With Christmas just around the corner, it’s an exciting time to celebrate and remember that Christmas is about God with us. We remember the central event in the history of the earth – we remember the one the whole story is about! Over the next 10 days we’ll be sharing some Christmas thoughts (link here!) which will hopefully encourage and ready you for this season.
So let’s share some of what’s been going on at Vineyard 53!
We are settling into our new location and we really love all the space though it’s hard to believe we almost fill it already! We finished November by offering free children’s craft at the Chester Christmas market, which was such a fun way to brightening up people's day in the crowds of shoppers.
So let’s share some of what’s been going on at Vineyard 53!
We are settling into our new location and we really love all the space though it’s hard to believe we almost fill it already! We finished November by offering free children’s craft at the Chester Christmas market, which was such a fun way to brightening up people's day in the crowds of shoppers.
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |
December Church Has Left the Building was a wonderful day, which began with a number of us singing Carols, playing bingo and getting to know the staff and residents at Florence Grogan residential care home for the elderly. This was our first venture into the home and we are looking forward to building relationships in the future.
We then hosted a Christmas Party at Richmond Court homeless shelter. With plenty of Pizza, party food, hot chocolate, craft - and carols again! It’s the second time we’ve run this event and is such a privilege to hear people’s stories and serve others.
December Church Has Left the Building was a wonderful day, which began with a number of us singing Carols, playing bingo and getting to know the staff and residents at Florence Grogan residential care home for the elderly. This was our first venture into the home and we are looking forward to building relationships in the future.
We then hosted a Christmas Party at Richmond Court homeless shelter. With plenty of Pizza, party food, hot chocolate, craft - and carols again! It’s the second time we’ve run this event and is such a privilege to hear people’s stories and serve others.
 |  |  |
Now an annual Christmas tradition for both Vineyard 53 and Telford’s Warehouse, a packed house enjoyed Beer and Carols. We played games, told jokes, met new people, ate lots of mince pies and of course sang Christmas Carols (a running theme). Being in a bar full of people singing O Holy Night was certainly an amazing experience.
Now an annual Christmas tradition for both Vineyard 53 and Telford’s Warehouse, a packed house enjoyed Beer and Carols. We played games, told jokes, met new people, ate lots of mince pies and of course sang Christmas Carols (a running theme). Being in a bar full of people singing O Holy Night was certainly an amazing experience.
 |  |
A few days ago in a house not so far, far away intrepid warriors sat through Star Wars Episodes 1 – 6 in preparation for the launch of the new movie!
Last Sunday, our amazing Vineyard Kid’s Leaders wrote songs, made videos and led an awesome Family Christmas Celebration complete with games, crackers, sprouts(!!) and a whole load of fun. It’s the first time we’ve all been together in the main gathering and it was beautiful organized chaos!! The message being that Christmas, even though it has many great trimmings, is all about Jesus.
 |  |  |  |
It’s also been a wonderful time to give away things to those in need. Many of our small groups got involved in providing presents for WHAG (Women's Housing Action Group) who run the domestic abuse services in Chester and Cheshire as well as sending Christmas Shoeboxes to those in need around the world. Even our English Café had a Christmas special recently!
One other new thing to let you know about – we ran our first prophecy evening - giving space for a team to listen to God and share encouraging insights to anyone who wanted to sign up for a slot. The evening was an incredible success and we look forward to putting on more in the new year.
Looking Ahead
Just a few things we’ll highlight for now - Our next Church has left the building will be on January 3rd when we’ll be giving away healthy snacks and encourage people to a ‘New Start’.
We’ll be beginning a Guys Night at Richmond Court shelter in the New Year where we’ll be playing video games, sharing snacks and generally having a fun time.
We are all looking forward to celebrating this season and are looking forward to all that God will be bringing us in 2016.
Just a few things we’ll highlight for now - Our next Church has left the building will be on January 3rd when we’ll be giving away healthy snacks and encourage people to a ‘New Start’.
We’ll be beginning a Guys Night at Richmond Court shelter in the New Year where we’ll be playing video games, sharing snacks and generally having a fun time.
We are all looking forward to celebrating this season and are looking forward to all that God will be bringing us in 2016.
