CCK Life blog

Elder at CCK, Matt Davis, writes this series of blog posts to explain our Zone structure here at CCK.

Why Zones?

Good question!  This series will serve to help you understand how and why we are building community through Zones, and our vision for their impact in the future.

Amongst others, we will answer questions such as ‘Where are the Zones? Who are the Leaders? What is Zone Life? How do I join a Small Group?’

In basic terms, a Zone is simply a cluster of Small Groups that relate based on their geographical location in the City. There is also another type of Zone which is set up to serve a particular demographic (ie. Internationals or Youth).  At the time of writing we have 14 such Zones. We are beginning to see the reality of this prophetic dream!

Our current vision statement, ‘to build a house for God’, also speaks of a magnificent and imposing structure.  Sundays are our big statement to the City to come and meet Jesus.  But what kind of community do we add people to?  What’s behind the front door of this great house?

It includes a refuge (where grace is enjoyed), a temple (of worship & proclaimed gospel), and a royal house (where kingdom values take root).  The careful building of this house includes how we express community in our City, simultaneously loving one another and loving our neighbourhoods.  Zones are simply that expression!  Real communities of real people, experiencing a real Jesus.

It reminds me of the early church in Acts 2:42-47.

So, why Zones?  Primarily because God said so, but also because we are passionate about being connected to each other and to Jesus, and to see the gospel- centred communities shape our culture.

Look out for the next post which will give details of where the Zones are and who leads them!

This last Sunday we showed a video promoting our upcoming preaching series; Who is Jesus? This video is now live on our YouTube channel and you can watch it below. Also, watch out for the Who is Jesus? website coming soon.

The CCKlife blog celebrated it’s 1 year anniversary earlier this month! For over a year now we’ve worked hard to glorify Jesus and serve Church of Christ the King and Brighton. The blog has far exceeded expectations in terms of ‘hits’ and feedback. A big thank you if you’ve contributed to the blog in any way and we look forward to many more engaging posts over the years to come.

These are a few of the most viewed posts on the site over the last year.

Reflections on 40 years in Christian Leadership by John Hosier

One on One with Simon Virgo

One on One with Mike Pilavachi

One on One with Andrew Wilson

One on One with the Lyndons

Men and Women of Honour: David and Gillian Moss

Men and Women of Honour: Doug and Alison Davis

Review – Phatfish album: In Jesus

One on One with Annie Waller

A beautiful spring afternoon on Sunday 18^th April 2010 saw a stream of determined runners cross the finish line of the first ever Brighton Marathon after a day of sun, sweat and support on the streets of Brighton and Hove. Following months of planning and preparation, the resounding success of this event was summed up by one Tweet from our very own Matt Simmonds who was posting from the Brighton Marathon Headquarters throughout the day: “7589 started (7426 finished), 1700 volunteered and an estimated 80,000 were out on the streets cheering everyone on.”

This official BM Twitter account was just one way in which CCK played an active role, both in the build up to and on the day of the race. For the first time since we launched the 3-service Sunday back in September, both the 9.15 and 11.30am meetings were cancelled to release church goers to participate in the marathon: – to run, to serve, and to support. The Clarendon Centre itself served as Headquarters for Zones 1 and 2, and Centre manager, Dan Sweetman and his team were at the centre from 5am to prepare kits for the hundreds of stewards and security that would come through the doors during the course of the day. CCK member Andy Ferrett, who was responsible for developing the BM iphone app, spent the day uploading finishing times to the app.

The Centre had also been put to use prior to the actual event as the Brighton Base for marathon volunteers, in which the BM Team, supported by CCK staff and members, conducted hours of training. Some extra training was necessary, however, for those CCK-ers who went the distance and completed the 26 mile course from Preston Park to Madeira Drive. Fastest of our dedicated bunch was Dave Andrews, who finished in an amazing 3 hours 9mins (the winner of the race did it in 2 hours, 19mins).

The sense of camaraderie, excitement, and community was particularly tangible along the sunny seafront, where the usual traffic jam was replaced by thousands of Brightonians eager to see and to shout their support to the runners.

“On such a hot day, it was a hard run, but from Preston Park, through town, and even all the way out to the power station, members of CCK did not stop shouting encouragement,” says Marathon finisher Dave Fahrer. “When I hit the 19^th mile I was feeling spent, but a friend from church actually walked and jogged alongside me, giving me the encouragement to carry on. It was just awesome.” Likewise, Steve Horne, who stood to close the 6.30 meeting at CCK wearing his Marathon T-shirt and a big smile, reflects on the power of encouragement. “I am certain I would not have kept running in the last three miles if I had not been cheered on by the friends and family in the crowd.”

Among the causes sponsored by CCK runners were The Supported Housing Unit (Friends First); Multiple Sclerosis Society; Brighton and Hove YMCA; Hands for Hope; and Cystic Fibrosis.  The positive impact of this event, not only for numerous national and international charities, but for Brighton and Hove itself, makes it particularly exciting that the Race is going ahead again for 2011.

Though always a highly significant day in the calendar, Good Friday this year (2^nd April 2010) was particularly special for the life of our church, with 717 people through the doors in one evening to attend Concert For Haiti: What The World Needs Now.

The musical entertainment- a wide range of swing, jazz and gospel numbers- showcased a lot of outstanding musical talent, including many CCK members; and was an outstanding product of many months of preparation.

With the hall filled to capacity and many more watching the video link down in the lounge, our musical director David Fellingham opened the show with the Beatles classic Can’t Buy Me Love and a lively trumpet solo that immediately drew the audience into the spirit of the event. This punchy beginning was followed by a variety of big band numbers, from a vintage Miles Davis instrumental to the recent Michael Buble version of Feeling Good.  To close the first set, Stuart Townend performed several songs from his Creation Sings tour, which had everyone in the venue singing along to his beautiful melodies and powerful, Jesus-centred lyrics.  This brought us fittingly into the portion of the evening on which the whole event was based: an offering for earthquake-stricken Haiti.

The situation in the Caribbean nation has been critical since it was hit by a level-7 quake on 12 January; indeed, it was the scenes of devastation that have been such an overt example of acute global need that prompted the event ‘What The World Needs Now’. Working alongside Tearfund has helped us to identify and contribute to a specific area of relief, details of which were given on the night to give people a better understanding of how their financial gifts would impact the situation.

After the interval, which gave guests an opportunity to mingle and further contribute to the Haiti fund by supporting the drinks bar, the music recommenced with phenomenal pianist Mark Edwards and his group of musicians, including on this occasion vocalist Sammy Sarfas, who had the crowd on their feet and joining in with modern jazzy numbers. The Dave Fellingham Big Band and Vocal Band were then welcomed back to the stage for another impressive set list, the highlight of which was their version of the official Song for Haiti, Everybody Hurts.  Lead vocals by Sam Cox were accompanied by a video of poignant images from Haiti, a strong reminder of the long-term relief effort which has had a worldwide response.

The ‘love theme’ that ran through the programme came to a climax with Stuart’s Power of the Cross and a jazz arrangement of the traditional Amazing Grace. These final numbers perfectly embodied the musical excellence and atmosphere of fellowship and compassion that characterized the entire evening. It’s success as an event was summed up as Joel Virgo stood to thank the audience, stating that he had possibly never addressed so many in the venue.

However, the extent of its success as a fundraiser took a little longer to identify: CCK is thrilled to announce that the exact gift total from the concert is £13,007.06p. This is an amazing answer to our target, which was to supply communities with spring box water systems. Costing £3,500, each box can provide between 750 and 1000 people with sanitized water- which means that the money raised can benefit almost 4000 people in Haiti. Many, many thanks to all who prepared, performed, served, attended, contributed, and were in any way involved in this amazing night.

For more pictures from the Haiti Concert please click here.

On Good Friday we are hosting a Concert For Haiti at the Clarendon Centre to raise money for the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. This week we interviewed Esther Williams, Tearfund’s Senior Media Officer, who has just returned from 3 weeks out in Haiti, where Tearfund teams continue in the daunting task of bringing some kind of restoration for a devastated nation. She describes the experience of being there as “something like War of the Worlds, one of those Hollywood blockbusters showing the end of the world. Except it’s not a movie, this is real life- it’s people’s lives destroyed in 35 seconds.”

The country of Haiti, with a population of 9 million, was the poorest in the Western hemisphere before the earthquake. Now, streets of collapsed buildings represent the homes and livelihoods that have been entirely wiped out. “What people over here may not understand is that the people most affected by the disaster are actually the middle classes- because they live in concrete houses. However, there are many from the shanty towns that have survived but are moving into the relief camps along with those that have been made homeless, because this is where there are resources.”

With up to 250, 000 dead and 1 million displaced, Tearfund partners in Haiti have been overwhelmed with need, with 4000 people descending on one church in Port-au-Prince (capital of Haiti) in an evening. The ‘first wave’ emergency response, which involves immediate measures like tarpaulins and makeshift camps, is now moving into a second phase of median-term measures which are geared toward building stronger homes. Many whose homes are still standing are scared to go back, with the prospect of cracks in the buildings and fear of aftershocks. Esther emphasizes the need for psycho-social care at this time- addressing the trauma which all have undergone. Additionally, recapitalization grants (one-off cash injections into small businesses) are given alongside teaching on responsible handling of resources. This will help financial gifts to actually provide a starting point to re-establish a stable economy.

Tearfund, who have targeted under-served rural areas as well as the capital, spoke with men and women in order to match aid with essential need. The response revealed an urgency to get children back in school; to obtain shelter; and to have access to clean water and food. “Water and sanitation is one of the most urgent needs- it’s amazing that the money [from tomorrow’s fundraising concert] will go to those. Lots of the camps, and places where the partners are working, are getting access to clean water… there’s lots of work to be done but where Tearfund are working it is available and lots of donations are being used in this area.” As Esther left, Tearfund were holding a class for children from the ages of about 4 to 10, which taught them about the importance of sanitation.

On a trip which she describes as a “rollercoaster ride of emotions”, Esther has found that, “everyone in Haiti has a story.” More than that, each individual tale seems to give a starkly comprehensive view of devastated life. In one camp, Esther spoke with Quinet Desir, who “started the day [of the earthquake] with a beautiful wife, two beautiful children, and a beautiful home. By 5pm my wife was dead, so was my 13-year-old daughter, and our 2½- year-old was sitting crying in the ruined house.”

Even while the situation in Haiti gradually fades from newspaper columns, the need remains vast- with the added complication of seasonal rains due across the country. Waters can rise to 7/8 feet, and the situation is particularly critical around floodable areas, but, “people are scared to move. They don’t have anywhere to go.” This is not something which aid agencies can turn around in a year. “It’s going to take lots of practical work, and joint work with local governments… and prayer.”

In the same camp, she met Emmanuella, whose heartbreaking story is of an idyllic life dashed in an instant. From a large, loving, extended family, Emmanuella married her childhood sweetheart, and raised their children while her husband provided for them all. On the morning of the quake, she was preparing school bags when her home collapsed. She knew from where she was that her husband and two daughters would not have survived, but it was 17 days later that the twins’ bodies were pulled from the rubble. “With tears in her eyes she showed us a photo of her twin daughters. At 27, her whole life is ruined, and she doesn’t even have anyone to talk to about it.” Esther explains the very great, although less evident, need for Haiti victims to be able to speak about their experiences. “Emmanuella said to me, ‘Why are you spending so much time talking to me? No-one has talked to me since this happened.’  The simple things are so important, like sitting down with someone, praying with them.” The words of the Haiti Charity single echo poignantly as she tells me that, for the survivors, “There’s no one to talk to – because everybody’s hurting.”

Join us this Friday at 7.30pm at Church of Christ the King

CCK is proud to announce the arrival of the CCK iPhone app! In development for the last few months and pioneered and designed by Brightec, (a Brighton based company run by a CCK church member) it is now available in the iTunes app store.

This free application is the latest facility for people the world over to get hold of the preaching that happens every Sunday at CCK. If you are one of the 37 million people worldwide that owns either an iPhone or iPod touch, this app will enable you to access the whole media backlog as well as audio and video downloads of the very latest messages. This features preaching from Joel Virgo, Terry Virgo, John Hosier and others.

With this app you can also read our three CCK blogs; The CCK Blog, The CCK Life Blog and the CCK Reason Blog, as well as the Worship School Blog, right from the screen of your device. As well as all that the church calendar will be available, showing what’s happening in the life of the church during the week. The free CCK bus service route and timetable will be available as well as some information about Sunday services and how to find us.

As far as we are aware we’re the first church in the UK to have their own app, a fact which has been picked up by a few local media outlets including an excellent article in The Argus newspaper.

Download it now and let us know what you think!

In over 30 years CCK has grown from an original group of 40 adults & children with a passion to see the authentic church restored into what is now a city centre based church regularly gathering approximately 1200 people most Sundays. Some of those original pioneers (and many others since) have stayed at CCK and helped establish and build this church on a bedrock of stability on which many generations can now stand and grow further.

To honour these hardy pioneers we’ve launched a series of interviews on this blog titled ‘Men and Women of Honour’. As we interview some of these long-standing, committed church members we hope to glean from them some of their wisdom, experience and personal challenges as they have sought to honour Jesus with their lives.

Take the time to absorb the passion and purpose that has characterised the lives of these early CCK pioneers. Be inspired and challenged…

Nigel Ring has lived in Brighton and Hove for over 25 years now. He heads up the newfrontiers administration team and serves as Terry Virgo’s Administrator. Nigel served as one of the leaders of CCK for over 25 years. Nigel writes..

The recent Gift Day has included the needs of Kenya as they face severe drought. Let me give you a bit of background about our involvement there.

We first met Edward and Fridah Buria at the Downs Bible Week in 1985. This Bible week, hosted by newfrontiers on the Plumpton Racecourse near Lewes, then had about 7000 people attending. A few years later they brought their 100 or so churches into the family of newfrontiers.

Edward and Fridah are a remarkable couple. He is a visionary, evangelist, and entrepreneur who also has an apostolic ministry. Fridah is a very able business woman and wonderful support to Edward. He grew up in very poor circumstances (little better than slum life); she came from a well-to-do farming family. They met when he preached about Jesus in her school as a young adult (having been healed from a terminal illness). Several months after he first saw her he prayed for a wife for a considerable period and God told him she was the one.

After their wedding and first child they moved to Meru, a sizable town at the foot of Mount Kenya. They lived in a very rough area where there was high crime. After much prayer, they were able to start a church ‘Miracle in the Village’, now numbering nearly 1000 people. It is now the most peaceful area of Meru.

They began starting churches all over Kenya. Edward now oversees about 160 churches.

The drought they now face is the 3^rd this millennium, and by far the worst. I have visited during the previous two droughts (we have raised funds to help) and have been greatly impressed by their protocols and the highly effective and efficient ways in which they get help to the places of greatest need.

I have now just received (Nov 27^th) the following email about the current situation (only extracts reproduced here):

We have just returned back from Samburu (tribal area) where we have been for a few days carrying out relief andmedical operations … From what we have seen and heard … the situation on the ground and deep interior is so grave and not even captured on the National radar. It has emerged that we have whole ‘manyattas’ (i.e. Samburu homesteads) where on top of everyone being in dire need of relief food and other humanitarian supports, they have lost all their animals that succumbed to the drought … their only source of livelihood has been cut off.  In other areas, tension remains so high as communities fight and kill each other over cattle rustling and / or over the scarce either available vegetation and water. These intertribal skirmishes are so bad as they create a state of insecurity even on the roads in the affected areas.  It is also very clear that many people are dying as a result of the famine and through bandit-related incidents, and that such deaths go un-noticed or not recorded with the authorities.

The situation has even been complicated further by the continued failure of the much awaited rains … the weather people had predicted would be El-Nino Rains (i.e. torrential rains).

To our friends outside of Kenya, keep on praying for and with us and where it is possible to help in giving a smile and hope to a family in Samburu over this Christmas, please do so!

Like all other times in the past years, I and my able team remain so committed to standing and supporting our friends in Samburu and areas that have been affected by the on-going famine.

With every blessing.

Edward Buria

Thank you for giving sacrificially through the Gift Day. Please pray for them as the situation comes to mind.

CCKY, CCK’s youth group for 11-14 year olds, kicks back into action this Friday with an awesome night of beach volleyball and football at Yellowave on the Brighton seafront, along with a beach BBQ! It’s going to be an incredible night and a great way to start off the year! Youth are asked to bring a donation of £3 to help cover the cost of the night. Don’t worry if money is tight, we’d still love your young person to come (just let a member of our team know). We’ll be meeting at 7pm at Yellowave on Madiera Drive with pickup at the same place at 9:30pm. Click here for a map.

Even if your young person has never been to CCKY, please encourage them to come along! Each week we welcome new people to the youth group and we’ll make every effort to ensure your young person has a great time.

What’s CCKY all about?
CCKY stands for Church of Christ the King Youth. We exists to:

As part of CCK, CCKY serve youth aged 11-14 from our church and across Brighton & Hove. We operates under the supervision of the CCK Leadership team and youth pastor Stephen Dawson. From week to week, we are lead by Rich and Lisa Miles who oversee our team of approximately 20 youth leaders.

We make every effort to ensure our youth’s parents/guardians are aware of what is happening at CCKY. This is done via a weekly email and text (SMS) message. To add yourself to one or both of these lists, please email your details to contact@ccky.co.uk

What’s happening at CCKY this year?

Lots! Things start with a night at Yellowave on Friday 11th September, followed by a Snapshot Challenge on the 18th. On the 25th we’ve got the CCKY House Party and then we’re off to Woking for the CCKY Weekend Away from 2-4 October… and that’s just the first 4 weeks! Our full schedule for the term is available at www.ccky.co.uk.

Want to find out more?
The CCKY website is your best starting point. There you’ll find the full term schedule, information for parents including information about the team that will be serving your youth and loads more. If you’d prefer to speak to Rich and Lisa Miles who lead the CCKY team, please email contact@ccky.co.uk with your number and they’ll get in touch.

Thanks for reading! We hope to see your young person on Friday night at Yellowave!

Big love

The CCKY Team