The Incubator series continues to work on conditioning our culture as the Southsea congregation as both intimate and innovative. Family Church seeks to reach, grow and empower people into all that God has called them to be. Pastor Steu's 'Ministry not Marketplace' message embodies this in sharing that serving Jesus is not only for Sunday morning or the church leaders. This is especially true in our workplace and businesses, and all spheres of our lives. When we treat people correctly, apply faith, practise good stewardship and have a heart for reconciliation - all while remaining planted in the church - we can be certain that our worlds 'out there' will flourish for God's glory.  

It can be easy to invite friends and family to your home. But what about a neighbour or a colleague? How about a stranger from a different land? Or even someone you really haven't been getting along with? 

The second week of our 'Incubator' series saw Philippa present this convicting message filled with personal accounts and testimonies of a life laid down for Jesus. Even our very homes - whether big or small - are not ours but the Lords. Remembering how God through Jesus has opened himself to us, we too must open ourselves to others - our hearts and also our homes. 

This week saw the first message of the new Southsea series 'The Incubator'. Nathan encouraged us in looking at three ways in which to have an open heart to God and one other; allowing in intimacy, vulnerability, and a soft heart. 

Each step proved to show how we can really follow the heart of Jesus and connect with God on a deeper level. 

Richard speaks about how life is a garden, with a focus on finance. Tithing prepares the ground and offerings are the seed planted for the future. Money is a good servant but an awful master!

Join our engaging conversation where we delve into Sam's recent mission trip to Nepal. The Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 provided the basis for a Q&A on the 'why' behind the 'Go' into this nation, the youth disciple-making agenda, the holy spirit baptism moments, practical sound tech teaching workshops and times where God's 'I am with you' was experienced by Sam amongst a people set on fire for Jesus. 

This week, Laura carries on speaking on the topic of 'Life is a Garden'. Her focus specifically is on Words, Health and Relationships. She speaks about God having principles....faith, love, mercy, sowing and reaping are examples. Her key scripture is Galations 6:7 (NIV) " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows". Laura speaks how scriptures usually are instruction, prophetic word or principle - ie it works whether we believe it or not!

The message continues to focus on the principle of sowing and reaping, with audience participation for those who were there!

As the Southsea congregation took the opportunity to support the Great South Run outside the walls of our Sunday morning gathering, we also enjoyed taking in a morning with our Portsmouth congregation.

Following the new series looking at 'Life is a Garden', this week Ps Sean looked specifically at what we can sow with a focus on our finances.

Amongst many scripture references, Sean looks at Luke 6:38 (NIV) "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The law of sowing and reaping is as relevant today as it was thousands of years back when the scripture was written. He follows this with Matthew 6:19..."“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

Ps Sean points out that there are two fields we can sow into - the immediate field in front of us and the eternal field beyond our temporal lifespan. Which is worth more to sow into? The Bible tells us to set our minds on Heavenly things, not earthy things. Gaining the whole world but losing our soul is not wise..

Ps Sean goes on to speak about the love of money and our love for the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Money helps us achieve many things, the key here is our heart attitude. Are we doing something because of our love of a monetary reward (perhaps), or our love for our Lord?

He ended with three key points on sowing with finances

• Get to give - not give to get
• Love is our motive - generosity, kindness, & love from the overflow of a grateful heart
• Joyful Obedience - have a merry spirit when giving

This is a challenging message!

Ps Steu starts a new series entitled 'Life is a Garden'. The first message is subtitled 'From Wilderness to Promised Land'. The children of Israel left Egypt in order to take hold of the new life that God had prepared for them. Whilst they lived in the wilderness they experienced many miracles and God’s supernatural provision.

However, when they stepped into the new life that God had prepared for them, they began living according to new principles, including the principle of ‘sowing and reaping’.

It’s important that we, as Christians, understand and live according to the principle of sowing and reaping.

Prayer is not platitudes. It is personal and it is powerful. As well as power, prayer brings unity and peace. The Southsea congregation used the Lord’s Prayer - Jesus’ instruction on how to pray - as a foundation to talk about ways in which prayer works in our everyday lives. Prayer is a journey and we invite you to join us for this one, ending with a powerful moment of unity and peace as we took time to pray in small groups. 

As part of a massive announcement for Family Church, we talked as a congregation about what it is to be a church that is moving and alive. Being devoted to the journey and times of transition means our leaders being devoted to growing leaders. We cannot afford to stand still when there is a hungry world out there looking for truth. And so as facilitators, following in the footsteps of those giants whose shoulders we now stand on, including Pastors Andy and Gina, we are to begin to see ourselves as Ambassadors. First for Christ and also for Family Church. This will grow us as a 'church without walls', a church on the move, a church devoted to the journey.