highfield church

an update from nkunga - february 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:07:22 +0000

an update from nkunga

Highfield Church has undertaken, in partnership with Food for the Hungry UK (FHI), a programme to support the people of Nkunga � a village in Kenya. Members of the congregation and local residents have joined together to financially support this programme over a period of about 10 years, until the community and its people are advancing towards their God-given potential. For more information about the partnership, click here

Recent rains have produced a good harvest for the first time in three years and maize is now ripening in the fields. Food for the Hungry have been teaching farming families to grow vegetables in containers near their houses, using waste water from washing up to water the vegetables, which provide a much needed supplement for the villagers' diets. Everyone is hoping that the long rains will start soon and the soil is being prepared for the next planting of crops.

A new headmaster has been appointed to the school, and Food for the Hungry are working to encourage him to be proactive in addressing the needs of the pupils. The school remains understaffed which is imposing severe strains on the teachers, and reduces the quality of education that they are able to offer. The government has so far not responded requests for more teaching staff.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, Food for the Hungry are organising a health screening session for children at the school and it is hoped that this will identify medical problems among the children before they become chronic. 250 students who attended a recent event volunteered to undertake an HIV test and analysis of anonymised results will help Food for the Hungry and the community to better understand the level of infection in the village. Food for the Hungry continues to educate the young people about how the virus spreads and how abstinence is the only certain method of avoiding transmission.

Local churches have agreed to collaborate on running training events for young people who have completed secondary school but are unable to progress further in the education system and have not yet found a job. There will be advice on HIV AIDS, careers and the mechanics of starting a business. Members of different congregations are also helping one another out much more with practical things and this is improving the quality of life for everyone in Nkunga.

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easter prayer event - march 31 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:07:02 +0000

easter prayer event

march 31 2010 at 7.30pm

On the Wednesday evening of Holy Week (March 31) the whole church is being called upon to pray for our year of mission. The evening will start at 7.30pm and finish at around 9pm. The launch of our year of mission was a time to introduce the different initiatives to one another; this evening will be an opportunity to present them in prayer to God.

Please make this a priority and encourage others to come.

alpha changes lives

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:37:02 +0000

alpha changes lives

Read what happened to Simon when he attended the last Alpha Course at Highfield with Fay�

I�m a new Christian and an old Christian. A believer in my early childhood, and one now. I slowly lost my faith between the ages of six and ten. Whether through arrogance, rebellion against an ultimate authority, or a misunderstanding of how human suffering fits in with a loving God. By the time I was an adult I ceased most thought about God, Jesus, and the experiences I had had of the Holy Spirit. Distant memories from a distant childhood. One thing lingered that I couldn�t put my finger on � Hope.

Fast forward twenty three years, and having encouraged Fay to undertake a degree with the Open University, I found myself invited to an Alpha Course by her, to further her understanding of Christianity from a human perspective, rather than academically. At first I refused, a waste of my time I thought. Then I offered to drive her there and wait in the car, catching up with work, or some other useful activity. However it was my presence and support that was requested, so I reluctantly agreed to attend with Fay.

The friendliness and welcome were the first noticeable things. The gift of an evening meal, especially one that was tailored to my dietary requirements, was very humbling, coming from complete strangers.

The small group discussions allowed me to ask questions I didn�t know I had, and put my early childhood faith into context. The weekend away, one we could only attend in part, allowed quiet reflection, one-to-one chats, and mutual support with deeply personal issues. I went away with an understanding of Christianity, that perhaps with reflection, I never had. The morning after our brief visit to the Alpha weekend, I awoke, at home, feeling somewhat different. I realised that I had been holding back my faith, not dispensing with it completely. An irrational denial of faith, caused by a fundamentalist adherence to a doctrine of rationality! It had been a bad fit with me, and the sudden release from it felt like a weight of my shoulders.

This was the point where it happened, in bed staring up at the ceiling. A realisation that I could now, unhindered, open my heart to Jesus, give myself over, and repent my sins and be forgiven. It was a big leap. I wasn�t expecting a response. I imagined myself getting up and having a normal day. Instead I had an intense feeling of love and well-being, one that lasted for days. It shook my world and I wanted to tell everyone about it. I quite rightly checked my sanity, nervous breakdowns can happen, but no, I was performing my job without problem, I was functioning, I just had something wonderful added to my life. The feeling is still there, particularly at moments when I think of Him. We�re now attending our nearest church, and we are both participating in their confirmation class. I hope many of you who wish to, will be available to attend when the time comes.

A new course starts on February 24 2010 and runs every Wednesday for 8 weeks. For more information please contact the Alpha team .

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the narrow road: good friday - april 2 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:06:08 +0000

the narrow road

good friday - april 2 2010

On Good Friday (2nd April), Riding Lights Theatre Company will be at Highfield Church performing The Narrow Road - a moving combination of powerful theatre, meditation and corporate worship.

Meeting the characters and re-living the events of the gospels, this passion story takes its audience back along that original road, through the place of the cross and into the challenge of a life beyond.

Compellingly performed, The Narrow Road asks each of us to review the understanding and practice of our own faith in relation to that journey today.

Tickets cost £5, and are available from the Church Office.

come and sing faur�'s requiem

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:57:41 +0000

come and sing fauré's requiem

All are welcome to a "workshop" rehearsal and performance on Saturday 27th March at Highfield Church. The day starts with a practice at 2.30pm and ends with an informal performance at 7pm. Refreshments provided.

Let us know if you want to borrow a score on the day - (limited numbers available so 1st come 1st served) otherwise bring your own - any edition. Informal dress.

Please register with Laura Hewitt by email: laura@hewittpeople.co.uk or phone: 023 8058 5978; providing name, email, phone number, voice type and whether you need to borrow a score.

the marriage course - starts april 19

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:47:59 +0000

the marriage course

starts april 19 2010

The Marriage Course is a DVD series for couples produced by Holy Trinity Brompton. The aim of the Course is to help couples grow closer and build a healthy relationship that will last a lifetime. Over seven sessions you will discover practical tools to help you: understand each other’s needs, communicate more effectively, grow closer through resolving conflict, heal the ways you’ve hurt each other, recognise how your upbringing affects your relationship, improve relationships with parents and in-laws, develop greater sexual intimacy, discover each other’s love languages and much more!

The next Marriage Course at Highfield is on Monday evenings starting on 19th April. If you would like to take part, or would like to host a course, please contact the Church Office.

reasonable faith at sunday night

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:32:12 +0000

reasonable faith at sunday night

This term at 'Sunday Night' the Reasonable Faith course will be on , starting 17th January and running through till Sunday 14 March. We will be looking to think through the grounds for Christian belief to see if they are reasonable and compelling. To kick-start the series the title will be - ‘Is Christianity about Faith or Reason?' Come along for food from 8pm and then presentation and discussion. Great to invite questioning friends to or to come yourself to get equipped. Aimed at students but all welcome. Here is what we will be looking at over the next few weeks.

Jan 24: Hasn't Science disproved God?
Jan 31: Are Science and Faith Compatible?
Feb 7: Why do bad things happen?
Feb14: Is there any basis for morality?
Feb 21: I am glad you asked me that (questions evening)
Feb 28: Are the Gospels History or Myth?
Mar 7: What did Jesus really claim?
Mar 14: Surely, death is the end, isn't it?

mission 10 evening - POSTPONED

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:46:50 +0000

mission 10 evening

wednesday january 6, 2010

A decision whether or not to postpone this Wednesday evening's Mission 10 event at Highfield Church will be made shortly after lunchtime. If it is postponed an update will be posted here later today - so please go online regularly to check. If the cancellation is made after office hours a message will be left on the church office answermachine (8055 8234).

If you know of those who do not have internet access – or access it infrequently– please could you inform them of the decision by phone. Home Group leaders and others who lead small groups are asked to check up that those in their groups know.

The weather might make meeting together impractical, but might just give us more time in the day to pray for our year of Mission!

UPDATED - 6/1/2010 @12.15pm

mission 10 evening postponed

In light of the current weather conditions we have decided to postpone this evening's meeting and reschedule it for Wednesday 27th January (7.30-9.30pm). Please can you let as many people as possible know who you think might not check the web site. If it is appropriate you might consider joining with one or two others and spend time praying for our year of mission.

mission 10 updates - december 2009

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:42:22 +0000

mission 10 updates

As we approach the New Year, there are two ways that you can get updates on Mission 10.

First, check out the display at the back of church giving more details about Mission 10, who's involved and what's going on.

Second, a new Mission 10 area has been created in the Secure Area of the website. This area is under development, but contains details of Mission 10 and resources to help you identify what it means to you and the church. It also contains a prayer board where Mission 10 prayer updates will be posted. To view the Mission 10 area, you will need the username and password for the Secure Area, which is printed on the back of the notice sheet given out in church each week.

To go to the Mission 10 pages, click here.

winter tea - sunday december 20, 2009

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:33:41 +0000

winter tea

On Sunday December 20 2009, we are holding a Winter Tea which will be a time for those who have been bereaved or would like to set apart a time for quiet reflection.

The Tea will be held in Highfield Church Centre starting at 3.30pm and lasting about an hour. There will be tea and cake, an opportunity to chat with friends and a short talk by Graham Archer.

A Carols by Candlelight service follows at 5pm in the Church for those that wish to attend.

highfield church

an update from nkunga - february 2010

an update from nkunga

easter prayer event - march 31 2010

easter prayer event

march 31 2010 at 7.30pm

alpha changes lives

alpha changes lives

the narrow road: good friday - april 2 2010

the narrow road

good friday - april 2 2010

come and sing faur�'s requiem

come and sing fauré's requiem

the marriage course - starts april 19

the marriage course

starts april 19 2010

reasonable faith at sunday night

reasonable faith at sunday night

mission 10 evening - POSTPONED

mission 10 evening

wednesday january 6, 2010

****UPDATED - 6/1/2010 @12.15pm****

mission 10 evening postponed

mission 10 updates - december 2009

mission 10 updates

winter tea - sunday december 20, 2009

winter tea

UPDATED - 6/1/2010 @12.15pm