one last Saturday together...

a Saturday in Chester was the recipe for inspiration and time together...Chester is located about 30 miles to the southeast of Birkenhead. originally founded as Dewa, a Roman outpost, more than a thousand years ago. the city wall nearly remains in tact after these thousand years, still surrounding about 3/4 of the original city. perhaps most famously known for the Rows, these Tudor style, 2 story shopping area is perhaps the birth of the modern mall as the variety of shops provide a galleria up and down several streets

what's great about this outdoor shoppers paradise is the artistry of the old colliding with the new--within the ancient walls that tourists can still walk upon, there's Gap, Starbucks, Apple, along with hundreds of quaint and posh British retailers. after the Town Crier gives the days announcements, commentary and comedy, the air is filled with the sounds of musicians performing throughout the city, as well as a variety of Christian groups proclaiming the Gospel, songs, or prayers

at the cities heart is the Chester Cathedral, dating back nearly a thousand years as well--Zach took some pictures of original walls that have been added to through the centuries. The Cathedral is a very active parish ministry with an emphasis on the arts, mission, and sanctuary worship.

we stopped into the bookstore to pick up a gift for our hosts, and then sat down in the Refectory that has been refurbished as a grand cafe to ''nourish the body and soul''. i had not previously been in this room, but was deeply inspired from the moment i walked in. here in this amazingly beautiful, ancient hall previously used for education and chapel services was now a modern food service area that still ministered to the spirit ever so uniquely. above you as you enter the room is a large tapestry, easily 10feet by 20feet, originally created for the Sistine Chapel in the 1500's, moved to Chester in the 1700's -- above that is a recently commissioned stained glass called ''Creation'' to commemorate the dawn of the 3rd millenium. as in the grand sanctuary, ever so discreetly along the walls, wiring had been added to provide lighting, sound system needs, etc.

so many other wonderful and inspiring sites within this one room--but i was reminded again, as i was upon the first visit, how we would rather create a monument to the past in such a place, rather than allow it to be changed as a vehicle for present and future ministry. Chester Cathedral continues to minister effectively today because it remains a movement of ongoing ministry, willing to change and be recreated for continuing needs and creating opportunity.

Wonderful Wales

due south of the Wirral is Wales...the southwest corner of the United Kingdom--a land full of beautiful and majestic countryside, breathtaking views, quaint towns, and a lot of sheep! we took the road trip with Pastor John, Linda, Janet, Terri & Audrey--Pastor John and Janet are both at home in Wales as they are indeed Welsh.

2 years ago, John took us on a similar journey, but extended it this oast Sunday--and what a wonderul day--my first day in England where i desired sunglasses and bathing suit! so hot and sunny i forgot that i was in the UK

we began with a brief break at Bala lake--a nice ''photy'' (picture opportunity) as Linda would say. we then continued due south (2 years ago, we went inward to the west to Mt. Snowden) down to a panaromic view where a river emptied into the sea below us

i'll insert the names of these locations later :) -- the Welsh don't skimp on their use of letters, especially consonants which can double in all sorts of tricky pronunciations.

after lunch at that majestic point, we continued around the coast to H______ castle along the sea--we were so hot that we had to put our feet in and wade a bit, as well as looking for rocks and shells.

from their, we moved along the coast to yet another town and Cricketh castle (time for ice cream for the kids and tea for the adults) -- on from their to Caernaervon, the largest of the castles. we skipped Beaumaris castle as it was getting late in the evening and we were eager for our tea (dinner). but we had to stop in Conwy and take a walk on the Town Wall that wrapped around this beautiful town leading up to the majestic castle.

we soon stopped at a wonderful fish & chip restaurant for a late tea--but once overly filled, had to make our way to the Promenade--a very wide boardwalk type area along the east coast of the town of Londonier (?). as we watched the sun set we took more photies, collected more rocks, and refelcted on a marvelous day

my reflections began to consider this area of Wales--then of Northern Ireland, and Scotland, too. it's like whole states where we don't have a church work, along with declining church influence.

especially Wales, so close to the Wirral. once the site of the historic Welsh Revival, leaving a chapel in every community--unfortunately now, few active chapels remain.

surely, something can be done--surely, in the States, we would do something. why can't we? what if?

(pictures to come...)

concluding the UK convention...

i didn't realize that i hadn't updated on the conclusion of the conference...the Sunday night with youth emphasis service was great--all the youth (children-teens) led us in songs, prayers, skits, dance and more -- Grace began the evening with a wonderful prayer (i got it on video and hope to post soon!) Pastor Jim continued to challenge the churches on the theme for the weekend, getting into his own history as an adopted son.



Monday morning, we quickly ate breakfast, packed and loaded up. we then hurried through a mens, WCG, and youth meeting prior to our last session. it was good to see the number of men in the session improve since last year. Keli shared as a part of the WCG meeting. Pastor Jim ended a wonderful weekend of challenge and inspiration, and we were off to one last meal together (we did A LOT of eating) -- then it was a long series of goodbyes to all our London friends

our record of this event won't be the only record -- we were thrilled to watch Pastor Jim and his son Andrew recording several of the participants for the CBH Viewpoint program. this broadcast is heard all over the world and streamed on the internet--these particular recordings will be heard beginning in July. among the interviews and subjects, me and the unique 6th Avenue mission and vision of Touching the World for Christ through global partnerships. i'm sure we'll put a link from our website when it comes up!


the journey to Birkenhead was not too difficult--of course, most of us slept most of the way. upon our arrival, we ordered tea (dinner) in -- Chinese, of course ;) it appears that sweet and sour chicken is a universal treat after a long drive.

from the west coast...

things have been great and busy since our arrival to Birkenhead...we arrived on Monday evening, May 25 at the Manse (parsonage) where nearly all of us are staying with Pastor John and Linda -- Cheryl is staying around the corner at Linda's best friend's home (Audrey's).



we're being spoiled rotten--can't hardly lift a finger to do anything, and we can't buy anything so far either--Linda won't let us! they're beginning to plan to come and stay with us for a week next year in Alabama so turn about will be fair play!



Tuesday, we were taken up to the Lake District, specifically to Conniston on Lake Windemere -- just a beautiful area. more importantly, we were able to meet and spend some time with John & Linda's oldest Son Garreth, his wife Emma, and their two boys Noah and Isaac. Emma is the manager for the Sycamore Project's Christian Pub called Zac's (think Zacheaus) -- Garreth works there through the week helping a variety of different youth projects and needs. i've wanted to meet them for awhile so it was a delight to stop in on the way and talk with them--Emma is an amazing artist too with a home filled with wonderful photo's of her family and a few beautiful paintings. Garreth invited us back through for tea (dinner) -- and we took them up on it :) two types of wonderful lasagna and loads of laughter were a great end to the day.



yesterday, rain carried through the morning--Cheryl went to the WCG lunch club while Keli and the boys waited out the rain, giving her a chance to do some work. later, Keli and the boys went to a nearby park that actually has a view of the Liverpool skyline on the horizon. Zach and i walked through the town to the temporary home of Thompson's Mission to see Pastor John serving a few of the homeless men in the area.



last night, we took the boys to kids club where they had some good interaction with some English children--Grace came later for the youth meeting with Zach and i playing ping pong, billiards for an hour together after a great lesson.



today, i rested in the morning from all our coming and going. but Keli, Cheryl, Linda, Terry & Audrey took the boys to New Brighton--a retro beach area that reminded me of pictures of Coney Island. the boys loved the beach and the waves --no swimming, much too cold.

after some lunch, we hopped on the bus and over to Liverpool where John & Linda spoiled the boys and Grace at the ''home of world football'' (soccer) -- Anfield, home of the Liverpool Football Club. i didn't realize it on our last trip, but the club's biggest rival is in the same town (Everton Football Club--Pastor John wouldn't dare speak their name!) you can actually see their equally huge stadium across the park from Anfield! we also took a walk along the pier and near one of the more recognizable buildings, the Royal Liver (the two Liver Birds, like Griffins, are like a mascot to the city).



this evening, we gathered in a small room of the church and had prayer meeting. John led a song on the guitar, i shared a devotion, we prayed for the better part of the hour, and then we concluded with a hymn. it was a nice time together reminding us of the verse, ''my house will be a house of prayer for all nations''



so, tomorrow, we're off down into Wales for a day trip with Pastor John, Linda, Audrey and her husband Terry, and Janet. it will be a great opportunity to talk, encourage, and share together.



i'll work at getting some pictures here in the next couple nights. continue to pray for us (the Lord is hearing your prayers, blessing us abundantly, protecting and providing wonderfully for us--even down to the weather!)

Sunday morning worship and conferences...

last year, Zach and i led a conference together...this year, we were each in charge of different conferences. Zach, caught by surprise, led the youth conference when the planned presenters were unable to be here. as i understand it, his leadership was great as different youth told me of their response and the responses of others.

i was asked to lead a conference on "winning through testimony," which was perfect, because i only teach evangelism by relationship and testimony. my participants represented a variety of backgrounds, ages, and church experiences -- but they all participated well and were encouraged through the process of learning to share their testimonies together.

now we're about to begin the feedback sessions. these conferences were not random subjects, but chosen that the participants may bring back to the national church action points that could be applied by the individual and larger church ministries in the UK. i find this to be unique--every conference that i've attended were usually for the benefit of the participants, with application points for the individual, not the larger group. but here, the group is eager to learn from one another and to figure out how to hold each other accountable to applying the lessons they heard.

as i finish this post, i'm aware that worship home at 6th Avenue is nearing a conclusion. i've prayed that Jacob and James' leadership and sharing were inspirational and encouraging to the gathering congregation.

here, earlier this morning, the worship was full and the time together was great. the choir shared another great song (Keli took some video last night and today--this post includes video from the Saturday night service). Pastor Lyon shared another great message, challenging us to help the blind to see--using the amazing story of Helen Keller (referencing Alabama in the process). once again, all were equipped and inspired to take the word of the Lord forward into our own communities and relationships.

i'll write more later based on our evening services--continue to keep us in prayer...

Saturday evening at the UK Convention

what a wonderful time of worship we shared...the choir from Tottenham blessed us with an enthusiastic song, after the congregation warmed them up with great joy in praise, then Pastor Jim shared a powerful word and several related testimonies with us.

we are a part of celebrating 20 years of national conventions here in the UK. what a great time to continue our desire for partnership and cementing our relationships as being involved with the churches here to Advance the Kingdom throughout the UK and into Europe and beyond. the gathering wonderfully received greeting from 6th Avenue and cheered when i shared we also now will begin contributing to their national ministries budget. as i shared, we may not be a large congregation, but we have a large Mission & Vision. they have sincerely accepted our willingness to be in partnership and some are eagerly planning to visit us in Alabama as soon as next year.

then Zach shared a powerful testimony of what God is teaching him through all of this in the midst of his call. all were so glad to see and welcome Zach back to the UK--there may be a ministry here for him, yet ;)

i have to brag on how well the group is doing, not huddling together but reaching out in new conversations and experiences. even our kids are behaving :) and politely engaging in our conversations, kisses, and hugs with the saints.

Pastor Jim shared again from Isaiah 61/Luke 4 -- tonight on "preaching and proclaiming." all were inspired, challenged, convicted, and made aware of the divine responsibility we all have to carry the Good News, by the power of the Holy Spirit, beyond ourselves to our neighbors, neighborhoods, and the world. a great message for the Church at large, but truly timely in light of the meetings earlier today.

also, completely in line with the book i'm reading and processing on this trip -- The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch (sp?) -- perfectly what i need to complement what the Spirit is saying within my understanding and in our own stages of leadership at 6th Avenue and in partnerships around the world.

oh well, it's getting even later again--time to begin thinking of bed! i'll have more to share after a busy Sunday tomorrow, complete with a grand worship & communion service, workshops (i'm leading one on evangelism), an evening service, and so much more!

continue to keep us in prayer as we serve encouragement; love with our presence and not just words; and pray with and for the work of the Lord within and through our brothers and sisters here in the UK.

church meetings

church meetings are universal--as surely as we gather for worship, there seems to also be a need to gather for business...and the Church in the UK is not different there. so today, i've sat in on much of their "general assembly" meetings with all 5 churches represented (there were only 4 at the time of my last visit, so the addition of the church at Kennington is good news).

and, like our church meetings in the states, there seems to be a continual question of purpose--not just for the meetings, but of the convention, and as a the larger church--what is our purpose? what are we here for? how often then should we meet? why do we need to meet again?

now, to the credit of the Church here in the UK, their meetings were much more mission and outreach focused: questioning the fruit of each congregations activity over the past year and whether or not they had anything to share for the benefit of the others, or any need for which they need help. Sister Theresa asked of my impressions--i told her that we never had individual church reports in our regional meetings, nor did we (and i doubt we would) feel comfortable offering correction, direction, and challenge from the larger Church to our individual congregations! not that this is bad--for there exists a much more family connection between these churches as they have historically birthed, rejoiced, prayed for, and mourned for one another over these past several years.

as for the meetings of this type, and i would agree, the purpose of the convention is for retreat, revival, and advance -- that we retreat away from our regular routines and surroundings that we may have a time to be refreshed, revived, and if necessary to repent. in the course of such activity, it's not to remain in the retreat, but to prepare to advance back out onto individual local church fronts again to carry the Kingdom forward.

Pastor John gave a great and impassioned plea for the larger gathering not to forsake meeting together annually for this purpose. but, an agreement was made that though they should nor forsake the annual meeting, the expense of full retreat and conference center would be every other year--in the even years, they would all gather in London (where 4 of the churches exist). but what about that 5th church, the Birkenhead congregation nearly 6 hours away? well, the other 4 churches would give not to their own convention fees, but to give to support the attendees of that church to be with them by helping with their travel, lodging, and meal expense.

now that's care unprecedented in our Alabama context. we usually just dismiss the fact that many from our furthest churches just won't come because of distance and cost. i venture to say that not once has the thought even crossed any one of our individual minds to supplement someone who is further. no, we think, "it's good that i live close so i can get there easily--too bad they live so far away." how sad for us that we do not know such community that we would sacrifice for a distant brother or sister to have fellowship with us.

the Church does exist for mission--to express the Gospel tangibly through and beyond ourselves that all may be saved. and the Church here wrestled with that as they considered, what is our vision? who is responsible to receive it and pass it on to us? and how can we select that group and have them present the goals for us all to aim for? the discussions were important, and i believe this group is on their way to accomplish this task of articulating how their mission will be accomplished in the next few years.

why all these meetings? the work of the church is organized so all can contribute and all can advance the Kingdom in an agreeable manner--this is good, but the organization of the church should never trump the church as a living expression of the life, love, and purpose of Christ. Pastor Jim spoke to this in the introductory address earlier this morning, and we're eager to hear him continue on this and related topics tonight and through the weekend.

so, more to come...and, once i get the camera back :), i'll attach pictures to these posts...

good to be back in the UK

we arrived at Heathrow airport safe and sound...with no problems through immigration, we were on to make our currency exchange. that's when we found the rate had jumped about 20 cents away from our favor. that may not sound like much, but it may have cost us a lot multiplied over the entire trip. but, no worries, off into the city...

we found our hotel in a nice part of down town London--even though we made arrangements with the hotel staff in advance to let our large group use only 2 rooms, this was apparently against fire codes. but since we had already paid, they willingly gave us a 45pound upgrade to one of the rooms to better accommodate us--that was quite the blessing.

we parted with our luggage and went on a quick tour of London--first to Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Cavalry yard, Nelson's Monument and Trafalgar Square--back on the Tube and to the South Bank of the River Thames, where we walked up on the London eye and took in an evening view of all we had just seen. a walk back across the river and the Tube back to the hotel made for a quick, memorable and exhausting trip. just what we needed to get to sleep and get onto this new time zone's schedule.

there was so much more i wish we could have shown my family & Cheryl, but that will have to do for this trip. early this morning, Keli went walking to get me some Starbucks--we were able to sit together before i went out to get everyone doughnuts and pastries. everyone else slept till 9 am or later, local time--we took our time eating, repacking and getting ready for the trip back into London.

we were able to get on the Tube and up to north London without much trouble, just a lot of walking. we made our way to the Community (Tottenham) Church of God--sister Theresa saw us and informed us that we just missed the early groups going to the conference, but we knew we were to ride at 2:15. she informed us that the next group (due to a minibus breakdown) wouldn't be until around 4. so, we got lunch nearby and returned for a picnic lunch on the side of the church.

Pastor Mascall came by to let us in; helping him in the process as he needed to go get Pastor Jim Lyon--we could stay and let others arriving for the conference trip. while we waited, we were entertained by a family of foxes that came into the church's back courtyard. really quite amazing to see them so large and so close. the time also gave us the opportunity to meet and reacquaint with several members of the church.

Pastor Jim showed up eventually, and we were able to reacquaint with him [pray for the family of one of Pastor Jim's friends (Howard) who came for this convention, but now has to go back tomorrow as his father passed away this morning. the rest of Jim's group will join us after they get him to the airport.]

sometime after 5, the bus arrived and we were off to the conference--crammed into the minibus and into Pastor Mascall's car. but--not so fast--it was rush hour through town, then the Motorway (similar to our interstate) had a traffic jam, then we got lost, and lost, and lost. sometime after 9:30pm, we arrived at the conference center.

the ride was draining--the arrival was invigorating--everyone eager to greet our groups with smiles and hugs, and a wonderful reunion with all our UK brothers and sisters--they were so glad to meet Keli, Cheryl and the kids. we were served a tea (dinner) and then plenty of sweeties (cadbury chocolate an a variety of gummies) and lots of laughter as we quickly caught back up. though all were glad to see us, Janet and Linda did not like my new hair and beard combo ;)

now, most are in bed--but i know i needed to get in this entry. check back and i will post some pics with this article

early tomorrow, we'll participate in prayer meeting and business meetings. the groups are eager for sharing and inspiration.

favorite sites in the UK

returning to U.K. May 20-June 1!!! this will be my third trip to the United Kingdom, but my first trip with my family. i've overly enjoyed each trip in beginning relationships with the churches in the UK--i've been able to see some beautiful sites in the process--so which stand out to me? which do i want to be sure to share with my wife and children? which would i recommend to you?

all things London - in corresponding with my friend Nick Fiedler recently, he said that London is favorite city in the world. now Nick has just finished a year of travel in, i think, 14 different countries--a much more expansive experience base than i have--but i've been saying the same thing ever since returning from my first visit. there's so much to see and experience along the River Thames--the Globe theatre, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Tate Modern--and within a brief walk you could be at Picadilly Circus, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Soho, and the list goes on and on. the ease of transportation through the London Underground (Mind the Gap!) subway system is unparalleled, allowing you to move freely through a city that has so much character and charm.

The Liverpool Cathedral, aka The Great Space -- AND -- the Chester Cathedral -- not too far from each other, these two represent one of the oldest (Chester) and one of the latest (Liverpool) Cathedrals constructed in the English Isles. Both have found a way to minister to the contemporary society even as tourist icons. Both have an appreciation for the arts, displayed by older and newer artists. Both have a continuing sense and sacrifice for Mission beyond themselves. Both were amazingly inspiring--not just personally, but as a pastor--not just as a pastor, but as a follower of Christ. their grandeur, and at the same time their simplicity, were refreshing.

Abby Road -- yes, the intersection made famous by the Beattles is worth the effort and the time to find (you won't find it on many, if any, tourist maps) -- but once you're there, you'll be trying to imitate the famous crosswalk album scene with your friends as many other nationalities all try to do the same thing. then, take a moment to read and sign the wall in front of Abby Road Studios--it's okay, they've allowed it to become a monument to the band ahead of their time.

and, a walk along the Thames Path -- on the north and south side of the River Thames is a wonderfully broad path allowing you to experience the unique London skyline, from Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern, etc. But also along the paths are an international gathering of tourists and locals, artisans and musicians, rich and poor, busy to loafing--the paths are alive and just a great place to get lost in thought.

we're leaving soon -- keep checking back for pictures and updates on our travels...