Update #67 December 2017

As we come to the end of 2017, we’ve been reflecting on the year with thankfulness. The collage above gives a visual summary of some of the places we’ve been to and who we’ve been with – we are so grateful to God for the ministry He’s given us. The relationships and connections we’ve made this year are the centrepiece of Cor Deo. We’d be nothing without them!

We’ve each written a bit of a summary of our year which you can read below. But as we think back through the year, we also want to look forward – with Jesus and you – so we’d love you to keep praying with us and for us.

Who will we meet, and what will the collage look like in 12 months…?

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I think the biggest ‘change’ for me this year has been studying on Union’s Graduate Diploma program. Each Monday since September I’ve travelled to Bristol to meet with the Learning Community, where we watch video lectures and discuss the issues and questions raised. Along with weekly reading, and essays, the structure of my week has changed lots – but it’s such a privilege! It fits so well with Cor Deo, both in terms of content and a high-view of doing life and ministry as a team.

I love student ministry and I’ve enjoyed continued links with UCCF: The Christian Unions. I’m looking forward to speaking at a CU mission events week in February!

Recently, Peter and I spent a few days in Barcelona for an ELF conference. I was receiving training in leading small discussion groups – it was a great week for lots of reasons! I’m excited to put into practice what I’ve learned at the main ELF conference in Poland in May, where I’ll be helping Peter and Huw Williams lead the ‘Bible Teachers and Preachers’ networks. It’s such an amazing opportunity and joy to pour into the lives of Christians in Europe!

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This year has continued the transition feel that we had last year. We were able to give up our “Unit” – the facility we used for the full-time Cor Deo programme. Mike and I have enjoyed praying and planning what Cor Deo could look like going forward. We are confident that God will continue to work through the opportunities that we are given.

It has been interesting to see how many invitations have come this year related to training preachers. I teach preaching with Union School of Theology, and in various ways with the European Leadership Forum too. Please pray for Mike and I as we make plans for these opportunities in 2018.

The majority of my ministry energy this year has been invested in Trinity Chippenham. It is a privilege to be involved in a church that is seeking to live out values that resonate so deeply with us at Cor Deo. This year has felt like a season of blessed stability and steady growth. As we come to the end of the year we are having to move to a bigger venue because of the growth we have experienced. We thank God for that!

Coming Next Year

Women’s Program
We held the first ever Cor Deo Womens’ Program in February 2016 and again in February 2017. In 2018, we’re offering a unique opportunity for women from all walks of life to spend a week together (5 days) experiencing the richness of Cor Deo!

Monday February 26th – Friday March 2nd, 9.30am – 3pm each day.

Places are limited, but there are some still available – email us here for information or to register your interest! Maybe you could invite a friend…

Cor Deo Intensive
Join the mentors for a week-long exposure to Cor Deo training. Starting on Tuesday and ending Friday, we will have four days of intensive study and fellowship together. This opportunity is ideal for those who would like to get a taste of Cor Deo’s ministry, whatever their context.

Tuesday May 1st – Friday May 4th, 9.30am – 4.30pm each day

Email here for information or to register your interest.