Hockley Pentecostal Church

Anne Instone is a woman who really knows the difference that God can make in someone’s life.  She was a prisoner of Agoraphobia and anxiety for over 18 years and addicted to valium for 14 years. She could hardly leave the house, let alone speak to a group of people. Yet on Sunday 16th Nov. 6.30pm-7.30pm Anne is going to be speaking at our church and explaining how God set her free and transformed her fear to boldness. Why not come and hear what she has to say?

Is Hockley Pentecostal Church the only church in Birmingham where you can literally have your feet washed?!  Not to mention your weary hands massaged!  At our recent Body Shop Pure Pamper Party, weary mums and busy professional ladies were given star treatment by the “Body Shop at Home” team.  It was the biggest home party they had ever done, and a resounding success.  Hockley girls and their friends and family enjoyed getting to know each other over the beautiful natural lotions and potions.  There were prizes, there were silly games, there were gales of laughter.  That hall has never smelled so fantastic.  Watch this space for our next great Esther Generation social event.

Last year N:r-gize (our youth group) went to the Ultimate youth camp. This year they decided to be audacious!  Audacious is an amazing youth event that was held in Portsmouth. It was a week of worship, teaching and fun which everyone massively enjoyed. Here are some quotes from those who went…

“I never knew how much strength you can draw from God – getting down on your knees to worship, it’s just so amazing.  I see that God is really moving in England.  Don’t just lie back and take life as it is – I want to do things I’ve never done before and I feel God has given me strength!”

“I’m a Christian and I’m not going to stay in the shadows any more!”

“An amazing time for me!  I went to a different level with my worship – if you really go for it, rise up, sing and worship, it’s amazing, I don’t know how to explain it!”

“I grew stronger with the Holy Spirit and it has really touched me – I learnt how to cope with life”

“It really changed my life.  I realise I sometimes hang out with the wrong crowd and it will lead me down the wrong path, now I realise what the right path is.”

“I have really grown and for the first time in my life I got an answer from praying!”

“I was filled and my eyes were opened, I saw the world in a different light and Jesus is the only salvation.”

After returning to the church in Birmingham, N:r-gize led our next evening service. To see how they got on take a look at this video.  We’ve also put a few clips from Audacious on YouTube to give you an idea of what it was like.

All our ladies events come under the umbrella title of Esther Generation.  For our next event we’re hosting a Body Shop pamper party.  Body Shop says,  “Experience our spa and bath & body ranges, specifically designed for top-to-toe pampering.  The sumptuous aromas and textures will stimulate the senses and create an oasis of calm.  Bring a bowl and towel so you can enjoy the fun.” 

The event is completely free and light refreshments will be provided. Everyone who attends will be entered in a raffle to win some Body Shop products.  I can tell you’re hooked so put the date in your diary now – Tuesday 9th September at 7pm.

Click this link for more information on what to expect from a Body Shop Party.

On Saturday 5th July we’re taking a bus loads of kids to the Go Wild event at Twin lakes Park. It ’s going to be a fantastic day out with spiritual input as well as all the attractions at the park. Children must be aged 11 or under, and those under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is £16 but we’re reducing that to £9 for HPC families by providing free transport. To book see Janice or Elizabeth. Alternatively contact the church office.

In addition to our usual Easter services we enjoyed two special events during the holiday period.  On Good Friday was ‘The Walk of Witness’ in which many local churches gathered together to march down Soho Road. The weather started out as cold, wet and windy but, undeterred, the people gathered. Thankfully the snow and hail didn’t arrive until just after the walk had finished.

Three days later was our annual family fun day and once again over 500 came to enjoy the fun and festivities. This year the local residents association joined with us to make it a great day for everyone.

The ‘Walk of Witness’ has become an important event in the Hockley Calender.  Most people think of church as a place where people go, but God has other ideas.  The Bible teaches that the church is the people, not the building that they meet in.  On Good Friday many local churches take to the streets and walk down Soho Road.  We are witnesses to the goodness of God and we walk together to show our faith and unity.

The event takes a lot of organisation and money and there is a fundraising concert on Saturday 1st March in the evening.  Local artists will be performing in a range of musical styles for your pleasure.  The tickets are just £5 and all proceeds go towards the Walk of Witness. Contact the church for tickets or further information.

On the 22nd and 23rd January we hosted these remarkable children. Everyone was delighted by their infectious smiles, bubbling happiness,  joyous dancing and obvious musical ability.  We were also touched by their moving stories as all of them are orphans.

The Choir tours the world helping to publicise and finance the work of ‘Watoto’, a charity that works with orphans in Uganda.  Watoto have developed a pattern where groups of 8 children are placed in a newly built house with their ‘mother’. Houses are grouped into clusters of 9, and several clusters make a Watoto village.  Each village has a school and medical centre.  So far nearly 1700 children have been rescued from terrible situations and become part of the Watoto family. We fully support their work and would encourage you to help them spiritually and financially. For more information see their website.

Their performances are a riot of sound and colour with a distinct African flavour. It’s hard to get a clear photo because they’re constantly dancing, but you can see some of our best pictures below.  For a better idea of what it was like take a look at the video on youtube which will be available from later today.

Our next night of prayer will be held on Friday 1st February and begins at 9pm.  These powerful events are a great time to seek God for direction, and support others as you prayer.  The first part of the meeting finishes at 12pm but feel free to come and go at whatever times are most suitable for you.  The second part of the meeting runs from midnight to the early hours of the morning.

Many of us will also be fasting on that day. This is something the Bible teaches us about and it means to do without food for a period of time.  You can find some articles on fasting by following this link.

The Watoto Children’s Choir will be performing at our church at 7.30pm on both the 22nd and 23rd of January. We wanted to book them for a weekend but demand for this internationally recognised group is so great that we had to settle for the Tuesday and Wednesday.  The concerts are free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation towards the work of Watoto among the orphans of Uganda.

To find out more about Watoto visit their website.