This morning I was reading about a church that had a service of Doubt, where everyone was invited to write down and send in their doubts, their questions, their issues with God and faith. Sounds familiar, I thought – our next Ask Me Anything (AMA) is coming up in just 2 weeks.
What I was delighted by was the way their pastor, Rob Bell, cast the questioning as worship, that in wrestling with their questions, their confusion, even their anger and frustration, they were worshipping God, they were confronting the mystery as God’s people always have – the psalmists railed with God, Abraham argued, Moses tried to persuade God to pick someone else... As Jacob said, having wrestled with God all night and emerged battered and limping – God was here.

In wrestling together we affirm each other’s questions as part of our faith.
In wrestling together we recognise that God is and always was bigger than our boxes.

So come wrestle with us again. All questions are welcome at our next AMA, which will be at both services on 17th July. Email me at [email protected] – maybe we’ll find answers, certainly we’ll find comfort in each other’s honest seeking.

Every blessing,
Rob

(The book I was reading was Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, which I borrowed from Brenda – do read it, or ask Brenda to lend it to you too!)

Sunday has Moved!
We have now started the trial period, so up to and including 24th July, we'll be meeting at 9:30am for our Traditional Holy Communion service, and 5pm in the afternoon for our Family Service, including Sunday school most weeks. Coffee is served after the 9:30am service, and before the 5pm service.
If you have any comments on how the services are going at the new times, please let us know by contacting the [email protected].

Pat Collinge
Thursday was the funeral of Pat Collinge, dearly beloved and much missed.
Her daughter Sally wanted to say a heartfelt thanks to all who had reached out with cards and condolences, it has made a big difference in a difficult season.

Youth Event
We had a great evening last Sunday with about 20 young people attending our special youth event. It was good to find out what they would like from church.
We hope to put some of their ideas in to action.
Watch this space!

Confirmation START Course
As preparation for confirmation, we’ll be running the START course in October & November. We will be meeting at 6pm on Tuesdays in church to eat together and explore questions about faith, life, and Jesus, and this is open to everyone! The dates for the course are Tuesday 4th, 11th, & 18th October and 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd November, culminating in a special confirmation service led by the new Bishop of Kirkstall on Sunday 27th November at 10am.
If this is something you’d be interested in, please chat to Rev Rob or email [email protected] for more info.

Parish Giving Scheme
We have launched the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) as part of our Joyful Giving programme at church. This is a scheme that the diocese funds and allows us to collect regular giving in a much better way. More information on the church finances and the PGS are available in the sermon from 12th June, available to watch online here. We've also sent out a dedicated letter & email regarding this, available to read online here.

Indoor Tabletop Sale – Saturday 17th September, 9am–1pm
Do you have lots of items that are too good to put in the bin?
Toys, clothing, household items. Sell your items at out tabletop sale and make some money whilst helping us to raise some money too!
Tables are £10. No food to be sold & no businesses allowed.
To reserve a table, please contact [email protected].

Muslim Women’s Association Coffee Morning
Last week, Sally & Pauline attended a coffee morning held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Association, Bradford South. It was lovely to meet the ladies and have a chat about faith and life. Despite our differences, we also found we are very similar in faith and belief. We look forward to the next one in July and hope some more ladies may want to join us.

Jeffrey the Alpaca – update
It’s been great to hear that Jeffrey the Alpaca is settling nicely in his new home, and has made a new friend!