Christmas Dinner

You may think that Friday 21st November is a little early for a Christmas Dinner, but the Christmas Spirit was definately evident as Thriving Life Church joined together last Friday for our first Annual Christmas dinner!

'Top Nosh' did a superb job catering for 80 people, whilst Keith and Darren kept everyone entertained after. It was great to have the full range of 'Thrivers' from the oldest (no names) to the youngest (our newest Thriver - Amelie Brown not yet a week old)!

First Baptism Service

On Sunday 12th October 2008 we celebrated our first baptism service as a church. Five people publically declared their faith and intention to live for God. Some had been Christians for a few years, others only weeks but each person testified to God's forgiveness and their desire to serve him.

The church celebrated with heaven as they came up out of the water. The atmosphere of celebration and joy was added to by the fact that so many of their friends and family came along to support and watch them on this important day in their faith journey. Enjoy watching the videos!

Global Leadership Summit

20 Thrivers took time out from work and family activities last weekend to attend the Willowcreek Global Leadership Summit hosted by Ballynahinch Baptist Church this year. It was a real thrill for the elders, that so many from the church were willing to use their valued holidays to attend this event and boy was it worth it!

Every session brought new challenges and it was wonderful that we were able to sit together between sessions and try to apply it to our church situation.

Bill Hybels' inspirational opening and closing sessions once again affirmed the truth that the local church really is the hope of the world. Craig Groeschel fascinating session on 'it' left us all asking the same question and praying the same prayer on Sunday morning, " Lord give us 'it'!"

During Catherine Rohr's fantastic interview, we felt inspired by her life choices and the courage of her decisions. We smiled with admiration at the row of 'graduates' who testified to the difference her 'Prison Entrepreneurship Program' made to them and as one recently released convict spoke with passion and pride, our heart-strings were pulled as we once again caught the vision of what the local church can and should be doing for people.

Everyone who attended was blessed and inspired, but now the hard work begins, of putting those challenges into practice and learning from the leadership axioms we heard over the weekend.

Anyone up for a trip to Chicago next August?

For more information on:

Global Leadership Summit go to: www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2008/

Prison Entrepreneurship Program go to: www.prisonentrepreneurship.org/

Toddlers Social Scrapbooking

On Friday night, Toddlers held their first ever evening social - a chance for all the mummies, grannies and childminders to let their hair down without the children. We had asked Bangor's "Hobby-dashery" to come and demonstrate scrap-booking.

We spent several hours cutting, gluing, sticking and chatting and to top it all, we enjoyed a lovely supper together. It was a great night looking through each other's photos and enjoying the chocolate! Though of course there was some rivalry as to whose page was the best. Some of the mums went home won over to scrap-booking!

A special thanks to Marian and Ana from the "Hobby-dashery" who put so much hard work into bringing half of the shop with them! We appreciated all of their effort!

As Toddlers is off during the last week of October, the next social evening will be 28th November 2008. Put it in your diaries now!

Opening Service

Sunday 7th September 2008 marked the opening of our new facility on the Movilla Road in Newtownards. It was a special day for the church and we were delighted that so many of our friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues decided to join us and check out Thriving Life Church.

It was exactly a year to the day from our mobile was burnt down by vandals on the grounds of the Scout Hall and when we opened the service with the song Blessed be Your name and in particular the lines "You give and take away" - they held special signifcance for some of us. It is amazing to look back over the past year and watch how God has gently (and not so gently) led us to this point.

The building looked fantastic and many people commented on how great the grounds looked, but more than this, it was the smiles of our "Welcome Team" that really impressed our visitors.

As Gareth and the Leaders dedicated the building for the purposes of God, Cheryl and Marion sung a duet casting the vision for the future of our church "Let us build a house where love can reign and all may enter in".

The worship team led people before God's throne, the drama team raised the issue of dedication and Gareth challenged us about what and who we are dedicated.

Our fellowship has had an intensive summer, many of us have been working all day and well into the night to get the building ready for today, but the 'really' hard work continues as we try to turn our God -given vision of "turning spiritually lost people into passionate committed followers of Christ" into reality.

The writing on the floor!

You've heard of the writing on the wall, well we like to do things a little bit differently in TLC and so we had writing on the floor!

Sunday 17th August 2008 was a very special night at the new building on the Movilla Road. We had been challenged a few weeks ago in church to enlarge our vision for what God wants to do through TLC and encouraged to think of people who we really desire to come to know Christ as forgiver and leader of their lives.

People gathered at 7pm, some with bibles, notebooks and lists, others just with their thoughts, ready to write on the concrete floor our desires, hopes and dreams for the future of our church. It was a holy moment as people poured out their hearts to God and made covenants before Him to be faithful in helping those prayers be answered.

The new carpet went down on Monday morning and sealed those names, prayers and promises on the floor of our new building. Gareth closed in prayer and shared his dream of us being able to bring the very people whose names we had written down, to that spot and having the privilege of leading them to Christ some day soon.

As we read everyone else's prayers our hearts felt heavy, as once again the sheer number of people who don't yet know God became apparent. The local church really is the hope of the world!

Progress of work

Work began on Tuesday 1st July 2008 to renovate the new building. It has been a time of extreme work (especially for the hard graft team) but also of real bonding and fellowship. It's good to be reminded of the fact that even our manual labour honours God. Left - the men extending the stage area.

Below - The fence is down and the land is being cleared.

Alex and Diane showing real servant hearts in the toilet! Evie cleaning windows.

Even in the midst of dust and dirt, people have been mininstering to each other. There's jobs for everyone no matter what age you are!
Very series discussions about paint!

Celebration Sunday!

Sunday 30th June was the culmintaion of our 4 week series on sacrifice. We enjoyed a fantastic celebration of God's grace to us and a fellowship lunch afterwards.

It was wonderful to be joined by some visitors for our special day - Michael and Candice from South Africa and Dave's parents from England.

At the lunch it was announced that the church had collectively given enough money to clear the debt on the new building. Praise the Lord! He really is good!

So many of us feel that what we have scarificed to clear the debt is only a token compared towhat God sacrificed for us. We feel truly blessed!

Meet Melissa!

Name: Melissa Mills

Family: Wife of Gareth, Mummy of Evie

Hobbies/ pastimes/ relaxation: My favourite way to spend a relaxing evening is baking cakes while listening to Classic FM - but I don't get to do this as much as I'd like! Going fun places with Evie and Gareth is also great!

What has God been teaching you recently? The past three years of TLC have been a tremendous learning curve for me. I feel like God has been trying to teach me something new every week.

I suppose the one thing that God has consistently challenged me about during this time is, that His plans are not our plans and His ways are not our ways. I always knew this in my head but for the past three years I have been living this.

There have been so many instances when I've struggled to understand why things have happened in certain ways, why God has allowed things to happen or why He has brought about situations. Yet I have been amazed when I've been able to see God's big picture and realised that His way was best afterall and that He knew what He was doing all along.

I've been put in positions that I would never have dreamt of being in and I've learnt that God's grace really is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

What do you enjoy most about TLC? So many things! I love that there are lots of different people from different walks of life, who are at different stages of their faith journey and they all call TLC their home. I love the community that I personally experience everytime I see or hear from fellow 'thrivers'. I thank God for TLC.

Meet Mervyn!

Name/Family: I'm Merv and Head of the Wylie clan which consists of my good wife, Pauline - a hard working teacher; my son, Michael, a doctor working in South Africa and my daughter, Catherine, who is still at school studying hard for her A-Levels.

Hobbies: I enjoy cycling as I once used to race - but I take it at a more leisurely pace these days! You could say I am very much a "fair weather" cyclist. I also enjoy walking and trekking in the mountains as it helps keep me fit. Relaxation for me comes in the form of listening to classical guitar music or getting together with friends to have a music session followed by a good chat.I also love cooking and catering for friends and family as I was a chef in a former life!

What Has God Been Teaching You Recently? You could say He's given me a clearer understanding of just how much He loves us and how He laid down His all that not one of us may be lost for all eternity. We who call ourselves Christ followers have a duty to do likewise - reaching out and drawing alongside the broken, the bruised, the lonely and the rejected so that they too can enjoy Christ's salvation and mercy in their lives. It is better by far to serve others and not count the cost as Christ first did for us.

What Do You Enjoy Most About TLC? This is quite difficult to quantify as there is so much. I have been a Christian for some 35 years yet once again I am excited and challenged by the mission, vision and direction of God's hand on TLC. The integrity and power of the preaching has turned people's lives around; the inclusiveness of the worship and the exciting use of people's God-given talents in drama and multi-media to convey God's word in a way that all can understand have been refreshing and uplifting.

I am both humbled and delighted to be part of a team of people who are committed to one another and to the ongoing work of TLC to see all people become committed, passionate Christ followers.

Nail Art

Last Friday, the women of TLC had a great night of fun and fellowship. Christine Dorrian demonstrated some 'nail art' for us and we attempted to copy some of her examples! Some of us took it more seriously than others and the competitive nature of some ladies emerged.

Christine had to help some of us more than others! Here she is taking pity on Pauline! We enjoyed a lovely supper and raised a grand total of £145 which will help with Chrsitine's forth-coming missions trip to Argentina!

Christine meets the Duke!

On a lovely sunny afternoon in late May, Colin, Marie and Christine Dorrian travelled to Hillsborough Castle to meet the Duke Of Edinburgh.

Christine was presented with her GOLD Duke of Edinburgh award. This is a tremendous achievement for Christine who has overcome serious health issues to complete this scheme. Well done Christine!

Last day of Toddlers 08!

Tuesday, 10th June was the last day of Toddlers in the Scout Hall! Fun was had by all the usual suspects who were enjoying buns - as a special treat!

We as a church have really enjoyed this year. It has been an honour getting to know all the toddlers and your mummies as well! We wish all those who are moving on to nursery much happiness in the next years - we will miss you.

It's exciting times ahead of us as a church - the prospect of Toddlers recommencing in a new building is great and we're looking forward to many of you joining us after the move. Have a great summer!

Remember to keep us up to date with all the new additions to your families over the summer months!

Roadworks and Parking!

Attention all Thrivers! Work commenced on the new link road today (Tuesday) reducing the size of the Scout Hall car park significantly! The only parking space will be directly infront of the building and will only accomodate approximately 7 cars.

Remembering that we are a church who wants to create a welcoming atmoshpere for visitors, we respectfully ask that all TLC people park in the shopping centre/MacDonalds car park opposite, leaving those spaces directly infront of the building for visitors and disabled. Of course this may mean that we will have to leave an extra 5 minutes for the walk across the road as church will still begin at 10.30am!

We should also be mindful that we have a siginifcant number of visitors in the last few weeks - if they are connected to you, please direct them to this blog or pass on the message.

Meet Jim!

Name: Jim Clarke

Family: Wife: Heather, Children: Jonathan and Catherine.

Hobbies /pastimes/ relaxation: We all live busy lives and it is so easy to pass each other by, so I just love to be with my wife no matter if it is a quiet country walk or (sorry guys) even going around the shops our times together are beautiful moments.

What has God been teaching you recently? When we think we have to do it on our own, or when we think we are doing it on our own, we stand on an uncertain foundation, like the man who built his house upon the sand. No matter how confident we are in ourselves, eventually the rains will come, washing away our self-confidence.But when we have God-confidence, we know – deep down – that we will always be able to approach God’s throne of grace boldly with confidence – knowing “we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

What do you enjoy most about TLC? We are a family forged in the fires of God’s love, and we are to “be devoted to each other like a loving family” (Romans 12:10). We are to love one another like brothers and sisters. This sense of family togetherness allows us to create authentic Christian community – where we are accepted, supported, and challenged to fully live out the purposes of our lives. We belong, and we help others believe they belong, that’s TLC.

Meet the leaders!

Over the next weeks we are going to give you an insight into the lives, loves and loathings of the church leaders!

Up first is Dave! Sorry about the photo (taken from Facebook)!

Name: David Varney

Family: Wife Marion. Mum. Dad and sister in England

Hobbies/ pastimes/ relaxation: I am fan of good music and good coffee, and I love to sit and enjoy the two together whenever I can!

What has God been teaching you recently? Where to start?! One point that has stuck out for me is how God takes regular, everyday people, like me, gives us His blessing and uses us to achieve great things for Him.

What do you enjoy most about TLC? When you walk through the doors of TLC you can always guarantee a warm welcome! One of the great things about coming to TLC is that no matter who you are, or where you stand, you can come along, be yourself, and engage in a practical and thought-provoking message that will change your life!

Visit from Ukrainian Missionaries

On Sunday at church we had a large mumber of visitors but we were expecially glad to welcome Ernie and Anna Smith . Currently missionaires in the Ukraine, they have also ministered in their home country of USA, Mexico and several African countries.

Several people from the church have been to Ukraine on work teams and it was lovely that we were able to host them in Northern Ireland.

Wanting to take full advantage of their presence with us, the leaders had a special evening with Ernie and Anna on Tuesday. They shared from their wealth of experience of planting churches, encouraging us as a church to 'structure for growth'. They challenged us about some other interesting intiatives and in particular 'Faith Promise Giving' to support local or overseas mission. As they spoke it was again clear how important it is for us to truly experience life together, in community, and the need for us to hold each other accountable.

Please pray for Ernie and Anna as they return to the Ukraine this week.

New Series - Running on Empty!

We'd love you to join with us for the next 5 weeks as we examine some biblical principles on surviving and avoiding the stresses and strains of life in the fast lane! Sunday mornings, 10.30am, Ards Scout Hall.

Easter Weekend

The Easter celebration at TLC started with communion on Good Friday evening. We broke bread together and Jim led us in some refelections on the cross. As we prayed and sang, God met us in a very intimate way as we thanked Jesus once again for his sacrifice.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day for our church! Nearly everyone who calls TLC their home was involved in making the service happen. From the set up and cleaning that was done on Friday, the 6 piece band who helped us worship our risen Saviour, a five piece drama team who led our thoughts at the opening of the service, the 'techies' at the back and the wonderful caterers and cooks who put together such a lovely lunch for us after the service, everyone used their gifts and talents to serve God.

We had been praying that God would use the service to meet people for the first time, to challenge them about who God is and their response to Him. He did that! We were able to rejoice at the end of the service that people had responded to God's challenges!

As we sat at the back of the Scout Hall around tables, with the sun streaming in through the windows eating our delicious soup- it felt like a very special moment in the life of Thriving Life Church! People of all ages, backgrounds and commitments sat together enjoying a meal, sharing life experiences and sharing Christ. Our God is an awesome God!

However there were some faces we missed on Sunday and although we wish you a restful holiday, we hope you'll hurry back to the family of the church!

Friday Night Curry Club

Attention all men of the church! Friday 28th March 2008 sees the launch of the Friday Night Curry Club ( a very original name for a men's fellowship!). Meeting at David Varney's at 7.30pm, the night promises good food and great company. Provisions have even been made for those who don't like curry!

We can't let the ladies have all the fun! RSVP to Dave!

Change to Precepts Night!

Just to remind everyone that Precepts is on Tuesday (11th March) this month NOT Wednesday. We are looking at Lesson 6 so make sure you have your homework done!
Leisure Centre, club room @ 8pm.

New Church Website - finally!

It's finally here! After two long years of no website and a sometime website - it's here and it's here to stay! Check it out - suggestions are welcome!

Toddlers Christmas Party!

Exactly a week before Christmas, Santa stepped out of his busy schedule to pop in to 'Toddlers' for our Christmas party. After a chat with our toddlers he gave them all a present!

After a good start with Carson and Evie, they got a little shy. Baby Rebekah was Santa's favourite - she didn't object to being cuddled by a big man with a funny beard but judging by the number of times Debbie-Ann went up to see him - she can't resist a man in a red coat!