God with us...

Christmas is not shopping. Christmas is not gifts. It’s not the bearded guy in a red suit. Nor is it the food, drink or any of the festive trimmings. It’s not parties or bonuses or kisses under the mistletoe. Christmas is Immanuel, God with us. It’s love come down. It is light in the darkness. It is peace in the strain and distress. It is rest for the weary, comfort for the hurting, joy in the pain. Christmas is Hope. It’s our only hope. It’s what we’ve been waiting for. It’s not clean or comfortable. It’s not the blissful nativity with warm glowing faces, fluffy straw and a baby “…no crying he makes”. It is the God of the Ages, entering into history. Entering into this fallen world through a teen pregnancy scandal at a time with massive political undertones and giving us a gift, giving us hope, giving us himself … in a most profound and unexpected way.

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Interns Breakfast

Hey. We had our last class of the year last tuesday, well it wasn't quite a class as we went to Morelli's for breakfast. Here is a photo of the crew.
From left to right: Me, Esther, Kathryn, Rach, Matt, Erik (Back), Sarah, Eben and Baby Luca.

Jo and Wayne

Well, I was away in Manchester at the weekend with my family. It was my Dad's 50th Birthday and we decided to go to Old Trafford to see the game. Utd ran out comfortable winners 4-1 against a poor Derby team. We were seated in the Stretford End which was really great. We stood for the whole 90 minutes with the die hard fans as they sang every United song imaginable (including Anti-Scouser songs). The funniest part was after the game when we went round to the players entrance. Jo, my wee sister, sneaked through the crowd of fans to the barrier in order to catch a glimpse of the players. At the sight of Wayne Rooney she starting screaming and Wayne came straight over to her, signed an autograph. Jo was screaming hysterically in his face asking for a photo. I think Wayne was a little scared of her enthusiasm. lol But he happily posed for the photo and we couldn't help but laugh about Jo meeting Wayne the rest of the evening. This is one Scouser we do like! lol

London Calling - Great crack!

I was in London last week visiting friends and visited the Tate Modern. This is a huge crack in the floor of the Tate Modern which has been carved out by hand. This thing runs the full length of the building, which is a few hundred metres at least.

Interesting how many people wander along this crack, me being one of them, and peer down hoping to find something profound. Lol I had to laugh. But it is cool.

Driscoll on Religion

Mark Driscoll on hard and soft religion.

Kathryn Scott's new album

Kathryn has released her first studio album this month. You should check it out! It's great album. I think my favourite song is probably the title track "I belong".

Here is a brief description of the album -

"Northern Ireland’s Kathryn Scott is well-known for her stellar writing and passionate vocals on the albums 'Hungry' and 'Satisfy'.

Now in her first studio release Kathryn builds on these successes with a fresh offering of songs that flow from the deep river of worship in her heart.

Powered by her rich voice and honest presentation, 'I Belong' offers eleven original worship songs that cut through life’s complexities, expressing the wonderful truths of her faith and love for God.

You can buy it here from amazon.

Mark Driscoll

On 17th November I went to a men's conference in Edinburgh called Menmakers to hear a guy called Mark Driscoll speak. He pastors a church in Seattle called Mars Hill, heads up a theological co-operative called Resurgence and a church planting network called Acts 29. He is a guy I like to listen to and read a lot and so I jumped at the chance to hear him. He spoke mainly on Biblical Manhood. I actually got to meet him and speak with him a little which was great. I will maybe post more on what he spoke on at a later date. Here is a good review of one of the sessions by a blogger called Adrian Warnock.

What have I been up to?

Last Friday I had vocal lessons as usual with Mildred (Kathryn's Mum) which is really fun. I feel Mildred has a lot of work on her hands with me. lol i then went to Harpurs Hill Kids Club with some of the other interns and Dave the Kids Pastor at CCV. We spent an hour or so with a group of kids in the local primary school playing games, singing songs and learning about Jesus. Was great! Then went to do some Street Evangelism in Coleraine town centre. On Friday's lots of school kids and some students gather in the town centre to hang out and the church has been going down to hang out with these guys, give out tea and coffee and try and share the message of Jesus with them. I joined the team on Friday and had a great time. We saw six guys in the streets accept Christ into their lives. This was really encouraging. After Street Evangelism we headed to Exodus to help run a prayer night for all the ministries in the church and saw around 50-60 people attend that. All in all, an eventful and busy day.

Saturday I went to Giants Causeway with some of the other interns and had some lunch in the nook bar beside the Giants Causeway Centre. Then headed to Portbradden to see the smallest church in Ireland. Always good to see your country through the eyes of others, helps keep it

On Tuesday I had class as usual with the other interns and Kathryn. We were looking at Songwriting. Currently we rotate Worship leading and Songwriting every week in class. This Tuesday we were joined by friends, Harmony and the interns from Belfast City Vineyard which was really cool and I had the chance to catch up with those guys.
Every Wednesday I have been leading a smallgroup of 17-18 year olds. Thats been a fun part of the week where I get to hang out with some guys and eat food, play playstation and share stories. Looking forward to the journey with these guys this year.

Heading to Scotland on 17th November! :)

Worship

Wispa is back!

Hooray!

Coleraine CU

We led some worship at the Coleraine Uni CU last thursday. Matt led, Erik played Piano and I was on Djembe. Was a good night, was great to lead the students in a time of worship.

3rd Service

On Sunday past we had our 3rd Service held in the Methodist church in Coleraine. We had a time of worship led by some of the interns and teaching from Alan on Sexual Brokeness and Forgiveness titled "The F Word". After the talk there was a response time which saw people placing stones at the foot of a wooden cross as a symbol of laying down their sin. We also washed peoples hands with water symbolizing cleansing from sin in the name of Christ. It was a a very moving, powerful time of ministry and response. In Jesus we have a Saviour who does not condemn but forgives and brings new life if we turn to Him.

Life in the Port

Well, this is my first post. It has taken me a while but I thought I would start a blog. I am living in the wonderful Portstewart in a big house with 5 other guys and working for Causeway Coast Vineyard (www.causewaycoastvineyard.com) as a "Worship Intern". If you are like most people you will wonder what on earth a worship intern is or does. Well I am still working that out myself! I am serving CCV church from Sept-June doing a variety of ministry but mainly focusing on Worship leading, music, songwriting etc. Its been great so far, learning alot, meeting lots of new people and trying to preserve my Northern Irish-ness in a house as diverse as Dungannon. I'll hopefully keep you posted on my progess on that front. Blessings