London

Sorry it’s taken so long to update my blog!

 

I’ve been so busy recently!

The last few weeks have been so exciting, worship central conference, retreat, leading worship and working! Whilst doing all of these new things I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that I’m living in London!

 

The worship central conference for me was one of the most encouraging weekends I’ve had! It was great to see so many leaders passionate for serving God and leading people in worship. I was on the merchandise stand so I couldn’t make every seminar but I did get the chance to go in to the main meetings! Bethel, worship central and Matt Redman were all leading. I was reminded once again how great God is and I saw so many people encounter God in special ways. God spoke to me during the weekend about spending more time with him- the verse that came to mind was; Matthew 11:28

 

“Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

 

For me moving to London was quite big, not only having to find my way around the city but also having a lot of responsibilities. I just felt God was asking me-

‘when was the last time you rested in my presence?’

It’s true that life is so busy, but I didn’t really have any excuse for not having 10 minuets listening to God? I seemed to be serving God and doing all the ‘right’ things but was I actually allowing myself time to hear from God! I’m glad I was challenged by this as it has made me grow on so many ways !

I am constantly reminded of how much of an honour it is to be a worship leader! We are able to bring people to God- and we are able to encounter the living God – how awesome!

 

I really encourage you to spend time alone with God, listen to what he has to say- by doing this God will give you rest!

 

Stewart, Emma and Gordon from EMBC came to the conference, it was so good to see them and hear all about what’s going In Scotland ! It was also great to meet new people and get the chance to talk to other musicians!

 

Theology and leadership classes are very interesting and so helpful, I’m really enjoying all the teaching I’m receiving! The stuff I’m learning is so key in life and I know it’s going to be so useful now and in the future !

 

My placement church is going really well and I’m loving leading and co leading the worship- St George’s is a small church but it’s passion and vision is so big- it’s exciting !! Everyone is very encouraging!

 

We went on a retreat with the leadership college! It was so great to get away from central London for a few days and just relax and enjoy the countryside ! During our time at the retreat we had a session with Sandy Millar! It’s not everyday that happens! What really stuck out from his talk for me was that you just have to be yourself, God doesn’t want you to try and be someone else he just wants YOU!!

 

As well as Sandy Millar we have had Pete Greig, Nicky Gumbel, Justin Welby- The Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and many more amazing men and woman come to speak to us !

 

A lot of friends have visited London recently from home so it’s been great to spend time with them all!

 

I was on the Alpha weekend away in Chichester last weekend- what an awesome experience! I’m so grateful I’ve been given this opportunity- very very blessed!!

I can’t believe were in December! This year has gone by so quickly ! I’m so grateful for being part of the Worship Central Academy and I’m excited to tell you all face to face what I’ve been learning! It really is amazing and I’m so thankful for your prayers !

 

I’m very excited about Christmas and coming back to Scotland!

 

Hope everyone is well,      

 

Joanne

London

After one week introduction-

I actually went on holiday to America with Ricky and Joanne, Orlando to New York….can’t get much better! I was on holiday for 2 weeks! I loved it! We had a swimming pool in our garden which Ricky would get me In at 7am then we usually went to the Disney parks or to the mall! When we were in New York we went to see wicked was the best show I’ve seen yet! It was an amazing 2 weeks!
I flew from America to Glasgow then got a train straight back down to London! Going from America were I got my washing done everyday by Joanne, pancakes made by Ricky and food cooked for me at all times….I was slightly shocked when I came back to London to have to do everything myself !!

I have been back in London for nearly a month now ! Sometimes a week seems to fly by and others they seem to go very slowly. Sadly Isobel a lady in my home church passed away whilst I was on holiday. I looked after Isobel twice a week and got some messages that she needed, she was such a strong woman of faith and really taught me a lot throughout my life! She was very happy with me moving to London and has helped me get to this stage in my life!

I am learning so much at the Worship Central Academy, I am especially learning about the importance of a worship leader and the responsibility they have in the church! I have also had the chance to lead at St George’s and 24/7 prayer room which have really strengthened my ability to lead different congregations. St George’s is a great and passionate church which I’m so glad I’ve been able to join!
I had a great experience at the homeless shelter last Wednesday, I was leading worship with all the leaders and helpers before everyone started arriving and usually we would just start serving the food after we had finished, but instead we decided to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ with everyone once they arrived. I was very nervous at what they were going to think, but for me it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, I had men and woman lying around the floor in front of me sleeping and then the rest were scattered around tables eating there boiled eggs and bananas! I just felt Gods love pour over each and every person that was there- INCREDIBLE! The leaders and volunteers are amazing and the things the do to help each person is inspiring. John one of the men that come to the homeless shelter on a Wednesday and a Friday has also started to come to alpha I really hope he enjoys it and takes something away from it.
I am also a helper at Alpha, for me it’s bringing up so many questions I’d never thought of, it’s helping me grow in my understanding of Christianity even though I’m only meant be a helper I’m getting a lot out of it too.
I’ve started going along to ‘student night’ on a Tuesday were we have dinner, have a chat and some worship. It’s very similar to 18-30s and I’m really enjoying getting to know more people !
Theology is every Monday, I am finding it very interesting and learning a lot from it ! I have to really concentrate and listen which can sometimes be quite challenging! I was learning about tradition and culture which for me is something that comes up quite frequently!
The last few Thursdays we have been working on how to work as a team in a worship band. We have also had communication, music theory and vocal training classes! Thursdays are my favourite, I am able to learn more about what worship really is then learn practical aspects of becoming a worship leader. A key part of what I’ve learned is that Worship must be Christ centred – rev 5:6
It must all be through, in, to and for Jesus.
Col 3: 16:17
And that we are free to worship because were in Christ and Christ is in us.

I have three essays due soon ! For me this is quite a challenge! Theology, worship and leadership is what my three essay are on!

My sister and Jonny visited me last weekend, it was great to have them here and we had a lot of fun going around London- especially visiting Westfield’s shopping centre!

The worship central conference is a week today at the Westminster hall, I can’t wait ! I’m excited to see some faces from EMBC there too:) I am on the merchandise stand and the welcome team it’s going to be great! If you haven’t got a ticket I would suggest you get one!!

Hope everyone is well,
Joanne

London – my journey

Worship Central Academy 2013-2014

Never for a minute did I think I would be saying I live in London ! I’m here for a year for the Worship Central course to learn and grow in my faith as a worship leader. I never really knew what God was calling me to do until this option was there and until I prayed for guidance. For the past few years I’ve studied music at college and loved learning more about how to create and write music. I also studied vocal techniques and performing techniques- both which I loved and learned a lot from. From doing this I got involved in a school volunteering once a week where I helped teach kids singing, it really opened my eyes- most of the kids were visually or sensory impaired. I worked closely with a young girl Shannon who couldn’t see and hardly talked- so you can imagine how impacted I was when she sang a 20 minuet set of songs word for word. Music changed her life. Now I want God to help me change other peoples life’s through worship and music. I want to share Gods love and I feel it’s a challenge but it’s one I’m willing to take. I am using this year to learn and grow in my knowledge and understanding of Worship and Gods word.
I have had my introduction week! What a week it was . Firstly I moved with a car full to London Fulham where I’m staying with 3 others, James, Claire and Bethan. They are lovely and I know we will get on great and have lots of fun together! On the first Sunday all the WCA students were welcomed in to Holy Trinity Brompton church, we then had lunch where I met some people I would be studying with! Our first Monday was a ‘getting to know you day’ where I met the staff and other students and Thursday was a day which we were told all about what the coarse involves and what I will be doing throughout the year! I also got to meet my placement staff and see around the church I’m placed at- St George’s in Holborn. Here’s just a few things I’m going to be involved at Holy Trinity Brompton and St George’s :
-Alpha helper (Wednesdays)
– Helping theHomeless (Fridays)
– staff meeting and creative space (Tuesdays)
– theology training (Mondays)
– worship leadership training and music training (Thursdays)
As you can see it’s going to be a very busy year- but I’m so excited about it ! Thanks for all your prayers and I’ll keep you all updated!
My new address is : 53 Delorme Street
Fulham

Joanne