How do I love my neighbour?
‘And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. Matthew 22 v 39 (ESV)
Welcome to this November newsletter, and thank you for your continued interest and support. As ever, if there is any content you would like to see in our newsletters that is currently missing, then do get in touch– and please do invite others to sign up to receive our news. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s newsletter.
Neighbour Sunday
In September, we launched a strategic partnership with the Neighbourhood Prayer Network, at an event at Lambeth Palace. Our first joint project together was “Neighbour Sunday”, which took place earlier this month on Sunday 17th. This created an opportunity for churches and individual Christians to focus in on thinking about (and indeed doing) intentionally praying for local neighbourhoods. One of the reasons Faith in Later Life was delighted to partner in this, is because we know so many older Christians for whom their main ministry is that of faithful prayer, and of course we fully support the vision of every street in the UK being prayed for. Imagine what the nation would look like if every street was lifted up in prayer! I wrote a brief blog about ‘Neighbour Sunday’, and indeed this subject is something we can continue thinking (and praying!) about. It was most encouraging when churches across over 120 towns in the UK downloaded the Neighbour Sunday resources and engaged with this project.
For a link to ‘Neighbour Sunday’ resources- which can still be used- and to read my blog on our website, do click here.
In the news
Sadly we decided to postpone our special anniversary event in the House of Commons (scheduled for earlier in the month) due to the general election being announced. But nevertheless it has been another busy month for us, as Faith in Later Life continues to grow- and we thank God for His goodness. Yesterday I was featured on a popular programme called ‘Church without Walls’, on the Christian television station, Revelation TV. I was interviewed by the presenter (and Revelation TV CEO) Gordon Petty, and this provided a wonderful opportunity to share about why Faith in Later Life exists, and our ministry. Many of the viewers of this television programme are older viewers who often watch the programme if they are physically unable to attend their local church. If you would like to watch my interview, you can click here to go to the link on the Faith in Later Life website.
This month I also had the opportunity to speak at the national two yearly conference for UK City Mission organisations (of which there are 20), in Northampton. And the same week I was also at the annual Jubilee Plus conference, in Bristol, sharing about Faith in Later Life. And earlier in the month I was also exhibiting at the annual Premier Digital conference in London, sharing with interested delegates, as we seek to equip churches in their ministries with Seniors.
Please pray that as I engage with the Media, and do the various events and conferences which I am invited to, that God uses everything for His glory, churches are envisioned, and as a result that many older Christians would be encouraged, and older non believers come to know the hope that is found in the Lord Jesus.
‘Faith in the Second Half’ conference
As you may be aware, we have an exciting conference in Keswick (Lake District) planned for May next year. Publicity is now accelerating, and earlier in the month I recorded a short promotional video clip which will be available soon. The conference will provide 4 days of excellent Bible teaching and engaging seminars all with a focus on different aspects of later life. If you would like any promotional flyers or posters, for your church, do get in touch. And to book a place at the conference, do head to the Keswick Ministries website by clicking here or by calling 01768 780075.
Finishing Well
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter we are delighted to have a book being published next year (Finishing Well: A God’s eye view of ageing, by Revd Ian Knox). In the run up to this we have decided to release a limited number of free taster booklets to give a flavour of what is to come. They are currently being printed, so if you would like a free booklet, do get in touch.
And finally
As I mentioned last month, we are in a key phase of planning for the next stages of Faith in Later Life- and your prayers are hugely appreciated! Alongside your prayer and financial support, which we greatly appreciate, please do be thinking about how Faith in Later Life can benefit and equip you and your church in ministry with those in later life? We want to serve the Lord effectively and impact for Him, so if there is anything particular we can help with, by way of practical equipping, please do let us know.
Thank you for your continued interest, prayers and partnership in this ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Carl Knightly
Director, Faith in Later Life