Search Results

The Bells of Emmanuel Church and the Joy of Bell Sunday The bells of Emmanuel Church have been part of the soundscape of the area for more than a century, calling people to worship, marking moments of celebration, and reminding our community of God’s enduring presence. As we mark Bell Sunday, it feels especially fitting to reflect on the story, beauty, and ministry of our much‑loved bells. A Gift of Craftsmanship and History Our tower, completed in 1897, was designed to house a full ring of bells—and in 1904, that vision came to life. All eight bells were cast in 1904 by John Warner & Co., a respected London foundry known for its bold, resonant tone. Originally intended for St Matthias, North Hill, the bells found their permanent home at Emmanuel, where they have been faithfully rung ever since. The ring is often described by visiting bellringers as a “grand and gutsy old 8”, with a warm, distinctive voice that carries across Mannamead, Hartley, Compton, and beyond. The tenor bell, weighing nearly 20 cwt, anchors the ring with a deep and generous E♭. A Living Tradition Whether ringing for Sunday worship, weddings, civic occasions, or quiet weekday practice, the team offers their time and skill as an act of service. Visitors often comment on the clarity and beauty of the sound. One listener recently shared that they sat in a nearby park for half an hour simply to enjoy the ringing, describing it as “flawless” and “as fine as anything heard in London’s great churches.” Bell Sunday: A Time to Give Thanks Bell Sunday - 17th May 2026 - is a national celebration that invites churches to honour the ministry of bells and bellringers. It reminds us that bells are not merely historical artefacts—they are instruments of worship. They proclaim joy, hope, and the presence of God in our midst. At Emmanuel, Bell Sunday gives us the chance to: Give thanks for our ringers and their dedication Celebrate the heritage of our 1904 Warner bells Pray for those who hear the bells, that they may be drawn closer to God Invite new ringers to join this unique and rewarding ministry A Call That Still Matters In an age of digital noise, the sound of church bells remains wonderfully human. They are rung by real hands, in real time, for real people. They remind us that the church is alive, active, and rooted in its community. As we mark Bell Sunday, may the bells of Emmanuel continue to ring out God’s praise—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Thinking About Trying Bellringing? Join Us! Bellringing is one of Emmanuel’s most joyful and welcoming ministries—and we’d love to have you involved. You don’t need musical experience, great strength, or any special background. If you can climb the tower stairs and enjoy learning something new, you’ll fit right in. What you’ll find: A friendly, supportive team A skill that’s both relaxing and mentally stimulating A chance to serve the church in a unique and meaningful way Plenty of laughter during practice nights When we meet: Practice is on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm, with ringing for Sunday services and special occasions. If you’d like to come along, watch a practice, or have a go, simply speak to one of the ringers, contact the parish office or contact the tower captain at cawardle@aol.com. We’d be delighted to welcome you up the tower.

A summary of the sermon - 26th April 2026 Bp Tim reflects on powerful experiences of the Holy Spirit, beginning with visits to a Pentecostal church in Birmingham led by two women with striking ministries—one a street preacher, the other focused on deliverance and the Spirit’s power. A vivid moment is recalled where a drug addict was transformed within minutes—delivered, converted, speaking in tongues, and preparing for baptism—raising the central question: is the Holy Spirit merely an idea, or a lived reality? The message emphasizes that Christian faith is not just intellectual but experiential. Drawing on theologians like Irenaeus and Jonathan Edwards, the speaker highlights that true faith involves being “fully alive” in God and grounded in real spiritual experience, not just emotion or theory. Personal testimony reinforces this: discovering the Holy Spirit as a teenager opened up a deeper dimension of faith and awareness of God’s work globally, especially through the growth of Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Biblical passages from Acts show that the Holy Spirit is given as a real, transformative power through the risen Christ. Paul’s dramatic conversion illustrates this: once a violent persecutor, he is turned around by God into a missionary to the Gentiles. His journey also shows that spiritual growth takes time—through reflection, struggle, and preparation before fruitful mission begins. Paul presents us with the Holy Spirit as the God who turns us around: turns around our whole being in our context and culture. Everything is turned around to God and to his mission to be used in this service. Tim connects this to the church’s present mission, particularly engaging with the local community and learning from global perspectives, such as African Christianity, which often has a stronger awareness of the spiritual realm: the Spirit, our spiritual nature and the reality of spirts (good and evil). The Holy Spirit is described as active, powerful, and present—not only in individuals but across cultures and the wider world. Theologically, in answering the question ‘Who is the Holy Spirit?’, the Spirit is affirmed as “the Lord, the giver of life,” worthy of worship alongside the Father and Son. The Spirit empowers, sustains, and guides believers through all stages of life: getting our life together, giving our life away in service, and finally giving our death away, offering our later years as a blessing to others. Three key images of the Spirit are presented: The sustainer of life, like a hand supporting growth. The one who heals and renews, brooding over a broken world to bring life from trauma. The flame of God, calling believers not just to routine faithfulness but to passionate, Spirit-filled living. The conclusion is a challenge: the Holy Spirit is real and active, calling individuals and the church into deeper experience, transformation, and mission. Rather than settling for routine or intellectual faith, believers are invited to “burn for God”—to live fully alive in the Spirit’s power and purpose.

Christianity has been part of African history for a very long time—much earlier than many people realise. One of the earliest recorded stories describes an Ethiopian official who encountered the faith and brought it back home. Over the centuries, Christian texts were translated into local African languages such as Coptic (from the 2nd century) and Ethiopic (from the 4th century), and later into Arabic (8th century). This all happened long before translations appeared in early English, and well before Europeans began exploring or settling in Africa from the 16th century onwards, or the later colonial expansion of the 19th century. In fact, African communities were already shaping and expressing Christianity in their own languages and cultures. After the Second World War, as African nations gained independence, there was also a rise in African-led churches that reflected local traditions and perspectives. From at least the 1st century AD, if not before, and on into the 19th century, there were large movements of people within Africa. This helps explain the rich mix of cultures found in countries like Kenya today. Christianity in Kenya grew within this diverse cultural setting. European missionaries arrived in the mid-19th century, before colonial settlers came in the 1890s. While both Catholic and Protestant groups worked on translating religious texts, it was local Africans—using their own languages and networks—who played the biggest role in spreading the faith and establishing Christian communities. Partnerships Today Today, Kenya has many active Christian communities. Some have historical links to European churches. For example, the Anglican Church of Kenya has roots connected to the Church of England but is now a large, independent organisation with many more regular attendees than its English counterpart. One example of ongoing international cooperation is a partnership between regions (called dioceses) in Kenya, southwest England, and parts of the Middle East. This three-way connection began in 2005 and focuses on sharing ideas, experiences, and support across very different cultural settings. Like many international relationships, this partnership was disrupted during the Covid pandemic, when travel stopped. However, people stayed in touch through digital tools like WhatsApp and social media. Now, local community partnerships are beginning to restart, with an emphasis on learning from each other and working together in practical ways. Upcoming Event For anyone interested in learning more, a group from St Monica’s in Thika, Kenya, will be visiting Plymouth. They will be at Emmanuel Church on 4th July, where visitors can hear about life in their community and their future plans. There will also be opportunities to meet them and hear their perspectives. The visit is open to everyone, and the aim is to encourage shared understanding and connection between people from different backgrounds. If you’d like to attend, go to https://emmanuelplymouth.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/221539420 for more details – everyone on is welcome!

This sermon, part of the  Cut Flower  series on the decline of European Christianity, explores how the power of the Holy Spirit releases the life of Jesus into the world and offers a hopeful alternative to today’s divided society. Using David Goodhart’s distinction between “anywheres” and “somewheres,” +Tim reframes these groups positively as “seekers” (those shaped by mobility, education, and career) and “dwellers” (those rooted in place, relationships, and community). Rather than being in conflict, both are invited into God’s mission. Drawing on Acts 1, the sermon highlights Jesus’ vision of a global movement: believers are called to be witnesses from their local context to the ends of the earth. This “Ephesian momentum” describes the spread of the kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit, bringing together diverse peoples and cultures. Whether people stay local or move globally, all can participate in this Spirit-led mission. +Tim reflects on the history of Christianity in Europe, tracing its journey from early Jewish roots to Greek and Latin forms, through Christendom, the Reformation, and eventual secularization. European Christianity became “territorial,” assuming that the kingdom of God could be tied to geography, political power, and institutions. This model ultimately limited the church’s vitality. In contrast, the modern missionary movement rediscovered a more dynamic and relational faith, though it was often misunderstood and entangled with colonialism. Through engagement with other cultures—especially in Africa—Christianity was reshaped and renewed. African Christianity, in particular, has grown rapidly by engaging deeply with local cultures and spiritual worldviews, leading to one of the most vibrant expressions of faith today. The sermon emphasizes that Western Christianity now has much to learn from global Christianity. The anticipated visit of Kenyan Christians is presented as an opportunity for mutual learning and self-reflection. By seeing ourselves through the eyes of others, we may recognize weaknesses and rediscover a more authentic, Spirit-filled faith. As an African proverb suggests, “only the stranger can see the leak in your roof.” A key theme is that mission is not about controlling territory or imposing beliefs, but about embodying the kingdom of God in different cultural contexts. Christianity spreads like a network—adaptable, relational, and rooted in local realities. The church does not equal the kingdom but serves as a witness to it. The sermon also highlights the importance of engaging with “primal” spiritual longings—deep human desires for meaning, identity, and connection with God. True conversion involves the whole of life, not just personal belief, and requires demonstrating faith in lived, relational ways. The conclusion calls for a renewed vision of mission that combines local commitment with global awareness. Practically, this includes serving local communities while also engaging across cultures. The hope is that through humility, openness, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Western Christianity can experience renewal and rediscover its place within the wider movement of world Christianity.

It could be you, a relative, or a friend who one day finds themselves living in a care home. At our next Community Café, we’re pleased to welcome Angela Sayer, manager of Greenacres Care Home, along with her deputy. Angela is dedicated to helping residents enjoy a good quality of life—physically, emotionally, and socially. She works hard to keep people connected to the wider community and cares deeply about their wellbeing. Do come along to hear her speak—you may find it both reassuring and inspiring. As we grow older, life can bring both challenges and opportunities. While later life can involve increasing frailty, it can also be a time of reflection, wisdom, and meaningful connection. It’s important that older people are treated with dignity, respect, and care, and that they continue to feel valued and included. With this in mind, a small team from Emmanuel regularly visits local care homes. We spend time with residents, offering friendly conversation, music, and short, gentle gatherings for those who would like to take part. We currently visit six homes in the local area—some twice a month and others once—making around nine visits each month. We are always mindful that we are entering people’s homes. We visit only at the invitation of the care home managers, and residents are free to join us or not, as they choose. Sometimes a member of staff helps introduce us and support the time we spend together. When we first began, some residents were understandably unsure about us. But over time, many have become more comfortable, often greeting us warmly and thanking us as we leave. New faces can still take a little getting used to, which is only natural—trust builds gradually, especially when so much in life has changed. So why do we go? Quite simply, to spend time with people, to listen, and to offer companionship and encouragement. For those who are interested, we also share something of the hope and comfort that faith can bring, especially in later life. We next meet in church on Saturday 11th April at 10.30am . Why not come along and find out more?

A space for encounter, restoration and mission Monday 30 th  March to Friday 3 rd April: 6am to 10pm Our prayer room, The Well, will reopen for the week before Easter, situated in the Oval Room at Emmanuel, accessible through the sliding glass doors. How can I take part? By spending an hour alone with God at The Well, engaging with a creative interactive prayer journey based on events of the day before the crucifixion  How can I book a timeslot? 60+ timeslots of 1 hour in The Well are bookable via the church app. Can I bring a guest to my timeslot?  Yes, but bear in mind that The Well is designed for individual prayer and response with privacy. Can I pray at night too? Yes, the night hours from 10pm to 6am are also bookable, as commitments to spend time in prayer at home when The Well is closed. Resources will be available via the Church app.  How is The Well open to everyone? From 11am to 1pm each day, The Well will be open for use by anyone. There is no guarantee of privacy or silence during these two hours. I don’t have an hour to spare. How can I join in?  By praying wherever and whenever you can, using the resources that will be on the app, and/or by visiting The Well at Emmanuel any time between 11am and 1pm for shared use, without needing to book. Will there be an extended worship evening? On Thursday 2nd April, there will be a 7pm communion service in church with foot washing, followed by 2 hours of prayer and worship together in the prayer room, Worship@TheWell, from 8pm to 10pm. If I have time, how can I prepare for my timeslot? Preparation isn't essential or expected. If you have time, you may want to read John 13 & 14 and Matthew 26.   Last time in The Well, people encountered peace, joy, emotional healing and a renewed desire to share Jesus with friends and neighbours. Here’s a reminder of feedback from those who came: Trust him for everything because he is faithful. Release of emotions, letting go of past trauma. So much to take away. An oasis of peace, a wonderful hour with Christ. A wonderful time of allowing the Lord to speak to my heart. Would have loved to stay longer. A real feeling of renewing an acquaintance. A chance to let my burdens go. Great feeling of lightness now. Time with him. Went too quickly. Nothing in us is hidden to the Lord. Let your Spirit come. May we have the joy of the woman at the well to share you with others. It is such a blessing to be with Jesus. What a joy to be with the Lord and experience the peace and joy of his presence.  Please saturate me with your Holy Spirit. May I sprinkle your living water on everyone I meet. Challenged to be hungry to do what God wants, to be thirsty for more of him. To spend more time with Jesus like this, not just fitting him into my life as and when. May I be filled deeply with joy and streams of living water and to share more abundantly with those I meet. Thank you for reigniting my passion to bring loved ones to the foot of the cross. I speak the name of Jesus over them all. An hour of peace and communication with the Spirit. I broke out in tongues several times, Alleluia.  I will leave refreshed and inspired. Such a blessing, I could have spent much longer here. One thing that struck me: ‘his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and truth’. I could spend two hours here and still get more out of it.  An hour is not enough time to take in everything here. I will create my own well and go over everything in slow time.  What an amazing time. I could have taken several hours to go through the process. It is amazing. The Lord showed me that I was in a safe place to reveal a deep hurt, and I know he was listening and will address it.  I didn’t expect this hour to have such a profound effect on me. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. The Lord reminded me that my anxieties stem from spiritual thirst. I need to spend time at the well with Jesus more often. I have loved this experience. It is precious.  A wonderful time of peace and reflection. I feel safe and seen. A joy to take time to encounter God. I learned more about our relationship and what I need to do to continue my journey with him. A lovely time to sit and just be with the Lord. I am very thankful.  A valuable hour. I could have used more time. A blessing. I have been challenged to pray for those attending Christmas services that eyes may be opened to see and recognise Jesus as the Samaritan woman did. I felt the presence of Jesus. I was very tearful. I felt forgiven and peaceful.  Time for tears, hopefully seeing Jesus’ love more clearly. What a blessing. I could have stayed all day. A haven of peace. The Lord who loves me just as I am has shown me what I can be.  Good to spend quiet time reflecting on God’s goodness and faithfulness.  The Lord has shown me my deepest anxiety and lifted it from my shoulders onto his. A space for peace and healing, refreshing the soul and sending us out with new humility, hunger and hope in Jesus.

We all use them everyday but have you ever really thought about what they are made of? I certainly hadn’t. A couple of years ago a friend gave me a ‘ Who Gives a Crap ’ bamboo toilet roll to ‘try’.The quality and effectiveness were as good as what I was normally using, but apart from that it was a loo roll in the end!   I decided to do some research. Everyday 1 million trees are cut down to make regular toilet paper. Using bamboo is more environmentally sustainable. It is regenerative and crops up to 3 x a year without being uprooted. An environmental plus for me.   Researching further, Who Gives A Crap donate 50% of their profits to clean water and sanitation projects around the globe. So by using this product I am supporting billions of people in need to gain access to these life-saving services.   My normal purchase of toilet rolls comes wrapped in plastic, something I am consciously trying to reduce my use of. This toilet roll was individually wrapped in paper which had a great pattern on it! Much to the amusement of my family I  often use the wrappings to wrap small gifts for birthdays or Christmas! The 48 rolls are packaged into a recycled cardboard box for delivery. (Smaller quantities are also available). Interestingly I’ve noticed they are being sold at Tesco and Waitrose although do work out slightly dearer then a delivery option, but ideal if you want to try them for yourself.   There are many other companies who also make toilet rolls out of bamboo or recycled paper, Naked Paper , Cheeky Panda , Bumboo and Kazoo to name but a few. I have tried a few of these  but it comes down to personal choice and preference.   If you would like to try Who Gives A Crap for yourself you will find they are currently in our church toilets as we were donated a whole box to trial.   Please do let me know what you think. I am happy to answer any further questions you may have such as cost, ordering and subscriptions available.   Debbie Houston

Emmanuel's Flower Ministry presents a wonderful opportunity to glorify God, to celebrate and remember, and to bless the people in our church family and local community. Flower arrangements can be sponsored in memory of a loved one, to commemorate a happy event, or simply as a gift to the church family. When you sponsor the flowers, you will be given the opportunity to suggest a colour scheme, and to write a short message of dedication to be featured in the weekly Lamp Post. After being enjoyed by the congregation in our Sunday services, the flowers are collected and bunched, before being delivered to a person in our community as a gift from the church family. If you would like to sponsor the flowers, please contact Kim Gregory via the church app. Go to 'bookings', then 'flowers in church', where there is a form to fill out Alternatively, you may contact the church office. Call for volunteers - We are looking for people who can dismantle the arrangements, bunch the flowers and deliver them to recipients on Mondays or Tuesdays. Please contact the church office if you feel that you could help. Blessings, Kim Gregory

Worship at Emmanuel: A Heart to Serve, A Passion for Jesus One of the great privileges of our life together at Emmanuel is gathering to worship Jesus. Week by week, voices are lifted, instruments are played, and together we turn our hearts toward the living God. Worship is not a performance. It is a response. It is the people of God meeting with God. Behind this is a faithful team who serve with humility, dedication, and love. Our worship team give their time, prepare diligently, pray faithfully, and carry a deep desire to help others encounter Jesus. They do far more than play music. They help create space for people to meet with God, sometimes in moments of great joy, sometimes in moments of deep need. Over recent months, under Steve’s leadership, our worship leaders have prayerfully reflected on the vision and calling of worship at Emmanuel. They have articulated a clear and compelling vision: that we would be a community of worshippers who are passionate about proclaiming Jesus and seeing lives transformed by the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Their desire is simple and profound. That our worship would be Christ-centred and Spirit-led. That we would serve one another with love and sacrifice. That we would remain hungry and expectant for more of God, trusting that He is still at work among us. Alongside this, they have developed a role profile for worship team members. This is not about creating barriers, but about honouring the sacred privilege of leading others in worship. It reflects a shared commitment to spiritual growth, humility, unity, and excellence, recognising that those who serve in this way are helping lead the whole church in responding to Jesus. We are deeply grateful to Steve and the worship leaders for their prayerful, thoughtful, and faithful work in shaping this vision. Their leadership is strengthening the spiritual life of our church and helping ensure that worship at Emmanuel remains a place where people encounter the presence, love, and transforming power of God. If you are part of Emmanuel and would like to explore serving on the worship team, you are warmly invited to read the role profile  and vision . These have been created to help support and encourage those who feel called to this ministry. Steve would be very happy to speak with anyone who would like to know more, ask questions, or explore whether this might be a place for you to serve and grow. If you are new or visiting, you are always welcome to join us. You do not need to have the right words or know the songs. Simply come as you are. Jesus meets people exactly there. As Scripture reminds us, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) This is our prayer. That Emmanuel would be a community of true worshippers, hungry for God, humble in heart, and full of hope in Christ.

In our ongoing Lenten series, "The Cut Flower,"  we have been reflecting on the beauty of Western civilization—and the sobering reality that this beauty is fading because it has been severed from its Christian roots. If we want to see the "flower" of our society bloom again, we have to look honestly at the soil. This Sunday, we are digging deep into the difficult but necessary themes of Social Sin and Confession.  We are asking: What are the toxins in our culture that we have come to accept as normal? Morning Service: Slavery and the Structures of Sin In the morning, we are privileged to have Bishop Tim, who will be exposing the persistent shadow of Slavery—both historical and modern. We often think of sin as a purely individual matter, but Bishop Tim will help us understand "Social Sin": the ways in which our collective systems and choices can entrench injustice. True repentance begins with an honest confession of how we have allowed these structures to flourish. Evening Service: The Sexual Revolution and Modern Confusion In the evening, we will continue this exploration by looking at the Sexual Revolution. While marketed as a movement of liberation, many are beginning to realise that it has left a trail of brokenness in its wake. We will examine the case against the revolution’s promises and ask why ancient Christian wisdom may actually offer more protection and dignity than modern "freedom." Recommended Resource: Against the Current In preparation for our evening sermon —or simply for your own reflection—I highly recommend a recent episode of the Thread podcast. Author and journalist Louise Perry joins Stephen Foster to examine why the sexual revolution has failed many women and families. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her own journey from atheism toward faith, Perry reflects on marriage, dating, and power. Her insights highlight why "ancient wisdom" speaks more clearly to our modern confusion than today’s promises of liberation. Regardless of whether you can make the talk, do check out the podcast: ●     Listen on Apple Podcasts ●     Listen on Spotify   Returning to the Roots Confession is not about wallowing in guilt; it is about clearing the "blight" so that new life can grow. Join us this Sunday as we seek a path toward true transformation.

Right now, our Churchwarden Pam and our Children and Youth Lead Holly are in Kenya as part of Emmanuel’s growing global friendships. Why Kenya? Over the past year, we have developed a connection through Bishop Tim, who lived and worked for many years in the Nairobi area. Through this relationship, Emmanuel is supporting Church Army Africa in the building of the new Emmanuel Centre at Carlile College. Carlile College is an education ministry of Church Army Africa. Its mission is to nurture leaders through Christian, values based training that equips them to serve their communities and see lives transformed. The new building will expand their capacity, enabling more students to be trained and sent out as leaders across the region. We are able to support this project because of a generous legacy left to Emmanuel specifically for overseas mission. It is a joy to see that gift used in a way that will bless many others for years to come. A Growing Church Link Alongside this building project, we have established a link with St Monica’s Church in Thika, about 25 miles north east of Nairobi. St Monica’s is a thriving, contemporary Anglican church, and we are praying that this friendship will grow into a genuine two way relationship where we learn from one another. While in Kenya, Pam and Holly are: Visiting Carlile College and seeing the early stages of the new Emmanuel Centre. Meeting students who are training for Christian leadership. Attending worship at St Monica’s and experiencing African church life. Joining a couple of home groups to see how small group discipleship happens in a different cultural setting. Many of our Emmanuel home groups have already shared pictures and short videos with St Monica’s. They know something about us, and now Pam and Holly are seeing first hand how their groups gather, pray and grow in faith. A Heart for the Next Generation As our Children and Youth Lead, Holly is particularly interested in their Youth Development and Child and Family Support programmes. She is observing both the similarities and differences in how churches serve children and families in different cultural contexts. Her hope is to help build a lasting bridge between our two communities, with a special focus on encouraging and discipling the next generation. We long to see children in Plymouth and children in Kenya praying for one another and discovering together what it means to follow Jesus. Holly is also spending time learning about the Women’s Empowerment Programme connected to the work there. She believes deeply in the power of creativity and meaningful work to bring healing and dignity to those who are often overlooked, and is eager to see how these initiatives are helping women flourish. Please Pray As they continue their time in Kenya, please pray: For strength, good health and protection. For Jesus inspired conversations and friendships that are natural and fruitful. For open hearts as they listen, observe and learn. For fresh vision and renewed energy for youth and children’s ministry back in Plymouth. For the children and young people in both communities to grow in faith and curiosity about one another. We are part of a global family in Christ. As Pam and Holly represent us in Kenya, may this partnership deepen our discipleship, widen our compassion, and remind us that God’s Kingdom stretches far beyond our own city.

A Lenten Journey Toward Transformation The West is often described as a "cut flower" —strikingly beautiful, yet disconnected from the soil that gave it life. As author Ayaan Hirsi Ali famously observed at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC)  conference, we are currently enjoying the bloom of Western civilization while the stem withers, severed from the Christian heritage that once anchored our values, our ethics, and our sense of purpose. Hirsi Ali, who recently shared her own journey to Christian faith, notes that while the flower remains beautiful for a time in the vase, it is ultimately fading. However, she offers a hopeful challenge: we still possess the "seed packets"  of our heritage. By returning to these "seeds"—the core spiritual disciplines—the West can be "replanted" and renewed. Dispatches from the Living Soil This Lent, we aren't just looking inward; we are looking to our global family. Two members of our team are currently traveling to Kenya to visit our partnership church in Thika  and a Church Army  project in Nairobi. Equipped with cameras and a mission to listen, they are capturing authentic "field reports" from our brothers and sisters in Africa. We will hear their perspectives on how these ancient disciplines are lived out with a vibrancy and depth that can show us the way back to spiritual vitality. Our Lenten Path: Starting this March, join us as we explore the "Seed Packets" of our faith: ●     Fasting and Prayer:  Moving beyond comfort to find our source in God. ●     Social Sin and Confession:  Facing the shadows of slavery and injustice to seek healing. ●     Service:  Honouring the life-giving labour of serving others. ●     Encouragement:  Choosing Christian joy over cultural cynicism. ●     Simplicity:  Learning to live with less so that we can give more. ●     Hospitality:  Discovering how God makes room for us and how we do the same for others. ●     Pilgrimage: Navigating our home in the cultural divide of the "The Somewheres" and "The Anywheres"