Inspire Churches Together Day

I have to say we as a family had a wonderful time at the last Inspire Churches Together Day. The day was very well organised with plenty for all ages to choose from. We started the day with a picnic, with coffee and tea being served which gave us all plenty of time to re connect or meet new people before the schedule began. Then followed a fantastic worship session - led by the marvellous band from Molesey Community Church ! I remember looking around and just seeing colour and faces and dancing and joy. As a mum of two I was especially touched to see my children unabashedly joining in with the children from the other churches- waving their flags and ribbons with real gusto! Filling us all with God's spirit and love.

This led us perfectly into a prayer session for all the churches present. I especially liked hearing about where all the churches in the Inspire network are in their walk, How there churches are growing, how prayers have been answered or the challenges they face and the prayers and support they need. Its a privilege to be able to pray for them and encourage them all - however large or small!

There were two seminars which each lasted an hour and I have to say I loved the one I attended. James Treasure of Chawn Hill Church spoke on Can I make the Bible mean anything I want it to? It was wonderful – I could have stayed there all day listening to him! The other option was Steve Hollinghurst of the Church Army who spoke on Evangelism in a Post Christian Society. During this time there were kids activities planned, the inflatables came out and yet again all ages were well looked after and entertained.

We then all came back together for another worship session that was, dare I say, even better than the first- with a real sense of family and togetherness. Followed by an insightful and as always funny and thought provoking talk by Steve Clifford on Church – Hope for the Nations. A beautiful 'Banqueting table' was prepared with donations of bread, cakes etc from all the churches and together we shared a communion. All this was finished off with a BBQ - delicious!

All in all a wonderful time spent together sharing and celebrating God's love as a wider church family. A big Thank You to all involved for organising such a full and smooth flowing day. Looking forward to the next one!