Disciple

The Newsletter of

MCC Manchester

Sunday 18th November 2007

Welcome to this newsletter and to the ministry of MCC Manchester.  If this is your first contact with us, know that you are welcome.  You can take part in our ministry through attending our worship services or mid week meetings, or by using the various resources on our website.  You can keep in touch with us in person, by email, or by text.  It is our prayer that our people grow as committed disciples of the Lord Jesus. 

Today's Service continued the theme “welcome to a feast” looking at episodes in Jesus’ ministry where teaching and encounters happened in the context of a meal.  Philip preached about Zacheaus whose encounter with Jesus led to a life-changing repentance.

 This and That  After worship we are off to the Croma restaurant in Chorlton again.  This is a really nice place with lots of parking.  If you want to come please let Margaret know.  Our Emmaus Group meets next on Thursday 29th November at Gwen and Margaret’s home in Altrincham.  This is a small group meeting together to study and get to know each other.  See them for more details.  If you would like to sing or play an instrument in worship see Neil or Philip – we are always looking for more people to get involved.  The main commitment - other than helping to lead the singing and music in worship – is to be at church for 3pm to rehearse.  Our AGM will be held on Sunday 9^th December at the Sedgley Park Centre.  We will gather there after worship for a meal together, then hold our AGM and Neil will hold a short concert of some songs he has written.  The meal costs £18 (unwaged £10), forms available at the back.  There will be no refreshments after church on that Sunday. 

Thanks.  Thank you for your generosity last  week.    35 people worshipped with us and the collection was £102.  This is on top of the £1500 or so a month that is given directly to our bank account via standing order. 

News from around our global  Fellowship Several Protestant churches in Poland have expressed interest in affiliating with MCC and have scheduled meetings with the Rev Elder Diane Fisher to further explore this option.  MCC North London recently baptized 11 people, nine of whom joined the church.  This very moving service was attended by 125 worshipers.  The Rev Chris Dowd was interviewed by the BBC about his ministry at Journey MCC and the establishment of a new church in Worcester.  An article appeared in the Worcester News and he gave three radio interviews.  The Anglican Bishop of Worcester issued a message of support and tolerance.  A quarter of a million people attended the Pride Parade in Brighton which was blessed by the Rev Debbie Gaston from atop a double decker bus!  Ninety folks from MCC San Diego were given $5 which they were challenged to turn into more, as in the parable that Jesus told. They did and $450 became over $2000!  There were sales of things they had made (food, note cards, etc.), raffles, and money from jobs done by using the $5 for petrol money. Pause for Prayer!  Every Wednesday evening at 8 pm, the folks from MCC Newcastle stop wherever they are to pray for their church.  Did you know... that there are now 22 MCC groups, missions, and churches in Latin America? These MCC churches and groups are located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Andy's Movements this Week  Andy is works from home on Monday morning, takes the service at the police college at lunchtime and is in the office in the afternoon.  He is away on Tuesday and Wednesday, and works from home on Thursday and Friday.