Mango Pastorate

Mango Houseparty in October 2011

2011-10-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

We’re off for a get-away houseparty weekend in three week time at Barton camp. This is a favoured haunt for Woodlands houseparties and only a 40min drive from Bristol – see www.bartoncamp.co.uk/

We’re heading out right at the start of half term from 21-23 October and it should cost less than £30 per head. More details soon – places limited – book a place asap by contacting scott@smart-partners.co.uk

Thanks, Scott

Mango Pastorate Autumn Schedule

2011-09-26T09:26:00.001-07:00

Sept
Tues 6th – Pastorate (Church Crypt)
Tues 13th – Home groups
Tues 20th – Pastorate social
Tues 27th – Home groups

Oct
Tues 4th – Pastorate (venue TBA)
Tues 11th – Home groups
Tues 18th – Woodies Vision Night
Tues 25th – Home Groups

Nov
Tues 1st – Bonfire Social
Tues 8th - Home groups
Tues 15th – Pastorate (venue TBA)
Tues 22nd – Home groups
Tues 29th – Pastorate special
(details TBA)

Dec
Tues 6th – Pastorate (venue TBA)
Tues 13th – Home groups
Tues 20th – Pastorate Christmas Party

Woodies Unplugged 7pm services
Teams serving every service apart from the 1st Sunday of each month, starting 18th September

Houseparty Autumn 2011
details to follow soon

Summer's Out for 2011!

2011-07-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Mango Pastorate is having a chilled break for the summer but returns with an altogther meeting on the evening of Tuesday 6th September - details for follow soon - for more details about Mango please contact me on 07917 032483 or scott@smart-partners.co.uk and I'll try to get back to you in between BBQ's! happy summer! Scott

Sermon on the Mount 10 - Matthew 7:1-12 – Building Relationships

2011-06-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

This part of Jesus teaching from the Mount incorporates two short texts which at first seem quite different – one looking at how we judge one another and the other about asking and seeking God. What both of these texts have in common is that they talk about the importance of healthy balanced relationships – first one with another and secondly in terms of how we relate to our Father in heaven.
They raised a number of interesting questions for discussion including:

1. What are the possible reasons why we find it easy sometimes to judge others (either internally or out loud)?
2. If Jesus tells us not to judge then how does this work in a culture where we have judges who sit in courts to pass judgements? What about parents who need to make judgements for their children?
3. The bible also tells us it’s OK to correct one another (2 Tim 4:2) – how do we do this without judging?
4. What sometimes stops us from asking things of God?
5. What does it really mean to ‘seek’ after God
6. In what other NT passages do we see similar relational themes of judging, asking and seeking that we can link to Jesus teaching here?

In our discussions we were caught up eventually by Jesus Great Commandment which seemed to sum up many of the connecting points of our responses to these questions – in effect – Love really is the answer:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matt 22:37-39

Scott

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 6 v7-15 - A Pattern for Dynamic Prayer

2011-06-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

This is the passage where 'The Lords Prayer' is given by Jesus as a model for how we should pray to God. It begins with our declaration to God and recognition of Him; Our Father in heaven, hallowed be 'your' name, 'your' kingdom come, 'your' will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It then moves onto our requests; give 'us' this day 'our' daily bread and forgive 'us' 'our' sins as we forgive those who sin against 'us'. And lead 'us' not into temptation but deliver 'us' from evil. Later versions also include the now common final section; For 'yours' is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.

Discussion points then included;
• The amazing desire of God to be known by us as 'Our Father'.
• Does our daily bread include more than physical needs, what about emotional and spiritual daily 'bread'?
• If God already knows what we need then why should we pray?
• What does it mean to 'hallow' God's name?
• The connection between our own forgiveness and how we forgive others.
• Should we only pray The Lords Prayer?
• Do we regularly pray to God and does our own prayer life resemble this model?

Dan

Mango Summer Schedule 2011:

2011-05-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

Please see dates below for the schedule for this summer term:

May
Tues 3rd - Mango @ Church – Fish n Chips & 3rd Sunday Prayer and Planning night – No HOME GROUPS
Tues 10th – MANGO ALTOGETHER at Josh and Jo’s – Special Guests – Sarah and Josh Rutere on Mission to Central Eastern Africa
Sun 15th – 3rd Sunday Woodies extra service
Tues 17th – HG
Tues 24th - HG
Tues 31st - HG

June
Tues 7th - HG
Tues 14th - Social
Sun 19th – 3rd Sunday Woodies extra service
Tues 21st - HG
Tues 28th - HG

July
Tues 5th - HG
Tues 12th - Social
Sun 17th – 3rd Sunday Woodies extra service
Tues 19th - HG
Tues 26th - HG

Matthew 5:38-48 – Sermon on the Mount - Study 6

2011-04-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

How to really love your enemies – eye for an eye, love for enemies

The real test of love does not come in how we relate to the kind and loveable but in how we relate to the cruel and despicable. Jesus calls us to show our attitude of total love to an ‘evil person’ and our ‘enemies’. This means love where there is no self-interest and this is impossible without the grace of God.

We discussed:

• What we find difficult about the instructions Jesus gives in the passage and what those instructions might mean in our everyday lives? Particularly;
‘Give to the one who asks you’ – we discussed how black and white we felt this statement was and in what situation we might face this challenge and where it may not be appropriate to give what is asked for. This then led on to discussions about how to avoid being seen as a doormat.
• How Jesus’ instructions might apply in world wars, how should a Christian world deal with dictators and those that kill for power?
• How we can find it in ourselves to bless and love those that cause so much suffering?

Matthew 5: 31-37- Sermon on the Mount - Study 5

2011-04-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Divorce and Oaths

Jesus raises challenging responses to the questions that were put to him by the religious leaders of the time. The issues raised in this passage are all too familiar and no less challenging for the church today. On the issue of Divorce, Re-marriage and the church Dr David Instone-Brewer has produced a very well circulated book on the subject, based on his research as a theologian of 1st Century Palestine and his role as a church leader.

For an interesting link see: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/20.26.html
More broadly speaking this passage also raises discussions about God’s response to the general broken-ness of humankind and it raises questions about how we as Christians are to respond to individuals that face challenges of broken relationships – past and present
The passage goes on to look at the use of oaths, promoting the notion of let our ‘yes be yes’ and ‘our no be no’! This raises a few questions like:

1. Why might it be considered wrong to make a promise in God’s name?
2. What does this say about certain judicial systems where people are required to take an oath on the bible?
3. Are there incidents from the bible where promises have been made in God’s name that has turned into tragic circumstances?
4. What does this say about how we use God’s name?
5. How does this affect our everyday use of language?

Matthew 5: 21-30 - Sermon on the Mount Study 4

2011-04-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Murder & Adultery

In these verses Jesus speaks specifically of the commandments Murder and Adultery found in Exodus 20: 13-14. The interesting thoughts that came from the group are as follows:

• Jesus reaffirms his position as being at the same level as God
o He is able to express, emphasise and clarify the meaning of the Law
• Why might God see anger and lust being on a par, or maybe even more, with murder and adultery?
o We are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27)
o By dwelling on these thoughts and feelings we are valuing someone less than ourselves
o We mar God's image in us
o We attack God's image in them
• Are we condemned by our thoughts?
o No, a fleeting thought is not what this is about. There are stimuli everywhere that's sole purpose is to distract us.....Satan will tempt us! He tempted Jesus in the desert (Luke 4: 1-13),and this is where we are given a model to follow that links to this passage:
 Jesus had a choice whether to comply with the temptation or reject it - He rejected it, and so should we!
• Is the imagery of gouging out your eye, or cutting off your hand to be taken literally?
o Jesus' loving nature would suggest this is not a literal commandment
o Temptation often begins by something "catching our eye" it is the thing that makes us "double take" This is the point we get to choose, do we linger and gaze on that temptation for longer or do we avert our gaze elsewhere?
o Once we decide to continue looking with our "eye" it is a short step to full compliance with sini.e. by physical participation with it (the hand)
o The message seems to be "you have choice" Do not let your eye linger on these things, and certainly resist acting upon them
• Big sin grows from tiny seeds
o Each time we allow ourselves to be a "little" bit angry with someone or inappropriate to a member of the opposite sex but "just as a joke!" we learn to justify that behaviour to ourselves and each time we do we lower our baseline morality just a bit
o Over time that bit grows into a lot, before you know it we have become desensitised to it
o We see it in our Nation today....we turn the news over as the horrors of war/disaster are no longer horrific, just dull...no shock in naked women in TV, film, music, advertising hoardings....constant swearing pre-watershed. None of this will lead the world to a better place, more likely there will be an upsurge in demand for ever more cheap thrills, more lack of concerns for our "brothers"
o Ultimately from those tiny seeds we have come to accept Worldly things and have strayed from God's Heart!
• God's Heart
o Both passages point to knowing God's heart
o We should not be de-sensitised
o There is no "small" sin, it will grow!
o The more we proclaim our Love for God, and of each other. The more we reject sin the closer to God's heart we will be. And it will be this that grows as sin's grip on us lessens.
o Jesus specifcally uses the word "brother". We are a family, of one Father, we must love each other! (Matthew 22: 36-40)
• Our Heart & repentance
o This is what God values most, and is consistent throughout the Bible
o David, described by Paul when preaching in Acts 13:22,is considered by God to be "..a man after my own heart"
 David's behaviour is often not seen to be the way we imagine God to be
 But he loves the Lord with all of his heart (Psalm 6)
 He repents often (Psalms 51, 52)

The main thing to come from our discussion was a statement of fact...God's standards are very high!! As Christian's we are called to "let [our] light shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16) So it is crucial that we in the World adhere to these things and role model to others the behaviours Jesus modelled for us......but, no doubt we will fall from time to time and through the Grace afforded us by Jesus on the cross we can ask for forgiveness, and like David be assured that our prayer will be answered!

Matthew 5:17-20 - Sermon on the Mount Study 3

2011-04-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Jesus rebukes those who said he had come to do away with the "law and the prophets" (old testament teaching). Instead he has come to fulfil the law, and he makes it clear that God still requires us to obey his laws. We thought about the different types of law in the old testament:

• Ceremonial Law - such as sacrifice and cleansing which point forward to Jesus. Jesus has fulfilled all of these requirements for us;
• Civil law - such as compensation for injuries etc. This is specific to the culture and society of the time and although we don't follow these laws specifically, we still obey the principles behind them which are present in our own legal system;
• Moral law - things like the ten commandments which still apply to us today - this is what we are talking about.

Points which came up in our discussion included:

• The universal nature of Gods law (Romans 2:13-15) - there is an absolute standard of right and wrong and our conscience tells us this even if we do not know God's Law
• The link between the requirement to obey the law and the beatitudes - acknowledging that we are poor in spirit and cannot do it without him (Matthew 5:3)
• That all disobedience and sin is equal and things that we consider "minor" transgressions are just as bad. When we ask God for forgiveness at the end of the day, are we even aware of most of our "minor" sins?
• If we acknowledge that we can never keep the whole law, and that we are made right with God by his grace, even when we fail should we even bother to try obeying the Law? Definitely according to Romans 6:15 - to honour God, to grow in holiness, to demonstrate our faith.
• The positive example which we set by obeying God's law and the link to last week's study- we are "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16)

Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light - Sermon on the Mount - Study 2

2011-03-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

In these verses Jesus starts by saying that we are 'salt of the earth'. Salt is used for flavouring and preserving, we might conclude from this that we are Jesus flavoured and intended to be used to preserve the purity in the world and the gospel message.

He then goes on to say that we are 'the light of the world'. Light allows people to see and Jesus says 'let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.'

Questions which then came from these verses were;

• What could cause us to lose our saltiness / Jesus flavouring?
• Why is it good to be both salt and light together?
• What is the result of people seeing our good deeds?
• Is there a potential pitfall to avoid in boasting about good deeds and how can we address this? (Jeremiah 9 v 23-24)
• Do we have a responsibility to be salt and light, is there an expectation and what if we get it wrong? (Romans 2 v 26) (Matthew 19 v 26)
• What connections can we draw between the Beatitudes (blessings) of the previous verses and this call to be salt and light?

Other references to light; Genesis 1 v 3-4, John 1 v 4-9, Ephesians 5 v 8-14

Matthew 5:1-12 - The Beatitudes - Sermon on the Mount - Study 1

2011-03-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Whether you were there last week or unable to join us, Mango started a new season of studies looking at the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and asking questions about how this teaching relates to our own 21st Century lives.

Study 1 - The Beatitudes

This starter lists nine blessings which are not the same type of blessings that we naturally consider in our own lives. They challenge our own worldview by shining a light on the upside-down, counter-cultural nature of the Kingdom of God – His ways are just different to our ways. We’re immediately invited to try to look at blessing through a ‘Kingdom lens’ and we were able to ask a number of questions:

1. What types of things do we imagine when we thing of ‘blessings’ in our own lives today?
2. What does this passage really teach us about being Merciful and showing Forgiveness?
3. What does it mean to mourn for the world around us, but in a Godly way?
4. Are these blessings linked as they seem to share a common thread of living a humble life, guarding ourselves from pride?
5. Which of these nine blessings do we sense God is calling each of us to pay particular attention to and/or address issues which relate to our own lives?
6. Should we intentionally pursue these blessings? Eg actively pursue a life that we expect would lead to greater persecution due to our righteousness?
7. Which of these do we find the most confusing and why?

Justice Theme at Mango

2011-03-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks we’ve been looking at the whole issue of Justice. Here is a short summary of some of the areas that we have been exploring from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. If you sense God has been speaking specifically to you about Mango and a greater call on us to respond to injustice then do let me know, Scott

OT passages – Habakkuk – a book of many parts that explores a discussion between one man and Go over the decision to raise the Babylonians to seize power over the Israelite community. Raising questions like, is it Ok to argue with God over injustice? How do we relate to a God whose actions (or apparent inaction) might seem so counter to what we would expect?

Psalm 37 – a great psalm of David that provides instruction on Godly wisdom in light of apparent injustice. Raising questions like what does it mean to ‘delight ourselves in God’? And what happens if we don’t sense He’s providing for the desires of our heart? Why do we find it hard to trust in God or to wait patiently in times of trial and injustice?

NT passages – On first impressions we might think that the Old Testament takes a tougher stance than the New Testament, however on many occasions Jesus pulls no punches and presents an eternal justice that is as tough as it gets, resulting in either life or death. e.g. Mat 5 v21-22, v27-30, Mat 8 v22, Mat 10 v32-42, Mat 11 v20-24, Mat 12 v31-32.

John 8:7 - Jesus and the adulteress woman. This amazing story of the grace and mercy of God challenging OT thinking on justice raises new questions about how we should be slow to judge others and to first check out the sinfulness in our own lives. We see mercy and forgiveness triumphing over justice. It raises questions like where do we need a greater capacity to demonstrate mercy and forgives in our own lives?

Matt 25:21-26 – Jesus speaks of the parable of the talents. The wicked man who did not invest his talent but rather hid it suffered the wrath of the Master. The passage follows with an odd statement that ‘everyone who has will be given more’ – What does this mean in the context of our unjust society where inequality reigns?

Romans – Paul writes of how we are no longer condemned under the Law, and that God showed His perfect justice and redeemed us through Christ on the cross. In Rom 3:21-26, we read of receiving righteousness through faith. This raises questions about what really if true faith? How does faith lead to righteousness? Does this mean God has changed his mind or is this the same God as the one of the Old Testament?

Many of the issues raised in these studies are addressed in a fascinating theological introduction to a Rob Scott-Cook sermon that was delivered in 2009 on the book of Gideon. In the first ten minutes of the sermon, Rob speaks of what he refers to as the ‘unfolding revelation of God’ - this is a fascinating talk which attempts to piece together the God of justice that we read of in the old testament with the same God of grace and mercy that we read of in the NT. I’ve tried to download the podcast here but the blogger won't let me - so you'd need to goto itunes, type Rob Scott Cook into the search and select 'Gideon' from the podcast options. The talk was from a morning service on 28June09

Let us know what you think,
Cheers Scott & Dan

Mango's Spring Schedule 2011

2011-01-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

The schedule for Spring 2011 has a different flavour to it with a break from the monthly trips to Emmanuel and new Sunday lunchtime social events/meals as well as more home group time on Tuesdays:

JANUARY 2011

Tues 11th - ALTOGETHER at Julia’s

Sun 16th - Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 18th- Home groups (Woodies week of prayer)

Tues 25th – Home groups (or Tony Campolo – see www.goingpublic.org.uk)

Sun 30th – Lunchtime social – meet after 10.30 service

FEBRUARY 2011

Tues 1st – Home groups

Tues 8th – Chinese New Year Social

Tues 15th - Home groups

Sun 20th - Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 22nd - Home groups (Half term)

Sun 27th – Lunchtime social – meet after 10.30 service

MARCH 2011

Tues 1ST – Home groups

Tues 8th – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Social

Tues 15th - Home groups

Sun 20th - Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 22nd - Home groups (Half term)

Sun 27th – Lunchtime social – meet after 10.30 service

Tues 29th – Boys and Girls nights out!

APRIL 2011

Tues 5th- Home groups7

Tues 12th – Social

Sun 17th - Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 19th - Home groups

Sun 24th EASTER SUNDAY

Tony Campolo visits Bristol!

2011-01-07T05:13:00.000-08:00

"In the lead up to the talk at Woodies on the 25th Jan by Tony Campolo here is a link to one of his talks. It's a cracker and should get us in the mood for more of Mr Campolo when he visits.

If I Had to Live it Over Again

Description: Based on a study done of 50 people over the age of 95 who were asked what they would do differently if they had life to live over again. They responded by focusing on the following:

a. They would risk more.
b. They would reflect more.
c. They would do more things that would live on after they were dead. Tony shows how those responses can provide direction for how we should live life.

see - http://www.tonycampolo.org/media_archive.php

Directions to Emmanuel Chapel

2010-11-11T11:33:00.001-08:00

http://www.emmanuelhenbury.org.uk/

Emmanuel ChapelSatchfield CrescentHenburyBristolBS10 7BN
Or you can find them on google maps at: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bs10+7bn&ie=UTF8&ll=51.504883,-2.620218&spn=0.006638,0.013304&z=16

Autumn Schedule for Mango 2010

2010-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 2010

Tues 7th - Small Group / ALTOGETHER at Woodlands

Sun 12th - Emmanuel Chapel (no breakfast)

Tues 14th- Pastorate Social - Skittles night

Sun 19th – Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 21st- Mango Vision Night at Woodlands

24-26th – MANGO GOWER HOUSEPARTY WEEKEND

Tues 28th- Pastorate @ Emmanuel

OCTOBER

Tues 5th - Small Group

Sun 10th -Emmanuel Chapel

Tues 12th – Woodlands Annual Vision Night @ Woodies Church

Sun 17th Woodlands 10.30 service welcoming

Tues 19th - Small Group

Tues 26th- Pastorate @ Emmanuel

NOVEMBER

2nd - Small Group

9th - Pastorate Social - Guy Fawkes Fireworks Night

Sunday 14th - Emmanuel Chapel

16th - Small Group

23rd - Pastorate

30th - Pastorate Social - Movie/DVD Night

DECEMBER

7th - Small Group

Sunday 12th - Emmanuel Chapel

14th - Pastorate Social - Christmas Dinner
Inn on the Green, from 7.30pm with secret santa

MANGO PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER

2010-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

We have our final pastorate gathering together next Tuesday after which we break up for the summer – our busy home group leaders need a well earned break! But there are still opportunities to serve:

We have the option of meeting for a Tuesday August Socials of your choice on the four Tuesdays over August. Interested?? Would you like to host one of the dates?? For example all you have to do is say I’ll be at the Clifton Downs for 7.30 this Tuesday for any that want to join you. Do let me know if you are interested!

Woodlands need helpers for Kids church over the summer – please let Lois or Nigel know if you can help out - nigel@njsavage.co.uk or Lois McGinley lois.mcginley6@blueyonder.co.uk

Paul from Emmanuel has asked if a group from Mango would like to help Emmanuel make a difference at the Henbury village family day from 12-4 on Sat 21st August. I think I can be there but would anyone else be interested in joining me and doing something together (eg hosting a BBQ or manning a bouncy castle?? Just a thought- let me know

FEEDBACK

As we’re coming to the end of our schedule for 2009-10 we’re reflecting on what God’s been doing this year and I’ve asked all the leaders to offer their feedback on the year. If you have any comments or observations that you’d like to add, do let me know, so that it might inform our plans as we look ahead to 2010-11, which will start on Tuesday 7th September 2010.

NEW WINE

Woodlands Church is part of a network of churches, known as New Wine. Every year New Wine runs a number of international summer ‘family’ conferences which provide fun times to camp out together, with very inspiring speakers, great informative workshops, fantastic kids work and wonderful opportunities to worship alongside 1000’s of other Christians. This years New Wine for the South West is at the Bath and West Showground, less than an hour from Bristol and there are already a number of us booked in to attend for the first week in August – you can book in online and select to camp with Woodlands Church, Bristol – a number from Mango have already booked in. Even though its not far off, its still not too late to book

You might like to know you can now book in for just half a week – the New Wine offices opened up this opportunity a week ago for anyone that cannot afford the time to take a whole week out. If you do have some time free I would genuinely recommend this to you – I and my children are already booked in and we’d love to camp out with you for a few days! See the link for further details or give me a shout if you’d like to talk about it - http://www.new-wine.org/summer/Summer%20Conferences%202010.htm

Have a great week
Scott

Mango’s Schedule for Summer Term

2010-04-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Theme Living Life to the Full (John 10:10)

all pastorates start at 7.30pm at Emmanuel Chapel
Home groups start at 7.45pm

APRIL

6th - Small Groups

Sunday 11th - Emmanuel Church

13th - Pastorate Social - Jungle Crazy Golf

Saturday 17th - Social - Walk through Westonbirt Arboretum looking at the spring flowers

20th - Pastorate

27th - Pastorate special (Liz’s birthday)

MAY

4th - Small Groups

Sunday 9th - Emmanuel Church

11th - Pastorate Social - Bowling

18th - Small Groups

Sunday 23rd - Social - Beases Boat Trip

25th - Pastorate

JUNE

1st - Small Group

8th - Pastorate Social - BBQ

Sunday 13th - Emmanuel Church

15th - Small Group

22nd - Pastorate

29th - Pastorate Social - Picnic on the Downs

JULY

6th - Small Group

Sunday 11th - Emmanuel Church

13th - Pastorate Social - Travelling supper

20th - Small Group

27th - Pastorate

AUGUST – Summer Break – Socials all month

3rd - Pastorate Social - BBQ on the Downs

10th - Pastorate Social -

17th - Pastorate Social - Picnic and Games at Blaise Castle

24th - Pastorate Social -

31st - Pastorate Social - BBQ

Spring Terms Schedule - Jan to Mar 2010

2010-01-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Home groups meet from 7.45pm at:

Josh and Jo’s at 13 Coniston Avenue, Bristol, BS9 3SA (off Redhouse Lane)– call 0117 962 5053
Julia and Phil’s at 5 Latton Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0UX (off Monks Park Avenue) – call 0117 969 4797

The crypt is not longer available for Pastorate Meetings so, for this term, we will meet from 7.30pm at Emmanuel Chapel

Jan

Tues 5th – Home gps

Sun 10th – Emmanuel service at 10am

Tues 12th – Mango New Year Meal (CANCELLED)

Tues 19th – Home gps

Tues 26th – pastorate

February

Tues 2nd – Home gps

Tues 9th – Chinese meal and some fun to celebrate Chinese New Year (venue TBA)

Sun 14th – Emmanuel Service

Tues 16th – Home gps

Tues 23rd – Pastorate

March

Tues 2nd – home gps

Tues 9th – PARTY: It’s Scott’s 40th birthday!!

Sun 14th – Emmanuel Service

Tues 16th – home gps

Tues 23rd – pastorate

Mango Schedule for December 09

2009-11-25T13:00:00.001-08:00

Tues 1 Dec – Home groups

Tues 8 Dec – Pastorate (crypt)

Sun 13 Dec – 10am service @ Emmanuel Church

Tues 15 Dec – Christmas Party – fun, food and festive cheer!! – (at Julia & Phil’s)

Sun 20 Dec – 10.30 Woodlands Christmas service – Mango Welcoming!!

Tues 5 Jan – Mango kicks off new year

PLUS Trip To Winter Wonderland at Westonbirt Arboretum – meeting at the Arboretum's carpark 5.30pm on Saturday 12th Dec

Mango Home Groups – 17th November 09 – meeting from 7.45pm

2009-11-17T02:07:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK’S STUDY

‘But eagerly desire the greater gifts.’

Its been four weeks since we last met as small groups, with a church vision night and bonfire party taking up our Tuesday evening’s, but tonight we’re continuing on our theme of Mission and Vision. Over the weekend Rob Scott-Cook spoke at Woodlands Central about the different gifts and the way we choose to use them as a community.

Tonight, we’re going to look at little closer at the area of Spiritual gifts and try to demystify some of the issues and misconceptions about these gifts, given by God to build up the church. If we are to take seriously the call to be missional people, then its highly likely that we’re going to need the ‘tools’ and gifts that God gives to us to enable us to do the job and to do it well.

If you get the chance before home group it might be helpful if you read the whole of 1 Corinthians 12, if this is too much then in your groups you might want to read segments and look at the following questions after each segment…..

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

1. What exactly are Spiritual gifts?
2. Who has them?
3. Can any Christian have whatever he/she chooses?
4. Why do we have Spiritual gifts?
5. What factors might hinder the development of such gifts in our lives?

1 Corinthians 12:12-20; and 27

6. Paul goes on to talk about the ‘Body of Christ’ using analytical terms as an analogy. What are the key messages that he is trying to convey in this passage?
7. When first written, it is unlikely that this letter would have been punctuated as we see it today, with verses, chapters and sections headings. With this in mind, why do you think Paul labours on this subject ‘sandwiched’ between two sections on Spiritual gifts?

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 and 14:1

8. Who appoints the gifts and for what purpose?
9. Are some gifts more important than others? If so, why?
10. Do we have a say in which gifts we should have?
11. These two sections sandwich a famous passage on love. Again why do you think Paul places a passage on love in between two further sections on gifts?
12. In what ways has this study challenged your thinking on Spiritual gifts and how they apply to you personally?

Do make sure you leave some time for prayer at the end of the evening. Perhaps it would be good to pray for Si and Lizzie in the Sudan, and for new parents Toby & Lou and Simon & Hannah.

Have a great evening

Scott

Mango Bonfire Party and World Vision

2009-11-10T01:11:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday Mango celebrated with bonfire, fireworks and the all important BBQ! The rain would not deter us, over 30 turned out for the evening including friends from Emmanuel Chapel – for more pics see the Mango gallery at http://www.flickr.com/mangopastorate

This Tuesday (10th November) we welcome Steve Phelps to talk to pastorate about his activities and perspectives on mission as someone who for many years has managed key responsibilities with World Vision – in the crypt from 7.45pm

Mango Home Groups – 13th October 09 – meeting from 7.45pm

2009-10-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

‘The Lord appointed 72 and sent them two by two ahead…… the 72 returned full of joy’.’

Two weeks ago we studied Luke’s account of when Jesus first called Peter, James and John to follow Him and become ‘fishers of men!’ Today we move on five chapters in the same account and read that Jesus selected a further 72 and sent them out as ‘local mission teams’ in pairs to go ahead of Him. When they returned they spoke with joy of what they had experienced.

Some of us have recently returned from our ’mission’ trip to Emmanuel and already I am hearing good news of things that occurred during Sunday morning – including a group of three that had never set foot in church before joining us just for breakfast and another newcomer staying after breakfast for the whole service. As we continue on our theme of Mission and Vision, let’s explore together what Jesus followers experienced as they were sent out and then let’s see if we can discover parallels that we can draw with our own experiences:

Read through the account from Luke’s Gospel Ch10: 1-9, 17-21 – you could break this into two and just read the first section and then look at these questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus sent folk out in twos?
2. What might Jesus have meant vs 3 when He states that He’s sending them out like lambs amongst wolves? Why would God want to do that?
3. Why were they forbidden to take the usual necessary provisions vs 4?
4. They were given key tasks to undertake – what were these and what exactly did these tasks really require?
5. What tasks do we sense God has given us to undertake as ‘missional people’?

Then look at vs 17-21

6. The disciples returned and were full of joy. Why? And why did Jesus caution them?
7. What do you think Jesus actually mean when He told them they had been given authority to trample on snakes vs 19?
8. What can we gleam from Jesus prayer at the end of this passage vs 21? And how might we draw some sense of comfort from this prayer?
9. In what ways do we feel challenged and/or reticent to pursue God’s mission calling over our lives?

If time allows you might want to spend time talking of experiences that you may have had where you have heard something of ‘God’s call’ in the past. How did it make you feel? What happened? What did you learn from the experience?

Make sure you allow time at the end to pray for one another and also for Si and Lizzie as they set out on their missional journey to the Sudan. Pray too for Emmanuel as we reflect on Sunday’s service and start to plan ahead to next month’s visit. [ps Rob Scott Cook is coming with us next month!]

Cheers

Scott

Mango @ Emmanuel

2009-10-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

This Sunday - 11th October 2009 - a team from Mango embarked upon Emmanuel Chapel in Henbury to help to lead the service. Stew headed up a kitchen team that prepared breakfast for the church, 30 bacon butties and 30 croissants served along with fresh coffee, tea and juice. Rachel led worship, Scott spoke from Psalm 103 and Julia led the drinks and cakes after the service had formally closed. At least three newcomers joined the Emmanuel regulars and lots of new friendships were forged - see the Mango pic site for more images - http://www.flickr.com/mangopastorate

This Sunday at Emmanuel Chapel

2009-10-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is our first Sunday at Emmanuel Chapel – a great opportunity to ‘make a difference’ with small acts of kindness in love to serve, encourage and support this community.

Four ways to help

1. Worship – Rachel is developing a worship team and if you are interested in exploring worship, do let her know - 'rachelsj@inbox.com '

2. Stewart is hosting a breakfast team that will prepare food for the whole church. This is a new thing and they’re really excited about this. Hopefully if it goes well first time, news will spread and church members will start to think of inviting others to join them for brekkie! If you want to be a part of this team for our first trip out this Sunday, please let Stewart know – he’ll be starting to prep at 8.45 and serving from 9.20. - 'stewart.martin@blueyonder.co.uk '

3. After the service, we are also going to be serving coffee and tea and cakes and generally looking to ‘mingle’ with the congregation – probably even some chances to chat and pray with some – they’re usually a very open community!! If you’d like to help serve coffee and cake then please let me know. IN PARTICULAR, even if you can’t be there but would like to BAKE A CAKE for the church, that’d be great – I think it could make a real difference if we were able to bring our own home produced cakes to give away - 'scott@smart-partners.co.uk'

4. Just be there – service starts at 10am - it’d be great to see you!

Here’s the address and here’s their website too: http://www.emmanuelhenbury.org.uk/

Emmanuel Chapel, Satchfield Crescent, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7BN

Or you can find them on google maps at: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bs10+7bn&ie=UTF8&ll=51.504883,-2.620218&spn=0.006638,0.013304&z=16

Mango Home Groups – 29th September 09 – meeting from 7.45pm

2009-09-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to Simon 'Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.’

We’re continuing on our theme of Mission and Vision, having looked last week at Simon and Lizzie’s call out to mission work in Sudan, this week we’re going to look at the time when Jesus first called his disciples and in particular, the fishermen Simon Peter, James and John.

Read through the account from Luke’s Gospel Ch5:1-11

At first it would seem that Jesus had caught up a with a group of tired, busy, reluctant fishermen, but in the things that followed, these people were in for a surprise awakening. We can probably think of all sorts of good and reasonable excuses for not having time to reach out to our ‘so-called neighbours’ today with good news about Jesus – we’re probably too busy, unsure where to start, not wanting to embarrass them (or ourselves) and so on; but similarly here we meet a bunch of reluctant fishermen who encountered Jesus and were clearly not so willing to go along with the Son of God’s game plan:

1. Jesus’ request in vs 3 probably required the help of several men. How do you think Simon felt about this inconvenient interruption?

2. Why do you think Simon is reluctant to comply with Jesus 2nd request vs (4-5)?

3. Why does this event create such strong reactions in Simon and his companions (vs6-10)?

4. How do you suppose Simon Peter’s new self evaluation (v8) affects him as he considers this new assignment?

5. Note Jesus statement in vs 10, how do you think these rustic fishermen felt about this ‘call’ from a purely human perspective?

6. We’re all called to be ‘fishers of men’ if we take seriously Jesus command in the great commission: (Matt 28:17-20), how do we feel about that ‘call’ on our lives?

7. In what ways might we, like Simon, have a sense of fear or inadequacy at such a calling?

8. How would the experience of the big catch have prepared Peter and his companions for their new work?

9. In the same story as told by both Matthew and Mark, Jesus is quoted as saying ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’. What did following Jesus mean for them and what may it mean for us?

Do make sure you leave some time for prayer at the end of the evening. Perhaps it would be good to pray for Si and Lizzie too as they prepare for the Sudan. Maybe now is a good time to start a home group list of things to be praying for, not just this evening but throughout the week.

Have a great evening

Scott

Mango Home Group Study - 15Sept09

2009-09-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

We’re continuing on our theme of Mission and Vision, having looked last week at the meeting between Jesus and a Samaritan Woman at a well (John 4). This week we look at Matthew 25, almost the end of the gospel and almost the last instructions of Christ prior to his arrest after the ‘last supper’ In this chapter Jesus tells three stories and we’re looking at the last of these, concerning God identifying people according to what they’ve done – see Matt 25: 31-46

Jesus’ talk reflects his mission to ‘reach out to the poor’ and here he implicitly encourages us to do likewise, telling us that each time we do so, it’s as if we are doing it directly for Him.

1. In what ways do we and can we reach out to the poorer sections of our community? Indeed, in today’s terms what constitutes being ‘poor’?

2. The passage talks of an inheritance awaiting us in heaven. What conceptions do we have of our ‘heavenly inheritance’ and to what degree are we motivated by ‘what is to come’ when we do our day to day things here on Earth?

3. v41-45 tell a shocking story for those that God has not ‘called’ to be with Him. How do we feel about this part of the story?

4. God’s promise for us and for all those who genuinely believe in Him and accept Jesus as Lord and saviour is eternal life, regardless of what we have done, do or don’t do – this is the wonder of the grace of God. How then do we reconcile this view with the imagery of this passage from Matthew?

5. Jesus was commissioned by the Father to be ‘good news to the poor and needy’. Paul too was authorised to minister for the Christian church and told not to forget the needs of the poor. Given that is was Jesus’ desire that we too should reflect Him in the way we live our lives, what more could we do, to make a ‘joined-up’ difference for the sake of the poor and needy of our community?

6. Although the bible talks of the poor in regard to material wealth, we could arguably also consider those around us who are poor in spirit – indeed there is almost certainly a Spiritual poverty that is shared by many around us. 12 people were called by Christ and made a difference by the way they chose to serve him – as a result today we have the Christian church. In what ways can we, Mango, serve more effectively to make a difference to the spiritually poor with whom we co-exist day by day?

Perhaps it would be good to close by spending some time praying for opportunities to make a difference this week, to ask that God might lay certain people on your heart and to commit to bringing them back before God regularly in prayer, and that God might inspire us all to consider what little acts made in love can go a long way for the Kingdom!

Scott

Mango's August Social Dates

2009-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Its a very informal chance to catch up with people from mango – further details will be updated on this Blog

4th August – BBQ @ the Cheeses!
from 7.30 pm – at 171 Dovercourt Road , Horfield, Bristol BS7 9SF
Further details from verycheesey@ukonline.co.uk or 0117 979 1446

11th August – Cream teas @ Julia & Phil’s
Further details from Blog, julia.home@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 969 4797

18th August – Chill out at Rachel’s
Further details from Blog, rachelsj@inbox.com or 07968 498102

25th August – BBQ with Dan & Jess
Further details from Blog, jess.tremlett@blueyonder.co.uk or 07909 542211

1st Sept NO MANGO

8th Sept – Mango Pastorate new term starts

Vision and Mission @ Mango

2009-07-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

We spent a session looking at Vision and Mission just before we broke up – this will continue to be a core theme for the Autumn term. As you know Woodlands is encouraging its pastorates to consider how it engages with mission as a ‘mid week community.’ A few weeks ago I felt God draw my attention to three things regarding mission.

Firstly I felt a call to explore a very specific missional challenge [see below], secondly I felt it was important that Mango was a place where we could explore any number of different opportunities to make a difference in our community(s) according to what passions He has placed on our heart, rather than be dedicated to a single exclusive cause. Thirdly was that whatever we did do, we would endeavour to do so without undermining what God had already developed within us as an ‘inclusive’ community that valued each and every member, and preferably with the minimal additional requirement on our very busy time-schedules.

With this in mind, I would like to discuss the ‘idea’ that God’s placed on my heart for this Autumn with anyone that would like to join me @ Dave and Jen’s BBQ this coming Tuesday – 4th August from 7.30 pm – at 171 Dovercourt Road , Horfield, Bristol BS7 9SF

Scott

Mango Prayer Requests & Home News

2009-07-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Mango is scheduled to provide the ‘welcome’ at the front door of the 10.30 service. Brad and Haze are away and Rach & I are leading worship at Emmanuel, so Julia has very kindly agreed to lead the team, setting up and generally organising it....but she needs a team!!! preferably 7 people...the more the merrier and the less stressful it is! it would greatly help if some of the regular people who often help could be there especially people who know how the coffee machines work and the general routine.PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE let Julia know if you will definitely be able to help her from 9.45 this Sunday until the end of church as this will save her worrying about it on Saturday night. Her email address is: julia.home@blueyonder.co.uk

On Monday 13th July, there’s a special Woodlands Pastorate event taking place at church, which is open to everyone and will be an opportunity to see all the different pastorates that are planning to be available from September. It will also be an opportunity to hear Rob and Dave talk more about the vision for Pastorates from September.

Please pray for Brad and Haze as they take time out to explore what God’s planning for them and their family. Pray especially for their current housing situation as they are looking to move house soon.

Pray for Si and Lizzie as they wait to hear from Med Air with regard to taking a year-out to serve in another part of the world (possible the Sudan).

Pray with thanks for Macy’s continued recovery and strengthening as she, Dave and Jen start to establish family life after a difficult first few weeks (more details on http://macycheesegirl.blogspot.com/)

We will produce a regular prayer and news email and if you have a particular prayer request that you’d like to add then please let me know (scott@smart-partners.co.uk)

‘Pastorate Special’ next week - Tues 14th July @ Toby & Lou’s

2009-07-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

It’s a ‘Pastorate Special’ next week (Tues 14th July) at Toby and Lou’s, followed by a BBQ on 21st at Jo and Josh’s place as we draw pastorate to a close for summer. It would be really helpful if you could email to let me know if you DON’T think you can be at the Pastorate Special next week – it’ll be a special time to say thanks to Brad and Haze for leading Mango over the past 2-3 years and to look ahead as Pastorates are re-launched in September.

Here’s a few of the questions, we’ll be looking at next week – if you can’t be there maybe you could email me (scott@smart-partners.co.uk) your thoughts ahead of next week so we can be sure everyone’s points of view are shared:

1. What are the defining and/or most attractive attributes of Mango?
2. In what areas do you think Mango could be developed?
3. What types of Pastorate-led ‘missional’ opportunities would you like to be involved with in the future?
4. If you could define Mango in one sentence – what would it be?

Pastorate Plans for the end of Summer 2009

2009-07-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Mangos

A few updates for your diary and a few insights into what might lie ahead for Mango.

Firstly just to let you know that its Home groups as usual this Tuesday (7th July) – Brad and Haze’s group will meet at Jo and Josh’s place and Toby and Lou will let their group know where they’re meeting.

Then it’s a ‘Pastorate Special’ the following week (Tues 14th July) at Toby and Lou’s, followed by a BBQ on 21st at Jo and Josh’s place as we draw pastorate to a close for summer.

NEWS FOR THE ‘PASTORATE SPECIAL’ AND MANGO THIS SEPTEMBER

Brad and Haze have asked me to take on the leadership of Mango this Autumn and so when we meet as a Pastorate for our last meeting on 14th, we’re going to explore what might lie ahead for us as we venture in the Autumn term.

As you are probably aware, Woodlands is re-launching its Pastorates this September with the aim to encourage all of us to have a more ‘missional’ dimension to pastorate life.

Brad and I have been exploring what this might mean for Mango for the past few weeks and on 14th we want to share more of what Mango might look like in September. Over the next few days I’ll email a few more thoughts for each of us to think about as we start to prayerfully plan ahead, but for starters here’s a few thoughts that we wanted to suggest:

1. Mango should carry on meeting as a pastorate

2. Whatever and however we approach mission, we will still seek to maintain the important ‘relational and supportive’ dimension of pastorate and small group life

3. Mango should remain a place where everyone is able to feel welcome and valued and has a part to play in ‘being’ a community

4. ‘Mission’ should be inclusive not exclusive and should not require busy people to feel like they have to ‘give up’ more time in an already busy schedule

I’d really value your prayers, thoughts and reflections on Mango and the plans for this September. Do feel free to email any reflections. But most importantly…..

If you want to have a say in how Mango might look this September – please put Tuesday 14th July into the diary – more details to follow shortly

Love and prayers
Scott

New Year Pastorate Schedule

2009-01-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hi - this year's new theme is 'Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World'

January: ‘Daniel 1-3’

6th Pastorate meal led by Dave Cheese – Crypt 745pm for 8pm meal
Dan 1 ‘Being true to yourself’’

13th Homegroup ‘bible study’ at homes 7:45pm for 8pm start
Dan 2:1-30 ‘Demonstrating God’s faithfulness to us in times of personal crisis’

Mon 19th Woodlands combined prayer event – Church 8:00pm

Tues 20th Woodlands Prayer room – Church 4-5pm

27th Homegroup at homes 7:45pm for 8pm start – open forum

Sun 26th Pub & walk

February: ‘Daniel 4-5’

3rd Pastorate ‘Love Woodies night’ led by Brad & Haze Askew – Crypt 745pm for 8pm meal
Dan 3: ‘Understanding the risks and rewards of obedience to God & His word’

10th Homegroup ‘bible study’ at homes 7:45pm for 8pm start
Dan 4: ‘God is in control of His world and humbles those’

17th Pastorate Praise and Prayer special led by Si & Lizzie– Upper Hall 7:45pm
Dan 5: ‘Influencing a decaying society as Christians’

Sat 21st Games night social

24th Homegroup at homes 7:45pm for 8pm start – open forum

Mango's Big Christmas Social

2008-12-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

We're off to the Winter Special at Westonbirt Arboretum - Saturday 13th December - meeting there at 5.30pm

Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood and see The National Arboretum lit up at night. See Father Christmas plus lots of other festive excitement - carols from local choirs and bands, roast chestnuts and mulled wine plus a gift shop selling some fantastic gifts and decorations.

For further details of the location and Winter Special check out their website on http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6xclux

This is being organised by Kelly who can be contacted on kellyrose77@gmail.com or on 07913261262