Recently I’ve been enjoying a song entitled All Things New http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb1h4nxyVtU . I love the opening lines – Peace be still, You are near, There’s nowhere we can go, That you won’t shine redemption’s light. They form a response to the deep security God offers us and as I was thinking of you all I had a sense of Him speaking that security into our hearts today. 

I think God is leading many of us into a new place with Him. As we go forward He is asking us again to bring all that has been, the success, happiness and achievements as well as the challenges, pain and regret and He is making all things new. Isaiah 43:18 says For I am about to do something new, see I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. I believe this is true for our hearts, our lives and our city and as we find our rest in Him, He is doing something new, something only He can do and it is good!

And then we have plenty more dates for you to remember:-

This Sunday – Open House is at James and Claire Prestwich’s house – if you want a lift then be at the TLC building by 7pm and you will be ferried over for a lovely evening chez Prestwich.

Saturday 11 February is our next Globe Event for all international students – bring and share food from your home country and enjoy fun and friendship together. 7:30pm at the TLC building.

Sunday 12 February we have our next lunch for all 18-25s at the TLC building after the second service and Open House will be back at the intern house at 7pm.

Sunday 26 February – Guest Service – a great opportunity to invite/cajole/drag your friends to church!

And last but not least 23-25 March – COMEAWAY2012 – this is our opportunity to have a fabulous weekend away together. I unashamedly want to persuade you all to join us for many reasons – we will eat great food, we will laugh a lot, we will build strong friendships but beyond that I believe God is going to meet with everyone of us and we will come home changed, more whole and full of his life – this is why I hope you can come away.

So for now be very blessed by your Father who loves you and we hope to see you this Sunday at Moat,

With my love

Joy x

This week I had the opportunity to speak with a  woman I trust. As we spoke, she said very simply “it’s time for you to let go of everything… and then see what God gives you back”. I don’t know about you but my initial response to ‘letting go’ of things is rarely unbridled enthusiasm and delight. “But”, she went on to say, “it won’t be nothing, it will probably be something bigger than you have at the moment”.

You see sometimes we know God is asking us to lay things down and we can focus on what we are giving up, imagining in its place an empty miserable space. But this is not our Father’s heart. Yes following Jesus requires complete surrender, and yes that can sometimes feel painful, but why does he ask this of us? So he can give us something bigger. So he can pour his love, his life, His spirit into the space. Jesus laid down his life, he endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2) and if you sense God asking you to let go of things right now I would like to encourage you that there is joy ahead – let’s see what God gives you back.

And following that theme I am sure you have all been told at least 20 times that this Sunday is Big Picture Sunday. As a church we will lay everything down at his feet with thankful hearts. And in that place we will look up and see more of what he is giving us – it will be bigger than we currently have and it will be good.

And after that we will eat lunch together at the TLC building – Tony and I are really looking forward to spending time with you.

And after that (!) the interns are hosting Open House again from 7pm. Last week was a really good time and you are very welcome to come and enjoy a very relaxed and friendly evening.

And this week on Wednesday 25 Jan – M68 (for men) and Unveiled (for ladies) will be meeting 7:30pm at the TLC building. We had some really good times together last term, it will be great to go deeper with God together again.

And then deeper with God again at The Room for all 13-25s. 7pm at TLC – we have fun, we eat cakes and we meet with God – it really is a gooooooood evening!

I don’t think you’re going to take in any more dates so I shall finish there – see you Sunday as we bring all that we have to the altar, let’s do it together.

With love

Joy x

I love the account of Jonathan and his armour bearer. In a time where the leader was losing confidence, the people were discouraged and the troops were not being led, Jonathan steps forward. “Let’s have a go and let’s step out and attack the enemy and see what might happen if we do the unexpected!”  Some would say a reckless step that could have cost his life, but I am inspired that his one step of faith led to an amazing breakthrough.

So what happened when he took a step of faith? – The enemies were defeated, the undecided were brought in and the prodigals came home. Jonathan took a step of faith and a victory was won.

For us at TLC, we are in a somewhat different position. There is strong leadership, there is encouragement and faith around and we start the year in a healthy position. And yet as I see the plight of the United Kingdom and the need in our own city, there is still a voice in me, like Jonathan, that says, let’s step out and believe to another level – “perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf”. Could this be the year when God sweeps through Leicester with his holiness and glory? Could this be the year when thousands are saved, many are healed and set free and the name of Jesus is honoured and lifted up. – I pray so and I pray that in TLC we will have such a pioneer spirit and take big faith steps this year.

There is one more character in the story I must mention – the armour bearer, who when faced with possible death and danger said “Go ahead I am with you heart and soul”. Susan and I will lead with integrity and walk forward in faith to be all we are called to be as a church and may the cry of your heart be: “Go ahead -we are with you heart and soul”

BIG PICTURE SUNDAY – 22^nd January – 9.30am and 11.15am at Moat
Once a year we pause and celebrate Big Picture Sunday. We say thank you for the last 12 months, express our gratitude for where we are and look forward with faith to be everything He wants us to be. Please do all you can to be with us and why not bring a friend to celebrate with us?

Job Opportunity
We are recruiting for a new post with Open Hands providing maternity cover for the Operations manager. – For salary information and an application form please contact katie.bruce@trinitylifechurch.org.uk

Small groups
Alongside all our fantastic life groups there are a number of courses about to start – could one of them be right for you?

• Journeys – a look at the Christian faith – starts 20^th Jan
• Bible life – This time we will be studying the Jewish background to the New Testament including some contrasts of Greek and Hebrew thinking and how this has affected our approach to the Bible – begins 23^rd Jan for 3 weeks
• Freedom in Christ – learn to live the life that God intends for you – begins 13^th February
• Our marriage matters – helping every married couple strengthen their relationship – begins 22^nd Feb
• CAP money course – a three session course to help you manage your money – begins 3^rd Feb

To register –  email judith.kemp@trinitylifechurch.org.uk or visit the information Point on Sundays.

The Queen – I was blessed by the Queen’s speech on Christmas day – here are a few of her words:-

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

‘For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.

God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.

In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:
O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin
And enter in.
Be born in us today.

It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.
Amen – God bless the Queen – The best is ahead

David Hind

I’m tapping away on my laptop sat next to a shiny new exercise bike – a Christmas present to increase the Brooks fitness levels. So far I love using it – I love the display telling me how far I’ve cycled, how long it’s taken and how many calories I’ve zapped. The novelty factor hasn’t worn off, but I’m fairly sure, in a few weeks, my fascination with the digital display will fade and it will take discipline and determination to keep going.

And this is true of most things that are good for us. Last Sunday, Susan spoke about one of TLC’s core values – that we are a church that loves the Bible (if you missed it you can listen online  http://www.trinitylifechurch.org.uk/messages/) The German philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote “The existence of the bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced”.  The bible itself says All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Tim 3 v 16). We can start a new year with great enthusiasm for the latest bible reading programme but it takes discipline to keep going past February. There is, however, HUGE value in staying the course – God will speak to us, He will show us His love in so many ways and we will be changed by Him as we give our time to reading His words each day.

And as many of you are returning to Leicester, the new term is starting and the small groups, events and gatherings at TLC are getting into full swing again – there are so many I could list but here are the specially selected highlights:-

Thurs 12 Jan – Globe Event, 7:30pm @ the TLC building – this time it’s all about chocolate, a great evening of friendship and fun for all international students – invite your friends, eat and enjoy!

Sun 15 Jan – Open House – 7-9pm @ the Intern House – This term we will be making a home available to you every Sunday evening (unless it’s The Room) to connect, have fun and share life together. It will be a great way to get to know more people and I’m sure there will also be something to eat!

Sunday 22 Jan – BIG PICTURE SUNDAY – a deeply significant day for TLC. Together we will bring every area of the church before God as we thank Him for what has been and look forward to what He will do in the future. We are each an important a part of this and we hope you will be there for this time of dedication and celebration. Afterwards there is lunch for all 18-25s up at the TLC building.

Wed 25 Jan – Unveiled/M68 – 7:30pm @ the TLC building – our monthly women’s and men’s gatherings – a chance to go deeper with God and inspire each other on the journey – all welcome.

That’s probably enough for now, for those of you returning to Leicester, have fun packing, travel safely and we are very much looking forward to seeing you again,

With love

Joy x

The King of Kings speaks too. At the start of 2012, it is good to restate one important element of our TLC culture:

WE LOVE HIS WORD

We serve a speaking God. “Man shall not live on bread alone”, said Jesus, “but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” The phrase used here talks of a continual stream of communication.

The Bible message of salvation and forgiveness is what brought me to Jesus in my teens, and the Bible has continued to be the basis of my beliefs and my way of life ever since. I love the Bible.

Here is what a few TLC-ers had to say about it:

“a source of comfort, a means of guidance and a powerful weapon”

“ to me, a love letter from my Daddy, giving me advice and direction, filled with grace and mercy”

“a blueprint for life in the real world”

“God’s inspired, living word to humankind…profitable for everyone, regardless of nationality, intellect or social standing and, if believed, will transform your life and give you hope for the life that is now and for eternity”

What do YOU say? Do you love His Word?

Can I challenge you to join many of us here at TLC and decide to aim to read the Bible every day of 2012 and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through it?

www.youversion.com has many reading plans and downloadable translations, or you may prefer to ask us for a printed Bible in a Year plan.

All I really want to say, is that I hope you all have a wonderful time over the next couple of weeks. Whether your Christmas reaches the perfection of a Disney fairytale or whether there are challenges for you, my prayer is that you have some rest, fun, fantastic food and that, along the way, you find your understanding and experience of Jesus growing and becoming deeper.  In his gospel, John writes The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. Jesus came into a world that had grown dark and bought true light for all who would receive it. Today, he is still bringing that light to each one of us and, if any part of the world around you seems dark right now, I pray you will encounter the true light that only He can bring to your heart.

So no more emails from me this year. We can look back on a great term together, with so much to be thankful for. 2012 is right around the corner and we are looking forward to seeing many of you return in January.

But for now, may you be blessed, may you eat much turkey (or nut roast), may you be an encouragement to everyone around you and may you enjoy the remainder of 2011. And as a special gift from me here is a link to a beautiful version of a beautiful song  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR77X3hV4F0 enjoy!

With love

Joy x

For me, 2011 has been a very good year – a year of learning and consolidation alongside some stretching and blessing. I am grateful to be alive and also to have so much hope as I look to the New Year.

So I thought I would write a few reminiscences…here are 10 moments and memories from my 2011:

A fight with a sailing boat – We had the privilege of 10 days inAntigua in January– sun, sand, tropical climate and my first go at sailing. After an extensive 30 minute lesson (!), I was let me loose to sail the ocean. The first day, the sea was calm and I loved it. The second day, on a choppy sea and at speeds faster than was recommended, I capsized my boat, fell through the sail and had to be rescued by a speed boat in the ocean – as I returned back to the shore, people lined up to watch, and Susan pretended not to know me.

Losing a friend – In January, Ruth Bussell, my friend, went to heaven. On most Thursdays we had spoken and prayed on the phone at 7.00am since we moved toLeicester. For nearly 25 years she was an encouragement to me, she prayed for me and she spurred me on to be all God had called me to be. I miss her.

Proud of my boys – In 2011 my youngest son, Thomas, was 21. Its official:  I am no longer young. Paul wrote”I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” 3 John 1:4. Samuel is at University in Southampton, and Tom is at University inLeicester. They are both unique, godly, compassionate men and I could not be more proud of them.

A bit of history – In 1953TrinityLifeChurch was pioneered by Alwyne Pearson and in November we flew him and his wife Mima fromScotland to say thank you – it was a very special morning. Now in their 80’s we listened to our history as a church and honoured our roots.

Father’s love – Susan and I went to an amazing conference inWatford in February.I have been a Christian now for 26 years but I learnt so much about God the Father’s love for me – this continues to change us both.

Compassion – Open Hands, our compassion charity continues to impact my life. We have been able to offer love and support to hundreds of broken people and it has been a privilege – as I write it seems we are about to sign a contract to extend our premises and be in a position to love and serve more people.

Susan – I have an amazing wife. We get to work together, dream together and live our lives together for Jesus. To do life with your closest friend is an honour I am so grateful for. She is a great leader, an inspirational teacher, a compassionate person, wonderful mother, and lovely.

Home – When we first moved to Leicester, living in the city was a challenge for me. It was a great house but often very noisy and because of the pace of my life, I prayed for a restful place to return to. We moved to the outskirts of Leicester and now the view from my garden of the 18^th tee at my golf course, the huge lime tree and the peace I find here continue to be a gift from God to me.

Kenya – Another trip to Africa and the chance to make a difference through Change One – our new child sponsorship scheme linked to theAllNationsAcademy inNairobi,Kenya. The need is great but we can all change one life at a time.

TLC – Since Sept 2007, TLC has become a huge part of my life. God has blessed us and we are in a strong position as we enter 2012. At our Nations Day, we recently celebrated around 53 different nationalities in TLC and I am so grateful for the developing vision of men and women of all ages and backgrounds walking together. We are one of many great churches inLeicester and I know exciting days are ahead. In 2012 we will continue to develop our culture as a church and Love God, Love his word, Love people, Love his mission and Love our church.

 And now onwards – we get the chance to live lives devoted to Him and reach a city with the greatest message there is – Christ came to reach sinners and by grace give us a second chance and lead us into the life he planned.

My promise to you as a church is that I will continue to walk with Him, humble myself and boldly lead us into all the Father has for us. Thank you for running with us.

I pray you have an amazing Christmas time and a blessed 2012

The best is ahead

David

David Hind

TrinityLifeChurch

david.hind@trinitylifechurch.org.uk

This Sunday – it is very unlikely that you are unaware of Christmas in 60 Minutes – many of you are giving your time to making it happen and we are very grateful to you all for stewarding, performing, carparking, techie-ing etc. You are almost certainly aware that the production times are 4pm and 6:30pm @ Moat and that it will be a very high quality production and that it will make an impact on every single person that you bring along – but just in case it had slipped your mind I thought it best to remind you! There is also a service at 10:30am at the TLC building whilst final preparations take place for a fantastic time at Moat.

And to finish off a great term we have our 1825s Christmas Ball – EAT COMPETE MOVE YOUR FEET which is at 7:30pm this Wednesday 14 December. It will be a wonderful evening and we would like everyone to be included. We need to finalise numbers at the weekend so please email me asap if you need to reserve your ticket. If you are still deciding let me make that decision for you – YES you would LOVE to come!!

And then we will be waving goodbye to many of you for a few weeks, and our prayer is that you will have a fantastic Christmas holiday. We also know that some of you will be carrying pain at this time of year and, if that is you, then our thoughts and prayers are with you. For those of you who are unable to go home and be with family we are thinking of you too.

And I realise that some of you are reading this message and you do not yet know this saviour Jesus whose birth we are celebrating, whose birth is always good news that will bring great joy to all people (Luke 2v10). May I urge you, to take a moment this Christmas to ask Him to show Himself to you. This baby who was born so many years ago was born because there is a God who loves you. This is the most important thing I could ever write to you about and my heartfelt prayer is that, if you have not already done so, you will open your heart and encounter His love this Christmas.

May you be blessed, with all my love

Joy x

There isn’t the luxury of thinking of one thing at once- big things, hopes and dreams for the future, decisions and forward thinking mingle with practical tasks,  family Christmas plans; special events, etc, etc…it’s easy to get on the treadmill and then fall off it in a heap on Boxing Day!

The challenge is on in our city to “keep on speaking and not be silent”- He has many people here.

My simple encouragement to us today is: BE STRONG! I was reading the other day a message by a pastor who has the world’s strongest man in his church- this hulk of a guy bench presses 1,150 pounds, and his wife 405- that’s one strong couple! As he put it: “My guess is,their children are not picked on a lot…it would be weird if they were scrawny!”

I read this amazing verse last week:

“They did not conquer the land with their own swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was YOUR right hand and strong arm, and the blinding light from YOUR  face that helped them,

FOR YOU LOVED THEM.”

Psalm 44:3

Our God has a right hand to bless, a strong arm to save and conquer, a face shining with powerful presence and, best of all, this God loves us! his hand, his arm, his face and his heart are with us. We have the strongest Dad in the world, and we share his DNA, so let’s be strong.

In the end, it is not our own strength that will accomplish anything, it is the “working of HIS mighty strength” (Ephesians 1:19).

Keep going and be encouraged.

Your friend,

Susan x

p.s. I had the party I spoke of in my last blog- it was wonderful. 17 neighbours, 5 or so other friends, a great atmosphere and relationships strengthened. Now I am praying over the invitations to the Christmas events- save my street, Father.

For most of us, the next few weeks will probably feel pretty busy. Essay deadlines and exams jostling with Christmas events and parties. Frantically finishing a presentation whilst trying to find the perfect soap for great Aunt Maud is not always the perfect way to remember the “true meaning” of Christmas. When we do stop to breathe we can wonder what it is all about. One of my favourite songs at the moment says this:

For the honour of the father who reaches out to us, that we might live inside his love he gave his only son.

For the honour of the saviour, let the cross be lifted high, the great exchange of love and grace came down to give us life.

For the honour of the spirit whose power lives in us, that we might see much greater things as we embrace your love.

For the honour of your kingdom whose reign will never end we’ll give our lives in sacrifice until you come again.

We all have commitments, work and other pressures but this is what it is all for – His honour. As Colossians 3 says Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

And when you do pause for a moment you could do worse than listen to this song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiI0xHAonxY

After that you will be ready to take note of these diary dates!

This Sunday – As well as our usual wonderful services we have Messy Cafe for all women @6pm. This is a brilliant opportunity to bring your friends to an evening of craft, cakes and more!

Thursday 1 December 7:30pm @ the TLC building – Globe Christmas Event – we are going to have a fantastic taste of an English Christmas – for all international students to enjoy – let your international friends know.

Sunday 4 December David and Susan are asking everyone to try to be at the morning services as they present some developments at TLC. You can then enjoy Jordan and Sarah’s cooking at the TLC building after the second service followed by The Room @ 7pm – the last one this year – come and make a bit of space for God to meet with you.

Sunday 11 December – Christmas in 60 minutes – 4pm and 6:30pm @ Moat – this presentation will be of the highest quality, your friends will be impacted as you pray and invite them to come along.

And of course Wednesday 14 December – our Christmas Ball – Eat Compete Move Your Feet – this cannot fail to be a lot of fun as we eat amazing food and celebrate the end of a great term together. We would LOVE to see you there. Tickets £10 – available on Sunday.

I think that’s it for now, see you soon,

with love, Joy x