Kidzone

On the 26^th -28^th August 2008 the 6^th annual Kidzone took place on the Green at Grange Park. As ever God blessed us with good weather - not a drop of rain the whole time! Our dedicated team worked tirelessly throughout, in addition to the many hours of preparation beforehand, and we are deeply grateful to every one of them. In addition we are also thankful for the help given by the Grange Park Business Community who helped setup and clear-up afterwards. All your help was invaluable and we cannot thank you enough.  

Kidzone was a resounding success with many positive comments made about the warm welcome, the impeccable behaviour of our children and just the huge amounts of fun and smiles experienced by all who attended. The numbers were higher than ever, as were the numbers of cakes and biscuits baked and eaten! There was a wonderful atmosphere at the picnic on the last day which truly felt like the community of Grange Park coming together as God’s family and was a perfect finale to an unforgettable three days. Thank you God for answering all our prayers for our hopes and dreams for this year’s Kidzone!  

This year's Kidzone takes place on 1st, 2nd and 3rd September 2009, 10 to 12pm on the Green at Grange Park. See below for more details:

New Wine

Grange Park Church is affiliated to the New Wine Network of Churches.

STEP OUT SUMMER CONFERENCES 2009

From 25th to 31st July 2009 a group of about 30 adults and children from GPC went to the New Wine Summer Conference in Newark. Despite the less than ideal camping weather (it probably rained for about half the week!) everyone had a fantastic time. For some of us it was a life changing experience. Below is a summarised version of the highlights for some of the GPC people who were there, more will follow shortly:

“Making a choice to become a Christian; Adrian Plass - comedian who takes a wry look at religion and gently and appropriately encourages your faith and laughter; worship you feel deep into your soul e.g., Breathe by Andy Smith; community across GPC and with new people met; seeing the Children interact wonderfully and get good care and teaching in their sessions” Jason Ebbutt.

“Living together as a big family group & close community, sharing meals, childcare, friendship; always someone around to have a cup of tea and a chat with; my children making new friendships and fitting in so well with the others; the wonderful Empower sessions where the drama, talks and worship touched my heart in an unforgettable way”. Rachel Monie

“Late night chats round a lantern under a gazebo; Carrie & David Grant's inspirational talk..... how to make every day of your life count and live life in abundance; the excellent balance of the 'Empower' sessions..... great worship, superb actors, great comedian, and enormously powerful talks and testimonies.” Lisa Smith.

“I loved being together as a group and how people supported and helped each other – a real picture of heaven. Empower sessions were fabulous – but also v challenging!” Charlie Nobbs.

For more information about New Wine visit the website below: 

http://www.new-wine.org/

Training Opportunities

The Bible calls us "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body
of Christ may be built up" (Ephesians 4.12).

One of the ways that we attempt to 'put teeth on' some of this conviction is through the growing leaders course.

Research shows that growing, healthy churches have effective
leadership at every level – from small group leaders to the
minister. We are committed to the health of GPC and seek to invest in leaders.

Growing Leaders
Growing Leaders is the latest practical resource from CPAS. It is more than just
another course. Over a year, its unique mix of teaching, mentoring and practical
application focuses on:

* leadership rooted in Christ
* deepening commitment to long-term service
* essential skills for the task.

CellUK
Being a cell church we also tap into courses provided by
CellUK for our cell leaders or potential cell leaders. We
believe that it is important to train our leaders and are willing to
invest in them as a church by paying for their training.

We also currently in the process of developing a home grown course for cell
leaders and potential cell leaders. More details to follow.