Monday 17th June 2024
I am back from Download Festival, lots of muddy clothes are in the wash and I am processing a busy few days. Thank you so much for your prayers, it was an amazing time of 'loitering with intent' and helping guests in a variety of ways. From signposting to the nearest loos, to offering a glass of water after someone was sick, to praying for someone who had just learned their uncle had died; we were there to listen, to pray and to serve. My favourite picture is the one of the enormous double rainbow that appeared over the site, reminding me that God is at work in the lives of all those on site, longing for them to know him more deeply and wanting to bless them.
I hear that you had a great time on Sunday with my friend Revd. Nicki Sudworth presiding at the 9am, Morgen leading at 10:30am and our visitors coming to share about LAMB. If you missed the 10:30 like I did, we can catch up here. This Sunday, we continue at both services with the book of Ruth. Nicki's husband Revd. Tim Sudworth is coming to preach and as he was at Download with me, we may also get some more stories from the festival!
We are also gearing up for our 24/7 Prayer Event on the 12-14 July. Bookings are open now and you can sign up here. There is a guide here if you need any help to sign up and has some FAQs.
Here are come FAQs for the event:
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Can I sign up to pray at home? If you are unable to come to the Prayer Room in person, you of course can pray from home - but let me know in a text/email that you are doing so. This should be the exception rather than the rule as we want as many as possible to experience the room itself and the sense of unity that having a shared space of prayer brings to the community.
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Do I have to book to come to the corporate Morning/Evening/Compline sessions? No, for the corporate events, you can just turn up.
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Can I book the room just for my use? Yes! You can book it exclusively just for yourself - I like to do this so I can sing away to my heart's content!!
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Can I book with a friend? Yes, when you book, if you don't book for exclusive use, other people can book.
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If I book one of the overnight hours, will I be alone in the building? We are planning to have overnight managers in the building so you are not alone, but the door will be kept locked except for the changeover to the next person.
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I find it hard to pray, should I still sign up? There will be all sorts of resources to help you pray in a variety of ways, from creative art, to meditative iconography, to liturgy, to creative prayer stations. In my experience the hour goes very fast and people often regret they haven't signed up for two. As the event goes on - you also need to allow time to read and take in what others have done before you.
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Can I play music? There will be a bluetooth speaker for you to link up with to play music from your phone. If anyone has a CD player - we would love to have one available.
I am so excited for this event and the team are praying for us that we will all encounter God in a deeper way as we take time out to be with him and pray as a community. I highly encourage you to sign up so you don't miss out!
God bless and have a great week!
Ruth