; send texts; sort washing; and do endless other "jobs".

When I read this C S Lewis quote I identified with the "all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals" and I thought "yes, that's just the way it is", and got on with my various jobs.
Then I took note of this : "the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back". That looked like I'd have to work at it - it wasn't going to come naturally! But the rewards looked worth it "listening to that other point of view, letting the larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in". So I've been working at that...and before I do anything else in the morning I consciously call to mind Bible verses, lines from worship songs and promises of Jesus. I remind myself that God is for me, He loves me and has plans for me. It puts everything - all the "wild animals" in perspective.
It's a much calmer way to begin my day.

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

2011-08-01T08:23:00.000+01:00

What a great day in Church yesterday!
Simon finished the Old Testament series with a wonderful sermon based on Hebrews 11 and 12. Those godly characters that we've met in the Old Testament are "cheering us on from the stands" as we run the race, fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Hebrews 12 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

If you missed it, or would like to hear it again, listen here on the Kerith website.

We are taking a family holiday this week (sunshine, please Lord on the south coast!) and so looking forward to spending time relaxing together.
I won't be blogging for a while, so just wanted to signpost you to some great online resources.

As many of you know, we are thrilled that Shauna Niequist will be joining us for Real 12 next June. Take a read of her blog - read right to the end for our name check!

Thank you Penny for this great recommendation! What a rich resource"Coffee with Chris Caine" is! "The program is hosted by Christine Caine and consists of candid in-studio recordings, audio blogs from the road and spontaneous guest interviews from around the world (or around the house)". Coffee with Chris Caine

There's a great new album from Hillsong Live, and I love the title track - it's faith-building and truth-proclaiming God Is Able

Whilst we wait for more CDs to be delivered (the first 1000 have all gone hoorah!) you can download and listen to Magnanimous here.

Inspiration via Twitter

2011-07-27T09:48:00.001+01:00

"@Leelm: The greatest foundation we can build is on God's word for our lives, it's a foundation of truth and promises beyond whatever we could build."

Simplify ur life so God can use u, Practice gratitude so God can bless u, Rediscover pleasure so God can lavishly love u via@kaywarren1

Loving ur neighbor as yourself=speaking how u'd like to be spoken to,assuming the best, offering grace & helping how u can. Rick Warren

Take Every Thought Captive

2011-07-21T09:15:00.000+01:00

“If you have been bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, it will be one of the greatest assets to faith when the time of trial comes, because your faith and the Spirit of God will work together.” Oswald Chambers

@CharlGambill, 19/07/2011 20:55

2011-07-20T07:02:00.001+01:00

Charlotte Gambill (@CharlGambill)
19/07/2011 20:55
You will never be what everybody wants you to be, so just be all God made you to be!

2011-07-17T11:58:00.001+01:00

Kerith Academy Graduates!

2011-07-17T11:50:00.001+01:00

"@BenCooley: What a great night last night!! Thanks to all involved ESP @simonbenham and @Leelm for hosting us so well!!! ,sue ranger you did a GREAT JOB"
Amen!!!

Chess Pieces

2011-07-15T12:11:00.000+01:00

Have you still got the chess piece we gave out at the end of Real? Where have you put it so that it acts as a visual provocation for us to remember we need to "make our move"?

Great to hear about the many converstaions around Kerith about the different chess pieces: what they mean, and what they might mean for each of us. Thanks to Mary for her prophetic thoughts - see if any resound with you.

What are your thoughts?

Pawn Moves in small steps. Keep going to the end and you will be crowned the Queen
Rook Moves in a clear direction. Can swap places with the King to protect him.
Knight In God's army, moves in a way others can't, and breaks through the barriers.
Bishop Sees things from an angle. This different perspective brings much needed strength in the fight against the enemy.
Queen A key figure that can move in many spheres but needs protection from the enemy.
King Your strength is in who you are, not what you do. Stand firm until the enemy is defeated.

Sword of the Spirit

2011-07-14T07:57:00.000+01:00

This article from the "Leading and Loving it" blog caught my attention this morning...kind of runs along the same theme that's been running through my mind most of this year so far; and it's what I preached on at Real!
Our minds my be battlefields, but with God, our minds don’t have to lose the battle!
Here are some of the best arrows I’ve found for my arsenal. Maybe you or someone you know could use them in theirs.

I am God’s child. (Jn 1:12)
I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God. (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. (Eph 1:3-8)
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Rom 8:28)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. (Phil. 1:6)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

@bobbiehouston, 14/07/2011 00:00

2011-07-14T06:08:00.001+01:00

Bobbie Houston (@bobbiehouston)
14/07/2011 00:00
"In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life" (James 1 MSG)

Real Talks now on the Kerith Website

2011-07-13T07:31:00.000+01:00

Great news: The Real Talks are all here on the Kerith website
So whether you missed Real and want to hear the talks for the first time, or whether (like me) you heard them all but want to revisit some of the ideas you felt God was speaking to you about, they are all well worth a listen!
Rachel's powerpoints with scriptures are available too.
I don't know how you process things, but I would really encourage you to take some time reflecting and asking God what He was saying to you during Real. For me, that usually means looking back over my notes and perhaps picking out a few key thougts, illustrations and scriptuires from each Talk I heard. God is amazing and he is working in each of us as individuals, so he will give us what we need. In a room of over 300 women, there will be lots of different "moves" for us to now take - exciting!

Over the next few days I'll blog about the chess pieces ("it's your move") and their possible prophetic interpretation (thank you Mary for your notes!)

@KayWarren1, 12/07/2011 16:04

2011-07-12T16:25:00.001+01:00

Kay Warren (@KayWarren1)
12/07/2011 16:04
He is my loving ally & my fortress, my tower of safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield, & I take refuge in him. Ps144:2

My Surprise Moment at Real

2011-07-08T08:54:00.000+01:00

My very own "Surprise Moment" last week at Real!

It was the most romantic thing my husband has ever done because

1. It was so brave to sing in front of over 300 women!

2. He sang to me and just looked at me!!!

3. It was a complete surprise!

Did I mention that I liked it that he looked straight at me?! He's my hero.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d54Jdn4_GDc&feature=share

2011-07-07T16:28:00.001+01:00

"@simonbenham: Just heard from the wonderful @BenCooley that some of the items donated at Real have already been given to people rescued this week-humbling"

It's Your Move...

2011-07-07T06:31:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard and for so long to plan prepare and host Real 2011!
We had a wonderful time with over 300 women gathered together for Real 2011. The Conference was truly full of memorable moments, as we enthusiastically worshipped together, were challenged by Bible-based teaching, and inspired by women’s stories. Together we honoured women in our “surprise moments”, and we honoured God as centre of our lives as we prayed and as we worshipped.

Thank you for all the lovely comments about Real 2011, and what it meant to you.

So what were your moments?

What did God say to you?

@catrinabenham, 03/07/2011 23:36

2011-07-03T23:37:00.001+01:00

Catrina Benham (@catrinabenham)
03/07/2011 23:36
Have booked in for Real12 - have u ?! C xxx http://t.co/UGPFDqD

Today's the Day!

2011-07-01T11:28:00.000+01:00

Today's the day!
It's a beautiful day...everyone's busy preparing and tweaking...getting Kerith ready, the Conference ready, and ourselves ready to bless the 338 (so far!) ladies coming from near and far for Real 2011

It's not too late to decide to come and join the fun!
You can also still invite others, and buy tickets at the Kerith reception today.

Thank you for praying for Real.... We’re finally here!

‎Specifically today please pray for

- All the Women coming (338 currently!)

- All the Volunteers who are serving over the Conference

- The Team who have carried this for a long time now!

Pray for joy, hope, change, challenge….above all pray for the Love and Will of God to be done….and that we’d keep Jesus at the very centre

Thank you….and see many of you later, can’t wait! x

Tomorrow, You're Only a Day Away!

2011-06-30T06:58:00.001+01:00

So Real starts TOMORROW!!!
Can't wait - although I did dream last night that I fell asleep on the sofa on Friday evening and missed the whole thing!!!

Please would you join us in praying for Real?.."unless the Lord builds the house, we labour in vain" so we need God's hand, His heart, His ideas and His Holy Spirit in everything we do as we prepare and experience Real 2011.

Praying for Real 30.06.11

Thank you for praying for Real....

Specifically today:
Please pray for Sue and the whole team preparing for all the women coming. Lots of practical preparations as they take deliveries, organise and sort, move furniture, make the place look beautiful…All the “day before” tasks. Also all the creative elements and final tweaks.
Pray for energy, strength and joy - Kerith will be buzzing!

Thank God for a great technical rehearsal last night, and for such willingness to serve amongst that team of gifted volunteers.

Please also remember to keep praying for Numbers…each person booking in is an individual known to God and loved by Him..we don’t want anyone to miss out!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's another "Moment" from Exposition (to make you laugh!)

MOMENT OF MADNESS

I have had many “moments” in my life; some of great joy; some of such laughter that I feel as if I can’t breathe. Moments of deep sadness; some of huge regret; some when I know shame and some when I know I have been a fool.
But recently I experienced what I can only describe as a”Moment of Madness!”
This is not the “norm” for me as I rarely act on impulse and try and make decisions based of rational thought processes. Somehow or other I think the part of my brain which normally aims for a sensible decision must have been on holiday.

For some time I have been very aware that I am beginning to look like my mother. Trust me, this is not a good look Each morning for the last 6 months I have looked in the mirror and talked to my “mother” just letting the mirror image know that apart from radical cosmetic surgery I would just need to adjust and accept this new truth and hope that one day I just wouldn’t notice .

Well a couple of weeks ago, for some reason unknown to man nor beast I made a decision, (it was truly a Moment of Madness) one I can give no coherent explanation for and one I have never made before, I decided to dye my hair . I am naturally grey and have been for some years and at times I have given myself a wee blonde rinse but that day I had a mental blip and bought a hair colour called Mahogany. The head of hair on the box was a deep, deep red; she looked fantastic; hair all thick and wavy and falling on her shoulders. Oh yes, this was my “Moment “. I was going to leave behind my “mother“and become this gorgeous young thing with a full head of hair in this amazing colour.

It was truly a magnificent “Moment” when I finished the process and looked at myself in the mirror. I would have given anything to have my “mother” staring back at me but in fact the mirror shrieked at me “ARGGHH” “Arrgghh”. I shrieked so loudly that the family came running thinking I had fallen down the stairs. I had come face to face with a purple headed woman YIKES! My “Moment of Madness” was staring at me and there I was in all my glory, .not a deep, deep red but a sort of old lady purple/blue rinse !
I am so pleased it is only a 28 day wash in wash out hair colour but for the moment…if you see a woman with a paper bag on her head. Be kind to her.
Irene Mooney

2 / TWO / Deux More Days!!!

2011-06-29T07:35:00.000+01:00

The Conference is in Safe Hands ?!?!

Praying for Real 29.06.11

Thank you for praying for Real....

‎Last night’s rehearsal was great – the worship on Friday and Saturday is going to be amazing…and you’ll love the performance songs!!!

Helen wrote this late last night “4 1/2 hour rehearsal for REAL 2011. Exhausted but soooo excited for Friday. Amazing to be part of a community with so many talented people giving it back :)”

Specifically today: Please pray for

- Tonight’s Technical Rehearsal…timings, flow, sound, movement off and on the platform…all things techy!

- Relationships, Energy, Strength and Capacity for everyone involved in today’s preparations

- Please also remember to keep praying for Numbers…313 yesterday plus the sponsorship of 2 teenagers

Thank you Much love Catrina x

Life-Changing Moments

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

As we anticipate gathering together at Real on Friday and Saturday, I wanted to whet your appetite for this year's theme: Moments.
Women who are part of Unique's Writing group, Exposition have written some short pieces, sharing significant moments in their lives. Enjoy reading their experiences, and let it lead you to a prayer for yourself - that at Real this weekend, and throughout your life, you'd look for God's grace and love in every moment; and you'd know His help.

Crossroads

As my beautiful, sweet-smelling, perfect son was placed into my arms, a flood of emotions coursed through me…..bliss, excitement, apprehension plus a feeling of wholeness.

Only a few hours later, this joyous occasion was ripped apart on hearing these words:
“There was an accident and Betsy and William were killed”…

Disbelief, horror, sheer panic and a swift realisation that life will NEVER be the same again. Two precious and dearly loved children, one of them our God-daughter.

Whilst lying awake in the unfamiliar surroundings that night, the silence engulfed me but inside I was screaming……how could this be happening? I glanced across at the innocent face sleeping so peacefully next to me… did I dare to love him? I heard the echo of these devastating words:
“God has taken my boy but he has sent one for you to love…..look after him”

At that moment, I was acutely aware that I stood before a crossroads….Do I risk falling in love with this unique individual but at the same time expose myself to the possibility of utter despair if God chooses to take him from me?
Fear and confusion washed over me, but gradually I began to sense the love of my Father God who heard those cries of anguish and stilled the screaming voices inside my head. I turned towards my son and as I lifted him into my arms, I was filled with an unconditional love for this precious gift from God. A deep, all-consuming passion, coupled with a supernatural determination to support my friends, whose world had been totally shattered on that unforgettable day.
Suzanne Whitton – April 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Praying for Real 28.06.11

Thank you for praying for Real....

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” Eph 6 v 18

Specifically today: Please pray for

Tonight’s Rehearsal…dancer, singers, musicians, light and sound team

Teenage Girls to sign up ( we are offering them the chance to come for “whatever they can afford” if they are paying for themselves. Also encouraging parents, friends, mentors and others to sponsor teenage girls)

Really excited to see that Mums are bringing daughters; also for the Life girls who are already booked into their first Christian Women’s’ Conference – let’s pray they know God speaking to them and us inspiring them!

Please also remember to keep praying for Numbers…they are still coming in, and we are now over 300, but more please!

Much love Catrina x

Teenage Girls Welcome at Real!

2011-06-27T09:07:00.000+01:00

Thank you for praying for Real....wow we're in the final week now, can't wait for Friday!

Sue and I loved meeting lots of women at Kerith on Sunday (did you like the daisies?)
- really great to see lots more names added to the list! We're now over 300, and believing God for many more to book in this week.
It was so encouraging to hear of people booking friends in; of a teenage son buying a ticket for his mum; of a mum buying a ticket for her daughter.

Is there someone else you could invite, and perhaps pay for?
I'm particularly thinking of the teenage girls.
Do you have a teenage daughter, niece, friend or neighbour? Is there a girl in the Church you could pay for? Or could you pay for a sponsored place?

Teenage girls: if you want to come,and are planning to pay for yourself and you don't have the finances, then please come and see Debbie at reception, me or Sue and we will offer you a special discount rate of "whatever you can afford!!" We just really want you to be there.

Thank you fall or praying...it works!
Let's keep going this week.

My friend Karen write me a really encouraging email with thoughts and prayers for Real.
Would you join us today in praying Karen's prayer for Real?
"Today I am praying that in this last week there will be incredible harmony and peace for you and all your team. I am praying for strength, both spiritual and physical, for you, Liz and Rachel and I am praying that the Holy Spirit will move in the lives of all the women thinking about coming and encourage them to register. I am praying that right up to the moment the doors close on Saturday night we will keep Jesus at the centre of everything. Amen"

Specifically today:
Please pray for our Albanian friends, Donika, Rudina and Ilir, who all have important visa application appointments today. They had initially been refused visas to travel to the UK for the Real Conference, so have submitted more paperwork and will find out today if they are successful - please pray t5hat they will still be able to come and join us!

Precious Message in Clay Pots

2011-06-24T11:13:00.000+01:00

"We carry this precious message around

in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives" 2 Cor 4 v 7

Working on my Talks for Real today (now that I have a shiny, new, coffee-free keyboard!)
It's a privilege to spend the time thinking, praying, studying, reflecting and focussing on God's Word.

Praying for Real 24.06.11

^{Please pray for the whole team today..everyone involved in planning, preparing, serving and hosting Real}

⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

⁹ Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection,^[e] and take delight in honouring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.^[f] ¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ¹³ When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12

Please also remember to keep praying for Numbers…they are still coming in, but more please!

Thank you for your prayers x

Moments

2011-06-23T06:27:00.001+01:00

"Every moment is an opportunity. There is a choice in every moment. A choice to do good, to do what’s right, to think the right thing, to act on something correctly, to speak to someone (or not), to act in a loving manner or gracious manner. Moments are opportunities to get closer to Him and impact my own life and the lives of those around me. We can choose to grasp each moment and make the best of it or let that moment pass by and not be anything special."

These words from a friend's blog were the catalyst that the Holy Spirit used and developed in me for this year's Real theme : Moments

Please join us in praying that Real will be an incredibly significant moment, and series of moments for all the women coming.

Our God is Greater

2011-06-22T06:56:00.000+01:00

Last night I went to the Top Secret practice for the Real Opener - it's going to be such a brilliant start to the conference - can't wait! (make sure you are there early on the Friday, as we'll need to shut the doors and won't be able to let women in whilst it's on)

At the same time in Kerith there was a meeting about the Rocknations event; the Parenting Course; and the Act For Justice group were meeting and praying against Human Trafficking! So glad to be part of a Church that showed just on one Tuesday evening that it's so committed to teenagers, to families, to justice. Praise God that he moves people's hearts to stand in the gap, to pray, to act, to serve and sacrifice for others.

This is a brilliant faith-building song! Our God is Greater by Chris Tomlin.."and if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?.and if our God is with us, then what can stand against?."

Thank you for continuing to pray for Real

22.06.11 Please pray for our events organiser, Sue Ranger, her team, Jo and Debbie, and all the Volunteers that will serve before and during Real.

If you’ve ever organised a wedding or a big party or event you’ll understand something of what this team has been doing for months, and what they will get done in the next 10 days and over the conference itself! Sue’s heart is to bless each individual woman coming to Real – to really enhance her experience of being at the conference so that she will get the most out of it, and be most able to receive from God.

Pray for health, protection, joy as they serve.
Pray for strength and Holy Spirit anointing on ALL the plans and preparations.
Please also remember to keep praying for Numbers…more please!

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement yesterday

We prayed for the Worship Band and Tech team…as they practiced the Opener and all the worship sets and performance items. Last night I had the privilege of watching a rehearsal, and it was fantastic - the sound look and feel was such a high quality. Really excited to be opening the conference in such a way! I was also humbled by the whole team’s desire to work together using their gifts and keep going until they were happy with it.

Magnanimous

2011-06-21T06:31:00.000+01:00

‎'Magnanimous' - the new Kerith Worship CD shipped off to be printed yesterday! Sounding amazing - pick up your free copy at REAL 2011 or Kerith Community Church on 3rd July.
Well done to Helen and Dave Cottee, and the whole team - can't wait to hear it...and to see it in the women's hands at Real!

Praying for Real 21.06.11
Please pray for the Conference Speakers
"Faith is willingness to look foolish. For fear of looking foolish many have missed their biggest moments."
Pray that we as speakers (myself, Rachel and Liz) would be bold in following the Holy Spirit’s promptings – we don’t want to miss the moments!

Pray for our preparations; for our delivery; and for our health. Please pray protection. Pray for Rachel as she is ministering in the US right now, and flies into the UK on the Friday that Real starts!

Please also pray for

Numbers…more please!
Worship Band and Tech team…as they practice the Opener and all the worship sets and performance items
Much love
Catrina x

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement yesterday
This verse was sent in by Karen as an encouragement for us to keep Jesus at the centre of all we do
Jude 1:20 (The Message)
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the centre of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Fathers

2011-06-20T10:07:00.000+01:00

Another great day in Church yesterday! Loved the fun games - so glad I don't have to eat chillis whilst holding weights outstretched!! It was so good to hear Lee's and Ken's stories about what it means to be a man in the 21st century. What wonderful leaders, men of integrity, willing to take risks for the sake of following Jesus. Simon took us to David's story, and challenged us to consider and then let go of things we are "holding" or "wearing" that other people have placed on us, and replace them with what God wants for us.
I read an article this weekend in The Guardian, all about Fathers It was incredibly moving - some for all the right reasons, but many people were articulating their life long struggle to please their dad, or to receive his love. If you do read it, be prepared for the tears to come.
I'm so grateful for my Dad and my experience of being a daughter - I've known unconditional love (even when I returned home at 4am in his car...and he was waiting in his pyjamas at the end of the garden for me!). My own children also have a fantastic experience of being fathered by Simon, who takes his responsibilities as a dad seriously, who accepts them as individuals, loves them unconditionally and totally believes in them.
I'm in awe of people "doing life well" when they have not had that experience of being fathered well, and I'm totally in awe of our God who can heal those pains and help them to still live with joy and love. Michael Ross Watson's story, shared in the latest Link magazine would bear that out - it's only God who can restore us.
We're praying for Real this week, please join us daily by praying for all those who will be attending; and for all the planning and preparations to come together.
With the sun shining on this Monday morning,God bless you today x

Caroline's Story

2011-06-18T06:22:00.000+01:00

"Last year I attended the Real conference; this was a turning point in my relationship with God." Let your faith rise as you read Caroline's story. Believe in His power, love and concern for your life and for your circumstances too - He is able!

My story

This time last year I was in a really bad place. Although I had a wonderful

family and loving, supportive husband my hearts desire was to have a child. We

had been trying for a baby for three years and I had been diagnosed with

polycystic ovary syndrome.  After an operation and countless rounds of failed

medication the doctors told me that my last options were to have a further

operation which may not be successful and to be put on the waiting list for IVF.

We were told that we would have one treatment on the NHS and that we had around

a 30% chance of falling pregnant. True to my husbands character, he stayed

positive, whilst I felt helpless, and depressed. I didn't like the person I had

become as I began to feel resentful and shut myself away. I would avoid friends

who were pregnant or who had young children as I felt that they felt

uncomfortable around me, and although I am ashamed to admit it, it was also to

do with self preservation. As well as this painful issue in my life, my husband

and I were also in debt and this of course was an added pressure.

I have always had faith in God since I was a child  although at times i chose to

go my own way and felt that i had detached myself from him. I started attending

the kerith church around this time with my close friend Ruth and through

her, met her brother Andy Jackson who supported us to begin managing our

finances. We have already paid the majority of our debt off and only have a year

left until we are debt free! Meeting the Jacksons truly was a blessing for both

of us!!

Last year I attended the Real conference; this was a turning point in my

relationship with God. I attended a workshop on the power of positive thinking

and started to put some of the strategies I learnt into place. I also read a

story written by a women who had gone through a similar situation to myself and

this really helped me emotionally. I came to realise that i was not in control

of my life but that God loved me and had  a plan for me. I wrote down

encouraging verses from the bible and wrote them on post it notes. One verse

really stood out ' knock and the door will opened ask and it shall be given'. I

asked god to grant me the serenity to accept the fact that we may not have a

child and that i needed his support and put him in the driving seat of my life.

From that point on I felt more positive and as though God had lifted my heavy

burden. My attitude started to change and I focussed on my relationship with

god. I felt that God was with me and that he was putting songs into my heart;

even songs from my childhood:

I cast all my cares upon you,

I lay all of my burdens down at your feet and any time I don't know what to do,

I will cast all my cares upon you.

Here I am a year later celebrating the birth of our first child, Luke David

Parker. I went for my pre op at the end of august, my operation was for the

following week. At the appointment they told me that my operation had to be

cancelled and i would have to wait. We conceived that Saturday without any

medical intervention! Luke truly is a gift from God! I thank all my friends at

the kerith for their support and to God for an answer to prayer. He makes all

things beautiful in his time.

Caroline Parker

@catrinabenham, 17/06/2011 22:39

2011-06-17T22:40:00.001+01:00

Catrina Benham (@catrinabenham)
17/06/2011 22:39
2 weeks ago Zambia, last Friday at Retreat , today am home and in only 2 weeks time it's REAL!!! Can't wait - excitement is rising!

Prayers for Real

2011-06-17T09:54:00.000+01:00

We've had a great couple of evenings praying at Kerith. Really enthusiastic pray-ers and the presence of God made for memorable and significant evenings.

I'd so appreciate your prayers over the next 2 weeks on the run up to Real - for the Conference, the Team and the Guests

Here are my prayer requests for Real (based around Isaiah 55)
Great expectancy in the (thirsty) Guests - all those already booked in, and more to book in please!
"Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water!" v 1

The Team to be open to the Holy Spirit prompting us - in the planning; on our feet during the conference; at every opportunity (from the Platform, in the coffee queues etc)
"I don't think the way you think, The way you work isn't the way I work" v 8

Pray for Rachel, Liz and me as we prepare to speak and share God's Word - that we hear from Him and that we "get out of the way"!
" Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them" v 11

Life changing God-encounters for every single woman that comes to Real
.."You'll be led into a whole and complete life...no more thistles ..no more thrornbushes but stately pines - Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God." v 12-13

Your prayers are precious and powerful - thank you x

We Lift Up Our Eyes

2011-06-16T06:53:00.000+01:00

Praying together last night was so good! Great to be together as Church, pray for the Gift Day; for Serenje; for Real. Great to share time and prayers with others. Great to take communion together. Great to start by worshipping - and with much of my focus recently on "doing" and "details" I really needed that encouragement to "lift up my eyes" .

To look at Christ, and who I am in Him.

To focus on Jesus, and the Cross.

It won't take long - just a moment - but take some time today to lift up your eyes, off your own circumstances, off the busyness, and onto Jesus

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

You, oh Lord, have made a way
The great divide You heal
For when our hearts were far away
Your love went further still
Yes, your love goes further still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life

He Loves Us

2011-06-15T06:47:00.000+01:00

Do you know that when God thinks of you He has kind and loving thoughts towards you?

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8 v 38-39 (NLT)

Prayer

2011-06-14T06:29:00.000+01:00

“When you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” - Matthew 6:5-6 (The Message)

It's Prayer meetings this week at Kerith - a great chance for the church to gather together, share communion and pray. Prayer's a funny thing - so votal to our Christian lives, so essential to growing our relationship with Jesus and yet...it rarely feels easy...its sometimes hard to keep praying. That's one of the great advantages of coming to pray with others.

But we need to pray. I need to pray - for the Holy Spirit to help me be more like Jesus; for my family, friends, relationships; for my work and for our Church and all the people and ministries that are encompassed in that 6 letter word! I need to find that space and time to pray, so that the focus shifts from me to god...and I begin to sense His grace.

Real has, of course been in my prayers...and the fantastic women who have booked in have been in my prayers...but with only 17 days to go, I'm praying more!!! I want all our plans to come together .I really want loads of women to come, and for God to speak through us and make the conference such a significant, momorable and life-changing moment for all the women.

So I'm personally praying at home and also as I walk the dog and walk to work :)
But we'll also be taking a short time at this week's prayer meetings to pray for Real - so if you are able to join us, that would be just great as TOGETHER we ask for God's blessing, guidance and help.

REAL Women's Conference ..coming soon!

2011-06-13T06:30:00.005+01:00

So will YOU be joining the 229 women currently booked into Real this year?

We're planning, aiming and praying for 500 women, and I would love YOU to be part of that beautiful crowd of women of all ages - all stage of life, each woman unique. Last year we had over 100 book in to Real during the week before the conference...it blesses all our planning (and cake buying) if we know the numbers a bit earlier, so if you've been meaning to go online and book your place, please don't hold back and wait for that final week! Name check here, for woman no. 250...and woman no. ...300...350 etc!

Please don't let finance hold you back. Some women are paying extra in sponsorships so that YOU can come - they believe in you! Please just speak to me or Sue Ranger; or pop a note on the registration form at the Kerith reception. We don't want anything to be a barrier to you coming. Get thinking about childcare now too! Perhaps talk to a family member or good friend - you could help them out now, and ask them to help you out in July.I know we can be creative and find a way...us women are like that!

19 Days to Go!

2011-06-11T20:52:00.000+01:00

So it's LESS THAN THREE WEEKS UNTIL THE REAL CONFERENCE! I'm so excited - I can't wait to see all those women gathered, expectant and eager for all that God has in store for them as they choose to put themselves in God's path for a (long) moment! The team are working hard and doing a magnificent job in creating what will be a wonderful experience for us all.

We still have space for more women to come and join us, so
- If you "keep meaning to buy your ticket" please do that NOW ..or tomorrow at Church!
- Tell your friends and family, colleagues and neighbours, your Facebook friends - let's invite all women and not keep it just for ourselves. Many women will come with a personal invitation and the offer of pairing up with a friend so they don't have to come on their own.
- Please do pray over these next three weeks - for all the practical details and for God's heart and voice to be heard - for Real to be a truly significant time for each and every woman.

By the way, have you seen the countdown on the Kerith website ?

Favourite Serenje Images

2011-06-10T08:06:00.000+01:00

Some of my favourite Serenje images

Extraordinary Women

2011-06-09T06:38:00.000+01:00

Loveness, Beauty, Charity and Leah
Four extraordinary women who are truly living out Micah 6

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humblywith your God.

Old Friends New Friends

2011-06-07T19:14:00.000+01:00

I am my sister's keeper Gen 4 v 9

TOGETHER

Serenje Hospital Operating Theatre

2011-06-07T05:46:00.000+01:00

We were very excited to see the Operating Theatre equipment that recently arrived in a container from the UK organised by "Dr Howard". It is all working and ready for use. One of the incubators was in use later that day, caring for a premature baby!

Love Your Neighbour

2011-06-06T10:16:00.000+01:00

Volunteers Gladys and Hilda opening their penpal letters from Kerith women. They received them with such joy!

Gladys Mucosha is 33 years old. She is a Volunteer in the Chilisha district of Serenje. Her husband Bernard is a volunteer in Kashitu (travelling the 23km on a bike or on the back of Ian's motorbike) They have 5 children aged between 7 and 15. Gladys is a business lady; she has a market stall; she grows maize; together they are building a house in Kamwala Compound.In addition she has 5 clients and visits them every 2 weeks, supporting them and the children in the households.

This is the love of God in action.

^"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’^{Matthew 22:27-28}

Serenje

2011-06-05T07:18:00.000+01:00

We are safely home in the UK after a wonderful trip to Serenje.The team was fantastic - so enthusiastic and full of energy, questions and interest. We visited schools and communities, and talked to lots of different people. We met new friends and reconnected with old friends. It was great to hear the good reports of families growing enough food to feed their children three meals a day; and to see the goats and kids; and the tall maize in the fields.

We truly saw love in action through the sacrifice and hard work of the Volunteers, Pastors, Ian and Leah.

This week I'll be posting some pictures and thoughts.

"How precious is your unfailing love, Oh God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."
Psalm 36:7

Serenje - Day Six (Thursday)

2011-06-02T22:22:00.000+01:00

Today was a very full final day in Serenje. Highlights today included:

Visiting Mwansankano community including singing and dancing
Visiting the District Commissioner
Going to the Pastor's Fellowship
Attending a meeting of the Education Committee
A meal at Bishop Kasele's house
Seeing the operating theatre equipment :-)

It's been a fantastic day!

Catrina

Serenje - Day Five (Wednesday)

2011-06-01T21:06:00.000+01:00

Another wonderful day - the longest journey today into the countryside towards the hills in Kashitu. Great to visit the school which has partnered with Crowthorne Church of England School, so Ruth (the deputy head at Crowthorne) was very excited to visit and meet the headteacher. We observed lessons and enjoyed listening to the choir.

However, THE highlight of the day was brave Zoe being presented with a huge chicken! I was so proud of her (and glad it wasn't me!).

Time is flying. Tomorrow we visit a community, see the District Commissioner, and very excitingly go to the clinic to see all the medical equipment which has been sent through Howard Reece-Smith.

More fish and rice later tonight. Now we have a meeting with Ian and Leah to debrief.

Simon.