Donard gets a little TLC!

SAM (Sports and Adventure Ministry) headed up the Mournes last Saturday. The aim was to reach the summit of Donard and get back down again in just 3 hours (slightly over-enthusiastic)!

However the photos tell the real success story of the day-a great opportunity to challenge ourselves physically and a fantastic chance to build community and friendship! For those who weren't adventurous enough - enjoy the photos!

That wasn't enough for die-hard walkers Audrey and Amanda, who ventured out the following day to complete an eight mile sponsored walk from Helen's Bay to Bangor and back. Funds raised are being taken out to Berdyansk with the Ukraine Team on 10th July 2009.

TLC hosts WCA conference

It was our pleasure and privelege to host the Willow Creek Association UK and Ireland and James Emery White on Monday 15th June.

Innovating for the church for the 21st century was the topic of the day and Jim White certainly challenged us about making church relevant to the culture around us and how we are contributing to that culture.

The wisdom and insight Jim shared from his experiences at Mecklenburg Church were fascinating, challenging and encouraging. It confirmed to us once again, that church really can be a place that people enjoy coming to and must address the issues that people deal with on a day to day basis.

Experiencing over 80% growth from unchurched people, Jim and the church at Meck, are a inspiration to all who attended the conference from TLC. The dream of becoming a church which sees people becoming passionate, committed followers of Jesus Christ on a regular basis, really is possible, but it takes hard work, dedication and innovation!

Above pictured: James Emery White (centre) with some of the leaders of TLC.

Check out some of his books at the resource area in the next few weeks:

Rethinking Church

Serious Times

Wrestling with God

At the car wash!

One of the prototype small groups decided as their service project to offer the general public the chance of getting a car wash for the bargain price of a pound! Never to do things the traditional way, Thriving Life Church was offering to wash people's cars and give them a pound for the privilege!

The weather may have been a wash out, but the spirits of the Thrivers were raised higher each time they managed to surprise someone with an act of inexplicable kindness. One happy car washer said, "You'd think we'd just given them a million pounds!"

Innovate with Erwin

Some Thrivers enjoyed a one day conference with Erwin McManus last Friday at Ballynahinch Baptist Church. The conference focussed around the need for us as a church to be relevant to our culture. Can you guess which of the leaders pariculary enjoyed the day?

Yes, it was David as he got to meet his minsitry hero! The face says it all really doesn't it?

Baptism Sunday 19th April 2009

With a thumbs up from Jonny Clarke we were ready to celebrate what God has been doing in the lives of some Thrivers as they were baptised!

First up we had Donna, then Lorna, followed by Gareth, Lauren, Jordan and Gareth. The building was full to capacity of people coming along to witness and celebrate with them what God has done. Enjoy some of the images from the night.

Brother and sister baptised together. Dad gives some encouraging words.

Steven and Lorna enjoying a cup of tea after the big event!

Easter!

Life is really thriving at TLC lately. The Easter season kicked off for us on Good Friday when we reflected on the cross and prayed earnestly for those dear to our hearts who don't yet know Christ. We took physical steps of pinning the names to the cross as reminder that Christ went to the cross for us all, even if we haven't fully grasped that yet.

We enjoyed a fantastic Easter Sunday Morning Service in which the cross literally crashed through the roof of the building. The idea of the a 20ft cross as a centrepiece was certainly whacky but proved a very effective illustration of the lengths some of us go to ignore the cross.

The Centrepiece - Easter Sunday

Join us on Easter Sunday and watch out for this average family who just want to enjoy their Easter Sunday lunch! Service begins at 10.30am. Refreshments before and after.