Wednesday, August 20, 2014

New Wine Report - Aug 2014

The summer is flying by at New Wine Mission. The work at the Farmer's Market is still providing many new opportunities for connecting and reconnecting with people I have met through the years. I work two 9 hour shifts on Tuesday and Thursday. I have served local politicians and many long lost friends from days as soccer-dad in the bleachers. Each encounter allows me a chance to update them on family and ministry. I have had several significant lunch break conversations with unfamiliar guests at the market. All three of my co-workers have been connected with New Wine in some way over the years. (Remember it is all about RELATIONSHIPS!) This work is currently helping fill the financial gap in our support in the church budget this spring, but I can see its strategic value as well.

We had a wonderful visit from Bishop Roger Ames this month. We had a dinner in which we shared with him our joys and challenges at New Wine and heard his excitement about new work being done around the diocese. A highlight was to hear how moved he was in participating in the selection of the Anglican Church in North America Archbishop. Archbishop Foley Beach has already stepped into service and recently called us to a season of prayer for the suffering in the Middle-East, especially the persecuted Christians there, some of whom are dying for their beliefs. Roger sees Foley as being the right person, at right moment, for our new Province.

This summer one of our members and I have been led to put together a Sunday afternoon chapel service at her senior apartment complex in Clio. We call it “Roxbury Abbey” and we have been having between 6 and 12 people in attendance. Our hope is to continue through the fall. Peggy will lead an Evening Prayer on weeks that myself or Fr. Pat Self can not administer the sacrament. One resident remarked “I am 93 and people do not realize how hard it is for me to get out. This service is such a blessing to me on Sunday afternoon.” Our emphasis is engaging them in prayer and thanksgiving, and providing a chance for anointing with oil and healing prayer.

Our Monday Cell group has suspended our regular gathering for the Summer and have been gathering for special activities like “Flushing Concerts In the Park”. We are currently thinking about how to reconfigure for the fall and ways we can connect with new people. One of our couples is considering offering a 6 week gathering to talk with couples about how to strengthen their marriages. Again our hopes are to connect with people beyond our fellowship to help them grow closer to each other and the Lord.

Our Wednesday Cell hosted a summer picnic at Taecken's Terrace Apartments where they meet. They have since seen some new people involved in their study on Paul's letter to the Romans. One gentleman lives in the area but not the apartment. This is the kind of expansion we have been hoping and praying for.

Our small music team is very thrilled to add another musician to the mix. Elise, who has come and visited several times over the year, has joined our team adding both her voice and viola to the mix. She just finished her associates degree at Mott Community College and is considering her next move. We are grateful she is willing to contribute her beautiful gifts to the worship experience of our Sunday Celebration.

This fall is a critical period in our ability to continue the work here in Flint. Please pray for significant numerical and spiritual growth this fall.