Colchester Vineyard Church

Next Goggle Works: Friday 24 February, 7.30pm

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:34:11 +0000

This guy lives in Malawi, south eastern Africa, and he’s pretty pleased because he’s just been prescribed some glasses. He got them at a mission hospital, but could not have afforded them from an optometrist in the nearest city. Glasses such as these have been donated by people in the Colchester area, and we collect them in partnership with Focus on Malawi.

We’ve had loads more donated in the past two months, so they need to be checked, cleaned, measured and labelled. And we’d love you to help us do this by coming to our next Goggle Works party. It will be on Friday, 24 February, at 7.30pm.

Full training provided (it’s very simple, really) and to help the evening along, there will be plenty of coffee, tasty Africa-style nibbles, and even the odd bottle of wine! For more details, email Sue.

Sunday Brunch 26 February 11am

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:02:42 +0000

Join us for coffee and brunch this coming Sunday 26 February, at The Playhouse, St John’s Street Colchester, starting at 11.00am. If you’ve ever wondered what we’re all about, come along and ask us. Between the bacon and fried bread, we’ll try and give you some sensible answers! Bring a friend too. Email or phone 01206 622712 for more info.

Vineyard National Conference

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:17:10 +0000

Last week it was Vineyard annual conference time at Trent Vineyard, Nottingham – a brilliant few days of inspiration and equipping . Over a thousand delegates from UK, Ireland and the continent turned up. There was a rich programme of main speaker events and seminars, with lots to take home and unpack over the coming months. Find out more about the conference here.

Sunday Brunch: this coming Sunday 29th

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:53:42 +0000

Join us for coffee and brunch this coming Sunday 29 January, at The Playhouse, St John’s Street Colchester, starting at 11.00am. If you’ve ever wondered what we’re all about, come along and ask us. Between the bacon and fried bread, we’ll try and give you some sensible answers! Bring a friend too. Email or phone 01206 622712 for more info.

Home group starts on Tuesday 3 January

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:55:06 +0000

Our home group starts again next week on Tuesday 3 January. We’ll be meeting weekly on Tuesdays from then on.

Home groups are the one of the essential ingredients of Vineyard churches: it’s where we make good friends, learn more about what it means to follow Jesus, and try putting that into practice through worship and action. And there’s time for coffee, cake, and catching up on news!

In the coming weeks, we’re going to be looking at the “I am” statements of Jesus. Phone 01206 622712 or email colchestervineyard@ymail.com for more info.

Next Vineyard Sunday Brunch: 29 January

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:54:35 +0000

Join us for coffee and brunch on Sunday 29 January, at The Playhouse, St John’s Street Colchester, starting at 11.00am. Bring along friends and family! Email for more info.

A back-handed compliment?

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:12:09 +0000

According to the Guardian website, philosopher and author Alain de Botton is soon to publish Religion for Atheists. This title piqued my interest! Here’s what the Guardian‘s blurb says: “(de Botton) argues that the supernatural claims of religion are of course entirely false – and yet that religions still have important things to teach the secular world. This book proposes that we should look to religions for insights into how to build a sense of community, make our relationships last, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, and more.”

De Botton’s insights on ideas, work, travel, architecture, status, relationships, airports and – almost anything! – are great, so I’m looking forward to reading this book. If the blurb is a good guide, I guess believers could take it as a nice compliment. However, to dismiss the possibility of the very motivation for the benefits and qualities of faith – a loving, creator God – does seem sad. (JK)

A New Year’s Day walk at Walton

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:53:58 +0000

Today’s sunny skies and almost warm sun provided the perfect climate for a walk on the Naze at Walton. Surprised to see how much of the cliff has fallen recently, but the impressive new Crag Walk looks set to make the Naze Tower safe for a good while. Then headed for Yates in town for some excellent fish and chips, which we ate on the beach.

Fish ‘n’ Chips and a stroll by the seaside

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:17:19 +0000

On Bank Holiday Monday, 2 January, we’re going for a stroll along the front at Walton (or Mersea perhaps), and aim to find someone selling fish and chips. Why not join us? Details to be firmed up yet, but probably meet up around 10.30am and finish by around 3.30pm. Phone 01206 622712 or email colchestervineyard@ymail.com if you’re interested.

Carol party fun

admin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:20:24 +0000

Thanks to all who came to the packed-out carol party, and made it such fun. Thanks especially to everyone who helped set up, who brought stuff, served stuff, who led carols and who washed up.