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.