Newsflash!

At the Living Room last Sunday, I drew attention to some changes happening with the Living Room and edge services this year. Firstly let me reiterate that both communities are important to the life of Hope. And the people in them are important too.

As we attempt to listen to God and be obedient to Christ’s call, things naturally change over time. Our God is not a static God! These changes to the Living Room and edge are a decisive move to grow closer together and to grow closer to God in the context of the wider Hope faith community.

A bit of background: Our focus at Hope this year is Generations Together Growing in God. This sparked discussion among the edge and Living Room leadership teams. How can we grow closer together creating genuinely inter-generational community? How can we celebrate the good things about each service, while better pooling resources? How can we facilitate unity instead of silos?

Meetings took place on the 9th November and again on 16th December. This is what came out of our discussions…

Purpose: to facilitate a genuinely inter-generational worshipping community that particularly encourages youth and young adults to grow together in God.

Mission: with God’s help, to empower the community to worship God, to disciple one another in their journey with Christ, and to work for the transformation of the world in the power of the Spirit.

2016 Aims:

• the Living Room and edge well-integrated and well-resourced as a united community
• a long-term sustainability plan moving into 2017 and beyond
• youth and young adult involvement and ownership

Practical Changes:

• edge service will be once a month, falling usually on the first Sunday. edge will keep the same format and will continue to serve an important as a safe space for youth to explore issues of faith, worship, and spirituality.
• on the other weeks, the Living Room will become the primary worshipping community for youth.
• Gabe and Gabby to join Jordan in up front leadership of the Living Room. The youth team will continue to direct edge. Mitch (West Melton) and Courtney (Rolleston) will also be helping out at the Living Room.
• More youth/young adult involvement at the Living Room. This will include creative ministries, hospitality, welcome, praying, sharing testimonies, and also opportunities to preach.
• Music and atmosphere at the Living Room to combine the two services. The aim is create a welcoming atmosphere where youth feel welcome — an easy transition from edge.
• Preaching will be punchy, but not dumbed down (complemented by the blog site). This is not reduce the importance of preaching, but to allow time to respond, discuss, and pray together.
• Time for response, discussion, prayer after the preaching. On the second Sunday of the month, this will be Communion.

Please comment below if you have concerns, questions, or ideas! Alternatively you can talk to Gabe, Gabby, or myself. My email is jordan.redding@hopechurch.net.nz . All this information will be communicated at our first edge service for the year on the 21st February.

We look forward to exploring the next stage with you as we grow together in God!

Arohanui,

Jordan