NEWS [UPDATED FEB 6th 2012]
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STU & SARAH UPDATE - NEW HOPE UGANDAY.... 3 Feb. 2012




Every week here is so different and usually eventful! This past week we have learnt that there is another possible baby that may be coming to us - just a few days old, as the mother sadly died after giving birth. We're not sure of all the details but as often happens here, post-preganacy care for the mother is not always great! She was sent to another hospital by her family rather than Kiwoko which is our local one here, and one of the best in the district! So, please pray for wisdom as we step forward in this and work out care for this new precious life. The child is a baby boy, un-named as yet, possibly coming on Monday.

On a very different note, we would really appreciate your prayers for RAIN!!! There has been no rain for weeks now and it is so very hot, dry and dusty. Many of the babies and children here, including Thomas, have been suffering with coughs and colds! There is often a breeze in the day but it is like a hot hair dryer and usually brings more dust with it!!! The rains are due at the end of Feb but one downpour now would be so welcome!!! In the words and with the passion of 'Delirous' ...we say let it 'RAIN DOWN'!!!!!

Please do also pray for the work on the new Hope Family home - we are hoping to move at the end of next week!! (That will be just the Dendys for starters, ready for the Marshall parents visit at the beginning of March! Yeah!!!!!!!!! We can't wait!!!!!!!!!!)

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AWESOME GOD TESTIMONY - HELEN WHEELER.... Jan. 2012



Sunday 4th December 2011 was a normal day, church in the morning followed by an afternoon nap and then a roast dinner. We had no idea that what would happen that evening would change everything for my family.

We sat eating our dinner when my dad fell unconcious in his chair. Within 20 minutes we were in Winchester hospital and BANG, he had another seizure, this time it was almost fatal. He stopped breathing.

I got taken into the relatives room next door to resuscitation where they were trying to bring my dad back to life and I prayed. I prayed the hardest I have ever prayed in my life and the most wonderful thing happened.

I could hear the nurses and doctors resuscitating my dad while I was praying and then the lights in the room I was in started to flicker.... I kept praying. I felt this overwhelming sense of calm, I felt Jesus was holding me and telling me "Everything is going to be alright". 2 minutes after that the doctor came in and said they had got my dad going again!

The doctors performed a scan on my dad at Winchester and found he had a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage caused by a brain Aneurysm, they gave him a 20% survival rate and he had to go to Southampton general hospital to have neurosurgery immediately.

Well, its been 5 weeks now since that all happened and God has been by our side through it all.....he has helped daddy recover (he came home the Thursday before Christmas) and his sight and mobility are greatly improving each and every day.

I wanted to share this with everyone because Jesus WAS with my family that night and it's an absolute miracle that my dad is still alive.

So if you (yes, you who are reading this!) ever question "Has God heard my prayer?" "Is he listening, Does he care?" the answer is a big illuminated YES because he has rescued me from my sinful life and now he has rescued my daddy from the clutches of death.

He may not answer your prayer immediately but he will answer it in his time...have faith...OUR God IS an awesome God and I encourage anyone who is reading this, Christian or Non-Christian, to give God the time of day......HE IS MY HERO,MY SAVIOUR,MY ALL!

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CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE.... 16 Dec. 2011




It was great to see between 50 and 60 neighbours, family and friends join with us at Four Marks School for our Carol Service entitled ‘THE WONDER of CHRISTMAS’. The hall had been decorated earlier that afternoon and the atmosphere and was warm and welcoming.

We began our time together with Alice singing a solo ‘God is Coming’ followed by a selection of Carols chosen by Chris, Jo, Ben and Alice and Bible Readings read by members of Jubilee. Doug then shared another of his ‘Wonder of Christmas’ Series, this time focusing on encouraging everyone to consider the Wonder of
God’s Gift to us - Eternal Life Through Jesus.

This years service began at 4.30pm. and was followed, once again, by a Christmas Tea with an abundance of Festive Food. This enabled people to stay and chat as well as share a little mulled wine together. Actually nobody seemed to want to go home!

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STU & SARAH UPDATE - NEW HOPE UGANDA.... Dec. 2011




Since being back in Uganda we hit the ground running and especially for Stu, finding time out and having a day off has been a real challenge. God is reminding us that we cannot do everything in our own strength! Sometimes we can fool ourselves that when we are busy ‘in ministry’, doing what we think is work for Him, we think we can work full out and just keep going! God has challenged us that in everyday we need to bring everything to Him, lay it all down at His feet...including all the events and worries and concerns of the day ahead...and then leave them there with HIM! Please pray for us as we learn to balance family life with life at Hope Family and New Hope...and that we would ‘...do it all for the Glory of God’.

Below are a few of photos from our Hope Family Christmas party, which includes our babies old and new and our friends young and old! You might even notice Thomas in a few shots!!! Aunty Lucy and her helpers cooked us all a fine feast, which will help the waistline? We had a 'thank you talk' from Uncle Joseph who is our Head of Childcare, he was very generous with what he shared with us at Hope Family, I thank him for all his support and encouragement. Sarah made lots of jelly and the most massive chocolate cake, which you can imagine vanished almost immediately!!! It was a fun time, thanks to all who helped make it happen………………love to all at jubilee !!!!

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STOP PRESS - BABY DENDY.... 11 Dec. 2010



We saw the doctor and midwife in Kampala yesterday, they reckon baby Dendy is 8 weeks and 6 days old - wow wow!!!!

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STU & SARAH - NEW HOPE UGANDA.... 19 Nov. 2010



Graduation Day....

Today we graduated from the New Hope Institute of Childcare and Family! 20 weeks of intense bible teaching and life changing stuff!!! We have been challenged and stretched in lots of different places!!!!

We enjoyed a 4 hour service followed by lots of delicious food! We have been most blessed by all the wonderful friendships we have made with Americans and Ugandans alike!!! (No Brits attended!)www.thedendy.blogspot.com
It was also great when Stu and Sarah shared their good news about Sarah being pregnant, following several years of difficulty conceiving. What an answer to the prayers of many for God to bless them in this way!!!!

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THE JOURNEYS COURSE.... Oct. 2010



"When Helen and Peter invited us to undertake the "Journey" it felt right for both of us and we accepted their kind offer.

We heard of people for whom big events had contributed to their convictions and journey, or who were making a significant difference to other peoples life.

For Michael and I our journey and relationship with God is perhaps as better described as being one of small steps together. We are grateful to have shared a few of these steps of our journey with our friends and members of Jubilee Church.

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STU & SARAH - NEW HOPE UGANDA.... Oct. 2010



We have just over 2 weeks left at the Institute of Childcare and Family - later this week we are off to visit some other childcare projects, including Vatoto who visited Four Marks last year! On our return we will be expected to work in small groups to compile our own visions for a childcare project and present how we would organise one ourselves!

The babies in Hope House are all flourishing and doing well - sadly we had to say goodbye to Jeremiah just yesterday as his father turned up out of the blue ready to take him and support him.

Although this was an answer to prayer it is still tough to have to say goodbye, especially for the house mothers who have cared for him over the last two years!

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LYDIA'S DEDICATION.... 12 Sep. 2010



Chris and I were delighted that many of our friends and family came to join us at the celebration and thank God for our daughter, Lydia. Lydia is a very happy little girl with a cheeky grin and her granddad’s dimple! She was delightful and entertaining throughout the church service, dressed in a beautiful pink dress she raised many a smile with her cuteness and newly discovered vocabulary!

Lydia is our third child and thus, this is our third dedication. We are continually thankful to God for the children that h He has blessed us with and marking the occasion in this way reminds us of the huge responsibility we have as parents to love, care for, pray for and teach our children in the Lord (not always an easy task!)…… keep praying for us! Lydia is a very special little girl and we hope and pray that she will grow up to know and love God.

I know that we as a family, had a lovely day and I am fairly confident that everyone who joined us had a great time too. Many thanks to all who contributed to making this a very memorable day.

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STU & SARAH - NEW HOPE UGANDA.... Aug. 2010



On arrival at New Hope Uganda we were able to join the NHICF. We had heard lots about this training course and were really excited to begin it - we are now 4 weeks in!!

The NHICF provides a solid foundation from which one can move into a richly rewarding ministry in the areas of family and childcare, especially to the fatherless and the orphan. The course work is based on New Hope Uganda’s 24 years of experience applying the Word of God to the practical issues of life and ministry to orphaned children in Uganda. Each day there are opportunities to be involved in a variety of practical experiences and real-life ministry, including gardening with the children and ox ploughing! The course runs for 5 months and, all being well!!..., we hope to graduate at the end of November. We have already been challenged and confronted with so much, including the world view we bring with us to the work here!

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TRANSFORM 2010.... Jul. 28th - Aug. 1st 2010




We arrived at the new site at Lenchwood near Evesham and we quickly set up camp and by the time we had eaten it was time for the evening Celebration in the Big Top. The atmosphere in there was lovely and there was a real sense of God’s presence during the worship.

Unfortunately Ben Wong one of the speakers was sick and unable to attend, so Dave Smith stepped into the gap and set the note for the rest of the week when he spoke on 'a radical new breed of leaders'. He pointed out the need for them to be full of the Spirit and of wisdom. The following day he continued saying they should serve God's people, spread the Gospel and submit to other leaders. 

This added to other good speakers such as Phillip Jinadu, Joel Edmunds Andy Barclay-Watt plus our 'in house' speakers made our few days away very thought provoking.

To sum up Transform it was challenging, exciting, uplifting, amazing, inspirational, there were tears and laughter, great speakers, wonderful times of worship and in the midst of it all our wonderful God. There was also a lovely time of sharing with the folk from Jubilee. I would encourage anyone who was tempted to go this year but was either unable to or thought it wasn’t for them; do think about going next year. You won’t be disappointed and there is no doubt God will speak to you.

I will close with something Andy Barclay-Watt finished with on Sunday morning. We should be attempting great things for God and expecting great things from God.

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STU & SARAH - NEW HOPE UGANDA... Jun. 25th 2010



It has been a momentous few weeks for us in the UK as we have had to say our farewells to so many special family and friends. As we took off yesterday evening (Thurs 24th) on BA767 it was very emotional and lots of tears shed as we headed up and away .... which actually was quite a good distraction for Sarah who does not like that part of the journey!! However, we really felt the power of prayer last night and had one of the best flights ever, arriving to the ugandan sunrise early this morning! What a way to be welcomed to this beautiful country.

Continued Sunday....... 27th June

It’s wonderful to be sat here in the gardens of Entebbe Guest House, just outside Kampala and me writing our first Ugandan Jubilee article. Its 19 degrees, sunny and breezy here in Uganda and the BBC informs me that the temperature in the UK is 30 degrees - who would of thought, could it be that summer has arrived!

Amazing to think that only three weeks ago Jubilee commissioned us to go to Uganda! What a wonderful day that was with the Church family, our families and friends - thank you so much to you all for such a special day. We felt mightily blessed with the words of encouragement, Doug‘s great  preach, fantastic prayer and the usual abundant food at the BBQ, a day we won’t forget - thank you.

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SCHOOL SUMMER FAYRE... Jun. 25th 2010




We, Jubilee Church, decided this year to request a pitch at Four Marks School Summer Fayre to help raise money for the school, where we are now meeting every Sunday morning.  A football theme was chosen as World Cup fever was at its height and England still believed!Once again a very well presented gazebo was erected with World Cup bunting and a selection of activities for all the family to enjoy.  The jar full of chocolate footballs was quite an attraction and many hopeful contestants took a guess at the total. (The real dilemma was to figure out how to keep 318 chocolate footballs from melting in the extreme heat!!)

A World Cup Jubilani football was on offer to the person who could correctly predict the minute in which England would score their first goal in the match against Germany (lets not mention the second goal!) and a Mix and Match picture quiz of flags and images was designed to test those really keen football fans!

A great day was had by all and some very worthy winners went away with some great prizes!
The Jubilee contribution was warmly received by the Friends of Four Marks School who had delivered yet another excellent School Summer Fayre……...Roll on next year!!

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KID'S CHALLENGE... Jun. 2010



Just before Christmas Stu set us a challenge, to learn all the books of the Bible. He gave us a rubbish, American song to learn them from. Stu said we would earn a reward if we learnt them all.
A few weeks ago we both finished learning the Old testament and were given a £5.00 Toys’r’us voucher. Lois spent hers on a dolls head with lots of hair that can be brushed, plaited and can put hair grips in.  Ethan spent his on a Luke’s Land Speeder, which is a Star wars toy.

We now need to learn the books of the New Testament............

Do you know all the books of the Bible?
Ethan and Lois

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GOODBYE to STU & SARAH... Jun. 23rd 2010




It was wonderful on the night before Stu and Sarah flew out to Uganda, to have a farewell evening, instead of our usual Growth Group, with folk from Jubilee Church.

The occasion could not have passed without a Goodbye cake, a ’We’ll Miss You’ balloon, plus other various tasty morsels……..so it didn’t!
The opportunity to give one or two last minute pressies was taken as was the opportunity once again to pray together for Stu and Sarah as they embark on this new adventure at New Hope Kasana.

We will miss them but we know that as this new phase unfolds, for Stu and Sarah and Jubilee Church, that all of it is positive. in God’s Sovereignty and that God will bless each and everyone of us as we endeavour to follow his call and do his bidding in the future, wherever we are.

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GRACIE'S DEDICATION... Jun. 14th 2010



The day of Gracie’s dedication was a really special one for us and we look back on it with great fondness. It was lovely to see family and friends join us at Jubilee for this special occasion where we publicly dedicated Gracie to God and made promises to bring her up in the knowledge of the Lord. We were greatly encouraged by the words people brought to us and prayed over us and it was also such an encouragement to know that our friends and family promised to pray for Gracie as she grows up! Gracie is such a joy to us, yet we know that we’ll need all the help we can get to bring her up as the Lord wants us to, thank you to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragement!
Ben and Alice

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JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY & COMMISIONING... Jun. 7th 2010




Oh! what a Perfect Day

As always for any Jubilee event there had been much prayer, planning and preparation for the 7th Anniversary of Jubilee Church Celebration, not least because combined with this we were commissioning Stuart and Sarah to go off to Uganda, which is no small thing for us.
God had gone before and the service was beautiful a real celebration of all that God has done in the life of Jubilee Church and those that attend. None more obvious that day than when we prayed for Stuart and Sarah as they embark on this new journey. It was wonderful, joyous and sad all at the same time as we prayed for God to use them mightily to bless the children and workers at New Hope, that God would keep them safe in all they embark on and that they will know his touch upon their lives as they share their lives with others.  

Following on from the service we all adjourned to the Jubilee garden (otherwise known as Doug and Chris's house) and we all set too to get the BBQ underway, as usual the food was ‘urm’ dare I say it - perfect (well perhaps not perfect but jolly good and jolly good didn't keep with my theme) There was a wonderful atmosphere and it was great to see the younger ones enjoying themselves whilst the adults enjoyed catching up with friends and family.

So what will I remember about Jubilee's 7th Anniversary well I guess that I'd have to say (with a nod to a Lou Reed song), it was "Just a perfect day, I'm glad I spent it with you" the chorus of the song says "You're going to reap just what you sow" I look forward to this experience and I'm sure I will have plenty to write about then and maybe another song to help describe it but for now one word sums it all up - PERFECT.

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STU & SARAH UGANDA UPDATE... May. 28th 2010



Our tickets are now booked.... although our bags are not yet packed!!....to fly out to Entebbe, Uganda on Thursday June 24th. We have a start date for Monday 5th July at the New Hope Institute of Family and Childcare, where we will get some great training on working with orphans and abandoned children, as well as good theological bible training! This will be a brilliant way to get ourselves settled in life at Kasana and will act as a good induction period for us.

BREAKING NEWS:- Friday May 28th..........We have just heard that we have exchanged contracts on the sale of the house. Completion is scheduled for June 10th.

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LAST SUPPER... May. 24th 2010




On Monday evening 24th May the leaders  were invited to Stu and Sarah’s Home:- Quote Stu  …...“for a very posh meal - Yep, fish & chips with Champagne!”
When we arrived we found ourselves seated on some of the last pieces of furniture left in their home, not indoors….but out in their ‘size challenged’ garden. We had been experiencing some very nice weather in that week so hence ...a Stu moment…. and the lounge had moved to the garden for the evening, with settees, lamp stand, plus Christmas tree lights strung around the fences. Even Sarah was surprised! 
We had a lovely time chatting, laughing and of course eating our specially delivered supper of Fish and Chips, which indeed was probably be our last meal together, before Stu and Sarah leave us. I was reminded of the times we have enjoyed together not always accompanied by food but nevertheless, good times.  Early morning Spearhead Prayer meetings or evening Leadership Team meetings along with various meals as well as sharing committed times of serving together with others from Jubilee Church at various quiz nights, fetes, picnics etc. etc.
All in all our times together have been very good. We have not always agreed but we have always endeavoured to encourage and love one another and we do have many, many excellent memories of being together. This we will miss as they go to Uganda, but hopefully this will not be our last supper together…..forever.

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JUBILEE QUIZ NIGHT... May. 7th 2010




There are many things that we do well at Jubilee Church! One of them is FOOD!...especially PUDDINGS!!!... and more recently, we have shown that our quiz nights are pretty good too!! With that in mind we put the two together last week to have a quiz and pudding evening in aid of the Medstead Village Hall Rebuild.
Not that many months ago, as a church, Jubilee began to work through and study the book 'Grace Outpouring', which tells the story of how a small Christian community in Wales began to bless their surrounding area. They also began to pray God's blessing into every area of local life. With this in mind, we at Jubilee Church were challenged to think about how we are blessing our community. It seemed that one very easy and practical way to do this was to bless the Village of Medstead with a fundraising event for their village hall following the fire in Decmber 2009.
So after, a few tricky questions, many delicious puddings and a most amazing raffle, the Jubilee Quiz raised  £1,425.00  towards  the rebuild of Medstead Village Hall. 
The Quiz was brilliantly supported by the local community with some fantastic raffle prizes given, as well as many local businesses sponsoring quiz rounds. All in all it was a great evening and a fun way to raise money and awareness for Medstead.
We pray that it was a blessing for all those that attended and will especially be a blessing to the village of Medstead and the Medstead Village Hall committee!
Feedback following the evening:-
Trevor Marlow from the Medstead Village Hall Committee said at the end of the evening.... "he could not thank Jubilee Church enough for such an excellent evening, wonderfully organised, great puddings and thoroughly enjoyable".
Jo from ‘Lost the Plot!’ Allotment team said .... “I thought you did a fantastic job - one of the best quiz nights I have been to.  You need to give yourself a pat on the back - Well done to all the helpers......”
Heather Cobley from ’Unclassified’ team said in response to the sum raised ….“Wow! Fantastic! ……...Can you thank everyone for a fun evening, we all really enjoyed it.

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SOUP LUNCH... Apr. 27th 2010




Just recently Stu and Sarah opened our house over the lunch time period and served soup (despite the hot, sunny weather!), cakes and drinks! The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the new baby house project and start to raise funds towards the completion of this new home.
They were absolutely amazed by the turn out and so encouraged. All in all they reckoned about 24 people joined them for lunch and all the donations given amounted to just over £300!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who supported this event! If you have any ideas for another fundraiser let them know! They are looking for inspiration as the Baby House still has a few thousand..ish...dollars to raise!! ($51,000 to be precise!!!!!)

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STU & SARAH UPDATE... Apr. 2010




Wow!  Things have been moving so quickly over the last few weeks!!! The house went on the market just three weeks ago today and six viewings & three offers later...we've accepted one!! In fact, there is now a sign outside our house that says ‘SOLD’ Ooooh!!
 
The picture of the baby house, which is called ‘Hope House’, where we will be working, is quite impressive as you can see, but I’m sure you have noticed that it is not quite finished! Sarah and I hope to do some little events to raise some further funds for the final build.
We now have a Blog  www.thedendy.blogspot.com so check it out.

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CHRIS'S 60th... Mar. 10th 2010



It was a real surprise on my birthday, March 10th, when we arrived, at what I thought was a normal Growth Group evening, to find that a surprise 60th birthday party had been arranged ……..and I had no idea about it.!!  For just a few moments an even bigger surprise, for those present, was that I was speechless, to the amusement of all.
On top of this I received some lovely presents including Marks and Spencer vouchers. I shall  be ’all Per Una’d Out’. There was  a lovely birthday cake which we all enjoyed and plenty of scrumptious food. This plus the good company of family and friends was a real blessing and an evening I shall remember with joy.
Thank you once again to everyone, it was most thoughtful and to think…. I never got an inkling about it. I must be getting old!

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STU & SARAH-NEW HOPE KASANA... Feb. 2010



In April 2008 we had the privilege of visiting New Hope Uganda, an amazing project which began in 1986, set in the heart of a former Ugandan war zone, the 'Luwero Triangle'. The project, originally set up to care for orphans created during the internal political war, today continues to care for children orphaned through AIDS, death and abandonment.
Whilst visiting in "008 we both felt that God was calling us to return to New Hope Uganda. We began to pray about returning to work there on a more permanent, long-term basis.
We have been really encouraged over the last 18 months as God has guided us and spoken to us, both as a couple and individually, through his people, his word and very clear directional prophetic pictures.
It was in December 2009 that we made our applications to New Hope Uganda and it was at the end of February 2010 that we heard that we have been accepted.
It is with a mixture of emotions that we are now beginning to prepare for this next step in our lives.  We are of course delighted to have been accepted and know that this is what God is calling us to. However, we will be so sad to have to say goodbye to dear friends and family.
When we arrive at New Hope Uganda we will be serving in Hope House, a home that seeks to nourish & protect orphaned & abandoned babies. 
Thank you all for your many prayers, support and encouragement.

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SALT & LIGHT EUROPEAN LEADERS CONFERENCE... Feb. 13th-16th 2010



One of the main highlights of the conference was to see Haken and Gunilla with us praising God and the joy of seeing how God has answered our prayers over these two since the house fire last March.
The conference was an excellent encouragement to 'live the dream' God had given us, as Joseph had, recognising that many tests of forgiveness, faithfulness come before fruitfulness.
We were reminded that Joseph didn't wait until everything was going his way. He lived his life in the good of knowing God and trusting Him.
 
The final evening Brother Andrew, known as God's Smuggler, because he smuggled Biblies into many communist countries, told us that he is an ordinary man who had "a little bit of courage that God could use". his humility and gentleness were extrodinary as was his stamina as this man in his 80's jumped off the stage. 
 
With all this plus other encouragements to prayer, church planting etc. it was good to be there and come away refreshed and challenged.

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NEW VENUE UPDATE... Jan. 31st 2010
FOUR MARKS PRIMARY SCHOOL



We are delighted to announce that Four Marks Primary School has opened it's doors to Jubilee Church.

After a very helpful meeting with Head Teacher Lynda Frith, during the last week of January, Jubilee Church met for the first time at the school on January 31st.

Our experience with the school, in approaching them with a request to meet there, was one of overwhelming generosity and helpfulness.
So a big thank you to them and to everyone who has prayed for us since the fire at Medstead.
We will be meeting every Sunday at our usual time of 10.00am. and invite you to come and join with us. 

SCHOOL ADDRESS:
Five Lanes End, Four Marks, Alton,
Hampshire GU34 5AS.

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A WARMER WELCOME THAN USUAL AT JUBILEE... Dec. 20th 2009




Well if you had been at Jubilee Church this morning (20 December 2009) you would have had a warmer welcome than usual. It was a most unexpected start to Jubilee Church's day!!

As folk were preparing for the morning service at Medstead Village Hall a series of sparks and bangs were heard and the hall was set alight. Everyone was safely evacuated and a number of fire appliances attended. It took quite sometime to get the fire under control and sadly many things were destroyed. The hall will be unusable for quite some time, leaving Jubilee Church and many others with nowhere to meet for the forseeable future. Spare a thought and prayers for Medstead Players who have lost years of work in costumes, scenery, lighting etc.

The main hall where we meet suffered smoke damage so we will have to wait and see how the equipment and our beautiful banners which were so lovingly made by Chris when we were newly formed will fair. Unfortunatley all the items that were in the Sunday School room have been lost. But as Katya reminded us this morning we came to praise God and these circumstances will not prevent that from happening. We thank God that no one was hurt and that we can meet at Doug and Chris's home for our Christmas Day celebration. Now we need to know where we are going to meet in the future so your prayers are earnestly required as we seek a new home for Jubilee Church!

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF JOINING WITH US IN THE NEW YEAR PLEASE TELEPHONE US FOR CURRENT VENUE on 01420 562014.

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JUBILEE CHRISTMAS PARTY... Dec. 17th 2009




On the evening of December 17th Jubilee had a Christmas party at High Point, the golf club venue in Four Marks. Due to inclement weather several were unable to attend but for those of us who managed to gather, it was an evening of good fun, food and relaxation.There was the inevitable quiz led by Chris, which once again included naming all of Santa's reindeer.also a creative Christmas Hat making competition, a wall quiz to guess the Christmas Carol and a time of sharing presents each brought by the folk attending. After an excellent spread of food by High Point staff, plus Christmas tray bakes supplied by Jubilee everyone participated in a Skittles tournament to end a very enjoyable evening.

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JUBILEE CAROL SERVICE... Dec. 13th 2009




It was good to see a good number of neighbours, family and friends join with us at Medstead Village for our Carol Service. The hall had been decorated earlier that afternoon and the atmosphere and was warm and welcoming. We had decided to have this years service at 4.30pm. followed by a Christmas Tea with an abundance of festive food, this enabled people to stay and chat as well as share a little mulled wine.

Doug shared around our Christmas theme 'Hope in the Darkness', encouraging people in all their varying circumstances and for the year 2010 to trust in Jesus for their hope, peace and joy.

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GRACIE JANE... Dec. 8th 2009



We give God thanks for the safe arrival of Gracie Jane born to Ben and Alice on Tuesday December 8th at 2.38am and weighing in at ….7lbs 1 oz.  Wow!

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THE BIG ISSUE... Nov. 19th & Dec. 5th 2009




On Thursday 19th November whilst walking in Alton both Helen and myself independently were prompted by the Holy Spirit concerning the young lady selling the ‘Big Issue’. She was heavily pregnant and looking very tired. On enquirey she said her baby was due on the 28th December, that she knew it was a boy and that she had nothing for this new baby. As this was the night after Alice’s Baby shower, it got both of us thinking and following an email communication later we resolved to do something about this situation and so we invited members of Jubilee to participate, which they did with amazing generosity.

Chris arranged to meet Monica (as I now know the "Big Issue" lady) and bring her to The Rafters Cafe in the Maltings Centre, Julie and I arranged to meet them there with the a huge basket of gifts . It was a wonderful thing to see her face when she realised that everything in the basket was for her, for her unborn child, all new items given with our love. It was such a privilige to meet her and to hear her story, sadly her husband has left her to bring up her daughter and this new baby, she lives in a hostel and sells the "Big Issue" to feed and clothe them.

I wonder what we think the BIG ISSUE is as far as God is concerned? Well one of them, for sure, was obviously to bless this needy young lady with our love expressed in kind action. God cares for those with so little and prompts those with more to help them, also fulfilling a word we have been given at Jubilee Church about……being a blessing to many!

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ALPHA COURSE... Nov. 2009



As some of you will know, a couple months ago we posted invites in our close for an Alpha course. Initially we were disappointed as no emails, knocks on the door or positive replies came in! However, the invite did create some good opportunities to speak with different neighbours. Then, just one day before the course was due to begin, we had a knock on the door. Praise the Lord, it was our neighbour who said he would love to come! 

Over these last few weeks it has been a pleasure and a privilege working through the course material and DVDs with him.  We have also been reminded how excellent the Alpha material is and it has been really helpful for us both too. In fact, we would encourage anyone who is interested in seeing the DVDs again, to borrow the church material. The topics that Nicky Gumbel covers are so relevant in our daily Christian walk. 

Doing Alpha on a more personal, 1:1 level has allowed a more relaxed, informal way of doing the course, which we have really enjoyed and would want to do again! It has also been really exciting to see the fruits of this approach with another member from Jubilee and her friend, who became a Christian recently!

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CCPAS... Nov. 2009



A number of the kids helpers from Jubilee went to Bracknell for a refresher in child protection. It was a very informative morning, the CCPAS team (who provide child protection training nationally) not only reminded us of things we had forgotten but also bought us bang up to date with what's happening in our nation today. Praise God, He is using people like CCPAS to not only enlighten the Church but CCPAS are impacting legislation in our land with their wealth of experience.

Some of us also stayed that same afternoon for a short presentation from the Home Office about the ISA. I don't want to bore you so let me just say that its clear to me that the ISA will be a powerful tool in protecting children and the vulnerable and actually the Home Office communicated an awful lot of common sense… Stu.

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TESTIMONY... Nov. 2009




What Jubilee Church has meant to me.........

We don't choose how our life will turn out for us but God knows and for me, He placed me in the Jubilee family at just the right time.

When my son, Paul, went to be with God last year I know that God had placed me within the Jubilee family to help me to come through this terrible time.

On the Sunday afternoon when I got the news, Doug and Chris were like a mother and father to me, they scooped me up and have walked with me through all of the pain. I thank God that He brought me to them and to this church as they all hold me through this difficult time.

I have had such a sense of God caring for me through these people who have shown me love in their many actions, being collected from the airport by Peter and Helen, so many others spending time with me, Rosemary, Stu & Sarah, Jo & Chris, Alice & Ben, Connie (so many and just a few named) sharing meals, taking me out, praying with me and for me.

This has meant so much to me and I know that God is using Jubilee to hold me close to him.This is not the end, they keep on and on caring for me. Thank you is such a small word but I mean it sincerely to all the family of Jubilee Church.

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WORSHIP CONFERENCE... Oct. 28th 2009



On the 28th October, Ben and I attended a Worship Central event in Southampton. Worship Central is headed up by Tim Hughes and Al Gordon, worship leaders from Holy Trinity Brompton. Their aim is to inspire and equip other worship leaders, musicians and worshippers. Having been to a conference of theirs in London a year or so back we were really excited about this local event.

The evening began with a great time of worship, followed by a talk about Creativity by Tim and Al. They gave some practical tips on creativity in worship focusing on the 1st 5 words in the Bible, ‘In the beginning God created…’ God is a creative God and we are made in his image, therefore we too have creativity built into us. It may be expressed in different forms but the potential for creativity is there in all of us!

We had a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening and will keep you up to date with any up and coming events.

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CAP MONEY... Oct. 2009



We have just completed our first 'Money Management Made Easy'. It is broken down into three sessions which are as follows; 

Take Control, Balancing Act & Up and Running.

Each person has a very helpful Delegate Workbook, that they can use to jot down the inspirations they have throughout the course. The evening itself involves watching a short DVD (about 10 mins.), which has been produced very professionally and is full of simple but effective ways of managing income and outgoings.

Then there is a useful time to discuss with your Money Coaches (Peter & Helen in this case) some of the issues raised in the DVD. They help you to get your head round some of the questions you might have and almost act as 'a fresh set of eyes' in looking at your money. It is all completely confidential and you need not disclose any figures (unless you think that might be useful). 

There is some homework to do each week and this in turn will benefit you as you develop better control of your money. At the end of the course you will have a much clearer view of how to progress your money management in the days ahead.

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28:18 SPRINGBOARD... Aug. 22nd - 29th 2009




It was a great day for setting up camp on Aug. 30th, in the picturesque setting of  Ashburnham. With the extra blessing of fine weather we were soon pitched and ready for ….anything!

One of the amusing things planned by us (the royal us) was the erection of the Jubilee flag on our new flagpole, which could be seen flying high above it’s surroundings………..no escaping the fact that Jubilee Church had arrived.

We experienced a great week, with space for relaxation but also excellent times of worship and some exceptional speakers.

One of these was Francois ‘ Kneejerk’ as he was fondly named. His three morning seminars were very challenging, with a no nonsense, simple but profound, practical, application of God’s word. The headings for these times were 1) Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground.  2) Presence in the Present and 3) Face and Force....... To find out more log onto Salt & Light site and download notes.

All in all a great week and we look forward to next year at our New venue at Evesham.

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MEDSTEAD VILLAGE FETE... June. 11th 2009







Armed with umbrellas and raincoats, we arrived in Medstead. The rain was just … well… wet but our spirits were soon cheered by the Jubilee gang who were in full swing with setting up.

The theme for the Fete was SUPERHEROS! ......... We had a range of stalls and activities at the Jubilee stand including a raffle, (I don’t think there was a single person there that day who got away without buying at least one ticket!), a superhero quiz, as well as a CAP (Christian’s Against Poverty) stall and batiks for sale. 

We also handed out all of our 'Superhero' leaflets telling people about Jesus, the greatest Superhero of all time!

The highlight for many of the children who passed by was the ‘balloon man’ (as we called him), that Jubilee had hired for the afternoon, who could make anything from swords to butterflies to aliens out of just one or two balloons, and we were able to bless the parents by not charging for these amazing creations.

Although the rain didn’t stop for most of the day, we were not discouraged and on the whole enjoyed being out and about serving and chatting to the people of Medstead and the surrounding villages.

To top the day Jubilee was awarded the ‘Best Stand’ trophy!

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VILLAGE PICNIC... June. 13th 2009





Sunday 21st June (which was also Fathers Day) was the date for the Village Picnic at the recreation ground in Four Marks. A number of folk from Jubilee had already been at the ground for a few hours before I managed to get there at 3pm and as always had done a great job to make the pitch both eye catching and inviting. 

Chris had organised a balloon modeller this year and a stream of children, throughout the afternoon, kept him very busy. There seemed to be no end to this man’s talents who modelled anything from animals or flowers to an alien. Of course, this not only attracted children but their mums and dads and other adults which gave us the opportunity to hand out leaflets which rather  appropriately for the day were about the “Father’s love” for us. 

The Jubilee Quiz- Name the celebrity fathers from the photos of them, taken with their respective children, proved very popular and also involved a lot of head scratching and laughter at one or two of the more difficult ones.

Sarah had some beautiful batiks, which she was selling on behalf of a Ugandan artist who is losing his sight. He has a family to support and art is his livelihood, so he is trying to raise the money needed for an operation to restore his vision and a number of people stopped to take a look at the beautiful artwork and also in some cases, to make a purchase.

This year there was a display on behalf of CAP (Christians against Poverty), manned by Peter and Helen and a lady from CAP, which also drew a lot of attention and interest.

It was lovely to see the other churches in Four Marks represented there and it was a really relaxed afternoon with the opportunity to chat with people we had never met and also with old friends.

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FFAID-Y-BRENIN... June. 7-9th 2009




'The Grace Outpouring'

‘The Grace Outpouring’ by Roy Godwin and Dave Roberts. The book records the amazing story of God’s work at Ffald-y-Brenin. The back cover of the book says:

‘Imagine a House of Prayer in every town. Imagine churches filled with Christians who want to bless others: who want to pray and then stand back and watch God at work, changing lives before their very eyes’ ‘Since his arrival at the Ffald-y Brenin retreat centre in rural Wales, Roy Godwin has been able to imagine all this – because he has seen the amazing effects of God working in sovereign power on people who weren’t even sure he existed! Roy has witnessed the outbreak of Gods bounty and blessing in the retreat centre, in the grounds, in the fields and out in the community. His story will be an inspiration to all those who are looking for a new trust in God’s willingness to bless the needy with repentance and the Holy Spirit’

The thing that has stirred and excited me is this whole aspect of blessing others. As you know or may remember one of the very clear and strong prophetic words that came to us as Jubilee church was started was that we were ‘to provide a source of blessing to all’ As I read the book and spend time seeking the Lord I really do sense that this is the time when being a blessing to others is going to be taken to a new level. 

Having just come back from a training day at the centre in Wales on setting up Local Houses of Prayer, I am asking God that we at Jubilee Church may see his Kingdom come among us and our village communities.Now who would not want to see that happen where they live? 

I pray that God will show us the steps we must take as we move forward together.

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JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY... June. 7th 2009



Once again our prayer was ‘please blow the clouds and rain away from our Jubilee Anniversary Barbeque at Waterloo Cottage’, following several certain weather predictions of showers.  Guess what…..no rain! And a lovely afternoon enjoyed by all following an Anniversary Service with the theme ‘BE A BLESSING’.

During our time of worship Ben and Alice, a young couple, shared how Jubilee Church had ‘been a blessing’ to them over several years. Firstly with Ben’s becoming a Christian on our Alpha Course, followed by his baptism, where  Ben’s mother was also baptised…. by him. Ben and Alice meeting at Jubilee, and being encouraged (‘match making actually’) by Chris, Jo, Stu and Sarah. Their getting married with Jubilee’s support at the wedding, both living with Doug and Chris, their involvement in the worship team,.... and so the list went on, culminating with an announcement that they are now expecting another blessing.... their first baby!

It was such an encouragement to everyone of what church can be to people, just by being God’s love.

Doug encouraged us all, in his preach, to ‘be a blessing’ to everyone we meet, being prepared to extend time and love to anyone who crosses our path and to see these opportunities as from God.

Of course the ‘be a blessing’ theme continued late into the afternoon as we shared lovely food and friendship with each other and with our friends and neighbours....

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LADIES BREAKFAST... May. 24th 2009




For some months a group of women from Jubilee plus friends have been meeting at Sarah's for breakfast and an a new bible study – Believing God …For a Fresh Explosion of Faith. With a cup of coffee and croissant in one hand, bible and notebook in the other, we have settled down each month to watch the DVD sessions.

The teaching was led by an American lady called BethMoore. In each session she challenged us lots, made us laugh, and given us plenty to think about. It has been amazing and encouraging how God works out things so carefully and plans things with precise timing!

It has been great that often in the same weeks we were planning to discuss something from the book of Joshua in the ladies breakfast group, Doug preached on the same passage the Sunday previously or following. When God wants to say something he often makes sure we don’t have any excuse to miss the message!!

Looking back as we conclude this series all of us can say with some certainty that our time together has been both timely and challenging. We go forward knowing each of us has had the opportunity for God to do more of His work in us and as we rise to Believing God for a Fresh Explosion of Faith we pray we may see a tangible outworking of this in our own and other's lives. A big thank you to Sarah who organised our time together!

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INSPIRE 2009... May. 16th 2009



On May 16th Sarah, Helen, Chris, Ben & Alice went to the CAP Supporters Event... Inspire, in Bracknell. This was another great opportunity to find out more about the amazing work of CAP. Lives are being transformed, people are getting saved and miracles are regularly being seen!

One of the seminars attended was titled - Practical ideas on how to bless clients. However, all these practical ideas struckus as being brilliant ways of not only blessing CAP clients, but also neighbours, work colleagues, church family, friends, those in need…. In essence this seminar reminded us that blessing others and taking care of each other is what the church is all about – being family together. At times that can be challenging, tiring and certainly sacrificial of time, finance and energy. However, this is our calling – we are blessed to be a blessing! there were many other challenges throughout the day which put into action should enable us to support the endeavours of the work of CAP nationally and CAP locally through Jubilee Church.

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BARBEQUE SEASON BEGINS... May. 3rd 2009



Sunday May 3rd was also a sunny day and hailed Jubilee Church’s first official BBQ of the season, again at Waterloo Cottage. We had invited several neighbours and as always enjoyed good food, fun and friendship.

Doug and Peter did a sterling job, as always, cooking the meat and the ladies excelled, as usual with a variety of salads and slimming puddings! (how is anyone supposed to maintain a diet in the face of such temptation?)

We missed a few of our folk who were away for various reasons, but what we want to say to them is…...be encouraged, the weathermen have said we will have lots more opportunity!. (not strictly prophetic you understand).

Anyway on this occasion, as is true whenever we gather, we had a lovely time, from the youngest to the eldest and we look forward to every opportunity afforded to us by God to share something of the love of Jesus with each other and our friends, family and neighbours.

All said and done, if church is where God’s people are gathered, then a lot of people who do not yet know Jesus, came to church on this Sunday. Wow!

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CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY... Apr. 25th 2009



Back in February at the Salt and Light Conference we heard John Kirkby speaking about his life, how he had it all – wife, family, successful job, big house, all he could have wanted but he still wanted more… then he lost it all – wife, family, successful job, big house, self esteem, self respect, there was nothing left that was until he met Jesus who came in the form of a friendly caring person who helped John to see that his worth was not in what he owned or what he did but in the fact that Jesus loved him.

Of course the story doesn’t end there, it never does thank goodness, John has a great love for those who are struggling with debt and all the associated difficulties that brings and he is very familiar with those things. So he did something about it, he started a charity called Christians against Poverty (CAP) which helps people (with a faith and no faith) to get out of debt and as he puts it - he needs our help to do this.

He has written a great book called Nevertheless, which tells his story and includes the story of CAP.

So on Saturday 25th three of us went to Bristol to a CAP Money Coaches Course. We had a great day, John was in good form mixing the seriousness of peoples situations with humour, always loving, always caring, providing inspiration but again reiterating the sense of urgency to help people who are facing an uncertain future and particularly in today’s economic climate.

We came away better equipped for the task, so look out for more information about how you can support the work of CAP, pray for us as we seek to put into action all that we learnt last weekend. Our thoughts at the moment are to meet in a small group to run the CAP money course and we would be delighted if you would like to join us.

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REGIONAL CELEBRATION... Mar. 29th 2009



On Sunday 29th a large number from Jubilee Church went over to Basingstoke to join in with the Basingstoke Salt & Light churches for a regional time together. Of course this meant an earlier start for some but a bit of a lay in for Doug and others, who didn’t have to set up our usual venue in Medstead.

Several hundred gathered together at the Sherfield School sports Hall and enjoyed a great time of Celebration. Some thought provoking challenges came from Buck Hudson, the guest speaker, as he encouraged us to ‘see what God is doing’ and get involved in His strategies rather than putting energy into our own strategies and then asking God to bless them. This was something we all took away with us, to prayerfully consider.

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TEAR FUND & PRAYER... Mar. 1st 2009




On the Sunday morning at the start of the Week of Prayer for the Poor, we looked at a video from Tear Fund concerning poverty around the world. This was in order to help us to focus our prayers during the week to follow.

Having participated in prayer throughout the week, it was decided to further participate on the Sunday by having a Tear Fund Lunch instead of our usual Fellowship Meal of delightful main courses and delicious puddings!

However we did enjoy a selection of soups accompanied with fresh bread and encouraged everyone to help in the fight against poverty by giving at least the price of a ‘normal meal’ to our Tear Fund Offering.

It was good to have some visitors joining us for the lunch and as always we enjoyed a really good family time together. It also helped all of us, including the children, to think about others and to be grateful for the provision that we enjoy and………….. we were able to send a cheque for £128.00 to Tear Fund to help in the fight against poverty.

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SALT & LIGHT EUROPEAN LEADERS CONFERENCE... Feb. 13th-16th 2009



"We need God’s dynamic, God’s Spirit, God’s heart, God’s Word, God’s vision. We need a breakthrough from God to turn complacency and passivity into faith, to change maintenance leadership into visionary and growing leadership, to transform our churches so that they have a ‘Tsunami’ impact on our communities rather than a ripple effect. We need to keep encountering God to change his world!"

These were some of the encouraging words to us as leaders before the Conference even began, so it was of no surprise to find that throughout the Conference God continued to challenge us, in every session, through very different speakers, such as John Kirkby (Christians Against Poverty), Baroness Cox, Glen Midleton (an Evangelistfrom USA) etc., along these lines.

As well as all the new challenges to us individually and corporately we also shared fellowship with others from Salt and Light churches as we ate together, and sat chatting. We were also struck again by the close relating of the Leaders in Salt & Light, to people at the conference and of their approachability, openness to input, and very real humility in sharing with everyone about mistakes and things that could have been done better.

The worship lead by various people from different countries was truly wonderful and it was a real priviledge taking part in the ‘commissioning’ of the people who make up the International and UK teams. This was a very moving time as various folk from Nordic and European churches shared about the work in other countries and then were prayed for, with the laying on of hands, as we all enter into fresh challenges and a new era in God’s work to see His Kingdom Come to a greater extent, together as Salt & Light family of Churches.

So here we are ...home again but seriously challenged and changed we hope, in order that more of God’s Kingdom may come and more of His Glory may be seen, in the places that we are called to serve Him.

Chris T

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LYDIA MELODY... Feb. 5th 2009



It is with great joy that we all welcome Lydia melody as the latest addition to Jubilee Church. Born to Jo and Chris on February 5th 2.23am, weighing 8lbs 4.5oz.A beautiful daughter and a new sister for Ethen and Lois.

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BCC SCHOOL of MINISTRY... Jan - Mar. 2009



With Basingstoke Community Church hosting The School Of Ministry on Wednesday evenings during the Spring Term, it was decided to give people at Jubilee the opportunity to take part, if they so wished. With nine people responding positively, we joined with others from Basingstoke for our first evening on Jan 28th.

The teaching was divided into three groups... Preaching, Prophecy and Pastoring and each of us chose the subject we were most interested in.

It was a good evening and we look forward to the week’s ahead. In the meantime ‘back at the ranch’ the Wednesday Growth Group has ceased at present and all other members of Jubilee are encouraged to take part on Tuesday evenings until things return to normal?

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MARRIAGE COURSE... Jan. 27th 2009




Tuesday 27th January saw most of the Leadership Team from Jubilee Church (Chris and Jo were otherwise engaged with the possible arrival of their third baby) heading down to Winchester to take part in an evening, hosted by Winchester Family Church, about the ‘Marriage Course’, out of Holy Trinity Brompton, headed up by Nicky and Sila Lee. Both were excellent communicators and conveyed to us the need of such Courses particularly in a time in our nation when marriage finds itself under extreme pressure. They conveyed a sense of teaching that was loving truthful and real, with examples of their own marriage experience in the script.We are also grateful for the challenge to us in the local church about our willingness to pick up this ball and run with it, in order that it might benefit marriages around us and the communities in which we live in.

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KBCTClite... Jan. 2009



So what of the New Year? January 2009 began with a weekend of looking at the Old Testament, in particular the first five books of the Bible. Here we considered the Law and God’s promises to his people! We also looked at the importance of the Old Testament in relation to the New Testament. We agreed that the Bible should be read as one book, one story. And so like with any story, each subsequent chapter carries the earlier ones. You cannot expect to fully understand a book if you only read the last few chapters! While the New Testament completes the revelation of God the Old Testament gives us all the foreground.

We have another session in February in which we will continue with the Old Testament and we also have to produce an assignment detailing the major points of the Old Testament story, significant characters, important themes and when each event happened! Our assignment on the Psalms is due in February as well! All this and I am supposed to be having a baby at some point too!! A busy few weeks, I think!!

Jo Streek

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BCC RETREAT... Jan. 12th-13th 2009



Jan 12-13 2009 was the date set aside for Basingstoke Community Church and related church leaders to spend some time away from the business of life, at Douai Abbey, to be still before God – a time for spiritual refreshment.
This year we were considering the subject of ‘spiritual formation’-  your life as a believer and a way to look at the goal you are aiming at and the progress you are making.

We looked at a journey line from A to Z and were challenged to consider where we were on the line. Did we see that our ultimate goal, our finish line and motivation was to become like Christ. It was a good time away and the illustration of the spiritual formation line has given me fresh insight as I read the New Testament in the light of it.

Doug

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CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR... 2008/2009



This year on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas we have taken a fresh look at ADVENT (using the visual aid of an Advent Wreath) considering the themes of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy and lighting one of four candles each week, finishing on Christmas Day with the fifth and central candle, remembering the Birth of Our Saviour.
The whole purpose of advent is to marvel at His Coming as we relive the Christmas Story and to understand again why He came.
Advent leads us to an adventure with Jesus day by day enjoying the abundant life He gives
As we move into a this New Year of 2009, may our Hope never waver, may our Peace never be lost, may our Love grow ever stronger and may our Joy know no limits.
Doug

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CAROL SERVICE... Dec. 21st 2008




As Medstead Village Hall was not available in the afternoon of the 21st December, we decided that this year we would go with a morning Carol Service.

It meant a very early start for a lot of us in order to decorate the hall and arrange things in a different way from usual. We had quite a lot of visitors for the day, some of whom were visiting family for an early Christmas.

As is our usual pattern, the service comprised of a mixture of Carols and Songs interspersed with Bible Readings about the Christmas Story. Alice also sang a solo 'A Child is Born' accompanied by her husband Ben. As is our usual pattern also there was opportunity for open prayer and as always an invitation to respond to the Gospel Message as Doug concluded his preach….’The Waiting is Over’, where he especially emphasised the JOY that Jesus brings, not only originally when He came but also now, in individual lives, as people respond to His invitation to receive his wonderful Gift of Love.

Following our time of worship we served coffee and mulled wine with a selection of Christmas goodies which were much appreciated.

Next year we hope we will not have the problem of choosing when we are able to hold this event, as hopefully we will have our own premises. That also will be ‘tidings of great joy’ though relatively speaking, small compared to the GREAT JOY that Jesus brings to each one of us who know Him.

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JUBILEE CHRISTMAS PARTY... Dec. 13th 2008



This year instead of an outreach meal to invite friends and neighbours to, it was decided that a Party was the preferable choice. With this in mind we approached the local Golf Club….High Point and booked the use of their facility. This include a bar and seating for approx 45 with the added feature of a small skittles alley.

We decorated the venue in the afternoon and around the walls we stuck pictures of famous Christmas films encouraging people to have a go at guessing what they each were. We also had another picture quiz on the tables, so people could relax whilst they took part.

We had ordered a buffet supper of cold meats and various salads, which was very tasty. This was complimented by a selection of tray bake cakes also Christmas cake and mince pies contributed by the ladies from Jubilee plus a batch of chocolate brownies …...a real treat! This was followed by quiz answers, a 'present draw' and then a game of skitlte, in which a large number still had the energy to take part!

The time past very quickly and the atmosphere was great! People enjoyed themselves and were also invited to our next time together....the Carol Service.

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BISHOPS SUTTON HALL... Dec. 2008



From time to time Medstead Village Hall is unavailable to us as a Church on Sunday so occasionally we have used Bishop Sutton village Hall. This happened for two Sundays in November It is a lovely hall and about the same size as our planned extension, on the building we are hoping to purchase. So it has given us a taste of future possibilities.

On January 11th we will be returning to Bishops Sutton again and we hope that some of the local people may venture out and join with us on that occasion.

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KBCTClite - HISTORY MAKERS... Nov. 2008



Despite our apprehension about a weekend's teaching dedicated to 'The History of the Church' we were not disapointed. The lecture was easy to listen to and stimulated plenty of conversation and interaction particularly in applying it to us, in the here and now.
It was great to learn more about the men and women of God who lived many years ago and had a profound impact on the church, many of whom were killed or maimed for their confession of faith.
It also challenged us about the judgements we make about various denominations and movements from the past, with the realisation that the church today resembles many elements of the church in the past that we had viewed as negative.
I wonder what the history books will say about us?

footnote:
Having recently handed in their first assignment, it was great that both Sarah and Jo received A for their first piece of work.
Congratulations girls and quite a standard to keep up but HEY!..........Here come the girls!

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THE STAND, BIRMINGHAM... Nov. 8th 2008




On 8th November a small group of us piled into the Jubilee bus (our Renault Scenic) to travel up to the Birmingham NEC, the group included Serena, Ben, Alice, Sarah and myself. The event we were attending was called ‘The Stand’, which was organised by a new organisation called ‘Hope for Justice’.

The main thrust or objective of ‘The Stand’ was to help spur the Church into uniting and standing up against human trafficking and slavery that not only happens thousands of miles away but also here in Britain on our doorstep, in the cities, towns and even some sleepy villages!

Throughout the musical extravaganza we had short 10 minute-ish presentations on the truth about trafficking and slavery and what the Church can and is doing. Speakers included Steve Chalke, Baroness Cox, Ben Cooley, Andy Hawthorn and visitors from India.

It was a very informative and challenging time and my hope is that we will remain prayerful and mindful of how we should respond to this call to the Church in uniting and standing up against human trafficking and slavery in the world today.

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JUBILEE GIFT DAY... Oct. 19th 2008



It was a great morning at Jubilee on Sunday 19th October.Following days designated for Prayer and fasting each of us came prepared to do our part in giving, as we prepared to go forward with God’s help, to purchase a property, to be used in the future, for Jubilee Church.

There were several reminders during the worship of God’s awareness of how few we were in number and yet still further reminders of His greatness and His vast resources and ability. This continued as Doug preached from Joshua and the crossing of the Jordan also reminding us of various prophetic words received earlier in the year from a number of sources...... all requiring Faith and Action.

Doug had felt it important to have a visual illustration of the action that we were all taking that morning. He had marked a line on the floor (the River Jordan) over which we could all cross. He had also erected a ’gate’ an arch with our bunting tied to it, though which we could pass.

So following prayer and in a spirit of praise and joy, we all got out of our seats and came forward with our offerings and having given these we proceeded over the line (cross the river), continuing to pass through the gate …… into all that God has for us, setting our hearts, once again, on continuing to raise a banner for Jesus amongst the people he has placed us with.

The giving for the morning plus a couple of pledges, all from Jubilee folk, amounted to £18082.48. This added to gifts of £2320.00 from friends of Jubilee Church, makes a promised total, thus far, of £20402.48.(before tax refunds). WOW! ….so few in number but a BIG God! Several have also increased their regular giving, raising Jubilee income by £750.00 a month .

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HASAN QUIZ NIGHT... Oct. 11th 2008



On Saturday 11th October a number of us from Jubilee drove over to Basingstoke to take part in supporting Stu and Sarah (Jubilee) and Kate (BCC South) in a Quiz Night they had organized to raise money for a project at New Hope Kasana, to build a specially adapted house for Hasan, a disabled child.

It was a great evening with well over a hundred people taking part. Jubilee divided into two teams, ‘Episode Four’ and J20 who both aspired to winning but sadly did not. However two members of our group came away with fantastic raffle prizes the best of which was a trip in a glider.

Just over £1000 was raised for Hasan's house and a good night was had by all, so everyone was a winner!

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FORTHCOMING GIFT DAY... Oct. 19th 2008

For some it may seem inconceivable that in our country's present economic circumstances we should still be contemplating going forward with the purchase of a property, to be used in the future, for Jubilee Church. Indeed there may even be some Christians who will think it imprudent or even reckless when everybody else is tightening their belts and pulling back. In Jubilee Church itself, there may be those who will seemingly have less to give because of what is happening around us or to us in the present climate.

However none of this alters the fact of who God is. He is not contained by the circumstances of this world and nor has He become economically bankrupt because of the mismanagement of finances by men, the price of oil or the increase in food prices. In actual fact God still owns the cattle on a thousand hills, as he has always done and He is still a GOD of the IMPOSSIBLE.

So actually where God is concerned absolutely nothing has changed!

The circumstances facing the children of Israel as they were about to take possession of something God had promised them years before.… looked very difficult, not just because the task seemed to big for them but because they also had to battle with their own fears and the negative ‘vibes’ within their own company. Added to this the River Jordan was in full flood ...not exactly the time you would naturally choose to go forward and cross over.

How will God choose to do this?...... we do not entirely know but we have been encouraged to exercise faith in the Almighty God. We are reminded that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see”………...We also believe that God, by the Holy Spirit will put it in the hearts of others, family friends, neighbours even complete strangers to help us with this project.

So here we go with our GIFT DAY on Sunday 19th October!

Committing ourselves wholeheartedly but also looking for God’s miraculous intervention on our behalf.

** If you are interested in what God is doing through Jubilee Church and would like to contribute to this project, then please send a cheque made payable to Jubilee Church F.M. to:-

Jubilee Church
7, Lymimgton Bottom Rd
Four Marks
Hants
GU34 5DL

THANK YOU!

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KBCTCLite... Sep. 3rd 2008



"Following in the footsteps of our husbands The time has come for Sarah and me to engage our brains and head over to Basingstoke to embark on the theological course that is KBCTCLite. The challenge that lays ahead consists of 7 modules over 11 months. Our commitment is a weekend of lectures and an evening with our tutor groups each month as well as a number of assignments. Our goal is to recieve a certificate of graduation.

Now that I am committed to the year, I am hoping to be challenged in the beliefs that I hold, to get stuck into my Bible and become more disciplined in reading other authors, to increase my understanding and knowledge of God. I want God to surprise me and amaze me at His greatness and Glory and above everything; I want to grow into a more intimate relationship with my God."

Jo Titheridge

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LADIES BREAKFAST... Jul. 26th 2008



Early on Saturday 26th July, a group of us ladies gathered together to begin a new bible study – Believing God …For a Fresh Explosion of Faith. With a cup of coffee and croissant in one hand, bible and notebook in the other, we settled down to watch the first DVD session– Believing God for your promised land.

The teaching is led by an American lady called Beth Moore. In this first DVD session she challenged us lots, made us laugh, gave us plenty of think about and laid a really good foundation for this course. It also includes some in-depth bible study and all of us ladies will be working our way through five homework tasks each month.

We pray that one of the outcomes of this course will be an even greater desire for us all to study God’s word.

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MEDSTEAD VILLAGE FETE... Jul. 12th 2008




Medstead Village Fete began several weeks before in our thinking and praying.

The theme for the event, this year, was Harry Potter and although this was not a theme we wanted to get involved with, we felt that God must have a better way than us just throwing our hands in the air and deciding not to participate. As we prayed God gave us the idea, 'Potter with a Difference' God being the Potter and us being the clay, with this in mind we produced a leaflet introducing Jubilee Church but also a challenge to consider God's desired involvement in their lives.

Added to this we invited a 'real live' potter who we renamed Harry, for the day. He was great allowing people to have a go aas well as demonstating his craft. He also brought a display of his pots to sell.

For the children we did 'Hands of Clay', imprints of their hands in clay denoting how individual and special each of us is.

We also raffled a lovely jug the proceeds of which along with any others was to go to New Hope Uganda, a project that we have been supporting.
We felt God’s anointing through out the day. We engaged with lots of people, which we felt was important as far as our profile was concerned, particularly as we are meeting in Medstead Village Hall on Sundays at the moment….. So we await to see the fruit from the labour!

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STOP PRESS!
PLANNING PERMISSION... Jul. 28th 2008

At long last we have received a decision from our Local Planning Authority with regard to 'Change of Use' for No.1 Lymington Bottom Rd, the building Jubilee Church has been praying about.

The local planners have granted permission allowing the building to be used from 0800hrs. till 2300hrs. Monday to Saturday and from 0800hrs. till 2100hrs Sunday and Bank Holidays. WOW!
We still have a long way to go, with valuation of the property, having a Gift Day, raising a mortgage etc. etc., but without the planning permission we were unable to proceed.

Please pray with us for God's clear direction on all related matters and that we will have the faith to believe that ' God can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.' The second part of this verse is of equal importance, maybe even more important.... 'according to His power at work within us' .
Pray that all of the members of Jubilee will be off one heart and mind as we proceed and that God will move in the hearts of others to help us with this project.

Watch for further updates!

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TENT OF MEETING... Jun. 15th 2008



On Sunday 15th June we arrived at the Village Hall unable to access it because of the clearing up, still going on, following the Medstead Midsummer’s Ball from the previous evening.
A bit of quick thinking and the decision was taken for us to meet in the very grand marquee that was still erected on the village green (see opposite) and for the children to do their group work out doors on the grass.

It was a great morning and brought a new perspective to the word we had looked at in Isaiah 54 many month previous. So we have used yet another venue as we await a more permanent home!

In a few weeks time we are being ‘ousted’ again from Medstead Village Hall and on this occasion we are hoping to take the church fellowship to another neighboring village, Bishops Sutton, where some of our members live……………..Oh what fun!

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FOUR MARKS VILLAGE PICNIC... Jun. 8th 2008



It was a glorious day that greeted us for the Four Marks Village Picnic and following our time together in the morning several of us made our way to the recreation ground to set up our display.
It was very colourful with our new banner, the bright birthday badge that Jo had painted, several lively display boards and as it was the day of our fifth birthday (even though we had used the previous Sunday for a celebration and Barbeque) we decided to involve the community in our day.
With this in mind we decided to bake several hundred little cakes (over 500)and give them away along with a leaflet designed to share about Jubilee Church. On the back of the leaflet it said as follows:-

A CAKE FOR EVERYONE: We would like you to share in our birthday and so we have baked some cakes to give away!
It is a small demonstration of the Abundance of God's love, from us to each of you.

Many folk expressed surprise at the generosity of the birthday idea, thinking initially that they had to pay, but were very appreciative of the kind gesture.
We hope we managed to convey something of the love of God and the Love He extends to each of us without any cost to us!

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JUBILEE 5TH ANNIVERSARY... Jun. 1st 2008




As we approached our Fifth Anniversary Sunday there was an expectancy and an excitement concerning the day amongst folk at Jubilee
Invites had gone out to people who have prayed for us over the years, friends and neighbours and also to the apostolic team from Basingstoke, so it was great to see everyone arrive at the Village Hall in Medstead for this Anniversary Celebration.

The service was wonderful with a great sense of God’s presence thought out. There was a lot of participation in worship and several words of exhortation and encouragement were brought.
After coffee at the hall over sixty of us trundled a mile or two back to our garden for a barbeque (one of the best yet).

The weather held good and we enjoyed an afternoon of friendship and fun, catching up on each others lives, plus wonderful food prepared by all the folk from Jubilee, with the usual vast selection of homemade puddings.
As usual Doug and Peter did a great job, cooking a large amount of meat ( for over sixty folk) and everyone from Jubilee came together like a ‘well oiled machine’, as they attended to what was needful in order for the afternoon to go smoothly.

I was struck by the sense of God's amazing planning and purpose as I looked around the garden, at the people and relationships both from the past and now also in the present, woven together through circumstances that originated in the Father’s heart, and were brought about by Him.

IT WAS ONE OF THOSE WOW! OCCASIONS.

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CHERISH CONFERENCE... May 26th 2008



Overall my impressions of Cherish this year....

The speakers were excellent, Charlotte was on good form and amazed us all by doing some of her talk whilst running on her treadmill (for quite a while, it was very impressive. Helen Burns gave some great teaching on relationships as did Lisa Bevere all intermingled with lots of laughter and fantastic times of praise and worship.

As always everything was arranged to look beautiful and welcoming, but the clear message was not that we should rest back and remain in this oasis of girly luxury more that this was a brief interlude where we could be refreshed and then to move out and "walk in her shoes" be that your neighbour, a friend, a work colleague, an orphan who you may never meet, it doesn't really matter who it is as long as we are thinking about how we can help and support others and walk their path sharing God's love and being His hands and voice on the earth.
Helen

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PLANNING APPLICATION... May 13th 2008



Following a further communication on the 13th May Doug and Chris responded on behalf of Jubilee Church with yet more information and drawings!

Please continue to pray as our planning application continues in the process. People are allowed to respond up to the 26th June to this latest information.We do not fully understand the amount of time spent, or the amount of time passed, concerning this application, however we do know that God is sovereign and He is also perfect in his timing and His purposes.

So we continue to wait and pray!........... Watch this continuing space.

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NEW HOPE - KASANA UGANDA... Apr. 13th - 26th 2008



It was with a lot of anticipation and excitement that Stu and I along with four other peopleset off on our trip to Uganda to visit the New Hope project.
Our first impressions of Kasana, New Hope were even better that we had imagined or expected! This is an amazing project and has been so well thought through – obviously inspired by God!! When we arrived we were given a brilliant tour of the whole site, including the primary and secondary schools, administration offices, baby house, vocational centre and even the internet café!
Although we didn’t really know what we were going to be doing before we left for Uganda, it was no surprise that I ended up in the school! I spent my mornings in the P2 (Infant – Year 2) class, which had about 50 children in!
Stu and our friend Kate were both assigned to the baby house – Hope House, where they were asked to make an assessment on a young boy who had cerebral palsy. He was 7 years old but lived in the baby house because no-one was quite sure where he should be or what specific care he actually needed. Stu also worked with Steve to fix up some new mosquito screens on the houses the children lived and slept in.
We have had a truly amazing time in Uganda and we feel so privileged to have been able to visit this wonderful place and see what God is doing there!

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TIME TO MOVE OUT... Mar. 23rd 2008



It was with great excitement that we heard that Medstead Village Hall has become available on a Sunday morning and so from Easter Sunday (March 23rd) we met at Medstead for our morning service at 10am for our Easter Celebration.

We do believe this is an answer to our prayers and of course in Gods perfect timing.'the cloud has lifted' and God is giving us clear direction.
Let me remind you that over the past few months God has spoken to us from the story of Noah and the ark about being in the waiting zone, waiting for the ark to come to rest where God lands it.

We also picked up on a prophetic word that was given at the leader's conference which said 'Move out of the house and follow the Loin'. A word for individuals and churches to move out from where we are into new things, away from what we are familiar with into the unknown but into it with Jesus (the Lion)

So let us be in faith and expect God to bless us as we move and as step out into the future.
In the meantime we continue to pursue the possibility of purchasing a building of our own ( see previous article dated jan. 2008) and have now submitted an amended planning application, including further information required by the planning officers, for a change of use on the building we are currently looking at. We await their decision which we should receive some time in May.

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REGIONAL CELEBRATION... Mar. 9th 2008



Many attended the excellent Celebration last Sunday at Sherfield School along with nearly everyone from Jubilee. It was good to be a part of something bigger and we all enjoyed the time of worship.

Once again John Isaacs was the speaker. He spoke about the church 'being a disturbing presence' in it's community. It was a very challenging message and is well worth hearing if you weren't able to be there, so do download it free from www.bccnet.org.uk

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JUBILEE LEADERS BREAKFAST... Mar. 8th 2008



The second event for the Jubilee Leadership Team was an invite to Hazel's house for breakfast on the Saturday morning, along with other leaders from Basingstoke, plus John Isaacs again.This event was again very relaxed but also had a scrumptious element to it ,as the food content was very, very special!

After eating John talked with us about Transformation being a culture of the church and of his experience, of the power of prayer in San Jose and the answers they had seen. It was very thought provoking and encouraging, as we have been challenged recently at Jubilee about prayer!

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REGIONAL WEEKEND
APOSTOLIC TEAM & LEADERS LUNCH... Mar. 7th 2008

Friday midday lunch for church leaders along with the apostolic team and our visiting speaker for the weekend, John Isaacs, from California was a very relaxed affair with time to chat with each other, followed by a time when John talked about 'core values'. Those values which cannot be discarded and were crucial to your overall identity, thus bringing the most cohesion to any group of churches.

It was a timely share as Basingstoke Community Churches, in particular, look at how to move forward in the light of recent prophetic words within Salt & Light, especially with a view of incorporating other churches in the area like, Jubilee church, that already connect with them or others that will be planted in the future.

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ALLOTMENTS... Jan. 14th - Mar. 17th 2008




Just recently a piece of ground (a planning gain from a building development that is in progress in the village) has been allocated for 47 allotments. In January Sarah and Stu were the first from Jubilee to stake their claim to one, quickly followed by Doug and Chris and Chris and Jo.

Seeing this as yet another opportunity to be amongst people who live in the village and remembering the command of Jesus to GO, we chose plots away from each other, so that we were all neighbours to people we don't know. The outcome of this so far has been that all of us have spoken to many new folk for the first time and can see a real community venture taking shape.........Watch this space!

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FARTRAID COFFEE MORNING... Feb. 16th 2008



It was good on Saturday 16th February to have our first coffee morning of the New Year. There were quite a few people who came along and it was good to see Bridget visiting, who used to worship with us before she moved to Basingstoke. Come again soon!! We also met on 15th March and once again it was good to see friends and some neighbours enjoying each others company, as well as purchasing a few Fairtrade products.

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PLANNING APPLICATION... Jan. 2008



The planners invited us to meet with them on the first Friday in the New Year and after some discussion encouraged us to send in an amended application. They were extremely helpful and we are confident that with the additional information they will be able to make an decisive decision based on all the facts.

We are still confident that this property is a real possibility and are working with our architect, Dave, who has since viewed the property and is now preparing some drawings to be included in the amended application, to the local Planning Authority.

Please continue to pray with us as we follow God’s leading.

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SALT & LIGHT LEADERS CONFERENCE... Jan. 3rd - 6th 2008



The Salt and Light Leaders conference was an excellent way to begin the New Year. There were many words of encouragement and challenge that came and spoke directly into our personal circumstances, as well as for us as leaders, to us as a church and also words of direction for the whole movement of Salt and Light.

Mark Stibbe was the main speaker and every presentation he did had a prophetic edge to it. He spoke from the story of Noah with challenges to do something big for God as well as recognising that there are times for all of us where we are in a waiting or transition time before a new time of breaking out!

He shared a prophetic word for 2008....The Year of The Gate. Using Isaiah 62:10 He said " In Hebrew, the number eight is rendered by the letter CHET, which is depicted in the form of a GATE. The number eight is related to new starts and new life in the Scriptures – the most notable being the resurrection of Jesus which occurred on the eighth day…"

2008 is the year of the open gate. Prepare to pass through the gate. There are new beginnings ahead for those who have been waiting patiently for their moment to come. Obstacles are being removed. The Father is breaking his children out of a sense of captivity to past restrictions. The anointing for new beginnings is on many in this year. The time of frustration and exile is coming to an end.

It was a great time away together as a leadership!

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A MIRACLE of HEALING... Jan. 4th 2008



In all my Christian life I have never experienced a miracle of healing personally. I have prayed with others and seen healing happen but it is not my personal experience.

About seven years ago I pulled my back and although extremely painful at the time, after taking tablets the pain disappeared, leaving me with just an occasional twinge.

Leading up to Christmas I was very busy with Adult placement clients, preparation for family arriving to stay etc. and during the Christmas period lots of people for meals on three consecutive days plus other family members staying etc. Needless to say approaching Christmas I had a twinge in my back. I didn’t give it much attention, which was probably a mistake and it continued to aggravate. The weekend before New year my back got steadily worse.

On Monday morning the pain really kicked in and as I struggled to get out of bed I nearly fainted with the pain and had to cling to the banisters in order to get down the stairs. I had to use Doug for assistance in walking and didn’t know what to do for the best, as the pain was so intense. Doug rang the doctor who prescribed Volteral and Codramol, which I then took routinely. Monday night I could not even turn over in bed and Tuesday as I got up I was still in a bad way.

New years Eve. I was thinking about the impending Leaders Conference and hoping things were going to sort out before we needed to leave home on Thursday Afternoon. A little progress on Tuesday was completely ‘scuppered’ when I severely wrenched my back Tuesday evening, and I was back to square one. On Wednesday morning I could hardly stand up, so Doug called the doctor again. With extreem difficulty I attended an emergency appointment. By the time I arrived I was in quite a state shaking with pain and very tearful. I could hardly stand and I couldn’t sit. She persribed even stronger tablets alon with those I was already taking.

Back home I continued very unwell, with pain that I have never experienced before. Using heat pads and taking a high dose of analgesia, vomiting with the pain, I knew the conference was not going to be a possibility. I encouraged Doug to cotinue with the other leaders to Oxford leaving me behind with Jo to look after me.

Friday morning I dragged myself about of bed about 8.30am. I had a shower with great difficulty and Jo put on my sock and shoes. At about 9.00am Doug phoned from the Conference to say what a great time they were having and how good the Thursday evening had been. I don’t really know what happened, except to say that I was extremely annoyed, especially as I felt I should be in Oxford with the other leaders from Jubilee. It suddenly dawned on me that this back pain was an attack from Satan to keep me away and I immediately prayed that his activity would cease in the name of Jesus and WOW! by 9.20am. I was completely pain free!

I began to feel extremely fidgety. How was I going to get to the conference?

Needless to say Doug came back home during the afternoon break on Friday and picked me up…. and so I continued…...pain free!, throughout what was the best conference I have ever been to.

I have questioned as to why I didn't think about an enemy attack sooner, as I may well have done if I had been praying for someone else. It's funny how you can miss things. One thing I will say, it has heightened my spiritual perspective/awareness once again, concerning God's power and spiritual warfare. This coupled with the prophetic messages at the conference, concerning power evangelism, breakthrough, faith etc. are all good things as I go into 2008.

Sorry that this seems like a long drawn out story but HEY!, God is so Good and so Great and without sharing the details the healing might have seemed less than it was and I can assure you, for me it was HUGE! Chris T.