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.
