There's something so powerful about this song. The way it builds up to this incredible moment where everyone is singing out from just a piano melody. Every time I hear it I just want to sing out to God too and praise him for his goodness. Hearing other people sing out and praise him also makes it even more powerful and amazing to listen to. I love how this song has no lyrics, yet the presence of God is still felt in such a tangible way. This is one of those moments where the spirit intercedes where words do not speak...
 
So why don't you just take a listen and let the spirit of God speak to you through this song? Let it encourage you to have the confidence to sing out the song written on your heart; when you're alone with God and when we all come together to worship at church. It's great singing songs that other people have written but I've found it's even better singing out our own songs about how God has come through in our own lives. And if you're struggling in knowing what to sing out, maybe just start with singing "I love You" to him, because I think that's sometimes the best place to start.
 
I hope this song can encourage you and that a different side of his face can be revealed to You through this song!
Aiden Jordaan

Painting by Ruth Allen

Lots of folks like to take the time to read a book or two during the summer when they have time off, or take a holiday, but it’s not always easy to find something good. Pastor Kenny has provided some recommendations that would be worth investing your time in, and will help you grow in your faith:
 
APOLOGETICS
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Originally written as a series of radio broadcasts after WWII, this book contains Lewis’ defense of the Christian understanding of the world, and his appeal for people to become followers of Jesus.
Reason For God – Tim Keller
A more contemporary look at common arguments against Christianity, and some thoughtful responses that underline the reasons for God’s existence, and how we should live in light of them.
 
DISCIPLESHIP
Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
This book takes a walk through the classic disciplines of the Christian faith and encourages you in pursuing spiritual growth.
The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
Willard challenges the “ticket punched for heaven” view of Christianity, and teaches some very practical ways we can engage with God’s Kingdom now as disciples of Jesus.
 
BIOGRAPHY
Phoebe – Paula Gooder
Gooder is a New Testament scholar who has written a fictional imagining of the role of Phoebe in delivering Paul’s letter to the Roman church. The book opens our eyes to the issues of the time, and is backed by scholarly notes.
Paul: A biography – Tom Wright
Tom Wright is probably the best known scholar on Paul, and he uses his insight to paint a picture of Paul’s life and impact. This would set you up great for when we return to Acts in the Autumn as we will be focussing a lot on Paul.
 
CULTURE
Scattered Servants – Alan Scott
Former Pastor of Causeway Coast Vineyard (now leading Anaheim Vineyard) Alan Scott shares stories and practical ways we can make a difference in our town and transform it for Jesus.
A Creative Minority – Jon Tyson & Heather Grizzle
The church can’t go back to a nostalgic past or pine for the way things used to be. But how do we fulfil Jesus’ vision of being a city on a hill that gives light to the world? What if we could be in the world but not of it?
 
THEOLOGY
Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom – Derek Morphew
We talk a lot about the Kingdom of God in the Vineyard, and Derek Morphew explains what that means and how understanding Jesus’ life and ministry will help us live as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom power now.
The Gospel of the Kingdom – George Eldon Ladd
A shorter book looking at Jesus’ central message – the Kingdom of God. Ladd was very influential on John Wimber and the theology of the Vineyard movement.
 
DEVOTIONAL
The Return of the Prodigal Son – Henri Nouwen
Nouwen’s classic book about Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son, the parable itself, and what it reveals to us about God’s desire for His children to return home.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction – Eugene Peterson
With his trademark wisdom and wit, Peterson walks through the Psalms of Ascents and what they show us about forsaking quick fixes for faithful obedience to the ways of God.
 

This chalkboard piece was made by Sandra Innes. 
Every moment is an opportunity to turn our hearts toward God and worship Him for his greatness and majesty!

Listen to 'King of Kings', an original Falkirk Vineyard Christmas song written by our worship pastor Ryan Jordaan.

'Endless Praises' is the second new song recorded at DTI (Dreaming the Impossible) 2018, the Vineyard UKI National Youth Conference (the first song was KNOWN). Led by Dave Miller and featuring our own Elena McNinch, it calls us to "Pour out endless praises... lift our songs to heaven". You can stream and download 'Endless Praises' here: ​https://sc.lnk.to/5WZ0w

Dreaming the Impossible (DTI) is Vineyard UKI's national youth conference. This year Vineyard worship recorded some of the worship sessions. They have now released the first song called 'Known'. We are delighted to hear the youth of Vineyard churches pouring out their hearts to God, and the intimate, passionate, expectant sound of Vineyard Worship.

We are also so proud of Elena McNinch who features on backing vocals and in the video. You can also see several of our youth in the video as well if you keep your eyes peeled!

You can purchase KNOWN here: https://sc.lnk.to/y-2sS
​

by Bill McArthur

(READ PART 1 HERE)
(READ PART 2 HERE)

Here I am.
All around me has gone.
I just want to get to that safe place.
Next thing I know
some people are beside me.
One place a hand on my shoulder
and starts speaking to God.
Another person speaks using strange words.
All of a sudden
my eyes fill up and overflow.
The tears are warm on my cheeks
and I welcome them. 
I want to get on my knees
So I do.
I hear the word Love, over and over
and I want it. 
The tears pour out
and I say yes to it all.
Then I stand up, a bit shakey
but as I look around
I see a lot of smiling faces
and the place is filled with light.
In my chest my heart feels like it could burst.
I have to sit down.
Some people sit with me
and I hug one of them.
Then I feel something else.
Something I have heard of.
This is JOY.
Again I feel the sensation in my chest 
and I want to love everyone around me.
I feel connected to them somehow.
Then I think of an ordinary thing.
How will I get home?
I can't drive in this state.
I ask to be excused and go for a cup of tea at the back of the hall
and gradually I calm down.
I look around and everything seems to be in very clear detail.
I notice a stunningly beautiful baby.
People came up to me and say congratulations
and I wonder what I have done?
All I know is that I will never be alone again.
I have a very real sense that all is well and I am safe.
And then I smile like I have never smiled before.

by Bill McArthur

(READ PART 1 HERE)

Here I am then.
Attending a church service.
But this is not what I think it should be like.
Where is the droning organ?
Instead the hall fills with sound.
Sounds that I recognise from outside
but not in the church.
I don't know the tunes though.
Where are the hymn books?
Ah, there are the words on a screen, which helps.
I look around and see people singing
really singing.
With some clapping and raising their hands.
I am no sure about this.
I keep my coat zipped up despite the heat,
glad to be in the back row.
More songs and jumping around.
The next bit is about what is going on in the church.
Quite a lot it seems,
some of it may be interesting.
Then I suppose it's the sermon
as a man has walked onto the stage with a microphone.
Probably the minister
although he has a pair of jeans and a tee shirt on.
He talks of God, of Jesus, of love
and I lift my head to hear more.
He talks of church family and being part of something
and I think, maybe.
After a while he stops and prays for some things. 
Praying - what is that all about?
Then I hear him say that God loves me
no matter what I have done
and I can come to him and be forgiven
and healed.
All I have to do is say yes to him.
Then I hear the minister say
you can do this today.
You can invite Jesus into your life.
Now!
Just come forward to the front.
This is it, decision time.
I don't need much time.
I feel myself rising from my chair
and walking to the front.
​