Jo Jowett - Serve7

The first few months of the year have been extremely busy for Jo, and her Serve7 ministry has been put to good effect helping a range of organisations. Her work has included working with a large mission organisation as part of a small team to help them undertake a major structural review. Other projects have ranged from working with trustee boards to review their governance and get key documentation in place to proofreading daily reading notes for a popular author. It has been a blessing to serve God’s mission through such a variety of projects. One very significant blessing was receiving a very generous gift to purchase a new laptop which was in dire need of replacement. Jehovah Jireh!

Both Mark and Jo continue to serve in their local church with additional responsibilities due to the fact they are still without a vicar, which is a matter of concern and prayer. It is very demanding at times, not least because the church ‘punches above its weight’ with the level of activity filling up the calendar. A special Christmas event called ‘Christmas Classics’ attracted a large number of visitors, packing out the church. The guitar group Jo joined last year (resurrecting my 12-string after 20 years!) were the main ‘act’ performing, and it was a huge success. It was great opportunity for relationship building and breaking down barriers with the community. During Holy week, they’re running something quite different to anything the church has done before. ‘Easter Unwrapped’ will encourage visitors to explore Easter in a different way. Interactive installations with artwork and activities will tell the Easter story, and the prayer is that that visitors who wouldn’t normally come to church will be touched and challenged by the message of the gospel. Jo’s fortnightly Bible study group continue to grow, and it has been a joy to explore the scriptures with a group who are hungry to learn together.

Church ministry continues to be fairly demanding for Mark, not least in his role as Churchwarden, but last month, he faced a significant health setback. After being rushed to hospital, with concerns he may have had a heart attack, he was diagnosed with Pericarditis. We’re thankful it wasn’t more serious but it’s still significant. Whilst he is improving, the recovery has been slow. Events such as this are a reminder that we can take nothing for granted and help to reevaluate the balance of work leisure and rest; we’ve not always been good at that!

Give thanks:

· For an encouraging first quarter of the year for Serve7 with a good variety of projects.

· For the evidence of God’s hand in the face of various health challenges, especially for Mark.

· For the many opportunities for strategic input into the life of our church and community.

Please pray:

· That the Lord would continue to open up new opportunities for SERVE7 to serve His mission in new ways in the coming months. Things are looking a bit quieter from July onwards.

· For our many responsibilities in our local church, that the Lord would give us wisdom and discernment, particularly regarding the appointment of a new vicar. Pray that God would even now have his hand on someone who will be able to take our church forward.

· For continued relationship building in our community, beyond church activities, that God would use us to bless others, and be effective witnesses for Him.