The 2nd part of the Annual General Meeting for DNA Networks will take place on Sunday July 1st, after morning worship.
The purpose will be to finalise the election of members of the church council; for this the electoral list will need to be complete, so if you have not yet filled out the relevant form please do so. You have to be over 16, baptised and/or confirmed and part of DNA for at least 6 months.
Church Council members will represent the Mission Units, Missional Communities and Servant Teams.
20 June, 2012
09 June, 2012
Sunday 10th June
John Orchard begins a new series on Mark's Gospel, chapters 3-6 this week. The series starts with Jesus choosing the Twelve and ends in five weeks when Jesus sends them out to do his mission. What He did in between represents his initial training process for his followers. What does this say to us? What kind of similar training do we need to be equipped for the mission to which Jesus has called us? What was he doing with the Twelve and why did He choose them?
This week, Nick Brooke will be leading us in worship songs and the children will have learning groups upstairs; there will be time and space to pray about local and wider concerns as well as to respond to the story from Mark.
Don't forget the invitation from our German partner church, Donau Gemeinde, to celebrate their 10th anniversary over the weekend of July 20th-22nd.
This week, Nick Brooke will be leading us in worship songs and the children will have learning groups upstairs; there will be time and space to pray about local and wider concerns as well as to respond to the story from Mark.
Don't forget the invitation from our German partner church, Donau Gemeinde, to celebrate their 10th anniversary over the weekend of July 20th-22nd.
01 June, 2012
Trinity Sunday June 3rd 2012
Morning worship event, 10.30am at Abbeygate 2
Sunday's speaker is Isaac Lasky on the theme "You must be born again" from John 3: 1- 17. Naomi Snelling is the music leader this week and worship includes Communion together. Nick Brooke will introduce John and Kerry Clayton to everyone - we look forward to hearing about different things they are up to.
Sunday also sees the commencement of regular Children's Ministry - a real milestone for DNA!
2-3 year-olds will be led by Carey for a lovely programme of activity. 4-7 year-olds and 7-10 year-olds will combine this week for special activites to be led by Emily and Janie with the assistance of Maisy. The children's sessions will take place upstairs in Abbeygate for approx 40 minutes during the worship event. It promises to be a load of fun!
Sunday's speaker is Isaac Lasky on the theme "You must be born again" from John 3: 1- 17. Naomi Snelling is the music leader this week and worship includes Communion together. Nick Brooke will introduce John and Kerry Clayton to everyone - we look forward to hearing about different things they are up to.
Sunday also sees the commencement of regular Children's Ministry - a real milestone for DNA!
2-3 year-olds will be led by Carey for a lovely programme of activity. 4-7 year-olds and 7-10 year-olds will combine this week for special activites to be led by Emily and Janie with the assistance of Maisy. The children's sessions will take place upstairs in Abbeygate for approx 40 minutes during the worship event. It promises to be a load of fun!
26 May, 2012
Pentecost Sunday May 27th
This Sunday we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost! We are delighted that Linda Pepper of Friends International will be our invited speaker; Linda started last autumn as Friends International worker at Essex University.
Since Pentecost marked the beginning of the Gospel being made available to the nations and all ages, there will be some World Music and some inter-generational storytelling and worship to begin with. Children will be invited to a creative activity upstairs with Naomi and Mark Snelling and friends. We'll find out a bit of Linda's story and then read Acts 2, 1-20 before the talk.
Wishing you a very Happy Pentecost!
PS At last week's AGM a number of papers were distributed. the Pledge and Electoral List papers can be picked up at Abbeygate at any time or downloaded here http://www.facebook.com/groups/208717309164931/
Since Pentecost marked the beginning of the Gospel being made available to the nations and all ages, there will be some World Music and some inter-generational storytelling and worship to begin with. Children will be invited to a creative activity upstairs with Naomi and Mark Snelling and friends. We'll find out a bit of Linda's story and then read Acts 2, 1-20 before the talk.
Wishing you a very Happy Pentecost!
PS At last week's AGM a number of papers were distributed. the Pledge and Electoral List papers can be picked up at Abbeygate at any time or downloaded here http://www.facebook.com/groups/208717309164931/
18 May, 2012
Communion, Lunch, AGM Sunday 20th May
This week's celebration of Holy Communion begins at 10.30am at Abbeygate Two. A considerable band is being assembled to make a joyful noise and Sara Lewis will be introducing Sam from Singapore. Jess McCarty will be speaking on Jesus' Ascension from Acts 1, 1-11 while Mamie Ramazani will lead a children's activity on the same theme. Communion will follow with space for silent prayer and listening to God.
After a short break we'll reassemble for lunch and following that we'll have the AGM, part 1. This will include Vision Casting and brief reports from Mission Units, Missional Communities and Servant Teams. There will be opportunities for discussion of the proposed new structure for DNA as we develop and grow.
For those intending to stay on, please bring something for lunch. We can put it all out on tables and share it around. There are two microwave ovens, so only limited facilities for heating food!
Here's the intended timetable:
10.30-11.45 Worship
12.00-12.45 Lunch
12.45-1.45 AGM pt 1
After a short break we'll reassemble for lunch and following that we'll have the AGM, part 1. This will include Vision Casting and brief reports from Mission Units, Missional Communities and Servant Teams. There will be opportunities for discussion of the proposed new structure for DNA as we develop and grow.
For those intending to stay on, please bring something for lunch. We can put it all out on tables and share it around. There are two microwave ovens, so only limited facilities for heating food!
Here's the intended timetable:
10.30-11.45 Worship
12.00-12.45 Lunch
12.45-1.45 AGM pt 1
09 May, 2012
Sunday 13th May
Sunday 13th May: 10.30am at Abbeygate 2
This Sunday's worship event includes the Dedication of baby Rachel Watson. Naomi Snelling will be leading the songs, Marie Morris the prayers and David Beales will speak from Acts 10: 44-48, Peter's Resurrection Speech 3. We look forward to seeing you there!
5pm -7.30pm Barn Church - this week meeting at Abbeygate
RETREAT Wednesday 16th May , 9.30am-2pm, The Annex, Assington, CO10 5LQ
time to be still, to connect with God and hear what he might be saying......
time to enjoy the peaceful Suffolk countryside......
bring a packed lunch, notebook and pen, Bible
tea and coffee provided
contact Janie Beales if interested in coming
janiebeales@ntlworld.com or 01206 530934
This Sunday's worship event includes the Dedication of baby Rachel Watson. Naomi Snelling will be leading the songs, Marie Morris the prayers and David Beales will speak from Acts 10: 44-48, Peter's Resurrection Speech 3. We look forward to seeing you there!
5pm -7.30pm Barn Church - this week meeting at Abbeygate
RETREAT Wednesday 16th May , 9.30am-2pm, The Annex, Assington, CO10 5LQ
time to be still, to connect with God and hear what he might be saying......
time to enjoy the peaceful Suffolk countryside......
bring a packed lunch, notebook and pen, Bible
tea and coffee provided
contact Janie Beales if interested in coming
janiebeales@ntlworld.com or 01206 530934
05 May, 2012
Activities coming up during the week
Monday May 7th: The Wivenhoe Walk, meet at East St Bridge (by Siege House) 10.30am for a walk along the Wivenhoe trail. After lunch in Wivenhoe (byo or visit local hostelry) walk back to town or take the train.
Wednesday May 9th: DNA cricket match, 6pm at Essex University v West Mersea. If the rain stops the T20 season begins! (& don't forget practice at 4.30pm on Fridays).
Saturday 12th May: History Maker Film Quiz Night 7pm at Abbeygate Two. For information about the History Maker chairity, see http://historymakerfoundation.co.uk/History_Maker_Foundation/Welcome.html
Wednesday May 9th: DNA cricket match, 6pm at Essex University v West Mersea. If the rain stops the T20 season begins! (& don't forget practice at 4.30pm on Fridays).
Saturday 12th May: History Maker Film Quiz Night 7pm at Abbeygate Two. For information about the History Maker chairity, see http://historymakerfoundation.co.uk/History_Maker_Foundation/Welcome.html
Sunday 6th May
DNA worship at 10.30am, Abbeygate Two, 9 Whitewell Rd, Colchester, CO2 7DE.
Including... Refreshments; Music led by Janie Beales with African singers; Prayers led by Redina Kolaneci; Children's activity led by Mamie Ramazani; Reading Acts 8, 26-40 and talk on "Philip's Bump" by Nick Brooke; Interview with John and Kerry Clayton.
Barn Church will be at 5pm at Abbeygate Two.
Coming up on May 20th- Shared Lunch and AGM.
26 April, 2012
April 29th
Sunday 29th 10.30am Abbeygate Two.
Theme: "Prayer for Boldness" Acts 4:13-35
Speaker: Alex Parker
Worship leader/co-ordinator: John Orchard
Children's activity: Emily Collins
International Christian Fellowship
12.30-2.30pm: Kunarajah's home, 18 Hereford Drive, Colchester
Persian food, testimonies, African/English songs, Bible and prayer
contact Enoch: 07969210284
NB no Barn Church this week - resumes next week
Theme: "Prayer for Boldness" Acts 4:13-35
Speaker: Alex Parker
Worship leader/co-ordinator: John Orchard
Children's activity: Emily Collins
International Christian Fellowship
12.30-2.30pm: Kunarajah's home, 18 Hereford Drive, Colchester
Persian food, testimonies, African/English songs, Bible and prayer
contact Enoch: 07969210284
NB no Barn Church this week - resumes next week
20 April, 2012
This Sunday, April 22nd, we will meet for worship with Communion at 10.30am at Abbeygate Two, 9 Whitewell Rd, Colchester, CO2 7DE. Best parking is in Vineyard St at 50p only (but get there early!). Priory St is also 50p and just a 5 minute walk.
Enoch Kunarajah will be speaking on Acts 4, 1-12 continuing a series on Acts over the period from Easter to Pentecost. Young people are helping the set up and preparing the music; there will be space for open mic prayer and we'll find out from Luke Moller what happened on the Pathfinders sailing camp.
Enoch Kunarajah will be speaking on Acts 4, 1-12 continuing a series on Acts over the period from Easter to Pentecost. Young people are helping the set up and preparing the music; there will be space for open mic prayer and we'll find out from Luke Moller what happened on the Pathfinders sailing camp.
12 April, 2012
Sunday 15th April
This Sunday we will meet for worship at 10.30am at Abbeygate Two, 9 Whitewell Rd, Colchester, CO2 7DE. Best parking is in Vineyard St at 50p only(but get there early!). Priory St is also 50p and just a 5 minute walk.
Enoch Kunarajah will co-ordinate the worship, Naomi Snelling will lead music and we will have opportunity to pray for Sandra Butcher's forthcoming run in the London Marathon. Isaac Lasky will be speaking on Acts 3, highlighting Peter's transformation from pre-resurrection wimp to post-resurrection history-maker. This will introduce a series on Acts over the next 7 weeks.
Enoch Kunarajah will co-ordinate the worship, Naomi Snelling will lead music and we will have opportunity to pray for Sandra Butcher's forthcoming run in the London Marathon. Isaac Lasky will be speaking on Acts 3, highlighting Peter's transformation from pre-resurrection wimp to post-resurrection history-maker. This will introduce a series on Acts over the next 7 weeks.
05 April, 2012
Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Good Friday's Walk of Witness begins at 12.00pm at the Salvation Army on Butt Road. The walk will follow the Salvation Army Band who will play for some of the route and then lead in silence.The walk will conclude at the Castle gates with a short act of devotion, to be addressed by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford.
It is always a moving experience to be among the group of walkers marking Good Friday at exactly the time when Jesus went to the cross.
In the evening there is a combined service at the Mercury Theatre beginning at 7.30pm. This is a free event, but an offering will be taken up at the end.
Easter is traditionally the season for new baptisms and renewal of Baptism promises and this Easter Sunday will feature a bunch of Baptisms!
In the morning at 10.30am at Abbeygate Two, Gideon Parker will be baptised as part of the Easter Worship. This will be a Communion Service with a reflection on John 20, 1-18, together with Romans 8, 11 and 1 Corinthians 15, 20. Amanda Parker will be explaining why she and Alex are bringing Gideon to baptism as a child- this will be interesting, as she used to think baptism was only for adults! We know that our community embraces different views about baptism; whatever your views, someone else will think differently, but we have all respected one another's take on this matter. Some of the Barn Church young people have been busy practising some music to lead off the worship and some actors are warming up so that the Apostle Peter and Mary Magdalene make an appearance.
Later on at 5pm, Mandy, David, Sheri, Betty, Glory and Isaac will be baptised in the pool at St Stephen's Church, Canterbury Road, Colchester. They will each make promises of commitment to Jesus and will explain why they are choosing to be baptised before heading into the pool. Guaranteed to be interesting and moving stories! Once they have dried off, we will have opportunity to pray for each person and to bring scriptures, prophecies and words of encouragement to them. Please be in prayer already to listen out for words to share. The church will be open from 4.30pm.
It is always a moving experience to be among the group of walkers marking Good Friday at exactly the time when Jesus went to the cross.
In the evening there is a combined service at the Mercury Theatre beginning at 7.30pm. This is a free event, but an offering will be taken up at the end.
Easter is traditionally the season for new baptisms and renewal of Baptism promises and this Easter Sunday will feature a bunch of Baptisms!
In the morning at 10.30am at Abbeygate Two, Gideon Parker will be baptised as part of the Easter Worship. This will be a Communion Service with a reflection on John 20, 1-18, together with Romans 8, 11 and 1 Corinthians 15, 20. Amanda Parker will be explaining why she and Alex are bringing Gideon to baptism as a child- this will be interesting, as she used to think baptism was only for adults! We know that our community embraces different views about baptism; whatever your views, someone else will think differently, but we have all respected one another's take on this matter. Some of the Barn Church young people have been busy practising some music to lead off the worship and some actors are warming up so that the Apostle Peter and Mary Magdalene make an appearance.
Later on at 5pm, Mandy, David, Sheri, Betty, Glory and Isaac will be baptised in the pool at St Stephen's Church, Canterbury Road, Colchester. They will each make promises of commitment to Jesus and will explain why they are choosing to be baptised before heading into the pool. Guaranteed to be interesting and moving stories! Once they have dried off, we will have opportunity to pray for each person and to bring scriptures, prophecies and words of encouragement to them. Please be in prayer already to listen out for words to share. The church will be open from 4.30pm.
30 March, 2012
Palm Sunday April 1st
The International Christian Fellowship is in Bradwell-on-sea this weekend staying together at Othona Community, so you'll miss a few familiar faces if you are at worship with us on Sunday.
We'll meet at Abbeygate 2 at 10.30am for worship. Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
Carey Watson will introduce opportunities for sponsorship;
Nick Brooke will lead music and praise then Janie Beales will do a dramatic re-telling of the Palm Sunday story and a creative prayer activity. She will be speaking about the story with a focus on the "Scandalous Children!" who shouted out in the temple.
Children's activities will focus on the story, with a craft-making effort that should produce a whole herd of donkeys!
There will be an interview with Luke Moller and prayers to send him on mission, sailing with young people in France.
Coming up next week:
Wednesday 4th April
10am Family Easter Egg Hunt in Highwoods
Friday 6th April
12.00 Walk of Witness in Colchester Town Centre
Sunday 8th April
10.30am Easter Morning Worship and Baptism of Gideon Parker.
5pm Baptisms at St Stephen's, Canterbury Road.
Monday 9th April
10.30am Walk the Wivenhoe Trail - We will meet at 10.30am at the entrance to Castle Park at the foot of East Street by the bridge that crosses the river.
We'll meet at Abbeygate 2 at 10.30am for worship. Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
Carey Watson will introduce opportunities for sponsorship;
Nick Brooke will lead music and praise then Janie Beales will do a dramatic re-telling of the Palm Sunday story and a creative prayer activity. She will be speaking about the story with a focus on the "Scandalous Children!" who shouted out in the temple.
Children's activities will focus on the story, with a craft-making effort that should produce a whole herd of donkeys!
There will be an interview with Luke Moller and prayers to send him on mission, sailing with young people in France.
Coming up next week:
Wednesday 4th April
10am Family Easter Egg Hunt in Highwoods
Friday 6th April
12.00 Walk of Witness in Colchester Town Centre
Sunday 8th April
10.30am Easter Morning Worship and Baptism of Gideon Parker.
5pm Baptisms at St Stephen's, Canterbury Road.
Monday 9th April
10.30am Walk the Wivenhoe Trail - We will meet at 10.30am at the entrance to Castle Park at the foot of East Street by the bridge that crosses the river.
23 March, 2012
Sunday 25th March
We will meet at Abbeygate Two this Sunday at 10.30am for celebration worship and lunch together.
Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
There is a very limited number of parking spaces which will be for the minibus, the disabled and those bringing in gear, so you are encouraged to find parking nearby. Vineyard Street is 50p- but it gets filled early. Priory St is 50p and still a fairly short walk! Other car parks on St John's St are more expensive. Here's a website with info: http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/colchester/
Worship this week will have a celebration feel with drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and vocalists leading our praises before we turn to prayer, focusing on the work of the various mission units, some of which are entering a new phase with new offices in Abbeygate. The reading of the scriptures- Luke 4, 16-20 and Isaiah 37, 30-31- will remind us of our story together so far and the talk aims to help us discern God's call for the next phase. Check http://davidbeales.livejournal.com/ for a preview.
Afterwards we can stay as long as we like to share lunch together! There are two microwaves to warm food if you need to, but cold food will be especially appreciated! If we can share our food around and have a little bit extra to share with some folks who won't manage to bring anything, that would be wonderful.
Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
There is a very limited number of parking spaces which will be for the minibus, the disabled and those bringing in gear, so you are encouraged to find parking nearby. Vineyard Street is 50p- but it gets filled early. Priory St is 50p and still a fairly short walk! Other car parks on St John's St are more expensive. Here's a website with info: http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/colchester/
Worship this week will have a celebration feel with drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and vocalists leading our praises before we turn to prayer, focusing on the work of the various mission units, some of which are entering a new phase with new offices in Abbeygate. The reading of the scriptures- Luke 4, 16-20 and Isaiah 37, 30-31- will remind us of our story together so far and the talk aims to help us discern God's call for the next phase. Check http://davidbeales.livejournal.com/ for a preview.
Afterwards we can stay as long as we like to share lunch together! There are two microwaves to warm food if you need to, but cold food will be especially appreciated! If we can share our food around and have a little bit extra to share with some folks who won't manage to bring anything, that would be wonderful.
17 March, 2012
Sunday 18th March
We will meet at Abbeygate Two this Sunday at 10.30am for the first time.
Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
There is a very limited number of parking spaces which will be for the minibus, the disabled and those bringing in gear, so you are encouraged to find parking nearby. Vineyard Street is 50p- but it gets filled early. Priory St is 50p and still a fairly short walk! Other car parks on St John's St are more expensive. Here's a website with info: http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/colchester/
Our worship will include songs, prayers and communion, followed by an open discussion chaired by Carey Watson about how we can use Abbeygate Two to serve the purposes for which God has called us together. We know that some will need to get away for Mother's day lunch, so we intend to end by 12.00pm.
.....some events coming up for the diary.....
Sunday 25th March
Celebration worship event followed by shared (cold!) lunch in Abbeygate.
Friday 30th March- Sunday 1st April
International Christian Fellowship weekend at Bradwell-on-sea
Sunday 1st April
Palm Sunday Creative Worship at Abbeygate.
Wednesday 4th April
Family Easter Egg Hunt in Highwoods
Friday 6th April
12.00 Walk of Witness in Colchester Town Centre
Sunday 8th April
Easter Morning Worship. Also Baptisms in the sfternoon.
Monday 9th April
Walk the Wivenhoe Trail
Here's a link to Bing Maps showing the venue at 9 Whitewell Rd, CO2 7DE: http://binged.it/z8h3Vi
There is a very limited number of parking spaces which will be for the minibus, the disabled and those bringing in gear, so you are encouraged to find parking nearby. Vineyard Street is 50p- but it gets filled early. Priory St is 50p and still a fairly short walk! Other car parks on St John's St are more expensive. Here's a website with info: http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/colchester/
Our worship will include songs, prayers and communion, followed by an open discussion chaired by Carey Watson about how we can use Abbeygate Two to serve the purposes for which God has called us together. We know that some will need to get away for Mother's day lunch, so we intend to end by 12.00pm.
.....some events coming up for the diary.....
Sunday 25th March
Celebration worship event followed by shared (cold!) lunch in Abbeygate.
Friday 30th March- Sunday 1st April
International Christian Fellowship weekend at Bradwell-on-sea
Sunday 1st April
Palm Sunday Creative Worship at Abbeygate.
Wednesday 4th April
Family Easter Egg Hunt in Highwoods
Friday 6th April
12.00 Walk of Witness in Colchester Town Centre
Sunday 8th April
Easter Morning Worship. Also Baptisms in the sfternoon.
Monday 9th April
Walk the Wivenhoe Trail
11 March, 2012
Moving into Abbeygate
Plenty of things to do to get Abbeygate established over the next few days and weeks! Cleaning, moving furniture and working out timetables for activities are all on the agenda.
DNA Networks, Go For Enterprises and Fresh Beginnings Migrant Resource Centre will all be sharing the property, expressing distinct ministries with a united purpose and common values.
DNA Networks, Go For Enterprises and Fresh Beginnings Migrant Resource Centre will all be sharing the property, expressing distinct ministries with a united purpose and common values.
03 March, 2012
Sunday March 11th
We will be worshipping at Colchester Arts Centre on Sunday March 11th, at 10.30am. Although we have the keys to Abbeygate and the licence has formally begun, the power will not be switched on for a while- we hope this week that everything will be powered up.
The theme will follow on from last week, focussing on Jesus' call to his apprentices; this time John Orchard will speak on a Balanced Spiritual Life.
The theme will follow on from last week, focussing on Jesus' call to his apprentices; this time John Orchard will speak on a Balanced Spiritual Life.
