Revs Magazine Issue 2

JuneSun 5th

10.30am Gathering – Pedal to PraiseGiving: Life Spring

Mon 6th10am Toddler Tribe

Fri 10th 7.30pm Curry and Quiz Night

Sun 12th10.30am Gathering


Weds 15th June7:45pm Deeper Evening

Thur 16thMembers Evening



Sun 26th6.30pm Resound (The Venue)


dates.AprilSun 3rd

10.30am GatheringGiving: Poverty

Mon 4th 10am Toddler Tribe

Thur April 7th7.45pm Marriage Course

Sun 10th 10.30am Gathering


Sun 24th 4.45am Easter Sunday Sunrise gathering on top of the trundle 9.45am Prayer Breakfast10.30am Easter Gathering

Weds 27th April7:45pm Deeper Evening

Thur 28th 7.45pm Marriage Course

MaySun 1st

10.30am GatheringSun 8th

10.30am GatheringGiving: Life Centre

Mon 9th10am Toddler tribe

Wed 11thLocker Room


Mon 16th10.30am Toddler Tribe

Thur 19th7.45pm Marriage Course

Sun 22nd10.30am Gathering

Mon 23rd10am Toddler Tribe

Sat 28thBig Church Day Out (Wiston House)

Sun 29thBig Church Day Out (Wiston House)No Revs Gathering

Mon 30thResound Extra (Wiston House)

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11deeper evenings

alphaSierra Leone

generositythe drop

p02 www.revelation.org.uk

revs

Revelation ChurchPO Box 58PO19 8UD

or to fi nd our venueRevelation Church

Spur RoadQuarry Lane

ChichesterPO19 8PR

[email protected]

tel: 01243 531898charity number 1138551

company in England and Wales no. 07381412

design by:Tim Charnick

03people • passion • growth • generosity • fun revs.

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As we go ‘Deeper’ into the Word of God in 2011 it’s not too far into John’s Gospel account that we stumble across a ‘happy & momentous occasion’ that Jesus found himself at. It is widely accepted that Jesus’ fi rst public miracle was at a wedding he and his disciples were invited to in Cana of Galilee. The ultimate social ‘faux pas’ had occurred at the celebrations with the wine running out. Jesus seemingly reluctantly came to the rescue transforming 6 huge stone water jars containing about 600litres of water into wine. It was the choicest wine too according to the

‘master of the banquet’.

I am sure that there is not a hope that the house of Windsor will ever run out of wine. I could also guarantee that the guests will be served the choicest wine to toast the new couple.

Jesus made a habit of bringing positive change to the situations he found himself in no matter how important or petty they seemed to those around him. Let us copy the perfector of our faith.

We are a people that know how to party because we know what we have to celebrate. Let us be people who celebrate life in

its fullness as well as those who bring change to the city we live in, workplaces we fi nd ourselves & with the friends we share life with.

John 2: 11

“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the fi rst of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

Weddings and wineA huge national celebration is on its way. This celebration has been described by our Prime Minister, David Cameron, as a ‘happy and momentous occasion’. His government even saw fi t to declare it a National Bank Holiday. So what is this celebration? Of course it’s the wedding of our future King, Prince William and his fi ancée Kate Middleton. The nation and beyond awaits a great day at the Royal Wedding.

Alpha saved my life.I was standing in a pub talking to a friendly crowd of people I had never met before when one of them invited me to go. He put it just right, describing it as a series of after dinner talks given by a guy who used to be a top barrister – amusing but thought provoking at the same time. I thought “why not? If I don’t like it I’ll leave.” So I went along for the fi rst night and was blown away, it was the most interesting evening I had ever had. The thing I really liked was that it was pitched at an intelligent level but assumed that you knew absolutely nothing about Christianity. Here I heard the whole mystery explained in a methodical way I could understand

for the fi rst time, and you had the opportunity to talk about what you had just heard in small groups afterwards

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erek Garner

Before the course there is no way you could have described me as a Christian, but I found faith on the Alpha Course and it absolutely changed my life forever. To realise that there is a God in heaven and that the world

actually makes sense through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is just the most liberating and precious thing in the world. Alpha did all that for me, so it was very natural to become involved in running the course and I went back to help many times afterwards.

Leading an Alpha group is great. Although I have heard the talks many

times, I always get something new from it each time. Connecting with the basics on the course seems to refresh your basic faith each time. It is also a great way to meet new people and others in the church.

We are going to be running Alpha starting in September and would love to get a team together to help with the course. The idea is to get about four leaders to help with each group of approximately eight guests, so ideally we would get a team of around twelve altogether. The course lasts 10 Wednesdays starting at 7pm and fi nishing 9.30pm. If you would like to help or come along please let us know by emailing [email protected]

Look forward to seeing you there.

Jonathan Jeffes

‘For me, Alpha was the

beginning of a journey

that transformed my

life.’Laura McLeod-Turner

pwww.revelation.org.uk04

Sierra Leone

We stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac. Greg said “Breathe in Alex”. I did and the musty scent of dust and vegetation hit my nostrils. Smiling, Greg said “That is the smell of Africa, I have missed it”.

With a packed agenda to get through, after meeting our contact, Brima Conteh, we headed for the bush and Bendugu town. It was along dusty road to our fi rst village. We arrived at dusk, to be greeted by a dance troop. The witch doctor dancing with them impressed us by entrancing himself and sticking porcupine needles up his nose.

We were welcomed as if we were royalty. The Chief surrendered his chamber to us, which was comfortable. We gathered on his veranda for a meal, during which a band played tunes on African xylophones. We danced.

We had made it. So had the aid. We distributed the clothing in the town, and met the local leaders. Chief Kamara

extended an invitation to Revelation Church, to build a deeper friendship with them. Greg and I were made Chiefs and we were given a house and some land. We moved on to the school. The school was very basic. Consisting of two shaded areas, some stools and a black board. The children were so lovely. We gave them the equipment, there was much dancing and beautiful singing. At one point I must have had twenty children hanging from my arms. I looked at Greg to see him with his head down in a crowd of children, all running their tiny hands through his long hair. I exclaimed “Greg I can’t get my hands free to take some shots!” “Sometimes you’ve just got to absorb the moment Dude!” was his reply.

We had an emotional trip. We were loved. The needs are great and the doors for us as God’s family have been thrown wide open.

people • passion • growth • generosity • fun revs.05

I pulled myself onto the pavement and stared at the air-starved tyre. I phoned home and asked Catherine to come and rescue me. Then I started to walk with my depleted bike.

Our school librarian stopped in her car and offered to rescue bike and cyclist as she lived in Chichester. Thanking her, I said help was on its way. After that I clocked a fellow cyclist heading out of Chichester. We often wave at each other as a sign of camaraderie as we battle the elements and traffi c. He began to slow down. I shouted to him ‘Its ok - help is on the way. Don’t stop, keep going!’ He was locked on to his pedals and it was a costly thing for him to stop.

Thinking of Catherine, our librarian and my fellow cyclist, I thought about how there

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Big Fat Generous ChurchDisaster struck me last week - I experienced my fi rst puncture on the road in 4 years. I could feel the metal of the wheel imposing itself on the road. The tube had given up – it was leaking air like a Government department.

are opportunities to be generous with our time. Sometimes it’s towards those who are close – family and friends. Sometimes it’s for those who are going our way – colleagues, cell members, believers. But I want to emulate the cyclist who was going the other way. He would have given up where he was going and his time to help me, going in the opposite direction.

Sounds a bit like the Good Samaritan. Jesus outlined the example for our lives, not from those going our way, but from those who are going in the opposite direction. Let’s keep generosity in our DNA and lets practice it whenever we can. As Churchill said, ‘we make a life by what we give.’

pwww.revelation.org.uk06

Lou Moore

Kat and Tom Fisher

Da

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Deeper EveningsI’m sending out a little thought for the day to me cell and other friends based on what I’m reading in God’s word. It’s great as its keeping me accountable to them and brings them on the journey with me!

We’re doing a ‘Bible in a year’ reading plan via an iPhone app. We read a bit together, just before we go to sleep, and then post our progress on Facebook, which others fi nd encouraging to track. Reading the Old Testament and New Testament at the same time has helped us see just how signifi cant Jesus’ sacrifi ce was! It’s made an amazing difference in the way we pray!

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people • passion • growth • generosity • fun revs.07

08 www.revelation.org.uk p

YouthCiara Titchener

How long have you been at Revelation?About 10½ years now

How long have been a Christian?Basically all my life.

What did you like about growing up as a young person in Revelation Church?It was so great having young Christians around me, helping and supporting me as I developed my own faith and found God.

How long have you been involved in leading with young people?When I was 15, I started a peer lead cell with the other young people at revs and did that for about 3 years. So I guess about 4 years.

How are you involved in leading young people at the moment?I am one of the leaders of the 14-18’s youth group We Love Monday’s, and I absolutely love it! We always have such a good time and it’s so exciting to see young people hungry for God! I also lead worship at We Love, as well as being on of the leaders for the We Love Mondays Youth Band (which we’ve only just started but it’s great!)

Whats your dream for the young people of our church?I think my dream for our young people would be for them to fi nd God for themselves, to truly learn and understand what it means to be loved by the Father and to be given a good foundation on which they can develop their own faith.

What are you looking forward to for 2011?In 2011, I am really looking forward too some of the exciting things happening with the youth of the church. And am excited to be part of this new season in Revs, seeing what God has got for the church and how we can get involved.

What is The Drop?The Drop is a mobile skate park managed by Revelation Church. It is a service that takes a mobile skate park to your location.

How did it come about? About 5 years ago we were talking with the District Council about youth provision and they had particular requests around skate provision. Being a large rural district a mobile park seemed to be a good solution. The partnership was then formed and we were asked to take the lead role.

How does it work?Anyone can hire the skate park and currently most of our bookings are from Schools or Youth Centres. We load the ramps into the van and set up anywhere there is fl at concrete, tarmac or a solid wooden surface. Once the session is fi nished we load the ramps back into the van and the booking is over.

Who else is involved in running it? Revs are the lead partners working with Chichester District Council, Hyde Martlet Housing, Chichester Safety Partnership, Chichester District Youth Council and the West Sussex Youth Service.

How many times did it go out in 2010? How many times do you hope it will go out in 2011?The park was booked out 25 times in 2010 and we’re hoping to match this is 2011.

How many young people did you see in 2010?We saw approximately 3000 young people in total.

What are your hopes for 2011 with the Drop?I am really keen to continue to build relationships with those who have booked The Drop in 2009 and 2010 as well as hoping for more opportunities to encourage young people and share the gospel.

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Lee & LauraWhat are you guys most excited about in coming to be a part of Revs?

Lee: Loads! Making friends, being part of a team that is already awesome, worshipping, learning, close fellowship, challenges… its goes on and on. But I am most excited about together getting out into the city, loving relentlessly, and taking ground for the kingdom of heaven! YES!! COME ON!!! JESUS!! It’s all for his glory!

Laura: Being a part of such a vibrant, passionate, welcoming church and having our God-given abilities and skills used for the growth and development of Revs.

What do you think will be the challenges for you in coming onto the Revs Staff team into new roles?

Lee: Well a disadvantage is that we are new and haven’t lived with the Revs people through the great times

and the hard and so do not have the depth of experience that some on the team will have. But I believe that this is also an advantage for exactly the same reason and our 12 years of ministry experience in both youth and adult church elsewhere will mean that we can bring something fresh and exciting.

Laura: Trusting that God can and will use us for His glory even when we feel totally useless sometimes!

What is the best way that we at Revs could make you feel welcome and at home with us?

Lee: My love language is touch so I need as many people to be hugging me as possible. A constant fl ow of Lee love!

Laura: Feed us!!! We’ll never say ‘no’ to some great grub and conversation! We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us. We’d love to explore Chichester as well so you could show us your favourite places to hang out...

LauraIf you had to use three words to describe Lee what would they be?

An inspiration, completely honest, utterly Welsh

What makes you cheer out loud?

Watching Holland play football and seeing JoJo fi nally get a date on ‘Take Me Out’!!!

Who are your heroes in the faith?

My parents – I know it sounds cheesy but they have taught me the truth and discipled me from day one. They have been the biggest infl uence in my life and my relationship with God.

What do you love about young people?

Their fearlessness, passion, optimism and potential. I love that young people aren’t afraid to ask questions, that they speak the truth and that they give themselves wholeheartedly to the things and people they love.

LeeIf you had to use three words to describe Laura what would they be?

Integrity, faith and REALLY SEXY

What makes you laugh?

People who can laugh at themselves, Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre

Which Character in the Bible (other than Jesus) do you most connect with and why?

Peter. He is a man who jumps in without thinking and makes a right mess of things but then God uses him. Then he learns from his mistakes, becomes teachable and vulnerable and then speaks and acts with maturity, wisdom and Godliness! Please Lord let me follow that path!

Lee & Laura are moving to Chichester in July to come and be a part of Revs and join our staff team. We are all very excited about this and believe that they are going to be a real blessing to Revs as we continue to grow both Deeper & Wider. Lee will be working full time alongside Dan and Laura will be working part time with our youth teams.

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Who’s new?

Mark and Naomi SheldrakeI’m an ex Olympic Sailor and Managing Director of Task Angels which is a company I started myself to help people with cleaning, gardening, handyman, services and support for the elderly (cooking, cleaning and companionship). I’ve been a Christian for 3 years. I was looking for a church and a friend suggested Revelation, I found it really friendly and welcoming especially that people noticed that I was new and introduced me to people with similar interests to me which quickly helped me to feel at home.

Christina Bassadone

Dan and Jennie Swires-Hennessy

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We are both teachers, Mark is a primary school teacher in Waterloovile and Naomi is an assistant head at Bridgmary School in Gosport. We moved down to Chichester from London and have been coming to Revs since August. What drew us to Revelation is its openness to the Holy Spirit and emphasis on community. In particular we have found people welcoming and friendly, getting stuck into cell has been one of the best bits so far!

We are two young teachers who have recently moved here from Leeds via various other places. What drew us to Revelation was that we felt really at home and welcomed. Dan in particular loved the good coffee, and the large range of people who came to greet us, not just leaders but lots of different people! We are particularly excited about where the church is going and we are loving going deeper and wider.


Who’s who

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Dan Slatter: Dan leads the team of leaders at Revs. He is married to Kathryn and they have 3 young children. Dan is a full time member of our staff team.

Roger Ellis:Roger is one of the founding members of Revs. He now works part time for the church.

Phil Harper:Phil is a full time Secondary School Teacher. He is married to Catherine and they have a son called Reece. Phil oversees all our Cell Groups and he leads the team that looks after and develops them.

Ellie Armstrong:Ellie has served for 8 years as a member of our staff team performing various different roles. Currently Ellie is on a Sabbatical break until July. Ellie is not on our staff team any longer but remains on our leaders team.

Elaine Monery:Elaine is a part time teacher married to Neil with two young children. Elaine oversees our children’s (2-11yrs) programme working with Ant (see right). Elaine also runs our Marriage & Marriage Prep courses.

Neil Monery:Neil works for the Ambulance Service by day. He is married to Elaine and they work together in the Marriage and Marriage Prep Course.

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Ant Stewart:Ant is a hero of many of our children in Revs. He works part time for Revs as a Children’s Worker delivering various bits of our Children’s programme both within the church and in local schools.

Emily Haughton:Emily is our Administration Queen. She works part time for the Church as our Offi ce Manager running most

of what goes on behind the scenes to make the church work. We would be lost without her.

Laura Dowswell:Laura works part time as our Finance Offi cer at Revs. Any questions about money or Gift Aid she is your person.

Revs Magazine Issue 2

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Transcript of Revs Magazine Issue 2