Activates’ BBM was the place to be on Saturday night (13/06/09) . We gathered together to discuss Velvet Elvis (VE); we shared our views on how it ministered to us and what we gained from reading it.
As we did not get the opportunity to celebrate our one year anniversary in February 2009, we shared a big celebration cake together and had a great time socializing.
So far we have read a variety of inspirational and uplifting books in Activate. These books have certainly broadened my knowledge and horizon. They have helped to increase my level of faith, increase my spiritual growth and expanded my knowledge of God. We can never know too much about God. Knowledge is power, so get reading.....
Activate is open to all women.
Stay blessed!
Ope
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Thursday, 7 May 2009
"VELVET ELVIS"
Our current read, chosen by one of Activates member is:"VELVET ELVIS" by ROB BELL.
I bet you are thinking, what a title! Well, rest assured, the book is not about Elvis.
Velvet Elvis is a thought provoking book on Christianity. What is Christianity really about? What do YOU think Christianity is about? Be warned, you will either like this book or dislike it. It has had lots of mixed reviews. I will let you decide for yourself.
Book Description:
"God never changes, nor do the central truths of Christianity. But our understanding of those truths is in constant flux. Christians will always be exploring and discovering what it means to live in harmony with God and each other. Velvet Elvis offers original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about."
If you haven't yet got your copy, please do so and get reading. The book is available at kerith bookshop.
Happy reading!
Ope
Ope
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Get Out Of That Pit - My Review...
Hello there,
I should have posted this a while back.
I was a little bit disappointed with "Get out of that pit".
The title sounded so WOW! and the synopsis was quite impressive. I was expecting a great deal out of the book but instead I found it just ok. I was hoping to get more out of it than I actually did.
I felt Beth Moore “beat around the bush” a lot before getting to the point she was trying to make. Some of the points she made were basically known things, but having said that, there were some encouraging and uplifting words to reflect on. There were a couple of situations she mentioned that I could identify with.
One thing though I admired about this book was the fact that Beth Moore had done her homework well and had all the helpful scriptures to back up her points.
Psalm 40 was brought to life in this book, which has given me a deeper insight to this psalm.
We must therefore be responsible for our own life, but also help other people to carry their burdens.
In a nutshell, there are several ways of getting into a pit, but ultimately it is God that can totally and completely get us out.
Regards,
Ope
I should have posted this a while back.
I was a little bit disappointed with "Get out of that pit".
The title sounded so WOW! and the synopsis was quite impressive. I was expecting a great deal out of the book but instead I found it just ok. I was hoping to get more out of it than I actually did.
I felt Beth Moore “beat around the bush” a lot before getting to the point she was trying to make. Some of the points she made were basically known things, but having said that, there were some encouraging and uplifting words to reflect on. There were a couple of situations she mentioned that I could identify with.
One thing though I admired about this book was the fact that Beth Moore had done her homework well and had all the helpful scriptures to back up her points.
Psalm 40 was brought to life in this book, which has given me a deeper insight to this psalm.
We must therefore be responsible for our own life, but also help other people to carry their burdens.
In a nutshell, there are several ways of getting into a pit, but ultimately it is God that can totally and completely get us out.
Regards,
Ope
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Blood and Fire Revisited
Hello everyone. Well I have to hold my hand up and say that I chose the last book, and I had not read it so sorry to give you all a very long and slightly academic read-but then a reading group does expand our horizons and enable us to travel together along new pathways.
I chose this book because I wanted to read about the Booth family who started the Salvation Army. I feel that they were one of the first modern church movements that demonstrated the need to be inclusive in an age where there was a huge divide between rich and poor, educated and uneducated, men and women. We can watch Dickens' adaptation on the TV and see what a work house may have been like and read of a rags to riches story but I found that a new light was shed on the conditions of the working and lower classes of Victorian England and also the prejudice and values of those who were Christians or even slightly more privileged.
William Booth was painted warts and all, and although I felt he accomplished so much-I could also see his foibles and limitations on every page. Catherine Booth also came through strongly as a woman of great courage, determination and one who ruled her family with a little kindness but mostly with a great need for discipline and devotion to the cause.
They were a whirlwind and raised a movement that is still active today-if you go to Oxford Street in London there are Salvation Army people serving-they run the biggest agency in the world for finding missing persons, and are an example of how evangelism and social action can be combined to change lives from the inside out.
I was very encouraged too by their work of raising public awareness to the slum conditions, the terrible abuses of cheap labour and the everyday lives of those caught in poverty without the means to escape it. This family changed the face of Christian service a hundred years ago without much money, by using the printing press, by mobilising believers to live a life of devotion and worship and by giving people the opportunity to find dignity and spiritual, economic and social well being.
That inspires me that if God could use them at that time and place then he can use you and me to also help people to encounter Jesus in a way that will make an impact on their own lives and our communities that may well be remarked upon in a hundred years time. Let's believe that this could be true as perhaps one of the biggest challenges for us in the UK and developed world is the crisis in the banking world, and how debt is making slaves again of free people. I see those who are working in CAP as modern day examples of how practical and spiritual help can make a difference to families and restoration can begin.
I chose this book because I wanted to read about the Booth family who started the Salvation Army. I feel that they were one of the first modern church movements that demonstrated the need to be inclusive in an age where there was a huge divide between rich and poor, educated and uneducated, men and women. We can watch Dickens' adaptation on the TV and see what a work house may have been like and read of a rags to riches story but I found that a new light was shed on the conditions of the working and lower classes of Victorian England and also the prejudice and values of those who were Christians or even slightly more privileged.
William Booth was painted warts and all, and although I felt he accomplished so much-I could also see his foibles and limitations on every page. Catherine Booth also came through strongly as a woman of great courage, determination and one who ruled her family with a little kindness but mostly with a great need for discipline and devotion to the cause.
They were a whirlwind and raised a movement that is still active today-if you go to Oxford Street in London there are Salvation Army people serving-they run the biggest agency in the world for finding missing persons, and are an example of how evangelism and social action can be combined to change lives from the inside out.
I was very encouraged too by their work of raising public awareness to the slum conditions, the terrible abuses of cheap labour and the everyday lives of those caught in poverty without the means to escape it. This family changed the face of Christian service a hundred years ago without much money, by using the printing press, by mobilising believers to live a life of devotion and worship and by giving people the opportunity to find dignity and spiritual, economic and social well being.
That inspires me that if God could use them at that time and place then he can use you and me to also help people to encounter Jesus in a way that will make an impact on their own lives and our communities that may well be remarked upon in a hundred years time. Let's believe that this could be true as perhaps one of the biggest challenges for us in the UK and developed world is the crisis in the banking world, and how debt is making slaves again of free people. I see those who are working in CAP as modern day examples of how practical and spiritual help can make a difference to families and restoration can begin.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Get out of that pit
Our current read, chosen by Rosely Powell is "Get out of that pit" by Beth Moore.
In this book, Beth Moore talks about what she learned in being delivered by God from the pit of muck and darkness and about the healing to be found in Jesus.
This is a great book and there are lessons for us to learn from it. Rest assured, it is nothing like "Blood and Fire". So if you haven't yet got your copy, please do so and get reading. The book is not available at kerith bookshop. You can purchase this online from Amazon.
Happy Reading! Ope
Synopsis
For everyone who has ever been in a pit-or is in one now, Beth Moore urges readers of this book not to believe for one second that God has forgotten them. It was a truth she could pass to them from her years of pit-dwelling.
Beth Moore wants readers to know if God could lift her out of the pit, He can get ANYONE out! She admits she wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller had to be delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt, bone-chilling darkness, spirit-deadening anger, heart-breaking desperation and mind-numbing confusion. The permanent lessons she learned in her desperation-shared in this very personal book-are lessons of hope for all of us. While she deeply empathizes with the hows and whys of life in the "pit," she continually points readers to the deliverance that awaits. Deliverance is for everyone, she proclaims-no matter how you got stuck, no matter how long you've been down, whether you think you deserve it or not. And in her straight-talking but loving style, she reminds readers that deliverance can begin for them this very day.
In this book, Beth Moore talks about what she learned in being delivered by God from the pit of muck and darkness and about the healing to be found in Jesus.
This is a great book and there are lessons for us to learn from it. Rest assured, it is nothing like "Blood and Fire". So if you haven't yet got your copy, please do so and get reading. The book is not available at kerith bookshop. You can purchase this online from Amazon.
Happy Reading! Ope
Synopsis
For everyone who has ever been in a pit-or is in one now, Beth Moore urges readers of this book not to believe for one second that God has forgotten them. It was a truth she could pass to them from her years of pit-dwelling.
Beth Moore wants readers to know if God could lift her out of the pit, He can get ANYONE out! She admits she wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller had to be delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt, bone-chilling darkness, spirit-deadening anger, heart-breaking desperation and mind-numbing confusion. The permanent lessons she learned in her desperation-shared in this very personal book-are lessons of hope for all of us. While she deeply empathizes with the hows and whys of life in the "pit," she continually points readers to the deliverance that awaits. Deliverance is for everyone, she proclaims-no matter how you got stuck, no matter how long you've been down, whether you think you deserve it or not. And in her straight-talking but loving style, she reminds readers that deliverance can begin for them this very day.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Review of “Blood and Fire”
Hello Everyone,
I am very curious to know just how many finished reading "Blood and Fire".
In my group, three of us finished reading the book. We had ample time for a thorough discussion and we were also able to chat about other things. It turned out to be a very pleasant and relaxing evening.
Looking back with hindsight, I must have really enjoyed the book. I certainly remembered everything during the discussions, which in itself was quite amazing, considering it was a real sweat to finish. It was pleasing to hear from those who were neither able to read or complete the book they felt that they benefited immensely from the discussions we had.
I found the book very enlightening and I felt it gave me a good background and mental picture of the Victorian era. Some of the challenges they faced in taking the gospel to people in those days haven't particularly changed today. One thing I admired about William Booth was that he had a fighting spirit. He didn't give up despite the challenges and stumbling blocks he constantly had to face. There was a lot of poverty around back then and he seem determined to eradicate it. He persevered and fought for good causes, some of which we still enjoy today. It's amazing to discover that the Salvation Army has been around for over a century. I was a little disappointed that nothing was mentioned about the modern day Salvation Army and how different it has become.
After I finished the book, I was curious to find more current information about the Salvation Army, this lead me to their website where I found the mission statement below.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
In addition, the Salvation Army has moved away from autocracy to democracy, and now elect their General. The first female general was William Booth's daughter, the dynamic Evangeline Booth, who served from 1934 to 1939.
On a closing note, if you are interested in history then you will find it to be a very good book. However, Roy Hattersley's writing style makes it quite difficult to read. Getting past that hurdle, I think there is a lot to be gained from reading "Blood and Fire".
Best Regards,
Ope
I am very curious to know just how many finished reading "Blood and Fire".
In my group, three of us finished reading the book. We had ample time for a thorough discussion and we were also able to chat about other things. It turned out to be a very pleasant and relaxing evening.
Looking back with hindsight, I must have really enjoyed the book. I certainly remembered everything during the discussions, which in itself was quite amazing, considering it was a real sweat to finish. It was pleasing to hear from those who were neither able to read or complete the book they felt that they benefited immensely from the discussions we had.
I found the book very enlightening and I felt it gave me a good background and mental picture of the Victorian era. Some of the challenges they faced in taking the gospel to people in those days haven't particularly changed today. One thing I admired about William Booth was that he had a fighting spirit. He didn't give up despite the challenges and stumbling blocks he constantly had to face. There was a lot of poverty around back then and he seem determined to eradicate it. He persevered and fought for good causes, some of which we still enjoy today. It's amazing to discover that the Salvation Army has been around for over a century. I was a little disappointed that nothing was mentioned about the modern day Salvation Army and how different it has become.
After I finished the book, I was curious to find more current information about the Salvation Army, this lead me to their website where I found the mission statement below.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
In addition, the Salvation Army has moved away from autocracy to democracy, and now elect their General. The first female general was William Booth's daughter, the dynamic Evangeline Booth, who served from 1934 to 1939.
On a closing note, if you are interested in history then you will find it to be a very good book. However, Roy Hattersley's writing style makes it quite difficult to read. Getting past that hurdle, I think there is a lot to be gained from reading "Blood and Fire".
Best Regards,
Ope
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Exciting times ahead
God gave me the idea of starting a book club, 10 months before I actually did anything about it. I am glad I eventually did. When I finally launched “Activate” on the 9th of February 2008, 14 ladies signed up. Since then, “Activate” has been growing in size. My husband once said to me, “where there is God, there is always growth”. Currently, there are 35 ladies signed up.
In order to create room for growth, “Activate” Book Club has now split into three groups. There is only One “Activate” Book Club, which is made up of three small groups. Apart from creating room for growth, the small group will have a cosier atmosphere and will be easier to coordinate. There will be more time for each member to be heard and more time to socialise. However, group members will need to be committed to keep the meetings lively.
Remember, book clubs are meant to be fun. We certainly want “Activate” to be fun. "Activate" isn’t just about reading and discussing the chosen book, it is also about meeting other ladies, developing friendships, learning from each other and strengthening ourselves spiritually.
In order to keep “Activate” exciting, we have opted for a dynamic split. With the dynamic split, the group members are not permanently attached to a group.
The split process is as follows:
· There will be two “big bang” meetings annually where all members of “Activate” will meet.
· These “big bang” meetings will take place every six months, where the groups will re-shuffle so that all groups will hopefully have new members.
· Re-shuffling will be done by balloting (hence some people may end up in the same group as before).
· Apart from the two “big bang” meetings, there will be 4 small group meetings. Every big bang meeting will be followed by two small group meetings.
· In total, we will have six meetings in a year - 4 small group meetings and 2 big bang meetings. Therefore, we will read 6 books annually and will aspire to meet bi-monthly.
· For now, starting from this first split and to avoid any further complexity, all groups will read the same book. Reading the same book will make the “big bang” meetings (where all members of “Activate” meet) easier to organize and handle. As we won’t have to break up into three groups during the meeting to discuss each groups current reading book.
· For “big bang” meetings, we will have the following venues available – K2, Oakwood and Costa Café in Bracknell town centre.
· Group meetings will take place as usual, in member’s houses. Group members will volunteer to host group meetings (we do not impose hosting on members). Where no member of the group volunteers, then the group leader will host the group meeting.
· Ideally, all groups (A, B, C) will meet on the same day (for consistency and time scale) at their various venues. Where not possible, the meetings should be within a week of the other groups meeting. Ideally we want everyone to have the same timescale for reading. This will also be helpful when we have to meet up for the “big bang” meetings.
The dates for our next 3 meetings are as follows:
17th January 2009 – group meeting;
28th March 2009 – group meeting;
13th June 2009 – big bang meeting;
On 17th January 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our current reading book: “BLOOD & FIRE” by Roy Hattersley.
On 28th March 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our next book: “GET OUT OF THAT PIT” By Beth Moore
You can now subscribe to the "Activate" blog by email and receive an email whenever someone posts a comment on the blog.
For those of you who may not want to be active members of “Activate”, but want to read along side us, please feel free to subscribe to the “Activate” blog.
The link below will take you to the “Activate” blog. You can then subscribe to the blog. Please follow the instructions on the screen to complete your subscription.
http://uniqueactivate.blogspot.com/
If you want more information on "Blood & Fire" by Roy Hattersley, a synopsis of this has been posted on the "Activate" blog.
Happy reading!
God Bless.
Ope
In order to create room for growth, “Activate” Book Club has now split into three groups. There is only One “Activate” Book Club, which is made up of three small groups. Apart from creating room for growth, the small group will have a cosier atmosphere and will be easier to coordinate. There will be more time for each member to be heard and more time to socialise. However, group members will need to be committed to keep the meetings lively.
Remember, book clubs are meant to be fun. We certainly want “Activate” to be fun. "Activate" isn’t just about reading and discussing the chosen book, it is also about meeting other ladies, developing friendships, learning from each other and strengthening ourselves spiritually.
In order to keep “Activate” exciting, we have opted for a dynamic split. With the dynamic split, the group members are not permanently attached to a group.
The split process is as follows:
· There will be two “big bang” meetings annually where all members of “Activate” will meet.
· These “big bang” meetings will take place every six months, where the groups will re-shuffle so that all groups will hopefully have new members.
· Re-shuffling will be done by balloting (hence some people may end up in the same group as before).
· Apart from the two “big bang” meetings, there will be 4 small group meetings. Every big bang meeting will be followed by two small group meetings.
· In total, we will have six meetings in a year - 4 small group meetings and 2 big bang meetings. Therefore, we will read 6 books annually and will aspire to meet bi-monthly.
· For now, starting from this first split and to avoid any further complexity, all groups will read the same book. Reading the same book will make the “big bang” meetings (where all members of “Activate” meet) easier to organize and handle. As we won’t have to break up into three groups during the meeting to discuss each groups current reading book.
· For “big bang” meetings, we will have the following venues available – K2, Oakwood and Costa Café in Bracknell town centre.
· Group meetings will take place as usual, in member’s houses. Group members will volunteer to host group meetings (we do not impose hosting on members). Where no member of the group volunteers, then the group leader will host the group meeting.
· Ideally, all groups (A, B, C) will meet on the same day (for consistency and time scale) at their various venues. Where not possible, the meetings should be within a week of the other groups meeting. Ideally we want everyone to have the same timescale for reading. This will also be helpful when we have to meet up for the “big bang” meetings.
The dates for our next 3 meetings are as follows:
17th January 2009 – group meeting;
28th March 2009 – group meeting;
13th June 2009 – big bang meeting;
On 17th January 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our current reading book: “BLOOD & FIRE” by Roy Hattersley.
On 28th March 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our next book: “GET OUT OF THAT PIT” By Beth Moore
You can now subscribe to the "Activate" blog by email and receive an email whenever someone posts a comment on the blog.
For those of you who may not want to be active members of “Activate”, but want to read along side us, please feel free to subscribe to the “Activate” blog.
The link below will take you to the “Activate” blog. You can then subscribe to the blog. Please follow the instructions on the screen to complete your subscription.
http://uniqueactivate.blogspot.com/
If you want more information on "Blood & Fire" by Roy Hattersley, a synopsis of this has been posted on the "Activate" blog.
Happy reading!
God Bless.
Ope
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