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Concordia Vineyard Church
We have planted a sister church in Concordia.
A brief history by Chris Tait In 2006 Liz and I were personally challenged with a need to minister to our staff. We employ about 22 people some of whom are Christians and many have problems with housing, alcohol and many other issues. Over the years Liz has counseled many with varying degrees of success. Liz had a vision to start a prayer group before work which I had a problem with as their employer. It just felt too awkward for me plus the fact that of course that I would have to practise what I was preaching! God then gave us the idea of a cell group in the Concordia area which would solve the transport issue. A venue was then a problem but we started in our house and then the church, but all the time looking for a suitable venue. We approached the Chris Nissen School who were not too enthusiastic initially but God made a way and the governing body agreed. We used the school till the end of the year.  The initial meeting was with 9 people most of whom were from Zimbabwe. It was apparent from the start that a few of these chaps had leadership / preaching qualities. We decided to do the Alpha Course first to get a sound foundation to build on. This was done by one person preparing the talk, based on notes by Nicky Gumble and backed up with scripture. Many members from the group volunteered to prepare the talks and we were able to guide them when necessary.
Two guitars were donated by Guin and Karen ( thank you very much) and a third one was resurrected which dated back to my childhood. Dan Langton gave guitar lessons once a week to members of the group including me. We try to include as many of the Zimbabwean songs in our worship and encourage them to pray in their mother tongue. Ruan and Natasha have been part of the group – working alongside us with help and encouragement and standing in for us when necessary – thank you for that, it means a lot. We completed the Alpha course last year and 7 were baptized in our church. In January we moved to a brand new church building in Concordia – St Peters Anglican Church - which was another miracle orchestrated by our Father. This building is far more suitable and we feel truly blessed there. (No parents’ meetings or other disturbances). Attendance varies from 10 to15 people. This year we have started by addressing issues pertinent to their situation, accommodation and lifestyle. Their level of commitment is very encouraging and most of them attend our Sunday services regularly. Please pray for this group of people so far from their home, and pray for Ruan, Natasha, Liz and I as leaders, as we are very aware that if we are not in God’s Will and without His help we can achieve nothing. Thank you Errin who sits quietly through the meetings. God has blessed us all so much through these meetings. Join us on a Thursday at 6.30 pm and if you bring a cake you will be especially welcome! [please note that this group now meets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons] Update June 2007  Our numbers have grown to more than 30 adults and 17 children. Ruan and Tash now run a THURSDAY school for the kids ( Sunday School). We have also found it necessary for mikes etc and fortunately the church had an amp and speakers which were originally bought for the Brenton church plant. This makes a huge difference as we now play the guitars through the amp as well as a mike. Wendy has ordered a set of drums and has promised to play with us every second Thursday. Watch out Concordia the volume is rising!
[please note that this group now meets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons] -Chris, Liz, Ruan and Natasha ...to a full church in 2009 By 2009 the Concordia group, which had begun as a cell group, had grown to a hundred members with a full service on Sunday afternoons as well as their traditional Wednesday night cell meetings, and was recognised by Vineyard leadership as a new church in the Vineyard family. The Concordia Church remains closely associated with our church however! Speak to Chris Tait if you would like to know more about the Concordia church. |
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