Orbit

Easter Story

2011-04-29T18:55:00.000+01:00

For anyone who actually looks at this blog.

Something interesting for the tweeters/tweeps.

Amazing Grace

2010-12-20T12:25:00.001Z

Very moving video

Life Came from Lifeless Matter

2010-11-29T12:06:00.003Z

Here's part 3 of 'The Atheist Faith'

Highly speculative 'science'

2010-11-20T11:09:00.003Z

Sir Roger Penrose believes he has found evidence of the universe that existed before the Big Bang created our universe. When you read it he seems to have observed some mysterious energy fluctuations, then made a bunch of assumptions.

Order Came From Chaos

2010-11-16T12:10:00.000Z

Here's the second part in the series "The Atheist Faith"

Something Came From Nothing

2010-10-26T15:20:00.003+01:00

Here is the first in a series that looks at the beliefs that atheists hold, such as: 'order came from chaos'; 'life came from lifeless matter' etc. This first one looks at the atheist belief that something came from nothing.

Big Questions, One Answer

2010-09-09T14:57:00.001+01:00

Here's a new church video:

Orbit and Launch Pad cancelled tonight

2010-01-08T10:38:00.002Z

Unfortunately we're having to cancel tonight's Orbit and Launch Pad groups because of the weather. The roads and pavements are too dangerous and we wouldn't want any ankles to get broken.

So, stay at home and we'll see you next week.

A Christmas Gift

2009-12-19T09:41:00.002Z

This is a 10 minute film which has an incomprehensible first minute or so, and the acting is atrocious. Apart from that its worth it. Oh, and the script was poorly improvised.

But you'll be glad you endured.

Last week's Orbit Talk

2009-12-19T09:37:00.002Z

Last week I was going to give the final talk in the series on King David's rise to fame and power. Unfortunately it didn't happen. However, I preached a sermon last Sunday that was a modified version of what I would have said on Friday. You can listen to the talk now:

Congratulations to "The Computer Hackers"

2009-12-19T09:30:00.003Z

The quiz night was fun for all who came. Thanks to all who took part, and well done to the winning team, "The Computer Hackers". The prizes were all of the chocolate kind and the winning team were generous in sharing their booty with the rest of us.

Now, we start planning for the Easter Family event...

Babel?

2009-12-12T21:51:00.000Z

Hello Peoples!

Two or 3 weeks ago, we started off with a competition between the two sides of the room to see who could build the Biggest Tower with the materials provided, and for it to be able to hold a mars bar without falling over. As we all know the left side (my side) won. A picture of the Tower is displayed in this Blog here (Pictured right, with its top missing, not sure where that went...).

Also, we learnt about jealousy, and about the effect that it can have on people. We learned about two of Sarah's friends, Michelle and Eliza. We learned from them that jealousy can turn to revenge or action very quickly while continuing to look at the story of David and Saul.

Then we learnt about the Pharisees of Jesus' time, who were always trying to trick and capture Jesus. But really they were jealous of him, because the people followed and listened to him. They were so jealous that they had Jesus put to death!

Yet Jesus asked his Father, to forgive them.

Would You?

Christmas Family Quiz Night

2009-12-08T15:56:00.001Z

We're going to ending this term with an event for all the family. It'll be at 6pm on Friday 18th and should be a lot of light hearted fun. As well as having the quiz we'll make sure there are nibbles, drinks and the plan is to show a video of what happens on Friday nights. This should be a great chance for all the families of those associated with Launch Pad and Orbit to come along and see a bit more of what the kids get up to on Friday night.

Because I haven't posted for a couple of weeks

2009-12-03T16:29:00.001Z

Enjoy!

My Life

2009-11-14T10:33:00.002Z

Here's what we watched last night:

What have we been up to this term?

2009-11-12T14:58:00.002Z

We've been working through the book of 1 Samuel, which is all about how King David rose to power and became Israel's greatest leader for a millenium.

So, what has 3000 a year old history of the Jews got to do you me or anyone else? Quite a bit actually:

So far the book has taught us about:

Society's greatest need (to hear God's word)
Society's standard response (to reject God's word)
The difference between a true relationship and idolatry (you love the person for who they are not for what they give you)
What makes people truly valuable (its what's in the heart not the appearance)
The nature of true strength (reliance on God).

You might not agree with all those conclusions, but Orbit has been at its best when everyone has taken it seriously enough to discuss what they think. Coming up in the rest of 1 (and 2) Samuel we should be coming across issues like

Jealousy
God's plan for the human race
The overwhelming power of sexual attraction.

Where else are you going to talk about all that kind of stuff?

I'm back!

2009-04-03T11:16:00.001+01:00

I've just returned from sunny Croydon you'll be glad to hear. I hope you had a good one last week. Tonight is the last session of the term before Easter. But don't worry, we'll start 1WAY up again in a couple of weeks.

Tonights session jumps over a whole bunch of chapters in Ecclesiastes to chapter 12. That's the one bit of the book that is optimistic, so don't miss it!

The Quest for Justice

2009-03-17T16:56:00.004Z

We had a good session on Friday night. Probably because I wasn't leading it, Abigail was and did a good job.

Meanwhile, here is the a talk on Ecclesiastes 3:16 onwards: The Quest for Justice, as recorded on Sunday night:

And here is a picture:

Money costs too much

2009-03-13T14:40:00.001Z

Tonight we've got another guest Bible study leader, so I'm looking forward to the session., I think Abigail will do a fine job.

So good I fell off my chair

2009-03-07T11:14:00.002Z

We worked our way through Ecclesiastes 4:3 to 5:7 yesterday evening which, I think, was a tough section to make sense of, but I think we cracked it. It seems to be saying that all relationships are tainted by sin or, more specifically, the desire for success. It leads to oppression (v1-3, which we looked at last week), competition (v4-6), loneliness (v7-8) and even when we become popular, it never lasts (v13-16). In the middle of all this are verse 9 to 12 about the benefits of that rare commodity: Friendship. Thing is it seems to be saying that friendship helps us survive in a harsh and dangerous world. Is that the best we can hope for?

Still, we can always turn to God, right? Well 5:1-7 addresses that and advises not to sacrifice (v1), not to pray (v2-3), not to make vows (v4-6) and don't even dream (v7). Its warning us to be extremely careful with God because he is the ultimate oppressor, the competitor that can never be beaten. Better to keep your mouth shut and stay out of his way.

Hebrews 10:19-25 offered us a better way. Jesus' sacrifice means we can draw near to God confidently without fear (v22). And we can draw near to each other (v24-25).

Well, I thought I'd summarise all that because it kind of took me by surprise, and I'm still getting my head around it.

Meanwhile, Darren led us in a game of pairs which was a nail biting contest of intellect that had me so gripped that when I went to sit down I missed the chair and ended up on the floor trying to think of a viable explanation of why I had meant to do that. I felt a fool, but consoled my pride by winning the game.

Abigail, you missed so much.

The time of your life in 30 mins

2009-03-03T12:32:00.003Z

Here's the one I preached on Sunday on Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.

And here's the first slide:

I am the Moose Man!

2009-02-28T16:59:00.002Z

At least I was the mouse for quite a while which, by the way, is a good thing. I must say I started to believe I was unbeatable until they worm, mouse, penguin and kangaroo ganged up on me. My superiority was destroyed and I was the worm.

Enough of what games we played last night at 1 Way. You want to know what we learned in the Bible right? Well in the end we looked at Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3. I was hoping to go through to the end of chapter 4 but it proved to be too much.

Probably a good thing though as this must have been the most suicidally depressing thing we've studied so far. We were pretty glad to turn to Acts 17:31. There will be justice in the end, and the resurrection proves it.

Justice and oppression

2009-02-27T14:14:00.002Z

Tonight 1 Way continues its depressing look at life under the sun. Do people get what they deserve? We'll see.

Meanwhile have a listen, if you feel the need, to this talk from last sunday on "Work hard and get nothing":

A busy week

2009-02-12T15:51:00.002Z

It was great last week, really encouraged my heart to see the group being run by the punters. "This is what 1 Way should be about" I said to myself. Well done David and Abigail.

I'm having a busy time of it this week, so its probably timely that tomorrow we will reach Ecclesiastes chapter 3, which is all about time. The teacher says there is a time for everything. I hope so because I don't feel like I have enough time to do everything I need to do. So hopefully I'll see you tomorrow in good time.

Quantifying our ignorance

2009-02-05T09:57:00.002Z

This BBC article about the possibility of intelligent life on other planets is a great illustration of how tiny human beings are, and how vast the universe is. The article says:

"The current research estimates that there are at least 361 intelligent civilisations in our Galaxy and possibly as many as 38,000."

It sounds like they've got a bit of work to do in order to clarify their estimate. But the best quote comes from the guy who carried out the 'research', Duncan Forgan:

"It's a process of quantifying our ignorance"

Eventually he might reach the the point of admitting what the guy in Ecclesiastes had to admit:

"What is lacking cannot be counted." Eccl 1:15

Lets try again

2009-02-03T11:49:00.002Z

After stalling on Friday just gone we'll be looking at Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 this coming Friday with the title "Work Hard and Get Nothing". Don't worry, our special guest leader is still able to do the session.

Meanwhile, here is the talk I gave on Sunday on Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 ("Being clever is stupid"):

Tonight has been cancelled!

2009-01-30T15:51:00.002Z

Sorry people, but we've had to cancel 1 Way tonight due to illness affecting one person and college trip affecting another (I'll leave leave you to ponder who is who). It reached the point that we would be without a study leader and pretty thin on the ground, so, we'll all have to wait till next week to find out why we "Work hard and get nothing."

Sorry.

Work Hard and Get Nothing

2009-01-29T14:05:00.001Z

Tomorrow we're Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 which should be extra specially good because we've got a guest leader taking us through the passage. Don't miss out!

Contagious 2009

2009-01-29T13:59:00.002Z

Contagious is a Bible Boot Camp for for teenagers. It'll be happening in August and is brilliant. If you want to ask anyone who knows about it you can try Abigail or Sarah G. Alternatively I can tell you what it was like when I used to be a leader.

If you can go, then I heartily recommend you book yourself in.

What we watched on Friday

2009-01-27T11:32:00.002Z

We had a look at this video:

Which was worth watching because it illustrates the fact that those who try to find satisfaction in pleasure will always go for bigger, better, higher, faster, fatter ect. and never be really satisfied.

Saying that, the video was also pretty cool.

Pleasure is no fun

2009-01-23T11:43:00.002Z

"We must not violate nature, but obey her; and we shall obey her if we fulfil the necessary desires and also the physical, if they bring no harm to us, but sternly reject the harmful"

Epicurus

Is he right?

Perhaps if he made more sense we could answer that. But answer it we shall tonight when we look at Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

See you there.

Being Clever is Stupid

2009-01-13T11:56:00.002Z

This Friday we're carrying on with Ecclesiastes, and looking at chapter 2 verse 12 to 18 which is about wisdom. I say we, but I'm not actually able to be there. But don't worry, Cora will guide you through the passage. Enjoy!

Do you enjoy Church History?

2009-01-13T11:52:00.003Z

I do, and this rap makes the dates just a little bit less painful to learn.

What we did the other day

2009-01-12T12:00:00.004Z

On Friday we kicked off our look at Ecclesiastes. Its deep stuff about the world, ipods and whether the new season of "24" can truly satisfy.

As it happens I also preached on the the first bit of Ecclesiastes yesterday at church. If you want to hear that I'm going to try and embed it here:

What's the point?

2009-01-08T21:35:00.002Z

Tomorrow we get started on Ecclesiastes. I'm looking forward to it, despite the fact that the book is probably one of the most depressing things you can read.

But it don't half make you think!

This term will be a good one to invite your friends along to 1 Way, because Ecclesiastes is so up to date with the world we live in even though it was written about 3000 years ago. And its great to use this book to do evangelism because, rather than telling people what Christians believe, it tells them what they believe. And its not a pretty picture.

Try reading chapter 1:1-11 if you get the chance before 8.30 tomorrow night.

Getting back into the rhythm

2009-01-02T14:56:00.000Z

Ok, so the blog ran a bit dry. My new years resolution is to keep
posting regularly, even if I post drivel!

Yes, I know its all drivel already.

Anyway, 1WAY kicks off again on the 9th, thats next Friday. Same time
and usual place. We're going to be taking a look at the book of
Ecclesiastes this term. Its a book about life that's involved in living
it. Is it possible to live your life without God? The guy who wrote
Ecclesiastes didn't just ask that question, he tried it out, and then
wrote up his research findings. Very interesting what he found out.
So, I'll see you there.

The one you've waited for

2008-10-24T16:52:00.002+01:00

Yes, I know, the group has been disrupted lately by vomiting, holidays and crisis driven decisions. But tonight we're back at the Warren, 8.30, as if nothing has happened.

We'll be looking at missionary dating tonight which should be a hot topic (or at least a lukewarm potato).

What is it?
What should I do about it?
Is it good or bad?

Bring your brains complete with opinions.

More Coverage Than Any Mobile Phone Network

2008-10-03T12:29:00.002+01:00

Where ever you are, what ever you're doing, when ever you need to do it, you can talk to God.

Tonight we're at Warren Avenue and the subject is prayer. See you there.

Farewell student Tim

2008-09-29T11:38:00.001+01:00

We saw the last of Tim on Friday as he's gone to Bristol to be a student. He was machine gunned with advice from the students and ex-students amongst us. Favourite bits of advice:

From Brierly: "All the answers are on wikipedia."
From Fi: "Sleep lots."
From me: "Don't fall in love."

For some reason the girls didn't like my advice.

Can I have a Word please?

2008-09-26T09:55:00.001+01:00

66 Books
Written over a period of 1600 years
By kings, shepherds, fishermen, priests and others

1 message

Tonight at 1WAY we're going to find out about the world's bestselling book. What is it? Can I trust it? Should I read it?

See you there at the church building.

The Rebelution

2008-09-23T10:31:00.002+01:00

This website was started by teenagers to fight against the low expectations of an ungodly culture. Worth a look.

Hanging in There

2008-09-18T12:20:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow we've got our second 1WAY of the new term, and its the first at Warren Avenue. We'll be doing the usual stuff like eating food and playing games as well as opening up the Bible together. The focus for this term is going to be taken from a book called "Hanging in There" by John Dickson. Don't worry, you don't have to read the book, but we'll be talking about the stuff that I've read in it.

Its written with young people in mind and the blurb from the book goes "Hanging in there is a book about God, you, the Bible, prayer, church, relationships, sex, feelings, doubts, love and, above all, hanging in there as a Christian. If you're new to the Christian faith or a long serving Christian who could use some encouragement this book is for you."

Tomorrow it'll be "clearing the confusion", so if you're ever confused about God, Jesus, the Bible etc (I know I am) then see you there.

Look what I found in the bin

2008-09-13T10:18:00.006+01:00

Well, 1WAY kicked off yesterday with spectacular results, I think you'll agree.

This one was crafted very carefully by Lola, Brooke, Elliot and Izzy. I think they pulled back from the heavy blow of loosing Izzy admirably. The result was very colourful.

If you look really carefully you can just make out the Kylie Minogue reference. Pure genius!

Next comes this offering from Tim, David and Darren. This generated some controversy as they were accused of drawing their runner naked! In their defence they aregued that stick men (and women, not to discriminate) don't usually wear clothes.

Finally we had this from the two Abigails. Top marks were given for the runner's hairdo. Extra credit was awarded for giving the runner a pair of shorts.

It was all so exciting I can't remember who actually won.

How does this work then?

2008-09-11T12:22:00.005+01:00

Well, firstly you need to be a member. Email me (you'll find the address on the right of the page under “Contact!”) and I'll set up an invitation for you to join the blog. Then, when you're logged in you can post contributions or comment on other peoples contributions.

How do I do that?

When you're signed in you'll be taken to the “dashboard”.

Here you can see a list of all the blogs you are part of. Select “new post”. You should see this:

You can then title your post in the title box, write your post in the main box, then click “publish post” when its complete.

You can add pictures using the image icon.

If you want to comment on someone elses post then make sure you're signed in, and on the blog itself click the “comments” label below the post you want to comment on.

Welcome

2008-09-05T14:32:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the 1WAY hub. This is the place where you can keep in touch with what's going on in 1WAY, and post links, ideas, pictures and anything else that takes your fancy.

The first 1WAY will be at the Church on Friday 12th September. See you there!