“There is so much space for God to move in our church.”
Vineyard was in our CU church search booklet, but having never been to, or really known friends involved a vineyard church before, it wasn’t one of the first churches i had marked to visit. Nevertheless, finding a church was SO important to me when I got to University, however it took me a while to realize I wasn’t going to find my home church, St Paul’s, in Birmingham. I think God wanted me to push the boundaries a bit more (even after sending me to Birmingham over my first choice!) Once those boundaries were broken, which were probably due, in part, to my insecurities at the time anyway (being away from home etc), I felt I could truly let God lead me to the right church. Sam went to a Vineyard Service (mid-late oct) and said I should try it… and I did! My first sermon was on the feeding of the five thousand and I can honestly tell you it was one of the most inspiring sermons I’ve ever heard.
I just knew this was the church where God wanted me. He provided me with a congregation who love students! Every service I’ve been to I’ve spoken with new people and it’s been such a blessing to have fellowship with different ages. I’ve definately felt more involved since being a helper in the kids groups. Not only through meeting the other leaders, espcially Kat and Zara who have been AMAZING, but also through getting alongside the children and their parents.
There is so much space for God to move in our church. The worship has been such a source of strength for me over this past year, especially with the ministry times where there is such a willingness and an openness to see the Holy Spirit work. I think this has definately strengthened my own reliance on and trust in how God can use all situations and circumstances to see his kingdom grow. Being at University, battling against the power of the ‘world’, knowing ultimately God’s greater, all consuming, ever-present power has been a constant reassurance for me and has definatley aided a real deepening in my faith and something my friends and I have been able to come alongside each other in.
