"Come, for everything is now ready" Luke 14:17: Reflecting on the Invitation of Christmas

"16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’"

There's something special about receiving a well-crafted personal invitation, whether for a wedding, a special party, or a good offer of a night out. When we are invited, we communicate worth, value, and honour. It says to the person, 'I was thinking of you.'

As I was reflecting on the parable of the banquet, the verse from Luke 14:16 struck me as a picture of God's value for all of His creation. In this story, He has prepared a banquet that is now ready for people to be invited in.

Now, never mind that many who were invited made excuses. The reality is that they were still invited and could eat at the table if they wanted to. The point I want to make when reflecting on this verse is that everything was now ready. There was something to invite people to.

A feast had been made.

A table had been laid.

A party had been organised, and the invites were out.

The only thing left to do was for the servants to go out and invite people in.

As we look towards Christmas, we find ourselves in that place. A celebration (Christmas) has been organised. The table has been laid for reflecting on Advent and celebrating Jesus' birth. Some parties have been organised (Beer and Carols, Christmas Parties, Carol Services and Nativity).

All that's left is the invite.

So, as servants of Jesus, who do you want to invite to the party this Christmas? One of the joys of having our over-18s event, Beer & Carols, at Tiempo Lounge this year is that you can also invite friends and neighbours out to dinner before the event.

The beauty of a carol service is that many will come freely into a church to celebrate Christmas if invited.

The beauty of a Christmas party is that many people come through the doors to experience the Christmas cheer.

They just need inviting.

So again, how about we extend the table this Christmas? Who can we invite through the doors? Who can we take to dinner and let them into our world where they might see a great banquet of the Kingdom laid before them?

'Come, for everything is now ready'.

Take a challenge over this week to reach out to someone you know who does not yet know Jesus and invite them along. It can be as simple as 'Hey, my church has a really fun Christmas event on. We love it, and it really helps us get into the Christmas spirit. If you're free, would you like to come along with me?’

Most people are waiting to be invited. The worst they can do is say no. The best thing is that they take you up on your invite, and you might just get to share their story as we make God's glorious table of grace available.

Think and pray and then ask.

Much love to you all as you get ready for Christmas,
Julian

Deeper - Words Revealed in Prayer

Every term, three times a year, we invite the church together for a 'whole church' prayer meeting. Each time is like coming for air as we ask God to breathe life into the plans laid on our hearts. We usually take time to sit and listen. Without fail, it seems like the Lord is ready to speak, nudge and prompt us as we stumble our way forward into His plans and purposes for our lives and the church.

In this new academic year, we sense the Lord calling us deeper—deeper as a church, deeper in relationship and connection, and deeper in community. This journey is not one we take alone, but one where each of us plays a vital role, prodding around in some uncomfortable ways as we allow ourselves to walk tightly in step with the Holy Spirit. It's impossible to have a lasting impact if we don't have depth in our faith, and your role in this is crucial.

And so, many people began to pray and share what God was showing them; here is a snapshot of those words and pictures from our time in prayer together. We ask that you continue to bring these things before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to help you put words into action as we go deeper.

Follow

Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men; closeness to Jesus comes first. As we follow Jesus, He will make us into something. Let us walk closer and go deeper.

Ice cream

A chain of people bringing hope and joy to the borough. I see an ice cream van and a chain of hundreds of people who are the church, and they are passing the ice cream down the chain of people to those who have nothing.

Fortune cookie

The excitement and accessibility of the faith that comes with knowing that God is not a fortune cookie. Unlike a fortune cookie, it’s not a guess but something that will come to pass. What has God said? What do we need to remind ourselves of?

Aslan

Stop, think, give, Aslan. Make giving accessible. Make it easy to give as we support them. If we all sacrificed a cup of coffee and offered that in support, it would amount. How can we offer deeper support?

Lion

Boldness and purpose, no-nonsense, true and deep, stand out like a lion. We are called to be a lion, fierce, beautiful and bold.

Keep it real

God doesn’t want us to pretend to be happy all the time. He wants honesty and realness. Be honest in our relationship with Him.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on things above, be like Jesus and do His work - Be: Jesus, he reveals his character and heart as gentle. Do: Seek and save the lost, and remember what it is really about.

Relationship

Deepening relationships with the Father so that we can deepen with others and with those we serve.

Creativity

There is ingenuity within us - how we outwork things is creative in many ways and God wants to use this.

Dig

Digging wells deeper from those who have gone before. The deeper we dig the fresher the water.

Eagle

A picture of an eagle flying back to the nest feeding the young - bring lost souls back to the nest to feed.

Skyscrapers

They require deep foundations and are tall, seen landmarks. As we go deeper, it is in preparation to build skyscrapers of faith.

Excavator

Large industrial excavator coming towards us - God says he’s got some serious digging to do!

Cavern

A deep cavern full of people singing with a beautiful echo. Sometimes, there are cracks from the surface down to a cave, and through these cracks, the music in this deep place is seeping out, and people are noticing.

Consistency

The deep walk towards Jesus is like weight training- don’t give up too soon, keep going and maintain the course.

Bite

A bite out of an apple, God's goodness is plentiful fruit. The community work is also like a plentiful fruit, God has so many good things for our community.

Viking Ship

On the side of a Viking ship, the timber overlaps and connects and is watertight. We need tight connections with each other. Deeper connections will keep the sheep watertight.

Spread

An image of ice spreading and connecting, Holy Spirit spread through our church.

Partner

Partnership - working together with each other, the community, etc. learning from and with one another.

Connect

A deeper connection is to the Lord's Church, of which we are a part. It’s not just us, it's all of us together!

Courage

As the community develops, we will need the courage to fight for fairness and justice.

Forward

The picture of the hole left behind encourages us to move forward. We cannot go back. The past is past. Let us move forward.

Sunset

There is a sunset below a dark cloud over Sutton. There is often so much more than we can see. Hope is on the horizon, and below that cloud, light is breaking through.

These are some of the words the Lord began to stir in people's hearts. Let me encourage you to pick one or two and begin bringing them to God regularly in prayer. Ask him to reveal more to you and show you how to put these things into action as we look to go deeper as a church.

What would happen if we all began exploring the depths of these words? 

I can't wait to see what God does in and through your life!

Much love,

Julian.

Vision: Deeper as Church Family

The Lord has been giving me a recurring picture recently, that of a tapestry. A multi coloured, textured and obscenely beautiful illustration, admired by the weaver. 

The coloured, glittery stitched front is in stark contrast to the tangled mess at the back. 

The tangle of thread at the back is a story behind the image at the front. 

The tangled mess of our own pain, loneliness and grief is testament to the beauty of Jesus. 

Church family in connection, prayer, support and love is a weave of relationship, trust, integrity, honesty and forgiveness. Being stuck in at church, turning up each Sunday, contributing as part of our serving teams, sharing our lives in Small Groups and submitting our finances to God as King, is the backstory to our relationships with Jesus and each other. 

It isn’t always easy, we may not always feel like turning up or serving on Sunday but it matters to the tapestry. You matter to the tapestry of Sutton Vineyard. This autumn, let's commit to sharing our lives with one another, being honest about where we are at, growing trust in others as family and having so much fun whilst doing so. The back may be an intricate web of stories, prayer, healing, joy and sorrow but the front will be a beautiful picture of Sutton Vineyard extending the table. Can’t wait for it!

Vision: Deeper in Community

Well, this is very exciting to be writing my first Spotlight article as the new Community Pastor for Sutton Vineyard!

I’m so excited to be starting my new role and for all that God has for us as a church as we journey into this next chapter together. In the Vineyard we often use the word compassion to illustrate the kind of Christians we want to be. In the Vineyard Values book it describes compassion as ‘a motivation of the heart that gets your hands dirty’. I love this!

When we serve the poor and marginalised, we are indeed serving Christ himself. In this next season I’ll be looking for lots of opportunities for us as a Church to dive deeper into our compassion ministries and get our hands dirty!

As we head into the colder months, we know our support in, to and for our local community is needed more than ever. Providing warm and welcoming spaces for those who live locally to chat and connect is an absolute privilege and as a Church we delight in extending the table and building relationships in our mid week ministries. With Warm Welcome on Monday, Wendy House toddler group on a Wednesday, Lighthouse on a Thursday and soon to be launching Grace Advocacy on a Tuesday, we have so many opportunities for us as a church to connect and go deeper in serving our community.

Whether you are praying for these ministries or serving in one of the teams, the chance to welcome individuals and families from our community into our wider church family is a privilege for us all.

Let’s be a Church who seeks to welcome and serve the least, the lost, the near and the far off in all that we do! 

A small way in which we can show God’s love in this season is by donating food items as we partner with Sutton Community Works and the Food Bank. Our food bank trolley remains available each Sunday for you to donate items. Please see the up to date list here. We are soon to be launching a new initiative with our Mini and Big Kids so look out for this too and at the beginning of October we’ll be collecting for their Harvest appeal. Could you and your family be extra mindful of others when you shop for food in the coming weeks? 

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Interested in extending the table in our local community?

If you would like to know more about our community ministries or even thinking that you could spare some hours in the week to join one of the team get in touch with me at community@suttonvineyard.org

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Vision: Deeper in Kids Ministry

At Sutton Vineyard, we are firm believers in the fact that children should get to do ‘the stuff’ just as much as grown ups. We believe that God wants to have a deep and meaningful relationship with them and that they are never too young to start being Jesus’ hands and feet. Therefore, as we’re looking at ‘going deeper’ as a church family, this applies to our under 11s as much as anyone else.

For our Big and Mini Kids, there are three main areas in which our children have the opportunity to deepen their relationships, knowledge and faith:

Going Deeper at Church

While our kids are at church on a Sunday, our Kids Team are constantly working to make our children’s ministry a loving and welcoming space in which our kids can learn and build relationships. The church family is such an important part of the Christian journey and we’re seeing our kids develop deep and significant relationships with their peers which are spilling out of the Sunday morning setting. The consistent age groups they are in allow them to build on these friendships week on week and they are becoming a community of people who can support, love, encourage and trust each other as they develop and learn. 

Additionally, the topic of invitation is a focus in Kids several times a year, and our children are becoming more and more confident in inviting their friends from outside of church to our special events and services. The more our kids practise invitation, the deeper their confidence and boldness will be to share their faith and the more people they will see coming to Jesus. Our kids are putting the Great Commission into action!

Going Deeper at Home

As a church, we follow the Orange Philosophy, as we understand the church and the home need to work together in the faith development of our children in order to have the biggest impact. Parents and carers play the most significant role in the faith journey of a child and as a church, we want to support parents as they raise their children to love and follow Jesus.

Our termly family prayer trails give parents and carers creative and varied ways to pray with their kids and provide a dedicated space to connect with God as a family. The majority of our children have at least one parent or carer involved in the Kids team at church.

The significance and value of this should not be understated and this bridge between homelife and churchlife can give parents a deeper insight into their child’s faith, as well as giving them stepping stones of topics, activities and techniques they can use at home to help their children get to know God and the Bible on a deeper level.

We now have a Whatsapp Community group for parents and carers where we will send ideas of conversation starters and activities linked to our Kids sessions which you can do at home with your kids, further strengthening the link between home and church.

Going Deeper with God

Of course, our ultimate goal is for our children to experience the love of God in a deep and personal way. In Big and Mini Kids, we worship, pray and study the Bible in ways that are accessible and relevant to our children’s ages and stages.

We know our children are capable of connecting with God, experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit and having a real relationship with Jesus but we also know that we have to introduce these things to them in a way that is comprehensible, interesting and usually lots of fun! Silly actions to a song are actually an introduction to worshipping God with our whole bodies; a frantic race to find a Bible passage is the start of developing a strong understanding of God’s Word; and a beautifully crafted picture or gift for a family member is step towards becoming someone who is compassionate and caring and shares the love of Jesus in all aspects of their lives. Our kids are all on their own journeys with God and it is a privilege and a joy to support them and encourage them as they go deeper and deeper into the plans our Father has for them. 

If you’d like any more information on how to help your child go deeper with God or want to know more about our children’s ministry, feel free to email kids@suttonvineyard.org.

Vision: Deeper in Youth

Somebody once said, "I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words."

Everybody has an opinion on the state of our society and the challenges that face our young people. Some are optimistic, some are pessimistic, and some fall somewhere in between. It's important to remember that not everyone expects the worst. What if we refuse to believe the worst in today's youth but instead call them towards God's best for their lives? 

The above quote is actually from Hesiod, an 8th-century BCE Greek poet.  Even Greek poets who lived 2,700 years ago struggled to understand best how to nurture the rising generations. You may perhaps already know that the majority of Jesus' 12 disciples are thought to have been teenagers. The youngest was most likely John, sitting somewhere in his early teens. Jesus takes these young people and radically transforms the world, establishes his church and uses them to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

What if we began to believe and expect that our young people can be used in similar ways? What if we shifted from the ancient old hat narrative of 'no hope for young people', to 'God can use them in a mighty and dynamic way'? 

Our young people have the ability to engage in their faith, rely on the Holy Spirit and see God move in extraordinary ways. The same Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead, that is at work in our lives, is also available to our teenagers. At DTI our young people engaged in worship, prayed for and had words for one another - many of them encountered Jesus in new ways and were filled with the Holy Spirit. We want to make sure there are opportunities across the year for them to be encouraged to continue to go deeper in their faith and relationship with God. It is important that we don’t wait for a couple of big events each year, but that their faith is continually an active part of their lives!

Let's begin to get excited about their futures and expect the kind of depth that comes from walking closely with the Lord. They might surprise us all with the way in which God can use them in His Kingdom. 

In this next season, we want to take time to reset the table, empower our youth leaders and engage our young people on a deeper level, helping them thrive in their faith. Our young people are not the ‘church of tomorrow’ but are very much a part of the church today, they can encounter God in the same ways that adults can, and can (and do!) hear from God and minister to others. We are so excited for all that God will continue to do through our young people!

Vision: Deeper in Church

On Sunday, we discussed going deeper, individually and as a church. After the service, someone in the church shared a story that resonated with our discussion. They knew of an Australian cattle rancher with around 1 million acres of land as a ranch. It speaks to the creative ways the herders manage their cattle and the importance of our church community in our individual and collective spiritual growth.

Imagine the monumental task of herding animals across the vast and rugged expanse of the Australian outback, spanning a staggering 1 million acres. The sheer size of this land makes traditional physical fences impractical, if not impossible. Yet, the ranchers have ingeniously overcome this challenge with an innovative and relational approach.

They focus on water sources, not just as a means of sustenance for the cattle but as a tool to foster a unique and profound bond between them and their herds. These water sources are deep wells that capture rain and tap into the water from below the ground. This bond, more than any physical barrier, guides the herd's direction and ensures their thriving.

In Matthew 3:2, we find one of the first things Jesus preaches: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Repent means to 'turn around', essentially changing your mind. We change direction and walk solidly towards Jesus, much like the Australian cattle travelling towards their watering holes and not wandering into the wilderness of the borderless outback.

We believe deeply that the Lord has called us to extend the table of the Kingdom of God to the least, the lost, the near and the far-off. The kingdom of God is not something we are 'in' or 'out' of. As Jesus said, it is something that is at hand and near. Most importantly, it is extended to everybody and can be walked towards. This change of direction means we can journey towards Jesus and encounter His glorious kingdom as we go deeper in our faith.

Jesus calls us to change our direction and move towards the wells and rain catches of substantial faith. We hope to see a direction of travel that moves us ever closer and ever deeper to Jesus.

So, what does going deeper look like for you?

It may be time to cultivate a deeper prayer life.

You may need to go deeper in understanding your faith and theology, and our new theology course is a pathway to explore.

You may often receive prophetic prompting from the Lord, and it's time to be bolder in listening and responding to the Holy Spirit's leading.

We often take simple spiritual practices for granted, but what would the church look like if we all doubled down on our acts of worship, reflection, and prayer?

What might we discover about God and ourselves as we go deeper? What refreshing might come if we travel towards the well and allow the Lord to refill us?

Just as cattle instinctively seek water, people naturally seek Jesus when they recognise their spiritual thirst. As a church, it is for all of us to go deeper with Jesus, but is also the role of the church is to provide access to that living water.

Let's go deeper personally, but let's go deeper together. Deeper in church, deeper in community and deeper in our connection to others, making Jesus the centre well we draw upon.

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We’re excited to be starting Vineyard Theological Training at Sutton Vineyard, a brand new series of filmed modules created to help train and equip you in the riches of the Bible and the Kingdom of God. Our first series starts on Tuesday 17th September!

Sign up to our Vineyard Theological Training course here

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Reflection: Post Sabbatical Musings

I landed back in the office a couple of weeks ago and in some ways, it feels like I haven’t left! To mark the occasion, I made the staff team a snazzy presentation of my time on sabbatical sharing photos and memories. Although unable to share that with you all, I will share some things I have learned, benefitted from and grown in over the fourteen weeks I was away from my role here. 

Jason and Bev, our wonderful founding pastors, have an interest in the Enneagram (it’s more than a personality test!) and how who we are, how we are built and other bits of our character are reflected in our journey with Jesus. I am privileged in that I have had time to explore the type of person I am and how this intermingles in my daily work as a pastor, but I hadn’t taken time to consider how this also impacts me in my rest. 

I typically thrive on action, am highly efficient and value doing things well. My sabbatical (and time with my Spiritual Director) has allowed me the space to explore what resting well looks like for me. How, as a more introverted person, spending time just with myself is refreshing to my soul. It’s not necessarily productive, nor efficient in the immediate sense, but it fills the well within my soul. Having the opportunity to potter at home, plug into my headphones at the gym and take time on public transport gazing out of the window refreshed something in me which I didn’t realise needed hydrating. 

Spending time with my Bible, re-reading the same passages has added to that flow of water. Musing on a verse or two for a whole week, allowing my thoughts to escape to places with Jesus that in the noise of normality would not have been possible, has allowed my heart and soul to take a significant pause. Psalm 19:7-10 has been one of the passages I have found new depths in each time I visited. 

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.

Even now, I read these words and am struck by their magnitude. I am vastly aware that it is a huge privilege to have had fourteen weeks to change my rhythm and have the opportunity to be spontaneous, but even in this next season I am going to focus on revisiting passages again and again. Lectio Divina is a great way to do this with structure, but as someone who thrives on structure, I’m going to try and focus on going with the flow a little more when reading and digesting scripture. Using passages like this as a springboard for creativity with the Lord. Having no agenda, other than to hear His words. 

Alongside time with Jesus, studying, coffees with friends and their beautiful babies, holidays, the gym and much more, I’ve also visited other churches to see what church looks like to other communities. I have loved seeing the Vineyard expression in other boroughs, experiencing new ways of worshipping and encountering the Holy Spirit with strangers. Along with very practical ideas that I can bring back with me from these Sundays, in me has been an affirmation of the beauty and necessity of the local church. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and experiencing something new but came away each Sunday with a greater appreciation and love for the group of people who make up Sutton Vineyard. I love the journey we have been on together, the new things and the things of the past. I am privileged to have been invited on journeys with old friends and new. I am proud of how we come together for weddings and funerals, for parties and for picnics. I am especially in awe of our wonderful staff team and leaders for how they love Jesus and love people. 

The Lord is doing something very special in our church and I am privileged to be a part of it with you all. The last seven years have been a wonderful journey and I am refreshed, renewed and expectant for the next seven to come as a family and community at  Sutton Vineyard. 

Do come and speak to me to learn more about the Enneagram or about Spiritual Direction - I’d love to chat.

Reflection: Celebrating Imperfect Abundance

While summer seems to have only just begun, our little home garden is already bursting with a mini-harvest of juicy strawberries, plump peas, and garlic. Surrounded by this early harvest, I can't help but also notice the abundance of unripe fruits and vegetables waiting their turn. This, along with my little helper Judah who is usually more focused on "eating" than "picking" our little harvests, reminds me of the beautiful truth in Ecclesiastes 3:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

This verse speaks volumes about life, even echoed in our gardens. Just as there's a time for planting and a time for harvest, there are seasons of joy and sorrow, celebration and loss, all coexisting within our Christian community.

Our garden, like life, can be unpredictable. Some plants fall victim to mischievous squirrels, while others wilt under the harsh sun. Yet, amidst these setbacks, we see beautiful flowers and the promise of future harvests. It's a humbling reminder that even with our best efforts, things don't always go according to plan. The weather, like life's unforeseen challenges, throws us curveballs.

However, the harvest, like our faith journey, isn't defined by its imperfections. The sweet strawberries we enjoy are a testament to the life-giving power of both sunshine and rain. Just as some plants struggle, we can also sometimes stumble on our faith journey. Our efforts don't always yield the fruit we envision.

But like a farmer who sows seeds despite the uncertainty of the weather, we must keep planting seeds of faith. We nurture our spiritual growth through prayer, scripture, and being led by the Holy Spirit. Even though we are imperfect, God works through us. It always reassures me that God works through me, but also sometimes in spite of me too! Jesus says to his disciples:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear

much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing...” (John 15:5)

It is only because of God that we get to be fruitful, but we get to play our part!

So, let us celebrate the journey of growing closer to Jesus, being guided by the Holy Spirit, and finding gratitude in the fruits of our lives. For in all seasons, God's constant provision sustains us.

Reflection: Walking Together

A Psalm of David

1  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23, a profoundly comforting scripture, assures us that we journey through life under God's loving guidance. 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.

'I always wonder why the Lord doesn't remove us from 'the valley'. Instead, he provides comfort and guidance rather than removal from difficulty. I often find myself wishing he would lead us out of the valleys; however, it is more usual that he walks us through them.

The Psalm ends with 'surely goodness and love will follow me'. There is a promise of hope, having walked through dark valleys, a radiant road before us as we navigate the shadowed paths of life. And in that knowledge, we can have peace and confidence that the Lord has his hand in our lives.

As we step into June, the summer months call to us. With longer daylight hours, we often feel a surge of energy and time. This summer, let's seize the opportunity to walk alongside one another. Whether you're in a valley or on a spiritual and emotional peak, we all experience life's highs and lows in different seasons. Psalm 23 reminds us that we are not alone, and we can find tremendous encouragement in journeying together through these ups and downs.

So, as summer is upon us, are there some people you can walk alongside? This month is an excellent opportunity to fire up the BBQ and invite some people who may need some encouragement. Walk with a few people you've met on Sunday to try and connect more. Maybe look to drop a few messages of encouragement to the people in your Small Group. One of the greatest strengths of the Christian community is our opportunity to bond and do life together.

You don't need to be in difficulty reaching out and building some deeper friendships, but as we reach those valleys, you'll be glad you're inviting people of faith to walk alongside you.

So, as we walk into June, reach out more, connect with others, know you are under the covering of the Lord, and use that to encourage those around you.

I am praying the Lord's best over you this June.

Much love to you all,

Julian

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Discover more from Sutton Vineyard

Reflections on our First Year as Senior Pastors

Celebrating Jon!

On Sunday, we spent some time celebrating Jon’s 10 years of service! If you missed it and would like to see it, you can view it below:

We are grateful for Jon’s dedication and commitment to Sutton Vineyard for the past 10 years! Much of what Jon does is unseen but vital for us as a community to thrive and grow. He serves the staff, team, and church with diligence and love. Jon, we love and appreciate you so much!

If you would like us to pass any messages on to Jon or missed the opportunity to contribute to the gift we gave him, please let us know, and we will facilitate this for you. 

Our First Year

A year ago, we stood before you, filled with a nervous excitement as we became part of Sutton Vineyard to become your Senior Pastors. It feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. This past year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and deepening connection with this wonderful church family.

Taking on this new position wasn't simply a change in job or role. It was a step into a new chapter, not just for us, but for our entire congregation. Change can be daunting, but we are so incredibly grateful for your trust in us, and your openness and willingness to walk this path together, it has truly inspired us! We have told many people over this year that the success of transition has as much to do with how a church receives the new pastor(s) as it does the incoming leader(s). We have felt so much love and welcome from Sutton Vineyard, and are so grateful for all of you! 

As we have been reflecting, a few key themes emerge from this first year:

Jesus at the Centre

The consistent thread that we see throughout Sutton Vineyard is the heart of every person to keep Jesus at the centre of all that we do. Through prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit, we together, as a church family, encounter the beautiful intimacy with God that we can experience through our faith in Jesus.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17

Building Relationships

The core of any thriving church is its community. This year, a priority for us has been building relationships between members, both old and new. We’ve invested in time together, encouraged small groups, met with wonderful people joining the church, and had opportunities for meeting together through our mens and womens ministries. We’ve had picnics, conferences, and BBQs. It's been a joy to see our relationships grow and flourish, from heartfelt conversations over coffee to shared laughter at various social gatherings.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:35

Extending the Table

Every church needs a shared vision of what it aspires to be. As the year has unfolded, we have seen the call of God to ‘extend the table to the least, the lost, the near and far off’. All that we do, to reach people and to grow as people of faith is centred around our purpose and our values. We are so excited to see where God leads us in this over the coming years!

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Matthew 28:19-20

Embracing Challenges

It will come as no surprise to many of you when I say that ministry isn't without its challenges. We've faced difficult discussions, moments of disagreement, and times of grief. However, we feel privileged and grateful to be entrusted by God to share these moments and lead through them with you. All challenges can be opportunities for growth and they can strengthen us. Sutton Vineyard is a caring and compassionate community.  

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

We all get to play!

We cannot lead the church successfully without you! This year, we've had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team of staff members, volunteers, trustees and leaders. Their dedication, expertise, and sheer passion for our mission are invaluable. Together, we shoulder the responsibilities, celebrate the successes, and tackle the challenges that come with leading a thriving church. We’re so grateful for all of you!

But you [all] will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8

This first year has been a beautiful and humbling experience. We've learned more than we ever imagined, not just about leadership but also about the strength and compassion of our congregation. Your unwavering support, your willingness to embrace us, and your active participation in shaping Sutton Vineyard continue to inspire us.

Looking ahead, we’re brimming with excitement for what's to come. Together, we will continue to build relationships, refine our vision, embrace challenges, and collaborate wholeheartedly. There will be bumps in the road, of course, but I have no doubt that with our unwavering faith and commitment to one another, we will continue to grow and thrive as a church family.

As we embark on this new year together, let us remember the words from Philippians 1:6: 

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." 

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey with you, we’re so excited for the future together!

Celebration Sunday!

We also wanted to let you know that on Sunday 21st July, we'll come together for a Celebration Sunday to celebrate all we've accomplished this past year as a church family. We'll acknowledge the incredible dedication of our Sunday and midweek volunteers, and express our deepest gratitude to those who give so generously.

The service itself will be filled with joy, thanksgiving and celebration, followed by a delicious Hog Roast feast! Get ready for an afternoon of fellowship, games, laughter, and fun. This is a celebration for everyone – a chance to connect, relax, and enjoy being part of this amazing community. We can't wait to see you there!

All our love,
Libby and Julian x

Reflections | Sabbatical & Looking Back

I remember the feeling well, as a newly qualified teacher each time a term came to a close. The exhaustion, the limited brain space and the longing for a break. I also remember the worry (just over seven years ago) of moving out of a familiar rhythm of primary school, secondary school, university and teaching where life was lived in 6 week chunks. I was worried about the lack of regular holidays and change in lifestyle moving into pastoral ministry. 

Now I, and many pastors too, face a different challenge. Working, worshipping, friendship, family and ministry all rolled into one beautifully adventurous, chaotic, exciting and sometimes taxing life working for our church. 

As I write this, I remember the new 23 year old pastor sitting in the office across the corridor trying to make sense of what a life working in ministry is about. What it should look like. How I should create healthy divides between work and home. 

In reality, the last 7 years have seen magnificent highs and some sorrowful lows. I have seen my own children born into a big welcoming family, arriving early and leaving late every Sunday. I have experienced journeying with families grieving, individuals celebrating and all the other bits in between. I have had 3 sets of different, but equally as special, Senior Pastors. It has been, and will continue to be, one of the biggest privileges I could imagine. 

However, in the midst of the rollercoaster ride, rest and recuperation are not only important, but vital, in pastoral ministry. In the privilege of walking with people in their highs and lows comes your own emotional journey too. No wonder we are told right at the beginning of scripture, in Genesis 2, how God set a precedent for rest…

‘God finished the work he was doing, so on the seventh day he rested from his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day. He made it special because on that day he rested from all the work he did while creating the world.’ 

(Genesis 2:2-3 ERV)

I am blessed and encouraged that Julian and Libby, along with our trustees, have encouraged me and enabled me to take a 3 month sabbatical starting in mid April. Rest will be on the agenda, as well as fun, a change in rhythm and an opportunity for new things to spring in my life, the life of my family and the life of our church. Stepping back in sabbatical gives others the chance to step into new spaces - it gently challenges the status quo. Sabbatical also allows for me to visit other churches, get a feel for their ministries and bring back to Sutton Vineyard ideas sculpted and shaped by the Lord. For me during this sabbatical, I feel the spiritual and emotional need for quiet. For God to do new things, headspace in nature, opportunities for spontaneity and a restful soul are necessary. We read in Psalm 62…

‘Truly my soul finds rest in God;

    my salvation comes from him.

    Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

    my hope comes from him. 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.’

(Psalm 62:1, 5-6 NIV)

I pray that you, too, can find pockets of rest in your upcoming months. As winter turns to spring and summer, I pray for opportunities for the Lord to do new things in you, plant in you new dreams, resurrect buried ones and speak joy into your souls. I pray that you feel the fortress of the Lord surrounding you, protecting you and rooting you in Him. 

I will be around most Sundays during my sabbatical, enjoying worshipping with you all and still serving once a month on our Kids’ ministry. Several wonderful leaders will be stepping in to cover my responsibilities and Julian and Libby will be on hand for any questions in my absence. 

I leave with you the gift of a song that has spoken to me on my journey towards my sabbatical - may it refresh your soul as it has done mine. 

With love,

Hannah 

Reflections | Easter, Renewal & Hope

“Easter gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our values and beliefs”

Easter, for me, isn’t just about chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a chocolate Easter egg, but it is also a time that holds a deeper meaning—one of renewal, hope, and reflection. As I take a moment to think about what Easter really means to me, I realise it's also more than just a religious holiday; it’s a time to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

Growing up, Easter was always a fun time filled with family gatherings, days out together and Easter egg hunts. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the spiritual significance behind the holiday more and more. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments there’s always a glimmer of hope, a chance for a fresh start. The disciples, as they watched Jesus on the cross, would have felt that all was lost, that it was all over. Yet the reality of Easter is the truth that from that dark moment came the most powerful new beginning for us all! Hope invaded earth, in the middle of darkness. 

One of the things I love most about Easter is the idea of renewal. The timing of Easter coincides with Spring, which feels like nature’s way of hitting the reset button. As I’m sat writing this reflection I can see the daffodils in my garden blooming, and the plants that were sleeping over winter coming back to life! Just as the flowers start to bloom and the days get longer Easter reminds us that we too can shed our old habits and embrace new beginnings. It’s a time to let go of past mistakes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. In many ways, Jesus hit the ultimate reset button for each of us, the old order of things passed away and the new has come – the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate victory!

Easter is also a time of introspection. It’s a chance to take a step back and think about what truly matters in life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that are most important. But Easter gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our values and beliefs.

This Easter, take some time in the presence of Jesus, and allow Him to refresh you and be reminded of all that He has done in your life. 

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of Easter is the message of hope it brings.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, when we turn on the news and see darkness and fear across our world, Easter reminds us that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s still reason to believe that things will get better. It’s a message of resilience, strength and an unbreakable love that I find incredibly comforting, especially during challenging times.

As I sit here reflecting on Easter, I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for the incredible reality of the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection for us, for the beauty of nature, for the love and support of my family and friends, and for the opportunity to experience life in all its ups and downs. Easter is a time to count my blessings and to remember just how fortunate I am to be alive, and to know and love Jesus. 

Easter is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. It’s a time to be reminded of the truth of Easter, embrace new beginnings, to reconnect with what truly matters, and to find comfort in the knowledge that brighter days lie ahead. So as I celebrate Easter this year, I’ll do so with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed sense of optimism for the future.

If you have a spare moment over Easter, why not take a moment to pray and reflect through these three questions:

1. How has your understanding and appreciation of Easter evolved over time, from childhood traditions to a deeper spiritual connection?

2. Reflecting on the themes of renewal and hope discussed in the piece, what specific aspects of your life do you feel inspired to renew or change as you move forward?

3. In what ways do you find yourself connecting with the message of hope in Easter, especially amidst the challenges and uncertainties of the world today?

Reflections | Finding our Strength Renewed

Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

It's unlikely I'll ever be famous for my running ability. Still, I have discovered more ways to run than just physically.

We can run from problems.

Run from responsibility.

Run from fear.

Run from vulnerability. 

We can run from the truth and run from each other. Sometimes, we run in subtle ways, like withholding from honest conversation or refusing to acknowledge our emotions. And, of course, there are many other ways to run from the things we ought to face up to.

As the year began, I sensed the Lord calling us to focus on health. Healthy things grow, but more than that, they have the potential to thrive. 'Even youths grow tired and weary... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength'.

Running, I'm told, contributes towards being healthy.

If we have to run, let's run towards the purpose that God has for us. Let's run towards the responsibility of thriving in our faith and lives. Let's run towards each other in building trust and strength in the family of God.

Let's bring the good news of knowing Jesus to every part of our life. As we run, we must wait on The Lord and renew our strength in Him ⎯that's where the 'health' part comes into play. 

We don't want to do this journey of faith in our strength... we will only tire and burn out, but we want to run having been revitalised in the presence of God.

We will be renewed as we put our hope in Jesus, wait on Him, and consistently realign our hearts and minds with Him.

Libby and I are continually encouraged by how our church walks alongside others. We come to pray, worship, and serve alongside each other; in doing so, we find our strength renewed. 

May you not grow weary, may you not grow tired, but as you seek to extend the table of God's kingdom, may you renew your strength in God's perfect peace.

Much love,

Julian

Discovery: Vision Sunday Reflection

Vision is what could be and what should be. It is the things we begin to see for the future in line with what the Holy Spirit sites within us. 

On Vision Sunday, we were able to share with you what the Lord has been saying to us for the coming year. We are so excited by the things God has laid on our hearts, and we wanted to highlight the key things we shared.

There are many things we are discovering in our corner of the world that could be changed and transformed by the presence and influence of the church and they should be.

We want to give every person, young and old, the opportunity to have their first and next encounter with Jesus. We believe passionately that as we lift up Jesus, He will draw all people to Himself and in doing so, we want to be known as the church for the least, the lost, the near and the far-off.

During our first few months on the ground in Sutton, we began to sense God stirring many of you into a new season of discovery. So many of us are being moved for people in a new way, dreams are welling up within people, and we are embarking on a discovery year to understand how each person might begin and continue to extend the kingdom of God as we bring Jesus to people as the church in Sutton.

Wherever you are at in your faith journey, if you have begun to sense that Sutton Vineyard is your home, we want to invite you to help us build the church and there are 3 vital ways in which you can help. 

Prayer

Prayer is the engine room of the church –or, to use another analogy, it is the body’s lifeblood. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Many years ago, The Lord began to speak to our church about building a dedicated room for prayer. At our Dolphin building on the High Street, we have a place that is given over entirely to praying. We’d love you to help underpin the vision and purpose of our church by committing to regular prayer. This can be in your own time at home or on the way to work, but you could also be one of many people who want to use this space to uphold our aims and objectives as a church in prayer.

We are setting up the prayer room to continually capture all that God is saying and doing in our church and to have them at the forefront of our minds as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Sutton and beyond. 

Finance - Consider in prayer

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports our church financially. No matter how much is given, we don't take anyone for granted. We see these things as an act of worship that also resources the church to reach out to those who need Jesus. We are eternally grateful for those who serve, give, and stand with us. We cannot do this without you!

Each year, we budget with outstanding stewardship, the best way to be an active and vibrant church in Sutton. We need to close some financial gaps to keep going and minister vibrantly and powerfully as a church.

As of September 2023, we currently have a monthly shortfall of £2.5k stopping us break even. But as we begin to mobilise the church to reach the least, the lost, the near and the far off, we don't want to close the gaps, but if possible, gain some momentum as we discover and uncover ways in which we can bring Jesus to our corner of the world.

As we prayerfully consider our approach in opening up more opportunities for our local community to be welcomed in, it will cost us.

With our Youth and Children, we will consider ways to create community touch points. In our compassion projects, we are exploring the next steps to build on the great work already happening. Within local governance, we are networking and discovering ways to bring the church's voice to play its role in the wider community. As we discover these steps with prayer, strategic consideration and fostering new relationships with other churches and local leaders, we know it will come with a cost.

To help get ahead, we don't just want to close the gaps, we want to move our finances to a place that puts wind in our sails. So we desire to see our giving move to £4k extra a month to help move us from a place of maintenance to forward momentum.

The apostle Paul encourages us not to give reactively or under compulsion ⎯but to pray about it. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

You may not be able to give financially, but your support could be standing with us in prayer and with your time. It might be that you've been in a time of waiting, but now could be the time to consider if you are ready to build with us. You might have been faithful with your time, resources and prayer for years, but God might be stirring you afresh.

We want people to do this carefully and prayerfully. Would you help us close the gap? Are you one of 50 people who could give £50? Are you one of 25 who could give £100?

If you are not yet in a place to stand with us financially, we'd love to have you pull along side us in other ways.

Get involved

There are several key ways you can get involved!

• Small groups - Our small groups are a fantastic way to build friendships and delve deeper into what is shared on a Sunday. If you are not yet in a small group, we'd encourage you to chat with our Assistant Pastor Hannah, who will be able to get you connected to a group at a time that is convenient to you!

• Our men's and women's ministries will be themed around discovery, too. They will be fantastic opportunities to have fun, build community and intentionally explore discovery in our own lives.

• Discovery groups - We will be launching several focus groups after Christmas that will focus on different aspects of church and ministry to prayerfully and practically evaluate where we are at now and where God is leading us over the coming years. We recognise these groups might not be for everyone, but we will be providing more information about these in due course. These groups are specifically for those who lead or feel stirred to action in these areas and will encompass different areas of church such as compassion, prayer, worship, evangelism and family.

Whatever season you are in on your journey of faith, we'd encourage you to prayerfully consider how to actively engage in being the church. We each have a role to play, whether directly or indirectly, but our prayer is that we come together as the body of Christ, seeing the church continually move into action to bring Jesus to the least, the lost, the near and the far-off.

May the grace of God be over you in all things.

Julian & Libby Arnold