Vision: Deeper in Youth

Somebody once said, "I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words."

Everybody has an opinion on the state of our society and the challenges that face our young people. Some are optimistic, some are pessimistic, and some fall somewhere in between. It's important to remember that not everyone expects the worst. What if we refuse to believe the worst in today's youth but instead call them towards God's best for their lives? 

The above quote is actually from Hesiod, an 8th-century BCE Greek poet.  Even Greek poets who lived 2,700 years ago struggled to understand best how to nurture the rising generations. You may perhaps already know that the majority of Jesus' 12 disciples are thought to have been teenagers. The youngest was most likely John, sitting somewhere in his early teens. Jesus takes these young people and radically transforms the world, establishes his church and uses them to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

What if we began to believe and expect that our young people can be used in similar ways? What if we shifted from the ancient old hat narrative of 'no hope for young people', to 'God can use them in a mighty and dynamic way'? 

Our young people have the ability to engage in their faith, rely on the Holy Spirit and see God move in extraordinary ways. The same Holy Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead, that is at work in our lives, is also available to our teenagers. At DTI our young people engaged in worship, prayed for and had words for one another - many of them encountered Jesus in new ways and were filled with the Holy Spirit. We want to make sure there are opportunities across the year for them to be encouraged to continue to go deeper in their faith and relationship with God. It is important that we don’t wait for a couple of big events each year, but that their faith is continually an active part of their lives!

Let's begin to get excited about their futures and expect the kind of depth that comes from walking closely with the Lord. They might surprise us all with the way in which God can use them in His Kingdom. 

In this next season, we want to take time to reset the table, empower our youth leaders and engage our young people on a deeper level, helping them thrive in their faith. Our young people are not the ‘church of tomorrow’ but are very much a part of the church today, they can encounter God in the same ways that adults can, and can (and do!) hear from God and minister to others. We are so excited for all that God will continue to do through our young people!

Reflection: Celebrating Imperfect Abundance

While summer seems to have only just begun, our little home garden is already bursting with a mini-harvest of juicy strawberries, plump peas, and garlic. Surrounded by this early harvest, I can't help but also notice the abundance of unripe fruits and vegetables waiting their turn. This, along with my little helper Judah who is usually more focused on "eating" than "picking" our little harvests, reminds me of the beautiful truth in Ecclesiastes 3:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

This verse speaks volumes about life, even echoed in our gardens. Just as there's a time for planting and a time for harvest, there are seasons of joy and sorrow, celebration and loss, all coexisting within our Christian community.

Our garden, like life, can be unpredictable. Some plants fall victim to mischievous squirrels, while others wilt under the harsh sun. Yet, amidst these setbacks, we see beautiful flowers and the promise of future harvests. It's a humbling reminder that even with our best efforts, things don't always go according to plan. The weather, like life's unforeseen challenges, throws us curveballs.

However, the harvest, like our faith journey, isn't defined by its imperfections. The sweet strawberries we enjoy are a testament to the life-giving power of both sunshine and rain. Just as some plants struggle, we can also sometimes stumble on our faith journey. Our efforts don't always yield the fruit we envision.

But like a farmer who sows seeds despite the uncertainty of the weather, we must keep planting seeds of faith. We nurture our spiritual growth through prayer, scripture, and being led by the Holy Spirit. Even though we are imperfect, God works through us. It always reassures me that God works through me, but also sometimes in spite of me too! Jesus says to his disciples:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear

much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing...” (John 15:5)

It is only because of God that we get to be fruitful, but we get to play our part!

So, let us celebrate the journey of growing closer to Jesus, being guided by the Holy Spirit, and finding gratitude in the fruits of our lives. For in all seasons, God's constant provision sustains us.

What is prophecy and why does it matter?

At Sutton Vineyard, we believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given to us to be used in our daily lives (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Prophecy is just one of those gifts that we all have the opportunity to experience. But what exactly is prophecy, and why is it exciting news for each of us? I want to take some time in this post to unpack it a little bit, share some stories, and let you know about an exciting opportunity to develop more in this area of our spirituality. 

We do not believe that prophecy is reserved for a chosen few. Instead, we believe that all believers can hear from God. These messages, taking the form of words of encouragement, correction, or even glimpses into the future, are God's way of actively speaking to His people today. Imagine prophecy not as booming pronouncements from a mountaintop but as a gentle nudge, a whispered message from the Holy Spirit directly to you. It can of course come in other forms, but we usually experience nudges, prompts, words or pictures. 

The prophetic should usually encourage and edify. It is a beautiful way that God uses each of us to spur each other in our own faith journeys, as individuals and as a church family. All of us can hear from God, and as well as receiving words for others, we should also weigh up words we are given against scripture. At the heart of all we do, including the prophetic, love for one another should be at the heart.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:2

As we get to know God better, we learn to hear the voice of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is a gift for all, a beautiful invitation to play a part in the vibrant symphony of the Holy Spirit's work within the church. So open your heart, listen closely, and get ready to hear God's voice in you and through you.

If you would like to explore the prophetic more, we have a Prophecy Training day on Saturday 6th July, our next Development Day! We would love for you to join us - find out more here

Below are a few encouraging stories about experiences of prophecy from some people at Sutton Vineyard: 

Julie

Our small prayer group, Walk the Walk, visits churches in Sutton to pray for them; it was put on our hearts to be visible, to lay hands on the buildings and to pray that the Holy Spirit will reign in power, grow His church, blesses its leaders and that love will seep from His house into the community.  

Three of us recently visited some churches, praying for protection and to be a blessing. At one church, which we felt we should visit at the last minute, the words "unfinished project" wouldn't leave me. We were delighted to find the church was unlocked and the vicar was present. We prayed for him, his wife, and the new curate. My team members offered beautiful prophetic words, but I felt compelled to share what God had put on my heart – to deliver a message about revisiting and completing a shelved project. It felt mundane compared to the words brought by my team members, but the vicar shared that he would not normally be there on a Friday and he had only come in to revisit a project that had been shelved and to look at the finances to see if they could commence some hefty, much needed  building work, so I hope we helped with that decision!  

This showed us the power of being a team, and the power of prayer. The vicar referred to our prophetic prayers in his sermon on the Sunday, recounting “a visit by three angels". It is amazing to see how our prayers aligned with God's plan for the church.

Heather

At a recent online prayer meeting, The Fireplace, I had an amazing experience. We were in breakout rooms of three, and during our prayer time, the other women shared incredible things about me, even though they didn't know me beforehand.

The first lady said I was like a "carpet layer," weaving vibrant prayers in all directions. She said I play a key role in God's plans, praying strategically and connecting heaven's power to situations.

The second lady called me a "special fracker," meaning my prayers break ground and pave the way. She even saw my prayers as a giant web catching all the bugs, flies and nasties before they could cause harm.

How gracious of God to encourage me in my praying and with the words I get. I don’t know what happens when I give out the words I get or to the prayers I pray. But given these encouraging words from ladies who don’t know me, don’t know anything about me, It had to be the Holy Spirit, it was awesome.

Tana

Giving a Word:

I recently participated in a student weekend as part of a prophecy team. While praying for a student, the word "Thumbelina" popped into my head. It felt strange, but I trusted the feeling and shared it. The student was incredibly touched! It turned out she'd been asking God for confirmation about becoming a nursery teacher – working with little ones, just like Thumbelina. My word felt like a direct answer from God to her.

Receiving a Word:

Just a week before retiring from my 40-year career, I participated in a virtual prayer group. During the session, someone shared a powerful image with me. They saw me in a tiny, dark room with locked gates. But when you pushed them open, there was a beautiful meadow bathed in sunshine, with meadows and birdsong! It felt like God was saying I'd been feeling boxed in, but a time of newness and transformation was coming, a big open space. Sharing that I was retiring soon from a 40-year career, it felt like a clear message about a new, exciting chapter filled with freedom and light.

Two months in, I can tell you – it's true! I am experiencing this beautiful new way of life described in the picture and looking forward to continuing to move forward into all that God has in store within this new freedom.

Susanne

At a prophetic meeting, called the Fireplace, I attended, I had one word that the Lord gave me which was "tapestry", which led to the word "weaving" for a lady I was praying for. I felt that the Lord wanted her to know that He saw her and that she was weaving Gods' love in all the lives she touched and everything she did. 

He gave me Colossians 2:2, a verse about being woven together in love. The lady then showed me a basket she had woven!

Another time, I was at the theatre with my sister and brother-in-law beside me; the woman in front kept blocking my view by hunching over and straightening up. It was infuriating! But during intermission, I felt convicted when I saw her struggling with crutches! I apologised to God for being grumpy and judgmental. He nudged me to pray for her, even though it felt awkward - a stranger, in the middle of the show! I agreed, only if the opportunity arose.

Luckily (I thought), the play started right after intermission, and I thought I’d avoided needing to pray! But then, leaving the theatre, there she was, waiting by the wall. My heart thumped. It felt like God was giving me that chance. "You did promise me Susanne if the opportunity arose, you would pray for her," a voice inside me whispered. Right, I had. My sister, bless her, disappeared into the toilet just then, leaving me alone. Taking a deep breath, I approached the woman. "Would you mind if I prayed for your back?"

She readily agreed. Right there, in the crowded hallway, I placed my hands on her and prayed for healing and peace. She shared that in 15 years of attending church, no one had ever prayed for her like that. When we step out in faith and bless others, we too are blessed. She even said she'd share the story with her church family.

"Alive" Preaching Series Starts Sunday 21st April

Is Jesus alive?

This is the question that we, alongside many other churches across the UK, want to ask over the coming weeks through our preaching series ‘Alive’, through our small groups and beyond!

Easter may be over, but the story doesn’t end with the Resurrection! From Sunday 21st April over 5 weeks we will be exploring the Resurrected Jesus, and unpacking more about what it means for us today that our Saviour is ALIVE! 

The Talking Jesus research suggests that 45% of people in the UK do think that Jesus is alive and that he came back to life after he died on the cross. Surprised?

We are joining with other churches across the nation to ask the question ‘Is Jesus ALIVE?’ Hope and their partners have produced a range of resources to take people on a journey as they explore the question for themselves.

On the ALIVE journey, we will meet some of the people who met the alive Jesus and whose lives were changed as a result; people like Mary who experienced love, the disciples on the road to Emmaus who had hope restored to them, Thomas who needed peace, Peter who found freedom and Paul who was given a new purpose. Many people today are looking for the same things; love, hope, peace, freedom and purpose. The ALIVE series and the resources we are using aim to build a bridge between felt-need now and what the ALIVE Jesus offers.

If you have been looking for a Sunday to invite your non-Christian friends, this would be a great time! This 5-week series and the midweek sessions in small groups will be great discussion starters for those of us who have been following Jesus for a long time, as well as those who do not yet know Him. 

There is also a book that you might be interested in purchasing alongside the series called Alive by Dave Smith. 

For families with children of primary school age, there are free downloadable Snack Sheets and I Spy Sheets that you might like to use. Why not invite friends for an after-school snack or walk and use the sheets with them? With videos to watch via, a QR code as well as things to think, chat about and do the sheets are easy and fun to share!

We hope that you will enjoy joining us on this next series, exploring the Resurrected Jesus, and the impact that has on us today!

Join us on Sundays from 10:00 for refreshments before our main service at 10:30-12:00

Senior Pastor Libby visits Pajule, Uganda with World Vision

In March I had the privilege of being invited by World Vision to see their work in Pajule, Uganda. Pajule is a rural area in Northern Uganda a collection of small villages. Excited to see the community transformation work done by World Vision in some of the most impoverished communities around the world, I took the opportunity to visit, and meet the beautiful communities, and the incredible World Vision staff on the ground. 

Preparing for my journey involved more than just packing bags. Before leaving the UK, I gained insights into the challenges faced by the community through training sessions provided by World Vision, particularly in the aftermath of a recent civil war. 

We travelled to Pajule for two days, including taking a small MAF flight from Kampala to Pajule. Stepping off the plane in Pajule, I was immediately struck by the stark contrast between the urban bustle of Kampala and the simplicity of village life in Pajule. As we travelled the dusty red roads, past the small communities of mud huts and animals, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Arriving in Pajule, I was welcomed with open arms and radiant smiles—a testament to the warmth and hospitality of the community.

We had three days with the community in Pajule. From my journal, here are my thoughts on the trip:

Sunday: Church

The church welcomed us joyfully, but we also saw much need in the community. Before the service, we met with the church leaders under a circle of mango trees, and we were received with such warmth. 
The church service was vibrant and full of energy. I was particularly moved by a story we heard. The church gave some notices during their service about someone in need; we witnessed the church rally around a lady whose house had burnt down, and her family was homeless as a result. Men volunteered to help rebuild the house that week (even though it was harvest season and everyone was busy), and families offered items out of the little they had to support the family in rebuilding their lives. The sense of community was humbling.

Monday: Household Cluster

We visited a beautiful household cluster that welcomed us with joy and dancing. We met an 8-year-old boy who was disabled. Through the support of World Vision, he was given a wheelchair and could now go to school and get an education.

We also met a family whose life had changed so much since World Vision started supporting their community. They saw the value of World Vision and gifted a portion of their land to their community for a children's learning centre and meeting space. They were so grateful that their children had hope through education.

World Vision has improved sanitisation, increased rates of child vaccinations, improved child protection in the community and reduced incidents of gender-based violence.

The community now collectively farms and sells the surplus to pay their children's school fees, ensuring all children can be educated. There are still many needs, and poverty is striking, but the community has hope.

Monday: Religious Leaders

We also met with a group of religious leaders whom World Vision is working with to combat gender-based violence, sexual assaults and promote child protection. It was wonderful to see different denominations and religions working together to improve their communities, and protect children.

Tuesday - Choosing Party

In each community, World Vision hosts choosing parties. Rather than the sponsor choosing a child, the child chooses who they would like to be sponsored by. At the choosing party, the children pick which person, couple, or family they want to be sponsored by from the photos displayed. 

I had the privilege of attending one! It is intentional and empowering for the community. Children are encouraged to use their voices and make decisions about their future.

The event also partnered with medical professionals to do welfare checks, offer deworming medication, check for malaria, etc. At the choosing party, over 12 children tested positive for malaria but could access the medication they needed to be safe.

The highlight of the trip for me was being present as our family was chosen by a beautiful 8-year-old girl named Hilder. She loves math, dreams of being a doctor, and loved watching videos of my little boy Judah! She has 2 older brothers, an inquisitive younger sister I met, and her wonderful mother, Grace, who was so grateful for World Vision. 

I am excited for Hilder and Judah to get to know each other as they grow up. He now has a friend in Uganda to whom he can write. In both Judah and Hilder, I can see the limitless potential of a generation empowered to dream beyond their circumstances.

Reflections

As I look back on my short time in Pajule, it is not the poverty or hardship that stands out most vividly in my memory, but rather the moments of profound connection and solidarity. Whether sharing laughter and dancing with newfound friends or seeing beautiful acts of kindness and compassion, I was reminded of the Kingdom of God and how we can see the glimmers of hope that God brings, even in the hardest of circumstances.
I love how community- and child-focused World Vision is. Ultimately, World Vision aims to empower the community to instigate change and to leave around 15 years later, with the community continuing its own transformation.

As a family, we will continue sponsoring Hilder until she finishes school or until World Vision leaves Pajule—it costs us £26 a month. If you've felt stirred to sponsor through World Vision, please email me at libby.arnold@suttonvineyard.org. If several people are interested, we could consider Sutton Vineyard partnering with a specific community in Pajule. I can send you more information directly if there are just a few people interested. It’s important to me, and the communities, that any decision to sponsor is a thought through commitment.

Not everyone has the opportunity or ability to directly go, serve and support in some of the hardest to reach communities, but this is an opportunity to support an organisation who is there, doing invaluable work. For more information about Chosen, please visit the World Vision website: https://www.worldvision.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/chosen/ 

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Reflections | Easter, Renewal & Hope

“Easter gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our values and beliefs”

Easter, for me, isn’t just about chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a chocolate Easter egg, but it is also a time that holds a deeper meaning—one of renewal, hope, and reflection. As I take a moment to think about what Easter really means to me, I realise it's also more than just a religious holiday; it’s a time to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

Growing up, Easter was always a fun time filled with family gatherings, days out together and Easter egg hunts. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the spiritual significance behind the holiday more and more. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments there’s always a glimmer of hope, a chance for a fresh start. The disciples, as they watched Jesus on the cross, would have felt that all was lost, that it was all over. Yet the reality of Easter is the truth that from that dark moment came the most powerful new beginning for us all! Hope invaded earth, in the middle of darkness. 

One of the things I love most about Easter is the idea of renewal. The timing of Easter coincides with Spring, which feels like nature’s way of hitting the reset button. As I’m sat writing this reflection I can see the daffodils in my garden blooming, and the plants that were sleeping over winter coming back to life! Just as the flowers start to bloom and the days get longer Easter reminds us that we too can shed our old habits and embrace new beginnings. It’s a time to let go of past mistakes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. In many ways, Jesus hit the ultimate reset button for each of us, the old order of things passed away and the new has come – the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate victory!

Easter is also a time of introspection. It’s a chance to take a step back and think about what truly matters in life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that are most important. But Easter gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our values and beliefs.

This Easter, take some time in the presence of Jesus, and allow Him to refresh you and be reminded of all that He has done in your life. 

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of Easter is the message of hope it brings.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, when we turn on the news and see darkness and fear across our world, Easter reminds us that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s still reason to believe that things will get better. It’s a message of resilience, strength and an unbreakable love that I find incredibly comforting, especially during challenging times.

As I sit here reflecting on Easter, I feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for the incredible reality of the victory Jesus accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection for us, for the beauty of nature, for the love and support of my family and friends, and for the opportunity to experience life in all its ups and downs. Easter is a time to count my blessings and to remember just how fortunate I am to be alive, and to know and love Jesus. 

Easter is a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. It’s a time to be reminded of the truth of Easter, embrace new beginnings, to reconnect with what truly matters, and to find comfort in the knowledge that brighter days lie ahead. So as I celebrate Easter this year, I’ll do so with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed sense of optimism for the future.

If you have a spare moment over Easter, why not take a moment to pray and reflect through these three questions:

1. How has your understanding and appreciation of Easter evolved over time, from childhood traditions to a deeper spiritual connection?

2. Reflecting on the themes of renewal and hope discussed in the piece, what specific aspects of your life do you feel inspired to renew or change as you move forward?

3. In what ways do you find yourself connecting with the message of hope in Easter, especially amidst the challenges and uncertainties of the world today?

Lighthouse announces Tesco Stronger Starts campaign

We’re excited to announce that Lighthouse is in the customer vote for Tesco Stronger Starts!

Tesco Stronger Starts is a scheme which gives community projects like Lighthouse grants of up to £1,500.

Lighthouse’s work providing equipment, clothing and a safe space to under 5’s and their families is invaluable in the Sutton area. This grant will enable us to reach and help more children and families, so we need your help!

From October 2023 to mid-January 2024 you will be able to vote at the following Tesco stores:

• Cheam Express SM3 8HB

• North Cheam Express SM3 9BY

• Sutton-Cheam Extra SM1 2NB

• Brighton Rd Sutton Express SM2 5BQ

• Wallington Express SM6 0LY

• Sutton Angel Hill Express SM1 3EH

• Sutton Lower Road Express SM1 4QW

Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants - has already provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. 

The more votes we receive, the greater chance that we will secure the highest possible funding. So if you happen to be shopping at one of these stores, don't forget to pick up a blue token and vote for Lighthouse!

Together, we can open the doors to more disadvantaged families in our community.

For more information on Tesco Stronger Starts, visit their website: https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/communities/strongerstarts

Clothed in Strength & Dignity: What is Flourish, Sutton Vineyard Church’s Women's Ministry?

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.' - Proverbs 31:25

We are so excited about the upcoming Flourish events here at Sutton Vineyard.

Our men's and women's ministries are an essential part of our community and are one of the ways that we can grow in our faith and build relationships with each other. They are spaces for all ages, generations and people of all stages of life to come together and learn from each other.

I want to share with you why we run Flourish and give some exciting updates about our upcoming events!

What is Flourish?

Three key values are at the heart of what we do at Flourish are: faith, friendship and fun!

We are a people of faith, and one of the reasons we have a women's ministry is to encourage one another in our faith. We all have a variety of life experiences, drawing on our strengths as we journey through different phases in our lives, but some challenges we face are unique to us as women.

Whatever stage of life, joy or heartache you are facing, Flourish is a safe place to listen to what Jesus says and be around other women who will encourage you and pray for you as we explore our faith together.

Flourish and friendship

God created you for relationship, relationship with Him and with others. Friendship is an integral part of life and the Christian community, and Flourish is a place where friendship can be found and nurtured.

We believe wholeheartedly in having fun! We want to create spaces that are full of laughter and joy. Having fun together is meaningful, and Flourish is one of those spaces at Sutton Vineyard with lots of room for fun.

One of my favourite passages about women in the Bible is Proverbs 31:10-31. It is often referred to as a passage for wives. Still, in our society today, where women have far more independence and freedom than in the times of the Old Testament, it is a passage that I have found to be more about womanhood than simply for those of us who are married. Verse 25 says:

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.'

My prayer for us at Flourish, as a community of women, is that we will continually experience the strength and dignity God gave us and that laughter would be abundant!

Flourish Events coming up…

We have two great events coming up!

Flourish Meal Out

On the 29th September, we have our Flourish meal at Zizzi’s in Sutton. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time together over food. Spaces are limited; you can find more information and sign up here.

Flourish Day Conference

We are also very excited about our first Flourish Day Conference on the 4th November. We have invited Sian Wade to come and speak with us. Sian is Senior Pastor at Bridge Church Lincoln; she has established a unity movement of over 70 churches in Lincoln, pioneered community transformation projects, and developed incredible working relationships between the church, the NHS and local government. Sian will spend the day with us as we explore what God has to say to each of us about our fit in the Kingdom of God. I will also be speaking, and we will have times of worship and prayer together, too. Put the date in your diary, as spaces are limited! You can sign up and find more information here.

I am incredibly excited to see what God will do in and through us as we gather and spend time in His presence.

Libby Arnold,

Senior Pastor, Sutton Vineyard